This book had me hooked from start to finish. The plot was captivating, and the writing style made it easy to get lost in the story. The female and male main characters were fantastic—I loved their personalities, chemistry, and the journey they went on together.

If you’re a fan of Bridgerton, you’ll definitely appreciate the similar vibes: heartfelt romance, rich character growth, and a dash of drama that keeps you turning the pages. The growth and “growing up” themes were so well-done, adding depth to the story and making it feel incredibly relatable.

One of my favorite moments was the mention of A Court of Thorns and Roses—a perfect nod to one of my all-time favorite series, and it made me love this book even more.

Overall, I’d recommend What If I Never Got Over You to all my friends. It’s not quite a 5/5, but it’s definitely one I’d read again after some time. If you’re into romance with a touch of nostalgia and self-discovery, this is a must-read!

Ellie meets Ash while interrailing in Lisbon. Ellie had been lonely during her travels. Her best friend was supposed travel with her and suddenly passed away. Ellie was just biding time until going to work as a designer for her parents furniture company. She doesn't want this life, but she doesn't know how to stand up to them. Ash and Ellie have an immediate, cellular level connection.

When they have to separate, Ash and Ellie vow to meet in Madrid one week later. Ellie is a little late, but Ash never shows. Ellie is gutted, feeling like a silly school girl fabricating a love story built on three days. For six years, she excels in her soulless design positions, stands up to her family, retrains as a master gardener (her dream), and tries to forget him.

As she arrives at her first gardening role at a five hundred year old estate in Wales, Ellie is elated amongst the towering topiaries and sprawling gardens. Ellies dream comes to an abrupt halt when Ash comes barreling back into her life. Anger spewing but needing to mute her feelings to keep propriety, Ellie must process the reasons Ash never came to her while attempting to maintain a professional front.

Toon writes atmospheric, propulsive love stories, but what sets her apart is the remarkable detail in her writing. I feel like I received a masterclass on estate gardening after reading this book!

Thank you to Penguin Group and Netgalley for the advanced copy of What if I Never Get Over You.

I absolutely love the writing of Paige Toon! As a huge fan of Bridgerton, I absolutely fell in love with this story line. I will say, I stayed mad at Ash most of the time as I could never see clearly what his intentions were with Ellie. I was rooting for them the entire time to each get their happily ever after regardless of what it looked liked. I will definitely be buying my own copy of this book when it releases as it’s one I could read over and over again without tiring.

"What If I Never Get Over You" by Paige Toon absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. Told over three different time periods, the book beautifully chronicles the evolution of Ellie and Ash's relationship from young adults to adulthood.

Paige Toon's writing is exquisite. She captures the complexities of love, loss, and second chances with a sensitivity and nuance that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. The book also features a stunning depiction of the settings, with Portugal and Wales serving as captivating backdrops.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of the heartbreak that often accompanies love, even when it seems destined. You're constantly asking yourself, "How can this work?” The author masterfully builds tension and creates a sense of inevitability, even as you root for Ellie and Ash to find their way back to each other. This is the kind of romance book that I love, reminding you of the power of love and the pain of letting go.

Despite my usual aversion to the "insta-love" trope, this book was beautifully executed. Paige Toon's ability to evoke such strong emotions and create compelling narratives makes this a must read for fans of contemporary romance.

I devoured this latest book by Paige Toon. She is becoming a favorite author for me.

This is a story of Ellie and Ash who meet while backpacking in Europe. They spent 3 days together visiting the various spots in Lisbon based on recommendations of Ellie’s best friend. Their instant chemistry is magic and they decide to meet up in a week’s time in another city. I don’t want to give away the book plot but this story was both beautiful and heartbreaking.

There were parts of the story I wanted to shout to Ellie as she couldn’t seem to make up their mind about what she wanted.

I so enjoyed this book and Paige wrote such a beautiful story. Thank you netgalley for the early review copy.

Okay, so one of my obsessions of the year has been Paige Toon's books and What if I Never Get Over You did not disappoint. Ash and Ellie's instant chemistry was 🔥 and I was so hooked, I stayed up reading this in one sitting. The soul mate aspect and time jumps give off Love, Rosie and One Day vibes (and I'm a huge fan of both of those). I'm so excited for everyone to read this one and already waiting for Paige's next book! 4.5 stars for the iced tea eyes, motorcycle gear, 🌈 lupins and Welsh accents.

I loved this book! The dual timelines brought multiple perspectives that I really enjoyed. The book starts with Ellie interrailing through Europe when she meets Ash. I’ve never heard of interrailing until reading this book. The inns and outs of what it means to interrail was described so well that I felt like I was on the journey with them. As they get to know one another, they develop a deep connection that goes unmatched. As they move on, they forge different paths in life. I developed a deep love for these characters and I was left wondering if they would ever find each other again. I really appreciated the way the author wrote their story because it felt so real! It wasn’t a happy unrealistic plot, it felt real with a few unexpected turns, as life so often does. This second chance romance will make you deeply feel for these characters, follow their individual journeys, and root for them as if they were real people. I cannot wait for this book to come out so I can get myself a physical copy. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC and the opportunity to review it honestly.

WHAT IF I NEVER GET OVER YOU is a second chance romance of a love that never went away even years later. Ellie and Ash’s paths cross while traveling in Lisbon and have a connection that will stay with them long after, even when Ash disappears from Ellie’s life after promising to keep seeing each other. Years later, Ellie finds herself working as a gardener for an estate in Wales, where Ellie discovers it’s none other than the home of Ash’s parents. What will it take for them to pick up where they left off and will Ash’s parents ruin the possibility for them to be together? I thought it was an interesting premise but didn’t find myself as engaged and invested in this story than I have with some of the author’s other books. I can see other people really liking this but it just wasn’t quite for me.

3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

For fans of right person, wrong time this one is the perfect read for you! Ellie and Ash are just perfect together and I kept rooting for them the entire book. The longing between these two and watching them get their second chance was *chef kiss*. This is one I'll be recommending a lot in the upcoming year!

Thank you to Paige Toon, Penguin Group- Putnam Books, and NetGalley for this arc of What if I Never Get Over You, out April 15, 2025!

📜Quick Summary: Who wouldn’t have the time of their life on an interrailing trip through Europe? Ellie finds herself on a solo trip, one that she desperately wishes her best friend Stella was there for. What Ellie didn’t account for, was running into Ash, a handsome man who is also suffering from a loss of his own. Even though they only had a few days together, their friendship and feelings ran deep. When they decide to meet up a week later in a different city, one shows and the other doesn’t. Six years pass, and Ash comes barreling back into her life. What happened six years ago that kept them apart? Can she handle the truth?

❣️Initial Feels: Instant, and I mean instant, attraction usually isn’t my thing. However, I am really loving Ellie and Ash as characters, and my heart strings are already pulling for them.

👀Trigger Warnings: death of sibling, sexual abuse

🙋🏼‍♀️Moving Character: These characters grew from love sick 21 year olds, to fully grown adults and any adult can probably see themselves reflected in these characters. They grew up before our eyes in this novel, and found themselves along the way. I loved Ash… of course Ellie was a star too, but Ash had a lot of depth and grew into himself.

📖Read if you want: insta-love, second chance romance, page turner, few spicy scenes

🗨️Touching Words: “Follow your own path. Life is too short not to do what you love.”

💡Final Sentiments: This was a perfect day binge read with a blanket, coffee, and a fire. If you want an instant love story from the start, but one that continually pulls at your heart strings, this is perfect for you. At times it felt YA, but they started off as lovesick kids, and I think the growth of them throughout the novel, helped the novel develop deeper feelings too. I wanted to cry for them at certain times and really wanted to give them a big hug. They made their life their own, and in the end…especially now as a parent… isn't that what we want for our children? To find themselves, love themselves fully, and also pray they find a love that can withstand many difficulties? Would love to see another character become a main character so we can continue to watch Ash and Ellie’s story unfold.

🌟Overall Rating: 4.5 stars

This novel was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

What If I Never Get Over You by Paige Toon is yet another masterpiece by an author who has definitely solidified themselves in my favorites. Here we follow Ellie and Ash through the journey of a lifetime, and on this adventure we experience absolutely everything. The raw emotions and intimacy that Paige creates is nothing short of magic.

There is so much to unpack here, I know I won't be able to do it justice. But like every Toon book I have read, I felt it all. The roller coaster of feelings; happiness/sadness/loneliness/grief/everlasting love, etc. It has become somewhat of an expectation at this point, and she never disappoints me. There is something for everyone in this novel; from laughter to drama and suspense, and most importantly, (in my humble opinion) love.

For anyone who enjoys a story that grips you from the first to the very last page and a writing style that truly immerses you in the character's lives, this one is for you.

Five very enthusiastic stars from me. Thank you so much to Penguin Group/Putnam Books, NetGalley, and Paige Toon herself for the opportunity to read and review What If I Never Get Over You with my honest thoughts and opinions.

This was my first book by this author and omg i LOVED it. Ash and Ellie had met while backpacking and had the most amazing time with each other and plan to meet again in another city but of course something happens and they miss each other. I love a right person wrong time /second chance romance. Like imagine having the most amazing time with someone then lose contact for years then come back together?!

Thanks to Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP- Putnam for the E-ARC! This was a beautiful story. Loved the characters so much! Very fast-paced too. Will definitely read more from this author.

What if I never get over you brings you on this beautiful, heart wrenching journey as you follow along Ellie and Ash. I loved seeing these characters develop and go through life. I couldn’t put this book down. I needed to know what was going to happen. I really liked that you get to see these characters grow up and experience all the big events life has thrown at them. From friendship to love to grief, you see how they overcome so many obstacles through a long period of time. I highly recommend reading this book. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and not be able to put the book down.

ARC REVIEW

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I let it sit on my kindle for entirely too long - I wish I had picked it up the second they sent it to me because it was so good. This book had me in my feels from the very beginning. It’s one of those books that you can just feel the bad coming and you’re waiting on edge. I really liked the characters - even the “villain” characters were well done and I despised them. There were a few times I found the main characters a little bit annoying and whiny which is why I’m giving 4 stars and not 5, but overall I really liked them and their love story was great. Paige Toon is quickly turning into an insta-read for me.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves romance. It begins with Ellie and Ash meeting during their interrailing trip, where we are swept away to Lisbon and witness their whirlwind days in the sun. Their chemistry is undeniable, with sparks flying between them.

Six years later, they meet again at a Manor House in Wales, where Ellie is pursuing her dream job. However, life has changed for both of them, and they must figure out how to navigate their new realities. Ash is such a lovable character, and I appreciated seeing his struggles with grief and the tension between two different parts of his life.

The story also delves into workplace dynamics, the bonds of a small community, loss, and dysfunctional families. I loved the charming side characters who live and work together, adding a fun touch to the story. At the same time, I felt Ellie’s struggles with loneliness—she often holds back, and I wished she had deeper female friendships to lean on.

The ending left me feeling warm and satisfied. While I could predict most of the twists—they were carefully seeded throughout the book—I didn’t find this to be a drawback. Paige’s writing transports you to beautiful locations, tugs at your emotions, and immerses you in a heartfelt journey. I devoured this story in just two days and could have easily read more.

This book wrecked me and put me back together in the best way possible. If you need me, I’ll be devouring the rest of Paige’s backlist while cackling and happily sobbing my way through each one🥲

Paige Toon has done it again with "What If I Never Get Over You." This book is beautifully written, showcasing her signature style that makes you feel every emotion the characters experience. The protagonist's journey from a teenager filled with angst to a young adult is portrayed with depth and authenticity that you can't help but be drawn into her world.

The storyline is a perfect blend of romance, drama, and surprise, keeping you hooked from start to finish. The character development is nicely done, and you can truly feel that you grow with the character as the story progresses. The descriptions of the scenery and settings are vivid and immersive, adding an extra layer of richness to the narrative.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a well-crafted romantic drama with a satisfying conclusion.

4.5 stars - you can NOT go wrong with Paige Toon! There is something about her novels that sucks you right in and you start flipping pages faster and faster until it's late into the night because you just HAVE TO know how it ends. Yep, this one is another just like that.

Ellie and Ash meet in Lisbon while both are interrailing in Europe and escaping for a little while from the future of their lives (as planned by both their parents!). They have an instant connection and plan to meet in a week's time in Madrid. Ash doesn't show and the Ellie is devastated. Will they ever see each other again . . . they don't even know their last names.

The hope and longing in this book go on and on - best to go into this book not knowing too much about it as I always feel the descriptions give too much away about the book. If you want a tug at your heart, cannot put down, angst, hope, parents are horrible book - this is the one for you.

Thank you to NetGalley, Paige Toon (for all of her great books) and Penguin Group for a wonderful book in exchange for my opinion.

The beginning of this book pulled me in SO fast! I couldn't put it down.. I wish I could say that feeling stayed with me, but even with the dull moments, this was a sweet love story, with some unexpected turns.

Ellie and Ash meet while traveling and fall head over heels almost instantly. Their connection feels genuine, and I found myself instantly rooting for them. After returning to their normal lives, Ellie and Ash lose track of each other. Years later they are reconnected under much different circumstances, and with many life events having passed.

I felt the reasons the two were unable to be together were too flimsy and frustrating. They get there eventually, but it's a long and winding path.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.