Ellie and Ash meet by chance on a trip and fall hard and fast. This story follows their lives as they continue to cross paths and fight for their love. It was sweet and sad and real.

I really liked the side characters and their part in the story but felt for Ellie and Ash as they struggled to chase their dreams while appeasing others. The reality of life is that something may not work out no matter how much you want it to but Ellie and Ash continued to find each other.

Solid 4 stars proving Paige Toon has always known how to write a solid, heartfelt story. (I also love love love the cover)

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars, rounded down to 3, and Mostly closed door romance. Ellie meets Ash on a solo trip in Lisbon they instantly have a connection, and deep enough that they plan to meet in Madrid a week later, but Ash never shows up and never reaches out to Ellie. Six years later and after Ellie makes a big life change they unexpectaly meet again, but now Ellie is questioning how different their lives are and if a relationship together could ever survive.
It's a very easy and enjoyable book to read. I loved Ellie's confidence to finally take a huge leap to start something she wants for herself, and that I could tell the authur truly did her research on gardening and Wales - i really enjoyed learning about both, and now I want to go to Wales. And i really enjoyed the last 25% of the book! However, there were multiple times where I feel like the author sped through a part of the story that needed more detail/depth to it. Their instant connection/time in Lisbon was one - we really didn’t know WHY Ellie fell for Ash so quickly, and Stella is an integral part of Part 1 but then is not really mentioned much again. Scenes of them together just seem rushed.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

This was a beautifully done romance novel, it had that storyline that worked with the genre and had that overall feel that I was looking for. The characters had a charm and realism to them and enjoyed reading the romance grow. Paige Toon wrote this wonderfully and I hope to read more from them.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is my second Paige Toon book and did not disappoint.

The story follows Ash & Ellie who have a chance meeting and instant connection while backpacking in Lisbon. After a whirlwind few days they are separated and don't reconnect until 6 years later in unexpected circumstances.

What follows is a roller coaster of drama, but through it all I rooted for their love.
I found myself swept away in the novel and unable to put it down.

I received an advanced copy of this book from #NetGalley. I really enjoyed it but it was more of a slow start than I typically like. I persevered though and I’m so glad I did because I stayed up too late into the night to finish it. Early on in the book, it took some time to adjust to this author’s proper English from the very Americanized English style that I’m accustomed to. I loved the concept of the book and found myself awaiting how/if the main characters would find themselves and each other in the end. I would absolutely recommend adding this to your next must read!

4.5 I loved this book and absolutely devoured part one when Ash and Ellie met interailing.
Their initial love story was everything I could have hoped for in a Paige Toon book.
I was rooting for them from the start, even though I knew there was heartbreak to come.
I loved hearing about Stella and Taran throughout and the little nods to them was a nice touch.
However I did find certain elements in the middle of part two a bit repetitive which was a little bit frustrating.
I knew their love story would be tricky, but I feel we heard Ellie's doubts about how they "didn't fit together" a little bit too often.
The ending was a bit cliche, but I was still happy with how it all tied together.
But overall I really enjoyed it and thought the story was really original.
It makes me want to book a cosy cabin in Wales.

I loved Only Love Could Hurt Like This, and was excited to read Paige Toon's next book because of it. In hindsight, I should have known that this book would be distressing, since the other one was so devastating, but somehow I still wasn't ready.

I devoured this book in about 24 hours. I couldn't do anything but read it. Toon is somehow able to make these concepts and characters feel so real and reasonable, and evade a lot of the more annoying common aspects of romances. Even if I was frustrated with a character, their actions and thought processes felt true to life. I was really rooting for them and I was so stressed even while knowing I'd get an HEA in the end.

Thank you to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the chance to read and review this ARC.

3.5 stars for a true review!

This starts out very romance very flirty all of the good vibes you could want. It’s that euphoric intense twin flame energy some of us have experienced in deep connections that happen fast! Ellie meets Ash after she decides to quit interrailing and go home. They spend a very intense 3 days connecting. There are red flags to spot with Ash which terrify me such as being off grid but whatever you’re rooting for them to make it in the end from the beginning. Without spoiling I will say I would recommend this to anyone who likes to feel a bit anxious in a romance book turned drama. It gives chaser runner energy and I feel Ellie lost herself a bit in the chasing but many of us can relate to that. Excellent writing but I couldn’t give 5 stars because I like to like the MMC in the end and I just need a sequel as I feel unsure about Ash. I think he could’ve done so much more. But maybe it was enough. Definitely worth a read I want more from this author now!

the single most heart wrenching book of hers to date- a real feat because miss toon really knows how to get you right where it hurts. this is one of the most beautiful love stories i have had the privilege of reading thus far in 2024 and, without giving too much away, highly recommend for long-time lovers of her books and people with a love for deeper romantic love stories

At its core, this story grapples with the complexities of fate and the heart’s resilience. Through Ellie’s journey of self-discovery and the revelation of painful truths, Toon artfully examines how love can shape our lives and the difficult choices that come with it. With its captivating plot twists and heartfelt moments, this book is a poignant reminder that while love may be fleeting, its impact can last a lifetime. This novel is a must-read for anyone who believes in the magic of love and the power of second chances.

I have such conflicted feelings towards this book 🥲. On one hand, the happy parts can be so sweet; on the other hand, both of the MCs can be so frustrating sometimes, especially the FMC Ellie… I really shouldn’t be so emotionally invested, but I couldn’t help being angry while reading this book 😅

Things I liked about his book: it’s very easy to read. I loved Ellie’s occupation as a gardener. I admired that she was able to do something she loves instead of blindly following the path her parents paved for her.

Things I didn’t like so much: I think the MCs both deserve much better people. They are really not meant for each other. Ellie lacks self-confidence, didn’t believe in Ash even though he has reassured her many times. She left MMC Ash when he had the worst hardships… Ash kept seeing his female friend even though he knew she had feelings for him and meeting her would hurt Ellie, I know the friend has helped him once, but that doesn’t justify all the skin-ships they were having. They both acted very selfishly without considering each other. I personally hoped the ending of the book would be they learned their lessons and found someone else, but they ended up together again… They would not work irl.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Paige Toon is an automatic read author for me. Her latest book, What If I Never Get Over You, was excellent, just as I anticipated!

Toon’s ability to weave emotional depth into every scene is unparalleled; you feel every heartache and joy with Ellie as she navigates her complicated past with Ash. The chemistry between them is palpable, igniting the pages with a fiery tension and keeping me yearning for their reunion. Though, this isn’t just a love story; it’s a poignant exploration of fate, timing, and the undeniable connections that can change everything. An unforgettable read that leaves you both shattered and hopeful!

Thank you so much to Paige Toon and Netgalley for this e-ARC, I absolutely LOVED this book!!

While interrailing, Ellie and Ash meet in Lisbon and have instant chemistry. They spend 3 amazing days together with the promise to meet in one week in Madrid. Life, fate, and some terrible circumstances occur leading to heartbreak. This book was written beautifully and with such heart and soul! Seriously, you just need to read the book with a warm cup of coffee/tea, tissues, and a cozy blanket. Paige may leave you feeling broken a few times while reading, but there is always the undercurrent of hope, love and knowing that Ellie and Ash can survive together.

This is the first Paige Toon book I've read, and I really liked it! I finished it in a day. Will definitely be reading more of her books.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK, Penguin, Cornerstone, and Paige Toon for the ARC of this book!

I wasn’t sure at first how I felt about the Ash and Ellie and their insta-love, but I actually ended up really loving them!

I don’t want to give any spoilers but this book is very sweet, with lots of drama! I loved getting to watch them through the time jumps. I do feel like the book dragged on a little bit towards the end, but overall the pacing was great!

Basic plot:
Ash and Ellie have a quick whirlwind romance when they meet while traveling. After being separated for 6 years, they meet each other under very different circumstances. Can they make it work??

Jeez, I don’t know where to start. I loved and loved Only love can hurt like this, didn’t think i could love an other book from Paige that much. I mean from all her books that I read OLCHLT is top tier. But this new baby 😍😍 is top tier as well. What the best way to write soulmates and the right person wrong time (twice) without making us readers annoy or impatient. Freaking hell I know from the start I was going to fall in love not only with Ash but with Ellie. I can’t explain exactly why but I connect to her to a level that I didn’t think was possible for a contemporary female character. She is going through so much and still wants the approval of her parents. ASH sweet and honourable Ash, he is a master piece (near enough as sweet and kind as Anders) and gods my heart broke a few time for him. I absolutely adore that book, I cried a few times not going to lie being on my period didn’t help but, I felt all of it from part 1. What can I say I’m a sucker when it comes to right person wrong time. And let me conclude on the growth of the character and the journey they live as a couple but also personally and mentally.

Thank you NetGalley for that eArc, and Paige Toon to create MMC sweeter than honey. 😍

📖 Book Review 📖 There is something magically unique about the experiences and the people you meet traveling no, a bond that forms that connects you in an instant and lasts a lifetime. Three days in Lisbon was all it took for Ellie and Ash to fall for each other; but was it meant to last or just meant to be a fleeting spark? When their plans to meet up fall through, they must go on with their lives apart and time moves on with that idea of, “what if?” lurking in the shadows.

Sometimes you have your plans and then life has its own plans that throws a wrench into everything and we live with a plethora of “what if” scenarios. Paige Toon beautifully examines what happens when the one that got away, the quintessential “what if” scenario that has haunted your thoughts for six years, shows up back in your life and stares you in the face. What If I Never Get Over You is another emotionally gripping read by an instant favorite author; Paige Toon has an inexplicable way of writing her characters into the reader’s hearts, creating an enchantingly cathartic novel that will sweep you away.

This book was a wonderful escape to Wales (and Lisbon!). It reminds me of An Affair to Remember + Downton Abbey + The Notebook. It has all the feels. I would recommend this book to any romance reader who enjoys a travel escape and a bit of drama and tension. It's closed door, so I think it's appropriate for YA and adults alike.

What If I Never Get Over You by Paige Toon beautifully captures the intensity of first love and the heartache of missed chances. The novel follows Ellie, who falls in love with Ash during a whirlwind three day romance in Lisbon, only to lose him when fate intervenes. Six years later, she’s built a life in Wales, but Ash’s sudden reappearance shatters her calm, reigniting old feelings and unveiling painful truths. The longing, passion, and emotional turmoil in this story will break your heart as Ellie and Ash try to navigate past heartbreak and present life. It’s a poignant tale of love and the enduring power of a magical connection.