“What If I Never Get Over You” by Paige Toon has undoubtedly earned its place as one of my favorite reads of the year. This book is a true emotional rollercoaster, filled with heartache, hope, and the kind of moments that stick with you long after you turn the final page. The characters are wonderfully flawed, and their struggles make them incredibly relatable. From the vivid descriptions of the settings that transported me right into the world of Ellie and Ash, to the moments of heartbreak, triumph, and fulfilled dreams—everything felt perfectly crafted.

What truly made me give this book a glowing five-star review is how genuine Ellie and Ash felt as characters. They are not written as picture-perfect leads but as people with real emotions, thoughts, and actions. Ellie, for example, made mistakes—sometimes hurting herself and Ash in the process—and there were moments I found myself frustrated with her. But that’s what made her so real. Ash, on the other hand, is the quintessential hero with layers. While he might seem like he had an ideal childhood, deep down, he yearned for the simple, typical upbringing that many of us take for granted. His journey to balance his responsibilities to his family while fighting for the love of his life was beautifully portrayed and deeply moving.

Paige Toon did a masterful job weaving together a story of love, loss, and rediscovery. The narrative is full of emotional depth, capturing the pain of finding love, letting it go, and the bittersweet hope of finding it again—only to face the heartache of losing it for a second time. But amidst all the anguish, the book carries a powerful message: when love is true and when people are willing to fight for it, love will always find its way back.

The portrayal of complicated family dynamics was another aspect that really stood out to me. It highlighted how some people grow up in difficult households but still choose to rise above their circumstances, refusing to be defined by their past. At the same time, it didn’t shy away from showing how toxic family relationships can have a lasting impact, sometimes threatening to ruin even the most beautiful things.

There is so much more I could say about “What If I Never Get Over You”, but the bottom line is this: make sure to grab a copy when it releases on April 15th, 2025. You won’t regret it. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the chance to read this gem ahead of time, and I owe that to Paige Toon, NetGalley, and Penguin Group Putnam. This is a story that will stay with you, long after the final page.

I received an ARC of #WhatIfINeverGetOverYou from #NetGalley.

This book is for the girls who have never gotten over anything ever. Multiple chance romance over three magical days in Lisbon where Ellie and Ash cross paths several years after their first meeting. Oh, and they haven’t forgotten Lisbon, not a single detail.

4 stars.

I didn't really feel connected to these characters and I wasn't really rooting for them. I thought everything felt so rushed when they first met. I have really enjoyed some of Toon's other novels, but this wasn't her best.

Thank you to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a great book! It’s instant love second chance romance with a dash of miscommunication. It’s a quick read, perfect for a cozy couch day. Very suitable if you enjoy romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for an advance digital copy of this book.

WHAT IF I NEVER GET OVER YOU is an emotional roller-coaster between two people that appear to be meant for each other but wrong timing pulls them apart several times.

Paige Toon broke this story up in four main parts:
Part One - Ash and Ellie meeting and how three days can change your life.
Part Two - Six years later and worlds collide....again.
Part Three - Two more years have passed and EVERYTHING has changed.
Part Four - What life can give when the timing is finally on your side.

Each part makes you laugh, cry, sigh in frustration, but most of all, fall in love with Ash and Ellie. In addition, Toon takes you on a journey not just with the characters but European geography which had me Googling some of these places which brough the book to life so much more.

WHAT IF I NEVER GET OVER YOU is a beautiful love story of second chances.

A wonderful mix of emotions from this read! This book has it all, love, happiness, sadness, secrets! When Ellie and Ash meet for the first time, they knew there was an instant bond. They click and instantly become attached. When they plan to meet again, Ash is no where to be found. Years later, they meet again and truths are revealed. Now they have to decide, will this be a hurdle they can cross and move forward or will this be the end of the road for them.
I loved the writing of the characters. I felt like I knew Ellie and Ash and their life was being played out before my own eyes! I really enjoyed this read and the writing of this book! Paige Toon is most definitely on my list of favs now!

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for an advance digital copy of this book.

When Ellie and Ash meet while interrailing in Lisbon, there is an instant spark between them. Over the course of the next three days, that spark ignites to a flame, and the pair believes they are at the beginning of something real and beautiful. They are so convinced of this that they make plans to meet back up in Madrid in one week’s time. After a series of mishaps, Ellie shows up to the meeting spot, but she is late, and Ash is nowhere to be found. Six years go by, and Ellie has moved on, landing her dream job as a gardener for the sprawling Berkeley Estate. Suddenly, fate throws Ash into her path again, and truths are revealed about what really happened years before. Will that spark they once had burn again, or will everything they know go down in flames?

Ellie and Ash are an immediately lovable duo. Their bond developed quickly, but the author presented it in a way that felt genuine. So many times, I have read stories about supposed “love at first sight,” and it all feels rushed and unrealistic. In this story, the chemistry between the characters was truly believable, and their relationship felt earned. Although their connection and compatibility is undeniable, life throws quite a few curveballs in their path, making for an angst filled journey. I was engaged from the moment I started this book, and read it in one sitting because I was so thoroughly engrossed.

Paige Toon is a newly discovered author for me. This was my second novel by her, and I find myself wanting to go back and read more of her previous works. Her stories are emotional without being melodramatic. I also love the way that infuses her settings into her stories so that they become almost a secondary character to everything that is going on. So many times when reading this book, I found myself googling places that she described and dreaming that I will one day go there.

Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy. I loved both Ellie and Ash. Some of the time lapses seemed a little disjointed but overall another enjoyable read from Toon.

I really enjoyed this book! I felt really connected to the story and characters, Ellie and Ash were so charming in their own way and their chemistry together was unreal. The first part of the book when they meet felt so magical, that instant connection and lust was very realistic and not overdone at all, and I really appreciated that as readers we got to know about Ellie’s fears, flaws and backstory from the beginning which made me root for her and Ash from the start. As the story progressed I did feel it went a little dramatic lol that why i’m rating it 4 stars
the second breakup and then again a 2 year separation felt overdone, they’ve suffered enough! hahah but it was a satisfying ending

I was so excited to get a chance to read a digital ARC of this book after also getting that opportunity with Seven Summers, which I absolutely loved. Let me tell you, I am even more in love with this one. So obsessed with Ellie and Ash and everything about this book. I will be highly recommending this book to anyone who loves a beautiful romance novel.

This book was beautiful and sad and fun and a range of emotions and growth. I always say a powerful book feels like a film— I can see everything right in front of my eyes. This book achieved that. I loved how Ash and Ellie both were so dynamic and flawed and lovable and stupid all at once. I loved getting to see them grow and cope with life. This book was so strong and impactful. A read I will recommend.

what a lovely read! this is my first read by this author and im excited to dive into more books by them. likeable characters, interesting plot and well thought out message. i would rate this 4/5 only for the fact that it didnt capture my attention as quickly as i wouldve liked

After hearing Christina Lauren talk about this book, I was super excited to read this even more, I had a great run and felt so many emotions it was a delightful read.

DNF @ 26%.

I have read other books by Paige Toon and enjoyed them however this one I just couldn’t get into. The characters felt very childish and I felt no connection to them or any need to continue on.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this eARC.

Thanks NetGalley for an ARC. This is my first book by this author. The story was engaging. Ellie and Ash’s love story is broken up into the four parts of their relationship. It included the intrigue and heartbreak that is a relationship. I would recommend.

I love Paige Toon so when I was approved for this ARC, I was SO excited and immediately got started. The cover is beautiful, I love all the colors and I need it on my shelf. I was engrossed with this book and couldn't put it down. This book is different than her previous books in the fact that I was waiting for the painful twist or heartbreak (i.e. I was expecting to cry), and was surprised when I didn't get that from her. It wasn't has heavy as her previous books, and I do enjoy that. I loved the character development and the MMC. Thank you for this ARC!

This was a great story about star-crossed lovers. Ashton and Ellie had an intense romance and were separated by circumstance, only to reunite years later. But their love would be tested by time and social status. Would their love survive? Would it take a few more years? I was routing for these two to get together, I could barely put this book down until the end. Author, Paige Toon, did not disappoint with this romance! Great ending!

This novel masterfully redefines 'love at first sight,' infusing it with depth and authenticity through Ellie and Ash's poignant relationship. As they navigate the complexities of trauma, loss, and shared longing, their bond tug's at the heartstrings with tender precision.

The author skillfully explores how their individual experiences of pain and hardship intertwine, forging an unbreakable connection. The author's nuanced portrayal highlights how their shared experiences shape them into compassionate, strong parents, determined to break cycles of pain.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I could not put this book down!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Random House. What if I Never Get Over You is very much One Day meets Bridgerton.

Ellie and Ash’s love story is broken up into the four parts of their relationship. I enjoyed every bit of their courting and romance, as well as felt all of the heightened roller coaster-ing of their emotions.

This is a beautiful romance novel.

Paige Toon is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I always know her books will pull on my heart strings and put me through some serious emotional turmoil. And I always ALWAYS fly through them in one sitting - so much so that I specifically choose not to start one of her books until I know I can have a couple uninterrupted hours for my Paige Toon experience!

Ellie and Ash meet while interrailing and spend a whirlwind few days together. Both are recovering from their own tragedies and both find solace in the other and similar grief. They have the lightbulb moment that their connection is something otherworldly and they make a plan to meet in Spain in a few days’ time. Only when Ellie arrives, Ash never shows.

Time passes and Ellie and Ash find themselves face to face after a number of years, under circumstances that neither can quite believe. What follows is a tumultuous and emotional ride full of ups and downs, will they won’t they, and tension as thick as river fog.

I really loved this book - and I really loved the ending. Read this if you love a romance where the characters pine for each other hard, stay for the Bridgerton vibes. I tore through this story while on a nonstop flight and it took everything I had to pretend everything was normal on the inside.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!