Member Reviews
"What If It Is You" presents a captivating premise that seamlessly blends magical realism, romance, and science fiction. The concept of an AI program enabling a woman to switch between parallel universes is not only intriguing but also opens the door to a myriad of possibilities. This imaginative exploration of alternate realities kept me engaged throughout the book, as I found myself pondering the "what ifs" of life alongside the protagonist.
While I appreciated the unique premise and the gripping narrative, I struggled to fully connect with the main character for much of the story. Her development felt slow, and I found it challenging to empathize with her choices until the very end. However, I realized that this disconnect was intentional, as her journey reflects the complexities of self-discovery and personal growth. By the conclusion, I found myself more invested in her transformation, which added depth to my reading experience.
The romance element in the story defies typical genre conventions, offering a refreshing take that keeps readers on their toes. It’s not your standard love story; instead, it delves into the intricacies of relationships within the context of parallel universes, making it a unique addition to the genre.
Overall, "What If It Is You" is a fun and thought-provoking read that I’m grateful to have experienced. While it may not have resonated with me completely, the originality of the concept and the exploration of identity and love make it a commendable addition to the world of speculative fiction. If you enjoy stories that challenge the norms and encourage you to think outside the box, this book is definitely worth a read.
In “What If I Never Get Over You,” Paige Toon crafts a deeply emotional narrative that explores the complexities of love, loss, and the passage of time. The story centers around Ellie and Ash, two characters whose lives are irrevocably changed by a brief but intense romance. They have only three days to fall in love, but it takes six years for them to attempt to move on from the profound connection they shared.
The novel begins with Ellie and Ash meeting under unexpected circumstances. Their chemistry is undeniable, and over the course of just a few days, they form a bond that feels both magical and destined. However, life pulls them apart, and what follows is a six-year journey of longing, heartache, and self-discovery. Toon masterfully weaves themes of love, grief, and healing throughout the narrative. She captures the essence of how some relationships leave an indelible mark on our hearts, making it difficult to let go even as time marches on.
#netgalley
5/5
This book is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. I could not put it down. Paige Toon has this wonderful style of writing that draws you in and paints a beautiful picture that allows you to be present with the characters. I loved every moment! I am also an avid gardener so this was right up my alley.
The story starts out with Ellie and Ash meeting while interrailing through Europe. They spend three incredible days together until they are separated and are unable to meet back up. By complete coincidence they meet again several years later and circumstances are much different. Even just writing this review makes me want to read the book again, it's so good! Just trust me on this one, go read this when it is released in April 2025!!
Thank you to Putnam Books, Paige Toon and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
My second Paige Toon book, and I loved this one too! Thank you Penguin Group Putnam and Netgalley for the preview read! This book centers around the story of Ellie and Ash, but it goes SO much deeper as it weaves around friends from their childhood and their VERY complicated parents. Such depth to this book, and again, loved her backdrop when they are interrailing in Europe. Pub date is 4/15/25, add to your TBR!🥰
Paige Toon has done it again with this beautifully written storyline. Ellie and Ash meet at a hostel in Lisbon and quickly fall for each other. They both agree to meet in Madrid a week later, but plot twist, when Ash never a shows up, Ellie is left reeling of what went wrong.
Flash forward 6 years later when fate steps in again as Ellie is now working her dream job as a gardener at Berkley Cottages when Ash returns. I enjoyed the settings in this book and the heartwarming storylines of both Ellie and Ash. The quick fall between them had me swooning and I found myself reaching for this book to get through it quickly to find out what would happen between the two. It was perfection!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Paige Toon has done it again! Every book I have read from this author seems to get better and better.
Very much enjoyed this! It was a little bit slow getting started but the plot found it's rhythm and I couldn't wait to get to the end!
Long & Short of It: Precious, authentic, and romantic!!
Romance: Simple and sweet, to intentional and romantic.
Spice Level: 3/5 - Gentle and purposeful, without being overly descriptive or graphic.
The beginning of this book grabbed me with its authenticity. The raw connection that Ash and Ellie have from the moment they meet gave the exact pull I needed to fall deep into their story. The highs and lows (and highs and lows again, and again) had me locked in waiting to see how their lives would pan out. Would they find each other? Would their families get in the way of their happiness? Would they be able to fall magically in love again, even though they never fell out of love in the first place?
Props are given for the way the main characters were written. You know when a character is pulling back and playing hard to get? Or overthinking and not being open about how they feel with the other and you just want to yell at the book “JUST SAY THE THING!!!”? This book has less of that, and more communication and frank conversations, and I appreciate that. I personally couldn’t freeze someone out that I love, even if I was upset, so I really love that the two of them can’t either.
“What if I Never Get Over You” is Intellectually interesting too. Facts and details are woven in about Ash and Ellie’s interests which makes it very believable and gives their personalities more depth.
*Sigh*….I love love. This book gives a sweet ending, a bow if you will, and I adored it. Full circle moment and closure for my heart. This was a lovely read from the start and I didn’t want to leave their world.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own*
"What if I Never Get Over You" is an unforgettable romance that sweeps you into Ellie and Ash’s intense connection. Set against stunning European landscapes and a historic Welsh estate, the story masterfully blends heartache, longing, and the pull of fate. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and the emotional stakes keep you hooked. With beautifully crafted scenes and deep character growth, this book is a perfect blend of passion and poignant storytelling. A must-read!
I could not put this book down!! Omg it was amazing I loved the setting and how well the characters were written! Ash and Ellie ugh my favorites I loved how they met and everything about their complicated relationship! This is one of my new favorites!! Thank you Paige and Netgalley for the ARC!
3.5 ⭐️
I really loved Seven Summers by Paige Toon so I was so exited to have received this as an arc. It was a fun but emotional read with beautiful descriptions of scenery and architecture. Bonus points for the love triangle because it kept me on my toes and flipping pages.
This jumps straight into Ellie and Ash meeting while interrailing and having an instant connection but limited time. I wasn’t sure about the romance at first because I’m not a huge fan of insta love but as the book went on I was surprised to find myself rooting for them. I also really liked Ellie individually and seeing her find her independence and pursue her dreams of being a gardener was so enjoyable. This book lost me a little bit towards the end because Ash suddenly felt like a completely different character. It’s understandable considering how much time had passed, but it felt like their chemistry kind of fizzled out to me.
Overall I thought the writing was wonderful and well paced, and the acotar cameos were such a fun surprise. I’m happy to have found a new author I enjoy!
I definitely could feel the pain between these 2 characters and wasn't sure what direction the story was going to go.
Started off promising but ended on a low note.
There’s a trend when it comes to Toon’s novels. I always love the beginning but the ending leaves me unsatisfied.
In this novel we follow Ellie who is traveling around Portugal and nearby countries when she meets Ash. After only a few days together they fall in love and agree to meet in Madrid in a week. Ash never shows, but Ellie spends days searching for him only to end up heartbroken. Fast forward 6 years, they find each other again, but this isn’t the Ash Ellie thought she knew. Turns out he was hiding some secrets of his own.
Like I said, I loved the first 65% of this novel. It was all downhill from there. I mean seriously, the back and forth between “I want to be with you” and “wait, this will never work” was so exhausting. I hate when couples break up due to lack of communication or scenes that are taken out of context. Too much flight and not enough fight in this character.
This novel is told in 4 parts. The first part and first half of part 2 are great. Part 3 is terrible and part 4 could have been eliminated or expanded on. I felt like the conclusion was too quick in part 3.
I did like Ellie to some extent. Ash was my favorite even if he had his issues. Beca I wanted to drop kick into the river. That girl starts off by backing off Ash so Ellie can have him and by the end she’s trying to get back in Ash’s royal sheets. It just didn’t play well.
Overall, I did like this book. I guess I just wished the ending was better. Still a HEA, but I felt the characters deserved better, especially with that last 2 year gap. That was nonsense.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
I loved seven summers and was looking forward to another masterpiece by paige toon. although, the author never fails to captivate me emotionally to her characters, but a little common sense would have been appreciated.
thankyou netgalley for the arc. all opinions are my own!
#WhatIfINeverGetOverYou #Netgalley
I am so torn with this one. I LOVED Seven Summers - and was so excited to get my hands on this ARC…all to be slightly disappointed. Pacing felt very off, I struggled with the characters and their decision making. Ugh.
I did LOVE the Welsh setting. Makes me want to visit!!!
Still - always thankful to Netgalley and Penguin Group for the chance to read another ARC. Maybe nothing will ever hold a candle to Seven Summers - the bar was set high with that one!
This is the second book I’ve read by Paige Toon and I absolutely loved Seven Summers. It has heartbreak in similar ways as this one and the author really knows who pull your heartstrings.
Ellie and Ash meet while interrailing and have an instant connection. They bond over sharing a similar tragedy as well as a tough upbringing. After three remarkable days together, it ends with a plan to meet again. Sadly, it never happens and truly destroys Ellie for a very long time.
Fast forward 6 years, Ellie is finally pursuing her dream job only to come across Ash at a party. She cannot believe it but his family owns the manor she is working at and it appears he has moved on with his childhood friend. She wants to know why he never showed up to meet her? How could he not tell her the truth about his family? What happened to his welsh accent?
A rollercoaster of emotions for Ellie and Ash keep you vested in her love story from beginning to end. A big thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for allowing me access to advance digital copy of the book.
I got so emotionally involved with this love story. Without giving anything away, I read as far as Madrid and muttered, "he better be dead". A movie version just to see the scenery would be fabulous. Best read of my summer!
I LOVED Seven Summers - and was so excited to get my hands on this ARC…all to be so disappointed. This was so rushed, and so plain, and far fetched. It kept me turning the pages but it was more out of shock and maybe hope that it would get better and oh man, just fell flat. I almost didn’t finish this.
Still - always thankful to Netgalley and Penguin Group for the chance to read another ARC. Maybe nothing will ever hold a candle to Seven Summers - the bar was set high with that one!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I love Paige Toon's previous books and this one was no different. She always includes a little twist and I loved the one that came with Ellie and Ash's story. Ellie's growth throughout the book was a beautiful side story and it's impossible not to swoon over Ash!
Interstellar meet cute, second chance, forbidden love- are you kidding me?!
Quick synopsis-
A tale of missed chances and serendipity, this story follows two young travelers who cross paths while backpacking through Europe. Although they make plans to reunite in another city, fate has other ideas, and they lose touch. Nearly six years later, they unexpectedly meet again, but under vastly different circumstances. It's a story about finding the right person, just not at the right time—or place.
There are so many beautiful aspects of this book. Starting with the instant chemistry between Ash and Ellie's first encounter. their interactions had me kicking my feet in the air like a girl with a high school crush. In addition the whole book was set in the most gorgeous settings, something that Paige really has a talent in- placing you in the moment of these beautiful places.
What truly pulled at my heartstrings was range of themes covered, like loss and complex family dynamics that were both covered with such and sensitivity, making the emotions feel so real and genuine.
Paige has an extraordinary gift for exploring the depths of human emotion. This was a beautiful, emotional book that breaks you and puts you back together again all in one. I had the best time reading and crying over Ash and Ellie, I can't wait for everyone to meet them.
I think this book coming out next spring is the PERFECT timing and it blends so well with the story and the setting.
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC!