What If I Never Get Over You by Paige Toon is a poignant and beautifully written novel about love, loss, and the journey to healing. Toon masterfully captures the complexities of grief and moving on while weaving in moments of lightness and hope. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and I found myself rooting for the main characters every step of the way. The author’s ability to balance heartache with moments of joy made this book so engaging. It’s a perfect read for anyone who’s ever wondered if it’s possible to truly let go of a past love and find happiness again. I loved it and couldn't stop turning the pages! Highly recommend.

I eat up literally anything that Paige Toon writes and What If I Never Get Over You was no exception. Basically our main character Ellie meets Ash, both in their early 20s right out of college, on the last few days of her backpacking (or as they call it interrailing) trip through Europe. She's actually stopping her travels early and finally lets loose a bit when she meets him. Both have tragic backstories that help them relate to one another. They spend a magical three days together in Lisbon and agree to meet back up a week later in Spain, but due to some unfortunate travel hiccups, Ellie arrives to their meeting spot late and Ash isn't there.

Six years later, Ellie starts a new job at an estate and guess who she runs into? The man she hasn't been able to get out of her head since she was 21. This part of the book gave off some Bridgerton vibes to me, though this is by no means a historical fiction.

What I love about Paige Toon's writing is she doesn't just write a happy, straight forward love story. There are real life struggles and relatable hurdles her characters have to jump to to find their happily ever after. I was so riveted by this book I finished it in two days, the final chapters of which I read while streaming the final Eras Tour show because I literally couldn't put it down even for Taylor Swift.

What If I Never Get Over You is one of those stories that you can just feel the emotions throughout. I felt the passion between the two main characters and the losses that they felt. My favorite kind of story. So fantastic!

This was a strange book. It wasn’t bad, just strangely written. Everything felt rushed, and times where I really wanted to see the emotional connection between the main characters, it felt like it was glossed over and rushed through. It felt like a lot of ‘this happened, and then that happened, and then this happened’ and just seemed to be checking off boxes of what she wanted to write. I did really enjoy the characters though. Ash was wonderful and such a book boyfriend, and Ellie was very easy to understand and relate to. At the end of the day this was a fun, fast read, and I recommend it.

Whenever I start a Paige Toon, I just know that it is going to pack an emotional punch. Ash and Ellie's story did not disappoint.

These two really go through it - they met and instantly fall in love over the course of a few days. They agree to meet a week later and then it doesn't happen. Fast forward and years later they come face to face again. But they are completely different people than they were all those years ago.

Will the chemistry still be there between them? Are have they both completely gotten over the other one?

I absolutely adored these two - their love is profound and shines brightly throughout this book. My heart broke the first time their connection was missed, but when they found each other again, my heart felt full again. But of course, that doesn't mean that they were all hunky-dory from the start once again.

These characters go through all the high highs and low lows and I loved the journey they took together.

I cannot wait to read the next Paige Toon book!

What a roller coaster of emotions! I really enjoyed this book and finished it way too quickly. Loved the descriptions and time spent in and around the cabins. Author made it so easy to picture. Wish I knew more about plants. Made me look up the different varieties, so also very educational.

Ellie falls in love with Ash during a three-day trip to Europe, but he disappears when they plan to meet again. Six years later, Ellie is working as a gardener when Ash reappears, leading to a difficult choice about their future together.

This book was a rollercoaster of emotions, confusion, and impulsive decisions. I found myself connecting with the story on a personal level, as I too met my husband while traveling across the United States. After just a few dates, I knew he was the one for me. Sometimes, when you know, you just know...

When I want to take a break from my usual reading genre, I enjoy delving into fiction to stimulate my thoughts. I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon this book. It was a captivating read, filled with emotional depth and suspense. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and as I read, I couldn't help but hope that Ash and Ellie's paths would cross once more.

The story was told with passion, and when their paths did intersect again, the plot thickened. I found myself rooting for the main characters, yearning for their happily ever after. However, life is unpredictable, and people change over time.

This well-crafted and heartwarming book is a delightful read. While it may be tempting to urge the characters to move on together, that wouldn't make for a compelling story. If you enjoy light romance, unexpected twists, and the promise of a happy ending, then this book is perfect for you. I hope I haven't given too much away - just read it and experience the magic for yourself.

Thank you, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

While I loved Ash and Ellie and the plot of this book, it took me forever to get through. I’m not a huge fan of the miscommunication/lack of communication trope, which may have played into this. There is some of their backstory and reasons why they did things the way they did, but there could have been way more to know the main characters better. The time jumps were a little confusing, especially when the characters changed so much during them without many details as they were happening.

I thoroughly enjoyed this heartfelt and beautifully written romance! The concept of love that spans years and continents was captivating, and I found myself eagerly turning pages to see how Ellie and Ash's story would unfold. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I couldn’t help but root for them to find their way back to each other despite all the obstacles.

Ellie and Ash are both incredibly likable and relatable characters. Ms. Toon does a wonderful job of crafting a story where difficult circumstances feel necessary for the characters’ growth and the ultimate resolution of their love story. The side characters added depth and charm to the narrative, enhancing the emotional journey without overshadowing the main plot.

The exploration of balancing personal dreams with the expectations of others was deeply resonant, and the “right person, wrong time” trope was executed with just the right amount of angst and hope. The growth of both Ellie and Ash, individually and as a couple, was compelling and gave the story a satisfying depth.

That said, Ellie’s repeated doubts about how they “didn’t fit together” felt a bit overemphasized, which slightly interrupted the pacing for me. However, the warmth and joy of the ending more than made up for it.

If you’re a fan of slow-burning, emotional romances with themes of second chances and personal growth, this book is a must-read. It’s the perfect combination of heartfelt, bittersweet moments and ultimate happiness. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ellie and Ash meet while both are on holiday in Europe and they instantly hit it off. While they only spent three days with each other, it was enough for them to know they were in love. However, while this was the beginning of Ash's trip, Ellie was supposed to head home the next day. They create a plan to meet back up in Madrid in exactly a week. Except Ash didn't have a phone during his trip and the two of them forgot to exchange their last names. So when Ellie shows up at their designated spot and Ash isn't there, she is absolutely heartbroken.
Six years later, Ellie defies her parents, leaves the family business, and becomes a gardener, he dream job. She scores a job with a wealthy family to help with their private gardens. It just so happens that this family is Ash's family and Ash is the heir to the viscount position. Throughout the book, there are several obstacles that manage to get in between the couple to keep them apart. Will true love overcome all?

This was a super cute read with forbidden love trope, second chance romance, and a sprinkle of royalty/wealthy status. Loved the story and I truly emphasized with the characters in this book. Being from the US, I did have to Google some British slang/terms we don't use here in the States. Overall, adorable feel-good book that was a quick read for me.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Every time I read one of this authors books I’m astonished at how they can start out as a light story and dissolve into depths which leave me gutted. An extraordinary story of love and its resilience. Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this early copy for read and review

This was like a 3.5-4 rating for me. I loved the idea of the book but there were certain aspects that fell flat for me. I still enjoyed this fast read though! Thank you to Paige Toon and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was gripping, heart wrenching, heart warming, and an absolute rollercoaster and I mean all of that in the best way. I was absolutely hooked by this book and the feelings it had me wrapped up in.

This was fine, but too much "eat the rich" mentality when it didnt need it. I usually love and adore Paige Toon, but this one fell a little flat for me.

I procrastinated on reading this, and while reading it took me awhile to get through it. But that’s not the books fault. I had just gone through a break up myself so reading this was a bit surreal. Although I’m glad I read it. There was ups and downs overall I found it sweet and somewhat healing.

Love him, hate him, love him, hate him and finally love him. It’s an amazing ride. It's a slow start and the fade to black scene was disappointing. I almost gave up on it, but I was curious to know what would happen next. I'm glad I kept reading. The emotions I felt was definitely a rollercoaster ride that I enjoyed.

Paige Toon’s *What If I Never Get Over You* is a sweeping, emotional love story that beautifully captures the intensity of first love, the heartbreak of what might have been, and the enduring pull of a connection that defies time. With its richly drawn characters, lush settings, and deeply resonant themes, this novel takes readers on a journey of love, loss, and self-discovery that is as bittersweet as it is hopeful.

The story begins with a whirlwind romance between Ellie and Ash, two young travelers whose paths cross during an interrail trip through Europe. Their connection is instant and electric, turning three days in Lisbon into an unforgettable experience that leaves them planning to reunite in Madrid. But fate intervenes, and Ellie arrives to find Ash gone, leaving her with unanswered questions and a heart that won’t quite heal.

Fast forward six years, and Ellie is living a quiet, fulfilling life working as a gardener on a stunning estate in Wales. Just as she begins to find peace among the vibrant gardens and towering hedges, Ash reappears, bringing with him not just the joy of rekindled love but also the pain of unresolved feelings and the truth about why he disappeared all those years ago.

Toon excels at creating characters who feel achingly real, and Ellie and Ash are no exception. Ellie is a wonderfully relatable protagonist, grappling with the complexities of moving forward while still holding onto the past. Ash, with his charm and quiet depth, is equally compelling, a character whose struggles and choices add layers to their story. Their chemistry is undeniable, crackling with the same intensity as their first meeting, but it’s the quieter, more vulnerable moments that make their relationship feel so authentic.

The lush descriptions of the Welsh estate and its gardens provide a stunning backdrop for Ellie’s journey, mirroring the growth and renewal she experiences as she confronts her feelings for Ash. Toon’s prose is vivid and evocative, transporting readers to both the sun-soaked streets of Lisbon and the tranquil beauty of the countryside, making the settings as much a part of the story as the characters themselves.

What truly sets *What If I Never Get Over You* apart is its emotional depth. Toon doesn’t shy away from exploring the messy, complicated nature of love and loss, weaving themes of second chances and personal growth into a narrative that feels both poignant and uplifting. The story is as much about Ellie finding her own strength as it is about her rekindled romance with Ash, and the balance between these elements is masterfully handled.

This is a novel that will leave readers questioning the paths not taken, rooting for love to find a way, and reflecting on the power of timing and choice. Paige Toon has delivered a deeply moving story that lingers long after the final page—a five-star read for anyone who loves heartfelt romances with unforgettable characters and a touch of wanderlust. *What If I Never Get Over You* is a testament to the resilience of the heart and the beauty of rediscovering love when you least expect it.

It’s tragic is all the best ways. Ellie and Ash’s story had me on the edge of my seat, anxious to see if they would be able to be together or not after the connection they had after only 3 days. I love the way this subtly jumps time and casually mentions how many years have passed.

4.5 stars

Ellie and Ash meet in Portugal and spend three wonderful days together. They plan to meet in Spain a week later, after she sees her parents and asserts herself about continuing on her trip. When Ellie returns to Spain, Ash is nowhere to be found. She wanders the city looking for him and returns home heartbroken. She succumbs to her family’s demands, working for their furniture business and turning her back on her dreams.

Years later, after developing confidence in herself and healing from heartache, Ellie finds herself in a new job, pursuing the dreams she told Ash about six years prior. In her new position, she comes face-to-face with the one who got away. The book dives into the societal pressures that this couple face to be together.

Paige Toon always does a great job capturing emotion in her characters. Both Ellie and Ash are layered characters who struggle to find their authentic selves. Ash seemed too good to be true when he and Ellie first met, and I kept waiting for the other foot to drop. It’s a whirlwind of a story, and I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and Paige Toon for providing me with a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210693963

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Thank you Net galley for the ARC. 4.5 stars rounded up. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Finished it in about two days time - it was hard to put down. It was an emotional journey that was fun to escape to. I wish we had gotten a chance to unpack the main characters past trauma a bit more and I wish the ending weren’t so rushed. This author always brings tears to my eyes - make sure you have tissues at the ready. Overall, enjoyed it! Definitely recommend this author!