Thank you netgalley and penguin group Putnam for this arc.

Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me. I just couldn’t get into it or connect with the characters. It was very insta love and fell flat. I’ll def give this author another try tho. 2.5⭐️

I really enjoyed this book. It had romance and a bit of a mystery aspect to it. It caught my attention right away and I finished it within a day.

this was my second time reading a paige toon book and i think it’s safe to say her writing might just not be for me.

this story had real potential. the setting was vivid, the plot had a promising emotional arc, and on paper, it sounded like it could be a bittersweet, heart-tugging romance.

unfortunately, the execution just didn’t land for me. the entire story revolves around the connection between the fmc and mmc, and that connection is supposed to be formed over just three days while they’re both backpacking solo through europe. they meet, they click, they make plans to reconnect—and then they don’t. six years go by before they cross paths again and try to see if what sparked between them in those three days can survive the real world.

i wanted to believe in that connection. i really did. but it just didn’t feel believable or deep enough for me to invest in. and it’s not even that i hate insta-love as a trope—i just think it needs to be done really well. and here, it just wasn’t. so i felt pretty emotionally disconnected from their story for most of the book. this is a prime example that enjoyment of a romance book really does rely on the reader believing in the couples emotional and romantic connection.

i’ll admit, the first 20% had me thinking i’d completely hate this. but as i kept going, i started to like it a bit more than i expected. the writing is super simple—sometimes to the point of frustration—but it’s also what made this a very quick, easy read that kept me decently entertained all the way through.

so, no, i didn’t hate it. but i didn’t like it either. i wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re already a fan of paige toon. in that case, maybe it’s worth a shot. but from here on out, i do not see myself picking up anymore books by this author (i know she has a lot of fans though, so take this review with a grain of salt!)

2.75 stars

You truly can’t steer me away from Paige’s books! She is such a beautiful writer and her stories suck me in so easily. It was so good to be back in her world!

This one really started off strong and I was immediately drawn into Ellie + Ash’s story. They meet while interrailing in Europe, taking a break from their high demanding parents and pressures of the future. You see their strong connection quickly and I’m not talking cheesy meet cute, I’m talking deep and sweet conversations that make you want them fighting the good fight of life together! They planned to meet a week later in Madrid after Ellie tells her parents she is doing what she wants (finally) but Ash never shows. They don’t even know each other’s last names.

Six years later and Ellie accepts a job for a viscount on their large acreage of gardens/grounds. She is finally living out her dreams.. and then Ash somehow shows back into her life.

This book was heartfelt, it had me wanting more and I really couldn’t wait to see how Paige decided to wrap this story up. I loved the ending, I adored the characters throughout. The only reason I bumped down a star was because the middle part did drag a bit for me, but man was the last part worth it! She does it again 👏🏻 so many highlighted quotes and SO many emotions felt throughout.

Thank you NetGalley, the author and Putnam publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

First, I want to say thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely adored this book. I will say, it is more on the YA side than I would have preferred. But, that did not divert the way I felt about the actual story. Ellie and Ash meet as people in their early 20's interrailing around Europe. They spend 3 fleeting days together and are forced to part, but make plans to meet again in a new city and continue traveling together. However, when Ellie goes to meet Ash at their next destination, he is no where to be found. After waiting some days for him to show, she ends up leaving and going back home to her parents.

6 years later, she finds herself working her dream job as a gardener at the Berkley Estate. Little does she know, that Berkley is Ash's family name and she never learned that in the 3 days they spent together.. Seeing each other again is joyful but also confusing. For them both, they are the one that got away. There are a lot of conflicting emotions on Ellie's end as she does not know why Ash never came to meet her those 6 years before. The rest of the story follow Ellie and Ash working out there emotions and feelings for one another and how they can fit into each others lives in the best way possible.

I really enjoyed all of this book. minus the few bits of miscommunication. And I thoroughly enjoyed the ending. Such a sweet and romantic read. 4 stars!

The first book I ever read of Paige Toon's was One Perfect Summer back in 2011. I remember it emotionally destroying me for months and then I gave to to my little sister to read. I feel this story was similar to What If I Never Get Over you, but had more of a punch in the gut.
Something was missing and I can't really put my finger on what it was.
I was emotionally invested in the story and couldn't stop reading because I had to know if Ash and Ellie would figure it out but maybe it was a lack of character development or lack of depth, that kept me from connecting too much.
Also ACOTAR (insert blank face emoji here) that was a little too "connect to booktok" for me. Felt cheap and I HATE that authors are referring to it in their work these days.

This book pulled at my heartstrings enough to win me over. I honestly wasn’t sure for a while there…the characters constantly made really immature decisions and for how much they professed their love to each other, they really didn’t seem to trust each other or communicate well. In the end, this book had a number of redeeming qualities and was a great vacation read with a satisfying ending.

Thanks to NetGalley for early access.

What if I Never Get Over You by Paige Toon

What starts out as an instant connection, whirlwind romance turns into the one that go away. I loved the beginning of this story. The charm of travelling, the excitement and chemistry between the characters was fun and easy to become invested.

Unfortunately it lost its spark with me pretty soon after that and the rest of the book felt too immature and predictable. This authors other books had a lot more of an emotional punch that this one was missing. I really struggled with the main character and it read very YA besides the ages of the characters.

This one comes out on the 15th and I’m interested to see what others think! I will definitely continue to read this author as I loved the other 2 books I’ve read by her.

This book offers a breezy, heartwarming escape, filled with witty banter, endearing mishaps, and just enough chemistry to keep the pages turning. The love interest is suitably charming, with enough depth to make their dynamic engaging, even if some of their conflicts feel a bit predictable.

While the book excels in humor and sweet moments, the protagonist’s personal growth occasionally takes a backseat to the romantic plot. A deeper exploration of their emotional journey could have added more weight to their happily-ever-after.

That said, the supporting cast adds plenty of fun, and the romantic tension is well-paced, making it easy to root for the central couple. The writing is light and engaging, perfect for readers looking for a feel-good story with a few laughs along the way. If you don’t mind a little predictability and enjoy banter-filled romance, this book is a charming pick—just don’t expect too much introspection between the meet-cutes and grand gestures.

I was a first time reader of Paige Toon, this book grabbed me right from the beginning. I think it would make an amazing screen adaptation. It was a typical romance with some predictible plot points, but to be expected for those who enjoy the romance genre. However, the story did not disappoint & it was fast paced. I was very invested in the characters and read the book in a few days. I'd love to see a sequel & see how the characters could further develop. I will definitley pick up another Paige Toon novel. It was an enjoyable read that will pull you in until the end.

First off, I want to thank Penguin Group Putnam for the advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is my second book of Paige Toon and I loved it. It was a love at first sight kind of love story with lots of ups and downs. I loved the main characters. I loved the lessons to be learned here. Life truly is too short to do anything other than what you love and to also be with who you love.

Overcoming trauma and working through your past is so important, sometimes you don’t even realize the damage that has been done.

Ellie and Ash forever 🥰

What If I Never Got Over You was my first Paige Toon book and it took me on a bit of an emotional ride🥺🥺🥺

The book is split into three parts, and each one kind of shifts the tone and stakes of Ellie and Ash’s story.

They meet while traveling in Lisbon, and there’s definitely that insta-love connection💜

There was so much miscommunication, but I was invested and wanted them to figure it out and find their way back to each other! Even with my heart suffering along the way, I loved how it explored grief and the legacy people leave in us after they’re gone.🥹

Overall, a great read that kept me engaged the entire time. I recommend everyone willing to need a few Kleenex to read it!

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC!

4 stars – What If I Never Got Over You by Paige Toon was the first book of hers that I have read. and my feelings about it are all over the place. The book is laid out in three parts. Part one is the story of Ash and Ellie who meet while interrailing in Lisbon after uni. They are very into each other and unfortunately each one is a bit dishonest about their upbringing. Part two is when they run into each other again years later. They fall into a deeper love over a longer period. The third act break up as part three happens even years later. Ellie desperately needed a good friend to tell her in Part two to tell her that she was being unrealistic and blind to Ash’s actions. Ash and Ellie needed more honest conversations in part two, and maybe the third act break up could have been avoided. Overall, it was a good story and I am off to find more Paige Toon books.

Thank you, Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley, for this ARC. This independent, honest review is happily shared.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the eARC.

This was my second Paige Toon book and it was the second one that started out with high hopes and ended up falling flat.

3.5/4⭐️
overall this is a cute little romance but, i found it to just be kind of eh. it has an interesting enough storyline that kept me engaged but, for the most part i didn't feel that connected to the characters. ellie and ash are cute together but ash staying so connected to his ex while seeing ellie had me wanting to rip my hair out.

What If I Never Get Over You by Paige Toon is an enthralling and epic love story that captivates readers from start to finish. This sweeping tale delves deep into the complexities of love, leaving readers utterly riveted. I found myself completely absorbed in the novel, unable to put it down until the very last page. Paige Toon's talent for intertwining longing, hope, devastation, and joy into a single, poignant love story is truly remarkable. Her ability to evoke powerful emotions in her readers is nothing short of spectacular.

3.5 ⭐️
A sweet romance book that was a little too insta lovey for me.

Ellie meets Ash while traveling in Spain. They soon form an instant connection and bond over shared loss, familial issues, and interests. Near the end of their three day whirlwind romance, they vow to meet up in Madrid. When Ash doesn’t show, Ellie is devastated and realizes they have no way to contact each other and didn’t even exchange last names.

Fast forward SIX years to when Ellie gets a job at a historic estate and shocked, Ash is the viscount heir.

I did find a connection between the characters, and enjoyed their time in this first section in Spain. But then the rest was filled with too much miscommunication and mistrust to give me any butterflies. I also felt like they bonded over grief of losing both their two best friends, but then Stella barely got mentioned again. Kept thinking there was gonna be a definitely, maybe moment with the lost book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC! I look forward to looking into more of Paige Toon’s romances.

Wow! I enjoyed this story so much. The chemistry between Ellie and Ash was believable and compelling and their story kept me interested the whole time. I am fairly new to Paige Toon’s work but I love that her novels contain a lot of depth, that the main characters really have to work for their happy ending.

3.5!

After I read Seven Summers I knew that Paige Toon was a comfort author for me. The storytelling pulls me in quickly every time and I know there’s going to be a full circle moment that makes me feel all the things.

I actually really enjoyed Ellie and Ash getting to know each other even though it was giving “instant love”. Where it lost me a little was some of the secondary storylines that would have added a little extra to the parts once they had reconnected, BUT I still enjoyed this book regardless.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I didn't love the whole Serendipity-esque premise: instant love but we won't share last names and will meet in a different city in two weeks. Ugh. Ellie's grief-inspired career slog was discouraging, but at least it gave her the wherewithal to finally start living the life she wanted. The reconnection with Ash was well done, as was Ellie's hesitancy around what their future could look like. But then there was just young people being stupid and not doing the relationship work, and Ash needing Becca at Ellie's expense. The end wrapped up nicely, although I was left wondering what Ash actually does for a living...

All of that said, I was rooting for them -- for Ellie because she was working on herself the whole time, and Ash because he did noble things in the end. And Toon is a good writer.