4.5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this one & felt like the way it was approached kept things moving at a good pace throughout. The fact that the story kicks off from page one with no tenuous build up had me hooked. I really liked all the characters too, even those who we were understandably meant to question were all developed enough to follow their motivations. There are teary moments & laughs which always bump up a book for me. An easy read which I can see being a summer favourite.

I just finished reading What If I Never Get Over You, and honestly, I'm a bit torn about it.
I came across some reviews saying it felt more like a YA book than expected, which almost made me put it down. But in the end, I couldn’t resist the premise and gave it a shot. The first part was decent, and I was intrigued enough to keep going. Once I hit the point where a lot of things were revealed, I was already 50% in, so I figured I might as well see it through.
That said, the characters' ages really influenced how I felt about the story. They came off as a bit immature, and while that's understandable, the lack of communication drove me up the wall. Ellie kept dodging her feelings and was overly dramatic about situations that could’ve been easily sorted out. By that time, though, I was too invested to stop reading. The third part did pick up, but I felt like it was a bit rushed and trying too hard.
On the bright side, I did enjoy the chemistry between the characters, and Paige Toon has a way of crafting those intense, emotional love stories. This one definitely delivered on that front. Overall, I liked it and would recommend it, but just a heads up: it kicks off when they’re 21 and covers about eight years of their lives. If you’re into intense and slightly dramatic romances, this could be a great pick for you!

I have mixed feelings about this book. Paige Toon was a new author to me but I’d seen good reviews so was keen to read her new release.
When the two main characters were together, they had a good chemistry. Their insta love was pretty plausible and I enjoyed their connection in Portugal at the start of the book. The scene approaching the resolution was sweet as they once again rediscovered their connection to each other.
Unfortunately, I just couldn’t take to Ellie. I found her immature and self-absorbed, and it annoyed me that she expected Ash to give up his heritage just because she’d known some obnoxious rich kids at school. Although a reason was given for her flighty behaviour towards the end of the book, it just didn’t ring true for me and it irritated me that both characters did so little to fight for their relationship if it supposedly meant so much to them.
Maybe I’m just a bit too old and jaded for this kind of story these days. I wish I’d enjoyed it more, but unfortunately it wasn’t for me.

Another fabulous book from Paige Toon. I love that they meet on the very first page of the book, and the whole story is them. It's an emotional, exhilarating rollercoaster from start to finish and I loved it.

I really couldn't understand why there was so much grief for these characters after having just three days together, then six years apart. I know that their back stories are filled in a bit more later in the book, but I feel these are areas which were undeveloped. I felt Ellie for example had a huge overreaction, resulting in her actions, and even when she explains why later on in the book, I still don't think enough was said to help me understand her. I struggled with her character the most, whilst I was rooting for Ash all the way. The plot, such as it was, took awhile to get going, and much of the introspection was long and rambling. There was enough there to keep me reading, but this book is not in the same league as Seven Summers. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
PS. Cwtch I think is more South Wales (I am from North Wales!).

I had SO much fun reading this. Could barely put it down - why do we need grown up jobs to pay the bills in life? - but still managed to finish it super quickly. The setting is so cosy and I LOVE a second chance (or should I say third chance) romance. Expected this to be good, it was great!
Lovely character development, not too predictable, interesting hobbies/interests... This was a WONDERFUL read

Thank you, Penguin for this arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

I love love love second chance romance, so I had to read this!
What If I Never Get Over You is an emotional, beautifully written story about love, loss, and second chances. I was immediately hooked—Ellie reads ACOTAR (iconic!), and the descriptions of Lisbon were so vivid, I felt like I was right there with her and Ash.

As the story progressed, I found myself wondering what happened—and when the truth came out, it hit hard. I'm glad Ellie and Ash had space for real conversations, and some of the emotional beats were really well done.

But not everything was for me. Some parts felt rushed, and their dynamic got a little toxic at times.
I also wish Ellie had been given more time to build healthier friendships.

Still, the ending felt earned, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it after. I’m definitely interested in reading more of Paige Toon’s work (this was my first one)—she knows how to pull on the heartstrings 🤍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Heart-wrenching, tender, and beautifully written. Paige Toon captures the ache of a love that lingers long after it’s gone, and the slow, hopeful journey of healing. A deeply emotional read that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about romance. Raw, real, and unforgettable.

i read this while on my trip and absolutely adored the story. paige toon’s writing is always so captivating, and i really connected with ash and ellie’s journey. it’s been a long time since i’ve come across a book that feels so unique yet like a breath of fresh air. a beautiful, heartfelt story of love, loss, and finding love again.

thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

paige toon just knows how to write a book that gives u that yearning feeling. All throughout this book I was yearning for this couple to be together and have that happy ending they both deserved. Like i genuinely could feel it in my heart the want for them to be together !!!

I loved reading about ellie finding herself going after what she really loves it’s such a beautiful part of the story. Ash also stole my heart from the very start the way he was with Ellie always encouraging her when they first met and the way he was so proud when he saw her in the future.

I really did love this book but it wasn’t giving me the 5 star feeling like seven summers did i adored that book but this one is still such a good read especially for spring summer. The vibes were immaculate and even though there is slightly heavier topics it was still such a fun read

If you're looking for a lighthearted, heartwarming romance, then this is the book for you.

I was expecting to pick this up and it be a quick read that I could breeze through and get all the warm fuzzys. I didn't get the quick read experience, but it did leave me with a lovely feeling. The plot was a slower burn than I would normally lean into and to be honest, not a great deal happens, however it wasn't about that for me. I was more interested in the "will they, won't they" and whether or not Ellie and Ash were gonna be able to pull it together.

My favourite part of the book was by far the setting. I loved the descriptions of the gardens and the cottages and the nature that was surrounding these characters. It gave me such a lovely homely feeling and all of the Wales references truly made me smile.

If you read this, you'll question whether or not these people will ever make it work, but be rooting for them the whole way through. At a time when I'm feeling super stressed with life, this was a lovely escape from reality.

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.
This is a second chance romance between two people who meet interrailing straight out of university and then lose touch through circumstances outside of their control, before accidentally finding each other again years later.
I really enjoyed the start of Ellie and Ash's story. You really go to know the characters at their core through their vulnerable states, meeting whilst travelling and fresh out of university. Them falling in love felt natural and not forced, despite this only happening over a short period of time which can be difficult to do.
I also appreciate the way the authors writing had me picturing the places Ellie and Ash went throughout the book; Lisbon, the cabins, the exploring of the Welsh countryside and the estate gardens, I can see it all in my head which is unusual for me when I read.
The way the author depicted grief was powerful as well and I felt it along with the characters.
I felt the pacing in second half of the book was slow, and I struggled a little bit but I think this was also due to me struggling with the lack of communication between the main characters.
Overall, an enjoyable read!

I loved this book so much
As someone who feels like they’ll never get over someone this book spoke to my heart. Although I don’t think our story would go like this if we met again 😂
You really root for Ellie and Ash and I couldn’t put the book down as I needed to know how their story would end
I even shed a tear at the end of this book
A wonderful story with amazing characters Paige Toon really knows how to write relatable characters

What a lovely read this was! Paige is one of the best romance authors in my eyes and this didn’t disappoint! Ellie is strong minded character who never forgets Ash, even 6 years after they last seen each other. At times, I wanted to shake Ellie as she made things more complicated than they needed to be but similarly, things turned out exactly as they were meant to! Lovely romantic book that I would recommend!

Well, where to start?
I just love Paige Toon books, she never disappoints and always hits you right in the feels. She rips your heart out but then tenderly replaces it by the end of the story so you're left feeling a little bruised but comforted too.

I really enjoy how much locations play a part in Paige's books too. I feel transported to places that I have never been and also feel a familiar ring when she writes about places I have been. This book is a great example of how much our environment impacts us - the people we are, the things we hold important, how we see events. It all feels like a window into real people's lives.

I wanted to shake both of the main characters at different times in the book. If they could only get out of their own ways, they could have saved themselves a lot of heartache...but isn't that just so true of real life. I found the peek into the workings and upkeep of a large estate interesting too - it was like the looming presence of all that history and obligation was another character. I especially loved all of Ellie's colleagues from the cottages, they were real additions to the story, not just one-dimensional nobodies.

This book didn't hurt as much as Seven Summers did (in the most glorious of ways, of course) but it still had me fully invested and, at times, scared for what may become of Ellie and Ash - that's the power of great storytelling.

OMG Ellie and Ash!
Ellie is interrailing around Europe and in her last destination of Lisbon before going home. And then she meets Ash. Ash doesn’t have a phone and they make plans to meet in Madrid. Ellie’s delayed and when she gets there, Ash isn’t there. And she has no way of getting hold of him again. Until… he pops up in an unexpected setting, just as she’s moved on with her life.

My heart sank as we left Madrid behind, as I’ve come to know and love Paige Toon’s signature - travel interweaving through the romance. But she didn’t let me down! We just explored closer to home, in Wales, this time. Absolutely beautiful story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK and Cornerstone for the opportunity to read this in advance of publication, very much appreciated as always.

Paige Toon did it again, with another emotional thought provoking story, one full of self discovery, of love and second (and third) chances, of hope and friendship, of heartbreak and loss. It was everything I expect of Paige Toon and I couldn’t put it down.

4 / 5

Paige Toon does it again! The way she has me turning the page, hanging on for answers. A right person, wrong time/second chance story will always do it for me. And I loved this one so much!

What If I Never Get Over You by Paige Toon is a sad emotional story about two people from totally different walks of life that fall in love
Ellie is travelling in Europe alone It wasn’t her choice but she’s done it. We slowly find out her story through the book but as soon as she sets eyes on Ash, she’s hooked. He’s easy to talk to, they seem to have lots in common. They spend three wonderful days together and plan to meet up in Madrid in a week’s time. It all goes wrong from here.
There are lots of shock factors in this story, especially when Ellie finds out about Ash.
The descriptions of waterfalls, countryside and flower beds add a little bit of colour to the story. I especially loved the fact that a lot of the places mentioned in this book are my local area!! How exciting!!
Many thanks is to Random House Uk for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #RandomHouseUk, #PaigeToonAuthor.

What a wonderful book which I read in two sittings, only because I needed to sleep.

Ash and Ellie - wow what a connection and what a story. I loved the growth of Ellie’s character, following her dreams and making a happier life for herself. She experienced all the emotions in this book and I wanted so badly for her to find her happiness.

Ash, a man who fell hard and didn’t want the pressures his life gave him, he just needed peace and quiet and Ellie. I loved the different versions of him (ifykyk) we got to see and he is such a kind and loveable man.

Both characters had similar emotional experiences in their past which gave them a deeper understanding of each other and I liked the importance of nature that the author brought through in the story, it’s so important to us all and I loved their passion for it. As for the lupins ♥️ what a lovely touch.

I was swept up into this story, their connection and love for each other made this such an enjoyable read. Fans everywhere will adore it. It’s my new favourite by this author.