Title: If I Never Met You
Author: Mhairi McFarlane
Published: March 5, 2020
Publisher: William Morrow
Format Read: Kindle e-book
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Chick LIt, Romance
When your long-term boyfriend dumps you and the office playboy becomes your fake boyfriend, HR really should offer hazard pay.
You know how readers have favorite authors for different moods? Mhairi McFarlane is mine for the moments when I need to spend time with someone who feels like a best friend. If I Never Met You is the perfect example. Laurie feels like someone I’d know and get along with in real life, and her story hit close to home because I’ve lived something similar.
This book is told entirely in third person from Laurie’s perspective. Her life seems to be unfolding exactly as it should, or so she thinks. Then her long-term boyfriend dumps her without warning, and not only that, but he’s impregnated someone else. Oooof (amirite?)! What follows is Laurie’s path to healing, rediscovering herself, and learning to live for herself again… and if that happens to include a total heartthrob love interest, who’s complaining?
Laurie and Jamie are both fully realized, with quirks, virtues, and flaws that make them feel genuine. Most of the supporting cast is surprisingly well developed too, even though I’d have enjoyed the story regardless. A few side characters do fall into predictable patterns, but that’s expected for the genre. What matters most is that the key players grow in believable ways, and that growth gives the book its emotional depth.
The story is smartly paced, and McFarlane balances humor with heartfelt moments perfectly. Laurie and Jamie’s relationship develops naturally, helped along by their sharp, enjoyable banter. My heart broke for them at times and swelled for them too. I’d love to have either one of them as a close friend; they’re the kind of people who’d always have your back.
If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane feels like coming home to talk about your day with your best friend-slash-roommate. I highly recommend it to readers of chick lit and to anyone who enjoys romance that keeps the door closed. The chemistry and emotional payoff more than make up for the lack of explicit scenes. If you’ve never tried chick lit before, this is a great place to start.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓🤓🤓 – A warm, funny, and emotionally intelligent rom-com that reminds you why love stories matter.
Let’s Discuss:
Have you ever read a romance that made you feel like you were talking things through with your best friend?
Find out more about If I Never Met You on the HarperCollins website (published under their William Morrow Paperbacks imprint).