This was an okay romance and I liked what it tried to do but I just found the actual romance a bit underwhelming and it could have explored them as a couple in a way that was a bit more interesting style. I did like the writing style so I would pick up another book by this author as the writing was clear and easy to follow.

Some of the lines are funny, and the situation is clever, but everything took sooooo looooong to happen I kept putting the book down because I was bored. It's not a bad read, just not a good fit for me, I'm afraid.

This book was one of those that I couldn’t put down and loved reading. I don’t want to ruin it by saying what happened in it but it all works out at the end

Mhairi McFarlane is just the best at writing this genre. Her characters are so true to life, you feel like you know them, and she’s never written a leading lady that I wouldn’t love to have as a mate. Smart, witty, funny and full of heart, McFarlane’s books are an absolute joy to read. This is yet another 5 star story.

This is the story of Laurie whose boyfriend of 18 years decides he no longer wants to be in a relationship. Cue Laurie getting stuck in a lift at work with the office bad boy. He needs to clean up his image to make partner and she needs a love interest to make her ex jealous...

I requested this book because I really enjoyed the witty humour in McFarlane's pervious book, 'Don't you forget about me'. I found this ebook slower to get into and there wasn't as many sarcastic or laugh-out-loud funny snips but it was still an enjoyable read.

I loved that the lead character had strong female friendships and loved the slow build up of the romance that seem obvious to everyone but Laurie. I also liked that Jamie was a nice guy all along and not changed to be a nice guy because he met Laurie as it felt so much more realistic.

When Laurie is dumped by her partner of eighteen years, she’s blindsided. Not only does she feel humiliated, they still have to work together. So when she gets stuck in the lift with handsome colleague Jamie, they hatch a plan to stage the perfect romance. Revenge will be sweet. But this fauxmance is about to get complicated. You can’t break your heart in a fake relationship – can you?

This is the perfect read right now and proved to be the ultimate feel good read. We begin with Laurie's heartbreak and see her fight to keep her dignity at work. Then the real fun begins when her and Jamie devise their devilishly good plan. From here, the plot is obvious but it is very entertaining, very funny and allowed me to get lost in another world. I do think the read is a bit too long and the pace would be much improved with some length taken off it.

Onto the characters and I simply adored Laurie and Jamie. They are so likeable, very realistic and I know it is a cliché, but they felt like real friends by the end of the read. They make an already funny plot even funnier and I just loved getting to know them and seeing their romance play out.

'If I Never Met You' is a hilarious, entertaining, light read that will leave you feeling happy and positive. What more could you want!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an advance copy.

This book brought me so much joy, it honestly felt like I was able to escape from reality while engrossed in its pages.

I loved the way the story was written and the dynamic between our main characters. I felt like the main message to take home was not to judge a book by it's cover and to love as whole heartedly as you can.

I chose to read this book just after finishing re reading the Harry Potter series; so I have to mention that I LOVED the subtle references included within, they really made me smile.

Rating 4.5/5*

This story has betrayal, drama, work issues, and a faux relationship to help both people . . . or will it? It has some great characters, explores different attitudes and reactions and takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster journey through its pages. There are times when it will put a huge smile on your face and other when it is heartbreaking. It also has plenty of laugh out loud moments and drama to keep you turning the pages.

Laurie has three really good friends who help support and advise her through the dramatic break up of her long term relationship with the man she’s been with since they met at college. She thought they were about to start trying for a family, but instead he’s left her for someone else. It wouldn’t be so bad if they didn’t both work for the same office . . . . That’s when getting stuck in a lift with someone who has the reputation of being a playboy has unexpected consequences – they decide to pretend to be together – that’ll certainly get the tongues wagging! As their fake romance gains credibility, things get complicated and Laurie discovers that office gossip really isn’t always completely true . . . . and that pretending can have dangerous consequences!

This is a fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending to anyone who is looking for a contemporary romantic comedy to lighten their day! I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying doing so.

I love Mhairi McFarlane's writing, and If I Never Met You is yet another great example. I got the opportunity to read and review this through Netgalley and jumped at it, and I certainly didn't regret it. Hugely realistic characters, a story that's completely addictive, and exactly the right combination of realism and romance combine to form a book that is utterly unputdownable. Laurie is a really interesting character, with a brilliantly-written back-story, Jamie is a loveable rogue who is also a deeply complex person, and the rest of the cast are well-rounded and very believable as people you could meet in real life. I didn't want the book to end, and can't wait for McFarlane's next offering.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is another one of those books that I had to be in the right mood to read and I’m so glad that I picked it up again because I loved it the second time around. Maybe I’m biased but as a mixed-race woman in my forties I loved that the main character was a mixed-race woman in her thirties though she wasn’t a stereotype. I loved that she faced that thing we people of colour face where other people thought should looked like various famous people who also happen to be mixed race.

It was your typical chick lit book but I love the way it was executed and it did make me laugh in parts plus once I got into it I really wanted to finish it and spent more time each day reading the book wondering how the ending would happen.

Admittedly there are a few unrealistic things, which make it a 4-5 for me but it brought a smile to my face, which can only be a good thing.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me with an ARC version of the book.

I absolutely loved this book. Lauries break up was brutal but she was such an amazing strong character. This book has left me wanting a follow up I really hope the author does a sequel!

A thoroughly enjoyable, heart-warming, modern love story with all the romantic comedy magic.

The book is set in Manchester, and follows two lawyers, Laurie Watkinson and Jamie Carter. Laurie has just been dumped by her boyfriend of 18 years, the only man she’s ever loved. He also works at the same law firm, so she has to face the heartbreak every single day. Jamie is the office playboy, he lives an easy lifestyle, avoids anything long term and doesn’t believe in love.

After finding themselves stuck in a broken elevator, Laurie and Jamie decide to team up, and pretend to be a couple. For Laurie, she’ll gain the satisfaction of making her deceitful ex jealous and give the office something new to talk about. For Jamie, he’ll impress the bosses by showing them he can be serious and earn the chance to become a partner.

I loved Laurie from the first chapter. Not just because she’s a Yorkshire lass (like me) who grew up an hour from where I live, but also because she’s the definition of a total boss. From the very beginning, she was written as a mature, complex, honest and authentic character. Even when she was upset, she was dignified. Laurie didn’t rely on anyone for life advice, money, or a career. I loved that she was a strong, biracial, character, who didn’t pity herself unnecessarily.

I really liked Jamie too. While his ideas of true love horrified me in the beginning (I had no idea there are people out there that don’t love the idea of love), it was obvious that he had a good heart. He’s also essentially hated by almost everyone at his law firm, yet he continues to remain ambitious and hard-working. Despite his bad reputation and questionable choices in dates, as he opened up, he became easier to love.

The breakup between Dan and Laurie was absolutely brutal. There’s no other word to describe it. I was almost clawing at the page in frustration, the emotion was so intense! The moment Dan then revealed his new girlfriend was pregnant was as traumatising for Laurie as it was for me. The entire event is skilfully spread across a number of chapters but never feels slow or drawn out. The pacing is perfect. In fact, it was difficult to put down. I already knew it was going to happen but I was still hoping it was some kind of horrible dream. That’s how invested I was from the first page.

Many of the situations Laurie faced in the book were painfully realistic. Absent fathers, possessive male co-workers, and shallow friends. She went through it all and came out the other side. I expected the book to focus on the fake relationship between the two protagonists, but it also covered a range of situations most people face in adult life. The sub-plots weren’t thrown in for a plot twist, they felt relevant to the main story. For example, the author subtly exposed the way women tend to blame themselves for men's behaviours, but not once did I feel like I was being preached to.

This book is indisputably hilarious. Not in a trying-to-be-funny way, and jokes aren’t thrown into every sentence, but there were some lines that made me genuinely laugh out loud. I didn’t expect the book to be as comical as it was. The witty dialogue and banter between Laurie and Jamie was so enjoyable to read, especially with such an engaging plot.

Their spark was evident to me from the beginning. Although it was clear what was going to happen by the end, I couldn’t have guessed exactly how it would play out. It didn’t just focus on couple selfies and faux PDA, while reading you get a sense of the genuine connection forming between two characters. A lot of the books of this genre follow the same pattern, and while this book does to a degree, I found it to be more layered and weighty than the average rom-com. This is also the first book I read that featured an interracial relationship but didn’t spend the entire story focusing on race. Laurie mentioned prejudices she had faced in the past, and the conversations she had accurately reflected a lot of conversations black women had, but they didn’t dominate and switch the tone of the story.

The book also turned into an unexpected celebration of loving friendships. Because sometimes a friendship is as close to your heart as a romantic relationship is. Emily is the perfect best friend, and had some of the funniest one-liners I have ever read. Every time she spoke I was smiling and her friendship with Laurie made me appreciate all the true friends out there in the world.

McFarlane has once again created characters that seemed so real, I felt as if I’d look them up on Instagram just to keep the story going in my head. The characters you were supposed to love, you adored. A lot of special moments happened outside of the romance, including friends and parents. And the characters you were supposed to hate, made you so angry you could easily tear out one of the pages. I’m still angry at Dan. Still! Claire too, she’s horrendous. Oh, and her dad! There’s a long list.

I enjoyed this book from the first word to the last. Even the ending was realistic! I would have loved an epilogue to find out a bit more about the protagonists after the final chapter. If you love a fake romance plot, a slow-burner, a strong female lead and fancy a cry, If I Never Met You is the book for you.

It’s been a long while since I’ve read Mhairi McFarlane and I’m glad to be reacquainted. IF I NEVER MET YOU was a read of phases for me, one of difficult angst for the first part and then a slow relax into a great story for the rest. I think I was expecting lightness from the start and that early heavy context took me by surprise initially. On reflection, that start made this a deeper story which I really appreciate.

Laurie was an incredibly likeable heroine from the start and it was not at all difficult to get on her side when she was wronged. I hated that sitution, the perpetrator and the demise of things. I loved the strong, successful women that Laurie was and her ability to keep her professional head throughout; I honestly thought that was completely realistic of so many women.

The ensuing story of Laurie and Jamie was pretty damn fun, full of tension and banter. So many lines were highlighted and I loved being the fly on the wall, stalking their dates and plotting. Jamie was a deeper character than I expected but I still think I’d have liked to have known him a little better.

This book was a Mancunian’s gift, set in the city and even more fun for me, visiting places around my work setting. I loved every single Manchester bit.

This was delightful Saturday read, I powered through it in a day, reluctant to put it down. It had some shades of predictability but that made it no less fun. Highly recommended for the kind of romantic read that has you laughing out loud.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers Harper Collins for my eArc of this book!


I was drawn to this book as it is set in Manchester, which has a special place in my heart and I was not disappointed by the mentions of locations (Rudy's Pizza yes please) or the story!

The book follows Laurie whos partner Dan, suddenly and unexpectedly ends their relationship of 18 years and moves out. Having never been concerned by his lack of commitment to marriage or such before Laurie now blames herself for wanting children. However she soon realises that that isn't the case. 

After a traumatic couple of hours stuck in a lift with office womaniser Jamie Carter, Laurie and him decide to team up in order to get back at Dan but also potentially help Jamie on his way to promotion, by pretending to be in a relationship. 

As is expected in this kind of story line the lines begin to blur between what is real and what is purely for show in the 'relationship'. 

Aside from the main story I loved some of the side characters who were well thought out and I feel a lot of women could relate to in 2020. The men who feel you owe them something because they stood up for you, the women who feel like they are living a fake due to getting their nails and tan done each week, etc. I also feel that Laurie and Dans relationship and consequent break up came across as genuine and, again relatable as marriage becomes less common and fears of your other half just leaving can be real.

I would really recommend this book to anyone who loves contemporary fiction or 'chick lit' but wants a novel look at this!

I'm a huge fan of Mhairi McFarlane and this did not disappoint...smart, funny, emotional and deliciously romantic. I loved it!

This book was fast paced, fun and interesting to read! This author always does well with her books and characters! This one shows a lot about friendship and sisters and love!

This was just so good, full of lovely real life characters that you just can't help but love! This is my first time reading Mhairi McFarlane and I can safely say she's now on the list of authors i need to read more from.

If I never met you was just so so good i mean I was always going to love this given the fact that it has the fake dating trope ( one of my fav tropes) but it's the characters in this that you really fall for, they're so loveable and flawed and just written so well, I 100% fell in love with Jamie's family, and the slow burn of Jamie and Laurie getting to know each other is just perfect, and the chemistry is 👌. I loved this just such a perfect slow burn romance.

Raw from a break-up she had not seen coming, Laurie gets stuck in a lift with Jamie Carter, the office Lothario, and together they hatch a plan to their mutual advantage – Laurie can make Dan jealous and stop feeling like a victim; Jamie can impress his boss and get a promotion. I’ve read quite a few ‘fake romance’ novels over the years (try Something Stupid by Victoria Corby) and this is one of the best. The plan is to put photos of their dates on social media, but, of course, these things never go to plan.
Laurie accompanies Jamie to a family party and sees him in a new light – the real person underneath the façade – and the inevitable happens. They both seem to bring out the best in each other; Laurie comes out of her shell and Jamie is much more caring than his office image.
It becomes clear with hindsight that the relationship between Laurie and Dan had not been quite as idyllic as she had believed. She had given in to what he wanted quite a lot and repressed her true self. Once she got over the pain, she would realise what a lucky escape she had had. The way he had broken up with her and his behaviour since should make her realise how selfish and despicable he was. Add in that she still had to work in the same office, a toxic den of malicious gossip, racism and sexism, and no wonder she was looking for payback.
I have read (and loved) all of Mhairi McFarlane’s books and this is no exception – dry humour, well-drawn, believable characters, witty dialogue, and Manchester setting. It would make a great rom-com. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy to review.

Although I try to deny it, I do occasionally like to read a romantic book, as it’s a break from the predictable murder and suspense books that I’m addicted to!!

Laurie’s world is turned upside down when her partner Dan drops the devastating bombshell that he doesn’t want children or to be in a relationship with her anymore. This is particularly hard as they have been together for 18 years, they met at university and work as lawyers in the same office. As if the situation couldn’t get any worse Dan confesses a few weeks later that he is in a new relationship and his new partner is pregnant!!

After a chance meeting in a broken lift with Jack the lad lawyer Jamie, Laurie agrees to have a media showmance, it will make ex Dan jealous and help Jamie’s reputation as he is trying to make partner in the law firm.

Laurie is a great character, funny and strong. After spending so long with her partner it is hard for her to start again with someone new, it’s not easy as she works in an office that is rife with gossip.

Everybody needs a Jamie, he is gorgeous and when you scratch below his surface he is actually a very caring and ambitious guy who stands up for Laurie.

I loved this book, I think you have melted my frozen heart, outside was cold and raining but inside I was cuddled up with this lovable romance. Loved how two characters that are like chalk and cheese and would never normally spend time together become close friends!!

Did I like this book? No I LOVED IT!!

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.

Laurie is a thirty-six lawyer in a relationship with Dan, That is until Dan decides to break up with her and soon after his new girlfriend gets pregnant.

After being stuck in a elevator for nearly two hours she come closer to Jamie, a lawyer who works in the same firm. When he suggests to pretend to date in order to help both of them, Laurie can't find a reason why this will be a bad idea. The problem is that dating Jamie seems like the best idea, even if it's fake.

The book was a bit slow in the beginning and I had some difficulty getting in to the story at first, but from the moment Jamie come in to the picture, the plot continues in a beautiful way.

The fake dating is amazing, they both get to know each other on their fake dates, while opening up, it was thoroughly enjoyable to read. There are so many sweet moments between them. Their connection is apparent from the first date and it only grows from there.

I would wish that there was an epilogue, not because the ending was missing something, but because I wanted to read some more.
 

*I received an arc from the publisher through Netgalley.