Wow I could not put this down and finished it within a couple of days. What a beautiful story about how Ellie and Ash are clearly soul mates meant to be together. I loved the journey and I loved the links to nature and space. I can relate to feeling the most relaxed in the woods amongst nature. Just a lovely warming story

This was my first Paige Toon book and it did not disappoint. I read this after SAY YOU'LL REMEMBER ME and it was amazing! It gave the exact same vibes whilst still being incredibly unique! I can’t wait for her next book!

What If I Never Get Over You is a beautiful story of finding love, losing it and finding love again. The meet-cute at the beginning had me hooked right away. Ellie and Ash were destined to be together and the love story had a great start, the connection and chemistry was there. But then something happened and I felt cheated out of the happy ending that was waiting for me. It reminded me a little of The Man Who Didn’t Call by Rosie Walsh where the love interest also disappears without us knowing why. I was very intrigued because I refused to believe his intentions weren’t noble.

Anyway destiny will have it that they do meet again and there’s a lot of explaining to do but then if seems obvious that after all these years they haven’t forgotten about each other. Can they make it this time though with his ex-girlfriend nearby, his parents who are none too happy with her influence on him? Can she fit into his life, does she want to?

Even though it’s a heart-breaking novel at times I do feel the title is quite heavy and I expected to feel it weighing on me and the general vibe being quite sad but the story was light-hearted enough to get through those rough patches without too much emotional damage ;-). It was however a sad thing that they pine for each other so many years and then they (yes Ellie I’m looking at you) still want to throw in the towel. You’re destined for each other, you can’t do that, such a shame!

What If I Never Get Over You is a great love story of finding your person at the right time and place and not letting go. Love isn’t easy, people around us don’t make it easy but sometimes you just have to follow your own path and make it work. It’s a perfect novel for romance readers who aren’t shy of a rocky path and a fair amount of drama along the way :-).

Book Review: What If I Never Get Over You by Paige Toon

Paige Toon’s What If I Never Get Over You is a masterclass in heartfelt storytelling, a sweeping romance that explores the profound impact of love, loss, and the possibilities of second chances. With her signature emotional depth and evocative prose, Toon crafts a tale that lingers long after the final page is turned.

The story begins with Ellie, who unexpectedly falls for Ash during a whirlwind three-day romance in Lisbon. Their connection is electric, their plans to reunite in Madrid promising a love story for the ages—until fate intervenes and Ellie arrives too late. What follows is six years of longing, unanswered questions, and a heart still tethered to a moment that should have been the beginning of something beautiful.

Fast-forward to Ellie’s new life as a gardener on a picturesque estate in Wales, a job meant to help her heal and move on. But when Ash reappears, their lives colliding once more, Ellie is forced to confront her feelings and decide if the universe is offering them a second chance—or if their love was never meant to be.

Toon’s greatest strength lies in her ability to craft deeply relatable characters whose emotions leap off the page. Ellie is a wonderfully complex protagonist, torn between the safety of letting go and the vulnerability of risking her heart again. Ash is equally compelling, a man with layers of his own, making their dynamic rich and achingly real.

The narrative balances sweeping romance with themes of class, fate, and self-discovery. Toon doesn’t shy away from exploring the messy realities of love, the pain of what might have been, and the courage it takes to embrace what could still be. The lush descriptions of Lisbon, Madrid, and Wales add a sense of place that enriches the story, making it feel like a journey as much for the reader as for the characters.

The supporting cast, from Ellie’s friends to the backdrop of the estate, adds warmth and texture without overshadowing the central romance. And the pacing, laced with twists and emotional revelations, keeps readers invested from start to finish.

Fans of epic love stories like One Day by David Nicholls or The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo will find What If I Never Get Over You utterly irresistible. It’s a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of love to shape our lives in unexpected ways.

Paige Toon has outdone herself with this beautifully written and deeply resonant story. What If I Never Get Over You is not just a book—it’s an emotional experience that reminds us all of the enduring power of the connections that shape us. A must-read for romantics at heart.

Rating: 5/5

Here’s a shorter version of your review:

If I Never Get Over You by Paige Toon follows Ellie and Ash, who fall in love during a three-day interrailing trip but spend six years apart. Ellie, now a gardener, reconnects with Ash—now Ashton Berkeley—while working at a Viscount’s estate.

I enjoyed their chemistry early on, but as the story progressed, I felt a lack of emotional depth and couldn’t fully connect with the characters. While the plot had potential, it wasn’t as engaging as I’d hoped. However, Paige Toon’s writing remains easy to read, and the Viscount theme adds an interesting touch.

Thanks yo Netgalley, Paige Toon and Penguin

Book Review: What If I Never Get Over You by Paige Toon
Rating: 3.5 stars

Paige Toon’s novels always shine with vivid settings and heartfelt relationships, and this one is no different. The story takes us from Lisbon to Wales, exploring the intense connection between Ellie and Ash, who fall hard and fast in a brief encounter. Their chemistry at the start was compelling, but the story lost some believability as Ellie spends years pining over someone she knew for only a few days.

While their heartbreak and trauma were understandable, both characters’ extreme, drawn-out reactions—Ellie isolating herself and Ash cutting off everyone—felt exaggerated and unrealistic. The emotional depth I’d hoped for didn’t come through as strongly as in Toon’s other books.

That said, the evocative writing and themes of love and regret were enjoyable. While this wasn’t a standout for me, fans of Paige Toon’s style will still find much to appreciate.

4.5🌟
Paige Toon is one of those authors I always enjoy reading and this one felt the same. It starts out with that very summery, holiday vibe where you're abroad and basking in the summer heat. Anything seems possible in those moments and it is for Ellie and Ash when they meet.

The book is split into parts to show time passing, which means it isn't dragged out to be too long and covers the whole story line nicely in one book.

Without spoiling anything, we follow Ellie as she starts to chase her dreams whilst never giving up hope on the man she had an amazing 3 days with and inevitably, fell in love with.

A novel filled with grief, adventure, happiness, love, family ties and familial problems/tension - it truly transports you elsewhere.

I always put off reading Paige Toonand it’s not because I don’t enjoy the books it’s because they are so emotional and brilliant I know I won’t put it down and feel a reading slump after I do finish!
This is no exception and I loved that Ellie and Ash have a genuine reason for not meeting up just after their 3 day whirlwind and it isn’t just a ridiculous miscommunication that could’ve easily been resolved.
Of course, you can expect obvious romance drama to ensue when you’re following Ellie on her landing her dream job.
I really enjoyed these characters and the book as a whole.

I received the book as an ARC and provide an honest review.

I absolutely adored this book and raced through it in 2 days. I was completely hooked and so invested in Ellie and Ash’s story right from the start. I just loved everything about this book, right down to the descriptions of nature and the different settings throughout, I could picture it all so vividly. I’ll be recommending this book to everyone, it was just perfection.

A very sweet book that would be the perfect beach or holiday read. It is very character driven and very well written. It was maybe just missing a bit of depth to the plot and the side characters but overall an enjoyable read.

I rarely read a love story, but this one really touched my heart.

The book promises 'Three days to fall in love. Six years to try to forget' and starts when Ellie meets Ash while travelling in Europe. What follows is a rollercoaster ride of emotions over six years - dealing with grief, learning to love yourself, and above all learning to go with your heart. Throughout all the twists and turns I was always rooting for Ellie and Ash to stay together - no matter what life throws at them...

Definitely worth a read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this e-arc!

Paige toon does it again. Another unputdownable book. This book was so enthralling and fast paced I needed to know what was going on. I was entangled in their love story with them through the ups and downs.

Sometimes the FMC really annoyed me and it was explained at the end but there was nothing intertwined throughout that would make us know that.

I loved Ash and everything he stood for. A loveable MMC!

A really solid 4 stars 🌟

I have only read a couple books by Paige Toon previously and this one has made me want to read everything by her. Such a beautiful Love Story. From when they meet, with such vivid descriptions of the places they visit while interailing to the heart break of loosing each other, we then can’t wait to find out if they ever find each other again. You cannot put it down and I lost a few hours sleep as I just couldnt wait. I would definitely recommend this, especially as a summer read, in the sun by the pool with a cocktail beside you, you will be in heaven. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this early copy. 😊

I am the biggest Paige Toon fan so was absolutely delighted when I was approved to read What If I Never Get Over You early. The story of Ellie and Ash spans decades, starting with an intense few days inter-railing, where they promise to meet in Madrid a week later. When Ash doesn't show, Ellie is distraught, but years later, Ash comes back into Ellie's life in the place she leasts expects to see him again. Can they get back what they once had years ago?

I was immediately hooked and flew through this in just a few hours. I couldn't put it down; I had to find out if Ellie and Ash would finally get their happily ever after that they truly deserved. This was another beautiful love story from Paige, just as every single book of hers I've loved before. The easiest five stars I've ever given.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

🤍 Oh, Paige… you’ve broken my heart and pieced it back together… yet again! 🤍

I’ve adored Paige Toon’s novels for years, and What If I Never Get Over You is another shining example of why she’s a master of her craft. From the evocative travel settings to the deeply relatable, down-to-earth characters, this story pulled me in from the very first page. The sense of found family woven throughout only amplified the emotional depth, making this a novel I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

This is an insta-love story at its finest. We follow Ellie and Ash, whose chance meeting during an interrailing trip through Europe sparks an unforgettable, whirlwind romance. Their passionate three days together in Lisbon end in heartbreak when Ash doesn’t show up in Madrid, leaving Ellie devastated. Fast forward six years and Ellie is finally living her dream as a gardener at a historic estate in Wales—until her carefully rebuilt world is thrown into chaos by the reappearance of a face she thought she’d left in the past.

What truly stands out in this book is how Paige allows us to grow with the characters. The story spans over a decade, giving readers an intimate look at how life, loss and time shape both Ellie and Ash. It’s not just a love story—it’s a beautifully layered journey through falling in love, grief, the complexities of family, and the importance of self-discovery. Paige captures the messiness of life and love with grace, delivering a narrative brimming with hope and personal growth.

✨This novel has been described as One Day meets a contemporary Bridgerton and I couldn’t agree more. It’s high drama, swoon-worthy romance and a perfect read for dreamers who believe in second chances. I’ll be recommending this gem for years to come! ✨

☁️If you’re looking for a love story that will break your heart in the best way, this one’s for you
Scheduled for release 15th April 2025

*thank you NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam and Paige Paige for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*

This was so easy to read and lose yourself in and the story of Ash and Ellie always being with each other at the wrong time spoke so much to me, cannot wait for my physical edition to arrive also because the cover is just stunning!

Paige Toon has been one of my absolute favourite authors for a very long time.... so when given the opportunity to read and review this one I couldn't resist!.

As I have come to expect from Paige, this book is full to the brim of well developed characters that you instantly become attached to, all of which add something unique to this beautiful story.

Did I cry whilst reading this? absolutely, but that just further shows how invested I truly was in this story. Everyone NEEDS to read this book!

One of my favourite reads this year. I love Paige Toon’s books normally anyway but this was like three mini romance novels in one as you watch the main characters discover (and rediscover) each other over a period of time. Easy to head but hard to put down, it’s everything you want from a summer holiday read, or just an excuse to snuggle up in bed at home and escape.

Oh my goodness! This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time! I adored every moment of this novel, every character, every plot point, everything!! Ash is just amazing, what a fantastic MMC, Paige has created such a selfless, noble, and humble character in him and I am truly in love. Ellie was incredible too, her strength to overcome her parents’ insufferable pressures for her life and to follow her dreams was so admirable.

The similarities between both characters was so heartwarming to see, they both understood each other so well, sometimes to the point where it caused heartache but ultimately leading to a stronger connection. This novel is such an example of right person wrong time, of loving someone no matter what comes in between and fighting for them. So many beautiful plot points including both main characters sharing their grief and finding solstice and happiness in one another.

This novel is perfect for those wanting a hard-hitting yet heart-warming story of love, friendship, grief and overcoming fear and the feeling of not being good enough. Please please please read this <3

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGallery for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I love Paige Toon and this book is now high on my list of favourites. I would highly recommend this book and actually all of Paige Toon's books.
This is going to be the book of summer 2025

Three days to fall in love. Six years to try to forget.

Ellie didn’t expect to fall in love while travelling in Europe. But she also didn’t expect to meet a man like Ash.

Three blistering days in Lisbon is all it takes to form an unforgettable connection – deep enough for them to plan to meet again in Madrid. But Ellie arrives late, and Ash is nowhere to be found.

Six years later, the memory of Ash and their time together still burns deeply in Ellie’s heart. She hopes that her dream job as a gardener on a grand estate in Wales will bring the fresh start she desperately needs.

But when Ash unexpectedly crashes back into her life, Ellie is forced to question if the universe has other plans...

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC and thank you Paige for writing another fantastic book.