If I Never Met You

[alaterdate]

I should really make some sort of template for these so that I will write them more often. Anyway,

A bit ago I finished If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane. A fake-dating romance novel I picked up for half price (wasn't I saying I was going to read books I owned this year? 😁)
I don't know if I said this before (*peruses my reviews*), no I haven't: I used to refuse to touch m/f romance novels with a 6.969 meter pole. Until I caved for an enemies to lovers one, loved it, and never looked back. Haven't always been lucky in the genre though.
But I am happy to say that If I Never Met You was a great pick.

The book follows a woman named Laurie who thought she had found her soulmate in her long-term boyfriend. Until that fucker not only tells her he doesn't want kids after all and breaks up with her, but turns out he cheated on her and got another girl pregnant! WOW!
Of course, Laurie wants revenge. Not the most mature reaction and she knows it, but she still can't stop herself from trying to get a taste of the dish that is best served cold.

To enact her revenge she begins to fake-date the office playboy. And they all three work at the same legal office, lmao. (The ex-bf's new gf works at a different one at least.) And what's in it for the playboy? A change to his negative reputation by dating someone reputable. Except no one is falling for their fakemance, but them! This turn was quite funny.

The drama is there and the characters are fun, the beats are banged. The only place this book really drops off is how little romance is in it compared to time Laurie spends alone or with her friends. It's not like you don't see the two characters falling in love, it just doesn't take up most of the book, surprisingly. It's definitely a book more about character growth than being about romance. Unfortunately, in that case though the relationship shattering moment, that we all know is coming because that's how romance novels work (always a party, dramatic breakup due to misunderstanding, pining, and dramatic get back together scene usually with rain, rain gets you bonus points I assume), doesn't quite hit the mark, but the end was pretty cute. And I loved how Laurie rallied with her friends and mother and moved on from wallowing to find herself again. She could be a little childish at times, but I think she figures it out.

Overall a good read! Definitely my 2nd favorite of all the hetero RN's I've read (which is not a lot, but still! I'm picky here!)!