If I Never Met You

A Novel

By: Mhairi McFarlane

Narrated by: Sara Novak

Bestselling author Mhairi McFarlane returns with another heartfelt romantic comedy perfect for fans of Josie Silver, Sophie Kinsella, or Sally Thorne.

If faking love is this easy... how do you know when it’s real?

When her partner of over a decade suddenly ends things, Laurie is left reeling—not only because they work at the same law firm and she has to see him every day. Her once perfect life is in shambles and the thought of dating again in the age of Tinder is nothing short of horrifying. When news of her ex’s pregnant girlfriend hits the office grapevine, taking the humiliation lying down is not an option. Then a chance encounter in a broken-down elevator with the office playboy opens up a new possibility.

Jamie Carter doesn’t believe in love, but he needs a respectable, steady girlfriend to impress their bosses. Laurie wants a hot new man to give the rumor mill something else to talk about. It’s the perfect proposition: a fauxmance played out on social media, with strategically staged photographs and a specific end date in mind. With the plan hatched, Laurie and Jamie begin to flaunt their new couple status, to the astonishment—and jealousy—of their friends and colleagues. But there’s a fine line between pretending to be in love and actually falling for your charming, handsome fake boyfriend...

Great Characters, but

I enjoy a predictable rom com, and this was not...it was better. I really related to Laurie and Jamie's characters. I also really enjoyed the proverbial popularity contest at the work setting getting the FU, but I could use only 5 chapters of "whoa is me" from Laurie instead of 10, and the narrarator was funny, but jarring to listen to. All this said, worth a listen.

Sara Novak is great

Mhairi has great characters, but tends to have triggering and traumatic events pop up like nightmares, and could benefit from trauma warnings.

Sweet Romance Novel

I loved the narrator although I was slightly confused by Dan’s accent. The book was quite sweet and I loved following the characters growth.

My favourite book from this author

I found the FMC extremely relatable and badass. I love that she is part West Indian and a first gen, being of similar background myself - there are not many contemporary rom coms featuring POCs from that region of the world. I love the writing style, the humour had me laughing out loud. The narrator did an excellent job. I'm still looking for a book to captivate me as much as this one. The light heartedness is amazing. McFarlane's other books are consistently well written, and make you feel all the things. All. The. Things. However I appreciated this book because while it does have emotional depth, it is a bit more relaxed emotionally which appeals. I don't always want to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster when resting or listening to a book. I really would love to find one or more similar books but nothing has come close yet. ❤️❤️❤️

Couldn’t stop listening! Fun, intelligent Rom-Com

Loved the character of Laurie, a witty, capable, grounded, and successful lawyer, coping with an unexpected ended romance. A broken elevator brings a solution with page-turning consequences! Recommended, though her accent sometimes makes it hard to understand. Fun book that also touches on some deeper issues.