If I Never Met You

A Novel

By: Mhairi McFarlane

Narrated by: Sara Novak

Best-selling 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....

©2020 Mhairi McFarlane (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

so cute 😍

Loved it! the fact that he turned out to be the most respectful guy in her life is a real plus!

loved

finally a love story for adults! thoroughly enjoyed this one!!!!!!! had real characters, situations, and emotions.

Stayed up late into the night to finish this book!

This is my first story Ms. McFarlane and it certainly won't be my last. I feel alseep, woke up, went back to where I was in the book and finished the story because I just had to hear how this played out. Knew it was going to have a HEA but the story is in the details and this one had my heart. Laurie is such a strong woman but is faltering emotionally. Jamie admires her strength and has a great depth of character that Laurie sees which is unknown in the office. These two begin a fake relationship that always has consequences. Yes they come across as very real people in today's world dealing with real emotions and troubles. I would definitely welcome these characters into my life albeit on adopted kids status. I welcomed the direct approach and honesty in this story regarding questions, comments, societal outlook that Laurie dealt with being a black woman and her heritage although she was British.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend it.
Regarding the narration: I got a little confused by Sara Novak's narration because she often made certain characters sound like they had a Martinique /Jamaican accent and I don't think they were supposed to have that accent. Love the cadence flow though. Otherwise she did a great job.

Loved it!

I loved the whit and easiness of this book. The narration was great! I recommend this to anyone who needs a comic relief.

captured surprise breakup perfectly

one to one my experience. she wrote it exactly the way it happened to me

Amazing

Please read don’t even second guess it. What a great heartfelt romance. Made my day!!

Funny & educational

Enjoyed listening, learning & laughing. There is always such a nice balance of humor & life experiences shared to prevent people from feeling alone throughout life’s trials & tribulations. I always wish I had listened when I was younger to help me cope with relationships & past experiences, but I am so grateful for this author’s insight into the human condition for all of the young people that read/listen in their teens to help them prepare for what is almost inevitably going to happen sometime in their lives. Thank you!

I love this narrator and the accents in this story

Perfect contemporary romance. Good character development. Well written. Love the characters. I like reading about women in their 30s and not 18 year olds

Knew what I was in for with Mhairi McFarlane...

If you're expecting a light-hearted rom com, this is not it. McFarlane writes novels that dwell in the heartbreak of grief, loss, betrayal, self doubt. Her novels are thoughtful, intelligent, and honest. She celebrates feminism, respect, friendships, chosen families, and the healing power of forgiveness and understanding.

This novel was also a joy to read in its real depiction of diverse characters, especially noting constant microaggressions toward the main character. Acknowledging her experiences made her life full and real.

I think that's part of why I keep coming back to this author. Part of the story will blow my heart up, scatter it to pieces. But as she wraps it up, she sews the pieces together and inflates them into a hot air balloon. :-P I enjoy the ride and forgive her for any tears.

P.S. Her novels always have amazing narrators and Sara Novak is no exception. Great listen!

Charming & laugh out loud fun

Charming & laugh out loud fun. This is a great escape in dark times. Love that there’s a woman of color as the heroine.