In her latest novel, “What If I Never Get Over You,” bestselling author Paige Toon delivers a mesmerizing love story that explores the profound impact a brief encounter can have on the course of two lives. With the emotional depth her readers have come to expect and a refreshing take on the second-chance romance trope, Toon crafts a narrative that is both achingly beautiful and surprisingly nuanced.
Set against the stunning backdrops of Lisbon, Portugal, and the lush countryside of Wales, this novel follows Ellie and Ash, two souls who meet while interrailing through Europe. Their instant connection during three magical days in Lisbon feels destined—until a devastating series of events keeps them apart for six years. When fate finally reunites them at a grand estate in Wales, they must confront not only their unresolved feelings but also the complex social hierarchies and family expectations that threaten to keep them apart once more.
The Power of Place: Immersive Settings That Captivate
One of Toon’s greatest strengths as a writer is her ability to transport readers to vivid, atmospheric locations, and “What If I Never Get Over You” is no exception. From the sun-drenched streets of Lisbon with its yellow trams and tiled buildings to the imposing grandeur of Berkeley Hall with its historical gardens and ancient woodland, each setting comes alive with sensory details that immerse the reader in Ellie and Ash’s world.
The contrasting environments serve as perfect metaphors for the characters’ journeys. The freedom and possibility of their European adventure gives way to the confines of tradition and expectation at Berkeley Hall, until finally finding a balance in Ash’s humble woodland cabin—a place that represents authenticity and the choice to live life on one’s own terms.
Toon’s descriptions of gardens, in particular, showcase meticulous research—the rainbow of lupins, the trimmed topiary, and seasonal blooms all reflect Ellie’s passion and provide a colorful backdrop to the emotional narrative. For readers who enjoyed the transportive settings in Toon’s previous works like “If You Could Go Anywhere” or “The Minute I Saw You,” this novel offers an equally enchanting sensory experience.
Character Development: Complex Protagonists with Real Growth
Ellie and Ash emerge as fully realized characters whose growth over the six-year separation forms the emotional core of the novel. Initially, Ellie is presented as somewhat insecure and eager to please, shaped by her complicated relationship with her status-obsessed parents and the recent loss of her best friend Stella. Her journey toward finding her voice and pursuing her passion for gardening, despite the financial and emotional costs, showcases admirable resilience.
Ash’s character arc is perhaps even more dramatic, as he struggles with the dual personas he’s created for himself—the Welsh boy who loves astronomy and the aristocratic heir with centuries of responsibility on his shoulders. His eventual decision to revoke his title and sell his ancestral home to the National Trust represents a profound act of self-determination that challenges centuries of tradition.
Toon excels at creating relatable characters whose flaws and vulnerabilities make their eventual triumphs all the more rewarding. Some readers might find Ellie’s initial passivity frustrating, but her evolution into someone who can stand up for herself and make difficult choices feels earned and authentic.
Emotional Intelligence: Tackling Trauma with Sensitivity
What elevates “What If I Never Get Over You” above standard romance fare is Toon’s willingness to explore difficult themes with sensitivity and emotional intelligence. The novel delves into childhood trauma, grief, family dysfunction, and the complex power dynamics that exist within rigid social hierarchies.
Particularly notable is Toon’s handling of Ellie’s past sexual harassment and how it influences her reaction to Ash’s father, creating a multi-layered exploration of how past trauma can resurface in unexpected ways. Similarly, Ash’s revelations about the mental health struggles and suicides in his family line offer a poignant commentary on the pressure of inherited responsibility and societal expectations.
These heavier themes are balanced with lighter moments of joy, humor, and the simple pleasure of two people rediscovering their connection, creating a reading experience that feels honest rather than manipulative in its emotional beats.
Stylistic Strengths and Weaknesses
Toon’s writing style is accessible and engaging, with dialogue that feels natural and descriptive passages that never overwhelm the narrative flow. The novel’s structure—divided into four parts that follow Ellie and Ash’s initial meeting, painful separation, reunion, and eventual happy ending—creates a satisfying arc that keeps pages turning.
The dual perspectives in the narrative allow readers to understand both Ellie and Ash’s motivations, though some readers might wish for more balanced viewpoints, as Ellie’s perspective dominates the storytelling. Additionally, while the six-year time jump creates dramatic tension, some readers might crave more details about this period in both characters’ lives.
At times, the pacing feels slightly uneven, with the initial Lisbon romance and the eventual reunion moving swiftly while the middle sections at Berkeley Hall occasionally drag with repetitive emotional beats. However, these minor issues don’t significantly detract from the novel’s overall impact.
Critical Analysis: Class Dynamics and Personal Choice
One of the most fascinating aspects of “What If I Never Get Over You” is its exploration of class dynamics in contemporary Britain. Through Ash’s struggle with his aristocratic heritage and Ellie’s position as staff at the estate, Toon examines how centuries-old social structures continue to influence modern relationships.
The novel raises thought-provoking questions about inheritance, tradition, and responsibility without offering simplistic answers. Ash’s decision to sell Berkeley Hall to the National Trust represents both liberation and loss—a complex choice that might leave readers pondering what they would do in his position.
Some readers might question whether the eventual resolution—Ash and Ellie living in a romantic cabin in the woods while maintaining connections to Berkeley Hall—feels too convenient. However, this harmonious ending feels earned after the substantial obstacles the characters overcome.
Areas for Improvement
While “What If I Never Get Over You” is undoubtedly a captivating read, a few elements could have been strengthened:
- Supporting Cast Development: Secondary characters like Beca, Siân, and Evan sometimes feel more like plot devices than fully realized individuals with their own motivations.
- Believability Stretch: Some coincidences in the plot—particularly Ellie landing a job at Ash’s family estate without any prior knowledge—require a significant suspension of disbelief.
- Resolution Pacing: The final reconciliation between Ellie and Ash after their two-year separation feels slightly rushed compared to the meticulous development of their initial relationship.
- Social Commentary Balance: While the examination of class issues adds depth, occasionally the commentary becomes somewhat heavy-handed rather than naturally integrated into the narrative.
Final Verdict: A Moving Romance with Surprising Depth
“What If I Never Get Over You” stands as one of Paige Toon’s most accomplished novels to date, offering readers not just a swoony romance but a thoughtful examination of how the choices we make—and those made for us—shape our lives and relationships.
Fans of Toon’s previous work will find the emotional authenticity and vivid settings they’ve come to expect, while newcomers will discover a compelling introduction to an author who excels at creating love stories with genuine emotional stakes.
The novel’s exploration of class, family legacy, and personal authenticity elevates it beyond typical romance fare, making it perfect for readers who enjoy authors like Jojo Moyes, Mhairi McFarlane, or Sally Rooney—writers who blend romance with social commentary and complex character development.
With its captivating blend of heart-fluttering romance and thoughtful examination of complex themes, “What If I Never Get Over You” proves that sometimes the most powerful love stories are those that acknowledge the real-world challenges relationships face—and show us characters brave enough to overcome them.
For readers wondering whether to add this to their TBR pile, the answer is a resounding yes. Just be prepared to have your heart broken and carefully pieced back together by the final page—and perhaps to look at both grand estates and humble cabins in the woods with new eyes.