Jilly Gagnon’s latest novel, “What If It’s You?”, attempts to blend the familiar beats of a relationship-in-crisis romance with high-concept science fiction. As someone who enjoys both genres, I was intrigued by the premise: a woman uses experimental quantum technology to experience the life she might have had with a different partner. While the concept feels refreshing in the often formulaic romance landscape, the execution leaves something to be desired.
At its core, this is a story about making peace with uncertainty in love – an ambitious theme that sometimes gets lost in the technical jargon and repetitive plot beats. For readers seeking a unique twist on romance or those who enjoy light sci-fi with emotional stakes, there’s plenty to appreciate here, though the novel does have notable flaws that prevent it from fully realizing its potential.
Plot Without Too Many Spoilers
Laurel Everett discovers her boyfriend Ollie’s engagement ring hidden in a drawer and finds herself paralyzed with indecision rather than excited. This leads her to wonder about Drew, a coworker she’s had chemistry with for years. When Laurel gets the opportunity to try out her company’s experimental “AltR” technology, which offers glimpses into alternate realities, she immediately considers the “what if” with Drew.
But the technology malfunctions, and Laurel begins uncontrollably switching between two worlds: her actual life with Ollie and an alternate reality where she’s been with Drew for five years. As she navigates both relationships, she realizes her dissatisfaction might stem from her own fears and failings rather than her choice of partner. The central question evolves from “which man is right for me?” to “which version of myself do I want to be?”
Strengths: Where Gagnon Excels
The Relationship Dynamics
Gagnon deserves credit for portraying long-term relationships realistically. Laurel and Ollie’s five-year relationship has genuine warmth and history, but also the familiarity that can breed complacency. Their exchanges feel lived-in, with the easy banter and shorthand of a couple who know each other well:
“You know what they say about a man with big blueberry pancakes… That he goes through a lot of syrup?”
These moments of domestic comedy shine compared to the glossy but somehow emptier life Laurel shares with Drew in the alternate reality. The contrasts between the two relationships are thoughtfully drawn, highlighting how the grass isn’t always greener.
The Premise and Its Execution
While quantum mechanics is notoriously difficult to explain, Gagnon makes a valiant attempt at making the science accessible without completely sacrificing accuracy. The AltR program concept is intriguing, and the way it malfunctions creates genuine stakes for Laurel. Those who enjoy sci-fi elements in their romance will appreciate this imaginative framework for exploring relationship doubts.
Character Growth
Laurel’s journey from fear of commitment to a deeper understanding of what she truly wants forms the emotional backbone of the novel. Her self-discovery that she needs to change herself, not just her circumstances, provides a satisfying character arc that elevates the story beyond a simple “choose between two men” plot.
Weaknesses: Where the Novel Falls Short
Pacing Issues
The novel suffers from repetitive sequences as Laurel bounces between worlds. These transitions, while initially intriguing, become predictable. By the third or fourth switch, the tension dissipates as the pattern becomes too familiar. The middle section could have been significantly tightened without losing impact.
Underdeveloped Secondary Characters
While Ollie and Drew receive substantial development, other characters feel more like plot devices than fully realized people. Dana Howell, the quantum physicist who helps Laurel understand her predicament, shows promise but remains largely a vehicle for exposition. Similarly, Laurel’s relationships with colleagues and friends lack depth, making her worlds feel smaller than they should.
Science vs. Romance Balance
The novel occasionally gets bogged down in explanations of quantum mechanics that disrupt the emotional flow. Conversely, just when the science gets interesting, the narrative often pivots back to relationship drama without fully exploring the implications of the technology. This uneven balance makes it difficult for the book to fully satisfy either science fiction fans or romance readers.
Character Analysis: The Love Triangle
Laurel Everett
Laurel is a relatable protagonist whose anxieties about commitment stem from her parents’ failed marriage. Her character is well-drawn in her professional ambition and relationship fears, though her passivity can be frustrating. Too often, she allows circumstances to dictate her actions rather than making decisive choices.
Her career success contrasts with her creative stunting – her long-held dream of writing romance novels remains unfulfilled in both realities, highlighting how her fear of failure extends beyond relationships. This parallel adds welcome complexity to her character.
Ollie Hughes
The novel’s most compelling character, Ollie combines artistic passion with emotional intelligence. His unwavering support for Laurel, despite sacrificing his own dreams, makes him sympathetic. The revelation that in the alternate timeline he becomes a successful musician (Synesthesia) without Laurel in his life raises meaningful questions about mutual sacrifice in relationships.
Ollie’s willingness to communicate honestly about his feelings provides a refreshing contrast to stereotypical emotionally-stunted male characters in romance:
“I think…no, I know. I’d be willing to follow you anywhere. That’s been true from minute one. But I guess…I thought that the trade-off was that you’d do the same for me.”
Drew Bevins
Drew suffers from being more cipher than character. As Laurel’s “what if,” he functions primarily as a contrast to Ollie rather than standing on his own. His World D counterpart is noticeably more confident but less likable than the Drew in Laurel’s original timeline, suggesting that success has changed him – an interesting idea that deserved more exploration.
The Science Fiction Element
The quantum technology premise offers a fresh take on the “road not taken” trope, but its rules remain frustratingly inconsistent. The explanation that Laurel needs to choose a fixed path to stop bouncing between realities makes sense conceptually but feels arbitrarily applied to serve the plot.
The novel misses opportunities to explore deeper philosophical questions about identity across multiple realities. When Dana suggests Laurel might cease to exist if the program terminates while she’s caught between worlds, the existential horror this should provoke feels oddly muted.
Writing Style and Pacing
Gagnon’s prose is accessible and often witty, particularly in dialogue. Her descriptions of emotional states ring true, and she has a knack for capturing the small moments that define relationships. However, the novel’s middle section drags as Laurel repeatedly switches between worlds without substantial plot advancement.
The final act picks up momentum as Laurel faces a deadline to resolve her situation, but the resolution feels somewhat contrived – hinging on a personal growth revelation that seems abrupt rather than earned through the preceding narrative.
Final Verdict:
“What If It’s You?” offers an inventive premise and genuine emotional insights about long-term relationships but falls short of its full potential. The novel succeeds best when focusing on relationship dynamics and personal growth rather than its sci-fi elements, which never feel fully integrated into the emotional core of the story.
Fans of Gagnon’s previous works like “All Dressed Up” and “Scenes of the Crime” will recognize her talent for character development, though this represents a departure from her previous genres.
Who Should Read This Book?
“What If It’s You?” is best suited for:
- Romance readers looking for something beyond the conventional meet-cute formula
- Fans of light science fiction who don’t mind handwaving over technical details
- Anyone who has ever wondered “what if?” about a past relationship
- Readers who appreciate character growth and emotional introspection
The novel’s strengths in portraying relationship dynamics and personal growth outweigh its sometimes clunky handling of sci-fi elements and pacing issues. Like quantum possibilities themselves, your enjoyment may depend heavily on which aspect of the story resonates most with you.
In a genre landscape cluttered with formulaic romances, Gagnon deserves credit for attempting something different. While “What If It’s You?” doesn’t fully deliver on its ambitious premise, it offers enough heart, humor, and thoughtful relationship insights to make it worth considering – especially for readers tired of the same old love stories.