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4.0
If Not You
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesIf Not You Reviews
4.0
“2.5 ⭐️ I’m really torn about how to feel about this book. On one hand, I thought the writing itself was strong. The author’s characterizations and descriptive approach to the plot created vivid scenes that drew me into the story with ease. The central themes felt especially relevant - particularly for women in the workforce, and the persistent societal expectation that all women should aspire to marriage, children, and a white picket fence. I appreciated Mattie’s uncertainty about her future; as someone early in her career and still in her twenties, that ambiguity felt realistic and relatable. The emphasis on living in the present and pursuing what the current version of yourself wants was a compelling and thoughtful thread throughout the novel.
Where my hesitation lies is in the execution of the characters, particularly Mattie, and the romance. While I understood Mattie’s struggles, her characterization leaned so heavily on them that she never felt fully developed. She often seemed to be her own biggest obstacle, with her ego and competitiveness taking center stage. While I value a strong, independent female main character, her constant comparison to Campbell and fixation on his success made it difficult to truly believe in her own capabilities. I was frequently told she was good at her job, but rarely shown convincing evidence of it.
The romance also struggled with this same “telling rather than showing” issue. I never fully grasped the foundation of the attraction between Mattie and Campbell, particularly his long-standing feelings for her. The flashbacks had the potential to strengthen this dynamic - to illustrate the evolution of his affection and hint at Mattie’s own suppressed feelings - but instead they often reinforced her emotional distance and, at times, unkindness.
Although I found aspects of Campbell’s character compelling, especially when we learned more about his past, his dynamic with Mattie often reduced him to a passive figure. I found myself wanting him to challenge her more - to push back on her stubbornness and ego, particularly in the conclusion. Without that balance, their relationship felt uneven and ultimately less believable. I don’t need a romance that is unrealistically perfect - in fact, I prefer stories that embrace the messiness of real human relationships - but I do need to believe in the couple. Unfortunately, I never found myself rooting for Mattie and Campbell or feeling confident in their future.
Part of me wonders if this ambiguity was intentional - if the novel was aiming to reinforce its theme of living in the moment rather than focusing on long-term certainty. While I can appreciate that interpretation, it ultimately left me feeling disconnected from both the characters and their relationship.
While there were elements of this story I genuinely admired, it wasn’t a complete hit for me.
Thank you to Ellen O’Clover, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.”
“Honest review in return for advanced copy received from NetGalley.
I read my first Ellen O’Clover book, The Heartbreak Hotel, in 2025 and it was one of my top books for the year. I’m not usually a romance reader because it’s very easy for them to feel cheesy. The Heartbreak Hotel and If Not You were the exact opposite of cheese. It felt like a real life rom com playing out in the book. It brought me back to the feelings of watching an early 2000s rom com like He’s Just Not That Into You where you’re yelling at the characters to just get over their issues! I loved this so much that I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it, so that’s a 5 star for me!”
“Five years in history, rivals to lovers, they went on a two week road trip and a job in the line. This book had me hooked since page one, the story was written beautifully, the characters blended well with each other. The tension between Mattie and Campbell, the chemistry, the romance was chef kiss. I definitely read it way to fast because I just couldn't put it down. The way they connected, the way they knew each other, the way they interacted was something I was here for, because nothing beats 2 people who can't stay away from each no matter what. So glad she had a friend who made her realize that no matter what, they would still be best friends but also she can let this person come into her life and make a change. I love it all so much and I couldn’t recommended more.”
“This was an ARC, provided through NetGalley and Berkley Publishing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(5)/5
I think Ellen O’Clover is now on a list of my favorite authors, because, to be direct, she absolutely nailed If Not You. From the get-go, I was absolutely hooked and found myself relating to Mattie, and her fears and worries.
It’s a rival to lovers done right, and you can absolutely feel the moment it clicks between Mattie and Campbell (please, he has actual golden retriever energy), and maybe I feel too much because, why yes, I did tear up more than once, especially at the end.
One thing I loved most in this book, other than Campbell and Mattie’s bantering and flirting, was how LIFELIKE it felt reading it. By that I mean, seeing your friends get married, feeling it’s not for you or you’ll never get it, the complicated emotions of seeing everyone move up around you, grief in several ways.
Long story short, yes, I will be buying a physical copy when it releases in September.”
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