| Title | : | If We Ever Meet Again (If Love, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 294 |
| Publication | : | Published December 1, 2022 |
19-year-old Farrah Lin is going to fall in love for the first time during her year abroad in Shanghai. She's sure of it.
The only problem? Her would-be leading man is her new friend’s boyfriend.
There’s nothing worse than being in love with someone you can’t have...or at least, she thinks it’s love.
But if that’s true, why can’t she stop fantasizing about someone else, specifically the cocky blond athlete with the world’s biggest ego (and greatest dimples)?
***
Blake Ryan is—was—a college football star who shocked the sports world when he quit after his third national championship. Instead of dealing with the fallout, he escapes to Shanghai, where he vows to keep life simple.
No football. No commitments. No romance.
But no matter how hard he tries, he can’t keep a certain beautiful brunette off his mind...or out of his heart.
What starts as a physical attraction develops into something much deeper as Blake and Farrah get swept up in the magic of Shanghai—and each other. But they only have one year, and there are forces outside their control that threaten to rip them apart.
Can their relationship survive the test...or was it just not meant to be?
WARNING: This is the first book in a duet. It's a full-length novel with no sudden cliffhangers, but Blake and Farrah’s story concludes in book two, If the Sun Never Sets, which takes place five years later.
If We Ever Meet Again is a steamy strangers to friends to lovers romance. Recommended for 18+ due to adult language and explicit content.
If We Ever Meet Again (If Love, #1) Reviews
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3.5-4 stars! I really enjoyed Ana Huang’s writing here. This is the first part of Blake and Farrah’s romance, set in college in Shanghai. We get to see them become friends, fall in love, and then get torn apart. The ending dragged for me which is why this is closer to 3.5 stars but I’m still so excited to read their sequel and second chance romance!
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Thank you to Ana Huang for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
But in the end, the universe gets its way,
and though they fought until their lungs ran out of breath,
they eventually had to ease apart.
If We Ever Meet Again is the story of what happens when life surprises us and we open ourselves up to something different from what we thought we wanted.
This story was sweet and heartwarming, with two very likable characters. Though I found Farrah and Blake's first meeting a little fast in happening and ever so slightly hurried, it was still charming. Their quick zings and ability to take each other lightly despite their attraction for one another was very relatable and drew me in as a reader. If nothing else, they made me smile. Though their story does not come to a (temporary) close in the best of terms, it's bittersweet, and does hold hope.
One of my favorite parts about the book were the rich descriptions of its setting. The scene between our two leads at the Great Wall of China was breathtaking, and though it had to do about their connection more so than the place, it was so easy to picture them there with history surrounding them. That scene, by the way, was the first time that this novel made me feel truly emotional—it was great to see two people who, up to this point were mostly bickering and bantering with one another, show vulnerability.
Between Farrah and Blake's friends, the cozy bond that they all have formed together, and the adventures that they take, If We Ever Meet Again was endearing. It's very much about not just the romantic relationships, but those in general. -
Well, it turns out I’m a sucker for a proper love story! I really did not know what to anticipate when reading this book from Huang and, to be honest, was expecting something rather drab and predictable. Ok, so I could see where the plot was headed but, do you know what? I actually enjoyed it! Safe, predictable and definitely “smushy” (sexy scenes with mushy scenes!), I could not help but fall in love with Blake and Farrah.
So, let’s recap my new word: smushy. There is a lot of sex in this book which is rather graphically described. If this would make you uncomfortable, then don’t even consider reading this. However, although I don’t read books like this, if ever, I didn’t find it too awkward too digest. In fact, the scenes were believable and the heat radiating off the pages between Blake and Farrah made their relationship even more impassioned. Coupled with the sex is, of course, the romance – the “mush”. There are plenty of declarations of love but I enjoyed the fact that Huang makes the characters realise that even they see it as a bit cheesy. But, considering that Farrah is searching for ‘The One’, someone to lose herself too, it all becomes part of a rather successful plot.
Set in Shanghai, I really enjoyed the cultural element to this book. There is a lot of emphasis on setting which for me, made the love story more removed and actually increasingly magical. The writer clearly knows her geography and I even found myself researching the setting after reading. For me, it made the story more unique; there are plenty of smushy stories set in the States and the removed location helped this book become more memorable.
So, what I guess I’m saying is that this book became a guilty pleasure! I enjoyed reading it. It was not a deep, thrilling story. There were no mysteries and it was rather predictable. But I appreciated the change of scenery that this brought to my reading. I believed in Farrah and Blake as characters and eventually found myself engrossed in their story – after I had let loose and admitted to myself that yes, I was enjoying the book. It was easy to immerse myself into the life of students in Shanghai and I actually am looking forward to discovering what happens next to Blake and Farrah.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. -
I went into this because a friend said that I may like it but I honestly had no intentions to read it because I had a feeling I knew what it would be about as all 2nd chance romances these days seem to have cheating as the main factor. Well, I wasn't wrong - nor right as it turns out.
First off, I did not read the previous book that takes readers on journey of how Hero & heroine met and fell in love, but I really don't feel like I missed anything and nor do I want to go back and read it.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!
In regards to safety, both Hero & heroine slept with others during the 5 year separation. Hero had also been engaged to Chloe for a few months and it is not mentioned if they slept together or not. In the present, there is no cheating, no OW/OM drama (aside from Hero & his feelings of guilt about the OW & what he thought he did).
So this is one of those that folks may be split in the middle. It was more of a 2 star read for me but I gave it a 3 only because at least author was a little original with Hero not actually cheating or having a kid with OW in the end. BUT, they still had other partners and were not celibate during the separation and that to me is a NO-NO in my fictional reads.... -
This book had some really cute and spicy pieces as part of the romance but the ending was really predictable. This is part of a series so I’m thinking the next one will help build on this story but since I haven’t gotten there I have to base this review on only this book which is why it’s just getting an “ok” rating.
Also worth noting, I listened to the book via audio and didn’t love the narrator either. I thought the voice she used for the guys was really bad and the voice for the girl main a little annoying. I think it would have been better as 2 narrators. This also impacted my rating of the book because it was difficult to get through.
🌀Synopsis
Farrah and Blake are studying abroad in Shanghai for a year. Their group of friends is so close knit and has a ton of fun together. Without planning or really any forward thinking the two fall into a wild romance. Blake brings our Farrah’s wild side and Farrah helps Blake to be more confident in himself.
One trip back to the states for the holidays will change their relationship forever. Blake makes a huge mistake and the consequences catch up to him in a couple of months. They break up and throw themselves into their studies to avoid each other.
As the both prepare to go back home permanently, it’s clear even though he made poor choices Blake really does love Farrah he’s just unable to let her know. -
4.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
“Farrah had always equated the stars with love, which seemed as nebulous and out of reach as the diamonds in the sky. But as she stood there next to Blake, beneath the infinite skies of a foreign land, the stars felt a little closer.”
Writing 5 Stars - The writing in this story is fantastic. Ana Huang has a beautiful way with words that made it so enjoyable to read this story.
Characters 3.5 Stars - I liked Farrah, but Blake was just okay. A lot of the things he said were corny and cheesy, which made it hard for me to connect with him. When he put down his guard and was sincere, he was absolutely sweet.
The supporting cast of characters were fun, but there were SO many of them. I lost track of who was with who, and who looked like what. It was often difficult to differentiate between them.
Plot 3 Stars - I had difficulty grasping any plot for most of the book. It kinda just felt like I was on a journey, which is fine, but for me it made the book a bit harder to enjoy.
Setting 5 Stars - I LOVED the setting. Every scene was painted well, and so many places in Shanghai were used as a backdrop.
Unputdownable factor 4 Stars - With the first 2/3 of the book, I never felt the strong urge to keep reading (possibly due to what I mentioned about the plot). But the last 1/3 of the book I read quickly.
Dialogue 5 Stars - Dialogue flowed well, no complaints.
In conclusion, you will enjoy this book if you enjoy well-written, slow burn romance novels with steamy heat that bring you on a journey. This book is the first in a duology, and doesn’t end in a happily ever after yet. It’s promised in book two though. I received an ARC from the author in exchange for this honest review.
“And now that she’d walked amongst the stars, how could she not believe in fate?” -
3.5⭐️ This book frustrated me so much because it had almost all of the tropes I despise BUT I was thoroughly entertained and I hope what Blake did isn’t actually true. 🤠
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This was very different than other Ana Huang novels. The characters are in college and it's typical sport jock x shy virgin trope.
Still it was enjoyable, quick read. Sometimes second hand embarrassment hit hard, but overall it was good. Recommend for reading slump, nice palette cleanser. 3/5⭐ -
3.25 🌟 - .75 🌶️
I love Ana Huang, so of course when I found out this series was NA I HAD to get them 🫶🏼 It was a cute, fast read, but I felt something missing. I understand that this was her debut novel, so maybe that was it, but I felt like the pacing throughout the story was off and had zero background for the characters, we are just kind of thrown in?? Other than that such a cute story and can’t wait to read the next one!! -
i cannot believe that the same author who wrote the twisted series wrote this garbage
this was not a love story
not even remotely
the heroine was a doormat (n ofc was a virgin)
the hero was an asshole and not in the fun way (obviously a manwhore)
i skimmed through the second book and it was equally horrible
after a five year gap
the hero was having a great sexlife, was famous and was getting everything he wanted
while the heroine was unemployed, hadn’t been in a relationship since the H, had been celibate for an year and also ofc hadn’t orgasmed since the hero
i mean what!??
i was really disappointed and never wanted to read another book by Ms. Huang
but since this horrible duet is from 2020
and the twisted series is from 2021
i can only hope the author has evolved and won’t be writing such bs ever again -
A new duet by a new-to-me-author. The story features two students who meet during a foreign year abroad study program. I found this one really appealing and enjoyed the sights and sounds of a new country along with the other students. There's a very diverse group of college-age students sharing the adventure and adding some angst and drama along the way.
Farrah and Blake are opposites in most every way, but you know what they say about opposites attracting! Not only is the story filled with adventure, wit and banter, but the chemistry and romance is steamy and true to a perfect first love until real life from home interrupts.
The story doesn’t end in a nicely wrapped-up package. It appears that readers will be waiting five years down the road for that to happen when the second book fast-tracks with a release on July 30, 2020. -
The beginning of the novel was hilarious! It had me smiling and giggling to myself like a fool! Sadly, I didn't care for the ending. As an avid reader of romances and second chance romances, I found the conflict overused. I wanted and expected something more.
With that being said, it was still a fun and steamy read. I can't wait to see how the story unfolds in the next novel.
***I would like to thank NetGalley, Ana Huang (the author), and Tantor Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.* -
4.5
All I have to say is that Ana Huang owns my ass and I ain’t even mad about it 💁🏽♀️😌 -
this is definitely on the tamer side for ana. it’s more of a love story, less smut than we are used to. while i still fell in love with the characters, i kind of wish the prologue was left out, because i think it kind of ruined the ending seeing as i saw it coming the whole time and it wasn’t as heart breaking as it could have been if we were left not knowing the whole time. like you literally are told they break up in the prologue, so what’s the point? i know the point is the sequel but still it’s just kinda silly to me to give that away. other than that i enjoyed their story and i will read the sequel eventually..
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If We Ever Meet Again tells the story of Farrah Lin and Blake Ryan; as both of them pack their lives in a suitcase and go to Shanghai to study abroad for seven months. Despite briefly knowing each other before, it isn’t until they’re miles away from home when they start getting closer and developing feelings for each other. This is the story of how they found love for the first time and how they learned it was wonderful, yet it can also destroy you in a minute.
The story starts off leaving you intrigued right away. You get a flash forward scene that’s very dramatic, and that’s how I spend the entirety of the book wondering what could have happened for that situation to take place at some point. That’s something I really liked, since flash forward scenes always have that mystery touch to them.
The pacing of the book is light and you get hooked right away by the author’s concise writing style. One thing I really enjoyed from this book was how invested both Farrah and Blake were on their respective dreams (hers being become an interior designer, and his opening a sports bar). The author developed their dreams in a very realistic way, and I loved how part of the story revolved around that.
Another element that added a great touch to the story was the friend group Farrah and Blake were a part of. Yes, we also have another six (I think… I suck at numbers though, so I might be wrong) people included in their friend group that have a big, important part of this story. I loved the found family kind of feeling they gave, always so supportive of each other and bringing fun scenes that made the reading experience better. Olivia and Sammy were probably my favorite ones out of the group, and the only one I didn’t like was Kris. She came off as superficial and whiny, and I didn’t see any development to her character as the book progressed.
Sadly, the romance between Farrah and Blake, despite being swoon-worthy, was kind of cliché for my taste. I felt like their love didn’t bring anything new to the table, and while they did made me swoon and the chemistry was definitely there, I felt like I was reading something I have already read (and seen in movies) before. As individuals, I liked them both. I loved to see Farrah leaving her fears behind and pursuing her dream, and Blake definitely had a great development compared to his first scenes where he was descripted as this apparently perfect boy.
The one thing that I didn’t like was that, while this is a book set in Shanghai, you can barely notice. Besides some Chinese food mentions, you barely get to learn anything about this wonderful city. I think the characters should have explored the city a little more and actually transport the reader to that place. Adding to this, we quickly learn that Farrah is of Chinese-descent, but… we don’t see that beyond her last name. I got the feeling that her culture was kind of erased, because there wasn’t anything about her that might give the reader the slightest hint that she’s actually of Chinese-descent, the same thing happens with her mother, and with her friend Kris that was Filipina, but we only got to know around 70% into the book through a direct statement in the narration. These two things were the ones that made me rate this book 3 stars.
Despite leaving a bittersweet aftertaste in me, I got connected with the characters. I got invested in Blake and Farrah’s story and definitely want to know what happens with them next. Though I don’t agree with some things from this book like those I mentioned and some very spoiler-y thing Blake does near the end, I believe this is a mostly light-hearted book with strong friendship bonds, lots of fighting for your dreams, and a swoony romance that will leaving you wanting more. I hope I can read the sequel, If The Sun Never Sets, once it comes out. -
**ARC provided by the author for an honest review**
Okay so here it goes....
One of the BEST romance books I’ve read thus far! The plot is different and unique. I love the culture incorporated in the story.
The details to everything is amazing! The descriptions were so well-written that I felt like I was actually there: seeing and feeling. Blake and Farrah...sigh. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil the story for others, but their love and passion is off the charts. I usually have a hard time connecting or liking both of the main characters, but this author did it. She did not disappoint! I was able to feel their love, their passion, their joy, their jealousy, their sadness, their story. Truly epic!
The story is well-written and developed. Everything flows beautifully.
A must read! Cannot wait for the second book! -
🔥 If We Ever Meet Again is now LIVE! 🔥
New opposites attract romance with plenty of banter, wanderlust, and steamy fun in the gorgeous city of Shanghai ♡
Read for FREE now in KU:
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https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ever-Meet-Ag...
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Universal ➜
https://books2read.com/u/4DWKRP -
-- Read this review, and others, on my blog
www.hookedbythatbook.com –
Farah and Blake met while they were one year of study in Shanghai. Blake is a football star, who decided to leave the game before he gets permanently injured, and he is at odds with his father over this decision. Farah and Blake start with some innocent flirting, but it soon develops into so much more, and Blake becomes Farah’s first lover.
This is Farah’s first real relationship, and it is very serious for her. Blake has left an ex-girlfriend behind, whom his family really likes and wants him to be with. He falls in love with Farah, but in the end that love wasn’t enough to keep them together when their year in Shanghai ended.
I loved Farah and Blake together. And I enjoyed their friends as well. These young people certainly made the most of their time away from home. The story was well written and a joy to read. The plot developed well and dialogue and actions flowed well. The book does end leaving you wanting more, because it’s not the end of Blake and Farah’s story. It might be worth it to wait for the second one and read both together, so you don’t have to wait in anguish.
It’s a great start to what will hopefully be a wonderful love story. I’m looking forward to finishing it.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. Any thoughts and opinions are my own. -
The synposis really caught my attention for the If Love series. This was a really quick read/listen. I thought that the narrators were good for this type of story. Cindy Kay and Aiden Snow (the narrators) kept my attention to continue listening to Blakes and Farrah's love story when studying abroad in Shanghai. There were parts within this that fell flat for me. I also personally didn't care for some of the different tropes within this series. Which sadly affected my rating. Though I did find some fault with this book, I cannot wait to continue the series.
My rating is 3.25 ⭐️
Thank you publishers from Tantor Audio and also NetGalley for this audiobook for an honest review. -
It was about time to read Ana’s backlog stories
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”It had been a morning of heart-wrenching farewells, but now she had to say the hardest goodbyes of all: to Shanghai and to the person she was here, in this place and time, knowing she’ll never be this way again.”
This was cute. This was an easy, cute read set in Shanghai, accompanying a bunch of college students during their year abroad. Honestly, given the fact that I just came back from my own semester abroad about five weeks ago, I’m probably a little biased, but the setting held a very special place in my heart. Because when you go for a semester (or year) abroad, you form such deep connections with other people in such a short timeframe - you live together, study together, spend all your free time together, and it just lends itself to a fully different pace than friendships and relationships in the real world do. All of that resonated very deeply with me as I’m still mourning my own experience coming to an end.
”Did Shanghai change them, or was it a mere footnote in the stories of their lives?”
To keep this short, what I liked:
✔️ the writing
✔️ found family trope aka their friend circle and generally, all the side characters
✔️the build up between farrah and blake while they lied to themselves and became closer with each other and the vulnerability between the two before they even get together (the macau trip hello)
✔️ hopeless romantic girlie making the cynical fuckboy believe in love trope
✔️ again, the whole “year abroad” setting
What I would have liked more of:
➖more of the side characters beyond them just being mentioned as being there, like, tell me about courtneys backstory and what’s up with nando and pls all the sammy content (but I know some of these will probably be answered in the two standalone books in this series)
➖more Shanghai content (idek if this is fair bc the author does mention it a lot and features the food and places around a lot but idk it still felt very *american* for a book set in China)
➖ on that note, more of an insight of how American-Born Chinese Farrah felt about living in China beyond that one conversation she had with Blake about her dad?
What I didn’t like:
❌ The whole Chloe plot. It felt fishy and, given how many romance novels I’ve read, I kinda thought there would be a solution coming before the end of the book (and therefore the time skip). I don’t believe blake actually slept with her - she was acting fishy in the flashbacks we got of the nye party and I 100% believe that it was a set up/trap to make him believe he had, maybe even to make him believe he was the father of her baby. Idk. Because if it wasn’t a set up and he ACTUALLY cheated on Farrah like that? It would be massively out of character, if you ask me.
❌ the whole lying break up “I need to make her hate me because she deserves better” thing like idk I just want everyone to always be honest -
DNF @ 27%
One of my biggest pet peeve’s is when a hero sleeps with some one else in a romance. Even if this is at the being when they are just friends. It brings me straight out of the story. Even if it’s just hinted at. I don’t know why it get me but I can’t seem connect with the relationship, especially when the heroine is not sleeping with someone else. If it was equal it would be different.
Blake was a clone of a character. Cocky football star but not really anything new and Farrah is your topical virginal heroine. -
I did not like this at all. It was predictable, I hated the male lead, I hated the way everyone handled any situation that came their way and I especially hated the fact that the book made such a massive deal out of Farrah being a 19 year old virgin. She was willing to ‘give it away’ to anyone just because she’d had no luck up to that point ??? Uhh that just doesn’t sit right with me at all.
Also *spoiler ahead* I have a really strong feeling that Cleo’s kid is not Blake’s and she lied to him about having sex on New Year’s.
Would not recommend. -
OMG Blake and Farrah!!!! a college romance set in Shanghai, I loved their romance, and their chemistry is so GOOD! its mentioned that the book can be read as a standalone, but honestly??? It can't, because we need to find out what happens to these people. Blakes life is about to change, and he had to make decisions, it was sad how things ended, but this book had me hooked. Can't wait to read book 2.
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3⭐️
I thought for sure this was going to be a 4 star rating until he cheated on her. WHY!!!!!
Blake was literally the best book boyfriend and was so in love with Farrah that I refuse to believe he cheated on her. Even if it was a drunken mistake. What an idiot. -
“Blake was lost, and he never wanted to be found.”
My very first Ana Huang books and I really like it!
This book is an emotional roller coaster, it’ll give you all the sweet moments that made you smile so wide but also give you moments that will make you cry so hard.
It’s a very light and quick read. I was captivated by the world building set in Shanghai – with all the foods and unique places.
The characters are likeable, Farrah’s character is my favorite. I also love their friendship gang despite only knowing each other for a year. They had fun and made good memories. It reminds me of my own friends.
The story is told in dual POV from both main characters, I listen to the audio book version and I really like both narrators. They deliver the stories well, especially the female narrator for Farrah. She’s very expressive and she sounded just like a real-life Farrah would in my mind.
The last few chapters really breaks my heart, I cried a few times reading about Farrah and Blake.
I have to admit I feel so disappointed with Blake near the ending, I would probably do the same thing as Farrah if I’m in her shoes.
Overall, it’s a good love story filled with sweet, angst and spicy moments.
I really enjoy listening to every chapters and that heart-breaking cliff-hanger makes me want to read the next book. -
4 ⭐️
I did really enjoy reading this, even though some parts were a little cringey and I didn’t like how Blake dealt with things but I need to read the second book ASAP! -
It took me 20 mins to read over 100 pages, I read maybe 30 pages. I wasted a good 3 hours of my life, do not waste yours with this book 2⭐️
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Ana Huang's origin story... I'm here for it, it was giving After by Anna Todd but a bit less mean up until the end with all of my least favourite tropes
