One year, two opposites, and a love that will blindside and, ultimately, shatter them.
She’s an aspiring interior designer who dreams of falling in love. He’s an ex-football star who thinks love is a con.
She’s a virgin, and he doesn’t do virgins. He’s cocky, infuriating, and not her type.
She wants the fairytale. He wants freedom.
Blake and Farrah shouldn’t have fallen for each other the way they did: totally, completely, and irrevocably.
Because they’re studying abroad in Shanghai, and they only have one year.
Because forces at home threaten to rip them apart, even if they don’t know it yet.
And because, eventually, they must face the most heartbreaking lesson they’ll ever learn: sometimes, even the greatest love can’t conquer all.
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 continues in book two, If the Sun Never Sets (due out July 2020), which takes place five years later. HEA guaranteed in book two.
If We Ever Meet Again is a slow burn New Adult contemporary romance. It contains profanity and explicit content. Recommended for 18+.
Ana Huang is a New York Times, USA Today, international, and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Best known for her Twisted series, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance with deliciously alpha heroes, strong heroines, and plenty of steam, angst, and swoon sprinkled in.
Her books have been sold to over two dozen foreign publishers for translation and featured in outlets such as NPR, Cosmopolitan, Financial Times, and Glamour UK.
A self-professed travel enthusiast, she loves incorporating beautiful destinations into her stories and will never say no to a good chai latte.
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
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!
well since my baby enemy shei exposed this review, i might as well change the rating to 1 star since it was absolutely TERRIBLE😩10/10 don’t recommend. i also don’t recommend reading my💩review😀
absolutely not😭cheating and a pregnancy trope? goodbye. i love ana huang….i just can’t believe she’s the same woman who wrote the twisted series. i didn’t like the writing style, these were her first books tho so that’s easy to overlook but omg idk. i didn’t like this book, i didn’t like the characters, i didn’t like the plot, i hated the third person, the tropes…but because i love ana so much i will stick with this series and see it through hoping that they get better as i continue. i know the second book is a duet to the first book so i’m not too excited considering i really didn’t like the characters at all…idk i just thought a lot of this was cringe and they fell in love so fast. 1 star.
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.
this book i can’t it hurts. ana huang i absolutely love you, i love all of your books but please no what was this? cheating and the pregnancy trope?! i really can’t, i’m mad, i’m hurt. i’m so beyond disappointed. i can’t fathom that you wrote this book. the only reason this is two stars is because Farrah slayed 😭 i have no more to say
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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. 🤠
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....
2.5-3 I’m so sad(and a littlle mad)???? farrah literally says TO BLAKE’S FACE that the one thing she’d never tolerate is the one thing he ends up doing and I’m supposed to what ? root for them in the second book???
3.5 ⭐️ you can 100% tell this isn’t Ana’s best work and after reading her new books its obvious how much she improved. even though this book is written in 3rd person i still enjoyed it and its a fast and fun read. i really enjoyed the friend group dinamic and the fact that they were 19/20y but WHY DID YOU TURNED BLAKE INTO A CHEATER ??? miss you need to pay for my therapy because its not normal how much i CRIED, i feel personally attacked that you ruined this man for me.
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.
“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?”
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!!
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⭐
(Spoiler!) the story was cute and all BUT then he cheated??!! And got the girl pregnant?? Omg I hated it and hated that he lied about it?! Also hate that I want to read the next book, because I honestly still hope they get their happy ending in book 2! So many mixed feelings ugh
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..
HOLY SH*T. I mean I LOVE me some Ana Huang.Twisted is one of my all time favorite series. But I absolutely feel Like “If Love” Is incredibly underrated.
While I found this book *slightly* juvenile (they were in college, the FMC is initially a virgin), the writing was amazing and I was immediately engrossed in the characters.
Blake and Farrah’s love story is amazing, and I have never been more grateful that book 2 was out already when I finished this.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
This was cute. At the ending of the book I did hear a little crack forming in my heart. So beautifully sad? Is that even a term? I don’t care if it isn’t. Yet again, it’s interconnected!! In this book there was a character from the Twisted series being mentioned. The character is connected with Farrah! I went fast throughout this book and I really enjoyed reading a romance like this again. Can’t wait to get my hands on the second book! Would recommend this. - Lars
I have a lot of theories about what is TRULY going on in Blake’s life, but it doesn’t make his (alleged) betrayal any easier to take. I feel sad for both him and Farrah, as his heart is breaking because he still loves her so much while hers is breaking because she thinks he never loved her at all.
If you can handle OWD, this is a really good story. It’ll stress you out and make you cry, but the characters and found family were great.
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.*