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tqsbookbfs's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kathsia's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
brookeblais2's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
anxiousandreading's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
The characters are young and dumb in the best (and messiest) of ways. Some parts were repetitive (tell me she’s 19 one more time, and I’m gonna scream), but this group of college kids had me hooked with all their study abroad adventures and friendship dynamics. Already can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
shaysshelf's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
If We Ever Meet Again took me by surprise. I dove into it completely blind, knowing only that I had enjoyed Ana Huang's Twisted and Kings of Sin series. While I was led to believe this series leaned more towards YA, I would argue it falls in the NA category. The characters are in college, and there's definitely some spice to the story.
One of the most surprising aspects was discovering that this is not a standalone novel. Although I knew it was the first book in a series, I assumed each book would feature different characters. However, this continuity has made me even more eager to dive into book two.
The story has a reminiscent quality of Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, and I anticipate this parallel will become even more pronounced in the sequel based on certain plot developments.
Farrah and Blake's relationship is beautifully developed. Their transition from friends to lovers is smooth, comfortable, and entirely believable. Blake, in particular, stood out to me. His journey of self-discovery and creating a new path for himself was exactly what I hoped for, right up until the plot twist. While I wished for more growth from Farrah in this installment, I suspect her character arc will expand further in the next book.
A special thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC of this re-release. I can't wait to see where Farrah and Blake's story goes next!
One of the most surprising aspects was discovering that this is not a standalone novel. Although I knew it was the first book in a series, I assumed each book would feature different characters. However, this continuity has made me even more eager to dive into book two.
The story has a reminiscent quality of Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, and I anticipate this parallel will become even more pronounced in the sequel based on certain plot developments.
Farrah and Blake's relationship is beautifully developed. Their transition from friends to lovers is smooth, comfortable, and entirely believable. Blake, in particular, stood out to me. His journey of self-discovery and creating a new path for himself was exactly what I hoped for, right up until the plot twist. While I wished for more growth from Farrah in this installment, I suspect her character arc will expand further in the next book.
A special thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC of this re-release. I can't wait to see where Farrah and Blake's story goes next!
_koreen_'s review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was book was very cute. I love a good banter between love interests lol. However I do feel like some parts of the book were lacking . I still think it’s a good book and I mean Ana Huang knows how to write a book boyfriend lol I just wish it had a little more idk umph?
This is just my opinion and I still recommend you give this book a try❤️
Thank you NetGalley and Ana , for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ❤️
This is just my opinion and I still recommend you give this book a try❤️
Thank you NetGalley and Ana , for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ❤️
lololovesthings's review against another edition
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars.
Ana Huang's "If We Ever Meet Again" is a predictable dual POV, dual timeline romance with a lot of drama and some steam, but it still kept me entertained the entire time I read it. Farrah and Blake begin their year abroad in Shanghai in a contestable acquaintanceship that eventually becomes more as they develop feelings for each other. Them not liking each other at first leads to some very witty banter and funny moments, but also so miscommunication. Blake was a football star who has since quit, much to his father's dismay. He now dreams of opening a sports bar but is unsure how to do so since his future seems a little aimless. Farrah is a design student with a big heart and even bigger dreams. They seem like polar opposites, but the more they are thrust together with their adjoining friend groups, the more they find they belong with one another. This book is cute at times and heartbreaking at others. A little spice is thrown in for good measure, which I found to be well-written and s3xy! Huang allows her audience to get to know Farrah and Blake as individuals before they come together in a romantic sense (which is all the more reason why you'll hate Blake at the end of this book!). I like that Huang doesn't shy away from using Shanghai as a character in its own right. She fills her pages with vivid descriptions of Chinese culture, landmarks, food, and customs, so much so that I felt immersed in the city itself. I also like how Farrah and Blake's friends feel like real people and not just characters thrown on the page to find scenarios for the protagonists to get together, and they are never heard from again. Despite being a rather short book page-wise, it still feels like it could have been shorter as it can get repetitive here and there. As I mentioned, I haaaaaated Blake by the end of the book, but just know going into it it ends on a cliffhanger, so I have a feeling I know where it's all going (like I said, it's predictable)! I will definitely be reading the rest of this series. TW: cheating.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ana Huang, and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Ana Huang's "If We Ever Meet Again" is a predictable dual POV, dual timeline romance with a lot of drama and some steam, but it still kept me entertained the entire time I read it. Farrah and Blake begin their year abroad in Shanghai in a contestable acquaintanceship that eventually becomes more as they develop feelings for each other. Them not liking each other at first leads to some very witty banter and funny moments, but also so miscommunication. Blake was a football star who has since quit, much to his father's dismay. He now dreams of opening a sports bar but is unsure how to do so since his future seems a little aimless. Farrah is a design student with a big heart and even bigger dreams. They seem like polar opposites, but the more they are thrust together with their adjoining friend groups, the more they find they belong with one another. This book is cute at times and heartbreaking at others. A little spice is thrown in for good measure, which I found to be well-written and s3xy! Huang allows her audience to get to know Farrah and Blake as individuals before they come together in a romantic sense (which is all the more reason why you'll hate Blake at the end of this book!). I like that Huang doesn't shy away from using Shanghai as a character in its own right. She fills her pages with vivid descriptions of Chinese culture, landmarks, food, and customs, so much so that I felt immersed in the city itself. I also like how Farrah and Blake's friends feel like real people and not just characters thrown on the page to find scenarios for the protagonists to get together, and they are never heard from again. Despite being a rather short book page-wise, it still feels like it could have been shorter as it can get repetitive here and there. As I mentioned, I haaaaaated Blake by the end of the book, but just know going into it it ends on a cliffhanger, so I have a feeling I know where it's all going (like I said, it's predictable)! I will definitely be reading the rest of this series. TW: cheating.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ana Huang, and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
sikensmanicpixiegf's review against another edition
3.0
Ana Huang's If We Ever Meet Again is a heartfelt tale of first love unfolding in the bustling city of Shanghai.
The story follows Farrah and Blake, two endearing characters whose romance blossoms slowly yet passionately. Set against the backdrop of Shanghai, their journey is filled with moments of joy, discovery, confusion, and a touch of sadness.
Farrah, a diligent design student, and Blake, a former college football star navigating his future, are portrayed as unique individuals who find common ground in their shared values, humor, and aspirations. Their mutual support and encouragement create a touching dynamic that resonates throughout the narrative, showcasing their growth and bond as a couple.
Huang's vivid descriptions of Shanghai and other Chinese locales enhance the story's ambiance, immersing the reader in a world of romance and adventure. The supporting cast of characters, particularly their group of friends, adds layers of humor and camaraderie, enriching the overall narrative.
Although quite an interesting read, this book did feel flat for me in some ways. especially the third act break up that really exasperated me. But other than that, an okay read overall!
Thanks to Netgalley ane the publisher for the arc!
The story follows Farrah and Blake, two endearing characters whose romance blossoms slowly yet passionately. Set against the backdrop of Shanghai, their journey is filled with moments of joy, discovery, confusion, and a touch of sadness.
Farrah, a diligent design student, and Blake, a former college football star navigating his future, are portrayed as unique individuals who find common ground in their shared values, humor, and aspirations. Their mutual support and encouragement create a touching dynamic that resonates throughout the narrative, showcasing their growth and bond as a couple.
Huang's vivid descriptions of Shanghai and other Chinese locales enhance the story's ambiance, immersing the reader in a world of romance and adventure. The supporting cast of characters, particularly their group of friends, adds layers of humor and camaraderie, enriching the overall narrative.
Although quite an interesting read, this book did feel flat for me in some ways. especially the third act break up that really exasperated me. But other than that, an okay read overall!
Thanks to Netgalley ane the publisher for the arc!