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What If It's You?: A Novel
Everyone wonders about the one that got away . . . and thanks to an alternate reality tech project, one woman will get the chance to actually find out.
When Laurel Everett finds a ring in her longtime boyfriend Ollie's sock drawer, she should be thrilled . . . so why is she left wondering "what if?" Specifically, what if she'd taken up her work crush, Drew, on his offer of a date just after she and Ollie got together? Thanks to her job at tech giant Pixel, she might have a way to answer that question through the AltR project, which promises users a glimpse of alternate realities. Or it will, once the quantum computers it relies on get more powerful.
When the program actually works and Laurel wakes up five years into her life with Drew, she's fascinated . . . then increasingly horrified as she continues to slip between that world and her "real" life seemingly at random. As she moves back and forth between the two worlds, Laurel realizes choosing the right life might not be as simple as deciding between two men and the different visions of happiness they offer. And if she doesn't find a way to untangle herself from the quantum mess she's unleashed, she might wind up stuck in the wrong life, or worse, deleted entirely like a faulty line of code. . . .
When Laurel Everett finds a ring in her longtime boyfriend Ollie's sock drawer, she should be thrilled . . . so why is she left wondering "what if?" Specifically, what if she'd taken up her work crush, Drew, on his offer of a date just after she and Ollie got together? Thanks to her job at tech giant Pixel, she might have a way to answer that question through the AltR project, which promises users a glimpse of alternate realities. Or it will, once the quantum computers it relies on get more powerful.
When the program actually works and Laurel wakes up five years into her life with Drew, she's fascinated . . . then increasingly horrified as she continues to slip between that world and her "real" life seemingly at random. As she moves back and forth between the two worlds, Laurel realizes choosing the right life might not be as simple as deciding between two men and the different visions of happiness they offer. And if she doesn't find a way to untangle herself from the quantum mess she's unleashed, she might wind up stuck in the wrong life, or worse, deleted entirely like a faulty line of code. . . .
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First published May 13, 2025
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About the author
Jilly Gagnon
9 books430 followers**Please note I rarely check messages here -- find me on instagram, @jillygagnon, for contact!**
Jilly Gagnon is the author of the young adult novel #famous and the suspense novel All Dressed Up. Her work has appeared in Newsweek, Elle, Vanity Fair, The Toast, The Hairpin, The Huffington Post, and McSweeney's Internet Tendency, among others.
She lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her two cats. She loves terrible television and well-crafted Manhattans.
Jilly Gagnon is the author of the young adult novel #famous and the suspense novel All Dressed Up. Her work has appeared in Newsweek, Elle, Vanity Fair, The Toast, The Hairpin, The Huffington Post, and McSweeney's Internet Tendency, among others.
She lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her two cats. She loves terrible television and well-crafted Manhattans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
May 31, 2025
⤿ 👩🏻💻16/05/25
dnf @45%. I just want my 3 days back that I tried getting into this book and connect with the characters. This one was not for me. If you know me, you know that I rarely do DNFs. For starters this one was way too, I mean WAY TOO filled with quantum physics info dump which at a point made my brain fog, I completely zoned out atleast a couple of times (I hated studying physics back at school, so no wonder) It made the insomniac me fall asleep 😃 Honestly speaking, I do not give a damn or care about the characters. None of them made me feel like the time invested in was worth it. The FMC was insufferable, she is sooo selfish, whiny and entitled. I so badly wanted to knock some sense on her pea-sized brain. Like what do you mean that you are not sure about your feelings for your current boyfriend who is with you for 5 years but then you also wish you were with your colleague instead of your boyfriend?! I despise cheating in all the forms, even staring at another he/she and thinking thoughts you aren't supposed to when you have got a partner already. Because it's better to end the relationship than hurting the other person by cheating or making them feel unwanted. And the MMCs, I do not even know what to say about them 😶 If you liked this book, good for you. All this book did was put me back into the slumpy hole I escaped a week ago 😒
Thank you to Random House Publishing & Netgalley for this ARC inexchange for an honest review!!
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
⤿ 👩🏻💻13/05/25
me and love traingle don't do well, it's a known fact 🌚 this one kind of sounds like the W: Two Worlds Apart x Lovely Runner Kdrama 🤩 hoping it's going to be good but I'll still keep my expectations at bay 😶
P.S. SOS SEND HELP. I have 4 arcs that are releasing today including this, and I only picked two to read 😃🔫 WHY DID I REQUEST FOR TOO MANY ARCS WHEN I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER TO KEEP UP WITH THEM 😭
dnf @45%. I just want my 3 days back that I tried getting into this book and connect with the characters. This one was not for me. If you know me, you know that I rarely do DNFs. For starters this one was way too, I mean WAY TOO filled with quantum physics info dump which at a point made my brain fog, I completely zoned out atleast a couple of times (I hated studying physics back at school, so no wonder) It made the insomniac me fall asleep 😃 Honestly speaking, I do not give a damn or care about the characters. None of them made me feel like the time invested in was worth it. The FMC was insufferable, she is sooo selfish, whiny and entitled. I so badly wanted to knock some sense on her pea-sized brain. Like what do you mean that you are not sure about your feelings for your current boyfriend who is with you for 5 years but then you also wish you were with your colleague instead of your boyfriend?! I despise cheating in all the forms, even staring at another he/she and thinking thoughts you aren't supposed to when you have got a partner already. Because it's better to end the relationship than hurting the other person by cheating or making them feel unwanted. And the MMCs, I do not even know what to say about them 😶 If you liked this book, good for you. All this book did was put me back into the slumpy hole I escaped a week ago 😒
Thank you to Random House Publishing & Netgalley for this ARC inexchange for an honest review!!
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
⤿ 👩🏻💻13/05/25
me and love traingle don't do well, it's a known fact 🌚 this one kind of sounds like the W: Two Worlds Apart x Lovely Runner Kdrama 🤩 hoping it's going to be good but I'll still keep my expectations at bay 😶
P.S. SOS SEND HELP. I have 4 arcs that are releasing today including this, and I only picked two to read 😃🔫 WHY DID I REQUEST FOR TOO MANY ARCS WHEN I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER TO KEEP UP WITH THEM 😭
June 2, 2025
i actually really enjoyed this. for the physics. and the sci fi elements. i did not, however, consider this to be much of a romance. i do love a good second chance moment (if we want to call this book that), but when i really get down to the brass tacks there just wasn't a lot of on page relationship development.
much of the story was our heroine being rightfully freaked out about the stuff happening to her, and as a result clinging to her current relationship. i'm glad that she learned to appreciate her very sweet boyfriend, but it didn't feel particularly revelatory. i think this would have been cooler had it been just a little more unexpected. using these same concepts but having the outcomes be a little different.
i will say though, i did really appreciate the epilogue. that did in fact feel pretty damn romantic.
much of the story was our heroine being rightfully freaked out about the stuff happening to her, and as a result clinging to her current relationship. i'm glad that she learned to appreciate her very sweet boyfriend, but it didn't feel particularly revelatory. i think this would have been cooler had it been just a little more unexpected. using these same concepts but having the outcomes be a little different.
i will say though, i did really appreciate the epilogue. that did in fact feel pretty damn romantic.
February 28, 2025
3.5🌟
Don’t we all think about the what ifs? The road not taken?
Laurel and Ollie have reached that pivotal point in their relationship. Their next step being a potential engagement and marriage. And Laurel is freaking out. Suddenly questioning if this is the future she truly wants.
Then, in some parallel universe…
Laurel wakes the next morning to discover it’s her coworker Drew in bed beside her, not Ollie! (ummm...Awkward!) Is this the life and future she secretly imagined?
Ok Laurel, it’s time to make a choice.
Loved the premise! That fork in the road…and what your life may have looked like. Is it better? Worse? Is the grass really greener on the other side?
Only Laurel can answer that!
Unfortunately, the story gets bogged down in tedious discussions of quantum physics and AI (and I mean a lot!). To the point where my eyes, as well as my brain, blurred over😵💫 leaving me no choice but to skim those parts.
Perhaps a bit more romance and thought provoking moments and a lot less mind-bending science?💁🏼♀️ But that’s just me!
The ending took me a minute to wrap my head around, (and if I truly understood it properly) then well done!😅
Spice meter: 🌶️🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine
Don’t we all think about the what ifs? The road not taken?
Laurel and Ollie have reached that pivotal point in their relationship. Their next step being a potential engagement and marriage. And Laurel is freaking out. Suddenly questioning if this is the future she truly wants.
Then, in some parallel universe…
Laurel wakes the next morning to discover it’s her coworker Drew in bed beside her, not Ollie! (ummm...Awkward!) Is this the life and future she secretly imagined?
Ok Laurel, it’s time to make a choice.
Loved the premise! That fork in the road…and what your life may have looked like. Is it better? Worse? Is the grass really greener on the other side?
Only Laurel can answer that!
Unfortunately, the story gets bogged down in tedious discussions of quantum physics and AI (and I mean a lot!). To the point where my eyes, as well as my brain, blurred over😵💫 leaving me no choice but to skim those parts.
Perhaps a bit more romance and thought provoking moments and a lot less mind-bending science?💁🏼♀️ But that’s just me!
The ending took me a minute to wrap my head around, (and if I truly understood it properly) then well done!😅
Spice meter: 🌶️🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine
September 23, 2024
"In What If It’s You" by Jilly Gagnon masterfully blends romance, science fiction, and self-reflection into a story that’s equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking. The premise is instantly intriguing: Laurel Everett, at a critical point in her relationship, stumbles upon an engagement ring in her boyfriend Ollie’s drawer. Instead of joy, she’s overwhelmed with doubts, leading her to question what might have happened if she’d taken up a former colleague, Drew, on his offer of a date five years ago. And thanks to a cutting-edge tech project at her company, she doesn’t just wonder—she gets to experience that alternate path.
Gagnon’s use of the AltR project is clever, offering Laurel a glimpse into a parallel life with Drew while still anchored in her "real" world with Ollie. As Laurel toggles between these two versions of her life, the novel delves deeper than just the classic love triangle. It’s less about choosing between two men and more about Laurel’s journey to discover what she truly wants for herself.
What sets this book apart is its focus on personal growth. Laurel’s slipping between timelines allows her to examine who she’s become, how her relationships have shaped her, and whether she’s been truly honest with herself. Gagnon balances the romance with a sharp look at identity, fulfillment, and the anxieties we all face about life’s big decisions.
While the sci-fi elements might initially seem daunting, they’re woven seamlessly into the plot, enhancing the emotional stakes without overwhelming the reader. The alternate realities aren’t just a gimmick; they push Laurel to confront her choices, desires, and fears in a way that feels both modern and relatable.
Overall: "What If It’s You " is a refreshing and insightful take on the classic “what if” scenario, offering a delightful blend of romance and self-discovery. Jilly Gagnon delivers a story that not only asks what could have been but forces the reader to reflect on the complexities of choice, love, and the paths we take. Fans of character-driven narratives and smart romantic fiction will find this a thoroughly satisfying read.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group/Ballentine for sharing this gripping sci-fi romance's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange of my honest thoughts that I highly appreciate.
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Gagnon’s use of the AltR project is clever, offering Laurel a glimpse into a parallel life with Drew while still anchored in her "real" world with Ollie. As Laurel toggles between these two versions of her life, the novel delves deeper than just the classic love triangle. It’s less about choosing between two men and more about Laurel’s journey to discover what she truly wants for herself.
What sets this book apart is its focus on personal growth. Laurel’s slipping between timelines allows her to examine who she’s become, how her relationships have shaped her, and whether she’s been truly honest with herself. Gagnon balances the romance with a sharp look at identity, fulfillment, and the anxieties we all face about life’s big decisions.
While the sci-fi elements might initially seem daunting, they’re woven seamlessly into the plot, enhancing the emotional stakes without overwhelming the reader. The alternate realities aren’t just a gimmick; they push Laurel to confront her choices, desires, and fears in a way that feels both modern and relatable.
Overall: "What If It’s You " is a refreshing and insightful take on the classic “what if” scenario, offering a delightful blend of romance and self-discovery. Jilly Gagnon delivers a story that not only asks what could have been but forces the reader to reflect on the complexities of choice, love, and the paths we take. Fans of character-driven narratives and smart romantic fiction will find this a thoroughly satisfying read.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group/Ballentine for sharing this gripping sci-fi romance's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange of my honest thoughts that I highly appreciate.
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dnf
May 12, 2025dnf @ 22%
the vibes were not vibing 😭 i didn’t like laurel at all and i just finished another book with a parallel universe so i fear my brain can’t do another one so soon
the vibes were not vibing 😭 i didn’t like laurel at all and i just finished another book with a parallel universe so i fear my brain can’t do another one so soon
September 22, 2024
as a what if girly with a penchant for drawing up 837373637276382 hypothetical scenarios, this was a treat
but also a massive attack at my personality tbh 😆 quantum physics, multiverse, corporate girlboss? bro this is me in a book
but also a massive attack at my personality tbh 😆 quantum physics, multiverse, corporate girlboss? bro this is me in a book
March 3, 2025
After enjoying the author's previous work, I was instantly curious about this one — and it did not disappoint. The premise hooked me right away, touching on one of those profound what if? questions we've all pondered at some point in our lives (I know I have). From the first page, I was completely swept up, devouring every word.
Laurel was such a relatable main character. Even with the presence of a love triangle — something I'm not usually a fan of — this story never veered into uncomfortable territory. The multidimensional aspect had me glued to the pages as she traversed between two versions of her life. I felt every moment of her confusion, fear, heartbreak, and longing right alongside her.
I'll be the first to admit — I know next to nothing about quantum physics, and Schrödinger's Cat makes my brain hurt. Science is not my thing. But the author wove those elements in seamlessly without ever making it feel overwhelming. And don't worry — the spicy bits definitely held their own.
As this story came to its conclusion it held me in a vice of emotions. That ending? Absolute perfection. I closed the book with a happy sigh and a full heart.
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Laurel was such a relatable main character. Even with the presence of a love triangle — something I'm not usually a fan of — this story never veered into uncomfortable territory. The multidimensional aspect had me glued to the pages as she traversed between two versions of her life. I felt every moment of her confusion, fear, heartbreak, and longing right alongside her.
I'll be the first to admit — I know next to nothing about quantum physics, and Schrödinger's Cat makes my brain hurt. Science is not my thing. But the author wove those elements in seamlessly without ever making it feel overwhelming. And don't worry — the spicy bits definitely held their own.
As this story came to its conclusion it held me in a vice of emotions. That ending? Absolute perfection. I closed the book with a happy sigh and a full heart.
Single POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
April 14, 2025
This book is science fiction meets romance plus quantum physics in a way that went so, SO wrong. Unfortunately this review is not going to be positive and I’m sorry considering I really enjoyed Gagnon’s last romance. I have to say, I don’t think I’d read future books from her after how much I disliked What If It’s You.
My biggest issues were the characters and lack of development. The story is very plot driven and tries to give some character depth but without the development, what even was the point of mentioning Laurel’s mommy issues? Laurel just isn’t a likable or well rounded character. I truly didn’t want her to be with Ollie or Drew. Home girl needed major therapy and some alone time to realize what she wants. Drew was so condescending in world D and disappointing. And Ollie was just a meh bf to me like too mellow and go with the flow. Her lack of self awareness and self growth came too little too late.
The science talk was WAYYY too detailed. I’m smart, but it lost me. The idea of AltR could’ve been done better if it didn’t try so hard to lean into the quantum physics aspects. Also, Dana felt like a fairly useless character. I didn’t like her and it didn’t really feel like it was super useful to the plot. The heavy science pages I had to skim because my eyes were glazing over.
This book has 3 open door spicy scenes. And each one made me CRINGE. It felt very newbie-written by someone who doesn’t normally write spice so I felt like it happened to quick and then weird character moments right after. It just gave me the massive ick.
I appreciated the epilogue, which Love You, Mean It didn’t have. It was the redeeming quality of this book. I honestly could’ve DNF’d.
Thank you to NetGalley & Dell for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
My biggest issues were the characters and lack of development. The story is very plot driven and tries to give some character depth but without the development, what even was the point of mentioning Laurel’s mommy issues? Laurel just isn’t a likable or well rounded character. I truly didn’t want her to be with Ollie or Drew. Home girl needed major therapy and some alone time to realize what she wants. Drew was so condescending in world D and disappointing. And Ollie was just a meh bf to me like too mellow and go with the flow. Her lack of self awareness and self growth came too little too late.
The science talk was WAYYY too detailed. I’m smart, but it lost me. The idea of AltR could’ve been done better if it didn’t try so hard to lean into the quantum physics aspects. Also, Dana felt like a fairly useless character. I didn’t like her and it didn’t really feel like it was super useful to the plot. The heavy science pages I had to skim because my eyes were glazing over.
This book has 3 open door spicy scenes. And each one made me CRINGE. It felt very newbie-written by someone who doesn’t normally write spice so I felt like it happened to quick and then weird character moments right after. It just gave me the massive ick.
I appreciated the epilogue, which Love You, Mean It didn’t have. It was the redeeming quality of this book. I honestly could’ve DNF’d.
Thank you to NetGalley & Dell for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 5, 2024
Laurel finds an engagement ring hidden at the back of her boyfriend’s drawer, the scares her because she isn’t quite sure about the whole “forever“ thing. She works at Pixel, a social media company, and has a flirtatious relationship with a coworker named Drew. Drew has developed an AI that uses quantum mechanics to explore alternate universe theory. He allows her to use a virtual reality program to alter certain points in the past, and she wakes up in a completely different time stream.
This book wasn’t for me, I wasn’t really excited about the romance, the love triangle, and the alternate universe theory and explanation into quantum physics was just too much. There was so much explanation about the physics of alternate universes that my eyes glazed over a bit. I read an advanced copy of another book that explores this type of sliding doors/butterfly effect/vanilla sky “the one that got away“ storyline, and I really loved that book. “Some other time” by Angela Brown comes out in February, I rated that five stars, this one is such a similar theme, but comes out a few months later. It’s difficult with a romance when you aren’t really rooting for the main character to end up with the male main character. This book was just missing something for me. But it could be for people that understand this and are very into quantum physics and understand it better than I do.
Thanks to NetGalley and random house for the ARC. Book to be published May 13, 2025.
This book wasn’t for me, I wasn’t really excited about the romance, the love triangle, and the alternate universe theory and explanation into quantum physics was just too much. There was so much explanation about the physics of alternate universes that my eyes glazed over a bit. I read an advanced copy of another book that explores this type of sliding doors/butterfly effect/vanilla sky “the one that got away“ storyline, and I really loved that book. “Some other time” by Angela Brown comes out in February, I rated that five stars, this one is such a similar theme, but comes out a few months later. It’s difficult with a romance when you aren’t really rooting for the main character to end up with the male main character. This book was just missing something for me. But it could be for people that understand this and are very into quantum physics and understand it better than I do.
Thanks to NetGalley and random house for the ARC. Book to be published May 13, 2025.
May 30, 2025
Laurel, questioning her relationship with Ollie, uses the AltR project to explore an alternate reality with her coworker Drew. However, she becomes trapped between the two worlds, forcing her to confront the complexities of her choices.
While I liked Gagnon’s previous book, Love You, Mean It, I found What If It's You? to be rather boring, on top of a few other issues. One of the earlier problems I bumped into was the "science info dump" at the beginning. It took on the air of the author stepping in, with glasses nudged up the nose, to interrupt this previously scheduled narrative...to try and simplify quantum physics. Plus, this featured my least favorite of those buzzword narrative crutches — Schrödinger’s cat. If I go my entire life without having this cliché scenario mentioned in my novels, it would be only a bonus.
I also struggled with the characters — they felt a little too pat, and while they and the story weren't entirely predictable, nothing about them felt thoughtful or intentional. Rather, this felt more like something to just get through.
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This affected neither my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
While I liked Gagnon’s previous book, Love You, Mean It, I found What If It's You? to be rather boring, on top of a few other issues. One of the earlier problems I bumped into was the "science info dump" at the beginning. It took on the air of the author stepping in, with glasses nudged up the nose, to interrupt this previously scheduled narrative...to try and simplify quantum physics. Plus, this featured my least favorite of those buzzword narrative crutches — Schrödinger’s cat. If I go my entire life without having this cliché scenario mentioned in my novels, it would be only a bonus.
I also struggled with the characters — they felt a little too pat, and while they and the story weren't entirely predictable, nothing about them felt thoughtful or intentional. Rather, this felt more like something to just get through.
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This affected neither my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
November 5, 2025
It comes out on May 13 2025!!!
My fav genres combined: Women’s fiction and romance.
Have you ever thought if you had taken that job offer? If you had decided on a gap year instead of University? If you gave that guy a chance? Like all of us, Laurel, our FMC is also plagued by those thoughts, especially when she finds an engagement ring from her bf, Oliver, in the sock drawer.
Is she going to say yes? She doesn’t think she’s ready yet. What if she had taken Drew’s —her ex work crush — offer on a date in the beginning of her relationship? Thanks to her new project at work, AltR,an alternate reality simulator powered by a quantum computer, maybe she could find the answers to the past. She puts her inflection point, 5 years ago, IF she had gone on that date with Drew, what would happen? The simulation didn’t work. A glitch. I guess that’s her answer. It’s not meant to be..
To her surprise, it did work, the quantum computer keeps calculating, giving out possibilities. Simulation becomes reality. She wakes up to Drew, not Ollie. As she is slipping between two worlds, Laurel needs to decide where she wants to be. Who she wants to be with. And, can she love the wrong man forever if she chooses wrong?
Alternate realities romance is always interesting. It gives humor to my thoughts of what ifs. It has the perfect amount of romance and fiction although i wouldnt complain for more scenes with you know who. I’m not going to spoil what reality she picks. I also love we see more physics related alternate reality romance. Usually, it’s coded in magical realism, where it’s not really explained or it’s a black hole or it’s magic. But, Gagnon dives into quantum computers and its relation to quantum physics, which i appreciate.
Thank you NetGalley and Dell Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own
My fav genres combined: Women’s fiction and romance.
Have you ever thought if you had taken that job offer? If you had decided on a gap year instead of University? If you gave that guy a chance? Like all of us, Laurel, our FMC is also plagued by those thoughts, especially when she finds an engagement ring from her bf, Oliver, in the sock drawer.
Is she going to say yes? She doesn’t think she’s ready yet. What if she had taken Drew’s —her ex work crush — offer on a date in the beginning of her relationship? Thanks to her new project at work, AltR,an alternate reality simulator powered by a quantum computer, maybe she could find the answers to the past. She puts her inflection point, 5 years ago, IF she had gone on that date with Drew, what would happen? The simulation didn’t work. A glitch. I guess that’s her answer. It’s not meant to be..
To her surprise, it did work, the quantum computer keeps calculating, giving out possibilities. Simulation becomes reality. She wakes up to Drew, not Ollie. As she is slipping between two worlds, Laurel needs to decide where she wants to be. Who she wants to be with. And, can she love the wrong man forever if she chooses wrong?
Alternate realities romance is always interesting. It gives humor to my thoughts of what ifs. It has the perfect amount of romance and fiction although i wouldnt complain for more scenes with you know who. I’m not going to spoil what reality she picks. I also love we see more physics related alternate reality romance. Usually, it’s coded in magical realism, where it’s not really explained or it’s a black hole or it’s magic. But, Gagnon dives into quantum computers and its relation to quantum physics, which i appreciate.
Thank you NetGalley and Dell Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own
October 11, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for putting a little more romance on my bookshelf!
Who hasn’t looked back and wondered “what if”? Even a life without regrets must still have some questions right?
Nervous to take the next step with her boyfriend Ollie, Laurel Everett wonders how her life would be different if she had taken a romantic step with friend and colleague Drew instead of dating Ollie. Funny enough, Drew is working on a computer program that….well….I don’t really understand, there are quantum computers involved and all of a sudden Laurel gets to live the version of her life that she would have had if she had spent the last few years with Drew. As she falls between both realities Laurel learns about herself, her relationships and what she really wants out of life - if she can ever stay in one existence long enough.
The premise of this book is great, I especially loved the sci-fi elements.Unfortunately, this didn’t work for me as a romance and I didn’t find Luarel to be a strong main character. I never quite understood where she was coming from and just generally did not love her personality. Usually when I come away with a good romance I want to spend more time with the characters, I can see myself hanging out with them. Here, I just wanted Laurel and Drew to go away and Ollie wasn’t doing much for me either. Now that I think about it the fact that Laurel didn’t have any female friends should have been a red flag for me. When you think your boyfriend is going to propose and you’re freaking out you call your gal pal, not go to work. She is portrayed as a workaholic even that characterization isn’t really fleshed out.
This is a 2.5 rounded up to 3 because I love the sci-fi take on time travel romance.
Who hasn’t looked back and wondered “what if”? Even a life without regrets must still have some questions right?
Nervous to take the next step with her boyfriend Ollie, Laurel Everett wonders how her life would be different if she had taken a romantic step with friend and colleague Drew instead of dating Ollie. Funny enough, Drew is working on a computer program that….well….I don’t really understand, there are quantum computers involved and all of a sudden Laurel gets to live the version of her life that she would have had if she had spent the last few years with Drew. As she falls between both realities Laurel learns about herself, her relationships and what she really wants out of life - if she can ever stay in one existence long enough.
The premise of this book is great, I especially loved the sci-fi elements.Unfortunately, this didn’t work for me as a romance and I didn’t find Luarel to be a strong main character. I never quite understood where she was coming from and just generally did not love her personality. Usually when I come away with a good romance I want to spend more time with the characters, I can see myself hanging out with them. Here, I just wanted Laurel and Drew to go away and Ollie wasn’t doing much for me either. Now that I think about it the fact that Laurel didn’t have any female friends should have been a red flag for me. When you think your boyfriend is going to propose and you’re freaking out you call your gal pal, not go to work. She is portrayed as a workaholic even that characterization isn’t really fleshed out.
This is a 2.5 rounded up to 3 because I love the sci-fi take on time travel romance.
August 29, 2025
This book was ok but not for me. I was hoping for an interesting second-chance romance but what I got was a flat no romance anywhere with an annoying FMC. I did like the tech, was an interesting idea. If you like red-flag FMC and futuristic technology, you will prob like this book.
..................SPOILER SUMMARY AHEAD.................
The FMC is in a committed relationship but decides it's boring because the MMC does repetitive nice things for her all the time (but it's not her fault at all in her opinion with no communication to him). So now she wants to date someone else that asked her out years ago, that she never even dated. So I'm not sure how this is a second-chance romance if there wasn't a first chance.
The FMC basically uses tech to run a simulation and decides the other guy isn't what she wanted either but all of a sudden is MADLY IN LOVE with the MMC. So she goes from being revolted by the MMC in the beginning to being madly in love after finding out the other guy isn't what she thought he would be like. So many red flags, MMC should RUN.
*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
..................SPOILER SUMMARY AHEAD.................
The FMC is in a committed relationship but decides it's boring because the MMC does repetitive nice things for her all the time (but it's not her fault at all in her opinion with no communication to him). So now she wants to date someone else that asked her out years ago, that she never even dated. So I'm not sure how this is a second-chance romance if there wasn't a first chance.
The FMC basically uses tech to run a simulation and decides the other guy isn't what she wanted either but all of a sudden is MADLY IN LOVE with the MMC. So she goes from being revolted by the MMC in the beginning to being madly in love after finding out the other guy isn't what she thought he would be like. So many red flags, MMC should RUN.
*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
October 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this romance that explored the possibility of alternate worlds. This book's premise is the what if scenario of making a different choice than the one you originally made. Laurel is afraid to commit to her longtime boyfriend, Ollie. She works at a tech company and the opportunity comes up where she can explore what life would have been like if she had said yes to a coworker instead. The problem comes when she actually gets stuck in the other life.
This type of premise is always fascinating to me and I thought this author did a great job explaining what it would be like. Laurel was an interesting character and I enjoyed reading about her choices. There were some steamy romance scenes in the book as well. I also liked the pacing of the book. I never got bored with it or lost interest. This was a solid read with a tech aspect to it that made it more interesting than just a regular romance.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for this ARC.
This type of premise is always fascinating to me and I thought this author did a great job explaining what it would be like. Laurel was an interesting character and I enjoyed reading about her choices. There were some steamy romance scenes in the book as well. I also liked the pacing of the book. I never got bored with it or lost interest. This was a solid read with a tech aspect to it that made it more interesting than just a regular romance.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for this ARC.
October 21, 2024
In all honesty this one was hard to get into for me. It starts off slow and then builds on the quantum physics of the plot and I found it very easy to get lost in. Laurel finds herself spiraling on the what ifs when the proposition of forever is placed in front of her and she can’t let go. Once she can see what would have been if she said yes to Drew 5 years ago, she has to make a choice on what life was right for her. One of my favorite quotes from this book is “sometimes outsiders have the clearest view of the thing” I did enjoy that she essentially was an outsider looking into her own life and that helped her ask more important internal questions about the person she wanted to become. I really enjoyed the epilogue and how what’s meant to be will always find its way.
July 11, 2025
⅘ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What If It’s You?
Author: Jilly Gagnon
This book felt like a Black Mirror episode turned into a romance novel. I’ll admit, at first I was nervous it was heading in a direction I wouldn’t enjoy, but I was completely wrong. Everything, right down to the epilogue, was perfection. Jilly, you really had me stressed for a second. Laurel is a successful marketing exec who has been with her boyfriend Ollie for five years. When she finds an engagement ring, she panics. Still haunted by a past connection with her coworker Drew, she agrees to test secret quantum tech that sends her into an alternate life where she is with him instead. As she shifts between the two timelines, Laurel starts to question which version of her life feels most real. This was such a smart, emotional, and unique rom-com. I loved the tech and science elements. Thank you Random House Publishing for my copy!
What If It’s You?
Author: Jilly Gagnon
This book felt like a Black Mirror episode turned into a romance novel. I’ll admit, at first I was nervous it was heading in a direction I wouldn’t enjoy, but I was completely wrong. Everything, right down to the epilogue, was perfection. Jilly, you really had me stressed for a second. Laurel is a successful marketing exec who has been with her boyfriend Ollie for five years. When she finds an engagement ring, she panics. Still haunted by a past connection with her coworker Drew, she agrees to test secret quantum tech that sends her into an alternate life where she is with him instead. As she shifts between the two timelines, Laurel starts to question which version of her life feels most real. This was such a smart, emotional, and unique rom-com. I loved the tech and science elements. Thank you Random House Publishing for my copy!
August 17, 2025
What If It’s You? is such a clever, heartfelt, and utterly addictive read. Laurel’s journey between two lives; one with her longtime boyfriend and one with her work crush, is full of humor, heart, and high-stakes tension thanks to the brilliant AltR project concept. Jilly Gagnon perfectly balances romance, self-discovery, and sci-fi twists, making this a story that’s impossible to put down. By the end, I was cheering, swooning, and completely moved, and definitely one of my favorite reads of the year!
March 5, 2025
Being honest here- this was just not my jam. Look, I love a little sci-fi and romance, but there was something about this book that just did not make me enjoy it as much as I should have. That is totally my opinion, but I think that you're into sci-fi heavy romance, this would be perfect for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the arc!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the arc!
June 16, 2025
Very quantum physics heavy, but author was great at explaining it to the average Joe. There’s a lot of internal struggles the main character has, and very cyclical. Ending was not what I was expecting, but still cuttteeee. Loving the science and romance overlap.
dnfs
March 2, 2025DNF @ 13%
I love the multiverse but not on a scientific level loll. And I honestly don’t want to root for the mc, she pmo
I love the multiverse but not on a scientific level loll. And I honestly don’t want to root for the mc, she pmo
May 20, 2025
Jilly Gagnon's latest novel, "What If It's You?", blends romance with speculative science fiction to explore a question many of us have pondered: what if we had chosen differently in love? The premise is enticing—who hasn't wondered about the road not taken, especially when it comes to relationships? Through protagonist Laurel Everett's accidental quantum entanglement between two possible lives, Gagnon delivers a story that's both thoughtful and frustrating, with flashes of brilliance hampered by uneven execution.
Laurel finds herself ping-ponging between two realities: one where she's with her longtime boyfriend Ollie, a struggling musician with a poet's soul, and another where she's built a life with Drew, a brilliant but emotionally distant tech genius. As she navigates these parallel existences, Laurel must determine not just which man she wants, but which version of herself she wants to be.
The High Points: Where Gagnon Shines
Gagnon's greatest strength lies in her ability to craft authentic, complicated relationships. The novel excels when exploring the complexities of long-term love versus the shininess of what might have been.
The depiction of long-term relationship dynamics feels refreshingly real. Laurel and Ollie's five-year relationship isn't portrayed through rose-colored glasses—it has elements of both comfort and complacency, deep connection and taking each other for granted. Their familiarity with each other's quirks and habits feels lived-in, with moments ranging from adorable morning serenades to the subtle resentments that build when one partner consistently shapes their life around the other's goals.
The central sci-fi concept of AltR—a technology that allows users to glimpse alternate realities—is cleverly integrated into the plot. The quantum computing foundation gives the "what if" premise a plausible technological framework that elevates it beyond a typical romance trope. The technological explanations, while sometimes oversimplified, remain engaging without overwhelming the story.
Perhaps most impressively, the novel avoids the trap of making either man a clear villain or hero. Both Ollie and Drew have genuine appeal, and both relationships have authentic flaws—Drew's life with Laurel offers stability and success but lacks spontaneity, while Ollie's existence with her has warmth and passion but financial uncertainty. This nuance keeps readers guessing about which reality might ultimately be better for Laurel.
Where the Novel Falters
Despite its intriguing premise, "What If It's You?" struggles with pacing and character development issues that prevent it from fully realizing its potential.
Laurel herself is frustratingly passive for much of the story. While her confusion and anxiety about unexpectedly shifting between realities makes sense, her indecisiveness often feels less like a character trait and more like a plot device to extend the narrative. Her realization that she's allowed Ollie to sacrifice his dreams for hers, while revelatory, comes too late and feels too convenient.
The novel's middle section becomes repetitive, with Laurel shifting between realities multiple times without significant plot advancement. These scenes create a sense of wheel-spinning that dulls the impact of her eventual choice. The technology's rules also seem inconsistent, changing to serve the plot rather than operating on established principles.
A notable stumbling block is the imbalance between the two potential lives. The "World D" reality with Drew feels less fully realized than Laurel's life with Ollie, making the ultimate choice feel somewhat predetermined. Despite attempts to show Drew's positive qualities, he never quite emerges as a three-dimensional character in the way Ollie does.
The resolution, while emotionally satisfying, relies too heavily on convenient plot developments and an unclear "fix" for Laurel's quantum dilemma. The explanation of how she ultimately resolves her situation feels rushed and underdeveloped compared to the care taken establishing the problem.
Writing Style and Tone
Gagnon's prose is accessible and conversational, with moments of genuine wit and emotional insight. Her writing particularly shines in descriptive passages and dialogue that capture the complicated mixture of love, frustration, and tenderness that characterize long-term relationships.
The first-person narration effectively puts readers in Laurel's confused state as she navigates her dual existence, though it occasionally leaves secondary characters feeling underdeveloped. Scenes of intimacy between the characters are tastefully handled while maintaining authentic emotional impact.
However, the novel sometimes leans too heavily on telling rather than showing, particularly when explaining Laurel's feelings about her situation. This creates distance during moments when deeper immersion would strengthen the emotional stakes.
The Quantum Physics Element: Science Meets Romance
The novel's most distinctive feature—its quantum computing backdrop—is both a strength and weakness. The concept of AltR provides an engaging framework for exploring alternate lives, but the scientific explanations occasionally feel shaky, particularly for readers with knowledge of quantum mechanics.
The character of Dana Howell, a theoretical physicist who helps Laurel understand her situation, is a welcome addition who brings both scientific credibility and dry humor to the narrative. Her matter-of-fact approach to Laurel's impossible situation creates some of the novel's most entertaining exchanges.
While the quantum mechanics aren't fully developed, they serve their narrative purpose adequately, creating a plausible enough mechanism for Laurel's reality-hopping. Readers primarily interested in the romance aspects will find the scientific elements sufficient without being distracting.
Themes and Takeaways
Beyond its central romance, "What If It's You?" explores several compelling themes:
- The difference between caretaking and control in relationships
- The price of playing it safe versus pursuing creative passions
- How we compromise who we are for the people we love
- Whether happiness comes from circumstances or personal choices
These deeper questions elevate the novel above a simple love triangle story, giving readers something substantial to consider alongside the romantic elements.
Perhaps the most resonant theme is how our choices shape not just our own lives but the lives of those around us. Laurel's discovery that Ollie sacrificed his musical career for their relationship, while in the alternate timeline he became a successful artist without her, creates genuine emotional complexity that strengthens the final act.
Final Verdict: Mixed Reality, Mixed Results
"What If It's You?" delivers an engaging premise with moments of genuine emotional insight, but struggles with pacing issues and underdeveloped scientific concepts. The novel's exploration of long-term love versus paths not taken resonates, even when its execution falters.
Ultimately, "What If It's You?" is worth reading for romance fans interested in a speculative twist on the genre, or for readers who enjoy contemplating how different choices might lead to radically different lives. Though it doesn't fully capitalize on its promising premise, the novel offers enough emotional truths and engaging moments to make the journey worthwhile.
Those seeking a perfectly executed sci-fi romance may be disappointed, but readers willing to overlook some logical inconsistencies will find a thoughtful exploration of love, choice, and personal growth that lingers after the final page.
Laurel finds herself ping-ponging between two realities: one where she's with her longtime boyfriend Ollie, a struggling musician with a poet's soul, and another where she's built a life with Drew, a brilliant but emotionally distant tech genius. As she navigates these parallel existences, Laurel must determine not just which man she wants, but which version of herself she wants to be.
The High Points: Where Gagnon Shines
Gagnon's greatest strength lies in her ability to craft authentic, complicated relationships. The novel excels when exploring the complexities of long-term love versus the shininess of what might have been.
The depiction of long-term relationship dynamics feels refreshingly real. Laurel and Ollie's five-year relationship isn't portrayed through rose-colored glasses—it has elements of both comfort and complacency, deep connection and taking each other for granted. Their familiarity with each other's quirks and habits feels lived-in, with moments ranging from adorable morning serenades to the subtle resentments that build when one partner consistently shapes their life around the other's goals.
The central sci-fi concept of AltR—a technology that allows users to glimpse alternate realities—is cleverly integrated into the plot. The quantum computing foundation gives the "what if" premise a plausible technological framework that elevates it beyond a typical romance trope. The technological explanations, while sometimes oversimplified, remain engaging without overwhelming the story.
Perhaps most impressively, the novel avoids the trap of making either man a clear villain or hero. Both Ollie and Drew have genuine appeal, and both relationships have authentic flaws—Drew's life with Laurel offers stability and success but lacks spontaneity, while Ollie's existence with her has warmth and passion but financial uncertainty. This nuance keeps readers guessing about which reality might ultimately be better for Laurel.
Where the Novel Falters
Despite its intriguing premise, "What If It's You?" struggles with pacing and character development issues that prevent it from fully realizing its potential.
Laurel herself is frustratingly passive for much of the story. While her confusion and anxiety about unexpectedly shifting between realities makes sense, her indecisiveness often feels less like a character trait and more like a plot device to extend the narrative. Her realization that she's allowed Ollie to sacrifice his dreams for hers, while revelatory, comes too late and feels too convenient.
The novel's middle section becomes repetitive, with Laurel shifting between realities multiple times without significant plot advancement. These scenes create a sense of wheel-spinning that dulls the impact of her eventual choice. The technology's rules also seem inconsistent, changing to serve the plot rather than operating on established principles.
A notable stumbling block is the imbalance between the two potential lives. The "World D" reality with Drew feels less fully realized than Laurel's life with Ollie, making the ultimate choice feel somewhat predetermined. Despite attempts to show Drew's positive qualities, he never quite emerges as a three-dimensional character in the way Ollie does.
The resolution, while emotionally satisfying, relies too heavily on convenient plot developments and an unclear "fix" for Laurel's quantum dilemma. The explanation of how she ultimately resolves her situation feels rushed and underdeveloped compared to the care taken establishing the problem.
Writing Style and Tone
Gagnon's prose is accessible and conversational, with moments of genuine wit and emotional insight. Her writing particularly shines in descriptive passages and dialogue that capture the complicated mixture of love, frustration, and tenderness that characterize long-term relationships.
The first-person narration effectively puts readers in Laurel's confused state as she navigates her dual existence, though it occasionally leaves secondary characters feeling underdeveloped. Scenes of intimacy between the characters are tastefully handled while maintaining authentic emotional impact.
However, the novel sometimes leans too heavily on telling rather than showing, particularly when explaining Laurel's feelings about her situation. This creates distance during moments when deeper immersion would strengthen the emotional stakes.
The Quantum Physics Element: Science Meets Romance
The novel's most distinctive feature—its quantum computing backdrop—is both a strength and weakness. The concept of AltR provides an engaging framework for exploring alternate lives, but the scientific explanations occasionally feel shaky, particularly for readers with knowledge of quantum mechanics.
The character of Dana Howell, a theoretical physicist who helps Laurel understand her situation, is a welcome addition who brings both scientific credibility and dry humor to the narrative. Her matter-of-fact approach to Laurel's impossible situation creates some of the novel's most entertaining exchanges.
While the quantum mechanics aren't fully developed, they serve their narrative purpose adequately, creating a plausible enough mechanism for Laurel's reality-hopping. Readers primarily interested in the romance aspects will find the scientific elements sufficient without being distracting.
Themes and Takeaways
Beyond its central romance, "What If It's You?" explores several compelling themes:
- The difference between caretaking and control in relationships
- The price of playing it safe versus pursuing creative passions
- How we compromise who we are for the people we love
- Whether happiness comes from circumstances or personal choices
These deeper questions elevate the novel above a simple love triangle story, giving readers something substantial to consider alongside the romantic elements.
Perhaps the most resonant theme is how our choices shape not just our own lives but the lives of those around us. Laurel's discovery that Ollie sacrificed his musical career for their relationship, while in the alternate timeline he became a successful artist without her, creates genuine emotional complexity that strengthens the final act.
Final Verdict: Mixed Reality, Mixed Results
"What If It's You?" delivers an engaging premise with moments of genuine emotional insight, but struggles with pacing issues and underdeveloped scientific concepts. The novel's exploration of long-term love versus paths not taken resonates, even when its execution falters.
Ultimately, "What If It's You?" is worth reading for romance fans interested in a speculative twist on the genre, or for readers who enjoy contemplating how different choices might lead to radically different lives. Though it doesn't fully capitalize on its promising premise, the novel offers enough emotional truths and engaging moments to make the journey worthwhile.
Those seeking a perfectly executed sci-fi romance may be disappointed, but readers willing to overlook some logical inconsistencies will find a thoughtful exploration of love, choice, and personal growth that lingers after the final page.
June 21, 2025
Give me alllllll the sci-fi, AI romance! I could live in this universe! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we get more af AltR because I want more adventures!!
May 11, 2025
Don't be fooled by the illustrated cover! This book is very scifi and quantum physics/the multiverse are a huge aspect of the narrative. As a sciencey gal, I loved it and was able to suspend reality to enjoy the tech aspects without overthinking them.
Though this book falls in the Romance category, I think it is so much more about the FMC's relationship with herself than it is with either of the two MMCs. Many reviews have called her selfish and unlikeable, but I actually do think that is an IRL pitfall of being in a long-term relationship that could be very relatable to other readers.
All critiques are pedantic because I really did enjoy this read - but the MIT professor addition felt unnecessary. I also found the brief references to her parents' relationship left me wanting more on how that thread itself through her relationships more.
Big thanks to Random House | Dell, Jilly Gagnon, and NetGalley for providing the eARC!
Though this book falls in the Romance category, I think it is so much more about the FMC's relationship with herself than it is with either of the two MMCs. Many reviews have called her selfish and unlikeable, but I actually do think that is an IRL pitfall of being in a long-term relationship that could be very relatable to other readers.
All critiques are pedantic because I really did enjoy this read - but the MIT professor addition felt unnecessary. I also found the brief references to her parents' relationship left me wanting more on how that thread itself through her relationships more.
Big thanks to Random House | Dell, Jilly Gagnon, and NetGalley for providing the eARC!
September 16, 2024
This was the first romance in a long time that actually had me questioning whether the main character would get their happily ever after—but in a good way!
Synopsis: Laurel is a marketer at a social media company and is killing it at work. She has some childhood baggage and a funny and kind BF who maybe doesn't quite meet his potential. When she finds an engagement ring in his sock drawer, she starts spiraling (hello, anxiety my old friend) and wonders how anyone actually knows they're "meant to be." She specifically wonders what would have happened if she'd said "yes" to a date from a friendly coworker years before. With the help of AltR, a new AI program at work that gives users a glimpse into a possible alternate reality, she has a chance to find out.
I loved this book and am SO grateful I was able to snag an ARC to read and review. It's a "smart" romance (I kind of hate that descriptor, but I'm not sure how else to word it) in that it has some science themes (think Ali Hazelwood), but it also goes really deep into the main character's emotions, motivations, and childhood traumas. I don't have a science background, but the quantum-related parts also worked well for me.
Do not recommend getting 3/4 of the way through right before bed or you, like me, might end up staying up too late on a work night.
Synopsis: Laurel is a marketer at a social media company and is killing it at work. She has some childhood baggage and a funny and kind BF who maybe doesn't quite meet his potential. When she finds an engagement ring in his sock drawer, she starts spiraling (hello, anxiety my old friend) and wonders how anyone actually knows they're "meant to be." She specifically wonders what would have happened if she'd said "yes" to a date from a friendly coworker years before. With the help of AltR, a new AI program at work that gives users a glimpse into a possible alternate reality, she has a chance to find out.
I loved this book and am SO grateful I was able to snag an ARC to read and review. It's a "smart" romance (I kind of hate that descriptor, but I'm not sure how else to word it) in that it has some science themes (think Ali Hazelwood), but it also goes really deep into the main character's emotions, motivations, and childhood traumas. I don't have a science background, but the quantum-related parts also worked well for me.
Do not recommend getting 3/4 of the way through right before bed or you, like me, might end up staying up too late on a work night.
October 13, 2024
- ARC REVIEW -
I was sucked into this book literally from the first sentence. If you need a book to get you out of a reading slump, this one will grasp your hand and drag you right out of that sad reading hole from page one.
Laurel, the FMC, has some of the funniest and most relatable internal dialogue I’ve ever read. I kept asking myself, “Am I her? Is she me? Are we all like this??” If you are an anxious overthinking girly - you will absolutely relate.
If you like a strong, female character who doesn’t need to be “saved”, but is intelligent, witty, a little anxious, and funny as all hell, you’ll love Laurel like I did.
This story felt like a more modern version of Freaky Friday….except the only person Laurel is trading lives with is….herself.
This is such a unique and fun way of presenting and pursuing the “what if’s” that have crossed through everyone’s minds at some point in time.
I kept imagining this plot as a movie - and I hope we get to meet Laurel, Ollie, and Dean on the big screen. I’m already making casting decisions in my head…
I was sucked into this book literally from the first sentence. If you need a book to get you out of a reading slump, this one will grasp your hand and drag you right out of that sad reading hole from page one.
Laurel, the FMC, has some of the funniest and most relatable internal dialogue I’ve ever read. I kept asking myself, “Am I her? Is she me? Are we all like this??” If you are an anxious overthinking girly - you will absolutely relate.
If you like a strong, female character who doesn’t need to be “saved”, but is intelligent, witty, a little anxious, and funny as all hell, you’ll love Laurel like I did.
This story felt like a more modern version of Freaky Friday….except the only person Laurel is trading lives with is….herself.
This is such a unique and fun way of presenting and pursuing the “what if’s” that have crossed through everyone’s minds at some point in time.
I kept imagining this plot as a movie - and I hope we get to meet Laurel, Ollie, and Dean on the big screen. I’m already making casting decisions in my head…
September 22, 2024
honestly, I felt like I needed to be much smarter to understand this book. In theory the concept was fun and interesting. It kind of was like sliding doors that Gwyneth Paltrow movie but in actuality, I was confused for at least 25% and I wasn’t sure if Laurel was going to actually have a happy ending for a minute there. But she did and I really loved her character growth. She was a little unlikable for a minute and then we got to see her growth and her development which I loved. The epilogue was a really fun little treat that I wasn’t expecting and was was really well done.
October 20, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️ (rounding up for Goodreads)
I received this ARC from NetGalley and I was super excited about the premise. This is a modern spin on the classic “what if” trope. Laurel feels relatable because of her apprehension of the future and what she what’s for herself which feels very Zilellenial. I also really love a story where you don’t know if the character will get a happy ending so it kept me on the edge of my seat.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and I was super excited about the premise. This is a modern spin on the classic “what if” trope. Laurel feels relatable because of her apprehension of the future and what she what’s for herself which feels very Zilellenial. I also really love a story where you don’t know if the character will get a happy ending so it kept me on the edge of my seat.
Want to read
November 23, 2024A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
May 8, 2025
3.5⭐
LIKED:
- The whole premise. I am such a sucker for the trope of “seeing how your life would have played out if you had made a decision differently” and I just love the *possibilities*. I have some thoughts on the execution I’ll put in the following section, but as for ideas, I did really enjoy thai one. And the addition of the quantum computer was some silly sci-fi I liked tbh.
- I liked Laurel. I liked being in her head, following her through her decisions. I related to her a lot. I think it would have been nice to learn a thing or two more about her (what she likes, another friend, etc.) but this book had a lot it was trying to accomplish, so I get it. I just think we learn she maybe wanted to be a romance writer and then it’s a thread that isn’t really followed through with which was a bummer.
- Surprisingly, I do think that the pacing of this book works pretty well. It’s tough with a kind of dual timeline, but it never felt unbalanced in one direction or the other. It also always felt like it was barreling towards a goal, which made sense.
- The epilogue is a top tier epilogue. It was the most emotional part of the book for me and the POV change from 1st to 3rd was brilliant. It made my heart warm.
- This title really works. I don’t think it’s the most creative title on the planet but it works really well.
LAMENTED:
- Now for the execution: I think this book sold more than it could deliver. Again, the idea, the premise - so good. But…I don’t care for these men. I know that’s not the point of the book, this is Laurel’s book. But this book kind of straddles the genre line of Romance and Women’s Fiction but not super gracefully. It feels like it doesn’t fully commit to either and leaves me wanting for both. I still enjoyed it quite a bit, but I was really left wanting more.
- RE: Not caring for these men - that is what really keeps it from succeeding as a romance. Without spoiling anything, the appeal of one of these men is supposed to be greater and more evident or impactful to inform many of Laurel’s decisions and he is just…not? I didn’t really believe that they were/are meant for each other by the end that much. I can get behind it, but it wasn’t really hitting for me. And the other one just made me angry. And the two versions of him just did not match, which, again, part of the point, but it felt like there needed to be a bit more tethering between the two.
- I get why she had the communications with the MIT professor, but I don’t think she added that much to the story and could have been edited or removed entirely. Also, minor thing but…would knowing that this woman’s childhood crush was The Rock really be all that much of a key to getting to talk to her? Give me a real deep cut first celebrity crush.
- The cover is just…wrong?? Laurel is supposed to have a bob with one of these men. Change her hair! And also, if I read correctly in the descriptions of the men, in my personal opinion, the men should be flipped.
LONGED FOR:
- More reason to be invested in the men or the romance in general. Especially one of them.
- A cover that matches the character descriptions in the book.
- More understanding of what Laurel wanted out of her life. Both big and small.
Will I read the next one? : Maybe. Jilly Gagnon is a seasoned writer so I’ll be keeping an eye out.
*Thank you to Random House & Netgalley for providing this ARC!
LIKED:
- The whole premise. I am such a sucker for the trope of “seeing how your life would have played out if you had made a decision differently” and I just love the *possibilities*. I have some thoughts on the execution I’ll put in the following section, but as for ideas, I did really enjoy thai one. And the addition of the quantum computer was some silly sci-fi I liked tbh.
- I liked Laurel. I liked being in her head, following her through her decisions. I related to her a lot. I think it would have been nice to learn a thing or two more about her (what she likes, another friend, etc.) but this book had a lot it was trying to accomplish, so I get it. I just think we learn she maybe wanted to be a romance writer and then it’s a thread that isn’t really followed through with which was a bummer.
- Surprisingly, I do think that the pacing of this book works pretty well. It’s tough with a kind of dual timeline, but it never felt unbalanced in one direction or the other. It also always felt like it was barreling towards a goal, which made sense.
- The epilogue is a top tier epilogue. It was the most emotional part of the book for me and the POV change from 1st to 3rd was brilliant. It made my heart warm.
- This title really works. I don’t think it’s the most creative title on the planet but it works really well.
LAMENTED:
- Now for the execution: I think this book sold more than it could deliver. Again, the idea, the premise - so good. But…I don’t care for these men. I know that’s not the point of the book, this is Laurel’s book. But this book kind of straddles the genre line of Romance and Women’s Fiction but not super gracefully. It feels like it doesn’t fully commit to either and leaves me wanting for both. I still enjoyed it quite a bit, but I was really left wanting more.
- RE: Not caring for these men - that is what really keeps it from succeeding as a romance. Without spoiling anything, the appeal of one of these men is supposed to be greater and more evident or impactful to inform many of Laurel’s decisions and he is just…not? I didn’t really believe that they were/are meant for each other by the end that much. I can get behind it, but it wasn’t really hitting for me. And the other one just made me angry. And the two versions of him just did not match, which, again, part of the point, but it felt like there needed to be a bit more tethering between the two.
- I get why she had the communications with the MIT professor, but I don’t think she added that much to the story and could have been edited or removed entirely. Also, minor thing but…would knowing that this woman’s childhood crush was The Rock really be all that much of a key to getting to talk to her? Give me a real deep cut first celebrity crush.
- The cover is just…wrong?? Laurel is supposed to have a bob with one of these men. Change her hair! And also, if I read correctly in the descriptions of the men, in my personal opinion, the men should be flipped.
LONGED FOR:
- More reason to be invested in the men or the romance in general. Especially one of them.
- A cover that matches the character descriptions in the book.
- More understanding of what Laurel wanted out of her life. Both big and small.
Will I read the next one? : Maybe. Jilly Gagnon is a seasoned writer so I’ll be keeping an eye out.
*Thank you to Random House & Netgalley for providing this ARC!
May 26, 2025
This book asks the age-old question, "What would my life be like if I chose [insert alternative life choice here]" and (spoiler?) answers it the same way every book to approach the subject ever has, namely, "Your current life choices are the best ones you could've picked, the grass isn't greener, stop thinking about it, etc." An incurious and rote conclusion, if I've ever heard one!
But what is this book about? Thanks for asking. I'll tell you all about it.
Laurel Everett works in marketing at Meta—oops, I mean, Pixel—a company developing a virtual reality headset, AltR (get it? alter?), that allows you to see what your life would have been like had you chosen a different path in the past. Conveniently, she has a loving, albeit boring, long-term boyfriend who wants to get married—what could be worse?! Now, she needs to go back in the past to the point when her work friend, Ollie, asked her out, and choose to date him instead.
Would I recommend this? Not particularly. If you've never read a book before, you might have something to gain. But in a reality (hehe) where other books exist, I think you can do better.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
But what is this book about? Thanks for asking. I'll tell you all about it.
Laurel Everett works in marketing at Meta—oops, I mean, Pixel—a company developing a virtual reality headset, AltR (get it? alter?), that allows you to see what your life would have been like had you chosen a different path in the past. Conveniently, she has a loving, albeit boring, long-term boyfriend who wants to get married—what could be worse?! Now, she needs to go back in the past to the point when her work friend, Ollie, asked her out, and choose to date him instead.
Would I recommend this? Not particularly. If you've never read a book before, you might have something to gain. But in a reality (hehe) where other books exist, I think you can do better.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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