If not me then who?: a romantic saga

by Abhipsha Pattanaik

Genres: Romance, Love

172 pages, Paperback

Published August 4, 2025

Reviews

[Wandering Realm · Rating 3 out of 5]

What you are getting in there...
• Highschool YA Romance
• Betrayal & Heartbreaks
• Flirty banters
• Cute mmc
• Healing
• Short chapters, Fast pace story

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝐌𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
It was a quick read full of love, heartbreaks, jealousy, friendship, and lots of emotions.
This is the story of Hriday Raghuwanshi, a high school heartthrober who end up falling for dream girl, Arohi.
Except it was not as easy as it sounds.

Everything was so innocent and pure the whole time I didn't see the betrayal coming. Their chemistry was so fine that it hurt to think it was all a façade of happiness or normalcy.

Depiction of Hriday's struggling and healing phase was heart wrenching to read. Even though our sweet side characters, Veda and Madhav, were there for him it was still Hriday's battle to fight. To choose himself, his present and let go of past.

One of the exceptional thing I admire in Veda was how she didn't change for Hriday but made a version of herself that is only reserve for him. They were each other's home.

Writing style was good but even though there were multiple POVs I feel Arohi's and Siddharth monologues were not done right.

We get how she was so in love and next moment all of it was a lie? It left us questioning where things went wrong or when did she starts to drift apart, when all she wanted was to be loved. The one thought she had where she felt Hriday was not enough?

Where this all take Sid with his obsession with Arohi? Are we never getting those answers?

Overall it good read if you are looking for short YA Romance packed with cute banter, lots of dates and ofcourse heartbreaks.
.

[Chanchal Yadav · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn’t just about love,it’s about heartbreak, loss, and the slow, messy process of healing.

The story follows Hriday and Arohi, childhood friends whose bond grows into love. For a while, their world feels perfect… until one incident changes everything. What follows is Hriday’s struggle to live with memories of Arohi he can’t let go of.

Years later, Veda enters his life she is someone full of warmth and patience. But Hriday, still haunted by what he lost, pushes her away again and again. Her endurance his brokenness, and the silence between them make this story deeply emotional. And when he finally realizes what she means to him, it feels less like a love story and more like a journey of rediscovering life itself.

The writing is simple, heartfelt, and flows like a diary. It’s the kind of book that quietly tugs at you, reminding you that sometimes love isn’t about perfection it’s about second chances and the courage to begin again.

[Yasmeen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really tried to like it but couldn't, I just didn't like it and the story was just too predictable and the ending too. The problem is not the story the writing. I don't like it's to.....I don't know it felt off. I mean like bollywood movie type, it's okay but only twist was the betrayal.
I mean Arohi loved him and everything and literally cheated on him with his own bestfriend. I mean that bastard was jealous, so he should have confronted. What do you mean you slept with his girlfriend. Bro, that too his first love, while acting all supportive. You have a special place in hell. And miss Arohi, if you liked his best why act like you love him. Poor guy had a trauma because of you. I just hate those two characters.
And in the ending he ends up veda, which I am happy for. But why do guys need a girl to heal them, or a traumatized girl need a good guy to heal her. I am not against the healing but why does your partner needs to heal you

[PRITHVI Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Not Me, Then Who? feels less like a book and more like a quiet hand holding yours when you are tired of being strong. It speaks to the part of you that feels unseen, unheard, and constantly waiting for someone to show up. This book gently reminds you that choosing yourself is not selfish, it is survival.
The words are simple, yet they hit deep because they feel real. Every page feels like a reminder that healing begins the moment you stop abandoning yourself. It doesn’t promise miracles, but it gives courage—the kind that helps you stand up again, even when you feel broken.
This book stays with you long after you finish reading, not because it is loud, but because it is honest. A comforting read for anyone learning to put themselves first, without guilt.

[Swarupa Das · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes love stays, sometimes it leaves, but
true love always wins when you truly want the other person to stay. It’s not
just about holding someone close; it’s about setting them free too. Love is
the strongest when you wish for their happiness, even if it’s not beside you.
That’s the power of love, it shapes you, breaks you, and then rebuilds you
into someone new, someone softer yet stronger

Last part just broke me 💔

[Ishanika_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review;
This book isn’t about a perfect love story—it’s about the kind that lingers, aches, and leaves an imprint long after you’re done reading. With tender emotions and raw honesty, it captures the beauty and heartbreak of love and loss in a way that feels deeply personal. It’s not just a story you read, but one you feel, especially if you’ve ever carried the weight of unforgettable love.

[Shad · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice

[Areeba Noor · Rating 5 out of 5]

So captivating novel. I have enjoyed reading it.

[Jishant · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a good read, I would say "waste of time".
An amateur writer, tried her luck with a Bollywood frame, thought Genz's will attract towards it.
A disaster it is. Do not try.

[Nandha Kumaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so good......the only thing I will tell the readers is... just hold on to the book till end......you will end up loving it. you will just hug the book❤️🫶🥹

[Faraasat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if I'm happy reading it or not. But being veda was tough.

[Sushma Kumari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story. The sweet teenage romance. I loved how the book expressed the emotions. A typical teenage story. A boy got cheated by the girlfriend and his best friend, afraid to love again. But after two years a ray of light came and he pushed her away being scared of love. But she stayed, and when he pushed her harder, she picked her self-respect and left. When he realised, he followed her. The way the emotions are expressed in the story every single time—just loved it. I will rate this a 4