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If Not You
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Expected 15 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
19 days and 23:37:07
10 copies available
U.S. only
Five years of history. Four weeks on the road. Two rival copywriters learning love is the hardest sell of all.
Mattie French has always known how to tell a good story. It’s why she stopped at nothing to land her dream career as a copywriter at a scrappy independent advertising agency. In fact, if it weren’t for one person, Mattie would probably be the most-talked-about rising star in town.
Campbell Porter is a senior copywriter at Chicago’s slickest agency. Absurdly talented, incredibly aware of it, and the bane of Mattie’s existence since they were interns together, Campbell is always just…there, with his golden-boy smirk and the familiar gaze that never fails to taunt her across a crowded room.
Mattie would love nothing more than to avoid Campbell forever. But when their agencies are pitted against each other to compete for a luxury resort account, it’s her chance to prove she can beat him—and earn the promotion she covets.
During the month of travel required for the pitch, Mattie and Campbell are thrown together as fierce competitors and, slowly, as unexpected witnesses to each other’s hidden wounds and softest parts. As their trip barrels toward its final pitch, Mattie is forced to confront the increasingly obvious the story she’s crafted for her and Campbell over the years might need a new ending.
Mattie French has always known how to tell a good story. It’s why she stopped at nothing to land her dream career as a copywriter at a scrappy independent advertising agency. In fact, if it weren’t for one person, Mattie would probably be the most-talked-about rising star in town.
Campbell Porter is a senior copywriter at Chicago’s slickest agency. Absurdly talented, incredibly aware of it, and the bane of Mattie’s existence since they were interns together, Campbell is always just…there, with his golden-boy smirk and the familiar gaze that never fails to taunt her across a crowded room.
Mattie would love nothing more than to avoid Campbell forever. But when their agencies are pitted against each other to compete for a luxury resort account, it’s her chance to prove she can beat him—and earn the promotion she covets.
During the month of travel required for the pitch, Mattie and Campbell are thrown together as fierce competitors and, slowly, as unexpected witnesses to each other’s hidden wounds and softest parts. As their trip barrels toward its final pitch, Mattie is forced to confront the increasingly obvious the story she’s crafted for her and Campbell over the years might need a new ending.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 15, 2026
5754 people want to read
About the author
Ellen O'Clover
6 books645 followersEllen O’Clover writes stories about love, identity, and belonging for both teens and adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If Not You kept me hooked from start to finish! I don’t even like dual timelines, and yet I was eating this up. The writing was engaging, the dialogue was fun, and the chemistry was sizzling.
The tension and the pining were chef’s kiss. The romance made my heart melt, and I was so fully invested that I stayed up way too late finishing it. If you liked The Hating Game, you’ll probably love this too!
Tropes: Forced proximity | He falls first | Rivals to lovers
─ ✦ ────
✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: I’m 25% into this and I’ve been so gripped I actually forgot to make an update! If the tension keeps escalating at this rate, I totally expect to be giggling and kicking my feet soon 🤭 This is so good!!
⬫ ⬪ ⬫
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
The tension and the pining were chef’s kiss. The romance made my heart melt, and I was so fully invested that I stayed up way too late finishing it. If you liked The Hating Game, you’ll probably love this too!
Tropes: Forced proximity | He falls first | Rivals to lovers
─ ✦ ────
✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: I’m 25% into this and I’ve been so gripped I actually forgot to make an update! If the tension keeps escalating at this rate, I totally expect to be giggling and kicking my feet soon 🤭 This is so good!!
⬫ ⬪ ⬫
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
arc-tbr
April 6, 2026
Want to Read
April 9, 2026pre-read notes:
Thank you so much Berkley for the ARC of this book, I can't wait to dive into this! Look at that gorgeous cover as well! 🥰
🗓️ Expected publication: September 15, 2026
Thank you so much Berkley for the ARC of this book, I can't wait to dive into this! Look at that gorgeous cover as well! 🥰
🗓️ Expected publication: September 15, 2026
Want to Read
March 30, 2026✨💫 If Not You by Ellen O’Clover 💫✨
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
🚙 What to Expect
• Workplace rivals
• Enemies to lovers
• Forced proximity
• Copywriter MCs
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 15, 2026
📝 Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
🚙 What to Expect
• Workplace rivals
• Enemies to lovers
• Forced proximity
• Copywriter MCs
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 15, 2026
📝 Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Want to Read
March 16, 2026Just saw the new cover on IG! 😍 I loved The Heartbreak Hotel so much! Can’t wait to read this!
May 1, 2026
TL;DR: Rivals-to-lovers, golden retriever boy, emotional damage (in a good way).
Two rival copywriters go head-to-head for a major account. They say never mix business with pleasure… but where’s the fun in that?
This book honestly blew me out of the water. O’Clover absolutely outdid herself here. I enjoyed her debut adult romance book, but this one felt like a huge step up—more emotional, more layered, and just overall phenomenal.
I will say it took me about 25% to fully lock in, but I was intrigued from the start (I mean… a cat named Pancake? I was already sold). Once it clicked, though, I couldn’t put it down.
Mattie’s arc felt incredibly real to me. So many people grow up assuming they’ll follow the traditional path—marriage, house, kids, the whole nine yards. But not everyone knows what they want, and that uncertainty was portrayed so well here. I especially appreciated how the book explores the idea that women have more choices now, and that choosing not to follow that path is just as valid.
One of my favorite elements was the way it handled friendship. That complicated feeling of being genuinely happy for your friends while quietly grieving something for yourself? It hit hard. Watching Mattie navigate her best friend entering a serious relationship—feeling both joy and a sense of loss as things inevitably shift—felt so honest and relatable.
And the romance? So fun. Campbell is pure golden retriever energy to Mattie’s black cat, and I was obsessed with that dynamic. He’s genuinely so kind and steady, which made the emotional moments hit even harder. That third-act breakup absolutely wrecked me—but in the best way. This book kept breaking my heart and putting it back together.
Even though it took a little time to fully grab me, it completely won me over. And the ending? Perfect. Not drawn out, not rushed—just really satisfying.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Two rival copywriters go head-to-head for a major account. They say never mix business with pleasure… but where’s the fun in that?
This book honestly blew me out of the water. O’Clover absolutely outdid herself here. I enjoyed her debut adult romance book, but this one felt like a huge step up—more emotional, more layered, and just overall phenomenal.
I will say it took me about 25% to fully lock in, but I was intrigued from the start (I mean… a cat named Pancake? I was already sold). Once it clicked, though, I couldn’t put it down.
Mattie’s arc felt incredibly real to me. So many people grow up assuming they’ll follow the traditional path—marriage, house, kids, the whole nine yards. But not everyone knows what they want, and that uncertainty was portrayed so well here. I especially appreciated how the book explores the idea that women have more choices now, and that choosing not to follow that path is just as valid.
One of my favorite elements was the way it handled friendship. That complicated feeling of being genuinely happy for your friends while quietly grieving something for yourself? It hit hard. Watching Mattie navigate her best friend entering a serious relationship—feeling both joy and a sense of loss as things inevitably shift—felt so honest and relatable.
And the romance? So fun. Campbell is pure golden retriever energy to Mattie’s black cat, and I was obsessed with that dynamic. He’s genuinely so kind and steady, which made the emotional moments hit even harder. That third-act breakup absolutely wrecked me—but in the best way. This book kept breaking my heart and putting it back together.
Even though it took a little time to fully grab me, it completely won me over. And the ending? Perfect. Not drawn out, not rushed—just really satisfying.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2026
A beautiful story about two people learning to love and be loved. Similar to the Heartbreak Hotel, this book explores the complexities of all types of love, from romantic to familial to platonic. She shows that love is often messy but always worth it and that it will never take away from who you truly are.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
From chapter one, I knew this was going to be a great book. By 50% I knew it was going to be a six-star.
I am absolutely wrecked, this book was so beautiful I literally never wanted it to end. Take every single romance book where the two main characters were rival writers and throw it out the window. This is the ONLY one that matters.
Mattie and Campbell are some of the best characters I’ve read about in a long time. I felt their chemistry pouring off the pages immediately and couldn’t wait to know their history as well as the future of their relationship. Each time a scene of theirs came, I was so high alert because I wanted to absorb every single word they exchanged to each other.
Campbell is the most perfect mmc, he’s automatically going on my top ten book boyfriend list. That man pines so badly. The way he’s introduced to us vs. the way we get to learn him is so special, because us readers find out how wonderful he is and can’t wait for the fmc to realize it. Speaking of the fmc, Mattie is so real. All of her ambition and dedication to her job was such a pivotal plot point you wanted her to get everything she wanted, because you felt like she deserved it. Her dynamic with family and her friends was so integrated into the way she functions you really understood where she was coming from.
There was so many lines that I wish I just read again for the first time because of how much they affected me. I love this book so much, I’m not going to shut up about it ever.
If there was a stronger way to say thank you, I’d say it to Net Galley. This book is phenomenal, Ellen O’Clover may you always have cold sides on both pillows and your phone always charged.
I am absolutely wrecked, this book was so beautiful I literally never wanted it to end. Take every single romance book where the two main characters were rival writers and throw it out the window. This is the ONLY one that matters.
Mattie and Campbell are some of the best characters I’ve read about in a long time. I felt their chemistry pouring off the pages immediately and couldn’t wait to know their history as well as the future of their relationship. Each time a scene of theirs came, I was so high alert because I wanted to absorb every single word they exchanged to each other.
Campbell is the most perfect mmc, he’s automatically going on my top ten book boyfriend list. That man pines so badly. The way he’s introduced to us vs. the way we get to learn him is so special, because us readers find out how wonderful he is and can’t wait for the fmc to realize it. Speaking of the fmc, Mattie is so real. All of her ambition and dedication to her job was such a pivotal plot point you wanted her to get everything she wanted, because you felt like she deserved it. Her dynamic with family and her friends was so integrated into the way she functions you really understood where she was coming from.
There was so many lines that I wish I just read again for the first time because of how much they affected me. I love this book so much, I’m not going to shut up about it ever.
If there was a stronger way to say thank you, I’d say it to Net Galley. This book is phenomenal, Ellen O’Clover may you always have cold sides on both pillows and your phone always charged.
April 10, 2026
The first 40% felt pretty repetitive like it was really hammering home just how much she hated Campbell. After a while I was like, “okay… we get it already.” It started to drag, especially because so much time was spent on their work instead of actually building their relationship or giving us meaningful moments between them.
I’m not gonna lie, I struggled through that first half. It felt like there was zero chemistry between them, Mattie’s attitude was rough to sit with, and Campbell came off like a total asshole at times. And then suddenly she flips into wanting him without much buildup? That shift didn’t fully land for me because we didn’t really see those feelings develop beforehand. She was so consistently cranky that the transition felt a little out of nowhere.
Also… girlfriend definitely has some parental stuff she needs to unpack, and I wish that had been explored a bit more intentionally because it could’ve added a lot of depth to her character.
That said, the last quarter of the book is where things finally clicked for me. That’s when the angsty, emotional tension really started to shine and I was fully locked in, eating it up.
And Campbell, despite his earlier moments, was such a golden retriever at his core. You could tell pretty early on that he was completely gone for Mattie from the start, which made his side of things easier to root for.
Overall, the writing itself was strong, which is what kept me pushing through. I just wish the pacing and character development in the first half had matched the payoff we got at the end.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, the author, and NetGalley for the eARC.
I’m not gonna lie, I struggled through that first half. It felt like there was zero chemistry between them, Mattie’s attitude was rough to sit with, and Campbell came off like a total asshole at times. And then suddenly she flips into wanting him without much buildup? That shift didn’t fully land for me because we didn’t really see those feelings develop beforehand. She was so consistently cranky that the transition felt a little out of nowhere.
Also… girlfriend definitely has some parental stuff she needs to unpack, and I wish that had been explored a bit more intentionally because it could’ve added a lot of depth to her character.
That said, the last quarter of the book is where things finally clicked for me. That’s when the angsty, emotional tension really started to shine and I was fully locked in, eating it up.
And Campbell, despite his earlier moments, was such a golden retriever at his core. You could tell pretty early on that he was completely gone for Mattie from the start, which made his side of things easier to root for.
Overall, the writing itself was strong, which is what kept me pushing through. I just wish the pacing and character development in the first half had matched the payoff we got at the end.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, the author, and NetGalley for the eARC.
April 14, 2026
**Review of advance copy received from NetGalley**
This was my first book of Ellen O’Clover’s and I cannot wait to dig into more. The build up of the rivalry between Campbell and Mattie had me hooked straight away. I usually don’t love a dual timeline situation, yet I found myself enjoying the flashes into the past to better understand the history of their slow burn. As I kept reading, there was so much emotional exploration that unfolded. We dive into complex family relationships, friendship, and self discovery centered around love and career aspirations. It did kinda drag for me a teensie bit at the end with some of the conflict resolution BUT overall a wonderful story. I definitely recommend giving this a read when this comes out in September!
And thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this arc!
This was my first book of Ellen O’Clover’s and I cannot wait to dig into more. The build up of the rivalry between Campbell and Mattie had me hooked straight away. I usually don’t love a dual timeline situation, yet I found myself enjoying the flashes into the past to better understand the history of their slow burn. As I kept reading, there was so much emotional exploration that unfolded. We dive into complex family relationships, friendship, and self discovery centered around love and career aspirations. It did kinda drag for me a teensie bit at the end with some of the conflict resolution BUT overall a wonderful story. I definitely recommend giving this a read when this comes out in September!
And thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this arc!
April 11, 2026
SO excited to have just finished another 11/10 romance by this author! Mattie and Campbell are SO PRECIOUS! These characters had so many hidden layers and I had the best time watching them discover each and every one together.
This book was so beautiful in the way it showed not a straightforward path to love but one that had to overcome some of the ugly things in life like insecurities, fear, and self doubt. It made it all the more heartwarming to watch Mattie and Campbell teach each other that their feelings for one another mean more than the weight of those hard things.
Mattie has so much hidden hurt from her past and constantly feels like she has to prove herself to the world. I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her several times throughout this book, but it was worth it in the end to watch her learn and heal. She definitely needed hugs and therapy but I think she’s going to be able to figure the rest out now with Campbell by her side! <3
Campbell was such a unique MMC. Like Mattie, he has hidden hurts and struggles but hides behind jokes and smiles. He was confusing at times (given that we only see him through Mattie’s POV) but oh my goodness he is undeniably OBSESSED with her!!! They constantly had me giggling and kicking my feet once they began to open up to each other. I loved all the quiet and loud ways he fought to get her attention until he finally softened her up enough to sneak right into her heart. His stares, blushes, quirky shirts, and the ring? I couldn’t get enough of him!
There were so many other wonderful pieces of this book like soulmate types of friendship, family challenges, differences in life goals, coworker relationships, and more that added so many emotions to this book beyond Mattie and Campbell’s relationship. I could rant about it on and on but I don’t want to give too much away. I can’t recommend this author’s work enough!
This book was so beautiful in the way it showed not a straightforward path to love but one that had to overcome some of the ugly things in life like insecurities, fear, and self doubt. It made it all the more heartwarming to watch Mattie and Campbell teach each other that their feelings for one another mean more than the weight of those hard things.
Mattie has so much hidden hurt from her past and constantly feels like she has to prove herself to the world. I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her several times throughout this book, but it was worth it in the end to watch her learn and heal. She definitely needed hugs and therapy but I think she’s going to be able to figure the rest out now with Campbell by her side! <3
Campbell was such a unique MMC. Like Mattie, he has hidden hurts and struggles but hides behind jokes and smiles. He was confusing at times (given that we only see him through Mattie’s POV) but oh my goodness he is undeniably OBSESSED with her!!! They constantly had me giggling and kicking my feet once they began to open up to each other. I loved all the quiet and loud ways he fought to get her attention until he finally softened her up enough to sneak right into her heart. His stares, blushes, quirky shirts, and the ring? I couldn’t get enough of him!
There were so many other wonderful pieces of this book like soulmate types of friendship, family challenges, differences in life goals, coworker relationships, and more that added so many emotions to this book beyond Mattie and Campbell’s relationship. I could rant about it on and on but I don’t want to give too much away. I can’t recommend this author’s work enough!
April 7, 2026
ARC Review
4.5 stars
This was my first book by Ellen O'Clover, and finishing this makes me want to go back and read her entire backlist! I absolutely devoured If Not You- this was everything I want in a romance.
The story follows Mattie French, a fiercely ambitious copywriter determined to prove herself as a copywriter for an ad agency, and Campbell Porter, her longtime rival since their internship days. When their competing agencies are thrown into a high-stakes pitch for a luxury resort, they’re forced into close proximity on a month-long trip.
What truly made this book for me was the rivals-to-lovers dynamic done to absolute perfection. The tension? Immaculate. The history? Painfully good. And Campbell, even when he was arrogant and at times, downright rude, the YEARNING. The PINING. The man has been down bad for years, and every glimpse that we saw regarding his feelings for Mattie just made it hit harder. Meanwhile, Mattie being so completely annoyed and put off by him- so focused, so driven, so unwilling to let anything (or anyone) derail her career, made their dynamic even more satisfying. She knew exactly what she wanted professionally and refused to compromise (sometimes to a fault), but I loved it.
But honestly, one of my favorite parts of the book was the friendship between Mattie and Ava. Their bond felt so real and grounding, truly sister-like. The way they supported and cared for each other added so much warmth to the story and I could read forever about their relationship alone.
This book is sharp, emotional, and full of longing, and this won’t be the last time I pick up an Ellen O’Clover book. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ellen O’Clover for the early copy!
- rivals to lovers
- forced proximity
- he falls first
- workplace
- vacation / work trip
- golden retriever / black cat
- dual timeline
4.5 stars
This was my first book by Ellen O'Clover, and finishing this makes me want to go back and read her entire backlist! I absolutely devoured If Not You- this was everything I want in a romance.
The story follows Mattie French, a fiercely ambitious copywriter determined to prove herself as a copywriter for an ad agency, and Campbell Porter, her longtime rival since their internship days. When their competing agencies are thrown into a high-stakes pitch for a luxury resort, they’re forced into close proximity on a month-long trip.
What truly made this book for me was the rivals-to-lovers dynamic done to absolute perfection. The tension? Immaculate. The history? Painfully good. And Campbell, even when he was arrogant and at times, downright rude, the YEARNING. The PINING. The man has been down bad for years, and every glimpse that we saw regarding his feelings for Mattie just made it hit harder. Meanwhile, Mattie being so completely annoyed and put off by him- so focused, so driven, so unwilling to let anything (or anyone) derail her career, made their dynamic even more satisfying. She knew exactly what she wanted professionally and refused to compromise (sometimes to a fault), but I loved it.
But honestly, one of my favorite parts of the book was the friendship between Mattie and Ava. Their bond felt so real and grounding, truly sister-like. The way they supported and cared for each other added so much warmth to the story and I could read forever about their relationship alone.
This book is sharp, emotional, and full of longing, and this won’t be the last time I pick up an Ellen O’Clover book. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ellen O’Clover for the early copy!
- rivals to lovers
- forced proximity
- he falls first
- workplace
- vacation / work trip
- golden retriever / black cat
- dual timeline
April 9, 2026
I have loved Ellen’s books since day one and IF NOT YOU was no exception. IT’S SO GOOD.
The past-and-present story of two rival copywriters who spend a month fighting for a big client account, complete with agonizingly delicious forced proximity tension, love-hate banter, and breathless romance. It’s got rich side-character relationships, thoughtful commentary on the different shapes of relationships, and a beautiful reminder of the roles of choice and communication in those relationships. Just a lovely, captivating story. LOVED.
Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. IF NOT YOU is out 09/15/26.
The past-and-present story of two rival copywriters who spend a month fighting for a big client account, complete with agonizingly delicious forced proximity tension, love-hate banter, and breathless romance. It’s got rich side-character relationships, thoughtful commentary on the different shapes of relationships, and a beautiful reminder of the roles of choice and communication in those relationships. Just a lovely, captivating story. LOVED.
Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. IF NOT YOU is out 09/15/26.
April 14, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC of this title.
I was so excited to get this book after love The Heartbreak Hotel. In this book, Mattie and Campbell are rivals to lovers with a fair bit of miscommunication (which isn’t my favorite). Campbell was a very lovable character. I loved him from the beginning. Mattie was okay… I liked them together. This was a very sweet story that touched on a few different issues.
I was so excited to get this book after love The Heartbreak Hotel. In this book, Mattie and Campbell are rivals to lovers with a fair bit of miscommunication (which isn’t my favorite). Campbell was a very lovable character. I loved him from the beginning. Mattie was okay… I liked them together. This was a very sweet story that touched on a few different issues.
April 23, 2026
3.5⭐️ I’m very torn on how to feel about this book. I absolutely adore Ellen O’Clover’s writing and think it’s phenomenal. The settings and plot outside of the romance she writes are genuinely so amazing and I love it. However, I thought Mattie was a really frustrating character to be in the head of. She could not communicate with anyone in her life and it got old really fast. I also didn’t feel the chemistry between her and Campbell. Overall, I loved the writing style and definitely will pick up more from O’Clover in the future!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Ellen O’Clover, and Berkley for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Ellen O’Clover, and Berkley for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
May 1, 2026
Ok I loved the premise of the characters being at a resort and competing against one another for work but the love story itself didn’t particularly stand out to me. I wasn’t dying to continue their story. Overall, a good read but nothing groundbreaking for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review!
April 28, 2026
This was cute. I started hating one character at first and then they really grew on me. I’m not 100% sure I buy the way Campbell acted all the time based on his supposed feelings but ok. Satisfying ending. Would definitely read more by this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a romance that hits all the right beats, but I wasn’t always on board with the way O’Clover chose to play them.
Our FMC, Mattie French, is a prickly white collar professional who’s always had one dream: Be a copywriter. Already I have an issue, because, like, whose dream is to be a copywriter? Lol. Our MMC is Campbell Porter, Mattie’s copywriting nemesis, who’s beat her out for multiple professional accolades over the years. Mattie and Campbell are thrown together when their agencies have to compete for a luxury resort’s business by staying at the resorts for a month. Four weeks with nothing to do but work and banter with each other in beautiful places…I wonder what will transpire!
There were moments of this book that I liked. But I felt like overall, the plot was carefully constructed to create room for certain tropes, which led to a lot of suspension of disbelief and not much natural unfolding. The whole idea that a hotel chain, in THIS economy, would pay for two ad agencies to stay at their resorts for a whole month to compete for business…it’s fantasy. And not only do the agencies have to stay there, but they do professional challenges while there. Does it make for good forced proximity? Yes. Does it make sense? No. They spend a day at the spa on the hotel’s dime for an “amenities immersion.” I mean, it’ll give the main characters a chance to see each other in bathrobes. So, sure!
Mattie’s character was also tough for me. Much is made of how important her copywriting career is to her, because she wants the creative life her bitter mom had to give up for marriage and motherhood. Maybe I just don’t get it, but I don’t see working in ad writing as a “creative life” in the same way being a poet or a novelist is. Mattie’s commitment to her career felt very old fashioned—working all weekend as an intern, putting every shred of her personal identity into what awards and promotions she’s gotten. Her attitude felt more suited to Mad Men days than 2026, when companies are laying off copywriters en masse in favor of AI. This level of leaning in, when you’re not making well into the six figures or saving lives? I think Mattie missed the memo that we’re simply not doing that anymore! And I say that as a corporate girlie who very much plays the game. Worker smarter, not harder, girl.
A romance at its heart has to convince the reader that the two main characters are destined for each other, and while I felt the chemistry between Mattie and Campbell, I didn’t totally get why he liked her. As noted above, Mattie isn’t always easy to love—she’s career-obsessed to the point of absurdity, judgmental, and beyond socially awkward (the number of times she suddenly leaves the room because she just did something embarrassing? Seemingly infinite). I love a main character with flaws, but I need her love interest to have flaws, too. Campbell was so unfailingly kind, professional, and talented, and it felt like the very few tough moments he had were only responses to Mattie flying off the handle. I just like a male main character with more darkness.
The pacing of this book was good, and I think O’Clover avoided a pitfall of her previous books, which is packing in way too many side plots and issues to address. If Not You is a simple, sweet romance that will probably hit the spot for a lot of people. Just didn’t totally work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Our FMC, Mattie French, is a prickly white collar professional who’s always had one dream: Be a copywriter. Already I have an issue, because, like, whose dream is to be a copywriter? Lol. Our MMC is Campbell Porter, Mattie’s copywriting nemesis, who’s beat her out for multiple professional accolades over the years. Mattie and Campbell are thrown together when their agencies have to compete for a luxury resort’s business by staying at the resorts for a month. Four weeks with nothing to do but work and banter with each other in beautiful places…I wonder what will transpire!
There were moments of this book that I liked. But I felt like overall, the plot was carefully constructed to create room for certain tropes, which led to a lot of suspension of disbelief and not much natural unfolding. The whole idea that a hotel chain, in THIS economy, would pay for two ad agencies to stay at their resorts for a whole month to compete for business…it’s fantasy. And not only do the agencies have to stay there, but they do professional challenges while there. Does it make for good forced proximity? Yes. Does it make sense? No. They spend a day at the spa on the hotel’s dime for an “amenities immersion.” I mean, it’ll give the main characters a chance to see each other in bathrobes. So, sure!
Mattie’s character was also tough for me. Much is made of how important her copywriting career is to her, because she wants the creative life her bitter mom had to give up for marriage and motherhood. Maybe I just don’t get it, but I don’t see working in ad writing as a “creative life” in the same way being a poet or a novelist is. Mattie’s commitment to her career felt very old fashioned—working all weekend as an intern, putting every shred of her personal identity into what awards and promotions she’s gotten. Her attitude felt more suited to Mad Men days than 2026, when companies are laying off copywriters en masse in favor of AI. This level of leaning in, when you’re not making well into the six figures or saving lives? I think Mattie missed the memo that we’re simply not doing that anymore! And I say that as a corporate girlie who very much plays the game. Worker smarter, not harder, girl.
A romance at its heart has to convince the reader that the two main characters are destined for each other, and while I felt the chemistry between Mattie and Campbell, I didn’t totally get why he liked her. As noted above, Mattie isn’t always easy to love—she’s career-obsessed to the point of absurdity, judgmental, and beyond socially awkward (the number of times she suddenly leaves the room because she just did something embarrassing? Seemingly infinite). I love a main character with flaws, but I need her love interest to have flaws, too. Campbell was so unfailingly kind, professional, and talented, and it felt like the very few tough moments he had were only responses to Mattie flying off the handle. I just like a male main character with more darkness.
The pacing of this book was good, and I think O’Clover avoided a pitfall of her previous books, which is packing in way too many side plots and issues to address. If Not You is a simple, sweet romance that will probably hit the spot for a lot of people. Just didn’t totally work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Berkley for the ARC!
4.5 stars
"There hasn't been a time since I've known you exist that I haven't wanted you, Mattie."
God THIS BOOK. Ellen O'Clover had already won me over after I read The Heartbreak Hotel, but she solidified her spot as an auto-buy author with If Not You. Such a breathtakingly witty and heartfelt book with the most unexpected "It's always been you" vibes. I did not want this book to end and could have read it for another 300+ pages.
First off, the setting and the entire plot of the book was so fun. Two rival copywriters working for separate ad agencies stuck together for a month at luxury resorts competing against each other for a potential client?? I loved it and enjoyed how it gave us the forced proximity of a workplace romance in gorgeous, lavish places rather than a stuffy office. The ambiance and vibes of the resorts they stayed at were immaculate and I think it added a whole other layer of romantic elements. It also made me immediately want to travel to these places.
Mattie was the definition of black cat. She was not afraid of to use her claws and to be honest, I admired how badass she was and that she didn't pull punches. She was intelligent, quick witted, and had a good heart that she, justifiably, guarded closely. I think she acted towards Campbell as fairly as she could given the information she had, but it did hurt MY feelings at times when she was, as I felt, unnecessarily mean to him. HOWEVER, I think she made up for it once she grew to know exactly how good he was. I loved her character and if anyone has anything mean to say about her, they can go through me first!!
Campbell completely caught me by surprise. I was not the biggest fan of him at the start of this, but the more we learned about him and saw flashbacks to the past, the easier it was to see how enamored this man had always been with Mattie. Also, add this man to the list of mmc's who altered my brain chemistry any time they said "baby" - I don't know what was so different about the way he said it, but it made me swoon every. single. time.
Campbell and Mattie were so good together. I don't think even they realized just how attuned they were to the other, even when they were apart. It was clear in the way their minds worked and also through their own work. Like, give me more romances where he basically dedicates his whole career to her. I'm obsessed!! The tension, the witty sparring, the chemistry!!! I loved them so much.
I also really enjoyed the emotional depth to the story beyond Mattie and Campbell. My heart absolutely broke for Campbell and the reality him and his family were dealing with when it came to his dad's dementia. More specifically though, how acutely Campbell felt that pain because of how close him and his dad were. Those passages were poignant yet beautiful and I was brought to tears with it all.
Anyway, I adored this book. I found myself thinking of it when I wasn't reading it and getting sad the closer I got to finishing because I wasn't ready to say goodbye. I wish we'd gotten an epilogue! I'm too greedy and needed more lol.
4.5 stars
"There hasn't been a time since I've known you exist that I haven't wanted you, Mattie."
God THIS BOOK. Ellen O'Clover had already won me over after I read The Heartbreak Hotel, but she solidified her spot as an auto-buy author with If Not You. Such a breathtakingly witty and heartfelt book with the most unexpected "It's always been you" vibes. I did not want this book to end and could have read it for another 300+ pages.
First off, the setting and the entire plot of the book was so fun. Two rival copywriters working for separate ad agencies stuck together for a month at luxury resorts competing against each other for a potential client?? I loved it and enjoyed how it gave us the forced proximity of a workplace romance in gorgeous, lavish places rather than a stuffy office. The ambiance and vibes of the resorts they stayed at were immaculate and I think it added a whole other layer of romantic elements. It also made me immediately want to travel to these places.
Mattie was the definition of black cat. She was not afraid of to use her claws and to be honest, I admired how badass she was and that she didn't pull punches. She was intelligent, quick witted, and had a good heart that she, justifiably, guarded closely. I think she acted towards Campbell as fairly as she could given the information she had, but it did hurt MY feelings at times when she was, as I felt, unnecessarily mean to him. HOWEVER, I think she made up for it once she grew to know exactly how good he was. I loved her character and if anyone has anything mean to say about her, they can go through me first!!
Campbell completely caught me by surprise. I was not the biggest fan of him at the start of this, but the more we learned about him and saw flashbacks to the past, the easier it was to see how enamored this man had always been with Mattie. Also, add this man to the list of mmc's who altered my brain chemistry any time they said "baby" - I don't know what was so different about the way he said it, but it made me swoon every. single. time.
Campbell and Mattie were so good together. I don't think even they realized just how attuned they were to the other, even when they were apart. It was clear in the way their minds worked and also through their own work. Like, give me more romances where he basically dedicates his whole career to her. I'm obsessed!! The tension, the witty sparring, the chemistry!!! I loved them so much.
I also really enjoyed the emotional depth to the story beyond Mattie and Campbell. My heart absolutely broke for Campbell and the reality him and his family were dealing with when it came to his dad's dementia. More specifically though, how acutely Campbell felt that pain because of how close him and his dad were. Those passages were poignant yet beautiful and I was brought to tears with it all.
Anyway, I adored this book. I found myself thinking of it when I wasn't reading it and getting sad the closer I got to finishing because I wasn't ready to say goodbye. I wish we'd gotten an epilogue! I'm too greedy and needed more lol.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
IF NOT YOU by Ellen O’Clover
No notes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
Actually I have a lot to say and it’s all good. BUT when you’ve just finished a book that is about finding the right words— well, it’s hard to find the right words. AND good is too small a word to describe this book. 📖
Ellen O’Clover is thoughtful, detailed and breathtakingly descriptive in her writing. She puts you right there in the room with her characters, not just in setting the scene (talk about armchair travel!✈️🧳), but with the emotions the characters experience as the story unfolds. It’s the body language (lots of hands in pockets) or the facial expressions (those smirks 😏) portrayed paired with smart (sometimes inner) dialogue that all build on each other. It gives such a picture in your head, you really feel as though you are in the room with these characters.
And speaking of the characters…This too was a highlight of the book. Mattie was goal-driven and meticulous in her work (although somewhat insecure in her struggle to get ahead as a woman), loving and caring in her friendship with Ava, and hurt and scarred from her parents. But it was the evolution of her feelings for Campbell that was special - the realization that she misread Campbell’s personality - that she got it (humiliatingly) wrong. AND her need for a blue-ink pen🖊️…same, Mattie, same.
Then there’s Campbell. Swoon. 💕No, full swoon.💞 He’s talented, confident, arrogant and let’s not forget competitive (but how much of that was just Mattie’s perspective??)The golden boy — always getting the win. That’s how we are introduced to him. Until his motivation behind his remarks and actions is revealed and we learn that he has a softer side. We’re talking golden retriever energy! The way he remembers her coffee order and how he always knows how she feels. Campbell observes. The nickname and those absurd shirts 👔 (when you learn why he wears them 😍— iykyk!!!). I also really loved the sweetness of the storyline with his father and family. Sensitive topics discussed really well and believably. And a shout out to his mom who gave solid advice on love and why it’s worth the risk. 💗
TROPES:
-enemies/rivals to lovers
-workplace romance
-forced proximity
-he falls first
-found family
What started as workplace rivals turn in to a swoony love story that satisfies (with a little open-door spice 🔥🔥). Fun tropes that don’t feel cheesy. Smart writing set in the workplace. Character-driven with an equally interesting subplot. Book boyfriend material. In the romance book world where the happy ending is a given it’s the journey of the love story that leaves its mark. This story hit all the marks for me and I loved the whole thing!
If I had to give one criticism (and there’s hardly even one) is that it became a little repetitive with some of the descriptions or feelings shared, but I ultimately felt it added to the story more than it detracts from it.
Also, having read the Heartbreak Hotel and loved it- Ellen O’Clover has easily become an AUTO READ AUTHOR for me.
THANK YOU Ellen O’Clover and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of It Not You.
No notes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
Actually I have a lot to say and it’s all good. BUT when you’ve just finished a book that is about finding the right words— well, it’s hard to find the right words. AND good is too small a word to describe this book. 📖
Ellen O’Clover is thoughtful, detailed and breathtakingly descriptive in her writing. She puts you right there in the room with her characters, not just in setting the scene (talk about armchair travel!✈️🧳), but with the emotions the characters experience as the story unfolds. It’s the body language (lots of hands in pockets) or the facial expressions (those smirks 😏) portrayed paired with smart (sometimes inner) dialogue that all build on each other. It gives such a picture in your head, you really feel as though you are in the room with these characters.
And speaking of the characters…This too was a highlight of the book. Mattie was goal-driven and meticulous in her work (although somewhat insecure in her struggle to get ahead as a woman), loving and caring in her friendship with Ava, and hurt and scarred from her parents. But it was the evolution of her feelings for Campbell that was special - the realization that she misread Campbell’s personality - that she got it (humiliatingly) wrong. AND her need for a blue-ink pen🖊️…same, Mattie, same.
Then there’s Campbell. Swoon. 💕No, full swoon.💞 He’s talented, confident, arrogant and let’s not forget competitive (but how much of that was just Mattie’s perspective??)The golden boy — always getting the win. That’s how we are introduced to him. Until his motivation behind his remarks and actions is revealed and we learn that he has a softer side. We’re talking golden retriever energy! The way he remembers her coffee order and how he always knows how she feels. Campbell observes. The nickname and those absurd shirts 👔 (when you learn why he wears them 😍— iykyk!!!). I also really loved the sweetness of the storyline with his father and family. Sensitive topics discussed really well and believably. And a shout out to his mom who gave solid advice on love and why it’s worth the risk. 💗
TROPES:
-enemies/rivals to lovers
-workplace romance
-forced proximity
-he falls first
-found family
What started as workplace rivals turn in to a swoony love story that satisfies (with a little open-door spice 🔥🔥). Fun tropes that don’t feel cheesy. Smart writing set in the workplace. Character-driven with an equally interesting subplot. Book boyfriend material. In the romance book world where the happy ending is a given it’s the journey of the love story that leaves its mark. This story hit all the marks for me and I loved the whole thing!
If I had to give one criticism (and there’s hardly even one) is that it became a little repetitive with some of the descriptions or feelings shared, but I ultimately felt it added to the story more than it detracts from it.
Also, having read the Heartbreak Hotel and loved it- Ellen O’Clover has easily become an AUTO READ AUTHOR for me.
THANK YOU Ellen O’Clover and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of It Not You.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I adored Ellen O'Clover's writing style in The Heartbreak Hotel, so when I saw she was writing another book -- a rivals to lovers book, at that -- I was immediately eager to read it. She definitely got the rivals to lovers aspect right, because I was foaming at the MOUTH as I read Mattie and Campbell's story. I was seriously in love with them almost immediately. The premise reminded me a bit of Book Lovers by Emily Henry (which is a huge compliment), but if Charlie Lastra was a golden boy MMC rather than a grumpy MMC -- needless to say, this WORKED for me.
Mattie's individual story was just as compelling to me as the romance between her and Campbell. I loved her friendship with Ava so much, and I think the worries she was feeling were so real. Growing and changing and seeing friends take different paths than you can be so scary -- paralyzing, even -- so I can understand why that was such a core part of her story. Similarly, Campbell's family background played such an important role in making him the character he was, and it was such a good foil to Mattie. Where she was closed off from love, he was surrounded by it. Where she was lonely, he was the center of everyone's orbit. I really think that worked to bring her out of her shell and force her to reconcile with her past hurts and decide what she wanted for her future.
The first ~85% of the book -- I was hooked. I think the third act breakup was a little off for me, just because I think the impetus for it didn't exactly match the rest of the story, in a way. Mattie pushing Campbell away made sense with her story, but it felt like it wasn't entirely rooted in either work or her fears regarding love but was rather a slightly unclear amalgamation of both that didn't exactly get put into words. I do appreciate the grand gesturing that happened though! I think the last ~10% dragged on just a little longer than it needed to, as well. I understand Campbell's need to decide what he wanted, but it felt a little out of character for him to be so hesitant in jumping in headfirst when in all his other interactions with Mattie, all the promises he made her, he was so unflinchingly steady and willing to put his heart on the line for her. Being hurt hurts, of course, but it felt like he knew she was just scared, so I didn't know why he was so gun-shy after that.
That being said, this was a really well-crafted novel. It had it all -- individual characters' journeys that had you rooting for them individually and a perfectly created love story that had you rooting for them together, as well. The shifting setting -- from Chicago to Aspen to California and back to Chicago -- reflected the changing stages of their journeys, as well, and I loved getting to feel immersed in that with them.
Hands down, a wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone and everyone.
---------------
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC!
Mattie's individual story was just as compelling to me as the romance between her and Campbell. I loved her friendship with Ava so much, and I think the worries she was feeling were so real. Growing and changing and seeing friends take different paths than you can be so scary -- paralyzing, even -- so I can understand why that was such a core part of her story. Similarly, Campbell's family background played such an important role in making him the character he was, and it was such a good foil to Mattie. Where she was closed off from love, he was surrounded by it. Where she was lonely, he was the center of everyone's orbit. I really think that worked to bring her out of her shell and force her to reconcile with her past hurts and decide what she wanted for her future.
The first ~85% of the book -- I was hooked. I think the third act breakup was a little off for me, just because I think the impetus for it didn't exactly match the rest of the story, in a way. Mattie pushing Campbell away made sense with her story, but it felt like it wasn't entirely rooted in either work or her fears regarding love but was rather a slightly unclear amalgamation of both that didn't exactly get put into words. I do appreciate the grand gesturing that happened though! I think the last ~10% dragged on just a little longer than it needed to, as well. I understand Campbell's need to decide what he wanted, but it felt a little out of character for him to be so hesitant in jumping in headfirst when in all his other interactions with Mattie, all the promises he made her, he was so unflinchingly steady and willing to put his heart on the line for her. Being hurt hurts, of course, but it felt like he knew she was just scared, so I didn't know why he was so gun-shy after that.
That being said, this was a really well-crafted novel. It had it all -- individual characters' journeys that had you rooting for them individually and a perfectly created love story that had you rooting for them together, as well. The shifting setting -- from Chicago to Aspen to California and back to Chicago -- reflected the changing stages of their journeys, as well, and I loved getting to feel immersed in that with them.
Hands down, a wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone and everyone.
---------------
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC!
April 16, 2026
If Not You is a book about two rival copywriters who are always neck and neck with each other. Campbell is the one who comes out on top, while Mattie has to work even harder to make a name for herself. After spending time in Aspen and Bodega Bay for a work assignment, Campbell and Mattie reconnect. While the initial focus is to outdo the other when it comes to the campaign, years of yearning from Campbell and hidden feelings from Mattie spill forth and both have to face the elephant in the room when it comes to what's been brewing between each other for the last five years.
Overall, this book is good. Good in the way that it focuses on the fear of commitment someone may have, especially when it comes to loving someone else who pushes them to be a better person. I felt that with Mattie as an only child, she's afraid of being alone again, especially since she and her parents do not have a good relationship, and her best friend is about to get married to her love of her life. The sparks between Campbell and her are intense once they do happen, but they are so wrapped up in the "what-ifs" that both do irrational things. While reading I was reminded that despite how some marriages end in divorce (like mine did) or memories can disappear due to memory loss (dementia, like my grandfather has), people CAN still be happily in love despite everything.
What I enjoyed most about this book were the flashbacks as it helped me understand the context of Campbell and Mattie's work relationship and how both had this push-pull effect on each other. While they are rivals, they could never get enough of the other and were always competing to be the best in their field. Ava, Mattie's best friend, was a great reminder that despite marrying someone, you don't just toss away the friends you've spent majority of your life with. I think that the fears Ava felt when it comes to getting married were authentic because it's an entirely new chapter in life that could go either terribly right or terribly wrong. Having a best friend be there for you during the best time of your life makes the experience better and more manageable. (This is why female friendships are so important in books)
One thing I do wish there was more of was communication between Mattie and Campbell. While what's provided is good, I just wish we could have seen more of why Campbell was so smitten with Mattie all those years, despite being rivals. I think that I would have felt a bit more connected to his character than I was.
In all, this book was a 4/5 for me. There is some spice in it, but the way that it is written is about a 1.5-2. The scenes are quick which is a good thing for readers who prefer shorter on page intimacy. Highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy the rivals to lovers, forced proximity, "it's always been you", and yearning tropes.
Thank you Berkley for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Overall, this book is good. Good in the way that it focuses on the fear of commitment someone may have, especially when it comes to loving someone else who pushes them to be a better person. I felt that with Mattie as an only child, she's afraid of being alone again, especially since she and her parents do not have a good relationship, and her best friend is about to get married to her love of her life. The sparks between Campbell and her are intense once they do happen, but they are so wrapped up in the "what-ifs" that both do irrational things. While reading I was reminded that despite how some marriages end in divorce (like mine did) or memories can disappear due to memory loss (dementia, like my grandfather has), people CAN still be happily in love despite everything.
What I enjoyed most about this book were the flashbacks as it helped me understand the context of Campbell and Mattie's work relationship and how both had this push-pull effect on each other. While they are rivals, they could never get enough of the other and were always competing to be the best in their field. Ava, Mattie's best friend, was a great reminder that despite marrying someone, you don't just toss away the friends you've spent majority of your life with. I think that the fears Ava felt when it comes to getting married were authentic because it's an entirely new chapter in life that could go either terribly right or terribly wrong. Having a best friend be there for you during the best time of your life makes the experience better and more manageable. (This is why female friendships are so important in books)
One thing I do wish there was more of was communication between Mattie and Campbell. While what's provided is good, I just wish we could have seen more of why Campbell was so smitten with Mattie all those years, despite being rivals. I think that I would have felt a bit more connected to his character than I was.
In all, this book was a 4/5 for me. There is some spice in it, but the way that it is written is about a 1.5-2. The scenes are quick which is a good thing for readers who prefer shorter on page intimacy. Highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy the rivals to lovers, forced proximity, "it's always been you", and yearning tropes.
Thank you Berkley for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars! ✨💗
“You’ve always been the magic of this for me.”
HARD SWOON.
A huge thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Mattie French is hardworking, ambitious, and determined - determined to crush her years long nemesis, Campbell Porter. They have an annoyingly competitive past, as Campbell landed the job Mattie was vying for. Mattie took matters into her own hands when she joined an indie advertising agency so she could shine in doing what she loves the most - creating a story. Campbell is overly confident - and for good reason. Winning over any room he steps into , and rising to the top of the patriarchy even Mattie can’t deny his talent (or good looks.) They are both presented with an opportunity to create a sales pitch for Wicksteed Resorts, and the team on top - wins. Despite their animosity they are required to spend time together during excursions and training exercises. Can Mattie and Campbell set aside their differences? Or will they come together in a whole new light?
THIS WAS ADORABLE. I am slowly dipping my toes into the water of romance, and this one hit the spot. Mattie’s fears about life. Marriage, and societal expectations were so real and relatable. These things are beyond intimidating and making a commitment to a person, almost feels like committing yourself to the “Next steps” in life expected of you.
At first, Campbell seems like a grade-a cocky asshole. He comes off as an entitled boy-man who is handed the things he wants easily. The job, the life, his dreams. Everything comes naturally to him, and is rewarded for his smallest of efforts. The most irritating thing about him is that he is good! At everything! As we peel back the layers of his mind and emotions, we come to learn that he has struggled more in his past than the initial impression. He had to put in work to be where he is, his dad is slowly and cruelly losing his memory, and the things he truly wants - are a far stretch of time away.
The way we as readers got to experience our two main love interests soften up to one another was so refreshing. I Speak for us all when I say - A MAN WHO YEARNS IS A MAN WHO EARNS, LADIES! 💗
The Spicy scenes were very tastefully done and added to the romantic chemistry. I’m sorry but I just wanted them to make out the whole time. 😅 I ate up the competitive nature between Mattie and Campbell - it was ADDICTING to say the least. Was it annoyance, or was it an obsession? 😉
I am now determined to read “Heartbreak Hotel” and I am so excited to read what this author writes next 💖
“You’ve always been the magic of this for me.”
HARD SWOON.
A huge thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Mattie French is hardworking, ambitious, and determined - determined to crush her years long nemesis, Campbell Porter. They have an annoyingly competitive past, as Campbell landed the job Mattie was vying for. Mattie took matters into her own hands when she joined an indie advertising agency so she could shine in doing what she loves the most - creating a story. Campbell is overly confident - and for good reason. Winning over any room he steps into , and rising to the top of the patriarchy even Mattie can’t deny his talent (or good looks.) They are both presented with an opportunity to create a sales pitch for Wicksteed Resorts, and the team on top - wins. Despite their animosity they are required to spend time together during excursions and training exercises. Can Mattie and Campbell set aside their differences? Or will they come together in a whole new light?
THIS WAS ADORABLE. I am slowly dipping my toes into the water of romance, and this one hit the spot. Mattie’s fears about life. Marriage, and societal expectations were so real and relatable. These things are beyond intimidating and making a commitment to a person, almost feels like committing yourself to the “Next steps” in life expected of you.
At first, Campbell seems like a grade-a cocky asshole. He comes off as an entitled boy-man who is handed the things he wants easily. The job, the life, his dreams. Everything comes naturally to him, and is rewarded for his smallest of efforts. The most irritating thing about him is that he is good! At everything! As we peel back the layers of his mind and emotions, we come to learn that he has struggled more in his past than the initial impression. He had to put in work to be where he is, his dad is slowly and cruelly losing his memory, and the things he truly wants - are a far stretch of time away.
The way we as readers got to experience our two main love interests soften up to one another was so refreshing. I Speak for us all when I say - A MAN WHO YEARNS IS A MAN WHO EARNS, LADIES! 💗
The Spicy scenes were very tastefully done and added to the romantic chemistry. I’m sorry but I just wanted them to make out the whole time. 😅 I ate up the competitive nature between Mattie and Campbell - it was ADDICTING to say the least. Was it annoyance, or was it an obsession? 😉
I am now determined to read “Heartbreak Hotel” and I am so excited to read what this author writes next 💖
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When two copywriters with a long history of heated rivalry find themselves on a one month excursion working for competing agencies trying to land the same job, what could possibly go wrong? This is a story any romance reader has seen before… except that it’s not. Because while workplace rival tropes are nothing new, this one is done so incredibly well, with dynamic and engaging characters, first rate banter, and high level emotional execution.
Campbell Porter is the best at his job, and he makes sure everyone knows it. Arrogant, unapologetic, sharp as a tack, he will do anything to win. Mattie French is an elegant wordsmith. While known for her ability to pen the perfect slogan, her superpower is her intuition, and the way that she can read a room and adjust her pitch in the moment to cater it to a client’s reactions. While both Campbell and Mattie are the best in their field, when placed head to head, Mattie always seems to find herself as the second fiddle. From the very beginning, the tension between these two characters is thick, and while the rivalry doesn’t necessarily bring out the best in them, there is clearly something more complex simmering beneath the surface of their personal jabs and antagonistic behavior.
This is my first book by this author, and I love how completely she fleshes out her characters on the page. While on the surface some of their behaviors come across as petty and adversarial, a deeper dive into the experiences they have had in the past gives the reader a more acute understanding of why they do what they do. The chemistry between the MMC and FMC is a simmering pulse, and I was delighted in the anticipation of that spark igniting. The plot is well paced, and it does an excellent job in balancing the light and funny moments with the warm and sentimental ones.The use of a dual timeline to gradually develop the backstory of the characters is addictive, and makes it hard for the reader to put this book down because they want to know not only what will happen, but how the characters got to this point. I devoured this book in one sitting.
Overall, this is a heartwarming story about falling in love and what it means to show up for the people we care about. It is a well executed romance that will make you both smile and swoon. Add this to your TBR if you enjoy stories that are not only entertaining, but are also transportive and beguiling.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Ellen O’Clover for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Campbell Porter is the best at his job, and he makes sure everyone knows it. Arrogant, unapologetic, sharp as a tack, he will do anything to win. Mattie French is an elegant wordsmith. While known for her ability to pen the perfect slogan, her superpower is her intuition, and the way that she can read a room and adjust her pitch in the moment to cater it to a client’s reactions. While both Campbell and Mattie are the best in their field, when placed head to head, Mattie always seems to find herself as the second fiddle. From the very beginning, the tension between these two characters is thick, and while the rivalry doesn’t necessarily bring out the best in them, there is clearly something more complex simmering beneath the surface of their personal jabs and antagonistic behavior.
This is my first book by this author, and I love how completely she fleshes out her characters on the page. While on the surface some of their behaviors come across as petty and adversarial, a deeper dive into the experiences they have had in the past gives the reader a more acute understanding of why they do what they do. The chemistry between the MMC and FMC is a simmering pulse, and I was delighted in the anticipation of that spark igniting. The plot is well paced, and it does an excellent job in balancing the light and funny moments with the warm and sentimental ones.The use of a dual timeline to gradually develop the backstory of the characters is addictive, and makes it hard for the reader to put this book down because they want to know not only what will happen, but how the characters got to this point. I devoured this book in one sitting.
Overall, this is a heartwarming story about falling in love and what it means to show up for the people we care about. It is a well executed romance that will make you both smile and swoon. Add this to your TBR if you enjoy stories that are not only entertaining, but are also transportive and beguiling.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Ellen O’Clover for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 ⭐ this was a slow burn for me in more ways than one, but WHEW WEEEE was it worth it!!
if not you follows matilda french and campbell porter, workplace rivals ever since campbell was chosen over mattie for the only full-time role at the end of their internship five years ago. now, their agencies are competing for the same luxury resort campaign — forcing them into a month of close proximity on a high-stakes work trip.
i loved our main characters, mattie & campbell, who had a black cat (her) x golden retriever (him) dynamic (my absolute fav!). both characters felt fully developed and authentic, with relatable vulnerabilities. these are my favorite types of characters to read about — raw, messy, and complex. their dynamic was so engaging filled with tension, banter, yearning, angst, and a contentious history. the dual timeline was well done and a highlight. the way the past and present were seamlessly intertwined added a necessary layer of depth and emotional weight to their connection that otherwise would have been missing. this context was essential for me to become fully invested and provided the emotional payoff i needed/wanted (especially given that the story primarily takes place over just one month).
beyond the romance, i also appreciated the depiction of mattie’s relationship with the side characters, specifically her lifelong best friend ava. their friendship felt genuine and grounding, and was crucial to mattie’s character arc and personal growth throughout the story. i found both mattie and campbell’s growth, as individuals and as partners, to be v satisfying bc they’re the kind of characters you end up deeply rooting for. the settings were beautiful and picturesque, completely immersing me in the story (i wanna go spend a month at a wicksteed resort now!). while this was a bit of a slow burn for me, the pacing remained consistent throughout (it just took me a second to feel completely connected to these characters and their story).
overall, this story is a beautifully layered and deeply emotional romance about two people learning how to love and be loved. o’clover’s writing and storytelling continue to improve with each novel, and i’m already looking forward to reading her next release.
“there hasn’t been a time since i’ve known you exist that i haven’t wanted you, mattie.”
thank you so much to netgalley and berkley for providing me with this arc!
if not you follows matilda french and campbell porter, workplace rivals ever since campbell was chosen over mattie for the only full-time role at the end of their internship five years ago. now, their agencies are competing for the same luxury resort campaign — forcing them into a month of close proximity on a high-stakes work trip.
i loved our main characters, mattie & campbell, who had a black cat (her) x golden retriever (him) dynamic (my absolute fav!). both characters felt fully developed and authentic, with relatable vulnerabilities. these are my favorite types of characters to read about — raw, messy, and complex. their dynamic was so engaging filled with tension, banter, yearning, angst, and a contentious history. the dual timeline was well done and a highlight. the way the past and present were seamlessly intertwined added a necessary layer of depth and emotional weight to their connection that otherwise would have been missing. this context was essential for me to become fully invested and provided the emotional payoff i needed/wanted (especially given that the story primarily takes place over just one month).
beyond the romance, i also appreciated the depiction of mattie’s relationship with the side characters, specifically her lifelong best friend ava. their friendship felt genuine and grounding, and was crucial to mattie’s character arc and personal growth throughout the story. i found both mattie and campbell’s growth, as individuals and as partners, to be v satisfying bc they’re the kind of characters you end up deeply rooting for. the settings were beautiful and picturesque, completely immersing me in the story (i wanna go spend a month at a wicksteed resort now!). while this was a bit of a slow burn for me, the pacing remained consistent throughout (it just took me a second to feel completely connected to these characters and their story).
overall, this story is a beautifully layered and deeply emotional romance about two people learning how to love and be loved. o’clover’s writing and storytelling continue to improve with each novel, and i’m already looking forward to reading her next release.
“there hasn’t been a time since i’ve known you exist that i haven’t wanted you, mattie.”
thank you so much to netgalley and berkley for providing me with this arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars.
Ellen O'Clover is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I found "If Not You" endlessly relatable, completely enthralling, and absolutely worth the slow-burning romance. I took my time reading this one because it pulled me in from the very first chapter. I felt myself holding my bent fingers to my face in anticipation and glee and sadness and joy multiple times as I turned each page faster and faster, wanting to know so badly how it ended, but not wanting it to end. Do you know what I mean? When you are reading something you're loving, but are sad it's going to end? That was me while reading "If Not You." UGH, this book is so good. The way O'Clover layers the pieces of this story on top of one another, how she weaves the characters in and out of each other's lives as she tells their stories, how she balances workplace drama with intense family issues, with friendship troubles, with burudgeoning relationships, with personal trauma and personality foibles, is nothing short of brilliant. I loved learning about Mattie and Campbell's history as rivals at opposing ad agencies, how Campbell has always had feelings for Mattie, and how Mattie has always pushed herself to be better than Campbell, even when she got everything about him wrong. They seem like true enemies to lovers on the outside, but things are not always what they seem. I loved watching them become friends and fall in love, and I loved seeing truths slowly revealed over time regarding who Campbell and Mattie really are. The tension between them is so palpable, so electric, it's like they can't wait to strangle each other or jump each other every second they are together. Gosh, it's just simmering with anticipation! I wonder if many readers will be put off by Mattie, who has walls miles high because of how she was raised, how her parents' actions molded her as a person, how she learned early that love was not all it was cracked up to be. Personally, I related to her so, so much. I just loved this story. I didn't find it to be too long, and I think it's well-paced. I liked the resolution in the end, and I loved all of the secondary characters. All in all, please give this book a chance. You won't regret it!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ellen O'Clover, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Ellen O'Clover is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I found "If Not You" endlessly relatable, completely enthralling, and absolutely worth the slow-burning romance. I took my time reading this one because it pulled me in from the very first chapter. I felt myself holding my bent fingers to my face in anticipation and glee and sadness and joy multiple times as I turned each page faster and faster, wanting to know so badly how it ended, but not wanting it to end. Do you know what I mean? When you are reading something you're loving, but are sad it's going to end? That was me while reading "If Not You." UGH, this book is so good. The way O'Clover layers the pieces of this story on top of one another, how she weaves the characters in and out of each other's lives as she tells their stories, how she balances workplace drama with intense family issues, with friendship troubles, with burudgeoning relationships, with personal trauma and personality foibles, is nothing short of brilliant. I loved learning about Mattie and Campbell's history as rivals at opposing ad agencies, how Campbell has always had feelings for Mattie, and how Mattie has always pushed herself to be better than Campbell, even when she got everything about him wrong. They seem like true enemies to lovers on the outside, but things are not always what they seem. I loved watching them become friends and fall in love, and I loved seeing truths slowly revealed over time regarding who Campbell and Mattie really are. The tension between them is so palpable, so electric, it's like they can't wait to strangle each other or jump each other every second they are together. Gosh, it's just simmering with anticipation! I wonder if many readers will be put off by Mattie, who has walls miles high because of how she was raised, how her parents' actions molded her as a person, how she learned early that love was not all it was cracked up to be. Personally, I related to her so, so much. I just loved this story. I didn't find it to be too long, and I think it's well-paced. I liked the resolution in the end, and I loved all of the secondary characters. All in all, please give this book a chance. You won't regret it!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ellen O'Clover, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“There hasn’t been a time since I’ve known you exist that I haven’t wanted you.”
Look, there’s nothing I can say that will do this book justice. I’m obsessed with Ellen O’Clover’s storytelling and the way she makes me feel every emotion in such a tangible way. She writes with such a poignant tenderness that causes every word to land so intentionally. I fell deeply in love with Mattie, Campbell and their complexities, and I know you will, too.
—
this and that:
♡ black cat x golden retriever (him)
♡ copywriter x copywriter
♡ flashbacks
♡ forced proximity
♡ he falls first
♡ it’s always been you
♡ open door spice
♡ rivals to lovers
♡ single pov
♡ slow burn
♡ traveling with your rival
♡ workplace romance
triggers:
☞ envy
☞ estranged family
☞ grief
notable quotes:
—
thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for the gifted review copy!
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
Look, there’s nothing I can say that will do this book justice. I’m obsessed with Ellen O’Clover’s storytelling and the way she makes me feel every emotion in such a tangible way. She writes with such a poignant tenderness that causes every word to land so intentionally. I fell deeply in love with Mattie, Campbell and their complexities, and I know you will, too.
—
this and that:
♡ black cat x golden retriever (him)
♡ copywriter x copywriter
♡ flashbacks
♡ forced proximity
♡ he falls first
♡ it’s always been you
♡ open door spice
♡ rivals to lovers
♡ single pov
♡ slow burn
♡ traveling with your rival
♡ workplace romance
triggers:
☞ envy
☞ estranged family
☞ grief
notable quotes:
—
thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for the gifted review copy!
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ellen O’Clover delivers a story filled with yearning of the highest degree.
Mattie French wants to be the best. She was born to do what she does, Her biggest problem is her rival who seems to always be a smidge ahead of her in the last five years she’s had this career. When the opportunity arises for Mattie’s firm to go head to head with….none other her former employer and her rival, Campbell Porter. She finds herself stuck on a four week trip with him as they compete for a shot at the same client. Mattie wants nothing more than a chance to prove that she’s better at Campbell, but in the time they spend together, she’s required to be civil with him in front of the potential clients as well as their colleagues. After being thrown together unexpectedly more times than she can count, Mattie discovers that the nemesis she’s made Campbell out to be may just be a product of her emotions, and what she ultimately finds might be harder to deny after all.
This story was undoubtedly impossible to put down. Mattie’s fierce and determined nature being born out of a desire to be seen has me wondering if every person named Matilda/Mathilda is wired that way. Her struggles with her insecurity comes from a place of neglect and seeing her best friend move on to the next chapter of her life shakes her in the worst way possible. At her core, Mattie is a girl who just wants to be known, and Campbell undeniably does. Where she’s seen the last five years since they first competed for a full-time position together at the same internship as contentious and grueling after late nights and sleepless weeks, Campbell’s struggles are unseen to her and every minute in her presence is one he treasures. This is a tale for women everywhere, who work twice as hard to get half as far as men or to always come up short against them. It’s for girls who have had to fight to make a name for themselves and just want to be loved unconditionally. Every minute spent with this book will have you rooting for Mattie and Campbell, but more importantly soften for them in the literal best way possible. A phenomenal read.
Thank you to Berkeley and NetGalley for making an early copy of this available for Read Now, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to indulge.
Mattie French wants to be the best. She was born to do what she does, Her biggest problem is her rival who seems to always be a smidge ahead of her in the last five years she’s had this career. When the opportunity arises for Mattie’s firm to go head to head with….none other her former employer and her rival, Campbell Porter. She finds herself stuck on a four week trip with him as they compete for a shot at the same client. Mattie wants nothing more than a chance to prove that she’s better at Campbell, but in the time they spend together, she’s required to be civil with him in front of the potential clients as well as their colleagues. After being thrown together unexpectedly more times than she can count, Mattie discovers that the nemesis she’s made Campbell out to be may just be a product of her emotions, and what she ultimately finds might be harder to deny after all.
This story was undoubtedly impossible to put down. Mattie’s fierce and determined nature being born out of a desire to be seen has me wondering if every person named Matilda/Mathilda is wired that way. Her struggles with her insecurity comes from a place of neglect and seeing her best friend move on to the next chapter of her life shakes her in the worst way possible. At her core, Mattie is a girl who just wants to be known, and Campbell undeniably does. Where she’s seen the last five years since they first competed for a full-time position together at the same internship as contentious and grueling after late nights and sleepless weeks, Campbell’s struggles are unseen to her and every minute in her presence is one he treasures. This is a tale for women everywhere, who work twice as hard to get half as far as men or to always come up short against them. It’s for girls who have had to fight to make a name for themselves and just want to be loved unconditionally. Every minute spent with this book will have you rooting for Mattie and Campbell, but more importantly soften for them in the literal best way possible. A phenomenal read.
Thank you to Berkeley and NetGalley for making an early copy of this available for Read Now, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to indulge.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🌶️/5
If Not You by Ellen O’Clover is an enemies (rivals)-to-lovers, forced proximity, he-falls-first romance that I found myself a little torn on.
This story follows Mattie and Campbell, who meet as copywriter interns at the same agency. From the start, there’s a competitive tension between them, with Campbell consistently coming out on top, which creates a growing divide between the two.
I really appreciated the use of flashbacks to show how their dynamic developed over time. It added helpful context and made their history feel more layered. That said, I did struggle in the first half with Mattie’s character. I understood that her reactions were shaped by personal and family challenges, but at times her feelings toward Campbell came across a little stronger than the situation seemed to call for. This made it very difficult for me to empathize and connect with her in the first part of the story.
Around the midpoint, though, things really started to click for me. As Mattie begins to see Campbell differently, their dynamic softens and deepens, and I found myself much more invested. Campbell, in particular, stood out. He has his own struggles beneath the surface, but the way he consistently shows up for Mattie with patience and care was genuinely sweet. Watching their connection build in this section was easily my favorite part of the book.
In the final stretch, I found myself wanting a bit more communication between them. The conflict didn’t fully land for me, and I think a little less distance and a little more openness between the characters would have made the resolution feel even stronger.
Overall, this is a well-written story that flows nicely, with a compelling middle and a tender romance at its core. While I didn’t fully connect with every aspect, particularly early on and in the final conflict, I can definitely see this working well for readers who enjoy softer, character-driven romances with a touch of rivals-to-lovers tension.
If you love a “he falls first” dynamic and a sweeter romance with some competitive banter, this might be one to check out.
🌟thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read and provide my honest review
If Not You by Ellen O’Clover is an enemies (rivals)-to-lovers, forced proximity, he-falls-first romance that I found myself a little torn on.
This story follows Mattie and Campbell, who meet as copywriter interns at the same agency. From the start, there’s a competitive tension between them, with Campbell consistently coming out on top, which creates a growing divide between the two.
I really appreciated the use of flashbacks to show how their dynamic developed over time. It added helpful context and made their history feel more layered. That said, I did struggle in the first half with Mattie’s character. I understood that her reactions were shaped by personal and family challenges, but at times her feelings toward Campbell came across a little stronger than the situation seemed to call for. This made it very difficult for me to empathize and connect with her in the first part of the story.
Around the midpoint, though, things really started to click for me. As Mattie begins to see Campbell differently, their dynamic softens and deepens, and I found myself much more invested. Campbell, in particular, stood out. He has his own struggles beneath the surface, but the way he consistently shows up for Mattie with patience and care was genuinely sweet. Watching their connection build in this section was easily my favorite part of the book.
In the final stretch, I found myself wanting a bit more communication between them. The conflict didn’t fully land for me, and I think a little less distance and a little more openness between the characters would have made the resolution feel even stronger.
Overall, this is a well-written story that flows nicely, with a compelling middle and a tender romance at its core. While I didn’t fully connect with every aspect, particularly early on and in the final conflict, I can definitely see this working well for readers who enjoy softer, character-driven romances with a touch of rivals-to-lovers tension.
If you love a “he falls first” dynamic and a sweeter romance with some competitive banter, this might be one to check out.
🌟thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read and provide my honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5✨
Thank you so much to Berkley and Netgalley for the ARC of this book!!!
This was such a sweet read. It was also the perfect level of emotional. It hit me where it hurt, and it was so real and vulnerable. It felt human. Sometimes when you read a romance book, it can feel slightly idealistic, which is normal of course, we’re reading romance to escape. But sometimes you need to read a book that makes you feel tethered to the real world. Where the characters have flaws, get scared and make mistakes, but who also just love each other so so deeply. This is truly where Ellen o’Clover excels, in my opinion. In writing real stories about characters who feel real and who struggle but who fall in love in spite of it all.
Mattie and Campbell had quite the story. Sometimes when you read a rivals to lovers, they don’t really feel like enemies in a way. But WOW did you feel that animosity between them (I mean this in a good way). Because when you have that push back, it makes the falling in love aspect of their relationship so much sweeter.
Mattie is an incredibly complex character. Was I frustrated with her sometimes? Yes. But I can’t help but think it’s because of how similar we are. She is so full of emotion but also so closed off at the time. She is so scared and so brave. She is so completely against love, while also wanting to be loved so so badly. Her journey in this book was truly great to read about. Being able to see her put herself first, embrace her emotions and put in the work.
Campbell was quite the contradiction. I feel like he’s this caricature of a man at the beginning, but that might be because of how Mattie describes him. But he is truly so caring, thoughtful and beautiful. He is also so scared of so many things that he lets his mask and his personality be his shield. And I loved seeing him remove it and become who he truly is with Mattie by his side. It also doesn’t help that the man is completely and utterly obsessed with Mattie, begs and wears slutty little glasses.
I really enjoyed this book and it feels like one that will grow on me the more I think about it. This just solidified my feelings of how incredible Ellen is as a writer and how her beautiful love stories really do change my life, even if for a few days.
Thank you so much to Berkley and Netgalley for the ARC of this book!!!
This was such a sweet read. It was also the perfect level of emotional. It hit me where it hurt, and it was so real and vulnerable. It felt human. Sometimes when you read a romance book, it can feel slightly idealistic, which is normal of course, we’re reading romance to escape. But sometimes you need to read a book that makes you feel tethered to the real world. Where the characters have flaws, get scared and make mistakes, but who also just love each other so so deeply. This is truly where Ellen o’Clover excels, in my opinion. In writing real stories about characters who feel real and who struggle but who fall in love in spite of it all.
Mattie and Campbell had quite the story. Sometimes when you read a rivals to lovers, they don’t really feel like enemies in a way. But WOW did you feel that animosity between them (I mean this in a good way). Because when you have that push back, it makes the falling in love aspect of their relationship so much sweeter.
Mattie is an incredibly complex character. Was I frustrated with her sometimes? Yes. But I can’t help but think it’s because of how similar we are. She is so full of emotion but also so closed off at the time. She is so scared and so brave. She is so completely against love, while also wanting to be loved so so badly. Her journey in this book was truly great to read about. Being able to see her put herself first, embrace her emotions and put in the work.
Campbell was quite the contradiction. I feel like he’s this caricature of a man at the beginning, but that might be because of how Mattie describes him. But he is truly so caring, thoughtful and beautiful. He is also so scared of so many things that he lets his mask and his personality be his shield. And I loved seeing him remove it and become who he truly is with Mattie by his side. It also doesn’t help that the man is completely and utterly obsessed with Mattie, begs and wears slutty little glasses.
I really enjoyed this book and it feels like one that will grow on me the more I think about it. This just solidified my feelings of how incredible Ellen is as a writer and how her beautiful love stories really do change my life, even if for a few days.
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