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If Not You
Not yet published
Expected 15 Sep 26Five 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.
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 15, 2026
About the author
Ellen O'Clover
4 books720 followersEllen O’Clover writes stories about love, identity, and belonging for both teens and adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 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.
July 29, 2026
4.5 ★ I think!!
August 2, 2026
Professional rivals forced to work on a stressful campaign in forced proximity with each other? Say less! I tore through this. It's compulsively readable with tension and dialogue that flares off of each page. Campbell and Mattie were total push and pull dynamic from the beginning of the book to the end and watching them go toe to toe was immensely satisfying. Ellen O'Clover expertly builds up tension to the point where I was sweating reading them touch ankles? Like how? As their competing shed away to reveal their softest parts to each other, I really began rooting for them as endgame. They're two people who are so clearly made for each other and the understanding in which they both bring to the table as soon as they get vulnerable cements this. Plus this tension builds so much that the payoff feels satisfying and perfect.
The relationships each character had with the family, friends, and coworkers made then feel so real and dimensional to me. Mattie and Ava's friendship is so important and I always love seeing this kind of female friendships in romance books (as someone who loves her best friends so deeply in the same way). It's refreshing to see a platonic love as strongly portrayed as the romantic love story. I loved that. This is the exact kind of page-turning romance I love, and my highest compliment is always when I can't stop reading a book and it takes me a couple days to finish it. This book is that good. Definitely cracked my top five favorite romance books of all time, I already want to read it again!
The relationships each character had with the family, friends, and coworkers made then feel so real and dimensional to me. Mattie and Ava's friendship is so important and I always love seeing this kind of female friendships in romance books (as someone who loves her best friends so deeply in the same way). It's refreshing to see a platonic love as strongly portrayed as the romantic love story. I loved that. This is the exact kind of page-turning romance I love, and my highest compliment is always when I can't stop reading a book and it takes me a couple days to finish it. This book is that good. Definitely cracked my top five favorite romance books of all time, I already want to read it again!
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.
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.
May 27, 2026
Give me a book where they roast each other as form of flirting and immediately 5 stars.
This was no exception but beyond the roasting, it had so much more. Effortlessly relatable and honest.
The rivals to lovers with the forced proximity of a work trip was truly so well done. His immediate yearning was delicious to read. The perfect balance of self growth, family trauma, friendship troubles, and romance was truly seamless.
This was no exception but beyond the roasting, it had so much more. Effortlessly relatable and honest.
The rivals to lovers with the forced proximity of a work trip was truly so well done. His immediate yearning was delicious to read. The perfect balance of self growth, family trauma, friendship troubles, and romance was truly seamless.
Want to Read
July 5, 2026✨❤️ If Not You ❤️✨
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
💫What to Expect
• Rivals to Lovers
• Workplace Romance
• Forced Proximity
• Road Trip
• Advertising Industry
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 15, 2026
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
💫What to Expect
• Rivals to Lovers
• Workplace Romance
• Forced Proximity
• Road Trip
• Advertising Industry
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 15, 2026
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
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.
Did Not Finish
June 13, 2026This Author is just not for me unfortunately. I couldn't finish her other book either.
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 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!
July 19, 2026
4.25
Wow. Is Ellen O’Clover quietly becoming an auto-buy author for me?
I loved The Heartbreak Hotel, and somehow If Not You gave me many of the same feelings. A workplace romance, rivals-to-lovers, he falls first, and so much yearning that my heart genuinely ached for these two.
But what surprised me most was that this wasn’t just a romance. Beneath the banter and chemistry is a story about ambition, purpose, and the stories we tell ourselves about our lives and the people in them. It made me wonder: if you knew something might not last, would you choose not to begin? This book reminded me that some experiences are worth having simply because they change you.
Ellen O’Clover has a writing style that pulls me in completely. She creates characters I can’t help but root for and emotional moments that linger long after I finish the last page. I even teared up a few times.
Two books in, and I think she’s officially an author I’ll be following closely.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.
Wow. Is Ellen O’Clover quietly becoming an auto-buy author for me?
I loved The Heartbreak Hotel, and somehow If Not You gave me many of the same feelings. A workplace romance, rivals-to-lovers, he falls first, and so much yearning that my heart genuinely ached for these two.
But what surprised me most was that this wasn’t just a romance. Beneath the banter and chemistry is a story about ambition, purpose, and the stories we tell ourselves about our lives and the people in them. It made me wonder: if you knew something might not last, would you choose not to begin? This book reminded me that some experiences are worth having simply because they change you.
Ellen O’Clover has a writing style that pulls me in completely. She creates characters I can’t help but root for and emotional moments that linger long after I finish the last page. I even teared up a few times.
Two books in, and I think she’s officially an author I’ll be following closely.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.
August 8, 2026
Thank you Berkley for the advanced copy via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this one! I thought all of the characters were developed well. I always love a workplace romance and this was a great one! It reminded me of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne with the rivals to lovers workplace aspects of the story. I loved Mattie and Ava’s friendship! I thought that served the story really well. I liked how there were flashbacks to Mattie and Campbell’s history. It helped to set the scene for the tension between the two. Overall, a great read!!
I enjoyed this one! I thought all of the characters were developed well. I always love a workplace romance and this was a great one! It reminded me of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne with the rivals to lovers workplace aspects of the story. I loved Mattie and Ava’s friendship! I thought that served the story really well. I liked how there were flashbacks to Mattie and Campbell’s history. It helped to set the scene for the tension between the two. Overall, a great read!!
May 13, 2026
3.75⭐️
I don’t really know how I feel about this book. In one hand, it was really good and I loved the whole part where they were in California. This part of the book is a 5 star. But there was before and after and it was meh. The third act break up probably is what comforted my rating of 3.75 stars. It was way too long and in the end, you don’t really see the characters together because of it. It was still really nice and definitely recommend it but it wasn’t for me
I don’t really know how I feel about this book. In one hand, it was really good and I loved the whole part where they were in California. This part of the book is a 5 star. But there was before and after and it was meh. The third act break up probably is what comforted my rating of 3.75 stars. It was way too long and in the end, you don’t really see the characters together because of it. It was still really nice and definitely recommend it but it wasn’t for me
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 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
June 30, 2026
Thank you Net Galley, Ellen O’Clover, and Berkley for an arc copy of If Not You.
Summary:
Mattie French has worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a copywriter, pouring her heart into every campaign at her small independent ad agency. She could have landed a job at Chicago’s most prestigious agency if it weren’t for Campbell Porter, her longtime nemesis since their internship five years ago. Now their rival agencies are competing for the same luxury resort chain account, forcing them to work closely together. As they spend more time together, Mattie begins to realize she may have been wrong about Campbell all along.
Thoughts:
* I cried 5+ times. I cry pretty easily, but not five times. It was just that good.
* I love how this book includes some of my favorite romance tropes while still using them in such a unique way. I was constantly trying to figure out how it would end.
* Ellen’s writing is so addictive. I couldn’t put this book down, but I also wanted to savor every single word on every page.
* These two characters are so strong in their own ways, which made for such a compelling read. Their chemistry is incredibly intense, even when they’re work rivals—and even more so when they’re forced to travel together.
* The dual timeline added so much emotional depth to their story and completely softened my opinion of Campbell.
* Hands down, this is one of the most beautiful stories about love and just how deep it can be once you truly have it.
Summary:
Mattie French has worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a copywriter, pouring her heart into every campaign at her small independent ad agency. She could have landed a job at Chicago’s most prestigious agency if it weren’t for Campbell Porter, her longtime nemesis since their internship five years ago. Now their rival agencies are competing for the same luxury resort chain account, forcing them to work closely together. As they spend more time together, Mattie begins to realize she may have been wrong about Campbell all along.
Thoughts:
* I cried 5+ times. I cry pretty easily, but not five times. It was just that good.
* I love how this book includes some of my favorite romance tropes while still using them in such a unique way. I was constantly trying to figure out how it would end.
* Ellen’s writing is so addictive. I couldn’t put this book down, but I also wanted to savor every single word on every page.
* These two characters are so strong in their own ways, which made for such a compelling read. Their chemistry is incredibly intense, even when they’re work rivals—and even more so when they’re forced to travel together.
* The dual timeline added so much emotional depth to their story and completely softened my opinion of Campbell.
* Hands down, this is one of the most beautiful stories about love and just how deep it can be once you truly have it.
June 30, 2026
I have been looking forward to this one for a while. A rivals to lovers book is always a great time and this one didn't let me down. Mattie has been competing with Campbell for the last 5 years. After losing out on an internship to him, it has been one loss after the other. She is over it. It is time to beat him. He gets under her skin like no one else, but as they are working closer.. she starts to see that maybe the person she pegged him to be could be all wrong.
It was pretty clear that Campbell didn't feel the way that Mattie did. You could tell even from her POV that Campbell thought all of it was in good fun and he really liked her, but she couldn't see it through her haze of competition. I really enjoyed their rivalry and banter and the fact they finally talked and realized they were more to one another.
The one issue I had was Mattie and her stance on relationships. We didn't get to see enough of her home life/issues to understand why she felt the way she did and it felt forced onto me that she was "so scared". Campbell had his own issues and we saw more about them, even not from his POV and I could understand him more than Mattie and he really stole my heart. I just would have liked more of a connection to Mattie and her struggles instead of just being told about them.
It was pretty clear that Campbell didn't feel the way that Mattie did. You could tell even from her POV that Campbell thought all of it was in good fun and he really liked her, but she couldn't see it through her haze of competition. I really enjoyed their rivalry and banter and the fact they finally talked and realized they were more to one another.
The one issue I had was Mattie and her stance on relationships. We didn't get to see enough of her home life/issues to understand why she felt the way she did and it felt forced onto me that she was "so scared". Campbell had his own issues and we saw more about them, even not from his POV and I could understand him more than Mattie and he really stole my heart. I just would have liked more of a connection to Mattie and her struggles instead of just being told about them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the early copy of If Not You💙
“I remember everything you’ve ever said to me.”
If you love rivals-to-lovers, she thinks he hates her but he’s always loved her, and books that feel like a warm hug, then you're going to love If Not You by Ellen O'Clover!
I read Heartbreak Hotel last year and it was one of my favorite books of the year. So when this one was announced, I had a feeling it was going to be something good (and I was right!). I had the loveliest time reading this and genuinely didn't want it to end. 🥹
Mattie and Campbell were both such well-written characters. I related so much to Mattie because, as a Capricorn, I can absolutely hold a grudge. 😌 And her fear of being left behind? Was she reading my journal👀
And Campbell... aka Mr. "I'll beg if you want" with his PhD in yearnalism? I loved him DOWN. There is nothing more romantic to me than someone remembering all the little things that make a person who they are, and Campbell embodied that perfectly.
I also loved how seamlessly the story moved between timelines. Watching Mattie and Campbell go from constantly bickering to slowly letting their walls down made the romance feel so rewarding.
I can’t wait to add a physical copy to my shelf! September 15th can't come soon enough!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the early copy of If Not You💙
“I remember everything you’ve ever said to me.”
If you love rivals-to-lovers, she thinks he hates her but he’s always loved her, and books that feel like a warm hug, then you're going to love If Not You by Ellen O'Clover!
I read Heartbreak Hotel last year and it was one of my favorite books of the year. So when this one was announced, I had a feeling it was going to be something good (and I was right!). I had the loveliest time reading this and genuinely didn't want it to end. 🥹
Mattie and Campbell were both such well-written characters. I related so much to Mattie because, as a Capricorn, I can absolutely hold a grudge. 😌 And her fear of being left behind? Was she reading my journal👀
And Campbell... aka Mr. "I'll beg if you want" with his PhD in yearnalism? I loved him DOWN. There is nothing more romantic to me than someone remembering all the little things that make a person who they are, and Campbell embodied that perfectly.
I also loved how seamlessly the story moved between timelines. Watching Mattie and Campbell go from constantly bickering to slowly letting their walls down made the romance feel so rewarding.
I can’t wait to add a physical copy to my shelf! September 15th can't come soon enough!
May 26, 2026
I'm still in recovery mode from this book. This was one of those stories where I knew almost immediately that I was going to love it. I had to fight the urge to speed through it, while also never wanting it to end. It’s official: I LOVE Ellen O'Clover. She is now and forever a must-buy, must-read author for me. I loved The Heartbreak Hotel, and somehow I loved If Not You even more!!
If Not You follows rival copywriters who first met while interning at the same ad agency five years ago. They’re thrown together again when their agencies compete for a lucrative client, forcing them to spend a month together at two high-end resorts.
Mattie has a massive vendetta against Campbell, who “won” their internship years ago and has seemingly continued to beat her at every turn — all while wearing that smug smile.
Meanwhile, Campbell would do just about anything for a single look from Mattie.
I’m not always a fan of dual timelines because I usually end up preferring the present-day storyline, but the brief flashbacks here were woven in seamlessly and added to the story.
I was rooting so hard for Mattie and Campbell, and I’ve already reread the ending approximately 10 times.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC.
If Not You follows rival copywriters who first met while interning at the same ad agency five years ago. They’re thrown together again when their agencies compete for a lucrative client, forcing them to spend a month together at two high-end resorts.
Mattie has a massive vendetta against Campbell, who “won” their internship years ago and has seemingly continued to beat her at every turn — all while wearing that smug smile.
Meanwhile, Campbell would do just about anything for a single look from Mattie.
I’m not always a fan of dual timelines because I usually end up preferring the present-day storyline, but the brief flashbacks here were woven in seamlessly and added to the story.
I was rooting so hard for Mattie and Campbell, and I’ve already reread the ending approximately 10 times.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC.
May 11, 2026
If Not You
Ellen O’Clover has the remarkable ability to turn even the most innocuous, unassuming lines into gut punches that have me crying over my kindle in the middle of the night.
Mattie French is a talented copywriter working in Chicago, but when a big client opportunity opens up it puts her in direct competition with her old intern rival, Campbell Porter, aka the one who beats Mattie at every turn. When they have to spend a month together, the forced proximity forces Mattie to face her true feelings, is Campbell her enemy or is there something there beneath the surface that she’s been trying to ignore for half a decade?
At first I really hated Campbell on Mattie’s behalf. Every quip, every smirk made me so deliriously angry with him, and that’s a testament to Ellen’s writing. When given context it’s easy to see how the first half of the novel is skewed by Mattie’s own opinion on Campbell. Around the 30% mark you start to see how the rest of the characters in the story see their banter and Mattie’s talent.
The romance is sweet, though I did feel like it sorta snowballed as soon as they kissed that first time and I’d have loved a little more tension/will-they-wont-they but I still loved their dynamic. I’m also not a sucker for a third act break up that could easily be avoided with a single conversation so that didn’t jive with me and I’m still mad at Campbell for how he left Mattie in her hotel without another word after she flew to NC to make a grand gesture. She can forgive him, I won’t forget.
Overall this is a tender love story with rivals to lovers (where only one of them was actually feeling the rivalry, he fell first) and Ellen’s writing truly shines and will make you feel so deeply about these characters. I will read anything she writes!
Thanks to ACE/Berkely and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy
Ellen O’Clover has the remarkable ability to turn even the most innocuous, unassuming lines into gut punches that have me crying over my kindle in the middle of the night.
Mattie French is a talented copywriter working in Chicago, but when a big client opportunity opens up it puts her in direct competition with her old intern rival, Campbell Porter, aka the one who beats Mattie at every turn. When they have to spend a month together, the forced proximity forces Mattie to face her true feelings, is Campbell her enemy or is there something there beneath the surface that she’s been trying to ignore for half a decade?
At first I really hated Campbell on Mattie’s behalf. Every quip, every smirk made me so deliriously angry with him, and that’s a testament to Ellen’s writing. When given context it’s easy to see how the first half of the novel is skewed by Mattie’s own opinion on Campbell. Around the 30% mark you start to see how the rest of the characters in the story see their banter and Mattie’s talent.
The romance is sweet, though I did feel like it sorta snowballed as soon as they kissed that first time and I’d have loved a little more tension/will-they-wont-they but I still loved their dynamic. I’m also not a sucker for a third act break up that could easily be avoided with a single conversation so that didn’t jive with me and I’m still mad at Campbell for how he left Mattie in her hotel without another word after she flew to NC to make a grand gesture. She can forgive him, I won’t forget.
Overall this is a tender love story with rivals to lovers (where only one of them was actually feeling the rivalry, he fell first) and Ellen’s writing truly shines and will make you feel so deeply about these characters. I will read anything she writes!
Thanks to ACE/Berkely and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy
July 31, 2026
💭 ⓂⓎ ⓉⒽⓄⓊⒼⒽⓉⓈ
This was the perfect book to read on vacation with all the traveling Mattie and Cameron did. It was such a fun read filled with witty banter, but don’t be fooled because there is an emotional side that really hits later in the story. Beyond the romance and banter, my favorite part was the feminist themes and the ongoing reminder that a woman’s perspective is essential in every job and every aspect of life. There were so many misogynistic moments that made me sick, but unfortunately they reflect the reality so many women still face at work. I loved how Ellen’s writing makes you want to stand up for yourself and reminds you that women’s voices matter, our perspectives are valuable, and they deserve to be heard and appreciated.
📚 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
💘Rivals to lovers
👩🏻💻Workplace romance
👩🏻❤️💋👨🏼Forced proximity
🔥Slow burn
✈️Travel
💕Friendships
💙He falls first
🐈⬛Black cat x Golden retriever
🔄Dual timelines
⚠️ 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: dementia
🏩𝕄𝕐 ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾🏩
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💕Q U O T E: "𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒. 𝐵𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻.“
🙏Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This was the perfect book to read on vacation with all the traveling Mattie and Cameron did. It was such a fun read filled with witty banter, but don’t be fooled because there is an emotional side that really hits later in the story. Beyond the romance and banter, my favorite part was the feminist themes and the ongoing reminder that a woman’s perspective is essential in every job and every aspect of life. There were so many misogynistic moments that made me sick, but unfortunately they reflect the reality so many women still face at work. I loved how Ellen’s writing makes you want to stand up for yourself and reminds you that women’s voices matter, our perspectives are valuable, and they deserve to be heard and appreciated.
📚 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
💘Rivals to lovers
👩🏻💻Workplace romance
👩🏻❤️💋👨🏼Forced proximity
🔥Slow burn
✈️Travel
💕Friendships
💙He falls first
🐈⬛Black cat x Golden retriever
🔄Dual timelines
⚠️ 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: dementia
🏩𝕄𝕐 ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾🏩
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💕Q U O T E: "𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒. 𝐵𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻.“
🙏Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
August 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the gifted ARC!
I was a huge fan of The Heartbreak Hotel, so I was beyond excited to get my hands on an early copy of If Not You. I’m so happy to say this one absolutely lived up to my expectations.
I love a good rivals-to-lovers romance, and Mattie and Campbell delivered. Their banter, chemistry, and years of built-up tension made it impossible not to root for them. One of my favorite parts was slowly realizing that Mattie didn’t know Campbell nearly as well as she thought she did. Peeling back all of those layers and seeing who he really was made me fall for him right alongside her.
Campbell had been carrying around feelings for Mattie for years, and watching those walls finally come down was one of my favorite parts of the book. Every time another piece of the real Campbell came to light, I fell for him a little more. Once they finally let their walls down, I was completely invested.
I also really appreciated that this story was about more than just the romance. Mattie carried so much self-doubt, and watching her learn to believe in herself and realize her worth made her character arc just as satisfying as the love story. Campbell had his own struggles too, which gave both characters so much depth and made their relationship feel even more earned.
This was such a beautiful mix of tension, vulnerability, and romance. If you love workplace rivals-to-lovers, a hero who has been secretly carrying feelings for years, and romances with just as much heart as they have chemistry, I definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR.
I was a huge fan of The Heartbreak Hotel, so I was beyond excited to get my hands on an early copy of If Not You. I’m so happy to say this one absolutely lived up to my expectations.
I love a good rivals-to-lovers romance, and Mattie and Campbell delivered. Their banter, chemistry, and years of built-up tension made it impossible not to root for them. One of my favorite parts was slowly realizing that Mattie didn’t know Campbell nearly as well as she thought she did. Peeling back all of those layers and seeing who he really was made me fall for him right alongside her.
Campbell had been carrying around feelings for Mattie for years, and watching those walls finally come down was one of my favorite parts of the book. Every time another piece of the real Campbell came to light, I fell for him a little more. Once they finally let their walls down, I was completely invested.
I also really appreciated that this story was about more than just the romance. Mattie carried so much self-doubt, and watching her learn to believe in herself and realize her worth made her character arc just as satisfying as the love story. Campbell had his own struggles too, which gave both characters so much depth and made their relationship feel even more earned.
This was such a beautiful mix of tension, vulnerability, and romance. If you love workplace rivals-to-lovers, a hero who has been secretly carrying feelings for years, and romances with just as much heart as they have chemistry, I definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR.
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.
July 23, 2026
i had high expectations for this because of how much i adored the heartbreak hotel by this author. let me tell you… expectations exceeded.
campbell porter is a dream and mattie french can hold a grudge better than anyone i know. she is determined, headstrong and so talented and i love that campbell sees all of that in her even when she doesn’t.
a workplace, rivals to lovers storyline will do it for me every time. the tension; the yearning… you could cut the tension with a knife between these two. chefs kiss. 5 big fat juicy stars. i’d like a vacation to wicksteed. thank you to netgalley for the e-arc!
campbell porter is a dream and mattie french can hold a grudge better than anyone i know. she is determined, headstrong and so talented and i love that campbell sees all of that in her even when she doesn’t.
a workplace, rivals to lovers storyline will do it for me every time. the tension; the yearning… you could cut the tension with a knife between these two. chefs kiss. 5 big fat juicy stars. i’d like a vacation to wicksteed. thank you to netgalley for the e-arc!
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