If Ever We Meet Again (If Love #1) by Ana Huang

ABOUT THE BOOK

One year, two opposites, and a love that will blindside and, ultimately, shatter them.

She’s an aspiring interior designer who dreams of falling in love.
He’s an ex-football star who thinks love is a con.

She’s a virgin, and he doesn’t do virgins.
He’s cocky, infuriating, and not her type.

She wants the fairytale.
He wants freedom.

Blake and Farrah shouldn’t have fallen for each other the way they did: totally, completely, and irrevocably.

Because they’re studying abroad in Shanghai, and they only have one year.

Because forces at home threaten to rip them apart, even if they don’t know it yet.

And because, eventually, they must face the most heartbreaking lesson they’ll ever learn: sometimes, even the greatest love can’t conquer all.

WARNING: This is the first book in a duet. It’s a full-length novel and there are no sudden cliffhangers, but Blake and Farrah’s story continues in book two, If the Sun Never Sets (due out July 2020), which takes place five years later. HEA guaranteed in the second book!

MY REVIEW

When a couple of college students meet in Shanghai, their lives are changed forever.

Farrah Lin is in Shanghai because of her father’s memory. She is majoring in interior design and she is working on a portfolio to apply for a prestigious competition. She believes in love and romance and is saving herself for the right man. However, she is tired of falling for guys she can’t have. She wasn’t expecting to be attracted to the cocky Blake Ryan, former football star and ladies’ man, but his charm wins her over and she falls head over heels. He’s professed his love as well, but after returning from winter break, his demeanor has changed and he’s just not himself. In fact, he’s ghosted her for the last few weeks of their stay in Shanghai. What isn’t he telling her?

Blake came to Shanghai to get as far away from his father as he could. He’s tired of being told what a screw up he’s been for quitting football. He decides to work on his Business Administration degree, but nothing is coming to fruition. Until he meets the beautifully honest Farrah who is so full of life and makes him feel invincible and able to do anything. He has never been this in love with anyone. He’s had the most memorable time of his life in Shanghai spending time with Farrah and their friends, and he likes himself when he is here. But circumstances have changed and he has to do the unthinkable of breaking Farrah’s heart while his has shattered beyond repair.

What a wonderful summer read about the discovery of first love in a foreign land and the heartbreak of reality when it’s time to go home. The author shows us the joys of being in college on a study abroad program with new friends, new adventures, and new loves. I love Farrah and Blake’s story which is not unique, but it is sweet with a slow build-up that leads to love, passion, jealousy, and heartbreak. I truly felt for these two with their determination to follow their dreams and make the best of their lives despite poor choices and things beyond their control. Let’s just say I can’t wait to pick up book 2.

Thank you to Ms. Huang for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

If Love Series

1. If We Ever Meet Again (2020)
   2. If the Sun Never Sets (2020) – my review
   3. If Love Had A Price (2020)
   4. If We Were Perfect (2020)

BUY THE BOOK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ana Huang is an Amazon best-selling author of Young Adult, New Adult, and contemporary romance. Her books often feature strong heroines, sexy heroes, and Asian American characters.

The daughter of Chinese immigrants, Ana started writing stories at age five to improve her English skills (thanks to her mom’s encouragement). She picked up her first romance novel at age twelve by happy accident and never looked back.

Besides reading and writing, Ana loves traveling and learning about new cultures. She majored in international relations and her travels often inspire her story settings. For example, her novel If We Ever Meet Again was inspired by her own study abroad adventures in China.

Ana lives in New York, where she prefers cafe-hopping, exploring the city’s hidden gems, and binge-watching Netflix with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s over taking advantage of the city’s nightlife. She doesn’t drink coffee (gasp!) but absolutely lives for matcha and chai lattes.