Title: If We Were Perfect
Author: Ana Huang
Series: If Love (Book 4)
Publication Date: Dec. 10, 2020
Synopsis: Two exes, one house. What could go wrong?
Olivia had a plan: MBA, Wall Street VP by thirty-two, marriage and two children (preferably twins because #efficiency).
Not in her plan? Losing half her belongings in an apartment flood and being forced to turn to her ex for help.
Definitely not in her plan? Moving into said ex’s house and watching him walk around shirtless, bake her cupcakes, and look at her with those smoldering—
Wait, what was she talking about again?
Between his bakery and meddling family, Sammy had enough on his plate without bringing the ex he’d never been able to forget into the mix.
But when Olivia asks for his help, he couldn’t say no. He could, however, make her regret breaking his heart—as long as he doesn’t do anything foolish, like sneak into her room and kiss her senseless…
As passion slowly replaces their dislike for each other, Sammy and Olivia discover their past isn’t what it seems and their future is anything but certain. Can they overcome their pride and give love a second chance, or is history doomed to repeat itself?
If We Were Perfect is a steamy second chance/roommate romance. It’s book four of the If Love series but can be read as a complete standalone.
Recommended for 18+ due to explicit content and adult language.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon, and I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through my links.
My Review:
Sammy and Olivia have a long and complicated history. Their relationship was hinted at in the first three books, so I was excited to read their story in this final book in the series. I wanted to learn what led to their break-up after their semester abroad and why they never reconnected. If We Were Perfect follows their story as they reconnect and revisit what happened all those years ago.
Their romance between Olivia and Sammy is steamy, passionate, loving, and filled with obstacles. Meddling families, personal aspirations, and miscommunication, as well as a bit of stubborn pride, get in the way of their happily-ever-after. On top of that, they are both ambitious, hard-working, and driven people who demand a lot of themselves. However, even though they have a complex past and many things to work out, they fit so well together, and their connection is undeniable. I love their chemistry, and their steamy scenes were swoon-worthy fantasticness!
I also like the author’s exploration of friendship throughout this series. Olivia and Sammy have an amazing network of friends who are more like family. I enjoyed this wonderful group of friends and their undying support of each other. With the pressures put on them by family, Olivia and Sammy find a safe haven with Farrah, Blake, Kris, and the other wonderful people in their core group. This unbreakable circle of friends shows just how important it is to have people on your side who support and love you unconditionally.
Numerous family members infringe upon Olivia and Sammy’s relationship, and though she had a minor role in the story, I adored Sammy’s mother! She is absolutely hysterical. Vivacious, demanding, funny, and pushy, she reminded me of my own mother. It’s obvious how much she loves her son, even though she is a bit meddlesome and overbearing, and she is a wonderful addition to the story.
Workplace harassment, sexual harassment, infidelity, family conflict, and other topics are explored throughout the novel and add depth to a charming and passionate love story. I like that Huang introduced relatable and relevant issues, and I love her messages of female empowerment!
If We Were Perfect is a fantastic ending to the If Love quartet and is as immersive as the first three books in the series. The characters and story are realistic, the romance is steamy and sweet, and the plot is intriguing. I can’t recommend this New Adult series enough and heartily thank Ana Huang for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance, of course! Olivia and Sammy have a complicated, messy, steamy, and fantastic romance!
- The character development. This is a character-driven story, and Olivia and Sammy are well-layered, dynamic characters.
Recommendations:
Interested in learning more about the series? Check out my reviews for the first three books:
- Book 1: If We Ever Meet Again
- Book 2: If the Sun Never Sets
- Book 3: If Love Had a Price
I’ve read the first two but not the last two in the quartet. I was always curious about what happened to Olivia and Sammy, especially all the things hinted at in If the Sun Never Sets. Thanks for providing a review! (I always thought the covers for these books were so pretty.)
I love the covers too, and was so curious about Olivia and Sammy. The story didn’t disappoint. They have a lot of history, that’s for sure. I really enjoyed this one!