If Tomorrow Never Comes

by Allison Ashley

Fate connects two people in life-changing ways in a deeply romantic and emotional novel about hope and second chances by the author of Would You Rather and The Roommate Pact.

Uncertain of what tomorrow brings, Elliott Holland decides to live it up—on the eve of a stem cell transplant to treat her leukemia. It’s destiny when she crosses paths with handsome and charming Jamie Sullivan. The chemistry is magic. So is a beautiful evening that ends with a bittersweet kiss goodbye and no expectations of ever seeing each other again.

One year later, Elliott’s future looks good. Her cancer is in remission. Her career in graphic design is taking off. And she’s finally met Carly, the young woman whose stem cell donation gave Elliott a second chance at life. Then, in a twist of fate both blissful and unfair, she meets Carly’s boyfriend. It’s Jamie, the man Elliott kissed like it was her last day on earth. Neither of them has ever forgotten it.

Now, the most difficult decisions of all lie ahead. Whatever risks there are to the heart, one need wins to grab hold of everything that can make someone feel alive again.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Friends To Lovers

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2025

About the author

Allison Ashley is a music-loving, coffee-drinking mom of two who loves love stories. She's an oncology pharmacist and spends her days focused on helping patients through the hardest thing life can throw at them. Her escape has always been books—specifically reading books about happiness, love, and laughter—and it was inevitable that she'd eventually write her own. She promises to always write stories with deep romance, intense connection, and humor…but most of all, that coveted happy ever after.

Reviews

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus} · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc and an audiobook in exchange for an honest review!*

4 out of 5 stars.

Allison Ashley can do no wrong! She is one of my favorite romance authors and sadly such an underrated one.

I read most of her books and rated them all 4 stars and above. I always looks forward to her upcoming books!

I know this book will wreck me, but I’m looking forward to it very much. 🥹

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ On the eve of a stem-cell transplant to cure her leukemia, Elliot Holland is determined to live one night to the fullest. During her night out, she meets Jamie Sullivan and the two feel an instant connection. But when the night is over, Elliot leaves Jamie without a goodbye. A year later, in the twist of a lifetime, she meets her stem cell donor Carly, and her boyfriend Jamie.

Allison Ashley is one of the most underhyped authors out there. She writes incredibly touching love stories, fueled as much by the character life’s hardships create, as the fun, quirky situations romcoms are known for.

This was by far the most emotional/serious of the romances I have read from her thus far, and just as with her previous books, I felt completely immersed in the story and the lives of these characters. Each and every one is multifaceted and realistically flawed. The inter dynamics, particularly around the quasi-love triangle, were engaging, insightful, and added yet another layer to an emotionally complex story. And don’t be put off by the inclusion of the love triangle trope. It is executed in a way that even the most cynical of romance readers will find satisfying.

🎧 Although the audio isn’t bad by any means and features the narrator I loved from Ashley’s previous book, The Roommate Pact, I wish I had done this solely as a physical read. I think I lost some of the emotional impact in the audiobook translation. I would recommend reading the physical/ebook over the audio in this case.

Read if you like:
emotional romance
love triangles done right
instant connection
friends to lovers
chronic illness rep

Thank you Amazon Publishing and Brilliance Audio for the gifted copies.

[Lauren (thebookscript) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read one of Allison's books in the past and she never fails to bring all the emotion, gut punch angst and medical representation into her love stories.

The book starts off with the most darling meet cute. This couple has INSTANT chemistry...and not in a bad way...like in a way that will make you re-think that instant love could be a really good and really thing. There was never a question in my mind that they were brought together by the magic of fate.

When they are separated for some time and brought back together I was so ready for it. What I was not prepared for was the absolute ANGST and PINING that I got that I Gobbled up like candy. Allison really exceeded when it came to the dialogue and had me smiling like a non-creepy version of the cheshire cat. These are adult characters that feel real and flawed, but also have great honest conversations and progression.

I felt like the conflict was handled in a great way that felt true to the characters. There was enough emotion and realism added into the leukemia representation that I also felt was very well done. It was very sexy and romantic and I even enjoyed the cute dog.

Allison has become an auto-read author and I can't wait to go back and snag the ones i've missed.

**closed door but sexier...a tad more descriptive in the build up
**moderate strong language

[kaz ruby 𐙚 ‧₊˚ ⋅ · Rating 5 out of 5]

i may never get over the fact that i do not have a Jamie in my life

[mich · Rating 3 out of 5]

The path to true love never was easy for
besotted arborist (read: professional tree climber) Jamie Sullivan who's still reeling from May - the one who got away.

Down-on-her-luck but fierce Elliot Holland is moving on from antiseptic wards and onto a new city to forget old scars and thank her donor.

As fate would have it, however, the man she was convinced is the love of life happens to be the boyfriend of her donor whose cells quite literally run through her...

- ~ -

"𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺."

"𝘐𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦."

The story fell a little flat for me. Don't get me wrong it's a cute read really and although I don't appreciate all the Starbucks promotion this book got, it wasn't a bad read just very forgettable...

I don't quite understand the point of this book's existence? Very odd thing to say.... I liked the story but what was the point? the moral of the story as they'd say? Unsure.

The romance was wholesome yes despite it being an insta love and the banter was present but I just do not understand the very point of the book??? (a confusing but amusing problem to have haha)

- ~ -

3.82 / 5☆

Thanks to Montlake. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bethany C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely perfect!!!! I don’t know how to properly explain the way this made me feel and how much I love these characters 😭

Allison has a way of writing where you feel everything the characters are feeling. When they’re happy, you’re happy. When they’re sad, you’re sad. I literally felt the anguish and passion right alongside our main characters.

Their connection was instantaneous and you could feel it from the moment they met. I could not put the book down — I needed to keep reading to find out what was gonna happen.

Jamie????? Literally things he would say I was on the FLOOR I CANT I love this man!!!! and Elliott is so brave and strong it makes me emotional 🥲

I also think this type of storyline can very easily go south, but Allison wrote it perfectly. From the pacing to the plot it was SO good I cannot express this enough

I also love how Allison has medical aspects in her books. She’s so good at it and it feels very real!

PLS READ THIS

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the early copy!

[whatkelseysreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

a book that started off strong (like with the best first kiss ever) but then lost its steam…🤷🏻‍♀️

✨second chance
✨the one that got away
✨emotional romance
✨love triangle ish
✨dual POV (but one audiobook narrator)

While I was immediately hooked it ultimately went *exactly* like I thought it would and I wanted it to dig a little deeper into the emotion of it all! It still had some stand out moments and a precious doggo🥹 but I just wanted to feel more!

[Lynn Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25. A romance book with some laugh out loud pages mixed with a diagnosis of leukemia. Another sold book by Allison Ashley, one that I’m so glad she found the time to write - they Covid and all.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars- I adored this sweet book!!

[Jessica Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison Ashley has slotted her name on my auto read list. She knows how to write emotionally complex characters and storylines that captures your heart from the very beginning.

Jamie & Elliott’s chemistry was off the charts and made me think about the invisible string theory. Their love felt timeless. The plot was spaced out neatly and very easy to follow, I personally loved the text chains between Jamie and Elliott.

I loved Elliott’s character development as she navigated life after her transplant. Seeing her grow and thrive after everything she’s been through was inspiring.

I really felt bad for Jamie not wanting to subconsciously be like his dad. A part of me wishes he would have told Carly sooner than he did about knowing Elliott. I know deep down he didn’t wanna hurt Carly, but Carly also didn’t have to throw it in Jamie’s face that he’s like his dad considering she already moved on.

Elliott was a shining light and wanted the best for everyone and I’m so happy she got the happily ever after she deserves.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Mary Fabrizio · Rating 2 out of 5]

These characters have no flaws. Sorry, I couldn't suspend disbelief enough to enjoy it. Also, far too much telling and not enough showing.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a meet cute involving a cheesecake debate, making French Vanilla souffles, and a soul-inspiring kiss, Elliott and Jamie part ways. Neither can forget the magic of their connection, but they have no way of finding each other – no phone numbers, no email addresses, no social media identifiers. For Elliott the ensuing year involves recovery from a life-giving stem cell procedure and a new beginning of fulfilling her dream as an entrepreneur. Jamie, finally resolving he will never see her again, renews a relationship with a college lover. Then, fate intervenes, and Elliott and Jamie meet again with a strange twist: Jamie’s current girlfriend is Elliott’s bone marrow donor. What ensues is a convoluted and complex romance that tries to protect everyone with mixed results.

This is a good – not great – novel. It has all the makings of a deeply emotional journey, yet it felt strangely disconnected for me. Perhaps there was too much handwringing over concern and compassion for others’ feelings when the protagonists were really protecting themselves from conflict and facing their own dishonesty.

What I liked most were the supporting characters – Jamie’s sister, Blythe and her clear-eyed advice; Elliott’s best friend’s enthusiasm and loyalty; and Hank, Jamie’s fury friend, whose antics added a bit of levity to the heavier elements of the storyline.

Overall, this novel kept me engaged but left me dissatisfied at the end.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Such an incredible read!! I had no idea what to expect going into this as it was my first book written by Allison Ashley, but I instantly fell in love with her writing, the characters, the plot, and everything else about it. Anytime I picked up this book, it was a struggle to put it back down. Something about the character’s stories drew me right in. Also the chemistry between Elliot and Jamie was incredible. You could feel it through the page. 🥰 I loved that this was not only a romance but it also read as a bit of a self discovery and literary fiction book. I loved the character progression that we got to see from the main female character Elliot. She just went into remission for cancer and is quick to believe she’ll never find love but fate has other plans for her. Also, Jamie was just perfection. Talk about a man that is obsessed. He was so thoughtful and knew how she was feeling without her even having to say it. I loved him so much. Please read this asap!!! 🥹💗

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for an arc of this book!

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her latest novel, If Tomorrow Never Comes, Allison Ashley weaves a poignant tale that skillfully balances the gravity of life-threatening illness with the tender blossoming of an unforgettable romance. As a follow-up to her popular works like Would You Rather and The Roommate Pact, Ashley once again demonstrates her talent for creating authentic characters who face extraordinary circumstances with both vulnerability and strength.

The story introduces us to Elliott Holland, a young woman preparing for a stem cell transplant to treat her recurring leukemia. On what could be her last night of freedom before treatment, she crosses paths with Jamie Sullivan at a local bar. Their connection is instant, electric, and tragically temporary. When they reunite a year later, the universe delivers the cruelest twist—Jamie is dating Carly, the very woman whose stem cells saved Elliott's life. What follows is a beautifully complex exploration of duty, desire, and what we owe to others versus what we owe to ourselves.

Emotional Depth That Resonates

Ashley doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of battling a life-threatening illness. Elliott's journey is rendered with painful authenticity—from the clinical sterility of hospital rooms to the bone-deep exhaustion that follows treatment. What sets this book apart is how Ashley handles the weight of mortality:

- Elliott's casual references to her mortality statistics (a 30% chance of dying) showcase her matter-of-fact relationship with her diagnosis
- The anxiety that accompanies every minor symptom post-treatment is portrayed with unflinching honesty
- The isolation of illness and recovery becomes a character in itself

The author clearly understands the medical world she depicts. Readers familiar with Ashley's background as a clinical oncology pharmacist will appreciate the technical accuracy woven seamlessly into emotional storytelling. But it's not just the medical aspects that ring true—it's the psychological toll of living with uncertainty that Ashley captures so brilliantly.

Characters Who Feel Like Friends

What elevates If Tomorrow Never Comes above standard romance fare is the dimensionality of its characters. Elliott isn't defined solely by her illness or her romantic yearning—she's a graphic designer with ambition, a daughter, a friend, and a woman with a wry sense of humor even in her darkest moments.

Jamie's character development deserves special mention. His journey from affable tree-climbing arborist to a man confronting deep-seated fears about becoming like his philandering father adds welcome complexity. The scene where he confides in his sister Blythe about his concerns reveals layers of insecurity beneath his steady exterior.

Secondary characters aren't merely convenient plot devices either. Yuka, Elliott's sharp-tongued but fiercely loyal friend, provides both comic relief and emotional ballast. Blythe, with her bakery aptly named "Melt My Tart," delivers wisdom wrapped in humor. Even Carly, who could easily have been portrayed as an obstacle to the main couple's happiness, is given agency and humanity.

When Chemistry Meets Circumstance

The romance between Elliott and Jamie simmers with a slow-burning intensity that feels earned rather than manufactured. Their initial meeting sets the tone:

"Never stop looking at me like that," Jamie tells Elliott after noticing her watching him roll up his sleeves—a small, ordinary moment that crackles with intimacy.

Ashley excels at these quiet moments of connection, whether it's Jamie and Elliott debating the proper classification of cheesecake (Is it cake? Is it pie? Or perhaps a tart?) or sharing secrets beneath their favorite oak trees. The author understands that true chemistry isn't just about physical attraction but about the peculiar language two people develop together.

Where The Novel Stumbles

Despite its many strengths, If Tomorrow Never Comes isn't without flaws:

- Pacing issues in the middle section: After the initial setup and reunion, the story occasionally meanders before finding its stride again when Elliott's health takes a turn.

- Convenient plot devices: Carly's move to Oklahoma feels somewhat contrived, a neat solution to clear the path for our protagonists.

- Limited stakes in some conflicts: The primary obstacle—Elliott's guilt about pursuing Jamie—gets resolved with relative ease once Carly leaves town and finds happiness elsewhere.

- Underdeveloped work storyline: Though Elliott's graphic design career is mentioned frequently, we don't see much of her actual work process or professional growth.

These issues don't significantly detract from the overall reading experience but prevent the novel from reaching its full potential.

Medical Romance Done Right

What makes Ashley's approach to medical romance refreshing is her refusal to use illness merely as a plot device. Elliott's leukemia isn't just a convenient crisis to trigger emotional declarations—it's a lived reality that shapes her perspective, her choices, and her relationships.

The novel also avoids the trope of a miraculous recovery facilitated by love. Instead, it shows how connection and support can make an unbearable journey bearable. When Elliott faces the possibility of needing more donor cells, the narrative emphasizes that love doesn't cure her—proper medical care does—but it does give her reasons to fight.

The Author's Signature Style

Readers familiar with Ashley's previous works will recognize her narrative strengths:

- Balancing serious subject matter with moments of genuine humor
- Creating romantic tension through meaningful conversation rather than contrived misunderstandings
- Infusing medical scenarios with emotional authenticity
- Developing supporting characters who feel three-dimensional

If Tomorrow Never Comes feels like a natural progression in Ashley's storytelling abilities. The narrative voice is confident, the dialogue crisp, and the emotional beats well-timed. Fans of her previous novels like Would You Rather will appreciate the thematic continuity while noting her growth as a writer.

Final Verdict: A Beautiful Balance of Heart and Hardship

If Tomorrow Never Comes strikes a delicate balance between unflinching honesty about illness and uplifting romance. Ashley has crafted a story that acknowledges life's cruelties without surrendering to fatalism, all while delivering a love story that feels both passionate and grounded.

The novel's greatest strength lies in its portrayal of how love exists not in spite of life's uncertainties but alongside them. Elliott and Jamie don't find their happy ending because they're guaranteed a trouble-free future—they find it because they choose each other despite knowing how fragile everything is.

While not flawless, the novel delivers what matters most in contemporary romance: characters you care about, emotional truth, and a love story that feels worth fighting for. Ashley continues to establish herself as an author who can handle complex emotional territory with both sensitivity and hope.

[♡Gigi♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy and cute little romance read. It started so strong but I feel just got more underwhelming and it went on.

[Kelsey H · Rating 3 out of 5]

FMC - Elliott: 5 🌟
MMC - Jamie: 5 🌟
SPICE: 🌶

LIKES: This was a sweet romance! It started off strong with cute banter and chemistry between the main characters. I was intrigued by the whole premise: a love triangle between the FMC, the MMC, and the MMC's girlfriend who happened to be the donor for Elliott's stem cell transplant. In this situation, each character was thoughtful and respectful, and there was no huge drama

DISLIKES: With all of the romance books out there, and all the books I read, a story has to be memorable somehow or it'll quickly get lost in the mix. Unfortunately, this book is one of those for me. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't super memorable. The beginning was strong, as I mentioned before, but then the plot just sort of plateaued through to the end

But if you're looking for a cute romance with low drama and a sweet HEA, then I'd still say go ahead and give it a read, especially since it can be read in a day or two :)

[Danielle Kaitlin (daniallreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most romantic book I've ever read. I am still swooning ugghhh.

Full review to come.

[Yesmina · Rating 3 out of 5]

So sweet, it will tug on your heartstrings. But, it was unnecessarily long for my taste (the total count of pages wasn't the problem, the back and forth with inner struggles was tedious)!

FMC is a cancer patient, her teenage+ early 20 life was put on hold until she can recover properly, Just before going in for the biggest surgery she decided to let loose and have fun.
A meet cute happen:, she meets MMC who was stood up by a tinder date. He was smitten with her instantly and proposed she would be his date for the night.
He had scheduled a baking date which was the cutest thing ever. They had an amazing evening, meaningful conversation, smart banter, and sizzling chemistry.

FMC chose not to share her personal information with him because she frankly thought she's going to die. She left him but also left her heart with him. MMC regretted not going after her or pressuring her to give him her contact.

And then the story goes on...

[Jacqueline Firkins]

A sweet, thoughtful romance between two people who form an intense connection at their first meeting, only to part the next morning when she undergoes a stem cell transplant. A year later, they reconnect and discover that the girl he’s briefly dating is her donor. Ashley focuses much of the remaining story on the moral dilemma the two face regarding how and when to admit their strong feelings for each other, and what those feelings might mean for her donor. Once they stop resisting, the relationship unfolds in joyful, loving scenes full of open affection and mutual support. We also get some insight into the life of a cancer survivor, and what it means to be post-treatment but live with the constant anxiety about a recurrence. While the subject matter touches on serious topics, Ashley surrounds her leads with supportive friends & family members, and happy, fulfilling workplaces, so there’s lots of light and cheer in the pages. The tree motif is lovely, and who can resist a buoyantly affectionate rescue dog?

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Elliot meets Jamie the night before her stem cell transplant for leukemia. They are a prime example of finding the perfect person at the wrong time. Especially after they run into each other a year later and Jamie is in a relationship with Elliot’s stem cell donor. This was a super sweet dual POV love story. Jamie the MMC (ex-baseball player turned Arborist) was precious with just the right amount of nerdy. Jamie and Elliot had some great banter that made me chuckle. It has a good amount of heat without explicit spice. Don’t worry about the synopsis if you hate an infidelity trope or love triangle because the characters have pretty great integrity and direct communication for the most part.
I listened to the audiobook and it was well done, my only complaint is I wish a man could have read Jamie’s perspective.

I was generously provided an advanced reader copy of the audio book by the author for an honest review.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking, optimistic, and romantic!

If Tomorrow Never Comes is a tender, moving tale that takes you into the life of Elliott Holland, a young woman who, on the eve of a life-or-death surgery, spends one incredible night with a man she will probably never see again until fate intervenes, and one year later she bumps into him only to discover he’s the boyfriend of the woman who saved her life.

The writing is sensitive and sincere. The characters are flawed, genuine, and troubled. And the multi-layered plot is a heartfelt, absorbing tale about life, love, family, friendship, trust, compassion, romance, happiness, destiny, self-reflection, and second chances.

Overall, If Tomorrow Never Comes is an emotional, pensive, heartwarming tale by Ashley that reminds us that life is complicated, things happen for a reason, often the choices we make have consequences, letting people in is never a bad thing, and love is, ultimately, always worth fighting for.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember sitting with Allison as she told me she wanted to write a love triangle story but really do it justice. She absolutely accomplished her mission. Throwing in her expertise in oncology into the mix, and the result was perfection. Although still closed door romance, this seemed to have a little more "spice" than her other books, which I loved.

Allison, keep doing your thing. You're amazing.

[Emily | emilyisoverbooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Montlake and Allison Ashley for the gifted copy of this book!

This is by far Allison's best book yet, and I've loved them all! This one just hit different. The first kiss is probably the best first kiss scene I've ever read in a book. The little twists, the angsty love triangle, the friend group, the anxiety of having leukemia that might come back, the SWEET LIL DOG... it was just perfect. You won't want to miss Jamie and Elliott. They are sweet as all get-out.

[Maricella Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book. It just fell short but then again I didn’t know what I was expecting. Elliot spends a wonderful night with the soulmate of her dreams. She even thinks about him while she’s in treatment… then is unwilling to give the relationship a chance when she finds him again. I can’t imagine living life in fear and waiting for test results all the time. I felt for Elliot and Jesse. I loved he was an arborist and had a dog named Hank! lol I loved that dog! I felt like there was something missing though? Maybe my narration was the problem? Still a good story but left me with questions. Maybe because it took me so long to read it? It was a clean, closed door romance, love triangle, and representation of cancer patient.

[Lia Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

yo solo soy una chica leyendo dramas medicos con un bonito romance

[Rebecca]

Kindle First Reads - March 2025

[Megan | Megan.Reads.Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Montlake for the ARC via NetGalley! These are my honest thoughts!

I think Allison Ashley writes SUCH compelling characters. I was reading two books at the same time, this one and another one, both dealing with transplants, and this one was done SO WELL. I felt so much compassion towards our FMC. Elliott and Jamie have one amazing night together before she gets a bone marrow transplant, and it GETS HER THROUGH. Now, a year later, she's back in the same city, hoping to bump into Jamie again. But it's not what she thought it would be when she does.

I don't actually want to share too much about this story, other than this relationship and friendship is one I can get behind. Both our main characters are struggling through real adult things, and their relationship blossoms in these hard moments. I loved the cast of characters, particularly Elliott's best friend and her parents, and Blythe, Jamie's sister.

Read if you love:
- chance encounters and second chances
- books where one person is sick, and the other promises to be there every step of the way
- stories about adult friendships
- bravery
- DOGS
- Nebraska
- Love triangles done right... no cheating
- Cooking
- Debates

This is a very solid 4/4.25 star read.

This one is out now and available in KU (with free audio add-on!).

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I really enjoyed this book so so much! I had high hopes and expectations after @bookswithbethanyc read/loved it and I wasn’t disappointed.

Synopsis: Elliott is on deck for a stem cell transplant and not knowing how the serious operation might turn out, decides to live it up the night before. What she didn’t expect was to cross paths with what could be her soulmate. Elliott and Jamie go their separate ways only for fate to step in a year later bringing them back together. Only this time when Elliott meets Jamie it’s as the boyfriend of her stem cell donor.

I binged this in nearly one day and really loved it so much. The characters jumped off the page and their chemistry was written so well. Sweet Hank (the dog) was such a lovable addition to the book too!! My onlyyyy wish is for there to have been a little more angst but this book was nearly perfect!

[Becky • bookmarked by becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Allison Ashley, and I found it beautifully written. It's a softer, character-driven romance that blends emotional depth with humor. I loved the characters Elliot and Jaime. They form an instant connection, but it’s a case of the right connection at the wrong time. When they "meet" again, their romance evolves more slowly, feeling like soulmates rather than instant love.

Perfect pick if you love:
✨Romance tropes: Friends to lovers, Second chances, soulmates.
✨Medical slant - Cancer rep
✨Great support systems - friends, sister, parents
✨And, of course, dogs

I paired the audio and physical versions, spending equal time with both. I enjoyed Ann Marie Giddeon’s narration; she perfectly balances warmth and sincerity in their journey. It’s a sweet romance, whether you listen to the audiobook or read the physical copy—it’s a can't-miss!

[Marissa | Readswith_marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to BookSparks for including me in #WRC2025 and for the #gifted book! 🫶🏻

This book starts out with the sweetest meet cute. There was instant chemistry, but not in the way that’s overbearing. In the way that you just know these two are meant to be, that fate brought them together.

Elliott’s return to Omaha after her remission made me feel so liberated for her. As a character all on her own I loved her! She had so many wonderful qualities to bring to the book. She was strong, courageous and so kind. Maybe even more kind than she always needed to be on more than one occasion.

Jamie was your classic, all around good guy. He also had the quality of being a little too kind to those around him. I think that’s what made him and Elliot such a good story. They both cared so deeply not only about each other, but everyone around them. It made for such a cozy book that I devoured in just one day!

Overall, I would highly recommend to my book besties who enjoy meet cutes, second chances and enjoy escapism in their books. This was such a beautiful love story. I wish I could read it again for the first time!

****I need to note, there is the sweetest dog named Hank who is heavily involved in the story. I LOVE HIM!***