Review: What If by AJ Pine

What If by AJ Pine

Series: If Only #2

Published: December 8th, 2014

Publisher: Entangled Embrace

300 pages (eARC)

Genre: Contemporary New Adult

Acquired this book: From the author in exchange for an honest review

Warning: May contain spoilers

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Sometimes it takes letting go of the past to find out who you want to be.

During his semester abroad, Griffin Reed almost gave his heart to a girl who loved someone else. Lesson learned. Now he’s home, where following in his father’s footsteps may not be what he wants, but it’s what his parents expect. It might be taking the easy road, but he doesn’t see a way out.

Something that could have killed Maggie Kendall took away the person she used to be instead. Her condition makes her dependent on sticky notes, photos, and medication just to get through each day. The last thing she needs is a distraction—or someone new to disappoint.

What they refuse to see is they are perfect for each other. Maggie makes Griffin want to be a better man, and he makes her believe a future is possible. But these two have to find a way to share the secrets ripping them apart, if they’re ever going to have a chance at happiness.

What if? What if…you were afraid your own body would betray you in a way that’s possibly deadly? What if…you were known as a player and no one saw you as anything but? What if…you were afraid to fall in love, but that’s exactly what happens? These are just some of the things Maggie and Griffin deal with in What If, a fantastic, realistic, unique New Adult book by AJ Pine.

I really liked Griffin in If Only, but his part in the story left me with a bittersweet feeling. I was also left feeling curious about this apple-shampoo-scented player, so when I found out he was getting his own story, I was excited. As much as I liked Griffin in If Only, I loved him in What If. There’s so much more to him than meets the eye. Both he and Maggie are incredibly complex characters. They’re both afraid to get involved in something serious because of their past experiences, so when they decide to ‘not date’ each other, they just want something fun and light. They get a lot more than they planned on, though, and I loved watching them progress from friends to something more. Their interactions ranged from sweet to swoony to frustrating to sexy to heart-achingly beautiful.

Some of my favourite things about What If (that you totally won’t get unless you read the book, so READ THE BOOK): Gilmore Girls, Wild card, spray paint, Polaroid camera, ground rules, MILES, Chicago, fancy lattes, reunion, sexy shirtless nerd reading in bed. There was so much to love about this book, and these things just barely skim the surface.

Pine did a fantastic job with the dual POV. There was never any repeat information, and Maggie and Griffin both had really strong, distinct voices. The secondary characters were fantastic, too. I liked Griffin’s sisters, and I LOVED Maggie’s best friend, Miles. He was incredible. I’m definitely rooting for him to get his own book. *nudges AJ* ;-) It was also amazing to see some familiar faces. I won’t get into spoiler territory, but there was a scene with certain characters from If Only that had me squeeing and happy crying.

What If is a beautiful, engaging story about self-discovery and love. I loved the emphasis on family and friends, and the romance had me invested from the very beginning. This story made me laugh, cry, and swoon. I can’t wait to see what AJ Pine writes next.

 

 

   

Have you read If Only or What If? If you haven't, is it on your TBR?

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