What If It's You? by Jilly Gagnon on May 13, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy, Fiction / Women
Pages: 304
Format: ARC
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If you’re in the mood for a story that’s both thought-provoking and entertaining, What If It’s You? by Jilly Gagnon is sure to capture your interest. Blending sci-fi and romance, this book had me curious to see how such an unusual combination would play out. I was thoroughly impressed with how the author brought this intriguing premise to life in such a skillful and creative way.
Laurel Everett has been living with her boyfriend, Ollie, for a few years when she stumbles across an engagement ring hidden in his drawer. Instead of feeling excited, she’s struck by doubt, questioning the decisions that have brought her to this moment. At work, her best friend and co-worker, Drew, comes to mind. Years ago, Drew had asked her out on a date, but she turned him down because she had just started seeing Ollie. Now, with the ring staring her in the face, she can’t help but wonder: did she make the right choice?
Meanwhile, Drew has been working on cutting-edge virtual reality technology called AltR. This immersive system allows users to explore “what if” scenarios and experience the consequences of different life choices in a simulated environment. Drew invites Laurel to test the program, asking her to input a random question. Without thinking too much about it, she asks, What if I’d said yes to that date with Drew?
The next morning, Laurel wakes up in bed with Drew, living in a parallel version of her life where she chose him instead of Ollie. From there, she alternates between her two realities—one with Ollie, one with Drew—getting glimpses of how her life unfolds in each timeline. However, as Drew explains in both realities, AltR’s system is malfunctioning. The simulation’s power output is spiking when it shouldn’t be, forcing them to consider shutting it down. Laurel realizes she may get stuck in one life permanently—and she must decide which version of her life she truly wants to live.
I loved the “what if” premise and how brilliantly it was executed. The plot had just the right mix of drama and intrigue to keep me flipping pages, eager to see what would happen next. At its core, this is a story of self-discovery, and the blend of sci-fi and romance made it all the more engaging and complex. The dual timelines added depth to the characters and their relationships, making each version of Laurel’s life feel vibrant and real.
Despite the sci-fi elements, the story was easy to follow and remained grounded in its emotional stakes. The unique premise, thoughtful exploration of choices, and fun, relatable characters make this a must-read. For those who enjoy stories that leave you thinking long after the final page, What If It’s You? is sure to deliver.