If We Were Perfect: If Love, Book 4

If We Were Perfect is my new favorite Ana Huang book.I have been looking forward to Sammy and Olivia’s story since they were introduced in If We Ever Meet Again and it was well worth the wait.Sammy and Olivia met in Shanghai in a study abroad program. They were young adults that fell hard and fast for one another the love so deep they stayed together once they were back in the States. From the previous books you get an outside view of their connection and the love they share then it all falls apart although you don’t know the full story it hurts your heart.Sammy was incredibly sweet, a true gentleman, but don’t let that fool you because he was also a growly, alpha that knew when it was time to take charge. Olivia had a type A personality, a plan for her life, and hard working but she was also much more than that. She was sassy, funny, sweet which were incredible traits to have considering the wretched woman who raised her.8 years later they are in the same town for the summer. One chance encounter at a restaurant in San Francisco followed by a random pipe bursting in Olivia’s apartment put the two of them in close proximity and sends them on a serendipitous path to a second chance.The chemistry between Sammy and Olivia simmered below the surface, on the outside hurt, longing, and regret filled the air between them. It was so clear that they had ever gotten over one another but there were so many miscommunications, hurtful words, and pain that they carried, it felt as though they didn’t know how to move beyond the past.They found their moment to express their regret, apologize, and forgive one another for the events of the past. You could feel the connection they shared become stronger as they waded into their new relationship as more mature adults that had a better understanding of the intensity of their feelings for one another.If We Were Perfect is an invigorating blend of Sammy and Olivia’s second chance with the love of their life, witty banter, steam, feels, and a touch of sadness since I’m not ready to say goodbye to the characters that stole my heart in Shanghai.

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 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.

4 1/2 starsI came in on the and of this series but I enjoyed reading this book so much I plan on reading the rest. The author provides so much information it can be overwhelming. However it was a fun, humorous story that reveals heartbreak and pain. The characters are loved and are wonderfully entertaining. The situations and outside forces that cause the chaos between them made me emotionally engaged. It was a great story.I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.

I loved Ana Huang's writing and this story had the perfect mix between angst and romance. I loved Olivia and Sammy and like always I love the details of Chinese culture. We need more representation of Asians in romance books.

Two exes, one house. What could go wrong?This second chance romance was engaging, heartfelt, with amazing main and secondary characters, and great descriptions of the story.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Loved this series!! Really sweet stories, left me with a warm fuzzy feeling <3Wish there was more to read ...