This book was infuriating 😅

I had such high hopes for this book, and it did meet some of them. However, Sammy and Liv are so mutually destructive that it was downright painful to read. 

I understand the excuse that their breakup in college was based on the both of them being scared and unsure of what the future was going to look like, and I accept that. I still think Liv should've been more supportive, but it made sense for her as a character. But then they get back together.

Every single scene of them together and happy fulfilled everything that I've been waiting for this entire series. I've long awaited seeing Sammy and Liv living happily ever after, and so I loved those few chapters, but then everything blew up. Again. 

Firstly, Liv's company was so out of line with their demands that I'm still fuming about it. And Sammy making the decision for her and going through with their breakup, even knowing it wasn't what Liv wanted. I don't have words for the anger that caused me to feel.

And then everything with Liv's family. She deserves so much better, and I'm so glad that she found it in her friends and Sammy's family. I'm also glad her sister finally came around because that phone conversation was hard to read. 

In the end, I think it was the mature thing for Liv to ask for space, and I'm glad Sammy gave it to her. I just really think these two needed extensive therapy. I'm glad they made it through to the other side of things and did get their HEA but I really think they needed to talk to someone about all the reasons why the both of them insisted on constantly being a martyr in their relationship. 

I digress, I'd like to thank Ana for the somewhat extended epilogue; it was so great to see everyone together one last time, all in one place to see where they all ended up. Which is happily with their people and their growing families 🥰

This series was a rollercoaster of the good, the bad, and the ugly, but the Shanghai group will always have a small bit of my heart.

It saddens me that the “If Love” series is now over, but “If we were perfect” was an impeccable conclusion to the tumultuous, emotional, and heart-warming journey, finally exploring the rise and fall of Olivia and Sammy. 

Olivia and Sammy had an excruciating breakup 9-years prior to the start of IWWP, an event that both left them damaged and scarred. Any reservations Olivia had however got thrown to the wind when the unexpected happened: having her apartment flooded and nearly all her possessions ruined. 

Olivia has no choice but to call Sammy and as hurt as he also is, he of course comes to the rescue and offers his house as a place to stay. 

Being in close proximity forces the resurgence of old feelings and a buried past; one they’re both forced to confront in order to move on. And as they both realize that because feelings are long forgotten doesn’t mean they’re dead, Olivia and Sammy have to make hard decisions to realize what they want in life. And in each other. 

my favourite from the series! i adore sammy and liv with all my heart and i’m so happy they finally got their hea :)

note: negative content/trigger warnings do not pertain to the main characters or their relationship.