If you knew love would hurt you, would you fall? If you knew love would leave you, would you let it go? If you knew love could never be, would you try? From bestselling author Randi Cooley Wilson comes a gut-wrenching love story about heartbreak, second chances, and letting go. The ifs that linger between the pages of this novel will break your heart and stay with you long after the final chapter. chapter.
Emerson Shaw thought she’d left her old life behind her, but when she returns home for her best friend’s wedding, she has no idea her past is waiting to reclaim her.
Dark and broken, Lincoln Daniels never wanted to find love. But when he met straight-laced Emerson, he fell. Hard. The only thing they seemed to have in common was an undeniable mutual attraction, but from the moment he laid eyes on her, there was something about her that called to him. Until he lost her.
Consumed by their pasts, it took years to slowly glue together the shattered pieces of their what ifs. Just when Emerson is finally ready to let go and stop existing in a past full of pain and regret, Lincoln returns, turning her life upside down. What begins as a tentative friendship quickly escalates, and the two soon realize that all the ifs lingering between them no longer matter.
What happens when two broken people meet, fall in love, and realize they can never be? What happens when all the what ifs no longer make sense? If you knew your heart would break, would you still fall? This book is intended for mature audiences.
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Oh, the emotions between this couple – damn! IF will twist up your insides.
Lincoln and Emerson felt like a modern day Romeo and Juliet – love that shouldn’t be, yet this impossible pull that went beyond the physical. It was desperate. It was undeniable. It wasn’t meant to be. And yet . . . it couldn’t be any other way. There was no one else.
These two were destined for one another.
This book just sucked me right in from the beginning and I just couldn’t put it down. NA adult novels are always hit or miss for me, but Randi Cooley Wilson does a phenomenal job with If. Emerson and Lincoln are both students at the same college and you see that some of their issues are related to that budding adult maturity you see among the college age group, but you also see an intense connection between the two of them. It is almost like gravity constantly pulls them back into each other’s orbit no matter what comes their way.
I really liked Emerson. She is a young woman who finds comfort what she can control which reminds me a bit of myself. Of course, what she can’t control is how she feels about Lincoln and all the “what ifs”. She is a relatively strong heroine, but there are a few instances where I disagreed with her decisions. Lincoln survived a tough childhood and it has impacted his approach to relationships or lack there of. He tends to blow hot and cold which is something that made me feel for Emerson, but I do think it was fitting for his character. I loved him as the hero in this book. My heart constantly broke for the two of them, but really for Lincoln because he seemed like a lost, broken soul.
If is an enjoyable, angsty read that moves at a great pace. I loved both Emerson and Lincoln as well as the secondary characters Kennison and Josh. This book was told entirely from Emerson’s POV and I do wish that there were a few chapters interspersed throughout the book that were told from Lincoln’s. This is definitely one of those rare books that I will re-read. I received this book as an ARC and I voluntarily leave this honest review.
I finished this in two sittings. if, that says it all. There are so many what if’s. So much, and so little can screw with your life at any given time. Heartbreak, so much hurting!
I lived and breathed for this book the last two days. I picked it up late last night and was mad that I had to work today and couldn’t stay at home and finish reading it. I bought this book months ago because it sounds amazing and let’s face it – the cover is fabulous! I’ve been so busy with ARC’s that I haven’t had time to read something I purchased. I decided to change that and boy am I mad at myself for waiting so long.
First book by Randi. It was so real and raw. It was entirely full of angst, which, is my absolute favorite. I don’t know why I love for my chest to ache but I do. My chest physically ached for these characters. The back and forth between these characters were unreal. I absolutely LOVED the way the friendship/relationship was developed. We get to see a span of time and I love that gradual climb. I felt for these characters in my heart. This book crawled into my heart.
Randi has a new stalker…I mean fan 🙂
If is EVERYTHING!! This book is fan-freaking-tastic!
I have not read a story with a hero as complex as Lincoln in quite some time. His relationship with Emerson was tumultuous from the very beginning. And just like Emerson, I could not help but be drawn into his world.
This book is angst overload and I loved it! If you like to rage through tears like I do, then this book is for you!!
If has all the feels all the time. At times I had difficulty catching my breath, hesitating because I was nervous to turn the page to find out what happens next!
I am absolutely going to be needing more contemporary romance from this author!! Like right now!!
IF by Randi Cooley Wilson is the story of Lincoln Daniels and Emerson Shaw.
Emerson was a freshman in college when she meets Lincoln. Although their feelings and looks can steam up a room they both have issue that get in their way. Lincoln has issues with his past that make him feel unworthy of someone. Emerson had a boyfriend but more importantly she had controlling parents who had different plans for her. Although they felt a connection and the attraction was their they both seemed to let other feelings and their mind set get in the way. But with all love stories even the dark ones, love always seem to win.
This may not be for everyone but I enjoyed their story and will look for more from this author.
This is a first read from this author for me. I have to say this was unexpected trope for me considering I went in this mostly blind. I think the more I got to the end, it sort of lost its appeal for me. Mostly while reading it, I feel like the story needed more in depth detail buildup. It was lacking a bit or something was missing for me. Overall, it was still a good read.
This was my first Randi Cooley Wilson’s book, and won’t be my last. I love the cover! This is a great Second chance to love. The story is beautifully written. Emerson and Lincoln are great characters, and they share an instant attraction, and a sizzling chemistry. Their story is heartbreaking, and heartwarming. I love the ending. Besides the last chapter, the story is only told with Emerson’s POV. I would love to have Lincoln’s POV. I love Grace Grant’s voice. She did an amazing job with the narration. Zach Villa is a new narrator to me. He has a really great voice, but he only read the Epilogue. I’m looking forward for more books written by this author and read by the narrators.
I like the premise of this book a lot because, at some point, I asked myself some of these questions: “If you knew love would hurt you, would you fall? If you knew love would leave you, would you let it go? If you knew love could never be, would you try?”
I also like the characters and their background story. Lincoln, former bad boy and college hottie, meets proper and always in control Emerson. Over the span of 5 years, fate intertwines repeatedly their paths. And although some of it was predictable, it didn’t bother me or affect the reading experience. The only thing I miss was Lincoln’s voice (since it was told almost entirely from Emerson’s perspective).
I absolutely loved this book!
My first read from Randi Cooley Wilson, kept me glued to my kindle, immersed in Em and Lincoln love story.
Their love is like a slow burn, they want each other but at the same time they know they aren’t good for the other. Until then, they twirl in a angsty slow dance together, bringing more hurt than happiness to their relationship.
There were times I wanted to slap Em and make her wake up for the reality that was in front of her; others I wanted to kick Lincoln for his stupidity for not wanting to see that he’s more than enough for her.
The book starts in the present, going back to the past where all their story is presented to us, until the present again, giving us the best front row to their love and I loved it all!
This was definitely a great book!
My first read by Randi Cooley Wilson and it did not disappoint. The push and pull, angst, passion, and heartbreak reeled me in. All the feels in this book. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
The story begins with Emerson Shaw starting her freshman year at a private college in Massachusetts. Walking through the freshman dorms she feels his presence before she sees him. When she does she’s breathless, captivated, and drawn to him. She shouldn’t be having these feelings for Lincoln Daniels. Especially when she has a boyfriend.
“I have a feeling the moment I step into his world, everything in mine will change. Forever.”
When these two are in the same room you can feel the sexual tension. The kind that keeps you on edge, makes your heart beat fast and when it finally does happen it’ll be explosive.
“No one has ever looked at me like he does, like he’s claiming me. And I know in my heart that no one ever will.”
Lincoln has a secret he’s hiding from his past. He doesn’t think he’s good enough. It’s what keeps him from getting attached to anyone especially Emerson.
Emerson’s parents control her life. She’s expected to succeed, never fail. Just when she thought she was in control, it was ripped away. There’s one person who controls Lincoln’s future and it’s up to Emerson to decide his fate.
“Sometimes I have to remind myself that she’s real. And mine. I went so long refusing to allow myself to feel anything for anyone. Convinced that I was unworthy of love. I thought I didn’t deserve something good and decent in my life. That I was unworthy. Until her.”
First of all, this cover!! Drool!!
And then…ohhhhh the angst!! What more can I say?!
These two had me wanting to bang their heads together and then afterwards tell them I loved them HA! Lincoln is the broken guy we all love and want to save, but he just doesn’t want to be saved, until Emerson.
GAH! There was some off-the-charts, HOT, scenes in this book that will have you fanning yourself
I love when people recommend new books and I discover new authors. This book is one of a slow burn. Em and Lincoln are like two magnets being pulled together , but fighting that attraction. They come together and then leave, building each time. Such a wonderful story.
“No matter how much pain it has caused, no matter how many tears have fallen, sometimes love isn’t meant to be, leaving the ifs to linger.”
All. The. Feels! Hold on tight and buckle your feels in babe, because this rollercoaster is off and running, Author Randi Cooley Wilson is about take your emotions on a wild ride. After reading the blurb I was pretty sure this book was going to wreck me, and did it ever – in the best of ways.
Emerson comes from a world of country clubs and ettiquette; a world of fat wallets and fake smiles. She’s never wanted for anything in life but someone to love her, and a life she chooses as her own. As a freshman in college she’s doing her best to carve out her place in the world while toeing the line her parents define. Then she meets Lincoln, and her world is set on fire. There’s a darkness in his piercing grey eyes, proof of the storm he brings. From the moment they meet things are different, complicated. Lincoln doesn’t do complicated, refusing to believe he could ever be worthy of a girl like Emerson. No matter how much she denies her feelings, his presence commands her every thought, and his watchful gaze sets her skin ablaze. Everyone’s life has a defining moment, a tipping point. The moment these two would-be lovers meet would be there’s, however life has other plans. Sometimes no matter how hard you love someone, how deep they love you back, how right you are, it’s not always meant to be….but what if? Can Emerson and Lincoln ever be together, or are they just simply not meant to be? Read If: A Novel by Randi Cooley Wilson and find out.
I can’t even begin to describe the intensity of the slow, delicious burn this book brings. The deep level of emotion and angst that the author is able to invoke is both heart-wrenching and utterly beautiful. The heavy feelings and desire is absolutely swoon worthy and had me finishing this book in under 24 hours. If you enjoy angst filled romances, look no further. You have arrived at your angsty destination. Enjoy If: A Novel by Randi Cooley Wilson today!
OMG what did I just read?
If by @rcooleywilson was phenomenal. I was captivated from the very beginning and devoured this book. I was on emotional ride with every page, there was never a dull moment. Lincoln and Emerson had such an off the charts chemistry that you could literally feel it.
This author didn’t just create characters she built them, gave them such a deep connection, gave them meaning. Their story is filled with real life what If’s, no journey is easy and holy hell if you don’t get consumed by them.
I freaking LOVE this book.
This book is about what if! I absolutely couldn’t put this book down. When I had too all I could think about was what if!! These characters are fabulous the relationship is brilliant. Sexy and beautifully written.
What if the world were perfect? What if you could fall in love without fear or trepidation? What if your entire life was created to be perfect? That would be nice, wouldn’t it? That’s not what you’ll find in this book, however everything you’re about to read is based on those two little words. Two words that could make or break an entire world. “What If?” Indeed. If is a spectacular read. When you open these pages and delve inside, you won’t be able to help but find yourself in Emerson’s shoes. Life, family, happiness, joy, love, sadness, anger…all of these emotions depend on two simple words…One phrase; What If? What if you took a chance? What if you didn’t go to that party? What if you let life pass you by? What if you took life by the horns? Everything you know is built on the “If’s” that come with choices and decisions. Emerson and Lincoln learn a lot about “What If” in this passionate and breath taking story. I found myself thinking about my own “If’s” after turning the final page. This book is beautifully written and will consume you. 5 stars and definitely 2 thumbs up!
I really enjoyed reading Lincoln and Emerson’s story, so much, I didn’t want to stop. I loved how I was happy one minute and crying and frustrated the next. Once again, Randi Cooley Wilson did not disappoint with her writing style and she wowed this fan again with her gift of writing. This book deserves 5 stars and more.
Some books just shake you to your core. This book hit all the way to my soul. The angst and hurt . The love and loss. This book broke my heart and then slowly pieced it back together . This book was one of my most anticipated reads of 2018 !!! Absolutely loved it!!