If Not You - an entertaining rivals-to-romance set in the world of advertising.

Five years ago, Mattie French met Campbell Porter when they were both interns at a top Chicago ad agency working as copywriters. Only one of them was going to be hired at the end of the internship. As fierce rivals, they were not nice to one another. The job went to Campbell, and even after Mattie established her career at a respected, smaller agency, she continued to hate the smug but clearly talented Campbell. Both of their agencies are pitching an upscale hotel account, and the two creative teams have to spend a month together experiencing several of the company's resorts. Maggie wants the win more than anything. Plus, her roommate and best friend is getting married, and Mattie is distraught over the thought of their friendship changing. As Mattie spends time with Campbell, she discovers a side of him she has never seen before. Could she be falling for him after all these years of animosity? And Campbell, who has his own hidden issues, is eager to get closer to Mattie.

If Not You by Ellen O'Clover is a well-done rivals-to-lovers romance. The characters were appealing and the initial hatred felt genuine as the story shifted between the present day and their internship together five years ago. The emerging feelings between the two had just the right amount of tension. I alternated between reading the book and listening to the audio version. Narrator Brittany Pressley did an excellent job portraying all the characters. Having started my career at a big-city ad agency, this plot hit the spot. Especially since I ended up marrying my client. 

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Contemporary Romance.

Publication Date: Sept. 15, 2026.

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