Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Gagnon (Scenes of the Crime) puts a high-tech twist on a classic love triangle in this clever contemporary. After Laurel Everett finds an engagement ring in her boyfriend Ollie's sock drawer, she deliberately sabotages their dinner date at a Boston restaurant, hoping to avoid a public proposal, as she is unsure if she is ready for marriage. Her fear of commitment is partly triggered by her lingering crush on handsome Drew, her coworker at tech company Pixel. When Laurel tries out an alternate reality program designed by Drew, she finds herself catapulted into a different world where she and him are in a long-term relationship. A glitch leaves her randomly toggling between these two realities, forcing her to decide which life--and which man--is right for her. Gagnon does not draw this mystery out long; Laurel fairly quickly realizes the depth of her feelings for one of her two suitors, and then the central plot becomes more about how she'll break free of the AR to stay with him. The romance sparkles, and Gagnon makes the science believable enough to suspend disbelief. Readers are sure to be sucked in. Agent: Taylor Haggerty, Root Literary. (May)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Laurel Everett is perfectly happy with her boyfriend, Ollie; at least, that's what she thought, until she finds an engagement ring in his underwear drawer. Suddenly, her affection turns into anxiety. Is she ready? Is Ollie the one? What if she had said yes to that cute coworker who asked her out? Thanks to the AI program her firm is developing, she can find out. However, her AI-based search for answers lands her in an alternate reality ping-pong match, bouncing between worlds and unable to escape. She hopes to find a sticking point that will seal her fate, but maybe her "what-ifs" were too complex for even a quantum computer. Gagnon (Love You, Mean It) crafts a compelling contemporary romance that is equal parts romantic comedy and Quantum Leap. Narrator Zaharek delivers an enchanting performance of this thoughtful exploration of technology, temptation, and the dangers that accompany both. Zaharek's voice is somewhat nasally, which some listeners may find grating, but her emotive and engaging delivery is an overall win. VERDICT This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a funny, fast-paced time loop rom-com. Recommended for fans of Ashley Poston, Josie Silver, and Sophie Cousens.--Lauren Hackert
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