If you knew how your life would turn out, what would you change now?

The second brilliantly uplifting and page-turning novel from the multi-million bestselling author of Geek Girl and Reese’s Book Club Pick Cassandra in Reverse.

Margot Wayward is in manically gleeful self-destruct mode. Following the implosion of a ten-year relationship, she’s wilfully derailing her successful career, joyfully taking down men on dating apps, and living in total chaos.

Until one day, when Margot has a vision of herself with a man she’s never met before. She doesn’t believe in fate. But when Margot meets single-dad Henry, the vision comes true: exactly as she’d foreseen it.

As her future continues to reveal itself, a glimpse at a time, Margot realises she knows exactly what’s going to happen, and when. And there’s nothing she can do to change any of it.

So Margot has to decide how to live, how to love again, and how to be herself… Because if you can’t change your destiny, how on earth do you live your present?

This is the kind of book that sneaks up on you with its emotional punch—right after making you laugh so hard you have to put it down for a second. I adored Cassandra in Reverse by this author, so my expectations here were sky-high. Somehow, this one not only met them, it might have surpassed them.

From the first chapter, Margot Wayward had me hooked. She’s in full self-destruct mode after the implosion of a decade-long relationship. She has torpedoed her career, she’s making questionable dating app choices, and generally living in delightful chaos. The humor is sharp and self-aware, but it’s never just for the sake of a joke. Every laugh has a little thread of truth running through it, which makes the emotional beats hit even harder.

The magical realism element (Margot suddenly seeing visions of her future) could have easily tipped into gimmick territory, but Smale handles it with such a light, confident touch that it feels natural. Believable, even. This isn’t a story about magic; it’s a story about choice, connection, and what you do when you know where things are heading but can’t stop them.

Then there’s Henry. Oh, Henry. I fell for him just as fast as Margot did. Their chemistry was palpable and fully believable. The romance here isn’t exactly swoony—it’s grounded and believable. You want it. You root for it. And when it falters (as romances often do) you hope and pray that they’ll open their eyes and regain their footing.

The supporting cast is another highlight. Margot’s friends and family felt like people I knew. They’re messy and funny and sometimes frustrating, but always real. I found myself as invested in those relationships as I was in the romance. I wanted to be a part of this little circle!

The pacing is also spot-on. There’s room for the humor to land, space for the emotional moments to breathe, and a steady forward momentum that kept me glued to the story. The blend of comedy, heartbreak, and hope is masterfully balanced.

I did a tandem read (audio and ebook at the same time) and what truly elevated my reading experience was Alix Dunmore’s narration. It is perfection. She nails every single character’s voice and emotional tone, from Margot’s razor-sharp wit to Henry’s warmth, to the hilarious disasters that unfold on some of Margot’s worst dates. This is one of those rare times when I can’t decide which format I enjoyed more. Both pulled me in completely.

If you’re looking for a rom-com with depth, characters that feel like old friends, and a dash of magical realism that enhances rather than overwhelms, this belongs at the top of your TBR. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, emotionally resonant, and filled with the kind of moments you’ll want to revisit.