#Never ever getting back together

[iamalasagnagirl]

Pls, pls, pls I need more WLW book recommendations!!!

Adults, YA, spicy, soft, I don’t care. I just need wlw books because I want to switch from fanfics only to actual books as well

Okay, here we are, enjoy :)

Bright Falls Series by Ashley Herring Blake: 1. Delilah Green Doesn't Care -> Delilah Green swore she would never go back to Bright Falls - nothing is there for her except memories of a lonely childhood - but when Delilah's stepsister pressures her into photographing her wedding with a guilt trip and a large check, Delilah finds herself back in Bright Falls once more. She plans to breeze in and out, but then she sees Claire Sutherland, one of Astrid's stuck-up besties, and decides that maybe there's some fun (and a little retribution) to be had, after all. 2. Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail -> For Astrid Parker failure is unacceptable. When Pru Everwood asks her to be the designer for the Everwood Inn's renovation, which will be featured on a hugely popular home makeover show, Astrid is thrilled. However, Astrid never planned on Jordan Everwood, Pru's granddaughter and the lead carpenter for the renovation, who despises every modern design decision Astrid makes. Is she going to pursue the life that she's expected to lead or the one that she really wants? 3. Iris Kelly doesn't date -> Everyone around Iris Kelly is in love and she’s happy for all of them, truly. Iris doesn’t want any of that—dating, love, romance. She’ll stick to her commitment-free hookups. There’s only one problem—Iris is a romance author facing an imminent deadline for her second book, and she’s completely out of ideas. Perfectly happy to ignore her problems as per usual, Iris goes to a bar and meets a sexy stranger, Stefania, and a night of dancing and making out turns into the worst one-night stand Iris has had in her life. To get her mind off everything, Iris tries out for the lead role in a local play, a queer retelling of Much Ado About Nothing, but comes face-to-face with Stefania, whose real name turns out to be Stevie. Desperate to save face in front of her friends, Stevie asks Iris to play along as her girlfriend. Iris is shocked, but when she realizes the arrangement might provide her with some much-needed romantic content for her book, she agrees. As the two women play the part of a happy couple, lines start to blur.

Falls from grace by Ruby Landers -> Savannah Grace and her band were huge stars in Nashville. Now enlists Noah Lyman - an indie musician - to help her break out of country music and make a name for herself for once and for all. They have to spend the winter in Savannah secluded vacation home in the woods of Vermont, and Noah brings along his best friend Brynn Marshall and pretend she’s his wife? After all, what could possibly go wrong?

The secret of you and me by Melissa Lenhardt -> Nora hasn’t looked back. Not since she fled Texas to start a new life. Now she can live—and love—however she wants. The only problem is that she also left behind the one woman she can’t forget. Now tragedy calls her back home to confront her past—and reconcile her future.

Books by Haley Cass: - Those Who Wait and the follow-up Forever and A Day -> Spencer Sutton, the daughter of a congressman, and Charlotte Thompson, New York City’s youngest deputy mayor, meet on SapphicSpark, a women-seeking-women dating app. Sutton isn’t built for casual, and Charlotte needs to keep a low profile as the race heats up. In spite of that, a friendship blossoms as Charlotte helps Sutton navigate the dating world. - Down to A Science -> Ellie Beckett is a scientific genius finishing a Ph.D. at MIT, sitting on her stool at her favorite bar, putting the final touches on her thesis - her life is predictable and comfortable enough, until the night Mia Sharpe walks in to play pool with some friends and things are never the same again. and On the same Page -> Riley Beckett met Gianna Mäkinen their first year at Boston University, and it changed everything for the both of them. She knows Gianna doesn't do romance or relationships, and she knows nothing could ever come between them. But when a holiday party mix-up sets in motion a domino effect of changes, Riley has to question everything she thought she knew about their relationship. What, exactly, does Gianna mean to her after all? - In the Long Run -> Taylor Vandenberg is busy running a successful travel blog. Brooke Watson and Taylor’s younger brother have been best friends for the majority of their lives. It means that even if Taylor isn’t physically present, she’s always been a part of Brooke’s most monumental life experiences. When Taylor lands back in Faircombe for an extended stay, it leads to more run-ins than Brooke would like. And more feelings than either may want to admit. - When You Least Expect It & Better Than Expected (I haven't had a chance to read them yet, but I have seen them recommended a lot)

If tomorrow doesn't come by Jen St. Jude -> On the morning Avery Byrne plans to end her life, the world discovers there are only nine days left to live: an asteroid is headed for Earth, and no one can stop it. As time runs out and secrets slowly come to light, Avery fights her way home to save the girl she has been in love with her whole life. But can Avery also learn to save herself and find hope again in the tomorrows she has left?

Kiss her once for me by Alison Cochrun -> Ellie had a Christmas Eve meet-cute with a woman at a bookstore that led her to fall in love over the course of a single night. The next year, Andrew, the shop’s landlord where Ellie works, proposes a shocking, drunken plan: a marriage of convenience that will benefit both of them. They make a plan to spend the holidays together at his family cabin to keep up the ruse. But when Andrew introduces his new fiancée to his sister, Ellie is shocked to discover is the mysterious woman she fell for over the year before.

6 times we almost kissed (and one time we did) by Tess Sharpe -> Penny and Tate keep almost kissing. It’s just this confusing thing that keeps happening. You know, from time to time. For basically their entire teenaged existence.  They’ve never talked about it. They’ve always ignored it in the aftermath. But now they’re living across the hall from each other. And some things—like their kisses—can’t be almosts forever. 

Nottingham: the true story of Robin Hood by Anna Burke -> (A retelling of Robin Hood's story with a Female Robin and wlw couples) After a fateful hunting accident sends her on the run from the law, Robyn finds herself deep in the heart of Sherwood Forest. All she really wants to do is provide for her family and stay out of trouble, but when the Sheriff of Nottingham levies the largest tax in the history of England, she’s forced to take matters into her own hands. Relying on the help of her band of merry women and the Sheriff’s intriguing—and off limits—daughter, Marian, Robyn must find a way to pull off the biggest heist Sherwood has ever seen.

Forget me not by Alyson Derrick -> Stevie has a terrible fall. And when she comes to, she can remember nothing of the last two years—not California, not coming to terms with her sexuality, not even her girlfriend Nora. Suddenly, Stevie finds herself in a life she doesn’t quite understand. And Nora finds herself…forgotten.

It goes like this by Miel Moreland -> Eva, Celeste, Gina, and Steph used to play in world-famous queer pop band called Moonlight Overthrow. But after a sudden falling out leads to the dissolution of the teens' band, their friendship, and Eva and Celeste's starry-eyed romance, nothing is the same. Until a storm devastates their hometown, bringing the four ex-best-friends back together. As they prepare for one last show, they'll discover whether growing up always means growing apart.

Dominion Series by J J Arias: 1. Losing Control  -> Talent agent Adriana Ortiz’s world is rocked when she’s thrust into the tumultuous orbit of Roxy, the raw, enigmatic pop rebel with a notorious edge and a guarded heart. Tasked with steering the wild Roxy on a whirlwind tour, Adriana boards Roxy’s opulent tour bus. The nights are filled with roaring crowds, but it’s the electric tension between Roxy and Adriana that sets the air on fire. A forbidden connection that threatens to consume them. Is the wild, unbridled Roxy worth the risk to Adriana’s career, or is she just another woman falling victim to Roxy’s charms? 2. Fighting for Control  -> Lola Barros is a rising talent agent burning with ambition. Carmen Vargas is a dedicated lawyer poised to conquer the legal field. Their shared high-rise is the only thing these two powerhouses have in common. After a trivial parking mishap snowballs onto a full-blown feud, Lola and Carmen are thrust into unconventional anger management sessions and their fiery rivalry gives way to smoldering desire. But yielding to desire isn't straightforward. Between the shadows of demanding careers and familial expectations, their love is tested. Can Lola and Carmen find a balance between ambition and affection? 3. Relinquishing Control  -> Natalia Flores rules her exclusive talent agency with an iron fist, brokering blockbuster deals while keeping everyone at arm’s length. But beneath the cold exterior lies a heart that yearns to be understood. Enter Professor Samantha Reyes—brilliant, fierce, and unwilling to let Natalia manipulate her way into the film rights to her book. Their encounters spark with tension and undeniable chemistry. In a world where control is everything, can two powerful women let go of their fears to find a love that’s worth the risk?

11:59 by Erica Lee -> TJ Edmonds has created a whole brand around not getting attached to other people. She has a best-selling novel and a popular phone app both dedicated to helping people stay detached from their significant others, so they don't get hurt. But the only reason she can move on so quickly now is because she still hasn't let go of someone from her past. It's easy to guard her heart when she no longer has it to give away. TJ texts Brooke everyday at 11:59 pm with no answers. What happens when, in a moment of weakness, this someone reaches out to TJ?

Price and Prejudice and the city by Rachel Lippincott -> Seventeen-year-old Audrey Cameron has lost her spark. After an embarrassing run-in with her ex-boyfriend, she’s told that she needs to get back out there and take risks. What she doesn't expect is to be transported to Regency England! Lucy Sinclair has her own problems when Audrey lands into her life, claiming to be from two hundred years in the future, it's a welcome distraction.

Never ever getting back together by Sophie Gonzales -> Maya and Skye are invited to star on the reality dating show Second-Chance Romance, to compete for their now famous ex-boyfriend's affections while the whole world watches. Skye wonders if she and Jordy can recapture the spark she knows they had, but Maya has other plans.

The art of us by KL Hughes -> Charlee and Alex fell in love at nineteen and dated for four years. Theirs was an enviable love — evergreen and growing. Unbreakable���Until it broke. Alex’s job now brings her back to Boston, after five years. When, by chance, they meet again, Charlee and Alex are swept up in a whirlwind of heart-rending history, tossed between past and present, and lovers old and new. Will their lingering connection be enough to convince them that some loves are meant to last? Or should the past remain in the past?

That secret something by Emily Wright -> Rebecca Lawson is off-limits. Jess knows this, but Rebecca has captured her heart for as long as she can remember. She’s sporty, tall and confident—all the things Jess is not—but most of all…she’s her best friend Lily’s sister. But when Jess and Rebecca are forced to spend time together the forbidden feelings intensify and sparks begin to fly. Amidst the chaos of raging bridezillas and other wedding disasters, can Jess resist temptation for the sake of her friendship?

The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid  -> Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. Summoned to Evelyn's luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the '80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way

That summer feeling by Bridget Morrissey -> Turns out you're never too old for a summer camp romance. Or a change of heart. When a divorced woman attends a sleepaway camp for adults only, she reconnects with a man from her past - only to catch feelings for his sister instead.

Some of these are my absolute favourites, I've lost count of how many times I've read them. I cannot get enough of "the bright falls series", "One the same page", "Those who wait", "The secret of you and me" and the last entry "Falls From Grace". No matter how many times I read them. And sometimes I wish I could read them again, as if for the first time, if that makes sense. Anyway, I have a lot more titles. Let me know if you want them or not. Enjoy the reading

[artofmerak]

Happy Valentine's Day to my favourite couple Maya and Skye from Never Ever Getting Back Together Sophie Gonzales.

[backtonormallife]

No kidding. Harry and the Royal Family are never, ever getting back together.

[justapayneaway]

This week I'm reviewing Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales 🌹

Follow me on IG at @ritasbookclub for more content!

[storytime-reviews]

People like you better if they can’t see your walls.

Sophie Gonzales, Never Ever Getting Back Together

[stardustandrockets]

Did you love The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun?

Did you wish there was more Daphne content?

Then might I suggest Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales for your consideration?

Video features the @/dazzlingbookishshop (insta) edition of Charm and the @rainbowcrate edition of NEGBT

Music: upbeat ukulele and electronics

CC: Yes, you... you... you stole my heart

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxLrO1trM-i/?igshid=NmQ4MjZlMjE5YQ==

[ajsbookreviews]

Never Ever Getting Back Together Book Review

Never Ever Getting Back Together

Author: Sophie Gonzales

Description: Eighteen-year-old Maya dumped her cheating ex-boyfriend Jordy two years ago. So, when she receives a call to participate in Second Chance Romance - a reality show in which the now-famous Jordy re-dates his ex-girlfriends - she isn't interested . . . until she realizes she can use this opportunity to exact her revenge. If she can make it to the final spot on the show, she can reject Jordy in front of the nation, and publicly break his heart.

Maya's fellow contestants include Skye, the beautiful, charismatic girl Jordy cheated on Maya with. Skye charms the socks off everyone she meets, except for Maya, who knows that underneath all the sparkle, she's the girl who dated her boyfriend while he was still her boyfriend.

Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Review: Reading Never Ever Getting Back Together has been a unique experience, for I didn’t know what book I was reading at the time. Me and some friends decided to swap books with each other, the catch being that the book’s cover, title pages and author’s name be completely covered. Hence, my total lack of knowledge plunging into this story. 

The first chapter caught me off-guard, for it had all the signs pointing toward a ”getting back together/second chance” trope, which I don’t particularly relish in. However, don’t be fooled, it couldn’t be further off from the truth. The jumpscare got me, but the satisfaction of realising the story is the polar-opposite was priceless.   

Never Ever Getting Back Together’s unique plot and how well-rounded the characters were from the get-go hooked me in like a fish with bait. From Maya’s unpredictability, thinly veiled anger-issues and witty remarks to Skye’s levelheadedness, individualism and sense of strategy. From enemies to friends to… 

Much was unknown to me, but a romance between the two main characters was something that was going to make or break the book. And since I didn’t know if Never Ever Getting Back Together was sapphic or not, I couldn’t be sure if the ending was predictable or not. Midway through my hopes slowly turned to suspicions and lastly to gratification. 

If there’s one thing that I wasn’t pleased about it was how toward the ending the story leaned into a miscommunication trope. In my opinion, the same ending could’ve been reached without having Skye be so hurt and deciding to give Maya an ultimatum. 

Nonetheless, if we ignore that little hiccup, Never Ever Getting Back Together was an incredible read. It brought me joy and laughter the way I haven’t read in a while. And ultimately, in the end, everything worked out the way I wanted. 

And if you’re unsure of the vibes, I think this quote sums it up nicely: I suppose when you trust someone not to hurt you, red flags look heart-shaped.

[wahlpaper]

Never Ever Getting Back Together Review

Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales

CW: Past Cheating, Gaslighting, Swearing, Heavy Drinking, Regrettable Drunk Behavior, Pitting Girls Against Each Other, Past Abandonment, Underage Drinking, Toxic Relationships, Slut Shaming, Mistreating Service Workers, Emotional Abuse, Toxic Obsession, Discussion of Sexual Content, Dangerous Environmental Events, Sexism, Biphobia, Car Accident, Vomit

4.5/5

I have read every Sophie Gonzales book (that's made it to audiobook), so it's only natural that I read Never Ever Getting Back Together too. Although, it is quite likely that I would have read this novel even if I had never heard of Sophie Gonzales. After reading The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun in 2021, I had been craving another queer reality dating show book. So thank you to Gonzales for satisfying that craving, you could never disappoint.

Never Ever Getting Back Together is centered around a second chance reality dating show for the brother of a girl who married into European royalty. Out of all of Jordy's exs, 6 agree to come on the show. While most are there to give it a real try, Maya wants revenge. When Maya was 16, he cheated on her and gaslighted both her and the next girl, Skye. Skye doesn't let many people in, but she and Jordy ended on confusing terms. She comes on the show cautiously willing to see if she can find love this time. This love just might not come from where she expects it. The contestants will have 7 weeks to discover how they feel about Jordy.

I have never been cheated on, but I've definitely tried dating people that weren't worth it. This book was cathartic for me to read. Jordy was a virtue signaling jerk with a serious commitment problem. His character seemed realistic in all of the intentionally horrible ways. While Maya, and later Skye, were there to get revenge on him for cheating on them, thus providing the catharsis element of Never Ever Getting Back Together, I like that they weren't perfect or consistently likable. Maya has moments of being impulsive and harsh, not looking out for herself or others. Skye is always ready to assume the worst and can be annoying about it at times. These girls, alongside their well-written competitors, quickly won my heart and had me rooting for them anyway. Having an ensemble of interesting and complex characters, including Jordy, made this book the success it is.

If you're looking for bi representation specifically, Never Ever Getting Back Together is a great choice. Both Skye and Maya are bi and out. They take the time to talk about their experiences as they dance around the idea that they might like each other. The pair share a gay producer who is trying to win a trip for his boyfriend and himself. There are other characters in the story who are implied to be queer as well. I love living in a time where there are an abundance of books written with queer identity as a casual thing. While there is nothing inherently wrong with coming out stories or the informative queer tragedies, it's absolutely time for queer bliss. More stories that can talk about queer existence without having to validate it please!

There were some elements of Gonzales's novel that I struggled with, the pacing and the age of the characters. The competition portion of the story is supposed to take place over 7 weeks, but felt shorter than that. I will cut it some slack, though. Reality shows are edited to fit into less than an hour per episode, so it makes sense as a reflection of that. We got a sped up version of their story, but with many more details than the TV audience would have received. As for the ages, Skye and Maya didn't seem like they were about 18 or 19 years old. It was a mixture of the audiobook narrators sounding older and the fact that they were on a second chance romance show. If all of the contestants and Jordy were in their late 20s, I wouldn't have been surprised. That being said, neither of these things ruined Never Ever Getting Back Together. It was a great read!

If you're looking for a dating show book where the contestants fall for each other instead, let Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales be that book. You'll get to read about woman solidarity, service workers who stop putting up with the abusive client, and the reminder that life works in unexpected ways. I hope this book will be cathartic for you as well!

[am-molloy]

Book Review: Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales

Actual rating 4.5 stars.

I loved this book, but I did think it had some flaws. Nothing major. I loved the writing. Gonzales never disappoints with her writing and great characters. And having the setting be a reality TV show was super cool. I felt like I was finally let in on the behind-the-scenes of one of these shows, which was cool. A lot of research went into making this seem legit. (Unless Gonzales was on a reality show and wrote from experience. I don't think so, but I don't feel like looking that up).

As always, I love an excellent sapphic romance. I'm all here for that. It's why I picked up this book. And once Maya and Skye finally got together, it was adorably magical.

However, I feel like the romance didn't build up very well. They were both so intent on their Jordy revenge, with just a few small lines here and there, that they might be attracted to each other as more than friends. (I love good enemies to lovers trope, and this one was top-notch). But, they went from friends who may think a cute thought about the other on occasion to full-out making out every chance they get and falling madly in love super fast. I love their relationship, don't get me wrong, but it happened too fast, or rather, it didn't build properly. But if you put that bit aside, there was still chemistry between the two leads, so it still worked out great in the end. (I shipped them the entire time and wanted more).

I will admit I didn't entirely like Maya at first and would have preferred having more POVs from Skye's perspective, but she grew on me. And so did the story. It became much more than a revenge plot. And I love the friendship between all the girls on the show. Each with a unique story and was fun to read, despite how short or long some of them lasted.

All in all, this was still a fantastic read, and if you love the author's previous books, you'll also love this one.

[meeghanreads]

Top 5 books that share Taylor song titles

Hello friends!! Welcome to Top 5 Tuesday!! This week’s topic is a freebie!! But since I remain in my Swiftie era, today I am doing top 5 books that share Taylor song titles!! I am hoping that after last week’s debacle, you all have a spot of relief from my crazy prompt picking… I’m definitely going to have to have a hard think about what we do next quarter. You know, as opposed to winging it as I…

[artofmerak]

Yes, this is fanart for Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales again. This time, it's a fake dating and college AU.

You know how people make excuses and pretend they have a boyfriend in Canada? In an alternate universe, where Maya decided to confront Skye first when she found out Jordy cheated on her, she was able to get her story out there first. When she got back to Connecticut, everyone kept badgering her about finding someone new, so under the pressure, she just said she found someone in Canada.

Years later, Maya has entered UConn, striving to get into med school, when some random guy starts hitting on her and following her around. Campus security seems to do nothing about it, so she tell him what she told everyone before: she has a partner from Canada. However, when he asks for proof, push comes to shove and she blurts out the only person she knows from Canada: Skye Kaplan. To her surprise, a Journalist Major comes knocking on her, demanding to know why there are rumors floating around about them being an item. After learning about her plight, they devise a plan to keep creepy guys hitting on them away.

[remusfinglupin]

June Wrap-Up

- The Atlas Six (reread): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- The Atlas Paradox: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue (reread): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- I Am Invited to a Party! (3x, working with kids): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- There’s a Giraffe in my Soup (working with kids): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- There is a Bird on Your Head! (2x, working with kids): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting Lucky (reread): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- Happy Pig Day! (2x, working with kids): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- The Leaf Thief (2x, working with kids): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy (reread): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- Bear’s New Friend (working with kids): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- The Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- Bear Snores On (working with kids): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- Bear Feels Scared (working word kids): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

- Never Ever Getting Back Together: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[noveltyreads]

Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales Book Review

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I won't lie, I did not like this book. 

I have loved Sophie's previous books specifically Only Mostly Devastated and Perfect on Paper which ended up being two of my favourite YA books of all time. While I didn't love If This Gets Out, I was excited to read Never Ever Getting Back Togetherhearing it was very angsty with a revenge plot line following two girls going on a dating show trying to bring their ex down (and falling in love with one another in the process).

Literally everything about this book screamed that I would love it and yet I really struggled. There were even times I seriously considered DNF'ing. 

Lets start off with the plot line. Maya and Skye get asked to join the cast of Second Chance Romance which, like the name suggests, is a TV show trying to find "the one that got away." This year's bachelor? Jordy Miller, Maya's ex boyfriend who had a relationship with another girl while they were still together. Now he's famous with a sister who's married to a prince and Maya sees his face all around her, reminding her of a time when he said he loved her, and betrayed her. 

So Maya hatches a plan to bring Jordy down and expose him for who he is by going on this show, hoping to dump him at the Grand Finale in front of thousands of viewers.

The one thing she doesn't count on is falling in love with Skye, the girl he cheated on her with.

To me there are two key ingredients to creating a great romance story: great chemistry and great characterisation. To me, there was no chemistry between Maya and Skye. There didn't seem to be a true connection between them and it didn't help that they went from enemies to lovers in a heartbeat with no development or romantic tension to set that up. 

I blame the characters for that. I didn't really connect with any of them. While I loved the angst of Maya, apart from her anger there was nothing else I knew about her. I felt like I knew slightly more about Skye, aka I knew she loved nature but apart from that, there was nothing else that drew me to her. The side characters were not spared from this. The competing girls had no other characterisation or personality other than their motives for being on the show. Perrie was one of the side characters that appeared a lot and yet I knew nothing about her apart from being an influencer. 

The other criticism I had was with the dual perspectives. It was extremely difficult for me to work out if I was reading Skye or Maya's chapters mainly because they were so similar and there was no differentiation. It's rare for me to say (because I'm a sucker for dual perspective books) but it would've been better if this book just remained a single POV rather than two. 

I'm very sad this book wasn't the book I expected to love. 

ACTUAL RATING: 1.3 STARS

[splashes-into-books]

Never Ever Getting Back Together by Phoebe MacLeod

The course of true love never did run smooth, but with Phoebe MacLeod it always gets a chance. Perfect for fans of Jo Watson and Mhairi McFarlane. My Review: Synopsis: Everyone remembers their first love. Jess Thomas definitely does. So, it’s more than a little awkward when Jess’s first love, Jamie Ferguson, turns out to be the best man at the wedding she’s catering for. And more than a little…

[storytime-reviews]

Never Ever Getting Back Together Book Review

Eighteen-year-old Maya dumped her cheating ex-boyfriend Jordy two years ago. So, when she receives a call to participate in Second Chance Romance - a reality show in which the now-famous Jordy re-dates his ex-girlfriends - she isn't interested . . . until she realizes she can use this opportunity to exact her revenge. If she can make it to the final spot on the show, she can reject Jordy in front of the nation, and publicly break his heart. Maya's fellow contestants include Skye, the beautiful, charismatic girl Jordy cheated on Maya with. But as she spends more time with Jordy and Skye, Maya is torn.  Is there more than friendship between her and Skye? As the season finale approaches, can Maya execute her plan, or will she go off-script?

Rating: ★★★★

I absolutely loved this premise and just had to buy it. It’s exactly the kind of drama I always want to happen when I watch The Bachelor, and a much less intense version of what I love in UnREAL. Most of the way through, Never Ever Getting Back Together is an incredibly engaging read, absolutely full of drama and interesting characters. I also love that it’s full of both rage and humour, and Gonzales navigates the combination perfectly.

This book wouldn’t work if the reader doesn’t feel connected to both of the main characters, Maya and Skye; luckily Gonzales makes it work through the use of different character perspectives. However, as much as I loved Maya immediately, initially I found Skye to be incredibly annoying and frustrating. Perhaps this was due to the fact that Maya’s perspective is more prominent towards the beginning, and Skye has already been manipulated into disbelieving her. But as the storyline continues, I came to like Skye as well...just not as much as Maya. Near the novel’s end, I also found Skye start to become more irritating again based on some of her choices and comments she makes to Maya. But again, maybe it’s because I felt more connected to Maya and her path of revenge and refusal to let anything, or anyone, get in her way.

Jordy is absolutely the perfect villain – you cannot help but hate him and enjoy the ride as his life and the facade he has created begins to fall apart because of the ways in which he has treated these women. He’s completely misogynistic and emotionally abusive, and gaslights all of the women as he tries to influence them. It’s evident from the beginning that he is playing all of them, but when the women start to realise he’s been saying the same things to all of them the story really starts to heat up. I love when a narrative focuses on women uniting together against a man who has treated them all badly and they take him down together, and Never Ever Getting Back Together ticks all those boxes.

Always my favourite aspects of these kinds of books are the friendships that develop between women when they realise they are not each other’s enemies just because a man has been manipulating them to believe that. The cherry on top is of course the relationship that develops between Maya and Skye, particularly due to the two of them being heavily pitted against each other from the beginning.

However, as much as I enjoyed the journey, the ending just didn’t quite hit the right spot for me. I guess I just wanted a bit more drama, and whilst the viral campaign at the very end fixed it a little, I guess it just didn’t quite deliver on my expectations.

Warnings: cheating, emotional abuse, sexism & misogyny

[stardustandrockets]

Hi, Barbie! What's your favorite pink book?

I haven't seen the Barbie movie yet, but I wanted to contribute to the stacks of pink books in its honor. I have more, but these were the books with pink spines without taking off a dust jacket. My favorite of this stack is The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen.

Books from top to bottom:

• Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert

• Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee

• Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

• Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

• Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales

• It Devours by Joseph Fink and Jeffery Cranor

• The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

• Happy Place by Emily Henry

If you swipe, you'll see two of my childhood Barbies I found while at my parents' last week. The one on the left I redressed, but the one on the right is still in the last outfit I put her in 20 years ago before they had to be packed away after our house flooded. I decided not to keep them, as they'd only continue to be packed away, but it was cool getting to dress them up again for a little bit.