Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

This may be one of my new favorite reads of this year! This book was a nice breath of fresh air. I loved the representation the author put in (LGBTQ, POC, feminism). Honestly, at first I found Maya and Skye a little bit obnoxious. However, the more I read, the more I fell in love with them! And don't even get me started on Jordy... I HATED THAT GUY WITH ALL MY GUTS. Let me tell you, I was so happy when I read the epilogue. Thank goodness for Isaac! Another amazing side character, by the way. When I first heard about this book, I thought, "This is not my cup of tea," seeing as I hate reality TV- especially dating shows. But I gave this book a chance and I'm so glad I did! All the girls who went on the show were great, but I definitely have some bias towards Perrie and Francesca. Overall, this was a great book by Sophie Gonzales, and I'll definitely be reading more of her work! On a last note- Jordy so go what was coming to him. Make sure to read this awesome book when it comes out on December 6th!

I heard about this book from a friend, but even without her recommendation I was captivated the moment I saw the cover and title.
Once I started reading I just couldn't stop, I was so eager to go kn I read on my phone during lunchtime at uni.
It's a story about love, but also about feminism, and girl solidarity, self discovery and letting down walls that are meant to protect from bad things, but they also keep the good ones out.
It's about songs (can't get Hit me with your best shot out of my head!) and empowerment, and learning that navigating the world as we find and pursue our true dreams is a tough job, but less so of we do this together.
The switching POVs are just what the reader needs to get to know both the main characters' perspective. I fell in love with Maya and Skye both, I got to feel close to the both of them, I cheered for them and I found myself with a goofy smile on my lips while reading more than once.

Overall, I think this was a pretty solid read. I'd give it maybe 3.5 stars. At times it seemed very predictable, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

First of all, Jordy was an asshole, and I'm sure that was the point. At some points, I thought I was leaning towards sympathy for him which further proved what a manipulative dick he was!!!

Maya and Skye were adorable. The start of their relationship seemed out of nowhere to me at first. Before they had kissed, there were no signs of attraction between the two (unless I somehow missed it).

I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to my friends. It was my first Sophie Gonzales book and I'd definitely be open to reading some of her other books!

Full Review at my Blog: https://hausofroses.blogspot.com/2022/06/review-never-ever-getting-back-together.html
Format:

eARC

Rating:

3 Stars

Summary:

Maya is a young woman scorned by a cheating ex-boyfriend. When she finds out he'll be on a new dating reality show, she's determined to hurt him in the same way he hurt her. At first, she finds a challenge in Skye as her archnemesis, but surprisingly falls in love. Never Getting Back Together is purely revenge and romance.

50% Progress Check:

The beginning chapters were interesting and it was nice to get some background on Maya. I wasn't expecting the alternating perspective between Maya and Skye. It feels like a book I would have loved in high school.

Immediate Completion Thoughts:

I found myself skimming a lot of the later chapters as it didn't feel authentic. The majority of the book was dialogue so it got a little exhausting and hard to dive into the world. Also the royalty being mixed in felt a little out of place.

This Book Reminds Me Of:

John Tucker Must Die meets The Bachelor

Final Thoughts:

I went into this book expecting a new adult book, but got a young adult book. The overall plot seemed very fantastical, don't get me wrong, I was totally on board for it. There was quite a bit of dialogue so it felt a little like reading the transcript of a Bachelor episode - again I'm here for it. I just wished there was bit more world building and a bit more back story. The Skye/Maya romance was cute and felt meaningful. 3/5 for being cute, readable, and scratching my YA itch.

Maya and Skye both end up on the same dating show to have a second chance with their ex, Jordy. Skye had a whirlwind romance with Jordy and is excited about her second chance. Maya was cheated on by Jordy and wants to get some revenge. What happens when Maya and Skye decide to get revenge together?

It was a fun, quick summer read I couldn't put down. Jordy was literally scum and I could picture what he looked like. The side characters were great and added to the book.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc! I thoroughly enjoyed myself!

Maya and Skye go on a reality TV show to date their ex, Jordy, for a second chance at love. However, Maya has gone on the show for revenge because Jordy actually cheated on her with Skye.
Both Maya and Skye are wonderfully developed characters and their relationship in all of its stages is so beautifully written. There were a lot of great side characters as well. My favorite was Perrie, and I honestly wished I could have seen more of Maya and Perrie's friendship. I feel like we got it at the beginning and end of the book, but not the middle.

My only complaint really was that this is a book about adults (on reality tv) written at a YA level. It just felt a bit mismatched.


Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this novel early!

ARC review

This book was so much fun!! I had the absolute best time reading this. But i have found in recent days that i really love books that have reality shows in them. But do not actually like reality shows to actually watch. I know weird

But the characters of Maya And Skye i adored!!! Both of them i enjoyed their points of view right from the start, how they totally did not like each other and hated each other due to how Jordy did them both. This book was absolutely everything and more and i enjoyed the whole ride. Like i can't believe i finished this arc within a day, but i am so glad i read it this particular day i needed disaster bis in my life. Sophie Gonzales has a way with every book i have read by her and this is no different i enjoyed this so freaking much and I look forward to more by Gonzales

4.5 stars 🌟

One of the best books I've read this year! Maya and Skye were both so lovable, but flawed, as usual with Gonzales's work. Maya is impulsive, a little short-sighted, but means well and is able to learn from her mistakes, and by the end of the book she's gone through an incredible amount of growth. Skye, for me, was more likable from the start, but I really related to her more logical, withdrawn approach.

I think as far as ages go, the premise didn't bother me in context. If we were being asked to root for a couple of teen exes to commit to marriage at the end, I'd raise my eyebrows more, but following a fun revenge plot with a new romance alongside made this premise work fine for the YA / NA age group.

I especially appreciated the banter. My favorite side character was sent home early, which I was sad about. If she'd been kept on for longer, I think it would've been a credit, as she was the funniest and I missed her one liners. That's my only real complaint, though! 4.8 for this funny, fun, fast paced sapphic rom com!!!

Rating 2.5
I didn't realize this was a YA book. The premise makes no sense for characters that are this young. Apart from the fact that this gaslighting, narcissistic man will never grow and mature, almost nobody would by the age of twenty. I sort of liked Maya and I also sort of hated her. Her personality just flip flopped around. I don't understand how she knew he was a terrible, manipulative person but didn't think that Skye maybe didn't know that he had a girlfriend when she was dating him. She just played into his narrative of her. I did think that she was funny sometimes though.

This was a very fun enemies to lovers storyline based on an absolutely ridiculous reality tv show concept. Sometimes the pacing felt a little off, and the story is hurt by all the main characters being 18- I have a hard time caring too much about someone's high school boyfriend or relationships that were super fleeting between very young people. Jordy was a major villain and expert gaslighter, and watching him get his comeuppance was enjoyable, but it loses a star for the slow pace - I love a slow burn, but it didn't feel like anything was burning for a long time at all.

Pros:
- Fast and easy read
- LGBTQ+ rep
- Kept me hooked (finished in less than three sittings)

Cons:
- Women fighting over man trope
- Communication issues driving plot
- Character voices indistinct

It was far from perfect, but I didn't want to put it down. It's a worthy quick read for summer fun and frustration.

I have come to believe that Sophie Gonzales DOES NOT MISS! Sophie is an absolute auto-buy author for me and Never Ever Getting Back Together is no exception. Her books are all an absolute delight and I need this one to become a movie ASAP. The book was compulsively reader and fun from beginning to end. The ending was extremely satisfying and I already can't wait to read what Sophie comes out with next!

This book is the epitome of Taylor Swift’s Red album and I loved it.

I loved the reality tv show aspect and though it was really interesting. Skye and Maya were incredible protagonists and their relationship was so good. They got off on the wrong foot but they cleared it up quickly.

Also, Jordy Miller is the reason I hate men.

Overall. I can’t wait until December when I can shove this down everyone’s throats.

4.5/5 stars

I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down! After this book and The Charm Offensive, I am going to need more Bachelor-esque romance books because I am becoming addicted to these stories.

Maya gets asked to join the cast of a new reality TV show, Second Chance Romance by her ex, Jordy. The premise of the show is simple, she and 5 other ex-girlfriends will compete with one another to see which of the is the one that "almost got away" and be given a second chance at love with Jordy. Maya agrees to do the show, but she isn't there to fall in love again, she's there for revenge. Because two years ago, Maya broke up with Jordy after he cheated on her and dumped her for Skye... and Skye just so happens to be doing the show as well.

I loved how the story progressed and the development of Maya and Skye's relationship. It made my heart very happy. This was such a fun book and it did not disappoint. Another amazing book from Sophie Gonzales.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

If you routinely start watching the bachelor because you want to like it, but stop because the guys are so terrible and you wish the women would just hook up with each other, you will probably love this. For fans of the selection who want something with more to it. Enemies to lovers? Queer angst building. Trash man.

I am *obsessed*. This is such a fun YA with potential to be well loved. Basically, it is a second chance romance, but the guy is total trash and the girl are wonderful and the know it. They build strong relationships and tear down captain jerkface from the inside.

This was such a fun book FULL of queer joy, and I just couldn't put it down. Sophie Gonzales literally never disappoints. I have exactly one complaint: I want more of the other characters. I think we could really remedy that and hope she capitalizes on the series potential here!! Perrie's spin off???

One last little thing: its literally one line, but Skye listening to an audiobook on airplane mode while doing regular life things is VV. Relatable

This was a fun, easy read that would be perfect for the beach or pool. I enjoyed the different perspectives from the two characters. I also enjoyed that reality tv spin. It was a little predictable, but that also makes it the perfect summer, relaxing read!

Sophie Gonzales astounds again in this novel, one with an intriguing premise and a story and characters that deliver from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Sophie Gonzalez knocks it out of the park, once again! I went into this book with high expectations and, boy, it did not disappoint! It’s reminiscent of "John Tucker Must D¡e" but way BETTER.

Why I Decided to Read This:
I love the cover and the title of the book. I always get Taylor Swift stuck in my head every time I read the title.

Plot:
Maya and Skye go on a reality TV show to date their ex, Jordy, for a second chance at love. However, Maya has gone on the show for revenge because Jordy actually cheated on her with Skye. I actually thought the plot of this book was really good! I wasn't sure how I would enjoy the reality TV show, but it ended up being a really great part of the entire plot.

Brief Thoughts:
This was a really well written book! I thought the drama was a bit much at times, but the overall story and ending is worth reading this book!

Characters:
The two main characters are Maya and Skye. I liked both of their characters; however, I don't feel like their "development" happened until the very end of the book. Skye learned how to trust people before Maya learned that revenge isn't everything, but both happened at the very end of the book.

There were a lot of great side characters as well. My favorite was Perrie, and I honestly wished I could have seen more of Maya and Perrie's friendship. I feel like we got it at the beginning and end of the book, but not the middle.

Writing Style:
Never Ever Getting Back Together is first person, dual POV switching between Maya and Skye. While I liked reading Maya's POV better, I thought Skye's provided great insight into the entire story. This is the first book I've read by this author, and I liked the writing, so I will be reading more. Parts of the story were a little too descriptive/repetitive for me, but overall, this was very well written.

Likes:
- The Challenges: As this was a reality show, I loved the challenges thrown into the book.
- Perrie: She was one of my favorite side characters, and I wish I would have gotten more of her! Or maybe she just needs her own book.
- The Romance: I actually really enjoyed seeing the characters together. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll leave it at that.

Dislikes:
- Jordy: I mean, I was meant to dislike him, so that's a good thing.
- Repetitiveness: Some parts seem pretty repetitive and boring. There was this part towards the beginning of the book where Maya was trying on five different dresses, and it just seemed like a lot to go through the description of each one. Then the same thing happened toward the end of the book.
- The Drama: I'm not one for a lot of drama on reality shows. I mean I like a little drama, but not a lot, and this one just had a little too much at times.

Recommendation:
If you like reality dating TV shows, this book is for you! This has pretty much everything you could want, plus I feel like it has a lot of insight on what might go on behind the scenes.

What’s in This Book & Trigger Warnings:
- Cheating
- Parent Abandonment
- Parent Divorce
- Reality Dating Show
- LGBT

I really liked the premise of Never Getting Back together. My daughter is a huge Taylor Swift fan so I wanted to see if the title fit in with the song too. The story was enjoyable and I liked it but it was slow at times. I think People who like young adult romances would really like this.
I didn’t really understand why these girls would go on the show to win a chance at romance with such a jerk. I get the whole fame aspect but there wasn’t a redeemable aspect to Jordy Miller.
I just reviewed Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales. #NetGalley