THIS BOOK. Calling all second-chance romance girlies! A true masterpiece. Clare Gilmore has quickly become an auto-buy author. There’s something about the way she writes romance that is so wholesome, fun and sexy all while being extremely deep and relatable.

Liam Bishop, THE MAN THAT YOU ARE. He is everything - the pining, the devotion, the selflessness, the quick wit, the passion…I never wanted this book to end. And Paige 🥹 her growth, her journey. Such an easy to love FMC.

THE EPILOGUE. I’ve never read an eplilogue so beautifully written or that has made me cry so hard.

Each character felt incredibly real and the story swept me away from the first page. I truly cannot say enough good things about this book. If you love tender romance, second chances, and a beautifully written plot, don’t miss this one when it comes out in October!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!!

There are definitely parts to like here but also some that weren’t my personal preference in romances which dampened the impact of the lovely bits for me.

This is my first Clare Gilmore book, and the reading experience was an easy one because I, overall, enjoyed her writing style. There was some solid dialogue that kept me engaged in the scenes (I can only handle so many internal monologues), and I appreciated that when there was spice, it didn’t come off as something in place for the sake of adding spice. That being said, there were some cheesy one-liners and declarations (maybe too many?) that read a little too fictional. The dual timeline was entertaining, though, and I further appreciated the dynamics with the sisters.

One of my biggest struggles, however, and this goes back to my preferences, is that the MMC, Liam, seemed to be frequently mentioned in conjunction with another woman. Not that there was “OW drama,” per se, but his bouts seemed to be much more front and center than Paige’s, the FMC. The more I kept hearing about them, the less in tune I felt with him.

The drama that came with the friend, Maisy, was also not my jam. Her presence made the FMC’s character seem very weak for a long portion of the story. I get that Paige is shy, has abandonment issues, and adopted that side character energy long ago, but the Maisy drama overshadowed a lot of things for me. I also wasn’t a fan of her OW affiliation with the MMC, and that further contributed to my above-mentioned struggle.

The story’s epilogue was sweet and delivered, in a rather beautiful way, food for thought on the interconnectedness of humans and how art plays a crucial role in that. While that is lovely, I did eventually come to see this book as more message-driven and wanted/needed more in terms of the characters and their impact and development.

I LOVED this book -- start to finish, it had me completely hooked. I could not put it down. Paige's journey felt so real and relatable. I genuinely loved her character. Her passion for songwriting and the idea that she needed to revisit heartbreak to find her voice was such a unique, emotional hook.

The setup is asking her ex, Liam, to fake-date and break her heart again-- sounds crazy, but it works. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but what really pulled me in was how layered and human their relationship felt. Their stories were so connected. I found myself rooting for both of them-- not just to get back together, but to figure themselves out in the process. Gilmore did such a terrific job connecting the past to the present seamlessly.

The hotel stays, the past-digging conversations, the electric tension they tried so hard to ignore all felt intimate and authentic. And honestly, the writing was beautiful. I read every line in the book and did not want to miss anything. There were moments where I had to pause just to sit with what was said. It’s not just a romance; it’s a story about rediscovering who you are and being brave enough to chase the truth, even when it hurts.

This book made me laugh and tear up more than once. If you love second-chance romances with real heart and a strong creative thread, this is the book to read. I’m still thinking about Paige and Liam. :-)

Thank you to NetGalley and thank you to the publisher for the chance to review this ARC. Full review coming soon.

When I tell you I love this book, I mean I knew it was going to be a favorite from the beginning and it didn’t disappoint for a single second.

Second Chance, Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Dual Timelines, Slowburn, Mutual Pining

The tension in this book is delicious. It’s something you savor. I just loved how well these two knew each other and how time and distance did nothing to stop the way they craved one another.

Paige hasn’t seen Liam since they broke up 4 years ago (???). But when a music exec wants her to write songs with deeper meaning, Paige knows the only way to tap into that part of herself is to reconnect with Liam. As these two embark on a journey to inspire her songwriting, they also tentatively give one another a chance to fix their past.

Can I just live in this book forever? The way they respected one another and learned from their mistakes. The way they took it slow. I absolutely loved it. Liam and Paige FOREVER!!!

Thank you SPM for the gifted arc.

This book made my heart ache in the most delicious way. It’s the kind of second-chance romance that doesn’t just explore rekindled feelings but dives straight into the raw, tender, bittersweet spaces where love used to live. The writing feels intimate, emotionally rich, and full of quiet truths that sneak up on you. Every scene between them is laced with this slow-burning tension, and I loved how their connection wasn’t about some flashy grand gesture, but about the ways they kept showing up for each other through the messy, unresolved pieces of their past. I adored the push and pull, the angst and tenderness, and the way the story refuses to settle for easy answers. It left me full of longing and entirely, hopelessly in love.

This was my first Clare Gilmore book. After DNFing 'Perfect Fit,' I wasn't sure if I would give this author a second chance, but this book seemed like a perfect combination of all of the things I love: the Nashville music scene, tour roadies, and second chance romance. I really, really wanted to love this, and while I did really enjoy it, there were some things I couldn't get past.

I enjoyed Liam and Paige's dynamic in the present timeline; however, in the past timeline, some of the moments they shared were hard to read. They therapized each other a lot, and while it was refreshing to read about a couple trying to navigate their dynamic in as healthy a way as possible, it was also hard to read without feeling myself pulled out of the story. I was never able to get fully immersed in this book.

This led to the dialogue seeming a little stilted, too, and while I was reading, I couldn't help but feel like this just isn't how people talk to one another. It felt too rehearsed, if that makes sense - it didn't flow naturally. They spoke to each other like they knew they were in a romance novel, and it really took me out of it.

A few things I did like about this book are the setting (especially when she is living in Nashville, and on tour and hanging out at the different venues) and the side characters! I also enjoyed reading about Paige's relationship with her sisters, which seems to be the real love story of this book.

Never Over has skyrocketed to the top of my list of favorite second chance romances. Clare Gilmore has done it again and, wow, I’m going to need some time to recover (especially from that epilogue IYKYK). I raced through Paige & Liam’s love and self-discovery stories; laughing and crying throughout. I can’t wait for Clare’s next book - an auto-TBR-add for me.

ARC via NetGalley

Goodreads review

4.75 Stars ⭐ Thank you to #NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and St. Martin’s Griffin for this eARC of Never Over, written by Clare Gilmore and releasing on October 28, 2025.

WOW my first Clare Gilmore read and now I’m hooked. Was the premise/reasoning that kickstarted the second-chance reunification between Paige and Liam the most realistic? Unsure. Did I love this story (and couple) anyway? Yes.

So excited for so many others to fall in love with Never Over come October, too.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin for proving me an eARC of this book.

Never Over is exactly what a romance book about a budding and aspiring lyricist should be. I know some people will read books about musicians and skip over the lyrics, but these were truly so wonderfully written that I feel like those readers will be doing themselves a massive disservice by skipping them.

The main character feels so raw and real, and we get to see so much of her creative process throughout the story. It was really nice to see how well researched this book was about the music industry compared to some other musically-focused romance books I’ve read in the recent years. It made this aspect of Paige’s character feel all that more real.

I also really loved the love interest and how rich and layered his story was as well. He had a fully fleshed back story and personality, and you could really see so much growth from him between the flashback chapters and the current day chapters. You could really see his emotional maturity in the current day chapters, which was so refreshing.

Not to mention the ROMANCE here was to die for! I felt myself falling deeper and deeper for this couple from just how passionate they were about each other. It truly felt like a soulmates connection, and it really just dialed up the emotions for me. Also the way the author wrote about the feelings these characters had for one another really did it for me.

Overall this was a fantastic romance book and I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on it! This one is something special.

Clare Gilmore has done it again, delivering loveable, complex characters in a “real life but better” setting I kept wanting to return to. It’s exciting to see a writer grow and improve with each book they put out, and I truly believe this is Clare Gilmore at the top of her game so far. With a dual-timeline structure and the challenges of the second-chance romance trope, this book may have had the highest degree of difficulty to execute, and she pulled it off flawlessly. Fans of Love Interest and Perfect Fit are sure to love this one, too!

Never Over is the perfect summer read! Following Paige and Liam around the country while they get a second chance together was so lovely. I always love how Clare works in themes outside of the romance—the discussion of passion, work, and art was so well done. I’m so glad to live in a world where Clare writes romance!

The way that this is Liam’s reaction when running into Paige after YEARS apart:

"She's mine!" he calls out. And then, like he's correcting himself,
"She's with me."


So swoony! So good! Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the ARC.

I’d like to start by saying Clare Gilmore never misses. Wow—this book hit. As someone who lives for romance and rom-coms, this story delivered all the feels. I’m not the biggest fan of second chance trope but this book made me LOVE IT and delivered some of my favorite lines ever.

Story follows Paige Lancaster, an aspiring songwriter whose lyrics lack the emotional depth needed to make it big. Paige decides to reconnect with Liam, her ex, hoping to reignite her songwriting spark from getting her heart broken. What follows is a journey of rediscovery, both in love and in life.

The dual timeline—flashing between their college days and the present—adds layers to their story. You see how they fell in love, where things went wrong, and how they’re trying to find their way back. It’s emotional, raw, and so real.

Liam is the ultimate green flag. Supportive, patient, and still head over heels for Paige. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their banter? Chefs kiss!!!!!

It’s a beautifully written story about love, growth, and the power of second chances. I loved the epilogue of this and it will be embedded forever in my mind as one of my favorite things I have ever read.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

** A copy of Never Over was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review **

Never Over is the second chance romance of my dreams. Told in dual timelines, Never Over is the story of Paige, an aspiring songwriter and Liam, a former baseball player. What makes this a great story is the fact that Paige and Liam are flawed characters who grow up separately and together as they contend with their identities, families and traumas. I appreciate that there is no unnecessary drama but plenty of amazing banter! Highly recommend!

Clare has a way of writing her characters that makes you reflect so much on your own life. Never Over has a lot of depth, but is still a fun romcom!

Thank you to @NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

Never Over was such a good read! This was a second chance romance between an aspiring song writer who needs her muse and their history, and a baseball player who's career path took him in a different direction. They cross paths and of course sparks fly! A must read for sure!

#NetGalley

Paige and Liam had a soft but knowing meet cute in a bookstore and they both knew deep down their world shifted in that moment. They become best friends quickly and even more rapidly, soulmates. But he’s on a path to become an MLB pitcher and she’s not really on a path at all. She’s also an insanely talented songwriter, a secret she shares with only Liam. Told in dual timelines, we meet Liam and Paige again in the present four years later, where she has graduated from a music education school but needs a muse in order to get signed by a music producer. She realizes she wrote her best music when Liam was in her life so she tracks him down and asks him to be her muse. He agrees and it becomes the most bizarre fake dating set up ever. But, as the title implies, it becomes clear quickly that these two never got over each other cause there’s pretty much not a single page in this book where they’re not in love.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

First and foremost, Clare Gilmore’s writing never ceases to impress me. It’s standout and spectacular. She manages to write heavy concepts in simple, breathtaking words. She also wrote some very very nuanced relationships and characters into this book.

This book felt different from many romances because, as stated above, these two are literally in love from page one. The conceit of their “fake dating” required a bit of suspension of disbelief insomuch as the whole setup was kinda wild: she’s going to ask him to date her and break her heart again so he can be her muse and she’s going to go on tour with him because he’s now a production lead for a major global popstar. On paper, it sounds silly. Somehow this book made it work.

Their relationship is so nuanced it’s almost a cerebral romance. These two have a constant push and pull, all of it driven by a desire for the other to be their best self even when they won’t admit to themselves what being their best self means. Some parts of this tension waged itself like the two of them screaming “I love you more!” “No, I love you more!” back and forth at each other.

I didn’t connect with Paige as a character too much (except her chronic imposter syndrome) but Liam is an absolute on-page delight. He’s one of those characters that always says the truest thing in a refreshing way. His love for her is so pure.

My nit with this book is that the tension doesn’t have much of an arc. I was missing the rising action in this one. The past timeline has a little more of it than the present one does. So there was just a little lacking for me there.

Overall, this was a well-written and unique story that I would recommend!

🫡 Tropes deployed: second chance, dual timeline, baseball romance sorta, songwriter FMC

Thanks so much to Clare Gilmore and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC of this book. First off, Im a sucker for a music romance-y book and this was perfect for that. I loved the forced proximity and how quickly I got caught up in this book! Now, Im not normally a Second chance romance trope gal, but this one was so good! Our FMC and MMC banter and fall back into each other so perfectly. It's also based around Nashville and country music, How can I ask for anything more?!?

Oh my god what in the five stars! This book was absolute page turning perfection. After reading the last line in the first chapter I paused and said to myself "oh. this is gonna be good." and boy was it! Paige Lancaster's singer/songwriter career is on the line when she realizes the only good music she ever wrote came from the deepest heartbreak of her life. Paige knows the only way to get back to that raw and authentic version of herself is by letting the person she has pushed out of her life forever back in, Liam Bishop. They were college sweethearts, their love burned bright and intense, until circumstances and pride got in the way and he broke Paige's heart. This second chance romance is honest, vulnerable, the slowest of burns, and will have you kicking your feet the whole time! It's the kind of engrossing book that makes you annoyed when people are trying to converse with you while reading. 100% whole heartedly recommend!!

liam and paige 🥹🥹🥹

i literally just said in my last review that i don’t love second chance romance books ... until they’re done like this one and I AM IN LOVEEEE !!!!

this was so cute and fun and cheesy while also being so emotional and deep and well-written, it was such a perfect balance and clearly made it a five star read for me. will absolutelyyyy be reading more by this author because this one just scratched an itch so perfectly for me.

also this COVER??? so gorgeous UGH i’m buying the paperback the second it releases i can’t