On paper this felt like the perfect book for me…

✅ Revenge rom com

✅ Reality dating show plot

✅ Title inspired by a Taylor Swift song

But in actuality, it fell a little flat.

One common criticism of YA books I see on here is that it feels “too juvenile” or “immature.” I don’t often agree with those criticisms, as that’s the point of YA…the stories are intended for younger readers, even though adults can – and should! – also read them. But with this one, I felt that the inverse was true, and that the plot was a little too mature for a YA novel.

The basic premise is that it follows teens and college-aged adults as they participate in a reality dating show. As someone who has watched many seasons of reality TV, this just felt very inauthentic, as you’d NEVER see a teen version of The Bachelor or Love Island in real life. And while it’s fun to suspend your disbelief when reading, that didn’t really work for this one and I had a hard time buying into the story because of that.

If you can look past that, this book is pretty cute. It’s funny, diverse, and I loved the ending. It would definitely be a good fit for reality TV fans or adults who are looking for a mature-leaning YA.

Never Ever Getting Back Together is out now. Thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What’s your favorite reality show?

I enjoyed most parts of this book. I love Sophie and her novels but this one didn't hit it's mark with me. Maybe it's because I couldn't feel the connection with the characters. If you like dual POVs and reality tv based books, then you'd definitely this one.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

*Arc provided by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.*

If 'The Bachelor' was royal adjacent and decided to only cast exes that would be Never Ever Getting Back Together. Told from the dueling perspectives of Maya and Skye two of Jordy's exes that have a bit more baggage then his others. Maya despises Jordy for cheating on her with Skye and publicly making her out to be a crazy stalker ex. Skye wants to give him another chance despite that nagging in the back of her head. What ensues is exactly what I wish you'd see on the dating show it so closely mirrors.

If you're a fan of The Bachelor give it a shot.

This was such a cute enemies to lovers, LGBTQIA YA romance filled with drama and campy, ridiculously fun moments. It was entertaining to dislike Jordy and his preening, pompous self. I thought it was refreshing to have the contestants not fall for the “bachelor” but instead have the women fall for each other. And applause all around for using this reality show concept to highlight the ways in which men gaslight their romantic partners (in lying about cheating) and how women are socialized to view other women as competition.

I highly recommend this one, especially if you like books with reality dating show themes.

This book was at first I thought I wouldn't like it that much it was giving me a knock of of the bachelor but boy did it turn it self around. this book had me hooked i just wanted to read this book. This book turn the oh lets find love on tv on it head and i love it. if you like drama and hate to love rom coms this book is for you

As a fan of reality tv shows, and drama that isn’t my own, that made this book was a win for me, A enemies to lovers rom-com that will definitely be a re-read for me!

This book was one I ultimately found myself struggling with. Sophie Gonzales captures such a wonderful essence in her stories that follows such interesting and dimensional characters. However, I found the characters the weakest part of this story.

All the main characters, quite frankly, were annoying. And very surface level, we never really got to know much about any of the characters but we got to know wayyy too much about Jordy (I really wish we knew less about him). As a character person, this really detracted from my main enjoyment level.

I really really enjoyed the premise and love some of the scenes during the show. Particularly the rock-climbing scene!

I just think the book was missing something and honestly... I'm not quite sure what,

I think if the book focused more on Skye and Maya's platonic relationship first it would have further supported and strengthened their romantic one.

I did have fun with this book which is the reason I didn't DNF but there was so so much more that could have been done.

I still love Sophie and her books and will continue to see what she puts out. This one was just a miss for me unfortunately!

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.

I really wanted to like this book, but sadly, it didn't work for me at all. Maybe because I'm not a fan of reality tv, but more so I think that this just seemed utterly preposterous - mostly because of the ages of the characters. They were barely 20, if that - and they were trying to have a second hand romance with someone they (mostly briefly dated) in their teens. It just gave me an icky feeling, to be honest. Some held grudges for years, which isn't healthy at all. The male main character, Jordy, was the absolute WORST.

I thought it was a fun twist to have Maya and Skye falling for each other, but I didn't get any realistic chemistry from them. I liked the bi representation, but it almost felt forced to me.

Maybe I'm just too old for books like this? Or too jaded? I don't know. But there are bunches of 4 and 5 star reviews, so if this sounds like a book you'd like, definitely check it out.

This was cute, and I enjoyed reading it, If you're looking for a cute contemporary romance check this out.

**I got this book from Netgalley for my honest review, though I did get it in ebook form and I ended up listening to the audiobook**

So, to start this review, I want to say that I didn't realize this book was a young adult book until AFTER I finished it. I feel that maybe going into it knowing it was YA, I would have had a bit of a different opinion, though I doubt it would have changed my rating very much. And despite this being listed as a young adult, the characters are graduated from high school and about to enter college age. Though, this book is very mild of the sexual content and definitely reads like a YA, thinking back.

One issue that I had is that, despite the characters being VERY different and the character names being listed at the beginning of each chapter to show who's POV we were reading from, I found myself being confused on who is who. I couldn't remember which character had which issue with the guy. I just could NOT remember who was who. Which could have entirely been on me, not the book itself so I didn't really take that into too much account when coming up with my rating.

Though I will say, I REALLY didn't like Maya (I think). She was so set on revenge that she was willing to sacrifice herself for it and that just didn't sit right with me. Now, she is fresh out of high school, so I'm sure that it works for what a young adult WOULD do. But it just bothered me so much that I found myself not enjoying the romance between her and Skye. Skye deserved better, imo.

This just wasn't my favorite. I would be willing to try another book from this author, but this one just didn't sit well with me. I would probably recommend this for a younger audience, though. Maybe late high school, fresh out of which is the same as the characters of the book. I just feel that it may hit better with the target audience than did with me.

I received a reviewer copy of Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales from the publisher St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

What It’s About: Maya's heart was broken years ago by the Jordy, a manipulative liar who everyone loves. So when Jordy is the star of the reality dating show Second-Chance Romance, where he gets to find the girl who got away. Maya sees this as the opportunity to unveil him for the monster he has always been. Unfortunately for her, Skye Kaplan, the girl who he cheated on her with is also competing and they are sharing the same room. As the competition goes on Skye and Maya find themselves being drawn together.

What I Loved: Oh gosh, I thought this one was so fun! Imagine this as a book set on a bachelor-like television show where all the contestants are the lead's exes. This book has the fun and the behind scenes view of the reality TV show world. A terrifically horrible villain we love to hate. A nail biter of how he reality TV show will shake out. And just the sappic romance to touch your heart and cheer for! There is drama and revenge and fun. This book was so much fun to listen to!

What I didn’t like so much: I kind of wish it was written more in the adult space, cause the teen space felt a bit unbelievable for me, I like know it was and it didn't change my reading experience. But the story kind of made more sense to me as a 21+ story.

Who Should Read It: People who love reality TV and the Bachelor. People who love stories about behind the scenes. People who love a good girls get revenge on the 'f-boy' trope.

Summary: Two girls are competing for their ex's heart, but maybe they are meant to be together.

A cute, sapphic, reality TV romcom. There was no real conflict, as everything felt very one-dimensional and "not too deep", but it was cute nonetheless. For any fans of reality TV shows who think the contestants should just kiss each other (I'm with you).

As someone who LOVES watching The Bachelor, I really enjoyed this book. The idea of a man re-dating all his ex-girlfriends for a second-chance romance? BRILLIANT!!

I loved Maya and Skye and love them together. Jordy can burn.

I have loved every book I have read by Sophie Gonzales, and this one did not disappoint. I devoured the book and could not wait to continue it. I have recommended it to everyone.

Rating : 3,5 out of 5
Blurbs : It’s been two years since Maya's ex-boyfriend cheated on her, and she still can’t escape him: his sister married the crown prince of a minor European country and he captured hearts as her charming younger brother. If the world only knew the real Jordy, the manipulative liar who broke Maya’s heart.

Skye Kaplan was always cautious with her heart until Jordy said all the right things and earned her trust. Now his face is all over the media and Skye is still wondering why he stopped calling.

When Maya and Skye are invited to star on the reality dating show Second-Chance Romance, they’re whisked away to a beautiful mansion—along with four more of Jordy’s exes— to compete for his 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: exposing Jordy and getting revenge. As they navigate the competition, Skye and Maya discover that their real happily ever after is nothing they could have scripted.

Thoughts : If you like TV show, you'll like this book. Shortly it's about two girls falling in love with each other while they should chase the dude. I enjoy this book just fine. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

Never Ever Getting Back Together is a fun, light, easy read that will entertain you with cut throat and hilarious reality show drama. I loved the revenge plotline and Jordy is definitely a villian-ugh! . I loved the jokes, cattiness, romance and the friendships. This book was just what I needed to relax and unwind.

This book was everything!
Reality TV, T Swift references. Taking down cheaters. Unexpected romance. Love triangles.
It had everything. It was fun and light hearted and incredibly entertaining. I can’t wait to read more from the author!

i wanted to read this book cause of the title reminding me of taylor swift and it did not disappoint!! the story was super entertaining and kept me wanting to read more and the characters made it so much better as well!

This book made my little bisexual heart so happy. A reality show on love where all the contestants are exes of the bachelor? All the drama and I was here for it. It was such a fun read but also a really lovely love story. Highly recommend 5 stars

alexa, play “we are never getting back together” by taylor swift.


this was so hilarious. how to do girls end up on a bachelor-esque show
1) do not end up with the bachelor
2) end up with each other

the premise of this book was interesting, and i get where the author was coming from, but the characters were so… bland ? none of them had much of a personality except not liking the main dude, which, relatable, is not enough to win me over.

the lack of personality affected the writing itself, in my opinion. it wasn’t descriptive enough, it wasn’t plain enough, it was just middle ground. the overall writing was almost as if two authors were battling out how to write things. it did not mesh enough for me to enjoy it enough.
i am not at all saying this was a bad book. in itself, the book was okay and the concept was good, i just left that it was a bad execution.