Maya’s ex-boyfriend cheated on her two years ago. Despite trying to move on, she still can’t escape him. Jordy’s sister married the crown prince of a small European country. The world knows him as her charming younger brother. The real Jordy is a liar and heartbreaker.

A cautious Skye Kaplan was always careful with her heart until Jordy earned her trust. Skye can’t help wondering why he ghosted her.

Maya and Skye are both invited to star on the reality dating show Second-Chance Romance, along with more of Jordy’s exes. They’ll fight for a second chance at love on live television. While Skye hopes to recapture Jordy’s heart, Maya plans to get revenge. The competition is heavy and Skye and Maya discover that the planned happily ever after isn’t always what you expected.

I devoured this book in a day! It’s definitely giving The Bachelor with a queer twist! I honestly don’t know how to review this book without spoiling everything, so I’ll keep it short and sweet. I absolutely hated Jordy, but he makes a great antagonist for this story! The concept of all his exes fighting for a second chance at love was intriguing, and I enjoyed all the drama going on. Maya was a lively character and had me hooked throughout the story. Despite liking the twist; I wish there was a little more development in the romance. It felt rushed, and the ending left me wanting more. Plus, I wish there was more depth to some of the side characters as well. Overall, I would still recommend this book: sarcasm, girls teaming up to take down their lying ex, and queer representation made it a win!

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and Sophie Gonzales for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! This is a really fun book that focuses on Maya and Skye as they’re invited to join a reality dating show. I love reality TV so seeing this in the summary made me desperate to read it. This show is called “Second-Chance Romance” and the two main characters are on there along with their ex and his other ex-girlfriends. This is such a unique premise and was really entertaining to read! I love the bi representation and the romance. I think fans of LGBTQ+ books, reality shows, or rom-coms will really like this one.

Thank you so much for an eARC! Although I'm not a big watcher of reality TV, this sounded fascinating! I loved the characters, the setting, the drama (SO. MUCH. DRAMA) and of course, the outcome! I do wish it was NA or Adult, it felt a bit strange to be published as YA considering the setting, premise, and ages.

The title and the description were somewhat misleading, and both main characters were not worth rooting for. The plot was intriguing at first read, with an inevitable queer romance, but the story missed out on a lot of really great opportunities.

I believe I am almost the exact target demographic for this book: I am a woman-loving woman, and I obsessively watch The Bachelor. I’m not sure how many of us there are, but I do know it is very very hard to find crossover media. This is the first book I’ve found, and I will say right up front it hit every sapphic and Bachelor Nation note I was looking for. The rituals. The producer-manufactured conflict. The catchphrases. An excellent enemies-to-girlfriends arc.

The part where I’m not the target demo is that it’s YA. Which I don’t mind in theory. A good book is a good book whether it has teenage or adult leads. The thing about this specific book, though, is that the situations and characters all feel more suited to being somewhere in the 20’s age range, most especially since they’re a) on a dating show and b) that dating show is about seeing if you’re more compatible with exes now that you’ve both grown. How much growing can you have done if you’re both 19 and dated when you were 18? And what parents are going to watch or let their kids watch a show where teenagers go on sex dates and drink loads of alcohol, even if it’s legal in that country? It’s just a bit weird and confusing. There were some other bits that confused me, and being confused tends to distract me and take me out of the story. So that’s why it’s not a full five stars for me. But I think anyone who had their hearts lit up by that one time on Vietnamese Bachelor where the two women left together will really love reading this.

Thank you Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reader copy. I flew through this book and really enjoyed it. This story follows Maya, who gets invited to be on a second chance romance reality show with the ex that cheated on her and is now royalty famous adjacent. I enjoyed the characters and the pacing. If you are looking for a cute fast read, check this out.

“She didn’t come here to get her heart broken all over again. She came here to make him pay.”

NEVER EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER (alternative title: bisexuals bite back) is so, so much fun. It’s a queer YA romcom about a gal who goes on a second-chance romance reality television show to get back at her awful ex-boyfriend and ends up falling for her rival, another contestant on the show. It’s a delicious enemies-to-lovers slow burn between the two leads, Maya and Skye, and an absolutely satisfying feminist revenge fantasy against Jordy, their mutual ex. I love how Gonzales turns the typical Bachelor-type show storyline of women competing for the man’s attention on its head, as all the contestants come to realize what a piece of shit Jordy is, and the story’s ending and the sisterhood that develops is so completely gratifying. Maya’s journey around her desire for retribution vs. her attempts to move past the breakup is especially well done. It’s not a particularly serious story: there’s some character development, though nothing too intense; Jordy is utterly uncomplicated and unredeemed; and I’m pretty sure Gonzales takes some liberties with how reality television is filmed and released. But I couldn't care less! I had the time of my life! There’s angsty “I hate you and you’re hot” staring and a gay haircut revelation and a google search of “friends with benefits but she touches my hair” and even a romantic airport kiss! What more could you want?! Thanks to Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio for the review copies; this book is out 12/6.

Content warnings: one bad dude doing a lot of slut shaming, sexism, infidelity, homophobia, etc. but we all hate him and get our collective gay vengeance so it’s okay

Never Ever Getting Back Together is the YA sapphic reality tv romance I didn’t know I needed. Sophie Gonzales does a great job of using the forced proximity of an isolated reality tv set to create a delightful opponents to friends to lovers story.

Maya and Skye are contestants on a reality dating show called Second-Chance Romance, where the “star” is their ex boyfriend Jordy. While Skye agreed to participate because she believes she and Jordy had a genuine misunderstanding, Maya is out for revenge. The two start out antagonizing one another, mostly due to Jordy’s interference. But once they actually communicate with each other, they become friends. But what happens when their friendship leads to something more? All while competing for a second chance with Jordy?

This creative reality show conceit works well for Never Ever Getting Back Together’s rom com plot. It’s also a plus that all the characters, except for self-centered Jordy, are very likable. As a reader, I loved spending time with all of them, especially spontaneous Maya and organized planner Skye.

Another point I loved about this book was the very matter of fact way it handles both women identifying as bi. It’s noted, and Maya has a great inner monologue about how hard it is to just bring it up with new people, even though she’s out with everyone at home. But, it’s not the only important factor in the identity of either character, just a part of their entire makeup.

I enjoyed this sapphic take on a reality tv dating show. The characters were sharp and clever, and the plot was insightful and kept me turning pages to see how it all came together in the end. If you are a fan of YA queer romance, definitely check out Never Ever Getting Back Together.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Never Ever Getting Back Together is about two girls Maya and Skye going on a reality tv show to win back their mutual ex. Behind the surface, they have different motivations to being there. I really enjoy books with a “Bachelor”-like setting and this did not disappoint. It was unique in that all the women were an ex of the lead. I enjoyed this book and would recommend.

This was a fun little rom com! It had some cute twists that I was not expecting. Love the concept of the show that they star on!

It’s been two years since Maya has seen Jordy. She still seethes when thinking about the way he cheated on her and then made everyone think she was crazy though. When she gets a phone call from a tv producer asking her to come on Second-Chance Romance and date Jordy alongside 5 of his other ex’s, Maya immediately says no. Until she realizes she could go on the show, make him chose her, and the humiliate him on national tv. Skye meanwhile, the girl he cheated on Maya with, never knew she was the other woman, and thinks she and Jordy could have something. Will the two women hate each other? Or come together to ruin Jordy for good?

OMG I freaking loved this book! Someone said it’s Bachelor meets Red White and Royal Blue, and I could not agree more! I loved the reality show setting, and making it all ex’s was just perfection! There were so many times I was like “GAH don’t do that! The producers will destroy you!” Jordy was by far the absolute worst man in the history of men. I hated that man so dang much, he was truly awful! I have loved Sophie’s books in the past, and this one was by far my favorite! If you are a bachelor fan, look no further!

I love Sophie Gonzales’ work and this is a great return after not loving If This Gets Out. This premise grabbed me from the moment it was announced. As usual, Gonzales’ writing is funny and sharp, with great sarcasm and observations of toxic masculinity, homophobia, and more. It was a good match for a Bachelor-like TV show and a character like Jordy, who I instantly wanted to push into that lake. Maya was tough, spunky, but obsessed, and Skye was a good match for her. I only wish we saw more of her development, and a bit more of their relationship growth. I also think there was some unevenness at the tone or sense of age, and it likely would have worked better as NA regardless. But it has to be noted: 10/10 title.

What would happen if a group of women come together to date an ex again on a reality show but two of the contestants fall for each other instead? That's the scenario that Gonzales explores in this book. Maya is convinced to go on a dating reality show for he toxic ex, Jordy, and comes face to face with Skye, the girl Jordy cheated on Maya with and Maya becomes focused on getting revenge on Jordy.

I liked the concept of this book and was really into it when I started it but it ended up taking me a long time to get through because it was just missing something. I love reality dating shows so this was right in my wheelhouse but I wasn't finding myself wanting to pick it up to finish reading it as much as I was expecting. I liked Maya and Skye and their journey throughout the book.

This was a fun, cute read. I really enjoyed the two FMC and their relationship.
The author definitely creates a villain that’s easy to hate and makes the other characters shine bright.
I loved reading the growth and friendships of all the girls. I love the concept of a reality show and two girls fall for each other instead of the guy
The pacing is a little off and pulled me out of the story and moments throughout the story.

I ended up reading this book even though I was on the fence about reading it. The premise is overdone but the twist is that it was LGBTQ so I decided to give it a chance. It was okay. Not really interesting and at times a bit boring but I muscled through. The main characters seemed very similar in disposition despite the author trying to distinguish them. This became a problem as the story was written in both perspectives so at times I forgot who was speaking. It was a light read with not much substance.

hanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the advanced copy of Sophie Gonzales’ LGBTQ+ YA novel Never Getting Back Together. It’s out on November 28th.

When Maya’s ex Jordy is selected for a Second Chance reality dating show, she joins in order to show the world that he is a cheater and a liar. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for Skye—the girl who unwittingly was dating Jordy at the same time as Maya. The book is perfect for fans of the Bachelor and for fans of closed door romance.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥
Tropes: reality show, forced proximity, royalty (adjacent)

NEGBT is a rom com in the vein of John Tucker Must Die, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Mean Girls. This take on the rom com ditches the sexist gender stereotypes and tropes that are so common in this genre. The characters are fun and have really great chemistry. They are thrown together on a second chance romance reality dating show, which was a unique premise for the story. Overall, it was a refreshing take on the scorned ex lover seeking revenge take with some unexpected turns, and is strictly for entertainment.
The story is told from the point of view of Maya and Skye. They become contestants on a reality dating show where the concept is that Jordy will date six of his exes to revisit any missed chances at true love. Though the main focus of the story is Maya and Skye, all of the women are featured just enough to add to the story without it being too much filler.
Jordy, the male lead, is positioned as a charming philanthropist. However, Maya knows Jordy is not who he presents himself to be. When her relationship with Jordy ended, he painted her to be a crazy obsessive ex. She agrees being a contestant on the show to try for her revenge.
Initially, Maya is positioned to be a drama queen who was only wanted on the show to create tension among the contestants. This is going well until she is forced to bond with Jordy's ex Skye. When Maya and Skye forge an unlikely alliance, certain revelations come out about who Jordy really is, and it turns out Maya isn't the only one who ends up seeking revenge on Jordy.

Queer dating show themed novels will just always do it for me. I found the whole plot very interesting and fun despite the unbelievabilty of it all. Not quite sure why this is YA instead of adult but hey it works so. I also wasn't the *hugest* fan of the main couple just because it developed really quick? Despite it happening like halfway through it felt we didn't get much of them beforehand. Still found them adorable though. Overall, just a good time

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Selling Pitch:
Do you want to read a rom-com about a reality show like The Bachelor, but the contestants fall for each other instead of the man in a book that somehow has zero drama or stakes? Do you like cringe books?

Pre-reading:
Cute cover.

Thick of it:
Fragile masculinity? How boring.

Mango lychee. At a bowling alley.

How old is this girl supposed to be? (18)

So if she’s a first-year college student, how is she getting drinks at a bar?

I mean cheat and ask for a guaranteed fixed top 3.

These fake reality show names are wild.

I also hate wine.

We love romanticizing an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.

Everyone in this book is idiotic and unbelievably immature.

How is he even considered a fuck boy yet and pulling all these girls? They’re all like 12.

I also hate chicken thighs for the same reason.

Toxic friendship messages.

These girls cannot plan for shit. The plot of this book makes no sense. Like just publish the text messages and he’s outed. There’s no reason for any of this. There’s also no reason for this man to do this show. It’s like that plot point was completely dropped.

The rom-com tropes lol.

The number of platitudes in this book. Like it’s supposed to be clever or some big life lesson? Gag.

Mommy issues lead to lesbianism stereotype.

Okay, but who wouldn’t want to vacation over studying?

New England superiority.

You know when old people try to write young people solely by throwing in buzzwords? That’s this book.

Post-reading:
This book is a whole lot of nothing. The characters don’t have enough animosity towards each other to begin with or that lasts for this to be considered enemies to lovers, nor do they know enough about each other besides names and physical appearances to be believably in love with other. None of the characters feel like real people. It’s a cheesy story that has been done before, and better. It reads very, very young, and granted the characters are young, but it feels very middle school drama. There’s no real point to the show even being produced, and it’s never addressed.

Who should read this:
Bachelor rom-com obsessives

Do I want to reread this:
No

Similar books:
* Crush in the Cascades by Lisa S. Gayle-reality show enemies to lovers dating
* 10 Rules for Faking It by Sophie Sullivan-radio producer goes on bachelorette-style dates and falls for her coworker instead
* Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner-unlikely lesbian couple in a book where nothing happens

This was such a fun YA read! Maya and Skye find themselves on a Second Chance romance reality show competing for another chance with their shared ex, Jordy Miller. Maya is there for revenge after Jordy cheated on her, broke her heart and them trampled on it by dragging her name through the press afterwards. Skye is there for another chance at love. She doesn’t know why things fizzled out, but she thinks Jordy could be the one that got away.

Maya and Skye begin the show as enemies as Jordy has turned them against each other. However, once Skye finds out the truth about his manipulative ways, her and Maya join forces to take him down. As they work together, they begin falling for each other… but will it last past filming?

I enjoyed this one. Fans of reality TV and specifically the bachelor, will love. Can we have this happen in real life please? This book had some really funny one liners, the sarcasm was top notch. It was sweet watching them be vulnerable with each other. It was also surprisingly sexy for YA, lots of tension and chemistry between these two. I liked how the ending was kind of open ended because these two are 18, it doesn’t need to end with marriage and babies, they have their whole lives ahead of them.

Overall, just a fun and unique YA read- would recommend!