I'm a fan of reality tv romances, but this didn't click for me. From the start, I don't think this made sense as a YA story. The setup is a second chance romance, so I would have expected the characters to be a decade older. A large group of 18 year olds who've all dated the same guy feels very low stakes.

Overall the book was light and fun and I would recommend it to fans of YA romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Never Ever Getting Back Together was a cute rom-com about two girls who go on a Bachelor-esque dating show: Maya, to get revenge on her cheating ex-boyfriend, Jordy, and Skye, who still harbors feelings for Jordy. Genre-typical shenanigans ensue, and the two girls end up falling for each other instead.

Overall, I thought this book was a fun, lighthearted read. The overall dedication to the absurdity of reality TV and the relationship between the girls on the show was fun to read about, but I think it also took away from Maya and Skye's relationship — they were very briefly enemies (but only because of an elaborately-spun misunderstanding), and then things suddenly escalated from reluctant friends to friends with benefits before you could even blink. When the book has its moments to shine — Maya grappling with the very real consequences of her choices, Skye slowly opening up to the others, seeing them work together to take down Jordy — it shines bright. But it also falls very flat in key segments.

Maya and Skye like each other because we're told they do. They're attracted because the author says so. It didn't feel genuine to me, and since I was excited to see how their relationship would grow from the initial hatred, it took me away from the story and I never became as invested again as I was initially.

Final Rating: 3/5

love it I just love this book so much I can't wait others to read this book, the author did amazing and I just love it how the story turned out
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I've had the privilege to review many of Sophie Gonzalez's novels, and this may be my favorite of the lot. It's an especially timely book because it's providing another mainstream outlet for bisexual representation like Heartstopper has most recently done.It's also a fabulous revenge fantasy for anyone who has ever been gaslighted by a narcissist.

This book is told through alternating narrations of leads Maya and Skye, both of whom have dated and been manipulated by Jordy Miller, a gorgeous clever narcissistic social climber whose sister has married into the royal family of Chalonne. To further capitalize on his fame and earn it more in his own right, Jordy agrees to take part in a second chances reality show where he will reconnect with old girlfriends who knew him before he was nearly royal and famous to see if the spark is still there. After all, only one of them could love him for who he truly is.

The problem for Jordy is that Maya in particular knows who Jordy really is, so she agrees to go on the show with the plan of exposing him for the dirtbag that he is. Jordy wins the first few rounds though, but eventually, Maya is able to convince Skye and the other women to see Jordy's true colors. Skye in particular agrees to work with Maya to set Jordy up for a very, very public fall.

As usual, Gonzalez' s characterization is so well done that it basically holds the story up. Jordy is that guy every woman has met a version of at least once. If they make this into a movie, "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon will be his entrance song. Part of Jordy's appeal is he has great taste in clothes, in location, and in women. Maya is out early in her narration as bisexual; Skye casually identifies herself in conversation. They're both great women who after sharing a boyfriend, animosity, a room, a goal, a friendship and an attraction, they also get to share a happy ending as the girl gets the girl in the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

4.5 stars***

First of all, I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It is the first Sophie Gonzales book I've read and now I want to read more of her work.

This was a really easy story to get into, and even though I'm not a reality TV show girl, I loved the setting. The characters were fleshed out, we were properly introduced to the characters and their personalities right from the beginning, and I may be biased on this because I ~love~ dual POVs, but I especially loved getting to be in both of the main characters' headspaces, understanding both of their perspectives of/with Jordy, as well as getting their individual takes on their feelings for each other as they developed.

All of that to say, I was left wanting more from Maya and Skye's relationship, more specifically when they first get together, because it felt sort of sudden. There were hints that they liked each other more than just friends, and maybe it is, in part, due to the fact they were stuck in a mansion together and the story only takes place over a few weeks. But I still felt like the initial buildup was missing. I also thought Maya was a little too focused on her revenge arc, especially during the latter parts of the book, and it eventually made sense why, but I wish she could have channeled that energy into her relationship with Skye and would have just forgotten all about Jordy.

Nevertheless, this was a great and fun read, and I always love a good enemies-to-lovers story!

While I felt as though the story was a bit slow to start, once it picked up the cast of character was immensely enjoyable. I have read quite a few reality TV based romances recently but this one had an unexpected twist. I was honestly surprised at how much I hated Jordy as I fully expected him to turn out to be a real life prince charming. Sophie Gonzales had me laughing out loud with the antics of Skye and Maya, particularly when Maya gets stuck rock climbing. Overall, I found this to be a light hearted fun read that I would definitely recommend to my friends.

What a fun read! Sophie Gonzales's Never Ever Getting Back Together is a YA version of The Bachelor except all the contestants are the show lead's exes and two of them start to fall for one another in their plot for revenge. This book follows Maya and Skye as they journey onto a new reality show where they must date their ex-boyfriend Jordy and see if the spark can be rekindled as contestants are removed each week. Maya and Skye start off the novel in a hateful relationship as Maya accuses Skye of dating Jordy while they were still together, which Skye vehemently denies. As the girls work to unravel what really happened, they start on a quest for revenge against Jordy and end up getting more than they bargained for. It's a quick, fun read for those who enjoy reality shows and younger audiences looking for a quick read.

While I really enjoyed this book in the second half, it's not without some critique. The pacing in this book was very inconsistent, with some sections getting pages among pages of details for minor conversations and other key points getting glossed over in a handful of lines. There was little focus on the dates with Jordy themselves and arguably too much attention on repetitive conversations plotting revenge. It was definitely character-driven more so than plot, but I know some readers prefer that style more anyways. While it was very focused on Maya and Skye, it was difficult to really connect with any of the outside characters, and I think Maya and Skye could've been more fully developed too. Since the plot didn't feel like the main focus and I struggled to connect with the characters early on, the beginning half of the novel felt rather slow at times. It definitely picked up in the latter, but I considered DNF'ing before I got to that point. I really loved the concept for this novel and I'm still glad I read it, but this book did end up falling a little short for me.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Never Ever Getting Back Together was a pretty cute romcom book to jump into. Definitely gave the vibes of the Bachelor but with exes instead of new girls. Some of it was pretty interesting but I definitely rolled my eyes a whole bunch of times too. Mostly because of the drama. At times, it felt so pointless. It also frustrated me that these girls just believed everything Jordy said.

Eventually they realized their ways and that Jordy was a selfish asshole. Other than that, I really enjoyed Maya and Skye falling for one another. Never would have thought that these two would move past frenemies. It definitely helped that they realized the truth of their relationship with him and moved on. Of course, I wanted all kinds of confrontation and revenge but I'm okay with what I got.

In the end, this was just way too easy to devour. Definitely happy that I got the chance to jump into this and can't wait for everyone else to do so. Will be on the lookout for another book by Sophie!

This was a cute YA rom-com. Maya and Skye were a great couple. It was hate to lover trope, one of my favorites.
The writing style seemed decent and the narrations were fun to read.
I liked how there was no hate towards the other contestants. All the girls were nice to each other and became friends. It was refreshing to see. However, I did not feel any emotional connection with the characters. There was no "wow" factor in the book. It felt like a quick and fun read but nothing memorable.

Omg I devoured this book!!!! So good. Haha to the publisher for the ARC.
I highly recommend this book!

If you love reality TV drama, with emphasis on the drama, you're in for a huge treat. I know having a lot of drama is often seen as a bad quality in YA books, but in this case I promise it's part of the fun!

I have to admit I don't really like reality TV, but for some reason I love to read about it. And this book was just... so much fun from start to finish. I read it in one sitting because I was just having such a good time.

The concept of this book - having a dating show where the contestants are the guy's exes - is so incredibly fun, and this book lives up to it entirely. Jordy was truly the worst, and I loved the main characters overcoming the drama he set them up for and falling in love with each other.

Super cute LGBT YA novel! I am so glad “the next generation” will have queer themes in their books… well, if they can sneak them past Republican censorship…
All the characters are cute and lovable, besides the antagonist Jordy Miller, a Narcissistic, shallow manipulator who brings together a gaggle of his exes to “fight for a second chance with him”. I have watched a good deal of reality dating shows, so the inside perspective - a brilliant move by the author - felt real and endearing. The challenges were goofy, the contestants were a good mix of cat fighting and girl power, and the main characters narrating were sweet and sassy (pardon all the cliches). The main character contestants fall for eachother while being cohorts in a devious revenge plot to destroy Jordy’s image. Really not much I would change, a really solid YA read!

Great LGBTQ read. I enjoyed the different points of view and the nontraditional romance
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Really fun dual POV with POC and LGBTQ+ representation. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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!