Never Ever Getting Back Together (Audio ARC Review)

Book Title: Never Ever Getting Back Together
Author: Sophie Gonzales
Narrators: Natalie Naudus & Barrie Kreinik
Release Date: November 29, 2022
Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, LGBTQ+
My rating: 4/5 Stars
Audio Rating: 5/5 Stars

Synopsis:

When their now famous ex-boyfriend asks them to participate in a teen reality show, two eighteen year old girls—one bent on revenge, the other open to rekindling romance—get tangled up in an unexpected twist when they fall for each other instead in Never Ever Getting Back Together by nationally and internationally-bestselling and Indie Next Pick author Sophie Gonzales.

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.

My Review:

Never Ever Getting Back Together is my second Sophie Gonzales book, and I have to say that I’m a fan! This book was so compulsively readable—I could not put it down. I remember when I decided to start it, I’d gotten into bed and decided to listen to an audiobook for a couple minutes, only to keep listening for the next two and a half hours. Even then I had to force myself to put it down!

Speaking of the audiobook, I absolutely loved the narration. The narrators, Natalie Naudus and Barrie Kreinik, went together so well. Their voices were similar enough that their interpretations of all the side characters were in line with the other’s, however, distinct enough that both Maya and Skye’s inner dialogues were easily recognized. I’ve heard Naudus narrate several books before, but this one has to be one of my favorites of hers. Both Naudus and Kreinik were soothing to listen to. They did a fantastic job of engaging the listener in the story and bringing each character to life. I have nothing but praise for the audiobook!

As for the story, Never Ever Getting Back Together was incredibly enjoyable. It was a super-fast read that I inhaled like candy and finished in two sittings. Reminiscent of the Selection and the Bachelor, this story took the competing against other girls for a guy trope and gave it a fun twist. While there is some competition and heated feelings in the beginning, as soon as Skye and Maya agree on Jordi’s true nature, the two team up to ensure he’s humiliated for everything he’s put them through.

As they should! Jordi is a smarmy slime ball who deserves nothing but misery for the rest of his life. The way he calls himself a ‘feminist’ and then has some of the most ridiculous views on how women should act is so irritating. He’s also two-faced and willing to play anyone to get what he wants. He deserves everything he has coming for him.

In contrast, I loved Skye and Maya’s characters. I wouldn’t necessarily call their relationship enemies-to-lovers, but I would classify it as rivals-to-friends-to-lovers. Their dynamic was so much fun to watch. What starts as a rivalry slowly evolves into a reluctant friendship, to gradually realizing they have feelings for each other. Skye had a lot of trouble letting Maya in romantically because of how many times she’s been burned in the past, but despite all her hesitations, she finds herself drawn into Maya’s orbit. I loved their relationship and the way it developed. It made sense they didn’t fall in love with each other right away because of the circumstances, and everything that followed that felt natural.

All in all, Never Ever Getting Back Together is a fun, hilarious story you will fly through in only a few sittings! I highly recommend this one if you want something a little lighter that still involves some depth. Don’t forget the audiobook, either! I’m sure the story itself can stand alone well, but with the addition of Naudus and Kreinik’s narration, you’re bound to have a great time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an Audio ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Purchase it at: Amazon | Audible | Barnes and Noble

Check out my last blog post: A Restless Truth (Tour Post/Review)