Never Over
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the digital review copy and the opportunity to be an early reader. This one hits shelves October 28th.
Paige recently finished her degree in songwriting. When Stillwater Music calls with interest in her demos, she knows her life is about to change, but in the meeting she’s told her lyrics are flat—so universal they won’t connect with anyone. She’s got a deal if she can rewrite them herself or work with a lyricist. With her sister and best friend, she hatches a plan to reconnect with Liam, an old flame, hoping that some heartbreak will do her music writing career some good.
This premise was a little wild, but what I loved about it is that for Liam, none of it is ever fake. He’s open and honest from the very start that he’s unwilling to break Paige’s heart on purpose. He knows there are three outcomes for them and that they’re rolling the dice on love. It’s obvious the only reason he’s on board with the plan is that he’s hoping he can change their ending four years later.
This was my first book by Clare Gilmore and I’m kicking myself that Perfect Fit is sitting on my shelf unread. Her writing is quick and funny. I immediately connected with Paige and Liam’s banter. And the meet-cute? When he sees her from afar and follows her into a bookstore, it’s a sure winner.
Another thing I loved about this one is that while the conflict is mainly about Paige and Liam’s dreams for the future, Paige stays firm in her self-awareness that a life on stage is not for her. Instead of a pop-star celebrity romance, this book delivers us the process of a person who doesn’t want the spotlight and is content to remain behind-the-scenes while still pursuing creative work.
Now, there were a few parts of the plot that didn’t work quite so well for me, and they didn’t really have to do with the 4-year break up, the ridiculous plan to “fake date,” or the miscommunication and conflict between the main characters. My slight struggles with this one were between Paige and her friend Maisy. The conflict between them seemed a little too buttoned up and while there is a resolution toward the end of the book, it still felt a bit unnatural (mostly on Maisy’s end; we don’t know her very well as readers and her revelations and character development seemed sudden).
I also felt like the ending was a bit rushed, and while I believe that Liam and Paige will continue their conversations and deepen their relationship, it felt like the final chapters were a beginning rather than closure. This was the case in the romantic relationship and also with Liam and his family.
When I finished the book, I had to remind myself that the characters were 25 in the present timeline and only 21 in the past one. They didn’t seem immature at all, but something about the entire storyline seemed “young.” Maybe at 37 I’m just feeling the difference between my stage in life and these characters’.
Overall, this was highly enjoyable. I have no regrets. I love Clare Gilmore’s writing and humor, and I will definitely be reading her backlist and looking forward to her future books.
A few favorite quotes:
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🌶️ While not lengthy or super detailed, this book contains multiple on-page sex scenes.
This book is available through Book of the Month Club. Join with my referral link, and get your first monthly selection for $5. Then add this one to your box for $11.99.
