Reviews

Never Have I Ever by Lauren Blakely

vreyna20_2004's review

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

I’m gonna be honest I forgot what the bet was about until Zach mentioned it at the end. Besides that I did enjoy the book and reading how Zach’s daughter made a list to do for the summer when her mom was sick it was a sweet moment that made me almost tear up. I enjoyed reading Piper getting along with the kids even if she hated Zach.

The romance wasn’t bad. They’re adults who tried to hide their relationship from their friends and family until they were ready but the romance or at least the official start of their relationship (when they asked each other out) took a long time. They had done it before they asked each other out which I don’t typically mind but MAN they couldn’t keep it in their pants after they asked each other out. It wasn’t bad I won’t complain about that but Jesus it was unexpected. ON THE DAMN DESK??!!! My mouth was on the ground.

It was a fun read but it wasn’t my favorite. I also didn’t like reading how Zach got jealous over a guy Piper is friends with and asking if they’re dating before asking if he was gay. It was a weird thing to ask like what if he wasn’t or what if he was in my opinion that question was unnecessary. I groaned cause I thought it was going to be a homophobic joke/comment.

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chrissandrapherlv's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

dukefn99's review against another edition

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4.0

I've been looking at Lauren Blakely's books for a while now. But I just couldn't seem to pull the trigger and read or listen to one. So when I got the chance to listen to Never Have I Ever, well, I jumped at the chance. Full disclosure, I did receive the audiobook for review, but all opinions are my own.

The story features Piper, a wedding planner, and Zach, a divorce lawyer. It sounds like the start of a bad joke, or a good enemies to lovers romance. Luckily we get the romance. I found both characters to be likeable and was cheering them on for their happily ever after. I loved the cast of secondary characters and the story was quite solid. Honestly, the only thing I think I was missing was that additional conflict that could potentially tear the couple apart. Not to say that the romance was smooth sailing, but it almost seemed too easy.

In most of my audio reviews, I tend to be pretty critical of the narrators. But for Never Have I Ever, I don't have one complaint. I don't believe that I'd ever listened to books narrated by Amanda Ronconi and Jason Clarke before, but this won't be the last. Their pacing and pouring of emotions into their performances really drew me into the story.

I really liked how Ms Blakely brought the game Never Have I Ever into the plot, having multiple characters play over the course of the story. It was a fun hook, and I was happily caught. I believe that I'll be hunting down more of Ms Blakely's books as I'm now a fan and must read more.

erica_audio_addict's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

stefanieryne's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

literarychronicles's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

abeckreads's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

iggyebab's review against another edition

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4.0

I love great banter and this book has it in spades. Piper is fun and sweet. Zack is a shark in the courtroom. He is a loving single dad who lost his wife way too soon. The two of them bait one another constantly. After all she’s a wedding planner and he’s a divorce attorney. These two just threw off sparks. I love that once they come together they are just all in.

sasha2599's review against another edition

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5.0

Lauren Blakely is one of my favorite one-click authors so of course I snapped this one up on release day- and how cool that she is donating 100% of proceeds from preorder and release day sales to animal rescue! I love the characters and worlds she creates. Never Have I Ever combines enemies-to-lovers and the single dad trope with a delicious slow burn. It had a fun theme woven throughout, with great dialog, sizzling chemistry, and no unnecessary drama. I adored Zach's kids and the part they, especially his daughter Lucy, played in the story. When I finished, I had a huge smile on my face- absolutely loved this one!

thatbookishbrunette21's review

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5.0

This book is HOT! The attraction just zinged between Piper and Zach especially during their banter. And let me tell you, their banter? Was amazing and had me laughing out loud. Another great character was Zach’s daughter Lucy. She was so smart, intuitive, and self-aware. I loved her relationship with Piper. It was adorable and talk about girl power; the two of them together was awesome. I loved these characters; they came to life and were so real, a clear reflection of Lauren Blakely’s skills as a writer.

No spoilers, but the two epilogues were everything. Seriously, ALL THE FEELS! They brought happy tears to my eyes and wrapped up the story in fantastic ways.

This was a lighthearted, sexy and touching read. Although Zach and Piper initially dislike each other and enjoy trading barbs, it is never hardhearted or too harsh. This was truly a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.