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Never Leave, Never Lie
The lies that brought them together will tear them apart.
Alek and Ian’s relationship is built on lies and the cracks are starting to show.
A pianist gifted with synesthesia, Alek sees sounds and hears colors and transforms all of his emotions into music. But no matter how hard he tries to hide behind a facade of apathy and seduction, he can’t escape the dark past that haunts him.
Contractor Ian sees the beauty in something destroyed by neglect and his obsession with fixing extends beyond historical buildings. But when Alek’s self-destructive tendencies turn their relationship to ruins, Ian fears Alek is the first project he’ll have no choice but to abandon.
Now the Gothic Victorian mansion they’re renovating is the only thing connecting them. Alek will do anything to keep Ian with him.
Except tell the truth.
Because Alek is lying about everything, starting with his name, and when Ian learns the truth, their house of cards will collapse.
Never Leave, Never Lie is an angsty MM modern gothic romance that will appeal to fans of the following tropes: hurt/comfort, relationship in crisis, morally gray MMC, lovers to enemies to lovers, angsty hard-fought HEA
Never Leave, Never Lie contains dark subject matter.
A full list of content warnings can be found at theaverdone . com / nlnltw (without the spaces) or in the back of the ebook. Please note that they may contain spoilers.
Alek and Ian’s relationship is built on lies and the cracks are starting to show.
A pianist gifted with synesthesia, Alek sees sounds and hears colors and transforms all of his emotions into music. But no matter how hard he tries to hide behind a facade of apathy and seduction, he can’t escape the dark past that haunts him.
Contractor Ian sees the beauty in something destroyed by neglect and his obsession with fixing extends beyond historical buildings. But when Alek’s self-destructive tendencies turn their relationship to ruins, Ian fears Alek is the first project he’ll have no choice but to abandon.
Now the Gothic Victorian mansion they’re renovating is the only thing connecting them. Alek will do anything to keep Ian with him.
Except tell the truth.
Because Alek is lying about everything, starting with his name, and when Ian learns the truth, their house of cards will collapse.
Never Leave, Never Lie is an angsty MM modern gothic romance that will appeal to fans of the following tropes: hurt/comfort, relationship in crisis, morally gray MMC, lovers to enemies to lovers, angsty hard-fought HEA
Never Leave, Never Lie contains dark subject matter.
A full list of content warnings can be found at theaverdone . com / nlnltw (without the spaces) or in the back of the ebook. Please note that they may contain spoilers.
368 pages, ebook
First published March 27, 2024
310 people are currently reading
4014 people want to read
About the author
Thea Verdone
3 books186 followersThea writes spicy romances about imperfect people haunted by inner demons and dark histories.
Whether it's a crumbling gothic mansion, the ocean at night, or a castle on a tidal island, her settings are as alive as any other character.
When she's not making her friends laugh, or her readers cry, she can be found reading, learning how to draw (very badly), or in nature.
For my Anti-AI policy, please visit https://theaverdone.com/ai-policy
Follow me at https://instagram.com/theaverdone and
subscribe to my mailing list.
Whether it's a crumbling gothic mansion, the ocean at night, or a castle on a tidal island, her settings are as alive as any other character.
When she's not making her friends laugh, or her readers cry, she can be found reading, learning how to draw (very badly), or in nature.
For my Anti-AI policy, please visit https://theaverdone.com/ai-policy
Follow me at https://instagram.com/theaverdone and
subscribe to my mailing list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 459 reviews
April 2, 2024
“Once there was a boy who lost so much and was hurt so badly that he had to turn off his emotions to survive…”
I had to put down the book at 3 am after finishing it and to go to sleep because I needed to find the words to express how good this is. And I still don’t think what I came up with is enough. I’ve never experienced something like this, that a book to seem so meh in the first 10% with weird choppy writing and weird story-telling (for a second I was convinced it was written with AI) and for me to want to dnf a couple of times (the opening scene in the book is not very well done ) only for it to end up being probably one of the best reads of 2024. I pushed through it because 2 of my friends here assured me it was a fabulous book (thank you, girls) . With each page the book became more and more brilliant and the writing more and more beautiful. I’ll keep it short because in reality all I wanna say is READ THIS BOOK!
If you want a romance, a real romance, the one that it’s at the same time strong and weak, helpless and hopeful this is perfect. It’s not your typical a dime a dozen romance with OTT declarations. It’s a strong book, a bit more realistic and raw and as I said probably one of the best reads this year. Just be aware that it deals with mental illness and suicide-ideation that is not cured with dick, not even with Ian’s strong love. Went to bed at 3 am and cried my eyes out, not because it’s sad but because I was very very touched by this story. How Ian loved Alek was nothing short of amazing, how they loved each other and what they had was at the same time TOXIC and HEALING. Not healing the illness but healing the soul. Don’t think that the book is dark. Yes, it deals with strong stuff but it’s not that kind of book that you avoid because you’re not ready for the angst. It is, despite its subject very beautiful. Excellent read and if it’s a debut then I think we got ourselves a new skilled MM author- we need more of them.
“Thank you for loving me when I couldn’t .”
“Anyone else would think that the hell Alek had put him through was unforgivable—his lies to conceal, to trick, to hurt—but Alek wasn’t Lucifer cast out of heaven. He was Lucifer redeemed, an otherworldly beauty with a soul of secrets dark and twisted, the giver of a love so rare it was precious, and so Ian worshiped Alek with tithes of kisses, ardent accolades of praise, vows of unending loyalty, and love and love and love.”
I had to put down the book at 3 am after finishing it and to go to sleep because I needed to find the words to express how good this is. And I still don’t think what I came up with is enough. I’ve never experienced something like this, that a book to seem so meh in the first 10% with weird choppy writing and weird story-telling (for a second I was convinced it was written with AI) and for me to want to dnf a couple of times (the opening scene in the book is not very well done ) only for it to end up being probably one of the best reads of 2024. I pushed through it because 2 of my friends here assured me it was a fabulous book (thank you, girls) . With each page the book became more and more brilliant and the writing more and more beautiful. I’ll keep it short because in reality all I wanna say is READ THIS BOOK!
If you want a romance, a real romance, the one that it’s at the same time strong and weak, helpless and hopeful this is perfect. It’s not your typical a dime a dozen romance with OTT declarations. It’s a strong book, a bit more realistic and raw and as I said probably one of the best reads this year. Just be aware that it deals with mental illness and suicide-ideation that is not cured with dick, not even with Ian’s strong love. Went to bed at 3 am and cried my eyes out, not because it’s sad but because I was very very touched by this story. How Ian loved Alek was nothing short of amazing, how they loved each other and what they had was at the same time TOXIC and HEALING. Not healing the illness but healing the soul. Don’t think that the book is dark. Yes, it deals with strong stuff but it’s not that kind of book that you avoid because you’re not ready for the angst. It is, despite its subject very beautiful. Excellent read and if it’s a debut then I think we got ourselves a new skilled MM author- we need more of them.
“Thank you for loving me when I couldn’t .”
“Anyone else would think that the hell Alek had put him through was unforgivable—his lies to conceal, to trick, to hurt—but Alek wasn’t Lucifer cast out of heaven. He was Lucifer redeemed, an otherworldly beauty with a soul of secrets dark and twisted, the giver of a love so rare it was precious, and so Ian worshiped Alek with tithes of kisses, ardent accolades of praise, vows of unending loyalty, and love and love and love.”
May 23, 2024
4.0 Stars
💘❤️🔥Fuck the past. Their love was bigger than that. Their love could fix anything. Anything.❤️🔥💘
This book was so freaking good. I love Alek and Ian. I mean these two go through so much before they finally get their hea. If you're looking for a high-angst second chance romance, redemption, healing, hurt/comfort then this is the book for you. People hate on second chance romance but it can be amazing if done well and this book just reinforced this point for me. My thoughts are a mess now so am gonna write a proper review at a later date.
Can you leave something with me? Something you’ll have to come back for. Ian’s brows darted together. “What? Like collateral?” Please. “You already have it.” Alek wrote a giant question mark and held the clipboard up. “You’re the collateral, Alek. I’ll always come back for you.”
I love how Ian was always there for Alek during his worst. And the fact that he learnt Bulgarian just incase Alek lost his English again?!! I am just so in love with him.
“I may have betrayed you in every other way, but my cock and my heart have always belonged to you.”
“I don’t think I make you very happy.” [...] “If I was out of the picture, you could find someone who doesn’t break things.” [...] “You think you don’t make me happy, Alek, but you do. You’re the only person who makes me laugh. You’re my best friend. I want to know every thought inside your head just so I can have more of you.
Oh Alek I love you so much you manipulative bastard.
“All it takes is one phone call from me and I can have you committed for seventy-two hours on a psych hold.” She was as wicked as he was.
I loved Jana I just wish we got an update on her and her psycho cat.
“It’s a strange feeling…” Alek said. “What is?” Ian sat down beside him and took both of his hands. “Loving someone so much that you wish they never met you.”
I fell in love with the writing of this book but I couldn't give it a five star because I was a bit bored at times. It was still amazing tho and am so glad Alek got the help he needed and they got the hea they so clearly deserved.
I am afraid. If I go back to you, I could hurt you again. You could leave me and that terrifies me. But what if I don’t hurt you? What if you don’t leave? What if we live happily ever after and I missed all of that because I was scared?
_______________
Reading Update:
I like being called your partner, Alek wrote.
“Me too.”
I have to know. Is there still a chance?
“Yes.”
He dropped the pen, pushed the clipboard to the side, and patted his lap. After Ian rested his head again, Alek ran his fingers through his velvety brown hair. It made everything hurt, but it was worth the pain.
AHHH am only 14% into this book and these two are breaking my heart already 😭 I don't care what anyone says second chance romance is where it's at.
💘❤️🔥Fuck the past. Their love was bigger than that. Their love could fix anything. Anything.❤️🔥💘
This book was so freaking good. I love Alek and Ian. I mean these two go through so much before they finally get their hea. If you're looking for a high-angst second chance romance, redemption, healing, hurt/comfort then this is the book for you. People hate on second chance romance but it can be amazing if done well and this book just reinforced this point for me. My thoughts are a mess now so am gonna write a proper review at a later date.
Can you leave something with me? Something you’ll have to come back for. Ian’s brows darted together. “What? Like collateral?” Please. “You already have it.” Alek wrote a giant question mark and held the clipboard up. “You’re the collateral, Alek. I’ll always come back for you.”
I love how Ian was always there for Alek during his worst. And the fact that he learnt Bulgarian just incase Alek lost his English again?!! I am just so in love with him.
“I may have betrayed you in every other way, but my cock and my heart have always belonged to you.”
“I don’t think I make you very happy.” [...] “If I was out of the picture, you could find someone who doesn’t break things.” [...] “You think you don’t make me happy, Alek, but you do. You’re the only person who makes me laugh. You’re my best friend. I want to know every thought inside your head just so I can have more of you.
Oh Alek I love you so much you manipulative bastard.
“All it takes is one phone call from me and I can have you committed for seventy-two hours on a psych hold.” She was as wicked as he was.
I loved Jana I just wish we got an update on her and her psycho cat.
“It’s a strange feeling…” Alek said. “What is?” Ian sat down beside him and took both of his hands. “Loving someone so much that you wish they never met you.”
I fell in love with the writing of this book but I couldn't give it a five star because I was a bit bored at times. It was still amazing tho and am so glad Alek got the help he needed and they got the hea they so clearly deserved.
I am afraid. If I go back to you, I could hurt you again. You could leave me and that terrifies me. But what if I don’t hurt you? What if you don’t leave? What if we live happily ever after and I missed all of that because I was scared?
_______________
Reading Update:
I like being called your partner, Alek wrote.
“Me too.”
I have to know. Is there still a chance?
“Yes.”
He dropped the pen, pushed the clipboard to the side, and patted his lap. After Ian rested his head again, Alek ran his fingers through his velvety brown hair. It made everything hurt, but it was worth the pain.
AHHH am only 14% into this book and these two are breaking my heart already 😭 I don't care what anyone says second chance romance is where it's at.
April 2, 2024
4.75***** stars
This was such an amazing read. Especially for a debut. Incredibly intense and heartbreaking but also another romance that features such a strong love that fights for you even if you don’t wanna fight anymore.
⇢ please heed TWs!
This was such an amazing read. Especially for a debut. Incredibly intense and heartbreaking but also another romance that features such a strong love that fights for you even if you don’t wanna fight anymore.
“I wish I never met you,” Ian said. “You ruined my life. You ruined me.” Alek shrugged, flicking the ash from the tip of his cigarette. “Likewise.”
“Thank you for saving me.”
Anyone else would think that the hell Alek had put him through was unforgivable […] but Alek wasn’t Lucifer cast out of heaven. He was Lucifer redeemed, an otherworldly beauty with a soul of secrets dark and twisted, the giver of a love so rare it was precious, and so Ian worshiped Alek with tithes of kisses, ardent accolades of praise, vows of unending loyalty, and love and love and love.
⇢ please heed TWs!
April 4, 2024
I feel like this book has been everywhere recently and I couldn’t handle being the only person who hadn’t read it and I was in the mood for something that was a bit gothic and dramatic.
The good news is that it completely lived up to the hype and all the positive things people have been saying about it are well earned (although it is HEAVY). The fact that this is a debut makes me excited for what future works we will see from this author though.
I love messy, toxic, morally grey characters and Alek is right up there with some of the messiest and most toxic. This story did a great job at pulling you into the co-dependent relationship that Ian and Alek share and you could really feel yourself getting swept up in the increasing mania and tension as things deteriorated. I think that this book did a good job and showing how damaging internalizing trauma and maladaptive coping strategies can be and the flow on effects for that down the line.
Significant trigger warnings for mental health and suicidal ideation throughout as it’s a heavy theme of this book.
And also very important- there is a HEA (although I feel like some elements of the epilogue were a little cheesy)
The good news is that it completely lived up to the hype and all the positive things people have been saying about it are well earned (although it is HEAVY). The fact that this is a debut makes me excited for what future works we will see from this author though.
I love messy, toxic, morally grey characters and Alek is right up there with some of the messiest and most toxic. This story did a great job at pulling you into the co-dependent relationship that Ian and Alek share and you could really feel yourself getting swept up in the increasing mania and tension as things deteriorated. I think that this book did a good job and showing how damaging internalizing trauma and maladaptive coping strategies can be and the flow on effects for that down the line.
Significant trigger warnings for mental health and suicidal ideation throughout as it’s a heavy theme of this book.
And also very important- there is a HEA (although I feel like some elements of the epilogue were a little cheesy)
December 26, 2025
First Read - March 2024 5 stars!
Reread - June 2024 5+++ stars. Still my favourite book of the year. Just incredible xx
Reread - December 2025.
*** March 2024 review ***
This heartbreaking and beautiful debut from Thea Verdone would have to be the best new release I've read so far this year! It was absolute perfection!
This book is written in a poetic, prose like style that felt so conscious and aware, and the words flowed like music and colour on the page, similar to the synaesthesia experienced by one of the MCs.
This is a story of a relationship in crisis due to the couple's codependent and toxic dynamics and a foundation built on fear, games, mistrust, and secrets.
It tells the story of two men, Alek and Ian, who have been together for three years and live in an old Victorian house in need of serious restoration.
*The house is described as having layers upon layers of peeling paint, garish linoleum, damage, dust, overgrown trees and weeds etc but there's a shared faith by the pair that the original beauty of the place lies underneath and through hard work they will uncover this. The Victorian's physicality plays such an important part in the story as well as serving as a metaphor for the struggles in the relationship. Thea uses metaphors effectively throughout the story, one of which I can't reveal (something that Alek sees throughout the book) and it is so heartbreaking!*
We meet the couple when they have hit an impasse in their relationship, stemming from Alek's inability to share his secrets with Ian. An ultimatum is made that triggers a sequence of events with devastating consequences.
Ian is a dependable and strong character who, by trade, does all the heavy lifting and major demo work, where Alek is a talented pianist with synaesthesia, who is a rare antique dealer. I thought their professions drew interesting parallels of them as people and in their relationship; Ian seeks honesty from Alek and sometimes uses a sledgehammer to get it while Alex, who has a penchant for drama and bourgeois, bargains and manipulates to acheive his goals.
They are flawed and beautiful men, particularly Alek, who is irreverent and acerbic, destructive, manipulative and seductive, and at his core, deeply wounded. At first I felt sorry for Ian but I think Ian knows exactly who Alek is and this is part of their attraction and dynamic. At the beginning, I wasn't sure if there was any love left between these two, if there was anything left to fight for, but it becomes evident how much they love one another, even if at times, it is suffocating and toxic. It was hard to bear witness to the games they played, but the love and commitment they showed one another had me rooting for them!
There is a pervasive sense of mystery surrounding the couple, especially Alek, and what unfolds after the ultimatum is an insight into a relationship falling apart, or maybe what happens when the top layers are removed and we are left to discover if what lies underneath is worth saving?
There is a strong narrative around trauma, grief, and loss, and the resultant significant mental health issues including depression, psychosis, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. There are some really harrowing scenes as they are experienced by the MCs on page, so please go gently and heed TWs. I commend Thea for describing these scenes in detail. The MCs' journeys are heartbreaking and real. I was in awe of Thea's insight into these themes, and I felt their pain viscerally as I read.
Just like the restoration; blood, sweat, and tears, unwavering commitment and giving up pieces of yourself are the conditions needed to save these men and their relationship. This story takes you along on this intense, emotional journey right to its hard earned HEA conclusion, and I was there for it.
It wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being one of the best MM books of the year! This was a masterpiece!
Reread - June 2024 5+++ stars. Still my favourite book of the year. Just incredible xx
Reread - December 2025.
*** March 2024 review ***
This heartbreaking and beautiful debut from Thea Verdone would have to be the best new release I've read so far this year! It was absolute perfection!
This book is written in a poetic, prose like style that felt so conscious and aware, and the words flowed like music and colour on the page, similar to the synaesthesia experienced by one of the MCs.
This is a story of a relationship in crisis due to the couple's codependent and toxic dynamics and a foundation built on fear, games, mistrust, and secrets.
It tells the story of two men, Alek and Ian, who have been together for three years and live in an old Victorian house in need of serious restoration.
*The house is described as having layers upon layers of peeling paint, garish linoleum, damage, dust, overgrown trees and weeds etc but there's a shared faith by the pair that the original beauty of the place lies underneath and through hard work they will uncover this. The Victorian's physicality plays such an important part in the story as well as serving as a metaphor for the struggles in the relationship. Thea uses metaphors effectively throughout the story, one of which I can't reveal (something that Alek sees throughout the book) and it is so heartbreaking!*
We meet the couple when they have hit an impasse in their relationship, stemming from Alek's inability to share his secrets with Ian. An ultimatum is made that triggers a sequence of events with devastating consequences.
Ian is a dependable and strong character who, by trade, does all the heavy lifting and major demo work, where Alek is a talented pianist with synaesthesia, who is a rare antique dealer. I thought their professions drew interesting parallels of them as people and in their relationship; Ian seeks honesty from Alek and sometimes uses a sledgehammer to get it while Alex, who has a penchant for drama and bourgeois, bargains and manipulates to acheive his goals.
They are flawed and beautiful men, particularly Alek, who is irreverent and acerbic, destructive, manipulative and seductive, and at his core, deeply wounded. At first I felt sorry for Ian but I think Ian knows exactly who Alek is and this is part of their attraction and dynamic. At the beginning, I wasn't sure if there was any love left between these two, if there was anything left to fight for, but it becomes evident how much they love one another, even if at times, it is suffocating and toxic. It was hard to bear witness to the games they played, but the love and commitment they showed one another had me rooting for them!
There is a pervasive sense of mystery surrounding the couple, especially Alek, and what unfolds after the ultimatum is an insight into a relationship falling apart, or maybe what happens when the top layers are removed and we are left to discover if what lies underneath is worth saving?
There is a strong narrative around trauma, grief, and loss, and the resultant significant mental health issues including depression, psychosis, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. There are some really harrowing scenes as they are experienced by the MCs on page, so please go gently and heed TWs. I commend Thea for describing these scenes in detail. The MCs' journeys are heartbreaking and real. I was in awe of Thea's insight into these themes, and I felt their pain viscerally as I read.
Just like the restoration; blood, sweat, and tears, unwavering commitment and giving up pieces of yourself are the conditions needed to save these men and their relationship. This story takes you along on this intense, emotional journey right to its hard earned HEA conclusion, and I was there for it.
It wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being one of the best MM books of the year! This was a masterpiece!
April 7, 2025
Hello: I am once again hating on a popular book because ahahah what the fuck was this. I once again had a big fat rant written out but I've decided that it was practically incompressible to anyone who doesn't have direct access to the inside of my brain so here is a short refined version:
As someone who has worked with mental health patients this was such a bad representation of any type of mental illness. The author clearly had no idea how to properly portray what mental illness the spun the wheel and chose Alek had because he absolutely did not have depression he was hallucinating and acting manic what do you mean this was depression the whole time and not Bipolar with psychosis? Mental health is no excuse for how Alek treated Ian like he literally used psychological torture to try and get him to marry him and that was before his psychotic break? Alek's symptoms were very clearly not well researched such as having a single very vivid and repetitive visual and auditory hallucination is a trademark sign of someone FAKING hallucinations due to how uncommon of a presentation that is. I also think it is really important for everyone to know that **someone does not have to be actively trying to kill themself before they can get into an inpatient psych unit** The author acts as if Ian couldn't get Alek help because he wasn't suicidal enough but he could have called crisis services at any time if Alek was display the symptoms he was, suicidal ideation is not the only parameter you need!!! The mental heath rep here was just not good to anyone who had more that a basic knowledge of the subject and I think this book could be down right dangerous with it's poor display of mental health and how to help someone struggling because this is absolutely not what you should be doing. There was almost no actually fun Victorian house renovations and they broke up for literally a week so this was not a house renovation while we try to renovate our relationship at the same time story like I had assumed and instead it was a really incorrect portrayal of forgiving a terrible person just because they are having a mental break down
As someone who has worked with mental health patients this was such a bad representation of any type of mental illness. The author clearly had no idea how to properly portray what mental illness the spun the wheel and chose Alek had because he absolutely did not have depression he was hallucinating and acting manic what do you mean this was depression the whole time and not Bipolar with psychosis? Mental health is no excuse for how Alek treated Ian like he literally used psychological torture to try and get him to marry him and that was before his psychotic break? Alek's symptoms were very clearly not well researched such as having a single very vivid and repetitive visual and auditory hallucination is a trademark sign of someone FAKING hallucinations due to how uncommon of a presentation that is. I also think it is really important for everyone to know that **someone does not have to be actively trying to kill themself before they can get into an inpatient psych unit** The author acts as if Ian couldn't get Alek help because he wasn't suicidal enough but he could have called crisis services at any time if Alek was display the symptoms he was, suicidal ideation is not the only parameter you need!!! The mental heath rep here was just not good to anyone who had more that a basic knowledge of the subject and I think this book could be down right dangerous with it's poor display of mental health and how to help someone struggling because this is absolutely not what you should be doing. There was almost no actually fun Victorian house renovations and they broke up for literally a week so this was not a house renovation while we try to renovate our relationship at the same time story like I had assumed and instead it was a really incorrect portrayal of forgiving a terrible person just because they are having a mental break down
June 17, 2024
Toxic, Turbulent, and fuckin' Tasty with a Capital T.
YOU'RE TELLING MEEE THAT THIS IS A DEBUT NOVEL!?!?!
FUCKIN-
This is a work of fucking art and honestly, probably one of the best debut novels I've EVER read. THE FIRST PANCAKE RULE DOES NOT APPLY HERE.
Not only is the writing just stunning on its own, but the characters, the plot elements, the little details, even just the way the story unfolds - EVERYTHING is so unique and refreshing and different and frankly, I could go on and on and on about the things I loved about it.
I FUCKING LOVE ALEK AND IAN WITH MY ENTIRE HEART AND SOUL. If you look up "codependency" in the dictionary, their relationship should be the first example you see and y'all already know how I feel about codependent relationships.
And this isn't any of that sweet, soft, subtle codependency that mentally stable people claim to enjoy, no, no, no, no, this is more akin to something like
AND I WOULDN'T CHANGE A SINGLE LETTER OF IT. FUCKING AMAZING. It's deliciously toxic (at least at first) because they're human and they're flawed and imperfect but they're perfectly imperfect TOGETHER and it's so beautiful and so sweet and just GO FUCKING READ IT, it's phenomenal.
YOU'RE TELLING MEEE THAT THIS IS A DEBUT NOVEL!?!?!
FUCKIN-
This is a work of fucking art and honestly, probably one of the best debut novels I've EVER read. THE FIRST PANCAKE RULE DOES NOT APPLY HERE.
Not only is the writing just stunning on its own, but the characters, the plot elements, the little details, even just the way the story unfolds - EVERYTHING is so unique and refreshing and different and frankly, I could go on and on and on about the things I loved about it.
I FUCKING LOVE ALEK AND IAN WITH MY ENTIRE HEART AND SOUL. If you look up "codependency" in the dictionary, their relationship should be the first example you see and y'all already know how I feel about codependent relationships.
And this isn't any of that sweet, soft, subtle codependency that mentally stable people claim to enjoy, no, no, no, no, this is more akin to something like
AND I WOULDN'T CHANGE A SINGLE LETTER OF IT. FUCKING AMAZING. It's deliciously toxic (at least at first) because they're human and they're flawed and imperfect but they're perfectly imperfect TOGETHER and it's so beautiful and so sweet and just GO FUCKING READ IT, it's phenomenal.
April 3, 2024
This is a lot heavier than I was expecting, even after reading the author's CWs in the beginning.
Done really well, and once I have more cohesive thoughts, I'll do a review. Highly recommend, but check the CWs first.
Done really well, and once I have more cohesive thoughts, I'll do a review. Highly recommend, but check the CWs first.
March 26, 2024
woah this was definitely a ride...it feels like a long time since i've read something so intense lol.
the prose is beautiful ngl. it's the figurative language and the motifs of wisteria and music that please the 'literature student' part of me :P the language isn't overdone like a lot of debuts are sooo bonus points.
the beginning escalated kinda quickly cos we're thrown right into their breakup, but things calm down. there's a lot of emotions with the breakup and the slow reveal of alek's past then the mental health stuff, but it never really feels too much or that everything's happening at once.
errrr although i feel like alek's 'mental health deterioration' far eclipses the 'healing' part? like the book says it's been a few weeks but it feels like he gets better very quickly again.
the relationship part is done nicely tho. alek and ian are messy together; they fight, they have trust issues, they're kinda codependent, but they love each other, and they're willing to make up, do whatever they think is best for their partner, and that's the beauty but also the downfall of their relationship. it's a complex thing to write, but the author did it well.
4.5 stars 🤩🤩
the prose is beautiful ngl. it's the figurative language and the motifs of wisteria and music that please the 'literature student' part of me :P the language isn't overdone like a lot of debuts are sooo bonus points.
the beginning escalated kinda quickly cos we're thrown right into their breakup, but things calm down. there's a lot of emotions with the breakup and the slow reveal of alek's past then the mental health stuff, but it never really feels too much or that everything's happening at once.
errrr although i feel like alek's 'mental health deterioration' far eclipses the 'healing' part? like the book says it's been a few weeks but it feels like he gets better very quickly again.
the relationship part is done nicely tho. alek and ian are messy together; they fight, they have trust issues, they're kinda codependent, but they love each other, and they're willing to make up, do whatever they think is best for their partner, and that's the beauty but also the downfall of their relationship. it's a complex thing to write, but the author did it well.
4.5 stars 🤩🤩
March 31, 2024
A Victorian mansion covered in wisteria; a piano with two sets of initials carved in the side; a lone fox wandering the night; a thunderstorm cracking overhead; a love so all-consuming it turns venomous—my GOD has Thea Verdone taken the gothic romance genre and modernized it in the best way possible. Never Leave, Never Lie is such an impressive debut. Not to mention the prose is lyrical and sharp as broken glass.
This book follows Alek and Ian as they are restoring a Victorian mansion and their relationship hits a snag. Alek has secrets and Ian has trouble handling all the lies. I won’t give too much away because it all really comes at you right off the bat. But this book was truly phenomenal. These characters are flawed and traumatized and very toxic at times just like any good gothic heroes—you won’t always be proud of the choices they make, but I loved them and their story nonetheless.
Much like the enormous Victorian mansion these characters are restoring, Thea Verdone has taken tropes and themes from the gothic genre and modernized them with care and respect for the genre conventions which is something I really appreciate and it’s come out as this brilliant modern gothic tale.
I also appreciate the realistic depictions of mental health struggles. Obviously—I mean it’s a gothic romance—it’s a little dramatized at times, but Alek’s journey also had a lot of important psychiatric aspects that I feel like are not talked about enough.
4.5 stars ⭐️. This is probably my favorite debut of the year and I can’t wait to see what she writes next <3
This book follows Alek and Ian as they are restoring a Victorian mansion and their relationship hits a snag. Alek has secrets and Ian has trouble handling all the lies. I won’t give too much away because it all really comes at you right off the bat. But this book was truly phenomenal. These characters are flawed and traumatized and very toxic at times just like any good gothic heroes—you won’t always be proud of the choices they make, but I loved them and their story nonetheless.
Much like the enormous Victorian mansion these characters are restoring, Thea Verdone has taken tropes and themes from the gothic genre and modernized them with care and respect for the genre conventions which is something I really appreciate and it’s come out as this brilliant modern gothic tale.
I also appreciate the realistic depictions of mental health struggles. Obviously—I mean it’s a gothic romance—it’s a little dramatized at times, but Alek’s journey also had a lot of important psychiatric aspects that I feel like are not talked about enough.
4.5 stars ⭐️. This is probably my favorite debut of the year and I can’t wait to see what she writes next <3
May 21, 2024
I feel like I have been waiting my whole life to read this book 🥹❤️
This book, to me, is perfect. Everything is done so well: the writing, the background and settings, the characters, the tropes—every single thing. It's a modern gothic romance, and as a fan of gothic romance, I loved every bit of it. The atmosphere and the setting of the gothic Victorian mansion with its haunting vibes are captured perfectly. I think this is the best debut I've read because the writing is so impressive; it is so fluent and poetic. I could picture every scene vividly, especially the mansion. The haunting setting added a moodiness to the story, making it more immersive and engaging. This book checks all the boxes for my favorite tropes, from toxic love to second chance and relationships in crisis, and it handles mental health representation thoughtfully. I think I could read anything this author writes and never get tired of it.
The story is about Ian and Alek, who have been together for three years and are living in and restoring a Victorian mansion. The book starts with Alek proposing to Ian, and Ian rejecting it because Alek has not told him anything about his past life, leading Ian to believe Alek doesn't trust him. Everything gets messy afterward—there is a lot of betrayal, tears, guilt, and so much love.
None of the characters are perfect; especially Alek, who is flawed and complicated, and I love how the author portrayed the characters so realistically.
I knew this was going to be one of my favorite books. I have been keeping track of every update since the cover was released on ig, but I was nervous to start it because I saw some average reviews and I really wanted it to be my favorite. That's my only regret—I shouldn't have waited to read this because it's one of those books I would have loved no matter when, where, or how I read it.
Easily one of my top 5 favorite books.
Some of my favorite quotes :
(there are slight spoilers❗❗)
"Alek was the snake and the apple, the devil and temptation. Alek would cast Ian out of Eden and they both would burn for it."
“When we first got there, the sky was the most striking pink and we stayed until it turned purple, then black. I laid down and put my head in your lap and watched the stars blink awake overhead, but you weren’t looking up. You were looking down at me. You kissed me and when I closed my eyes I could still see the stars behind my eyelids, like you gave them to me, so I’d never be alone, so it would never be dark inside my mind again. That’s when I knew I loved you.”
That was the night Ian had admitted to himself that he was in love too.
“It’s a strange feeling…” Alek said.
“What is?” Ian sat down beside him and took both of his hands.
“Loving someone so much that you wish they never met you.”
It took Ian a moment to interpret what Alek said through his accent, but when he did, he climbed on top of Alek and straddled him.
“I would meet you over and over again no matter how hard this gets. You’re never more than I can take.”
'He would love Alek enough for the both of them until Alek learned to love himself.'
'Anyone else would think that the hell Alek had put him through was unforgivable—his lies to conceal, to trick, to hurt—but Alek wasn’t Lucifer cast out of heaven. He was Lucifer redeemed, an otherworldly beauty with a soul of secrets dark and twisted, the giver of a love so rare it was precious, and so Ian worshiped Alek with tithes of kisses, ardent accolades of praise, vows of unending loyalty, and love and love and love.'
“Once there was a boy who finally made it, who escaped, but he couldn’t escape his past, and everywhere he went, he brought with him that trauma of being left behind, of not being loved, of the violence he’d seen. And maybe the boy hurt people, but he was hurting too, and he would have done better if he could. Maybe he made mistakes, but everyone does. Maybe the boy could forgive himself. Maybe he could be loved and feel like he deserved it. Maybe he could learn how to cope without music. Maybe he could live.”
This book, to me, is perfect. Everything is done so well: the writing, the background and settings, the characters, the tropes—every single thing. It's a modern gothic romance, and as a fan of gothic romance, I loved every bit of it. The atmosphere and the setting of the gothic Victorian mansion with its haunting vibes are captured perfectly. I think this is the best debut I've read because the writing is so impressive; it is so fluent and poetic. I could picture every scene vividly, especially the mansion. The haunting setting added a moodiness to the story, making it more immersive and engaging. This book checks all the boxes for my favorite tropes, from toxic love to second chance and relationships in crisis, and it handles mental health representation thoughtfully. I think I could read anything this author writes and never get tired of it.
The story is about Ian and Alek, who have been together for three years and are living in and restoring a Victorian mansion. The book starts with Alek proposing to Ian, and Ian rejecting it because Alek has not told him anything about his past life, leading Ian to believe Alek doesn't trust him. Everything gets messy afterward—there is a lot of betrayal, tears, guilt, and so much love.
None of the characters are perfect; especially Alek, who is flawed and complicated, and I love how the author portrayed the characters so realistically.
I knew this was going to be one of my favorite books. I have been keeping track of every update since the cover was released on ig, but I was nervous to start it because I saw some average reviews and I really wanted it to be my favorite. That's my only regret—I shouldn't have waited to read this because it's one of those books I would have loved no matter when, where, or how I read it.
Easily one of my top 5 favorite books.
Some of my favorite quotes :
(there are slight spoilers❗❗)
"Alek was the snake and the apple, the devil and temptation. Alek would cast Ian out of Eden and they both would burn for it."
“When we first got there, the sky was the most striking pink and we stayed until it turned purple, then black. I laid down and put my head in your lap and watched the stars blink awake overhead, but you weren’t looking up. You were looking down at me. You kissed me and when I closed my eyes I could still see the stars behind my eyelids, like you gave them to me, so I’d never be alone, so it would never be dark inside my mind again. That’s when I knew I loved you.”
That was the night Ian had admitted to himself that he was in love too.
“It’s a strange feeling…” Alek said.
“What is?” Ian sat down beside him and took both of his hands.
“Loving someone so much that you wish they never met you.”
It took Ian a moment to interpret what Alek said through his accent, but when he did, he climbed on top of Alek and straddled him.
“I would meet you over and over again no matter how hard this gets. You’re never more than I can take.”
'He would love Alek enough for the both of them until Alek learned to love himself.'
'Anyone else would think that the hell Alek had put him through was unforgivable—his lies to conceal, to trick, to hurt—but Alek wasn’t Lucifer cast out of heaven. He was Lucifer redeemed, an otherworldly beauty with a soul of secrets dark and twisted, the giver of a love so rare it was precious, and so Ian worshiped Alek with tithes of kisses, ardent accolades of praise, vows of unending loyalty, and love and love and love.'
“Once there was a boy who finally made it, who escaped, but he couldn’t escape his past, and everywhere he went, he brought with him that trauma of being left behind, of not being loved, of the violence he’d seen. And maybe the boy hurt people, but he was hurting too, and he would have done better if he could. Maybe he made mistakes, but everyone does. Maybe the boy could forgive himself. Maybe he could be loved and feel like he deserved it. Maybe he could learn how to cope without music. Maybe he could live.”
October 10, 2024
This feels like a love it or hate it book and I’m an extremely indecisive person and can see both sides and can’t decide how I feel about it. I think this has very strong mental health rep. Extensive depth into suicidal ideation. Showing not just telling of mental illness. Use of therapy and medication to treat, honest outcomes - all really good things. Excellent really.
The romance however didn’t romance me. I found it hard to root for them being together. I’m not a fan of soppy, mushy romances and I enjoy morally grey characters and angst but I really just wanted Alek to treat Ian better by the end of it. I initially wanted Ian to kick Alek to the curb for the way he constantly manipulates him but the way he leaves him waiting towards the end, without contact, after everything, just made me feel sad. I still feel like Ian is getting the rough end of the stick here. Their whole relationship is pretty toxic and co-dependent yet also very supportive but I’m not sure if the cost is worth it? Maybe I needed to see on page the good of their relationship and see what actually held them together other than sex. I’m still not sure what to think about it. I can see why people have loved this. It’s thought provoking. I have very conflicting thoughts about the fine line of personal past trauma and mental health excusing a person for treating someone else terribly vs love, acceptance and forgiveness for the mentally ill.
The romance however didn’t romance me. I found it hard to root for them being together. I’m not a fan of soppy, mushy romances and I enjoy morally grey characters and angst but I really just wanted Alek to treat Ian better by the end of it. I initially wanted Ian to kick Alek to the curb for the way he constantly manipulates him but the way he leaves him waiting towards the end, without contact, after everything, just made me feel sad. I still feel like Ian is getting the rough end of the stick here. Their whole relationship is pretty toxic and co-dependent yet also very supportive but I’m not sure if the cost is worth it? Maybe I needed to see on page the good of their relationship and see what actually held them together other than sex. I’m still not sure what to think about it. I can see why people have loved this. It’s thought provoking. I have very conflicting thoughts about the fine line of personal past trauma and mental health excusing a person for treating someone else terribly vs love, acceptance and forgiveness for the mentally ill.
November 14, 2024
Currently Rereading - 10/24 💜
No words. Just vibes. And Tears. Vibes & Tears.
It took me a few days to finish this book and I am so happy I took my time with this. It was absolutely perfect.
5 ⭐
2 🌶️
No words. Just vibes. And Tears. Vibes & Tears.
It took me a few days to finish this book and I am so happy I took my time with this. It was absolutely perfect.
5 ⭐
2 🌶️
September 16, 2024
Well.... I do not get the hype about this book at all!!
At no point did I believe these two characters actually loved each other. I did believe they had toxic codependency issues and a massive case of stubbornness.
It didn't help that it was in 3rd person POV. I needed to be inside Alek's mind rather than be told second hand how he was feeling during everything he was doing. His desperation and fear of abandonment came across very clearly, but at no point did I believe he loved Ian - it could have been anyone and he'd have acted the same way to prevent himself being left again.
I needed to be inside Ian's mind to understand why he had absolutely no self-worth and why he put up with someone so manipulative. I just fail to see any emotions from him except guilt after the fall. Am I totally blind? I just didn't see it...
I think the biggest problem for me was that this book starts with their relationship drama and everything going to shit in such a catastrophic way. I need to at least know the characters and why I'm supposed to care about them before the big event happens - why do I care about complete strangers?
I had no investment in Ian or Alek. We don't get to see them together in good times, or even get to see their personalities or find out about their lives, and then I'm supposed to care if they can fix their relationship? I lack more empathy than Aleks!
This whole story revolves around Alek's rapidly declining mental health and the desperate measures they both take to stay in this relationship, but I just kept asking why they were fighting for something I really couldn't see.
Honestly my only thoughts were that Ian should have left after the ultimatum was first issued and found someone else. The whole relationship isn't love, it's emotional warfare and manipulation.
At no point did I believe these two characters actually loved each other. I did believe they had toxic codependency issues and a massive case of stubbornness.
It didn't help that it was in 3rd person POV. I needed to be inside Alek's mind rather than be told second hand how he was feeling during everything he was doing. His desperation and fear of abandonment came across very clearly, but at no point did I believe he loved Ian - it could have been anyone and he'd have acted the same way to prevent himself being left again.
I needed to be inside Ian's mind to understand why he had absolutely no self-worth and why he put up with someone so manipulative. I just fail to see any emotions from him except guilt after the fall. Am I totally blind? I just didn't see it...
I think the biggest problem for me was that this book starts with their relationship drama and everything going to shit in such a catastrophic way. I need to at least know the characters and why I'm supposed to care about them before the big event happens - why do I care about complete strangers?
I had no investment in Ian or Alek. We don't get to see them together in good times, or even get to see their personalities or find out about their lives, and then I'm supposed to care if they can fix their relationship? I lack more empathy than Aleks!
This whole story revolves around Alek's rapidly declining mental health and the desperate measures they both take to stay in this relationship, but I just kept asking why they were fighting for something I really couldn't see.
Honestly my only thoughts were that Ian should have left after the ultimatum was first issued and found someone else. The whole relationship isn't love, it's emotional warfare and manipulation.
December 21, 2023
Condensed review for those who don't want to read a long one:
Amazing book, beautiful prose and genuinely interesting characters. The spice scenes are not particularly long, which I think is good since they don't pull down the emotional momentum of the story, but the spice that we do get is HOT. The sex scenes don't feel cheap or like they're there "just because" but serve as a highly enjoyable vessel of communication between the characters.
Our protagonist Alek is the morally grey sex kitten that Christian Grey WISHED he could be. Within the first chapter I was invested in him as a character and fully prepared to go on this journey with him and his equally likable partner, Ian, whose POV we also get to see throughout the story.
5/5
*
Now for the long one!
Verdone has a unique voice that can be clearly heard without being so stylized that it makes the reader feel isolated by being so intricate that it's hard to follow. There is a cadence to every sentence that makes for an absolutely hypnotizing read. Her use of vocabulary is superb, implementing less common words that really make a sentence punch, but not so often that you have to keep an extra tab open to Google every other word.
This is not a conventional romance. The "lovers to enemies to lovers" part happens very quickly, but their resolve to work things out doesn't feel rushed. This is not the standard romance format of chewing your nails and wondering "will they or won't they?" They will. They do. That's the point, is that this is a slice out of two flawed men's lives who love each other, and an artfully told introspection of how they navigate trust, betrayal, and allowing yourself to be loved. The underlying message of the importance of mental health is present but not preachy.
Ian was a breath of fresh air for book love interests. Why? Because he cries. A lot! He is a grown man with big muscles who shows his feelings and dear lord do we need more of that. He's a heartfelt, sensitive counter to Alek's brooding, and you can plainly see why they balance each other out. Their relationship is imperfect and often toxic, laden with codependency, but altogether addicting in a way that makes it hard to put this book down. I found myself wanting to reach through the screen and strangle Alek more than once and I think that in itself is a testament to the quality of writing, that we're made to feel frustrated in the same way that Ian is, while also understanding why Alek is so hard not to love.
Never Leave, Never Lie wasn't what I expected, and it was breathtaking.
Amazing book, beautiful prose and genuinely interesting characters. The spice scenes are not particularly long, which I think is good since they don't pull down the emotional momentum of the story, but the spice that we do get is HOT. The sex scenes don't feel cheap or like they're there "just because" but serve as a highly enjoyable vessel of communication between the characters.
Our protagonist Alek is the morally grey sex kitten that Christian Grey WISHED he could be. Within the first chapter I was invested in him as a character and fully prepared to go on this journey with him and his equally likable partner, Ian, whose POV we also get to see throughout the story.
5/5
*
Now for the long one!
Verdone has a unique voice that can be clearly heard without being so stylized that it makes the reader feel isolated by being so intricate that it's hard to follow. There is a cadence to every sentence that makes for an absolutely hypnotizing read. Her use of vocabulary is superb, implementing less common words that really make a sentence punch, but not so often that you have to keep an extra tab open to Google every other word.
This is not a conventional romance. The "lovers to enemies to lovers" part happens very quickly, but their resolve to work things out doesn't feel rushed. This is not the standard romance format of chewing your nails and wondering "will they or won't they?" They will. They do. That's the point, is that this is a slice out of two flawed men's lives who love each other, and an artfully told introspection of how they navigate trust, betrayal, and allowing yourself to be loved. The underlying message of the importance of mental health is present but not preachy.
Ian was a breath of fresh air for book love interests. Why? Because he cries. A lot! He is a grown man with big muscles who shows his feelings and dear lord do we need more of that. He's a heartfelt, sensitive counter to Alek's brooding, and you can plainly see why they balance each other out. Their relationship is imperfect and often toxic, laden with codependency, but altogether addicting in a way that makes it hard to put this book down. I found myself wanting to reach through the screen and strangle Alek more than once and I think that in itself is a testament to the quality of writing, that we're made to feel frustrated in the same way that Ian is, while also understanding why Alek is so hard not to love.
Never Leave, Never Lie wasn't what I expected, and it was breathtaking.
March 12, 2025
“𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈...” 𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒌 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅.
“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔?” 𝑰𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔.
“𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
Holy cannoli, Batman! What a ride this was!
What to expect:
💜 lovers to enemies to lovers
💜 second chance romance
💜 hurt/comfort
💜 mental illness rep
💜 relationship in crisis
💜 toxic relationship turned healthy
💜 gothic setting
💜 villain redeemed
“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔?” 𝑰𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔.
“𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
Holy cannoli, Batman! What a ride this was!
What to expect:
💜 lovers to enemies to lovers
💜 second chance romance
💜 hurt/comfort
💜 mental illness rep
💜 relationship in crisis
💜 toxic relationship turned healthy
💜 gothic setting
💜 villain redeemed
March 17, 2025
Never seen two people who'd be better off apart more than these two, but they're so hauntingly beautiful together that I can't judge them for holding on even while it breaks them.
Imagine detailing all the ways someone has hurt you(morally, emotionally, financially et c.) to elicit their empathy and the first thing they say is, "Forgiveness doesn't make you weak..."
💀Nah I'd throw hands.
“I’m going to go home and take a shower and change into something that belongs to me and while I’m gone, I’ll deal with everything you’ve said because I don’t have any other choice. Then, I will come back.”
Christ. Toxic codependency for the win.
But then...
“Wait!” Alek begged. Can you leave something with me? Something you’ll have to come back for.
“What? Like collateral?”
Please.
“You already have it.”
Alek wrote a giant question mark and held the clipboard up.
“You’re the collateral, Alek. I’ll always come back for you.”
😩😩😩Unfortunately I have to support these two because look at the material 🥺🥺🥺
'There was that part where Ian basically called him a cancerous parasite that was slowly sucking out his soul, but Alek wasn’t going to look at that too closely, or ever again.'
💀💀💀
These two are so delusional that they should have a syndrome named after themselves. Never have I seen a house built on such a shaky(read non-existent) foundation stand and yet here they are.
Ten toes down, the both of them.
Their little secret, you ask? To aggressively ignore anything that's wrong/has potential to cause conflict 😂
You know shit is fucked when the fight isn't about 'Why did you fuck other people in the home we share?' and is instead, 'How could you let me bring another person into our home? How could you let me go without a fight?'
This is dizzying levels of fuckery btw and once against I must suggest an international tribunal that punishes people for relationship crimes because this HAS to be a war crime. What levels of gaslighting have we ascended to?
I fear it is as I've always suspected. I am not built for the 'for worse' periods in relationships. While I love reading about others going through them and coming out the other side, the whole time I'm counting how many times I'd have been packed and out the door. If I were Ian? That answer would 8,092.
Whole time he's just there martyring himself and going all, "We're never breaking up, don't ever suggest that to me again."
But like.....break up with that man, baby. Just do it. ✔️
BUT ALSO, the entire time the reader gets breadcrumbs from Alek's past that explain why he is the 90 degrees of fucked up that he is. So even while you hate him, you can't help wishing Ian won't🙈
That said,
This book is so unironically funny and I have no idea if it was intentional.
Alek's basically an overgrown man child. So petty and petulant in a way only a child should be💀
I swear, the first half of this? Alek's mind is the most fun place to be.
“Things are going just swimmingly here. I’ll be sure to tell you if that changes and I feel like ending it all.”
💀💀💀And the gag is, this man isn't even the LEAST bit suicidal(by that point). He's just really, really, REALLY petty and knows it's a red button for Ian.
But then he DOES get suicidal. And Ian's the only one holding him up, and things get really dark and really heavy.
"You’re never more than I can take.” but daily when he's not looking, Ian's dying. He CLEARLY can't take it.
'Fuck the past. Their love was bigger than that. Their love could fix anything. Anything.'
Except Alek. No amount of burying their heads in the sand could save Alek.
So the reader has to watch it all fall apart before it can be put back together.
Exceptionally beautiful book. Honestly. No notes.
Imagine detailing all the ways someone has hurt you(morally, emotionally, financially et c.) to elicit their empathy and the first thing they say is, "Forgiveness doesn't make you weak..."
💀Nah I'd throw hands.
“I’m going to go home and take a shower and change into something that belongs to me and while I’m gone, I’ll deal with everything you’ve said because I don’t have any other choice. Then, I will come back.”
Christ. Toxic codependency for the win.
But then...
“Wait!” Alek begged. Can you leave something with me? Something you’ll have to come back for.
“What? Like collateral?”
Please.
“You already have it.”
Alek wrote a giant question mark and held the clipboard up.
“You’re the collateral, Alek. I’ll always come back for you.”
😩😩😩Unfortunately I have to support these two because look at the material 🥺🥺🥺
'There was that part where Ian basically called him a cancerous parasite that was slowly sucking out his soul, but Alek wasn’t going to look at that too closely, or ever again.'
💀💀💀
These two are so delusional that they should have a syndrome named after themselves. Never have I seen a house built on such a shaky(read non-existent) foundation stand and yet here they are.
Ten toes down, the both of them.
Their little secret, you ask? To aggressively ignore anything that's wrong/has potential to cause conflict 😂
You know shit is fucked when the fight isn't about 'Why did you fuck other people in the home we share?' and is instead, 'How could you let me bring another person into our home? How could you let me go without a fight?'
This is dizzying levels of fuckery btw and once against I must suggest an international tribunal that punishes people for relationship crimes because this HAS to be a war crime. What levels of gaslighting have we ascended to?
I fear it is as I've always suspected. I am not built for the 'for worse' periods in relationships. While I love reading about others going through them and coming out the other side, the whole time I'm counting how many times I'd have been packed and out the door. If I were Ian? That answer would 8,092.
Whole time he's just there martyring himself and going all, "We're never breaking up, don't ever suggest that to me again."
But like.....break up with that man, baby. Just do it. ✔️
BUT ALSO, the entire time the reader gets breadcrumbs from Alek's past that explain why he is the 90 degrees of fucked up that he is. So even while you hate him, you can't help wishing Ian won't🙈
That said,
This book is so unironically funny and I have no idea if it was intentional.
Alek's basically an overgrown man child. So petty and petulant in a way only a child should be💀
I swear, the first half of this? Alek's mind is the most fun place to be.
“Things are going just swimmingly here. I’ll be sure to tell you if that changes and I feel like ending it all.”
💀💀💀And the gag is, this man isn't even the LEAST bit suicidal(by that point). He's just really, really, REALLY petty and knows it's a red button for Ian.
But then he DOES get suicidal. And Ian's the only one holding him up, and things get really dark and really heavy.
"You’re never more than I can take.” but daily when he's not looking, Ian's dying. He CLEARLY can't take it.
'Fuck the past. Their love was bigger than that. Their love could fix anything. Anything.'
Except Alek. No amount of burying their heads in the sand could save Alek.
So the reader has to watch it all fall apart before it can be put back together.
Exceptionally beautiful book. Honestly. No notes.
October 2, 2024
Was I supposed to like Alek or find this romantic or root for these two to end up together? Because I never did
What Alek did in chapter two was probably the cruelest, coldest, and most manipulative thing I've read in a romance novel and I never liked him again after that. (The explanation that comes later actually makes it worse). And that wasn't even the only asshole thing he did either. At some point I started to get annoyed at Ian for forgiving him.
I actually did enjoy the author's writing style and story telling. It kept having really creepy off putting vibes and felt like I was reading a thriller. I kept waiting for some huge thriller style twist.
I think if this had been a thriller I would have liked it better. Or if it had been marketed as a fictional story about mental health I would have liked it better. But as a romance, I really disliked it. It never felt romantic. I never felt love between these two. It seems like Alek needs to be single and work on himself because he clearly isn't ready for an adult romantic relationship.
What Alek did in chapter two was probably the cruelest, coldest, and most manipulative thing I've read in a romance novel and I never liked him again after that. (The explanation that comes later actually makes it worse). And that wasn't even the only asshole thing he did either. At some point I started to get annoyed at Ian for forgiving him.
I actually did enjoy the author's writing style and story telling. It kept having really creepy off putting vibes and felt like I was reading a thriller. I kept waiting for some huge thriller style twist.
I think if this had been a thriller I would have liked it better. Or if it had been marketed as a fictional story about mental health I would have liked it better. But as a romance, I really disliked it. It never felt romantic. I never felt love between these two. It seems like Alek needs to be single and work on himself because he clearly isn't ready for an adult romantic relationship.
September 29, 2024
Contemporary MM
Toxic AF
Angsty!!
Second Chance
Should They Even Stay Together??
Mental Health Rep
I honestly don’t know how I feel about this book right now. For the first 50% I wondered if I even wanted to finish. The relationship in this is so toxic on so many different levels but I wanted to see how it ended. Also, the writing is beautiful. So atmospheric and so engaging.
Alek and Ian have been in a relationship for three years. There is some serious codependency going on and underneath all that, Alek’s life is a complete lie. Alek wants to marry, but Ian needs truths and trust before that happens. A tragic event forced the two to face their toxic relationship and the reality that they may not be able to overcome the things they’ve done to each other.
This story has a lot of self destruction and it takes a long time to get to the HEA. Almost the whole book I was very against the idea of these two together. I just couldn’t see how the author could change my mind. By the 80% mark I could finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. The author was able to pull it off and in a surprising healthy(ish) way. I would definitely recommend if you like second chance and a boatload of angst.
Toxic AF
Angsty!!
Second Chance
Should They Even Stay Together??
Mental Health Rep
I honestly don’t know how I feel about this book right now. For the first 50% I wondered if I even wanted to finish. The relationship in this is so toxic on so many different levels but I wanted to see how it ended. Also, the writing is beautiful. So atmospheric and so engaging.
Alek and Ian have been in a relationship for three years. There is some serious codependency going on and underneath all that, Alek’s life is a complete lie. Alek wants to marry, but Ian needs truths and trust before that happens. A tragic event forced the two to face their toxic relationship and the reality that they may not be able to overcome the things they’ve done to each other.
This story has a lot of self destruction and it takes a long time to get to the HEA. Almost the whole book I was very against the idea of these two together. I just couldn’t see how the author could change my mind. By the 80% mark I could finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. The author was able to pull it off and in a surprising healthy(ish) way. I would definitely recommend if you like second chance and a boatload of angst.
April 1, 2024
5⭐️Beautifully written
I cannot recommend this book enough. If you love intensely emotional, high-angst romance with beautiful, masterful writing, this is an absolute must-read!
The story of Ian and Alek pulls you in from the start. It’s enthralling, mysterious, and complex.
Not much is what it seems at the start because of Alek’s habitual lying and toxic behavior, but it all comes together into a gorgeously woven love story.
It is devastating at times—I could not stop crying from 60% on—so definitely heed the TWs if you have any.
I cannot recommend this book enough. If you love intensely emotional, high-angst romance with beautiful, masterful writing, this is an absolute must-read!
The story of Ian and Alek pulls you in from the start. It’s enthralling, mysterious, and complex.
Not much is what it seems at the start because of Alek’s habitual lying and toxic behavior, but it all comes together into a gorgeously woven love story.
It is devastating at times—I could not stop crying from 60% on—so definitely heed the TWs if you have any.
March 30, 2024
Alek & Ian
Rating: 4.7⭐
- Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
- Second Chance Romance
- Hurt/Comfort
- Mental Health Rep
- Darker Themes
- Toxic to Healthy
- Synesthesia
- Bisexual MC
I just need a minute while I bawl it out...geesh I needed a tissue warning for this one. Thea didn't have to hit us so hard with this one!
I had to sit with this one after I finished it and still don't think I have the proper words for it. I will say that reading the content warnings are highly recommended here, especially if you are sensitive to mental health issues and suicide. Now if I hadn't read them ahead of time then I probably would have chucked this around 25% in, when I was being bamboozled on a huge pet peeve of mine.
In this book we have an established couple that is on the brink of a possible collapse. Of course, all it takes is a failed proposal from Alek and their relationship instantly crumbles. Ian had full justification to not accept yet but Alek couldn't handle the rejection and acted out in unforgiveable ways. Ian is a freaking saint, hands down. I understand that these two are absolutely obsessed with one another, which lead to a toxic three-year relationship that just snapped. Alek is secretive, scheming, manipulative, and all-consuming towards Ian. Alek puts Ian through three weeks of hell and then when tensions rise and Ian is wavering on staying or leaving forever, there's a horrible accident. Everything changes from there, it's the beginning and the end all at the same time.
The book is over a course of a little over a year where you see these two battle against themselves and each other. Ian tries to love for them both and hold them up and together but it would never be enough if Alek couldn't love himself. Alek has a heartbreaking past that has shaped who he is today and ultimately leads to his mind fracturing even further after his accident. On top of his battle with his memories, Alek has to deal with his loss of music which was his outlet for all the big feelings he would have. As you read this you can feel his depression, like you're drowning with him. You can sympathize with Ian as he tries to be a rock for Alek while not trusting the man fully after everything, he put him through. Many times, Ian felt the fool for coming back and fighting for their love, but man did he hang in there. The devotion and the hard choices he had to make in order to save Alek was beautiful and realistic.
I'm still scatterbrained trying to put together coherent thoughts for this. I really loved this book though, and you will too if you like redemption, healing, hurt/comfort, angst and deep emotional love. The way smells played such a huge hand in this was nice because most of the items mentioned are recognizable for the reader. By making some of us able to drum up our recollection of these scent, we could experience them at the same time as Alek.
Content Warnings (Possible Spoilers):
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: Yes
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: Yes, twice
Rating: 4.7⭐
- Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
- Second Chance Romance
- Hurt/Comfort
- Mental Health Rep
- Darker Themes
- Toxic to Healthy
- Synesthesia
- Bisexual MC
I just need a minute while I bawl it out...geesh I needed a tissue warning for this one. Thea didn't have to hit us so hard with this one!
I had to sit with this one after I finished it and still don't think I have the proper words for it. I will say that reading the content warnings are highly recommended here, especially if you are sensitive to mental health issues and suicide. Now if I hadn't read them ahead of time then I probably would have chucked this around 25% in, when I was being bamboozled on a huge pet peeve of mine.
In this book we have an established couple that is on the brink of a possible collapse. Of course, all it takes is a failed proposal from Alek and their relationship instantly crumbles. Ian had full justification to not accept yet but Alek couldn't handle the rejection and acted out in unforgiveable ways. Ian is a freaking saint, hands down. I understand that these two are absolutely obsessed with one another, which lead to a toxic three-year relationship that just snapped. Alek is secretive, scheming, manipulative, and all-consuming towards Ian. Alek puts Ian through three weeks of hell and then when tensions rise and Ian is wavering on staying or leaving forever, there's a horrible accident. Everything changes from there, it's the beginning and the end all at the same time.
The book is over a course of a little over a year where you see these two battle against themselves and each other. Ian tries to love for them both and hold them up and together but it would never be enough if Alek couldn't love himself. Alek has a heartbreaking past that has shaped who he is today and ultimately leads to his mind fracturing even further after his accident. On top of his battle with his memories, Alek has to deal with his loss of music which was his outlet for all the big feelings he would have. As you read this you can feel his depression, like you're drowning with him. You can sympathize with Ian as he tries to be a rock for Alek while not trusting the man fully after everything, he put him through. Many times, Ian felt the fool for coming back and fighting for their love, but man did he hang in there. The devotion and the hard choices he had to make in order to save Alek was beautiful and realistic.
“It’s a strange feeling…” Alek said.
“What is?” Ian sat down beside him and took both of his hands.
“Loving someone so much that you wish they never met you.”
...
“I would meet you over and over again no matter how hard this gets. You’re never more than I can take.”
I'm still scatterbrained trying to put together coherent thoughts for this. I really loved this book though, and you will too if you like redemption, healing, hurt/comfort, angst and deep emotional love. The way smells played such a huge hand in this was nice because most of the items mentioned are recognizable for the reader. By making some of us able to drum up our recollection of these scent, we could experience them at the same time as Alek.
Content Warnings (Possible Spoilers):
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: Yes
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: Yes, twice
April 6, 2024
Wow! This book brings such a roller-coaster of emotions that I don't even know where to start. This book is about love in the most pure, genuine, raw and primal form that exists, and it is so beautifully written that while reading it, you feel like listening to the most perfect piano song. Read it, read it, read it!
April 4, 2024
Beautiful, wonderful, painful, heartbreaking, amazing!!
November 7, 2024
before I get into my review, it’s important to mention that this is a very unhealthy relationship—and despite my literary enjoyment of it, I would under no circumstances condone this in real life.
4.5
With that being said ALEK and IAN have my whole heart.
I hadn’t known what to expect when i picked this up, and I had downloaded and set down a lot of novels before this one sparked interest in me.
Despite enjoying the authors story telling, and the gothic and dark descriptions of the settings and characters—the book was initially very jarring time-wise (hence a half star taken off).
What i mean to say is it’s as if we were plopped in the middle of a story that already had commenced, which does lend itself to the second-chance romance trope, but it left me feeling disconnected to the story and MCs until about 30-40% in. Had the setting and mystery surrounding Aleks past not been intriguing on its own, this would have been an immediate DNF.
With that being said, aleks story and characterization definitely overshadowed the romance part of this book for me, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I enjoyed the push and pull of Ian and Aleks relationship, the co-dependency, and even the emotional and vindictive hurt they threw at each other, but it was absolutely Aleks story, his piano, and his journey to forgiveness that made this story a glowing 4 stars.
I loved Ian for loving Alek when he couldn’t love himself, saving him when all seemed lost, and the courage it took to hold on when he definitely shouldn’t have.
I loved Alek for being a mirror of despair for the lot of us who often times see a fox out of our window too.
4.5
With that being said ALEK and IAN have my whole heart.
I hadn’t known what to expect when i picked this up, and I had downloaded and set down a lot of novels before this one sparked interest in me.
Despite enjoying the authors story telling, and the gothic and dark descriptions of the settings and characters—the book was initially very jarring time-wise (hence a half star taken off).
What i mean to say is it’s as if we were plopped in the middle of a story that already had commenced, which does lend itself to the second-chance romance trope, but it left me feeling disconnected to the story and MCs until about 30-40% in. Had the setting and mystery surrounding Aleks past not been intriguing on its own, this would have been an immediate DNF.
With that being said, aleks story and characterization definitely overshadowed the romance part of this book for me, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I enjoyed the push and pull of Ian and Aleks relationship, the co-dependency, and even the emotional and vindictive hurt they threw at each other, but it was absolutely Aleks story, his piano, and his journey to forgiveness that made this story a glowing 4 stars.
I loved Ian for loving Alek when he couldn’t love himself, saving him when all seemed lost, and the courage it took to hold on when he definitely shouldn’t have.
I loved Alek for being a mirror of despair for the lot of us who often times see a fox out of our window too.
July 9, 2024
⊹ ⁺ ₊ ✧
Never Leave, Never Lie
┊
4 stars
✧ ₊ ⁺ ⊹
☆₊⋆ → thoughts┊I didn’t know what to expect most of the time while reading this, which kept me interested. Though I lost interested halfway through, but it picked up again at 70%.
⋆╰┈✩ the writing was poetic but felt over-the-top at times. I usually don’t mind 3rd person but this was so painful, it was always “Ian did this” and “Alek did that”, which got super annoying in its repetitiveness. Otherwise, it was beautifully written.
⋆╰┈✩ one plot point that felt off was . It was so sudden and unexpected, and I was like did that really just happen??.
⋆╰┈✩ Alek’s felt authentic and personal, some parts relatable, which made me enjoy the book more. It felt real.
☾ TWs ☽
౨ৎ happy reading ౨ৎ
∘₊✧ ── "I could forget everything about myself and still know that I love you." ── ✧₊∘
☆₊⋆ → thoughts┊I didn’t know what to expect most of the time while reading this, which kept me interested. Though I lost interested halfway through, but it picked up again at 70%.
⋆╰┈✩ the writing was poetic but felt over-the-top at times. I usually don’t mind 3rd person but this was so painful, it was always “Ian did this” and “Alek did that”, which got super annoying in its repetitiveness. Otherwise, it was beautifully written.
⋆╰┈✩ one plot point that felt off was . It was so sudden and unexpected, and I was like did that really just happen??.
⋆╰┈✩ Alek’s felt authentic and personal, some parts relatable, which made me enjoy the book more. It felt real.
∘₊✧ ── "Fear is only proof we are alive." ── ✧₊∘
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄☆⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
☾ TWs ☽
౨ৎ happy reading ౨ৎ
July 31, 2025
4.5 stars, hauntingly beautiful! Dealing with traumatic past and endures an injury that takes away his only coping mechanism and connection to the only past that he loved.
March 27, 2024
HAPPY RELEASE DAY
I could forget everything about this book and still know that I love it. (If you get it, you get it.)
Never Leave, Never Lie begins with the end.
A marriage proposal triggers a chain of events that exposes the toxicity of Ian and Alek's relationship as it crumbles to ruins.
But sometimes everything has to fall apart to fall back together.
Dark and handsome and haunted by the ghosts of his mysterious past, Alek Katin is a cunning liar and a manipulator. And quite possibly one of my fav characters ever - I will protect him at all costs.
Ian is his opposite in every way. He doesn't hide his heart behind his big muscles, choosing to always show his vulnerability with sincerity and courage.
And then there's the main character, the Victorian. Because broken things can be fixed. Can't they?
And it's as they fix their home that they fight to emerge together from the ruins of their relationship, to rebuild it from scratch, a strong foundation that is made of truth and trust and love - and not lies.
So the Victorian becomes our home, too.
Thea transports us right to the center of the action with her captivating prose and the detail of the descriptions, atmospheric and ethereal and tangible all at once. Heartfel and purposeful, she infuses every word with meaning and feeling.
And we do feel every emotion, Alek's and Ian's and ours.
We hope with Ian as he works the greenhouse; we mourn with Alek as he mourns the fox, as he mourns the loss of himself. And we love, love, love and heal with them, too.
To encapsulate this review in one sentence, Never Leave, Never Lie has quickly become one of my favorite books.
I had the absolute honor of receiving an ARC (thank you, Thea Verdone), but I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I could forget everything about this book and still know that I love it. (If you get it, you get it.)
Never Leave, Never Lie begins with the end.
A marriage proposal triggers a chain of events that exposes the toxicity of Ian and Alek's relationship as it crumbles to ruins.
But sometimes everything has to fall apart to fall back together.
Dark and handsome and haunted by the ghosts of his mysterious past, Alek Katin is a cunning liar and a manipulator. And quite possibly one of my fav characters ever - I will protect him at all costs.
Ian is his opposite in every way. He doesn't hide his heart behind his big muscles, choosing to always show his vulnerability with sincerity and courage.
And then there's the main character, the Victorian. Because broken things can be fixed. Can't they?
And it's as they fix their home that they fight to emerge together from the ruins of their relationship, to rebuild it from scratch, a strong foundation that is made of truth and trust and love - and not lies.
So the Victorian becomes our home, too.
Thea transports us right to the center of the action with her captivating prose and the detail of the descriptions, atmospheric and ethereal and tangible all at once. Heartfel and purposeful, she infuses every word with meaning and feeling.
And we do feel every emotion, Alek's and Ian's and ours.
We hope with Ian as he works the greenhouse; we mourn with Alek as he mourns the fox, as he mourns the loss of himself. And we love, love, love and heal with them, too.
To encapsulate this review in one sentence, Never Leave, Never Lie has quickly become one of my favorite books.
I had the absolute honor of receiving an ARC (thank you, Thea Verdone), but I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 19, 2023
It's very rare that I finish a book and think 'that was perfect', and yet here I am, unable to put into words how perfect this book felt to me.
Never Leave, Never Lie follows Alek and Ian, as they try to rebuild the ruins of their relationship alongside the Victorian house they are renovating together. Alek is living a lie, however a tragic turn of events forces him to confront his demons, which is as much catastrophic for both of them as it is healing.
This story deals with significant mental health issues and trauma, which may be triggering to some readers. It also begins with a very toxic relationship, which endures many ups and downs before coming out the other side. I loved being with Ian and Alek as they learned to trust each other again, even though it sometimes felt like hope was repeatedly being dangled in front of me and ripped away!
Both characters are beautifully written and complex. Alek is a haunted and broken shell of a man, who has hurt Ian in some of the worst ways, but Ian's love is as unwavering and strong as he is. They made such huge leaps in their character development throughout the book, and their ending was just perfect.
Thea's writing is atmospheric and captivating from the very beginning. I have read my fair share of books with mental health rep, but none have ever captured the absolute desolation and reality of depression quite like Thea Verdone has. It was painful and cathartic, and so beautiful even though it hurt. The way that she described Alek's synesthesia and its significance to him was unlike anything I've ever read before too.
I can't form any more coherent thoughts, so I'll just say that I really just loved this book, and if you like a healthy dose of hurt/comfort, angst and emotion then I'm sure you will too.
*I was supplied with an ARC of this book, but I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Never Leave, Never Lie follows Alek and Ian, as they try to rebuild the ruins of their relationship alongside the Victorian house they are renovating together. Alek is living a lie, however a tragic turn of events forces him to confront his demons, which is as much catastrophic for both of them as it is healing.
This story deals with significant mental health issues and trauma, which may be triggering to some readers. It also begins with a very toxic relationship, which endures many ups and downs before coming out the other side. I loved being with Ian and Alek as they learned to trust each other again, even though it sometimes felt like hope was repeatedly being dangled in front of me and ripped away!
Both characters are beautifully written and complex. Alek is a haunted and broken shell of a man, who has hurt Ian in some of the worst ways, but Ian's love is as unwavering and strong as he is. They made such huge leaps in their character development throughout the book, and their ending was just perfect.
Thea's writing is atmospheric and captivating from the very beginning. I have read my fair share of books with mental health rep, but none have ever captured the absolute desolation and reality of depression quite like Thea Verdone has. It was painful and cathartic, and so beautiful even though it hurt. The way that she described Alek's synesthesia and its significance to him was unlike anything I've ever read before too.
I can't form any more coherent thoughts, so I'll just say that I really just loved this book, and if you like a healthy dose of hurt/comfort, angst and emotion then I'm sure you will too.
“It’s a strange feeling…” Alek said.
“What is?” Ian sat down beside him and took both of his hands.
“Loving someone so much that you wish they never met you.”
...
“I would meet you over and over again no matter how hard this gets. You’re never more than I can take.”
*I was supplied with an ARC of this book, but I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
September 7, 2024
“Ian could say what he wanted, but people were most honest when they were angry. In a moment of pure, uncontrolled rage, Ian said Alek was a burden. If Alek was a burden then, he was much heavier now.”
I’m very surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this. For me, it was the tension and obvious passion between the two characters that they didn’t know how to show. I loved watching them grow and overcome their issues. I just love any book that’s about characters falling back in love✨
I’m very surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this. For me, it was the tension and obvious passion between the two characters that they didn’t know how to show. I loved watching them grow and overcome their issues. I just love any book that’s about characters falling back in love✨
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