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The Never List
Madelaine Brown loves love — just not in real life.
After her mom walked out when she was nine, she decided it was safer to admire romance from a distance. Ever since, she’s been all about theory over practice.
Unfortunately, life keeps handing her one very annoying Jake West.
They’ve been forced together since childhood — babysat together, spent summers together (fighting), went to the same school, and even landed in the same classes. And through it all, he’s remained her finest form of torture. He’s adventurous (stupid), flirty (well-rounded), a bit reckless (gets away with the stupidest things), and popular (she still doesn't understand how).
When Jake’s long-term summer fling dumps him for someone new, he’s desperate to save face. Meanwhile, Madelaine’s got The Never List — a running list of things she swears she’ll never do because, well, she’s a chicken (his words, not hers).
A deal is she’ll fake date him to make his ex (and Madelaine’s longtime enemy) jealous, and he’ll help her “get a life.” But between the fake smiles, forced proximity, and way-too-real moments, Madelaine starts to realize that maybe some things on The Never List aren’t so impossible after all.
A deal, a list, and way too many almost-kisses — because when life keeps throwing you at the same person, maybe it’s not a coincidence. Maybe it’s just really bad timing… or something dangerously close to love.
After her mom walked out when she was nine, she decided it was safer to admire romance from a distance. Ever since, she’s been all about theory over practice.
Unfortunately, life keeps handing her one very annoying Jake West.
They’ve been forced together since childhood — babysat together, spent summers together (fighting), went to the same school, and even landed in the same classes. And through it all, he’s remained her finest form of torture. He’s adventurous (stupid), flirty (well-rounded), a bit reckless (gets away with the stupidest things), and popular (she still doesn't understand how).
When Jake’s long-term summer fling dumps him for someone new, he’s desperate to save face. Meanwhile, Madelaine’s got The Never List — a running list of things she swears she’ll never do because, well, she’s a chicken (his words, not hers).
A deal is she’ll fake date him to make his ex (and Madelaine’s longtime enemy) jealous, and he’ll help her “get a life.” But between the fake smiles, forced proximity, and way-too-real moments, Madelaine starts to realize that maybe some things on The Never List aren’t so impossible after all.
A deal, a list, and way too many almost-kisses — because when life keeps throwing you at the same person, maybe it’s not a coincidence. Maybe it’s just really bad timing… or something dangerously close to love.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2025
28 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW: The Never List
Publication date:
Rating: 4 stars
Huge thanks to Mary K. Lewis for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
First, I want to apologize for the delay; the review is long overdue.
Okay, now, where do I start when I want to talk about a book that has taken over my life for such a long time? The Never List was everything I was looking for: Childhood frenemies to lovers, fake dating, Popular guy x Introvert guy, and 2000’s romcom vibes
Need I say more?
I saw myself in Madelaine Brown because I get that feeling of wanting to do nothing more than immerse myself in the pages of books, just because the life I’m living is just too much sometimes, or only ever reading about the love I want to experience.
DON’T GET ME STARTED ON JACOB FREAKING WEST.
Jake is everything a girl could ever want. Sarcastic, funny, you name it. I literally leaped out of my bed every time he reassured Mads like… Am I the only one who loves the trope where the character who’s always reserved and reassuring others finally talks about their trauma? Yeah, Jake West.
I could go on and on about how I enjoyed this book if I’m being honest.
Again, a big thank you to M.K Lewis for sending me an arc!!
Publication date:
Rating: 4 stars
Huge thanks to Mary K. Lewis for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
First, I want to apologize for the delay; the review is long overdue.
Okay, now, where do I start when I want to talk about a book that has taken over my life for such a long time? The Never List was everything I was looking for: Childhood frenemies to lovers, fake dating, Popular guy x Introvert guy, and 2000’s romcom vibes
Need I say more?
I saw myself in Madelaine Brown because I get that feeling of wanting to do nothing more than immerse myself in the pages of books, just because the life I’m living is just too much sometimes, or only ever reading about the love I want to experience.
DON’T GET ME STARTED ON JACOB FREAKING WEST.
Jake is everything a girl could ever want. Sarcastic, funny, you name it. I literally leaped out of my bed every time he reassured Mads like… Am I the only one who loves the trope where the character who’s always reserved and reassuring others finally talks about their trauma? Yeah, Jake West.
I could go on and on about how I enjoyed this book if I’m being honest.
Again, a big thank you to M.K Lewis for sending me an arc!!
March 18, 2026
Really cute story! Definitely needs some editing help but I enjoyed reading it overall :)
March 3, 2026
i was a little bit frustrated with them. but they stole my heart at the end 😭😭😭
December 28, 2025
I gave The Neverlist a full five stars. Period. No debate. This book does not deserve anything lower and it never will. It is amazing, emotional, funny, and absolutely gorgeous. I finished it in one single day because I physically could not put it down. I have been waiting for this book forever ever since I read Muse of the Match, and it was worth every second of waiting.
This author somehow managed to put everything I love into one story. The romance, the tension, the humor, the emotion, all of it worked perfectly together. What made it even better was the references. I usually do not understand or recognize references in books, but this time I did. Every single one. Especially the Brooklyn Nine Nine reference. That show is my comfort show, and finding out that Madeline Brown has watched it too made me feel so connected to her. It felt personal in the best way.
The Neverlist is a frenemies to lovers fake dating romance, which is already perfection, but the characters are what truly make this book unforgettable. Madeline Brown is angry, loud, and rude at times, but that is exactly what makes her real. Her anger is a coping mechanism, and the book shows that so beautifully. People are so quick to judge characters like her without realizing how much pain they are carrying. This book does not just show her anger. It explains it. It honors it.
Jake West is everything. He never tried to change Madeline. He saw through her anger and stood beside her instead of against her. He argued with her, fought with her, and supported her in the way she actually needed. He always made sure she smiled, even if that meant being the punching bag. The way he understood her was everything to me.
I loved everything about these characters. What they said, what they believed in, how they cared for each other. Jake West especially has my whole heart. I need a Jake West in my life immediately. Pronto. Where is my next door neighbor Jake West. Where is the guy who helps me complete a list of things I never want to do, just to make sure I live a full and meaningful life.
And now I am already desperate for the next book. Dancing with Cupid. I need it today. Tomorrow. Yesterday. Right now. Until then, I might just start writing my own never list and hope I someday find my own Jake West to help me break it.
This book was perfect. Five stars forever.
This author somehow managed to put everything I love into one story. The romance, the tension, the humor, the emotion, all of it worked perfectly together. What made it even better was the references. I usually do not understand or recognize references in books, but this time I did. Every single one. Especially the Brooklyn Nine Nine reference. That show is my comfort show, and finding out that Madeline Brown has watched it too made me feel so connected to her. It felt personal in the best way.
The Neverlist is a frenemies to lovers fake dating romance, which is already perfection, but the characters are what truly make this book unforgettable. Madeline Brown is angry, loud, and rude at times, but that is exactly what makes her real. Her anger is a coping mechanism, and the book shows that so beautifully. People are so quick to judge characters like her without realizing how much pain they are carrying. This book does not just show her anger. It explains it. It honors it.
Jake West is everything. He never tried to change Madeline. He saw through her anger and stood beside her instead of against her. He argued with her, fought with her, and supported her in the way she actually needed. He always made sure she smiled, even if that meant being the punching bag. The way he understood her was everything to me.
I loved everything about these characters. What they said, what they believed in, how they cared for each other. Jake West especially has my whole heart. I need a Jake West in my life immediately. Pronto. Where is my next door neighbor Jake West. Where is the guy who helps me complete a list of things I never want to do, just to make sure I live a full and meaningful life.
And now I am already desperate for the next book. Dancing with Cupid. I need it today. Tomorrow. Yesterday. Right now. Until then, I might just start writing my own never list and hope I someday find my own Jake West to help me break it.
This book was perfect. Five stars forever.
March 14, 2026
3.75☆
Decided to give this a try and glad I did!
I liked the main character, I loved her versatility: her anger but at the same time that she was such a hopeless romantic. Jake was so obsessed with her from the start and the author did a real good job with their first kiss.
I also, shockingly, loved the pop culture references: From ,Brooklyn 99’ to the movie ,Step up‘ to the song ,Just Like Heaven‘ by the Cure.
I feel like you could tell that the author knows her way arround romance books, but I have to say that the writing was flawed. I can usually ignore it, but not this time. It was sometimes genuinely confusing, I often didn't get the thought process and it felt very unedited (which it is ig).
It would've been 3 stars but the last 100 pages were too good and kinda inspirational<3
Quotes•｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅
“I’m sorry for the person who’s gonna end up with you.” “Ah, the self-pity.”
~It’s bad giving your heart to someone only to know it’s gonna end eventually. This is a part of my many reasons I’m afraid to date.
~We could get into a car accident. We always think these things are never going to happen, because they only happen in movies or to strangers. Except when they happen to you. But why us? Why him.
~I know it’s impossible for him to do all the work, when only I have the tools to do it myself, but I love that he makes me want to pick them up and believe I can heal myself.
Decided to give this a try and glad I did!
I liked the main character, I loved her versatility: her anger but at the same time that she was such a hopeless romantic. Jake was so obsessed with her from the start and the author did a real good job with their first kiss.
I also, shockingly, loved the pop culture references: From ,Brooklyn 99’ to the movie ,Step up‘ to the song ,Just Like Heaven‘ by the Cure.
I feel like you could tell that the author knows her way arround romance books, but I have to say that the writing was flawed. I can usually ignore it, but not this time. It was sometimes genuinely confusing, I often didn't get the thought process and it felt very unedited (which it is ig).
It would've been 3 stars but the last 100 pages were too good and kinda inspirational<3
Quotes•｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅
“I’m sorry for the person who’s gonna end up with you.” “Ah, the self-pity.”
~It’s bad giving your heart to someone only to know it’s gonna end eventually. This is a part of my many reasons I’m afraid to date.
~We could get into a car accident. We always think these things are never going to happen, because they only happen in movies or to strangers. Except when they happen to you. But why us? Why him.
~I know it’s impossible for him to do all the work, when only I have the tools to do it myself, but I love that he makes me want to pick them up and believe I can heal myself.
February 18, 2026
“After all, we will always be Madelaine and Jake, Brown and West, fighting for everything and for nothing all at once. Usually his fault.” 🌟
this book might be one of my new fav romance books!!! the characters, the vibes, the story, the banter - everything was perfect and i enjoyed every second of this book 💞💞
jake & madelaine are everything, i love them sm 🥹💐
(also madelaine is one of the most relatable characters ever, omg i lovee her)
this book might be one of my new fav romance books!!! the characters, the vibes, the story, the banter - everything was perfect and i enjoyed every second of this book 💞💞
jake & madelaine are everything, i love them sm 🥹💐
(also madelaine is one of the most relatable characters ever, omg i lovee her)
March 16, 2026
Such a cute read honestly like straight out of a cringey wattpad.
The banter in this book was done so perfectly and resembled something along the lines of early 2000s romcoms, the song choices were elite and most importantly the headcannons!! Omg unreal that stuff has a choke hold, over all such a bomb read
Also their wedding song being photograph by Ed Sheeran…!
The banter in this book was done so perfectly and resembled something along the lines of early 2000s romcoms, the song choices were elite and most importantly the headcannons!! Omg unreal that stuff has a choke hold, over all such a bomb read
Also their wedding song being photograph by Ed Sheeran…!
March 2, 2026
4.5⭐️
okay stop istg the author is in my walls this was so perfect???
first of all madeleine was so so soooo relateable like oh my god?? hopeless romantic✅, doesn’t believe in love for herself✅ so seeing mads journey to living her life was so endearing for me!!
Jake was like such a good character i kinda find it hard to explain but he felt very human, like i didn’t feel like I was reading about a dramatized version of life and I found that to be very refreshing.
Just overall I enjoyed this book so much it was a breath of fresh air that made me lol, cry, smile and yearn
okay stop istg the author is in my walls this was so perfect???
first of all madeleine was so so soooo relateable like oh my god?? hopeless romantic✅, doesn’t believe in love for herself✅ so seeing mads journey to living her life was so endearing for me!!
Jake was like such a good character i kinda find it hard to explain but he felt very human, like i didn’t feel like I was reading about a dramatized version of life and I found that to be very refreshing.
Just overall I enjoyed this book so much it was a breath of fresh air that made me lol, cry, smile and yearn
January 13, 2026
Este livro foi perfeito. Might be my new favorite romance ever 🫶🏽
Quando li os tropes, frenemies to lovers e fake dating, fiquei logo com expectativas altas mas nunca imaginei que se fossem exceder tanto. Adorei cada detalhe deste livro.
A relação da Madelaine e do Jake é perfeita, desde as picardias aos momentos mais sensíveis! Dei por mim a rir-me as gragalhadas com cenas deles e no final fiquei mesmo boquiaberta com tudo o que estava a acontecer.
A personalidade do Jake encantou-me e a forma como ele foi evoluindo ao longo da história foi incrível de acompanhar.
Também me identifiquei bastante com a Madelaine e com a personalidade dela. Adorei descobrir pelos olhos dela esta história incrível.
Os personagens secundários nunca foram esquecidos, tiveram sempre o seu momento e são também marcantes.
Outro dos pontos altos do livro foi as referências geek e músicas ao longo do livro. Desde referências a filmes da Disney até aos One Direction.
Adorei a mensagem deste livro mas as relações entre as personagens é que fazem o livro inesquecível.
Obrigada Mary K. Lewis por este arc 🩷
Quando li os tropes, frenemies to lovers e fake dating, fiquei logo com expectativas altas mas nunca imaginei que se fossem exceder tanto. Adorei cada detalhe deste livro.
A relação da Madelaine e do Jake é perfeita, desde as picardias aos momentos mais sensíveis! Dei por mim a rir-me as gragalhadas com cenas deles e no final fiquei mesmo boquiaberta com tudo o que estava a acontecer.
A personalidade do Jake encantou-me e a forma como ele foi evoluindo ao longo da história foi incrível de acompanhar.
Também me identifiquei bastante com a Madelaine e com a personalidade dela. Adorei descobrir pelos olhos dela esta história incrível.
Os personagens secundários nunca foram esquecidos, tiveram sempre o seu momento e são também marcantes.
Outro dos pontos altos do livro foi as referências geek e músicas ao longo do livro. Desde referências a filmes da Disney até aos One Direction.
Adorei a mensagem deste livro mas as relações entre as personagens é que fazem o livro inesquecível.
Obrigada Mary K. Lewis por este arc 🩷
February 20, 2026
Loved the story itself and the characters; however, an editor would've made this book a 4 or 5 stars. There was a ton of potential, but with the number of grammatical errors and some minor bumps in the plot it made it a bit harder to follow. But such a cute book overall, I really did love it.
February 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this book because it had actual depth — it wasn’t just a cheesy YA romance (which, let’s be honest, the genre can sometimes lean toward). The emotional layers and character backstories added so much substance and made their relationship feel meaningful.
The chemistry between the main characters was so good. I loved how everyone around them could see what was happening before they did. That thin line between hate and love? This book plays with it perfectly. The tension, the banter, the slow shift in their dynamic — it was all so well done.
The fake dating scheme was such a fun setup, but it didn’t feel gimmicky. The list they were working through was such a clever touch, and I loved how it naturally pushed their relationship forward and deepened their feelings. It wasn’t just a plot device — it became part of their emotional journey.
Overall, this was such a cute, well-developed read. If you love fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and summer romance vibes, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up.
The chemistry between the main characters was so good. I loved how everyone around them could see what was happening before they did. That thin line between hate and love? This book plays with it perfectly. The tension, the banter, the slow shift in their dynamic — it was all so well done.
The fake dating scheme was such a fun setup, but it didn’t feel gimmicky. The list they were working through was such a clever touch, and I loved how it naturally pushed their relationship forward and deepened their feelings. It wasn’t just a plot device — it became part of their emotional journey.
Overall, this was such a cute, well-developed read. If you love fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and summer romance vibes, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up.
February 20, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
“But I must say, the most annoying part of it has to be watching everyone get someone except for me, the one who’s been dreaming about it since I could say the word love.”
first of all i want to say a big thank you to mary for sending me this as an arc. this is my first arc and i loved it.
this book reminds me of the high school teenage experience I could've had. I seriously devoured and enjoyed this book. I was smiling and screaming like an idiot through scenes. they are literally so cute together, I love their banter. the song references made me love this book even more.
i don’t wanna give away too much that’s why i’ll stop now and let you enjoy this amazing book spoiler free 🫶🏻⭐️
“But I must say, the most annoying part of it has to be watching everyone get someone except for me, the one who’s been dreaming about it since I could say the word love.”
first of all i want to say a big thank you to mary for sending me this as an arc. this is my first arc and i loved it.
this book reminds me of the high school teenage experience I could've had. I seriously devoured and enjoyed this book. I was smiling and screaming like an idiot through scenes. they are literally so cute together, I love their banter. the song references made me love this book even more.
i don’t wanna give away too much that’s why i’ll stop now and let you enjoy this amazing book spoiler free 🫶🏻⭐️
March 15, 2026
Solid 4.
I needed a pallet cleaner before going back to TOG and the book I read before this is did not like. Once again I only should this book because of one TikTok vibe collage lmfao.
Anyways I really like it they were cute or whatever. I kinda wanted to slap her at the end cause she just kept pushing him away and it took him like almost dying to get over herself. I also did not see the dead mom thing coming .
I liked that they were basically together in every chapter it was fast paced. Also the stargazing shit was hella cute and I love when characters live nextdoor to each other.
I kinda want a book for Allison and Riden cause he definitely had a thing for her. The end
I needed a pallet cleaner before going back to TOG and the book I read before this is did not like. Once again I only should this book because of one TikTok vibe collage lmfao.
Anyways I really like it they were cute or whatever. I kinda wanted to slap her at the end cause she just kept pushing him away and it took him like almost dying to get over herself. I also did not see the dead mom thing coming .
I liked that they were basically together in every chapter it was fast paced. Also the stargazing shit was hella cute and I love when characters live nextdoor to each other.
I kinda want a book for Allison and Riden cause he definitely had a thing for her. The end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2026
the plot was genuinely interesting and I LOVED the dynamics between the characters but the only complaint I have is the writing had me confused at times, i feel like the story could have been incredible with clearer storytelling.
ALSO the line when the fmc says “You know I’m too smart to be seduced by you.” and he respond with “That’s why I like you.” LIKE THATS LITERALLY FROM THE VAMPIRES DIARIES? I clocked that immediately as a klaroline enthusiast. There were also a lot of references to other shows, books, and romcom movies which I personally really enjoyed
ALSO the line when the fmc says “You know I’m too smart to be seduced by you.” and he respond with “That’s why I like you.” LIKE THATS LITERALLY FROM THE VAMPIRES DIARIES? I clocked that immediately as a klaroline enthusiast. There were also a lot of references to other shows, books, and romcom movies which I personally really enjoyed
January 31, 2026
ARC read:
Wow! This book really surprised me in a very positive way. I just couldn't put it down and I read like half of it in an afternoon.
The story captivated me from the start and I really enjoyed the character development. I think the author addressed important issues in a soft but responsible way and the book's dynamic is incredible!
I simply loved the writing and I'm very excited to read Muse of the Match by M. K. Lewis!
Wow! This book really surprised me in a very positive way. I just couldn't put it down and I read like half of it in an afternoon.
The story captivated me from the start and I really enjoyed the character development. I think the author addressed important issues in a soft but responsible way and the book's dynamic is incredible!
I simply loved the writing and I'm very excited to read Muse of the Match by M. K. Lewis!
March 18, 2026
5 stars
This is one of those five stars I’ll probably never read again. But it was so good I stayed up till 2:30am to finish it. It was a stark difference from the few books I read before this because they were written so bad so this was a good change and that may be why it’s rated so high. But I really liked it and there were things you would just not see coming. I want to read the sister Lindsey I think her name was and Allison and rider.
This is one of those five stars I’ll probably never read again. But it was so good I stayed up till 2:30am to finish it. It was a stark difference from the few books I read before this because they were written so bad so this was a good change and that may be why it’s rated so high. But I really liked it and there were things you would just not see coming. I want to read the sister Lindsey I think her name was and Allison and rider.
February 9, 2026
1.5 Almost DNF'd this like 50 times, but I am a sucker for enemies to lovers tropes. This story was good, but this book DESPERATELY needs an editor. There was a lot of grammatical errors and just a lot of sentences/paragraphs that just didn't make sense or flow naturally.
March 16, 2026
It definitely needs some editing and there happens a bit too much of family drama for me to like, but it was really cute and a very fun read. (I love the friendships and love stories so muchhh)
3.75 ⭐️
xF
3.75 ⭐️
xF
February 28, 2026
Ahhhh this was so cute!!! I stayed up so so late finishing it but it was so worth it 🥹
December 30, 2025
The Never List is good — veryyy good — entertaining and an easy, addictive read.
It checks all the right boxes: enemies (in a playful way) to lovers, fake dating, teenage romance, and a delicious slow burn.
The main character, Madeline Brown, is a hopeless romantic who can’t seem to find love for herself. She’s obsessed with books full of classic tropes and dreamy romances, while her own love life is basically nonexistent.
Madeline is a troubled teenager with a social life thinner than air. She lives and breathes romance — books, movies, stories — yet can’t manage any real success in her own relationships. To make things even more complicated, she has a list of things she should never do, including (but definitely not limited to) never dating Jacob “Jake” West, her childhood “friend” and the school’s golden boy.
So when Jake gets his heart broken by his long-term summer fling, they reach a mutual agreement: they’ll pretend to be in a loving relationship to make her jealous and hopefully win her back.
This arrangement ends up being good for Madeline too, as it pushes her out of her comfort zone and allows her to experience life a little more — while slowly crossing off, one by one, the items on her “never” list.
There’s just one problem: Madeline Brown hates Jacob West. Or so she thought…
Jake West is attentive, kind, and a great listener. Madeline is a bookworm, a bit of a geek, and deeply insecure.
And together? They make one hell of a couple.
On top of that, the book is full of amazing pop culture references, like Brooklyn 9-9 and One Direction, which makes the story even more fun — especially when you realize the characters you’re relating to love the same things you do.
At its core, The Never List delivers that classic message: don’t go looking for love, because it’s probably been right under your nose the whole time. Or, in this case, next door, mowing the lawn shirtless - if you know, you know.
It checks all the right boxes: enemies (in a playful way) to lovers, fake dating, teenage romance, and a delicious slow burn.
The main character, Madeline Brown, is a hopeless romantic who can’t seem to find love for herself. She’s obsessed with books full of classic tropes and dreamy romances, while her own love life is basically nonexistent.
Madeline is a troubled teenager with a social life thinner than air. She lives and breathes romance — books, movies, stories — yet can’t manage any real success in her own relationships. To make things even more complicated, she has a list of things she should never do, including (but definitely not limited to) never dating Jacob “Jake” West, her childhood “friend” and the school’s golden boy.
So when Jake gets his heart broken by his long-term summer fling, they reach a mutual agreement: they’ll pretend to be in a loving relationship to make her jealous and hopefully win her back.
This arrangement ends up being good for Madeline too, as it pushes her out of her comfort zone and allows her to experience life a little more — while slowly crossing off, one by one, the items on her “never” list.
There’s just one problem: Madeline Brown hates Jacob West. Or so she thought…
Jake West is attentive, kind, and a great listener. Madeline is a bookworm, a bit of a geek, and deeply insecure.
And together? They make one hell of a couple.
On top of that, the book is full of amazing pop culture references, like Brooklyn 9-9 and One Direction, which makes the story even more fun — especially when you realize the characters you’re relating to love the same things you do.
At its core, The Never List delivers that classic message: don’t go looking for love, because it’s probably been right under your nose the whole time. Or, in this case, next door, mowing the lawn shirtless - if you know, you know.
Did not finish
March 14, 2026I was so looking forward to reading it but It’s written so poorly and the plot is all over the place I couldn’t even get halfway through it
March 18, 2026
wl banter was really cutsue
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews