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Never #2
Never Let You Go
The second novel in this darkly sexy contemporary series from bestselling author Monica Murphy wraps up an emotionally powerful two-part tale of forbidden love.
The truth hurts, they say—and my pain cuts deep. While I was falling for Ethan, he was deceiving me the entire time. He held a huge secret, protected by his lies. When I discovered what he was hiding, the truth shook my world, threatening to ruin us forever. Ruin me. But I soon realized that what we share can’t be destroyed.
The connection between us is too strong. It always has been. I can’t deny him any longer. And I can’t deny my truth: I’m in love with Ethan.
I don’t want to let him go.
While we’re trying our best to make this relationship work, other forces are fighting against us. My family, who wants to keep me safe. The media obsessed with my tragic past. The public that feeds off of it. Even Ethan’s father—the man who nearly destroyed me all those years ago. He’s doing his best to finish the job.
Despite my love for Ethan, the doubts creep in, clouding my mind. Is he worth the pain? Will our love survive, or will we have no choice but to end it—end us—once and for all?
The truth hurts, they say—and my pain cuts deep. While I was falling for Ethan, he was deceiving me the entire time. He held a huge secret, protected by his lies. When I discovered what he was hiding, the truth shook my world, threatening to ruin us forever. Ruin me. But I soon realized that what we share can’t be destroyed.
The connection between us is too strong. It always has been. I can’t deny him any longer. And I can’t deny my truth: I’m in love with Ethan.
I don’t want to let him go.
While we’re trying our best to make this relationship work, other forces are fighting against us. My family, who wants to keep me safe. The media obsessed with my tragic past. The public that feeds off of it. Even Ethan’s father—the man who nearly destroyed me all those years ago. He’s doing his best to finish the job.
Despite my love for Ethan, the doubts creep in, clouding my mind. Is he worth the pain? Will our love survive, or will we have no choice but to end it—end us—once and for all?
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
98 people are currently reading
3764 people want to read
About the author
Monica Murphy
130 books18.6k followersNew York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews
May 1, 2016
Never Let Me Go is a soul-searing and spellbinding story of second-chance romance that is filled with heartbreak, hope, and happiness where you can’t help but fall hopelessly in love. This saga is all-consuming as it steals your time. You mind. Your heart. Your soul. Everything. You’re deeply embedded in this saga where all the feels flow freely as Never Let Me Go holds on tight, owning you every step of the way.
Like Never Tear Us Apart, Never Let Me Go is a heartwarming but hard read. There are ugly parts that I wanted to ignore, box away, but I didn’t because that ugly…it needed to be told for the good to unfold. The lows result in highs. With darkness brings light. Hope. A happily ever after.
Back and forth. Two steps forward, one step back. My heart breaks. My heart heals. My gut aches. My body feels. Never Let Me Go. Oh the feels. I feel every word I read starting with the prologue, so power-packed and poignant. I was already tearing up as the words were arrows, piercing my heart, bleeding and branding me as I knew the rest of the book would. Painful.
"I cry. I can’t stop. I cry at night before I go to sleep. I cry throughout the day when I should be doing something, anything to remind myself that I’m alive. I should be living.” Painful.
Powerful.
"But instead I cry for what I’ve lost. I cry for what I’ve found.”
Pondering.
"Gone is the girl I once was. Gone is the woman I was slowly becoming.”
Poignant.
"Now there’s only this void. And there’s only one person to blame for what I’ve become, what I’ve turned into. And his name—his real name—is Will Monroe."
Wow. So raw and real. The dam of emotions is teetering near flood levels.
Never Let Me Go is as heart-tugging as the prologue, as we revisit Katherine and Ethan in the conclusion of their story. The emotions escape, refusing to be held prisoner, as they pour off the pages, drowning me. Searing my soul. Brandishing my brain. Harnessing my heart. I feel each word I read. I feel these characters. I feel everything.
This powerful and poignant story picks up where Never Tear Us Apart left off, and is retold by Katherine and Ethan. Katherine is stronger than she was before and is learning to assert herself for the first time since her abduction. Her voice has returned and she will no longer hide in shame. Though still dealing with the aftermath of her abduction and abuse.
What hurts more than the abduction aftermath is the betrayal by Ethan that left her more broken. Torn. Split in two. Untrusting and unsure.
"I finally catch a glimpse of happy, of something real and solid and tender and…loving, and it ends up ruined. Ripped from my hands and thrown away. Lies. Deception. All of it.”
My heart that broke for Katherine now also breaks for Ethan, who is devastated that he lied and broke her trust. His heart now bleeds too.
"Inside I’m hollow. Broken into so many tiny pieces, I don’t think anyone or anything could put me back together. I’ve lost the only thing that matters. The only person I’ve ever really loved. And she hates me.”
Katherine is at a crossroads: forgive Ethan and risk having her heart broken and trust betrayed again or cut him off completely and resurrect those walls that Ethan broke free. She hates Ethan. Loves him. Misses him. Though fate finds Katherine and Ethan again and again, with a pull so strong that it’s a force they can no longer fight. Their relationship is taboo, but fate doesn’t care. Forbidden but forever bound.
"He’s seen me in every way possible, he knows me better than anyone else, and I realize in this single, heart-stopping moment that he is the only person in this entire world who understands me, knows me inside out.”
I swoon and melt as the goodness starts to snuff out evil with Ethan being a real-life Superman.
"He gave me light, when all I’d ever felt was darkness.”
Oh Ethan! I want to take away his pain too that has stolen his childhood, self-worth, and more.
"I’m not good enough for you. I never will be. You deserve better.”
Katherine’s Superman doesn’t think he deserves to be happy, despite saving the lady who will always be his. Though he will always rescue her. Forever.
"From the moment I saw her, I knew I had to take care of her. In some inherent way, I knew she belonged to me. It just took me years to find her again.”
Katherine is Superman’s Wonder Woman despite nursing a bleeding heart, a heart that will always belong to Ethan. Her sweetness is his drug. His cure to snuff out his dark past.
"I need the sweetness of Katie to overcome the darkness of my past.”
Secrets, lies, and a monster from the past escape, breaking free and threatening Katherine and Ethan’s happiness. Fate needs one last appearance, as these two lost souls are only half but together are whole.
"It’s not his fault. It’s never his fault. We can’t control the monsters.”
Never Let Me Go held my heart from its beautiful and brilliant beginning to its enthralling and emotional end. This soul-searing saga grabbed my heart, wrapped itself around my head, and never let go. This book scared me, scarred me, shred me, and shattered me. Then it healed me, piecing my heart back together, filtering hope and happiness through my head and in my heart.
While the Never Tear Us Apart Duet paints a vivid picture of monsters lurking in the dark, its light and love that snuff out evil is what binds this story together, making it a mesmerizing and oh-so-meaningful masterpiece that you must experience. Monica Murphy has written her best, and most brilliant and beautiful story ever, one of epic love that will stay with me...perhaps for a lifetime.
5 soul-searing and strong stars
Like Never Tear Us Apart, Never Let Me Go is a heartwarming but hard read. There are ugly parts that I wanted to ignore, box away, but I didn’t because that ugly…it needed to be told for the good to unfold. The lows result in highs. With darkness brings light. Hope. A happily ever after.
Back and forth. Two steps forward, one step back. My heart breaks. My heart heals. My gut aches. My body feels. Never Let Me Go. Oh the feels. I feel every word I read starting with the prologue, so power-packed and poignant. I was already tearing up as the words were arrows, piercing my heart, bleeding and branding me as I knew the rest of the book would. Painful.
"I cry. I can’t stop. I cry at night before I go to sleep. I cry throughout the day when I should be doing something, anything to remind myself that I’m alive. I should be living.” Painful.
Powerful.
"But instead I cry for what I’ve lost. I cry for what I’ve found.”
Pondering.
"Gone is the girl I once was. Gone is the woman I was slowly becoming.”
Poignant.
"Now there’s only this void. And there’s only one person to blame for what I’ve become, what I’ve turned into. And his name—his real name—is Will Monroe."
Wow. So raw and real. The dam of emotions is teetering near flood levels.
Never Let Me Go is as heart-tugging as the prologue, as we revisit Katherine and Ethan in the conclusion of their story. The emotions escape, refusing to be held prisoner, as they pour off the pages, drowning me. Searing my soul. Brandishing my brain. Harnessing my heart. I feel each word I read. I feel these characters. I feel everything.
This powerful and poignant story picks up where Never Tear Us Apart left off, and is retold by Katherine and Ethan. Katherine is stronger than she was before and is learning to assert herself for the first time since her abduction. Her voice has returned and she will no longer hide in shame. Though still dealing with the aftermath of her abduction and abuse.
What hurts more than the abduction aftermath is the betrayal by Ethan that left her more broken. Torn. Split in two. Untrusting and unsure.
"I finally catch a glimpse of happy, of something real and solid and tender and…loving, and it ends up ruined. Ripped from my hands and thrown away. Lies. Deception. All of it.”
My heart that broke for Katherine now also breaks for Ethan, who is devastated that he lied and broke her trust. His heart now bleeds too.
"Inside I’m hollow. Broken into so many tiny pieces, I don’t think anyone or anything could put me back together. I’ve lost the only thing that matters. The only person I’ve ever really loved. And she hates me.”
Katherine is at a crossroads: forgive Ethan and risk having her heart broken and trust betrayed again or cut him off completely and resurrect those walls that Ethan broke free. She hates Ethan. Loves him. Misses him. Though fate finds Katherine and Ethan again and again, with a pull so strong that it’s a force they can no longer fight. Their relationship is taboo, but fate doesn’t care. Forbidden but forever bound.
"He’s seen me in every way possible, he knows me better than anyone else, and I realize in this single, heart-stopping moment that he is the only person in this entire world who understands me, knows me inside out.”
I swoon and melt as the goodness starts to snuff out evil with Ethan being a real-life Superman.
"He gave me light, when all I’d ever felt was darkness.”
Oh Ethan! I want to take away his pain too that has stolen his childhood, self-worth, and more.
"I’m not good enough for you. I never will be. You deserve better.”
Katherine’s Superman doesn’t think he deserves to be happy, despite saving the lady who will always be his. Though he will always rescue her. Forever.
"From the moment I saw her, I knew I had to take care of her. In some inherent way, I knew she belonged to me. It just took me years to find her again.”
Katherine is Superman’s Wonder Woman despite nursing a bleeding heart, a heart that will always belong to Ethan. Her sweetness is his drug. His cure to snuff out his dark past.
"I need the sweetness of Katie to overcome the darkness of my past.”
Secrets, lies, and a monster from the past escape, breaking free and threatening Katherine and Ethan’s happiness. Fate needs one last appearance, as these two lost souls are only half but together are whole.
"It’s not his fault. It’s never his fault. We can’t control the monsters.”
Never Let Me Go held my heart from its beautiful and brilliant beginning to its enthralling and emotional end. This soul-searing saga grabbed my heart, wrapped itself around my head, and never let go. This book scared me, scarred me, shred me, and shattered me. Then it healed me, piecing my heart back together, filtering hope and happiness through my head and in my heart.
While the Never Tear Us Apart Duet paints a vivid picture of monsters lurking in the dark, its light and love that snuff out evil is what binds this story together, making it a mesmerizing and oh-so-meaningful masterpiece that you must experience. Monica Murphy has written her best, and most brilliant and beautiful story ever, one of epic love that will stay with me...perhaps for a lifetime.
5 soul-searing and strong stars
November 14, 2018
5 Beautiful stars for NEVER LET YOU GO by Monica Murphy
The emotions have been a rollercoaster during the journey of this book , Rape ,Love/hate relationship , family issues , relationship difficulties ,This book got it all ! it's nearly perfect !
made me sad, angry, furious, happy all at the same time ! Just a heads up this review/ rant may contain spoilers
What happened to katie torn her family apart sent her dad to his grave turned her mother into lonely woman and her sister into angry , resentful , bitter ! She didn’t say anything to katie but deep down she blamed her for everything ! RAPE IS ABOUT POWER DONT BLAME THE VICTIM (“She asked for it!”) Crazy right ?
I was shocked really reading this ! This is so messed up
I felt so bad for will/Ethan !! He saved katie's life and all he got in return was cold harsh words from her sister ! Damn gurl you’re one Cold hearted bitch ! Sorry but she really is ! I know she is overprotactive when it comes to her sister but she had no right to say what she said ! You know nothing BRENNA WATTS
Katherine and Ethan fell in love with each other and they are simply stronger together than apart but society and the Media and by that i'm talking about Lisa swanson she is a serious pain in the ass ! and of course her family won't allow it because to them it's wrong for Katie to fall in love with her abductor's son! can their love survive ? Well read the book to find out =Pp
*whispering Don't worry you'll get your happy ending*
ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The emotions have been a rollercoaster during the journey of this book , Rape ,Love/hate relationship , family issues , relationship difficulties ,This book got it all ! it's nearly perfect !
made me sad, angry, furious, happy all at the same time ! Just a heads up this review/ rant may contain spoilers
What happened to katie torn her family apart sent her dad to his grave turned her mother into lonely woman and her sister into angry , resentful , bitter ! She didn’t say anything to katie but deep down she blamed her for everything ! RAPE IS ABOUT POWER DONT BLAME THE VICTIM (“She asked for it!”) Crazy right ?
I may be the older one , but i wil always remain in your shadow because of what happened to you
I was shocked really reading this ! This is so messed up
I felt so bad for will/Ethan !! He saved katie's life and all he got in return was cold harsh words from her sister ! Damn gurl you’re one Cold hearted bitch ! Sorry but she really is ! I know she is overprotactive when it comes to her sister but she had no right to say what she said ! You know nothing BRENNA WATTS
Katherine and Ethan fell in love with each other and they are simply stronger together than apart but society and the Media and by that i'm talking about Lisa swanson she is a serious pain in the ass ! and of course her family won't allow it because to them it's wrong for Katie to fall in love with her abductor's son! can their love survive ? Well read the book to find out =Pp
*whispering Don't worry you'll get your happy ending*
If i choose to be angry and let my anger push me then that’s my choice too ...
For once in my life ....
I choose me
ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2016
3 Stars
Never Let You Go is the powerful conclusion to the emotional duet that started with Never Tear Us Apart. It begins immediately where the first book ended; both Ethan and and Katie dealing with the aftermath of the revelation of Ethan's lie and the continuous hounding for their story by one very determined reporter.
I fell in love with this story and this couple in the first book. It was gripping and emotional, poignant and tragic love story of two people that should never be together yet make perfect sense together. The journey that the author sends them on individually as well as a couple was equal parts powerful and easy to believe. The story is equal parts emotional and devastating at times. Katie is still dealing with he afteraffects of all she's been through. But now, she's not only dealing with her issues after her kidnapping and rape when she was young, but the boy from her past all of a sudden being the man of her present. Who is Ethan/Will? Does he truly want her? Can she allow herself to feel for him?
Ethan was an incredible character. His unwavering love for Katie was so emotionally powerful, it's almost heart breaking at times because all the odds are stacked against them.
The pace of the story is very slow, even more so than the first book. But whereas in the first book I found it to be a slow burn, here I just found it to be too slow. I can't say it's boring, because it's more character driven than plot driven most of the time, but it didn't have me gripped to the book and eager to turn the pages either. But even then, this was a solid 4 star read for me...up until that last 20%.
The crazy action and drama of that ending left my mind reeling. It was just too much. The pace of the book is quite slow and steady and then BAM, you get hit with all of that. I think that many people will actually enjoy the way things resolve, but for this reader it just felt out of the blue and unnecessary. I think the story was quite solid as it was and had everything just resolved quietly with some people out of the picture, it would have been best. I felt like I was watching a soap opera ending unfold. Add into this mix a somewhat cliche revelation and I was left with a lot of meh feelings.
Now all that aside, a 3 star rating means I did enjoy the book, because I did. While it didn't wow me, it was still a satisfying conclusion. I'd gladly recommend it for readers that want something a little different in their romance because this is definitely that. It's poignantly written and it's certainly not a story I'll soon be forgetting.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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Ethan. Will. The boy of my past. The man of my future. The one I can never, ever let go.
Never Let You Go is the powerful conclusion to the emotional duet that started with Never Tear Us Apart. It begins immediately where the first book ended; both Ethan and and Katie dealing with the aftermath of the revelation of Ethan's lie and the continuous hounding for their story by one very determined reporter.
I fell in love with this story and this couple in the first book. It was gripping and emotional, poignant and tragic love story of two people that should never be together yet make perfect sense together. The journey that the author sends them on individually as well as a couple was equal parts powerful and easy to believe. The story is equal parts emotional and devastating at times. Katie is still dealing with he afteraffects of all she's been through. But now, she's not only dealing with her issues after her kidnapping and rape when she was young, but the boy from her past all of a sudden being the man of her present. Who is Ethan/Will? Does he truly want her? Can she allow herself to feel for him?
Ethan was an incredible character. His unwavering love for Katie was so emotionally powerful, it's almost heart breaking at times because all the odds are stacked against them.
The pace of the story is very slow, even more so than the first book. But whereas in the first book I found it to be a slow burn, here I just found it to be too slow. I can't say it's boring, because it's more character driven than plot driven most of the time, but it didn't have me gripped to the book and eager to turn the pages either. But even then, this was a solid 4 star read for me...up until that last 20%.
The crazy action and drama of that ending left my mind reeling. It was just too much. The pace of the book is quite slow and steady and then BAM, you get hit with all of that. I think that many people will actually enjoy the way things resolve, but for this reader it just felt out of the blue and unnecessary. I think the story was quite solid as it was and had everything just resolved quietly with some people out of the picture, it would have been best. I felt like I was watching a soap opera ending unfold. Add into this mix a somewhat cliche revelation and I was left with a lot of meh feelings.
Now all that aside, a 3 star rating means I did enjoy the book, because I did. While it didn't wow me, it was still a satisfying conclusion. I'd gladly recommend it for readers that want something a little different in their romance because this is definitely that. It's poignantly written and it's certainly not a story I'll soon be forgetting.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
May 3, 2016
4.5-5 STARS
Lately I have read many great books and one of them is Never Let You Go!This series has an interesting and unique plot that captivate me from the first book!And I was so intrigued to see how this story will continue and what will happen with Will and Katie.
There are twists in this story that I didn't see them coming and I love the conclusion of this story.Never Let You Go is an emotional,sweet and beautiful story.
Ethan and Katie are so sweet and cute together.No one can deny that these two have a strong bond.They drown to each other more and more.And even though they have their issues and the others believe that they shouldn't be together they can't stop seeing each other.I feel sorry for Will.He is such a great guy,I like him from the beginning and I could understand him.And Katie such a sweetheart after what she spent now she wants to have a normal life.When these two are together they are stronger.Together they can manage everything.
I loved every part of this story and I think everyone should read it!!I highly recommend it!
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lately I have read many great books and one of them is Never Let You Go!This series has an interesting and unique plot that captivate me from the first book!And I was so intrigued to see how this story will continue and what will happen with Will and Katie.
There are twists in this story that I didn't see them coming and I love the conclusion of this story.Never Let You Go is an emotional,sweet and beautiful story.
Ethan and Katie are so sweet and cute together.No one can deny that these two have a strong bond.They drown to each other more and more.And even though they have their issues and the others believe that they shouldn't be together they can't stop seeing each other.I feel sorry for Will.He is such a great guy,I like him from the beginning and I could understand him.And Katie such a sweetheart after what she spent now she wants to have a normal life.When these two are together they are stronger.Together they can manage everything.
I loved every part of this story and I think everyone should read it!!I highly recommend it!
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ domestic fiction
Series ~ Never #2
Others in the series ~ Never Tear Us Apart
Publication date ~ May 3, 2016
Page Count ~ 351 (chapters not numbered)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 6 minutes
Narrators ~ Erin Spencer, Andrew Eiden
POV ~ multiple 1st, single 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ now & then, second chance, some steamage
Ethan/Will & Katherine/Katie’s story continues and concludes in this book. Can Katherine find peace with Ethan’s secret and let her heart lead the way?
We hear from Aaron, Ethan’s dad, who is also Katherine's kidnapper. As you can probably guess he’s a sick individual.
Lisa, the reporter, has a chapter told in the 3rd. She doesn’t come off very likable.
This duet is an emotional journey full of heartbreak and forgiveness with a perfect ending.
Series notes:
Definitely not a standalone. Must read Never Tear Us Apart first as this is the conclusion of the story.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ domestic fiction
Series ~ Never #2
Others in the series ~ Never Tear Us Apart
Publication date ~ May 3, 2016
Page Count ~ 351 (chapters not numbered)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 6 minutes
Narrators ~ Erin Spencer, Andrew Eiden
POV ~ multiple 1st, single 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ now & then, second chance, some steamage
Ethan/Will & Katherine/Katie’s story continues and concludes in this book. Can Katherine find peace with Ethan’s secret and let her heart lead the way?
We hear from Aaron, Ethan’s dad, who is also Katherine's kidnapper. As you can probably guess he’s a sick individual.
Lisa, the reporter, has a chapter told in the 3rd. She doesn’t come off very likable.
This duet is an emotional journey full of heartbreak and forgiveness with a perfect ending.
Series notes:
Definitely not a standalone. Must read Never Tear Us Apart first as this is the conclusion of the story.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
May 3, 2016
Oh how I needed this ending! I seriously fell in love with Will and Katie in Never Tear Us Apart. Their story completely broke my heart and I was dying to see how this conclusion would go.
Katie and Will really began to fall in love in Never Tear Us Apart, but ended on a cliffy with us all dying for that HEA. This story showed us how difficult that would be for them. With Aaron, Will’s father’s interview, things just get more complicated and they both have a lot of baggage.
Murphy truly took us on a journey of a real HEA, not a here is a nice bow and it’s done HEA. Will and Katie have to truly overcome so many things. Will is Katie’s hero, the guy who saved her life, but he is also her captor’s son. So regardless there are speed bumps and a lot of naysayers, including her family. Katie and Will’s connection was undeniable and their love unconditional.
I loved seeing Will and Katie fall more in love and overcoming their past. I didn’t expect this story to take the direction it did, but I can say I was completely captivated. I also think it was good for Katie, it gave her real closure. This duet delivers on the feels and has you cheering for Will and Kaite. The cliffy about killed me before, but now that both are out I absolutely recommend jumping in!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Teasers created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.
May 28, 2016
Will and Katie continue their story in this book. They are unable to resist the pull to be together. The media is trying to tear them apart with Aaron, Will's father, influencing where he can. Trouble is brewing and Will and Katie have no clue what's coming for them. The plot was interesting. The story settled me a little more into their relationship. I was struggling a bit with how obsessive Will was portrayed but enjoyed how it smoothed out a bit. The relationships were dynamic and I saw growth not only in our main characters but side characters as well. I was seriously pissed off at Lisa even though she seemed to have gotten a clue at some point that things were off. The story touches very sensitive subjects and it's done in a powerfully emotional way. Will ended up winning my heart in the end. Safety: No OW/OM/Sharing. They use condoms except one time. There is rape/abuse in the past.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2016
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
I loved Never Tear Us Apart
What I thought
Even though this book isn’t as good as the first it still deserves 5 stars. This book proves you can overcome anything with love. This is the story of two people who shouldn’t belong together, but they do. It was gripping and emotional, I was captivated and I loved every minute of it. After all these characters have been through it was nice to see their journey to HEA. Overall an amazing read!
Why this book?
I loved Never Tear Us Apart
What I thought
Even though this book isn’t as good as the first it still deserves 5 stars. This book proves you can overcome anything with love. This is the story of two people who shouldn’t belong together, but they do. It was gripping and emotional, I was captivated and I loved every minute of it. After all these characters have been through it was nice to see their journey to HEA. Overall an amazing read!
May 24, 2016
4 ★'s
Will and Katie's story really tugged at my heart strings and kept me wondering if their relationship would actually have a chance. Things get set up really well in the first book with us finding out that Katie was kidnapped and raped by Will's Dad and Will saved her. Years later, they reconnect but there's a secret, of course.
The secret comes out at the end of the first book so now we get to find out if it's make or break time. I was really pulling for them even though at times it seemed that Will was using the relationship as a bit of a crutch.
I just LOVED when they get their dog, Molly. She was just so sweet and it was great what she provided for both of them. However, I was so sad about what happened even though it seems like things worked out.
The breakthroughs with Katie's family were wonderful. Her sister was a bit of a pain but it was somewhat understandable.
Lisa, the reporter, who's been hounding both Will and Katie definitely gets her due...shockingly so. I was not expecting that!
Naturally there's the big climax at the end. It did surprise me where it ended up but it was the perfect place. I loved how strong both Will and Katie have become but especially Katie.
And that epilogue? it was exactly right.
Will and Katie's story really tugged at my heart strings and kept me wondering if their relationship would actually have a chance. Things get set up really well in the first book with us finding out that Katie was kidnapped and raped by Will's Dad and Will saved her. Years later, they reconnect but there's a secret, of course.
The secret comes out at the end of the first book so now we get to find out if it's make or break time. I was really pulling for them even though at times it seemed that Will was using the relationship as a bit of a crutch.
I just LOVED when they get their dog, Molly. She was just so sweet and it was great what she provided for both of them. However, I was so sad about what happened even though it seems like things worked out.
The breakthroughs with Katie's family were wonderful. Her sister was a bit of a pain but it was somewhat understandable.
Lisa, the reporter, who's been hounding both Will and Katie definitely gets her due...shockingly so. I was not expecting that!
Naturally there's the big climax at the end. It did surprise me where it ended up but it was the perfect place. I loved how strong both Will and Katie have become but especially Katie.
And that epilogue? it was exactly right.
May 11, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Before you begin Never Let You Go, you must read Never Tear Us Apart first since this book is the final conclusion to the story of Ethan/Will and Katie’s story. I never thought I could be addicted to a love story that was so consuming, poignant, heartbreaking, and utterly raw till I read the forbidden love of Ethan/Will and Katie.
“I meet his gaze for the briefest moment and I can feel him. Feel his presence, his strengths, his weaknesses, but most of all I feel his unequivocal yearning reaching toward me. The yearning he feels for me. For this. For us.”
Monica Murphy wrote not just an ordinary love story but she wrote a love story that strips you naked and leaves you feeling raw, vulnerable and exposed. This love story didn’t begin like any typical romance where boy meets girl and falls in love. No this is a story where two young individuals met because of a monster. A monster that will tie and bond the lives of Will and Katie in such a profound way. It is a story that is gritty, raw, and poignant. It is a story of devastation. A story where life and innocence is stolen. Ripped away. A story where a victim/survivor faces her past, fears, and the unknown of what lies ahead of her. A story where an unlikely hero is her salvation. A story where the hero doesn't feel like a hero. A story of conflict. A story where right and wrong is blurred. A story where two lives intersect. Two souls mingling. Two hearts beating as one. A connection made. A story where light is overshadowed by remnants of darkness. And most importantly a story of love, redemption and second chances.
In this utterly devastatingly beautiful tale of innocence, loss, sadness, redemption, hope and second chances, Monica Murphy continues to douse her readers with an onslaught of emotions. Ms. Murphy leaves no stone unturned as holds you hostage as readers awaits what will happen to the story of Ethan/Will and Katie.
“I’m in love with you, Katie. Not just because we share a connection from our past, but because I think you’re an amazing, thoughtful, giving woman. And I want to be a better man for you. I want to earn back your trust, I want to ensure your safety, but more than anything, I want you in my life. I need you.”
As Katie learns of the truth of who really Ethan is, she is devastated that man she longed and cared for is the same person. Her Will. They say the truth will set you free but in the case for Katie, the truth hurts. How can you fall in love with the son of the man who abducted, raped and abused you?
“All I want is you. The real you.”
Katie is well aware of what her family thinks of her relationship with Will. As much as she tries to stay away and forget Will, a part of her needs him in her life. He is embedded in her heart, soul and mind in more ways than one. And for Will/Ethan, Katie has always been the one. The one girl who stole his heart. The one he loves and wishes to protect. How can two broken people love? The answer is simple….their love heals.
In the eyes of the public, we can easily judge and say that their relationship is wrong but if you really look deep down their love is just as meaningful as to any two people falling in love. Never Let You Go is a story that consumes you right from the start. It allows you to really SEE in the eyes of Katie and Will of what their love means to them. Their love is like air. They need each other in order to survive and have purpose. Their love is healing because together they know what it means to truly live in hell and survive. And most importantly their love is hope. Hope that new beginnings is awaiting for them in the horizons.
“Raining kisses all over my skin, his fingers between my legs, spreading my thighs, pushing himself inside me, his mouth fused with mine as he rocks into me, again and again, until I’m lost. Lost in the feeling, lost in him. Ethan. Will. The boy of my past. The man of my future. The one I can never, ever let go.”
While a big portion of this book is the inner struggle and emotional bond of Katie and Will trying to define their relationship, Monica Murphy adds layers of grittiness and conflict to the story as she integrates factors of the public, media, and Aaron Monroe into the storyline. So can Will and Katie find a way to make their relationship work and never let each other go? Or will their past define them and tear them apart?
“Fate pushed us together. To lose each other again would only tempt fate to tear us apart. And I don’t want to tempt fate.”
Never Let You Go is an unforgettable story that will make you FEEL the heartbreak, the conflict, the loss, the devastation, the love and hope that binds Katie and Will. It is a story where you are hypnotized by Monica Murphy's delicate and raw prose. The writing was phenomenal as Ms. Murphy strips her readers naked as she exposes the vulnerable nature of Katie and Ethan/Will. She allows readers to be given a glimpse of what it truly means to have your heart and life exposed for the public to scrutinize. The love that Katie and Will have for one another cannot just be summed up or explained with just words. This bond that they have must be felt. And so Monica Murphy allows her readers to really FEEL for Katie and Will and not judge them for this intense connection and tangible bond they have for one another. Their relationship may be looked down upon but who are we to judge and deny love. So if you are looking for a book that will steal your heart, hold you hostage and leave you with a sense of hope, peace, love and second chances, then I highly recommend you to read Never Let You Go.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Monica Murphy
Before you begin Never Let You Go, you must read Never Tear Us Apart first since this book is the final conclusion to the story of Ethan/Will and Katie’s story. I never thought I could be addicted to a love story that was so consuming, poignant, heartbreaking, and utterly raw till I read the forbidden love of Ethan/Will and Katie.
“I meet his gaze for the briefest moment and I can feel him. Feel his presence, his strengths, his weaknesses, but most of all I feel his unequivocal yearning reaching toward me. The yearning he feels for me. For this. For us.”Monica Murphy wrote not just an ordinary love story but she wrote a love story that strips you naked and leaves you feeling raw, vulnerable and exposed. This love story didn’t begin like any typical romance where boy meets girl and falls in love. No this is a story where two young individuals met because of a monster. A monster that will tie and bond the lives of Will and Katie in such a profound way. It is a story that is gritty, raw, and poignant. It is a story of devastation. A story where life and innocence is stolen. Ripped away. A story where a victim/survivor faces her past, fears, and the unknown of what lies ahead of her. A story where an unlikely hero is her salvation. A story where the hero doesn't feel like a hero. A story of conflict. A story where right and wrong is blurred. A story where two lives intersect. Two souls mingling. Two hearts beating as one. A connection made. A story where light is overshadowed by remnants of darkness. And most importantly a story of love, redemption and second chances.
In this utterly devastatingly beautiful tale of innocence, loss, sadness, redemption, hope and second chances, Monica Murphy continues to douse her readers with an onslaught of emotions. Ms. Murphy leaves no stone unturned as holds you hostage as readers awaits what will happen to the story of Ethan/Will and Katie.
“I’m in love with you, Katie. Not just because we share a connection from our past, but because I think you’re an amazing, thoughtful, giving woman. And I want to be a better man for you. I want to earn back your trust, I want to ensure your safety, but more than anything, I want you in my life. I need you.”As Katie learns of the truth of who really Ethan is, she is devastated that man she longed and cared for is the same person. Her Will. They say the truth will set you free but in the case for Katie, the truth hurts. How can you fall in love with the son of the man who abducted, raped and abused you?
“All I want is you. The real you.”Katie is well aware of what her family thinks of her relationship with Will. As much as she tries to stay away and forget Will, a part of her needs him in her life. He is embedded in her heart, soul and mind in more ways than one. And for Will/Ethan, Katie has always been the one. The one girl who stole his heart. The one he loves and wishes to protect. How can two broken people love? The answer is simple….their love heals.
In the eyes of the public, we can easily judge and say that their relationship is wrong but if you really look deep down their love is just as meaningful as to any two people falling in love. Never Let You Go is a story that consumes you right from the start. It allows you to really SEE in the eyes of Katie and Will of what their love means to them. Their love is like air. They need each other in order to survive and have purpose. Their love is healing because together they know what it means to truly live in hell and survive. And most importantly their love is hope. Hope that new beginnings is awaiting for them in the horizons.
“Raining kisses all over my skin, his fingers between my legs, spreading my thighs, pushing himself inside me, his mouth fused with mine as he rocks into me, again and again, until I’m lost. Lost in the feeling, lost in him. Ethan. Will. The boy of my past. The man of my future. The one I can never, ever let go.”While a big portion of this book is the inner struggle and emotional bond of Katie and Will trying to define their relationship, Monica Murphy adds layers of grittiness and conflict to the story as she integrates factors of the public, media, and Aaron Monroe into the storyline. So can Will and Katie find a way to make their relationship work and never let each other go? Or will their past define them and tear them apart?
“Fate pushed us together. To lose each other again would only tempt fate to tear us apart. And I don’t want to tempt fate.”Never Let You Go is an unforgettable story that will make you FEEL the heartbreak, the conflict, the loss, the devastation, the love and hope that binds Katie and Will. It is a story where you are hypnotized by Monica Murphy's delicate and raw prose. The writing was phenomenal as Ms. Murphy strips her readers naked as she exposes the vulnerable nature of Katie and Ethan/Will. She allows readers to be given a glimpse of what it truly means to have your heart and life exposed for the public to scrutinize. The love that Katie and Will have for one another cannot just be summed up or explained with just words. This bond that they have must be felt. And so Monica Murphy allows her readers to really FEEL for Katie and Will and not judge them for this intense connection and tangible bond they have for one another. Their relationship may be looked down upon but who are we to judge and deny love. So if you are looking for a book that will steal your heart, hold you hostage and leave you with a sense of hope, peace, love and second chances, then I highly recommend you to read Never Let You Go.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Monica Murphy
May 2, 2016
4 Healing Stars
Never Let you Go is the second book in the Never Tear us Apart series. If you were like me, you probably wanted to through Never Tear us Apart at the wall when you finished. The ending came out of the blue and I was in complete shock. Suffice it to say, I waited a long time for never Let you Go.
Never Let You Go begins where Never Tear us Apart ended. If I could describe this book in one word it would be “healing”. I feel like Ethan and Katie are so battered, torn and messed-up that I really this story to be about moving forward, healing and forgiveness.
When Katie realizes Ethan is really Will, you can only imagine how she reacted. Katie left Will and its three weeks later. Will hasn’t really contacted her and both are kind of stuck in this painful / loss state. I felt for Will, my heart ached for him and I completely agreed with his actions. I also felt for Katie and I ached for her and I completely agreed with her actions. So what is the next step?
Remember the hounding reporting Lisa? Well, she’s plays a bigger role in this book and let’s just say her character is upped a notched. I was really annoyed and frustrated with Lisa’s character because I knew Will’s father was the “villain” of the book, but I felt like Lisa was playing into that role too. She created a little angst and tension in the book.
She also made it difficult for Will and Katie to purse a relationship. The other thing that surprised me in this story is Will’s father POV. Yup, you get it and it wasn’t as hard to read as I thought it would be. I actually liked his side of the story. Call me crazy, but I love reading the villain’s POV of the book.
Katie and Will do not separate long in the book, no, they don’t immediately reconcile, but there’s not a huge length of the book where they don’t interact. In fact, they interact from page one and I love that. I love that Katie is hurt and Will is hurt and both are trying to move past it. Their relationship is sad, but beautiful.
You do get some flashbacks, but not as much as the first book because you know everything, but it’s nice to get insight, especially on Will’s POV. I loved reading about his past and again, like I said, you ache for him.
It’s a really unique and beautiful story. The first book had my heart racing and this one had my heart aching. It’s the concluding story you do not want to miss out on.
An ARC was provided
Never Tear us Apart REVIEW | AMAZON
Never Let You Go AMAZON
Never Let you Go is the second book in the Never Tear us Apart series. If you were like me, you probably wanted to through Never Tear us Apart at the wall when you finished. The ending came out of the blue and I was in complete shock. Suffice it to say, I waited a long time for never Let you Go.
Never Let You Go begins where Never Tear us Apart ended. If I could describe this book in one word it would be “healing”. I feel like Ethan and Katie are so battered, torn and messed-up that I really this story to be about moving forward, healing and forgiveness.
When Katie realizes Ethan is really Will, you can only imagine how she reacted. Katie left Will and its three weeks later. Will hasn’t really contacted her and both are kind of stuck in this painful / loss state. I felt for Will, my heart ached for him and I completely agreed with his actions. I also felt for Katie and I ached for her and I completely agreed with her actions. So what is the next step?
“I know we can’t be together. It will never work out for us, Katie. I realize that. But for that tiny amount of time that we were together and happy, it was the best time of my life”
Remember the hounding reporting Lisa? Well, she’s plays a bigger role in this book and let’s just say her character is upped a notched. I was really annoyed and frustrated with Lisa’s character because I knew Will’s father was the “villain” of the book, but I felt like Lisa was playing into that role too. She created a little angst and tension in the book.
She also made it difficult for Will and Katie to purse a relationship. The other thing that surprised me in this story is Will’s father POV. Yup, you get it and it wasn’t as hard to read as I thought it would be. I actually liked his side of the story. Call me crazy, but I love reading the villain’s POV of the book.
Katie and Will do not separate long in the book, no, they don’t immediately reconcile, but there’s not a huge length of the book where they don’t interact. In fact, they interact from page one and I love that. I love that Katie is hurt and Will is hurt and both are trying to move past it. Their relationship is sad, but beautiful.
“I’ll take whatever scrapes you want to give me, though deep down, it’ll never be enough”
“Never will ruin us. I will never let you go, Katie. Ever. It’s like you’re embedded in my very soul”
You do get some flashbacks, but not as much as the first book because you know everything, but it’s nice to get insight, especially on Will’s POV. I loved reading about his past and again, like I said, you ache for him.
It’s a really unique and beautiful story. The first book had my heart racing and this one had my heart aching. It’s the concluding story you do not want to miss out on.
An ARC was provided
Never Tear us Apart REVIEW | AMAZON
Never Let You Go AMAZON
May 25, 2018
Never Let You Go cierra la bilogia titulada Never escrita por la autora Monica Murphy y continua narrando la historia de amor entre Will ( Ethan ) y Katie.
Reconozco que inicie esta pequeña saga por quien era su autora, Monica Murphy me habia hecho pasar muy buenos ratos con sus libros, por lo que no pense demasiado antes de comenzar esta bilogia.
Esta segunda parte es mas sencilla de leer, digo sencilla porque el primer libro tiene determinadas escenas que me costo horrores leer, no solo porque lo que narran es desgarrador y cruel sino tambien porque la escritora tiene una forma tan realista y triste de contarlo que me daban escalofrios, en cambio esta continuacion es un poco mas alegre y con menos carga emocional.
Pese a no tener pocos capitulos ( 65, en concreto ) es una novela que se lee a un ritmo muy fluido, principalmente porque la historia resulta muy amena de leer y porque los capitulos no son demasiado largos, sobra decir que la autora me asombro con su forma de meterse en la mente del villano, realmente es impresionante como consigue transmitirte esos pensamientos malvados y enfermos cuando el capitulo era narrado por Aaron.
En resumen, Never Let You Go me gusto un poquito mas que su antecesora, en parte por no tener tanto drama y tambien porque el final de Will ( Ethan ) y Katie fue muy dulce y tierno.
3 Estrellas!
April 30, 2016
4.5 "Lovers Forged by Tragedy" Stars!
Two victims. A love forged out of tragedy. A connection that could never be denied. Now if only the outside world could just agree and leave them alone. But is that ever truly a possibility?
Please note that Never Let You Go is the conclusion to the story that began in the Never Tear Us Apart, so this series must be read in chronological order. The below review contains spoilers for the first book. If you haven't yet read Never Tear Us Apart, please see my review for that title.
Never Let You Go picks up where Never Tear Us Apart leaves off. Katie has just found out the big secret that her boyfriend, Ethan, the man she believed to have been falling in love with, is actually Will, the boy who saved her all those years ago from the brutal and savage man (Will's father) who abducted and repeatedly raped her when she was only 12 years old. He would have killed her too, but for Will.
Though she always thought of Will as her savior, and still believes that she owes her life to him, she feels betrayed even worse than before. She trusted Will and the man she felt a renewed sense of safety with, Ethan. The fact that they are one in the same, and she never suspected it, only causes her to question her own already fragile state of mind following years of counseling to recover from the horrific kidnapping. Was Will just playing with her this entire time?
Will, who now refuses to be called by that name, has formed his own new identity and longs to just leave the old one behind. Even though he saved her, and he was victimized by the same man, his father, society never seemed to accept his innocence, instead longing for the next big juicy gossip filled story.
As if contending with the press, including one very determined, overzealous reporter, Lisa, who is determined to get to the "real story" in a live interview, and a society who sees them as wrong is not enough, Katie must also fend off her own feelings of doubt and her family's insistence that they will disown her if she continues any sort of relationship with Will.
Can there possibly be a HEA in the cards for a couple under such large odds?
I will say that the only reason I didn't give this book a 5 star rating, is because Aaron (Will's father), who now is sitting on death row (not just for what he did to Katie, but also because of other little girls he murdered) also plays a part in this book. In fact a few of the chapters are written from Aaron's warped point of view. While the ever present danger of the clearly insane Aaron provided some heightened sense of suspense to the book, the way the plot evolved around his character at the end of the book, was just a little too unbelievable for me to accept.
Nonetheless, I view this as primarily being a story about Will and Katie, and in that respect the connection between these two lost souls--and the fact that they seem to be the only two people in the world who truly understand each other--really resonated with me. This tie, and the way Ms. Murphy wrote this aspect of the story, kept me glued to my Kindle and rooting for them to surge on and hopefully persevere over all the doubts and other obstacles to find their HEA.
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Two victims. A love forged out of tragedy. A connection that could never be denied. Now if only the outside world could just agree and leave them alone. But is that ever truly a possibility?
Please note that Never Let You Go is the conclusion to the story that began in the Never Tear Us Apart, so this series must be read in chronological order. The below review contains spoilers for the first book. If you haven't yet read Never Tear Us Apart, please see my review for that title.
Never Let You Go picks up where Never Tear Us Apart leaves off. Katie has just found out the big secret that her boyfriend, Ethan, the man she believed to have been falling in love with, is actually Will, the boy who saved her all those years ago from the brutal and savage man (Will's father) who abducted and repeatedly raped her when she was only 12 years old. He would have killed her too, but for Will.
Though she always thought of Will as her savior, and still believes that she owes her life to him, she feels betrayed even worse than before. She trusted Will and the man she felt a renewed sense of safety with, Ethan. The fact that they are one in the same, and she never suspected it, only causes her to question her own already fragile state of mind following years of counseling to recover from the horrific kidnapping. Was Will just playing with her this entire time?
Will, who now refuses to be called by that name, has formed his own new identity and longs to just leave the old one behind. Even though he saved her, and he was victimized by the same man, his father, society never seemed to accept his innocence, instead longing for the next big juicy gossip filled story.
As if contending with the press, including one very determined, overzealous reporter, Lisa, who is determined to get to the "real story" in a live interview, and a society who sees them as wrong is not enough, Katie must also fend off her own feelings of doubt and her family's insistence that they will disown her if she continues any sort of relationship with Will.
Can there possibly be a HEA in the cards for a couple under such large odds?
I will say that the only reason I didn't give this book a 5 star rating, is because Aaron (Will's father), who now is sitting on death row (not just for what he did to Katie, but also because of other little girls he murdered) also plays a part in this book. In fact a few of the chapters are written from Aaron's warped point of view. While the ever present danger of the clearly insane Aaron provided some heightened sense of suspense to the book, the way the plot evolved around his character at the end of the book, was just a little too unbelievable for me to accept.
Nonetheless, I view this as primarily being a story about Will and Katie, and in that respect the connection between these two lost souls--and the fact that they seem to be the only two people in the world who truly understand each other--really resonated with me. This tie, and the way Ms. Murphy wrote this aspect of the story, kept me glued to my Kindle and rooting for them to surge on and hopefully persevere over all the doubts and other obstacles to find their HEA.
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2016
I can't wait until May 3rd!!!! I need this book NOW!
February 26, 2016
Review: Surj
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Bloomin' hell, this is one of those reviews I've started over and over again and of course, deleted over and over too. I'm so torn it's untrue because in one breath, I can honestly say, I did get the story I wanted for Katie and Will. No it wasn't straight forward and yes it was full to brim with angst and heart ache but it was absolutely the right story for this couple. However, in the next breath, there just seemed to be so much extra drama that at times overshadowed this couple's rocky road to a fairytale ending. For me, there was too much that was unnecessary and at times, what was unfolding before me just appeared too unbelievable and not particularly realistic.
Equally, there were certain elements to the story that I couldn't wait to read and for which the lead up really had my nerves in tatters. I couldn't wait to see the characters reactions as certain parts of the story came to light because I knew the possible impact could be dire for Katie and / or Will. However, just as I was getting to the juicy bits, just as I'd psyched myself up for the possibilities that lay ahead, I found that whole scenes had been skipped and instead the author chose to go over the details retrospectively. Unfortunately, by doing this, a whole ton of emotion and feeling was removed from what I felt were crucial scenes. To say I was disheartened is an understatement.
Will and Katie are characters I adored, each of them showing such strength yet each displaying a vulnerability that made me want to wrap them up in cotton wool. Equally I loved Sheila's character. She was such a straight talker and I loved Katie's sessions with her. Brenna drove me crazy. Part of me understood her and where she was coming from but the other part wanted to shake her and tell her to get a grip. There were times I really did have to force myself to take a step back and look at things impartially. The events that took place many years ago didn't just affect Katie and Will. There was a ripple effect that would be felt for many years to come.
So yup, enough of my rambling. All in all, parts of "Never let you Go" were brilliant. Parts were okay. There were parts that were unnecessary and there were definitely parts that just weren't given the attention they deserved (in my personal opinion of course).
So how did I rate this conclusion to Katie and Will's story? ❤️❤️❤️
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Bloomin' hell, this is one of those reviews I've started over and over again and of course, deleted over and over too. I'm so torn it's untrue because in one breath, I can honestly say, I did get the story I wanted for Katie and Will. No it wasn't straight forward and yes it was full to brim with angst and heart ache but it was absolutely the right story for this couple. However, in the next breath, there just seemed to be so much extra drama that at times overshadowed this couple's rocky road to a fairytale ending. For me, there was too much that was unnecessary and at times, what was unfolding before me just appeared too unbelievable and not particularly realistic.
I thought my father knew how to pack a punch, saying just the right thing to make me internally bleed. a few choice words from Katie and I feel like I'm near fucking death.I wanted the focus of "Never let you Go" to be about Katie and Will and them trying to move forward both as individuals and as a couple (if that was ever going to be possible with everything each of them had been through). The bond this couple shared had been born from something so horrific and tragic that I could only pray, good would eventually prevail for the pair. They had a lot to overcome, not least the secrets, lies and deceit that had been revealed at the end of book one so there was absolutely plenty to get my teeth stuck into and enough to ensure my emotions were given a thorough working over. Woo hoo!!! So yup I got all of that. But then I suddenly got a POV I wasn't expecting. Did I want it? No. Do I feel the book needed it? No. It took the focus off what was important and instead gave the lime light to a sub plot that unfortunately had my eyes rolling when it came to the ending.
My Will. The boy who saved me, who never gave up on me, until one day he just... did.
Equally, there were certain elements to the story that I couldn't wait to read and for which the lead up really had my nerves in tatters. I couldn't wait to see the characters reactions as certain parts of the story came to light because I knew the possible impact could be dire for Katie and / or Will. However, just as I was getting to the juicy bits, just as I'd psyched myself up for the possibilities that lay ahead, I found that whole scenes had been skipped and instead the author chose to go over the details retrospectively. Unfortunately, by doing this, a whole ton of emotion and feeling was removed from what I felt were crucial scenes. To say I was disheartened is an understatement.
Will and Katie are characters I adored, each of them showing such strength yet each displaying a vulnerability that made me want to wrap them up in cotton wool. Equally I loved Sheila's character. She was such a straight talker and I loved Katie's sessions with her. Brenna drove me crazy. Part of me understood her and where she was coming from but the other part wanted to shake her and tell her to get a grip. There were times I really did have to force myself to take a step back and look at things impartially. The events that took place many years ago didn't just affect Katie and Will. There was a ripple effect that would be felt for many years to come.
He gave me light, when all I'd ever felt was darkness.
So yup, enough of my rambling. All in all, parts of "Never let you Go" were brilliant. Parts were okay. There were parts that were unnecessary and there were definitely parts that just weren't given the attention they deserved (in my personal opinion of course).
So how did I rate this conclusion to Katie and Will's story? ❤️❤️❤️
July 28, 2016
I really, really wanted to like this book, the story itself was amazing. But the repetition was too much.
April 28, 2016
3 -
We’re victims of our own circumstances...
Stars.
What started as a heart-breakingly emotional and focused, almost brutally at times, love story between the most unlikely couple, considering the background of their initial meeting in the first book, sadly develops into a bit of a soap opera for me in this the final part of their story.
I cry for what I’ve lost. I cry for what I’ve found.
I know I am in the minority with my feelings on this one but I just found the completely Ill-advised TV interviews, asshole reporters, familial drama, and so many unnecessary side plots added around the relationship rebuilding between Katie and Will/Ethan, too much. So much so that that aspect of their story almost became a secondary factor at points. It is such a shame, as Never Tear Us Apart in my opinion is probably one of the best books that Monica Murphy has written, and the ending to that book left me hoping that Never Let You Go would be as emotive and heart-wrenching as it was.
He gave me light, when all I felt was darkness.
Katie and Will together were up and down like a roller-coaster which was a lot like the first book, but it was for relevant reasons then and it didn’t feel that way for a lot of the issues they went through this time.
We can come together so beautifully and less than twenty-four hours later, it completely falls apart.
But pretty much every falling out they then have is due to lack of communication, or one or the other of them listening to other people’s opinions or interference. For someone so wary of everything and everyone in the first book Katie almost about faced in Never Let You Go and went head first into what felt like one stupid decision after another, often dragging a reluctant Will/Ethan along behind her, to try and pick up the pieces and repair the damage done.
"Your pain is my pain."
The last 20%... I can’t lie I am disappointed that the author took the route she did to bring this couple to their happily ever after, the only word that I can come up with is cliché, it felt like I was reading the script of a made-for-TV movie.
We can’t control the monsters.
For all my issues, I did still in the main enjoy most of the book, I have high expectations of Monica, after the first book, maybe they were unreasonable. I don’t know, I just don’t think the route that was taken was in keeping with the gritty, dark, sometimes upsetting Never Tear Us Apart but for all its darker points the author managed to bring light to the story with the relationship aspect between Katie and Ethan. Now back mainly as Will in Never Let You Go the book just didn’t have the impact, or take the direction I was expecting.
I made it.
I survived.
I am a huge fan of this authors work, I wish I had loved this book as much as I did its predecessor; sadly it was not to be on this occasion. As I said I am in the minority, and I am sure that will be the case the more people read the book.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
What started as a heart-breakingly emotional and focused, almost brutally at times, love story between the most unlikely couple, considering the background of their initial meeting in the first book, sadly develops into a bit of a soap opera for me in this the final part of their story.
I cry for what I’ve lost. I cry for what I’ve found.
I know I am in the minority with my feelings on this one but I just found the completely Ill-advised TV interviews, asshole reporters, familial drama, and so many unnecessary side plots added around the relationship rebuilding between Katie and Will/Ethan, too much. So much so that that aspect of their story almost became a secondary factor at points. It is such a shame, as Never Tear Us Apart in my opinion is probably one of the best books that Monica Murphy has written, and the ending to that book left me hoping that Never Let You Go would be as emotive and heart-wrenching as it was.
He gave me light, when all I felt was darkness.
Katie and Will together were up and down like a roller-coaster which was a lot like the first book, but it was for relevant reasons then and it didn’t feel that way for a lot of the issues they went through this time.
We can come together so beautifully and less than twenty-four hours later, it completely falls apart.
But pretty much every falling out they then have is due to lack of communication, or one or the other of them listening to other people’s opinions or interference. For someone so wary of everything and everyone in the first book Katie almost about faced in Never Let You Go and went head first into what felt like one stupid decision after another, often dragging a reluctant Will/Ethan along behind her, to try and pick up the pieces and repair the damage done.
"Your pain is my pain."
The last 20%... I can’t lie I am disappointed that the author took the route she did to bring this couple to their happily ever after, the only word that I can come up with is cliché, it felt like I was reading the script of a made-for-TV movie.
We can’t control the monsters.
For all my issues, I did still in the main enjoy most of the book, I have high expectations of Monica, after the first book, maybe they were unreasonable. I don’t know, I just don’t think the route that was taken was in keeping with the gritty, dark, sometimes upsetting Never Tear Us Apart but for all its darker points the author managed to bring light to the story with the relationship aspect between Katie and Ethan. Now back mainly as Will in Never Let You Go the book just didn’t have the impact, or take the direction I was expecting.
I made it.
I survived.
I am a huge fan of this authors work, I wish I had loved this book as much as I did its predecessor; sadly it was not to be on this occasion. As I said I am in the minority, and I am sure that will be the case the more people read the book.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
April 28, 2016
When it comes to Forbidden Love, this is a book that you need to check out. The second of a two-part series, Never Let You Go is an emotional read that you have to be prepared for.
I never read the first installment, Never Tear Us Apart, but even so I was able to follow the story perfectly just by reading the second book. The author does a wonderful job tying in the past book and following the storyline completely through so you are not lost.
This book has some creepiness factor to it and there are several places where you find yourself holding your breath even though you know what's going to happen. The author delves into a story that in all accounts is one that could be hard to understand. I can see where family issues can abound but these kids stick it out and cling to each other for the only stability that they know in life today.
There are some parts that I had to shake my head at, especially when they were dealing with the media. Plus there was a lot of repetition in thoughts and feelings; internal dialog that seemed extraneous. I would have loved a bit more suspense in the plot to round it out as we pretty much knew what was going to happen.
While I think you should probably read book number one first, Never Let You Go is an emotional story that definitely gives you the feels and gives you the Happy Ever After that we deserve.
I never read the first installment, Never Tear Us Apart, but even so I was able to follow the story perfectly just by reading the second book. The author does a wonderful job tying in the past book and following the storyline completely through so you are not lost.
This book has some creepiness factor to it and there are several places where you find yourself holding your breath even though you know what's going to happen. The author delves into a story that in all accounts is one that could be hard to understand. I can see where family issues can abound but these kids stick it out and cling to each other for the only stability that they know in life today.
There are some parts that I had to shake my head at, especially when they were dealing with the media. Plus there was a lot of repetition in thoughts and feelings; internal dialog that seemed extraneous. I would have loved a bit more suspense in the plot to round it out as we pretty much knew what was going to happen.
While I think you should probably read book number one first, Never Let You Go is an emotional story that definitely gives you the feels and gives you the Happy Ever After that we deserve.
May 22, 2017
2.5 stars
I'll be honest, I LOVE accidental pregnancy stories. I just do. I can't help it. But can we please stop with this sequence of events:
1) SEX
2) Fuck, we didn't use a condom!
3) I'm pregnant. I don't know how this happened!
Dude, see step 2 for the answer to step 3!
Also, I'm concerned about this amusement park. This Sky Glider seems like it is waaay too easy to fall out of it. It's 2016 people. Let's not kill people while they're having fun. It just ruins it for everyone else.
Another thing, I do not approve of the stalking technique of courting. It isn't sexy. I understand why you did it Will/Ethan, but I do not approve.
I'll be honest, I LOVE accidental pregnancy stories. I just do. I can't help it. But can we please stop with this sequence of events:
1) SEX
2) Fuck, we didn't use a condom!
3) I'm pregnant. I don't know how this happened!
Dude, see step 2 for the answer to step 3!
Also, I'm concerned about this amusement park. This Sky Glider seems like it is waaay too easy to fall out of it. It's 2016 people. Let's not kill people while they're having fun. It just ruins it for everyone else.
Another thing, I do not approve of the stalking technique of courting. It isn't sexy. I understand why you did it Will/Ethan, but I do not approve.
April 22, 2019
Da ich in den letzten Jahren schon immer sehr gerne die Bücher von Monica Murphy gelesen habe und dabei nur selten enttäuscht wurde, habe ich mich schon sehr auf ihre „Never“-Dilogie gefreut und hatte doch recht hohe Erwartungen, da die Kurzbeschreibung einfach sehr gut klingt. Nachdem mich der erste Band "Never Loved Before" bereits überzeugen konnte, hatte ich ähnlich hohe Erwartungen an den Abschlussband "Never Let You Go" und wurde erneut nicht enttäuscht.
Monica Murphy konnte mich auch hier mit ihrem unvergleichbaren Schreibstil wieder einmal überzeugen. Das Setting ist super, die Figuren gut ausgearbeitet, ab und zu erlebt man sarkastische und spannende Momente und auch die oftmals sehr emotionalen Augenblicke dürfen dabei natürlich auch nicht fehlen. Dazu liest sich die Geschichte wieder einmal sehr flott, sodass ich das Buch leider viel zu schnell wieder ausgelesen habe.
Die Geschichte rund um Katherine und Ethan wird weiterhin sehr emotional und behutsam erzählt und die Autorin nimmt einen mit auf eine Achterbahn der Gefühle, denn ich habe mich häufiger dabei erwischt, wie ich hier und da ein Tränchen wegblinzeln musste. Nachdem Ethans Lügen aufgedeckt wurden und Katherine sehr stark unter der Wahrheit leiden muss, wünscht man den beiden Figuren, die sich stets weiterentwickeln, immer mehr Ecken und Kanten erhalten und mir ans Herz gewachsen sind, nur das Beste.
Obwohl man letztendlich weiß, worauf die Geschichte letztendlich hinführt und die Autorin nicht mehr die allergrößten Überraschungen auspackt, wurde es dennoch nie langweilig oder allzu kitschig. Zwar wurde hier nicht gänzlich auf Klischees verzichtet, allerdings hält sich dies doch sehr im Rahmen, sodass ich letztendlich sehr mit Katherine und Ethan mitfiebern und mitfühlen konnte.
Das Cover ist nicht nur ein wunderschöner Hingucker, sondern besticht auch mit tollen Farben, die schon fast edel aussehen und somit auch gut zur Geschichte passt. Auch die Kurzbeschreibung konnte mich direkt überzeugen, sodass ich dem Buch nur allzu gerne eine Chance gegeben habe.
Kurz gesagt: „Never Let You Go“ ist ein emotionaler und würdiger Abschluss der „Never“-Dilogie und konnte mich mit interessanten Figuren und einem tollen Schreibstil überzeugen. Somit hat mich Monica Murphy wieder einmal begeistern können und ich freue mich auf viele weitere Bücher aus ihrer Feder.
Monica Murphy konnte mich auch hier mit ihrem unvergleichbaren Schreibstil wieder einmal überzeugen. Das Setting ist super, die Figuren gut ausgearbeitet, ab und zu erlebt man sarkastische und spannende Momente und auch die oftmals sehr emotionalen Augenblicke dürfen dabei natürlich auch nicht fehlen. Dazu liest sich die Geschichte wieder einmal sehr flott, sodass ich das Buch leider viel zu schnell wieder ausgelesen habe.
Die Geschichte rund um Katherine und Ethan wird weiterhin sehr emotional und behutsam erzählt und die Autorin nimmt einen mit auf eine Achterbahn der Gefühle, denn ich habe mich häufiger dabei erwischt, wie ich hier und da ein Tränchen wegblinzeln musste. Nachdem Ethans Lügen aufgedeckt wurden und Katherine sehr stark unter der Wahrheit leiden muss, wünscht man den beiden Figuren, die sich stets weiterentwickeln, immer mehr Ecken und Kanten erhalten und mir ans Herz gewachsen sind, nur das Beste.
Obwohl man letztendlich weiß, worauf die Geschichte letztendlich hinführt und die Autorin nicht mehr die allergrößten Überraschungen auspackt, wurde es dennoch nie langweilig oder allzu kitschig. Zwar wurde hier nicht gänzlich auf Klischees verzichtet, allerdings hält sich dies doch sehr im Rahmen, sodass ich letztendlich sehr mit Katherine und Ethan mitfiebern und mitfühlen konnte.
Das Cover ist nicht nur ein wunderschöner Hingucker, sondern besticht auch mit tollen Farben, die schon fast edel aussehen und somit auch gut zur Geschichte passt. Auch die Kurzbeschreibung konnte mich direkt überzeugen, sodass ich dem Buch nur allzu gerne eine Chance gegeben habe.
Kurz gesagt: „Never Let You Go“ ist ein emotionaler und würdiger Abschluss der „Never“-Dilogie und konnte mich mit interessanten Figuren und einem tollen Schreibstil überzeugen. Somit hat mich Monica Murphy wieder einmal begeistern können und ich freue mich auf viele weitere Bücher aus ihrer Feder.
May 3, 2016
Leigh's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 stars
Never Let You Go starts up where Never Tear Us Apart ended, and keeps up the same emotional roller coaster ride that made the first book in this series so wonderful.
Having felt betrayed by the discovery that Ethan was really Will, the guardian angel of a man that she needed for so long, Katie is distraught by the deception. But her feelings of anger and betrayal are only rivaled by her feelings of emptiness and sadness at the loss of the relationship she had with Will. Katie and Will/Ethan go back and forth with their need to be together and their feelings that they may not be good for one another.
To be honest, I was actually a little annoyed in the beginning of this story. I felt like these two people were putting too much stock in other’s opinions and self martyrdom that I wanted to shake them both. Katie and Ethan were good together. They helped each other heal from their past traumas and were the only other people in the world that could truly understand what the other was going through. It made sense for them to be together, and the rest of the world be damned. I was frustrated by their inability to see this clearly, and wanted them just to be happy.
Ms. Murphy told such a beautiful and heartfelt tale in Never Tear Us Apart that I wasn’t sure if the second book would meet the bar she set for herself. But in my opinion, she surpassed it. She created a story that was sweet, sad and full of hope at the same time. I genuinely wanted this couple that had been through so much to get the happiness they deserved. I felt so much anger towards the man that continued to torment their lives, and the people that exploited their relationship for their own gain.
Never Let You Go was simply beautiful. It was not the story itself, as the majority of the plot didn’t contain a lot of action or dialog or movement. Rather, it was the art of the storytelling that made it so mesmerizing. The emotions that were explored, the love that was communicated, and the beauty that came from such ugliness made this a truly fantastic story that can’t be missed.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Never Let You Go starts up where Never Tear Us Apart ended, and keeps up the same emotional roller coaster ride that made the first book in this series so wonderful.
Having felt betrayed by the discovery that Ethan was really Will, the guardian angel of a man that she needed for so long, Katie is distraught by the deception. But her feelings of anger and betrayal are only rivaled by her feelings of emptiness and sadness at the loss of the relationship she had with Will. Katie and Will/Ethan go back and forth with their need to be together and their feelings that they may not be good for one another.
To be honest, I was actually a little annoyed in the beginning of this story. I felt like these two people were putting too much stock in other’s opinions and self martyrdom that I wanted to shake them both. Katie and Ethan were good together. They helped each other heal from their past traumas and were the only other people in the world that could truly understand what the other was going through. It made sense for them to be together, and the rest of the world be damned. I was frustrated by their inability to see this clearly, and wanted them just to be happy.
Ms. Murphy told such a beautiful and heartfelt tale in Never Tear Us Apart that I wasn’t sure if the second book would meet the bar she set for herself. But in my opinion, she surpassed it. She created a story that was sweet, sad and full of hope at the same time. I genuinely wanted this couple that had been through so much to get the happiness they deserved. I felt so much anger towards the man that continued to torment their lives, and the people that exploited their relationship for their own gain.
Never Let You Go was simply beautiful. It was not the story itself, as the majority of the plot didn’t contain a lot of action or dialog or movement. Rather, it was the art of the storytelling that made it so mesmerizing. The emotions that were explored, the love that was communicated, and the beauty that came from such ugliness made this a truly fantastic story that can’t be missed.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
April 22, 2016
The unbelievably emotional conclusion to Katie and Will's story that was started in Never Tear Us Apart. This is part II and you really need to read both books in order for the whole story to make sense.
After discovering Ethan's true identity, Katie turns back to the comfort and stability of her mother and sister. It's not long though before she can no longer deny the facts. She needs Ethan/Will in her life. Moving through the mire of emotions as well as dealing with the media fascination and her family's disapproval makes rebuilding their relationship difficult but they are both determined to make it work.
This book is very well done and will have you reading late into the night. I highly recommend this two book series to everyone.
After discovering Ethan's true identity, Katie turns back to the comfort and stability of her mother and sister. It's not long though before she can no longer deny the facts. She needs Ethan/Will in her life. Moving through the mire of emotions as well as dealing with the media fascination and her family's disapproval makes rebuilding their relationship difficult but they are both determined to make it work.
This book is very well done and will have you reading late into the night. I highly recommend this two book series to everyone.
April 14, 2017
Review to come!
February 26, 2017
Monica Murphy aime torturer ses héros… et nous avec ! J'espère que vous êtes prêts à souffrir car Will et Katie ne sont pas au bout de leurs peines.
Je me suis totalement laissé captiver par cette histoire étonnante. La relation de Will et Katie est d'une grande fragilité. Ils sont tous deux intimement liés psychologiquement par le passé et physiquement dans le présent. Ils ne peuvent oublier ce qu'ils ont partagé. Ils vont devoir repartir sur de nouvelles bases mais la confiance de Katie a été quelque peu malmenée par les mensonges d’Ethan.
Katie reste une héroïne douce et craintive. Sa fragilité est d'autant plus exacerbée que Will est extrêmement protecteur. Ils se ressemblent pourtant beaucoup malgré cela. Ils se complètent et ensemble ils sentent moins le poids de leur solitude.
Vous découvrirez les obstacles qu'ils vont devoir affronter, l'apparition d'un nouveau personnage super attendrissant qui va venir combler leur solitude.
Malgré tous les obstacles, ils forment un couple très soudé alors même que tout le monde semble être contre eux. Lisa, la journaliste profite de cette fragilité pour la manipuler et, grâce à elle, du fond de sa cellule, Aaron réussit à terroriser le couple. Elle va s’avérer presque aussi machiavélique que le père de Will.
Un tome avec plus d’action et de rebondissements, mais avec toujours autant d'amour dans ce couple inattendu
Mon avis complet : http://evenusia.canalblog.com/archive...
Je me suis totalement laissé captiver par cette histoire étonnante. La relation de Will et Katie est d'une grande fragilité. Ils sont tous deux intimement liés psychologiquement par le passé et physiquement dans le présent. Ils ne peuvent oublier ce qu'ils ont partagé. Ils vont devoir repartir sur de nouvelles bases mais la confiance de Katie a été quelque peu malmenée par les mensonges d’Ethan.
Katie reste une héroïne douce et craintive. Sa fragilité est d'autant plus exacerbée que Will est extrêmement protecteur. Ils se ressemblent pourtant beaucoup malgré cela. Ils se complètent et ensemble ils sentent moins le poids de leur solitude.
Vous découvrirez les obstacles qu'ils vont devoir affronter, l'apparition d'un nouveau personnage super attendrissant qui va venir combler leur solitude.
Malgré tous les obstacles, ils forment un couple très soudé alors même que tout le monde semble être contre eux. Lisa, la journaliste profite de cette fragilité pour la manipuler et, grâce à elle, du fond de sa cellule, Aaron réussit à terroriser le couple. Elle va s’avérer presque aussi machiavélique que le père de Will.
Un tome avec plus d’action et de rebondissements, mais avec toujours autant d'amour dans ce couple inattendu
Mon avis complet : http://evenusia.canalblog.com/archive...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2018
3.5
While the first book in the Never series had me hurting all over for Katie's nightmare and her struggling back into life, this book had me book hurting all over Will.
I hated how everyone was judging and questioning him for everything his father did. I felt so sorry for him and really hated some people in this book.
I think the relationship of Katie and Will was developing very believable, both still struggling from their fears and at the same time trying to lead a normal life.
The ending was a bit too much and overly cheesy for my taste. The showdown was kind of predicatable as well.
I did enjoy reading these two books, even though they are really heart-breaking at times.
While the first book in the Never series had me hurting all over for Katie's nightmare and her struggling back into life, this book had me book hurting all over Will.
I hated how everyone was judging and questioning him for everything his father did. I felt so sorry for him and really hated some people in this book.
I think the relationship of Katie and Will was developing very believable, both still struggling from their fears and at the same time trying to lead a normal life.
The ending was a bit too much and overly cheesy for my taste. The showdown was kind of predicatable as well.
I did enjoy reading these two books, even though they are really heart-breaking at times.
October 27, 2018
Protagonisten
Katherines Welt ist wieder auf den Kopf gestellt, denn sie hatte gerade angefangen, wieder jemandem zu vertrauen und ihr Schneckenhaus zu verlassen, als ihre Vergangenheit sie wieder einholt. Da hat sie zum ersten Mal ihr Herz geöffnet und muss erfahren, dass ihr Geliebter ihr Held aus der Vergangenheit ist, der sie jetzt aber die ganze Zeit belogen hat. Sie ist furchbar enttäuscht, aber sie merkt auch, dass sie trotz allem nicht ohne ihn kann. Doch verzeihen kann sie ihm auch noch nicht - es ist kompliziert.
Für Will/Ethan sieht die Situation ganz ähnlich aus, denn ohne Katie fühlt er sich plötzlich so allein. Er hatte es wegen seinen schrecklichen Erfahrungen mit seinem Vater nie so ganz leicht im Leben und wollte alles aus seiner dunklen Vergangenheit nur hinter sich lassen - abgesehen von Katie, denn die hat sich in seinem Herz eingenistet. Er ist immer noch sehr besorgt um ihre Sicherheit und sehnt sich nach ihrer Nähe. Was etwas nervt, ist, dass er sich auch oft einmischt, weil er Katie unbedingt beschützen will und ihr dabei manchmal etwas weniger Freiraum lässt.
Andere Charaktere
Lisa Swanson ist eine hinterlistige Reporterin, die für eine hohe Quote alles tun würde. Wenn es um ihre Interviews geht, bleibt sie beharrlich, sodass Katie und Will sie ziemlich verabscheuen - was auch verständlich ist. Denn Lisa mag Skandale und will für ihre Quote auch den Vergewaltiger in ihrer Sendung haben und füttert auch das Gerücht, Will sei bei der Entführung nicht unbeteiligt gewesen. Wie kann man eine Frau, der die Wahrheit und das Wohl der Leute weniger wert ist als ihr nächster Auftritt im Fernsehen.
Aaron hat hier auch ein paar Kapitel bekommen und diese waren absolut verstörend, was natürlich sehr gut ist, um seinen Wahnsinn zu verdeutlichen.
Handlung und Schreibstil
Wie auch im Vorgänger stehen hier die Gefühle der Charaktere im Vordergrund. Wie empfindet Katie die Will-Ethan-Verwirrung und kann sie ihm seine Lügen verzeihen? Was geht sie mit ihrer Entführung damals um? Und wie will Will sie zurückgewinnen? Kann er sie beschützen und werden sie jemals glücklich werden? Diese Fragen wurden so gründlich durchgekaut, dass ich die Stellen zwischen den Dialogen vielleicht etwas quergelesen habe. Man konnte schon gut durch die Seiten fliegen, aber mir waren das zu viele Wiederholungen.
Fazit
Zwar hat mir "Never Let You Go" sehr gut gefallen, aber die ganzen Wiederholungen haben es schon fast anstrengend zu lesen gemacht. Trotzdem insgesamt eine schöne Geschichte.
Katherines Welt ist wieder auf den Kopf gestellt, denn sie hatte gerade angefangen, wieder jemandem zu vertrauen und ihr Schneckenhaus zu verlassen, als ihre Vergangenheit sie wieder einholt. Da hat sie zum ersten Mal ihr Herz geöffnet und muss erfahren, dass ihr Geliebter ihr Held aus der Vergangenheit ist, der sie jetzt aber die ganze Zeit belogen hat. Sie ist furchbar enttäuscht, aber sie merkt auch, dass sie trotz allem nicht ohne ihn kann. Doch verzeihen kann sie ihm auch noch nicht - es ist kompliziert.
Für Will/Ethan sieht die Situation ganz ähnlich aus, denn ohne Katie fühlt er sich plötzlich so allein. Er hatte es wegen seinen schrecklichen Erfahrungen mit seinem Vater nie so ganz leicht im Leben und wollte alles aus seiner dunklen Vergangenheit nur hinter sich lassen - abgesehen von Katie, denn die hat sich in seinem Herz eingenistet. Er ist immer noch sehr besorgt um ihre Sicherheit und sehnt sich nach ihrer Nähe. Was etwas nervt, ist, dass er sich auch oft einmischt, weil er Katie unbedingt beschützen will und ihr dabei manchmal etwas weniger Freiraum lässt.
Andere Charaktere
Lisa Swanson ist eine hinterlistige Reporterin, die für eine hohe Quote alles tun würde. Wenn es um ihre Interviews geht, bleibt sie beharrlich, sodass Katie und Will sie ziemlich verabscheuen - was auch verständlich ist. Denn Lisa mag Skandale und will für ihre Quote auch den Vergewaltiger in ihrer Sendung haben und füttert auch das Gerücht, Will sei bei der Entführung nicht unbeteiligt gewesen. Wie kann man eine Frau, der die Wahrheit und das Wohl der Leute weniger wert ist als ihr nächster Auftritt im Fernsehen.
Aaron hat hier auch ein paar Kapitel bekommen und diese waren absolut verstörend, was natürlich sehr gut ist, um seinen Wahnsinn zu verdeutlichen.
Handlung und Schreibstil
Wie auch im Vorgänger stehen hier die Gefühle der Charaktere im Vordergrund. Wie empfindet Katie die Will-Ethan-Verwirrung und kann sie ihm seine Lügen verzeihen? Was geht sie mit ihrer Entführung damals um? Und wie will Will sie zurückgewinnen? Kann er sie beschützen und werden sie jemals glücklich werden? Diese Fragen wurden so gründlich durchgekaut, dass ich die Stellen zwischen den Dialogen vielleicht etwas quergelesen habe. Man konnte schon gut durch die Seiten fliegen, aber mir waren das zu viele Wiederholungen.
Fazit
Zwar hat mir "Never Let You Go" sehr gut gefallen, aber die ganzen Wiederholungen haben es schon fast anstrengend zu lesen gemacht. Trotzdem insgesamt eine schöne Geschichte.
January 29, 2022
4 Mrs Anderson for the WIN! Stars
So this was good, heavy on the drama, but not as good as the first. Honestly, I was so aggravated by Katie’s family. It’s like they forgot she was a VICTIM and made themselves seem like the victim. Made me want to reach into the book and slap them silly. I wish I could’ve had more closure with her Dad but I knew that wasn’t in the cards.
This duet was a pleasant surprise. I’ve never read anything by Monica, but if given the opportunity, I would definitely give her another try.
So this was good, heavy on the drama, but not as good as the first. Honestly, I was so aggravated by Katie’s family. It’s like they forgot she was a VICTIM and made themselves seem like the victim. Made me want to reach into the book and slap them silly. I wish I could’ve had more closure with her Dad but I knew that wasn’t in the cards.
This duet was a pleasant surprise. I’ve never read anything by Monica, but if given the opportunity, I would definitely give her another try.
May 3, 2016
3.5 stars
Never Let You Go is the sequel and conclusion to Katie and Ethan/Will's story. It picks up right where Never Tear Us Apart ended.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book. How Katie and Ethan/Will tried to find their way back to each other. There was a lot of strong and powerful feelings between them since they both experienced Katie's horrific kidnapping. How they couldn't stand to be without one another was just a testament to that. It felt real how they took their time to build up their trust in one another.
I liked Katie and Ethan/Will's POV. I felt I got to know them very well and see/feel that traumatic experience. Especially how Ethan/Will felt about Katie was just beautiful. So much love, awe and respect. Katie's was interesting because of her process of letting go and accepting her past.
The two other POV's from Aaron and Lisa felt unnecessary. I kind of knew what would happen with the story but then again, it was interesting and compelling to be in the mind of a serial killer. The last 30-20% of the story was predictable and I thought the interviews took up too much time.
But the writing was flawless just like Never Tear Us Apart. The characters were complexed and interesting. Really the heroes of the book.
3.5 BadAssOnlyUsStars
Arc provided by the publisher through Netgalley
Never Let You Go is the sequel and conclusion to Katie and Ethan/Will's story. It picks up right where Never Tear Us Apart ended.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book. How Katie and Ethan/Will tried to find their way back to each other. There was a lot of strong and powerful feelings between them since they both experienced Katie's horrific kidnapping. How they couldn't stand to be without one another was just a testament to that. It felt real how they took their time to build up their trust in one another.
I liked Katie and Ethan/Will's POV. I felt I got to know them very well and see/feel that traumatic experience. Especially how Ethan/Will felt about Katie was just beautiful. So much love, awe and respect. Katie's was interesting because of her process of letting go and accepting her past.
The two other POV's from Aaron and Lisa felt unnecessary. I kind of knew what would happen with the story but then again, it was interesting and compelling to be in the mind of a serial killer. The last 30-20% of the story was predictable and I thought the interviews took up too much time.
But the writing was flawless just like Never Tear Us Apart. The characters were complexed and interesting. Really the heroes of the book.
3.5 BadAssOnlyUsStars
Arc provided by the publisher through Netgalley
May 2, 2016
I loved the first book in this series so much. It was heartbreaking and tragic and so emotional. I was so looking forward to this sequel, to see how the relationship between Will and Katherine would evolve now that all their secrets were revealed. The first 40% of this book, I was consumed. This very much felt like a story of healing, of hope. But as the book progressed past that point, it totally lost me. The chapters written from the point of view of Aaron Monroe really turned me off to this book. Not only is he a deplorable pedophile, but being in his head turned this book into a cheesy, over the top, unrealistic story and I immediately disconnected. That in conjunction with how soap opera cheesy the book felt after that point, even the dialogue between Will and Katherine felt forced and contrived, I just struggled to even finish. The original story about a survivor of a deplorable crime and the boy who saved her was captivating... thoroughly refreshing and emotionally taxing. That was enough for me. Katherine's family drama, the craziness with the TV reporter and the way she went back and forth between Katherine, Will and his father with these outlandish ridiculous stories, it all crossed the line into absurdity and totally lost me. So sad about this one, I really looked forward to it.
April 5, 2016
The conclusion to Ethan and Katherine's gut wrenching story, and whoa, What. A. Roller. Coaster. Ride it was!
Never Tear Us Apart had my heart pounding and wondering would they? Will they? Well, you can stop wondering because Ms. Murphy answers those questions and more for us in Never Let You Go!!
Katherine has gained some confidence back, and she's finally going to put herself first and learn how to live again. Ethan, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to be with Katie but for her own protection and safety he's backed off... That is, until the media keeps bringing the pair together continually.
Let me just say, reading the viewpoint from all of the main characters helped shed light on what each one thought, and why they did what they did. It helped me to see that Ethan's love for Katherine was deep, real and oh, so passionate. The way he treated her, loved her and put her first—always before himself—was just so swoon worthy!
I thought Never Tear Us Apart was exhilarating… Well, Never Let You Go had my emotions all over the place, and I couldn't put it down until I knew if they would survive everything and everyone that was bent on trying to keep them apart. Just amazing! ~ Kara, 5 Exhilarating stars
Never Tear Us Apart had my heart pounding and wondering would they? Will they? Well, you can stop wondering because Ms. Murphy answers those questions and more for us in Never Let You Go!!
Katherine has gained some confidence back, and she's finally going to put herself first and learn how to live again. Ethan, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to be with Katie but for her own protection and safety he's backed off... That is, until the media keeps bringing the pair together continually.
Let me just say, reading the viewpoint from all of the main characters helped shed light on what each one thought, and why they did what they did. It helped me to see that Ethan's love for Katherine was deep, real and oh, so passionate. The way he treated her, loved her and put her first—always before himself—was just so swoon worthy!
I thought Never Tear Us Apart was exhilarating… Well, Never Let You Go had my emotions all over the place, and I couldn't put it down until I knew if they would survive everything and everyone that was bent on trying to keep them apart. Just amazing! ~ Kara, 5 Exhilarating stars
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