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Never Gonna Happen
Peyton’s mom and my mom were best friends.
You’d think that should cover the gist of it. But, no... Oh, no.
Not even close.
You see, Mom and Aunt Donna (as I’d always called Peyton’s mother) were not simply just best friends; I'm saying they were the-same-person-inhabiting-two-different-bodies kind of best friends.
And thus, Peyton Royce had been forced on me since the moment she was born.
We were treated like twins, yet always expected to fall in love one day and get married. The only problem with that was I didn’t love Peyton. And I'm positive she didn’t even like me in return.
Don’t get me wrong. I adored our moms—swear to God—but they had to let this stupid notion go because one thing had become abundantly clear to me over the years. I would never marry Peyton Royce. I think it was my one goal in life, actually.
So... Sorry, Mom and Aunt Donna, but you two just weren’t going to get your way on this.
Peyton and I? It was never gonna happen.
You’d think that should cover the gist of it. But, no... Oh, no.
Not even close.
You see, Mom and Aunt Donna (as I’d always called Peyton’s mother) were not simply just best friends; I'm saying they were the-same-person-inhabiting-two-different-bodies kind of best friends.
And thus, Peyton Royce had been forced on me since the moment she was born.
We were treated like twins, yet always expected to fall in love one day and get married. The only problem with that was I didn’t love Peyton. And I'm positive she didn’t even like me in return.
Don’t get me wrong. I adored our moms—swear to God—but they had to let this stupid notion go because one thing had become abundantly clear to me over the years. I would never marry Peyton Royce. I think it was my one goal in life, actually.
So... Sorry, Mom and Aunt Donna, but you two just weren’t going to get your way on this.
Peyton and I? It was never gonna happen.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2022
10 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Linda Kage
51 books5,537 followersLinda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy.
Published since 2010, she first went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children’s literature from The Institute of Children’s Literature, then graduated with a Bachelor's in Arts-English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.
She currently lives with her husband, two daughters, a cat named Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas.
She started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club, then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now, she's all over the place with her romance reading tastes.
A few of her favorite things have been:
Stranger Things, Supernatural, Cheers, Teen Wolf, Umbrella Academy, Outlander, Yellowstone, Grey's Anatomy, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Shawshank Redemption, Dirty Dancing, Harry Potter, Tangled, A Walk to Remember, Dr. Pepper, Roast Beef with mashed potatoes and onion rings, the poem "Equipment" by Edgar A. Guest, and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Published since 2010, she first went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children’s literature from The Institute of Children’s Literature, then graduated with a Bachelor's in Arts-English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.
She currently lives with her husband, two daughters, a cat named Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas.
She started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club, then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now, she's all over the place with her romance reading tastes.
A few of her favorite things have been:
Stranger Things, Supernatural, Cheers, Teen Wolf, Umbrella Academy, Outlander, Yellowstone, Grey's Anatomy, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Shawshank Redemption, Dirty Dancing, Harry Potter, Tangled, A Walk to Remember, Dr. Pepper, Roast Beef with mashed potatoes and onion rings, the poem "Equipment" by Edgar A. Guest, and To Kill a Mockingbird.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 31, 2023
3.5 Stars
Want to read
November 13, 2022Cute enemies-to-more YA with a hero who initially doesn’t realise just how much he cares and a nerdy heroine who comes out of her shell quite realistically.
Great, if somewhat cliched, characters and nice, if somewhat predicable, storylines.
Just the right length - no overly drawn out pages with redundant fillers.
Carmen the almost-ow (other girl, really) shows her true colours at the get go and the H, thank God, immediately sees her for what she is. I cannot stand the clueless H.
The second ow, his ex gf, is the evil one who wroughts so much havoc.
Unfortunately none of it is addressed afterwards so no satisfying closure to her hurtful intentions.
Then the obligatory vomit-kissing scene - very disappointing, but I suppose I need to get used to it because it’s obviously a thing with authors 🫤
The drama is of the run of the mill variety but still entertaining.
🚨Carmen is not the heroine🚨
Excerpt:
Today was the day.
I was finally going to secure a date to the school’s masquerade ball for Halloween, and I knew just the girl I was going to ask. Carmen Morales was the prettiest, smartest, loveliest, most amazing girl in the tenth grade, and she had broken up with her boyfriend of nine months the week before, meaning she was free to pursue.
Sure, every available guy from the ninth to twelfth grade wanted a chance with her, but I was going to be the one to win her. And do you want to know how I knew that? Well, I’ll tell you.
Because yesterday, I had subtly struck up a conversation with her. And when I’d learned her car was in the shop, I’d offered to be her chauffeur myself, and she had agreed. She’d agreed so eagerly, in fact, that I just knew she wanted me to ask her to the dance.
And I couldn’t think of a better time to pop my big question than this morning on our special ride to school together.
After pulling into the driveway of a brown-and-white Tudor-style home, I checked my face in the rearview mirror, dusted a fleck of dry toothpaste off the corner of my lip, then did a quick sniff check to my armpits. When I decided all was good in the aroma department, I popped a breath mint between my teeth for extra measure and glanced expectantly toward the front door of the house.
“Come on, come on, come on,” I murmured under my breath, wondering what was taking so long.
I was going to lose my nerve if someone didn’t get their tail in gear.
Finally, after what felt like a century of waiting, the front door opened and a tall, slim girl exited, her honey-blond hair fluttering in the wind and whipping into her face, obstructing her view, along with the tail of a bright green, hand-knit scarf that was wrapped around her neck.
As she hefted a backpack over one shoulder and then hugged a pile of books to her chest with her other arm, I shook my head, wondering why she didn’t just put her books into the bag.
Because knowing her, she’d trip and—yep...
There she went, stumbling over her little brother’s bicycle that had been left abandoned and lying in the middle of the yard. Up flew her books, scattering all over the grass, and down she face-planted hard among them.
I winced, sitting up a little straighter to make sure she was okay, but she sprang upright so quickly that I relaxed back behind the wheel and drummed my fingers against my thigh impatiently.
She was fine.
Then I sighed as she paused every few seconds from collecting her fallen books to see better, wasting more and more precious seconds with each useless sweep of the hand as she tried to tuck her hair behind her ear, then push the scarf out of the way, only for the wind to shove it all right back into her eyes again.
News flash: it wasn’t going to stay put in this weather.
Why hadn’t she just pulled the heaping mess up into a ponytail or tucked the scarf inside her magenta jacket on a day so windy?
Girls.
Who understood them?
I tapped the horn, letting her know I wasn’t getting any younger over here. At this pace, school would be over before she even made it to my Jeep Cherokee.
She cast me a nasty glare before yanking up her last book and surging to her feet. A huge, wet grass stain coated one knee on her blue jeans.
I heaved out another sigh.
Hopeless. She was so completely hopeless.
The door to the front passenger side jerked open, and the wind nearly ripped it from her grasp. But she held on so firmly it only wrenched her a couple of steps back.
I sighed, the third sigh within thirty seconds because, seriously, no one could be more pitiful than her.
Finally, straightening herself, she began to climb inside, muttering, “I’m fine. Thanks so much for your concern.”
Yeah, I could tell she was fine. Didn’t care.
Hooking my thumb over my shoulder, I shook my head and said, “Nuh-uh. Back seat today.”
She froze, turning wide eyes my way with her backside only inches from landing on the seat next to mine. Mouth opening wide, she shrieked, “Are you freaking kidding me?”
“Totally freaking serious,” I deadpanned.
“Unbelievable.”
A sneer followed. Then she rolled her eyes and climbed back out of the front seat before slamming the door too hard, but thankfully not breaking the glass in the window. A second later, the back door opened and she lumbered in, grumbling under her breath before she fell heavily into the seat, making the entire Jeep rock.
I’m pretty sure I didn’t want to know what she was saying about me, but again…didn’t care. If I was going to be forced to drive her to school and back home every single day, then—
Wait, what?
Oh, you thought this girl was Carmen Morales? The heap of a mess riding in the back seat of my SUV?
Um…no.
That would be a big no. A gigantic no.
A not-even-close no.
Actually, I’d say I was kind of offended you’d even think I would ever treat the prettiest, smartest, loveliest, most amazing girl in the tenth grade, Carmen “the Queen Bee” Morales, so rudely.
Really.
No, this unwanted tagalong tragedy was just Peyton.
Great, if somewhat cliched, characters and nice, if somewhat predicable, storylines.
Just the right length - no overly drawn out pages with redundant fillers.
Carmen the almost-ow (other girl, really) shows her true colours at the get go and the H, thank God, immediately sees her for what she is. I cannot stand the clueless H.
The second ow, his ex gf, is the evil one who wroughts so much havoc.
Unfortunately none of it is addressed afterwards so no satisfying closure to her hurtful intentions.
Then the obligatory vomit-kissing scene - very disappointing, but I suppose I need to get used to it because it’s obviously a thing with authors 🫤
The drama is of the run of the mill variety but still entertaining.
🚨Carmen is not the heroine🚨
Excerpt:
Today was the day.
I was finally going to secure a date to the school’s masquerade ball for Halloween, and I knew just the girl I was going to ask. Carmen Morales was the prettiest, smartest, loveliest, most amazing girl in the tenth grade, and she had broken up with her boyfriend of nine months the week before, meaning she was free to pursue.
Sure, every available guy from the ninth to twelfth grade wanted a chance with her, but I was going to be the one to win her. And do you want to know how I knew that? Well, I’ll tell you.
Because yesterday, I had subtly struck up a conversation with her. And when I’d learned her car was in the shop, I’d offered to be her chauffeur myself, and she had agreed. She’d agreed so eagerly, in fact, that I just knew she wanted me to ask her to the dance.
And I couldn’t think of a better time to pop my big question than this morning on our special ride to school together.
After pulling into the driveway of a brown-and-white Tudor-style home, I checked my face in the rearview mirror, dusted a fleck of dry toothpaste off the corner of my lip, then did a quick sniff check to my armpits. When I decided all was good in the aroma department, I popped a breath mint between my teeth for extra measure and glanced expectantly toward the front door of the house.
“Come on, come on, come on,” I murmured under my breath, wondering what was taking so long.
I was going to lose my nerve if someone didn’t get their tail in gear.
Finally, after what felt like a century of waiting, the front door opened and a tall, slim girl exited, her honey-blond hair fluttering in the wind and whipping into her face, obstructing her view, along with the tail of a bright green, hand-knit scarf that was wrapped around her neck.
As she hefted a backpack over one shoulder and then hugged a pile of books to her chest with her other arm, I shook my head, wondering why she didn’t just put her books into the bag.
Because knowing her, she’d trip and—yep...
There she went, stumbling over her little brother’s bicycle that had been left abandoned and lying in the middle of the yard. Up flew her books, scattering all over the grass, and down she face-planted hard among them.
I winced, sitting up a little straighter to make sure she was okay, but she sprang upright so quickly that I relaxed back behind the wheel and drummed my fingers against my thigh impatiently.
She was fine.
Then I sighed as she paused every few seconds from collecting her fallen books to see better, wasting more and more precious seconds with each useless sweep of the hand as she tried to tuck her hair behind her ear, then push the scarf out of the way, only for the wind to shove it all right back into her eyes again.
News flash: it wasn’t going to stay put in this weather.
Why hadn’t she just pulled the heaping mess up into a ponytail or tucked the scarf inside her magenta jacket on a day so windy?
Girls.
Who understood them?
I tapped the horn, letting her know I wasn’t getting any younger over here. At this pace, school would be over before she even made it to my Jeep Cherokee.
She cast me a nasty glare before yanking up her last book and surging to her feet. A huge, wet grass stain coated one knee on her blue jeans.
I heaved out another sigh.
Hopeless. She was so completely hopeless.
The door to the front passenger side jerked open, and the wind nearly ripped it from her grasp. But she held on so firmly it only wrenched her a couple of steps back.
I sighed, the third sigh within thirty seconds because, seriously, no one could be more pitiful than her.
Finally, straightening herself, she began to climb inside, muttering, “I’m fine. Thanks so much for your concern.”
Yeah, I could tell she was fine. Didn’t care.
Hooking my thumb over my shoulder, I shook my head and said, “Nuh-uh. Back seat today.”
She froze, turning wide eyes my way with her backside only inches from landing on the seat next to mine. Mouth opening wide, she shrieked, “Are you freaking kidding me?”
“Totally freaking serious,” I deadpanned.
“Unbelievable.”
A sneer followed. Then she rolled her eyes and climbed back out of the front seat before slamming the door too hard, but thankfully not breaking the glass in the window. A second later, the back door opened and she lumbered in, grumbling under her breath before she fell heavily into the seat, making the entire Jeep rock.
I’m pretty sure I didn’t want to know what she was saying about me, but again…didn’t care. If I was going to be forced to drive her to school and back home every single day, then—
Wait, what?
Oh, you thought this girl was Carmen Morales? The heap of a mess riding in the back seat of my SUV?
Um…no.
That would be a big no. A gigantic no.
A not-even-close no.
Actually, I’d say I was kind of offended you’d even think I would ever treat the prettiest, smartest, loveliest, most amazing girl in the tenth grade, Carmen “the Queen Bee” Morales, so rudely.
Really.
No, this unwanted tagalong tragedy was just Peyton.
November 10, 2022
Never Gonna Happen is not my usual read. I steer clear of YA and high school romance but I’ve loved the other books by this author that I’ve read, decided to give it a chance and I’m glad that I did.
Peyton and York have grown up together almost like cousins even fighting like siblings. And that’s the way they feel about each other until … they don’t…
Never Gonna Happen is sweet, cute and emotional. A friends to more story as events force Peyton and York see each other in a new light and grow closer in a new way.
-4 Stars-
Peyton and York have grown up together almost like cousins even fighting like siblings. And that’s the way they feel about each other until … they don’t…
Never Gonna Happen is sweet, cute and emotional. A friends to more story as events force Peyton and York see each other in a new light and grow closer in a new way.
-4 Stars-
November 11, 2022
The adorable book cover caught my eye! Lately, I’ve been avoiding Young Adult storylines – but this one trapped me. And I’m not regretting the entrapment. But I have to be straightforward – this wasn’t even Young Adult – it was high schoolers.
The story is a bit of a drama-trauma-fest – but isn’t growing up filled with ups, downs and all sorts of rollercoaster rides involving family, friends, school and hormones? Two opposites, next door neighbors and moms who are best friends and matchmakers from the moment the kiddos entered the picture. The story has plenty of light moments meant to charm -- along with a large dose of typical high school experiences -- good, bad and ugly.
Well-written and entertaining -- but geared towards a much younger crowd than this grandmother!
November 9, 2022
I was starting to think that I had outgrown YA. It's a genre I used to really love, but it's been a lot of misses for me lately.
Until now.
ohmygosh I loved this story so much!
It was so cute and sweet and fun to read. It was loaded with drama (holy moly, so much drama!) and I was hooked on every minute of it. The storytelling was so engaging and the characters were...*chef's kiss*. I loved Peyton and York's opposites attract/frenemies to first love dynamic so much.
There is a lot packed into this story, but it was the first book to hold my attention in weeks, and the first YA book I have connected with in much longer than that. I was hooked on the story from start to finish and I turned the last page with a happy smile and a satisfied heart. What more could I ask for?
Linda Kage does not disappoint and, as it turns out, I'm still a big YA fan. This was an easy five stars for me! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
Until now.
ohmygosh I loved this story so much!
It was so cute and sweet and fun to read. It was loaded with drama (holy moly, so much drama!) and I was hooked on every minute of it. The storytelling was so engaging and the characters were...*chef's kiss*. I loved Peyton and York's opposites attract/frenemies to first love dynamic so much.
There is a lot packed into this story, but it was the first book to hold my attention in weeks, and the first YA book I have connected with in much longer than that. I was hooked on the story from start to finish and I turned the last page with a happy smile and a satisfied heart. What more could I ask for?
Linda Kage does not disappoint and, as it turns out, I'm still a big YA fan. This was an easy five stars for me! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
Currently reading
October 27, 2022
March 8, 2023
“Never Gonna Happen” is a very fast-paced and fun young adult book following a blossoming relationship of two very lovable characters.
Read full review in the 2023 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2023 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
wrote-it
October 2, 2023Behind the Story: I came up with some random scene in my head way back in 2017, which ended up being the first two chapters of this book, but it took me another five years before I could think up how I wanted the actual plot to progress.
Most of it was written with my seventh-grade daughter in mind because it was the first book of mine that she planned to read. We used to watch a lot of Moriah Elizabeth videos together and had to catch the newest edition every Friday, so that’s why I had to mention M.E. stuffed animals in the story: for my kiddo!
Most of it was written with my seventh-grade daughter in mind because it was the first book of mine that she planned to read. We used to watch a lot of Moriah Elizabeth videos together and had to catch the newest edition every Friday, so that’s why I had to mention M.E. stuffed animals in the story: for my kiddo!
October 28, 2022
Cute, beautiful, childhood friends to lovers. Just what I needed. Loved it.
September 27, 2024
This book was annoying on occasion, but overall was a cute read. There were a few parts that got pretty dark for a romcom, and the dialogue was awkward in a few spots, but for the most part, this was a fun teen romcom. I thought that the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more, because it could have made the romance more believable.
November 28, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would totally love this to be a movie!
The plot: Donna and Carol are best friends, who used to do everything together - get married, buy houses nearby, and even give birth. Now they are moms of two teenagers - Peyton and York. Despite their moms' dreams, they are not best friends, and it seems at times that they even hate each other, because York feels that Peyton is forced onto him and is never shy to talk about it. He just wants more freedom and to finally spend time without Peyton by his side. But on one fateful night, everything changes for both of them.
You know, when I really enjoy the book, it is always harder for me to write about it. What else is there to say - I loved it! However, to be fair, I put together a list of the things I liked the most.
What I liked:
1. the story. The book gripped me from the first page. The moment I started reading York's thoughts I realized this was going to be a really great story. After the opening chapter, it just got better and better. It has a perfect mixture of love/drama/teenage and adult life situations. I figured out one of the plot twists, but it did not diminish my pleasure in reading the book. I loved how gradually the story developed, and how the characters' feelings evolved over time.
2. the characters. All of them are well-written, have distinct personalities, and contribute to the story - I love when all the characters are in the right places and there are no random ones just for the sake of being in the book. Also, it was nice to see that all the characters have their own faults and they learn to live with them and accept them. I admired how York accepted Peyton the way she was even though he disliked her in the beginning.
3. the humor. This book was so funny at times, I laughed out loud. Sometimes it was embarrassing because I was in a public place but I just couldn't help myself. The banter between York and Peyton was just so entertaining.
4. the dynamics. The narration is very energetic and there was never a dull moment. A lot was happening, but the story was not overwhelmed with unnecessary details or plot twists, so it was really easy and fun to read.
5. the trope. "Enemies to lovers trope" is a gripping one! I enjoyed reading about Peyton and York's relationship, how they viewed each other and themselves in the beginning, and how their perception changed over time. At times they were more mature in dealing with their emotions and feelings than the adults around them, which is kudos to the author for writing such beautiful and interesting characters.
Content warnings: cheating, bullying, minor violent scenes
Overall opinion: I loved everything about this book. It was just a perfect read for me! The writing, the characters, the story - I enjoyed everything and did not want the book to end. The narration is captivating, funny, dramatic, and realistic. And all this made it one of my favorite books so far this year!
I would totally love this to be a movie!
The plot: Donna and Carol are best friends, who used to do everything together - get married, buy houses nearby, and even give birth. Now they are moms of two teenagers - Peyton and York. Despite their moms' dreams, they are not best friends, and it seems at times that they even hate each other, because York feels that Peyton is forced onto him and is never shy to talk about it. He just wants more freedom and to finally spend time without Peyton by his side. But on one fateful night, everything changes for both of them.
You know, when I really enjoy the book, it is always harder for me to write about it. What else is there to say - I loved it! However, to be fair, I put together a list of the things I liked the most.
What I liked:
1. the story. The book gripped me from the first page. The moment I started reading York's thoughts I realized this was going to be a really great story. After the opening chapter, it just got better and better. It has a perfect mixture of love/drama/teenage and adult life situations. I figured out one of the plot twists, but it did not diminish my pleasure in reading the book. I loved how gradually the story developed, and how the characters' feelings evolved over time.
2. the characters. All of them are well-written, have distinct personalities, and contribute to the story - I love when all the characters are in the right places and there are no random ones just for the sake of being in the book. Also, it was nice to see that all the characters have their own faults and they learn to live with them and accept them. I admired how York accepted Peyton the way she was even though he disliked her in the beginning.
3. the humor. This book was so funny at times, I laughed out loud. Sometimes it was embarrassing because I was in a public place but I just couldn't help myself. The banter between York and Peyton was just so entertaining.
4. the dynamics. The narration is very energetic and there was never a dull moment. A lot was happening, but the story was not overwhelmed with unnecessary details or plot twists, so it was really easy and fun to read.
5. the trope. "Enemies to lovers trope" is a gripping one! I enjoyed reading about Peyton and York's relationship, how they viewed each other and themselves in the beginning, and how their perception changed over time. At times they were more mature in dealing with their emotions and feelings than the adults around them, which is kudos to the author for writing such beautiful and interesting characters.
Content warnings: cheating, bullying, minor violent scenes
Overall opinion: I loved everything about this book. It was just a perfect read for me! The writing, the characters, the story - I enjoyed everything and did not want the book to end. The narration is captivating, funny, dramatic, and realistic. And all this made it one of my favorite books so far this year!
December 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this sweet high school friends to lovers story! I loved how protective and loyal York was to Peyton. It was unwavering which I felt was unique from other similar stories. Them realizing their feeling for each other didn't seem rushed and had a great pace. I was a little shocked with York's moms behavior though. I think it was a little too far. My favorite thing was that the main conflict comes from outside of the relationship. We get to see them handle hardships together. Definitely a different kind of high school love story and I highly recommend it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 14, 2022
This was a really cute book! I enjoyed it so much. I don’t usually read YA but this one is too cute to resist. I love York and Peyton so much.
I look forward for more Lindas books!
I look forward for more Lindas books!
October 30, 2022
sigh.
People close to me know how much I love Linda's books. They also have been annoyed by me always recommending her books. Some of them finally gave up and actually love some or every story she has written. That being said, let's start about this story in particular:
Peyton is shy. Not the shy-that-just-doesn't-like-to-talk-in-public kind of shy but the has-panic-attacks-sometimes kind of shy. York is a normal boy if you really wanna know and they wouldn't be friends if it weren't for their mothers that are the best of friends.
Still, since the mothers force them to interact, York is completely sure NOTHING is gonna happen between them.
But, guess who's wrong?
Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and PeytonxYork story developed in such a smooth way that it didn't feel forced or out of nowhere. Just teenagers being teenagers.
I didn't mention this was YA? Well, now you know.
And don't get me wrong, I usually don't feel comfortable reading YA because teenagers are just TOO MUCH sometimes but thank God Linda didn't disappoint and wrote about two normal teenagers falling for each other. As normal as lots of allergies and mothers too noisy for their own good are. Which I don't think it's too far from reality but who knows. Besides, both York and Peyton are so... LIKEABLE? I mean, I liked them as individuals and just love how good they are together.
PS. I have an over-thinkers club in my mind with the FM books and I'm glad to announce Peyton is a honorary member now. Welcome Peyton!
People close to me know how much I love Linda's books. They also have been annoyed by me always recommending her books. Some of them finally gave up and actually love some or every story she has written. That being said, let's start about this story in particular:
Peyton is shy. Not the shy-that-just-doesn't-like-to-talk-in-public kind of shy but the has-panic-attacks-sometimes kind of shy. York is a normal boy if you really wanna know and they wouldn't be friends if it weren't for their mothers that are the best of friends.
Still, since the mothers force them to interact, York is completely sure NOTHING is gonna happen between them.
But, guess who's wrong?
Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and PeytonxYork story developed in such a smooth way that it didn't feel forced or out of nowhere. Just teenagers being teenagers.
I didn't mention this was YA? Well, now you know.
And don't get me wrong, I usually don't feel comfortable reading YA because teenagers are just TOO MUCH sometimes but thank God Linda didn't disappoint and wrote about two normal teenagers falling for each other. As normal as lots of allergies and mothers too noisy for their own good are. Which I don't think it's too far from reality but who knows. Besides, both York and Peyton are so... LIKEABLE? I mean, I liked them as individuals and just love how good they are together.
PS. I have an over-thinkers club in my mind with the FM books and I'm glad to announce Peyton is a honorary member now. Welcome Peyton!
November 7, 2022
I've been waiting for this book forever!!!!
This YA story is about Peyton and York, two teenagers who grew up together and were expected to fall in love. Isn't the idea great? Well, York doesn't think so! He is so adamant about never happening that he finds Peyton annoying and tries to interact with her as little as possible outside their homes.
I can't stress enough how much I love Linda's books and though I'm not much fun of teenager's stories, I really enjoyed this one (must be Linda :D).
I loved how the story between Peyton and York developed, mostly how York reacted to his newfound feelings. Though they're just 17yo, they are very mature and they're put in serious situations, like managing allergies and life-changing experiences.
I so resonated with Peyton having myself a ragweed allergy. I found that a lot of people don't take me seriously about it and don't know how dangerous it actually is. Luckily she has York!
Reading about highschool drama made me remember how intense everything was at that time and how things that I now found meaningless, then were so important, like life or death. It felt nice to reminisce about it.
I totally recommend this book, not only because it is written by Linda (that's a given), but also, because it was a fun read, full of cuteness, that'll make you laugh and cry!
This YA story is about Peyton and York, two teenagers who grew up together and were expected to fall in love. Isn't the idea great? Well, York doesn't think so! He is so adamant about never happening that he finds Peyton annoying and tries to interact with her as little as possible outside their homes.
I can't stress enough how much I love Linda's books and though I'm not much fun of teenager's stories, I really enjoyed this one (must be Linda :D).
I loved how the story between Peyton and York developed, mostly how York reacted to his newfound feelings. Though they're just 17yo, they are very mature and they're put in serious situations, like managing allergies and life-changing experiences.
I so resonated with Peyton having myself a ragweed allergy. I found that a lot of people don't take me seriously about it and don't know how dangerous it actually is. Luckily she has York!
Reading about highschool drama made me remember how intense everything was at that time and how things that I now found meaningless, then were so important, like life or death. It felt nice to reminisce about it.
I totally recommend this book, not only because it is written by Linda (that's a given), but also, because it was a fun read, full of cuteness, that'll make you laugh and cry!
November 11, 2022
This was such a cute story. The beginning had me a bit scared because the relationship between Peyton and York appeared so contentious that I wasn't sure how it could be redeemed. Thankfully, it didn't take too long for things to turn around. The best kind of romance is one that stems from true friendship, and that is what these characters had. They genuinely loved one other, and even though they were only high school students, they were quite mature.
Peyton was an absolutely adorable and relatable character. My feelings for York were more complicated. He was occasionally so caring and protective, but there were other times when he failed to defend and guard Peyton like he should've. I was utterly appalled by his mother's actions toward Peyton. It hurt my enjoyment of the book, and I wish that scene hadn't been included. I would never let my child around someone who did what York's mom did. I was dismayed by how quickly the characters seemed to get over it and disappointed by York's attempt to rationalize his mother's egregious behavior. However, I did like the family-focused nature of the book and how the characters banded together when things got really tough.
Overall, this was a lovely and emotional coming-of-age story. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy drama-filled romances.
*I received an ARC of this book. This is my complete and honest review.*
Peyton was an absolutely adorable and relatable character. My feelings for York were more complicated. He was occasionally so caring and protective, but there were other times when he failed to defend and guard Peyton like he should've. I was utterly appalled by his mother's actions toward Peyton. It hurt my enjoyment of the book, and I wish that scene hadn't been included. I would never let my child around someone who did what York's mom did. I was dismayed by how quickly the characters seemed to get over it and disappointed by York's attempt to rationalize his mother's egregious behavior. However, I did like the family-focused nature of the book and how the characters banded together when things got really tough.
Overall, this was a lovely and emotional coming-of-age story. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy drama-filled romances.
*I received an ARC of this book. This is my complete and honest review.*
December 1, 2022
Every once in a while, I just want to read the innocence of a young adult romance, and Never Gonna Happen came at the perfect time and I absolutely love this book.
I love the quirky but forced friendship between York and Peyton. Forced because their moms are best friends that have lived next door to each other since they each got married years ago and their not-so-secret plan was that someday Peyton and York would fall in love and get married and live happily ever after.
At best Peyton and York have tolerated each other's existences. They have nothing in common, their personalities are complete opposites, yet York has always kept a protective eye over Peyton, even if he admits it to no one, not really even himself.
But then all of a sudden, things shift a little and York realizes that he wants to protect her and Peyton admits to herself that she is glad that he does look after her because she does like him more than one should like their annoying neighbor.
Of course there is some teen drama, and a little bit of angst and family issues that tie this story and threaten the relationships between York and Peyton and their families, but it's a ride worth taking to watch it all play out!!
This is the first book that I've read by Linda Kage, but I will looking for more from her.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the quirky but forced friendship between York and Peyton. Forced because their moms are best friends that have lived next door to each other since they each got married years ago and their not-so-secret plan was that someday Peyton and York would fall in love and get married and live happily ever after.
At best Peyton and York have tolerated each other's existences. They have nothing in common, their personalities are complete opposites, yet York has always kept a protective eye over Peyton, even if he admits it to no one, not really even himself.
But then all of a sudden, things shift a little and York realizes that he wants to protect her and Peyton admits to herself that she is glad that he does look after her because she does like him more than one should like their annoying neighbor.
Of course there is some teen drama, and a little bit of angst and family issues that tie this story and threaten the relationships between York and Peyton and their families, but it's a ride worth taking to watch it all play out!!
This is the first book that I've read by Linda Kage, but I will looking for more from her.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 24, 2022
The story is beautiful and easy to read. The story is about Peyton and York who have known each other since babies, until by casualty they started to really know each other not just as childhood friends but into something more.
The book is funny and really really sweet. A little cliché in some parts but I enjoyed it a lot!
Linda just manage the romance soooo well! Even if at some point I felt it a little rushed and dramatic, it was not something that bothered me because it just felt youth, and gave you that feeling when you had your first love and everything in your mine is him, and you want everything to happen.
“What if he was starting to like me in the same way I liked him? What if..?”
The plot, even if it’s not to deep, it was entertaining and I couldn’t let it go.
York and Peyton are just so perfect for each other, their innocence and curiosity to the new feeling they are discovering is JUST SO CUTE! Cute cute cute and sweet and funny are just the main words I would use to describe this book!
Pd. Even if the book is not spicy at all! The chemistry is 100/10!
“We were always meant to happen”
Cheers to another amazing book 💗🤧
The book is funny and really really sweet. A little cliché in some parts but I enjoyed it a lot!
Linda just manage the romance soooo well! Even if at some point I felt it a little rushed and dramatic, it was not something that bothered me because it just felt youth, and gave you that feeling when you had your first love and everything in your mine is him, and you want everything to happen.
“What if he was starting to like me in the same way I liked him? What if..?”
The plot, even if it’s not to deep, it was entertaining and I couldn’t let it go.
York and Peyton are just so perfect for each other, their innocence and curiosity to the new feeling they are discovering is JUST SO CUTE! Cute cute cute and sweet and funny are just the main words I would use to describe this book!
Pd. Even if the book is not spicy at all! The chemistry is 100/10!
“We were always meant to happen”
Cheers to another amazing book 💗🤧
November 13, 2022
Peyton and York know each other since ever, they grew up together because their mothers are best friends (and they also dream their children get married one day). Peyton is awkward, with strong anxiety and allergy issues, York is the outspoken and outgoing one, they are the opposite and their relationship is based on childhood friendship even if they dislike each other at the present. One day, their feelings change, which provokes a series of incidents in their school routines, with their friends and even with both family dynamics.
I liked this book because it's very introspective. As is told in alternate point of views, most of the plot is described with Peyton's and York's thoughts and feelings. This is not a typical enemies to lovers, or a friends to lovers trope, but a mix of both.This book describes social anxiety in a light and relatable way, which I appreciate, and the couple is sweet and cute.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked this book because it's very introspective. As is told in alternate point of views, most of the plot is described with Peyton's and York's thoughts and feelings. This is not a typical enemies to lovers, or a friends to lovers trope, but a mix of both.This book describes social anxiety in a light and relatable way, which I appreciate, and the couple is sweet and cute.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 22, 2022
Never gonna happen is not my usual cup of tea, I am not into YA, and this book reminded me why.
I love Linda and some of her books are my favorite but this one just not.
Base on the title we already know it's a enemies-to lovers kinda book, the attitute York has half the book is not mean enough but not nice enough, just a so-so attitude, and Peyton is just a secundary character turn into the main one, does not know how to act half of the time is a big mess.
When they discovered they have feelings for each other was boring, I know they're teens and they're learning about life, love, how to know this whole new side of them, but the development of the story just didn't do it for me.
If you want an easy going story, without many problems between the main characters, a high school sweethearts story with a normal end, not a cliffhanger but not a drop your jaw kinda end, this one is for you.
I love Linda and some of her books are my favorite but this one just not.
Base on the title we already know it's a enemies-to lovers kinda book, the attitute York has half the book is not mean enough but not nice enough, just a so-so attitude, and Peyton is just a secundary character turn into the main one, does not know how to act half of the time is a big mess.
When they discovered they have feelings for each other was boring, I know they're teens and they're learning about life, love, how to know this whole new side of them, but the development of the story just didn't do it for me.
If you want an easy going story, without many problems between the main characters, a high school sweethearts story with a normal end, not a cliffhanger but not a drop your jaw kinda end, this one is for you.
December 1, 2022
I was drawn to the lovely book cover! I've been staying away from Young Adult tales lately, but this one had me hooked. And I don't regret being caught. But I must be honest; these were high school students, not even young adults.
It's a bit of a drama-trauma-fest, but isn't growing up full of ups and downs and all kinds of rollercoaster rides with family, friends, school, and hormones? From the moment the kids entered the scene, the next-door neighbours and moms were best friends and matchmakers. The narrative includes a lot of charmingly silly moments as well as many normal high school events, including both positive and negative ones.
Although well-written and entertaining, this book is intended for a younger audience (though I loved it regardless!)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's a bit of a drama-trauma-fest, but isn't growing up full of ups and downs and all kinds of rollercoaster rides with family, friends, school, and hormones? From the moment the kids entered the scene, the next-door neighbours and moms were best friends and matchmakers. The narrative includes a lot of charmingly silly moments as well as many normal high school events, including both positive and negative ones.
Although well-written and entertaining, this book is intended for a younger audience (though I loved it regardless!)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 13, 2026
I'm definitely Linda's Kage fun. At this point I've read 10+ of her books and enjoyed them all. This one was sweet story about young adults, and brought me back to my own high school days, when every tiny emotion and events feels so heightened.
I liked the unique setup and pre-story between the lead characters families, which organically weaves into the romantic story and it's development. To me some details in the story seemed exaggerated to the point of being far fetched, like clumsiness of the female lead or the mums' reactions to the fallout towards the end. Yet I still enjoyed. Linda Kage has a writing style that puts a spell on you and knows where to linger and where to fast-forward. I recommend the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the unique setup and pre-story between the lead characters families, which organically weaves into the romantic story and it's development. To me some details in the story seemed exaggerated to the point of being far fetched, like clumsiness of the female lead or the mums' reactions to the fallout towards the end. Yet I still enjoyed. Linda Kage has a writing style that puts a spell on you and knows where to linger and where to fast-forward. I recommend the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 28, 2022
We all know the friends to more than friends story and I'd worried that maybe it's been overdone.
Not a chance.
This was such a cute high school story of super close friends, content with that friendship, until they weren't. I loved he transition here and seeing how they learned to view each other differently. At first I did worry that York was a bit much, but he redeemed himself.
I felt there was one major parental issue within the book that got overcome too quickly and had me genuinely questioning that parent.
Thankfully, I felt drawn in by so many other emotions throughout the book that the parental moment didn't hinder how I felt in the end. The teens were mostly totally enjoyable and relatable characters (I remember the teen years with my own children).
Not a chance.
This was such a cute high school story of super close friends, content with that friendship, until they weren't. I loved he transition here and seeing how they learned to view each other differently. At first I did worry that York was a bit much, but he redeemed himself.
I felt there was one major parental issue within the book that got overcome too quickly and had me genuinely questioning that parent.
Thankfully, I felt drawn in by so many other emotions throughout the book that the parental moment didn't hinder how I felt in the end. The teens were mostly totally enjoyable and relatable characters (I remember the teen years with my own children).
October 28, 2022
A refreshing hilarious page turner that will hook you from the very first chapter. Be prepared to fall in love with Peyton and York. It's a book you don't know you need but trust me when I say I was not at all prepared for this cuteness and fun overload. Peyton and York are two kids that are forced upon each other since birth by thier moms who are best friends. Their moms' wanted nothing more than to see them together as a couple which obviously made them hate each others guts. This book is one interesting cute journey of two teenagers from 'never gonna happen' to 'always meant to happen'
Also it has great storyline and some highschool drama.
A definitely must read! 💕
Also it has great storyline and some highschool drama.
A definitely must read! 💕
November 20, 2022
I’ve been looking forward to this book ever since I came across an excerpt on Linda Kage’s website before the book was even completely written. Luckily, Linda did not let me down & I loved Never Gonna Happen.
It’s a sweet YA breath of fresh air. The writing is so well done, I was easily hooked into Peyton & York’s dynamic. It was spot-on for teenagers, both of which are flawed and growing. And their romance was lovely. They went from makeshift enemies to more and it really felt natural. I also enjoyed the extra complexity of the family dynamics, and how they wove into the storyline.
Overall, Never Gonna Happen was a super sweet YA romance that made me so happy!
It’s a sweet YA breath of fresh air. The writing is so well done, I was easily hooked into Peyton & York’s dynamic. It was spot-on for teenagers, both of which are flawed and growing. And their romance was lovely. They went from makeshift enemies to more and it really felt natural. I also enjoyed the extra complexity of the family dynamics, and how they wove into the storyline.
Overall, Never Gonna Happen was a super sweet YA romance that made me so happy!
October 18, 2023
adorable YA romcom
This one is super cute.
I had to think hard before choosing a rating, and remember the audience.
This fun pairing was well played and entertaining.
I enjoyed their dynamic so much I raced to buy the book after reading the sample.
Its a sweet n clean romance (as it should be for this audience) but in a totally fresh appropriate non patronising way.
It always enhances a story for me to read a family dynamic and this story shared a lot of behind the scenes family fun.
adorable.
This one is super cute.
I had to think hard before choosing a rating, and remember the audience.
This fun pairing was well played and entertaining.
I enjoyed their dynamic so much I raced to buy the book after reading the sample.
Its a sweet n clean romance (as it should be for this audience) but in a totally fresh appropriate non patronising way.
It always enhances a story for me to read a family dynamic and this story shared a lot of behind the scenes family fun.
adorable.
November 22, 2022
Coup de cœur pour l’histoire de York et Peyton ! ❤️
On est sur une petite romance young adult super mignonne qui se déroule au lycée, donc il n’y a aucune scène spicy et qu’est-ce que c’est rafraîchissant ! J’ai eu l’impression qu’on était beaucoup plus focalisé sur les sentiments des personnages plutôt que sur leurs désirs et ainsi, qu’on apprenait encore plus à les connaître. Je me suis beaucoup attachée à eux, je les comprenais dans leurs doutes, leurs questionnements, les problématiques auxquelles on est confrontés au lycée, le regard des autres etc.
La plume de l’autrice est très agréable à lire, simple, sans en faire trop et en même temps, elle arrive à faire transparaître les émotions, le suspense, la tension. Si vous voulez lire an anglais, c’est un bon premier roman pour se lancer à condition de vouloir lire de la romance !
En bref, je suis fan de cette romance qui mêle thématiques de l’adolescence, de la famille, découverte de sentiments. Ça m’a donné envie de me pencher sur les autres livres de l’autrice !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
On est sur une petite romance young adult super mignonne qui se déroule au lycée, donc il n’y a aucune scène spicy et qu’est-ce que c’est rafraîchissant ! J’ai eu l’impression qu’on était beaucoup plus focalisé sur les sentiments des personnages plutôt que sur leurs désirs et ainsi, qu’on apprenait encore plus à les connaître. Je me suis beaucoup attachée à eux, je les comprenais dans leurs doutes, leurs questionnements, les problématiques auxquelles on est confrontés au lycée, le regard des autres etc.
La plume de l’autrice est très agréable à lire, simple, sans en faire trop et en même temps, elle arrive à faire transparaître les émotions, le suspense, la tension. Si vous voulez lire an anglais, c’est un bon premier roman pour se lancer à condition de vouloir lire de la romance !
En bref, je suis fan de cette romance qui mêle thématiques de l’adolescence, de la famille, découverte de sentiments. Ça m’a donné envie de me pencher sur les autres livres de l’autrice !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 7, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was the romantic comedy I never knew I needed! Not only did it have an adorable romance, but it was also funny and had great conflict. I read the entire book in a couple hours and enjoyed every minute of it!
This book was the romantic comedy I never knew I needed! Not only did it have an adorable romance, but it was also funny and had great conflict. I read the entire book in a couple hours and enjoyed every minute of it!
November 13, 2022
York always says 'me and Peyton never gonna happen '. And refer them as twin siblings, Even York says peyton's like a sister to him. I wondered how the author is going to change that. Peyton is shy, introverted and having anxiety issues. York is just the opposite. How could it be done??
Yesss! She'd done it.. with the extraordinary narrator.. this story is wonderful.
Yesss! She'd done it.. with the extraordinary narrator.. this story is wonderful.
November 18, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would say this is a pre-teen book.
The premise is lovely.
Peyton and York’s moms have been best friends forever. The moms believe their kids are destined to fall in love. But they barely get along.
What you think is a teen romance, takes a different, unexpected turn. And that was welcomed.
I would say this is a pre-teen book.
The premise is lovely.
Peyton and York’s moms have been best friends forever. The moms believe their kids are destined to fall in love. But they barely get along.
What you think is a teen romance, takes a different, unexpected turn. And that was welcomed.
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