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IF ONLY HE NEVER
Labeled “conman of the year” by the media, Curtis hasn’t got much left, besides his life. Then he learns that to a scientist he’s worth billions—dead.
When Curtis’s hopes for a brighter future with his beguiling new neighbor Laura are dashed by her betrayal turning him into a murder suspect, he’s positive things can’t get worse—until he escapes from a rain of bullets. The reason, so Laura tells him: he carries the solution scientists will kill for in his blood—the ultimate vaccine to prevent cancer and other fatal diseases.
Reluctantly, he teams up with Laura, but when he digs up his past and discovers a disturbing truth, the reason the government-linked pharmaceutical giant wants him dead rather than use his blood to save millions of people, the web of lies and deceit grows denser.
To have a life and a future, Curtis has to have blood on his hands, though to get to the scientist, he has to trust the enigmatic Laura, but as they grow closer, her secrets could prove deadlier than the conspiracy he unravels.
When Curtis’s hopes for a brighter future with his beguiling new neighbor Laura are dashed by her betrayal turning him into a murder suspect, he’s positive things can’t get worse—until he escapes from a rain of bullets. The reason, so Laura tells him: he carries the solution scientists will kill for in his blood—the ultimate vaccine to prevent cancer and other fatal diseases.
Reluctantly, he teams up with Laura, but when he digs up his past and discovers a disturbing truth, the reason the government-linked pharmaceutical giant wants him dead rather than use his blood to save millions of people, the web of lies and deceit grows denser.
To have a life and a future, Curtis has to have blood on his hands, though to get to the scientist, he has to trust the enigmatic Laura, but as they grow closer, her secrets could prove deadlier than the conspiracy he unravels.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2021
8 people want to read
About the author
T.C. Correy
1 book4 followersBorn in Switzerland, T.C. Correy always had a strange affection for Australia—a land as bold and unpredictable as the stories she writes. Since childhood, she’s filled notebook after notebook with her boundless imagination, long before embarking on a solo journey across the Outback—with barely enough English to order a sandwich.
Her determination to master her new language soon ignited the passion for thrillers.
By day, she works in hospitality in one of Australia’s most iconic destinations. By night, under the watchful eye of her beloved Mini Foxy, she digs through research like an investigator—science, psychology, conspiracy—whatever it takes to twist truth into fiction.
If Only He Never, intriguingly not set in Australia but San Diego, is her debut published novel and the first of many stories that blur the line between fact and fear.
Her determination to master her new language soon ignited the passion for thrillers.
By day, she works in hospitality in one of Australia’s most iconic destinations. By night, under the watchful eye of her beloved Mini Foxy, she digs through research like an investigator—science, psychology, conspiracy—whatever it takes to twist truth into fiction.
If Only He Never, intriguingly not set in Australia but San Diego, is her debut published novel and the first of many stories that blur the line between fact and fear.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 10, 2023
Excellent pacing, memorable characters, complex plot points that connect from the beginning all the way to the end.
Finding out what Curtis is or how he was created is a really cool concept, especially for anyone that knows or experienced IVF. As a kid we’d joke about someone being a test tube baby, so to see this play out with the accuracy of medical research that was a nice touch.
What everyone will love about this novel:
You read a novel for a great story, but you fall in love with it with how the characters navigate the circumstances and interact with minor characters. T.C. Correy masterfully keeps you wanting to know more about Curtis from the opening chapter to the end, and actually it appears to be set up for an amazing sequel.
People will also love the pacing. It’s not over the top fast, except exactly when it needs to be, which is a perfect blend for readers who want to unravel the mystery but also ride a roller coaster. There are slow burn moments which are placed perfectly, extraordinarily fast moments when the stakes are high, and the exact right amount of personality from every character. And they all have unique characteristics, so that is quite refreshing.
What you might find off:
Nothing really. I’m serious, there is nothing off in this novel. I think, sometimes, that might irritate people.
At one point, simply based on the novel flying along, I asked myself, can this author somehow wrap all these complexities up—and it’s complex, really complex, and the answer is: Yes. She leaves you feeling satisfied.
With the whole Laura/Emily thing—it takes the story to a level past medical thriller and could easily pull in a sci-fi audience, especially when that character becomes the focal character later in the series or has a spin off. I’m not spoiling that piece, because you’re going to have to read it for yourself, and take a breath, save the last chapter for a different night, just to enjoy it even more.
I actually am still pondering the Laura/Emily dynamic and I finished this book over a month ago. That’s how strong of a thread that is. Isn’t that what everyone wants out of a novel.
Is it book club material:
If your book club wants an edgy thrill ride, then this is for you. When you have a meeting to discuss the novel, I highly suspect it will be your longest meeting of the year, because everyone will find something to talk about in this.
Age range:
Adult and mature young adults. Age 16-106. I say age 16, because I read novels like this when I was 14. When friends read The Hardy Boys, I was reading James Bond. Now I’m not comparing this novel to James Bond except for the fact that it’s complex and wraps up in the end, and has twists you don’t see coming.
Bottom line:
I don’t know where to find her next novel.
Finding out what Curtis is or how he was created is a really cool concept, especially for anyone that knows or experienced IVF. As a kid we’d joke about someone being a test tube baby, so to see this play out with the accuracy of medical research that was a nice touch.
What everyone will love about this novel:
You read a novel for a great story, but you fall in love with it with how the characters navigate the circumstances and interact with minor characters. T.C. Correy masterfully keeps you wanting to know more about Curtis from the opening chapter to the end, and actually it appears to be set up for an amazing sequel.
People will also love the pacing. It’s not over the top fast, except exactly when it needs to be, which is a perfect blend for readers who want to unravel the mystery but also ride a roller coaster. There are slow burn moments which are placed perfectly, extraordinarily fast moments when the stakes are high, and the exact right amount of personality from every character. And they all have unique characteristics, so that is quite refreshing.
What you might find off:
Nothing really. I’m serious, there is nothing off in this novel. I think, sometimes, that might irritate people.
At one point, simply based on the novel flying along, I asked myself, can this author somehow wrap all these complexities up—and it’s complex, really complex, and the answer is: Yes. She leaves you feeling satisfied.
With the whole Laura/Emily thing—it takes the story to a level past medical thriller and could easily pull in a sci-fi audience, especially when that character becomes the focal character later in the series or has a spin off. I’m not spoiling that piece, because you’re going to have to read it for yourself, and take a breath, save the last chapter for a different night, just to enjoy it even more.
I actually am still pondering the Laura/Emily dynamic and I finished this book over a month ago. That’s how strong of a thread that is. Isn’t that what everyone wants out of a novel.
Is it book club material:
If your book club wants an edgy thrill ride, then this is for you. When you have a meeting to discuss the novel, I highly suspect it will be your longest meeting of the year, because everyone will find something to talk about in this.
Age range:
Adult and mature young adults. Age 16-106. I say age 16, because I read novels like this when I was 14. When friends read The Hardy Boys, I was reading James Bond. Now I’m not comparing this novel to James Bond except for the fact that it’s complex and wraps up in the end, and has twists you don’t see coming.
Bottom line:
I don’t know where to find her next novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2021
A cracking good tale.
I really enjoy a good science-based thriller, ala Michael Crichton. I devoured The Andromeda Strain when it first came out, and have read almost all of Crichton’s subsequent books. So, when I got word of T.C. Correy’s debut novel, If Only He Never, I was intrigued. The premise—a man whose blood is one-of-a-kind valuable--reminded me a bit of one of my favorite old TV series, The Immortal (from 1970), and that connection was enough to make me want to give IOHN a read.
Is If Only He Never up to Crichton standards?
I’m gonna say pretty darned close.
If Only He Never is a terrific mix of science, action, thrills, and conspiracy, and a lot—and I mean a lot—of devious twists and turns along the way. While I had a bit of a hard time connected with Curtis, the main character, at the beginning, he definitely grew on me through his character arc, and I was absolutely rooting for him by the end. Ms. Correy has a wide selection of side characters, all of whom are well done, with nicely developed motivations, and the science seems pretty sound (at least to this layman). The plot and pacing definitely kept me turning the digital pages.
All in all, a rollicking read that should satisfy the sci-thrillers out there. Ms. Correy leaves the ending a bit open, and I’ll look forward to seeing where the story goes next. And that’s what you want, isn’t it? A story that makes you want to know What Happens Next. Well done, and here’s to vol. 2.
I really enjoy a good science-based thriller, ala Michael Crichton. I devoured The Andromeda Strain when it first came out, and have read almost all of Crichton’s subsequent books. So, when I got word of T.C. Correy’s debut novel, If Only He Never, I was intrigued. The premise—a man whose blood is one-of-a-kind valuable--reminded me a bit of one of my favorite old TV series, The Immortal (from 1970), and that connection was enough to make me want to give IOHN a read.
Is If Only He Never up to Crichton standards?
I’m gonna say pretty darned close.
If Only He Never is a terrific mix of science, action, thrills, and conspiracy, and a lot—and I mean a lot—of devious twists and turns along the way. While I had a bit of a hard time connected with Curtis, the main character, at the beginning, he definitely grew on me through his character arc, and I was absolutely rooting for him by the end. Ms. Correy has a wide selection of side characters, all of whom are well done, with nicely developed motivations, and the science seems pretty sound (at least to this layman). The plot and pacing definitely kept me turning the digital pages.
All in all, a rollicking read that should satisfy the sci-thrillers out there. Ms. Correy leaves the ending a bit open, and I’ll look forward to seeing where the story goes next. And that’s what you want, isn’t it? A story that makes you want to know What Happens Next. Well done, and here’s to vol. 2.
November 16, 2022
If you want a novel that reads like a movie and keeps you on your toes, look no further.
This book kept me invested in Curtis' story as he unravels mystery after mystery about his life and all that has been happening to him. Through it all he meets new characters who are all fleshed out with their own stories and crazy backgrounds.
There are surprises at every corner.
Do not sleep on this.
This book kept me invested in Curtis' story as he unravels mystery after mystery about his life and all that has been happening to him. Through it all he meets new characters who are all fleshed out with their own stories and crazy backgrounds.
There are surprises at every corner.
Do not sleep on this.
November 7, 2022
A complex story line that made me want to keep on reading. There were twists and turns with plenty of action as well as suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I did not want to put it down. I'm looking forward to a sequel.....or even a prequel 🤞🌞
July 23, 2022
I very seldom give 5 stars to a book. This one deserves it.
The creativity of this author is to be commended. The plot of this story compels you to keep reading to find out what twist happens next and the consequences of it.
Curtis is a character that you really feel for as he learns who he really is and not who he thinks he is. Throw in Laura who is a mystery as they determine who is trying to kill them. Or do they want them for a different sinister reason?
The story is fast-paced and a page-turner.
I highly recommend this book.
The creativity of this author is to be commended. The plot of this story compels you to keep reading to find out what twist happens next and the consequences of it.
Curtis is a character that you really feel for as he learns who he really is and not who he thinks he is. Throw in Laura who is a mystery as they determine who is trying to kill them. Or do they want them for a different sinister reason?
The story is fast-paced and a page-turner.
I highly recommend this book.
November 17, 2022
An amazing thriller from a debut author who manages to create a world that makes you feel as though you’re in it. Action-packed with twists you don’t see coming, this book will keep you awake. Character- and world-building are creative and I can’t wait to read a sequel.
July 12, 2024
"If Only He Never" is a riveting narrative that masterfully intertwines themes of identity, conspiracy, and the quest for truth. The story revolves around Shawn Curtis, a man who discovers that his entire existence is a lie, a product of a secret government experiment. This revelation sets him on a dangerous path, pursued by various factions with vested interests in the experiment's outcome.
The book is a thrilling exploration of what it means to be human, the lengths individuals will go to protect or destroy life, and the power of resilience in the face of unimaginable revelations. The characters are complex and well-developed, each with their unique motivations and struggles. The plot is intricate, filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I finished it in a few days!
The author does an excellent job of weaving together the various threads of the story, culminating in a poignant conclusion that challenges the characters and readers to reconsider the essence of identity and the value of life itself. The writing is engaging, the pacing is perfect, and the plot is filled with suspense and intrigue.
"If Only He Never" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good thriller. It's a book that will keep you guessing until the very end, and even then, it will leave you thinking about its themes and characters long after you've turned the last page.
The book is a thrilling exploration of what it means to be human, the lengths individuals will go to protect or destroy life, and the power of resilience in the face of unimaginable revelations. The characters are complex and well-developed, each with their unique motivations and struggles. The plot is intricate, filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I finished it in a few days!
The author does an excellent job of weaving together the various threads of the story, culminating in a poignant conclusion that challenges the characters and readers to reconsider the essence of identity and the value of life itself. The writing is engaging, the pacing is perfect, and the plot is filled with suspense and intrigue.
"If Only He Never" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good thriller. It's a book that will keep you guessing until the very end, and even then, it will leave you thinking about its themes and characters long after you've turned the last page.
November 1, 2023
This one ticks all the boxes. The cover captures the mood perfectly and the story grabs from the first page.
Curtis is not the type of hero one expects. He has quite an endearing fragility. Love interest, enigmatic Laura is also a great character. The novel is a science thriller with the unusual premise that the hero is worth more dead than alive. They want his blood. Although the story is clearly fiction, it makes one wonder what dirty deeds may well be committed by “big pharma” in pursuit of the billions of dollars on offer from desperate people seeking a cure from horrible diseases.
Although set primarily in the United States, the final chapter sees the hero re-locating to Australia. Although the Australian scene is brief, it shows the author’s grasp of Aussie slang with the reference to “Woop woop”, which to the non-down under readers means a forgotten place a long way away.
It would be simply impossible to not like this story. The dialogue is taut and crisp. The plot is very original and holds the readers interest all the way through. The author understands “the hook” and the reader does indeed stay hooked. Read it, and be entertained.
Curtis is not the type of hero one expects. He has quite an endearing fragility. Love interest, enigmatic Laura is also a great character. The novel is a science thriller with the unusual premise that the hero is worth more dead than alive. They want his blood. Although the story is clearly fiction, it makes one wonder what dirty deeds may well be committed by “big pharma” in pursuit of the billions of dollars on offer from desperate people seeking a cure from horrible diseases.
Although set primarily in the United States, the final chapter sees the hero re-locating to Australia. Although the Australian scene is brief, it shows the author’s grasp of Aussie slang with the reference to “Woop woop”, which to the non-down under readers means a forgotten place a long way away.
It would be simply impossible to not like this story. The dialogue is taut and crisp. The plot is very original and holds the readers interest all the way through. The author understands “the hook” and the reader does indeed stay hooked. Read it, and be entertained.
October 26, 2023
A great read!
Science based thriller that will keep you on your toes. It was literally like watching a movie. Loved this novel and would highly recommend.
Science based thriller that will keep you on your toes. It was literally like watching a movie. Loved this novel and would highly recommend.
February 16, 2024
Wonderfully written!
Very creactive, a pleasure to read.
Highly reccomend!!
Very creactive, a pleasure to read.
Highly reccomend!!
April 26, 2024
This book was well written, different to what i usually read but really enjoyed it, definitely recommend!!!
June 12, 2024
Too OTT for me! Brain switching, exploding implants, scientists locked away from the world, not my cup of tea!
September 5, 2024
A fantastic read.
Kept me hooked the whole way through.
Would 100% recommend!
Kept me hooked the whole way through.
Would 100% recommend!
January 28, 2025
Very enjoyable book with interesting story line. Written like a screen play!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews