Never Letting Go

by C.R. Lee

I did everything I could to make him hate me, and it worked. If only I could hate him back.

Kat
Malcolm Douglas is everything I can’t stand in a guy. He’s rich, a jock and so damn sexy girls literally throw themselves at his feet. But not me. I burned that bridge and danced in the ashes.

Then a tree crashed through my bedroom ceiling, and now, I’m stuck living with him. Figures.

He still hates me, but I don’t care. Sure, when he walks around without a shirt on, I have to check my chin for drool, and my stomach gets all flippy when he says my full name, but that’s just Malcolm induced indigestion. It doesn’t mean anything.

Maybe if I keep telling myself that, I’ll believe it.

Malcolm
The first time I met Kat Chase, I thought she was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen.

Then she opened her mouth, and that was the end of that.

So, when my brother begged me to let her stay in his old room while hers was being repaired, my first reaction was, “Hell no!” Then she cast her evil spell, or maybe just batted those blue eyes, and I agreed.

Fine. She can stay, but it won’t change a damn thing. I still don’t like her. Sure, she makes me laugh even when I’m furious, and sometimes I imagine what it would be like to kiss her… and other stuff. But that’s just Kat induced insanity. I’d never fall for someone like her.

Maybe if I keep telling myself that, I’ll believe it.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Sports, Sports Romance

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2023

About the author

C. R. Lee is a writer of fantasy and romance filled with drama, humor and a whole lot of steam. She prides herself on creating troubled yet compelling characters, then putting them through hell for your entertainment.

You’re welcome.

But no matter how cruel she may be, rest assured, all of her books are guaranteed to have a HEA.

C. R. Lee currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, two children, two dogs, a cat, and a leopard gecko. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading and drinking copious amounts of coffee-preferably at the same time.

Reviews

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Kat and Malcom, swoon! I loved it 🥰.
Kat has her sassy mouth, and take charge, never back down attitude. She’s bold, tough, funny, down to earth, protective and totally individual. She’ll do anything for the people she loves.
Malcolm is the smart ass player. A true jock. But he has hidden layers, vulnerabilities and a caring side we only glimpsed in previous books, especially when he ‘lost’ Emma to his brother Luca.
These two have rubbed each other up the wrong way from the get go in all the other books, but here we find out that they were secretly attracted to each other until their sparing took over. After that, there was always tension between them.
When forced to live together they seem to subtly ease off and in doing so find each other’s softness. The chemistry is amazing and these two became my 2nd favourite couple of the series so far.
Lots of tension, banter, steam, laughs and a few tears and a wonderful HEA.
I hope there is more coming for this series because there are definitely some characters left here that need their own HEA.
Cannot recommend this enough! C. R. Lee keeps getting better and better.

[Ari Loves All The Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading the the book before this and just wondering what is going to happen with Kat.. Questions going through my head like will she be with Thomas because opposites attract or will it be Malcolm because that connection is definitely there. && BOOOOY!! This one had it all. I loved reading about Kats story. Through out the books we read a lot about Kat and I am glad to finally be able to read her story!

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww, Great start of the month

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three of this series, told in dual first person POV and leaves you with a HEA. This book can be read as a standalone. IMO, it is better when read in order. The characters and issues are different, but there is a certain couple (that you meet in the prequel you receive by signing up for the newsletter) that have made an appearance through all the books and have had their ups and downs interwoven through each story.

I have been so excited to read Kay’s story and was secretly hoping that she would end up with Malcolm! I got my wish and I was not disappointed! I love how strong, funny and caring Kat is. I love the sweet and caring, yet rough way Malcolm is. The chemistry between these two could set the pages on fire. Have tissues though because C.R. Lee definitely throws in some tear inducing sections!

I can’t wait for the next book, or at least hope there is a next book because the two people that started as my favorite couple (before Kat and Mal came into the scene) really need to give me answers!!!! Each scene they were in my heart just broke and I wished it was real so I could pull a Kat move and forced them to talk!

I received an advance readers copy via BookFunnel/the author. These thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily after reading for my own enjoyment.

[Rhonda Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my ❤!! OMG 😲I have been waiting this book to come out to see what couple would be featured?? And it's Kat and Malcolm's story!! 😵 I suggest to fasten those SAFETY belts it's gonna be a wild ride...bring along tequila shots, kleenix, and a punching bag...it will be required to tackle this book. What a great story...I knew Kat was going to be great and complicated Courtney did deliver. My favorite line...AND I quote, " What do you think this is, a romance novel?" I totally lost it😂😂 ... and the radio interview scene was another really great scene!! I Loved this Book!! I definitely recommend this book to read. All three books can be read as stand alone...but they will intertwine all together.

I received this aa an ARC and voluntarily leaving my review.

[KimMacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Letting Go by CR Lee is the third installment in her Never U series, and I have to say it was fantastic and hands down my favorite book of the series! Although this is the 3rd book in the series, they can be read as standalone novels, however I don't know why you would ever choose to not read them all! They are all amazing!! We get to see all of our favorite characters in the book, which just makes it that much more satisfying to see all of the happily ever afters.

Kat is a strong willed opinionated bossy woman. She has seemed harsh, uncaring, and abruptly direct in the previous novels. She's the type of girl that can handle anything, that is until Malcolm enters the room. Her steel exterior crumbles as she spends more time with Malcolm and gets to know the real person underneath his jock exterior. As Kat and Malcolm's relationship evolves, it is a roller coaster of emotions! They hate each other, they hate to love each other, and finally they just admit their love for each other. They have so many ups and downs, but their growth both individually and as a couple was exponential. I adored Malcolm in this book and his constant steady presence for Kat during all of her turmoil was exceptional and heartwarming. He always seemed to know just what she needed and want she didn't. He was her rock when she didn't even know that she desperately needed one.

I loved the epilogue and the acceptance and support of Mal's family was heartwarming and was everything that he deserved. I loved seeing how Malcolm and Kat's relationship continues to grow and how they both seem to always know what the other one needs. This book gave me all the feels!!! I loved loved loved it and can't wait for more!! Thank you CR Lee for giving us an absolutely charming escape from our lives!

[the amanda show · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★ KAT & MAL 🫶🏼


In true Amanda fashion I found myself in a series...which i loathe & then rather than following the proper sequence of said series I skipped book 2 & jumped right into book 3!

Which I'm glad because while I didn't dislike Emma's character I wasn't exactly intrigued or interested in her story tbh.

Charlie tho 👀👀👀

Kat & Mal were absolutely adorable together me being the angst whore that I am was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't very phased by the lack of angst.

Now maybe for some it had but for me? I need my heart ripped out. I need tears running down my face.


This one tho had very little of that & I found I was totally ok with it! There was some sad moments but nothing major!

I enjoyed the 2 books I've read in this series & IF Charlie gets a book im sure I'll gobble it up too. Which is HUGE for me? Because again... me no likey series but here a bitch is sat. An waiting for book 4. 🙂


8/10 would recommend!

-bOOkSn0b📚

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kat, she's just the right side of crazy to be very funny. Good strong character with lots of personality and depth. Her family background made her the way she is, and she is very protective of her older sister Emma.

Malcolm had a thing for Emma for a while and we think it's because she is the first girl to not want him, so she was a challenge. As Emma and Mal's brother Dante are now a couple, Mal and Kat keep ending up in the same group of friends. Mal is quite scared of Kat and is unsure which way to take her as she has a great sense of humour, together with a slice of sarcasm and loves to make fun of him. 

Kat and Mal end up thrown together when Kat's bedroom gets trashed because of a tree through her bedroom ceiling in a storm. As a favour to Dante and Emma, he lets Kat move into Dante's room for a while. They both get their eyes opened to each other and realise that there is more to each of them. Could they get past their initial late of each other? Is it true that the line between love and hate is very fine?

Fab story.

[Patricia Charlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favourite couple by far in this series, I did love them all but Mal & Kat were just sooo good together and this is the one book that made me ugly cry 😭
In the other books Mal comes across as the jock who likes the ladies and having fun but we see the real side of him in this book and god how loveable and adorable he is.
Kat is the same her outward bada** persona who chases dudes with baseball bats and has everyone thinking her walls are impenetrable, boy are we wrong.
Kat has been a little broken since her Dad died and took on the role of caretaker for her sister and Mom and she thinks she is unlovable and has such low confidence wondering why Mal is even with her.
Together they are just so lush I want to cuddle them and I cried big time during their breakup, wasn’t a good look for me lol.
I have loved every book but these two are my favourite couple and I loved the epilogue 2.5 years later that was a lovely ending.
I wouldn’t mind seeing a few novellas on where these couples are in 5 or 10 years time and I have to say I’m sad over Ryan & Charlie.

[Dawn Litwiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat and Malcolm do not like each other! That is an understatement-they are true opposites and you know what they say about opposites...
Due to some crazy circumstances Kat needs to stay with Malcolm and as hard as they try, they just can't avoid each other - or their attraction for each other. This get very spicy between them and they must navigate the attraction and confusing feelings with the chaos of their lives at the same time.
Once they get through some serious bumps and miscommunication, they find their way to what truly matters and it was an emotional, funny, sexy ride to be a part of and I enjoyed every moment! I love how the secondary characters still play an important role and you get to see glimpses into how things are going for them as well.
This may be my favourite of the series so far, but each book in the series seems to just get better and better, so again - I can't wait for the next one!!

[Magda the Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the 3rd book in the Never U Series, but it can be read as a standalone. It's an enemies-to-lovers college sports romance full of angst and laughs, with no cliffhanger and a guaranteed HEA!

I was in a HUGE reading slump for over a month, but I'm glad I was part of Courtney's ARC Team cause this book helped me to get past it. I REALLY liked this book! Courtney's writing is amazing. The story was cute and emotional, and I really laughed at Kat's and Malcolm's banters. Kat was my spirit animal from the second book and I definitely loved her more in this one! She is a strong woman, feisty, beautiful, and totally great! Malcolm is funny and cute and a soft boy with some bad boy characteristics.

I loved their love story. I'm simping for enemies-to-lovers and their banters were absolutely amazing! The smutty part was very good and totally hot!
I can't wait to read the next book!

I definitely recommend it and don't forget to read the bonus scenes, they are sooo cute!

[Danielle George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat hates Malcom (Mal) and Mal hates Kat. Right? Wrong. They actually have feelings for each other and find themselves falling for each other.

This book is written from the standpoint of both persons and CR Lee does and awesome job at really making you feel what the characters are going through. Kat and Mal gave from enemies to lovers in this story and it's easy to root for the both of them. You are easily pulled into their world and can feel the highs and lows with them. Especially the desires of both wanting to just be loved for who they are.

Their story is still full of ups and downs including one major secret that threatens to destroy their relationship forever. It is captivating and an easy read in that you get sucked in and don't realize that you are just reading a story. Would definitely recommend this book and series!

[Janet Dang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcom and Kat are like water and oil. Both assume the worst of each other and cannot be in the same room without fighting. Unfortunately, they spend a lot of time together give that their siblings are dating and they share the same circle of friends. When life gives Kat lemons and makes her homeless she finds herself in Malcom’s space even more often. Being in close quarters, the anger turns into hot attraction but they both have secrets that could make or break their future together.C.R. Lee rights angsty romance novels that make you remember those days in your dating phase when misinterpretations and miscommunication run rampant and you do crazy things when you are scared or jealous. I was rooting for this couple from the beginning. Such a fast and fun read.

[Elissa Isham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very happy to receive an ARC of this book. Never Letting Go is the third book in the Never U series and definitely my favorite. This is Kat and Malcolm's story. These characters were not favorites of mine in the last two books but they really stood out in this one and grew on me. Kat has this tough demeanor that makes her a bit standoffish. Malcolm breaks through that and the relationship that develops is beautiful. We see layers to Kat that we didn't get to see in previous books. My emotions were all over the place. It is great when a book can make you laugh and cry. It was quite spicy at times. I am not sure if there will be another book in the series but if so, I will definitely be reading it!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat believes she lives in the shadows of her sister Emma. This feeling really comes through when suddenly Malcolm finds interest in her. Malcolm has gotten over Emma choosing his brother over him. The problem is that no one else thinks he has especially Kat. When a natural disaster hits Kat’s room, she’s forced to accept the use of Mal’s spare room. The chemistry between these two is undeniable, but they have many obstacles to navigate in order to have a proper conversation.
We get plenty of book time with the other characters, and boy do I hope that we get more books with all of them as well as some of the side characters!

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Kat and Mal's story!
There was humor, drama, angst and steam. It also brought out so many emtions.
I loved both main characters. They both had insecurities and wanted love or approval.
The back in forth between these two made me laugh, want to cry, and get frustrated at times. I loved seeing their relationship change from enimies to lovers. While the journey between them wasn't always easy it was well worth the trip. I think they were perfect for each other.
Fantastic read!!!

[christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and so far its the best. I absolutely loved Kat in the previous books and even more in this one. We got to see the side of Kat that she kept hidden. Oh man and Malcolm i knew there was more to him than it was let on.

The characters chemistry was hot. They brought out a whole another side of each other. I dont wanna give away to much but highly recommend this book

[Simone Haeseler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was at times heartbreaking, how Kat did not know how to behave, even if she was such a great tough character. It will be revealed, who the culprit is, I did not expect that, great Idee by the way. Kat was great, but Kat in Love was something else. A bit of tragic, friendship and family. Same wit Mal, he found someone who believed in him no matter what. All in all another good book with the beloved characters from the previous books. I really enjoyed it.

[Jenny Supporting Authors Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completed an ARC read of this book. I have read the whole series. The characters are fantastic. The character growth is noticeable! Its easy to lose yourself in the pages of these books. Important life issues are addressed in the book and it holds your attention. You catch your heart beating fast and you feel all the emotions! Its always hard to put in to words when you are blown away by how great a book is overall. Recomend the whole series!!

[TELA666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved seeing the vulnerable side to Kat and Mal was much more than just the QB ego we had seen before. The way the series interconnects is great with timelines flowing easily. The side plots successfully add depth without feelings forced or pointless. I'm wondering if there is more to come for Ryan & Charlie though.
I recieved an ARC from the authour and these are my honest thoughts.

[Dusty Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read now!!!!

Do not wait. Do not hesitate. Each of these books keeps getting better. Kat is such a bad@ss, but you can see it's her hiding all that vulnerability. Malcolm and her may be opposites, but they are so much alike. Highly recommend tissues and absolutely no eating or drinking unless you want a mess.

[Kristina Savell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat is relatable and Mal is hot

This book had it all, spice, story, sadness, and truth. The characters are life like with issues. They have trust problems, they dont immediately just love each other. They have issues with their families and don’t try to sugar coat it. Their story is fun and interesting.
This book helped me out of a slump. Highly recommend.

[Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! I knew I would love Kat and Malcolm's story. But man... I cried numerous times. My heart! The feelings and emotions and events in the story. I loved getting to see the layers of Kat. I absolutely love this series and this book was definitely my favorite!!

[Tara Von Doodlebug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have been looking forward to Kat’s take and it doesn’t disappoint!

Our snarky little hurricane hits hard and fast from start to finish and you will be wanting to bang heads and laugh out loud while fanning yourself through out!

[Sorcia Lorde · Rating 1 out of 5]

Vanilla and Cheese

Unlikable female lead and doormat hero. This is just chapter 2. So DNF. The author didn't engage me to read more about these immature vanilla kids. The book seemed a bit cheesy, and I wasn't interested in what would happen to the characters.

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers. Kat and Malcolm. I loved them together. The banter between them was good. I liked the plot. I think smut could have been better. Ugh when Emma and Kat found their mom so heartbreaking. Overall it was good.

[Donna Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man this one was so good Malcom and Kat are so fricken good together and their chemistry is off the chain. This was a really page turning and I thoroughly enjoyed. I literally devoured this book, trust me you definitely wanna add this one to your tbr you won’t be disappointed.

[Donna Saleh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courtney has another great book. So far they have made me feel everything. This couple is the ones I was waiting for, and they didn't disappoint. Waiting on they next book so I can swoon....

[Dian Kinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good!! I liked it best out of the Never U series so far. The characters were great and their chemistry was on fire! I liked their story and the plot twist left me in tears.