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Never Ever Forever
Rosie Royce is trying to live her best life. Really, she is.
But it seems like life hasn't gotten the memo. It's been six years since childhood sweetheart Wes Preston jumped on a plane and never looked back, and Rosie spends most nights spooning her laptop. If she has to swipe on one more bloke posing with a sedated tiger, she'll scream.
An impulse move to the idyllic country town of Mudgee is the fresh start Rosie needs, as she trades in her high-pressure marketing career for a laidback gig in local radio. Hell, she may even meet one of those dreamy farmers she's seen on TV.
But the universe isn't done messing with Rosie just yet. Her new job comes with a handsome but infuriating co-host, Dr Markus Abrahams, while a school reunion brings Wes back into her orbit.
When Rosie's work whisks her to vibrant, chaotic India - well and truly out of her comfort zone - a world of possibility opens up.
Does 'never ever' really have to be forever? Or is Rosie finally ready to risk everything for a second shot at love?
Praise for Never Ever Forever
'Chatty, charming and totally unique ... Never Ever Forever will leave you hungry for travel, adventure and BIG romance.' Clare Fletcher
'Never Ever Forever is utterly delicious. It's the perfectly brewed blend of emotional reality and soap operatic coincidence ... Simply could not put it down!' Jodi McAlister
But it seems like life hasn't gotten the memo. It's been six years since childhood sweetheart Wes Preston jumped on a plane and never looked back, and Rosie spends most nights spooning her laptop. If she has to swipe on one more bloke posing with a sedated tiger, she'll scream.
An impulse move to the idyllic country town of Mudgee is the fresh start Rosie needs, as she trades in her high-pressure marketing career for a laidback gig in local radio. Hell, she may even meet one of those dreamy farmers she's seen on TV.
But the universe isn't done messing with Rosie just yet. Her new job comes with a handsome but infuriating co-host, Dr Markus Abrahams, while a school reunion brings Wes back into her orbit.
When Rosie's work whisks her to vibrant, chaotic India - well and truly out of her comfort zone - a world of possibility opens up.
Does 'never ever' really have to be forever? Or is Rosie finally ready to risk everything for a second shot at love?
Praise for Never Ever Forever
'Chatty, charming and totally unique ... Never Ever Forever will leave you hungry for travel, adventure and BIG romance.' Clare Fletcher
'Never Ever Forever is utterly delicious. It's the perfectly brewed blend of emotional reality and soap operatic coincidence ... Simply could not put it down!' Jodi McAlister
336 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2023
25 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Karina May
4 books95 followersSydney-based, Karina May, is a former magazine journalist turned digital marketer, avid romance reader and writer of lively love stories that span the
globe.
When she’s not dreaming up her next shirtless love interest, you’ll likely find her rescuing her kindle from the bath, or out guzzling espresso martinis in the
name of research (someone’s gotta do it!)
globe.
When she’s not dreaming up her next shirtless love interest, you’ll likely find her rescuing her kindle from the bath, or out guzzling espresso martinis in the
name of research (someone’s gotta do it!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
March 5, 2024
Never Ever Forever by Aussie author Karina May was a delightful fun read. For those who enjoy rom-coms or are just looking for an easy light-read romance with humour added to the mix then this book is for you. Overall I enjoyed this book and it was a nice change from reading intense thrillers. Recommended.
December 7, 2023
Thank you Pan Macmillan for sending us a copy to read and review.
A story that’s guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart.
Never Ever Forever is empowering, witty, hilarious and entertaining and one that should be on the top spot of your reading pile.
Rosie Royce has arrived back in her hometown of Mudgee to make a fresh start.
Leaving the city and a successful job behind, it’s time for a new adventure.
A easy going radio job awaits and maybe a new romance.
But fate has different ideas.
It’s ready to cause chaos.
Her new job comes with a but, a handsome and annoying co host, Dr Markus Abrahams.
Also a school reunion brings her ex love, Wes Preston back into her life, after her left her six years previously unexpectedly.
When her job takes her to India, she realises there’s no place like home.
Is Rosie ready for a second chance romance……
Karina May’s latest offering will fill you with joy, delight and happiness.
This book has a unique blend of drama, comedy and romance to hit the right place and be drawn to this release.
A pleasure to sit back, relax and read, leaving a smile of glee after finishing.
Karina manages to draw you into the tale, laugh at times and feeling the emotion.
A solid recommend from me.
If you see it out on the shelf for purchase, don’t hesitate, grab it and enjoy.
A story that’s guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart.
Never Ever Forever is empowering, witty, hilarious and entertaining and one that should be on the top spot of your reading pile.
Rosie Royce has arrived back in her hometown of Mudgee to make a fresh start.
Leaving the city and a successful job behind, it’s time for a new adventure.
A easy going radio job awaits and maybe a new romance.
But fate has different ideas.
It’s ready to cause chaos.
Her new job comes with a but, a handsome and annoying co host, Dr Markus Abrahams.
Also a school reunion brings her ex love, Wes Preston back into her life, after her left her six years previously unexpectedly.
When her job takes her to India, she realises there’s no place like home.
Is Rosie ready for a second chance romance……
Karina May’s latest offering will fill you with joy, delight and happiness.
This book has a unique blend of drama, comedy and romance to hit the right place and be drawn to this release.
A pleasure to sit back, relax and read, leaving a smile of glee after finishing.
Karina manages to draw you into the tale, laugh at times and feeling the emotion.
A solid recommend from me.
If you see it out on the shelf for purchase, don’t hesitate, grab it and enjoy.
January 6, 2024
Never Ever Forever might be a great read for an older audience, or readers who aren’t sticklers for dialogue that sounds like something a human would actually say – unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.
My full review is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
March 11, 2024
”That’s all I’m prepared to offer right now - a lot of maybes, I-thinks and I’m-not-sures.”
Rosie Royce leaves behind the bright lights of Sydney for the more mellow surrounds of regional Mudgee (known for its vineyards, sedate lifestyle, cafes and hotspot for weekends away for city slickers).
It’s a good 260 kilometres (around three and a half hours one way) from Sydney to Mudgee, and that suits Rosie just fine. Nursing a many years old broken heart, and a bruised and battered ego from a colossal work stuff up, this is her chance to start afresh.
But the best laid plans and all that…
Hoping to meet a hunky farmer (a la the TV show “Farmer Wants a Wife”), it turns out the dating scene in Mudgee is slim pickings. And on the work front, a brand new chance at being the voice of the local community radio station’s brekkie host gets turned upside down when she’s lumbered with a co-host. The smooth, suave and oh-so-annoying TV vet Dr Markus Abrahams.
Add to the muddled pot a school reunion where the man who broke her heart turns up, followed by many missed queues and misunderstandings, we spend a bit of time with Rosie trying to figure things out.
I have to admit it took me well into over half of the book to get into it. Which is such a shame as I adored her earlier novel Duck à l'Orange for Breakfast. It wasn’t until the book took a u-turn with an unexpected couple of chapters in India, that I recognised what I love about Karina May’s writing. By which stage a good half chunk of it was already over.
The portions where food and the beautiful countryside of Mudgee were described were interesting and worthwhile, as were the bits about art and people following their dreams, and not necessarily sticking to the corporate route. I wish there had been more of that.
I realise I’m not the right demographic for this book, but regardless I just didn’t connect with any of the characters or their predicaments. Usually I’m not fussed how old or young characters are, but for this one, they mostly seemed pretty self centred and self focussed, even Rosie who was quite sweet, but definitely feeling a bit too sorry for herself.
If the beginning of the book could someone magically jumped faster to the portion in India, it would have flowed better for me.
Overall an enjoyable book, and I would definitely read more of her work. But this one didn’t have quite the zing factor of Duck à l'Orange for Breakfast for me.
Rosie Royce leaves behind the bright lights of Sydney for the more mellow surrounds of regional Mudgee (known for its vineyards, sedate lifestyle, cafes and hotspot for weekends away for city slickers).
It’s a good 260 kilometres (around three and a half hours one way) from Sydney to Mudgee, and that suits Rosie just fine. Nursing a many years old broken heart, and a bruised and battered ego from a colossal work stuff up, this is her chance to start afresh.
But the best laid plans and all that…
Hoping to meet a hunky farmer (a la the TV show “Farmer Wants a Wife”), it turns out the dating scene in Mudgee is slim pickings. And on the work front, a brand new chance at being the voice of the local community radio station’s brekkie host gets turned upside down when she’s lumbered with a co-host. The smooth, suave and oh-so-annoying TV vet Dr Markus Abrahams.
Add to the muddled pot a school reunion where the man who broke her heart turns up, followed by many missed queues and misunderstandings, we spend a bit of time with Rosie trying to figure things out.
I have to admit it took me well into over half of the book to get into it. Which is such a shame as I adored her earlier novel Duck à l'Orange for Breakfast. It wasn’t until the book took a u-turn with an unexpected couple of chapters in India, that I recognised what I love about Karina May’s writing. By which stage a good half chunk of it was already over.
The portions where food and the beautiful countryside of Mudgee were described were interesting and worthwhile, as were the bits about art and people following their dreams, and not necessarily sticking to the corporate route. I wish there had been more of that.
I realise I’m not the right demographic for this book, but regardless I just didn’t connect with any of the characters or their predicaments. Usually I’m not fussed how old or young characters are, but for this one, they mostly seemed pretty self centred and self focussed, even Rosie who was quite sweet, but definitely feeling a bit too sorry for herself.
If the beginning of the book could someone magically jumped faster to the portion in India, it would have flowed better for me.
Overall an enjoyable book, and I would definitely read more of her work. But this one didn’t have quite the zing factor of Duck à l'Orange for Breakfast for me.
December 7, 2023
Another perfectly pleasant and easy read from the wonderful Karina May.
I try my best to support Aussie Author’s as best as I can, but it’s always such a joy when their writing is easy to read and their stories are enjoyable.
I commonly describe May’s novels as great “airplane reads” and I mean that as a compliment! They’re always full of wanderlust, easy to pick up, easy to get lost in and so hard to put down!
The writing style is not overly complex or complicated like some fantasy novels can be, but not over simplified like some popular straight from Wattpad Booktok romance books that it takes you out of it. The writing style is comforting and familiar, the right pace and tone that it makes it easy to get lost in the story and really visualise everything that’s happening.
The characters in this novel are certainly a lot more memorable, as well as the over all plot. This novel is a bit more rom commy than Duck, with an overall lighter and possibly younger?? Tone I feel that this is a novel that could easily be adapted into a movie!
With easily identifiable tropes, and a love triangle that surprisingly had me hooked despite the fact that I hate love triangles. And of course a journey of self discovery at the centre of it that is always so realistic and grounded that it makes me reflect on my own actions.
I fell in love with one particular character and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I am 100% #TeamMarkus and I don’t care what anyone says. I have absolutely picked a side in this love triangle and I am out for blood. I will go to war for Markus!
I kind of let this review get away from me. But pretty much support Australian authors and pick up Never Ever Forever if you like second chance romance, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, love triangles, miscommunication, workplace romance, rural setting and romantic trips to India!
I try my best to support Aussie Author’s as best as I can, but it’s always such a joy when their writing is easy to read and their stories are enjoyable.
I commonly describe May’s novels as great “airplane reads” and I mean that as a compliment! They’re always full of wanderlust, easy to pick up, easy to get lost in and so hard to put down!
The writing style is not overly complex or complicated like some fantasy novels can be, but not over simplified like some popular straight from Wattpad Booktok romance books that it takes you out of it. The writing style is comforting and familiar, the right pace and tone that it makes it easy to get lost in the story and really visualise everything that’s happening.
The characters in this novel are certainly a lot more memorable, as well as the over all plot. This novel is a bit more rom commy than Duck, with an overall lighter and possibly younger?? Tone I feel that this is a novel that could easily be adapted into a movie!
With easily identifiable tropes, and a love triangle that surprisingly had me hooked despite the fact that I hate love triangles. And of course a journey of self discovery at the centre of it that is always so realistic and grounded that it makes me reflect on my own actions.
I fell in love with one particular character and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I am 100% #TeamMarkus and I don’t care what anyone says. I have absolutely picked a side in this love triangle and I am out for blood. I will go to war for Markus!
I kind of let this review get away from me. But pretty much support Australian authors and pick up Never Ever Forever if you like second chance romance, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, love triangles, miscommunication, workplace romance, rural setting and romantic trips to India!
January 26, 2026
1.5 ⭐️ way too many rushed story lines. One star for being set in Mudgee
December 15, 2023
Not sure how to review this one. It was an easy and fun read but I was also rolling me eyes every 2 seconds.
Definitely not for me but will suit people that are more into romcoms, even though none of the characters had chemistry in my opinion (they didn't even have a personality to be honest).
Definitely not for me but will suit people that are more into romcoms, even though none of the characters had chemistry in my opinion (they didn't even have a personality to be honest).
April 25, 2024
I would have liked this book a lot better if it had a different ending. Wes was just really unlikable.
January 16, 2024
So, I may not be the right demographic for this book. Which is confusing considering its about people in my age group?
I think it was written in a way that older people would be able to enjoy.
If you like rom coms this might work for you, but I personally felt Rosie had no chemistry with any of the male leads.
I think it was written in a way that older people would be able to enjoy.
If you like rom coms this might work for you, but I personally felt Rosie had no chemistry with any of the male leads.
June 3, 2025
A light, witty and entertaining read
February 5, 2024
I was so torn on this review. Did I love the book? Yes. Did I hate the ending? Also yes. But did I hate the ending because it wasn’t how I wanted it to happen and I’m chucking a temper tantrum? Also yes.
Ugh, Karina has a way of making you fall in love (and hate) with the characters and drawing you in to the story like no other. I was never a romance girlie until Duck à l’orange and Karina changed that. It quickly became one of my favourite books, so Never Ever Forever had a lot to live up to and it held up every step of the way.
The way she combines the tension, small town romance with worldly exploration and keeps you on your toes with who will end up falling in love is just fabulous.
I also thoroughly enjoy the backstory and plot building that comes along with the romance, and is probably the reason she made me enjoy reading romance in the first place. Truely a delight to read!
Ugh, Karina has a way of making you fall in love (and hate) with the characters and drawing you in to the story like no other. I was never a romance girlie until Duck à l’orange and Karina changed that. It quickly became one of my favourite books, so Never Ever Forever had a lot to live up to and it held up every step of the way.
The way she combines the tension, small town romance with worldly exploration and keeps you on your toes with who will end up falling in love is just fabulous.
I also thoroughly enjoy the backstory and plot building that comes along with the romance, and is probably the reason she made me enjoy reading romance in the first place. Truely a delight to read!
December 14, 2023
2.75⭐️
December 9, 2023
Never Ever Forever by Australian Author Karina May is a wholesome work of fiction in the contemporary romance, interpersonal drama, and slice-of-life subgenres
Rosie Royce knows she needs to make a change, six years ago; her childhood sweetheart Wes Preston hopped on a plane and left her feeling shattered and betrayed. Nursing feelings of heartache and rejection she spends her nights alone. Tiresome of dating apps she quits her demanding marketing career in Sydney to start a new life in Mudgee.
Landing a job at the local radio station Gold 86.7 FM, Rosie meets her co-host, celebrity Vet Dr Markus Abrahams. He is handsome and well put together but also gets on her nerves. I enjoyed how Rosie and Markus met in a typical everyday type of encounter instead of swiping left or right. Working together makes for some highly realistic interaction between the two.
This is a wonderfully written chick lit read that had me laughing, shaking my head in frustration, and smiling most of the way. The style of writing is fast-paced and smoothly presented. I loved that the plot was unpredictable especially when Wes reappears, readers will eagerly turn the pages to see where the relationship leads. Will he be Rosie’s happily ever after?
May worked her magic and made her characters shine, Rosie is independently headstrong and has the drive to chase after ideas and dreams. I found Markus to be charming, determined and a strong well-developed male lead. Wes is sweet and kind and never overwhelmed Rosie, he was always there for her and waited for her to reach out at her own pace The supporting characters add a layer of charm to the story, they are likable, easy to relate to, and all have strong personalities. Cedric was such a delight and Jenny incredibly supportive.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the story took you out of a country town to the hustle and bustle of India with its unique culture. The author depicted it so beautifully that I could imagine it vividly.
This is a wholesome love story filled with humour, drama, romance, and flirtatious scenes that will especially appeal to hopeless romantics. Karina May brings together a colourful modern fairy tale that is bound to win the hearts of readers.
Never Ever Forever proves that risk-taking, leaving your comfort zone, and accepting change can benefit you. It is a story to treasure and perfect for the summer season.
I highly recommend to readers who enjoy romantic adventures.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Pan Macmillan Australia for the opportunity to tread and re
Rosie Royce knows she needs to make a change, six years ago; her childhood sweetheart Wes Preston hopped on a plane and left her feeling shattered and betrayed. Nursing feelings of heartache and rejection she spends her nights alone. Tiresome of dating apps she quits her demanding marketing career in Sydney to start a new life in Mudgee.
Landing a job at the local radio station Gold 86.7 FM, Rosie meets her co-host, celebrity Vet Dr Markus Abrahams. He is handsome and well put together but also gets on her nerves. I enjoyed how Rosie and Markus met in a typical everyday type of encounter instead of swiping left or right. Working together makes for some highly realistic interaction between the two.
This is a wonderfully written chick lit read that had me laughing, shaking my head in frustration, and smiling most of the way. The style of writing is fast-paced and smoothly presented. I loved that the plot was unpredictable especially when Wes reappears, readers will eagerly turn the pages to see where the relationship leads. Will he be Rosie’s happily ever after?
May worked her magic and made her characters shine, Rosie is independently headstrong and has the drive to chase after ideas and dreams. I found Markus to be charming, determined and a strong well-developed male lead. Wes is sweet and kind and never overwhelmed Rosie, he was always there for her and waited for her to reach out at her own pace The supporting characters add a layer of charm to the story, they are likable, easy to relate to, and all have strong personalities. Cedric was such a delight and Jenny incredibly supportive.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the story took you out of a country town to the hustle and bustle of India with its unique culture. The author depicted it so beautifully that I could imagine it vividly.
This is a wholesome love story filled with humour, drama, romance, and flirtatious scenes that will especially appeal to hopeless romantics. Karina May brings together a colourful modern fairy tale that is bound to win the hearts of readers.
Never Ever Forever proves that risk-taking, leaving your comfort zone, and accepting change can benefit you. It is a story to treasure and perfect for the summer season.
I highly recommend to readers who enjoy romantic adventures.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Pan Macmillan Australia for the opportunity to tread and re
January 10, 2024
Never Ever Forever is the perfect summer read if you ask me – It’s fun, it’s fluffy, it’s relatable and it’ll pull at your heart strings when you least expect it.
In Never Ever Forever, we meet young Rosie Royce, who leaves her marketing job and the hustle and bustle of Sydney behind in pursuit of a new start – in life, her career and in love – and ends up in Mudgee as the new Breakfast Radio Host. But that’s just the start of her big adventure, literally and figuratively!
As someone who almost exclusively only reads fantasy to transport me to worlds far away from my reality, I didn't expect to enjoy a rom-com set in the town I've called home my entire life as much as I have. Not only that, I'm Mudgee's newest radio host in real life so this book couldn't get closer to home for me if it tried!
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about Never Ever Forever, despite the twists along the way. It left me laughing out loud, made me angry, had me sighing in relief and by the end I had tears rolling down my face for both happy and sad reasons.
The only thing I wish was different was that I got to read this as someone who has no idea where Mudgee is but at the same time this made me appreciate the story so much more.
Karina mentions in her acknowledgements that she hopes we Mudgee locals see this as a "tribute to our beautiful town" as that's how she intended it to be and she has absolutely delivered on that.
What a book to start 2024 with!
In Never Ever Forever, we meet young Rosie Royce, who leaves her marketing job and the hustle and bustle of Sydney behind in pursuit of a new start – in life, her career and in love – and ends up in Mudgee as the new Breakfast Radio Host. But that’s just the start of her big adventure, literally and figuratively!
As someone who almost exclusively only reads fantasy to transport me to worlds far away from my reality, I didn't expect to enjoy a rom-com set in the town I've called home my entire life as much as I have. Not only that, I'm Mudgee's newest radio host in real life so this book couldn't get closer to home for me if it tried!
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about Never Ever Forever, despite the twists along the way. It left me laughing out loud, made me angry, had me sighing in relief and by the end I had tears rolling down my face for both happy and sad reasons.
The only thing I wish was different was that I got to read this as someone who has no idea where Mudgee is but at the same time this made me appreciate the story so much more.
Karina mentions in her acknowledgements that she hopes we Mudgee locals see this as a "tribute to our beautiful town" as that's how she intended it to be and she has absolutely delivered on that.
What a book to start 2024 with!
December 18, 2023
Never Ever Forever written by Karina May is sure to be a summer holiday favourite with readers. I love a good rom-com and this book has it all.
Rosie Royce is trying to live her best life but is feeling jaded with dating apps and prefers to spend her nights alone. She is still dealing with her ex-Wes Preston jumping on a plane 6 years ago and not returning to her, leaving so much unsaid and Rosie hurt.
She decides to make a move to Mudgee, a fresh start and a new fabulous job with the local radio station. She loves the town and people but meets the handsome celebrity Vet Dr Markus Abrahams who she finds over the top. Cedric her producer/boss surprises Rosie by announcing that Marcus is to be her new co-host, which is not what she was expecting!! What will working with Markus be like?
Like all of us Rosie is dreading her school reunion which she attends with good friends Penny and Ange – it has been 10 years, will Wes be there?
This story is easy to read, and we move from Mudgee to Sydney and even a delightful trip over the ocean to India. The supporting characters bring the story to life and help us get to know Rosie, I loved them all and they often made me laugh like Cedric with his drama or Penny and her ability to get the good champagne. The additional back story of Rosie’s family helps the reader understand the Rosie of today.
@karinamaywrite has written a wonderful story of love, loss and taking chances which, I highly recommend. Thank you for the opportunity to read this fabulous book.
Rosie Royce is trying to live her best life but is feeling jaded with dating apps and prefers to spend her nights alone. She is still dealing with her ex-Wes Preston jumping on a plane 6 years ago and not returning to her, leaving so much unsaid and Rosie hurt.
She decides to make a move to Mudgee, a fresh start and a new fabulous job with the local radio station. She loves the town and people but meets the handsome celebrity Vet Dr Markus Abrahams who she finds over the top. Cedric her producer/boss surprises Rosie by announcing that Marcus is to be her new co-host, which is not what she was expecting!! What will working with Markus be like?
Like all of us Rosie is dreading her school reunion which she attends with good friends Penny and Ange – it has been 10 years, will Wes be there?
This story is easy to read, and we move from Mudgee to Sydney and even a delightful trip over the ocean to India. The supporting characters bring the story to life and help us get to know Rosie, I loved them all and they often made me laugh like Cedric with his drama or Penny and her ability to get the good champagne. The additional back story of Rosie’s family helps the reader understand the Rosie of today.
@karinamaywrite has written a wonderful story of love, loss and taking chances which, I highly recommend. Thank you for the opportunity to read this fabulous book.
January 18, 2024
NEVER EVER FOREVER was the ideal summer read to kick off my holiday break. It quickly had me giggling & yearning for my next (long overdue) trip to Mudgee.
Heavier on the rom com than Karina May’s earlier novel, DUCK Á L’ORANGE FOR BREAKFAST, FOREVER pits 2 potential love interests - each with their own mysteries - in the running for Rosie’s heart. Will it be a second chance romance with the great love who broke her heart, or will the Dr Chris Brown-esque celebrity vet set her on a new romantic path?
I really enjoyed Rosie’s radio happenings at the small rural broadcaster & thought Karina May sent this story in some very intriguing & interesting directions. I can see how there’d be very distinct Team Markus & Team Wes camps amongst readers. I was both surprised & a bit unsurprised with Rosie’s ultimate choice & I thought it rang true to her character development.
Sprinkled with wanderlust & rich with cheeky humour, NEVER EVER FOREVER is the type of book that will have you smiling as you turn the pages.
I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher.
Heavier on the rom com than Karina May’s earlier novel, DUCK Á L’ORANGE FOR BREAKFAST, FOREVER pits 2 potential love interests - each with their own mysteries - in the running for Rosie’s heart. Will it be a second chance romance with the great love who broke her heart, or will the Dr Chris Brown-esque celebrity vet set her on a new romantic path?
I really enjoyed Rosie’s radio happenings at the small rural broadcaster & thought Karina May sent this story in some very intriguing & interesting directions. I can see how there’d be very distinct Team Markus & Team Wes camps amongst readers. I was both surprised & a bit unsurprised with Rosie’s ultimate choice & I thought it rang true to her character development.
Sprinkled with wanderlust & rich with cheeky humour, NEVER EVER FOREVER is the type of book that will have you smiling as you turn the pages.
I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher.
March 20, 2024
I really wanted to like this more. It was painfully cringe and unbelievable at times. That combined with the overuse of references to converse or chuck taylors made it really difficult to stay in the story. Still fun though!
June 2, 2024
A quick, quippy, easy read 👏🏻
I absolutely adored Duck L’Orange by @karinamaywrite and was so excited to read Never, Ever, Forever.
Rosie moves to Mudgee to become a radio presenter and meets a Chris Brown-esque TV Vet who becomes her co-host. I loved the supporting characters in this story and the writing around Mudgee and India.
I loved reading the development of Rosie as a character, learning to love herself and back herself.
All in all, a lovely easy romcom! 💜
I absolutely adored Duck L’Orange by @karinamaywrite and was so excited to read Never, Ever, Forever.
Rosie moves to Mudgee to become a radio presenter and meets a Chris Brown-esque TV Vet who becomes her co-host. I loved the supporting characters in this story and the writing around Mudgee and India.
I loved reading the development of Rosie as a character, learning to love herself and back herself.
All in all, a lovely easy romcom! 💜
January 22, 2024
Lots of unexpected plot twists, easy to follow and engaging story. Loved it being set in Australia. A different type of book I usually go for but definitely glad I did!!
April 1, 2024
I found this one a little dull, I’m sorry to say. Really liked the authors previous book but this one was just ok
June 24, 2024
The book was nice but the audio book had a few mispronunciations of proper nouns like Kiama, Ballina and Einstein!
November 17, 2024
How did I miss out on reviewing Never Ever Forever? I loved this novel! Witty, hilarious and so heartfelt, it’s one I definitely still think about…perfect romcom! Love Karina May!!!!!!!!
November 18, 2024
Karina May has done it again! Absolutely loved Never Ever Forever.
January 20, 2025
Was this crap or am I in a reading slump? We’ll never know
November 10, 2023
Duck à l’Orange for Breakfast is an absolute favourite of mine so I was so excited for Karina’s new book!
Karina May is a rom com genius! This book is absolutely delightful. I loved the wit, the romance and the humor, whilst being taken on Rosie’s journey. It was a beautiful balance of everything. I giggled, I cringed, I smiled a lot and I cried. My heart is happy!
I adored every page of this beautiful book. The characters were all interesting and fun, I loved Rosie so much! I enjoyed the small town Mudgee setting and being taken back to India. Always love a second chance romance when it’s written well, and this was!
So much more to say but no spoilers 🤐
Wes or Markus?? I had my favourite from the very beginning 🥰
Go pre order your copy now! You will want to buy this book for everyone on your Christmas list, it’s the perfect romantic comedy for everyone! A feel good read is what everyone needs over the Christmas break.
Karina May is a rom com genius! This book is absolutely delightful. I loved the wit, the romance and the humor, whilst being taken on Rosie’s journey. It was a beautiful balance of everything. I giggled, I cringed, I smiled a lot and I cried. My heart is happy!
I adored every page of this beautiful book. The characters were all interesting and fun, I loved Rosie so much! I enjoyed the small town Mudgee setting and being taken back to India. Always love a second chance romance when it’s written well, and this was!
So much more to say but no spoilers 🤐
Wes or Markus?? I had my favourite from the very beginning 🥰
Go pre order your copy now! You will want to buy this book for everyone on your Christmas list, it’s the perfect romantic comedy for everyone! A feel good read is what everyone needs over the Christmas break.
April 22, 2024
Not a captivating read but a nice story.
February 1, 2024
I struggled to get into this book as the characters just didn't grab me. While i understood the emotional issues and trauma the main female character was experiencing, her behaviour and attitude were frustrating at times. I do like the way she managed to open herself up to new experiences but felt her inner dialogue was repetitive at times, and that was not always enjoyable to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the authors previous book, Duck à l'orange for breakfast, so I will continue to give her writing a chance.
I thoroughly enjoyed the authors previous book, Duck à l'orange for breakfast, so I will continue to give her writing a chance.
February 26, 2024
Rosie Royce was trying to live her best life, after her childhood sweetheart Wes Preston left her six years ago. She followed her impulse and moved to the idyllic country town of Mudgee, where she worked in a local radio with her infuriating cohost, Dr. Markus Abrahams. Would she open herself to a world of possibility, especially when a school reunion brought Wes back into her orbit?
The premise of this book captured my attention straight away. I loved the idea of a strong female character getting a gig as a radio host in a country town!
Unfortunately, the execution wasn’t as strong as I had wanted. None of the love interests interested me, and I found some of the dialogues and scenes to have lots of red flags. I wanted Rosie to run as far away as she could from Markus and Wes because both didn’t seem to be able to offer healthy relationships.
Comparing this to the author’s previous book (which I really enjoyed), I think what was missing for me this time was ‘substance’. There was not enough ‘heaviness’ in this one to counter the ‘silly’ moments, which to me resulted in pure levity, and it wasn’t what I was looking for going in.
I’d still recommend this to readers who want light rom-coms (I liked the ending, and there was a fun twist!). Perhaps if I had gone in without any expectation, I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more.
Having said that, I still really liked the author’s writing style. So I’ll definitely check out her next book!
(Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
The premise of this book captured my attention straight away. I loved the idea of a strong female character getting a gig as a radio host in a country town!
Unfortunately, the execution wasn’t as strong as I had wanted. None of the love interests interested me, and I found some of the dialogues and scenes to have lots of red flags. I wanted Rosie to run as far away as she could from Markus and Wes because both didn’t seem to be able to offer healthy relationships.
Comparing this to the author’s previous book (which I really enjoyed), I think what was missing for me this time was ‘substance’. There was not enough ‘heaviness’ in this one to counter the ‘silly’ moments, which to me resulted in pure levity, and it wasn’t what I was looking for going in.
I’d still recommend this to readers who want light rom-coms (I liked the ending, and there was a fun twist!). Perhaps if I had gone in without any expectation, I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more.
Having said that, I still really liked the author’s writing style. So I’ll definitely check out her next book!
(Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
June 17, 2024
Never Ever Forever by Karina May falls short of delivering the lighthearted, sweet rom-com experience that readers might expect, especially those who enjoyed her previous work, Duck à l’Orange. While the premise of a budding romance between a girl and her co-host seemed promising, the execution left much to be desired.
The main character, despite being the most relatable of the bunch, fails to truly engage the reader. Her journey and personal growth are overshadowed by a narrative that lacks the charm and warmth typically associated with the genre. The supporting characters, unfortunately, do not fare any better, contributing to an overall sense of detachment.
The storyline itself struggles to find its footing, lacking the emotional depth and whimsical touch that are often the hallmarks of a successful romantic comedy. Key moments that should have been impactful and heartwarming instead felt flat and uninspired, leaving the reader yearning for more connection and engagement.
While not every book can be a winner, this one unfortunately missed the mark on delivering a satisfying romantic escape.
The main character, despite being the most relatable of the bunch, fails to truly engage the reader. Her journey and personal growth are overshadowed by a narrative that lacks the charm and warmth typically associated with the genre. The supporting characters, unfortunately, do not fare any better, contributing to an overall sense of detachment.
The storyline itself struggles to find its footing, lacking the emotional depth and whimsical touch that are often the hallmarks of a successful romantic comedy. Key moments that should have been impactful and heartwarming instead felt flat and uninspired, leaving the reader yearning for more connection and engagement.
While not every book can be a winner, this one unfortunately missed the mark on delivering a satisfying romantic escape.
October 27, 2024
I always find it hard to rate and review books from genres I don’t normally read. And I am not a romance girly. But it was an enjoyable read. The sense of setting and scenery was well captured, both Mudgee and Sydney, as well as India. It made me want to travel there so badly. The characters were visualised as a little cartoonish in my mind’s eye while reading. The quirks that could have added depth and grounding to the character, for me had the opposite effect and made them more like a caricature. I did get a bit of a laugh out of the way May tied up the few elements of misdirection, in the perfect cheesy rom-com way. And I don’t think I was meant to, but I was rooting for Rosie and Dr Markus, and not Rosie and Wes. Anyone else?
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