Never Tear Us Apart

by D.M. Simmons

It's been two years since Cruz and his stepsister Ellery collided in Cherry Cove, Georgia, and the former All American has used time, distance, and baseball to forget about the girl he could never have. With a future in the majors all but certain, he has one last summer to live it up with his brothers before life in The Show becomes a reality. And that is exactly what he intends to do.

With Elmhurst Prep now behind her, Ellery is ready to move on from the southern society she was born into and start a new life that doesn't include pearls and polo shorts, but a cup of French roast and a good mixtape. But before she goes, she is determined to use her last summer among the polished and privileged, to find out who is behind the smear campaign against her daddy's memory.

When chance and circumstance throw Cruz and Ellery a curveball and bring their worlds crashing together again, the two must decide...sit the bench, or step into the batter's box and go down swinging.


Never Tear Us Apart is intended for mature audiences. Contains strong language and graphic sexual situations. TW's include praise and submission, edging, breath play, as well as references to kidnapping, murder, and drug use, and an attempted SA.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Ebooks, Sports Romance

Unknown Binding

First published March 27, 2024

About the author

Hi, I’m D.M. Simmons. 
 
I write romance filled with tangled hearts, dark magic, and the kind of love that burns through worlds. My stories blend danger and desire. Worlds where destiny gets messy, power comes at a price, and passion is as fierce as the battles my characters fight.
​
I love exploring every corner of the genre, from forbidden celestial love and enemies-to-lovers tension to morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and the slow, inevitable pull of fated souls. My stories are rich with emotion, lush worldbuilding, and filled with twists and turns and the kind of longing that lingers long after the last page.
 
When I'm not writing or dreaming of new worlds, you can fine me lost in a playlist, binge watching my favorite shows, watching movies, reading, or chasing after my kids (and cats).
 
I live by the ocean in California, fueled by foggy mornings, good coffee, and the thrill of building stories where love always finds a way—no matter how dark, long, or twisted the path.

Reviews

[Darkdirtysmut · Rating 5 out of 5]

The summer of '91!!! This book brought back so many found memories of the early nineties! Baseball, grunge music, mixed tapes, and summer love all in one book. Add in the twist of secrets and an unexpected turns and you have this amazing book.

Cruz is the "All American" baseball pitcher who falls for the Sweet Southern Belle, who at the age of sixteen became his step sister when their parents got married.

Their love story is wrought with love, pain, heartache, sacrifices, and eventually acceptance. And in true D.M. fashion she throws a few curve balls in there that I wasn't expecting and knocked this book out of the park!!

Ok, enough of the baseball references since technically that's only a underlying topic in the book with Cruz and his three baseball teammates return to Cherry Cove to relax for the summer. But this book is full of spice and angst between Cruz and Ellie and lets not forget the underlying tension between their best friends!

This book will leave you feeling nostalgic, in all your feels, and on the edge of your seat trying to figure out the breadcrumbs and how they come together, and it's definitely not what I thought!! Definitely recommend this book!!

[Krystle Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fire and I consumed every bit of that inferno. This book is fun, exciting, and has a Wicked curve ball. Danielle puts the readers in such a nostalgic society of 1991 in a southern society and everything/ everyone has their own secret with of course Baseball. I absolutely love her writing and how she immerses you into the world. Check triggers warnings please! Comes out March 27th on KU!

Tropes
- Baseball Romance
- Stepbrother
- Enemies to Lovers
- Bullying
- 1991 Mixtape
- Beaches & Boardwalks
- Second chance
- Touch her and d**
- Good Girl Kink
- Edging
- Dark Summer Vibes

I want to thank Danielle for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦."

OMG! This story was phenomenal! I was instantly brought back to my teenage years in the 90’s with all of the nostalgia that this amazing author has woven into the imagery and world building of this incredible story. I could not put this one down!

Ellery and Cruz had me in a chokehold and continually pulled on my heartstrings throughout their summer journey of reconnection. These two may be step-siblings and their relationship may seem a bit taboo, but OMG are they ever perfectly matched. They both have this fierceness inside them and they both love with their whole hearts.

The back and forth banter was just incredible between all of the characters. They had me giggling like crazy, rolling my eyes over their comebacks, and raging with anger over the antics some of the other characters get into.

But the banter between Ellery and Cruz was filled with intense emotions, powerful desire and this insane craving they have for each other. Their amazing chemistry just oozed off the pages. It was utterly palpable, incredibly spicy and so freaking HOT. Cruz has one hell of a filthy mouth on him and I was so into it. These two had me enthralled and intoxicated over their love for each other.

Not only is this a wonderful second chance at love story, but there is this mysterious wickedness and corruption seeping into this sleepy town that is pulling Cruz, Ellery and their friends into discovering all of the hidden secrets and truths. What they don’t realize is that their enemy is utterly ruthless.

From start to finish this story was well written and filled with mystery, secrets, betrayals, suspense, amazing friendships, deliciously spicy moments and twists and turns throughout that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. And then that ending WTF, I need more now!

LOVED IT and can’t wait for the next part.

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Never Tear Us Apart in return for an honest review.

The summer before Cruz left college changed his life but also kept him away from home for two years. Now he's back Ellery has grown up and he can't seem to get her out of his mind. Neither one can deny the attraction that hasn't gone away in the two years they have been apart. When fate keeps pushing them together it get's harder to avoid the feelings that are still there. Ellery has a lot on her mind with the fact her father's death is in the news.

I loved the characters both Cruz and Ellery are great you can't help cheering them on as the story progresses. I loved their story it was easy to be drawn into it and hooked right from the start. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help loving the sweet relationships between them. We also have some great supporting characters that I can't wait to learn more about in the next book.

I ended up devouring Never Tear Us Apart in one reading session I was hooked right from the start till the very last page. It's a sweet romance with just the right amount of mystery to keep you guessing till the very end. The author did a beautiful job creating a captivating story that I couldn't put down. The story is a perfect balance of story to with just the right amount of spicy. I enjoyed it very much and can't wait for the next installment.

[Vanessa Hilario Mata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! It took me back to my teenage years! Fantastic second chance romance! Enjoyed reading Cruz and Ellery! A Must Read!

[Audrey Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC reader in exchange for early access to it. All opinions are mine and mine alone.

With that being said…when this book releases on March 27th, get it! It has everything you could want…
•taboo
•spice
•sports (baseball)
•suspense

If you love a good romance with second chance, touch her and die vibes, and a little mystery involved this is the book for you! Cruz and Ellery will steal your heart and the angst(because did I mention they are step siblings) is top tier!

“You deserved to be the dream.” ❤️

Cruz is the ultimate man come to life and Ellery is a southern bell with a side of badass. And listening to the Mixtape while reading is just 🤌🏻 chef’s kiss.

Thank you so much for entrusting me with this ARC read and allowing me to read this beautiful book ❤️

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had everything. Forbidden love, second chance, small towns, old money and a murder mystery.
Elle and Cruz were fantastic characters. Along with their besties Jake and Jenica. The banter between them all was so fun.
The longing and angst between Cruz and Elle was top notch. You felt everything with them.

[Caitlin McManus · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars. This book was really cute and started off nice. The plot change was unexpected and nice. Secret society, missing girls and murder all while dealing with forbidden step sibling love. The bit that ruined it for me was the penis and the dildo in the same hole. No thanks hahaha

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice: 4

Tropes:
second chance romance
taboo
step-siblings
90s vibes
touch her and die
Dual POV

Trigger Warning:
assault

I'll be honest, Never Tear Us Apart was not what I expected it to be.... and I really enjoyed that! What did I expect? Just a normal contemporary baseball romance but set in the 90s-- so.... angst, slow burn, and sex ROFL. What did I get? So Much More! Yes, we had the angst and the sex but we also had mystery, secret society vibes, and a taboo relationship. It was so good!

Cruz and his college baseball buds are in the beach town of Cherry Cove to spend the summer and relax. Only, things are never that simple because Cruz's step-sister, Ellery, is also in town for the summer and she wasn't suppose to be there. There's tension between Cruz and Ellery.... the sexual kind. They were hot and heavy 2 years ago before Cruz broke it off with Ellery, worried about scandal and her future. Why? Uh because Ellery is rich and comes from Southern money where appearances is everything down here.

However, Ellery is in town because her deceased father's case has been reopened and people are starting to drag his name thru the mud. Ellery isn't having it. She's on a mission to clear her father's name. With the help of Cruz, can they clear her father from the rumors OR have they just stepped into the lion's den of secrets?

I loved that this story was set in the 90s, very nostalgic and fun, I thought! I liked seeing Ellery and Cruz have to be little Nancy Drews and digging for information vs just googling everything. The town, the rich vs poor also gave me Outer Banks vibes which, I love that show, I can't lie. I loved the tension this story brought and the way the mystery and secrets unfolded made it hard to put down. Then it ended on a cliffhanger so I need the next book soon because I'm invested in Cherry Cove and the lives of this group of friends now!

[Olga 🌺 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is really really good. The narrative is pretty amazing and I love the Plot.

Ellery is a beautiful southern Belle inside out.
Cruz has made some questionable decisions in the past which he tries to rectify as soon as he’s back. But what bums me is that it was fate that brought them back together and not their love for each other.

I dig all that Alpha asshole shit but as usual it’s ok for men to sleep around especially when they’re upset, frustrated and nostalgic yet the FMC holds back because she’s still holding a candle for him.
I mean I get it, it’s supposed to be like that for both and I would love for a book where the MMC holds back on sex because he is actually upset, frustrated and nostalgic!

I love the side conversations that both MCs have with side characters. It’s not just nonsense convos to fill up pages but rather significant ones that correlate with the Plot. Superb 👌

The major turn of their relation is confusing. Here she was super mad, and rightly so, for how he left her stranded 2 years ago, yet he offers a truce comprising of friendship with benefits! Hmm 🤔 how is that a good deal for her? She’s still hung up on him and he IS leaving at the end of summer. Her heart will be broken again. Why on earth would she agree to that?! I don’t get it.

The twist at the end I kinda predicted it but only part of it. The other part was 😯!

But I have to admit this book has it all. The thrill, the mystery, the suspense, the romance, the twists. I loved it. I literally devoured it. It’s my first book of DM Simmons but definitely not my last. I just can’t believe I need to wait till July for Book 2 to come out 😩

[Lorelei Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew my mind! Filled with high-society/political scandals and drama, set before cell phones and internet, and super spicy once it heats up!
Cruz comes back to Cherry Cove with some of his baseball teammates during a summer break from college, thinking that his stepsister Ellery was in Europe for the summer. Ellery instead spends her summer after high school graduation in Cherry Cove to find out who is dragging her late father’s memory in the mud. Cruz and Ellery haven’t seen each other for two years, ever since Cruz left her for college and baseball, but their worlds once again crash into each other in Cherry Cove, igniting a passionate chain of events that neither of them is prepared for.
This book hit every mark for me! Nostalgia, drama, scandal, suspense, danger, spice, first love, second-chance, enemies-to-lovers (to-enemies-to-lovers). Yes, Cruz and Ellery are stepsiblings. Their parents got married when Cruz and Ellery were teenagers. And this book takes place when they’re both of legal age. Now that that’s out of the way… reading this book was like watching a movie. It took me on a journey that will live in my head for a while! Just when I thought it was going to go one way, it went the other. And that cliffhanger!! I can’t wait to find out what happens next!!
Check the TW if you need to, as there are some darker elements in some parts of this story.

[Loriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Torch Lit Ink for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

If you love rom-coms with a twist of mystery, this one’s for you.

Cruz and Ellery hate each other… or at least that’s what they want everyone to believe. Underneath the bickering and tension is a slow-burning connection they can’t ignore. The only problem? They’re step-siblings.

When Cruz leaves to chase his baseball dreams and leaves Ellery without looking back, he tells himself it’s the right thing to do, to protect them both from scandal. But when he returns three years later, sparks fly again, and it’s clear that time hasn’t healed a thing. As they wrestle with their feelings, a growing mystery threatens to upend their world and put Ellery in danger.

The chemistry between Cruz and Ellery was fire, though I’ll admit Ellery had me yelling at my book a few times. Cruz, on the other hand? Total green flag energy—sweet, loyal, and exactly what Ellery needed.

The pacing was quick, the mystery engaging, and the twist? I half-saw it coming but still loved the reveal. Bonus points for the side characters, especially Jenica and Jake (can’t wait to see them in book two!).

Overall, this was a fast-paced, flirty, and fun read that blended romance and suspense perfectly.

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words Don’t Do Justice to How Much I Loved this Read!




DM, you made me fall for fantasy reads, and now you have renewed my love for contemporary reads. Calling this a contemp romance read is a bit of an injustice. It’s sooo much more! There is intrigue, mystery, and a gripping storyline. There’s a secret society, it’s got baseball and swoon worthy characters, but best of all, it’s set in the early 90’s, my favourite time from the past. When music was played on instruments and made by computers and people interacted with one another on a more personal level. I have loved this author’s writing since the first word I read from her Fallen Series, but this book - this book is just sooo much more! It took me on a wild, emotional, and gripping ride. One that I don’t want to get off of. I loved Cruz and Ellie, but I also loved everyone from their close circle of friends and want to know more - need to know more. This is one of my favourite contemporary romance reads of all time. Bravo, DM, bravo!

[Dusty Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story still sits with me.

Ms. DM, your writing was different with this book. I loved your others, but this one touched me. It reminded me of that time in my life, yes. But more than that, it came alive, their story was a moving picture in my head almost to the point that you let the nostalgia part be ignored and focused on the dynamic between the characters. Yes, the nostalgia touches were present, but that's not the focus when reading for me. After, I was like damn I want a Zima and shoot, maybe, I should pull out my Docs and wear them again. It was an epically beautiful story that will live rent-free in my head for some time to come. I absolutely CAN NOT wait for what you have in store next. It was pure poetry the way you wove this tragically beautiful love story for all ages.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was….different than what I expected. Not in a bad way necessarily but definitely not what I went in thinking it would be. I went in thinking I was getting a normal taboo/step sibling dynamic and then out of nowhere we have a murder mystery/secret society sub plot and I was definitely thrown for a loop. I absolutely agree with the other reviews I’ve seen on this book, the nostalgia vibes are EPIC and are a heavy factor in the parts I did enjoy. Ellery and Cruz were a fun read for sure and the spice was really good but I did find myself kind of, I don’t know, not completely invested. Just ok for me, but I did really enjoy the writing itself and would absolutely give this author another go in the future. 3.5/5 stars.


::What to expect::
• Step siblings
• Baseball romance
• Enemies to lovers
• Bullying
• Second chance
• 90s nostalgia
• Secret society
• Slow burn

[tattooedbooknerdgirl35 (Amanda Lynn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an arc read and this is my honest review for Never Tear Us Apart.

I have to say this was my first read by D.M. Simmons and I have to say she really blew my mind. This book has it all drama, action, spoiled rich kids, spice, taboo topics. I have to say I really enjoyed reading about Ellery and Cruz and how they got together and all the surrounding drama they have to deal with, this story had me on the edge full of suspense and I just wanted to read until I was done with no interruptions. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger but I really can’t wait to read more about Ellery, Cruz their friends Jake, Jenica and Marcus and read what happens next.

Trust me this is a book you can’t not check out.

[Samantha Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me such 90s nostalgia that alone made it 5 star read In my eyes. I have read a few D.M Simmons books and they never disappointed me and neither did this one. The 2nd chance romance is addictive and hot hot hit really makes you sweat under the collar. And the story and plot is bueatifully written and ypu can not help but fall in love with the characters with each turn of the page

[Stefanie Nelson hetland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This book has all the feels in it..drama, angst, mystery and romance. The chemistry between Cruz and Ellery was off the charts. This is another great read by this author. Cannot wait for more.

[Angie Large · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH. MY. GOD!! What a ride!! I honestly wasn't expecting such an intense story but highly enjoyed it. I loved Cruz and Ellery their chemistry and intensity was intoxicating and the suspense of the storyline kept me turning the page! I honestly wasn't sure how it was going to end but that I did not see coming!

[Amanda Haasis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy walk down memory lane!!! This was truly amazing book by DM Simmons. Ellery, Miss southern belle herself and Cruz the All American Baseball Player. Step sibling falling for each other. Plus there is way way more drama than just these two. But honestly I just need Ellie and Cruz. So hope back in time with these two to the summer of ‘91 and the early start of the massive era of grunge. Load up that Walkman or disc man. Honestly use the Walkman. Because you will be transported back to late 80’s to the summer of ‘91! Turn up some nirvana and Pearl Jam and rock out worth your ladies out girls!!!! Because trust me when I say this Cherry Cove will never be the same. 🍒🍑⚾️💿

[Casey Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Your mental health is important. Please be advised of content warnings & keep yourself aware of and safe from any triggers you may have.

Cruz and Ellery.

If you love a whirlwind summer where old flames reignite and long buried secrets come to light, this is the one. Did I mention that they’re step-siblings?

Things get spicy&emotional when Cruz and Ellery find themselves face to face after a less than amicable parting two years before when he broke things off with his step-sister and headed off to pursue a career in baseball, leaving her to pick up the pieces of her broken heart alone.

They’ve each got their reservations, and for good reason, but can’t seem to keep away from the temptation that they are to one another. Can they find a way to “work each other out” of their respective systems & walk away at summers end, or will they finally give into their years-long desire to be together, all else be damned?

“There are a lot of things in Elmhurst that don’t seem legal, and yet, they are what they are.”

Elmhurst holds a lot more secrets than just Cruz & Ellery’s, and the bigger picture here outside the (swoony) romance has me all the way invested, intrigued and over-eager for the next book, especially after that ending.

Having discovered Simmons through her After The Fall & Children of the Fallen series’, I knew going into Never Tear Us Apart that it was going to have a different feel & be a whole different ball game, and I’m happy to report that D.M. knocked it out of the park with this one! Another insanely good, emotional rollercoaster ride of a read, with lots of intrigue to bring the reader coming back for more.

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! That ending!!
Never tear us apart gave me Outer Banks feels. The haves and the have nots, secret high society with a small beach town summer time forbidden romance wrapped into it. Cruz and Ellie were always destined to be each other’s great love but what happens when social status and obligation taint their already broken hearts.

I loved Ellie and her rebellious personality. She marched to her own beat and didn’t blend into what her elite society wanted of her. She flipped the bird to their so called tradition and legacy.

Cruz! How I wouldn’t want a man like him. His groveling was 5 stars! Mr.All American, he left and broke her heart but came back with a vengeance. If you love the fuck it, good girl tropes. D.M Simmons gives you all the feels with Cruz and Ellie.

“Aw fuck, Ellie. I love you. I have loved you from the moment I first saw you. I didn’t tell you that summer, but I’m telling you now. You’re it for me. I don’t care what I need to do to keep you in my life this time, I’ll do it. I’m all in.”

Our side characters (which will lead to our next book I hope!) Jake and Jenica! Best side characters and best friends! Jenica was a girls girl 100! Ugh I can’t wait to see what happens because that ending *mic drop*

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok when I say omg this book did not disappoint , I mean it. Typically I read alot of fantasy, dark fantasy romance, and all things magic /magical creatures but every so often I pick up something else that peaks my interest and color me happily surprised by how much I loved this book!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I absolutely adore Ellery and Cruz (and low key their besties too). This book has the love story , the intrigue, but then to top it off it has mystery and so many questions I can’t wait to see answered and how they unfold. Seriously it’s been a while since I’ve read a good secret society and uncovering more than you ever bargained for.




Seriously my first reactions when sharing with my besties “ Sex. Southern secret society . Coverups. Forbidden romance, next book coming. This was good!” And mind you this was just my quick recap at 1 am 😂
****I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes. While I was provided with a copy, a review was never required, and all opinions are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline of this book is definitely not as it first appears. Obviously, the romance plot line is there and heavy and spicy. Then there are some pretty great twists and turns that I wasn’t anticipating that made me like it even more!

[Jennifer Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book…this book was an absolute thrill and pleasure to read on every level! I love books that give a genuine throwback or retro vibe, and this author nailed it! Ellery and Cruz’s story take place in 1991, and Simmons absolutely checked off all the 90s boxes for me! This book was so packed full of emotions between Ellery and Cruz, then throw in the nostalgia aspect, and I did not want this book to end! Ellery and Cruz are step-siblings, but fall in love the summer of ‘89. Believing he’s doing what’s best for them, Cruz ends their secret relationship when he heads off for college, leaving a broken hearted Ellery behind. Two years later, he’s back for the summer, but he’s not expecting to run into the girl of his past his first day back in town. Every feeling and emotion he thought he’d buried comes to the surface with one look at Ellery. Ellery is shocked to see Cruz back in town, and all of the heartache and pain of his departure comes rushing back as soon as she sees him. But he’s not Ellery’s concern anymore. She’s got bigger issues she’s trying to handle without letting Cruz’s confusing actions distract her. Cruz knows something is going on, why else would Ellery be hanging out with the elitist crowd she’s always avoided. And who is behind all of the mysteriously missing girls? Something dark is going on in the shadows of this southern beach town, and Ellery is determined to find out what. Can Cruz protect her and convince her that this time, he’s not walking away?

Ellery and Cruz were absolute fire! Their chemistry was palpable and the tension was incredible! You could feel their connection jump off the pages. Their love story was definitely a thing of beauty, and so worth all the heartache they went through to get there. I loved Jake and Jenica as side characters. The mystery in this sleepy, southern town was so intricately weaved, I couldn’t keep from trying to unravel it. The nostalgia was so well done, it sealed the deal for me with this story. The music references, the band t-shirts, tape players, all of it was just so well done I felt transported back in time. This book was a fantastic read, and a definite recommendation!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have to say that a romantic suspense was certainly not on the list of books that I expected to fall in love with this year, but here we are and let me tell you, the ending made me throw my kindle because I am not going to be able to wait until the next book in the series comes out.

Ellery and Cruz have a relationship that is forbidden in most aspects of society- with their parents having married each other, they know in the rich town of Elmhurst where they are living, that them as stepsiblings being together is something that is not going to fly with the wealthy. Unfortunately for them, they can't just give up their feelings for each other so for a while they hid them in secret. It is only when Cruz goes off to college that he rips the bandage off and breaks Ellery's heart in order to give her a chance at a relationship in the light. Two years later, he returns home for a relaxing summer with some of his teammates and sees that maybe that decision wasn't for the best. With Ellery not abroad like she was supposed to be and her father's case being reopened, this summer can only mean reopening the wounds caused by their breakup. Throw in some missing girls in Cherry Cove and you have a suspenseful romance that leaves you head spinning from start to finish. It was also really fun to read something that was set right around the time I was born- references to pop culture at that time were certainly on point and I had to at times remind myself that I was reading a book that was more in the past than the present like most stories I read these days.

I loved the reconnection between Ellery and Cruz. You know from the moment that they lay eyes on each other that they never truly forgot what they felt. Time however has different ideas and since they are not the same people they were prior, they certainly throw each other for loops that neither were expecting all while giving into that chemistry sizzling between them. That chemistry alone led to some really delicious scenes that left me sweating on more than one occasion. What I also really liked outside of that was how they were able to finally have a conversation on what happened the night that Cruz ended everything and work towards moving past that and putting their relationship into the light. I think without those conversations the parts of the story where they were investigating together could have really fallen flat, and the cliffhanger of an ending would not have had such a dramatic punch.

I also really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this entire story. Mysterious disappearances are happening in Cherry Cove and who is behind it and their motivation for what they were doing were certainly well hidden until the end. Looking back, there were certainly moments of foreshadowing that were so well developed that I was on more than one occasion slapping myself in the face because once everything was revealed, it was so easy to see just how all of the pieces lined up. I would be interested to see just what happens next because the ending really threw me for a loop and I am certainly not okay with it.

This is certainly not a story that you would want to miss, especially if you are into mysteries, hot baseball players and main character chemistry that jumps off the page and smacks you in the face.

[Judie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Never Tear Us Apart" by DM Simmons is a gripping tale of forbidden love, societal pressures, and the sinister secrets that lurk beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic town. The story follows the journey of Cruz, torn between his aspirations of becoming a Major League Baseball player and his forbidden love for his stepsister.

As Cruz faces the daunting challenge of balancing his dreams with his undeniable feelings for his stepsister, Ellery. Knowing that their love could scandalize her prestigious family and jeopardize his career, he decides to end their relationship. Cruz leaves for college and has no contact with her for two years, breaking her heart in the process. When he returns home for the summer, they are thrown together once again, and this time Cruz decides that he is all in. He will fight for them to be together regardless of the consequences.

However, their rekindled romance is challenged by a dark and twisted mystery surrounding Ellery’s deceased father. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a sinister secret society determined to maintain its grip on power and control. The discovery of innocent lives at stake adds a chilling urgency to her quest for truth, drawing Cruz, Elroy and their friends into a perilous battle against a ruthless enemy.

Simmons expertly weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and the corrupting influence of power, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each unexpected twist and turn. As the stakes escalate and secrets unravel, Cruz and Ellory must confront their own vulnerabilities and the shadows of their pasts if they hope to secure a future together.

This book is a riveting tale that transcends the boundaries of conventional romance, seamlessly blending elements of suspense and intrigue to create a truly unforgettable reading experience. "Never Tear Us Apart” is a must-read for fans of thrilling romantic suspense, offering a poignant reminder that love can conquer even the darkest of shadows. At least we hope so!

[Nikki LeLand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Tear Us Apart follows the story of Ellery Butler and Cruz through their impossible love story. Two years ago, Cruz left town to go to college for baseball and forget about the girl he could never have: his stepsister, Ellery. Ellery is now 18, out of Elmhurst Prep, and ready to live her life true 90s style (all the grunge vibes) while Cruz is back in town for one last summer with his baseball buddies before inevitably going Pro. After two years, their worlds collide, consistently being brought together. Now they must decide if they’re going to move on and forget each other’s existence, or step up to the plate and go down swinging.

This book was a great read. I haven’t been able to read as much as I wanted to lately so I was reading this in short bursts but I couldn’t stop thinking about Ellery and Cruz. Their dynamic was well built, we had a town full of both likable and despicable characters, and you could all but visualize this quiet seaside town with every turn of the page. I felt like I was living in this town and hanging out alongside Ellery through her ups and downs throughout this story. This story was sweet, spicy, and downright chilling. The added subplot causing us to turn on some people a little over halfway through the book kept this fun and entertaining and really gave into both the “trust no one” trope and “touch her and die.”

Never Tear Us Apart caters to readers of both mystery and romance as the subplot keeps you guessing and rooting for our main characters at every turn. My ONLY complaint with this one is I would have loved to feel love from our main characters more than spice. Once the author built tension, I feel as though every few pages it was a new spicy scene, which isn’t bad, but as the reader, I felt more in tune with Ellery and Cruz’s sexual connection than their emotional one.

I would definitely recommend this book, especially to lovers of:

* Small Town Romance
* Baseball / Sports Romance
* Mystery
* Touch Her And Die
* Possessive Boy

Thank you TorchLitInk & the author for letting me read an ARC for my honest opinion!

[The_bookish_cave_of_wonders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. Oh my god. This was so far beyond what I was expecting it is entirely in its own league. I am really struggling to find words to accurately describe just how stunningly beautiful this story was. If you envision the notebook with some darker twists, this is the level of emotion this story will bring out in you. The story is set in the 90's and let me tell you, you wouldn't even need to be told, the way the author has just managed to capture the essence of that time period with her writing alone absolutely blew my mind. This book doesn't just take you on the journey of the characters. It takes you on a personal journey of nostalgia and memories you thought long lost. Emotionally, I am still recovering. This book has affected me in ways very few authors manage to accomplish, and I am just utterly besotted.

The love story between Cruz and Ellie is just utterly heartbreaking but beautiful at the same time. D. M Simmons writes this to perfection, evoking powerful emotions that will have you crying with joy and heartbreak. The depth to these characters was phenomenal and the bonds between Cruz, Ellie, Jake and Jenica, utterly spellbinding. This book doesn't read like fiction, it reads like real life, throwing you back to your first loves and summers on the beach, the first experiences of heartbreaks and betrayal and the love and loss of friendships. I did not see the darker twists coming at the end of this story and I loved the shock factor that brought into it. I could honestly talk about this book for so long but there isn't space here. To give you an indication, I'm welling up again, just writing this review because the emotional affect this story had on me was just indescribable.

I really, really urge you to read this beautiful story and I cannot wait for book 2.

Thank you so much @authordmsimmons for letting me read for for you, I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to experience Cruz and Ellies story.

[Eren Valentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I definitely went into this unsure of anything related to sports and wasn't sure I would really like it. But I was game for all the tropes and the triggers. I am so glad I took a huge leap of faith and signed up for this. Because THIS WAS SO GOOD. I loved the FMC being just her totally bad self. She's a girl who isn't just going to be a southern belle and all the rich and glam, she is who she is and she's not afraid of that. She's her own person and she fell in love with someone unexpected. The MMC? Okay, I totally loved him too. He's head over heels for her, and he let things get in the way. Who'd have guessed that after separate holidays for years they would be forced back into each other's proximity, but this time their parents weren't going to cater to them any longer. Oh, did I forget to mention they are step siblings? They always made sure to point this out as people keep calling them brother and sister, but they aren't. They aren't related in any way outside of their parents marrying. This book definitely gave that back in the 90s vibe which was fantastic, and it had its own fill of some baseball stuff yes but mystery with a good old who done it and the old-world secret society type of vibes. This book gave me everything that I wanted and more from it, especially with reading the tropes and triggers. Will I read another sports book? Probably not. Will I read book 2 for this one? Oh yeah. I mean at this point the writing was fantastic, I was never bored, the pacing was on point and the tension between these two was off the charts. The spice was there and spiced. The only thing I didn't like... would be anal to vag with no maintenance in between. This is straight from one to the other. That realistically isn't healthy. But I will say this book will have a place on my shelf cause EVERYTHING ELSE WAS ON POINT FOR ME.