Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Text Me, Never

Rate this book
One wrong number. One unexpected connection. One rivalry that’s about to change everything.

Text Me Never is a witty, emotionally charged enemies-to-lovers rom-com about two high-powered rivals brought together by a drunken mistext, a high-stakes resort competition, and a whole lot of sexual tension.

He meant to text his ex.
She was not his ex.
But she might just be his downfall.

After catching his girlfriend in the ultimate betrayal, Nolan Rhodes does what any emotionally wrecked, slightly unhinged man would do—he deletes her number, then later, when the truth really sets in (along with the alcohol), he texts her a scathing goodbye.
Or at least, he thinks he does.
Turns out, he's off by one digit.

The stranger who responds?
She's quick-witted, razor-sharp, and far too tempting for a guy trying to avoid more heartbreak.

Rorie Adams does not have time for mystery men with boundary issues and broken hearts.
She's dealing with her own grief and on the verge of the biggest pitch of her career, and nothing—not even a flirty wrong number—can afford to get in the way.
But late-night messages become a habit.
Sarcasm turns into something softer.
And without ever meeting, they start to fall.

There's just one
They already know each other.

In real life, they're cutthroat rivals headed to the same luxurious island resort to land the same client.

But the second they lock eyes, the slow burn hits fast.

Now it’s fake names, stolen glances, and one unforgettable moment in a bathroom that neither of them is willing to talk about—but both of them can’t stop remembering.

He’s the man she’s sworn to outshine.
She’s the woman he can’t stop wanting.

And when the truth finally comes out?

Let’s just say… losing the client won’t be the worst thing that happens.

472 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2025

77 people are currently reading
337 people want to read

About the author

Cedar James

6 books48 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
133 (52%)
4 stars
80 (31%)
3 stars
33 (12%)
2 stars
8 (3%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Kristi Tragethon.
21 reviews5 followers
May 1, 2025
Welcome, reader!
I’m so glad you picked up Text Me Never. I hope you fall hard for Rorie and Nolan—their banter, their rivalry, their heat, and the way they challenge each other at every turn. This story is packed with summer vibes, sizzling tension, laugh-out-loud moments, and one very wrong number that changes everything. Thanks for being here. I hope you love it as much as I loved writing it.

Happy Reading,
Cedar

One mistaken text. Two workplace rivals. Zero chill.

When heartbroken Nolan Rhodes sends a scathing breakup text to his ex—only to mistype the number—it lands in the inbox of Rorie Adams, a sharp-tongued strategist with no time for drama… unless it’s delivered with this level of poetic rage. Intrigued, Rorie texts back. What starts as snarky back-and-forth quickly spirals into a connection neither of them saw coming.

They have no idea they already know each other. Or that they’re about to be forced into close quarters on a tropical island for a high-stakes pitch competition. And when sparks fly in real life, the truth threatens to ruin everything.

Enemies. Strangers. Soulmates?
Only one thing’s certain: this summer, the line between business and pleasure is about to get very, very blurry.
Profile Image for Stephanie Giese.
Author 9 books84 followers
May 18, 2025
hilarious and fun!

I’m so glad I stumbled upon this gem! It was such a fun read I didn’t want it to end, and I hope there will be a book 2 so we can see what’s going on with M&A. My favorite part was millennial trivia night, and Jeremy is a hilarious character. All the side characters are so fun! I could totally see this as a movie. The only negative I saw was that it really could have used another round of editing because there were still quite a few typos and missing words that sometimes made it tricky to figure out what a sentence was trying to say, but otherwise it was a perfect fun enemies/rivals-to-lovers romance. The writing itself was great, and I think indie authors deserve leniency when it comes to small things like typos. Any book that makes me laugh out loud multiple times gets 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Jenn.
8 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2025
This book made me feel all of the emotions. I raged at some characters, felt deeply for others, and laughed out loud too many times to count. Cedar writes in a way that makes you feel a part of the story. Makes you feel completely immersed. She writes like she has been published for years instead of a debut author. This book is pure perfection. It has the most amazing side characters I’ve ever read, a steamy MMC, a wonderfully snarky FMC, and banter that is on point. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know. And I look forward to devouring everything Cedar writes in the future.
Profile Image for Kelly Berg.
71 reviews
July 27, 2025
Rorie. Nolan. The love. The hate. The spice at reaper chili level. The utter heartbreak. The kintsugi that takes place made me sob. And sprinkled in for comedy is Jeremy. This is not for casual romance readers. The bathroom scene will cause you to rethink the bar bathrooms. Read this story to help them find their North all over again. And again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heather Clark.
14 reviews
May 13, 2025
This book is full of witty banter & will keep you laughing.
Follow Rorie & Nolan along their witty, emotionally charged journey in this enemies to lovers RomCom and it all starts with one text to the wrong number ☺️💖🌅🌊
This story is so fun! I absolutely love the banter between not only them, but all the characters!
it is a MUST READ!!
Profile Image for Rachel Dane.
240 reviews9 followers
May 14, 2025
I. AM. SO. OBSESSED. THE BAAAANTER AND ITS HILARIOUS. omg if you love side characters like ridoc or carrion, meet Rishi and Jeremy. I. LOVE. THIS BOOK. for all you meghan quinn girlie's THIS IS IT. YES. SO. HARD. AND THE SPICE. ugh. just yes. I NEED EVERYONE TO READ THIS....and then maybe listen to the audio this summer 😏
Profile Image for Miranda.
118 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2025
This was pure, brilliant, witty comedic gold! I imagine Cedar did an epic mic drop after typing out the last lines of this incredibly charming, funny, swoony story. It’s the kind of book that makes you laugh out loud, root for every character, and feel like you’ve just made new best friends. An absolute must-read. Girl, you are going places!
Profile Image for Amanda Zombro.
39 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2025
In LOVE!!

This was such a fantastic banter filled read. It was light, funny and heartwarming. But it was also deep and relatable. There’s nothing better than second chances, true love and finding your way in the world. Nolan is a beautiful man with a filthy mouth and I love it. And side characters? Where can I find a Jeremy?? And why is he always missing a shoe?! 😂 I cannot wait to read more from Cedar!
Profile Image for Ginger Kendall.
235 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2025
The banter was top tier 💋🤌🏻. Jeremy is the best, absolutely hilarious 😂
1 review
May 17, 2025
Love it

Couldnt put the book down!I loved the characters, they could be your friends. Jeremy was a hoot, couldnt get enough of him!
Profile Image for Becky Juarez.
41 reviews
May 16, 2025
A cute corporate enemies to lovers rom-com. Spice level 3. Cute back and forth growth between both main characters. He falls first while she denies her feelings.
3 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2025
This book is EVERYTHING! Funny, real, loveable characters. Great plot. My top read of the year so far.
Profile Image for Kel.
361 reviews20 followers
September 17, 2025
I can see why so many people love this book. I really do and honestly it was enjoyable but the banter felt somewhat forced to me and the 3rd act break up situation was down right stupid. it felt like it was added as a last minute conflict and could've been easily solved. I wanted it to be more.

was it enjoyable? yes.
do I like the anonymous texting trope? hell yea
was there banter and spice? yes and yes!

biggest gripe was the plot points and the forced banter. the sassy gay friend was such a cliche and felt like a poor mans Hadriel from a Ruin of Roses lol but with less demon smexy parties, although I bet he'd have been down.
Profile Image for Madison F..
119 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2025
So glad I stumbled across Cedar James on TikTok—this book had me hooked from the very first page!

I absolutely loved the characters. Rorie is a rising PR boss babe with big goals, and Nolan is already killing it at a rival firm. A random run-in and one wrong number text later, and their worlds collide in the best way.

“What keeps us steady? What makes us stay in one place? I guess I’ve always thought of anchors as these heavy objects that keep you stuck. But now I’ve realized that it doesn’t weigh you down. It makes you stop drifting.”

“Find your North, and anchor yourself to it.”
Profile Image for Autumn Lawrence-Barnette.
Author 3 books86 followers
July 13, 2025
I have never fallen in love faster than I did with these characters . Not only did I read the ebook , I will be buying the physical , then watch me run to Audible to listen when it releases ! I honestly believe Cedar is one to watch . A debut like this is something others dream of. I can’t wait to read what releases next from this author . Everything was 10/10

Thank you for giving us a new world to live in and characters to laugh , love , & cry with !

Also the spice be spicing 🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for Bethany Clark.
144 reviews
May 26, 2025
Holy emotional rollercoaster. Not only was the banter top tier and funny as hell but the feels were definitely brought.

The slow burn was burning. The separation was tragic and so far at the end that I wasn't convinced there'd be an HEA.

But we got there and it was a beautiful disaster ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Theresay2004.
2 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2025
Don’t start this book until you are ready to put your life on pause and dive headfirst into their world, because the writing is going to suck you in and leave you wishing you could stay longer when you finally turn that last page. It’s real, it’s messy, and it’s pretty spicy.
Profile Image for Fallon Story.
84 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2025
3.5🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes- work rivals, second chance love, wrong number, dirty mouth golden retriever, great beater. Slow 🔥


This was an amazing read. Loved every minute of this book. The characters were beautifully written and the plot was perfect. Loved the fmc rorie and her sassy spunky personality take no shit. Nolan our mmc was just a delicious golden retriever with the best filthy mouth. The banter in this book was amazing and the side characters kept me laughing so hard I cried especially Jeremy. This is a must read for anyone looking for a great second chance romance with amazing banter and sexual tension.
Profile Image for Meagan Bowman.
149 reviews13 followers
May 17, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Review: What an absolutely amazing debut by Cedar James. I was hyped up for weeks ready to read this book and man did it not disappoint. I was locked in from the very beginning and had to pry it from my hands at 4am to put it down just so I could sleep. I did read this in less than 24 hours that was how fantastic this was. The journey Cedar took us on in this book had me on an emotional rollercoaster but in the best way.

Text Me, Never is full of witty and funny banter between our MCs Rorie and Nolan who are both working for rival companies. It all starts with a text to an ex and a wrong number. The relationship between them grows and blooms and it was such a fun adventure of growth and love. You will also not be disappointed in our side characters as well. Jeremy constantly had me in stitches and the advice and common sense he brings to the conversation is literally what we all need in a friend sometimes. He really doesn't sugar coat anything and it was honestly a breath of fresh air.

If there is one book, I could recommend you reading it is this one. It will have you falling apart with laugher and fanning yourself over how delicious Nolan is. Amazing job Cedar James and congratulations on your debut novel. I can't wait to see what your write next.
Profile Image for Darci Morgan.
6 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2025
This was such a great book! The characters were fantastic. I truly enjoyed the constant, witty banter! Loved it!
Profile Image for Sierra Mclaughlin.
26 reviews10 followers
May 19, 2025
This book was a chaotic wild ride!! I have never laughed so hard at text message in pages. Nor have I ever wanted to punt a character like I did Jaxson 🤮.

Can we have a separate round of applause for Jeremy?!

Cedar… bravo! Congratulations on your debut! It was amazing!
Profile Image for Kerri Mrozinski.
345 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Text Me Never is an absolute gem of a debut—Cedar James totally nailed it! I picked this one up thinking it would be a fun read based on the blurb, but it completely blew me away. The thing that sold me from the start? The epic sarcasm and razor-sharp one-liners. 😆 The witty banter? Chef’s kiss 🤌🏻 The tension? Off the charts🥵. And the slow burn?? It nearly killed me, but trust me—it was so worth the wait.🔥🔥

The romance had me full-on swooning, and while the overall plot was fairly predictable, there were just enough little twists to keep things fresh. I really enjoyed the pacing and how the story unfolded. The writing was so enjoyable—clever, engaging, and packed with emotion in all the right places. Nolan was such a sweetheart (though I wouldn’t have minded a bit more depth to his backstory), and Rorie? She’s relatable, smart, and such a badass. Loved her!

If you’re looking for a steamy romcom that’ll have you laughing, swooning, and texting your bestie quotes from the pages, this one’s a must-read for your summer TBR!
🌶️🌶️

Quote: “It’s a digital meet-cute!”

Tropes included:
🏝️ Workplace rivals to lovers
🏝️ Secret identities
🏝️ Forced proximity
🏝️ Slow burn romance
🏝️ Banter-filled texting
🏝️ Grumpy x sunshine vibes
171 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2025
Absolutely amazing story

This book was unexpected but I loved it!!! The humor and witty comebacks these two characters have that fill their banter was perfect!!! Rorie and Nolan are rivals from different companies, going head to head trying to land clients. And when they finally come face to face outside of a boardroom the insults and comebacks are filled with a sexual tension I didn't think possible for book characters!! When he randomly texts the wrong number and she continues to respond it adds one more layer to their relationship. When they finally get together the chemistry they have is top-tier!!! I shed a few tears when the betrayal happens and a few more when they fix everything and get their happy ending!!! I absolutely loved the epilogue from Jeremy's perspective and his special kind of humor, I hope we get to see him get a love story with a happy ending soon!!!
Profile Image for Samee Michelle.
Author 3 books45 followers
September 5, 2025
"It was always you."

This is my favorite audiobook of the year so far! I absolutely loved this story and the audiobook performances elevated what was already so incredible.

Rorie is so so strong and Nolan, oh sweet Nolan.
And Jeremy! LOVE HIM! The perfect best friend.
"To love that cracks you open. To second chances."
And Tammy. Amazing.
And LAUREL!!!! Love love love!
I must have more of these characters.

Praying the next book is Maya and well... I don't want to spoil it but if you know, you know!!

I laughed and even shed a few tears in the very beginning and the end. You can tell that this author poured her heart into this story. As someone who met their husband via digital meet-cute, so much about this story resonated with me. The tension, the build up, the climax! ;) A SOLID 5 stars and a few chili peppers too. Ayoooo!

I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future!
Profile Image for Sarah is Lostinthepages.17.
83 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2025
I don't know why I'm crying right now. I literally just finished and I'm in emotional bliss. This had everything, quick banter, epic quotes, se*ual tension to rival the galaxy, vulnerability, healing, side characters that make you laugh out loud and an FMC and MMC that you can’t help falling for because they are pure and genuine.
I need more Nolan and Rorie. Watching them fall in love, learn to trust, becoming friends, hurt and then find their “North & Anchor”, it was all encompassing and anchors right to your heart. Oh yes I used all the puns.
Cedar James debut novel? Are you kidding me? This really is reread material, tell all your friends so they can get the experience they’re meant to, fill your cup with moments not soon forgotten, all from the pages of a book.
Profile Image for Vanessa Amelya.
270 reviews
August 30, 2025
I did immersive reading for this book since audio released yesterday. I picked up this book thinking it was a lighthearted rom com. And it is so much more!!! It made me feel a wide range of emotions that I wasn't expecting and it was a pleasant surprise. Oh and the spice! Very well done. It is beautifully written and brought to life spectacularly by Rachel Dane & E Montoya. And the way they where able to have different voices for different characters was incredible. I will be recommending this to everyone.
Slow burn, workplace rivals to lovers.

“I don’t want fine,” his tone is steady even as emotion thickens it. “I want messy. And complicated. And honest. I want late-night texts and stolen fries and grilled cheese with tomato soup. And stars.” Shaky now. “And you. I want you.”
Profile Image for Tracey Jodexnis.
25 reviews6 followers
November 27, 2025
This book was everything. The perfect blend of fun storyline, great pace, excellent side characters (HEY JEREMY!!), swoon-worthy MMC, and world class banter. No, seriously, Text Me Never has some of the best banter I’ve ever read. I cannot wait for the other books in the series to come out!

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Work Rivals
Forced Proximity
Witty Banter

I did an immersive read with both my physical copy and the audiobook. The audiobook was done by Rachel Dane and E Montoya. Dual-narration and truly a work of art. Chapter 44? *chefs kiss*

You’d never know this was Cedar’s debut novel. An incredible journey. I already ordered her 2nd book!
Profile Image for Shannon Couch.
11 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2025
I stumbled/ was sneakily recommended this book. I sometimes dive into romcoms when I need something fun to read and a pallet cleanser from some reads. This book has it all! I laughed, I cried, I was sitting on the edge of my seat, and screaming at the FMC and MMC! I loved the banter and phew the spice!!! Cedar James doesn’t just give us a story she builds a world where we are living it with the characters!

Oh and please! Please can we get more of the FMC best male friend Jeremy?!?!? I want and need a Jeremy in my life!

PS - glitter is my love language!

Characters 5⭐️
Story 5⭐️
Spice 5 🌶️
Audio 5⭐️
Profile Image for Mavra.
58 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2025
This was such a fun read! I absolutely loved this work place rivalry romance. The banter was on point! And sooo hilarious. I loved all of the side characters as well, especially Jeremy. He is hilarious. Nolan and Rorie were so fun to read about. I do think that maybe it was a bit too long at the end, but it all wrapped up so nicely. I loved the fun texting conversations and the workplace banter and competition they had in the book. The writing style was so great as well! This is a great read if you are looking for a fun rom com romance and a good time!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.