Addie Renee did it again. I don't know how, but she managed to raise the bar on a book that already had my heart. I was not prepared for Izzy’s story. I’m still spiraling.
Izzy is a free spirit that runs when things get serious. She's sarcastic, guarded, and chaotic, and that’s what makes her feel so real. Watching her navigate her past, her fears, her feelings… especially with Jett, and then throwing Maverick into the mix? Emotional damage.
Let’s talk about the guys. Mav is amazing. Like, truly a dream. But poor freaking Jett. He’s been it. From day one. The quiet heartbreak, the history, the tension between them, it’s a love story that was truly earned. The was a point I didn’t even know who I was rooting for anymore.
What makes this book even more special is how it circles back to Never Stop. We get to revisit moments from the first book, but now through another perspective. And scenes I thought I understood? They hit completely differently now. You get so much more context and clarity. The way these two books intertwine is clever and perfectly executed. The banter? Top tier. Izzy has hilarious chemistry with everyone, but especially with the guys. This is emotional, but also funny when it needs to be.
What truly gets me every single time is Addie’s ability to make you feel. I saw myself in so many of Izzy’s struggles. And even in the parts I couldn’t directly relate to, I still felt everything. Her writing just resonates. You don’t just read these characters, you carry them with you. It’s a healing journey, facing past trauma, and finding your place when you feel too broken to belong.
The friendships in this book are beautiful. The author doesn’t just focus on the romance. She builds a whole world of connection around these characters. If you know me, you know I don’t often reach for romance, but this is the kind I’ll scream about. It’s raw, emotional, messy, and so worth it. Every single page made me feel something.
I’m so grateful for this ARC. For Addie Renee. For stories that don’t just entertain but stay. That live in your soul long after the last page.
If you loved Never Stop, Never Started will ruin you in the best way. I can't recommend it enough.