I'll Never Be.

by A.L. Fox

There is only one thing Trystan has refused to settle on…love. That is, if she had ever been given the opportunity. She wanted to find love, feel love, get totally consumingly lost in love, and stay that way forever. That’s how she knows that when she meets Jared, love is exactly what it is. While she has always known that her love of love opens her up to heartbreak, she never imagined she would be the one to do the breaking.

Genres: Romance

351 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2025

About the author

A. L. Fox is a self-publishing indie author, though she feels weird calling herself the "a" word. She spends her days with her two small children and her farmer husband. She enjoys 70 degree weather and rain, Starbucks and Target, and laughing. A. L. Fox was born and raised in the Midwest and likes to think her writing will reach who it needs to. She plans to continue to create but has no real, big goals while doing so. She's thankful everyday for the chance to do this whole thing.
Her main goal: bring joy to others.

Reviews

[Ted and her books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t really know how to talk about this book without giving any spoilers.
Just know that it wrecked me, and that I started to read this book at night in bed, and I finished it that same night in bed.
After finishing it, I tried to go to sleep, but somehow all my past relationships just flashed before my eyes, and well I didn’t really enjoy that.

A heartbreak, it hurts, it hurts so so damn bad, you feel like your heart is literally being ripped apart. The pain is so much, sometimes you can really feel it. I’ve had breakups like that. Where the pain was just unbearable. So I feel connected to Trystsan, and I understand her.
I did not finish this book with dry eyes.

If you love stories that are bittersweet, I’d recommend this one !

[Alexandria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
“I wish I could stay here forever.”

If you’ve ever experienced young love and heartbreak. This book is for you! Oh, I cried so much during this book!! The love was beautiful and so relatable yet heartbreaking.

It’s the summer of 2009 in South Dakota. Trystan is 16 soon to be 17 and is working a summer job where she meets Jared.

“We have only been together for two months, but he already knows where to find almost everything here.”

While we watch the beautiful love story between the characters. We also see how love isn’t always easy. Especially when you throw Kerry and Darla into the mix.

I disliked them both! Kerry needs to act his age and grow up. While Darla needs to learn how to not bully a child. She also has some control issues.

I enjoyed how real this story was. Even though there were a lot of ups there were a lot of downs. Not everything lasts but there is a beauty that can always be found from the experiences that we go through.

The ending!💔 Oh my little heart. I cried and I mean I really cried. Not all sad tears. There were happy tears as well. The closing of the book was great but I hope there can be a second part.

“And I chose you.”

Thank you so much, A. L. Fox for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team! I’ll read all future books from you💛. As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.

[MoreThanAPrettyCover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m giving this book 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

This book was so cute 🥰 this definitely took me back to high school and my early dating days. First love is such a sweet time, and it also comes with the insecurities. At least to did for me, so seeing those come through in Trystan’s story made me feel seen 💕

I liked the perspective the author gave Trystan. Sometimes reading YA now that I’m a bit out of that age range can feel immature, but Trystan was relatable without the young frustration. The main part of the story does take place over about 5 years, so it was nice seeing her fully develop and grow into herself.

I also enjoyed that I wasn’t 100% sure on where the story was going. I liked feeling like I was right there with Trystan, trying to figure out life and not knowing where it’d take her.

Not gonna lie though, I never had a boyfriend while I was that young profess his love like that for me. Gosh I wish lol. Also kinda wish there was a scene with a good mom vs mom fight that ended up with Trystan picking her mom up from jail for assault or something 😂 but oh well, one can dream.

[Morgan Springsteen (morereadingmo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love going into books without knowing too much about them and just letting the story unfold itself, this was no exception! I enjoyed the nostalgia of following along Trystan's high school journey set during the same years I attended, I loved the nods to Twilight and other trends I remember. I liked reading the way she fell for Jared and that sweetness of first love. I was mad alongside her with how Jared's mom acted.

I felt like I was cringing alongside Trystan's best friend, Beth, with some of the choices Trystan made - Beth was definitely my favorite character! I loved her steady friendship with Trystan and her tough love. I loved the way Trystan grew by the end of the book. The ending was not what I expected going in but it fit perfectly and felt very satisfying!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good, short novel about growing up and growing out of your hometown. About love and loss and finding yourself. There was a moment or two that weren’t for me personally but overall as someone who left her small town and has felt heartache, this book as definetly a tear jerker. This is not a traditional romance which I’m enjoying reading lately and I cannot wait to see what A.L writes next.

[Stephanie | stephaniesstacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you were ever young in love, you need this book

This was such a well-written coming-of-age story. I’m just gonna say this now: AL Fox has broken me. This book made me laugh, scream, AND ugly cry. I DM’d her throughout my read because I couldn’t help it. I will be sending her my therapy bill. 😭😂

Spoilers ahead because I can’t control myself.
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Trystan is your typical teenaged girl who falls in love with your typical, slightly older, teenaged boy. And while Jared loves her so well, they were so young. There were so many things working against them. Well, mainly two things. See below.

#1: DARLA SUCKS AND CAN GO KICK ROCKS. 🤬
#2: Kerry, too.

The dynamic between Trystan and Jared changed when she moved away and she felt it. She knew what needed to happen, but the response wasn’t what she had hoped for.

I screamed at my phone during those moments where it reminded me of what it felt like to still love someone after you are no longer together. It feels like your heart is being pulled out of your chest but you know it’s for the best.

The ending made me ugly cry, although they were happy tears this time. Don’t ask how that works because I’m still glossy-eyed.

Seriously. If you were ever young and heavy in love, were heartbroken, and then found your will to love again, please read this book. I feel like it healed a still-broken piece of me from my youth.

⭐️ 5/5 ⭐️

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll Never Be by A.L. Fox Review

I’ll Never Be by A.L. Fox is a heartfelt contemporary romance that tells the story of Trystan, a woman who has spent years resisting love out of fear of heartbreak, and Jared, the man who makes her question every rule she has ever set for her heart. From the very start, Trystan knows she wants love intensely, deeply, and irrevocably, yet she has never let herself fall the way she dreams of until Jared walks into her life with that familiar spark in his eyes and a promise of something real. What I could gather from summaries and community descriptions is that the narrative focuses on emotional vulnerability, the thrill of truly opening your heart, and the messy, wonderful growth that comes with falling for the person who feels like both a risk and a refuge. This novel sits within the broader tapestry of A.L. Fox’s romance catalog, holding a warm place in the hearts of many readers who enjoy authentic feelings and swoony moments in their love stories.

Right from the first chapters, I felt swept into Trystan’s inner world: her hopes, her doubts, and that fierce, tender longing for a love that feels like it could rewrite her story. I found the emotional stakes relatable and moving, especially how Fox explores the tension between wanting connection and fearing loss. What stood out to me was how real Trystan’s emotions felt, as if she were someone I could hear confessing her fears over coffee on a rainy afternoon.

Jared’s presence brought out a soft warmth in the pacing and dialogue; their interactions felt alive with promise and possibility. While some moments leaned into familiar romance beats, the characters’ depth and sincerity gave them a fresh, resonant feel that stayed with me. I also appreciated how this book complements Fox’s other works, offering a uniquely emotional take on love without overwhelming complexity. This was a cozy and heartfelt read that made my heart flutter and my curiosity linger about how love can remake us in unexpected ways.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Because the emotional authenticity and vivid character feelings made this a reflective, uplifting journey into love and vulnerability.

[Madi (whatsmadireading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Tell me not to go,”
“I can’t do that, Trystan.”

overview-

Young love is extremely powerful and all-consuming. When Trystan falls hard and fast for Jared, the rest of the world fades away. Nothing can pull them apart, forever and always.

At least that’s what they thought. Jared’s mom and brother and anti-Trystan and make their relationship and living nightmare. How long can their love persist in his toxic family?

review-

3.5 ⭐️


An emotional, maddening read. Any young couple has their faults to learn from, but Jared’s mom makes it ALL THE HARDER.

I appreciated the imperfect love story, showing realistic high school relationships that don’t always persist, but the love always stays.

Trystan falls in love easily, letting it derail her life. She’s messy and emotional and loves with her entire heart. Her naïveté about love fades away as she learns what’s best for herself and what she deserves from a relationship.

About the book-
📖 <300 pages
👫 YA romance
☠️ toxic relationship
🎀 coming of age

I enjoyed this book, though it did break my heart multiple times reading their story. There are a couple of things that could’ve made me love it even more. Trystan and Jared's first fight was skipped over. I went back to the previous chapter to make sure I didn’t miss anything, but it would’ve made it even more emotional to see that first fight happen. Other than fueling their fights, Jared’s mom didn’t do anything drastic other than just not liking her. I would’ve liked to see Jared stick up for Trystan just once to prove he at least made an effort. Though again, it’s a relationship between teenagers, so it can’t be perfect, but just for the sake of the storyline.

Thanks so much to A.L. Fox for allowing me to read an ARC and leave an honest review 🥰

[kileigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I wish I could stay here forever.”

Summer of 09’ in South Dakota, and Trystan is almost 17. She working a summer job in town when she meets Jared.
This story follows the both of them through a relationship that spans over a decade. If you’ve ever experienced young love and a first heartbreak, this story is for you! Such a bittersweet romance.

It’s hard to write a review for a book like this, because everything I say will be a spoiler.

I will say, the love between Trystan and Jared is so relatable, but, so is the heartache. The emotions these characters experienced was palpable! The transition of emotions through the years of them knowing each other, was written so well. They aged, and so did their feelings for each other! I think that was the saddest thing. Loving someone so much, especially for the first time, that it sticks with you for the rest of your life.

It’s the kind of love that you can’t get enough of, and you’re fully aware that you deserve better, but it’s still hard to let go… The love that has you reaching for any little piece of them to hold on to.

“I do know that the fact Jared and I still talk every single day, at least once, is incredibly unhealthy and a absolutely the way I need it to be, or I will go fully catatonic.”

This is not a traditional HEA…

“Once upon a time, I had thought I would be hugging this person for the rest of my life. And now… All I have is this last time.”

And once again, A.L. Fox, you’ve ruined me!!!

[Charlotte Trimble-Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

i’d personally give this a 3.5 more as i did enjoy the book a lot for a debut novel however i found it to be quite fast paced at moments, especially during the skips between dates and beth (best friend) scenes. i think the relationship between trysten and jared is the well known childhood romance which i really loved reading about and showed many growths between them as you can watch them grow up, especially with the issues that arose for them surrounding jared’s family. i thought it was really light and easy to read and i got throught it super quick which i loved! their love for each other will never die and that is definitely shown throughout. i almost wish this book was longer to expand on more and prevent the time skips so much i think that would have added more to the book however that could just be my own opinion as i like a little more depth sometimes haha but i did really enjoy it! i must say tho, as much as i enjoyed the ending and how mature trysten was at the end and her relationship. team jared all the way 😂

[Chelsea (thatbookishteach) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up
I cried so much through the last half of this book. You will likely feel all the good and sad feels if you have ever experienced one of those unforgettable, electric, soul-shattering loves that didn't play out how you thought it would. I shed both happy and sad tears. I loved Jared so much and the way he was always there to help Tryst through panic attacks and her emotions. His family- can absolutely kick rocks. The way they interfered absolutely angered me so so much. If you need to reminisce on young love and don't mind a potential cry, or 5 lol be sure to give this book a read.
Thank you to AL for the ARC- book is available on the Zon now!

[Samantha Esquivel · Rating 4 out of 5]

what. a. read. 🥹 I was absolutely gutted last night finishing this book… a true coming-of-age story. I loved following Jared and Trystan’s journey from adolescence into adulthood. Without giving too much away, I’ll Never Be will make you feel all the feels of young love — both the good and the bad 🫶🏼 a fantastic debut book by A.L. Fox!

A truly nostalgic read, this book brings forth all those feelings of first-love, young love, and outside forces that young adults all to often have to navigate through. Jared and Trystan love each other truly, deeply, madly, but sometimes love is just not enough. This book is about loving, living, and learning that the only way to truely find happiness is to find it first and foremost within yourself.

[Lena Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Trystan & Jared’s story had me feeling all sorts of ways. The young love, the hurdles every relationship is faced with, the heartbreak. Ugh.

I went into this already knowing it would be rough from the love I saw for Trystan & Jared on IG but man. When the title of the book was thrown into the story the way it was my heart BROKE. Then it broke again, at least 5 more times.

Even though these characters were younger, it didn’t give me the YA vibe that most do.

Also, can we just high five Beth for not only always being there for Trystan but also for all of the encouragement and supportive talks throughout the many chapters of Trystan’s life. We love a good, supportive friend.

I loved how the ending came full circle. I really do hope the best for both Trystan and Jared.

[Rachyl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hooked pretty quickly when starting this book. What grabbed me immediately is the nostalgia of growing up and dating in the early 2000s. It took me back instantly. Fox described the setting and time period perfectly and I was instantly down memory lane with my own dating story with my husband. I also felt that Fox did such a good job describing the emotions and angst you feel when you love for the first time and wonder if this is the love that will last. What was missing for me was more dialogue between characters. There was a lot of third person view point and inner dialogue so it was hard to get the full picture of what was happening or why it was happening. I very much appreciated the ending when we got a look into the adult lives of the characters. I’ve read such good reviews of her next two books and I can’t wait to dive in!

[Amber Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for me!!

I don't even think I have the words to describe this one.
Butterflies in the tummy, heart full of joy and heartbreak. So many tears and so many smiles.

I related to Trystan SO much. There is something so special about a character that makes you feel seen.

Thank you @authoralfox for letting me read this masterpiece. For a copy of the book and for that hilarious bookmark. Darla and Kerry are dead to me.

Go read this one STAT! First love, small town - and it's not your typical romance which I loved!

[Arissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read This Book

To start, this is not my preferred genre. I’m also very strict about what I give 5 stars to. I picked INB up as a light hearted, easy book to read while I fall asleep. Boy did I judge this book wrong. It’s well written, it’s compelling, honestly I couldn’t put it down and it did the opposite of what I wanted (it kept me up!). It does need one more round of minor edits, but other than that it’s perfect. Please read this book. You will not be disappointed.

[Cass Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely reminder of being young and in love. 🫶

It's everything you want and expect out of first love, coming of age, small town romance. I found myself identifying a lot of Trystan throughout her body image struggles and finding yourself while growing up.

Definitely would recommend this shorter novel as a quick read when you want to feel something. 🫶

[Kirsten Van Hooland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll Never Be translate the love and heartache of your first love. It is written so beautifully, you can litteraly feel it in your bones.
It made me happy and laugh, but it made me also cry so bad.
Will my heart ever recover and be the same again? No, never. But was it it worth? Yes, absolutely freaking yes.
INB made it onto my fav-list 🫶🏽 and I think that everyone should read this!!!
+5⭐️

[mikaylah · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read of 2024 and it did not disappoint. I laughed but also cried. A lot.
Loved how trystan developed throughout the book and the raw perspective of it all. It really felt like you were right there with her in the thick of it trying to figure it all out. I died at the epilogue from Jared's POV. So good.

[Shaztwirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

All The Feels!

Wow, well that tugged on a few heartstrings and created a few tears. I always love a book that makes me feel. Whether it be sadness, love, anger...all 3 in this case. If like me you love an ugly cry, this book is for you. Great ending, too.

[Kat Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book screamed nostalgia! this was a sweet coming of age story about your first love, your forever love & loving yourself. Tryst, experienced a lot of things I feel like readers can relate too & I loved feeling like I was experiencing my first crush all over again. This was a cute light read!

[Britani Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! Very well written. Honestly took me back to my late teens/early 20’s when I thought young love could conquer all. And sometimes you find out that it can’t. And that’s ok too. Ugh. So so good. Got me all up in my feels.

[Emily Keesee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, freaking amazing.

Fuck Darla, and fuck Kerry too. It’s a mantra. I will chant it forever.

I’m so incredibly proud of you, and I can’t wait to see what you write next.

[J. M. ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First love. Heartbreak. Healing. Lots of fun 2000s references that made my heart smile. This book was like a warm embrace. 💕

[Meghan Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll Never Be is one of those books where you feel like you’re hanging out with the author the entire time. The author’s purpose, theme, and voice is clear: young love can suck sometimes, but it can shape you into a stronger person. I felt that this was a classic coming of age story. One that makes you wish you would have been as insightful as Trystan was in some of her rationalizations when you were experiencing a young love like hers and Jared’s.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
0 🌶️

-coming of age
-young love
-messy teen drama
-charming and lovable characters
-amazing writing style & great humor
-nostalgia
-trying to finding your way, making the wrong turns, and hard overcorrections that felt so realistic to teenage years
-a whole lotta heartbreak and healing 🫶🏻


"I can feel my shriveled, barely beating heart change. I can feel a small breath of life that *redacted* promise gave me rattle it a bit. Then, slowly and quickly all at once, metal walls erect around a piece of me—my heart. Thick chains made of iron criss cross over each side, locks at every juncture clicking shut. A mote appears around the base of it all, empty and hollow and dark. No matter where I go or where *redacted* goes, no matter who or what or why or when or how, that spot inside of me is his. It still beats and it isn’t broken—not really. It's hidden and protected and safe and will never be anyone else’s—no one's but his. But it is different now."

I absolutely loooooooved I’ll Never Be. I saw so much of myself in Trystan and unfortunately the main conflict in this book was my nightmare for many years. I’ve never felt so seen in a book for that period of my life. The ending triggered so many tears, I’m typing this review through watery eyes 😂 A special thanks to A.L. Fox for this story.

I truly do believe books will find you when you need them the most. I needed I'll Never Be in this season of life 💗

And for anyone in the comments living through the conflict now- therapy will change your life 🫠

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

my rating: 3.5⭐️
Quick intro:
This is a story about young love, growing up, loss, and finding yourself.

Quick thoughts:
I enjoyed this debut and heartfelt novel by A.L. Fox. It made me think about my own first love and made my heart ache. I also grew to be extremely protective of our FMC, Trystan, as she came of age and had to deal with Darla and Kerry. 😡

I struggled at times to connect with Jared, the MMC, given the time jumps and the fact that the book was written entirely in Trystan’s POV. There were times I wished it was a little more dialogue driven as well as most of the reading experience was Trystan’s inner-dialogue. I think more dialogue between the couple would have helped me connect with Jared on a deeper level.

I really loved the final couple chapters and epilogue as I always enjoy a good peek into characters’ futures years down the road. Overall, this was an enjoyable debut novel. Having read A.L. Fox’s second book , And Then I Saw You, and absolutely loving it…I can tell you I’m very excited to see what else she has up her sleeve. She just keeps getting better!

Quick Details:
🔥 Closed door
Written by a local Nebraska author!
YA/NA coming-of-age

[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

This may be one of my favorite endings in a book ever. INB is an emotional story about first love and the sacrifices we make for love.

The writing style was not my personal favorite, which is why it is not rated higher.

I recommend this book for everyone looking for an angsty read, a story about young love, and fans of La La Land.

[Caity B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A binge able read that had me feeling all of the feels of young love

[Paige | bookmark.thispaige]

DNF at 37%