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Never Mine: A Forbidden Age-Gap College Romance
They tried to take her from me. And I wasn’t there to stop him. I've walked through hell. But nothing—nothing—prepared me for the terror of almost losing her.
Now, she’s fighting to recover, and I’m battling the darkness inside of me, the need for revenge. I’ve killed for her once. I’ll do it again. This time, with her by my side.
I am no longer just her professor and she is more than just my student. We’ve crossed every line, broken every rule. But none of it matters now because all I care about is keeping her safe...even if it means becoming a man I don’t even recognize.
He saved me, but I don’t know how to save him from the rage burning in his eyes. He’s angry. Haunted. Ready to burn the world down to find the man who hurt me.
And God help me, I want revenge too.
As I struggle to take back my life, I find myself pulled deeper into his darkness. What happened to me wasn’t random. There are secrets between us, and the shadows from my past are catching up. We’re not the same people we were before the attack. We’re broken and bleeding.
But we still search for each other even in the darkness, and we always will, in any lifetime, in any universe. I will always search for him.
Even if it costs us everything.
***Please note this is Book 2 in the Never Never Duet. Nevermore is book 1.
Now, she’s fighting to recover, and I’m battling the darkness inside of me, the need for revenge. I’ve killed for her once. I’ll do it again. This time, with her by my side.
I am no longer just her professor and she is more than just my student. We’ve crossed every line, broken every rule. But none of it matters now because all I care about is keeping her safe...even if it means becoming a man I don’t even recognize.
He saved me, but I don’t know how to save him from the rage burning in his eyes. He’s angry. Haunted. Ready to burn the world down to find the man who hurt me.
And God help me, I want revenge too.
As I struggle to take back my life, I find myself pulled deeper into his darkness. What happened to me wasn’t random. There are secrets between us, and the shadows from my past are catching up. We’re not the same people we were before the attack. We’re broken and bleeding.
But we still search for each other even in the darkness, and we always will, in any lifetime, in any universe. I will always search for him.
Even if it costs us everything.
***Please note this is Book 2 in the Never Never Duet. Nevermore is book 1.
- GenresDark Romance
526 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2025
48 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
October 29, 2025
ARC review: O my GOD!!!!!!! I fell in love with the main characters in Nevermore, and all the ups and downs they went through. Then my soul was shattered, but I slowly found the pieces while reading Nevermine. The way she describes what the professor feeling in the beginning will re shatter the soul, but the determination of Deirdre to be reborn, and the protection Kieran willingly gives her, slowly puts all the pieces together. The way she makes you HATE and I mean HATE the University President. Revenge is a dish best served in a coffee cup!!!! 🤣🤣🤣 The spicy 🌶️ scenes are just that 🥵🌶️
I personally wished there would have been more s3x vs playing. I enjoyed the spicy scenes in Nevermore a bit more than Nevermine. I am so glad that my soul has all the pieces again.
I personally wished there would have been more s3x vs playing. I enjoyed the spicy scenes in Nevermore a bit more than Nevermine. I am so glad that my soul has all the pieces again.
November 3, 2025
I knew it would be just as amazing as the first one! Seeing Kieran go through all of that, made me love his character even more. He became vulnerable, and you could truly understand the lengths that he would go for Deirdre. Then! The best part for me, was when Dierdre got justice. How Kieran let her lead the whole way, was a bold move and trust as well.
October 28, 2025
ARC review: Holy guacamole. This book ties up all the loose ends from Nevermore and THEN SOME. Kieran and Deidre gave me all the feels from this book. The spice is so spicy. The plot is plotting. And the pining? UGH. I truly saw the love that Kieran has for Deidre in this book. He would burn down the world for her and we LOVE to see that in an MMC. It was the perfect length book as well for the plot to feel well thought out, explained and cohesive without feeling rushed or dragged along. It was the perfect balance of plot and spice. There were times where I was audibly laughing out loud and kicking my feet and other times that I just wanted to cry. I could read a million more stories about Kieran and Deidre and be so happy. I highly recommend giving this book a read if you’re into gothic romance, professor /student relations, revenge, and so much more.
October 27, 2025
ARC Review 💌
Huge thank you to Monique Shepard for the ARC of Never Mine in exchange for my honest review 💕
This book completely pulled me in from the first page — the tension, the heartbreak, and the chemistry were everything. The emotions felt so raw and real, and the angst hit just right.
If you love emotional, character-driven romances with depth and that perfect balance of passion and pain, Never Mine is a must-read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Opinions are my own 💞
#ARCReview #NeverMine #MoniqueShepard #GoodreadsReview #RomanceBooks
Huge thank you to Monique Shepard for the ARC of Never Mine in exchange for my honest review 💕
This book completely pulled me in from the first page — the tension, the heartbreak, and the chemistry were everything. The emotions felt so raw and real, and the angst hit just right.
If you love emotional, character-driven romances with depth and that perfect balance of passion and pain, Never Mine is a must-read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Opinions are my own 💞
#ARCReview #NeverMine #MoniqueShepard #GoodreadsReview #RomanceBooks
October 28, 2025
Goodreads won’t let me do half stars, but 4.5. This was a satisfying ending to the major cliffhanger the first book ended with.
November 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars
ARC Review:
Monique Shepherd delivers an unforgettable, gut-wrenching, and utterly addictive conclusion to Kieran and Deirdre’s story. Never Mine is dark, emotional, and charged with the kind of intensity that leaves your heart aching long after the final page.
Kieran, the professor torn between love and vengeance, and Deirdre, the student fighting to reclaim her life after tragedy, are both raw and broken in ways that feel painfully real. Their connection, taboo, messy, and all-consuming, burns even brighter amid the darkness that surrounds them. Shepherd doesn’t shy away from the complexity of their bond; instead, she leans into it, creating a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love that defies every rule.
The writing is visceral and lyrical, pulling you deep into their world of guilt, obsession, and redemption. The tension between them is electric, but what truly stands out is the emotional depth, showing how love and pain twist together until you can’t tell them apart.
If Nevermore was the spark, Never Mine is the wildfire. It’s a story about survival, sacrifice, and finding light even when everything inside you screams to give in to the dark. Monique Shepherd has crafted something fierce and unforgettable here.
This duet destroyed me, in the best possible way.
ARC Review:
Monique Shepherd delivers an unforgettable, gut-wrenching, and utterly addictive conclusion to Kieran and Deirdre’s story. Never Mine is dark, emotional, and charged with the kind of intensity that leaves your heart aching long after the final page.
Kieran, the professor torn between love and vengeance, and Deirdre, the student fighting to reclaim her life after tragedy, are both raw and broken in ways that feel painfully real. Their connection, taboo, messy, and all-consuming, burns even brighter amid the darkness that surrounds them. Shepherd doesn’t shy away from the complexity of their bond; instead, she leans into it, creating a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love that defies every rule.
The writing is visceral and lyrical, pulling you deep into their world of guilt, obsession, and redemption. The tension between them is electric, but what truly stands out is the emotional depth, showing how love and pain twist together until you can’t tell them apart.
If Nevermore was the spark, Never Mine is the wildfire. It’s a story about survival, sacrifice, and finding light even when everything inside you screams to give in to the dark. Monique Shepherd has crafted something fierce and unforgettable here.
This duet destroyed me, in the best possible way.
December 5, 2025
Five stars is what it will allow me to do. But I’d give 6 stars. Redeemed for the “how dare you” after ending on Nevermore. Of course a strong independent FMC that gets her revenge, chef’s kiss. Mwah.
November 3, 2025
ARC review 📚 ohhhhh my god I ate this up!!! I knew as soon as I finished Nevermore that I needed book 2 ASAP and Never Mine lived up to every expectation. After the ending in book 1, I was ready for alllll the female rage and the broody professor payback. And the spice?!?! Phewwww professor McKnight 🥵🌶️ I loved that Deirdre wanted to get her revenge for herself and didn’t back down, and that Kieran stood by her every step of the way and wanted to help her find herself. I’m so sad to say goodbye to them but am so happy they both got their HEA! 💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
The emotional rollercoaster that you go on in this book is phenomenal. I’ve been waiting for this since that cliffhanger in Nevermore and this did not disappoint. I love D and professor McKnight l!! I mean who doesn’t love a hot professor/student trope anyway!!
My favorite quote:
“”You said not all forbidden love ends in tragedy, ours almost did. You showed me how to fight. But ours doesn’t end here. Ours begins here.””
My favorite quote:
“”You said not all forbidden love ends in tragedy, ours almost did. You showed me how to fight. But ours doesn’t end here. Ours begins here.””
October 29, 2025
Monique has done it again.
I received this book as an ARC after reading "Never More" as an ARC. this picks up in Kieran's POV and had him reliving Dierdre on the stair case, which absolutely broke me. but, Monique did what she dies best and puts my heart together again. also, her man must giving her some great inspiration, because 🔥🔥🔥 scenes that i cannot wait to try! my only complaint is that there aren't more books coming to this series.
I received this book as an ARC after reading "Never More" as an ARC. this picks up in Kieran's POV and had him reliving Dierdre on the stair case, which absolutely broke me. but, Monique did what she dies best and puts my heart together again. also, her man must giving her some great inspiration, because 🔥🔥🔥 scenes that i cannot wait to try! my only complaint is that there aren't more books coming to this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2025
Never Mine delivers the exact finale this duet deserved-emotional, dark, healing, and intensely satisfying. Where Book 1 centered on Deirdre, this book focuses more on Kieran, and getting his POV was everything. The early chapters are brutally emotional: his fear of losing her, his loneliness, the grief he's been drowning in for years. You feel every jagged emotion, and it makes you fall even harder for him.
Deirdre's growth is just as powerful. Instead of breaking under the trauma, she rises from it. She refuses to hide or let her past control her, and watching her reclaim her strength is one of the best parts of the entire duet. Together, she and Kieran heal in ways they never could alone, even while facing the complications of their forbidden professor/TA relationship.
The spice? Hotter, darker, and more explorative than Book 1. Their intimacy deepens as their bond strengthens, and it's all-consuming and HOT. The foreplay, the taunting, the humor, it was perfect!
This story closes with a true HEA, and the journey to get there is chaotic, emotional, raw, and empowering.
They face every threat head-on, refuse to let anything tear them apart, and come out stronger for it.
A gripping and deeply satisfying end to an intense, addictive duet. I have yelled, cried, smiled, laughed and cheered them on while reading this. Absolutely loved it.
Deirdre's growth is just as powerful. Instead of breaking under the trauma, she rises from it. She refuses to hide or let her past control her, and watching her reclaim her strength is one of the best parts of the entire duet. Together, she and Kieran heal in ways they never could alone, even while facing the complications of their forbidden professor/TA relationship.
The spice? Hotter, darker, and more explorative than Book 1. Their intimacy deepens as their bond strengthens, and it's all-consuming and HOT. The foreplay, the taunting, the humor, it was perfect!
This story closes with a true HEA, and the journey to get there is chaotic, emotional, raw, and empowering.
They face every threat head-on, refuse to let anything tear them apart, and come out stronger for it.
A gripping and deeply satisfying end to an intense, addictive duet. I have yelled, cried, smiled, laughed and cheered them on while reading this. Absolutely loved it.
November 1, 2025
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book!!! I was so shook by the cliffhanger from Nevermore and the waiting for this book was pure torture!! But man, this book was everything!! I felt the pain both Kieran and Deirdre experienced with every word on the page. The heartbreak of Kieran not knowing if Deirdre would come back from her attack was utterly devastating. This book was hot, this book was intriguing and I couldn’t put it down! So you’re definitely going to want to read this one!! I always love a good morally gray character or two!!
November 10, 2025
*Arc Review*
Monique has done it again! Not only has she healed our broken hearts, but she has given our fierce and lovable Deirdre and our broody Professor the happy ending that we all know they deserve!
Welcome back to a New Haven where the twits and turns keeps coming. We finally discover who is behind the hooded figure that tries to take our beloved Deirdre from our broody Professor, Kieran.
Never mine opens where Nevermore leaves off - with our beloved and fierce Deirdre fighting for her life. We get a glimpse of behind the mask of our broody professor and see just how much of a soft spot Kieran truly has for his beloved.
From learning the truth of when he first laid eyes on her, to the extent of which he will go to protect the woman he cares so deeply about, Never Mine runs the gamut of emotions!
Be prepared to laugh and cry! Keep those tissues handy because Monique is not quite done with breaking our hearts in the beginning (even if she does stitch them back together in the end, in a true Poe fashion). Be prepared to scream and through your phone at the twists and turns!
From the heartbreaking opening, to the tear jerking happy ending, Monique takes us on the ultimate roller coaster of emotions!
And let’s not forget the spicy scenes! Once again, chefs kiss for the detail that is the spicy scenes! You’ll be fanning yourself with each and everyone!
Never Mine is the truly the salvation we needed! You won’t be able to put it down once you start!
Monique has done it again! Not only has she healed our broken hearts, but she has given our fierce and lovable Deirdre and our broody Professor the happy ending that we all know they deserve!
Welcome back to a New Haven where the twits and turns keeps coming. We finally discover who is behind the hooded figure that tries to take our beloved Deirdre from our broody Professor, Kieran.
Never mine opens where Nevermore leaves off - with our beloved and fierce Deirdre fighting for her life. We get a glimpse of behind the mask of our broody professor and see just how much of a soft spot Kieran truly has for his beloved.
From learning the truth of when he first laid eyes on her, to the extent of which he will go to protect the woman he cares so deeply about, Never Mine runs the gamut of emotions!
Be prepared to laugh and cry! Keep those tissues handy because Monique is not quite done with breaking our hearts in the beginning (even if she does stitch them back together in the end, in a true Poe fashion). Be prepared to scream and through your phone at the twists and turns!
From the heartbreaking opening, to the tear jerking happy ending, Monique takes us on the ultimate roller coaster of emotions!
And let’s not forget the spicy scenes! Once again, chefs kiss for the detail that is the spicy scenes! You’ll be fanning yourself with each and everyone!
Never Mine is the truly the salvation we needed! You won’t be able to put it down once you start!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2025
This is book 2 in a great duology. Book 1 ended in a cliffhanger that brought tears to my eyes. This one starts where we left off, and centers around the MMC for the beginning of the book, and how he learns to cope with his feelings for the FMC. Then, we start to watch the wonderful FMC heal and grow into a strong woman who knows herself and wants revenge. The two show each other all their sides- good and bad, and grow stronger for it. Love the professor and student trope. Hot prof, strong minded student. 🩷🔥
October 30, 2025
ARC Review: This was the perfect conclusion to this emotional character driven story. Monique’s writing made me feel the angst and heartbreak that Kieran was going through in the beginning which made his and Deirdre’s journey to healing all the more beautiful. I loved the chemistry between the characters and the spice was 🥵🌶️🌶️. If you like gothic romance, hot brooding professor/ student and possessive burn the world down for her energy then this book may be for you.
November 2, 2025
I was really looking forward to this book after the cliffhanger in Nevermore, and it didn’t disappoint. The story pulled me in right away, and I felt connected to both Kieran and Deirdre throughout. Their struggles were heartfelt, and Kieran’s worry after Deirdre’s attack added real emotional weight to the story.
It’s a compelling read—steamy, engaging, and hard to put down. If you enjoy morally gray characters and a mix of romance and suspense, this one’s worth picking up.
It’s a compelling read—steamy, engaging, and hard to put down. If you enjoy morally gray characters and a mix of romance and suspense, this one’s worth picking up.
November 2, 2025
And just like the Never More, I couldn’t put it down! Had it read in hours! The professor 🥵 his love for Deidre *swoon*! Continue their love story! Fall in love with Kieran even more! And that ending!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
October 30, 2025
Another 5 star book from Monique Shepherd!
Words can’t describe the pleasing emotions this book has left me with. The emotional roller coaster and the exploring of said emotions. I highly recommend this book along with its counterpart, the first in the series, Nevermore.
Words can’t describe the pleasing emotions this book has left me with. The emotional roller coaster and the exploring of said emotions. I highly recommend this book along with its counterpart, the first in the series, Nevermore.
November 13, 2025
O-M-G…
I literally have no words😶
I have been waiting for the second book since I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Never More and was left in a terrible cliffhanger the first book😭
But I just want to say that this book was totally not where I was expecting the storyline to go…no, in fact it was even better and for that I am glad.
The angst and burning desire between Deirdre and Kieran ughhhhhh…why was my college experience not something like this🫣
That being said the two 🌶️ scenes that I really enjoyed out of all the scenes will forever be ingrained in my brain thank you Monique for that😅
As always it was a pleasure and an honor to be an ARC reader for Never Mine!
I literally have no words😶
I have been waiting for the second book since I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Never More and was left in a terrible cliffhanger the first book😭
But I just want to say that this book was totally not where I was expecting the storyline to go…no, in fact it was even better and for that I am glad.
The angst and burning desire between Deirdre and Kieran ughhhhhh…why was my college experience not something like this🫣
That being said the two 🌶️ scenes that I really enjoyed out of all the scenes will forever be ingrained in my brain thank you Monique for that😅
As always it was a pleasure and an honor to be an ARC reader for Never Mine!
December 8, 2025
Chapter 36…
“You. Were. Never. Mine.”
That was just chef’s kiss 😘
I so needed this book, I needed to know that what happened in Nevermore was not the end.
Please do yourself a favor and read this 🖤
Need this one to add to the shelf trophies!
“You. Were. Never. Mine.”
That was just chef’s kiss 😘
I so needed this book, I needed to know that what happened in Nevermore was not the end.
Please do yourself a favor and read this 🖤
Need this one to add to the shelf trophies!
November 7, 2025
ARC review! I was so excited to be able to read this book before release and it did not disappoint! The first book seamlessly flows into the second book and the story wraps up so nicely. I could not read it fast enough! I love the way Kieran loves Deirdre and im sad their story is over. Highly recommend this duology! Wish I could read it for the first time all over again.
November 6, 2025
ARC review:
Monique NEVER ceases to amaze me with her amazing work. I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of this book. I felt like I was transported into this book as if it were happening in real life. The attention to detail makes every piece of this book tie together seamlessly. I can NOT wait for what she releases next. As always, she is one of my top 3 authors.
“Yes, professor”
Monique NEVER ceases to amaze me with her amazing work. I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of this book. I felt like I was transported into this book as if it were happening in real life. The attention to detail makes every piece of this book tie together seamlessly. I can NOT wait for what she releases next. As always, she is one of my top 3 authors.
“Yes, professor”
November 30, 2025
My Review — Never Mine by Monique Sheppard
(aka: the book that put my heart back together after Nevermore absolutely bulldozed it)
I’ve said this before, but Monique Sheppard has quietly — and then not-so-quietly — become one of my favorite authors this year. Her characters stay with you, hold onto you, and apparently refuse to let you breathe until they decide you’ve suffered enough. And Never Mine? This book healed every ache Nevermore left behind. This is my honest review, ARC reader or not.
First: Deidre.
Reading her journey was personal in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve lived through some of the things she has, and I understood her reactions down to the bone — the anger, the avoidance, the refusal to trust a therapist ever again. Like her, I built myself back up with the help of my own found family. Seeing her do the same felt like permission to breathe.
Then there’s Gabe — the unexpected MVP of emotional support.
Watching him refuse to let Deidre shrink into her pain, pushing her toward empowerment instead of pity? That’s what real love — platonic or otherwise — looks like. That’s what found family is. Sometimes blood fails you, but the people who choose you? They remake your world.
Claire and her chaotic hype energy deserve their own appreciation post, but I’ll behave. For now.
Sheridan, however, can choke on the world’s most disappointing room-temp coffee forever. That’s all I’m legally allowed to say without spoiling anything.
Vincent, as always, remains an icon. A legend. A boss. A man with loyalty coded directly into his DNA. He deserves love, flowers, snacks, whatever he wants. Protect him at all costs.
Also:
After reading this book, I think we all deserve our own private rooms at Salvation. And maybe a week of recovery time.
And finally…
Monique, girl. When do we get Gabe and Claire’s book?
I am not above begging. The tension is THERE, the vibes are immaculate, and I need it.
All in all?
10/10.
Beautiful. Cathartic. Hot. Emotional. Hopeful.
The perfect conclusion to a duet that broke me, shocked me, healed me, and gave me characters I won’t stop thinking about.
(aka: the book that put my heart back together after Nevermore absolutely bulldozed it)
I’ve said this before, but Monique Sheppard has quietly — and then not-so-quietly — become one of my favorite authors this year. Her characters stay with you, hold onto you, and apparently refuse to let you breathe until they decide you’ve suffered enough. And Never Mine? This book healed every ache Nevermore left behind. This is my honest review, ARC reader or not.
First: Deidre.
Reading her journey was personal in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve lived through some of the things she has, and I understood her reactions down to the bone — the anger, the avoidance, the refusal to trust a therapist ever again. Like her, I built myself back up with the help of my own found family. Seeing her do the same felt like permission to breathe.
Then there’s Gabe — the unexpected MVP of emotional support.
Watching him refuse to let Deidre shrink into her pain, pushing her toward empowerment instead of pity? That’s what real love — platonic or otherwise — looks like. That’s what found family is. Sometimes blood fails you, but the people who choose you? They remake your world.
Claire and her chaotic hype energy deserve their own appreciation post, but I’ll behave. For now.
Sheridan, however, can choke on the world’s most disappointing room-temp coffee forever. That’s all I’m legally allowed to say without spoiling anything.
Vincent, as always, remains an icon. A legend. A boss. A man with loyalty coded directly into his DNA. He deserves love, flowers, snacks, whatever he wants. Protect him at all costs.
Also:
After reading this book, I think we all deserve our own private rooms at Salvation. And maybe a week of recovery time.
And finally…
Monique, girl. When do we get Gabe and Claire’s book?
I am not above begging. The tension is THERE, the vibes are immaculate, and I need it.
All in all?
10/10.
Beautiful. Cathartic. Hot. Emotional. Hopeful.
The perfect conclusion to a duet that broke me, shocked me, healed me, and gave me characters I won’t stop thinking about.
November 1, 2025
Never Mine is the second book in the Never Never duet. I have to be honest, I was very disappointed in this book, as well as the ending. I absolutely loved and adored the first book, the characters and story had depth, and with the cliffhanger ending, there was a mystery to be solved as well. It actually felt like a completely different author wrote this book.
The characters and plot fell completely flat for me. And the mystery “who done it” was non existent. There was no twist, no big reveal. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen, and then the ending was completely rushed and anticlimactic.
*****Potential Spoilers Past This Point**********
I was so disappointed in the lack of any emotion or depth in the writing. In the first book, I felt like I was there with the characters, experiencing their pain with them. Here I felt none of that. I also felt off about Claire and Gabe. When they head to the charity gala, Gabe mentions the girls look nice, but then says “especially Deirdre”!!??? Who says that another girl looks “better” than their partner, in front of their partner?
I also felt like some of the plot just didn’t make sense. Deirdre and Kieran have to lay low and not be obvious about their plans. So their big idea is to leave DURING the charity gala, a gala that Keiran is supposed to be heavily involved in? It made no sense to me. They could have spent the entire evening at the gala, gone home, and then left the next day during spring break?
This point might be controversial, but I have to say it anyways. I totally understand that this is a book and it is not reality, but I didn’t like some of the messaging about trauma and healing. Deirdre mentions that she doesn’t need therapy or to talk, and her healing comes with her reclaiming her autonomy, her sexuality and her revenge on her ex. These things are fine, but again I felt like her “healing journey” had no depth to it? I’m not sure how else to explain it, but it felt artificial.
Overall this book felt very rushed. The first book was such a success to me, and IMO this one just isn’t.
The characters and plot fell completely flat for me. And the mystery “who done it” was non existent. There was no twist, no big reveal. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen, and then the ending was completely rushed and anticlimactic.
*****Potential Spoilers Past This Point**********
I was so disappointed in the lack of any emotion or depth in the writing. In the first book, I felt like I was there with the characters, experiencing their pain with them. Here I felt none of that. I also felt off about Claire and Gabe. When they head to the charity gala, Gabe mentions the girls look nice, but then says “especially Deirdre”!!??? Who says that another girl looks “better” than their partner, in front of their partner?
I also felt like some of the plot just didn’t make sense. Deirdre and Kieran have to lay low and not be obvious about their plans. So their big idea is to leave DURING the charity gala, a gala that Keiran is supposed to be heavily involved in? It made no sense to me. They could have spent the entire evening at the gala, gone home, and then left the next day during spring break?
This point might be controversial, but I have to say it anyways. I totally understand that this is a book and it is not reality, but I didn’t like some of the messaging about trauma and healing. Deirdre mentions that she doesn’t need therapy or to talk, and her healing comes with her reclaiming her autonomy, her sexuality and her revenge on her ex. These things are fine, but again I felt like her “healing journey” had no depth to it? I’m not sure how else to explain it, but it felt artificial.
Overall this book felt very rushed. The first book was such a success to me, and IMO this one just isn’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
I had high hopes for this book after finishing book 1, Nevermore, but I feel a bit underwhelmed overall now that it’s over.
I was really enjoying it initially. The first 20 to 30 percent was packed with emotion and potential that had me on edge, eagerly anticipating what would come next. But once that phase wrapped up and the story started to move on, I felt like it was dragging. The plot got tossed to the side a bit, with repetitiveness that gave me the vibes of “same thing, different day.” There was a lot of spice, and while it was good spice, it felt like the story was being written purely to put the characters together for spice to happen rather than the story happening with opportune moments for spice within, if that even makes sense. I wouldn’t say that’s bad for every book, but when there’s a main plot that is central to the story, I guess I carry a certain expectation for it to be more present.
By the end, I was feeling a little let down. There was just too much repetition of the same thing, only varied slightly, and it was dragged out without anything actually moving forward, especially when the characters kept saying the same things and never taking any substantial action. I did find enjoyment in individual moments along the way, but put all together, I felt like the story itself was almost incomplete and I finished it feeling disappointed. It ended abruptly, with the climax and revenge arc coming together in a single chapter, and then glossing over the rest of the details in the epilogue for things that were made out to be a pretty big deal for most of the book.
I know that sounds like a bad review, but I’m still giving it three stars because I did love the characters and there were moments I really liked while reading this.
I was really enjoying it initially. The first 20 to 30 percent was packed with emotion and potential that had me on edge, eagerly anticipating what would come next. But once that phase wrapped up and the story started to move on, I felt like it was dragging. The plot got tossed to the side a bit, with repetitiveness that gave me the vibes of “same thing, different day.” There was a lot of spice, and while it was good spice, it felt like the story was being written purely to put the characters together for spice to happen rather than the story happening with opportune moments for spice within, if that even makes sense. I wouldn’t say that’s bad for every book, but when there’s a main plot that is central to the story, I guess I carry a certain expectation for it to be more present.
By the end, I was feeling a little let down. There was just too much repetition of the same thing, only varied slightly, and it was dragged out without anything actually moving forward, especially when the characters kept saying the same things and never taking any substantial action. I did find enjoyment in individual moments along the way, but put all together, I felt like the story itself was almost incomplete and I finished it feeling disappointed. It ended abruptly, with the climax and revenge arc coming together in a single chapter, and then glossing over the rest of the details in the epilogue for things that were made out to be a pretty big deal for most of the book.
I know that sounds like a bad review, but I’m still giving it three stars because I did love the characters and there were moments I really liked while reading this.
November 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 Book #2 in the "Never Never Duet", must be read in order
📕 Nevermore
🗣️ Dual POV
🐦⬛ Poe Themed
🖤 M/F
I mean, I knew going into this that I was going to be blown away, especially since book 1 ended in that awful freaking cliffhanger that had my heart in my throat...!
Kieran will go to the ends of the earth for Deidre and that is so apparent in everything that he does for her in this book. He not only protects her, but he gives her, her life back and shows her that shes not broken all while guiding her to the revenge that she so justifiably deserves.
Our broody professor finally gets his happily ever after, and damn its good to see him shed his grumpy exterior and bring light back into his life. And for D to finally be able to breathe and get the ending that she deserves after all the bad circumstances shes been dealing with up until this point.
I will also never get tired of their friends group. The loyalty and love is something else entirely. I loved this book, and this was a perfect conclusion to D & Kieran's story 🖤
Tropes
🐦⬛ Forbidden Love
🖤 Age Gap
🐦⬛ Professor x Student
🖤 Gothic Academia
🐦⬛ Kink Exploration
🖤 Obsessive MMC
🐦⬛ Touch Her And Die
🖤 HEA
🐦⬛ Feminine Rage
🖤 Revenge
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 Book #2 in the "Never Never Duet", must be read in order
📕 Nevermore
🗣️ Dual POV
🐦⬛ Poe Themed
🖤 M/F
I mean, I knew going into this that I was going to be blown away, especially since book 1 ended in that awful freaking cliffhanger that had my heart in my throat...!
"Perhaps not all forbidden love ends in Tragedy. Some of it survives. Some of it refuses to bow"
Kieran will go to the ends of the earth for Deidre and that is so apparent in everything that he does for her in this book. He not only protects her, but he gives her, her life back and shows her that shes not broken all while guiding her to the revenge that she so justifiably deserves.
"Take Me to Church, Professor"
Our broody professor finally gets his happily ever after, and damn its good to see him shed his grumpy exterior and bring light back into his life. And for D to finally be able to breathe and get the ending that she deserves after all the bad circumstances shes been dealing with up until this point.
I will also never get tired of their friends group. The loyalty and love is something else entirely. I loved this book, and this was a perfect conclusion to D & Kieran's story 🖤
Tropes
🐦⬛ Forbidden Love
🖤 Age Gap
🐦⬛ Professor x Student
🖤 Gothic Academia
🐦⬛ Kink Exploration
🖤 Obsessive MMC
🐦⬛ Touch Her And Die
🖤 HEA
🐦⬛ Feminine Rage
🖤 Revenge
November 4, 2025
💋 Monique has done it again.
She’s taken our broken hearts, mended them with love, and given us the ending Deirdre and Kieran have always deserved.
In Never Mine, we return to New Haven — a world where love burns brighter than the shadows that try to swallow it. Where Deirdre’s fierce fire meets Kieran’s brooding heart, and together they create something achingly beautiful. ✨
The story begins right where Nevermore left us hanging — Deirdre fighting for her life and Kieran finally showing the depth of his love. Behind his cool, collected mask lies a man who would do anything for the woman who owns his heart. ❤️🔥
We finally uncover the truth behind the hooded figure trying to tear them apart, and every revelation cuts deeper than the last. From the moment Kieran first saw her, to the sacrifices he makes for her, this book is pure emotion — love, pain, devotion, and healing all tangled together.
Monique takes us through it all — the laughter, the heartbreak, the tears — before piecing us back together with an ending that feels like a warm embrace. 🥺
And let’s talk about the spice. Oh. My. God. 🌶️ Every scene is passionate, detailed, and intense — the kind that makes your heart race and your cheeks burn. Monique truly outdid herself here — it’s raw, beautiful, and impossible to forget. 🔥
From the first heart-wrenching page to the breathtaking final chapter, Never Mine is a story of love that breaks, heals, and consumes. Romantic, emotional, and deliciously spicy — you won’t be able to put it down. 💞
In Never Mine, we return to New Haven — a world where love burns brighter than the shadows that try to swallow it. Where Deirdre’s fierce fire meets Kieran’s brooding heart, and together they create something achingly beautiful. ✨
The story begins right where Nevermore left us hanging — Deirdre fighting for her life and Kieran finally showing the depth of his love. Behind his cool, collected mask lies a man who would do anything for the woman who owns his heart. ❤️🔥
We finally uncover the truth behind the hooded figure trying to tear them apart, and every revelation cuts deeper than the last. From the moment Kieran first saw her, to the sacrifices he makes for her, this book is pure emotion — love, pain, devotion, and healing all tangled together.
Monique takes us through it all — the laughter, the heartbreak, the tears — before piecing us back together with an ending that feels like a warm embrace. 🥺
And let’s talk about the spice. Oh. My. God. 🌶️ Every scene is passionate, detailed, and intense — the kind that makes your heart race and your cheeks burn. Monique truly outdid herself here — it’s raw, beautiful, and impossible to forget. 🔥
From the first heart-wrenching page to the breathtaking final chapter, Never Mine is a story of love that breaks, heals, and consumes. Romantic, emotional, and deliciously spicy — you won’t be able to put it down. 💞
November 10, 2025
My heart has been pounding out of my chest since the moment Nevermore ended. We were left brutally hanging and I have been legit dying over here for the rest of the story. I needed answers immediately!
This books picks right off....at the bottom of the cliff, face planted mind you...where Nevermore left off. And it's gut wrenching. The emotions I felt at the beginning of this book. How I wanted to reach in and pull all of those characters into the worlds biggest and deepest hugs, knowing it still wouldn't help them... but the more I read, the more my heartrate leveled out again.
This book brings forth every single emotion you can ever possibly dream of. The erratic heartbeats, the love, the stress, the laughs, the revenge, the loss, literally everything!
This duet will love forever in my heart and soul. I feel like I personally know Diedre and Kieran and they're a part of me, forever and ever. I knew the end was coming and while I was mentally prepared for that, I am still not emotionally ready to let go of them. I want and need them in my life every day. They're the reason to push yourself. They're the reason you say yes to yourself. They're the reason you do the hard things in life.
This books picks right off....at the bottom of the cliff, face planted mind you...where Nevermore left off. And it's gut wrenching. The emotions I felt at the beginning of this book. How I wanted to reach in and pull all of those characters into the worlds biggest and deepest hugs, knowing it still wouldn't help them... but the more I read, the more my heartrate leveled out again.
This book brings forth every single emotion you can ever possibly dream of. The erratic heartbeats, the love, the stress, the laughs, the revenge, the loss, literally everything!
This duet will love forever in my heart and soul. I feel like I personally know Diedre and Kieran and they're a part of me, forever and ever. I knew the end was coming and while I was mentally prepared for that, I am still not emotionally ready to let go of them. I want and need them in my life every day. They're the reason to push yourself. They're the reason you say yes to yourself. They're the reason you do the hard things in life.
November 12, 2025
Never Mine is the second book of the Never Never duet, a standalone thriller dark romance. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for my eArc.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Age gap
✨Forbidden romance
✨Gothic academia
✨Kink exploration
✨Touch her and die
✨Revenge
✨Prior abuse and loss
✨Teacher/student (college)
✨Edgar Allen Poe influence
✨“Good girl”
Rating: 4/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
The Lovely: I loved how the relationship between the MCs was still changing and growing even in book two. The MMC is still being broody, but also sweet, especially in his actions. I like how he wanted the FMC to learn about herself, too.
The Mundane: I missed the thriller-esque vibes we saw in book one (related to the stalking) and felt like the middle 50% of this book was bordering on repetitive. I was glued to my kindle in book one to find out what would happen next and it didn’t feel like this book two had that same level of intrigue.
Recommendation: And with that, the duet ends with a satisfying HEA. I loved how the open threads were wrapped up and the emotions in the conclusion of their story. If you like a dark romance with emotional hurt and a FMC that wants revenge, I think you would like this book.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Age gap
✨Forbidden romance
✨Gothic academia
✨Kink exploration
✨Touch her and die
✨Revenge
✨Prior abuse and loss
✨Teacher/student (college)
✨Edgar Allen Poe influence
✨“Good girl”
Rating: 4/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
The Lovely: I loved how the relationship between the MCs was still changing and growing even in book two. The MMC is still being broody, but also sweet, especially in his actions. I like how he wanted the FMC to learn about herself, too.
The Mundane: I missed the thriller-esque vibes we saw in book one (related to the stalking) and felt like the middle 50% of this book was bordering on repetitive. I was glued to my kindle in book one to find out what would happen next and it didn’t feel like this book two had that same level of intrigue.
Recommendation: And with that, the duet ends with a satisfying HEA. I loved how the open threads were wrapped up and the emotions in the conclusion of their story. If you like a dark romance with emotional hurt and a FMC that wants revenge, I think you would like this book.
November 4, 2025
Love being an ARC for Monique! 💜🖤
********Spoilers - References to scenes and outcomes********
Admittedly took awhile to pick up for me, I was also sporadically reading while battling a cold, but I loooooved all the Kieran pinning and how much his love for her came through in the book. We love a protective MMC. 🥰
It was a very satisfying ending to the insane first book! I laughed, I cried, it ended very feel goody. HEA😊 (the graveyard scene about TOOK ME OUT! Like I stopped breathing and just cried. Ugh!!!! 🥹😭)
I also would love to see Monique explore a serial killer trope and have our MMC and FMC a little more dark and twisty! 😉 I wanted THE SCENE (🧱) to be longer hahaah maybe that makes me a psycho! 😂
I really don’t feel like Sheridan got enough punishment buuuut that’s okay I guess!
Thanks so much for bringing me along on Miss Ravencroft and Professor McKnights journey! 🐦⬛💜🖤☕️
********Spoilers - References to scenes and outcomes********
Admittedly took awhile to pick up for me, I was also sporadically reading while battling a cold, but I loooooved all the Kieran pinning and how much his love for her came through in the book. We love a protective MMC. 🥰
It was a very satisfying ending to the insane first book! I laughed, I cried, it ended very feel goody. HEA😊 (the graveyard scene about TOOK ME OUT! Like I stopped breathing and just cried. Ugh!!!! 🥹😭)
I also would love to see Monique explore a serial killer trope and have our MMC and FMC a little more dark and twisty! 😉 I wanted THE SCENE (🧱) to be longer hahaah maybe that makes me a psycho! 😂
I really don’t feel like Sheridan got enough punishment buuuut that’s okay I guess!
Thanks so much for bringing me along on Miss Ravencroft and Professor McKnights journey! 🐦⬛💜🖤☕️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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