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The Never List
Madelaine Brown loves love — just not in real life.
After her mom walked out when she was nine, she decided it was safer to admire romance from a distance. Ever since, she’s been all about theory over practice.
Unfortunately, life keeps handing her one very annoying Jake West.
They’ve been forced together since childhood — babysat together, spent summers together (fighting), went to the same school, and even landed in the same classes. And through it all, he’s remained her finest form of torture. He’s adventurous (stupid), flirty (well-rounded), a bit reckless (gets away with the stupidest things), and popular (she still doesn't understand how).
When Jake’s long-term summer fling dumps him for someone new, he’s desperate to save face. Meanwhile, Madelaine’s got The Never List — a running list of things she swears she’ll never do because, well, she’s a chicken (his words, not hers).
A deal is she’ll fake date him to make his ex (and Madelaine’s longtime enemy) jealous, and he’ll help her “get a life.” But between the fake smiles, forced proximity, and way-too-real moments, Madelaine starts to realize that maybe some things on The Never List aren’t so impossible after all.
A deal, a list, and way too many almost-kisses — because when life keeps throwing you at the same person, maybe it’s not a coincidence. Maybe it’s just really bad timing… or something dangerously close to love.
After her mom walked out when she was nine, she decided it was safer to admire romance from a distance. Ever since, she’s been all about theory over practice.
Unfortunately, life keeps handing her one very annoying Jake West.
They’ve been forced together since childhood — babysat together, spent summers together (fighting), went to the same school, and even landed in the same classes. And through it all, he’s remained her finest form of torture. He’s adventurous (stupid), flirty (well-rounded), a bit reckless (gets away with the stupidest things), and popular (she still doesn't understand how).
When Jake’s long-term summer fling dumps him for someone new, he’s desperate to save face. Meanwhile, Madelaine’s got The Never List — a running list of things she swears she’ll never do because, well, she’s a chicken (his words, not hers).
A deal is she’ll fake date him to make his ex (and Madelaine’s longtime enemy) jealous, and he’ll help her “get a life.” But between the fake smiles, forced proximity, and way-too-real moments, Madelaine starts to realize that maybe some things on The Never List aren’t so impossible after all.
A deal, a list, and way too many almost-kisses — because when life keeps throwing you at the same person, maybe it’s not a coincidence. Maybe it’s just really bad timing… or something dangerously close to love.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 20, 2026
3.8 ⭐️
[5:19pm — 22/07/2026]
𐙚⋆°🌃⋆♡ 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
⤷ fake dating
⤷ young adult
⤷ frenemies to lovers
⤷ the boy next door
𐙚⋆°🌃⋆♡ 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸
❛❛𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞, 𝐢 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐢’𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞.❜❜
⤷ 𝒊 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒊’𝒎 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 by 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻
-`♡´- 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 -`♡´-
"Your head has been playing tricks with you for a long time. I hope you know you're more than your story."
I feel like my rating is unfair for this book because of the books I've read recently. A high bar was set; however, this was still a sweet and comforting read. Amidst the lengthy books I've read, I think a young adult book was needed to not overload my system in a way (if that makes any sense lmfao).
Madelaine Brown. Before reading the book, I was amazed at how relatable she is. She's described as someone who loves love; however, due to life events, she loves from a distance. Madelaine doesn't see love for herself, and that's like the majority of us romance readers. She's very relatable in that sense. This book has some Wattpad flair to the plot and to its characters, and I'm not complaining, because I love reading sweet, soft Wattpad-like books. Her heart is full and cringy (in a very good way). She's the kind of character you naturally create a soft spot for in your heart. To be cringy is to be free !! I don't really have anything bad to say about her character; I really enjoyed reading her, and she fits Jake so well.
Speaking of, Jake West. Oh, he was so cringe yet so carefree; I love that about his character. The minute Jake punched someone for Madelaine in the locker room, I just knew I was going to enjoy this book. "I'll be here. Just like I always was, and always will." It's like he fell from heaven. Everything he said, like after the 80% mark, was just so nice. He's always had a soft spot for Madelaine, because their parents were friends, which forced them to become friends. Their foundation of banter and humour is what really worked for them, and ultimately why Jake and Madelaine were the perfect fit for one another.
Moving on to the plot. I enjoyed it. Do I think it could be structured better? Yes. Again, as I said, this book had a Wattpad flair to it, which I like, but I feel like a published book like this should be structured more neatly. I adore fake dating. The beauty of fake dating is something else entirely. As a reader, it's so beautiful reading two characters unexpectedly falling for one another. And seeing them blur the lines between fake and real. God, it's so buzzy and feels like the sun setting after a long day at the beach. It's just wonderful. This book felt like that; however, it felt like something was missing, hence the rating of this book.
Everyone in this book carried a 'cringe but free energy', and again, as I mentioned previously, it's fun to read. They all were written the way I expected them to be; however, some sparkles were missing from certain characters. I won't mention who to avoid spoilers, but I'm sure those who have read this book know who I'm hinting towards. Can we talk about the flashback? I did not expect that; it broke me a little. I'll keep it spoiler-free, so I won't say whose flashback it was, but it hurt, man. "She was, undoubtedly, the loss of my life."
Okay, I think it's time to conclude before I get emotional over this part all over again. This was a fun read; it was more of a filler read because I've been reading a lot of heavy heavy books lately, and this wasn't as heavy as the other books. Doesn't take anything away from this book. I recommend this book if you're looking for a book which carries a romcom feel yet has an underlying meaningful message underneath.
Love you, doofuses, Madeline and Jake <3
[6:02pm — 22/07/2026]
[5:19pm — 22/07/2026]
𐙚⋆°🌃⋆♡ 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
⤷ fake dating
⤷ young adult
⤷ frenemies to lovers
⤷ the boy next door
𐙚⋆°🌃⋆♡ 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸
❛❛𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞, 𝐢 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐢’𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞.❜❜
⤷ 𝒊 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒊’𝒎 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 by 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻
-`♡´- 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 -`♡´-
"Your head has been playing tricks with you for a long time. I hope you know you're more than your story."
I feel like my rating is unfair for this book because of the books I've read recently. A high bar was set; however, this was still a sweet and comforting read. Amidst the lengthy books I've read, I think a young adult book was needed to not overload my system in a way (if that makes any sense lmfao).
Madelaine Brown. Before reading the book, I was amazed at how relatable she is. She's described as someone who loves love; however, due to life events, she loves from a distance. Madelaine doesn't see love for herself, and that's like the majority of us romance readers. She's very relatable in that sense. This book has some Wattpad flair to the plot and to its characters, and I'm not complaining, because I love reading sweet, soft Wattpad-like books. Her heart is full and cringy (in a very good way). She's the kind of character you naturally create a soft spot for in your heart. To be cringy is to be free !! I don't really have anything bad to say about her character; I really enjoyed reading her, and she fits Jake so well.
Speaking of, Jake West. Oh, he was so cringe yet so carefree; I love that about his character. The minute Jake punched someone for Madelaine in the locker room, I just knew I was going to enjoy this book. "I'll be here. Just like I always was, and always will." It's like he fell from heaven. Everything he said, like after the 80% mark, was just so nice. He's always had a soft spot for Madelaine, because their parents were friends, which forced them to become friends. Their foundation of banter and humour is what really worked for them, and ultimately why Jake and Madelaine were the perfect fit for one another.
Moving on to the plot. I enjoyed it. Do I think it could be structured better? Yes. Again, as I said, this book had a Wattpad flair to it, which I like, but I feel like a published book like this should be structured more neatly. I adore fake dating. The beauty of fake dating is something else entirely. As a reader, it's so beautiful reading two characters unexpectedly falling for one another. And seeing them blur the lines between fake and real. God, it's so buzzy and feels like the sun setting after a long day at the beach. It's just wonderful. This book felt like that; however, it felt like something was missing, hence the rating of this book.
Everyone in this book carried a 'cringe but free energy', and again, as I mentioned previously, it's fun to read. They all were written the way I expected them to be; however, some sparkles were missing from certain characters. I won't mention who to avoid spoilers, but I'm sure those who have read this book know who I'm hinting towards. Can we talk about the flashback? I did not expect that; it broke me a little. I'll keep it spoiler-free, so I won't say whose flashback it was, but it hurt, man. "She was, undoubtedly, the loss of my life."
Okay, I think it's time to conclude before I get emotional over this part all over again. This was a fun read; it was more of a filler read because I've been reading a lot of heavy heavy books lately, and this wasn't as heavy as the other books. Doesn't take anything away from this book. I recommend this book if you're looking for a book which carries a romcom feel yet has an underlying meaningful message underneath.
Love you, doofuses, Madeline and Jake <3
[6:02pm — 22/07/2026]
May 11, 2026
6 stars
🧾 ₊⊹. 𖧧. ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚
➪ alexa, play "cool" by dua lipa
plot 🧾 ₊⊹. 𖧧. ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚
our fmc, madelaine brown, is an introvert. she hates interacting w/ people/struggles w/ it due to anxiety. she makes a list called the never list. its a list of all the things she thought she would never do. but, with the help of allison (her bff), riden (jake's bff), and jake, she gets the list done. the mmc, jacob "jake" west helps her w/ completing the never list, in exchange for making his "crush" amanda jealous, and get her to want him back. while trying to complete the list, jake and mads start to fall in love.
tropes 🧾 ₊⊹. 𖧧. ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚
💌 frenemies to lovers
😝 fake dating
💌 anxiety rep (fmc)
😝 insomnia rep (fmc)
💌 he fell first, she fell harder
😝 hopeless romantic fmc
💌 introvert x extrovert
😝 yearner mmc
💌 they call each other by their last names
my thoughts 🧾 ₊⊹. 𖧧. ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚
OMG I'VE NEVER BINGED A BOOK THIS HARD SINCE "I HOPE THIS DOESN'T FIND YOU"!!!! i know the story's cliche, but i loved it! and i know there's spelling and writing errors, but if i loved it, that's all that matters!! madelaine was 100% relatable & jacob was a mmc that got me smiley and giggly. THEIR BANTER--YUM YUM YUMMMMM!!!! I ATE IT JUST LIKE I EAT CAESAR SALADand i love that salad!!!! and the fact that the author is of portuguese descent, i feel seen. so m.k. lewis, keep cooking up these stories!!! AND THIS BOOK GAVE ME "BETTER THAN THE MOVIES" VIBES!!! AND I LOVED THAT BOOK!!!! M.K.--KEEP THEM COMING!!!!! and the headcannons--i loved that idea, i've never seen an author do that!!! AND THE AMOUNT OF QUOTES I'VE HIGHLIGHTED--YOU WOULD'VE THOUGHT I WAS INSANEEEEEEE!!!!
madelaine brown ✧𓂃˖ᡣ𐭩་༘📖࿐
SHE'S LITERALLY ME. she's a hopeless romantic, has long brown hair, has abandonment issues, anxiety, and listens to music like she depends on it. and sure, she's a bit oblivious--BUT I LOVE HER SO MUCH I WANNA HUG HERRRRRRRRR!!!! i can't put my adoration for her into words hehehehehehe!!! <3
jacob "jake" west 🎸♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬
THIS MANNNNNNN!!!!! he's literally wes in a different universe. he plays guitar, WROTE SONGS ABOUT MADDY IN A NOTEBOOK, reads books, listens to music, and is good w/ kids!!! AAAAAAAA!!!! this guy won my heart by the second he spoke, like URGHHHH!!!!
.
.
.
pre-read 🧾 ₊⊹. 𖧧. ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚
i love supporting small authors and the blurb sounds so promising!!! 🥹
➪ alexa, play "cool" by dua lipa
⊹ .✸ ˳⁺⿻ "woman, i have waited years for this." he picks me up while i pretend to want to get away.
"you're so needy." i joke, and he moves his head up and down.
"for you? absolutely." he turns me around and holds me close to him, our faces inches apart."
plot 🧾 ₊⊹. 𖧧. ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚
our fmc, madelaine brown, is an introvert. she hates interacting w/ people/struggles w/ it due to anxiety. she makes a list called the never list. its a list of all the things she thought she would never do. but, with the help of allison (her bff), riden (jake's bff), and jake, she gets the list done. the mmc, jacob "jake" west helps her w/ completing the never list, in exchange for making his "crush" amanda jealous, and get her to want him back. while trying to complete the list, jake and mads start to fall in love.
⊹ .✸ ˳⁺⿻ "i want to tell her. the thing i heard her say when i was unconscious, or maybe conscious, i don't know. but i'm scared too. that she'll reject me once and for all, and i'll be doomed to watch the love of my life pass me by."
tropes 🧾 ₊⊹. 𖧧. ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚
💌 frenemies to lovers
😝 fake dating
💌 anxiety rep (fmc)
😝 insomnia rep (fmc)
💌 he fell first, she fell harder
😝 hopeless romantic fmc
💌 introvert x extrovert
😝 yearner mmc
💌 they call each other by their last names
⊹ .✸ ˳⁺⿻ "madelaine, i love you." my eyes widen, and i'm truly speechless and alarmed.
"jake, this is no joking matter." i cross my arms and narrow my eyes.
"i'm not joking. i love you."
my thoughts 🧾 ₊⊹. 𖧧. ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚
OMG I'VE NEVER BINGED A BOOK THIS HARD SINCE "I HOPE THIS DOESN'T FIND YOU"!!!! i know the story's cliche, but i loved it! and i know there's spelling and writing errors, but if i loved it, that's all that matters!! madelaine was 100% relatable & jacob was a mmc that got me smiley and giggly. THEIR BANTER--YUM YUM YUMMMMM!!!! I ATE IT JUST LIKE I EAT CAESAR SALAD
⊹ .✸ ˳⁺⿻ "would i call my relationship with love unhealthy? yes, probably. but hey, there's so much a girl can do when she's raised on fairy tales and also has an entire wall of romance books staring at her every morning since she was nine. well, that and abandonment issues, but who doesn't have them?"
madelaine brown ✧𓂃˖ᡣ𐭩་༘📖࿐
SHE'S LITERALLY ME. she's a hopeless romantic, has long brown hair, has abandonment issues, anxiety, and listens to music like she depends on it. and sure, she's a bit oblivious--BUT I LOVE HER SO MUCH I WANNA HUG HERRRRRRRRR!!!! i can't put my adoration for her into words hehehehehehe!!! <3
⊹ .✸ ˳⁺⿻ "i have loved you since we were nine, when i didn't even know what love was. i wrote songs, and every song on the radio was about you. it killed me every time i saw you just as much talking to another guy, so, even if you have a psychotic break, i promise you, i'm going to have a way worse one. we'll be crazy together, how about that?"
jacob "jake" west 🎸♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬
THIS MANNNNNNN!!!!! he's literally wes in a different universe. he plays guitar, WROTE SONGS ABOUT MADDY IN A NOTEBOOK, reads books, listens to music, and is good w/ kids!!! AAAAAAAA!!!! this guy won my heart by the second he spoke, like URGHHHH!!!!
⊹ .✸ ˳⁺⿻ "stop it." jake says, lifting his eyes from the book.
"what?" i ask, not so discreetly trying not to smile.
"you're making me lose focus on the book." he shakes it lightly in front of me.
"how so?" i question, curiosity getting the better of me.
"your face is doing that thing when you get excited about something." he accuses, with frowning eyes and a finger pointed at me. "like when you see me." he smirks like an idiot."
.
.
.
pre-read 🧾 ₊⊹. 𖧧. ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚
i love supporting small authors and the blurb sounds so promising!!! 🥹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2026
Really cute story! Definitely needs some editing help but I enjoyed reading it overall :)
July 8, 2026
⸝⸝⊂➜ 5/5 ✪
˚* ੈ✩‧₊ 𖤐 “I hate to break it to you, Brown, but I’m pretty much obsessed with you. And I will never let you down. Because if I ever did, I think it would physically kill me.”
I read this book in a one-ish sitting, I loved it, read it till like 3AM, and Jake West is my ideal boyfriend.
⊹ ੈ✰┆ ❭❭─❥─➣ [OVERALL STORY]: I fucking loved Madeleine and Jake’s banter, they were so good, did it give kind of Better Than The Movies vibes? Yes. But like, they’re perfect. I loved the setting of the story, and I think it’s a fun great read for a starting author, it might need some editing, but I really liked the book because it felt like reading something that I would write (in a good way).
˖ ࣪ ♡ꜝ˚ ༘ ➩ [CHARACTERS]:
⋄𖦹∘🧸 ִֶָ 🧋˚ ༘𖥔 Madeleine Brown : I relate to her so much, Hopeless Romantic? Check. Being afraid of commitment? Check. I think she’s just so real and her internal monologue is so me.
🎸✧🥁 ๋₊🪗 യ Jake West : Listens to rock, reads and plays the fucking electric guitar? Where the fuck does this man exist? He was so perfect, he gave off Wes Bennett vibes like ugh, he’s my niche book boyfriend (Jack Peyton I haven’t forgotten about you) I just find it so corny that he wanted to be a singer, yes do I resemble his friende, sure. But holy fuck I just can’t imagine a man singing.
𖤐*̩̩͙⸝⋆✮꙳⊹ ➽ [WIRTB?]:
Fuck yeah??? I think it’s a really fun romance that you can read quickly to wash down a huge fantasy, or if you’re just in the mood for a familiar romance, because I’ll be Frank, I’ve read a shit ton of books like these, and do I complain? No. I eat that shit up.
But keep in mind this is a self published book, so there are so moments where you’re like “maybe this needs to go through editing”, but worry not! It doesn’t completely ruin the book.
*ೃ♡ ➜ [QUOTES]:
”I wrote songs, and every song on the radio was about you. It killed me every time I saw you just as much talking to another guy.”
“You’re just addicting to look at.” Jake smiles not looking directly at me, somehow helpless.”
“It’s the second time today I’m wishing to draw his freckles and memorise the colour of his eyes. What?”
˖°⭑.ᐟ ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ [SONGS]:
✶ ── 🎼 ❞₊˚ Summer Boy - Lady Gaga
🎼*•°✩ Sue me - Audrey Hobert
♬.｡.:*☆ Heat Waves - Glass Animals
𝟢𝟢:𝟢𝟢 ───♡─── 𝟢𝟧:𝟢𝟫
˚* ੈ✩‧₊ 𖤐 “I hate to break it to you, Brown, but I’m pretty much obsessed with you. And I will never let you down. Because if I ever did, I think it would physically kill me.”
I read this book in a one-ish sitting, I loved it, read it till like 3AM, and Jake West is my ideal boyfriend.
⊹ ੈ✰┆ ❭❭─❥─➣ [OVERALL STORY]: I fucking loved Madeleine and Jake’s banter, they were so good, did it give kind of Better Than The Movies vibes? Yes. But like, they’re perfect. I loved the setting of the story, and I think it’s a fun great read for a starting author, it might need some editing, but I really liked the book because it felt like reading something that I would write (in a good way).
˖ ࣪ ♡ꜝ˚ ༘ ➩ [CHARACTERS]:
⋄𖦹∘🧸 ִֶָ 🧋˚ ༘𖥔 Madeleine Brown : I relate to her so much, Hopeless Romantic? Check. Being afraid of commitment? Check. I think she’s just so real and her internal monologue is so me.
🎸✧🥁 ๋₊🪗 യ Jake West : Listens to rock, reads and plays the fucking electric guitar? Where the fuck does this man exist? He was so perfect, he gave off Wes Bennett vibes like ugh, he’s my niche book boyfriend (Jack Peyton I haven’t forgotten about you) I just find it so corny that he wanted to be a singer, yes do I resemble his friende, sure. But holy fuck I just can’t imagine a man singing.
𖤐*̩̩͙⸝⋆✮꙳⊹ ➽ [WIRTB?]:
Fuck yeah??? I think it’s a really fun romance that you can read quickly to wash down a huge fantasy, or if you’re just in the mood for a familiar romance, because I’ll be Frank, I’ve read a shit ton of books like these, and do I complain? No. I eat that shit up.
But keep in mind this is a self published book, so there are so moments where you’re like “maybe this needs to go through editing”, but worry not! It doesn’t completely ruin the book.
*ೃ♡ ➜ [QUOTES]:
”I wrote songs, and every song on the radio was about you. It killed me every time I saw you just as much talking to another guy.”
“You’re just addicting to look at.” Jake smiles not looking directly at me, somehow helpless.”
“It’s the second time today I’m wishing to draw his freckles and memorise the colour of his eyes. What?”
˖°⭑.ᐟ ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ [SONGS]:
✶ ── 🎼 ❞₊˚ Summer Boy - Lady Gaga
🎼*•°✩ Sue me - Audrey Hobert
♬.｡.:*☆ Heat Waves - Glass Animals
𝟢𝟢:𝟢𝟢 ───♡─── 𝟢𝟧:𝟢𝟫
January 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW: The Never List
Publication date:
Rating: 4 stars
Huge thanks to Mary K. Lewis for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
First, I want to apologize for the delay; the review is long overdue.
Okay, now, where do I start when I want to talk about a book that has taken over my life for such a long time? The Never List was everything I was looking for: Childhood frenemies to lovers, fake dating, Popular guy x Introvert guy, and 2000’s romcom vibes
Need I say more?
I saw myself in Madelaine Brown because I get that feeling of wanting to do nothing more than immerse myself in the pages of books, just because the life I’m living is just too much sometimes, or only ever reading about the love I want to experience.
DON’T GET ME STARTED ON JACOB FREAKING WEST.
Jake is everything a girl could ever want. Sarcastic, funny, you name it. I literally leaped out of my bed every time he reassured Mads like… Am I the only one who loves the trope where the character who’s always reserved and reassuring others finally talks about their trauma? Yeah, Jake West.
I could go on and on about how I enjoyed this book if I’m being honest.
Again, a big thank you to M.K Lewis for sending me an arc!!
Publication date:
Rating: 4 stars
Huge thanks to Mary K. Lewis for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
First, I want to apologize for the delay; the review is long overdue.
Okay, now, where do I start when I want to talk about a book that has taken over my life for such a long time? The Never List was everything I was looking for: Childhood frenemies to lovers, fake dating, Popular guy x Introvert guy, and 2000’s romcom vibes
Need I say more?
I saw myself in Madelaine Brown because I get that feeling of wanting to do nothing more than immerse myself in the pages of books, just because the life I’m living is just too much sometimes, or only ever reading about the love I want to experience.
DON’T GET ME STARTED ON JACOB FREAKING WEST.
Jake is everything a girl could ever want. Sarcastic, funny, you name it. I literally leaped out of my bed every time he reassured Mads like… Am I the only one who loves the trope where the character who’s always reserved and reassuring others finally talks about their trauma? Yeah, Jake West.
I could go on and on about how I enjoyed this book if I’m being honest.
Again, a big thank you to M.K Lewis for sending me an arc!!
July 18, 2026
ᯓ➤ 3 🌟
i want to start by saying that i had a great time and this was such a fun read, perfect for when you’re in the mood for a light, easy and cute little rom com!! 🧘🏻♀️
though i think the story had great potential i think the writing was not the best and it def could’ve improved a lot with some better editing!
this book is like if ‘better than the movies’ by lynn painter was written by a random reader that doesn’t know much about writing but has read a good amount of books and enjoys romance lol
overall i think this was cute and jake and mads were adorable and had great banger (even though madelaine was annoying at times), just not executed in the best way! 😚😚
i want to start by saying that i had a great time and this was such a fun read, perfect for when you’re in the mood for a light, easy and cute little rom com!! 🧘🏻♀️
though i think the story had great potential i think the writing was not the best and it def could’ve improved a lot with some better editing!
this book is like if ‘better than the movies’ by lynn painter was written by a random reader that doesn’t know much about writing but has read a good amount of books and enjoys romance lol
overall i think this was cute and jake and mads were adorable and had great banger (even though madelaine was annoying at times), just not executed in the best way! 😚😚
March 3, 2026
i was a little bit frustrated with them. but they stole my heart at the end 😭😭😭
Did Not Finish
August 28, 2026Not in the mood anymore and nothing made me want to keep reading. Feels predictable. Might come back to it later or not 🤷🏻♀️
March 16, 2026
Such a cute read honestly like straight out of a cringey wattpad.
The banter in this book was done so perfectly and resembled something along the lines of early 2000s romcoms, the song choices were elite and most importantly the headcannons!! Omg unreal that stuff has a choke hold, over all such a bomb read
Also their wedding song being photograph by Ed Sheeran…!
The banter in this book was done so perfectly and resembled something along the lines of early 2000s romcoms, the song choices were elite and most importantly the headcannons!! Omg unreal that stuff has a choke hold, over all such a bomb read
Also their wedding song being photograph by Ed Sheeran…!
February 20, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
“But I must say, the most annoying part of it has to be watching everyone get someone except for me, the one who’s been dreaming about it since I could say the word love.”
first of all i want to say a big thank you to mary for sending me this as an arc. this is my first arc and i loved it.
this book reminds me of the high school teenage experience I could've had. I seriously devoured and enjoyed this book. I was smiling and screaming like an idiot through scenes. they are literally so cute together, I love their banter. the song references made me love this book even more.
i don’t wanna give away too much that’s why i’ll stop now and let you enjoy this amazing book spoiler free 🫶🏻⭐️
“But I must say, the most annoying part of it has to be watching everyone get someone except for me, the one who’s been dreaming about it since I could say the word love.”
first of all i want to say a big thank you to mary for sending me this as an arc. this is my first arc and i loved it.
this book reminds me of the high school teenage experience I could've had. I seriously devoured and enjoyed this book. I was smiling and screaming like an idiot through scenes. they are literally so cute together, I love their banter. the song references made me love this book even more.
i don’t wanna give away too much that’s why i’ll stop now and let you enjoy this amazing book spoiler free 🫶🏻⭐️
July 17, 2026
love it!! it’s kinda like better than the movies but deeper . and i cried so much at the end
April 6, 2026
disposable poc gf troupe x owd with literally the ONLY non white character x her being portrayed as the antagonist x slut mmc x shit writing x lack of a plot has lead me to give the rating i have. genuinely so, so disappointed in this author because this, alongside the muse of the match, were very anticipated reads but both ultimately left me with immense disappointment
February 20, 2026
Loved the story itself and the characters; however, an editor would've made this book a 4 or 5 stars. There was a ton of potential, but with the number of grammatical errors and some minor bumps in the plot it made it a bit harder to follow. But such a cute book overall, I really did love it.
July 6, 2026
This book made me stupider. Madelaine was annoying; like, boohoo, your mom left. Why do you keep projecting on everyone? Also, the writing SUCKED. This felt like I wrote better than the movies. its js a bad dupe of BTTM.
July 7, 2026
Den va sikkelig rusha!!! Alt skjedde før fort uten detalja og mye repeteringe av samme linje
December 27, 2025
I gave The Neverlist a full five stars. Period. No debate. This book does not deserve anything lower and it never will. It is amazing, emotional, funny, and absolutely gorgeous. I finished it in one single day because I physically could not put it down. I have been waiting for this book forever ever since I read Muse of the Match, and it was worth every second of waiting.
This author somehow managed to put everything I love into one story. The romance, the tension, the humor, the emotion, all of it worked perfectly together. What made it even better was the references. I usually do not understand or recognize references in books, but this time I did. Every single one. Especially the Brooklyn Nine Nine reference. That show is my comfort show, and finding out that Madeline Brown has watched it too made me feel so connected to her. It felt personal in the best way.
The Neverlist is a frenemies to lovers fake dating romance, which is already perfection, but the characters are what truly make this book unforgettable. Madeline Brown is angry, loud, and rude at times, but that is exactly what makes her real. Her anger is a coping mechanism, and the book shows that so beautifully. People are so quick to judge characters like her without realizing how much pain they are carrying. This book does not just show her anger. It explains it. It honors it.
Jake West is everything. He never tried to change Madeline. He saw through her anger and stood beside her instead of against her. He argued with her, fought with her, and supported her in the way she actually needed. He always made sure she smiled, even if that meant being the punching bag. The way he understood her was everything to me.
I loved everything about these characters. What they said, what they believed in, how they cared for each other. Jake West especially has my whole heart. I need a Jake West in my life immediately. Pronto. Where is my next door neighbor Jake West. Where is the guy who helps me complete a list of things I never want to do, just to make sure I live a full and meaningful life.
And now I am already desperate for the next book. Dancing with Cupid. I need it today. Tomorrow. Yesterday. Right now. Until then, I might just start writing my own never list and hope I someday find my own Jake West to help me break it.
This book was perfect. Five stars forever.
This author somehow managed to put everything I love into one story. The romance, the tension, the humor, the emotion, all of it worked perfectly together. What made it even better was the references. I usually do not understand or recognize references in books, but this time I did. Every single one. Especially the Brooklyn Nine Nine reference. That show is my comfort show, and finding out that Madeline Brown has watched it too made me feel so connected to her. It felt personal in the best way.
The Neverlist is a frenemies to lovers fake dating romance, which is already perfection, but the characters are what truly make this book unforgettable. Madeline Brown is angry, loud, and rude at times, but that is exactly what makes her real. Her anger is a coping mechanism, and the book shows that so beautifully. People are so quick to judge characters like her without realizing how much pain they are carrying. This book does not just show her anger. It explains it. It honors it.
Jake West is everything. He never tried to change Madeline. He saw through her anger and stood beside her instead of against her. He argued with her, fought with her, and supported her in the way she actually needed. He always made sure she smiled, even if that meant being the punching bag. The way he understood her was everything to me.
I loved everything about these characters. What they said, what they believed in, how they cared for each other. Jake West especially has my whole heart. I need a Jake West in my life immediately. Pronto. Where is my next door neighbor Jake West. Where is the guy who helps me complete a list of things I never want to do, just to make sure I live a full and meaningful life.
And now I am already desperate for the next book. Dancing with Cupid. I need it today. Tomorrow. Yesterday. Right now. Until then, I might just start writing my own never list and hope I someday find my own Jake West to help me break it.
This book was perfect. Five stars forever.
February 17, 2026
“After all, we will always be Madelaine and Jake, Brown and West, fighting for everything and for nothing all at once. Usually his fault.” 🌟
this book might be one of my new fav romance books!!! the characters, the vibes, the story, the banter - everything was perfect and i enjoyed every second of this book 💞💞
jake & madelaine are everything, i love them sm 🥹💐
(also madelaine is one of the most relatable characters ever, omg i lovee her)
this book might be one of my new fav romance books!!! the characters, the vibes, the story, the banter - everything was perfect and i enjoyed every second of this book 💞💞
jake & madelaine are everything, i love them sm 🥹💐
(also madelaine is one of the most relatable characters ever, omg i lovee her)
May 31, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alright, the romance in this book is like the least cringy I've ever read! There is such an emotional backdrop, yet also their jokey friendship is everything. I'll be thinking about these two for a while, I think!
Alright, the romance in this book is like the least cringy I've ever read! There is such an emotional backdrop, yet also their jokey friendship is everything. I'll be thinking about these two for a while, I think!
October 15, 2026
beautiful, just beautiful. MAJOR bttm vibes (love that btw)!
March 2, 2026
4.5⭐️
okay stop istg the author is in my walls this was so perfect???
first of all madeleine was so so soooo relateable like oh my god?? hopeless romantic✅, doesn’t believe in love for herself✅ so seeing mads journey to living her life was so endearing for me!!
Jake was like such a good character i kinda find it hard to explain but he felt very human, like i didn’t feel like I was reading about a dramatized version of life and I found that to be very refreshing.
Just overall I enjoyed this book so much it was a breath of fresh air that made me lol, cry, smile and yearn
okay stop istg the author is in my walls this was so perfect???
first of all madeleine was so so soooo relateable like oh my god?? hopeless romantic✅, doesn’t believe in love for herself✅ so seeing mads journey to living her life was so endearing for me!!
Jake was like such a good character i kinda find it hard to explain but he felt very human, like i didn’t feel like I was reading about a dramatized version of life and I found that to be very refreshing.
Just overall I enjoyed this book so much it was a breath of fresh air that made me lol, cry, smile and yearn
January 13, 2026
Este livro foi perfeito. Might be my new favorite romance ever 🫶🏽
Quando li os tropes, frenemies to lovers e fake dating, fiquei logo com expectativas altas mas nunca imaginei que se fossem exceder tanto. Adorei cada detalhe deste livro.
A relação da Madelaine e do Jake é perfeita, desde as picardias aos momentos mais sensíveis! Dei por mim a rir-me as gragalhadas com cenas deles e no final fiquei mesmo boquiaberta com tudo o que estava a acontecer.
A personalidade do Jake encantou-me e a forma como ele foi evoluindo ao longo da história foi incrível de acompanhar.
Também me identifiquei bastante com a Madelaine e com a personalidade dela. Adorei descobrir pelos olhos dela esta história incrível.
Os personagens secundários nunca foram esquecidos, tiveram sempre o seu momento e são também marcantes.
Outro dos pontos altos do livro foi as referências geek e músicas ao longo do livro. Desde referências a filmes da Disney até aos One Direction.
Adorei a mensagem deste livro mas as relações entre as personagens é que fazem o livro inesquecível.
Obrigada Mary K. Lewis por este arc 🩷
Quando li os tropes, frenemies to lovers e fake dating, fiquei logo com expectativas altas mas nunca imaginei que se fossem exceder tanto. Adorei cada detalhe deste livro.
A relação da Madelaine e do Jake é perfeita, desde as picardias aos momentos mais sensíveis! Dei por mim a rir-me as gragalhadas com cenas deles e no final fiquei mesmo boquiaberta com tudo o que estava a acontecer.
A personalidade do Jake encantou-me e a forma como ele foi evoluindo ao longo da história foi incrível de acompanhar.
Também me identifiquei bastante com a Madelaine e com a personalidade dela. Adorei descobrir pelos olhos dela esta história incrível.
Os personagens secundários nunca foram esquecidos, tiveram sempre o seu momento e são também marcantes.
Outro dos pontos altos do livro foi as referências geek e músicas ao longo do livro. Desde referências a filmes da Disney até aos One Direction.
Adorei a mensagem deste livro mas as relações entre as personagens é que fazem o livro inesquecível.
Obrigada Mary K. Lewis por este arc 🩷
March 14, 2026
3.75☆
Decided to give this a try and glad I did!
I liked the main character, I loved her versatility: her anger but at the same time that she was such a hopeless romantic. Jake was so obsessed with her from the start and the author did a real good job with their first kiss.
I also, shockingly, loved the pop culture references: From ,Brooklyn 99’ to the movie ,Step up‘ to the song ,Just Like Heaven‘ by the Cure.
I feel like you could tell that the author knows her way arround romance books, but I have to say that the writing was flawed. I can usually ignore it, but not this time. It was sometimes genuinely confusing, I often didn't get the thought process and it felt very unedited (which it is ig).
It would've been 3 stars but the last 100 pages were too good and kinda inspirational<3
Quotes•｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅
“I’m sorry for the person who’s gonna end up with you.” “Ah, the self-pity.”
~It’s bad giving your heart to someone only to know it’s gonna end eventually. This is a part of my many reasons I’m afraid to date.
~We could get into a car accident. We always think these things are never going to happen, because they only happen in movies or to strangers. Except when they happen to you. But why us? Why him.
~I know it’s impossible for him to do all the work, when only I have the tools to do it myself, but I love that he makes me want to pick them up and believe I can heal myself.
Decided to give this a try and glad I did!
I liked the main character, I loved her versatility: her anger but at the same time that she was such a hopeless romantic. Jake was so obsessed with her from the start and the author did a real good job with their first kiss.
I also, shockingly, loved the pop culture references: From ,Brooklyn 99’ to the movie ,Step up‘ to the song ,Just Like Heaven‘ by the Cure.
I feel like you could tell that the author knows her way arround romance books, but I have to say that the writing was flawed. I can usually ignore it, but not this time. It was sometimes genuinely confusing, I often didn't get the thought process and it felt very unedited (which it is ig).
It would've been 3 stars but the last 100 pages were too good and kinda inspirational<3
Quotes•｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅
“I’m sorry for the person who’s gonna end up with you.” “Ah, the self-pity.”
~It’s bad giving your heart to someone only to know it’s gonna end eventually. This is a part of my many reasons I’m afraid to date.
~We could get into a car accident. We always think these things are never going to happen, because they only happen in movies or to strangers. Except when they happen to you. But why us? Why him.
~I know it’s impossible for him to do all the work, when only I have the tools to do it myself, but I love that he makes me want to pick them up and believe I can heal myself.
July 11, 2026
Not the worst book ever but definitely not the best, it was ok like the characters were fine the plot was fine I was never fully hooked with this book or the characters sooo that why it gen took MONTHS to read
I also read boys of tommen in between this soo that makes a lot of sense bc I absolutely adore the characters and plot in those books and couldn’t give two gafs abt this one anyway idm it!!
-after the reading this I realized I didn’t talk AT ALL abt the actual book sooo mb
Jake was honestly a simple nice mlc I didn’t mind him why did we only get 2 chapters in his perspective
Maddie was nice she was your regular introverted girl that everyone had a crush on and didn’t realize that Jake loved her until after he said it errrm 3 times so that makes sense she doesn’t let people in which I get and that’s litt it!
I also read boys of tommen in between this soo that makes a lot of sense bc I absolutely adore the characters and plot in those books and couldn’t give two gafs abt this one anyway idm it!!
-after the reading this I realized I didn’t talk AT ALL abt the actual book sooo mb
Jake was honestly a simple nice mlc I didn’t mind him why did we only get 2 chapters in his perspective
Maddie was nice she was your regular introverted girl that everyone had a crush on and didn’t realize that Jake loved her until after he said it errrm 3 times so that makes sense she doesn’t let people in which I get and that’s litt it!
April 15, 2026
This book was really good; it reminded me a bit of BTTM. Because it was so good and they are neighbors, but the content didn't really resemble each other. I am definitely going to reread this book sometime. Jake is a real cutie and you could always tell that he loved Madeleine very much. Madeleine is a real sweetheart; I liked seeing her go from being a person who preferred doing nothing and was grumpy all the time to such a happy and cheerful person. And all because of Jake! I found the love story about Madeleine's parents really sad, sorry, I really didn't expect that...
I give this book 4,5⭐️
I give this book 4,5⭐️
March 27, 2026
Clean, sweet and cute!!! Apart from the fact that we still don't know what's on that damn list 😭😭😭 this was a quick fun read! Definitely recommend for TSITP and Better than the Movies fans - very summer coded.
I genuinely had to put the book down when Madelaine staked her claim on Jake in front of the ENTIRE town 😭😭 but clearly she does some yoga manifestation or something because my girl got her guy.
A fun, tween/teen book for anyone. I was forewarned about the editing, but it doesn't take away from your enjoyment reading at all!
I genuinely had to put the book down when Madelaine staked her claim on Jake in front of the ENTIRE town 😭😭 but clearly she does some yoga manifestation or something because my girl got her guy.
A fun, tween/teen book for anyone. I was forewarned about the editing, but it doesn't take away from your enjoyment reading at all!
April 16, 2026
I finished The Never List just a few days ago, and surprisingly, not much of the plot has stuck with me. I’m not sure if it’s just my memory lately or the story itself, but compared to other romance books I’ve read, this one didn’t leave a strong impression.
I rated it 3 stars—it was enjoyable enough while I was reading, but ultimately not very memorable.
I rated it 3 stars—it was enjoyable enough while I was reading, but ultimately not very memorable.
February 9, 2026
1.5 Almost DNF'd this like 50 times, but I am a sucker for enemies to lovers tropes. This story was good, but this book DESPERATELY needs an editor. There was a lot of grammatical errors and just a lot of sentences/paragraphs that just didn't make sense or flow naturally.
May 28, 2026
3.25/5
June 13, 2026
i thought that mads and jake were super cute and the plot idea was there but there were definitely some plot holes, weird writing, and some major editing errors that took me out of the story
June 29, 2026
“You’re not gonna destroy us if that’s what you’re worried about.” He looks up, eyes burying mine. “Truth is, you have always surrounded me, pulling me towards you without meaning to.”
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