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The Never Girl
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 4, 2026
This was a beautifully written gothic dark romance. I my heart was with the FMC from the beginning. Everything that she endured, yet she still looked for the good in people. She was such a fierce character. I loved the world building. It was excellently developed and pulled me in so quickly with such vividness. I loved seeing this play out in my mind. The twists and turns, beautiful. And the MMC was amazing. I truly can’t wait to see where this story goes.
August 17, 2026
This book was beautifully written, and definitely a wonderful atmospheric and gothic read.
It gives dark fairytale vibes which I was here for.
The pacing felt off to me around 50% and started losing interest. Their connection felt authentic but dragged a bit and I was like “pls love each other I need it”.
Overall, the book is good and I liked the vibes of it all. I think the next will be even better!
Thank you to Love & Lore for the ARC, all opinions are my own!
It gives dark fairytale vibes which I was here for.
The pacing felt off to me around 50% and started losing interest. Their connection felt authentic but dragged a bit and I was like “pls love each other I need it”.
Overall, the book is good and I liked the vibes of it all. I think the next will be even better!
Thank you to Love & Lore for the ARC, all opinions are my own!
August 17, 2026
The ending! I need to know what happens next. The world building and fantastical elements were perfect. I couldn't put this book down. It was so beautifully written to make you feel everything the characters were feeling.
Book 2 cannot come soon enough.
Book 2 cannot come soon enough.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🕯️Gothic fantasy romance
🖤Dark fairytale vibes
🕯️Enemies to lovers
🖤Forced proximity
🕯️FMC on the run
🖤Feminine rage
🕯️Cursed life
🖤One bed/one horse
🕯️Dual POV
🖤Duology
♥️♥️Huge thanks to Love and Lore PR and Danielle D. Drummond for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own♥️♥️
4,5/5⭐
Alinsia is the Never Girl. She has been caged in her basement home for as long as she can remember, starved and brutally abused by her stepmother and stepbrothers and even her father. After one mistake make her locked up in the attic, she wakes to find her house burned down, her entire family dead in the fire, and herself as the only survivor. The Keeper of Evermore, or the Crown Guard, would surely take her to the palace to be executed. determined to escape, then Alinsia sets out to cross the wall surrounding Evermore. but when she successfully reaches the other side alongside the Keeper Captain, Grayven, they find themselves trapped in a dangerous maze. Alinsia has no choice but to follow Grayven if she wants to survive.
This was such a fantastic read!😆🥰 I can't describe how I felt after that ending... and now we have to wait until late 2027 for the sequel??😭 whyyyy?😭 Howwwww?😭 I need the sequel, like, nowwww😭😭
from the very first page the story completely captivated me. this book was difficult to put down because I had to know what happened nexttt😫 I was so invested in Alinsia's desperate attempts to gain her freedom that I was constantly on the edge of my seat...my heart was racing and all I wanted was to save her. I wanted her to runnn so far away from that wretched kingdom😤
I also loved following Alinsia's inner turmoil over whether she could trust Grayven or not because no matter what choice she made, it seemed like it would still lead to her execution. despite his harsh manner toward Alinsia, Grayven is an awesome mmc with “he is soft only for her” and “I’d burn the world for her” vibes🥰 the slowburn romance between them developed naturally...I loved that she didn't instantly fall for him or trust him blindly. Alinsia knows she shouldn't trust Grayven, yet she still finds herself drawn to him.
My only complaint is that the chemistry between Grayven and Alinsia felt a little lacking for the first half of the book...it wasn't until around the last 40% of the story that I really felt an emotional connection between them. and there are also many unanswered questions... I'm hoping they'll be answered in the sequel😫
Overall this book was amazing!🤩🥰 I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this engaging story. it was such a fun reading experience from beginning to end and I can't waiiiiit to see where this story goes next! :''''))))
🖤Dark fairytale vibes
🕯️Enemies to lovers
🖤Forced proximity
🕯️FMC on the run
🖤Feminine rage
🕯️Cursed life
🖤One bed/one horse
🕯️Dual POV
🖤Duology
♥️♥️Huge thanks to Love and Lore PR and Danielle D. Drummond for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own♥️♥️
4,5/5⭐
She was the never girl. She never went to school with the rest of the children. She never had friends. She never got invited to lavish parties or boring ones either, and she certainly had never been to court. As far as Alinsia and everyone else were concerned, she may as well not exist.
Alinsia is the Never Girl. She has been caged in her basement home for as long as she can remember, starved and brutally abused by her stepmother and stepbrothers and even her father. After one mistake make her locked up in the attic, she wakes to find her house burned down, her entire family dead in the fire, and herself as the only survivor. The Keeper of Evermore, or the Crown Guard, would surely take her to the palace to be executed. determined to escape, then Alinsia sets out to cross the wall surrounding Evermore. but when she successfully reaches the other side alongside the Keeper Captain, Grayven, they find themselves trapped in a dangerous maze. Alinsia has no choice but to follow Grayven if she wants to survive.
"What. Is wrong. With me? Oh, I don't know, maybe it's that I have watched my life fade before my eyes every day, or that I have been locked up, starved, and abused. Or the fact that my family all died, and the only person I thought was my friend betrayed me. Or that I am now captive, bound to a brute who has no feelings whatsoever and takes pleasure in seeing me in pain."
This was such a fantastic read!😆🥰 I can't describe how I felt after that ending... and now we have to wait until late 2027 for the sequel??😭 whyyyy?😭 Howwwww?😭 I need the sequel, like, nowwww😭😭
from the very first page the story completely captivated me. this book was difficult to put down because I had to know what happened nexttt😫 I was so invested in Alinsia's desperate attempts to gain her freedom that I was constantly on the edge of my seat...my heart was racing and all I wanted was to save her. I wanted her to runnn so far away from that wretched kingdom😤
"You are a sin that's marked my heart, tainted my soul. Yet, no matter how hard I try to scrub you from me, I can't get you out from under my skin."
I also loved following Alinsia's inner turmoil over whether she could trust Grayven or not because no matter what choice she made, it seemed like it would still lead to her execution. despite his harsh manner toward Alinsia, Grayven is an awesome mmc with “he is soft only for her” and “I’d burn the world for her” vibes🥰 the slowburn romance between them developed naturally...I loved that she didn't instantly fall for him or trust him blindly. Alinsia knows she shouldn't trust Grayven, yet she still finds herself drawn to him.
"You are my sin, And I will gladly be your salvation."
"So, find your redemption in me, Alinsia." His lips grazed hers. "I beg of you, take whatever you need from me. I'm yours."
My only complaint is that the chemistry between Grayven and Alinsia felt a little lacking for the first half of the book...it wasn't until around the last 40% of the story that I really felt an emotional connection between them. and there are also many unanswered questions... I'm hoping they'll be answered in the sequel😫
"we will burn those goddamn trees down. And all of Evermore if we have to."
Overall this book was amazing!🤩🥰 I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this engaging story. it was such a fun reading experience from beginning to end and I can't waiiiiit to see where this story goes next! :''''))))
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Evermore, every new life is linked to the eternal flame and gifted an ever-life—except one. If each drip of the candle meant your life was coming to an end, what would you do, and who would you become?
Alinisa Sorrell’s mother died in childbirth, leaving her alone with her despondent father, who wants nothing to do with the babe whose candle has been melting since the day she was born. Her Cinderella-esque childhood ends when her abusive family pushes her to the brink. In the aftermath of the destruction, Alinisa knows she must escape Evermore and find freedom beyond the wall.
Pursued by Grayven Evroy, the Captain of Keepers, Alinisa races toward freedom and the truth about the Ever Tree and the Undying Flame. When disaster strikes, Alinisa and Grayven must work together to make it back to safety, even if it means Grayven is leading Alinisa directly to the castle’s prison.
Alinisa was a fantastic female lead. Even when locked away by her father and stepmother, she never felt weak; she chose to endure silently. And when things are at their worst, she chooses herself. She finds strength in putting one foot in front of the other and listening to her intuition.
Grayven came off very gruff at first, even when he didn’t see her as a suspect. Still, it was very helpful to get insight into his previous encounters in Wayward Pines, and see that his mother, the Queen, continues to insist that Alinisa must be put to death, even as the situation deepens.
As they learn to work together while trying to survive the maze-like interior of the wall, interest grows on both sides. This is a very slooooow burn romance, and it makes perfect sense that they must learn to trust each other and work together before they can even think about kissing.
My favorite relationship in the book was the friendship between Alinisa and her cousin Kaltee. From the beginning, you can tell the girls truly care for each other, and they will do whatever they can to support each other. I love when novels include strong female friendships.
The beginning was a little slow for me, as it focused on establishing Alinisa as the Never Girl and showing her circumstances. The story picked up at the halfway point when Alinisa and Grayven are trapped and must work together to survive. The last 100 pages are action-packed. In addition to giving insight into a lot of what happened in the first half, there is a new problem to solve and a mystery they must get to the bottom of. The book ends on a cliffhanger, but I have a feeling it will be the perfect break between books 1 and 2.
I recommend The Never Girl for readers who like dark fairytale vibes, stories about cursed lives, and romances that involve forced proximity and only one horse.
–
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Alinisa Sorrell’s mother died in childbirth, leaving her alone with her despondent father, who wants nothing to do with the babe whose candle has been melting since the day she was born. Her Cinderella-esque childhood ends when her abusive family pushes her to the brink. In the aftermath of the destruction, Alinisa knows she must escape Evermore and find freedom beyond the wall.
Pursued by Grayven Evroy, the Captain of Keepers, Alinisa races toward freedom and the truth about the Ever Tree and the Undying Flame. When disaster strikes, Alinisa and Grayven must work together to make it back to safety, even if it means Grayven is leading Alinisa directly to the castle’s prison.
Alinisa was a fantastic female lead. Even when locked away by her father and stepmother, she never felt weak; she chose to endure silently. And when things are at their worst, she chooses herself. She finds strength in putting one foot in front of the other and listening to her intuition.
Grayven came off very gruff at first, even when he didn’t see her as a suspect. Still, it was very helpful to get insight into his previous encounters in Wayward Pines, and see that his mother, the Queen, continues to insist that Alinisa must be put to death, even as the situation deepens.
As they learn to work together while trying to survive the maze-like interior of the wall, interest grows on both sides. This is a very slooooow burn romance, and it makes perfect sense that they must learn to trust each other and work together before they can even think about kissing.
My favorite relationship in the book was the friendship between Alinisa and her cousin Kaltee. From the beginning, you can tell the girls truly care for each other, and they will do whatever they can to support each other. I love when novels include strong female friendships.
The beginning was a little slow for me, as it focused on establishing Alinisa as the Never Girl and showing her circumstances. The story picked up at the halfway point when Alinisa and Grayven are trapped and must work together to survive. The last 100 pages are action-packed. In addition to giving insight into a lot of what happened in the first half, there is a new problem to solve and a mystery they must get to the bottom of. The book ends on a cliffhanger, but I have a feeling it will be the perfect break between books 1 and 2.
I recommend The Never Girl for readers who like dark fairytale vibes, stories about cursed lives, and romances that involve forced proximity and only one horse.
–
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
She is the Never Girl, fighting to survive. He is the Keeper, hunting her like prey.
In Evermore, everyone is gifted an ever life… everyone except her.
Alinsia is the Never Girl, cursed before she was even born. She has spent her life watching her candle burn lower and lower, knowing her end is inevitable. When a boy’s disappearance sparks a series of catastrophic events, she is forced to leave everything behind and flee towards the wall encasing Evermore in a desperate attempt to save her life. Enter Grayven, captain of the Keepers and the man tasked with bringing her back. Will she be able to outrun the Keepers, or will she become the very thing that destroys everything she loves?
From the very beginning, I was completely captivated. The world is incredibly unique, with a dark, immersive atmosphere that immediately pulled me in. Alinsia has endured a lifetime of abuse at the hands of her cruel stepmother and step-siblings while being completely ignored by her father. Forced to live as an outcast with barely anyone to rely on besides her cousin, all she has ever wanted is freedom from the family that has made her life a nightmare. When circumstances finally force her to run, she heads for the wall, hoping the answers she’s been searching for lie beyond it. With Grayven relentlessly pursuing her, the two find themselves trapped together inside a deadly labyrinth designed to exploit their deepest fears. I loved this section of the book. It forced hunter and hunted to rely on one another to survive, gradually breaking down the walls between them.
Alinsia is such a kind-hearted character, and my heart genuinely ached for everything she endured. She has never known comfort or unconditional love, making it completely understandable why trusting anyone feels impossible. Grayven initially appears to be the hardened soldier simply carrying out his duty, but beneath that exterior he’s thoughtful, observant, and deeply compassionate. Watching him slowly question his mission while seeing Alinsia for who she truly is, scars and all, was one of my favourite parts of the book. He is the definition of a “soft only for her” MMC.
As the story unfolds, the stakes continue to rise, and I found myself constantly wanting to know what would happen next. This first book leaves plenty of mysteries unanswered, and it has made me desperate for the sequel. And shall we talk about that ending? Absolutely criminal 🫠
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Between the fascinating world-building, the slow-burn romance, dark grim vibes and all the unanswered mysteries, I’m already looking forward to book two… even if the wait is going to feel veeeeery long.
In Evermore, everyone is gifted an ever life… everyone except her.
Alinsia is the Never Girl, cursed before she was even born. She has spent her life watching her candle burn lower and lower, knowing her end is inevitable. When a boy’s disappearance sparks a series of catastrophic events, she is forced to leave everything behind and flee towards the wall encasing Evermore in a desperate attempt to save her life. Enter Grayven, captain of the Keepers and the man tasked with bringing her back. Will she be able to outrun the Keepers, or will she become the very thing that destroys everything she loves?
From the very beginning, I was completely captivated. The world is incredibly unique, with a dark, immersive atmosphere that immediately pulled me in. Alinsia has endured a lifetime of abuse at the hands of her cruel stepmother and step-siblings while being completely ignored by her father. Forced to live as an outcast with barely anyone to rely on besides her cousin, all she has ever wanted is freedom from the family that has made her life a nightmare. When circumstances finally force her to run, she heads for the wall, hoping the answers she’s been searching for lie beyond it. With Grayven relentlessly pursuing her, the two find themselves trapped together inside a deadly labyrinth designed to exploit their deepest fears. I loved this section of the book. It forced hunter and hunted to rely on one another to survive, gradually breaking down the walls between them.
Alinsia is such a kind-hearted character, and my heart genuinely ached for everything she endured. She has never known comfort or unconditional love, making it completely understandable why trusting anyone feels impossible. Grayven initially appears to be the hardened soldier simply carrying out his duty, but beneath that exterior he’s thoughtful, observant, and deeply compassionate. Watching him slowly question his mission while seeing Alinsia for who she truly is, scars and all, was one of my favourite parts of the book. He is the definition of a “soft only for her” MMC.
As the story unfolds, the stakes continue to rise, and I found myself constantly wanting to know what would happen next. This first book leaves plenty of mysteries unanswered, and it has made me desperate for the sequel. And shall we talk about that ending? Absolutely criminal 🫠
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Between the fascinating world-building, the slow-burn romance, dark grim vibes and all the unanswered mysteries, I’m already looking forward to book two… even if the wait is going to feel veeeeery long.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The marketing for this book advertised it as a gothic fairytale retelling, and it absolutely hit the mark on that! The atmosphere was exactly what I expected, and it was a really cool take on the Hans Christian Anderson tale "The Little Match Girl." I think the fact that I was so excited for it and had hyped it up in my head is what made actually reading it somewhat disappointing to me, because I felt that the execution didn't follow through what was advertised.
I thought the pacing was very slow in the beginning, and it was a struggle to make myself sit still and read it because it didn't suck me in at all. There were some issues with choppy transitions and long sections of text that didn't add anything to the story. The pacing did pick up 60% of the way through, and the rest of the book was much better when it came to action scenes and information reveals (I had initially planned on giving this two stars, but it improved so dramatically that it deserves at least three).
There was quite a lot of repetitive thinking and dialogue from all characters, and it didn't feel like our FMC knew what she wanted or even what was happening half the time. This could be due to her sheltered/abused upbringing, but the way it was written made it so it didn't feel genuine when she was struggling with the fear of running vs. the consequences of staying, the betrayals, etc. I think it was because I really struggled to connect with any of the characters, so it felt like a lot of the dialogue was overdramatized (think Days of Our Lives soap opera: the main character is screaming "How could you do this to me?!?!" Meanwhile you're sitting on the couch thinking "I saw this coming three episodes ago...."
Because I didn't connect with the main characters, the scene towards the end when feelings were "revealed" felt so forced and as if it came out of nowhere. Almost like the author had forgotten she wanted to make this a romance and was now trying to check a box at the last minute and make an attraction appear out of the blue.
I do think this might appeal more to readers who aren't looking for a romantic fantasy but are instead looking more for a fantasy with a small romance sub-plot. I think this might have been a case of "right book, wrong reader," and it just wasn't for me.
The author does have a way with endings though because that cliffhanger was BRUTAL! Truly, I might read the second book just because of that - it was good enough to potentially override some of the other issues I had.
I would like to thank the author and Love & Lore PR for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy prior to release.
I thought the pacing was very slow in the beginning, and it was a struggle to make myself sit still and read it because it didn't suck me in at all. There were some issues with choppy transitions and long sections of text that didn't add anything to the story. The pacing did pick up 60% of the way through, and the rest of the book was much better when it came to action scenes and information reveals (I had initially planned on giving this two stars, but it improved so dramatically that it deserves at least three).
There was quite a lot of repetitive thinking and dialogue from all characters, and it didn't feel like our FMC knew what she wanted or even what was happening half the time. This could be due to her sheltered/abused upbringing, but the way it was written made it so it didn't feel genuine when she was struggling with the fear of running vs. the consequences of staying, the betrayals, etc. I think it was because I really struggled to connect with any of the characters, so it felt like a lot of the dialogue was overdramatized (think Days of Our Lives soap opera: the main character is screaming "How could you do this to me?!?!" Meanwhile you're sitting on the couch thinking "I saw this coming three episodes ago...."
Because I didn't connect with the main characters, the scene towards the end when feelings were "revealed" felt so forced and as if it came out of nowhere. Almost like the author had forgotten she wanted to make this a romance and was now trying to check a box at the last minute and make an attraction appear out of the blue.
I do think this might appeal more to readers who aren't looking for a romantic fantasy but are instead looking more for a fantasy with a small romance sub-plot. I think this might have been a case of "right book, wrong reader," and it just wasn't for me.
The author does have a way with endings though because that cliffhanger was BRUTAL! Truly, I might read the second book just because of that - it was good enough to potentially override some of the other issues I had.
I would like to thank the author and Love & Lore PR for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy prior to release.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating
5 💎
0.5 🌶️
Quick Summary
This book was beyond good, it swallowed me whole from chapter one and never loosened its grip. I went in with sky‑high expectations because I adore Dani’s writing, and she absolutely delivered. Alinsia’s fight for freedom, her brutal life trials, and the brilliantly crafted labyrinth kept me locked in, breathless and rooting for her every step. The slow‑burn tension between the never girl and the keeper was divine, their trust building in a way that felt earned and electric. And Grayven… stoic, strong, warrior coded with a soft side reserved only for her, basically everything I love in an MMC. That ending gutted me, and I’m still not okay.
While Reading Thoughts
📗I love Dani’s writing so I had high expectations for this one and boy did she not disappoint.
📗This book grabbed me from chapter 1 and I am not sure it ever let me go.
📗I loved the chase elements and the way Alinsia was always fighting to be free
📗Alinsia’s trials through her life were heart wrenching
📗The labyrinth was done so well and loved all they had to overcome.
📗The building tension between the never girl and the keeper was divine. The relationship and trust they gradually built was perfection.
📗Grayven had a lot of elements I love in an MMC - stoic, strong, warrior and then this softer side but only for Alinsia.
📗That ending gutted me and I am not ok.
Words that linger
🍷Secrets and lies are easy to sell in the light of day with fake smiles and polite conversations. In the darkness, they come to collect their debt.
🍷She was not unlovable. She was not unwanted. She was not unseen. She was not the never girl. She would never be caged again.
🍷“Never again,” he whispered to her. “Never again.”
🍷“You are a sin that’s marked my heart, tainted my soul. Yet, no matter how hard I try to scrub you from me, I can’t get you out from under my skin.”
🍷“But you are my sin,” he growled. His mouth was close to hers, and the warmth of his breath brushed against her lips as he said, “And I will gladly be your salvation.”
🍷“So, find your redemption in me, Alinsia.” His lips grazed hers. “I beg of you, take whatever you need from me. I’m yours.”
Tropes
🕯️Fairytale vibes
🕯️Forced proximity
🕯️Enemies to lovers
🕯️Hunter/hunted
🕯️Feminine rage
5 💎
0.5 🌶️
Quick Summary
This book was beyond good, it swallowed me whole from chapter one and never loosened its grip. I went in with sky‑high expectations because I adore Dani’s writing, and she absolutely delivered. Alinsia’s fight for freedom, her brutal life trials, and the brilliantly crafted labyrinth kept me locked in, breathless and rooting for her every step. The slow‑burn tension between the never girl and the keeper was divine, their trust building in a way that felt earned and electric. And Grayven… stoic, strong, warrior coded with a soft side reserved only for her, basically everything I love in an MMC. That ending gutted me, and I’m still not okay.
While Reading Thoughts
📗I love Dani’s writing so I had high expectations for this one and boy did she not disappoint.
📗This book grabbed me from chapter 1 and I am not sure it ever let me go.
📗I loved the chase elements and the way Alinsia was always fighting to be free
📗Alinsia’s trials through her life were heart wrenching
📗The labyrinth was done so well and loved all they had to overcome.
📗The building tension between the never girl and the keeper was divine. The relationship and trust they gradually built was perfection.
📗Grayven had a lot of elements I love in an MMC - stoic, strong, warrior and then this softer side but only for Alinsia.
📗That ending gutted me and I am not ok.
Words that linger
🍷Secrets and lies are easy to sell in the light of day with fake smiles and polite conversations. In the darkness, they come to collect their debt.
🍷She was not unlovable. She was not unwanted. She was not unseen. She was not the never girl. She would never be caged again.
🍷“Never again,” he whispered to her. “Never again.”
🍷“You are a sin that’s marked my heart, tainted my soul. Yet, no matter how hard I try to scrub you from me, I can’t get you out from under my skin.”
🍷“But you are my sin,” he growled. His mouth was close to hers, and the warmth of his breath brushed against her lips as he said, “And I will gladly be your salvation.”
🍷“So, find your redemption in me, Alinsia.” His lips grazed hers. “I beg of you, take whatever you need from me. I’m yours.”
Tropes
🕯️Fairytale vibes
🕯️Forced proximity
🕯️Enemies to lovers
🕯️Hunter/hunted
🕯️Feminine rage
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Never Girl is something special. No really. This book came out of nowhere, smacked me in the face (then the heart) and now lives in my bones.
It's phenomenal.
Danielle was already an autobuy author for me, her worldbuilding some of the best I've read, her characters full of depth and intrigue and the storylines are breathtaking (and hurt...) but The Never Girl has cemented her as one of my favourite authors.
If you are after a gothic, dark fantasy with lamplight vibes and a sense of anxiety that creeps up your spine as you read, then this is exactly the right book for you.
Alinsia is a shadow; used, abused and abandoned by her father to the whims of her cruel stepmother and even crueller step brothers. Her candle which should shine bright for ever long is tainted, dying... not right. Shunned by all except her cousin, Alinsia lives on a knives edge of fear, trauma and longing for escape. Until one day that escape is made real... but at a cost, and she must run for her life and evade the Keepers. If she can't, it's a death sentence.
Grayven, follows the rules, as a Seeker he must, but when a wisp of a girl... one on the run and wanted for execution slams into his life, he starts to question everything he thought he knew, and if blindly following what he was told to believe, was right.
Having no choice but to rely on each other to survive, Alinsia and Grayven form a fragile truce, that could lead to the undoing of them both.
This book is an adventure and a half and kept me up way past my bedtime to finish. Be warned, the cliffhanger at the end is a doozy, and I can't wait for the final installment.
If you inhale:
- enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- morally grey MMC
- touch her and die
- feminine rage
- survivor FMC who is still fighting
- only one bedroll
- FMC to escape or die trying
- on the run
- complicated family dynamics (from everyone)
- book 1 in a Duology
Then pick this up immediately. I read this prior to official release.
It's phenomenal.
Danielle was already an autobuy author for me, her worldbuilding some of the best I've read, her characters full of depth and intrigue and the storylines are breathtaking (and hurt...) but The Never Girl has cemented her as one of my favourite authors.
If you are after a gothic, dark fantasy with lamplight vibes and a sense of anxiety that creeps up your spine as you read, then this is exactly the right book for you.
Alinsia is a shadow; used, abused and abandoned by her father to the whims of her cruel stepmother and even crueller step brothers. Her candle which should shine bright for ever long is tainted, dying... not right. Shunned by all except her cousin, Alinsia lives on a knives edge of fear, trauma and longing for escape. Until one day that escape is made real... but at a cost, and she must run for her life and evade the Keepers. If she can't, it's a death sentence.
Grayven, follows the rules, as a Seeker he must, but when a wisp of a girl... one on the run and wanted for execution slams into his life, he starts to question everything he thought he knew, and if blindly following what he was told to believe, was right.
Having no choice but to rely on each other to survive, Alinsia and Grayven form a fragile truce, that could lead to the undoing of them both.
This book is an adventure and a half and kept me up way past my bedtime to finish. Be warned, the cliffhanger at the end is a doozy, and I can't wait for the final installment.
If you inhale:
- enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- morally grey MMC
- touch her and die
- feminine rage
- survivor FMC who is still fighting
- only one bedroll
- FMC to escape or die trying
- on the run
- complicated family dynamics (from everyone)
- book 1 in a Duology
Then pick this up immediately. I read this prior to official release.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Never Girl is a dark, gothic fantasy woven with myth, survival, and love, set within a kingdom steeped in secrets and betrayal.
Alinsia is desperate to escape her abusive family. With her life tethered to a candle that is slowly melting away, she knows her time is limited. When one catastrophic night forces her to flee, she finds herself being hunted by Grayven, Captain of the Keepers.
I wasn't expecting to become so emotionally invested so quickly. My heart ached for Alinsia from the very beginning. She refuses to surrender herself to the same hopes and dreams as others around her because she knows she's living on borrowed time. Yet staying home isn't a safe option either. When circumstances force her to run, all I wanted was for her to survive.
As Grayven pursues her, the story unfolds into a gripping game of cat and mouse. But as their paths continue to cross, he begins to realise there's far more to the Never Girl than he first thought. Watching their relationship develop was one of my favourite parts of the story. Their connection grows naturally as they begin to understand one another, even while they're both confronted with difficult truths that can't simply be ignored.
My heart felt pulled in so many different directions. Every revelation carried emotional weight, and I could feel the growing tension between what they hoped for and the reality they were facing.
And then... that ending.
I was completely unprepared. It's more than a cliffhanger, it left me desperate to know what happens next, and I already can't wait for book two.
This story captured my heart, then slowly shattered it before I even realised it was happening.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Alinsia is desperate to escape her abusive family. With her life tethered to a candle that is slowly melting away, she knows her time is limited. When one catastrophic night forces her to flee, she finds herself being hunted by Grayven, Captain of the Keepers.
I wasn't expecting to become so emotionally invested so quickly. My heart ached for Alinsia from the very beginning. She refuses to surrender herself to the same hopes and dreams as others around her because she knows she's living on borrowed time. Yet staying home isn't a safe option either. When circumstances force her to run, all I wanted was for her to survive.
As Grayven pursues her, the story unfolds into a gripping game of cat and mouse. But as their paths continue to cross, he begins to realise there's far more to the Never Girl than he first thought. Watching their relationship develop was one of my favourite parts of the story. Their connection grows naturally as they begin to understand one another, even while they're both confronted with difficult truths that can't simply be ignored.
My heart felt pulled in so many different directions. Every revelation carried emotional weight, and I could feel the growing tension between what they hoped for and the reality they were facing.
And then... that ending.
I was completely unprepared. It's more than a cliffhanger, it left me desperate to know what happens next, and I already can't wait for book two.
This story captured my heart, then slowly shattered it before I even realised it was happening.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you're looking for a dark fantasy with gothic fairytale vibes, The Never Girl is one to add to your TBR. It completely pulled me in, and I found myself reaching for it every chance I got.
In the world of Evermore, every person is gifted a candle that represents their lifespan, meant to burn for centuries. Alinsia, however, is born with a "never-life"—her candle is already close to burning out. After years of unimaginable psychological and physical abuse, her rage unleashes something catastrophic, putting a target on her back. Hunted by a Keeper, she must fight to survive while trying to escape the only world she's ever known.
I loved how fresh and unique the premise felt. From the very beginning, I was completely invested in Alinsia's journey. The author did an incredible job making me despise certain characters almost immediately. Alinsia's family's cruelty was heartbreaking and infuriating, giving the story dark Cinderella undertones without ever feeling like a retelling.
Graevyn, the Keeper sent to capture Alinsia, was easily one of my favorite characters. Beneath his gruff exterior, he's thoughtful, observant, and willing to question what he's been told. The slow-burn romance develops naturally, with every interaction adding depth to their relationship. It never felt rushed, which made the emotional payoff even more satisfying.
The world-building was another highlight. Evermore is filled with mystery, and it feels like we've only scratched the surface. As more secrets came to light, it became increasingly clear that not everyone is who they appear to be, leaving me eager to learn more in the next installment.
And that ending... absolutely brutal. Be prepared to finish the final page and immediately need Book 2.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Spice: Low
In the world of Evermore, every person is gifted a candle that represents their lifespan, meant to burn for centuries. Alinsia, however, is born with a "never-life"—her candle is already close to burning out. After years of unimaginable psychological and physical abuse, her rage unleashes something catastrophic, putting a target on her back. Hunted by a Keeper, she must fight to survive while trying to escape the only world she's ever known.
I loved how fresh and unique the premise felt. From the very beginning, I was completely invested in Alinsia's journey. The author did an incredible job making me despise certain characters almost immediately. Alinsia's family's cruelty was heartbreaking and infuriating, giving the story dark Cinderella undertones without ever feeling like a retelling.
Graevyn, the Keeper sent to capture Alinsia, was easily one of my favorite characters. Beneath his gruff exterior, he's thoughtful, observant, and willing to question what he's been told. The slow-burn romance develops naturally, with every interaction adding depth to their relationship. It never felt rushed, which made the emotional payoff even more satisfying.
The world-building was another highlight. Evermore is filled with mystery, and it feels like we've only scratched the surface. As more secrets came to light, it became increasingly clear that not everyone is who they appear to be, leaving me eager to learn more in the next installment.
And that ending... absolutely brutal. Be prepared to finish the final page and immediately need Book 2.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Spice: Low
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book gets 5 stars because I cannot stop thinking about this book........
Ok, so we have our "never girl" who has an abusive life.... So check your triggers as this might trigger some with the emotional and physical abuse. One night she sneaks out only to have this the worst mistake and cause her to go on the run. She is then hunted and captured. While being captured, she ends up in an area with her captor and of course some feelings started to happen....... He learns more about her past.
Ok, so I really want to say a lot more about this book but if I do it will end in lots of spoilers so let me give this to try and help a little bit with the understanding of what the book is about.
There is a tree that they take the bark and wax from the tree to make candles that provide "ever life" to their holder. When someone is born, their blood is mixed on the wick and then lit by the ever flame. When our FMC has a handle that melts, people don't know why. As the story progresses, we learn that there is more to this story than what is being said. There are people on the other side of the wall that are "never flames" which means they don't have candles. BUT why? we may or may not get answers. This book leaves where we think we're getting answers but are we really? You will have to read it to find out more.
Also I felt like this was a Cinderella retelling in a way of the evil step siblings, evil step-mom and our girl being locked away from everyone. BUT it's also twisted in a great way.
Go get this book when it's released and enjoy the ride.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this book early.
Ok, so we have our "never girl" who has an abusive life.... So check your triggers as this might trigger some with the emotional and physical abuse. One night she sneaks out only to have this the worst mistake and cause her to go on the run. She is then hunted and captured. While being captured, she ends up in an area with her captor and of course some feelings started to happen....... He learns more about her past.
Ok, so I really want to say a lot more about this book but if I do it will end in lots of spoilers so let me give this to try and help a little bit with the understanding of what the book is about.
There is a tree that they take the bark and wax from the tree to make candles that provide "ever life" to their holder. When someone is born, their blood is mixed on the wick and then lit by the ever flame. When our FMC has a handle that melts, people don't know why. As the story progresses, we learn that there is more to this story than what is being said. There are people on the other side of the wall that are "never flames" which means they don't have candles. BUT why? we may or may not get answers. This book leaves where we think we're getting answers but are we really? You will have to read it to find out more.
Also I felt like this was a Cinderella retelling in a way of the evil step siblings, evil step-mom and our girl being locked away from everyone. BUT it's also twisted in a great way.
Go get this book when it's released and enjoy the ride.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this book early.
July 31, 2026
If you love dark, atmospheric fantasy with fairytale roots, The Never Girl needs to be on your TBR.
Inspired by The Little Match Girl, this story transforms a classic tale into something haunting, brutal, and beautifully imagined. It gave me the feeling of reading a grown-up gothic fairytale, with a touch of the eerie atmosphere I loved in One Dark Window. The magical tree symbolism tied to royalty and the world’s magic system created the same dark, enchanted tone that completely pulled me in.
The worldbuilding was one of my favorite parts. Evermore feels mysterious and dangerous, from the deadly labyrinth with walls that seem to come alive to the killer ivy lurking around every corner. Every new location added another layer to the mystery, and I couldn’t wait to uncover what was hidden beyond the wall.
Alinsia was such an easy heroine to root for. After enduring years of abuse, she’s forced onto the run, and her journey is packed with danger, impossible choices, and constant tension. I especially loved the dual POV, which added depth to both sides of the chase. The forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers setup, and one-bed moment made me even more invested in seeing where this relationship is headed.
The pacing kept me turning pages, and the ending left me desperate for book two!
If you’re looking for a gothic fantasy filled with dark fairytale vibes, immersive worldbuilding, dangerous magic, and a slow-burn romance wrapped in mystery, I highly recommend The Never Girl!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For fans of:
* Gothic fairytales
* One Dark Window
* Enemies to lovers
* Forced proximity
* Dual POV
* Atmospheric fantasy
* Labyrinths, dangerous forests, and dark magic
Inspired by The Little Match Girl, this story transforms a classic tale into something haunting, brutal, and beautifully imagined. It gave me the feeling of reading a grown-up gothic fairytale, with a touch of the eerie atmosphere I loved in One Dark Window. The magical tree symbolism tied to royalty and the world’s magic system created the same dark, enchanted tone that completely pulled me in.
The worldbuilding was one of my favorite parts. Evermore feels mysterious and dangerous, from the deadly labyrinth with walls that seem to come alive to the killer ivy lurking around every corner. Every new location added another layer to the mystery, and I couldn’t wait to uncover what was hidden beyond the wall.
Alinsia was such an easy heroine to root for. After enduring years of abuse, she’s forced onto the run, and her journey is packed with danger, impossible choices, and constant tension. I especially loved the dual POV, which added depth to both sides of the chase. The forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers setup, and one-bed moment made me even more invested in seeing where this relationship is headed.
The pacing kept me turning pages, and the ending left me desperate for book two!
If you’re looking for a gothic fantasy filled with dark fairytale vibes, immersive worldbuilding, dangerous magic, and a slow-burn romance wrapped in mystery, I highly recommend The Never Girl!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For fans of:
* Gothic fairytales
* One Dark Window
* Enemies to lovers
* Forced proximity
* Dual POV
* Atmospheric fantasy
* Labyrinths, dangerous forests, and dark magic
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced Copy recivied by the author and Love & Lore pr.
This book is a dark gothic fairytale where the author was inspired by "The Little Match Girl fairytale by H.C Andersen. And it has a little hint of Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland vibes too, but much darker.
We follow a girl Alinisa (FMC) who lives in Evermore where peoples life are linked to the eternal flame and to have ever- life. But not her. Alinisas life is limited and she is known as the “never-ever girl.” She lives with her father, stepmother and cruel stepbrothers. The family that should have loved her is abusive to her and after she finds herself in several incidents. She is forced to run away and then chased by the Evermores Keeper.
The Captain (MMC Grayven) of the keepers finds her. From there everything changes and it feels like anything can happen. The slow burn feelings and trust for eachother slowly develops and together they must make choices to face all the danger and to survive the journey back to Evermore. The dark tension and atmosphere in the story keeps you on edge the entire time and I found myself holding my breath several times.
"I want you to fight" he growled. "Fight me, fight them. I don't care who, just fight Alinisa"
I’m a slow reader but I finished this book in two days and it ended way too soon. I simply couldn’t put it down and I never saw what was coming. The ending was so emotional it made me cry and the wait for book two will be long.
This book is just phenomenal. So amazing and I love it.
I read this as an ARC, but I will definitely buy the book and reread it and recommend it to everyone. It’s amazing and if you like dark gothic fairytales, put this on your TBR.
Tropes:
Dark fairytale vibes
Cursed life
Dual POV
Hunter/Hunted
Feminine rage
FMC on the run
MMC Morally grey
Enemies to lovers
Thouch her and die
Forced Proximity
Slow burn
One bed
One Horse
⭐️5/5
No spice
Review of advanced copy recivied by author and I leave my honest review freely and all my opionion is my own.
Thank you so much Danielle D. Drummond and love & Lore pr for giving me this fantastic opportunity
This book is a dark gothic fairytale where the author was inspired by "The Little Match Girl fairytale by H.C Andersen. And it has a little hint of Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland vibes too, but much darker.
We follow a girl Alinisa (FMC) who lives in Evermore where peoples life are linked to the eternal flame and to have ever- life. But not her. Alinisas life is limited and she is known as the “never-ever girl.” She lives with her father, stepmother and cruel stepbrothers. The family that should have loved her is abusive to her and after she finds herself in several incidents. She is forced to run away and then chased by the Evermores Keeper.
The Captain (MMC Grayven) of the keepers finds her. From there everything changes and it feels like anything can happen. The slow burn feelings and trust for eachother slowly develops and together they must make choices to face all the danger and to survive the journey back to Evermore. The dark tension and atmosphere in the story keeps you on edge the entire time and I found myself holding my breath several times.
"I want you to fight" he growled. "Fight me, fight them. I don't care who, just fight Alinisa"
I’m a slow reader but I finished this book in two days and it ended way too soon. I simply couldn’t put it down and I never saw what was coming. The ending was so emotional it made me cry and the wait for book two will be long.
This book is just phenomenal. So amazing and I love it.
I read this as an ARC, but I will definitely buy the book and reread it and recommend it to everyone. It’s amazing and if you like dark gothic fairytales, put this on your TBR.
Tropes:
Dark fairytale vibes
Cursed life
Dual POV
Hunter/Hunted
Feminine rage
FMC on the run
MMC Morally grey
Enemies to lovers
Thouch her and die
Forced Proximity
Slow burn
One bed
One Horse
⭐️5/5
No spice
Review of advanced copy recivied by author and I leave my honest review freely and all my opionion is my own.
Thank you so much Danielle D. Drummond and love & Lore pr for giving me this fantastic opportunity
August 7, 2026
The Never Girl by Danielle D Drummond is an absolute masterpiece of trauma, secret truths, and emotional destruction. I just finished and I am sitting here completely stunned, mad, sad, and utterly destroyed.
This book is everything. This story will stay with me forever!! Chapter 43 - WTF!!! the ending…What the actual... WHAT TAF WAS THAT ENDING?! I’m honestly reeling as I write this.
This story tackles heavy traumas, tangled lies, and the dangerous stories we tell to hide the truth with so much grace, raw intensity, and heart. I was very impressed.
Watching the FMC Alinsia, fight through her trauma to claim her strength was so deeply inspiring. Every forest, wall, and flameless scene had me on the freaking edge of my seat with heart-pounding anxiety.
That ending… well Jesus Christ. I am still reeling. The twists and the emotional payoff wrecked me in the best and worst ways possible. I think I’ll be a stunned mullet for a day or two!
I hit the 90% mark of the book, and was so overwhelmed by emotion that I actually stopped to write a short song about it. It has been years since i felt inspired to do that!!
Even though my heart is in pieces right now, I will never, ever be sad that I read this incredible book. Danielle crafted something unforgettable, and I am now desperately awaiting Book 2. I need to know what happens. This can’t be the end!!!!
If you love dark, atmospheric fantasy that will make you feel every single emotion on the spectrum, go read this immediately.
This book is everything. This story will stay with me forever!! Chapter 43 - WTF!!! the ending…What the actual... WHAT TAF WAS THAT ENDING?! I’m honestly reeling as I write this.
This story tackles heavy traumas, tangled lies, and the dangerous stories we tell to hide the truth with so much grace, raw intensity, and heart. I was very impressed.
Watching the FMC Alinsia, fight through her trauma to claim her strength was so deeply inspiring. Every forest, wall, and flameless scene had me on the freaking edge of my seat with heart-pounding anxiety.
That ending… well Jesus Christ. I am still reeling. The twists and the emotional payoff wrecked me in the best and worst ways possible. I think I’ll be a stunned mullet for a day or two!
I hit the 90% mark of the book, and was so overwhelmed by emotion that I actually stopped to write a short song about it. It has been years since i felt inspired to do that!!
Even though my heart is in pieces right now, I will never, ever be sad that I read this incredible book. Danielle crafted something unforgettable, and I am now desperately awaiting Book 2. I need to know what happens. This can’t be the end!!!!
If you love dark, atmospheric fantasy that will make you feel every single emotion on the spectrum, go read this immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Big thank you to Danielle D. Drummond for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
The Never Girl is an incredibly unique, gothic fantasy.
Set in the world of Evermore, every citizen is gifted a candle upon birth, which represents their lifespan.
Most citizens of Evermore have candles that can burn for centuries; alas, Alinsia was born with a candle that is always close to burning out.
Shunned by most of her peers and the townsfolk, Alinisia is known as the "never-girl", the biggest tormentors of all being her step mother, step brothers, and father.
After being caught sneaking home after an evening with her few friends turns sour, she is locked in the attic; disguised as a way to protect her candle from burning out too quickly, the attic is just another form of physical and psychological torture that she has endured for years.
Something in her snaps, resulting in a catastrophe that leaves her on the run from the Keepers; aka, keepers of the law. Alinsia just needs to get to the other side of the wall that surrounds her town; she does not care what awaits her on the other side.
Can she escape before the Keepers catch up with her? Or will the creatures of the forest get to her first?
This novel is book one of a duology and has two POVs; Alinsia, and the gruff Graevyn; head of the keepers and primary hunter of the "never-girl". We assume it is a slow burn romance; but look, it is hard to tell with that ending (once again, rude ending miss Drummond!).
Danielle does an incredible job of world building and gives the reader enough information to understand what is happening, without spelling it out and giving anything away.There is so much to the world of Evermore that anything could happen!
The characters are well developed and easy to love or hate (the family, dear lord, are beyond awful). I am very keen to see where this goes next.
The Never Girl comes out on the 31st of July, 2026,
5⭐/5!
The Never Girl is an incredibly unique, gothic fantasy.
Set in the world of Evermore, every citizen is gifted a candle upon birth, which represents their lifespan.
Most citizens of Evermore have candles that can burn for centuries; alas, Alinsia was born with a candle that is always close to burning out.
Shunned by most of her peers and the townsfolk, Alinisia is known as the "never-girl", the biggest tormentors of all being her step mother, step brothers, and father.
After being caught sneaking home after an evening with her few friends turns sour, she is locked in the attic; disguised as a way to protect her candle from burning out too quickly, the attic is just another form of physical and psychological torture that she has endured for years.
Something in her snaps, resulting in a catastrophe that leaves her on the run from the Keepers; aka, keepers of the law. Alinsia just needs to get to the other side of the wall that surrounds her town; she does not care what awaits her on the other side.
Can she escape before the Keepers catch up with her? Or will the creatures of the forest get to her first?
This novel is book one of a duology and has two POVs; Alinsia, and the gruff Graevyn; head of the keepers and primary hunter of the "never-girl". We assume it is a slow burn romance; but look, it is hard to tell with that ending (once again, rude ending miss Drummond!).
Danielle does an incredible job of world building and gives the reader enough information to understand what is happening, without spelling it out and giving anything away.There is so much to the world of Evermore that anything could happen!
The characters are well developed and easy to love or hate (the family, dear lord, are beyond awful). I am very keen to see where this goes next.
The Never Girl comes out on the 31st of July, 2026,
5⭐/5!
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Evermore, every new life is linked to the eternal flame and gifted an ever-life. All but one. . . She has a never-life.
Never seen, never heard, never free.
She is the Never Girl.
I'm not sure where to begin with this - I am emotionally shredded 🥹I don't think my heart has ever been so heavy for a character as it is for Alinisa the FMC. A life plagued by cruelty at the hands of her own family, a catastrophic event sees her flee, seeking a life beyond the wall, a life which she hopes will free her. Her journey leads her to cross paths with Grayven Evroy, the Captain of Keepers, leads her into a, quite frankly nightmare inducing labyrinth, and to show tenacity beyond what should have been physically possible.
There's a slow burn relationship that smoulders, and left me willing for something to develop, especially as the caring, gentle side of the Keepers begins to emerge alongside her continuing belief that maybe she is the Never Girl No More.
But the thing that ultimately broke me - the ending!! If you'd given me multiple choices options and asked me to pick one as the most likely, I would never have chosen the actual one - I'm not sure when I last cried over a fictional character, but today I did 😭
Tropes:
🗡️Dark fairytale vibes
🗡️Feminine rage
🗡️FMC on the run
🗡️Cursed life
🗡️Enemies to lovers
🗡️Dual POV
🗡️Forced Proximity
🗡️One bed
🗡️One Horse
This is a must read for fans of gothic style fairytales with dark, eerie atmospheric worlds - but be prepared to face emotional shredding!!
Overall Rating: 5⭐
Spice Rating : 0.5 🌶️
Thanks you Love & Lore for the ARC.
Never seen, never heard, never free.
She is the Never Girl.
I'm not sure where to begin with this - I am emotionally shredded 🥹I don't think my heart has ever been so heavy for a character as it is for Alinisa the FMC. A life plagued by cruelty at the hands of her own family, a catastrophic event sees her flee, seeking a life beyond the wall, a life which she hopes will free her. Her journey leads her to cross paths with Grayven Evroy, the Captain of Keepers, leads her into a, quite frankly nightmare inducing labyrinth, and to show tenacity beyond what should have been physically possible.
There's a slow burn relationship that smoulders, and left me willing for something to develop, especially as the caring, gentle side of the Keepers begins to emerge alongside her continuing belief that maybe she is the Never Girl No More.
But the thing that ultimately broke me - the ending!! If you'd given me multiple choices options and asked me to pick one as the most likely, I would never have chosen the actual one - I'm not sure when I last cried over a fictional character, but today I did 😭
Tropes:
🗡️Dark fairytale vibes
🗡️Feminine rage
🗡️FMC on the run
🗡️Cursed life
🗡️Enemies to lovers
🗡️Dual POV
🗡️Forced Proximity
🗡️One bed
🗡️One Horse
This is a must read for fans of gothic style fairytales with dark, eerie atmospheric worlds - but be prepared to face emotional shredding!!
Overall Rating: 5⭐
Spice Rating : 0.5 🌶️
Thanks you Love & Lore for the ARC.
July 31, 2026
The Never Girl
Book 1 of The Never Girl duology
By Danielle D. Drummond
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🥀 Dark Gothic Fantasy Romance
🕯 Fairytale vibes
🥀 Forced Proximity
🖤 slow burn
🥀 Enemies to Lovers
No, because what do you mean this book had me so hooked I stayed up til 1am to finish it all for it to finish me with that ending 😭 and you bet Danielle heard all about it at 1am pitch forks were mentioned and all 😅
This masterpiece Danielle poured her soul into and sprinkled magic on top follows the story of Alinsia also know as The Never Girl because she is the only person in her town who was not gifted an ever flame when she was born. Hidden away by her cruel family for all her life, until her family are no more and she is running for her life, being hunted by the keepers so they may put her on trial for her sins.
Arghh this incredible book is woven with Slowburn that will have you up all night to find out what happens, a magical dark maze of fog filled with fog monsters and relatable characters with its dual POV.
I absolutely adore this duet, and I will say it again Danielle you have outdone yourself 🖤
The Never Girl releases July 31st 😘🖤
#gothicfantasy #enemiestolovers #thenevergirl #bookreview #bookishthoughts
Book 1 of The Never Girl duology
By Danielle D. Drummond
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🥀 Dark Gothic Fantasy Romance
🕯 Fairytale vibes
🥀 Forced Proximity
🖤 slow burn
🥀 Enemies to Lovers
No, because what do you mean this book had me so hooked I stayed up til 1am to finish it all for it to finish me with that ending 😭 and you bet Danielle heard all about it at 1am pitch forks were mentioned and all 😅
This masterpiece Danielle poured her soul into and sprinkled magic on top follows the story of Alinsia also know as The Never Girl because she is the only person in her town who was not gifted an ever flame when she was born. Hidden away by her cruel family for all her life, until her family are no more and she is running for her life, being hunted by the keepers so they may put her on trial for her sins.
Arghh this incredible book is woven with Slowburn that will have you up all night to find out what happens, a magical dark maze of fog filled with fog monsters and relatable characters with its dual POV.
I absolutely adore this duet, and I will say it again Danielle you have outdone yourself 🖤
The Never Girl releases July 31st 😘🖤
#gothicfantasy #enemiestolovers #thenevergirl #bookreview #bookishthoughts
August 7, 2026
Can I just say d**n…..like this book was definitely different from the start with the whole candle flame, flameless and weird wax tree. But the FMC, Alinsia, is a super strong, fierce, refuses to give up or back down type of woman. It’s impossible not to empathize with Alinsia as you learn about her past and witness everything she endures throughout the story.
The Never Girl has a lot to this story with all the trauma, having to flee to find out the truth about herself and being “on the run.” Then incomes Grayven, is he going to capture her, help her or more? She makes him question everything he thought he knew about her.
And can we talk about how almost every character had me saying, “Wait…whose side are you on?” It seriously felt like everyone was against Alinsia, and I spent the entire book trying to figure out who she could actually trust. The constant uncertainty kept me completely invested.
In true Danielle Drummond fashion, the ending is SHOCKING and I kept saying “you CANNOT end it like this!” She definitely has me fiending for book 2 cause I need some answers! I want to thank Danielle Drummond tremendously for allowing me to be one of her ARC readers, this was fantastic!
The Never Girl has a lot to this story with all the trauma, having to flee to find out the truth about herself and being “on the run.” Then incomes Grayven, is he going to capture her, help her or more? She makes him question everything he thought he knew about her.
And can we talk about how almost every character had me saying, “Wait…whose side are you on?” It seriously felt like everyone was against Alinsia, and I spent the entire book trying to figure out who she could actually trust. The constant uncertainty kept me completely invested.
In true Danielle Drummond fashion, the ending is SHOCKING and I kept saying “you CANNOT end it like this!” She definitely has me fiending for book 2 cause I need some answers! I want to thank Danielle Drummond tremendously for allowing me to be one of her ARC readers, this was fantastic!
August 16, 2026
What a fantastic read we had! And the ending… don’t even let me start with that.. It was beautifully written, world building was perfect with it’s dark gothic vibes, that just lured men in.😈
From page one it felt familiar, like somehow i’ve knew those characters and their struggles and challenges, it mad me want to keep reading. Our FMC Alinisa - is cursed from her very first breath of her own. A young woman that was abused almost all her life, forced to be an outcast and struggle of being “the never girl” ☠️ without anyone by her side. She finds herself in need of a flee and this is where we stumble on our FMC - Grayven.
Grayven is the Keeper of the Evermore, in other words - the Crown Guard that bound to take down our FMC. So when he finally got her in his clutches, they found themselves in the dangerous labyrinth and the only way to survive is to work together.
And work together they indeed 😏
"You are a sin that's marked my heart, tainted my soul. Yet, no matter how hard I try to scrub you from me, I can't get you out from under my skin."
High stakes quests - check; one horse - check; only soft for her - check; a little darkness in the story - check! This was a delicious read and i can’t wait for book 2 🫰👑
From page one it felt familiar, like somehow i’ve knew those characters and their struggles and challenges, it mad me want to keep reading. Our FMC Alinisa - is cursed from her very first breath of her own. A young woman that was abused almost all her life, forced to be an outcast and struggle of being “the never girl” ☠️ without anyone by her side. She finds herself in need of a flee and this is where we stumble on our FMC - Grayven.
Grayven is the Keeper of the Evermore, in other words - the Crown Guard that bound to take down our FMC. So when he finally got her in his clutches, they found themselves in the dangerous labyrinth and the only way to survive is to work together.
And work together they indeed 😏
"You are a sin that's marked my heart, tainted my soul. Yet, no matter how hard I try to scrub you from me, I can't get you out from under my skin."
High stakes quests - check; one horse - check; only soft for her - check; a little darkness in the story - check! This was a delicious read and i can’t wait for book 2 🫰👑
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Danielle D. Drummond for the eARC!
These are my honest, spoiler-free thoughts.
🌟 4.5/5, rounded up
🌶️ 1/5
Main Tropes:
🕯️Dual POV
🕯️FMC on the run
🕯️Enemies to lovers
🕯️Hunter/Hunted + Forced proximity
🕯️Slow burn romance
🕯️Cursed life
🕯️One horse/one bed
🕯️"Who did this to you?"
"The Never Girl" is a dark gothic retelling of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Match Girl." As someone who grew up with Anderson and the Brothers Grimm, when I heard about this book I knew I had to read it - and it absolutely delivered!
What I loved:
🖤 Immersive, atmospheric world building
🖤 Alinsia's story hooked me from the opening pages
🖤 The gut-wrenching cliffhanger ending that I didn't see coming
🖤 The yearning
🖤 The white raven - an unexpected yet lovable companion that I wish we saw more of!
If you loved Rachel Gillig's "One Dark Window" then I think you'll also love this book.
Thank you again to the author for the ARC copy! I'll be keeping an eye out for book two.
These are my honest, spoiler-free thoughts.
🌟 4.5/5, rounded up
🌶️ 1/5
Main Tropes:
🕯️Dual POV
🕯️FMC on the run
🕯️Enemies to lovers
🕯️Hunter/Hunted + Forced proximity
🕯️Slow burn romance
🕯️Cursed life
🕯️One horse/one bed
🕯️"Who did this to you?"
"So, find your redemption in me, Alinsia." His lips grazed hers. "I beg of you, take whatever you need from me. I'm yours."
"The Never Girl" is a dark gothic retelling of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Match Girl." As someone who grew up with Anderson and the Brothers Grimm, when I heard about this book I knew I had to read it - and it absolutely delivered!
What I loved:
🖤 Immersive, atmospheric world building
🖤 Alinsia's story hooked me from the opening pages
🖤 The gut-wrenching cliffhanger ending that I didn't see coming
🖤 The yearning
🖤 The white raven - an unexpected yet lovable companion that I wish we saw more of!
If you loved Rachel Gillig's "One Dark Window" then I think you'll also love this book.
Thank you again to the author for the ARC copy! I'll be keeping an eye out for book two.
Review of advance copy
Official Rating is 3.5 Stars.
This is the story of the Never girl. Never Seen. Never heard. Never free.
It's a story about a place where peoples lives depend on the candle flame. Where it never goes out and people never die. Unless of course, your candle is melting and then you are in fact, dying.
One of the tropes for this is fairytale vibes. I found this to 100% accurate. The story felt like a disney cousin. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. The use of "never" was used a lot. So much in fact, It felt like it was used just a tad too much. The pacing was a tad slow for me. The characters were okay but I wanted more. I think I just struggled a tiny bit with it all being surface level. I wanted more in depth about her past, his past, the history of these people.
Overall good book with an interesting concept.
I think this will be loved by a lot of people just for the fairytale vibes alone.
*Thank you to the author and Love and Lore Pr group for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance of its release.
This is the story of the Never girl. Never Seen. Never heard. Never free.
It's a story about a place where peoples lives depend on the candle flame. Where it never goes out and people never die. Unless of course, your candle is melting and then you are in fact, dying.
One of the tropes for this is fairytale vibes. I found this to 100% accurate. The story felt like a disney cousin. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. The use of "never" was used a lot. So much in fact, It felt like it was used just a tad too much. The pacing was a tad slow for me. The characters were okay but I wanted more. I think I just struggled a tiny bit with it all being surface level. I wanted more in depth about her past, his past, the history of these people.
Overall good book with an interesting concept.
I think this will be loved by a lot of people just for the fairytale vibes alone.
*Thank you to the author and Love and Lore Pr group for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance of its release.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had such an interesting premise, and I was immediately drawn in by its gothic fairytale vibes. The atmosphere was definitely the strongest part of the story, but unfortunately, the execution didn't live up to its potential.
The pacing was very slow, and it often felt like the story lacked a clear sense of direction. The writing was quite choppy and didn't always flow well, with repetitive wording and repeated internal thoughts that made parts of the book feel longer than they needed to.
The FMC was constantly torn between fight and flight and often came across as much younger than her 22 years. While I think that was intentional given the circumstances of her upbringing, when combined with her repetitive thought patterns, it made her frustrating at times.
Overall, the story felt a bit surface-level and emotionally detached. I was hoping for more depth in both the characters and the history of the world.
And what was with that ending?! That cliffhanger was absolutely diabolical. You have been warned.
The pacing was very slow, and it often felt like the story lacked a clear sense of direction. The writing was quite choppy and didn't always flow well, with repetitive wording and repeated internal thoughts that made parts of the book feel longer than they needed to.
The FMC was constantly torn between fight and flight and often came across as much younger than her 22 years. While I think that was intentional given the circumstances of her upbringing, when combined with her repetitive thought patterns, it made her frustrating at times.
Overall, the story felt a bit surface-level and emotionally detached. I was hoping for more depth in both the characters and the history of the world.
And what was with that ending?! That cliffhanger was absolutely diabolical. You have been warned.
August 16, 2026
This is definantly a book you should have on your TBR or even better as your next read. I give this 5 stars as it meets everything I love in a book. The Never Girl has fantastic world building, gothic vibe, FMC on the run, great character development, slow burn, one horse, forced proximity and the way to do this, is a short piece of rope ... love it!
It leaves you on a cliff hanger, so you are wanting more, more questions then answers and cannot await for book 2 to answer them all.
Great action scenes, world building makes you easily image the characters, locations and monsters. It is a slow burn so little spice, along with a postive growing relationships between characters and support from the ones that were not two faced - the little plot twists and turns are fantastic. Characters are complex and not flat, you cannot really pin point who will do what, which is so great!
Also a massive thank-you and love to the Lore PR team and Danielle D. Drummond for gifting the eArc.
It leaves you on a cliff hanger, so you are wanting more, more questions then answers and cannot await for book 2 to answer them all.
Great action scenes, world building makes you easily image the characters, locations and monsters. It is a slow burn so little spice, along with a postive growing relationships between characters and support from the ones that were not two faced - the little plot twists and turns are fantastic. Characters are complex and not flat, you cannot really pin point who will do what, which is so great!
Also a massive thank-you and love to the Lore PR team and Danielle D. Drummond for gifting the eArc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, thank you to the author and Love & Lore PR for providing me with an eARC of The Never Girl.
4⭐️
Please check trigger warnings before reading.
The Never Girl is a unique retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Match Girl set in a gothic fantasy world. I found the storyline refreshing compared to a lot of the fantasy romance I've been reading lately.
I struggled with the pacing a bit in the beginning. It really picked up for me about 50-60% of the way into the story and I was hooked.
The ending is a diabolical cliff-hanger. I'll be eagerly awaiting the second book!
You might like The Never Girl if you enjoy:
- Gothic fantasy
- A soft (but stubborn) FMC
- A grumpy MMC
- A very slow burn (spice rating 🫑)
- Classic fairytale retellings
- The 2004 🎬 The Village (I could not stop thinking about this movie while I read 😅)
4⭐️
Please check trigger warnings before reading.
The Never Girl is a unique retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Match Girl set in a gothic fantasy world. I found the storyline refreshing compared to a lot of the fantasy romance I've been reading lately.
I struggled with the pacing a bit in the beginning. It really picked up for me about 50-60% of the way into the story and I was hooked.
The ending is a diabolical cliff-hanger. I'll be eagerly awaiting the second book!
You might like The Never Girl if you enjoy:
- Gothic fantasy
- A soft (but stubborn) FMC
- A grumpy MMC
- A very slow burn (spice rating 🫑)
- Classic fairytale retellings
- The 2004 🎬 The Village (I could not stop thinking about this movie while I read 😅)
July 26, 2026
If your book vibe is…
🥀 Dark Fairytale Vibes
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
🐎 Forced Proximity
💀 Gothis Fantasy Romance
🪶 Fairytale Retelling
Then The Never Girl by Danielle Drummond is for you!
This story has my heart. The Little Match Girl is one of my favorite classic fairytales and I loved how Danielle drew from that classic story and wrote a compelling new fairytale!
I read this book in 2 days, it was so beautifully written. My heart absolutely broke at the poem Alinsia sang to herself over and over again.
This is one of those books that altered my existence and will be with me forever. I need the second book now!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
🥀 Dark Fairytale Vibes
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
🐎 Forced Proximity
💀 Gothis Fantasy Romance
🪶 Fairytale Retelling
Then The Never Girl by Danielle Drummond is for you!
This story has my heart. The Little Match Girl is one of my favorite classic fairytales and I loved how Danielle drew from that classic story and wrote a compelling new fairytale!
I read this book in 2 days, it was so beautifully written. My heart absolutely broke at the poem Alinsia sang to herself over and over again.
This is one of those books that altered my existence and will be with me forever. I need the second book now!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2026
The never girl. What a wild roller coaster this was. Alinsia was always treated bad her family and hidden because she was not meant to live a long life. After escaping for a night with her cousin a boy goes missing and that changes her path drastically! She ends up being on the run and is chased down by Grayven who is a Royal but also part of the keepers. During their time together feelings start to happen but it’s a will they won’t they situation. We get action, tension, friendships , and some sad moments that made me tear up for her. Such a good Romantasy but that plot twist and cliffhanger got me wanting more. FYI this does not have spice but the yearning was great! 4 stars!
July 28, 2026
The Never Girl by Danielle D. Drummond
was an intriguing read that captured my attention from the very beginning. The opening immediately made me curious, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to discover where the story was heading.
The pacing flowed well, making it an easy book to settle into, and before I knew it, I had finished it. The characters were interesting and well developed, and there were a few surprises along the way that I genuinely didn’t see coming.
The final chapters have me looking forward to book two.
Thank you to Danielle D.Drummond for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. As always, these are my honest, spoiler-free thoughts.
was an intriguing read that captured my attention from the very beginning. The opening immediately made me curious, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to discover where the story was heading.
The pacing flowed well, making it an easy book to settle into, and before I knew it, I had finished it. The characters were interesting and well developed, and there were a few surprises along the way that I genuinely didn’t see coming.
The final chapters have me looking forward to book two.
Thank you to Danielle D.Drummond for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. As always, these are my honest, spoiler-free thoughts.
July 30, 2026
I receieved an eARC copy of this book via Love and Lore PR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.75⭐️
I enjoyed reading this book, but I did get frustrated with both Alinsia and Grayven’s characters at times. Sometimes their behaviours felt too reactionary for the situation at hand, but they are complex characters and their pasts definitely made both of them interesting.
The candles were very intriguing, and bought a new element into the world building.
But, that ending has me reeling and so excited for the next book.
3.75⭐️
I enjoyed reading this book, but I did get frustrated with both Alinsia and Grayven’s characters at times. Sometimes their behaviours felt too reactionary for the situation at hand, but they are complex characters and their pasts definitely made both of them interesting.
The candles were very intriguing, and bought a new element into the world building.
But, that ending has me reeling and so excited for the next book.
August 2, 2026
This story had me sucked in from page 1. The world is incredible. It reminded me of a Tim Burton movie as it is Gothic and everything is crooked in exactly the right way. I was not expecting the twist at the end!! And what a cliff hanger!! Ugh!
My favorite scenes were between the raven and Alinsia. The raven is there just when she needs it to be. I enjoyed the banter between Alinsia and Grayven.
I absolutely melted over Grayven's green eyes. This book is ao good. I can't wait for book 2!
My favorite scenes were between the raven and Alinsia. The raven is there just when she needs it to be. I enjoyed the banter between Alinsia and Grayven.
I absolutely melted over Grayven's green eyes. This book is ao good. I can't wait for book 2!
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