Never and Always

by Khardine Gray

He was like a fantasy…

Pure temptation, with his all kinds of gorgeous body, and sexy as hell smile.
Nick Wylder was definitely 100% irresistible. The kind of guy you can’t get out of your head.

Mia was probably the first woman who’d grabbed her ticket to wait in line for the gorgeous Nick.
He was her older brother’s best friend, and she knew he was it for her from the first moment that she laid her eyes on him.

But, he was just a fantasy.

It was clear that his lack of interest meant exactly that. He wasn’t interested and only saw her as his best friend’s little sister.

She tried to forget him, and it was easier to try when he went to the Marines.
Out of sight, out of mind right?

Forgetting him seemed to be working until she lost everything, and it turned out that Nick was the only person who could help her.

What she didn’t realize was, getting his help meant unlocking the door to an unimaginable mind-blowing whirlwind romance.

One night with him unleashed years of passion and restrained desire.

But… it also unlocked dark secrets from the past.
She didn’t realize that being with him meant breaking the promise he made to her brother.

A promise to stay away.

From her.


She didn’t realize that being with him would come at a price.

For him.

If you like hot, steamy, romance with gorgeous, drool-worthy ex-marines that will make you melt, you will like this book.

Scroll up and one-click your copy today!

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance

225 pages, ebook

First published December 30, 2017

About the author

Khardine Gray is a USA Today Bestselling author who also writes under the pen name Faith Summers.
Khardine lives in England with her husband and two adventurous kids.
She writes contemporary romance, dark romantic suspense, and dark new adult romance.
Her books have sassy heroines and sexy, drool-worthy book boyfriends who will make you melt.
She simply adores her readers and loves spoiling them.
When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her in a ballet class or ice skating.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (8/6/2018)!💝

Blurb:
He was like a fantasy…

The kind of guy you can't get out of your head.

Tall, dangerously handsome, with a badass attitude.

But…

Nick was also Mia's older brother's best friend. Off limits and not interested in her.

She tried to forget him when he went to the Marines.
Out of sight, out of mind right?

Not really…

That worked until the day she lost everything, and it turned out that Nick was the only person who could help her.

One night with him unleashed years of passion and restrained desire.

But… it also unlocked secrets from the past.
She didn't realize that being with him meant breaking the promise he made to her brother.

A promise to stay away.

From her.

And being with her would come at a price.


If you like hot, steamy, romance with gorgeous, drool-worthy ex-marines that will make you melt, you will love this book.

[Yvette89 · Rating 3 out of 5]

copy received for honest review
Best friend's sister. Nick is a retired marine trying to start her life as a civilian. In the last 2 years it has been party after party with his best friend Glen.. At the age of 38 he feels it is time to get serious and settle down. Mia is Glen's sister and she has a mess on her hands. Her accountant/lover stole her and Glenn's inheritance. When Glen finds out, he is furious and not very sympathetic. Nick, who has always had a thing for Mia steps in. With warnings for Glen to stay away from a Mia, Glen tries to keep it together. However, they can't stay away from each other. The characters in this book were not easy to like with the exception of Nick. Glen was a controlling idiot. Mia did have some character growth. the first impression of the mindless, ditz grew quickly into a strong woman with a little some backbone. The story takes you through a lot of emotions. Anger at Glen, sorrow for Nick and his past, impatience with Mia and then happiness that they get it together.

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book 5 stars. The storyline between Mia and Nick was well written and a must read story. This book has a great back story to better understand the book, so I thank the author. The is a book you will love! I received this Advanced Readers Copy of this book.

[Jos · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars Ehhhhhh

This was an "ok" read for me. I found the storyline and writing a bit lacking for me.. I may be in the minority here and that's ok maybe it's a me thing but I wasn't impressed:(

This was my first read by this author and I will definitely give her another go in the future!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never and Always is a very good read. A complicated, steamy romance that's packed with twists and drama. Very entertaining and enjoyable. I'm posting a voluntary review after reading an advance copy of this book.

[Vivi Chatzikiriakou · Rating 4 out of 5]

"An extremely touching story with the most sweet conclusion. Never and Always is about family, trust and self-reliance issues."

"I received a complimentary copy of this book and have volunteered to leave a review."

This is the first book I get the chance to know about Khardine Gray's fiction world, after my request to read it. I believe that Never and Always is a nice start for the task and I wouldn't be more right about it. What I observe first in a book is the writing style of the author which in this case I very much liked it. Simple, clear and to the point; just like I want the storyline of the books I read to be.

Second comes the plot and the characters of the story. Never and Always has an interesting plot. It broaches the matter of when trusting financially, or entirely someone what would possibly happen next. Then comes the love issue. The quote on the cover says it all! "Seize the chance of love"; and the heroes in this story are fighting for their chance.

Nick is content with the way his life is now. Leaving behind the life he had as a Marine is ready to start working as a freelance private investigator. He's staying at his best friend's house, Glenn, living his life almost on the edge. When Glenn's sister came back home crying for a reason, Nicks buried in deep feelings for her came back to surface. What is stops him for open up to her is that yet he couldn't overcome his demons.

Mia at the age of twenty-six has managed to open a day spa and gradually earned people acknowledge and respect. Now, after four year in the business, she lost everything she had. She's been robbed by the only person she trusted all those years. Now, back to her parents home she asks for her brother's support. What she finds tho is a brick wall and Nick, the only person she has never got over with; and there is a reason she would never get over him.

Wish I could reveal more of the story but I don't want to ruin it for you. Never and Always is quite a quick reading that's why many things happen fast to help the story move forward. Mia and Nick are the narrators of the story which is a favorite detail because it gives me the understanding of how the characters inner world works.

I could easily connect with Mia, she's been through some dramatized situations in her life based on her wrong decisions; but she keeps a strength and motivation inside her. What she needs is someone to push the right buttons to trigger them; And Nick is the perfect one for this task.

Tell me Khardine Gray...Would you possible make Nick look more perfect than he already is? The man is a sweetheart! To have him as a friend or as a boyfriend would be a dream come true and I honestly prefer the latest! Lately it is used to seeing the heroes having troubled problems or a dark past and Nick isn't an exception. However, he shows a well mannered character in the book which I admired. And the way he reveals his feelings is damn lovable.

For the end, I kept the sizzling part. Throughout the narrative, the author smoulders the heroes passion but when the moments come Khardine Grey burns the place entirely. Mia and Nick have a lot to endure and overcome but they are a formidable match from the beginning. Their chemistry is off the charts and their intimate moments are like a hedonistic haze. I guarantee you on that!

I hope I intrigue your imagination a little and make you grab the book, finding out what's really happening to them in the end because there is no way to tell you myself.

Until next time, enjoy your free time reading great books with the most unforgettable stories.

Vivi

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is story about childhood friends as adults. Nick and Glenn have been friends forever and Glenn’s little sister Mia was always in love with him. There is an 8 year age difference so over the years the gap was too much but neither thought anything but fondness and an attraction to one another. Nick is a retired Marnie and he severed 14 years and is ready to move on. Glenn and Mia grew up with wealth and while Mia has tried to be independent she comes home knowing that her accountant and boyfriend robbed her blind, 2 million dollars and many priceless pieces of art. Glenn goes off the deep and and things are not good between them and Nick protects as he has done his entire life. Nick’s past allows him to help Mia to search for the money and art along with Swayer his old Marine buddy. Glenn knows they have feelings for one another and he takes it too far and forbids Nick to be with Mia. The attraction and love between these two is undeniable and they eventually get together. Unfortunately Glenn the control freak that he is finds out and goes even further and pushes Nick with the one thing he knows will destroy him. Nick is forced to walk away from Mia. There are some heartbreaking times and on several occasions I would like to scream at Glenn for his behavior. Can Mia figure out what’s going on before it’s too late or should she just walk away? Will Nick realize that Glenn is wrong and loving Mia is not wrong? Can an ex marnie be good enough for Mia. I loved Swayer’s character and hope to see a story about him! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Carma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lieutenant Nicholas Wylder has known Mia since she was 4 years old. 25 years he has noticed her, noticed their age difference less over the years but kept his distance because of her brother. Glenn is his best friend, has seen him through his worst times and stuck by him. Mia is off limits to Nick, end of story.

Mia has to return home after losing her business and inheritance by trusting the wrong man. She hopes to find comfort in her family’s arms but finds anger instead. She also finds Nick has returned home without her knowledge. Nick has been her obsession for most of her life, she wished her felt the same way about her.

Nick uses his new PI firm and friend Sawyer, to try and track down Mia’s inheritance and family heirlooms. Mia grows closer to Nick by helping him search and getting close to him again.

Can Nick and Mia stop letting outside influences determine how they should feel about each other? Will Glenn accept them as a couple if they give into their feelings for each other? Will Nick be able to find her money and property and redeem Mia to her family?

Khardine Gray is a new author to me and Never and Always is the first novel I’ve read of hers. Overall I enjoyed her writing style, length of story was good and it flowed really well. I feel like some parts were run through a little quickly but not enough that it felt overly rushed through. I would read another novel by this author without hesitation. I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Any and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[R.K. Tejaswi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lieutenant Nicholas Wylder (Nick), once a dedicated Marine RECON for fourteen years, now retired for two years and assists Chicago Police Department as a Licensed PI. Nick stay with his long time friend, Glenn from Junior high school, a litigation lawyer in a prestigious law firm, but both wild party animals at night and reputed playboys. Now at the age of 38, Nick decides to late night parties and thinking of settle, Glenn's baby sister, Mia enter, the one woman with perfection he always wanted but could have as she is off limits with Glenn's warning to stay away from her. Mia who had a day spa in Florida, reaches her brother's doorsteps when her family inheritance was conned and stolen by her ex and accountant, Alan, she is shocked to know that Nick is back and her brother didn't inform about it to her. Nick who not only takes her side when Glenn lashes out on her but also offers to help her to find Alan and get back her money. As they struggle to express their feeling for each other and Glenn threat to Nick regarding his past, keeps their happily ever after at bay. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of Never and Always by Khardine Gray, the author kept me captivated with her writing and the story line. I enjoyed the read very much with all the emotional and steamy part,this is my first read by the author which I can recommend to my friends.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick has always wanted one woman but has never tried to claim her. He thinks he doesn't deserve her because of his past. Mia moved away from her family so she could be independent and stand on her own two feet. One mistake and both she and her brother lose everything. Mia trusted an accountant she was dating with her business and he broke into her safe and stole info he needed to take the inheritance and the artwork that she and her brother has. Coming home after talking with the police the last thing she expected was for her brother to turn on her or that the only man she has loved to be back in town. When her brother turns away from her Mia turns to Nick for help and the more time they spend together the attraction between them grows. Glenn has warned Nick before about staying away from Mia but this time Nick can't seem to do that. Can Nick help Mia deal with the situation she is in? Will Mia and Nick find each other even when her brother is against it?

This was a great story very emotional and you'll feel like you are on a roller coaster from some of the ups and downs. The chemistry between Nick and Mia is strong and enduring through many obstacles. If you love to lose yourself in a great story then this book is for you.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read about a retired marine, Nick, and his best friend’s younger sister, Mia. When Mia comes home after losing everything her brother Glenn isn’t too sympathetic with her situation but Nick has always looked out for Mia and does again. Unfortunately her brother doesn’t like this and gives his fair warnings to Nick but Nick can’t resist Mia any longer. Glenn is furious and will do anything to keep them apart...so much for being a best friend.
A great quick read that builds up to the steam until it it erupts and the sparks fly. A read that had some heartbreaking scenes as well as ones where I wanted to punch Glenn myself. Nick was amazing and the way he looked after Mia was swoon worthy but his past and his feelings of guilt also made me feel for him. Mia was a strong woman who wanted to prove to her overbearing brother that she could do things on her own and wasn’t a spoiled princess. I really enjoyed the ending and the fact that Nick didn’t sweep what happened under the rug but tried for Mia’s sake. A read with no cheating, no exes coming out of the woodwork or trying to make them jealous and a HEA that made me smile.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Tabatha Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Khardine Gray and I am pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this second chance book! I love a hot, sexy as sin, military man and Nick had plenty and more to offer in this story.

Childhood friends, who’ve always had a special spot for each other, are all grown up and those childhood crushes are now full blow attraction. Throughout their lives it’s always been there but now they finally admit it to each other! Nick is actually Mia’s older brother’s best friend, but he’s always stuck up for Mia and when she runs home after being scammed he takes it upon himself to help her recover as much as he can. Along the way the feelings he’s always secretly had for Mia surface again, but Glen, Mia’s brother, threatens Nick to stay away from Mia. Nick tries to respect his friend’s wishes but his need to have Mia in his life trumps his friendship.

Mia has always been sheltered by her family and especially by her overbearing brother. His controlling ways almost cost her the happiness she dreams about with Nick but she finally stands up for herself and puts Glen in his place because she refuses to loose Nick.

I voluntarily accepted an ARC for my review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Nick was an independent thinker. He was in the Marines. Now being discharged from the military he decided to start his own business as a PI. He worked cases for the police where his contact, Sawyer, was a buddy from the marines. He was living with his childhood best friend, Glenn. Glenn was Mia’s brother. Mia came to Glenn that she had been robbed and lost two million dollars, all of their inheritance money. Her accountant, Alan, stole everything. Alan was a con man and had a long record with the police. Luckily for Mia, Nick had the personality that he would not take any BS. The story follows Nick investigating the embezzlement crime for Mia and Glenn. Also, it follows the attraction that Nick has with Mia. I liked the fact that Nick was empathetic to Mia and tried to help her and how devoted he was to his friends. But because Mia was Glenn’s little sister he became a threat to Nick and Mia’s budding relationship. A very good read.

[K. Smock · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!! There is Nick who has always wanted one woman but didn't think he deserved her. Then there is Mia, the independent woman who moves away from home to prove she can take care of herself. One mistake though and she and her brother lose everything. Her accountant that she was dating, embezzled her money as well as her inheritance and artwork. When her brother spurns her and she learns that the one man she ever loved is back in town, what do you think she does? Mia goes to Nick for help. As they spend time together the attraction that was always there grows. Can they work things out? Will the fact that her brother wants her to stay away from Nick keep her from what she wants? You'll need to read the book to find out. This is a pretty emotional read and you can escape for a bit in the story. Enjoy!

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book that I have read by this author and wow what a book it was. I picked it up and I have to tell you the chapters flowed and I loved just everything about this book. The chemistry between Nick and Mia was hot. I have to say Nick is just the sweetest kindest nicest hot guy. He totally is my new book boyfriend. Mia was so sweet and naive. She always thought the best of people. I loved them together. I cannot say enough good things about this book. I am kind of hoping that Sawyer (Nick's friend), Claire (Mia's friend) and Glen (Mia's brother and Nick's best friend) each get there own book. I thought that in this book Glen is an idiot and I would love to see the woman that takes him down !! Fantastic book from start to finish. I think this book is a 5 plus star book. Highly recommend it. I am for sure going to read some other books by this author.I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy as sin former military man and his best friend’s little sister? Sign me up! I’ve run across it a couple of times in the last few days: there’s little that women find as irresistible as a bad boy who’s also a good man. Nick is the embodiment of that statement. I adore a vulnerable hero in uniform (or out of it) and when you give him a feisty partner who’s capable of calling him on his bad behavior, I’m going to be a fan for life. Mia’s confidence has been subtly undermined by her family for most of her life, so she starts this book at a distinct disadvantage. But by the time we get to the end, she’s fully a match for alpha bad-boy Nick. Her brother, I would have happily throttled. Thankfully his compassion and understanding have a growth moment and he’s almost likeable when the story closes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick is a very attractive, sexy man who can find any woman he wants. The problem with that none of them are Mia. Mia has just been decieved by her accountant, he stole everything. Her business, family money and whatever else she had is gone and her brother cannot believe how naive she was to let this happen. She just lost their inheritance. The problem with Nick wanting Mia is she is the baby sister of his best friend. Mia has always had eyes for Nick even though they are 8 years apart in age. Can these two stay away from each other especially after Nick offers to help Mia find her money and the man who stole everything? This is a well written book, the characters I felt were written perfectly for this story and it was a book that I just couldn't put down until I was done. I personally thought it was that good.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚I am honestly and voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader's copy of this book📚
Nick and Mia's story was really more of a 3 person story, but not in a sexy menage sort of way. Glenn, who is Mia's big brother and Nick's best friend has forbidden this relationship and has no issue manipulating both Nick and Mia to see it doesn't happen. Glenn was truly an ass**** for all but the end of the book, treating his sister like an incompetent child, and his best friend as his party hardy wingman. In both cases, Glenn controls the show. When Nick and Mia finally get the guts to act on their feelings and tell Glenn to f**k off, I really liked this book. The tough part for me was getting through that nonsense. The book is fast paced, characters well developed, and Nick and Mia have great chemistry. Great Read!!

[Linda Lagrue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored “Never and Always”. This book captivated me from the beginning and I read it in one sitting. Beautiful Mia has been in love with Nick her brother's best friend since she was a teenager. Nick, a hunky ex-marine is also attracted to Mia. The problem is that Mia's brother is completely opposed to Nick being with Mia. Nick was warned to stay away from Mia before he became a marine and now again when he comes home. He attempts to stay away but finally gives in and Mia and Nick begin a whirlwind romance. When Mia's brother finds out about their affair he is livid and threatens Nick. “Never and Always” is dramatic, intriguing, passionate, suspenseful and touchingly romantic. I definitely recommend this book to all lovers of romance.
I voluntarily reviewed and Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Shelly Celli · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride. Nick has a horrid past that keeps him from going after what he truly wants, and grant has a penchant for using it against him when it comes to his sister mia. Mia has run into a bad situation and grant treats her like crap on his shoe instead of his sister, but nick is having no part of it and helps her. Their story is sad, but how grant treats them is awful throughout the book. I'm glad they both told him off, but things could have been so much different if they'd done it years before. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more. I'm voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nick has a backbone to most things in life but around Glenn. Mia is a dub blond that is stupid and comes crying to her brother hoping to get his help, but he dont and puts her down and calls her names. But according to Nick this woman is 'PERFECT' but made a mistake. Since he also has been in love with her for a long while but didn't stop him from being with others. I got sick of reading his words for Mia... Perfect body.. perfect mind... perfect this... perfect that... in his eyes this women is all perfect. I highlighted perfect in my reader and it shown him mentioning perfect over 35 times. Now I'm sick of that word. Her brother is a real jerk but he has a reason to some but not all.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia has been in love with her brother's best friend as long as she can remember. Nick has always been protective of Mia. The attraction is strong, but one person stands in their way. Will Nick finally give in to their feelings? Will Mia finally get what she has always wanted?

Loved this story. Loved how these two characters have such a strong back story and connection. Have to admit, I didn't like her brother from day one. I was proud of Mia for being determined to do the right thing and even at times I thought she was immature. Loved Nick's soft side when it came to Mia! Great read!

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and simple which made me really love this story. The plot was different and interesting. The characters were simple; however, I could really relate to them. Glenn - you need to grow up and stop being an a$$. Mia's a grown woman. Nick is an awesome person and perfect for her. The characters were developed despite being simple. I've been in Mia's shoes before so I know what it's like to be taken advantage of. I can't wait to read what this author becoming next.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know how sometimes you wish there was just “more” to the book you’re reading...but there’s not? That’s how I feel about this one—it could have been so much more...The storyline had so much potential but somewhere along the way it just fell off the tracks. The characters were just sort of meh; plot twists felt over used; and by the time the HEA rolled around, I was just ready for the book to be over. It just wasn’t for me. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was not really impressed; not one of Khardine’s best efforts.)

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I only put it down to go to sleep and to go to work.

The book was fabulously written, which I most definitely appreciate.

Nick is an ex-marine who still has some demons in his past that could come back to haunt him in the present. He has been in love with Mia, his best friend's sister for a long time. However, being the good friend he is, he curbed his desire. That is, until she fell victim to a con artist and he jumped in to help.
Their desire for each other could no longer be caged and when loose was explosive.

[Patricia Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written story. It has passion,intrigue, family dynamics all rolled into an interesting story. Mia & Nick have always loved each other. Glenn Mia's brother has warned Nick to stay away from her. I liked how Nick stood up for Mia when Glenn didn't. I personally thought Glenn was very cruel to Nick and I find it hard to,believe that Nick & Mia would forgive him for it.
I received a readers copy of this book.

[Monique Hebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written beautifully touching love story. There is a lead up to the love story and a surprising twist that's makes it tearfully emotional. A great read that's for sure. Would i have enjoyed more detailed sex scenes...sure but it didn't rake away from this story and the great author who wrote it. Read this tear jerker you won't be disappointed.
This might be the first book from this author but if won't be the last!!

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book so far by this author even though I've enjoyed all of the her books that I've read. I can't quite put my finger on why - if it's the bay boy Nick who turned into the type of man any woman would want, if it's the struggle by Mia to be her own person even though her family wants to control what she does, or if it was just the overall interaction among the three main characters. And oh yeah, the steam between Nick and Mia. I'd highly recommend reading this book.

[Elaine Swinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to review it. A wonderful book. Khardine Gray is a new author for me but I have to say she writes a great story. This is a brother's best friend falling in love with the girl. This is well written and it holds your interest till the end. It is worth your time and effort. The brother is not a nice person and that's the only spoiler that I will give you. You really need to get this one.

[Patricia Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never and Always

Awesome storylines between all of these people who were friends, childhood friends with adventures. The guys met when they we're younger and we're best friends. The friendship grew until they were older. Glenn had a exceptional awesome sister ad he told his best friend to stay away from her! Need to read it, Passionate, Drama, Sexual activity and happiness! Excellent story. ENJOY