An emotion-packed standalone college romance from USA Today Bestselling Author Amy Lamont...she wants to keep hating him, but his relentless drive to protect her might leave her with no option but to fall in love... Son of an aging rock star, Declan Cooper is considered royalty on the Warren College campus. When he meets petite freshman Harper Warden, he dismisses her as just another groupie. He realizes his mistake pretty quickly, but despite his near-obsession with the premed student, he keeps his distance. The last thing she needs is the notoriety that comes along with being connected to his infamous family. Getting blown off by the sexy and popular King of Campus is the kiss of death for the new life Harper hoped to make for herself at college. Her only goal now is to get into medical school so she can leave her past, and Declan Cooper, far behind. But when the plans Harper made are threatened, Declan might be the only person who can help. All she has to do is trust him with a few small things—like her heart and her future.
USA Today bestselling author Amy Lamont writes steamy contemporary and paranormal romance filled with quirky heroines, alpha heroes, and always a happily ever after. Whether she’s writing about world-weary billionaires or rugged bear shifters, she loves nothing more than delivering stories with just as much heart as heat.
Amy lives in a small town outside of New York City with her husband, twin daughters and their two rescue mutts. When she’s not writing or hiding somewhere with her nose stuck in a book, she loves spending time with her family, taking in shows in the city, and traveling every chance she gets.
ღ They meet their freshman year . It might have took some time, but he finally convince her to go a fraternity house party.. Their romance was short lived due the Caitlyn Capshaw’s & the rumors that follower her from high school
➳ Declan Cooper considered royalty on the Warren College campus, Cuz he was the son of aging rock star (Sean Cooper)
➳ Declan was failing his biology class
➳We soon found out that Declan definitely did not fit the mold of the over-privileged
➳No one knew it but Declan would do anything not to fail his classes, cuz his father would cut him off
➳ Harper Warden it’s been two year since that nightmare of that night. Now Harper only goal now is to get into medical school. And she finds herself willing to work with the enemy to get what she needs to get into the Professor Costa’s good graces.
➳ She had a business proposition for him, They could help each other. She’d help him come up with a plan to pass his class & he’d help her get on Professor Costa’s radar. Win win right. She was going to have to suck it up & deal with whatever feelings Declan managed to stir up.
➳ 💕 This was cute Lil college romance – filled with plenty of drama
📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion & my honest review 💕
💕 I received an EXCLUSIVE copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of it. 💕
Blurb: Son of an aging rock star, Declan Cooper is considered royalty on the Warren College campus. When he meets petite freshman Harper Warden, he dismisses her as just another groupie. He realizes his mistake pretty quickly, but despite his near-obsession with the premed student, he keeps his distance. The last thing she needs is the notoriety that comes along with being connected to his infamous family.
Getting blown off by the sexy and popular King of Campus is the kiss of death for the new life Harper hoped to make for herself at college. Her only goal now is to get into medical school so she can leave her past, and Declan Cooper, far behind. But when the plans Harper made are threatened, Declan might be the only person who can help. All she has to do is trust him with a few small things—like her heart and her future.
I simply adored Delcan and Harper. He lined for her for years and she had no idea. Jamie was like guy with so much balls when it came to Declan. When Harper stopped and stood up with her fear of being recognized life got better. Then she misunderstood Declan and she ran. Turned out it brought back things she was confused about.
Well, I didn't like this one but it's hard to blame the book too much. I think it's mostly that I'm a grouch who should be more selective when it comes to New Adult books.
There were too many inconsistencies and plot holes for me to enjoy this. Plus the safety was iffy. I'll list my grievances in a spoiler. Here are the highlights:
If you love NA books and you can forgive some stupidity, this was actually a romantic story with MCs who were crazy about each other. You should give it a try.
As for me, I'm just too grumpy to let that stuff go and it impacted my enjoyment of the book.
I am so glad this story popped up in my feed. I’d been looking for a college Romance to lose myself in. Something that wasn’t jock oriented. And this delivered!
Harpers worked her butt off to get where she is. Her grades are phenomenal and she’s earned her place at this school. She’s been dealt a crappy hand in life. Losing her mother when she was young then losing her father when she was on the verge of her teenage years.
Having to live with an aunt who never failed to make her feel like she was a burden. And that she owed her. And she never let her forget it.
When Harper gets a full scholarship to school you think she'd be free. But no her aunt is still haunting her from school. Demanding money and Harper feels like she has no choice. Her nature won't allow anything else. Even though she knows it's messed up she continues to do so.
When she meets Declan she finally thinks that this is her chance. High School was an absolute nightmare for her all courtesy of one mean girl. Here? She has a chance where maybe nobody knows her and her past. But best laid plans have a way of coming back to haunt you. Her past shows up and destroys what Harper thought was her chance to finally have some happiness.
Declan knew the moment he saw Harper she was special. He's wary of meeting people , being the son of a famous rock star he's not sure who wants to know him for him or who is father is. He thought Harper maybe different. But when he lets a story told about her make him change his mind about her it's the biggest regret of his life.
For two years he's tried to right the wrong he did her but when she avoids him at all costs he knows it's not going to be easy getting through the wall she's built around herself.
Harper has her best friend Jaime who knows all about her past. She's protective of Harper and feels guilt that she's the one who pushed Harper out of her shell in the first place. When Harper decides to give Declan another chance Jamie has reservations but tries to be supportive.
All her life Harper has had no one care about her, worry about her since her dad died. Letting Declan in is going to be huge but she can't help hope that maybe this is her time to get her happily ever after.
A sweet read. A few surprises but they are awesome ones and I couldn't help but smile and silently think karma has been delivered.
Will definately keep on my to be read again list. It was that good.
I enjoyed the story and I absolutely adored Declan! I loved Harper too and they were adorable as a couple. The reason I gave it 3 stars or actually 3.5 stars is that I felt it ended very abruptly, yes it has an epilogue but I felt like we missed out on seeing Harper confront her professor, and meeting Declan's dad and for that matter his mom assuming she is in the picture (I can't remember if it said or not) and also what happened with Jamie she was wasn't mentioned in the epilogue. So although I loved Declan and Harper, there were just too many loose ends to give the book any more stars.
I really tried to love this book but it was just alright. I really liked the story but Harper’s character really annoyed me the majority of the time. I get that she has gone through a lot but I just couldn’t get on board with her reactions and interactions. I’m not saying not to give it a chance. It just wasn’t my favorite.
This starts with what I guess is a prologue where we see Harper joining Declan at her first campus party. Things don't go as she was hoping when she sees her high-school bully whispering and pointing in her direction and the rumours she's spreading get back to Declan. Fast forward two years and neither has spoken to the other, though they keep secretly checking on the other, and only come together again when they see a mutual opportunity: Harper will help him pass a class and Declan will help her be noticed by her professor. Their attraction blooms once more as they spend time together again
I'll admit the cover pulled me in and when I got this, it was free.
I liked this initially but I started to lose interest about the 40% mark. It just wasn't gelling with me, I found the style a little awkward at times and Harpers attitude rubbed me the wrong way. She thought the worst of everyone and everything. It's like she didn't see anything as a bright spot, it was all down and out. One quote seemed fitting:
"I guess overreacting is my thing lately."
How about all the time?! Maybe some of it was warranted but come one! I got very fed up with her look on life. So much so that I totally lost interest in this one. I didn't read the sex scene as I didn't really care about the characters or the storyline, but I wanted to finish it.
And I did. Finally.
I'm glad Harper finally got a backbone, dealing with her aunt and getting into that much longed for medical program. And I'm glad Declan stood up to his dad. Other than that, I didn't care about the rest.
This didn't work for me at all and I'm not sure if I'll be reading more books by this author.
This would be great but as others have said, it goes to chapter 12 and then repeated. Hopefully waiting for a fix to this book so I can really finish it! It's been great so far :-)
It is ashame,I really was enjoying the story but there were pages missing. It kept saying download is process. It interrupted the story. Hopefully they can get it resolved. I'm so glad that that I had kindle unlimited.
This is Almost Never written by Amy Lamont. Harper has always tried to be unseen. When you become a target, sometimes that’s the best strategy. Everyone knows Declan Cooper, son of the rock star. When Declan gets too close to Harper one of the vipers drives them apart. Will they forever be on opposite sides of the campus? Should she ever trust anyone besides her roommate Jamie? When things start getting hot around college, can Harper let down her walls to let someone in? Is Declan the person that everyone thinks he is? Things are very seldom as they appear. Get lost in this book. You won’t see the end coming!
I will admit that I almost read this book a few times and the decided to wait. Now I don't know why I waited. This book pulled me in from the beginning. It was fantastic. I loved all the characters. Well the ones we were suppose to love anyways. This book never let me go and its mainly because I got emotionally involved with the characters. I even was still emotional about the book when I had to put it down for a while.
I am SO confused with this book. I got to the middle of chapter 3 and had to stop, NOTHING makes sense! The blurb is all wrong, Harper is annoying and the book doesn’t explain anything, and I mean anything except her constant reactions 🙄. To bad really, because it got good reviews and I was hoping for something cute. Oh well✌🏻
Judging A Person Based On The Words Of Others Is Manipulative.
But she's got breasts so its a good excuse that he has feelings for her and he didn't snap judge her and talk about her in front of people like she was a laughing stock.
Puts her down when he feels like it, usually when she doesn't reflect his perfect "womanhood MacGuffin", then wonders why she doesn't trust him.
Pretends that being neglectful is for "her own good" denying her autonomy.
And then isn't proud to declare her from the heavens.
How sad she has to be his "I never meant it like that" choice because he can't be proud of her first time!
Gentrified women really have a Love/Hate relationship with these type of men don't they?
See Women need to be women.
Ita a social class of cishet powerful grooming mans making.
Anyway, I don't think I have ever read someone as self righteous as Declan.
You can tell its a Patriarchial Parable when her "crime" is apparently seeking financial security in a world where men own all the stuff. "Gold-Digging" the word used by Female Social-Diggers ans Chronic Victims.
How dare she not marry for love?
Judging eyes!
Jesus, "you don't know what my life is like."
Such a cultural trope.
Forcing deprived people to not o ly starve and face every physical obstacle the rich force on them but to also keep remembering the rich have hard lives too.
How sad.
Putting her problems equal to his ego.
Is this romantic?
Being infantilised at every turn?
Its abusive.
And ugh, when are the women going to move on from the myth that is virginity?
Sex is not special.
And its misogynistic to think so.
Its also judgemental to sit and negatively judge your experiences friends around you.
So tired of the constant competition women force on each other.
Virginity is not real.
There is no physical difference to sex.
Ugh.
Never listen to a man lie about not being proud of you.
Its an excuse.
Hes worried you might like the world he loathes.
Iron Man, one of the biggest money makers out their...is not nerdy.
At all.
Its very popular.
Lets be glad how conveniently things worked out for her. Just has money.
Professors that don't notice grades?
Awk come on.
I couldn't get away from teachers because of my grades.
But poor her, she has the teachers who don't notice grades.
Almost Never is your typical new-adult book, but with a little too much drama. Now don’t get me wrong, I love drama in books, but Harper and Declan seemed to have a misunderstanding almost daily and it became kind of annoying by the end of this book.
Harper and Declan met their first year of college, but due to a rumor and a misunderstanding, things quickly went sideways between these two, and while Declan lived it up for his college years, Harper became a recluse of sorts only really bonding with her roommate and best friend Jaime and focusing on work and school. When Harper ends up needing Declan’s help, these two end up in each others lives again, and things get interesting.
Declan apparently hasn’t been able to get Harper out of his head for the pat two years, but hasn’t been able to approach her. This kind of annoyed me about him. He was the big man on campus, he knew he was in the wrong, yet he couldn’t for two years approach Harper and make things right? It had to be her to go to him to try to help him and her before he could talk to her again? Harper having many, many trust issues due to her past, seems to say she wants to trust Declan but then every single time they spend time together she ends up upset and running away from him, and then getting made at Jaime for her calling her out on it. It was an interesting plot at first but then got annoying as it continued to happen.
Now don’t get me wrong, I did like Harper and Declan’s story, I just wished it could have been done without all the drama and craziness that ensued and there were a few holes in the story that I felt needed to be filled up before this book truly finished. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and other parts were drug on for a bit longer then they should have been. This was an OK book in my opinion, it had it’s really great parts, and then there were parts that just fell flat. I wasn’t able to really connect with either character and I was really looking forward to when Harper’s best friend Jaime would come back into the story since she seemed to be the only one with her head on straight most of the time.
While it was enjoyable to watch Harper and Declan’s romance unfold, it was just as enjoyable watching both grow individually as young adults making their way through college.
Harper’s life is more “complicated” (purposely being vague to avoid spoilers!) of the two and she’s determined to get into med school with her focus on getting into a mentor program at her undergrad college. There’s lots of personal drama that causes her to be less self-confident than the type of student driven enough to be setting her sights on attending med school. Her lack of confidence however, while understandable, is a little excessive given what she has achieved academically.
But then I remember that these are young college students.
As for Declan, I would have enjoyed a little more backstory on him...so much is focused on Harper that sometimes it feels unbalanced. We don’t learn a lot about his story, goals and future plans until further along in the story - although when we do, it really enhances their story together.
And as mentioned above, watching them both grow as individuals enhances their story together!
All in all, this is an enjoyable, romantic love story with a touching ending!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, however, this is my honest opinion.
This really exceeded all of my expectations. These college kids have the most realistic, adult situations to deal with while trying to squeeze a bit of enjoyment out of the college life. They are total opposites, he has it all, it appears, and it appears that she has lost it all. Though Harper does have some self-worth issues, she remembers when things were different and it is her driving force. As their house of cards crashes down and secrets are revealed, she blossoms on the inside into the beautiful person she already is on the outside. Declan has never had money issues but he has his own issues and struggles with being who he is expected to be versus going with his heart. When it comes to Harper, it is obvious that they are soulmates, he completes her and she keeps him in check, they are really very mature for their age and I really love how he is so patient with her and how he prefers they can talk through everything instead of the flight method that Harper has always relied on. Their story has its share of drama that will engage the emotions in good ways and some not so good ways through it all they are a formidable team and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in their world.
Harper was a freshman in college when a misunderstanding & vicious false rumors kept Declan from getting to know her. Now, she’s a junior & he’s managed to get back in her circle again. Her money hungry aunt has raised her after her parents both died & Harper has had to work hard for everything she has. Declan’s dad is a famous musician & Declan doesn’t want for anything. He’s trying to make sure he stays out of the public’s eye.
How do I describe this story? Both Harper & Declan needed to grow up but in different ways. Harper needed to stop running away & stand up for herself! Declan needed to stop letting his fear of his dad’s fame dictate his actions. Every fight, altercation, and interaction illustrated the growth of their characters. I love Jamie’s character! Such snark, wit, sarcasm! Behind it all was genuine affection & support for her friend. Well written story!
Ugh, why? Why did i stick with this book? It was terrible!!! The story could have been told in less pages than it was. It seemed the author just dragged out the story, but didn't add and more substance to the story line. Harper was too much a of a "poor me, i've had a crappy life and i don't deserve anything" attitude, which caused her to question everything Declan did. And honestly, if she's trying to live down a rumor about her that she's easy, then why is she sleeping with him 3 weeks later. I had hoped this book was going to be better than it was based on the description. But it wasn't.
I liked this very emotional, and complex read. With a moving storyline and compelling characters, the book holds your interest well. Drama, angst, painful rumors, and misunderstandings cause plenty of issues on the road to love for Harper and Declan. I loved the connection and chemistry between these two. Witnessing the evolution of their relationship and personal growth was so enjoyable. I loved Harper's friend Jamie and would be thrilled to see her get her own book. This is my completely honest, voluntary review.
It was a long wait to get my hands on this book, but it was worth every agonized moment. On the surface Declan and Harper are complete opposites: the king of the campus and the invisible girl. But those are just the disguises they wear to protect themselves. They have a lot more in common with each other than either one of them suspects. I adored watching this pair stumble through every torturous, drama-laden twist and turn on their path to happily ever after. I especially enjoyed seeing them grow into people they could be proud of. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Harper and Declan are not in the same league nor would they travel in the same circles. When they end up in the same school, there is an incident that knocks her confidence down. A few years later and they both need something and the only way to get it is to work together. She never dreams she will be in this position but it is a confidence builder and makes her look at the way she was living and comes out of her shell.
This was a well thought out book. It is emotional and worth every minute.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
I enjoyed this story of Declan and Harper as they struggle to overcome others misconceptions about them and come to discover that they are loved and lovable. There is a lot of drama between the first and last pages - betrayal, jealousy, anger, disappointment, but there is also love, romance, passion, trust, friendship and justice. In the end, will Declan and Harper find the happiness and fulfillment they so richly deserve? Read on and see how this well-written story ends. Recommended to every lover of romance.
I wasn't into this one at all. I thought there would be some redemption on his part before they started dating. Their feelings for each other once they started talking??? Light speed fast. This is practically insta-love which I just wasn't feeling in this way. Also, I don't see how any of the plot works in her favor aka why will dating him make her memorable in the right way for the teacher to pick her? and she acted so offended like... I totally understand where the teacher is coming from...mostly and I probably would have handled and blamed it differently.
This book was great in that I enjoyed watching Harper grow from a scared, timid woman to a strong, confident one. With the help of Declan, her crush who turns into more, she is able to navigate the uncertainties in her life, come out of her shell, and discover some truths that change her life.
There were a lot of emotions in this book, I shed tears at the beginning as she went through some serious hurts, but I also smiled and laughed. I really enjoyed this book.
Trust is never easy. When you have demons in your past, will it define your future? Declan is the son of rock star, he has all the baggage from that. Harper doesn't want to deal with her past, she just wants to get through college and become a doctor. Can the deny the pull? Will they learn to trust each other? This was a well written smooth read. The characters and the storyline were wonderful. I received it as an arc and voluntarily reviewed it.
I chose to read and review this book. I enjoyed reading this one. Everything is well written, the plot, the flow of event and the characters. I liked the contrast between the characters. I enjoyed how they meet and interact together despite their differences. It was great to read how the emotions and drama were in this one. It kept me reading till the end. Very captivating twists. I liked the end felt it very real and recommend this one.
This was a new genre for me and I thought I would give it a try and boy am I glad I did. This is also the first book by Amy Lamont I have read but if the story of Declan and Harper is any indication of her writing style it definitely won't be my last. This was a great first love story with all the feels you'd expect and a whole lot of surprises you don't. Very well written and highly recommend you read this one. 5☆'s for sure!