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A review by justabooktrovert
Never Will I Ever by CE Ricci
5.0
Full Disclosure, Don’t You Dare is my #1 favorite Best Friends to Lovers MM Romance. Aspen and Keene live rent free in my head. So while Never Will I Ever is technically a standalone novel, I highly recommend reading Don’t You Dare first to fully appreciate the story, especially because this one revolves around Avery Reynolds, a character I never expected (or wanted) to root for.
When I first met Avery in DYD, I had zero desire to see him redeemed. What he did to Keene and Aspen was unforgivable, and the fallout? Completely deserved. So going into this, I wasn’t exactly eager for a redemption arc. But C.E. Ricci has a way of making me feel things I didn’t expect, and somehow, Never Will I Ever became the story I didn’t know I needed.
The summer camp setting was a fantastic backdrop for this story, adding a fresh and heartfelt element that made everything feel even more immersive.
Avery’s journey in this book is full of growth, self-discovery, and against all odds, redemption. Watching him struggle with his identity and slowly open himself up, especially through his interactions with the kids at camp, was incredibly rewarding. His relationship with Elijah, in particular, melted my heart. That kid stole every scene he was in, and by the time he called Avery after he left camp, I was a mess of emotions.
And then there’s Kaleb LaMothe, also from DYD. I loved his steady, unwavering nature. How he cared for the kids, his bond with his twin brothers, and the way he made Avery work for every inch of his affection. Their dynamic was so well done, and I genuinely enjoyed watching their relationship evolve.
And just when I thought I had my emotions under control, Ricci hit me with Aspen and Keene’s appearance at the end and I’m reminded why I love those two.
When I first met Avery in DYD, I had zero desire to see him redeemed. What he did to Keene and Aspen was unforgivable, and the fallout? Completely deserved. So going into this, I wasn’t exactly eager for a redemption arc. But C.E. Ricci has a way of making me feel things I didn’t expect, and somehow, Never Will I Ever became the story I didn’t know I needed.
The summer camp setting was a fantastic backdrop for this story, adding a fresh and heartfelt element that made everything feel even more immersive.
Avery’s journey in this book is full of growth, self-discovery, and against all odds, redemption. Watching him struggle with his identity and slowly open himself up, especially through his interactions with the kids at camp, was incredibly rewarding. His relationship with Elijah, in particular, melted my heart. That kid stole every scene he was in, and by the time he called Avery after he left camp, I was a mess of emotions.
And then there’s Kaleb LaMothe, also from DYD. I loved his steady, unwavering nature. How he cared for the kids, his bond with his twin brothers, and the way he made Avery work for every inch of his affection. Their dynamic was so well done, and I genuinely enjoyed watching their relationship evolve.
And just when I thought I had my emotions under control, Ricci hit me with Aspen and Keene’s appearance at the end and I’m reminded why I love those two.
But before I walk away, I stop myself, having one more thing to say. “Thank you.” He gives me a faint nod, brow arched in challenge. “Don’t screw it up.” Never again. Not in a million years. “Did I miss something?” Aspen mutters under his breath just as I start toward my car. I hear Keene’s low chuckle before he says, “Yeah, but it’s not my story to tell.” Warmth floods me instantly, despite the statement not being meant for my ears. Because it’s still for my benefit, even when he doesn’t owe me a damn thing. I was cruel, hateful, and the worst kind of human to them both, and most people wouldn’t hesitate to return the favor. They’d take their knowledge and fight fire with fire, letting the power it holds destroy anything in its path. Instead, he tucks it in his back pocket for safekeeping. If that isn’t forgiveness, I don’t know what is.
I have to give credit where it’s due: when an author can make you feel for the so-called “bad guy,” you know they’ve done an incredible job.
“I’m so fucking in love with you, Kaleb. So I’ll give you my all—every shameful, imperfect part of me—and I can only hope it’s worth a fraction of you.”
Never Will I Ever is proof that redemption arcs, when done right, can be just as powerful as the love stories they accompany. If you’re hesitant to give Avery a second chance, trust me, C.E. Ricci will make you believe in him.