A review by symoneh
Never Will I Ever by CE Ricci

emotional funny hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a well-done enemies-to-lovers trope. I loved the slow build toward a relationship, with both characters gradually opening up to the idea of second chances. Kaleb was fierce and protective from the start, but he was also willing to take a step forward with Avery and see that he was worthy of redemption. They were given an ultimatum: make peace for the summer or lose their camp jobs if they couldn’t get along. Avery showed some personal growth, beginning to work through the internalized homophobia caused by his father and starting to feel more comfortable in his identity as a gay man.

Avery experienced the most significant character development, especially since he was the villain in the previous book and had a lot to make up for. I loved his “apology tour,” where he owned up to his past mistakes and took action to prove that he had changed. Kaleb supported him on that journey, but ultimately, Avery had to face his father and the people he wronged on his own to truly demonstrate his growth. It was a great redemption arc with meaningful character development. I also loved the camp setting, especially Avery’s dynamic with Elijah — they both learned a lot from each other, and those moments added warmth and depth to the story.