.png "Book Reviews: Never Over by Clare Gilmore")
Paige is a songwriter who receives a life-changing call from a recording studio interested in her music. While the opportunity is exciting, the agent’s feedback is honest and critical—her songs are missing emotional depth. Determined to make them better, Paige comes up with an unconventional plan: she seeks out her ex, hoping that reopening old wounds will give her the heartbreak she believes her music needs.
Never Over Publisher's Blurb:
A swoony second-chance romance where facing the one who broke your heart could be the thing that makes your dream come true.
Twenty-five-year-old Paige Lancaster is one contract away from earning a living doing her favorite thing in the world: writing songs. But when a music industry professional suggests she might be holding back with her lyrics to lessen the heartbreak of an old flame, Paige doubts if her music is ready to be heard.
In a rare, impulsive move, Paige reaches out to Liam Bishop after four years of no-contact to ask him for a small favor: date her, and then re-break her heart, all so she can remember what those big, songworthy emotions felt like. And since Liam is the one who first set Paige on this career path, he hesitantly agrees.
Across two months of Liam’s summer work travel, the exes are forced to share hotel beds, rehash the past, and date in the present, all while navigating the building attraction between them they both swore was the one line of their agreement they wouldn’t cross.
But when it becomes near impossible not to act on their rippling chemistry, and as ever intensifying feelings blur reality with what’s driven by the music, Paige and Liam will both have to decide which is more important: art for the sake of it, or love over everything.
.png "Book Reviews: Never Over by Clare Gilmore, Tropes: Security Guard, Second Chance, TN Setting, Contemporary Romance, Songwriter")
I received this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin in exchange for an honest review, and this was my first read by Clare Gilmore. I’m happy to say it definitely did not disappoint.
The story is set primarily in Bristol, Tennessee, before shifting to Knoxville when Paige moves closer to her family. The narrative alternates between the present and the past, slowly revealing what led to Paige and Liam’s breakup. While the dual timeline occasionally left me momentarily confused, it ultimately added emotional weight and depth to the story.
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster—I laughed, I cried, and I felt deeply connected to the characters. The plot stood out to me as a fresh and unique take on the second-chance romance trope, using songwriting and emotional vulnerability as the heart of the story. It’s one of those plots that sticks with you long after you’ve finished reading.
The character development was steady and thoughtful, making this a truly character-driven novel. Paige is a complex heroine—she relies heavily on others, often doubts herself, and struggles with confidence in ways that feel raw and realistic.
Watching her confront those flaws and grow emotionally was incredibly satisfying. Liam was equally compelling, and the dynamic between him and Paige felt authentic, layered, and emotionally charged.
One line that perfectly captured the tone of their relationship was:
“You came to find me at work, after four years of radio silence, and risked getting kicked out by security, because you need me to break your heart?”
That moment encapsulated the humor, heartbreak, and tension that made their story so compelling.
I ultimately gave this book a 4-star rating. While the retrospective point of view took a bit of adjustment, the emotional payoff made it worth it. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy contemporary romance and second-chance love stories, especially fans of Sarah Adams or Elsie Silver. Recommended for readers 18+ who are looking for a heartfelt, emotional romance with depth and originality.
🌙 What do you think—read it or skip it? Let’s chat in the comments! And if you want more reviews, fantasy favorites, and bookish treasures, hit that subscribe button.
No comments