Book Review: Never Ever Getting Back Together by Phoebe MacLeod

Please join me in welcoming Phoebe MacLeod to Novel Kicks. She’s here with the blog tour for her novel, Never Ever Getting Back Together.

Everyone remembers their first love. Jess Thomas definitely does. So, it’s more than a little awkward when Jess’s first love, Jamie Ferguson, turns out to be the best man at the wedding she’s catering for. And more than a little insulting when he doesn’t appear to remember her at all.

Since Jamie broke her heart (via text!), 10 years earlier, Jess has sworn off romance. And with a booming catering business to focus on, she’s doing OK. She has no interest in revisiting the past.

But when Jess’s car breaks down on a country lane, she has no choice but to accept Jamie’s help. Now, Jamie is determined to show Jess he’s a new man. But can guys like Jamie ever really change? And if she gives him another chance, is she setting herself up for a fall?

*****

Jess is a successful businesswoman and hasn’t got time for love, especially when the man she had a crush on and who broke her heart comes back into her life.

However, fate has a way of intervening. Can Jamie prove he has changed?

Just the title alone made me want to read this novel. Yes, I am a Swiftie and I’m not ashamed to admit it. I was pleased to be invited onto the blog tour for Never Ever Getting Back Together (the song is going around in my head.)

This is the first book I’ve read by Phoebe MacLeod but it certainly won’t be the last.

Her style of writing means that it’s so easy to fall into the story. There’s a lightness to it – like you’re having a good night out with friends and the conversation flows well. Does that make sense?

Jess is brilliant if a little closed off. She throws herself into her work to avoid love and I felt she was a bit of a lonely character. That’s not to say she’s week. The complete opposite in-fact. She’s strong, feisty and knows what she wants.

Oh Jamie. There’s not much I can say about you without giving a lot of the plot away is there? I will say I liked you and leave it at that.

The supporting cast were brilliant. I loved Alice. She’s very no nonsense and Laura also added some great insights too. I liked how she and Jess’s relationship picked up from where if left off. There was no resentment.

The plot moved at a good pace and seriously, there were moments where I was “snorting out the nose,” laughing – at scenes, turn of phrases. There are some important themes explored in this novel around being a single parent and what that entails.

Overall, I absolutely adored this novel. It was humorous, heartwarming and fun. It was a blast to read and I enjoyed every moment. I was so sad when it ended. I hope we get to catch up with Jess and Jamie again in the future.

You have yourself a new fan, Phoebe and happy publication day.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

About Phoebe MacLeod –

Phoebe MacLeod is the author of several popular romantic comedies. She lives in Kent with her partner, grown up children and disobedient dog. Her love for her home county is apparent in her books, which have either been set in Kent or have a Kentish connection.

She currently works as an IT consultant and writes in her spare time. She has always had a passion for learning new skills, including cookery courses, learning to drive an HGV and, most recently, qualifying to instruct on a Boeing 737 flight simulator.

Say hello to Phoebe via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to her newsletter. 

Never Ever Getting Back Together was released by Boldwood Books on 26th October 2023. Click here to buy on Amazon UK and Waterstones.

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.