Never Will I Ever by C.E. Ricci was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025.
I love a good redemption arc and C.E. Ricci did not disappoint with this one.

Never Will I Ever is Avery’s book. We met him in Don’t You Dare so this book is kind of like a sequel after what happened in Don’t You Dare and I advise you to read that book first before reading Avery’s book.

After reading Don’t You Dare, I was really hoping we would get a redemption arc for Avery and I’m so happy that C.E. Ricci wrote this book. I really loved how Avery took accountability for his actions and knew what he did was wrong. He really stepped up to fix all the mistakes he made while also bettering himself as a person.

His story really broke my heart and I wanted to give him a hug. He went through such self loathing and emotional abuse by himself and his father. Those things aren’t an excuse for what he did but it helps to understand him more on a deeper level and I really felt for him.

I also really loved Avery and Kaleb together. They were friends before everything happened however circumstances happened and they are now forced together to work at the same Summer Camp. I loved the vibes of the Summer Camp scenes this book brought. It was nice seeing Avery and Kaleb slowly fall for each other and Kaleb slowly understanding Avery a bit more. Kaleb helped Avery learn to be who he really is and to stop hiding from himself and what he truly wants.

Their scenes together was explosive and adorable. They rebuilt their friendship while working together at Summer Camp while developing something more. Avery finally accepted himself and listens to what his heart truly wanted.

Overall, I can never say anything bad about C.E. Ricci and her books. Because they are all truly amazing and she is so talented in bringing these amazing characters that will stick with you forever to life.