Sophie Gonzales, Never Ever Getting Back Together, Hachette Children’s Books, November 2022, 288 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781444964646
Eighteen year old Maya has barely healed from her recent breakup with famous Jordy when she receives a call inviting her onto his own reality TV show, Second-Chance Romance. Bent on revenge for his cheating and manipulative behaviour, Maya accepts the offer and plans to reject him in front of the nation.
The girl Jordy cheated on Maya with, Skye, welcomes the invitation with her heart set on rekindling their romance. Four other contestants are prepared to participate in the show, each with their own personal objectives.
As the girls navigate the challenges of the show, including limited privacy and its scripted nature, they discover Jordy’s disingenuousness and choose to destroy him together. But for Skye and Maya, this leaves them tangled up in an unexpected romance themselves.
Never Ever Getting Back Together is a fun and entertaining romcom. It reveals the irony of reality TV, normalises queer romance and uncovers the power of friendship. Lovers of YA drama and romance are sure to enjoy this fast-paced novel.
Reviewed by Olivia Sammut
