The Never List — Cover to Cover

Author: Jade Presley. Genre: Fantasy Romance / Why Choose Romance.

⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: This is a Cover to Cover Conversation. If you haven't finished The Never List, stop here! We're talking about everything.

SJR Quick Take

⭐ Rating: 5/5

🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)

💔 Emotional Impact: ❤️❤️❤️ (3/5)

📚 Genre: Fantasy Romance / Why Choose

🔁 Would I Read Again? Absolutely

➡️ Next: Book 2, because after that cliffhanger, I need to know what happens next!

Overall Thoughts

I am now ready to let out ALL my thoughts, ideas, and impressions of The Never List, so let's get into it!

There was so much going on in this book that had me questioning things from the beginning. The Kings, the Faders, Rylee's sister, the guys, their powers, and what was really happening behind the scenes.

And I definitely had some people on my radar from the start.

Turner... I Was Waiting

First, the guard we meet.

I was hoping he would get his ass beat by one of the princes because he was a nasty piece of work. We all know Turner would blackmail Rylee, so I was worried he might go to the Kings and snitch for a bump in his status. I already wanted Turner to get his ass beat or at least put in his place. And I had to wait for it, but eventually...

IT HAPPENED!!!

The Choosing

I liked how we got to see Rylee and her friends get ready and hear their side of how the Choosing works and what to expect. But I loved how we also see the guys and how they aren't really excited about it either. They don't want to deal with this crap, but they have to, especially since it's Jax's time to pick.

Jax already seems very moody and hostile toward his father, but we don't really understand this heated bond between them yet.

We start to see that his dad is the worst King, in my opinion, and he has the power to control and manipulate your body, which we learn he seems to do for fun.

Then we see Jax, Kal, Pierce, and Axl together. They seem like brothers and are in this together. They know the pressure is truly getting to all of them, but they also notice something going on in the background with the Kings and the new threat.

The Kings fear the threat overseas, not the one right in front of them.

Rylee, Jax & Her Sister

Then we jump back to Rylee, her plan, and her perspective. I love the back-and-forth of being in their heads this way.

I like how Jax is so taken with Rylee because of her mind and wit first, not just her body. He is immediately drawn in and intrigued, something you can tell he isn't used to.

Then Rylee sneaks off, and we learn a bit more about her sister, Ivy, and Lacey and how they all have these magical gifts that they keep secret. I started wondering if her sister was sneaking around and found out something they couldn't risk getting out, but they couldn't kill her publicly.

So maybe she was locked away? I don't know. I just didn't think she was dead.

Once Rylee read the parchments and didn't find the information, I was also in sleuthing mode.

Then here comes sexy Jax and their banter and fun. Wink.

I knew she was about to be chosen.

Then...

BAM. Surprise!

She is!

Let me tell you, I could see the look on her face.

It reminded me of that scene in Miss Congeniality where she's trying to tell her friend not to take the crown and hugs her tight.

I can imagine the women hugging Rylee, trying to look happy and surprised but whispering as much information and encouragement as possible because they know she is in for it.

I liked how Rylee faltered and felt scared and lost some of her self-confidence.

Who wouldn't?

But she immediately snapped out of it like:

Girl, let's go. We gotta live for them, my sister, and hell, help my Ashlanders if I can.

That First Challenge

Now, I did not like how the first challenge was whether or not she would sleep with the Kings.

I get it...

But you want me to sleep with you AND your sons?

That's a lot.

I hated how Baydel showed that he didn't like hearing no, while the other Kings obviously weren't as, Let's get her and claim her before our sons.

I knew he was going to be a problem.

I'm so glad Rylee could keep her power under wraps because, mhmm...

I wanted to see him get a little slap from one of the other Kings or something.

Like, dude.

Back off.

We'd already heard the stories, and then you have the guys upstairs just waiting to hear if she passes the first test.

That hurts.

Like, damn.

Then it kind of makes sense why no one has ever stayed, because that's a lot of shit to put up with.

The Princes & Their Kingdoms

Kal & Ruby Aire

I'm glad she got Kal first.

He explained the rules to her somewhat but also let her see and figure things out herself.

Kal seems like the big, sexy, cuddly teddy bear, and I love how he showed Rylee around, how he cares for his people, and the vibe of Ruby Aire.

I liked how they played with each other, and the first sexual encounter lets us know what kind of kinks Kal might be into.

They have fun banter and a playful sex life.

I mean, damn...

Flying is wild.

But girl, do you.

Then, when they first encounter the Faders, I was like:

Ah, shit.

From being an avid reader but also a writer, I immediately wondered if her sister joined the resistance once she found out what happened to their parents and saw it on paper.

Or did one of the Kings have their way with her, and she escaped with information to help the resistance fight them?

But I kept thinking:

Why wouldn't she send her sister a letter or message?

Then we see the cat.

But girl, how did you know she would see the cat?

Or did she assume Rylee would escape soon and come find her?

I don't know, but that's fucked up to leave her just waiting and wondering.

The Oculi

Then the Oculi are like creepy paparazzi with powers. Ugh.

I would hate that type of energy following me and constantly reporting back.

I could see the benefits with battles and threats, but everything?

That's a lot.

I wanted to know more about their mindset and if they were truly allies to the Kings for money and power, or what type of deal they had made for this kind of job.

The Chaos

I liked how Rylee didn't sugarcoat the rumors, even though she saw it would hurt Kal.

I like her directness.

But I also loved how we learn the Chaos are protectors of their kingdom, people, and city. They don't care about the little things.

The fact that they beat a man who, I'm assuming, was a child predator?

I was like:

YES.

Make it loud and clear.

We don't tolerate hurting women or children. Ever!!

I also liked how Rylee told Kal to never leave her again and how he was willing to try and keep his word about the Faders and tell her everything.

I liked how the guys reacted when they were talking about Rylee and getting to her compared to the others.

And I liked how Rylee refused to wear the correct colors in the cities.

Axl & Sapphire Cove

Next we meet Axl, and I immediately thought of Aquaman.

I was like, Oh, he's going to be fun.

Now, the fact that she's trying to hide that she has powers was a little missed on this diving adventure.

I was like:

Girl...

Now you know he can save the animal. You just needed to reach the net.

And welcome to Sapphire Cove.

I liked the seaside vibe and how Axl also shows his true side and his vulnerability.

I also liked how they all start getting excited as they see she may be the missing piece they all need as she learns and starts to understand their gifts and powers and how they help mend the broken pieces in her.

They also see her as a spicy kitten with claws. She doesn't back down even if she can be physically hurt.

I liked how Kal and Axl seem to be the closest because they have the physical power and abilities, whereas Pierce and Jax have the mental and emotional aspects that bond them.

I liked how they would powwow and talk, and Rylee wanted to be included, which completely surprises the hell out of all of them.

I like how she slowly begins to drop her guard.

Mirren

I also liked Mirren.

Haha! I bet she knew Day 1 that Rylee was Demis. Day 2 or 3 at the latest.

And didn't say a damn thing. Mirren is fun and sassy, and you can tell she helped raise the men.

She is an honorary mother, in my opinion, but to Baydel, she's just a maid.

She's smart, sassy, caring, and truly wants what's best for the boys.

I also like how she seems to be friendly with certain Kings and not others. It tells us a lot about their mindset, power, and loyalty to those who care about their children.

And the Food

I liked how the food was also one of Rylee's favorite parts because I can imagine eating French toast or trying chai for the first time and just wanting to eat and try everything in case I don't make it out of here.

I liked how Kal and Axl were both her first team. She wasn't forced to do anything, and it was a nice match with her personality and with the kinks we got hints that each man needed from their mate.

I loved how they gave her tokens of their choosing her as well.

Pierce & Emerald Woods

Next is Pierce at Emerald Woods, and we see a completely different transition in how he keeps his power and mind busy while also trying not to get overwhelmed with all the information he could be picking up and manipulating.

I knew he was going to see something. I just wasn't sure what he would see. And I wasn't sure if he would keep it to himself or tell the others. I'm glad he gave Rylee the chance to tell everybody everything and didn't just throw her to the wolves. But we knew they wouldn't be like that. I think she probably could have said the sister thing sooner, but I get keeping things close to the vest.

Pierce's Dad

I also need to mention Pierce's dad talking to Rylee while she was in Emerald Woods. Dude doesn't think she's good enough. Well, considering she's the first one to really get all of them on her team...shut up, sir. He's just as bad as Baydel, but sneakier.

Now he's on my radar too. Maybe he and Baydel don't want their sons to get power? Or maybe he wants to take Baydel's spot? I don't know. But mhmm...that icky King energy strikes again.

Finally...Jax

Then she finally gets her time with Jax and dances on the pole. I can imagine it's either really bad or really good, and Jax is just amused. But the way he acts, I get the hurt puppy-dog vibe.

Like, damn, dude... Then Turner shows up , and this is how Rylee finally opens up to Jax.

They've all shown her their true sides, and she accepts them, but they know she's still hiding something.

Then that big ol' dummy Turner tries to attack Jax, gets his ass handed to him by Rylee, and she uses her powers right in front of the guys.

Now they really need to talk.

She explains everything and, of course...

BOOM.

Magic sparks.

Jax is basically like:

Bae, my token is a tat. You want this? It's on you forever.

She says yes.

And then all four men and her have a damn good time.

Oh yeah...

Thank Goddess for the herbal birth control, or that girl would have been knocked up with babies galore.

The fun thing would be guessing who got her pregnant.

The only one who might be able to tell when the baby was older is Pierce. Lol.

I have mixed babies, and at first you couldn't really tell until those big, thick curls and the melanin started kicking into gear.

What I Loved

I loved how we got the back-and-forth perspectives and could be inside Rylee's head while also seeing what was happening with the guys.

I loved how Jax was taken with Rylee's mind and wit first.

I liked how Kal and Axl matched Rylee's personality and how each of the guys showed her their true sides.

I loved seeing the different kingdoms and how each man cared for his people in his own way.

I liked how Rylee wanted to be included when the guys would powwow and talk, which completely surprised the hell out of them.

I liked how she slowly began to drop her guard.

And I loved how she wasn't forced to do anything.

They gave her an out.

She could say no.

She could say stop.

I also loved the challenges, the emotional growth, the pushback, and how we got to peek inside their heads too.

The Kings

I did not trust Baydel.

His ass was way too nice and civil by the final test, so I suspected something. I also thought he might be the one telling the Faders to attack. But why would he if he was planning on killing Rylee? Just speculation.

Pierce's dad was on my radar too. Maybe he and Baydel don't want their sons to get power. Maybe he wants to take Baydel's spot. I don't know.

And from the beginning, I kept thinking about how the Kings fear the threat overseas instead of the one right in front of them.

Something is going on there.

Rylee's Sister & The Faders

From the first encounter with the Faders, I kept wondering about Rylee's sister.

Then we get to the final test, and I'm like:

Oh no!!! What do you mean?!

And I guess her sister was a Fader because how else could no one get ahold of them? Rylee mentioned her sister was like a shadow... But girl... Damn.

I still kept thinking, why wouldn't she send her sister a letter or message?

That Cliffhanger

DAMN.

That cliffhanger!

I was like:

Damn, NO!!!

I need the next book NOW!!

There are still so many things I want answers to.

What happened with Rylee's sister?

What's really going on with the Faders?

What's happening between the Kings?

Why was Baydel acting so damn suspicious?

What does Pierce's dad really want?

And what happens now with Rylee and the guys?

Thankfully, I have the next book ready to go because I was NOT ready to stop there.

Final Verdict

I was really, honestly blown away by The Never List.

I loved the back-and-forth perspectives, the different kingdoms, Rylee's personality, the guys, the banter, the challenges, and trying to figure out what the hell was actually happening behind everything.

This was my first Why Choose romance, and it did not disappoint.

I gave The Never List5/5 stars, and after that cliffhanger, I'm definitely continuing the series.

Who Should Read This?

• Readers who enjoy Why Choose romance.

• Fantasy romance readers.

• Readers who like multiple perspectives.

• Readers who enjoy mysteries and trying to figure things out alongside the characters.

• Readers who enjoy different kingdoms, powers, and magical abilities.

• Anyone who likes romance mixed with secrets, resistance, family drama, and plenty of reasons to side-eye people.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely.

This was my first Why Choose romance, and I'm glad I found this series.

Would I Read It Again?

Yes.

Especially now that I know more about what's going on. I would like to go back and see what I might have missed while I was trying to figure everything out the first time.

Cover to Cover Questions

Okay, now I want to know what everybody else thought:

Did anybody else want Turner to get his ass beat from the beginning?

When did you start realizing something wasn't right with the Kings?

Did anyone else think Rylee's sister might still be alive?

Which kingdom was your favorite: Ruby Aire, Sapphire Cove, or Emerald Woods?

Kal, Axl, Pierce, or Jax—which introduction was your favorite?

Do you think Mirren knew exactly what Rylee was from the beginning?

When Rylee finally used her powers in front of the guys, were you surprised or were you just waiting for it to happen?

What did you think about Jax's token being permanent?

Did you trust Pierce's dad when he talked to Rylee?

What do you think is really going on between the Kings?

Do you think Baydel is connected to the Fader attacks, or is something bigger happening?

And what do you think Rylee's sister has actually been doing this whole time?

Because after that ending...

I need Book 2.

If you've finished The Never List, this is the place to let it ALL out. Tell me your theories, favorite moments, which prince you loved, who you didn't trust, and what you thought about that ending.

— SJR Writes & Reads

Until the next chapter,

Happy Reading,

S. J. Robinson

Grab the book here at Amazon.com or here at Bookshop.org .