Book Review: Never Gonna Happen

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Thank you Netgalley and Headline Accent for an advance copy of Never Gonna Happen by Heidi Stephens.

Emily Wilkinson has lost everything. Literally. In a hair straightener fire, which has sent her entire flat up in flames. Oh, and her boyfriend (and, incidentally, boss) has just announced he’s going back to his wife. So, she needs a new job, a new wardrobe and somewhere to live that isn’t her former childhood bedroom, which is experiencing a hostile takeover by the entire contents of Hobbycraft.

Early dotcom millionaire Charles Hunter is looking for a live-in PA to help run Bowford Manor and it seems Emily may be the perfect fit. Well, she’s spent ten years propping up demanding men, so it’s not like she’s not qualified. And, most importantly, it’s tucked away in the Norfolk countryside, so there’s little to no chance of a blossoming romance . . .

She is quickly sucked into the whirlwind of the Hunter family and finds herself fending off a difficult housekeeper and Leon, Mr Hunter’s driver, who has a crush on her the size of East Anglia. Not to mention Charles’s eldest son, Adam, who seems set on turning the estate into a theme park the second his father pops his clogs.

But no one mentioned the dashing stable hand, Jamie, who just so happens to be the youngest Hunter. But she’s not about to make that mistake again. Definitely not. No, really.

This is my first book by Heidi Stephens but I definitely plan to read her other works. This book was more than a romance book. Yes, Emily Wilkinson finds love but she also discovers how strong she truly is. I read through this book relatively quickly because I wanted to know what happened.

Yes, there is romance but it isn’t spicy so I would categorize it as more of a behind close door read. My one complaint for the book is that I didn’t feel a strong chemistry between Jamie and Emily. Maybe because the book was behind closed doors but I would have liked a little more witty banter between the two.

Emily Wilkinson was a strong female lead that worked hard and learned more about herself in the time that she worked for Mr. Hunter than she did throughout her life. While, I was a little off put that she had a relationship with a married man, I believe Emily grew from this. She discovered that although she didn’t go to college she could become something of herself and I would love to know what she is doing in five years.

Her supporting cast especially her mom were truly a delight. I loved that her mom had a book for every occasion.

Lastly, while reading I really thought I was there in the story. The description of Bowford Manor and Mauritius made me want to visit immediately.

Overall, this was a great read. While I wish there was a little more chemistry between the two characters, Never Gonna Happen was a fun and quick read.

Have you read Never Gonna Happen? If not, get your preorders in the digital book releases May 26th and the paperback on September 6th.