I was looking for something just a bit different, when I read of this premise during Can’t-Wait Wednesday (thank you who recommended it – and sorry for not name-checking you, but I simply cannot remember). So I was delighted when I was approved for the Netgalley arc.
On a hot summer night, a screech of brakes and shattering glass changes two lives forever. Liv wakes in the hospital, confused when they call her Morgan. She assumes it’s a case of mistaken identity, yet when the bandages come off, it’s not her face in the mirror anymore. It’s her best friend Morgan’s. Morgan always seemed to have the perfect life, yet Liv must navigate endlessly disturbing secrets of the criminal and murderous variety—and a romance that feels like a betrayal. Torn between the boy she loved as Liv and the boy she’s grown to love as Morgan, Liv still has to survive Morgan’s last request.
It’s an interesting premise – and that intriguing title comes from a Pablo Neruda poem. So does this YA thriller live up to the promise of a cracking read? Oh yes. The dramatic beginning hooked me in and I slummucked in bed, reading this offering in one greedy gulp. Liv’s first-person narrative is well realised. Although she suffers serious physical injuries and keeps encountering nasty discoveries of the knee-buckling sort, Aguirre manages to avoid her becoming some put-upon victim. Given the nature of some of the secrets that float to the surface, as she continues investigating Morgan’s life, that is harder to pull off than you might think.
I found myself rooting for Liv throughout and was even able to endure the dreaded love triangle. In fact, it actually made sense within the story’s premise. The character progression also works well and I was also pleased to see that while Liv initially dreads getting any kind of professional counselling, when it becomes crucial she does avail herself of it. I would have liked to see her make more use of it – and have her still attending some ongoing counselling sessions for the foreseeable future.
Other than that quibble, I thoroughly enjoyed this YA adventure, which had me turning the pages to find out what happens next. It’s an entertaining thriller that delivers plenty of surprises featuring a well-realised, sympathetic protagonist. Recommended for fans of family-based mystery thrillers. While I obtained an arc of Like Never and Always from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
I just finished this myself. Other than the dreaded love triangle, as you put it, I also enjoyed it a lot! The pesky romance did get in the way of the suspense though, so many times I wished we could get back to solving the mystery instead of more brothers drama!
Yes… but I thought Aguirre did a really good job of completing the character arcs of all the major players in this one. And while the romance didn’t do it for me – I keep reminding myself that I’m not the primary audience for this genre.
I do like Aguirre, well I’ve only read one of her books but I did like it. This sounds good, love triangle aside. I’ll put this on my list
Lynn 😀
Thank you, Lynn:). I hope you get a chance to get to it in due course.
I greatly enjoyed Aguirre’s Sirantha Jax series as well, so I’m curious about this one – and knowing beforehand that I will have to deal with a Dreaded Love Triangle (((shudder))) might prepare me to overcome my distrust for this element. The premise of the story is too intriguing to let myself be swayed by something I dislike… 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Oh do give it a go – I’d love to hear your take on it:)
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this I’ve only read one book by Ann Aguirre so far but would definitely like to read more from her. I really enjoyed her writing style.
Yes – I think she’s a really accomplished writer – I find her books real page-turners:)
This sounds unique and twisty! It’s great when you’re really able to root for the character. Glad you liked this!
Yes – and I think she really pulled it off. But then, she’s a really good writer.
Fascinating premise. Am putting this one on my list of Possible TBR’s. Great review, as always, Hon.
Thank you, Rae. Yes… I know there is a love triangle, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one:).
Very interesting premise and while I’m glad you enjoyed it, I’m also tad disappointed it’s a YA. But at least I got to read your review. 🙂
Thank you, Joanna:). Yes… while I found it fun, I don’t think it’s for you.