I saw a trope graphic for Never Leave, Never Lie by Thea Verdone shared on Instagram, and was so intrigued I preordered the book. But I was not prepared for the amazing book that was to come. This is by far the angstiest established relationship story I have ever read, and it is hauntingly beautiful. I’ve just ordered the hardcover edition for my shelves and can’t wait for it to arrive.
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Never Leave, Never Lie by Thea Verdone
🥭🥭🥭🥭🥭
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
(you can find my rating and spice system here)
POV & Tense: Dual POV, third limited, past tense
Genre: MM Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Themes: Established Relationship in Trouble, Lovers to Enemies to Lovers, Angst, Manipulation, Mental Health, Depression, Caregiver, Restoration of a Victorian Mansion, Gothic Vibes, Synesthesia, Gifted Pianist, Morally Grey MC, Hurt/Comfort
TWs: Talk of suicide
Synopsis:
Alek’s idyllic life has been carefully calculated, right down to his relationship with Ian. Together, they restore historical buildings, including the Gothic Victorian mansion they live in. But the ghosts from Alek’s past won’t remain hidden for long and threaten to dismantle everything he’s worked so hard for. Ian just wants the truth—but that’s the one thing Alek won’t give him.
My Review:
I am shocked that Never Leave, Never Lie is Thea Verdone’s debut. If you were to tell me it’s her twelfth published novel, I would believe you. It’s so well done, from the complex main characters whose layers you want to peel like onions, to the storytelling that keeps you wanting more, to the historical home setting complete with antiques. Never Leave, Never Lie is a sensory experience.
Ian hated him and he loved him, but right now, he hated him more.
Compelling MCs
The opening chapter sets the tone and draws you into Alek and Ian’s relationship—you will be so immersed in their toxic but loving relationship that you can’t stop turning pages. I adore both characters so much. Ian is the contractor performing the heavy labor in both business and their relationship. He’s honest, kind, caring, and wants to see the best in everyone. Alek is a heavily guarded fortress and he relies on a façade of apathy and seduction to avoid vulnerability. But he’s deeply insecure and easily overwhelmed emotionally. He uses the piano to channel every difficult emotion that threatens to take over. He’s morally grey and I have mad respect for his competency with manipulation tactics.
Sometimes I find angsty stories difficult to read, but not this one. Even when things are rough, you can tell how much Alek and Ian love each other underneath it all, which provides hope that they will weather the storm.
You kissed me and when I closed my eyes I could still see the stars behind my eyelids, like you gave them to me, so I’d never be alone, so it would never be dark inside my mind again. That’s when I knew I loved you.
Masterful Storytelling
I cannot get over how gorgeous and well-written this story is. Thea’s storytelling is masterful, and you don’t just see it as it happens, you’re right there feeling, smelling, and tasting everything. There are three timelines. Most parts take place in the present, but there are chapters of backstory from when Alek is twelve and from three years before the present when Ian and Alek first met. Often when stories jump around, I become less engaged and yearn to get back to the present, but not with this one. Each storyline is deeply engaging and filled with mysteries to unravel.
“Nothing is ever too broken to be fixed,” his uncle had said. But he was wrong about that. People and hearts could break and you could never fix them again.
Gothic Home Restoration
The Gothic Victorian mansion, with its creeping wisteria vine, could be a character in its own right. I loved this setting so much and every aspect of its restoration. Alek oversees the interior design, and I love his attention to detail with period-authentic décor. The entire vibe of their living situation enhances the story’s emotional depth.
By all appearances, the mansion was too broken to be fixed—and potentially haunted—but to Alek, it was home, and the only ghosts that haunted it were his own.
Depression and Mental Health
Depression and mental health are dominant themes throughout the story and are handled with care and sensitivity. Alek’s entire storyline is raw and visceral, and his problems run deep down to his core. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t go into the details, but it’s a rollercoaster and so worthwhile.
Never Leave, Never Lie by Thea Verdone
Final Thoughts:
I cannot stop gushing about how much I love Never Leave, Never Lie. With this one book, Thea Verdone has become an auto-buy author for me. She’s teasing snippets of her next book on Instagram and I eagerly (but patiently) await its release. I’ll post some pictures once I get my grabby little hands on the hardcover edition I ordered.
Author Stalking (but not in a creepy way):
Thea Verdone is the author of angsty MM contemporary romance.
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Banner Image Credit: Wisteria
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