Now Or Never by Stella Rhys is a romance novel that explores the dynamics of an older man and younger woman relationship. The story follows Holland, who reunites with her brother's best friend, Iain, after years of no contact. Despite the age gap and their past history, they find themselves drawn to each other, navigating a push-and-pull banter as they both struggle with their feelings and past traumas. The book delves into themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and healing, all wrapped in a steamy and emotional storyline that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Characters:

The characters include Iain, a protective and brooding alpha male, and Holland, a strong and optimistic young woman, both of whom undergo significant emotional development, although some dynamic aspects have received criticism.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is emotive and engaging, characterized by humorous banter and descriptive, steamy scenes, often written from dual perspectives.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a reunion between two characters after years apart, focusing on their age difference and the power dynamics in their relationship as they explore physical intimacy while grappling with their pasts.

Setting:

The setting takes place in a big city, highlighting club and work environments, which contrast characters' backgrounds of luxury and personal struggle.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast, with quick interactions that build romantic tension, interspersed with dramatic moments throughout the narrative.

In an instant, my pulse doubled, and I could feel my jaw ticking tighter and tighter under my palm as I ran my hand over my face, my eyes devouring her body in ways I told myself had strictly to do wi...

Notes:

The book follows Holland and Iain, who reconnect after five years apart.

Holland has escaped her overbearing mother's control to start a new life in the city.

Iain, Holland's brother's best friend, struggles with his feelings for her due to their age gap.

There's a ten-year age difference between Holland (22) and Iain.

The relationship starts as a physical connection but evolves to something deeper.

Holland is portrayed as strong and optimistic despite her troubled childhood.

Iain is characterized as a workaholic who hides his past pain.

The book features intense chemistry and steamy scenes between the two characters.

Critics note a power imbalance in their relationship due to Iain's protective nature.

The story involves themes of growth, self-care, and overcoming past trauma.

Readers loved Holland's strong personality, contrasting with some of Iain's controlling tendencies.

There's a significant subplot about Holland's toxic mother, who is not present in the story but influences Holland's life.

The dynamic between characters includes a lot of playful banter, which keeps the story engaging.

The author skillfully mixes humor, heat, and emotional depth in the narrative.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high content warnings including themes of toxic parental relationships, suicidal ideation, and power imbalance in relationships.

Has Romance?

There is a high presence of romance in Now Or Never, with a strong focus on the evolving relationship between Iain and Holland.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

He's ten years older. My brother's best friend.

And for the next two weeks, he gets to have me in all the ways he's ever wanted.

HOLLAND

The last time I saw him, he still called me kiddo.

But fast-forward five years and more than a few things have changed.

He's still Iain Thorn. He's still my brother's best friend and the painfully sexy man I clearly never stopped wanting. But me?

Apparently, I've grown up in more ways than he can resist.

IAIN

I'm going to hell for looking at her like this.

She's too young for me. Too sweet and naive.

She has no idea what I would do to her.

But since the day she walked back in my life in that tight little dress, I've felt myself caving. I said I'd never in my life get involved with Holland Maxwell.

But since I'm already going to hell, I might as well make it worth it. more

Ratings (2)

Incredible (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (8):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (2)

What can you read after
Now Or Never?

See the list (100 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

Now Or Never

Stella Rhys

Book 5 in the series:Irresistible