I Could Never

By: Penelope Ward

Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Sebastian York

Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

From New York Times best-selling author Penelope Ward comes a new forbidden enemies-to-lovers story…

It all started with an unexpected phone call.

Two years after my fiancé passed away in an accident, his father died suddenly, leaving Brad’s adult special-needs brother with no one to care for him. The next thing I knew, I was on a cross-country drive to New Hampshire where I’d be moving in to look after Scottie until I could get him into a group home.

The last thing I ever expected?

I wouldn’t be taking care of him alone.

Josh Mathers, my fiancé’s best friend—who also happened to be my sworn enemy—insisted he was the better person for the job. He told me to go back to California, and I told him where he could stick that demand. Our disdain for each other wasn’t anything new. It dated back to a text I’d accidentally read years ago. We hated each other. But we both loved Scottie, so neither of us budged. Now we were living together in a tiny house—with one available bedroom. Thank goodness it was only temporary.

Over time, I realized the broody jerk I thought I knew was different than I’d imagined.

I found myself slowly growing attached to someone I once considered the enemy...and growing attracted to him. Sure, both of us were guilt-ridden over Brad. We were also two grown people with pent-up frustration toward one another—stuck in a cabin in the woods. But this was Josh. I could never.

©2023 Penelope Ward (P)2023 Penelope Ward

Great book. Great narration.

Worth the purchase. I listened to this in one day… could NOT put it down. My favorite part was the communication between the main characters. It is so refreshing to see two characters actually talk to each other. To be honest. Even if at first they’re obviously hesitant. The spice was perfect! The angst! I would read it again for sure!
Also, as someone who doesn’t have exposure to someone with autism, I really liked reading the day to day of Scotty’s life. I liked that his character didn’t miraculously change or did something incredibly out of the ordinary… yet he was so central to the story. I was really worried for a few seconds about how his story was going to develop, but the author did SUCH a great job of explaining how the characters dealt with every challenge or oddity. I highly recommend it!

Loved the depth of this story! Funny, Hot, and Emotional!

I love a story with some real emotional depth and this delivered! Laughed a lot, swooned a lot, and teared up. few times!

Loved this book!

I love every book by Penelope Ward but I think this is my new favorite. The fact that two people who didn't know each other but could take care of an autistic man was an amazing journey. And of course the narration was awesome! An author and two narrators that I love coming together made this a great listen. Well done!

Lob

Excellent, heartfelt how very accurate when it comes to an adult with disabilities. One hopes that family would step up. It is is inspiring well written!!!!!!

Great Listen

Loved this book, it was so good and entertaining! Just like I love all of her others!

You see it coming but you don’t.

Good laughs and a beautiful story. Both narrators play the part amazing. Sebastian’s husky voice is always a favorite of mine and Andi is a great balance to him

Beautiful and Sweet

I love that this book told the story of love for both friends family and romantic.

Great book

Well written and performed. Has its steamy parts, but the actual story is what kept me interested.

Good Story

I liked the slow build between Josh and Carley and the guilt they felt for being attracted to one another. The interaction between Josh and his family was a hoot. I hope a story about Neil is forthcoming. The narrators are great. I especially adore Sebastian’s ultra sexy voice. Great listen or read.

5 plus stars.

Fun, sweet, amazing characters that I deeply fall in love with. I’m writing this review with a big goofy smile on my face, Josh and Carly have so much chemistry between them, my kindle nearly combust. Reading/listening to I Could Never has made me so happy. Although, this is a love story, it also shows what’s like to care for Scottie, an adult with autism. Scottie is vey lucky to find two people who care for him, showering him with love, compassion and devoted their lives to do what’s best for him and in the process they fall in love. I learn so much from reading this book. Bubba Hank is also a nice addition to the story. Penelope Ward is one of my favorite authors, every time she publishes a book, I find myself saying how does she do it? I hope she never stops writing.