Four Men, Zero Regrets: A Why Choose That Slays

The Never List by Jade Presley

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They said the Choosing was a gift.
They never told me I was playing a deadly game.

Four rulers. Monsters cloaked in crowns.
They’re not just powerful—they’re primal.
And now, they want me.

I wasn’t supposed to be part of the Choosing.
I forged my way in, wearing a stranger’s face, chasing whispers of my lost sister.
I planned to seduce. To manipulate. To survive.

But I didn’t plan on them.

The way they watch me like prey.
The way their magic coils around mine like a promise.
The way they say my name like they already own it.

Each man wants to break me in his own way. Take me in his own way. Together? They might unmake me entirely.

One girl. Four princes. No escape. No salvation.
Only pleasure sharp enough to cut.

Welcome to a tale that doesn't ask you to choose—because why should you, when you can have all four? The Never List is a spicy why-choose romantasy that delivers heart-pounding spice, immersive world-building, and just enough edge to keep you glued to the page from beginning to end. Let’s break it down.

Characters: 8

The magic of why-choose romance lies in the freedom to embrace every heartthrob flavor, and this book does not disappoint. Each of the four male leads brings a unique dynamic, believable in their motivations and chemistry. Still, I craved deeper backstories—particularly for the men. Jax and Kal stole the show for me; Jax the dark, tortured soul who would gladly scorch the earth for the woman he loves, and Kal the positve ray of sunshine but will also summon storm clouds if anyone touches her? Say less. And let's not forget King Baydel—the walking embodiment of the ick. He’s a villain with zero redeeming qualities, and that’s exactly what makes him work.

Atmosphere: 9

Four cities, four distinct vibes. Presley’s world-building is enthralling and beautifully imagined. Each location felt like a character in itself, drawing me deeper into the journey. I personally would love to live in The Ruby Aire and The Obsidian City, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise considering who my favorite characters are.

Writing: 10

Fresh, engaging, and totally bingeable. One of my biggest gripes with spicy romance is when the story feels like scaffolding for the smut—but not here. The intimacy builds organically, never stealing the spotlight from the plot or emotional growth. It’s romance with backbone.

Plot: 9

The story kicks off with Kaylee investigating the disappearance of her sister Eri. With the help of her friends Layce and Ivy she sneaks into The Choosing for more information. This hook was gripping, and it pulled me in. While I would've liked more active searching on her part, the plot never loses momentum.

Intrigue: 10

I devoured this in one sitting. It’s been ages since a book managed that kind of grip. Every chapter had me flipping pages like my life depended on it.

Logic: 10

Not a plot hole in sight. For a genre that often gets sidetracked by steamy detours, The Never List is remarkably tight in its logic. The narrative feels intentional—no threads fraying just to make room for a spicy scene.

Enjoyment: 10

Straight-up fun with a dash of longing for the male POVs. It’s not reinventing the genre, but it’s a solid, satisfying read that hits all the tropes without ever feeling stale. Would I read it again? Absolutely.

Final Thoughts:

Jade Presley delivers a why choose fantasy romance that’s equal parts seductive and sincere - proof that a story can sizzle without sacrificing plot, atmosphere, or emotional nuance. The Never List is a testament to her skill in crafting believable worlds, layered intrigue, and characters who feel achingly real (even when they’re falling into bed together). Whether you’re here for the spice, or a heroine navigating danger and desire, Presley knows exactly how to keep you turning pages long after midnight. Consider me officially hooked.

New to the Why Choose subgenre of romance? Please check out my blog post on the character tropes that make Why Choose fun here.