One of the reasons I enjoy reviewing books is that sometimes a book teaches me something about my reading taste, even when it doesn’t entirely work for me.
It’s Never Too Late had all the ingredients of a romance I should have loved: mature protagonists, second chances, supportive family relationships, and a reality TV singing competition. I went in expecting a heartfelt story about rediscovering lost dreams and finding love later in life.
What I found instead was a novel with a genuinely compelling foundation that never quite reached its potential. While parts of the story charmed me, others left me wishing for stronger character development and more polished writing.
*Spoilers will be hidden and labelled so you can choose to read or skip.
Hype Meter
My Take: Newly Released. Be an early reviewer.
Story Snapshot
In Short
Reality TV Contest brings together a country singer who has sidelined his passion for family responsibilities and a celebrity PR agent turned producer who is married to her job.
From the Publisher
What would you do if you got a second chance to achieve your lifelong dream?
Brock Lockhart had the same dream ever since he was a kid: to go to Nashville and become a famous country singer like his idol, Garth Brooks. Just before graduation, his girlfriend tells him she’s pregnant. He gives up his lifelong dream to do the right thing and be a responsible husband and father.
Fast forward twenty years. His daughters are grown, and he’s facing an empty nest. He learns about a new singing competition geared towards people over forty years old. His daughters go behind his back and send in an audition tape for him—he ends up being selected for the live TV auditions. His dream may be within reach…
Venus Anderson is a successful talent manager who’s always been married to her job, taking care of her celebrity clientele. She wants to branch out as a producer and pitches an idea for a second-chance singing competition for the “over 40” crowd to her boss. He gives her the green light, and she begins the search for the perfect group of contestants.
When her assistant shows her Brock Lockhart’s audition tape, she knows instinctively that he could win the competition. What she doesn’t count on is catching feelings for this quiet, reserved country boy. She’s always been the consummate professional and doesn’t get involved with her clients. Will she break her own rules to be with him, or will she walk away from true love?
Characters I Followed Into Battle
I wanted to love Venus and Brock. While they did have physical chemistry and the building blocks of lovable characters, the execution left something to be desired. Brock was respectful and only interested in Venus, but SPOILER: Venus had a second lover who was never revealed to Brock, even after the Happily Ever After. This gave me the ick.
Writing Style Notes
The premise of It’s Never Too Late intrigued me. The characters are interesting and unique. But the writing is underdeveloped. It lacks a certain maturity in that there is too much tell and not enough show. As each character is introduced, the reader gets a blanket summary that feels like a brief character profile rather than personal details being woven into the story. Dialogue is a bit cheesy. The characters also suffer from voice inconsistency so it is hard to get a good read on who they are supposed to be.
Themes Living Rent-Free In My Head
A second chance at both your dreams and at love
Loving and supportive family, including a positive relationship with a co-parent.
What Landed For Me
What Worked:
- The idea for this romance was undeniably great. It has all the components of a successful story.
- The spice was spicing. Selina Violet offers her novels in spicy and spice-free versions, which is super thoughtful. I chose spicy because I love the heat.
- Both main characters were over 40, and she was older than him! So refreshing.
What Didn’t Fully Click:
- Unfortunately, I found the writing weak to the point of distraction.
Overall:
- It’s Never Too Late is fine, but could have been so much better.
Intentional Reading Reflection
It’s Never Too Late came to me at the request of the author. I had high hopes based on the description, but found the experience to be flat.
Final Verdict
Read if you like:
- Romance with mature characters who are comfortable with their sexuality.
- Reality TV competitions such as The Voice or America’s Got Talent
Skip if you dislike:
- Weak writing
- Cringey dialogue
Your Turn
What is your favorite reality TV contest show?
Buy This Book
May your life be as full as your bookshelf and as long as your TBR list.
Happy Reading!
Spill the tea or put it on your grocery list.
“Juicy Gossip” lined, 120-page, paperback journal.
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