Never Leave, Never Lie by Thea Verdone

The lies that brought them together will tear them apart. Alek and Ian’s relationship is built on lies and the cracks are starting to show. A pianist gifted with synesthesia, Alek sees sounds and hears colors and transforms all of his emotions into music. But no matter how hard he tries to hide behind a facade of apathy and seduction, he can’t escape the dark past that haunts him. Contractor Ian sees the beauty in something destroyed by neglect and his obsession with fixing extends beyond historical buildings. But when Alek’s self-destructive tendencies turn their relationship to ruins, Ian fears Alek is the first project he’ll have no choice but to abandon. Now the Gothic Victorian mansion they’re renovating is the only thing connecting them. Alek will do anything to keep Ian with him. Except tell the truth. Because Alek is lying about everything, starting with his name, and when Ian learns the truth, their house of cards will collapse. Never Leave, Never Lie is an angsty MM modern gothic romance that will appeal to fans of mental health representation, relationships in crisis, hurt/comfort, and a hard-fought happily ever after.

Adult • Diversity Representation/LGBTQ+ • Romance • Diversity Representation/Mental Health • Diversity Representation/Mental Health/Own Voices • Romance/Contemporary

Content Warning: alcohol blood brain surgery (doesn’t occur on page) death of an animal depression drug references eating disorder (brief mention) explicit sex fire (house fire, no injuries) hospitalization inpatient psychiatric hospitalization murder neglect (emotional, by parents) potentially ableist language self harm (a side character has cutting scars) suicidal ideation/suicide toxic relationship dynamics weaponized jealousy (no cheating/other man drama)