This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Published by Riptide
Released on January 3, 2017
Length: 7 hours 4 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
I think I need some recovery time after this one- something light and fluffy full of rainbows and kittens to be exact. My stars! This book tore my heart up and had the tears flowing a few times. Love can be so hard when one lover loses his memory and must find his way back while the other must hold steadfast and strong when hope is nearly lost.
I knew I was in for it because I’ve read other books by this author, but being prepared didn’t help one iota when the feels hit and washed over me like a hurricane.
The story is told in present time line and flashbacks. Lordy, those flashbacks are so necessary. I had to see and know what Jodi was like when he and Rupert met and fell in love because after the accident and the Traumatic Brain Injury he is so different and poor heroic Rupert is nearly breaking under it all. It’s one that once started I couldn’t have stopped. I had to know if Jodi’s memories would return and what would bring on the ending I was really hoping for.
There is so much that felt authentic and real about this story. I don’t know exactly what a TMI recovery would be like, but I thought the author nailed it. Just as I don’t know what a relationship would do if one partner only remembered his past forgetting the last three years so he forgot the love of his life and thought he was still seeing his best friend or that the other partner is dealing with seriously reduced finances, care for his partner, and struggling to do what’s right by said partner even while his heart is breaking. It was dramatic and emotional, but not fake or manipulated.
I experienced this story in the audio format and I enjoyed Craig Beck’s narration. I thought he caught the characters and the situation just right. He had a good tone and pace. I really appreciated that he didn’t try to add more drama to an already emotional story. He let the story carry itself.
All in all, I am completely tapped out. This story needs a warning label- wonderful, but be prepared to really feel it. I definitely recommend this m/m contemporary romance to those who enjoy difficult romance, lots of spice, and a considerate respect for the various elements.
Challenges Met:
Romance Roundabout #9 LGBT
Literary Pickers #10 condoms
New Release #4
Audio #2
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Wow, check out that beard. o_o I must say, I’m not a beard-loving girl! That makes me a little strange, I know. 😀 I usually don’t like stories with flashbacks – somehow I get too annoyed with being cut from the present and sent to the past (you know when you’re really into the present story, and then the author cuts to the past in the next chapter or scene? Annoying!). I’m glad it works for this book though.
Great review, Sophia! I’m happy you enjoyed the book. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
LOL, You’re in good company, Alyssa. I like a close cropped beard, goatee, etc, but this new thing to let it go wild is really not my thing, either.
I hear ya. Flashbacks really do break up a story even the best of them. I was glad to have the ones here just so I could see what it was like before the accident and trouble, but yes, it did break up the story.
Sometimes these kinds of reads can be good when I’m in the mood for it.
That is just how it is with me. I definitely have to be in the mood. I made the mistake of reading this one back to back with another strongly emotional book causing me to cry and sniffle through most of the story. 🙂
I’ll just take the cover model, thank you. 😀 No, but this really does sound like a book I’d love. Shred my feels! lol
LOL! I love his eyes, but I’ll be nice and not fight you for him, Christy. 🙂
Oh yep, you describe it exactly. This book will leave its reader slayed.
oh man stories like this can definitely be heart-breaking, but at the same time kind of interesting. The whole memory loss and all
Yes, that is exactly it, Lily. Heartbreaking, but I needed to read it. 🙂
This sounds wonderful. I love when a book takes you on an emotional journey. I haven’t listened to the narrator before. I am off to find a sample 🙂
It was tremendous, Kimberly.
Oh yes, Craig Beck has a lovely Aussie type accent and I like his work. This was my second time.
Garrett Leigh is an author I’ve been meaning to try, Sophia, and since I’m a fan of books that can make me cry, I’m thinking this one would be a good place to start. I can’t imagine all a couple would go through due to a TMI either but from what you said, it seems like it was described well…and evoked a lot of emotion. Great review!
Good choice, Brandee! Her books are so authentically emotionally engaging. This is one of the standalones so a good one to give her books a trial run.