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In Remembrance of Us
When epic friendship turns into epic romance, there's no possible outcome besides Happily Ever After, right?
Tom Foster hopes so, but he can't answer that. A traumatic brain injury during a mugging wiped out his memory. His love for Ryan Guthrie, the man he's learned he's married to, is strong and true, but as each memory returns, Tom discovers much discontent. Can they build a new foundation to stand on, or will epic be the word that describes their marital failure?
Tom Foster hopes so, but he can't answer that. A traumatic brain injury during a mugging wiped out his memory. His love for Ryan Guthrie, the man he's learned he's married to, is strong and true, but as each memory returns, Tom discovers much discontent. Can they build a new foundation to stand on, or will epic be the word that describes their marital failure?
103 pages, ebook
First published September 14, 2011
2 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 26, 2011
Very good m/m romance about a guy suffering from amnesia after a mugging. He's missing the last two years of his life... including he and his best friend becoming much, much closer. I got sniffly while reading this one. (Be aware that there's cheating, which I realize is an automatic no for some readers.)
September 18, 2011
3.5 stars
Amnesia is a tricky plot for me, personally. At times, I think that amnesia plot is a "too easy way out" for a character to start over in clean slate. Other times, amnesia plot can be emotionally engaging as the character makes sense to the memories and find the way back to the loved ones.
This one falls in between -- on one hand, Tom's amnesia, for me, becomes a less complicated way for him to realize his mistake, an easy tool for both him and Ryan to fix their marriage, and become a better couple. Without the amnesia, I don't think they ever get to the point. Not with Tom holding Ryan in arms-length and never sharing his deepest feeling or Ryan having a Florence Nightingale issue and never complains about when he feels taken for granted.
On other hand, the scenes of Tom finding out to that final point, about how much he loves Ryan, has been entertaining for me. I read his story with interest throughout. Sure, one plot is a bit too 'ordinary' (), but I like how both learn their mistakes and work on it -- EVEN IF there might be not enough grovelling for one of the characters. The part where Tom reannounces his love for Ryan is cute, PLUS his plan to do it every year :).
Both characters are likeable for me. I like plot of established couple -- and I quite enjoy this novella.
Plot warning: cheating (so if this a deal breaker for you, you've been warned)
Amnesia is a tricky plot for me, personally. At times, I think that amnesia plot is a "too easy way out" for a character to start over in clean slate. Other times, amnesia plot can be emotionally engaging as the character makes sense to the memories and find the way back to the loved ones.
This one falls in between -- on one hand, Tom's amnesia, for me, becomes a less complicated way for him to realize his mistake, an easy tool for both him and Ryan to fix their marriage, and become a better couple. Without the amnesia, I don't think they ever get to the point. Not with Tom holding Ryan in arms-length and never sharing his deepest feeling or Ryan having a Florence Nightingale issue and never complains about when he feels taken for granted.
On other hand, the scenes of Tom finding out to that final point, about how much he loves Ryan, has been entertaining for me. I read his story with interest throughout. Sure, one plot is a bit too 'ordinary' (), but I like how both learn their mistakes and work on it -- EVEN IF there might be not enough grovelling for one of the characters. The part where Tom reannounces his love for Ryan is cute, PLUS his plan to do it every year :).
Both characters are likeable for me. I like plot of established couple -- and I quite enjoy this novella.
Plot warning: cheating (so if this a deal breaker for you, you've been warned)
September 26, 2011
3.5 stars
Interesting relationship the amnesia aspect worked and it was a blessing in disguise for Tom a chance for him to start again and do things right this time, they actually both deserved a bit of wake up call, Tom not being able to open up and show his emotions and Ryan feeling neglected and unloved so instead of bringing up any insecurities he had, he cheated that did not solve any of his issues. This would have worked much better if it was a longer read with more background on how Ryan and Tom became lovers after a long friendship. Worthwhile read if cheating does not bother you!
Interesting relationship the amnesia aspect worked and it was a blessing in disguise for Tom a chance for him to start again and do things right this time, they actually both deserved a bit of wake up call, Tom not being able to open up and show his emotions and Ryan feeling neglected and unloved so instead of bringing up any insecurities he had, he cheated that did not solve any of his issues. This would have worked much better if it was a longer read with more background on how Ryan and Tom became lovers after a long friendship. Worthwhile read if cheating does not bother you!
February 17, 2015
So ... you wake up with amnesia & can only remember the happy times ... as your memories return, you realise that you're a complete arse & may have cocked up the best thing to ever happen to you! ... this is the story of painful realisations and home-truths, betrayal, forgiveness and second chances ... a lovely thought-provoking romance ... thank you A.J. Rose for letting me read the book.
March 31, 2015
I actually find this one a beautiful story of second chances and love. The story itself is more of a reality check of what happens after the marriage. The struggles to be the same person and to pursue life and opportunity, ambition and the loss of what is important and what matters.
Tom suffered an amnesia after some mugging, and with everything that seemed so right but with insecurities because of the loss of his memories. With the return of his memories one by one, he has taken a look of his life upon a different perspective. And its effect on his relationship with Ryan.
Issues and events that are so little and yet when they are add up, they become so big that make us think of situations that makes us selfish, and disregarding morality.
But what I’ve liked is how the characters evolve. Of how Tom realized that at his pursuit of self-improvement job-wise grabbing at every opportunity that he’d become selfish and forgetting how he’d been to Ryan. And Ryan, with his guilt and mothering nature that he was taken for granted. Of how they both accepted their mistakes and promised to be a better person for themselves, not for the pursuit of someone.
It was short and more rushed on pacing of the story, but it hit and tugged at my heart, and the more I hurt, the more I’m invested at the story.
Tom suffered an amnesia after some mugging, and with everything that seemed so right but with insecurities because of the loss of his memories. With the return of his memories one by one, he has taken a look of his life upon a different perspective. And its effect on his relationship with Ryan.
Issues and events that are so little and yet when they are add up, they become so big that make us think of situations that makes us selfish, and disregarding morality.
But what I’ve liked is how the characters evolve. Of how Tom realized that at his pursuit of self-improvement job-wise grabbing at every opportunity that he’d become selfish and forgetting how he’d been to Ryan. And Ryan, with his guilt and mothering nature that he was taken for granted. Of how they both accepted their mistakes and promised to be a better person for themselves, not for the pursuit of someone.
It was short and more rushed on pacing of the story, but it hit and tugged at my heart, and the more I hurt, the more I’m invested at the story.
October 22, 2012
Oh what a gripping read. I especially liked the fact that this MC wasn't without fault; yes, it was Ryan who cheated, but it was Tom who remained aloof during their marriage. I felt with both of them and overall it was a well balanced story with a satisfying end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2014
Just like everything else AJ Rose has written, In Remembrance Of Us grabbed me on the first page and refused to let me go. I’m a huge fan of AJ’s writing and this is one of AJ's very first published works. If you read this, take that into consideration and forgive the occasional formatting issue. His writing has improved drastically since this piece, but that doesn’t take away from it at all. It’s still, in my opinion, a well-written, heart-wrenching story that brought me to tears more than once.
Tom, having suffered a recent head injury, cannot remember recent events, like the marriage to his best friend, Ryan. As his memories slowly return, he sees, with a new, painful clarity, the problems they were facing in their marriage. That’s the gist of it. I don’t want to give spoilers as to the story itself.
This is one of those stories that, once you reach the end, you want to go back to the beginning and re-read it, now that you ‘know-what-you-know’. Remember seeing “The Sixth Sense”? Didn’t you want to see it again – because the second time would be with a totally different outlook? This book is kind of like that.
No one does angst and human emotion better than Mr. Rose, in my opinion. In classic AJ-style, the simplest of lines brought me to my knees and made the tears flow. Here is one example:
“Before I could second-guess myself, I dialed, phone pressed hard to my ear as it rang. When Ryan picked up, I froze, unable to speak.
‘Tom? I have caller ID,’ Ryan said softly.”
In itself, not an earth shattering line. In the context of the story? Gut-wrenching.
AJ can set a scene, conveying emotion and pacing in such a smooth, easy way that it’s completely effortless. In the lead-up to an amazingly hot encounter between Tom and Ryan, Tom is literally panting with need, yet wanting to set some guidelines. Ryan has other ideas, and this description of him at that moment made me grin:
“He murmured interested-sounding “uh-huhs” as if it were the most fascinating conversation in the history of conversations, while his hands contradicted him completely, pulling my shirt over my head and deftly undoing my pants.”
You can never go wrong picking up a story by AJ Rose. That said, for those of you who need trigger warnings, there is an aspect of ‘cheating’ in this story, however, it’s well within the logical context of Tom and Ryan’s storyline and there IS an HEA. (If the characters can get past it, certainly we can too, right?)
I know I can always trust AJ Rose to give me an exceptional reading experience and this was no exception.
Tom, having suffered a recent head injury, cannot remember recent events, like the marriage to his best friend, Ryan. As his memories slowly return, he sees, with a new, painful clarity, the problems they were facing in their marriage. That’s the gist of it. I don’t want to give spoilers as to the story itself.
This is one of those stories that, once you reach the end, you want to go back to the beginning and re-read it, now that you ‘know-what-you-know’. Remember seeing “The Sixth Sense”? Didn’t you want to see it again – because the second time would be with a totally different outlook? This book is kind of like that.
No one does angst and human emotion better than Mr. Rose, in my opinion. In classic AJ-style, the simplest of lines brought me to my knees and made the tears flow. Here is one example:
“Before I could second-guess myself, I dialed, phone pressed hard to my ear as it rang. When Ryan picked up, I froze, unable to speak.
‘Tom? I have caller ID,’ Ryan said softly.”
In itself, not an earth shattering line. In the context of the story? Gut-wrenching.
AJ can set a scene, conveying emotion and pacing in such a smooth, easy way that it’s completely effortless. In the lead-up to an amazingly hot encounter between Tom and Ryan, Tom is literally panting with need, yet wanting to set some guidelines. Ryan has other ideas, and this description of him at that moment made me grin:
“He murmured interested-sounding “uh-huhs” as if it were the most fascinating conversation in the history of conversations, while his hands contradicted him completely, pulling my shirt over my head and deftly undoing my pants.”
You can never go wrong picking up a story by AJ Rose. That said, for those of you who need trigger warnings, there is an aspect of ‘cheating’ in this story, however, it’s well within the logical context of Tom and Ryan’s storyline and there IS an HEA. (If the characters can get past it, certainly we can too, right?)
I know I can always trust AJ Rose to give me an exceptional reading experience and this was no exception.
September 24, 2014
An enjoyable read that kept my emotions engaged.
. Spoilered just in case.
A sweet finding each other again story that I enjoyed.
. Spoilered just in case.
A sweet finding each other again story that I enjoyed.
September 15, 2012
I didn't really buy Ryan as the injured party here. He cheated, told his boyfriend he loved him and would leave Tom, all because Tom didn't fawn all over him? And because he fawned too much over Tom? Take some responsibility for your actions and decisions, Ryan. I felt as though Tom was slowly turned into the bad guy here (unintentionally or not) and I really dislike anyone trying to justify infidelity by making it about someone else's flaws.
I think the story needed to be longer and the rift between the men explored in more depth in order to stop giving the impression I described above. It was just all too quickly revealed and resolved to make the reader actually feel much for either man.
I think the story needed to be longer and the rift between the men explored in more depth in order to stop giving the impression I described above. It was just all too quickly revealed and resolved to make the reader actually feel much for either man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2014
Well, this book was interesting, although not particularly in the good way. It definitely made me think. About relationships, sacrifices, and really, at what point should someone walk away.
After a mugging, Tom wakes up in a hospital missing his memories of the last two years. Two years of which he was married to his best friend and long time crush, Ryan. As Tom struggles to regain his memories, it comes to light that their marriage was far from being a happy one. But with the two given a new start, they struggle to reconnect. That was, until Ryan's affair comes to light, and Tom was forced to decide just how things between them fell apart so badly.
I'll just come out and say it. I did not like Tom. From the very beginning. I didn't much like any of the characters really, except maybe Ryan. But that's more pity than anything else.
Frankly, I wished Ryan had left Tom like he had planned. Because more than anything else, it seemed like he only stayed out of guilt. He was happy with Randall, something he apparently hadn't felt for a long time in his marriage to Tom. While I'm usually against adultery (to the point of hating it in my stories), I really can't see the two working it out. If what it took for them to stay together was for Tom to forget everything that had happened and the horrible ways he had treated Ryan and for Ryan to pretend none of that had occurred… that's not a healthy relationship, in fact, I'd say it's already dead.
And that fix was really just too simple. It lacked real emotion, is the best I can put it. To the point of almost indifference on Tom’s part. You can call it sacrificing for love, but to me, it just felt like he was willing to forgive because it’s easier that way. The story just didn’t scream true love to me��� more like choosing what was comfortable versus taking further risk. In which case, the amnesia was more gimmick than anything else.
After a mugging, Tom wakes up in a hospital missing his memories of the last two years. Two years of which he was married to his best friend and long time crush, Ryan. As Tom struggles to regain his memories, it comes to light that their marriage was far from being a happy one. But with the two given a new start, they struggle to reconnect. That was, until Ryan's affair comes to light, and Tom was forced to decide just how things between them fell apart so badly.
I'll just come out and say it. I did not like Tom. From the very beginning. I didn't much like any of the characters really, except maybe Ryan. But that's more pity than anything else.
Frankly, I wished Ryan had left Tom like he had planned. Because more than anything else, it seemed like he only stayed out of guilt. He was happy with Randall, something he apparently hadn't felt for a long time in his marriage to Tom. While I'm usually against adultery (to the point of hating it in my stories), I really can't see the two working it out. If what it took for them to stay together was for Tom to forget everything that had happened and the horrible ways he had treated Ryan and for Ryan to pretend none of that had occurred… that's not a healthy relationship, in fact, I'd say it's already dead.
And that fix was really just too simple. It lacked real emotion, is the best I can put it. To the point of almost indifference on Tom’s part. You can call it sacrificing for love, but to me, it just felt like he was willing to forgive because it’s easier that way. The story just didn’t scream true love to me��� more like choosing what was comfortable versus taking further risk. In which case, the amnesia was more gimmick than anything else.
June 17, 2018
♥.•*¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡¸.•♥*´¨)☆♡♥
♡☆(¸.•♥´So nice, I had to read it twice
Mar 23, 2013 - First review
I was in awed of this book and its characters.
I loved Tom's acceptance of the part he played in both his relationship and his life.
This book has joined my favorites list.
June 17, 2018 - Second review
Someone sent me a link to this book, and though I recalled reading it, I dug it up on this sleepy Sunday morning and boy, am I glad that I did. This re-read was like discovering the meaning of life all over again.
One accident drove home to Tom that most of his life had been a series of miscommunication. Being mugged and losing his short term memory opened the door to all the wrongs that he had misguidingly just refused to accept. Past experiences shaped him into the man he became, and falling for his best friend Ryan made up for it.
But when the memories started resurfacing, there was no place to hide. Both Tom and Ryan had to accept their faults and learn to modify their relationship, or risk the chance of losing each other yet again.
It was a joy to rediscovery this little nugget and I won't hesitate to recommend despite the indiscretion.
♡☆(¸.•♥´So nice, I had to read it twice
Mar 23, 2013 - First review
I was in awed of this book and its characters.
I loved Tom's acceptance of the part he played in both his relationship and his life.
This book has joined my favorites list.
June 17, 2018 - Second review
Someone sent me a link to this book, and though I recalled reading it, I dug it up on this sleepy Sunday morning and boy, am I glad that I did. This re-read was like discovering the meaning of life all over again.
One accident drove home to Tom that most of his life had been a series of miscommunication. Being mugged and losing his short term memory opened the door to all the wrongs that he had misguidingly just refused to accept. Past experiences shaped him into the man he became, and falling for his best friend Ryan made up for it.
But when the memories started resurfacing, there was no place to hide. Both Tom and Ryan had to accept their faults and learn to modify their relationship, or risk the chance of losing each other yet again.
It was a joy to rediscovery this little nugget and I won't hesitate to recommend despite the indiscretion.
July 21, 2015
3/5
This is one of those book that make me rage so bad I want to smash something against the wall.
Overall it was a nice book. As expected of A.J. Rose, the writing were pleasant. Despite all the grief it cause me, I did enjoy it to a certain level in the end.
However there is just a factor in the story that I can't overlook. In all honestly, I just can't see the story happen past that point.
While I like the initial idea, I'm not convinced with the plot progression at all. This is one of those case where I would rather have a harsh realistic ending than the force HEA that was dished out.
This is one of those book that make me rage so bad I want to smash something against the wall.
Overall it was a nice book. As expected of A.J. Rose, the writing were pleasant. Despite all the grief it cause me, I did enjoy it to a certain level in the end.
However there is just a factor in the story that I can't overlook. In all honestly, I just can't see the story happen past that point.
While I like the initial idea, I'm not convinced with the plot progression at all. This is one of those case where I would rather have a harsh realistic ending than the force HEA that was dished out.
January 21, 2012
Really 3.5 stars. This is the story of a guy, Tom, who is mugged and left with a severe head injury that seems to have erased about two and a half years of his life. When he wakes up he finds that he is married to his best friend, Ryan, that he has loved forever for over two years. But the last thing he can remember is his 28th birthday - the night he told his best friend he loved him. His friend Suzie is at the hospital with him before his husband has gotten back from a business trip and he overhears her talking to the Dr. - discovering that he has been married for some time and that there are holes in his memory. It's very scary for him and he has no idea what has happened. When Ryan gets there after returning early from the business trip, he still doesn't know what is going on. During the next several weeks, some memories start to return. The first one is fabulous - the first day of their honeymoon in Hawaii. But then the not so good memories come. Tom still feels really off-balance and can't quite figure out what is going on, but he suspects something is not right. A revealing phone message brings things to a head. Both Tom and Ryan have things to work on if this marriage is going to work.
It was an interesting premise and I liked the writing. I just wish it had been a little bit longer with a little more backstory revealed.
It was an interesting premise and I liked the writing. I just wish it had been a little bit longer with a little more backstory revealed.
April 3, 2012
3.5 stars
I like relationship-in-trouble stories. This short, told from Tom's first person POV, starts off when Tom is mugged on the street and suffers some swelling in the brain which leads to amnesia (most of which is fortunately, temporary). He wakes up to find he's forgotten that he is married to his BFF, Ryan and has been for more than 2 years. As he had loved Ryan from afar when they were just friends, he is quick to accept their love and anxious to resume their relationship and his memories of it. It quickly becomes apparent however that there has been trouble in paradise. As Tom looks at their relationship without the baggage of the previous 2 years, he is able to take responsibility for his own mistakes and inattentions. The mugging has given him a new resolve not to squander opportunities. Ryan is not perfect either. He has made some terrible mistakes too and both of the men have to forgive and make changes. The book was let down for me by not sufficiently detailing those changes and settling them in so that I believed that a) the story was finished and b) the pair had sorted things out and would be okay in the future. They might be - there wasn't quite enough for me to be sure. An enjoyable but somewhat incomplete read for me.
I like relationship-in-trouble stories. This short, told from Tom's first person POV, starts off when Tom is mugged on the street and suffers some swelling in the brain which leads to amnesia (most of which is fortunately, temporary). He wakes up to find he's forgotten that he is married to his BFF, Ryan and has been for more than 2 years. As he had loved Ryan from afar when they were just friends, he is quick to accept their love and anxious to resume their relationship and his memories of it. It quickly becomes apparent however that there has been trouble in paradise. As Tom looks at their relationship without the baggage of the previous 2 years, he is able to take responsibility for his own mistakes and inattentions. The mugging has given him a new resolve not to squander opportunities. Ryan is not perfect either. He has made some terrible mistakes too and both of the men have to forgive and make changes. The book was let down for me by not sufficiently detailing those changes and settling them in so that I believed that a) the story was finished and b) the pair had sorted things out and would be okay in the future. They might be - there wasn't quite enough for me to be sure. An enjoyable but somewhat incomplete read for me.
June 18, 2014
Tom Foster awakes at the hospital after a mugging, and he can't remember anything from the last two and a half year, including his husband Ryan Guthrie.
Tom's memory ends the day of his twenty-eight birthday. He and Ryan had been friends for eight years, but lately he'd been falling for him and wanting more, and he was planning on telling Ryan that night. Now he wakes up to find that they're married.
This was a good read, but maybe a bit too short. The issues was resolved a bit to quickly, and they forgave and moved on too soon, so it could have used some more pages.
Tom's memory ends the day of his twenty-eight birthday. He and Ryan had been friends for eight years, but lately he'd been falling for him and wanting more, and he was planning on telling Ryan that night. Now he wakes up to find that they're married.
This was a good read, but maybe a bit too short. The issues was resolved a bit to quickly, and they forgave and moved on too soon, so it could have used some more pages.
October 13, 2011
I really liked this story.
It is the tale of Tom and Ryan, two friends who, since college, harbor a secret liking for each other and take it the next step into becoming partners. When Tom is mugged, he loses his memory from the time he decides to share with Ryan how he feels to present.
What he discovers about himself and how he has let the love and excitement for he feels for Ryan, and how quickly a good thing can turn into a not-so-good thing are nicely laid out. Don't fret though, this story does have a HEA.
My only quibble with this is the length; I expected a little more from it, but it was a very nicely told short story. Good Job AJ.
It is the tale of Tom and Ryan, two friends who, since college, harbor a secret liking for each other and take it the next step into becoming partners. When Tom is mugged, he loses his memory from the time he decides to share with Ryan how he feels to present.
What he discovers about himself and how he has let the love and excitement for he feels for Ryan, and how quickly a good thing can turn into a not-so-good thing are nicely laid out. Don't fret though, this story does have a HEA.
My only quibble with this is the length; I expected a little more from it, but it was a very nicely told short story. Good Job AJ.
September 28, 2011
Actually a very good story about Tom who suffers from amnesia after a mugging. The last thing he remembers is his 28th birthday and nothing after that ... meanwhile 2 years have passed which he doesn't remember, including he and his best friend Ryan getting married. A great chance for Tom to start over again and do things right this time, but also for Ryan as their marriage was suffering from neglect, insecurities, cheating.
So be warned, if cheating is a deal breaker, this one is not for you.
So be warned, if cheating is a deal breaker, this one is not for you.
September 28, 2011
I kind of wish this story had been longer and so had the space to delve more deeply in several places. Despite that, I loved it and think it's darn near perfect just as it is. Amnesia plots can become farcical easily, but this one I thought gave a better explanation for the amnesia than many, and overall used it well. The relationship and history unfold just right, and I loved how imperfect and in love the heroes were. I thought their reactions to events and underlying motivations were very realistic and believable. I definitely look forward to reading more by this author.
January 15, 2015
In my opinion, although this story sometimes went too fast and not deep enough into the drama, especially in the beginning, it was clever, moving and funny and truly well-written (yay! to that last one, I was getting hopeless with gay romance these days). So thanks A.J. Rose, I loved it!
September 20, 2011
Good relationship story, believable and warm.
September 27, 2012
3.5 stars, rounded up.
February 4, 2012
2.5 stars.
September 10, 2016
Review to come
October 6, 2014
I just can't really get over the cheating part.
February 22, 2016
wish it were longer
October 10, 2014
New beginnings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews