Reminders of Her

Requiem for Love #1

by Claudia Y. Burgoa

From USA Today bestselling author Claudia Burgoa comes an achingly poignant tale—an exquisite Why Choose? An MMF polyamorous romance told partially in epistolary-style that promises a rollercoaster of emotions, bringing together love, loss, and the unabating pull of the past.

This wasn’t the typical boy meets girl story.
In our case, it was extraordinary: a boy met a girl and another boy.
And he fell madly in love with both.

Greyson was a gifted musician whose songs soothed even the most shattered souls.
Aerin was a ballerina, exuding an elegance that could steal your breath away.

They weren’t just my loves.
They were my reason to breathe—my world.

Until a tragedy broke us into a thousand pieces.

Now, years later, I'm left haunted by Greyson's melodies and the fragmented echoes of our shared past.

Just as I’m learning to breathe again, our history is flung into the public eye.
An agonizingly intimate memoir has surfaced, putting our past on full display.
I find myself drawn to Greyson, desperate to shield him from reminders of her.

As we navigate the stinging wounds of our history, we’re on a mission to find the person who ripped the bandages of our past.

Is there a chance this could lead us to something more—a way to fill the void left by her absence?
Because finding her is impossible… isn’t it?

Reminders of Her is the enthralling first book in the Requiem for Love duet. Prepare yourself for a breathtaking, slow-burn romance that culminates in a heart-stopping cliffhanger.
This novel will leave you gasping, aching, and craving for more.

Genres: M M F, Friends To Lovers, Audiobook, Contemporary, Second Chance, Slow Burn, Contemporary Romance

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2023

About the author

Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author.
She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breath away.
She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and her youngest two children. She has a sweet Bichon, Macey, who thinks she's the ruler of the house. She's only partially right.
When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family.
At night, she likes to binge watch shows with her equally geeky husband.

Instagram: http://bit.ly/ClaudiasIG
TikTok: https://bit.ly/CBstiktok
Bloggers/Influencers: https://geni.us/CBBloggers
Newsletter: https://geni.us/CBNewsletter

Reviews

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will start this review by saying I am extremely glad that I had the second book in the duet on deck so I could jump into it as soon as I finished this one because it ended with a cliffhanger and if I had to wait a few months to get the next book I probably wouldn't have been a happy camper.

Grayson Cooperson Decker and Sanford Bancroft met Aerin Carlton when they were in grade school, and we get to follow their friendship throughout the years in flashbacks but be warned because we also see all the neglect and abuse that Aerin goes through at the hand of her mother who is living her dream of being a Prima Ballerina through her youngest daughter, as well as her sister who is extremely jealous of her.

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewRoH



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Listeners Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
**𝓘 𝓪𝓵𝓼𝓸 𝓹𝓻𝓮-𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓵𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓹𝔂
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Elyvia (eliv_bookstagram) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐄𝐑
𝚁𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚎𝚖 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝙳𝚞𝚎𝚝 #𝟷
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

🎧 Listening via Audible
⏳ 05𝗛 30𝗠
🎙️ Erin Mallon, Aaron Shedlock, Lee Samuels & Samantha Brentmoor

❤️‍🩹𝙼𝚎𝚗𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚜 𝙼𝙼𝙵
❤️‍🩹𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝙵𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜
❤️‍🩹𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎

This book is part of the Decker Family novel, Greyson is one of the Decker-Cooperson’s sons who grew up with his best friend Sanford. They met their little Ballerina and made a pact to be her protector after seeing her being abused by her mother. As they get older, their feeling grows and together they embark on a passionate three-way relationship. Until one day tragedy separated them, and they had to find their way back to each other.

I’m so invested in The Decker’s family series, and it feels like with each book the story gets progressively angstier, and I do love a good heart-wrenching love story. Plus, I can never say no to an MMF story, and this is why I always go back to her books. The way she wrote a menage doesn’t feel like an erotica, it’s steamy without sacrificing the plot. I know I can always go to her books if I want a good cry.

This ends in a shocking cliffhanger, and you need to read the second book to get all of your answers. I was so confused the first time as the story was told in an epistolary style, but everything will make sense in the second book.


🎧𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰🎧
We have some amazing narrators who deliver heartfelt performances and bring these characters to life. I love every second of this audiobook, just well done!

✨ 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 FOREVER & ALWAYS PR 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚍𝚎 𝙸'𝚖 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚟𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚢 ✨

⚠️𝗖𝗪/𝗧𝗪/𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀⚠️
- Abuse by family members
- Kidnapping
- R*pe
- PTSD
- Eating Disorder
- Child Abuse
- And many2 more

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claudia Burgoa knows how to write an emotional, heart wrecking book and Reminders of Her is no different. The cliffhanger at the end of this book wrecked me and I'm still thinking about this book days later. The way the story is told is so unique and it tugs at the reader's heart strings. The suspense, angst, and intrigue had me in a vice grip which made it extremely hard to put this book down! I can't wait for the second book in this duet; I need to know how this story ends!

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Adrianna Lamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminders of her is a love duet with a MMF romance. It does start dark with childhood trauma. You go through am emotional journey through out this book. The author has a writing style that invokes the readers emotions and feelings. I loved each of the characters and their connections. Love this story.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart y'all, this book will devastate, ruin, and break you. You'll be mired deep in the heartbreaking emotion, and it's an epic MMF romance you'll never forget. Definitely check out the trigger warnings on CYB's website, because parts of it are not easy to read.

The other side, though, is that this is an angsty, evocative story, with parts of it poignantly beautiful. Sandford, Greyson, and their ballerina all met at an early age and formed a bond that seemed unbreakable. But even the strongest tree, when faced with a horrendous storm of torrential rain and unforgiving wind can be bent past its breaking point.

Steel yourself, guard your heart, and take a deep breath before going in. I have zero doubts that this amazingly talented storyteller will make all this gut-wrenching wreckage worth it when we get the second half of the duet in a couple of weeks. You may want to wait for Symphony of Us to read it all, but it will definitely be worth it!

[Kerry Melton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminders of Her is a polyamorous MMF romance that demonstrated a rollercoaster of emotions and a somewhat unconventional romance.

Stanford, Greyson, and Evie grew up together. They have been through many tragic events in their childhood and all hold some deep emotional scars. As adults, it has left them all trying to navigate through life and deal with their demons alone. Their unique story of the love they have for one other may be unconventional to some, but it is beautiful and works for them.


The emotional journey Claudia Burgoa takes you on with these characters is powerful and emotional. It's heartbreaking. But her writing really brought this beautiful story to life. This is book one of the Requiem of Love Duet. I look forward to reading the next one!

[Kat Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way this story unfolded. Without giving a spoiler, we don't often start a book with the relationship where this one is. Especially a relationship like the one in this duet. The story is fast paced and I was hoping it would slow down a bit so we could get a bit more of each of the characters. To dive a little deeper into they are and sit with them in their lives because I really liked the plot! It ends on a cliffy so I am glad I have the next book to start.

[Natalie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. It seamlessly took us from the past to the present and back again, telling us the story of our 3 lost souls.
I am obsessed with the mystery of what is going on and I cant wait to find out.

The narrators were amazing and definitely brought the story to life perfectly. I will be jumping straight into book 2 to see how the story ends

[Linda ( Clary_Starfall ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of an duet

Emotional rollercoaster 🥹
So much secrets and you will get frustrated with that cliffhanger 😅

So good 😊

5 star 🌟 read for me

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated 2/7/24 audiobook -
Aaron Shedlock, Samantha Brentmoor, Lee Samuels and Erin Mallon are an amazing cast for this audiobook. They all deliver amazing performances and bring these characters to life with perfect emotion, voice and personality. I love reading books but also love audiobooks because the narrators bring the characters life and give readers a whole new experience with the authors words.

Holy crap, Claudia!! This one hurt…I know you always put us back together but wowzer. This book will take you on an emotional adventure and leave your heart in tatters.

Claudia is such an amazing author who is the queen of angst and pain! Lol. This story is so beautifully written with slow burn, love, pain, revenge and a couple of twists that will have your head spinning. My heart was beating so fast during the last several chapters. And now we wait…for book 2.

Fantastic read!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful, raw, heart -wrenching emotional journey of childhood trauma and tragedy. The story of Sandord, Greyson and Evie is about childhood best friends who cared deeply for one another to embrace their unique love as adults, only for everything to shatter in an instant leaving them and all broken and alone to face the demons without that love. Ms. Burgoa has a way of reaching into your heart and soul of her readers. Her words have a lasting effect. I wish I could give this book more than five stars!

This book has finally been brought to life by the wonderful narrating talents of Aaron Shedlock, Lee Samuels, Samantha Brentmoor, and Erin Mallon. Listening to this emotional book brought back all the feelings I experienced when I first read the book.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon UK / Amazon Global / Amazon CA / Amazon AU / Apple / Nook / Kobo / Google / Paperback



Stanford, Evie, and Greyson had been in each other's lives since they were young. But tragedy struck and now the three are apart. I don't want to spoil and say more, but just know there's a cliffhanger, this beginning is angsty, emotional, and heartbreaking.



I'm not sure yet what will happen, but I know I'm rooting for these three. I have faith that the author will get them back together, on the same page, and finally happy together.



ARC provided by the author for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Reminders of Her by Claudia Burgoa; the first book in her Requiem for Love Duet, it is an incredible love story. Claudia Burgoa continues to provide readers with incredible love stories filled with amazing characters. She continues to prove that she is an amazing storyteller and one of my favorite authors to read. I love all the characters in Reminders of Her, they feel like family! Reminders of Her filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions, it was impossible to put it down, and I loved every moment on every page. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? I really enjoy how the book is told in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud. My favorite moments are the ones that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. Reminders of Her is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. It is filled with all those things that I have come to love and expect in Claudia Burgoa love story, and she did not disappoint, especially with the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Reminders of Her is a love story between Aerin Carlton, ballerina and Greyson Cooperson, musician and Sanford Bancroft, band member of Too Far from Grace and agent with The Organization. Reminders of Her bounces back and forth between the present, the past, and the biography, Harmony in Three. Claudia Burgoa effortlessly accomplishes this. I love the story within the story with Harmony in Three, a biography about their relationship written by a ghost writer, who they assume is Aerin’s sister Enya. Aerin, Greyson, and Sanford all meet at the arts academy and school that Ainsley Decker Bradley owns. Greyson and Sanford worry about how she is treated by her psychologically abusive mother and sneak food to her. I love how Greyson and Sanford play music that Aerin performs to and the things that they share things with one another that they have never shared with anyone before. While together at school, Aerin encourages a relationship between Greyson and Sanford. They are interested in including Aerin in their relationship. The flashback scenes involving Aerin are heartbreaking. Greyson and Sanford have not stayed connected with one another and are not sure about Aerin’s fate. As they read Harmony in Three together, they are trying to determine who wrote the book with help from Mason, Finn, and Derek. The details that are revealed in Harmony in Three are heartbreaking, especially when it is revealed what happened to Aerin at the hands of her sister. While reading the book, Sanford finally discovers what happened to Greyson. After reading the book Greyson and Sanford’s relationship is in limbo. For most of the book Aerin is simply referred to as her. My favorite part is the cliffhanger ending. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Reminders of Her, the characters feel like family and friends. I loved catching up with the characters from other Claudia Burgoa books. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I thoroughly enjoyed Reminders of Her, I cannot wait to read The Symphony of Us, to read the conclusion of Aerin, Greyson, and Sanford’s love story and hopefully their happily ever after. Highly recommend this incredible love story.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story & Narration🎧Gripping & Emotionally Moving!

Reminders of Her
A Decker Family Novel
Requiem for Love, Book 1
By: Claudia Burgoa
Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock, Samantha Brentmoor, Lee Samuels, featuring Erin Mallon

Wow, what an amazing start to the “Requiem for Love” duet, a beautiful story of a first love, a promising relationship of three young adults, Aerin Carlton, Sanford Bancroft and Grayson Cooperson Decker that gets torn apart tragically and then an ending that will completely blow you away. Thankfully, the audio for the second part of the duet “Symphony of Us” is not far behind because this leaves you needing to know what happens next. Aerin’s childhood has not been the best, and when her parents split, she went to live with her demanding mother and her sister went with their father. A house divided does something to a child, especially when the other parent wants nothing to do with them. Aerin dealt with it, her mother strictness, wanting her to become the prima ballerina she wanted to be. She means well, right? Luckily, two boys became her saving grace and her friends, Sanford and Grayson, music students in her school. The three formed a bond like no other and they merged their dreams and plans for the future, except it all comes crumbling down because of the evil of a jealous sister. Claudia Burgoa takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride like no other, I loved how she presented the story, epistolary like, and it’s timelines starting with the present, then their younger days, back to the present and leaving you hanging with questions, who, how, what and why. OK, and a WTF too. Well done, Ms. Burgoa, very well done. As always, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. I loved being in the Decker world again and getting to see some characters from earlier books.  Thank you for another fantastic story, one that pulled me in, tugged at my heartstrings and left an imprint on it. 

🎧📚🎧  And for the amazing narration, Aaron Shedlock, Samantha Brentmoor, Lee Samuels and Erin Mallon did a fabulous job bringing these characters and story to life. I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. They all nailed it in their roles, Brentmoor as the evil sister, Shedlock as Greyson, Samuels as Sanford and Mallon as Aerin. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling every single one. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their performance enhances this already fantastic story to another level. Thank you for another exceptional listen.

[Laura Fabian · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review

I didn't quite know what to expect from the first book of Requiem for Love duet and I have to say that I really enjoyed the plot twists that Claudia Burgoa prepared for Greyson, Sanford and their ballerina's story.

I loved the way the author told the plot of Reminders of Her showing San & Grey's love for each other, how broken their hearts are after the loss of their ballerina and the way in which they both try to survive after the tragedy, but without a doubt, what I liked the most was learning little by little what the three of them went through together through the book and the memories both share.

It was also painful to learn the story of their ballerina, the pressure, mistreatment and tragedy that she had to face at the hands of the people who had to protect her, and the way in which the happiness that she had with Sanford & Greyson was ripped from her, I really need to know more about her.

🎙️Grey: 5/5
🎸Sanford: 5/5
🩰She: 5/5
🎙️Plot: 4/5
🎸Love story: 5/5
🩰PSecondary characters: 5/5
🎸Cover: 5/5
One of my favorites from the author💖
🎙️Universe: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5

🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta

No sabía muy bien que esperar del primer libro de Requiem for Love duet y tengo que decir que disfrute mucho de los giros en la trama que Claudia Burgoa preparó para la historia de Greyson, Sanford y su bailarina.

Me encantó la manera en la que la autora contó la trama de Reminders of Her mostrando el dolor de San & Grey por el otro, lo rotos que están sus corazones después de la perdida de su bailarina y la manera en la que ambos intentan sobrevivir después de la tragedia, pero sin dudas, lo que más me gustó ir conociendo poco a poco lo que los tres pasaron juntos a través del libro de memorias y los recuerdos que ambos hombres comparten.

También fue doloroso conocer la historia de la bailarina, la presión, maltrato y tragedia que tuvo que enfrentar en manos de las personas que debían protegerla, y la manera en la que la felicidad que tenía al lado de Sanford & Greyson le fue arrancada, de verdad necesito sabe más de ella.

🎙️Grey: 5/5
🎸Sanford: 5/5
🩰Ella: 5/5
🎙️Trama: 4/5
🎸Historia de amor: 5/5
🩰Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🎸Portada: 5/5
de mis favoritas hasta ahora 💖
🎙️Universo: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5

[Dora Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! A page-turner indeed! To say I love this story is an understatement! This is not the story you think it is—it is so much more! Get ready to be engaged in a story like no other. It’s an emotional turmoil! It’s full of heartache! My heart outright swooned when I read this arduous MMF romance! REMINDERS OF HER is the first book in the Requiem for Love duet. I loved this friends to lovers, slow-burn tension with all its angst, drama, and heartbreak that is gut-wrenching in this love story. Prepare yourself to have your heart hemorrhage—it will make you ugly cry and have you in a perpetual state of tears. I found myself in tears more than once while reading this book. Claudia Burgoa is a skilled wordsmith who excels at writing love stories that are raw, real, and with a warmth so palpable her characters steal their way into your heart and remains for a long time.

This is Greyson (Grey) Cooperson Decker, Sanford (San) Bancroft, and their ballerina’s story. Grey and San grew up as childhood friends. At an early age at school one day, San and Grey met their ballerina who was shy, but when she danced, it was so breathtaking. Soon the three of them formed a special bond. What started as a strong attraction for the ballerina evolves into something more as the she is enfolded into Grey and San’s orbit. “She becomes an inseparable part of our shared love—Grey and mine. My soul has finally found its home within the embrace of their love.”

Fast forward, as adults, San, Grey, and their ballerina builds a deep connection and love so unique until tragedy occurred. Then, an intimate memoir surfaces expecting Grey and San to take the bandage off their already existing wounds. As their relationship slowly falls apart, the frayed threads holding the remnants of their love together can last only so long before irrecoverable damage is done. Their journey made me feel the heartbreak, hope, and sadness because they are three damaged people trying to find acquiescence within themselves and with one another. This is a powerful tale of three people who have a lot to discover about themselves and a love they feel is undeniable. The question is, will their burgeoning love survive beneath a shroud of uncertainty and despair? What happens next? Well, read this amazing story and find out—you won’t regret it! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Srish · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝕬𝕽𝕮 𝕽𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜:

∆ 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐫 is the first book in the Requiem for Love duet. It is an MMF romance involving a musician, a ballerina and a sniper. Since Reminders of Her is an MMF, it became one of my favourites because it is very rare that MMF romance has such depth and such deep storyline involving everyone in the book.

∆ The story starts with a sense of solitude, where Sanford after completing his mission returns home and is missing his family, Greyson, who would rather gouge his own eyes out before loving Sanford again, and Aerin, the beautiful ballerina.

∆ The fact that no matter what the characters say about hating each other, they definitely do not hate each, their hearts still beat for one another, it is the fact that none of the men are wise enough to sit and talk but they would rather fuck each other to release pent up stress. Why would you make that your coping mechanism? But then again, I understand them, I understand the level of grief and tragedy that has torn them apart.

∆ Does this story have an end to the pain? Because God honestly speaking, I don't want Sanford and Greyson to go through pain again, but if it means them being together, then dammit, I want the pain, all the pain you could get me.

∆ The author of the memoir is in so much pain, but the way she describes her family is like the dysfunctional family couldn't be helped, the family is too broken, perhaps it was, perhaps it could have been helped but the horror struck through it tarnishing everything.

∆ I love how Sanford and Greyson agree on most of the things like how Aerin's family is what caused Aerin to be fearful. Love how Sanford and Greyson are there for Aerin, to protect her, love her, bring+cook her food, they always loved her, they still love her, they will forever love her, just like the way they always loved each other and still do and will do so in the future as well.

∆ For those who love why-choose romance and second chance at love, this one is for you.

“I love you, babe. I never stopped loving you. Sorry, we lost her. I’m fucking sorry about everything that happened to you.”

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE FINAL BOOK BECAUSE THIS ENDED ON A CLIFFHANGER.

[Nicole M · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” — Khalil Gibran

Blurb:

This wasn’t the typical boy meets girl story.
In our case, it was extraordinary: a boy met a girl and another boy.
And he fell madly in love with both.
Greyson was a gifted musician whose songs soothed even the most shattered souls.
Aerin was a ballerina, exuding an elegance that could steal your breath away.
They weren’t just my loves.
They were my reason to breathe—my world.
Until a tragedy broke us into a thousand pieces.
Now, years later, I'm left haunted by Greyson's melodies and the fragmented echoes of our shared past.
Just as I’m learning to breathe again, our history is flung into the public eye.
An agonizingly intimate memoir has surfaced, putting our past on full display.
I find myself drawn to Greyson, desperate to shield him from reminders of her.
As we navigate the stinging wounds of our history, we’re on a mission to find the person who ripped the bandages of our past.
Is there a chance this could lead us to something more—a way to fill the void left by her absence?
Because finding her is impossible… isn’t it?

Thoughts 💭
What a story! I love Claudia Burgosa books and this one isn’t any different. The raw and rollercoaster of emotion that this send you on. It is a Why chose (MMF) of Grey, Sanford and their ballerina Evie. The love that these three share was indescribable but when something tragic happens to them you feel the pain, lose and heartbreak that they go through throughout this whole book. I cannot describe how amazing this book was. The way the author wrote it you can’t help but be right there with them. There are some dark parts in the book that maybe hard to read but always check your trigger warning.. This is a must read!

“They shattered her to the point where she couldn’t see any light. She left us for good,” he mumbles. “If we’d been there, we could’ve reminded her that she was the light. Our sun. The brightest star in our universe.”

And let’s talk about the cliffhanger! 🫢🫢 off to book two…

As always PLEASE check your TRIGGER WARNINGS!

[kgagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart! This first book in Burgoa's Requiem For Love duet is an emotionally, raw, and heart-stopping story that I couldn't put down! It's a story about three people who connect so intrinsically, at first, through music and dance, starting out as friends, then growing into something deeper, and even more beautiful. It starts out talking about the pain and torture of having your voice taken away from you, before introducing us to Sanford and Greyson. They are both in love, but something tragic has happened that has torn them apart, along with an unknown third person, their ballerina, who brought so much light and love into their world, before it was shattered. Their story is told in a unique way, helping us to understand them, and their deep connections, through past memories, present events, and reading through a mysterious memoir that is giving voice to their tragic past. Their love is organic, beautiful and pure, and you can't help but fall for them as they fall for each other, making your heart break even harder for what they have endured. Burgoa has a magical way of weaving this story in a poetic and lyrical way, making me feel everything even deeper, making my heart race and taking my breath away. Add in the outstanding narrations by Aaron Shedlock, Lee Samuels, Samantha Brentmoor, and Erin Mallon, and you have a breathtaking audiobook experience! Their brilliant deliveries gripped my imagination and compelled me to feel everything these characters think and experience. They embodied these characters perfectly, making my heart race from beginning to end. They made me care so deeply for these characters, and I was so completely invested in them, that the jaw dropping ending left me completely stunned! I need book two soon so Burgoa can put my heart back together again, like only she can! On a side note, I loved how so many characters from past books appear in this story, helping to keep my heart beating! This was an up-putdownable story, and I can't wait to listen to The Symphony of Us!

[TheSassyNerdBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Claudia’s books a few years ago and fell in love with her writing. Her ability to write romantic, swoon-worthy love stories that leave imprints on your heart after you have finished reading them and this love story I have of hers here has just done that.


I will mention first that this is a duet and it does in fact end on a cliffhanger, however, book two, The Symphony of Us is available now to read/listen to so you won’t be left hanging!

When it comes to romance and her love stories, Claudia loves to write the emotional storylines that tug on my heartstrings and make my heart break into a million pieces before I get that happy ending and this duet was no different.

This story is about Sandford, Greyson and their ballerina, Aerin. They all met when they were children and have been through some tragic and traumatic events which is one of the reasons the three of them are so close and have formed an extremely tight bond that seems to be unbreakable…. so they thought…

As adults, they struggle to navigate their way through life with the trauma and the demons that haunt them from their past.

To most, their relationship is different, abnormal and unconventional, to them it’s beautiful and amazing and it works for them.

I’m not going to dive in any deeper. I feel like this needs to be experienced by going in blind. I will say that this is an emotional, gut-wrenching story for these three characters, they go through so much pain and sorrow. It’s raw, it’s gritty and it’s captured my heart and soul from beginning to end… and that cliffhanger at the end!! Right on to The Symphony of Us (Book 2) I go!!


Be prepared to cry, get some tissue, a glass of wine…. Or maybe a bottle and buckle in. You’re in for one hell of an emotional, gut-wrenching, heartbreaking ride. You are not going to know what if you!


5 STARS!!!!!!

[Emily (ARCs.Mama.Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC REVIEW
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REQUIEM FOR LOVE DUET by Claudia Burgoa
BOOK 1 - Reminders of Her
BOOK 2 - The Symphony of Us
SERIES: The Decker Family
FORMAT: Audiobook (Dual Narration by Aaron Shedlock, Lee Samuels, Erin Mallon & Samantha Brentmoor
STAR RATING: Overall 3.5/5 ⭐️ (Book 1 - 3.75/5 ⭐️ Book 2 - 3.25/5 ⭐️)
SPICE RATING: Book 1 - 1/5 🔥 Book 2 - 2/5 🔥
NARRATION: 5/5 🎙️
GENRE: Romantic Suspense
TROPES: Second Chance, MMF, Emotional, Forced Proximity, Surprise twist, Recovery & Healing, Angst

Blurb:
This wasn’t the typical boy meets girl story. In our case, it was extraordinary: a boy met a girl and another boy. And he fell madly in love with both. Greyson was a gifted musician whose songs soothed even the most shattered souls. Aerin was a ballerina, exuding an elegance that could steal your breath away. They weren’t just my loves. They were my reason to breathe—my world. Until a tragedy broke us into a thousand pieces. Now, years later, I'm left haunted by Greyson's melodies and the fragmented echoes of our shared past. Just as I’m learning to breathe again, our history is flung into the public eye. An agonizingly intimate memoir has surfaced, putting our past on full display. I find myself drawn to Greyson, desperate to shield him from reminders of her. As we navigate the stinging wounds of our history, we’re on a mission to find the person who ripped the bandages of our past. Is there a chance this could lead us to something more—a way to fill the void left by her absence? Because finding her is impossible… isn’t it? Reminders of Her ends on a cliffhanger.

Book 1, Reminders of Her, weaves between present tense first person, flashbacks of how our MCs met and how their relationship evolved and a 3rd person narrator providing insight through a memoir. The performances by the voice actors were stellar - just as you’d expect with this cast! I fell in love with young Sanford & Greyson immediately - their care and protectiveness of Aerin is exactly what you’d want for a character in her position. The tragedy the three of them endure is heart-wrenching.

The Symphony of Us quickly addresses the cliffhanger in book 1 and follows the healing and recovery of our trio. However, without divulging spoilers, Book 2 was anti-climatic for me. I felt like I was missing gaps of time in the characters’ journeys - like the story was rushed to get to the end. Sometimes this felt more like a why choose than a triad due to San’s time away and then Grey’s. Overall I enjoyed the story and these three characters who’ve endured so much getting a second chance. There were just some pieces missing for me.

The Requiem for Love duet is a part of Claudia Burgoa’s series following the Decker Family. All of her books are interconnected stand-alones and part of Claudia’s Multiverse. To date there is one more completed duet following Requiem for Love. Currently the Decker Family books are included in Kindle Unlimited for the summer 2024.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminders of Her will utterly devastate, ruin, and break you. This MMF romance is an emotional rollercoaster that etches its way into your soul, leaving an indelible mark. Be sure to check the trigger warnings on Burgoa's website, as parts of this story are not for the faint of heart.

From the very beginning, this angsty and evocative tale grips you with its raw beauty. Sandford, Greyson, and their ballerina share a bond that was forged in their youth and feels unbreakable. But life's storms can bend even the strongest trees to their breaking point, and their journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

I urge you to steel yourself and guard your heart before delving into this emotional whirlwind. Take a deep breath and embrace the wreckage, knowing that this remarkably talented storyteller will make every gut-wrenching moment worth it. The anticipation for the second half of the duet, Symphony of Us, is almost unbearable.

Claudia has woven a story that reaches deep into your core, leaving you breathless and yearning for more. The pain and beauty coexist in perfect harmony, making Reminders of Her an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose to wait for the complete duet or dive into this heart-wrenching journey immediately, rest assured that the emotional payoff will be worth it.

Reminders of Her is a poignant and soul-stirring read that demands to be felt. Burgoa's ability to evoke such intense emotions is a testament to her exceptional storytelling prowess. If you're ready to be swept away in a love story that will shatter and heal you, then this book is an absolute must-read. Prepare to embark on a journey that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just, WOW! Upon turning the final page of this book I'm left drained by all that came before, utterly broken down by all that befell this triad, and on edge while waiting for the second half of this duet to hit bookshelves. This story touched me on every level, warming my heart early on as Sanford, Greyson, and Aerin found a friendship before it became oh so much more. The bond between them was beautiful, their scenes together jumped off the pages, and they completely invested me in their relationship. I felt everything they felt, smiled when there was joy and bled tears when their pain took an even more painful turn. What these characters went through was difficult to read sometimes, their painful pasts made even more heartbreaking by the fact that it was family (and those sworn to protect them) who caused the most pain. Through it all though they had each other and I was right there with them, breathing in their love and support....before their lives broke into pieces, pieces that may never get put back together.

From the first page to the last, this is an epic tale! It's an unforgettable story teeming with angst that twists you into a pretzel from time to time...before leaving you breathless with one heckuva cliffhanger (although it's one I saw coming). Even with that knowledge though this was a book that you can't help but be pulled into. There's angst, there's love, there's emotional pain amidst unwavering support...this book has it all! I'm now left (impatiently) waiting for the conclusion of this duet, stocking up on tissues while recommending this book to everyone, hoping that Ms. Burgoa builds me back up after leaving me wrecked from all that came before!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminders of Her
Requiem for Love 1
By Claudia Burgoa
Narrated by Aaron Shedlock, Samantha Brentmoor, Lee Samuels, Erin Mallon

I know when I listen to Claudia Burgoa that I will be in for an emotional ride, but honestly, I was not prepared. This raw, gritty and incredibly emotional story captured my attention from the first chapter and kept me on the edge of my own emotions. Greyson and Sanford have been friends for a long time and their friendship evolved into more. When they met, Aerin, the shy ballerina, she was the piece that was missing. But life is never easy, and the life of these three is destroyed. Years later, torn apart there is a memoir written that is just too close to their story. Now we get the whole story of their past. But why would someone want to bring it all out in the open, tear open the wounds that have slowly scabbed over? This book is filled with so many feels, tugging at the heart and needing to hear and understand all the different sides of the story. Burgoa knows how to write so that the characters worm into my life and hang on, so not only can I not stop listening, but when I do, they stay with me and I am constantly thinking of them. She left me hanging, that is for sure, and I can't wait to start the second book to see where if their love can bring them all back together.

Then to make this book even better, Aaron Shedlock, Lee Samuels, Samantha Brentmoor and Erin Mallon tell the story with such feeling that I, who does not cry or even tear during a listen had to get tissues. The talents of this collaboration found the essence of every character and made them all feel real. I was fascinated with the story and their performances enhanced my enjoyment. Bring on the next book!

[kgagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart! This first book in Burgoa's Requiem For Love duet is an emotionally, raw, and heart-stopping story that I couldn't put down! It's a story about three people who connect so intrinsically, at first, through music and dance, starting out as friends, then growing into something deeper, and even more beautiful. It starts out talking about the pain and torture of having your voice taken away from you, before introducing us to Sanford and Greyson. They are both in love, but something tragic has happened that has torn them apart, along with an unknown third person, their ballerina, who brought so much light and love into their world, before it was shattered. Their story is told in a unique way, helping us to understand them, and their deep connections, through past memories, present events, and reading through a mysterious memoir that is giving voice to their tragic past. Their love is organic, beautiful and pure, and you can't help but fall for them as they fall for each other, making your heart break even harder for what they have endured. Burgoa has a magical way of weaving this story in a poetic and lyrical way, making me feel everything even deeper, making my heart race and taking my breath away. I cared so deeply, and was completely invested in them, so the jaw dropping ending left me completely stunned! I need book two soon so Burgoa can put my heart back together again, like only she can! On a side note, I loved how so many characters from past books appear in this story, helping to keep my heart beating! This was an up-putdownable story, and I can't wait to read The Symphony of Us!

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We're reduced to fragments of what we were, love long since cooled into regret and silence."

Someone has put their pain in black and white for all to read
Someone who may have been the catalyst for the destruction of their worlds

When an intimate memoir surfaces, one that is too close to putting their pasts on full display, Greyson, and San are forced to confront old wounds. As they navigate the stinging wounds of their history, they're on a mission to find the person who ripped off the bandages of their past.

Is there a chance this could lead them to something more—a way to fill the void left by her absence?
Because finding her is impossible… isn't it?

This takes us back to the beginning, told partially in epistolary style, and walks us through the events slowly bringing us to this moment
We watch as the jealousies take root
Get glimpses behind the curtain
And lastly, the final event that took their ballerina leaving a chasm between Grey and San that may never be healed

"You want us to continue, you have to balance the memories."

San knows he has to protect Greyson if he doesn't want to see him spiral to his own death
He failed him once
He will not fail again

Greyson...
My heart just breaks for him

This has all kinds of moments
Happy ones
First-moment ones
Angry ones
Sad ones
Jealous ones
Horrifically ugly ones
It's all these moments brought together that gives us the true picture
Be prepared...
Tears - Anger - Sighs of frustration - Smiles - You will get to experience them all

This does end on a cliffy that I'm pretty sure you will see coming
Though I could be wrong

[Nikki Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Thoughts: Claudia always knows how to bring the drama and anxs to all of her books especially the ones surrounding the Decker Family. This was a gripping story and I devoured the duet in a day. There was so much trauma for all three characters, and it was mesmerizing watching their story unfold, especially with Stanford’s broken heart, Greyson’s battle with drug addiction, and the missing heart of the trio, Aerin. The only issue I have is that it is hard to remember the family tree when there are so many Deckers.

Narration: Full cast narration, first-person present tense POV, with flashbacks and from retelling in a book

Tropes: Friends to lovers then Enemies to lovers, abusive parents, musician, mercenary, second chance, kidn@pping, drug addict, trauma and therapy,

Overall: 4
Spice: 2
Humor: 1
Drama: 4
Darkness: 2.5

When Sanford finds out the best and worst thing to ever happen to him is now in a best selling tell all book by an anonymous author, his first thought is how this will affect his lost love, Greyson. He is able to convince Greyson to join him and read the book together for emotional support.
Through the book, they learn things about the past of Aerin, their muse and the light to their dark.

She has been gone for years, and the revelations in this book, tear open old wounds and help bring closure to Greyson and Sanford, as they work through information just now brought to light.

When they finish the book, they embark on a mission to figure out who the mystery author is and how they know all this information. They want to know what happened to their ballerina and will stop at nothing to find the answers.

[Mayville (Tourbiez Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I read this book in one day and my emotions were all over the place from start to end. It all started with curiosity, then turned to anticipation as the friendship and love blossomed for Sanford Bancroft, Greyson Cooperson-Decker, and their lovely ballerina, Aeryn Carlton, then came fear and edgy, and then ending it with devastation and heartbreak. Seriously, I closed my Kindle with a dropped jaw on the final few chapters and was shocked by that damn cliffhanger!
I love how Claudia created this story which is a bit different from the other Decker Family novels. And I thought The Downfall of Us Duet (Finn/Archer, Piper and Derek's book) is her best so far this year, but it looks like this book might topple it off.

ATTENTION: SPOILERS AHEAD!
When you're a product of parental neglect, you become envious which eventually turns into revenge that goes deadly. The trio were living a dream with promises of love and a possible bright future until a horrible tragedy broke them. One became an addict after enduring one hell of a torture and one doesn't know what to do to pull his other half out of the hell he's into. I have no words for what Grey and Aeryn have endured in that horrific ordeal. I don't even believe they deserve what happened to them. I hurt for Sanford because I too have no idea what to do to make everything right again. I have endless rage towards Enya for what she has done to her sister, Grey and Sanford.
And that damn cliffhanger!!! Argh, I can't wait for the finale!

[Meredith (SweetReadsandTreats) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always know that when I start a book by Claudia Burgoa that I’m going to get in touch with my deep feelings. She never fails to make me sympathize for her characters and fall in love with them more and more with each page. Claudia was so rough on Greyson and Sanford. It made me want to hug them both which is usually a sign that means I adore the story. Their story is not an easy read and Claudia never shies away from putting her characters into horrific situations, but does so with care to further the plot. This story is layered and slowly reveals itself, which is why I won’t summarize it in my own words. This angsty second chance, MMF polyamorous romance switches between the present and past, with glimpses of the past told in epistolary style as the men read a tell-all biography. It will steal your heart.

Reminders of Her was an absolute treat in audio. With 4 top narrators bringing the story to life, you can’t help but get lost in the story. Lee Samuels and Aaron Shedlock didn’t shy away from Grayson and Sanford’s difficult love story that has enemies to lovers vibes, but they never really hated each other. Tragedy has a way of twisting the past and splitting people up. Their journey back to one another was amazing. The story splits between the present and the past read by Samantha Brentmoor. Without spoiling anything, I will say that she embraced her role and it was magical. With Erin Mallon rounding out the cast (again no spoilers), this story couldn’t have been better cast and was one I’m so glad I got to experience in audio. I immediately dove into book 2 at the cliffhanger, desperately needing to know what happened next. This duet stuck with me long past the ending and was a reminder of why I always enjoy reading Claudia’s stories.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Requiem For Love Duet and it is Sanford, Greyson and Aerin’s story and omg get the tissues ready because you are in for a heartbreaking ride. Sanford, Greyson and Aerin met at school and had such a unique connection that turned into a really strong love as adults only for everything to shatter all around them leaving each one to suffer alone without anyone being there to support them breaking something inside them that can’t be repaired. A love like this is not only special but unique and you can feel the pain as if you are there living through it and I cried so many times with everything that had happened and what they were going through and it completely broke my heart in two but I still had to keep turning the pages because I just couldn’t put it down as it hooked me in right from the start and also had me on the edge of my seat while holding my breath and also kept my attention throughout the whole book because it was so raw and addictive that I read it in one sitting and then you get a explosive cliffhanger ending that will have you begging for book two to find out what the outcome would be for them all. Claudia Burgoa is a incredible author and writer and she certainly knows how to pull on her readers heartstrings while completely destroying you and then putting you back together in the best way possible. I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.