New Year Knew You

Capricorn Cove #5

by Evie Mitchell

Emily
The doctors told me I have amnesia. They've said it's a result of the concussion I sustained on New Year's Eve, but I know the truth.

I've been transported to a parallel universe, it's the only plausible explanation as to why I'm now living five years in the future where I've morphed into some kind of body-conscious diet addict who has a better relationship with my mother-in-law than my husband.

Or should I say, ex-husband. How is it that Calvin Jameson and I have gone from hopelessly devoted to separated and on the cusp of divorce?
I can't remember, but I'm damned sure I'm going to find out.

Calvin
I love my wife. The problem is, I no longer like her. After our wedding she morphed from the dorky boho with a riot of curls who loved everyone and wanted nothing more than to travel the world barefoot, to a prim and proper Stepford wife whose tongue is sharper than a sword, who judges everyone she meets and only ever shows an interest in the latest diet fad.

When Emily wakes up from a coma claiming to not remember the last five years – I'm skeptical. But then she shows signs of the old her. The woman who eats burgers with extra fries, who wants to learn how to juggle, who plays the violin naked and dreams of exploring every beach the world has to offer.

And I have to ask myself – what if I just ignore the last five years? What if this is our do-over?

I'm not sure, but one thing's clear, it's a new year and Emily is a woman I now want to know.

Warning: This new year piece of sexiness involves a woman searching for redemption, a man who's been burned before, and the magic that only a new year brings. This second-chance love will tug on your heartstrings, remind you to love yourself and literally burn your sheets – sometimes all in the same chapter! Get thee some tissues and a hot man to cuddle, this is going to be one angsty ride.

Trigger warning: This book deals with body issues and eating disorders. If this is a trigger for you please consider skipping.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Ebooks, Contemporary

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2020

About the author

USA Today bestselling romance author. Evie Mitchell, delivers steamy, inclusive, body-positive romance filled with heat, heart, and happily ever afters.

Evie lives with her husband, their sausage dog, and an ever-growing collection of book-related mugs. When she's not writing, Evie loves curling up in the sun with an excellent book and a cup of tea.

You can find her at @EvieMitchellAuthor on all socials or EvieMitchell.com

Reviews

[Nana · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time I read this author, it was a short, sexy and sweet story, Cal was so cute and dedicated to Em, I loved his love for her.😍

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit leery going into NEW YEAR KNEW YOU because the last we saw of Emily she was being a huge jerk. Calvin and Emily's marriage is on the verge of divorce when Emily gets in a car accident and wakes up with amnesia. She's lost 5 years of her life and doesn't know why there's distance between her and her husband or why her body is nothing like she remembered.

I loved seeing Calvin and Emily reconnect and also understand why they fell apart in the first place. They both let insecurities and the pressures of their families get in the way of their happy relationship. This one is definitely more sweet and emotional and less focused on the steam which makes sense for the plot. While NEW YEAR KNEW YOU includes some heavy topics like Emily's eating disorder and body dysmorphia it's only acknowledged and never really addressed again other than a comment about wanting to go to therapy.

Content Warning: references to reading disorders and body dysmorphia

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable, deeply emotional second chance at love novella between two married people on the verge of divorce when their lives get upended by a car crash. When Emily wakes up after crashing her car she discovers she doesn't remember the last five years of her life. Her husband Calvin was about to walk away but now that they might have a new chance at love they work together to figure out where everything went wrong. A dual perspective story that has great mental health/body image representation. Highly recommended.

TW: eating disorders/body image dismorphia

[Floripiquita · Rating 2 out of 5]

#Popsugar21 Reto 11: un libro sobre el olvido

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars: 4
Length: Lunch Break Read
POV: Dual
Series: Capricorn Cove Book 5 (Stand Alone but Connected)
Ending: HEA
Re-read? No

"I let her clutch me close, let her cry until I was sure she wouldn't run. Then I bent slightly, boosted her legs up and settled them around my waist, carrying her to the bedroom. I sat on the edge of the bed, keeping her wrapped around me like a koala. Her face pressed to my chest, her sobs unabating."

I have to say that I am usually not a fan of the second chance at love trope. This was done really well though. Having Emily get amnesia added a really interesting element to the story. I actually felt bad for her. Well, I felt bad for the Emily that she used to be. It made the fact that Calvin was ready to give her another chance more reasonable to me. The fact that he was there for her just showed what an amazing man he is especially after the way she had treated him. They both had a second chance to find the love that was so special to them and Emily got to see not only the error of her ways but that she needed help with her body dysmorphia issues. One of the best second chance at love stories I've read.

[Lisbeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestamente, ¿por qué pensé que debía leer esto en primer lugar? Es tan repetitivo, aburrido y básico como los anteriores.

[❤️Melanie G.📖💛 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun and sexy read.

[Alvina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know I said I’d grade these on a different scale and its not fair to hold novellas to full length standards, but this was the most callous treatment of an eating disorder I’ve seen.

The character has body dysmorphia brought on by years of bullying and the text not only implicitly supports the idea that she’s an evil bitch, but also continues to body shame her for being skinny! SHE HAS AN EATING DISORDER! They act as if it could be solved with just biting into burger. There are also characters who think NOW is the time to confront her for past behaviors as if she isnt still recovering.

You can argue that the amnesia has her at odds with her body, but its never challenged in text. If youre going to be throwing controversial opinions in writing, especially with these sensitive topics, you NEED to challenge them. I wish there wasnt an amnesia trope to begin with, it was a cheap cop out and you never get the satisfaction that they worked through their issues.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like that her issues regarding her body were really not addressed. Tht was the reason that her marriage ended. Getting amnesia is not the solution and only glancing over the issues, a) maybe she had an eating disorder b) self confidence issues and c) losing herself to these issues.

This was not addressed properly in my opinion. This author celebrates women with curves and this story felt like she was going against her own "brand". I did enjoy the couple reconnecting and falling back in love with one another. This one missed the mark for me.

[Arlene Aesthetic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4

First and foremost i read this boook about of order. So my review may be incompetent. But i wish we had *Slightly* more info on FMC past on being a cranky bat / health issues. That woulda made the book a 5

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

KU read

How did I miss this one from Evie Mitchell?

Cal and Emily's short story is a wonderful one about falling in love with your spouse all over again.

It was a little more emotional than I was expecting, but that was a great way to make the story feel so much more.

[Charli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and emotional

You know i actually would have loved more to Cal and Emilys story. But it was short, emotional and sweet and an interesting plot with the amnesia. I enjoyed it.

[Anne-Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

literally the most PERFECT novella because it had enough spice for it not to be too much and it wasn't too long or too short. really well written, i liked it👍🏾👍🏾

[yami๋༊*·˚ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Me gustó más el anterior pero este no estuvo mal, simplemente me hubiese gustado que algunas cosas tuvieran más desarrollo perooo por la cantidad de páginas es comprensible.


Me dolió por Em, es realmente difícil cuando los demás te hacen odiar tu cuerpo y tú haces todo lo posible por cambiarlo🤧

[៚Est˚ ༘♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ la verdad me gustó bastante, pero lo mismo que el anterior, ojalá fuera más larguito.

[Kristen Lindtvedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Glorious Story About Reclaiming Lost Souls & Second Chances at Love...

I have been waiting patiently since the original preorder was announced for Evie Mitchell's newest novella, "New Year Knew You". Excited to return to her literary world of Capricorn Cove. A tiny, sea-side town that vibrantly dances through my dreams with every new book Mitchell releases. And now that it has finally arrived I am beyond thrilled to see not only a wonderful, heartfelt story, but one that also melds together so many aspects of Capricorn Cove. A melding so seamless, so organic, that you feel as though you've never left any of the characters you're already in love with from previous books. Characters like Collins and Nick, Honey and Tristan, and even Gunnar and Ella all the way from book one, "Thunder Thighs".

It is a glorious compilation of characters within a heartwrenching story that is, without a doubt, the most honest and emotionally raw story yet from Mitchell.

Here, she gives us the story of Emily and Calvin (both of whom we were first introduced to in Honey and Tristan's story "Muffin Top"). Calvin, being the brother Honey's father expects to take over the family business empire. And his wife Emily, the seemingly shallow and hellish spouse and sister-in-law who lashes out at Honey at Thanksgiving dinner with such venom, that Calvin walks out on her. However, appearances are beyond deceiving. And where "Muffin Top" painted a very specific picture of who Emily is, this book digs deeper and unravels how the present-day Emily came to be, as well as, who the real Emily truly is.

It is a gorgeously written tale about what happens when a young married couple gives their individual and joint power away to the in-laws, friends, and circumstances surrounding them. About what happens when they stop being true to themselves and instead begin to conform to what other people's expectations demand. It is a most frightening narrative about how easy it can be to completely lose yourself and become someone you don't even recognize when you look in the mirror. 

However, and most importantly, this story is also about second chances. About reclaiming the personal power lost, and the life you want. About learning the true meaning of perserverance, communication, and committment. Committing to the one you love through all things life throws at you, no matter how dark or hopeless it may feel in the moment, and will break your heart while simultaneously bringing you joy.

It is a story that plucked a painful chord in my chest as it reminded me how very easy it is to lose yourself while in the throes of pleasing everyone else. At how, bit by bit, day by day, month by painful month you can shift your very being from something familiar to something unholy and foreign. 

Here again, Mitchell offers a story that is achingly sweet and needy, in addition to being an honest examination of money, power, and expectations. Leaving you quietly contemplative, pondering all the wasted moments in life because you weren't true to yourself.

The result is a rollercoaster ride of tumultuous emotions and deeply reflective, thought provoking prose. All while maintaining a cross-book palate of the intelligently written, strong, independent characters I've come to love from Mitchell. This book is a must-read in my opinion, and easily makes my Top Books of 2020 list on

I only wish it were longer! By the ended of this book I desperately needed more. I loved both Emily and Calvin. And I continue to adore Capricorn Cove, and how each of Mitchell's stories overlaps and connects. As I've said repeatedly in my other reviews, I could honestly read dozens of full-length novels on this little seaside town and all its inhabitants, they're that good!

[belu · Rating 2 out of 5]

CÓMO VOY A LLORAR ASÍ POR FAVOR SJAJAJAJAJ

[Granger McGringot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugghh I liked this book too much. It's definitely an emotional piece centering on self love and finding yourself. I know that there are many books that told a tale on how you should be loving yourself and how to stand firm on being You. Hence, the thing is it's hard enough to struggle to be just you in this so prejudiced world. And this book was all about that. It's a complete raw emotional story on how can someone lost herself and became someone they despised. My heart was quenched but then lived again when reading this.


I felt the sadness, regrets, and pain described in this book. It was a complete ride of finding your beautiful self. All in all, it was sweet heartwarming with message inside it. Kudos!!

[Emilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emotional Second Chance Rom Com

This book was so well written, amnesia trope can be a pain to read some times but this was amazingly done!!! I wish I could have more of Em and Cal’s story. Definitely not as spicy as the other novellas in this series but plenty of happy and sad tears. Once all the feels were sorted out, it was a funny story and I loved that there was no miscommunication!

[valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta historia es un buen ejemplo de aquel concepto o explicación sobre que no somos responsables de las acciones de las personas, es decir, que una persona sea cruel contigo no es porque seas merecedor de ello, el culpable, o qué sé yo; sino que es cosa completamente de esa persona, y muchas veces puede ser cosa de envidia, proyección o cualquier otra justificación razón, pero jamás tú en sí (ah a dónde quería llegar).

En Muffin Top (el tercer libro de la serie) conocimos a Calvin (hermano de Honey) y a su hostil esposa, Emily. En ese libro tenemos una escena bastante desagradable donde Emily se refiere a Honey como gorda, y fue muy feo de leer porque... quién coño se creía. Así que cuando vi que esta era su historia [un second chance romance protagonizado por un matrimonio en crisis donde estaría el FKN amnesia trope] tuve mis claras reservas al respecto.

Sin embargo, Evie Mitchell jamás decepciona y nos dio a una protagonista que tiene que volverse a conocer a sí misma, que está perdida y rota de cierta manera, y está lidiando con un TCA y dismorfia corporal. ¿Esto justifica lo que hizo? En lo absoluto, pero me gustó que tomara responsabilidad de sus acciones pasadas y aceptara esta oportunidad (por así decirlo) para hacer las cosas mejor, ir a terapia y convertirse en una mejor versión de sí; porque ella misma lo reconoce: no se quería a sí misma. Así que, el hecho de que se odiara hasta el punto de convertirse en otra persona totalmente diferente de forma consciente, era inevitable que pudiese estar bien con su entorno.

En cuanto a Calvin, me gusto que nunca dejara de amar a Emily, pero al mismo tiempo pusiera como límite lo que sucedió en Acción de Gracias y tomara la decisión de separarse, ya que en este caso el amor no es suficiente, ni tampoco puede ser usado como justificación para perdonar ese tipo de acciones. Algo que también me agradó, es que Calvin aceptara que era un adicto al trabajo y que también tuvo responsabilidad en cuanto al descuido de su matrimonio, porque él mismo menciona que compartió cama con Emily durante esos cinco años y jamás notó su TCA, y llegó a la conclusión por sí mismo de que debió ser muy solitario para ella tener que lidiar con todo eso.

Hubo empatía, compresión, y crecimiento. Para ser una Novella, donde hay un número limitado de páginas para desarrollar este tipo de temas tan complejos y delicados, considero que la autora lo hizo de forma respetuosa y responsable. Además, tuvimos unas buenas escenas spicy, fiel al estilo de la autora, que aligeró el tono de la historia e hizo que el ritmo de la misma fuese ameno.

En fin, fue bueno saber que ellos pudieron reencontrarse nuevamente hasta el punto de que quisieran darse una oportunidad como Dios manda y empezar a cumplir todas aquellas cosas que prometieron hacer en el pasado.

[Guadalupe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.9⭐️
Cuando vi que el libro se trataba sobre Emily no sabía que pensar porque la última vez que la mencionaron fue cuando le dijo gorda a Honey pero que equivocada estaba, aquí se puede observar la presión social, la gordofobia que sufrió Emily lo que te hace enfatizar con ella.
Calvin es un sol, tratando de generar nuevos recuerdos con su esposa.

—Sólo tú me eres familiar. Sólo tú te sientes como en casa. Y sin embargo, tú también eres diferente.

—Cuando te fuiste, ¿te arrepentiste?
—Todos los días. Pero no sabía cómo llegar a ti. Al igual que tú no sabías cómo llegar a mí.
—Te elijo a ti, Calvin.

—Pero una vista no compensa los años de vacío. Quiero que nuestra próxima casa se llene de recuerdos como esta noche. Estar juntos y bromear. De cenas y pinturas y todas las cosas que desearía que hubiéramos tenido antes.
—Hoy fue un buen recuerdo.
—Mmm. El mejor.

—Bienvenida a casa, esposa.
Me detuve en la puerta, besándola y disfrutando del sabor de la felicidad en sus labios.
—Cal. Gracias por darme este momento.
—Gracias, Ojos Bonitos, por hacer la vida más dulce.

— ¿Tocarás para mí, Ojos Bonitos?.
—Bien— se levantó de la cama, se puso en pie con pereza y se movió desnuda hacia el otro lado de la habitación, cogiendo su violín y su arco.
La observé, disfrutando del movimiento de su cuerpo mientras se ponía en su lugar.
— ¿Alguna petición?— Preguntó con la cabeza en alto.
—Sorpréndeme.
Empezó a tocar, las notas tenían un tono perfecto. Reconocí la canción inmediatamente, una y otra vez. Mis entrañas se apretaron cuando cerró los ojos, cediendo a la música, las lágrimas cayendo suavemente por sus mejillas mientras tocaba.
Con sólo mirarla me apretaba el pecho. Hermosa, impresionante, gloriosa. Todas las descripciones palidecieron en comparación con la realidad de Emily.
Me levanté mientras ella continuaba, llegando a sentarme en el borde de la cama, apreciando lo lejos que había llegado, lo lejos que habíamos llegado para estar aquí. Juntos.
Gracias a Dios por ese maldito accidente de coche.

—Gracias. Gracias por este regalo.
—Te amo. Gracias por darme hermosos recuerdos para reemplazar los que he perdido.

[Plus Size Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are reading this series in order then you will already be familiar with the events that lead to their separation and have advance knowledge that they have an HEA. This story is basically giving you a behind the scenes look at how they got there.

It's clear that Cal's mom the emotional vampire destroyed Emily in the same way she had attempted to do her own daughter. I hope that someone puts her in her place sadly it didn't happen in this story. .

I appreciated that Cal acknowledged his short comings in their deteriorating marriage and that he communicated his desires while actively comfortinf and listening to his wife to assist in her healing process.

Emily lost herself in an attempt to be good enough. Her story is relatable, emotional, and heartwarming.

This is Christian Movie Channel level. I was so invested in this couple my usually hornball self did not desire anything more than the vanilla that was offered.

Quick and Solid Read. Would recommend especially to anyone struggling.

[Katherine Gisleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice

LOVES:
- This character has appeared a few times in the series so far and I’ve been very curious about her… especially after the major events from book 4. This one did not disappoint! I loved learning more about Emily, her motivations, and what led to everything we’ve seen so far.
- Cal’s guilt makes a lot of sense. It’s a tricky situation that both of them are in.
- Awesome how they take their life back and make it what they want it to be again ♥️
- The cutest epilogue 🥹

[Starfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting instalment in the Capricorn Cove series that gives some background to help us understand why Emily acted the way she did in previous books.

To some extent, it feels like wish fulfilment - the wakeup call that pretty much everyone who's ever been bullied wishes their bully would have. But because it was Evie Mitchell, it was satisfying wish fulfilment and it was great watching Emily and Cal find their respective ways back to the people they'd been before they'd changed.

Looking forward to the next one in this series.

[Yoselin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puntuación 3.75/5

El epílogo se da unos años después y es narrado por Emily, ella y Calvin siguen juntos tienen 3 hijos y esperan al 4°, éste último fue una sorpresa porque Calvin se había realizado la vasectomía. Emily nunca recuperó sus recuerdos de esos 5 años. En un punto comenzó a tener problemas de alimentación otra vez pero lo detectaron a tiempo y buscaron ayuda psicológica

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is about Emily, the sister in law of Honey, who called her FAT to her face at Thanksgiving in the other book.

Apparently Emily was in a car accident and wakes up a different personality and thinks it's five years prior. Her husband had been set to file for divorce and now with the amnesia, he chooses to try a do-over with their relationship.

Strangely, the evil mother wasn't involved here and it might have been more interesting if she was.

[Christina Astorga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book in my TBR for a second. I've read this author before and enjoy her books. The premise was different for me. This is a quick read, I thought it would be a little longer.

I wish we had a little more with these characters. A little more before the amnesia, a little more during. Some of the fighting between the couple, wish we had that for more clarity. Overall, a good book but not my favorite by this author.

[BB]

I'm not sure what part of this was supposed to be a comedy(or romance- I guess thats when her husband feels her up in public?). Haha your wife almost died? Haha she had a serious eating disorder and no one noticed? Haha she doesn't remember anything?

I don't quite get why it was published. I've heard of two hour reads, this is more of a 5 minute read

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I was all set to hate the main characters but the author did a superb job of giving us the backstory of their lives and how sometimes we change into people we do not like but feel like we cannot do anything because (many reasons, excuses) until something major happens to wake us up.
Loved the journey and the ending.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better off Forgetting

Emily was in a car accident and lost the last five years of her life and doesn't recognize the woman she is now. She was secretly in trouble, but the accident turned out to be for the better, bring her and her husband Calvin back together and letting her help for her issues. This is really do fearful but heartbreaking read.