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This Kiss

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The first time I lost all memory of Tucker, we had just met.

We were seventeen, stuck in the disco room of the children’s hospital, both of our heads covered in electrodes wrapped in gauze.

Not exactly attractive.
Except we were—attracted, that is.

I never got to meet boys my age back then. Or any boys. Mother made sure of that.

There was no point, she said. I would forget them the next time I had a seizure.

That’s right. I didn’t mention that. I have epilepsy. It started in kindergarten. Spacing out. My eyes clocking back and forth. Then the whole enchilada. On the ground, shaking all over.

Not all my seizures erase my memory. But some do. Every year or two I go down, and bam, that’s it. My entire history evaporates like water on a skillet.

But on that first magical day, Tucker yelled, “Come here often?” over the mechanical thrashing of a song I’d never heard, at least not since my last memory reset.

“Never! Do you?” I yelled back.

That was all we got. The disco lights switched to strobes, the kind designed to cause a seizure. That’s why I was there. For the wires on my head to collect data. To show the doctors what was going on inside my brain.

And hopefully, to help me.

I took one more look at him as my legs gave way, and the sizzle in my head turned my vision black.

Tucker.

I had no idea then that I had just met the love of my life.

In a few seconds, I wouldn’t remember him at all.
___
This Kiss is an extraordinary romance between two people with epilepsy who fall in love in the toughest of circumstances. As Tucker unfailingly convinces Ava to return to him over and over again, he teaches her that even when memory fails, the heart remembers.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2023

84 people are currently reading
149 people want to read

About the author

Deanna Roy

40 books680 followers
Deanna Roy is the six-time USA Today bestselling author of women's fiction. She is a fierce advocate for all the children in her care, biological, fostered, and adopted, and the mothers, who like her, lost babies to miscarriage.

She writes books under four names:
Deanna Roy with three-hanky reads in the Forever series:
Forever Innocent (Forever, #1) by Deanna Roy

JJ Knight with her romantic comedy Pickleverse:
Big Pickle (The Pickle Family, #1) by J.J. Knight

Abby Tyler with sweet small-town romance, including the Applebottom series:
The Sweetest Match by Abby Tyler

Annie Winters with romantic suspense serials, including The Vigilante's Lover:
The Vigilante's Lover (The Vigilantes, #1) by Annie Winters

You can follow Deanna and read pre-release sneak peeks and free ebooks on her private list. Subscribe!

Deanna also writes a series of books for middle grade readers, including JINNIE WISHMAKER, MARCUS MENDER, and ELEKTRA CHAOS.

She's pretty easy to spot on Facebook and Instagram.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Christofano.
41 reviews9 followers
October 19, 2023
Thank you Deanna Roy for my ARC I won by playing your fun little game!

I’m going to start by saying this book was absolutely amazing. It makes you feel all the feels. I adore Tucker and gosh does Ava’s story pull at your heart strings.

I read this book straight through in a day. Do yourself a favor, read the book!
Profile Image for Marsha.
1,250 reviews30 followers
November 4, 2023
This story is a cross between 50 First Dates and Groundhog Day. Ava suffers from a form of Epilepsy that causes her to loss her memory after a seizure. Sometimes more than others. Tucker has Epilepsy as well, but not as severe, (and doesn't suffer from memory loss.) The two meet as 17 year olds in a hospital and instantly hit it off. Unfortunately her mother is controlling and doesn't allow them to spend any time together.. though they are creative and find ways to see/communicate to one another. Another unfortunate thing... she has a seizure while home from the hospital and doesn't remember him, or much else. He has to work hard to gain her trust again. It's heartwarming to see the extent he goes to to bring her back to him... again and again. In addition to the romance aspect of the story, there is also some mystery involved surrounding her mother.. and her controlling ways. The story takes place over the period of several years, and several memory lapses. Both characters are resilient and strong willed. Smart and innovative. Yet at the same time, they have a vulnerability about them. She's even more vulnerable because of her sheltered life. Much of the story is from her POV after a memory loss, and so it's like a young child narrating. It gives you a real insight into how she feels, and how lost a person can be when they have no idea about themselves or their lives. Obviously, a big chunk of the book is dealing with the Epilepsy and it brings an awareness about it that you might not have prior. There is some very minor sexual content included and while it's not all 'behind closed doors' it is not graphic by any means. Safe for teens. This is a sweet romance and really about how "The Heart Remembers" even if your brain does not. It reads quickly and easily and alternates between POVs. It's one of those books that you'll want to read just one more chapter.
Profile Image for Jenn .
762 reviews15 followers
October 25, 2023
This Kiss is a beautiful and emotional journey of finding your soulmate again and again.

This Kiss is the first book I've read by Deanna Roy- I've read some of books under one of her pen names- but this is my first actual Deanna book and I'm blown away. This book is heartbreakingly powerful, beyond sweet and I simply couldn't help but swoon over Tucker's unrelenting love for Ava.

I was captivated by this book- it is filled with a lot of medical detail that comes from Deanna's real life experience with this condition but it doesn't feel overpowering in a sense that it is like reading snippets of a medical textbook.

Tucker and Ava's story has this instant connection that only blooms into so much more as these two try to navigate a world where they are stunted by their medical conditions but they also crave and desire the freedom to live, love and grow. In a way their love and connection to one another was kind of fated as they found each other again and again- because as Ava said, even if her brain forgets her heart would always remember.

I was blown away by Ava's resilience throughout the story- for as many times as her brain was "reset" she always came back stronger. Ava had this spark and fight in her that was inspiring- that even in the face of not understanding or knowing what was going on around her- she would persevere. Tucker's devotion to Ava is what book boyfriends are made of- he always held onto hope for her, he was patient and supportive. For an 18-20 something year old guy that was pretty special in and of itself, but the fact that in the midst of that he was battling his own debilitating medical issues made it even more enchanting.

There are some moments with the whole situation with Ava's mom that felt a little over the top but I also could see how a mother who has lived a life that orbited around their child and their medical issues might go a bit off the deep end when it comes to protecting them.

I am one for a big happy ending- and yes this has one- but not in the way that you'd expect. I love the way that Deanna chose to wrap these two up bringing them basically full circle.
Profile Image for Airyanna Bowen.
29 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2023
From the very first page of "The Kiss", Deana Roy plunges us into a world where love is tested by the trials of medical conditions, the intricacies of memory, and the complexities of family dynamics. The journey of Ava and Tucker is at once unique yet universally relatable. Suffering from epilepsy, their love story is punctuated by periods of memory loss, yet it's a testament to Roy's writing prowess that each time they rediscover their feelings for each other, it feels as fresh and poignant as the first.

The portrayal of epilepsy in this novel is nuanced and enlightening. It's clear that Roy did her research, offering readers a glimpse into the daily challenges faced by those living with the condition. More importantly, she highlights the resilience and strength it demands, not just of the individuals who have it, but also from those around them.

Ava's relationship with her controlling mother adds another layer of depth to the narrative. It serves as a poignant reminder of how external pressures can compound the difficulties faced by those with medical conditions, and yet, love and understanding can also pave a path to healing.

But at its heart, "The Kiss" is a love story. One that proves that even when our memories betray us, the heart remains steadfast. The chemistry between Ava and Tucker is palpable, their struggles heart-wrenching, and their moments of reconnection truly heartwarming.

"The Kiss" is not just a romance novel but an emotional journey that resonates deeply. Deana Roy has masterfully woven a tale that reminds us all: "The Heart Remembers." Highly recommended for those who appreciate love stories with depth, resilience, and a touch of the bittersweet.

I received this copy as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) for review purposes.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Connor.
1,473 reviews40 followers
October 27, 2023
I received an ARC of this from the author. It’s a fascinating look into the experience of a girl, Ava, and her experience with epilepsy that causes her to lose her memory. Tucker, who also has epilepsy, falls in love with her at first sight, and she intuitively finds herself drawn to him. But her mother is determined to keep them apart. And as we get to know her mother, we discover that she is controlling to an extreme extent, and not actually to Ava’s benefit.

The heartbreaking thing about Ava’s condition is that each time she has a seizure, she forgets everything. She doesn’t know her name or who the people most important to her are—and more importantly, she doesn’t know who is safe. And her mother is definitely not. Getting away from her influence is the first big obstacle.

The solution to a condition that is incurable is ingenious. And with Tucker’s commitment to always be there for her, a fulfilling life is practically guaranteed. Rather than be discouraged by the fact that he has to continually remind her who she is, and who they are together, he sees it as another opportunity for the two of them to fall in love all over again. What could be seen as a depressing life turns into something filled with hope, an inspiration to love. Again and again.

The characters in this book are sympathetic and portray young love with authenticity and their challenges with compassion. Ava and Tucker are seventeen when they meet, but love doesn’t see age, so even though others might think them too young to know, they are soulmates. And as Ava tells Tucker after one of her “resets,” her heart will always know him. Whenever it gets hard, Tucker clings to that one truth. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,102 reviews210 followers
November 4, 2023
Tucker Giddings is the hero to measure all other heroes by. This guy, gah! He falls for the girl when they're both seventeen, knowing that her next seizure may wipe out her memory. Then he sticks with her through every iteration of Ava as she reboots her life time and again. He has his own health challenges, but those are secondary to fighting for Ava Roberts. How do you not love a guy like that?!

Ava's situation is bleak and depressing. Her mother keeps her sequestered from every outside influence under the guise of keeping Ava safe. But Ava is smart and crafty, and she has ways of telling the new Ava with the blank slate what she needs to know.

Ava is a fighter, and this barely scratches the surface of her story. She's brave and resourceful, and she finds a way to stand on her own. And this guy Tucker keeps finding ways to insert himself into her life. While her memories of him may have been stolen, there's something familiar about Tucker that resonates with Ava.

This compelling, heartfelt story is exactly what I love in romance reading. This gifted storyteller takes us on a poignantly heart breaking, deeply emotional ride, from the very first page. These truly special characters will burrow into your heart and their story will live in your soul long after the last page. if you enjoy an emotional read that makes you feel everything, you'll absolutely love every second of this unique, breath-taking, extraordinary romance!
929 reviews13 followers
November 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this story and was deeply touched by Ava and Tucker's story.
This is an extremely emotional journey of proving true love exists. I know I will remember this one for a long time!

I don't think I have felt so emotionally invested in a character as I was with Ava. My heart went out to her. I couldn't imagine living like that, going though what she does. She proved she was a fighter time and time again and I was in awe of her strength and perseverance.

Tucker truly was a hero, to be so effortlessly devoted to Ava, he definitely earned my affection. Proving his love over and over again had to be emotionally draining but he stepped up every time. What a truly amazing character!

This isn't your usual love story. If you don't believe in soulmates this might change your mind. I was hooked from the very beginning and didn't want to put it down. I would definitely recommend it. It was well written and shined a light on the struggles some people have to deal with everyday that most people take for granted. This is truly a special story that deserves all the praise!
Profile Image for Michelle Quintana.
1,867 reviews7 followers
December 4, 2023
Loved it

This was a different type of romance to read. Reminded me of Memento and 50 First Dates. Ava and Tucker meet while patients at an epilepsy ward. Tucker witnesses Ava having an epilepsy attack right after meeting her and it scares him. After he finds out that she is ok but that she loses her memory after an attack, he still wants to see her. She catches him off guard when she declares that he is her boyfriend. They try to navigate having a relationship, fearful of what would happen when she has another attack. Ava has little tricks of helping her try to remember certain things after an attack. Their love and relationship grows and Ava is doing well on her medication. When Ava has another attack, she reads the wrong information and it puts Tucker in a panic. He is in a race against time to try to save her from certain things from her past. I felt bad for Tucker because of what he has to go through every time Ava has a reset. I wasn't ready for the book to end because I want to know more about how their relationship progresses.
Profile Image for Aliza’s Mini  Library.
29 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2024
I have to first start this off by thanking Deanna Roy/JJ Knight for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review and I secondly have to apologize for how long this review took to come out. Now, I am a sensitive person and this book made me cry at moments most wouldn’t cry out and laugh while sobbing all at the same time.

The beautiful relationship between Ava and Tucker leaves a lasting impact of what should actually be defined as goals. The way Ava is strong and resilient every time she has a seizure and the way she understands herself and takes care of herself as she is starting anew is inspiring. Tucker also is amazing, he goes out of his way to ensure Ava stays Ava and follows her wishes to the best of his ability even as the new Ave fights back.

I did take the time afterward to read about the impact of epilepsy on Deanna Roy’s life and I just want to say for everyone diagnosed or with a family member diagnosed, I hope life gives you the best of lemons and you make the sweetest of lemonades.
Profile Image for DarknessLighttt.
351 reviews46 followers
July 12, 2024
🐚 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 🐚

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: amnesia, disability romance

𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀: epilepsy, amnesia

Last year I won an ARC of this book. I finished at the beginning of this year, but haven't really enough time to write a proper review.

This book might not be for everyone since it deals with a lot of heavy stuff like amnesia and epilepsy. I loved Ava and Tucker's story. It broke my heart that Ava had to go through a lot in order to finally be with Tucker.

The book is their whole story, from the very beginning of their relationship until the present where he made something special that it helps her to remember when she has another episode.

The book is easy to read. I finished in a day, because I barely could but it down, but there were definitely tears, because it's a little bit emotional. Especially the chapters for her pov.

The author had a really interesting idea of how to distribute ARCs to readers, and I hope she will continue to do it, because it was really fun to play "the game."

Thank you, Deanna Roy for writing such a beautiful book.
9 reviews
October 28, 2023
• 4.75 ⭐️•

Spoiler FREE

What a rollercoaster of emotions (in the best way)! 🪩

Wow, so I picked this up earlier today go read a *few* chapters right then BAM I’ve read the whole thing. The characters are adorable Ava & Tucker are goals, the way Tucker never gave up on Ava and their love for eachother brings tears to my eyes. Ava’s character is so compelling to read, watching her find herself again and again is rather inspiring and her family struggles (iykyk) felt real and honest.

The carnival scene was by far a favorite of mine I could visualize it so easily and I LOVE that as a reader! Also, You Are In Love by Taylor Swift is *chefs kiss* for them 😘

This story draws you in and keeps you there, the pacing is great, as is the writing.

There are a few dialogue-y moments that were a personal bother to me hence the 4.75 ⭐️

*Thank you for the free ARC and the wonderful story*
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,824 reviews18 followers
November 4, 2023
What a simply sublime five-star read. This is a story that will stay with me, it really did make me think, I don’t know if it was the fact that I lost my stepbrother to epilepsy a few years ago, or if it was just the right moment to read, but this one struck a major chord with me. Ava and Tucker will swirl you into their story, make you feel the passion between them, their start is sweet and rushed, and you feel their pain at being apart, and joy at seeing each other. There really is something for everyone in this one, our main characters may be young in age, but they are old souls at heart, the lives they have lived have given them a gravity that adds extra depth to them. This is a great story, and one that you will be sorry if you miss. I have loved JJ Knight and I am really excited to get to know Deanna Roy better.
Profile Image for Deanna.
1,084 reviews19 followers
November 3, 2023
Where do I start.
This book was incredible. It has all the feels and pulls at the heartstrings with so much force.
Tucker is a one in a million guy, who never gave up on the love of his life no matter how many times he had to start from scratch.
Ava had a strength that was unparalleled and she was such a loveable character, she accepted what life kept throwing at her with such optimism and during her process of starting again, she got to fall in love and experience her first kiss 5 times and each time with Tucker by her side.

I would highly recommend this book, just have the tissues handy, as it will touch a special place in your heart and will never let go. It’s not like anything I’ve ever read before and it was incredible. Thank you Deanna Roy for this amazing book
Profile Image for Sharon.
433 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2023
“The heart remembers”

I absolutely loved this heartwarming story of young love and perseverance. The two main characters in this story, Tucker and Ava both have different forms of epilepsy. They meet in their teens in a children’s hospital and formed an unbreakable bond.

The challenges of this condition are different in each individual and can cause a complete loss of all memories of the past. Imagine waking up to complete strangers and not knowing who to trust. This exact thing happens to sweet Ava. Can Tucker keep bringing her feelings back to him? Read this story, you won’t regret it. This one really pulled at my heartstrings.
Profile Image for Sammi Dyer.
402 reviews17 followers
October 20, 2023
This Kiss written by Deanna Roy is absolutely heartbreaking yet also beautiful. What would you do if you could not remember and are at a complete loss of everything you should know? What could you do? Who could you trust? And would you?You would have to go off muscle memory, and trust your heart. This story really makes you realize, and think about what others may be going through. How loved ones cope with the unthinkable. This is the heartfelt love story of Ava and Tucker. What they endure and live with.
Profile Image for Quinn Fforde.
3,344 reviews15 followers
November 1, 2023
Wow, I've never read anything like this before. Both Ava and Tucker have epilepsy, but their symptoms are very different. Tucker has terrible headaches, but Ava loses her episodic memory after a seizure. That amnesia leaves her very vulnerable, and she has developed several methods of reminding herself of the truth without involving her mother. Tucker is drawn to Ava, and they form a clandestine relationship. But the clock on Ava's next seizure is ticking. How will they find each other again? Incredibly gripping
Profile Image for Amber.
97 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2023
This book is unlike any other book that I have read. It isn’t my typical genre, but I am so glad that something told me to read this book. This book holds every emotion and then some. There’s parts where you aren’t sure if you want to kiss or curse the author because your heart is torn reading the words on the page. I love that the author talks about her personal connection and how it has related to things in her life at the end as some bonus content as well. This is easily one of the top 5 books I have read this year in 2023. 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 🤌🏼
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
874 reviews7 followers
December 12, 2023
Heart wrenching

Tucker and Ava teenage epileptic patients, different degrees of seizure activity and outcomes afterwards, her's are memory thieves, his migraine inducing, teenage love full of great times, angst, overbearing mother, hidden truths, secret notes on who she can trust, so many feelings about this story, tears, laughter, rooting for them, living their lives on repeat every time Ava has a seizure that takes away her memories but knowing deep down Tucker is someone she can trust, phenomenal story, thank you, Dana Zamora
Profile Image for Juli Hall.
1,329 reviews43 followers
November 6, 2025
A beautiful but also sad love story. Ava has seizures which causes her to loose her memory, so she has to start over every time it happens. Which is beyond sad. But she meets Tucker, who also has seizures but fortunately doesn’t loose his memory. I loved how he does anything to help Ava remember her memories and her life.
She also has a terrible mother who tells her lies and tries to keep her from everyone that loves her.
It’s just a sad but beautiful love story. Can’t wait to read more of their life in the next book.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14.1k reviews166 followers
November 7, 2023
This book was simply extraordinary. Ava and Tucker's story is going to wreck you emotionally and yet fill your heart with hope and love and all the good feels it can hold. Poignant, powerful and profound, I don't really think anything I say truly do this book justice and what's more, I don't think anything I say can honestly prepare you for the journey you're about to go on. So just do it. Grab this book, open your heart, and dive into the pages and let it open your mind and touch your heart.
1,314 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2023
Just wow! So many feels to this story about Ava and Tucker. Epilepsy brings them together and then tears them apart over and over again. Throw in a mom who thinks she’s protecting her by isolating her, and there’s a definite sinister side to the story. Once I started reading I didn’t want to put the book down. These characters tugged on my heartstrings and had me cheering for them to get their HEA.
1,054 reviews8 followers
October 21, 2025
Amazing!

I loved this story of Ava and Tucker! The met at a children's hospital epilepsy ward, in the disco room. Tucker had love at first sight. Ava has seizures that wipes her memory. But she leaves herself notes to help bring herself back. Tucker's love does that after she turns 18. This book is absolutely amazing. I highly recommend! I can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for StephieG.
89 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2023
Wow, what an amazing story. To imagine people actually go through what Ava & Tucker do is so sad, but this story is written as such an amazing love story. 2 strong characters going through life with epilepsy, the ins & outs and what they had to do to come back to each other after each seizure.

I received this as an ARC and think it is going down as one of my favourites.
209 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2023
This book about a couple with epilepsy falling in love was incredibly jarring. Ava and Tucker faced an unforgettable journey together, when she completely lost all memory of her former life after each seizure she experienced. Tucker's perseverance was limitless. I loved the mantra "the heart remembers."
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,539 reviews66 followers
October 29, 2023
What a beautiful, yet heartbreaking, emotional journey of love between Tucker and Ava that will fill your heart with so many feelings and pull you in so many directions. While my heart breaks for them each time a seizure happens it also fills with joy when Tucker is there for Ava EVERY TIME ❤️❤️❤️❤️. Grab it…you’ll be glad you did
Profile Image for Tami winn.
3 reviews
November 8, 2023
I fell in love with this book as soon as I started reading it. It reminded me of when I had epilepsy. I loved how Tucker was always there for Ava. If you want a good book to read then read this one. It is one I will be reading over and over again. Deanna Roy
Profile Image for Carolyn Meredith.
639 reviews9 followers
November 12, 2023
I read the authors other work as JJ Knight so I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book. Having watched 50 First Dates, I didn’t think I would like it all that much. Instead, this book had me hooked from the beginning. Tucker is such a wonderful, caring and special person in the way he deals with Ava. I can’t even begin to understand what Ava’s life must be like. Well written and a great story.
Profile Image for Genevieve.
304 reviews
December 3, 2023
This is not my usual type of read, but it’s a sweet story. It follows Ava as she suffers from memory loss with her seizures, and Tucker, the boy who falls in love with her. If you’re looking for a story with a feel-good ending, this might be a good option for you. You won’t be able to help rooting for Ava and Tucker to find a way to be together.
118 reviews
December 9, 2025
Tucker will forever have my heart. Besides that, the story is well written, the characters are super well developed, with distinct personalities, and most of them very likable (Gram? Grandma Flowers? pleeeeeeease, in love). Also, you can tell the author is writing from her experience, because it's very realistic, so I really liked that. It was a fast read, but still worth it.
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