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Worthings #1
Recollection
I wake up in the hospital with no memory of the past six months. Now I live with a man who's practically a stranger, and I have no idea why.
When my father died, I lost everything--family, career, friends, money, support. I remember the loss, not what came after, but evidently everything changed in the months I can't recall. Brilliant, scarred, aloof Arthur Worthing was nothing more than a friend of my dad's, but he must have felt sorry for me. He gave me a job and a place to live. He took care of me when no one else would.
I know it's not that simple, however. There are secrets he won't tell me. There are truths hiding in the shadows of his two-hundred-year-old mansion. I'm feeling things I shouldn't feel for a completely inappropriate man, one who's spent his life putting up walls. If I'm not careful, I'll lose everything again.
But certain things are inevitable. And amnesia isn't strong enough to hold back the heart, even if it means I fall in love with him twice.
When my father died, I lost everything--family, career, friends, money, support. I remember the loss, not what came after, but evidently everything changed in the months I can't recall. Brilliant, scarred, aloof Arthur Worthing was nothing more than a friend of my dad's, but he must have felt sorry for me. He gave me a job and a place to live. He took care of me when no one else would.
I know it's not that simple, however. There are secrets he won't tell me. There are truths hiding in the shadows of his two-hundred-year-old mansion. I'm feeling things I shouldn't feel for a completely inappropriate man, one who's spent his life putting up walls. If I'm not careful, I'll lose everything again.
But certain things are inevitable. And amnesia isn't strong enough to hold back the heart, even if it means I fall in love with him twice.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
91 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Adams
140 books2,672 followersNoelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 26, 2025
It could’ve been my mood after reading some lackluster stories, but this one was just so sweet.
I am a complete sucker for the amnesia trope. Toss in a wealthy older man, genuine emotions, and steamy sex, perfect!
“Why can’t we at least be friendly like we were before?”
“Because every time you’re close to me, I want to drag you to bed and bury myself inside you. I can’t keep my hands off you.”
The only downside was I found myself confused almost as much as the FMC. Was she remembering something that happened in the past, or was this currently happening?
Six month amnesia
Age gap, 27/46
Low angst
Quick, easy read
Sweet HEA
Look at this communication! So refreshing.
“Scarlett, please let me explain. Please don’t assume the worst.”
It takes an inhuman effort to quell the outrage inside me, but I manage to do so enough to turn around and face him again. “Okay. Please explain then.”
I am a complete sucker for the amnesia trope. Toss in a wealthy older man, genuine emotions, and steamy sex, perfect!
“Why can’t we at least be friendly like we were before?”
“Because every time you’re close to me, I want to drag you to bed and bury myself inside you. I can’t keep my hands off you.”
The only downside was I found myself confused almost as much as the FMC. Was she remembering something that happened in the past, or was this currently happening?
Six month amnesia
Age gap, 27/46
Low angst
Quick, easy read
Sweet HEA
Look at this communication! So refreshing.
“Scarlett, please let me explain. Please don’t assume the worst.”
It takes an inhuman effort to quell the outrage inside me, but I manage to do so enough to turn around and face him again. “Okay. Please explain then.”
August 23, 2023
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I usually really enjoy Noelle Adams' books, but Recollection missed the mark for me. The heroine loses her memories of the past 6 months, during which she had stayed with her father's friend. It's a fun premise, but I had such an issue with the heroine and with the overall execution of the story.
First of all, the hero's reasoning for being friends with her POS father made no sense. The premise of his friendship with her father was just so ridiculously flimsy. And you wanna know the most ridiculous thing about the amnesia storyline? Whenever the heroine unlocks her memories, she automatically assumes they are dreams LOL. Does she bother talking to the people around her to figure out if her dreams are memories? Nope. She just goes on with her life thinking they are fantastical dreams, even though there are multiple hints indicating that they may in fact be memories. What kind of clownery is this?!?!
The story is told in past and present chapters and each timeline has a conflict. The conflicts in both the past and present are tremendously stupid. Why? Because the heroine is stupid AF. She's supposed to be a 28 year old woman, but she acts like an 18 year old girl. In the past, she threw a tantrum and left the hero without saying anything after they had the stupidest argument ever. In the present, she throws another tantrum because the hero had the nerve to respect the doctor's orders about her amnesia. Girl, bye!!!
Honestly, I'm so surprised this was written by Noelle Adams?! It started off well enough, but it went downhill so quickly. Anyway, if you are new to this author, definitely do not start here LOL.
I usually really enjoy Noelle Adams' books, but Recollection missed the mark for me. The heroine loses her memories of the past 6 months, during which she had stayed with her father's friend. It's a fun premise, but I had such an issue with the heroine and with the overall execution of the story.
First of all, the hero's reasoning for being friends with her POS father made no sense. The premise of his friendship with her father was just so ridiculously flimsy. And you wanna know the most ridiculous thing about the amnesia storyline? Whenever the heroine unlocks her memories, she automatically assumes they are dreams LOL. Does she bother talking to the people around her to figure out if her dreams are memories? Nope. She just goes on with her life thinking they are fantastical dreams, even though there are multiple hints indicating that they may in fact be memories. What kind of clownery is this?!?!
The story is told in past and present chapters and each timeline has a conflict. The conflicts in both the past and present are tremendously stupid. Why? Because the heroine is stupid AF. She's supposed to be a 28 year old woman, but she acts like an 18 year old girl. In the past, she threw a tantrum and left the hero without saying anything after they had the stupidest argument ever. In the present, she throws another tantrum because the hero had the nerve to respect the doctor's orders about her amnesia. Girl, bye!!!
Honestly, I'm so surprised this was written by Noelle Adams?! It started off well enough, but it went downhill so quickly. Anyway, if you are new to this author, definitely do not start here LOL.
May 12, 2025
Reread in 2025 for content pull!
August 23, 2023
I love amnesia stories and this one was wonderful!
Each character had their own issue to deal with, Scarlett in the present and Arthur in the past. I loved how it all unfolded. We never have Arthur’s point of view and while there were definitely times that it’s obvious what he must be feeling or thinking, there was always a bit of mystique about what he had felt in the past.
This was a fast read with likable characters. The drama is low angst with a bit of a ramp upwards a time or two. The story consists of flashbacks from past to present but each is well defined so I never got lost. I really enjoyed them as they allowed the story to develop in its own unique style. Overall a very enjoyable read.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Each character had their own issue to deal with, Scarlett in the present and Arthur in the past. I loved how it all unfolded. We never have Arthur’s point of view and while there were definitely times that it’s obvious what he must be feeling or thinking, there was always a bit of mystique about what he had felt in the past.
This was a fast read with likable characters. The drama is low angst with a bit of a ramp upwards a time or two. The story consists of flashbacks from past to present but each is well defined so I never got lost. I really enjoyed them as they allowed the story to develop in its own unique style. Overall a very enjoyable read.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
August 13, 2023
The story starts with the heroine waking to find she's lost her memory.
The reader has past/present chapters, so we see the start of her relationship with the Hero though in the present she doesn't remember it.
It was okay.
Nothing really unusual.
No other woman/man drama.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future book at the end.
Hero is totally devoted to her before and now.
Spoiler.
He basically was reluctant initially to start a romantic relationship as he is approx 20 years older than her and has baggage from his childhood.
ARC from netgalley.
The reader has past/present chapters, so we see the start of her relationship with the Hero though in the present she doesn't remember it.
It was okay.
Nothing really unusual.
No other woman/man drama.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future book at the end.
Hero is totally devoted to her before and now.
Spoiler.
He basically was reluctant initially to start a romantic relationship as he is approx 20 years older than her and has baggage from his childhood.
ARC from netgalley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2023
This is a new series, starting with an amnesia age-gap romance, with a young woman Scarlett who is in a relationship with her father's friend Arthur(her father has passed away) who falls and hits her head and doesn't remember that her friendship with this man has been surpassed by something else. It was an okay read, not my favourite of this author (and I've read many!). I think while I generally like age-gap romances this one just didn't work for me, though I felt very sympathetic towards Arthur and his situation of realizing the woman he loves doesn't remember their relationship. It's got a dual timeline story (also not a favourite of mine, except in Outlander) with the immediate aftermath of Scarlett's father's death and the relationship with Arthur, and the post-head injury/falling in love again. Ah well, they can't all be the best book you've ever read, right?
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author.
May 28, 2024
DNF 18%
I'm genuinely baffled this isn't the author's first book, because the way this story is written makes it practically unreadable...
I mean, I can forgive first person pov, but present tense?!
I was giving it a try but the second I read this I knew it was over:
I'm genuinely baffled this isn't the author's first book, because the way this story is written makes it practically unreadable...
I mean, I can forgive first person pov, but present tense?!
I was giving it a try but the second I read this I knew it was over:
"It feels like my hair is messy from leaning it against the headrest, so I pull down the visor mirror to check. My medium-brown hair is straight and longer than I remember. It’s well past my shoulders now. I smooth down a few flyaways. My eyes are brown too—more amber than Arthur’s chocolate brown. My features are regular. Nothing special."
July 21, 2024
2 stars?
A hero with a low ponytail and a large gold ring on his finger is not gonna do it for me.
And I tried to like this one, but it was too dull for me.
I am DNFing at around 30%.
Such a shame.
But I still love Noelle Adams, just not this book.
A hero with a low ponytail and a large gold ring on his finger is not gonna do it for me.
And I tried to like this one, but it was too dull for me.
I am DNFing at around 30%.
Such a shame.
But I still love Noelle Adams, just not this book.
September 23, 2024
3.75✨ (rounded to 4 for GR)
1.5🌶️
There was a decent amount of slay happening here, but there was definitely room for improvement. I really like that the author's intent with a lot of her work is to explore tropes that may seem OTT at first glance, but trying to develop them into short yet compelling romances anyway.
Recollection is the first book of the Worthings series, and the trope focused on this time around is amnesia/memory loss - think of the soapiest soap opera you know, or in the case, perhaps more like The Vow?
In this story, our FMC Scarlett has been on the run with her white collar criminal father, giving up her chance at a normal life for family love and loyalty. But the law is catching up with her father, and a car chase ends with his death and Scarlett recovering, more so emotionally than physically.
The MMC Arthur Worthing, an old friend of her father's and one of the only people who didn't abandon him after his criminal doings were exposed, offers Scarlett board at his home and job to boot - cataloguing his extensive, expansive library. However, not yet 6 months later, an accident strikes again...
Recollection is told through 2 timelines, a past timeline that takes place directly after Scarlett's father's death, and a present timeline that occurs after Scarlett's second accident, a fall off a ladder in the library, which results in her hitting her head and forgetting the last 6 months, falling in love with Arthur included. The 2 timelines weave together 2 love stories, where 2 people fall in love 2 separate times, at least on the FMC's part. I felt the longing from Arthur for Scarlett to remember, but not wanting to selfishly push.
But the changing timelines also were a detriment to this book. I often got confused and would forgot which time I was in, even with labels. Sometimes the switches happened too often, too quick, and sometimes it felt like we stayed longer than welcome in some times. I was also frustrated with some of Scarlett's actions and responses; I understand she was extremely overwhelmed with the situation, both times, but I would've liked to see her communicate more clearly with Arthur before just running off.
Still, this was a nice take on the amnesia trope in romance, and I'm looking forward to seeing what other tropes the author tackles!
1.5🌶️
There was a decent amount of slay happening here, but there was definitely room for improvement. I really like that the author's intent with a lot of her work is to explore tropes that may seem OTT at first glance, but trying to develop them into short yet compelling romances anyway.
Recollection is the first book of the Worthings series, and the trope focused on this time around is amnesia/memory loss - think of the soapiest soap opera you know, or in the case, perhaps more like The Vow?
In this story, our FMC Scarlett has been on the run with her white collar criminal father, giving up her chance at a normal life for family love and loyalty. But the law is catching up with her father, and a car chase ends with his death and Scarlett recovering, more so emotionally than physically.
The MMC Arthur Worthing, an old friend of her father's and one of the only people who didn't abandon him after his criminal doings were exposed, offers Scarlett board at his home and job to boot - cataloguing his extensive, expansive library. However, not yet 6 months later, an accident strikes again...
Recollection is told through 2 timelines, a past timeline that takes place directly after Scarlett's father's death, and a present timeline that occurs after Scarlett's second accident, a fall off a ladder in the library, which results in her hitting her head and forgetting the last 6 months, falling in love with Arthur included. The 2 timelines weave together 2 love stories, where 2 people fall in love 2 separate times, at least on the FMC's part. I felt the longing from Arthur for Scarlett to remember, but not wanting to selfishly push.
But the changing timelines also were a detriment to this book. I often got confused and would forgot which time I was in, even with labels. Sometimes the switches happened too often, too quick, and sometimes it felt like we stayed longer than welcome in some times. I was also frustrated with some of Scarlett's actions and responses; I understand she was extremely overwhelmed with the situation, both times, but I would've liked to see her communicate more clearly with Arthur before just running off.
Still, this was a nice take on the amnesia trope in romance, and I'm looking forward to seeing what other tropes the author tackles!
dnf
September 10, 2023DNF@61% I was so excited to read Recollection because I love amnesia books. Unfortunately, this book is so boring with boring characters. I have been trying to read it for weeks, but I have no desire to continue.
July 12, 2025
Never read an amnesia trope done so well!
I think this trope worked so well because she didn't lose all of her memory, just for the last 6 months. He worked to win back her love and it was so great to watch. I love how the small acts they would do for each other, especially when she still wasn't sure about her relationship with him. The spice in this story wasn't anything too crazy but still made me blush.
I am looking forward to continuing the series!
I think this trope worked so well because she didn't lose all of her memory, just for the last 6 months. He worked to win back her love and it was so great to watch. I love how the small acts they would do for each other, especially when she still wasn't sure about her relationship with him. The spice in this story wasn't anything too crazy but still made me blush.
I am looking forward to continuing the series!
September 17, 2023
I enjoyed this story. The heroine has a fall and looses her memory from the last six months. It's clear to the reader that the hero has fallen for her in that time, and their story is told in flashbacks (dreams for the heroine). It's pretty cliche, but I liked that. As usual, this author has written the book from the h's POV and she is excellent as describing the H's body language, feelings etc without having his POV in the mix. 3.5 stars. A feel good romance with steamy scenes.
June 29, 2025
3.5 stars
I would have enjoyed this a lot more if not for the odd "third act conflict".
I would have enjoyed this a lot more if not for the odd "third act conflict".
November 14, 2025
-Amnesia.
-Age gap (18).
-KU, recommended and safe.
-Age gap (18).
-KU, recommended and safe.
July 5, 2025
I really liked this novella! It was a big age-gap (Scarlet is late twenties and Arthur is 46) and amnesia romance done very well I thought! The age difference was actually addressed, but there was no outside conflict about it either, which is unusual. I could really feel the feelings develop between them. And the smut was right up my alley.
October 7, 2025
Recollection by Noelle Adams is one of those quiet, aching love stories that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go. Told entirely from Scarlett Kingston’s perspective, it opens with her waking up in a hospital after an accident that wiped out six months of her life—six months that changed everything. Her father is dead, her life is unrecognizable, and she finds herself living in the sprawling, centuries-old Worthing estate under the care of Arthur Worthing, a man who was once merely her father’s friend.
Arthur is forty-six, a brilliant, scarred, and reclusive man whose sense of control masks a heart that feels too deeply. Scarlett, at twenty-eight, is raw from grief and confusion, her amnesia leaving her trapped between two realities; the one she barely remembers and the one she is now living.
The dynamic between them is immediately loaded with tension: gratitude, dependence, attraction, and the unspoken history she cannot recall. What unfolds is both tender and devastating, a slow, deliberate exploration of love rediscovered under the strangest of circumstances.
The story moves fluidly between past and present, peeling back layers of their relationship with a kind of aching inevitability. Arthur is a quintessential Noelle Adams hero; quietly protective, honorable to a fault, and burdened by his own insecurities. His restraint is painful to witness at times, especially as he struggles to keep his distance while Scarlett unknowingly falls for him all over again. Scarlett’s journey, meanwhile, is one of piecing herself back together, of rediscovering not only her love for Arthur but also her strength and sense of self after trauma.
What makes this book unforgettable is how Adams captures intimacy beyond the physical. Every touch between them feels earned, charged with emotion and memory. The sex scenes are sensual, yes, but they are also suffused with tenderness and pain, the awareness of what was lost and what might be regained. Arthur’s fear that he is holding her back, his conviction that she deserves a future unshaped by his scars or her dependency, gives the story its most heartbreaking edge.
If I had one complaint, it is that I wanted an epilogue, a glimpse into the happily ever after they fought so hard to earn. After the emotional whirlwind of their separation and reunion, I longed for that final exhale. But perhaps it is fitting that the story ends where it does, leaving readers to imagine the rest, as Scarlett once had to imagine the missing months of her life.
Recommended for: readers who love emotionally charged age-gap romances, scarred heroes who love quietly and fiercely, and heroines who must rediscover both themselves and the man they love.
Final Verdict: Poignant, sensual, and beautifully written, Recollection is a love story that asks what it means to fall in love twice—and makes you believe it’s possible.
Rating = 4.5/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
Arthur is forty-six, a brilliant, scarred, and reclusive man whose sense of control masks a heart that feels too deeply. Scarlett, at twenty-eight, is raw from grief and confusion, her amnesia leaving her trapped between two realities; the one she barely remembers and the one she is now living.
The dynamic between them is immediately loaded with tension: gratitude, dependence, attraction, and the unspoken history she cannot recall. What unfolds is both tender and devastating, a slow, deliberate exploration of love rediscovered under the strangest of circumstances.
The story moves fluidly between past and present, peeling back layers of their relationship with a kind of aching inevitability. Arthur is a quintessential Noelle Adams hero; quietly protective, honorable to a fault, and burdened by his own insecurities. His restraint is painful to witness at times, especially as he struggles to keep his distance while Scarlett unknowingly falls for him all over again. Scarlett’s journey, meanwhile, is one of piecing herself back together, of rediscovering not only her love for Arthur but also her strength and sense of self after trauma.
What makes this book unforgettable is how Adams captures intimacy beyond the physical. Every touch between them feels earned, charged with emotion and memory. The sex scenes are sensual, yes, but they are also suffused with tenderness and pain, the awareness of what was lost and what might be regained. Arthur’s fear that he is holding her back, his conviction that she deserves a future unshaped by his scars or her dependency, gives the story its most heartbreaking edge.
If I had one complaint, it is that I wanted an epilogue, a glimpse into the happily ever after they fought so hard to earn. After the emotional whirlwind of their separation and reunion, I longed for that final exhale. But perhaps it is fitting that the story ends where it does, leaving readers to imagine the rest, as Scarlett once had to imagine the missing months of her life.
Recommended for: readers who love emotionally charged age-gap romances, scarred heroes who love quietly and fiercely, and heroines who must rediscover both themselves and the man they love.
Final Verdict: Poignant, sensual, and beautifully written, Recollection is a love story that asks what it means to fall in love twice—and makes you believe it’s possible.
Rating = 4.5/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
August 21, 2023
This is a well-written contemporary romance. The writing is simple but readable and I had to admire the actual construction of the plot. I’m not a fan of flashbacks at all – they’re one of my least favourite literary devices – but I thought they were used cleverly here. It allowed for more explicitly romantic content in the ‘past’ segments which would have been out of place in the ‘present’, which was by necessity more of a slow burn. It allowed for the book to hit all of the right beats for a romance novel without the actual romance feeling rushed.
That said, the book itself is quite simple. The plot is fine, it’s just a little predictable in places, but I get that’s going to happen in a book with this sort of plot. I personally found that the book faltered a little towards the end and some of the conflict became repetitive, and the actual ending felt very blunt. But there were some very sweet moments and the love scenes were hot and well-written, so overall I found this an enjoyable romance and would recommend it to anyone looking for an age gap romance with the amnesia trope. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.
Content Notes: Dad’s friend / friend’s daughter, age gap, forced proximity, amnesia.
Warnings:
Other:
That said, the book itself is quite simple. The plot is fine, it’s just a little predictable in places, but I get that’s going to happen in a book with this sort of plot. I personally found that the book faltered a little towards the end and some of the conflict became repetitive, and the actual ending felt very blunt. But there were some very sweet moments and the love scenes were hot and well-written, so overall I found this an enjoyable romance and would recommend it to anyone looking for an age gap romance with the amnesia trope. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.
Content Notes: Dad’s friend / friend’s daughter, age gap, forced proximity, amnesia.
Warnings:
Other:
August 25, 2023
Recollection is a dreamy, elliptical romance whose gentle tone enveloped me as I read it. And that’s fascinating because the heroine Scarlett is dealing with physical trauma twice over a short time that’s resulted in amnesia and loss of her memory of her last six months. She’s been staying with and working for her father’s friend Arthur since the death of her father, so when she returns to his home after her release from the hospital, why does it seem like there might have been more to their relationship than work?
Recollection is told entirely from Scarlett’s POV; like many Adams romances, the hero’s thoughts are ever so slowly revealed over the course of this book. At the end of this book, I had great respect for Arthur, who in his own way endures multiple traumas just as Scarlett does. And seeing these two reticent people move to a point where they admit their communication deficits and address them was wonderful.
This book is so intensely focused on this couple. There are just a few other characters who make any sort of appearance on the page, and even fewer with dialogue. It’s part of the dreamlike feel of this story—it’s like Scarlett and Arthur are somewhat outside of the world as they address her recuperation and desire for recollection.
Recollection is an age-gap romance—he’s about 20 years older than her—but I loved that Adams avoided most of the “dad’s best friend” trope by having Scarlett’s father pass away months before. While Arthur has concerns about their age difference, Scarlett adroitly addresses those on her own terms instead of someone else’s.
This book was a treat to read. I loved seeing Scarlett and Arthur find their multiple paths to love, and feeling like I was awakening from a comforting reverie when I turned the final page.
Recollection is told entirely from Scarlett’s POV; like many Adams romances, the hero’s thoughts are ever so slowly revealed over the course of this book. At the end of this book, I had great respect for Arthur, who in his own way endures multiple traumas just as Scarlett does. And seeing these two reticent people move to a point where they admit their communication deficits and address them was wonderful.
This book is so intensely focused on this couple. There are just a few other characters who make any sort of appearance on the page, and even fewer with dialogue. It’s part of the dreamlike feel of this story—it’s like Scarlett and Arthur are somewhat outside of the world as they address her recuperation and desire for recollection.
Recollection is an age-gap romance—he’s about 20 years older than her—but I loved that Adams avoided most of the “dad’s best friend” trope by having Scarlett’s father pass away months before. While Arthur has concerns about their age difference, Scarlett adroitly addresses those on her own terms instead of someone else’s.
This book was a treat to read. I loved seeing Scarlett and Arthur find their multiple paths to love, and feeling like I was awakening from a comforting reverie when I turned the final page.
August 25, 2023
This is book one in The Worthings Series and it is Arthur and Scarlett’s story and omg what a great start to a new series. Scarlett was in a car accident six months ago where her father died leaving her to lose everything including family, money, career, friends and support and that is when Arthur who was her dad’s friend stepped in and offered her a job and somewhere to live and then she had another accident causing her to lose memory and not remember what happened in the previous six months which caused her anxiety, confusion, afraid, disoriented and not knowing who she can trust anymore which made her unsettled. The more time that Arthur and Scarlett spend together the harder they fall in love but with Scarlett’s memories still not returning and not knowing that Arthur is keeping secrets and reluctant to move forward or commit to her she decides that she needs space to think but when all her memories return she feels hurt and betrayed but will Scarlett and Arthur be able to eventually communicate, trust and find there way back to each other if they are ever going to be able to move forward and get the happiness and future that they both deserve. Wow I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting because it was so addictive and emotional and I had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and what the outcome would be for them in the end. I definitely recommend that you read this book and you will not be disappointed and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
July 25, 2025
📌 Recommendation Type:
Amnesic FMC who only forgets her relationship with the MMC. The MMC helps her heal and recover without expecting anything in return. Both characters are mature and respectful, never crossing any boundaries.
📉 Reality Check:
The FMC is painfully dumb. The plot doesn't deliver what it promises.
📕 Dropped: Chapter 3
🗣 My Opinion:
I’ve personally lived under the same roof as someone suffering from amnesia, and trust me—when they wake up, the last thing on their mind is someone else’s feelings. Their emotional bandwidth is entirely consumed by confusion, fear, and survival. So, an FMC worrying about the MMC's emotions from the moment she wakes up? Unrealistic, even in fiction.
Secondly, not even 24 hours have passed, and the FMC’s lower body is clenching, shivering, tightening, fluttering just by looking at the MMC. 🤡 I'm supposed to believe a 28-year-old woman—completely alone in this world, no memory, no family—has the emotional or psychological space to thirst over a stranger?
Third, the FMC blindly believes everything the MMC tells her about her past six months, without asking for proof, photos, or anything. That’s not just naïve but dumb survival instinct. She has zero critical thinking or self-preservation.
Fourth, I can't stand best friends who exist solely to yap about how hot someone is or whether the FMC should sleep with a guy, while ignoring the seriousness of her situation.
And finally, if your female lead is feeling horny every time the MMC breathes, blinks, or opens a door—I’m out.
Amnesic FMC who only forgets her relationship with the MMC. The MMC helps her heal and recover without expecting anything in return. Both characters are mature and respectful, never crossing any boundaries.
📉 Reality Check:
The FMC is painfully dumb. The plot doesn't deliver what it promises.
📕 Dropped: Chapter 3
🗣 My Opinion:
I’ve personally lived under the same roof as someone suffering from amnesia, and trust me—when they wake up, the last thing on their mind is someone else’s feelings. Their emotional bandwidth is entirely consumed by confusion, fear, and survival. So, an FMC worrying about the MMC's emotions from the moment she wakes up? Unrealistic, even in fiction.
Secondly, not even 24 hours have passed, and the FMC’s lower body is clenching, shivering, tightening, fluttering just by looking at the MMC. 🤡 I'm supposed to believe a 28-year-old woman—completely alone in this world, no memory, no family—has the emotional or psychological space to thirst over a stranger?
Third, the FMC blindly believes everything the MMC tells her about her past six months, without asking for proof, photos, or anything. That’s not just naïve but dumb survival instinct. She has zero critical thinking or self-preservation.
Fourth, I can't stand best friends who exist solely to yap about how hot someone is or whether the FMC should sleep with a guy, while ignoring the seriousness of her situation.
And finally, if your female lead is feeling horny every time the MMC breathes, blinks, or opens a door—I’m out.
October 1, 2023
This book goes back and forth from a current period to a period six months prior. Scarlett's father died and she had been working for and living in the same mansion as his friend Arthur (who is about 16 years older than she). In the current time Scarlett fell and got amnesia. We are slowly introduced to when they first got to know each other better just after her father died and how they get "reintroduced" when she loses her memory of their being essentially best friends six months earlier.
I liked the characters and the idea of the book. I was engaged in the story though it was a bit confusing that Scarlett would have "dreams" of things that had happened in the time she didn't remember but both times they fell in love were memorable and kind of similar. I think I might have been expecting something different since I have read and loved her dystopian series written as Claire Kent, but this was an enjoyable and slightly differently organized contemporary romance with a tiny bit of 'taboo" (the "dad's best friend" thing and the level of spice was pretty high).
I received a promotional copy and am giving an honest review.
I liked the characters and the idea of the book. I was engaged in the story though it was a bit confusing that Scarlett would have "dreams" of things that had happened in the time she didn't remember but both times they fell in love were memorable and kind of similar. I think I might have been expecting something different since I have read and loved her dystopian series written as Claire Kent, but this was an enjoyable and slightly differently organized contemporary romance with a tiny bit of 'taboo" (the "dad's best friend" thing and the level of spice was pretty high).
I received a promotional copy and am giving an honest review.
July 1, 2025
I flew through this amnesia romance about touch-starved loners. It's not realistic in the least——but I still had a good time.
Characters: Scarlett is a 28 year old white librarian. She adopts a stray dog named Fred. Arthur is a 46 year old shipping magnate heir. This is set in Virginia.
Content notes: past physical and emotional abuse by MMC's father (possible alcoholism), past emotional abuse and unstable childhood by FMC's father, amnesia from concussion, recent death of FMC's father (car accident which she survived), facial scar, FMC's father embezzled millions from clients and fled the country before he could be incarcerated (he convinced FMC to go with him, which she now regrets), past death of MMC's parents, FMC's mother left when she was a baby, rescue of stray dog, internalized ageism, back pain, grief-related weight loss and gain, on page sex, nonconsensual voyeurism by FMC, spanking, masturbation, alcohol, gender essentialist language, ableist language
Characters: Scarlett is a 28 year old white librarian. She adopts a stray dog named Fred. Arthur is a 46 year old shipping magnate heir. This is set in Virginia.
Content notes: past physical and emotional abuse by MMC's father (possible alcoholism), past emotional abuse and unstable childhood by FMC's father, amnesia from concussion, recent death of FMC's father (car accident which she survived), facial scar, FMC's father embezzled millions from clients and fled the country before he could be incarcerated (he convinced FMC to go with him, which she now regrets), past death of MMC's parents, FMC's mother left when she was a baby, rescue of stray dog, internalized ageism, back pain, grief-related weight loss and gain, on page sex, nonconsensual voyeurism by FMC, spanking, masturbation, alcohol, gender essentialist language, ableist language
August 10, 2023
2.5/5 ⭐️
This was a nice read! It wasn't too angsty, and the story had a nice flow.
Unfortunately, I didn't feel the spark, the love between Scarlett and Arthur, and it happened way too quickly both times.
In the third act, Scarlett was particularly immature regarding her situation.
This is not a spoiler since it's in the blurb: she lost her memory, and of course, the doctors told her not to force it, that everything would come back naturally. But then she gets mad at Arthur for not telling her everything about their time together "in the past."
It was ridiculous, and it just made me roll my eyes. He did absolutely nothing wrong, followed the doctor's instructions to not put her at risk, at that's his thanks? A tantrum?
The book needed more, especially a more developed plot that delved better into their feelings.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a nice read! It wasn't too angsty, and the story had a nice flow.
Unfortunately, I didn't feel the spark, the love between Scarlett and Arthur, and it happened way too quickly both times.
In the third act, Scarlett was particularly immature regarding her situation.
This is not a spoiler since it's in the blurb: she lost her memory, and of course, the doctors told her not to force it, that everything would come back naturally. But then she gets mad at Arthur for not telling her everything about their time together "in the past."
It was ridiculous, and it just made me roll my eyes. He did absolutely nothing wrong, followed the doctor's instructions to not put her at risk, at that's his thanks? A tantrum?
The book needed more, especially a more developed plot that delved better into their feelings.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2023
Headlines:
Amnesia
Age gap
He's lonely, she's alone
This story had a vague in the background beauty and the beast feel to it with a gentle beast. Add in a stray dog, some amnesia, and two attempts to fall in love and you get Recollection.
Scarlett was younger than the 40s MMC Arthur but it wasn't creepy. Arthur came from a protective stance and to the aid of his friend's daughter. The father storyline behind the scenes was a little patchy but eventually insignificant. All eyes were on the friendship the couple built and what came afterwards.
The tale was told mostly in the present but with some past chapters added in which fleshed out the story in some extra depth. I do enjoy an amnesia storyline and the mystery was low-stakes and low angst but no less enjoyable for it.
I can see a set up for future installments with a different couple and this is an easy reading series I'll continue with.
Thank you for the eARC provided through netgalley.
Amnesia
Age gap
He's lonely, she's alone
This story had a vague in the background beauty and the beast feel to it with a gentle beast. Add in a stray dog, some amnesia, and two attempts to fall in love and you get Recollection.
Scarlett was younger than the 40s MMC Arthur but it wasn't creepy. Arthur came from a protective stance and to the aid of his friend's daughter. The father storyline behind the scenes was a little patchy but eventually insignificant. All eyes were on the friendship the couple built and what came afterwards.
The tale was told mostly in the present but with some past chapters added in which fleshed out the story in some extra depth. I do enjoy an amnesia storyline and the mystery was low-stakes and low angst but no less enjoyable for it.
I can see a set up for future installments with a different couple and this is an easy reading series I'll continue with.
Thank you for the eARC provided through netgalley.
September 7, 2023
Ceritanya Scarlet, perempuan muda ini, ditinggal meninggal ayahnya. Dia istilahnya diasuh oleh teman dekat ayahnya, Arthur yang usianya sudah 40 tahunan.
Di awal cerita, Scarlet abis jatuh dari tangga di perpustakaan Arthur. Dia amnesia. Ingatannya yang hilang cuman 6 bulan belakangan. Jadi ketika Arthur mendampinginya di rumas sakit, Scarlet tahu Arthur tapi dia ngga tahu bahwa dirinya dan Arthur punya hubungan lebih.
Sepanjang cerita, pembaca diajak menyelami karakter Scarlet dan Arthur. Seperti pola cerita pengarang yang biasanya, keduanya adalah karakter yang saling melengkapi dan sweet. Gejolak drama mereka standar. Malahan kupikir Arthur ngga ada gengsinya sebagai laki-laki 40 tahun yang memiliki perusahaan keluarga yang besar. Dia tetap ada sisi minusnya tapi ya begitu lah. Selain itu, aku ngga paham kenapa Scarlet marah ketika tahu Arthur ngga bilang soal hubungan mereka di bagian terakhir,
Kalau mau baca cerita sweet, bisa milih cerita-cerita dari mba Adams ini
Di awal cerita, Scarlet abis jatuh dari tangga di perpustakaan Arthur. Dia amnesia. Ingatannya yang hilang cuman 6 bulan belakangan. Jadi ketika Arthur mendampinginya di rumas sakit, Scarlet tahu Arthur tapi dia ngga tahu bahwa dirinya dan Arthur punya hubungan lebih.
Sepanjang cerita, pembaca diajak menyelami karakter Scarlet dan Arthur. Seperti pola cerita pengarang yang biasanya, keduanya adalah karakter yang saling melengkapi dan sweet. Gejolak drama mereka standar. Malahan kupikir Arthur ngga ada gengsinya sebagai laki-laki 40 tahun yang memiliki perusahaan keluarga yang besar. Dia tetap ada sisi minusnya tapi ya begitu lah. Selain itu, aku ngga paham kenapa Scarlet marah ketika tahu Arthur ngga bilang soal hubungan mereka di bagian terakhir,
Kalau mau baca cerita sweet, bisa milih cerita-cerita dari mba Adams ini
September 9, 2023
This was ridiculous in the best way. If you took a soap opera and transformed it into a romance novel but punched up the emotional depth, this is that. And I loved it! Amnesia trope is one that just works for me, even in a suspend myself from reality type way. But I think Adams did a 10/10 job giving us a story that’s essentially told in two parts (sort of side by side?) with a few chapters told in present day with a flashback chapter thrown in to build the more intimate moments between characters.
Because let’s be honest, it’s hard to build that emotional intimacy when one character remembers and one doesn’t. So having the FMC think she’s dreaming or fantasizing whenever she dreams a memory felt like we were remembering WITH her and it was a great way to play it.
As always I just wish Noelle Adams/Claire Kent gave a little more characterization to her MMCs. But that’s mostly a me issue.
Because let’s be honest, it’s hard to build that emotional intimacy when one character remembers and one doesn’t. So having the FMC think she’s dreaming or fantasizing whenever she dreams a memory felt like we were remembering WITH her and it was a great way to play it.
As always I just wish Noelle Adams/Claire Kent gave a little more characterization to her MMCs. But that’s mostly a me issue.
August 9, 2023
This was such a sweet book and right up there with other Noelle Adams favorites for me. Arthur is so damaged and unsure of himself. He doesn't believe anything good can happen to him. Scarlett was a likable character, but I would have liked to hear more about her upbringing and relationship with her dad. Aside from Arthur being wealthy, this is a book about normal people. No Greek gods here. Arthur is 46 and Scarlett is 28, so there is an age gap involved.
I gulped this book up in one sitting. Noelle Adam's books have such a compelling quality to them, even if you know what's coming. If you want an adorable romance (with some excellent spice) that gives you the warm and fuzzies, this is it.
I gulped this book up in one sitting. Noelle Adam's books have such a compelling quality to them, even if you know what's coming. If you want an adorable romance (with some excellent spice) that gives you the warm and fuzzies, this is it.
September 26, 2023
"I love you, Scarlett Kingston. More than I believed myself capable of loving. I'm going to love you all my life."
TROPES:
age gap (746-h28)
FMC with amnesia
billionaire MMC
slowburn
HEAT LEVEL: 🔥🔥
So much potential but I feel like l was missing something while reading the book. I felt like some of the most important aspects that this book revolves in are lacking. Like the chemistry and the angst and devastation from the MMC regarding his situation. I also felt like Scarlett and Arthur were two much alike in personality that I didn't really felt the dynamic and complexity of their relationship. All the while, I felt like, too much attention and conflict was put forth towards their age difference that I found myself exhausted by the push-and-pull act from the MMC.
TROPES:
age gap (746-h28)
FMC with amnesia
billionaire MMC
slowburn
HEAT LEVEL: 🔥🔥
So much potential but I feel like l was missing something while reading the book. I felt like some of the most important aspects that this book revolves in are lacking. Like the chemistry and the angst and devastation from the MMC regarding his situation. I also felt like Scarlett and Arthur were two much alike in personality that I didn't really felt the dynamic and complexity of their relationship. All the while, I felt like, too much attention and conflict was put forth towards their age difference that I found myself exhausted by the push-and-pull act from the MMC.
May 20, 2025
Amnesia trope. At first I thought this was gonna be a banger but then the book spends the majority of the time in the past, which completely takes the wind out of the sails of the amnesia plot and leaves the present-day romance massively underdeveloped.
LARGE age gap (18 years, she's 28, he's 46) which I would ordinarily appreciate but I feel like Adams didn't utilize it in a very interesting way. It basically just makes him insecure about being with her. I also hate the "you need freedom so go leave me and let's do long distance for a few months" ending. I can handle a long-distance ending if it is required by something in the characters' lives--a job, family, etc. But I hate romance endings where a character needs ~freedom, space, independence~ etc. They feel so bitter to me.
LARGE age gap (18 years, she's 28, he's 46) which I would ordinarily appreciate but I feel like Adams didn't utilize it in a very interesting way. It basically just makes him insecure about being with her. I also hate the "you need freedom so go leave me and let's do long distance for a few months" ending. I can handle a long-distance ending if it is required by something in the characters' lives--a job, family, etc. But I hate romance endings where a character needs ~freedom, space, independence~ etc. They feel so bitter to me.
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