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Until You Found Me: A Small Town Romantic Suspense
Logan has always preferred being alone. Letting people in and forming relationships only leads to stress and trouble. When he finds a woman in the middle of the road, covered in dirt and bleeding a river, taking her to the hospital is the decent thing to do. Despite his efforts to leave things between them at one good deed and nothing more, their lives become entangled when he learns that Tessa can’t remember her past.
When Tessa wakes up in the middle of nowhere with her memory in shattered pieces, Logan is the one person she can trust. She has nothing but broken flashbacks in her history and she definitely isn’t his problem, but somehow they become each other’s everything. Slowly, he works his way into her heart, in a sleepy seaside town on the coast of Maine, but danger is always lurking when the person who left her for dead comes back for a second try. Recovering her memories is the only way forward. Knowing the truth could cost them the brand new life they’re building together.
When Tessa wakes up in the middle of nowhere with her memory in shattered pieces, Logan is the one person she can trust. She has nothing but broken flashbacks in her history and she definitely isn’t his problem, but somehow they become each other’s everything. Slowly, he works his way into her heart, in a sleepy seaside town on the coast of Maine, but danger is always lurking when the person who left her for dead comes back for a second try. Recovering her memories is the only way forward. Knowing the truth could cost them the brand new life they’re building together.
- GenresRomance
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2024
16 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
September 9, 2024
4.25/5
This book was everything!! It had me laughing and crying so much.
Tessa is such a strong woman in this story I was not expecting the depth and heartbreak of her past. And to finally see her be happy and free made me so happy and it was just a very emotional story.
Logan is such a sweetheart I feel so bad he had to go through what he went through. He’s such a good blue collar worker who works so hard for everything he gets. Breaks my heart that insulin is truly unobtainable for so many people and it’s just incredibly expensive, I feel like this story really highlighted the struggle of those with diabetes and what they have to go through to live.
I genuinely couldn’t put this book down and if you want a deep and emotional romance book I would highly recommend this one!
Please make sure to read the trigger warnings before you read it!
This book was everything!! It had me laughing and crying so much.
Tessa is such a strong woman in this story I was not expecting the depth and heartbreak of her past. And to finally see her be happy and free made me so happy and it was just a very emotional story.
Logan is such a sweetheart I feel so bad he had to go through what he went through. He’s such a good blue collar worker who works so hard for everything he gets. Breaks my heart that insulin is truly unobtainable for so many people and it’s just incredibly expensive, I feel like this story really highlighted the struggle of those with diabetes and what they have to go through to live.
I genuinely couldn’t put this book down and if you want a deep and emotional romance book I would highly recommend this one!
Please make sure to read the trigger warnings before you read it!
March 5, 2025
This had a promising start (I'm all for inexperienced, sweet MMC and amnesia plot) but unfortunately this book was boring and I ended up skimmed after the 60% mark.
______
Safety:
I can't give a good safety info without spoiling so read at your own risk
.
.
— Dual POV (3rd person POV)
— Insta-attraction
— The H has diabetes
— At 66% the H has kidney failure
— Amnesia (the h)
— Abusive father (the H / that caused him a lot of trauma)
— Attempted m*rder (the h / on-page)
— Loss of a child (the h)
— No OMD :
• The h is married to another man (when she woke up she didn't remember anything but she was wearing a wedding ring).
• Later she remembered that her husband was abusive and a cheater (it’s shown in flashback).
• She had a daughter (10 yo) with OM who was also being abused.
• OM caused some trouble near the end.
— No OWD :
The H thought about his ex-girlfriend Lydia a lot but not because he missed her or anything like that at all. It was just to make it clear that he never loved her, wasn't attracted to her, and was avoiding/pushing her most of the time until she left him (6 years ago). Plus she was emotionally abusive and took advantage of him (see below)
“It was a long time ago. Five, maybe six years. I was a shitty person to be with. I deserved it.”
“I very much doubt that.”
“Worked too much. Was never around, couldn’t be present, couldn’t do a lotta things. Made mistakes.” He sighs, running a hand through his hair and looking out at the ocean. “I’m hard to be with. Hard to love—”
He cuts himself off because it was never about love with Lydia, no matter how many times she told him it was. No matter how often he wished he was a little less broken when it came to knowing how to give that to her. He doesn’t tell Tessa that Lydia was a drunken one-night stand who moved herself into his trailer and a part of him was lonely enough that he let her do it. He doesn’t tell her that when she gave him an ultimatum to quit his job and stay home with her or break up, he let her go.
She appeared in a short scene, she was engaged to another man and when she saw the H she tried to be terrible as usual but the h took care of her (I didn't like that the H couldn't defend himself, I know she caused him some trauma but I wanted him to put her in her place instead of the h).
— No virgins :
• Inexperienced MMC :
The H has a lot of trauma, which makes it hard for him to connect with anyone emotionally or physically/sexually—unless he’s so drunk enough that he doesn’t even realize what’s happening around him or drugged!
(He's been with a few girls but he prefers not to have sex, until the h).
He mentioned that his ex used to sneak some pills into his drink to make him hard because half the time he let her down. He woke up more than once to her riding him while he slept, claiming it was easier if he wasn’t awake to get in his own head about it. He didn't say anything or stop her but rather let her do whatever she wanted with him because he felt guilty and thought it was his mistake to make her resort to that. Then he said he maybe needed to be grateful that she was in his bed at all 😐 (he thought he was broken / no descriptive scene though).
“He can appreciate a beautiful woman, but his interest has always been shallow and without any sort of emotional connection, his brain does a good job of keeping his dick down. It’s a defect on his part. It has to be. Society tells him that he shouldn’t need to feel anything for the person he’s fucking, yet no matter how often he has tried to conform to those expectations, it never works in his favor.
To let someone in, he needs to feel safe, but the fact that he’s antisocial enough to make that process such a struggle is probably a defect, too. It’s why he didn’t say a damn thing when he found out his ex was dosing him with Viagra. He let her do it because he couldn’t give her what she needed otherwise. His desire to be normal didn’t do a damn thing to make his cock work for someone he didn’t love.”
* * *
“You said she slipped them into your drinks?”
He shrugs. “Don’t blame her. I never gave her anything she needed, so what was she supposed to do? Forcing it to work while I was asleep was the only way and—”
“Wait, what?”
“Wasn’t her fault, it was mine. If I was awake, the pills might not have worked as well. My fucking head ruins everything. It’s my own damn fault I don’t work right. I never have.”
“Logan, she shouldn’t have done that. It’s not okay.”
He bristles, pulling his hand away, the pit of his stomach churning with acid at her implication. “I never told her to stop.”
“You couldn’t have told her to stop if weren’t awake.”
“Even when I woke up, even when I figured it out, I let her do it. It’s fine. It’s fine.”
“You aren’t some toy that she had the right to take off the shelf whenever she wanted and—”
“It wasn’t how you think between me and her,” he says quickly
“Okay.”
“I was the problem. She didn’t hurt me. I could have stopped her. I was twice her size.”
“Did you want to take the pills when she gave them to you? Did you want to sleep with her when you woke up and…”
He goes quiet because the answer is no and saying it aloud is difficult. It would be admitting that he can’t protect himself from someone he could bench press and he isn’t in the mood for that tonight. Maybe he really is such a disaster that someone could take advantage of him that easily and he’d hardly be able to recognize it.
He later realized that what his ex did to him was wrong and their relationship was toxic.
“His nerves are on fire, he’s anxious and every time he closes his eyes, he sees Lydia smothering him until he wants to crawl out of his own skin. He’s done a decent job of trying to ignore that part of his life. Pretend it was a normal, if troubled, relationship because everyone has problems at some point. Everyone argues. He didn’t have much to compare it to back then and now that he does it’s so much clearer that nothing about his time with Lydia was normal.”
Anyway, the only person he was attracted to and connected with her emotionally and physically was the h.
• The H was celibate for a long time (I think since he broke up with his ex, 6 years ago).
• The h's husband sexually assaulted her several times (off-page).
• No info on the h last time.
— No cheating between the MCs
— No 3rd act break up
— Pushing from the H
— HEA
______
Safety:
I can't give a good safety info without spoiling so read at your own risk
.
.
— Dual POV (3rd person POV)
— Insta-attraction
— The H has diabetes
— At 66% the H has kidney failure
— Amnesia (the h)
— Abusive father (the H / that caused him a lot of trauma)
— Attempted m*rder (the h / on-page)
— Loss of a child (the h)
— No OMD :
• The h is married to another man (when she woke up she didn't remember anything but she was wearing a wedding ring).
• Later she remembered that her husband was abusive and a cheater (it’s shown in flashback).
• She had a daughter (10 yo) with OM who was also being abused.
• OM caused some trouble near the end.
— No OWD :
The H thought about his ex-girlfriend Lydia a lot but not because he missed her or anything like that at all. It was just to make it clear that he never loved her, wasn't attracted to her, and was avoiding/pushing her most of the time until she left him (6 years ago). Plus she was emotionally abusive and took advantage of him (see below)
“It was a long time ago. Five, maybe six years. I was a shitty person to be with. I deserved it.”
“I very much doubt that.”
“Worked too much. Was never around, couldn’t be present, couldn’t do a lotta things. Made mistakes.” He sighs, running a hand through his hair and looking out at the ocean. “I’m hard to be with. Hard to love—”
He cuts himself off because it was never about love with Lydia, no matter how many times she told him it was. No matter how often he wished he was a little less broken when it came to knowing how to give that to her. He doesn’t tell Tessa that Lydia was a drunken one-night stand who moved herself into his trailer and a part of him was lonely enough that he let her do it. He doesn’t tell her that when she gave him an ultimatum to quit his job and stay home with her or break up, he let her go.
She appeared in a short scene, she was engaged to another man and when she saw the H she tried to be terrible as usual but the h took care of her (I didn't like that the H couldn't defend himself, I know she caused him some trauma but I wanted him to put her in her place instead of the h).
— No virgins :
• Inexperienced MMC :
The H has a lot of trauma, which makes it hard for him to connect with anyone emotionally or physically/sexually—unless he’s so drunk enough that he doesn’t even realize what’s happening around him or drugged!
(He's been with a few girls but he prefers not to have sex, until the h).
He mentioned that his ex used to sneak some pills into his drink to make him hard because half the time he let her down. He woke up more than once to her riding him while he slept, claiming it was easier if he wasn’t awake to get in his own head about it. He didn't say anything or stop her but rather let her do whatever she wanted with him because he felt guilty and thought it was his mistake to make her resort to that. Then he said he maybe needed to be grateful that she was in his bed at all 😐 (he thought he was broken / no descriptive scene though).
“He can appreciate a beautiful woman, but his interest has always been shallow and without any sort of emotional connection, his brain does a good job of keeping his dick down. It’s a defect on his part. It has to be. Society tells him that he shouldn’t need to feel anything for the person he’s fucking, yet no matter how often he has tried to conform to those expectations, it never works in his favor.
To let someone in, he needs to feel safe, but the fact that he’s antisocial enough to make that process such a struggle is probably a defect, too. It’s why he didn’t say a damn thing when he found out his ex was dosing him with Viagra. He let her do it because he couldn’t give her what she needed otherwise. His desire to be normal didn’t do a damn thing to make his cock work for someone he didn’t love.”
* * *
“You said she slipped them into your drinks?”
He shrugs. “Don’t blame her. I never gave her anything she needed, so what was she supposed to do? Forcing it to work while I was asleep was the only way and—”
“Wait, what?”
“Wasn’t her fault, it was mine. If I was awake, the pills might not have worked as well. My fucking head ruins everything. It’s my own damn fault I don’t work right. I never have.”
“Logan, she shouldn’t have done that. It’s not okay.”
He bristles, pulling his hand away, the pit of his stomach churning with acid at her implication. “I never told her to stop.”
“You couldn’t have told her to stop if weren’t awake.”
“Even when I woke up, even when I figured it out, I let her do it. It’s fine. It’s fine.”
“You aren’t some toy that she had the right to take off the shelf whenever she wanted and—”
“It wasn’t how you think between me and her,” he says quickly
“Okay.”
“I was the problem. She didn’t hurt me. I could have stopped her. I was twice her size.”
“Did you want to take the pills when she gave them to you? Did you want to sleep with her when you woke up and…”
He goes quiet because the answer is no and saying it aloud is difficult. It would be admitting that he can’t protect himself from someone he could bench press and he isn’t in the mood for that tonight. Maybe he really is such a disaster that someone could take advantage of him that easily and he’d hardly be able to recognize it.
He later realized that what his ex did to him was wrong and their relationship was toxic.
“His nerves are on fire, he’s anxious and every time he closes his eyes, he sees Lydia smothering him until he wants to crawl out of his own skin. He’s done a decent job of trying to ignore that part of his life. Pretend it was a normal, if troubled, relationship because everyone has problems at some point. Everyone argues. He didn’t have much to compare it to back then and now that he does it’s so much clearer that nothing about his time with Lydia was normal.”
Anyway, the only person he was attracted to and connected with her emotionally and physically was the h.
• The H was celibate for a long time (I think since he broke up with his ex, 6 years ago).
• The h's husband sexually assaulted her several times (off-page).
• No info on the h last time.
— No cheating between the MCs
— No 3rd act break up
— Pushing from the H
— HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2024
This book. I laughed, I giggled, I cried, I kicked my feet, I swooned, this story has it all. And this one hit a little harder than some for me, since quite a few parts of this story closely relate to my own life. Some of the things that Tessa said to Logan just hit hard and it felt like she was saying them to me. I won't say what she said, since it might spoil something, and everyone needs to feel this book for the first time with no spoilers. But their relationship is beautiful and the healing that they do together is so touching and relatable, and I wish I could read it again for the first time.
I have more that I want to say about this but without giving spoilers I can't. But absolutely read this book! I don't think I can recommend the book enough, get it and read it!
I have more that I want to say about this but without giving spoilers I can't. But absolutely read this book! I don't think I can recommend the book enough, get it and read it!
January 8, 2025
3 🌟
This was super heavy with a slice of sweet in parts. That being said, this is not a story about a super healthy relationship and tws/cws MUST be checked before reading.
Logan (H) really drew me in. I loved him because despite everything he’d been through he was just so sweet and protective and real. My heart hurt for him right from the start. It never fails to astound me how there are countries out there that don’t have accessible healthcare, medications etc. I must admit I feel grateful to live in a country where I’ve never really had to worry about any of that.
Tessa (h) wasn’t the most likeable character for me. Whilst I truly felt for her throughout the story, I just didn’t feel that connected to her. Maybe that’s because she was so reticent to actually face her past, always pretending she couldn’t really remember or purposefully blocking painful memories, and in a way that frustrated me, right or wrong.
I liked how she fought for Logan in the end though.
I did get to the point while reading this where I was like… how much more could happen and why does the author feel the need to keep piling shit on these main characters? It was pretty exhausting. I think their circumstances were already pretty fucking gloomy without adding continuously more to the pile. Simply put, there wasn’t enough good happening in this to outweigh the bad. The characters get their HEA but the ending is all resolved so quickly that we don’t really get a picture of what that looks like for them. An epilogue was very much needed and missed.
Overall, a good story but a little too much angst, drama, etc. for my taste.
Safety: (please check triggers for this!)
No virgins. H was fairly inexperienced but had traumatic ones that left him uneasy with sexual and romantic relationships.
No ow or om drama.
‼️Very detailed scenes and descriptions relating to SA, DV, attempted m*rder, loss of a child and more.
This was super heavy with a slice of sweet in parts. That being said, this is not a story about a super healthy relationship and tws/cws MUST be checked before reading.
Logan (H) really drew me in. I loved him because despite everything he’d been through he was just so sweet and protective and real. My heart hurt for him right from the start. It never fails to astound me how there are countries out there that don’t have accessible healthcare, medications etc. I must admit I feel grateful to live in a country where I’ve never really had to worry about any of that.
Tessa (h) wasn’t the most likeable character for me. Whilst I truly felt for her throughout the story, I just didn’t feel that connected to her. Maybe that’s because she was so reticent to actually face her past, always pretending she couldn’t really remember or purposefully blocking painful memories, and in a way that frustrated me, right or wrong.
I liked how she fought for Logan in the end though.
I did get to the point while reading this where I was like… how much more could happen and why does the author feel the need to keep piling shit on these main characters? It was pretty exhausting. I think their circumstances were already pretty fucking gloomy without adding continuously more to the pile. Simply put, there wasn’t enough good happening in this to outweigh the bad. The characters get their HEA but the ending is all resolved so quickly that we don’t really get a picture of what that looks like for them. An epilogue was very much needed and missed.
Overall, a good story but a little too much angst, drama, etc. for my taste.
Safety: (please check triggers for this!)
No virgins. H was fairly inexperienced but had traumatic ones that left him uneasy with sexual and romantic relationships.
No ow or om drama.
‼️Very detailed scenes and descriptions relating to SA, DV, attempted m*rder, loss of a child and more.
September 2, 2024
#Review: *Until I found you* - ARC - Anna Callaway [18+]
4.8/5✨
3/5🌶️
I recently read another book by this author and it was something different. Now I got the chance to read another one and I need to thank Anna for this e-ARC.
Logan is struggling to live because of his diabetes and lack of money to buy the very necessary insulin. After a rough day, everything becomes even harder when he finds, in the middle of the street, a woman. She was really hurt and disoriented.
Tessa is the one Logan found on the street, struggling to remember who she is and her past. She quickly becomes attached to Logan, being the man who saved her and feeling safe around him. Because she doesn't remember who she is, Logan helps her find a place to stay near him and, this way, he can keep an eye on her, to protect her.
They slowly feel that fire igniting between them and soon will become dependent to one another. The support offered to each other is so sweet, even though they were complete strangers, they somehow felt like they had known each other for a lifetime.
This book was really intriguing, full of love, hope and mistery. I felt so sad for both, Logan and Tessa, for everything they've been through and especially for what they will experience together.
Anna Callaway's style of writing is so unique to me and I just dive into her stories. They are addictive and I felt the angst so intensely. I recommend it to readers who are searching deep books beside the romance parts.
✨Tropes:
#StrangersToLovers
#Amnesia
#Angst
#FadedMates
#Protector
#TragicPast
#TorturedLead
4.8/5✨
3/5🌶️
I recently read another book by this author and it was something different. Now I got the chance to read another one and I need to thank Anna for this e-ARC.
Logan is struggling to live because of his diabetes and lack of money to buy the very necessary insulin. After a rough day, everything becomes even harder when he finds, in the middle of the street, a woman. She was really hurt and disoriented.
Tessa is the one Logan found on the street, struggling to remember who she is and her past. She quickly becomes attached to Logan, being the man who saved her and feeling safe around him. Because she doesn't remember who she is, Logan helps her find a place to stay near him and, this way, he can keep an eye on her, to protect her.
They slowly feel that fire igniting between them and soon will become dependent to one another. The support offered to each other is so sweet, even though they were complete strangers, they somehow felt like they had known each other for a lifetime.
This book was really intriguing, full of love, hope and mistery. I felt so sad for both, Logan and Tessa, for everything they've been through and especially for what they will experience together.
Anna Callaway's style of writing is so unique to me and I just dive into her stories. They are addictive and I felt the angst so intensely. I recommend it to readers who are searching deep books beside the romance parts.
✨Tropes:
#StrangersToLovers
#Amnesia
#Angst
#FadedMates
#Protector
#TragicPast
#TorturedLead
August 29, 2024
4 ⭐
3 🌶️
tropes: small town, amnesia, diabetes rep, reclusive MMC, inexperienced MMC, mutual trauma/healing, protective MMC
Before I give a review, I want to encourage readers who have triggers to be sure they check content/trigger warnings before reading. This book deals with some heavy topics such as DV, SA, CA, death and suicide.
I went into this relatively blind. I mean, I read the blurb so I knew the gist but I wasn’t ready for the emotional rollercoaster that Logan and Tessa’s story would be. I did have to stop and put it down several times. That’s not a bad thing though. The story line was very good. I think I was just expecting more of a stereotypical romance (which is what I usually read) versus this which is more of a drama/suspense with a strong romance storyline.
Buried alive and left for dead, Tessa manages to crawl out of the ground and onto the side of the road, where she is rescued by the reclusive Logan and taken to the hospital. Quickly they develop a deep connection which naturally evolves into a relationship.
Several things stuck out to me that I really enjoyed:
- Logan is a blue collar worker. I feel like this is an underrepresented character in books, or maybe it’s just the books I read!
- I was a little surprised at how spicy this book is, but I also loved that it was more realistic. I love getting caught up in the fantasy of being with a “dream guy” just as much as anyone else but this was a breath of fresh air.
-Along with that, this book sorta challenges what is normal in terms of sexuality and sexual attraction
I don’t want to give away anymore of the story because there is a lot, but I definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
3 🌶️
tropes: small town, amnesia, diabetes rep, reclusive MMC, inexperienced MMC, mutual trauma/healing, protective MMC
Before I give a review, I want to encourage readers who have triggers to be sure they check content/trigger warnings before reading. This book deals with some heavy topics such as DV, SA, CA, death and suicide.
I went into this relatively blind. I mean, I read the blurb so I knew the gist but I wasn’t ready for the emotional rollercoaster that Logan and Tessa’s story would be. I did have to stop and put it down several times. That’s not a bad thing though. The story line was very good. I think I was just expecting more of a stereotypical romance (which is what I usually read) versus this which is more of a drama/suspense with a strong romance storyline.
Buried alive and left for dead, Tessa manages to crawl out of the ground and onto the side of the road, where she is rescued by the reclusive Logan and taken to the hospital. Quickly they develop a deep connection which naturally evolves into a relationship.
Several things stuck out to me that I really enjoyed:
- Logan is a blue collar worker. I feel like this is an underrepresented character in books, or maybe it’s just the books I read!
- I was a little surprised at how spicy this book is, but I also loved that it was more realistic. I love getting caught up in the fantasy of being with a “dream guy” just as much as anyone else but this was a breath of fresh air.
-Along with that, this book sorta challenges what is normal in terms of sexuality and sexual attraction
I don’t want to give away anymore of the story because there is a lot, but I definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
October 8, 2024
Overall reading: 5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotions: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
Romantic suspense
There is a dog
Healing together
Small town
Protective MMC
Semi-slow burn
No third-act breakup
She has amnesia
Spicy
He falls first
Hurt/comfort
Inexperienced MMC
*received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
The author absolutely destroyed my heart with this book. It has been a while since a book has wrecked me as much as this one did, and I enjoyed every single page. There are so many different issues that we face in this book. I knew that we would be facing some tough topics, but I wasn’t ready for the emotional trauma that you dive into in this story. It’s a beautiful story full of love, trauma, love, and healing.
Let’s go through the two MCs first. I feel like I always start with the FMC, but in this book, Logan had my heart from the very beginning. I want a book all about him and all the struggles he faced up until the beginning of this book. This man was absolutely everything to me and I loved him with everything in me. Logan was truly a protector and Tessa was extremely luck to have been found by him, as if it was fate. He didn’t have much, as far as materialistic things go, but emotionally, he had absolutely everything that Tessa needed. Logan went through so much, even some things that he had not considered and accepted, but he was still such a pure soul at heart.
Tessa. My heart was bleeding for Tessa once we started uncovering her past and revisiting her old memories. I cried so many times and truly felt her pain as she realized what she had gone through. Despite all that she had faced, she still held out hope once she realized that she had the strength in her to move forward and I found that truly admirable, and it made me truly appreciate her character even more.
Together, they were everything to me. I could read this story over and over without getting tired of it, truly. I could easily say that this is one of my favorite reads of the year and I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy.
PLEASE make sure to read all content warnings before starting your journey with Logan and Tessa. As beautiful as their story is, there are several extremely heavy topics that you need to be aware of. Otherwise, I truly hope you enjoy the book nearly as much as I did!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotions: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
Romantic suspense
There is a dog
Healing together
Small town
Protective MMC
Semi-slow burn
No third-act breakup
She has amnesia
Spicy
He falls first
Hurt/comfort
Inexperienced MMC
*received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
The author absolutely destroyed my heart with this book. It has been a while since a book has wrecked me as much as this one did, and I enjoyed every single page. There are so many different issues that we face in this book. I knew that we would be facing some tough topics, but I wasn’t ready for the emotional trauma that you dive into in this story. It’s a beautiful story full of love, trauma, love, and healing.
Let’s go through the two MCs first. I feel like I always start with the FMC, but in this book, Logan had my heart from the very beginning. I want a book all about him and all the struggles he faced up until the beginning of this book. This man was absolutely everything to me and I loved him with everything in me. Logan was truly a protector and Tessa was extremely luck to have been found by him, as if it was fate. He didn’t have much, as far as materialistic things go, but emotionally, he had absolutely everything that Tessa needed. Logan went through so much, even some things that he had not considered and accepted, but he was still such a pure soul at heart.
Tessa. My heart was bleeding for Tessa once we started uncovering her past and revisiting her old memories. I cried so many times and truly felt her pain as she realized what she had gone through. Despite all that she had faced, she still held out hope once she realized that she had the strength in her to move forward and I found that truly admirable, and it made me truly appreciate her character even more.
Together, they were everything to me. I could read this story over and over without getting tired of it, truly. I could easily say that this is one of my favorite reads of the year and I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy.
PLEASE make sure to read all content warnings before starting your journey with Logan and Tessa. As beautiful as their story is, there are several extremely heavy topics that you need to be aware of. Otherwise, I truly hope you enjoy the book nearly as much as I did!
September 5, 2024
Tessa and Logan’s story is a true emotional rollercoaster. The writing here flowed so beautifully and it made this book really hard to put down. The story itself felt reminiscent of Archer’s Voice and Safe Haven, so if you were a fan of either one of those then I know you’d enjoy this! The topics here are pretty heavy, but seeing the characters grow and heal from their past traumas is an experience that will truly tug at your heartstrings.
If you’re looking for a book that will make an emotional impact, then look no further.
Add to your TBR if you like these tropes:
Romantic Suspense
Small Town Romance
Inexperienced MMC
Hurt/Comfort
He Falls First
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Protective MMC
She Has Amnesia
Sweet and Spicy 🌶️
No Third Act Break Up!!
Logan comes across Tessa in the middle of a road, having seemingly dug herself out of a grave and bleeding profusely from her head. He takes responsibility for her upon discovering that she is also suffering from amnesia and her attacker might come back to finish the job.
The slow burn romance in this one is so real and delicate. The abuse that Tessa and Logan both endured leads to them trauma bonding, but it becomes so much more as they realize the love they feel for eachother is truer than anything else they’ve experienced in their lives. Together they battle their demons and feelings of unworthiness and show each other what it means to care for and be cared by a loving partner.
If you’re looking for a book that will make an emotional impact, then look no further.
Add to your TBR if you like these tropes:
Romantic Suspense
Small Town Romance
Inexperienced MMC
Hurt/Comfort
He Falls First
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Protective MMC
She Has Amnesia
Sweet and Spicy 🌶️
No Third Act Break Up!!
Logan comes across Tessa in the middle of a road, having seemingly dug herself out of a grave and bleeding profusely from her head. He takes responsibility for her upon discovering that she is also suffering from amnesia and her attacker might come back to finish the job.
The slow burn romance in this one is so real and delicate. The abuse that Tessa and Logan both endured leads to them trauma bonding, but it becomes so much more as they realize the love they feel for eachother is truer than anything else they’ve experienced in their lives. Together they battle their demons and feelings of unworthiness and show each other what it means to care for and be cared by a loving partner.
August 29, 2024
This is a slow burn love story. It’s also a taut suspense filled tale. Both main characters have suffered horrific trauma. Logan’s defense mechanism is to life the life of a loner. Tessa is suffering from amnesia, but knows her past is ugly. When Logan rescues a nearly dead Tessa on a deserted coastal Maine road their worlds collide.
Things I liked:
- The disability representation was handled realistically and it’s a powerful part of the story.
- Logan is a knight in shining armor or smelly fishing clothes and muddy boots. Regardless, he’s a keeper.
- Tessa’s slow memory recovery helps build suspense and maintain interest.
- NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP. (Thank you, Anna Callaway!) There was plenty of tension without a manufactured relationship fracture.
- The small town vibe was a whole vibe.
There’s a great deal of heartbreak in this story. It’s offset by hope even when hope seems impossible. I struggled a bit with the overwhelming amount of trauma and pain, but I think it was exacerbated by my own headspace while reading this book. I simply didn’t have the capacity to process it all. I would like to revisit this novel on a brighter day to see if my feelings change.
Thanks to Anna Callaway and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to participate in this book tour.
Things I liked:
- The disability representation was handled realistically and it’s a powerful part of the story.
- Logan is a knight in shining armor or smelly fishing clothes and muddy boots. Regardless, he’s a keeper.
- Tessa’s slow memory recovery helps build suspense and maintain interest.
- NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP. (Thank you, Anna Callaway!) There was plenty of tension without a manufactured relationship fracture.
- The small town vibe was a whole vibe.
There’s a great deal of heartbreak in this story. It’s offset by hope even when hope seems impossible. I struggled a bit with the overwhelming amount of trauma and pain, but I think it was exacerbated by my own headspace while reading this book. I simply didn’t have the capacity to process it all. I would like to revisit this novel on a brighter day to see if my feelings change.
Thanks to Anna Callaway and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to participate in this book tour.
September 11, 2024
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and Anna Callaway for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this amazing book!
This story was powerful and heartbreaking, containing all the makings of a story that will break you and then set you back together, but not as the same before you read this book.
I enjoyed this book from the beginning, I felt my attention instantly caught and I loved the feelings I got as each chapter turned. Each character was super multifaceted and had their problems to combat and deal with.
I especially liked the dynamics between Logan and Tessa! He wanted to be on his own and face everything on his own, pushing to help her try and remember who she was after being found almost dead on the road. These two build such a close relationship; the romance was heartfelt and so simple to invest in.
When looking for a story that has suspense and romance, this is the book for you. They were each other’s support system and worked to help each other grow and slowly trust in each other. The author’s writing style is beautiful, and she did an amazing job creating a great storyline.
This book has the perfect vibes for fall and for those looking for emotional, cozy reads.
This story was powerful and heartbreaking, containing all the makings of a story that will break you and then set you back together, but not as the same before you read this book.
I enjoyed this book from the beginning, I felt my attention instantly caught and I loved the feelings I got as each chapter turned. Each character was super multifaceted and had their problems to combat and deal with.
I especially liked the dynamics between Logan and Tessa! He wanted to be on his own and face everything on his own, pushing to help her try and remember who she was after being found almost dead on the road. These two build such a close relationship; the romance was heartfelt and so simple to invest in.
When looking for a story that has suspense and romance, this is the book for you. They were each other’s support system and worked to help each other grow and slowly trust in each other. The author’s writing style is beautiful, and she did an amazing job creating a great storyline.
This book has the perfect vibes for fall and for those looking for emotional, cozy reads.
September 10, 2024
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This story was extremely well written and I will check out more from the author. The author expressed very complex issues and traumas in a descriptive manner leaving you feeling all the emotions. I would definitely recommend that you read the triggers on this book while there is a love story it also addresses very difficult topics of domestic abuse, loss of a child, chronic illness, medical poverty and PTSD. I know for myself being a mom there were many parts that were difficult to read. The development of the relationship and how Logan and Tessa came together to overcome and cope was beautiful however they definitely had much to overcome. The weaving together of similar trauma's and the effect on each was intentional and did not come across as forced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I went into it unsure of what to expect but was so, so, so pleasantly surprised.
It was an emotional and deep read, revolving around a friendship/love that just felt so simple and sweet—despite the fact that both characters had been dealt a rough hand.
I was so invested in the plot of this novel that I couldn’t put it down. Tessa & Logan certainly had my heart through every single page of their story.
Until You Found Me comes out in early September (& it’s a great cozy fall reading suggestion) I would highly recommend grabbing it asap 💗 I think it’ll make you feel like bees are hugging your heart — in a good way 🐝 🤗
#untilyoufoundme
#annacallaway
#romanticsuspense
#romance #BookReview #MustRead #EmotionalJourney #LoveAndFriendship #Bookish
It was an emotional and deep read, revolving around a friendship/love that just felt so simple and sweet—despite the fact that both characters had been dealt a rough hand.
I was so invested in the plot of this novel that I couldn’t put it down. Tessa & Logan certainly had my heart through every single page of their story.
Until You Found Me comes out in early September (& it’s a great cozy fall reading suggestion) I would highly recommend grabbing it asap 💗 I think it’ll make you feel like bees are hugging your heart — in a good way 🐝 🤗
#untilyoufoundme
#annacallaway
#romanticsuspense
#romance #BookReview #MustRead #EmotionalJourney #LoveAndFriendship #Bookish
October 13, 2024
Logan and Tessa happen to meet at a time where they both are dealing with some traumatic events. Logan finds Tessa in middle of street covered in dirt and blood. He rakes her to the hospital and it is found she has amnesia. Tessa really calls on Logan to help her remember her past but Tessa is also helping Logan overcome his own issues. The slow burn that starts to form in their friendship and unconditional love for one another. This story was filled with some romance, some mystery and a lot of healing.
August 30, 2024
I think this is my first amnesia trope and I kinda loved it. Both characters were definitely dealing with some pretty heavy baggage, and some of it was hard to read with how they felt about themselves because of how previous relationships have treated them.
But them together was exactly what they needed. Loved the suspense about wanting to know what happened to her, and when she started to remember little by little….and the support they had for each other was so sweet.
But them together was exactly what they needed. Loved the suspense about wanting to know what happened to her, and when she started to remember little by little….and the support they had for each other was so sweet.
September 6, 2024
This was a wonderful read! I think I felt just about every emotion you can think of while reading it! Tessa is a wonderful character! The heartbreak and struggles that both characters deal are something else. They are both strong, brave and easy to relate to! This is a story of hope, love, heartbreak and much more! Definitely a book to add to your tbr list! Thank you Happily Booked Pr and Anna Callaway for sharing this book with me!
September 9, 2024
Logan and Tessa met under the worst circumstances, but they are instantly inseparable. Logan is in bad health, and Tessa had one foot in the grave, literally. Logan is Tessa's rock while she tries to remember her past, knowing the past is not something pleasant. The relationship between the two of them is so sweet. This was a quick read. It wasn't overly spicy.
Thank you to Happily Booked and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Happily Booked and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 12, 2024
I read the blurb but I still kinda went into reading this blind. Their story was impactful, filled with real life struggles and challenges which other readers may relate to. The suspense was THERE. We know the person who left Tessa for dead was still lurking around… (A suspense/thriller-reading girlie wanted more but 🤪) The spice surprised me but I really loved reading about their connection and the natural evolution of their relationship.
This book contains heavy topics so please read TW before!
Strangers who quickly became attached to each other. Without judgement, Logan helps Tessa navigate her broken memory and traumatic past. Tessa offers the same support as Logan reveals his struggles with past relationships and affording insulin. Logan gives Tessa safety and protection while Tessa gives Logan love and support. Both realizing they may be bonded by trauma but choose to focus on healing together instead. Tessa and Logan wanting nothing more than a future and life full of simplicities.
This book contains heavy topics so please read TW before!
Strangers who quickly became attached to each other. Without judgement, Logan helps Tessa navigate her broken memory and traumatic past. Tessa offers the same support as Logan reveals his struggles with past relationships and affording insulin. Logan gives Tessa safety and protection while Tessa gives Logan love and support. Both realizing they may be bonded by trauma but choose to focus on healing together instead. Tessa and Logan wanting nothing more than a future and life full of simplicities.
August 27, 2024
Rating 4.5 stars
Delicious. The disability rep is so good. Suspense and romance together is my forte. This book was a ride and trying to uncover what happened was part of the fun. Such a great read.
Delicious. The disability rep is so good. Suspense and romance together is my forte. This book was a ride and trying to uncover what happened was part of the fun. Such a great read.
September 10, 2024
This was the second book I’ve read by Anna Callaway and I can now confirm that she has a talent for writing the most tragic yet healing stories.
I loved that it wasn’t just the FMC dealing with her trauma, but that the MMC also uncovered things about himself, and that together they healed each other through gentle love.
I would have given the book 4 stars, but I really struggled with the narration in third person as it made me connect with the characters less well.
Thank you to Anna Callaway and Happily Booked PR for an ARC of this book.
I loved that it wasn’t just the FMC dealing with her trauma, but that the MMC also uncovered things about himself, and that together they healed each other through gentle love.
I would have given the book 4 stars, but I really struggled with the narration in third person as it made me connect with the characters less well.
Thank you to Anna Callaway and Happily Booked PR for an ARC of this book.
October 3, 2024
Logan is our MMC, he has diabetes and has a lack of money to buy the insulin he needs. He finds a woman in a local street who is hurt and confused about where she is and even who she is. This woman is named Tessa who has amnesia and can not remember her life at all. She does like Logan and feels safe with him though. This is a slow burn romance and eventually they fall for each other.
I liked this book as a read but was not totally engrossed in it from page one, so it was kind of a hit and miss with me personally.
I liked this book as a read but was not totally engrossed in it from page one, so it was kind of a hit and miss with me personally.
October 14, 2024
Who knew that picking up a bleeding stranger on a dirt road could lead to swoon-worthy romance? In this captivating tale, Logan, our grumpy lone wolf hero, finds himself tangled up in more than he bargained for when he rescues Tessa—who’s literally a damsel in distress, complete with no memory and plenty of secrets. He’s determined to stay detached, but of course, it’s hard to stay emotionally distant when sparks start flying faster than you can say ‘Maine coast romance.’
Tessa, despite her memory loss, is full of spirit, and together, they create a slow-burn love story that feels like a warm blanket on a chilly seaside night. The chemistry between these two is undeniable, even as danger threatens to unravel the new life they’re trying to build. And let’s be real—Logan’s grumpy-but-secretly-sweet persona is the perfect match for Tessa’s vulnerability and determination. As she pieces together her past, you’ll be on the edge of your seat, rooting for them to survive both the looming danger and their own emotions.
With a mix of suspense, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of small-town charm, this book is a beautiful reminder that sometimes love finds you when you least expect it—even if it’s lying in the middle of the road, covered in dirt.
Tessa, despite her memory loss, is full of spirit, and together, they create a slow-burn love story that feels like a warm blanket on a chilly seaside night. The chemistry between these two is undeniable, even as danger threatens to unravel the new life they’re trying to build. And let’s be real—Logan’s grumpy-but-secretly-sweet persona is the perfect match for Tessa’s vulnerability and determination. As she pieces together her past, you’ll be on the edge of your seat, rooting for them to survive both the looming danger and their own emotions.
With a mix of suspense, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of small-town charm, this book is a beautiful reminder that sometimes love finds you when you least expect it—even if it’s lying in the middle of the road, covered in dirt.
January 23, 2025
’No puedo ofrecerte mucho, nada excepto mi corazón, pero lo tienes por el tiempo que quieras y espero que sea para siempre. Solía pensar que estaba destinado a estar solo. Todo este tiempo estuve esperándote.
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
Until You Found Me de Anna Callaway
Argumento:
Logan siempre ha preferido estar solo. Dejar entrar a la gente y formar relaciones sólo conduce a estrés y problemas. Cuando encuentra a una mujer en medio de la carretera, cubierta de tierra y sangrando un río, llevarla al hospital es lo correcto. A pesar de sus esfuerzos por dejar las cosas entre ellos en una buena acción y nada más, sus vidas se enredan cuando se entera de que Tessa no puede recordar su pasado.
Cuando Tessa se despierta en medio de la nada con su memoria hecha pedazos, Logan es la única persona en la que puede confiar. Ella no tiene más que flashbacks rotos en su historia y definitivamente no es su problema, pero de alguna manera se convierten en el todo del otro.
Lentamente, él se abre camino hacia su corazón, en un tranquilo pueblo costero en la costa de Maine, pero el peligro siempre está al acecho cuando la persona que la dejó por muerta regresa para un segundo intento. Recuperar sus recuerdos es la única forma de avanzar. Saber la verdad podría costarles la nueva vida que están construyendo juntos.
Mi humilde opinión:
Romance con suspenso, de extraños a amantes, pueblo pequeño.
Esta no fue una lectura fácil de leer para mi porque contiene muchos temas sensibles, en algunos solo hace mención y otros son explícitos; violencia verbal y física, violación, intento de asesinato, muerte de un niño, enfermedad como la diabetes, perdida de memoria. A pesar de todo eso, encontré una historia de amor hermosa con dos personas que estaban rotas y perdidas que encontraron su camino al otro para poder finalmente sanar y tener una nueva oportunidad.
La historia de Tessa y Logan fue realmente fuerte. La pese mal conociendo sus vida difíciles, llenas de traumas que los marcaron profundamente y con los que aun tenían que lidiar. Cuando pensaba que no podían haber pasado por mas cosas terribles, más salían a a la luz y me rompía el corazón por ellos.
Desde el principio simpatice con Logan, luchando para poder pagar su medicina de la diabetes y luego con Tessa que tenia un mapa en su cuerpo por años de abuso recibido. Ellos conectan rápido y han pasado por tantas cosas malas que esto los acerca aun mas. Hay un entendimiento, respeto y confianza entre ellos además de una fuerte atracción. Los estuve apoyando desde el momento en que se conocen y quería que tuvieran su final feliz. Si bien me gustaban juntos también sentí por momentos que no tenían tiempo para procesar todo lo que les estaba sucediendo que era mucho, demasiado en poco tiempo, y yo me preguntaba cuanto mas pueden aguantar antes de perder la cabeza?
El suspenso estuvo bien, me mantuvo en expectativas por saber sobre el pasado de Tessa pero era una obviedad que el marido iba a regresar por ella. El tipo terminó como se merecía.
A pesar de ser una historia sumamente emocional, que me afectó leer, me enganchó desde el comienzo y no la pude dejar. Solté un gran suspiro de alivio cuando al final supe que Logan y Tessa iban a estar bien juntos.
September 3, 2024
I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!!!! I received this ARC in return for my honest review, so buckle up because I’m about to word vomit my love for it.
I don’t even know where to start. The entire thing was so good. I was hooked from the very beginning when Logan found Tessa in the middle of the road. The mystery of her past and the story that led her there immediately sunk it’s nails into me.
Then there was all the representation. Logan having Type 1 Diabetes and trying to just live while navigating the messed up system of American medicine. That hits so close to home for so many people. Callaway even did a great job of how convoluted public assistance can be with having to quit your job just to receive care, but then struggling to feed yourself. Ugh, so eye opening if you’ve never seen that side of things.
Then the trauma representation. I have NEVER seen someone navigate trauma so well in a book. The juxtaposition of Logan having past trauma he’s still processing to Tessa reliving her trauma for the first time as she remembers her past gives you insight to both sides of the coin. How trauma affects someone in the moment and how someone lives with that trauma for the rest of their lives. At multiple points I did wonder if they were moving through the trauma processing too quickly and getting attached to each other prematurely that I had to call my sister, who works in mental healthcare, to discuss. Apparently, nothing is straightforward with trauma, and this is a very possible route two people with trauma could take. I found it so beautiful that they were helping to heal each other. I could go on and on here, and I will in my blog post if you’re interested (link is in my profile).
Last, I cannot forget the domestic violence representation. Once again Callaway uses the characters to complement each other’s stories to create a whole picture of a domestic violence situation. Logan gives us the view from growing up with an abusive father and Tessa gives us being married to an abuser. With this, you’re able to see how someone can get “stuck” in that situation when so often those on the outside believe it would be so easy to just leave. Even Tessa’s amnesia gives an opportunity to show this, when she’s berating herself for staying because she can’t remember why she DID stay. I’ll just keep saying how great this was, because it was SO GREAT.
I also want to highlight the spicy/smut/sex scenes in this book, and there are plenty. This may be one of the best written stories I’ve ever read with this much intimacy. At no point did it detract from the story or plot, but actually ADDED TO IT! YES!! The intimacy between the characters became this tangible representation of processing and overcoming the trauma throughout their lives. It was slow to come to complete fruition as they worked through the issues and I just found it so utterly, devastatingly beautiful.
I will be recommending this to anyone and everyone because it’s going to live with me for a while and may be the only thing I talk about for some time. Yes, it was that good. I’ll definitely be keeping Anna Callaway on my radar from now on.
I don’t even know where to start. The entire thing was so good. I was hooked from the very beginning when Logan found Tessa in the middle of the road. The mystery of her past and the story that led her there immediately sunk it’s nails into me.
Then there was all the representation. Logan having Type 1 Diabetes and trying to just live while navigating the messed up system of American medicine. That hits so close to home for so many people. Callaway even did a great job of how convoluted public assistance can be with having to quit your job just to receive care, but then struggling to feed yourself. Ugh, so eye opening if you’ve never seen that side of things.
Then the trauma representation. I have NEVER seen someone navigate trauma so well in a book. The juxtaposition of Logan having past trauma he’s still processing to Tessa reliving her trauma for the first time as she remembers her past gives you insight to both sides of the coin. How trauma affects someone in the moment and how someone lives with that trauma for the rest of their lives. At multiple points I did wonder if they were moving through the trauma processing too quickly and getting attached to each other prematurely that I had to call my sister, who works in mental healthcare, to discuss. Apparently, nothing is straightforward with trauma, and this is a very possible route two people with trauma could take. I found it so beautiful that they were helping to heal each other. I could go on and on here, and I will in my blog post if you’re interested (link is in my profile).
Last, I cannot forget the domestic violence representation. Once again Callaway uses the characters to complement each other’s stories to create a whole picture of a domestic violence situation. Logan gives us the view from growing up with an abusive father and Tessa gives us being married to an abuser. With this, you’re able to see how someone can get “stuck” in that situation when so often those on the outside believe it would be so easy to just leave. Even Tessa’s amnesia gives an opportunity to show this, when she’s berating herself for staying because she can’t remember why she DID stay. I’ll just keep saying how great this was, because it was SO GREAT.
I also want to highlight the spicy/smut/sex scenes in this book, and there are plenty. This may be one of the best written stories I’ve ever read with this much intimacy. At no point did it detract from the story or plot, but actually ADDED TO IT! YES!! The intimacy between the characters became this tangible representation of processing and overcoming the trauma throughout their lives. It was slow to come to complete fruition as they worked through the issues and I just found it so utterly, devastatingly beautiful.
I will be recommending this to anyone and everyone because it’s going to live with me for a while and may be the only thing I talk about for some time. Yes, it was that good. I’ll definitely be keeping Anna Callaway on my radar from now on.
September 3, 2024
I received this book as an ARC and these are my thoughts:
This was an interesting read. Romantic suspense is not a genre I typically go for but I enjoyed it. Though I had read the blurb and TWs, for some reason the story played out differently to what I had anticipated. This wasn’t a bad thing, for me it just meant that it ended up dealing with heavier topics and I had to take some time to process what was happening. I would say it isn’t for the faint hearted - so please always check TWs.
Having said that, this was a beautiful story about healing.
What I really liked about this book, was the awareness and spotlight that Anna put on issues like domestic violence - physical, emotional and sexual abuse in BOTH men and women and the related trauma and trauma responses, and chronic health issues and the fragility of the health care system.
As someone who lives with an insulin dependent diabetic, I feel so blessed and privileged to live in an European country with government funded health care. It always infuriates me how America is so lacking when it comes to health care. I feel for you.
As part of my psychology training, I worked with domestic violence victims so, I felt the characters’ suffering both as an individual but also as a professional.
I don’t want to give spoilers but I appreciated that Anna chose to put forth and unpack so many tabu issues. And this brings me to the characters and their relationship. I liked how gentle and caring Logan and Tessa were to each other. They were both battered and bruised, especially emotionally and were both traumatised in different ways. I appreciated the fact that they helped each other heal, as they created a caring and loving relationship, where they felt comfortable and accepted.
Anna also brings forward a more “realistic” vision of sexuality - it isn’t always “perfect and beautiful” like in the books and films. It takes work and care and patience.
As a narrative, it had a good pace and since it was a romantic suspense, you could feel the tension created from danger lurking in the background, but you never really knew when it was coming.
This was an interesting read. Romantic suspense is not a genre I typically go for but I enjoyed it. Though I had read the blurb and TWs, for some reason the story played out differently to what I had anticipated. This wasn’t a bad thing, for me it just meant that it ended up dealing with heavier topics and I had to take some time to process what was happening. I would say it isn’t for the faint hearted - so please always check TWs.
Having said that, this was a beautiful story about healing.
What I really liked about this book, was the awareness and spotlight that Anna put on issues like domestic violence - physical, emotional and sexual abuse in BOTH men and women and the related trauma and trauma responses, and chronic health issues and the fragility of the health care system.
As someone who lives with an insulin dependent diabetic, I feel so blessed and privileged to live in an European country with government funded health care. It always infuriates me how America is so lacking when it comes to health care. I feel for you.
As part of my psychology training, I worked with domestic violence victims so, I felt the characters’ suffering both as an individual but also as a professional.
I don’t want to give spoilers but I appreciated that Anna chose to put forth and unpack so many tabu issues. And this brings me to the characters and their relationship. I liked how gentle and caring Logan and Tessa were to each other. They were both battered and bruised, especially emotionally and were both traumatised in different ways. I appreciated the fact that they helped each other heal, as they created a caring and loving relationship, where they felt comfortable and accepted.
Anna also brings forward a more “realistic” vision of sexuality - it isn’t always “perfect and beautiful” like in the books and films. It takes work and care and patience.
As a narrative, it had a good pace and since it was a romantic suspense, you could feel the tension created from danger lurking in the background, but you never really knew when it was coming.
March 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This is a hard book to rate because overall, I loved both Logan and Tessa and I was so moved by the intense bond that they formed. I was also sucked into this book immediately. It was very well written and kept me captivated the entire time (because let me tell you, I have been in dnf hell lately😩).
SPOILERS
If I really like a book, I’m very willing to overlook some inconsistencies or some things that don’t make sense. But in this book there were just things I couldn’t get my head around.
1. If Logan was so sick (practically in kidney failure from diabetes) and mind you I know nothing about it— but how could he do such a physically taxing job of being a fisherman and a hunter?
2. He was living paycheck to paycheck practically having to decide between food and insulin which he paid full price for. Him barely being able to afford his insulin and going into a diabetic coma several times in his life— wouldn’t he qualify for Medicaid or something like that? And you would think he’d try to get a job with some kind of health insurance since he was in like stage 4 diabetes and was absolutely terrified of medical expenses.
3. We find out that Tessa and her daughter were living with her abusive husband who basically tortured her and was also beating her daughter and started watching her daughter in a creepy way. She finally escapes to a shelter but then decides to go back to her husband after one day??? Why did she go back???? She was finally safe and she goes back to that hell voluntarily after just one day. I would have lived under bridge with my kid to protect her if I had to. That made no sense to me and it bothered me throughout the rest of the book.
Anyway, there was a lot thrown at this couple during this book, ( almost too much), but I really liked them as characters and I was happy they finally found happiness together.
This is a hard book to rate because overall, I loved both Logan and Tessa and I was so moved by the intense bond that they formed. I was also sucked into this book immediately. It was very well written and kept me captivated the entire time (because let me tell you, I have been in dnf hell lately😩).
SPOILERS
If I really like a book, I’m very willing to overlook some inconsistencies or some things that don’t make sense. But in this book there were just things I couldn’t get my head around.
1. If Logan was so sick (practically in kidney failure from diabetes) and mind you I know nothing about it— but how could he do such a physically taxing job of being a fisherman and a hunter?
2. He was living paycheck to paycheck practically having to decide between food and insulin which he paid full price for. Him barely being able to afford his insulin and going into a diabetic coma several times in his life— wouldn’t he qualify for Medicaid or something like that? And you would think he’d try to get a job with some kind of health insurance since he was in like stage 4 diabetes and was absolutely terrified of medical expenses.
3. We find out that Tessa and her daughter were living with her abusive husband who basically tortured her and was also beating her daughter and started watching her daughter in a creepy way. She finally escapes to a shelter but then decides to go back to her husband after one day??? Why did she go back???? She was finally safe and she goes back to that hell voluntarily after just one day. I would have lived under bridge with my kid to protect her if I had to. That made no sense to me and it bothered me throughout the rest of the book.
Anyway, there was a lot thrown at this couple during this book, ( almost too much), but I really liked them as characters and I was happy they finally found happiness together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
Logan leads a very simple life. He has his trailer where he lives in on a chunk of property, a dog named Vegas, and works odd jobs to bring in money. He has been helping the neighbor build an igloo dome style camping ground and aside from that he goes out fishing for his main income. When he heads to the pharmacy he finds out insulin has doubled in price and he just doesn't have the money. Luckily he was able to get an expired bottle to hold him over.
Headed home after a long day a woman is standing in the middle of the road covered in dirt and blood. He throws her in his truck and heads to the emergency clinic. She's scared, doesn't know who she is except that her first name is Tessa, and she is having flashbacks of being buried alive. The police and hospital jump in and Logan promises her he will keep visiting. She is alone and scared.
When she's well enough, Tessa is discharged to a local women's shelter but Logan can't let her stay there. He had spent some nights there as a child with his mama and sister. He talks his neighbor into letting her stay in an igloo in exchange for work when Tessa heals up. Tessa begins having tiny flashes of memories. She has a little girl, an abusive husband but can't see his face, and now Logan is becoming a major part of her life and healing.
Tessa has to remember what happened to her now that she knows she has a little girl. If she could only remember her husband's face, she can find her girl and have that evil man locked up for trying to murder her. Tessa and Logan are finding out that they are slowly healing each other but he can't fall for her. She has a whole other life she has to remember.
Thank you so much @annacallawayauthor and @happilybookedpr for my copy in exchange for my honest review! This was such a great mystery filled with suspense and also great healing. I really enjoyed this one!
Headed home after a long day a woman is standing in the middle of the road covered in dirt and blood. He throws her in his truck and heads to the emergency clinic. She's scared, doesn't know who she is except that her first name is Tessa, and she is having flashbacks of being buried alive. The police and hospital jump in and Logan promises her he will keep visiting. She is alone and scared.
When she's well enough, Tessa is discharged to a local women's shelter but Logan can't let her stay there. He had spent some nights there as a child with his mama and sister. He talks his neighbor into letting her stay in an igloo in exchange for work when Tessa heals up. Tessa begins having tiny flashes of memories. She has a little girl, an abusive husband but can't see his face, and now Logan is becoming a major part of her life and healing.
Tessa has to remember what happened to her now that she knows she has a little girl. If she could only remember her husband's face, she can find her girl and have that evil man locked up for trying to murder her. Tessa and Logan are finding out that they are slowly healing each other but he can't fall for her. She has a whole other life she has to remember.
Thank you so much @annacallawayauthor and @happilybookedpr for my copy in exchange for my honest review! This was such a great mystery filled with suspense and also great healing. I really enjoyed this one!
September 10, 2024
Wow 😫🤧 Anna really took me on a rollercoaster. In such a good way! This book, the characters it was everything ❤
My heart hurt so much for these two and I was rooting for them throughout it all. They became each other's heart, support and safe place and it was beautiful to see. They've been through literal hell, both of them and to see them heal each other the way they did 😫 Magnificent. I couldn't stop appreciating Anna's writing and storytelling 😌 She is absolutely magnanimous 🧡
Tessa is stunning, intelligent, brave, bold, and an absolute sweetheart. She's a real sunshine character and I loved seeing that shine through as I read every page. Even though she had amnesia, it didn't break her down. She is one of the bravest women I know. My heart broke for her so many times finding out the horrors she endured in the past. I'm relieved and happy that she freed herself in the best ways possible 🧡 And now..... she's finally as happy as she deserves to be.
Logan 😫 My absolute love. This man made me fall for him in every page. I just wanted to cuddle him and love him myself 🤭 Sorry Tessa, I love him too. He's tall, handsome, intelligent, brave, a gentleman, and has fully golden retriever vibes and not to forget, a dog dad 🤭 He has been through a horrible life 🤧, from his childhood to his relationship, and I'm so proud of him for not letting it prevent him from shining. He suffers from diabetes since birth and sometimes can't afford to even get his medication 🤧😞 My heart hurt so much for him. Seeing him happy finally and at peace with Tessa 😫🧡 my heart!
When he and Tessa start to make their way into each other's heart, I fist bumped the air and did a little excited dance, because that's how ecstatic I was for them. They deserve each other and all the love they have to give 🧡 Together they helped each other heal and grow and that is so beautiful 😌 The mouth on these two 😎🤭🤭 I loved them exploring a healthy relationship and finding safety in it with each other 🧡
Thank you so much Anna for the ARC, as always you write beautifully and this was absolute perfection too 😌
Ps: please read the trigger warnings before you start, this book has a lot of dark themes 🧡 But don't worry Its a HEA 😌🧡
My heart hurt so much for these two and I was rooting for them throughout it all. They became each other's heart, support and safe place and it was beautiful to see. They've been through literal hell, both of them and to see them heal each other the way they did 😫 Magnificent. I couldn't stop appreciating Anna's writing and storytelling 😌 She is absolutely magnanimous 🧡
Tessa is stunning, intelligent, brave, bold, and an absolute sweetheart. She's a real sunshine character and I loved seeing that shine through as I read every page. Even though she had amnesia, it didn't break her down. She is one of the bravest women I know. My heart broke for her so many times finding out the horrors she endured in the past. I'm relieved and happy that she freed herself in the best ways possible 🧡 And now..... she's finally as happy as she deserves to be.
Logan 😫 My absolute love. This man made me fall for him in every page. I just wanted to cuddle him and love him myself 🤭 Sorry Tessa, I love him too. He's tall, handsome, intelligent, brave, a gentleman, and has fully golden retriever vibes and not to forget, a dog dad 🤭 He has been through a horrible life 🤧, from his childhood to his relationship, and I'm so proud of him for not letting it prevent him from shining. He suffers from diabetes since birth and sometimes can't afford to even get his medication 🤧😞 My heart hurt so much for him. Seeing him happy finally and at peace with Tessa 😫🧡 my heart!
When he and Tessa start to make their way into each other's heart, I fist bumped the air and did a little excited dance, because that's how ecstatic I was for them. They deserve each other and all the love they have to give 🧡 Together they helped each other heal and grow and that is so beautiful 😌 The mouth on these two 😎🤭🤭 I loved them exploring a healthy relationship and finding safety in it with each other 🧡
Thank you so much Anna for the ARC, as always you write beautifully and this was absolute perfection too 😌
Ps: please read the trigger warnings before you start, this book has a lot of dark themes 🧡 But don't worry Its a HEA 😌🧡
September 2, 2024
ARC review
I would first like to thank Happily Booked PR and Anna Callaway for providing me an ARC of this story.
⭐5/5
🌶️3/5
📌Please before reading this book, be sure they check trigger warnings. This book deals with some heavy topics such as DV and SA.
Anna amazes me with her writing. Her stories are soul touching, and this one hit hard. There’s suspense, drama and off course, romance too.
Tessa and Logan are both survivors of abuse, so their journey is an emotional rollercoaster. This is not your typical romance. This a romance story about two adults who have faced a lot of trauma and are doing their best to heal together.
They met under the most unfortunate circumstances: Tessa was left for dead but was rescued by Logan. They quickly form a bond and start to build a friendship that soon, develops into something more. The way they care for each other is so beautiful, and it makes you feel vulnerable.
Tessa is suffering from amnesia, but it slowly begins to fade, and her memories start to come back throughout the story. I think the author did a great job here because it all felt natural, but also painful, because that’s how Tessa’s past starts to resurface.
And if you’re wondering if there’s spice, yes, there is, but be aware that Logan is not the stereotypical dreamy lover, he’s inexperienced and he’s learning how his body responds to those new sensations and feelings. He’s not a virgin MMC, but he dealt with a lot of pressure in his past sexual life, so the spicy scenes are also raw and real.
This is one of my favorite 2024 reads, and I won’t stop recommending it! So, if you’re looking for a book that will tug at all your heartstrings THIS IS IT.
I would first like to thank Happily Booked PR and Anna Callaway for providing me an ARC of this story.
⭐5/5
🌶️3/5
📌Please before reading this book, be sure they check trigger warnings. This book deals with some heavy topics such as DV and SA.
Anna amazes me with her writing. Her stories are soul touching, and this one hit hard. There’s suspense, drama and off course, romance too.
Tessa and Logan are both survivors of abuse, so their journey is an emotional rollercoaster. This is not your typical romance. This a romance story about two adults who have faced a lot of trauma and are doing their best to heal together.
They met under the most unfortunate circumstances: Tessa was left for dead but was rescued by Logan. They quickly form a bond and start to build a friendship that soon, develops into something more. The way they care for each other is so beautiful, and it makes you feel vulnerable.
Tessa is suffering from amnesia, but it slowly begins to fade, and her memories start to come back throughout the story. I think the author did a great job here because it all felt natural, but also painful, because that’s how Tessa’s past starts to resurface.
And if you’re wondering if there’s spice, yes, there is, but be aware that Logan is not the stereotypical dreamy lover, he’s inexperienced and he’s learning how his body responds to those new sensations and feelings. He’s not a virgin MMC, but he dealt with a lot of pressure in his past sexual life, so the spicy scenes are also raw and real.
This is one of my favorite 2024 reads, and I won’t stop recommending it! So, if you’re looking for a book that will tug at all your heartstrings THIS IS IT.
September 4, 2024
Before I say anything about this incredible story, please pay attention to the trigger warnings as there are mentions of domestic violence, suicide, death, and sexual assault.
Tessa and Logan are two of THE MOST beautifully written characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. Their stories as individuals as well as their love story tugged at my heartstrings, I immediately fell in love with them! ♥️
Logan suffers from type 1 diabetes, barely scraping by to be able to afford the life saving medication that he needs, while also dealing with the past trauma of his abusive father as well as his ex-girlfriend. His world gets turned upside down when he finds Tessa in the middle of the road bloodied, covered in dirt and basically on the brink of death. He plans to drop her off at the hospital and get back to his life of seclusion, but Tessa can't remember anything about herself aside from her first name and the only person she trusts to stay with her is Logan. Logan can't deny the pull he feels towards her and keeps coming back to visit her. They quickly form a friendship, which slowly starts to develop into something deeper.
The way Logan and Tessa are so gentle and soft with each other when it comes to facing their horrendous traumas is so gripping and raw, keeping me on an emotional roller coaster the entire book! I don’t want to give too much away but all I have to say is that this book had me laughing, crying, and kicking my feet with happiness all at once.
This is easily one of my top books of 2024 and one I'm going to recommend to all the book lovers in my life so I can continue to yap about how much I loved it! ☺️
Thank you so much to Anna Callaway and Happily Booked PR for allowing me the chance to read this amazing book!
Tessa and Logan are two of THE MOST beautifully written characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. Their stories as individuals as well as their love story tugged at my heartstrings, I immediately fell in love with them! ♥️
Logan suffers from type 1 diabetes, barely scraping by to be able to afford the life saving medication that he needs, while also dealing with the past trauma of his abusive father as well as his ex-girlfriend. His world gets turned upside down when he finds Tessa in the middle of the road bloodied, covered in dirt and basically on the brink of death. He plans to drop her off at the hospital and get back to his life of seclusion, but Tessa can't remember anything about herself aside from her first name and the only person she trusts to stay with her is Logan. Logan can't deny the pull he feels towards her and keeps coming back to visit her. They quickly form a friendship, which slowly starts to develop into something deeper.
The way Logan and Tessa are so gentle and soft with each other when it comes to facing their horrendous traumas is so gripping and raw, keeping me on an emotional roller coaster the entire book! I don’t want to give too much away but all I have to say is that this book had me laughing, crying, and kicking my feet with happiness all at once.
This is easily one of my top books of 2024 and one I'm going to recommend to all the book lovers in my life so I can continue to yap about how much I loved it! ☺️
Thank you so much to Anna Callaway and Happily Booked PR for allowing me the chance to read this amazing book!
September 9, 2024
ARC REVIEW : 4.5 ⭐️
This. Freakin. Book!!!!!
I was so lucky to get an ARC copy of this book and I cannot say enough good things about it!!
The beginning of the book was a little difficult to get through for me, simply because it took a little while to adjust to the author’s writing style but once I was hooked, I was HOOKED and couldn’t stop reading! I even found myself thinking about the characters of the story when I wasn’t reading.
Tessa is such a strong woman. Gradually finding out more and more about her and the things she had endured made that so very evident. To see her blossom and become more sure of herself and regain trust in the world around her was incredibly moving.
Logan began the story as somebody who appears to have given up, his illness and his past had left him cold and distant. Seeing how much he changed and grew after finding Tessa was so awe inspiring.
Their love story had me squealing and crying and giggling. I love how they were so understanding of each other’s pasts. The representation of various subjects in in this novel, such as DV, SA, mental health, chronic and acute illnesses, etc were depicted in a spectacular fashion. These are all subjects that can be very sensitive to many people and I feel that they were handled in a very respectful way. Tessa and Logan truly grew together and endured so many challenges while being so patient and gentle with each other and respecting each others boundaries. Gradually finding out little bits and pieces about their pasts kept me so interested. Definitely a book I will be thinking about for a long time.
Thank you so much to Anna Callaway and her PR team for the opportunity to read this book. I highly, highly recommend.
This. Freakin. Book!!!!!
I was so lucky to get an ARC copy of this book and I cannot say enough good things about it!!
The beginning of the book was a little difficult to get through for me, simply because it took a little while to adjust to the author’s writing style but once I was hooked, I was HOOKED and couldn’t stop reading! I even found myself thinking about the characters of the story when I wasn’t reading.
Tessa is such a strong woman. Gradually finding out more and more about her and the things she had endured made that so very evident. To see her blossom and become more sure of herself and regain trust in the world around her was incredibly moving.
Logan began the story as somebody who appears to have given up, his illness and his past had left him cold and distant. Seeing how much he changed and grew after finding Tessa was so awe inspiring.
Their love story had me squealing and crying and giggling. I love how they were so understanding of each other’s pasts. The representation of various subjects in in this novel, such as DV, SA, mental health, chronic and acute illnesses, etc were depicted in a spectacular fashion. These are all subjects that can be very sensitive to many people and I feel that they were handled in a very respectful way. Tessa and Logan truly grew together and endured so many challenges while being so patient and gentle with each other and respecting each others boundaries. Gradually finding out little bits and pieces about their pasts kept me so interested. Definitely a book I will be thinking about for a long time.
Thank you so much to Anna Callaway and her PR team for the opportunity to read this book. I highly, highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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