When Marjorie regains consciousness in a cold, sea-drenched cave with no memory of who she is or how she got there, panic sets in. She barely escapes the rising water and stumbles onto a beach—deserted except for one man who calls out to her. He says he’s her husband. That her name is Marjorie. That they’re honeymooning in Cornwall.
At first, she has no reason to doubt the handsome stranger. In fact, she’s thrilled to be married to a man she desires and who seems kind and caring. But as the days unfold, cracks in his story begin to show and Marjorie fears her husband may not be at all who he claims. In fact, she suspects he is her enemy and a traitor to England.
A man who desperately needs her to remember.
The last thing Simon Burrows expected was for Marjorie to go missing. When he finds her wet and shivering on the beach at dawn, she remembers absolutely nothing—not who she is, not who he is, and, most importantly, not the vital information only she possesses.
Simon hopes her memory will come back to her with a bit of rest and care, but as the hours and days tick by, he’s running out of time. Added to his dilemma, Marjorie seems to want him as much as he’s always wanted her. It hasn’t been easy keeping his hands to himself. And when she reaches for him with raw passion, he finds himself caught between duty and desire. Because if Marjorie ever remembers the truth, he may lose the one woman he's never stopped wanting…forever.
Shana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making.
I’m not going to lie. Amnesia is not my favorite trope, but I trust Shana Galen, and she did not disappoint. Don’t You Forget About Me grabbed me from the first page. Marjorie wakes up in a cave with a bump on the head with no memory of who or where she is. Simon Burrows finds her and tells her she’s his wife. As time passes, Marjorie begins to doubt Simon’s story; in fact, she thinks he might be a traitor.
Simon and Marjorie’s chemistry is tangible, with plenty of heat and longing as Marjorie begins to suspect the truth. If you enjoy historical romance with some mystery, passion, and a touch of espionage, this is an absolute must-read!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Marjorie wakes to find herself in a cave with the tide coming in and a large knot on the back of her head. She doesn’t remember who she is or why she’s there. A man arrives to help her who says he’s her husband, Simon Burrows and they are on their honeymoon. Since she feels attracted to him, what he’s telling her seems plausible, until she overhears him talking to some men and then she fears he may not be telling her the truth. Simon desperately needs Marjorie to regain her memory, there is a lot riding on what she knows but can’t remember. Simon wants her to regain her memory, but he really likes the personality of the woman she is now, rather than what she was like before. I thought Marjorie sounded much nicer without her memory, but suspected that most of her attitude in the past was a defensive posture, which wasn’t really her true self. I liked this story very much, I thought the missing memory was a good way to give these two a fresh start to get to know each other and find their happily ever after.
When Marjorie regains consciousness in a cold, sea-drenched cave with no memory of who she is or how she got there, panic sets in. She barely escapes the rising water and stumbles onto a beach—deserted except for one man who calls out to her. He says he’s her husband. That her name is Marjorie. That they’re honeymooning in Cornwall. The last thing Simon Burrows expected was for Marjorie to go missing. When he finds her wet and shivering on the beach at dawn, she remembers absolutely nothing—not who she is, not who he is, and, most importantly, not the vital information only she possesses. This novella is just over a hundred pages but boy it’s packed with strong characters, a fast paced story, amnesia, secrets, doubts & sizzling chemistry. I loved Simon & Marjorie, he’d held a torch for her for years but she’d always seemed to dislike him. I was drawn in from the first page & held captive until the last page. A very well written, unputdownable novella which ticked all the boxes for me I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars Series: Standalone Publication Date: 7/15/25 Period: Regency Number of Pages: 110
From the first page where Marjorie comes to and finds herself in a cave rapidly filling with water to the last page with Simon’s unique proposal, this is a wonderful story filled with excitement and delightful characters. You never go wrong when you choose a book written by this author.
Marjorie Clawson is one of, if not the, best spies in the Home Office. She’s worked hard at her craft and has built quite a hard shell around herself because being one of the very few female spies is a difficult thing. The males she works with respect her because she’s tougher, harder, and just downright meaner than they are, so they have no choice. So, how did Marjorie come to be a nice, caring, even loving person? Well, she just got hit on the head and lost her memory. OH!
Simon Burrows works at the Home Office as well and cannot imagine why Marjorie Clawson absolutely hates him. Yes, she’s cold and hard with the other spies, but it seems she has taken a particular dislike to him. Sometimes, that is really hard to bare because he’s really infatuated with her and it’s really hard to hide it.
Simon and Marjorie are sent on a vital mission in Cornwall, where they are to deliver the location for a weapons drop to smugglers delivering weapons to a British contingent near Spain. Without the delivery of these weapons, many British lives will be lost. Marjorie is the only one who knows the drop location, and when she loses her memory, the mission is in jeopardy.
SPIES!! Whoopee! I love spies, and mysteries, and romance, and this book has them all. I really liked Simon and Marjorie as they worked through the mystery, the memory loss, and finally found their way to their own HEA. This is a novella, so it's a quick read, but the story never feels shortchanged. I can definitely recommend this book and this author. Happy Reading!
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When she wakes on a beach, disheveled and with a splitting headache, she is shocked to realize that she has no idea who she is! When a handsome man comes walking down the beach calling out for Marjorie, she wonders if that is who she is. He tells her that he is Simon and she is his wife, Marjorie Burrows and that she went missing during the night. She doesn’t recognize him or her name but feels that she can trust him. But when she overhears him talking to smugglers, she thinks that he is a traitor and feels the need to turn him in. It isn’t until she tries to sneak out that she learns the truth of who she really is and why she is in Cornwall. She even without her memory, she admits to herself that she is falling for him and instinctively feels that she can trust Simon, but she is sure there is something he is not telling her.
Simon Burrows is an agent for the foreign office and Marjorie Crawson is his superior. They are on a very important mission and posing as newlyweds, but their mission is compromised when Marjorie loses her memory. Simon has always been attracted to Marjorie, but she clearly dislikes him, but since losing her memory she seems like a completely different woman. They grow closer and he falls harder for her but is worried what is going to happen when she gets her memory back and remembers her true feelings.
This was a well-written, nicely paced novella with wonderful characters. The story does utilize an amnesia trope, but in a way, it is also a second-chance romance. I really liked Simon and Marjorie and enjoyed their journey to HEA. The story has a bit of a mystery, spicy love scenes, self-discovery, traitors, spies and finally a very sweet HEA. It is a quick read, but it never feels rushed and I am happy to recommend this book!
4.5 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of Shana Galen’s Don’t You Forget About Me and the views expressed are my honest opinions. Marjorie woke up wet and unable to remember what she was doing in a sea cave. The first person to find her is her so-called handsome husband Simon. As the days go by, Marjorie gets snippets of her life but cannot be able to remember more pertinent information. Furthermore, she overhears a conversation between Simon making her suspect that he was not who he said he was. Each passing day makes her closer to Simon and on the verge of falling in love. Would this be her biggest mistake of her life? A sweet novella which can be a source of retrospection for all readers. After reading the synopsis, I was expecting the truth to be far worse. I was kept enthralled in the story just to get the answers I wanted. Getting both Simon and Marjorie’s perspectives really helps understand why this happened and is also still applicable to today’s times. While this novella has links to Shana Galen’s previous Spies and Royal Saboteurs series, it is a standalone. I can guarantee you will not put it down.
I would never wish amnesia on someone in real life but in fiction? Yes, please! I love the idea of fictional characters having a blank slate upon which to build, a fresh perspective that allows them to view people and circumstances through a new lens. That's exactly what happens in Shana Galen's new novella, Don't You Forget About Me.
Galen pulled me into this story from the initial scenes and held my attention right up until the end. It's a journey brimming with mystery, chemistry, lively banter, and an unexpected opportunity to start over.
If you enjoy historical romance with a gothic vibe, a colleagues-to-lovers romance, suspense, and emotional depth, all leading to a heart-tugging HEA, I enthusiastically recommend Don't You Forget About Me. It's a quick read (novella) with the emotional punch and satisfaction of a full-length book - something Shana Galen does very well.
I really enjoyed this novella. One of Shana Galen's themes she gives us is undercover operatives, spies for the Home Office. I love spy stories. This is about two operatives sent to the coast to deliver a message that's vital to England's war effort. They are undercover as husband and wife on their honeymoon. There are several twists that come into play and she's the lead operative, not him. Then it all gets messed up when she is hit on the head and has amnesia. She is the one that had the vital message and he's left to pick up the pieces and care for her. He has always felt that she disliked him intensely. He on the other hand greatly admires and is attracted to her. Their relationship changes with her memory loss. I loved the way Shana wove the threads between the mission and their relationship.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'll be honest, I only picked this up because the author was in an interview with Mimi Matthews (one of my favorite authors) and the book she was there to promote happened to be free on kobo plus. I saw that it was short so I figured I'd give it a shot and went into it with low expectations. But actually, this was really fun!
The premise is over-the-top, but in the right way for a historical romance, I feel. It was immediately suspenseful and the writing quality was solid. I guess I'm a sucker for heroes carrying soaking wet heroines to safety, I love it every time.
Definitely give this a shot if you like historical romance, it's a quick read that kept me engaged the whole way through.
What a delight! Amnesia, friends to lovers, and a side of action all rolled into one. When Marjorie wakes up on a beach with no memory of how she got there, or who she is, things seem pretty bleak. Then a handsome stranger claiming to be her husband comes along, and while she doesn't remember him, her body senses he's safe and can be trusted.
Simon knows it's wrong to lie to Marjorie about them being married, but he needs to keep her by his side for the mission, and not because it's his dearest wish to make their relationship real. Fortunately, he does tell her the truth before anything unforgiveable happens.
This story was fun to read, and the steamy parts did not disappoint. It's a short, quick read that will leave you both satisfied and hungry for more.
As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed this book - Shana Galen never fails to deliver a heartwarming romance within an action packed historical story. In this book, our heroine wakes up on a beach with no memory even of her own name, let alone where she is, what's happening - or anything about the man who says he is her husband!
A great read in one sitting as it's a novella rather than a full length book - so curl up with a cuppa (or something chilled) and prepare to lose yourself in the fascinating world of Ms Galen's mind - you'll love it too! I read an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This is a cute novella that has good character and plot development which can be difficult with a shorter story. The hero is capable, kind, and admires the heroine's accomplishments (as well as her body). The heroine is smart and accomplished in a field not generally open to women in that era. I liked the coverage of a traumatic brain injury while keeping to what is appropriate to the time period of the book. The amnesia also allows the heroine to look at her life from an outsiders perspective and realize what she needs to change.
Can a bout of amnesia change two lives? Of course it can! And for the better! I really loved this short novel with two capable spies who find their HEA almost accidentally. The writing is gorgeous as always and in my opinion Galen captured the confusion and the thoughts of an amnesiac person really well. I loved both characters very much and their interactions are steamy and funny and a little angsty at the same time. Unputdownable.
Shana Galen’s "Don’t You Forget About Me" is an absolute gem that masterfully blends the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope with a fast-paced plot and delightful characters. From the very first page, I was hooked by the dynamic tension and sharp wit exchanged between the protagonists. Their banter is electric, evolving seamlessly into a heartfelt romance that feels both genuine and earned.
The plot is excellently crafted, filled with twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning the pages. Galen’s writing is nothing short of masterful—her ability to create vivid scenes and emotionally resonant moments is truly impressive. The characters are richly developed, each with their own quirks and depth, making them memorable long after the final page.
If you love engaging romances with a perfect blend of conflict and chemistry, "Don’t You Forget About Me" is a must-read. Shana Galen has once again proven why she’s a standout in the romance genre!
Quite good for how short this was, the story felt complete and I wasn't feeling that it was lacking in some ways. I liked that our FL was the imperfect person in this story. It was a nice evening read on a busy day for me. I liked the spy part, this is a typical plot line I enjoy but maybe cause of the length I enjoyed it.
But I kind of feel icky about the steamy bits that happen while she still doesn't know who she is.
This book had mystery, amnesia (I always love that!), deception, high stakes & forced proximity which all come together in a fabulous read! I am always excited to see a new Shana Galen book released because I know I can count on her to provide a story that draws me in and invests me in the characters and their lives. Great read!
Set in Cornwall during the Noplanic War, a woman wakes up inside a sea cave. She is injured and can’t remember who she is. Simon Burrows is a British government agent working with local smugglers. He needs his partner to regain her memory, so they can complete their mission. The 80’s song title suits this short steamy romance
Enjoyable read. Lighthearted. Great for summer reading. 110 page novella. Characters still multi-dimensional and plot still grabs your attention. The hook being heroine has amnesia.
Amnesia, mistaken identity-perhaps, mystery, danger, unrequited love and a bit of lust, this novella has it all. Lovely characters, good mystery and more charm than a book should have. Highly recommended.
This was a quick, fun, light read that I enjoyed quite a lot. At the start, we (the reader) were just as confused as Marjorie at the situation she found herself in. The secrets unfolded beautifully and I loved how Marjorie got a second chance at, well, everything.
A cute amnesiac spy story set during the Napoleonic Wars with reverse age gap/rank. A recommended short read. I received a complimentary copy of this book in a giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A fun little novella. What to do when someone doesn’t remember you or why you’re together in Cornwall, enjoying a holiday in a lovely cottage on the beach. Oh, what to do?
A short story that more than satisfies! Suspense, intrigue and lots of lust make this short story feel like a novel. Wonderful characters, a stressful situation, and romance, what more can a reader ask for. Ms. Galen doing what she does best - historical spy romances!!!