Things We Should Forget

by Emily Camp

Ever the optimist, Ainsely Hart doesn’t lose hope when her perfect world begins to unravel. Even when her dad is sent to prison and she loses everything, as well as having to move across the country.

She never guessed that it would be a boy who would test her patience, making her almost lose her cool more than a few times.

Ryker’s a slacker with a reputation and he seems to hate her for no reason. She makes it a point to be nice to everyone, but he makes it nearly impossible to be nice to him.

So why is it that he also happens to be the one person she can confide in?

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2025

About the author

Emily is the author of several young adult, new adult, mystery and romance novels. She lives in a small town in Ohio similar to the towns in her stories. Her favorite place to read is in her pool.

Reviews

[Roberta Timmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Amazing Emily Camp book.
I love this book, I could not stop reading it. I love the growth of the FMC and I just wanted to hug her. everything she goes through.
this is a amazing Enemies to lovers.
highly recommend.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Ainsley’s life gets turned upside when her father is arrested for embezzlement. She loses everything she knew, or she thought she knew. Her family is put through the wringer in their current city. Whispers about her father’s crime, friends turning out not to be friends. Ainsley is the strong one in the family. Always trying to keep it together, not break, not show weakness.

They pick up and leave California. Really, don’t have much of a say and arrive in Ohio. What a switch, right? Ainsley’s life is about to get a lot more confusing when she meets Ryker the rebel. The boy who’s always in trouble. Has a record/past. But there’s something about Ryker that stirs something in Ainsley.

Ainsley busy herself with starting a club, trying to branch out and make new friends awhile not being thrilled to be here and still having faith that her father is innocent and will return soon. During all this there is a night where Ainsley acts completely out of character and leaves Ohio and heads back to California to try to see her father but not alone….. after this trip, as if it wasn’t already a slow burn throw in some confusion and miscommunication or lack of communication.

I would check your trigger warnings, be mindful going into this story it touches on drugs, identity, and some small Christian references (not heavy though)

This is a story of resilience, finding yourself when you’ve lost everything you thought you knew and strength.

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things We Should Forget by Emily Camp is a gripping, emotional read that follows Ainsley Hart after her life is turned upside down—her father is arrested for embezzlement, her family loses everything, and she’s forced to leave her private school for a public one where no one knows her and no one seems to care. What hit me hardest was how Ainsley tries to stay strong for her mom and brothers while quietly carrying her own pain. That really resonated with me—coming from a divorced family, I’ve also felt the weight of holding it together for everyone else when my own world felt unstable.

Her relationship with Ryker Garrison is a slow burn in all the best ways—he’s rough around the edges, unpredictable, and a bit infuriating, but there are moments where his walls drop just enough to show something real. Their back-and-forth dynamic adds tension and depth, especially as they start to understand each other’s scars.

This book is about more than just loss—it’s about identity, resilience, and figuring out who you are when everything familiar disappears. Ainsley’s strength, even when she doesn’t feel strong, makes her a character I truly connected with. Highly recommend if you’re into messy, heartfelt stories that show growth through pain

[🐷Shay loves books🐷 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by the amazing Emily Camp. I had so many emotions in this book. When Ainsley and her family had to move from California to Ohio because her dad went to prison for embezzling, they lost everything and her world was completely turned upside down. She’s trying to fit in, in her new school, and things just aren’t going her way, she feels so lost and misses her dad so much, she’s convinced he’s innocent, and defends him in every way she knows how. Her mom is trying her hardest to keep everything together and be strong for her kids. I connected with her mom so much, because I have been in her shoes, it’s not easy and life is tough. Ainsley meets Ryker who is known as the bad boy rebel, but she develops feelings for him and discovers that Ryker isn’t who everyone portrays him to be. I just wanted to take them all and bug them a big group hug and show them some love and grace! This book was so good and one that I want my daughter to read! Grab this book asap!!

[C.L.S. Willman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This YA novel was soooo cute. A few things that I REALLY enjoyed:

- The story drops you right into the drama from line one!

- The author does awesome at having the internal voice and naivety of the main character come thru while maintaining the writing style of a mature author

- The dialogue between the two main characters is deliciously banter-y

- The slow burn is hard to pull off without scenes getting redundant, but this author had me continually hooked on it

- The author wrote so many witty lines that pulled audible laughs from me from start to finish

3.8 🌟 only because YA isn't usually my preference, but if you prefer YA its a strong 4.

I'd rate it 1/2 a 🌶. There is mention of the main characters' virginity and a reference to the fact that people assume the main characters have done more than they have, but its very YA safe. Just a small few mentions of kissing.

[HannahMReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot sing the praises of Emily Camp’s writing enough. I devoured this book in one day. It has all the feels and makes you want to hug these teens and tell them things will be okay with time. It’s an opposites attract type of slow burn romance. It has perfect pacing and characters your heart will go out to.

[Samantha Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super cute YA romance. Both of the main characters, male and female are super likable and I was intrigued from the start. I found myself picking up the book anytime I had a spare minute. This was my first Emily Camp read and I cannot wait to pick up a few more!

[Kearstyn Kutik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! such a good story! has a twist I wasn’t expecting. I needed tissues!

[Barbie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet YA story of teenagers who go from enemies to friends or more? Fall in love with Ainsley and Ryder as you get to know both of them from Ainsley's point of view. A very well written tale of loss, friendship and love. Enjoy.

[Casandra Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible!!!

When I started this book it was a bit scary how I related to the female main character! I went through some similar things she did with my family and it was really hard for me as well.
I love how this was different from her other books and the story line was relatable, with the undeniable loyalty portrayed, the love family feels at times, the care of other siblings for their younger ones. The instant attraction but the conflict of not being able to stand one another right away!

I just there’s sooo much to say about this book and I refuse to spoil it anymore. I was in love with it right from the start and couldn’t wait to see how it ended. I am hoping that thing may turn into a series but either way I was beyond excited and felt very filled with love after I had finished this book.

Thank you so much Emily for giving me the pleasure to arc read for you yet again 🫶

[Brandi Sylvester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ainsley is trying to be strong for her family after her dad is arrested for stealing money. Her family loses everything and has to move across the country and live with her grandparents. She ends up meeting the "bad boy" of the school and she can't understand why she can't seem to stop thinking about him. Ainsley can't figure out if he's the trouble maker or the sweet guy when she gets different versions every time she's around him. Just when she thinks things can't get worse, they do. She has to decide to go along with a lie to protect her friends or tell the truth and have people hate her. Then her brother tells her information she never wanted to hear. Will Ainsley pull through and be able to be happy with her new life?

[Sarah Lewin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young adult story that people of all ages can relate to. Relationships can be tricky, no matter what age. Ainsley finds herself torn away from her comfortable life, in a big house, with friends, in a bustling city and a school she thrives in. Her new reality is different, and it’s taking her a while to adjust. Her other family members are having a tough time. Ainsley’s always the dependable one. The nice one, the kind one. Now, in this new school, this new town, everyone is pushing her buttons. I loved reading this story. The characters are real, raw, flawed and get into all kinds of trouble. Highly recommend it.

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ainsley's went downhill very quickly, her family had to move in with her grandparents after her dad went to prison for doing some shady stuff at his company. She felt like an outcast going to a new school and just hung out with her cousin. But then she meets her cousin's boyfriend's brother and everything gets very confusing. He acts like he hates her, but she doesn't understand why. He seems to be everywhere she goes, so they can't help getting closer. He is protective, confusing, and actually a pretty sweet guy. This story was so good and quick to read! I would highly recommend it.

[Books with Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story about a new girl in school and the bad boy she can’t get off her mind. Ainsley has had a rough year and then she meets Ryker who turns her world upside down. This is a great story that touches on many different issues teenagers face along with a sweet love story that was against all odds. If you are a fan of Ginny and Marcus from the Netflix show Ginny & Georgia then you will absolutely Ainsley and Ryker’s story!! This is one of those books that you won’t want to put down!

[Debra Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Emily Camp book—and definitely not my last! I loved her writing style and really connected with the characters.

After losing everything, Ainsley and her family move across the country to live with her grandparents. Her dad’s in prison for embezzlement, but Ainsley is convinced he’s innocent. Her mom, on the other hand, seems all too ready to move on, which only adds to Ainsley’s sense of isolation.

Enter Ryker—the classic “bad boy” at school. He’s frustrating and totally unpredictable, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. Watching Ainsley and Ryker grow and change together was one of my favorite parts of the story.

Lots of drama, heartbreak, healing, and hope 💕

[Kristina Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, sweet, high school romance that moves along quickly and grabbed me from page 1. The story revolves around Ainsley and her family during a difficult time... Her father has been arrested and her family must leave their California home for Ohio. Lots of coming of age angst and Ainsley finds her voice.

I highly recommend checking this book out. This book was sent to me by Emily Camp in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ainsley’s entire world is ripped apart when her dad is arrested. She now has to move, change school and lose her boyfriend and friends.

When she arrives at her new school, it isn’t long before Ryker, the bad boy, is almost pushed into her life. This slow burn is great. My heart ached for both Ryker and Ainsley with all they are going through.

As always, Emily can pull me out of a reading slump with her “page turning/can’t put it down” writing!

[Kesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, great coming of age /enemy to lovers. Beautifully written. The characters had some great depth and they draw you in nicely. My only issue was the ending was very abrupt. I feel like there could be just a little more there. Great over all read. Highly recommend for a light beautiful book.

[Heather Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great YA book but it also kept me tuned in the entire book. Her dad goes to prison at the first part of the book and they move across the country. She is a "follow the rules" kind of girl and she falls for the bad boy, or is he? There is drug abuse in this book and it does get a bit emotional at times. This is a really good read and definitely worth the time!

[Julie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read by Emily. This is a YA book where the FMC has to learn that all is not always what it seems. Life as she knows it is uprooted and her world is turned upside down. The MMC brings her back to reality in his own way and together they find their own path. It was an emotional ride for me but in a good way! Can’t wait to read more from Emily!

[Angie Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great YA story. Love,loss, heartbreak. Trying hard to fit in for teens is hard enough them having to deal with drama, bullying, and peer pressure makes it worse. Emily has done a great job hitting on so many issues among teens and young adults.

[Ashley Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

another amazing Emily Camp book, I have fallen in love with Emily’s writing and can’t wait to read more. I love a good enemies to lovers story and this hit all the marks for me. Seeing the growth of the FMC throughout the book.

[Allison Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good enemies to lovers story! The FMC is a relatable teenage girl dealing with family issues, and navigating being true to herself. I laughed, cried, and gasped while reading! I’ll definitely be reading more of Emily Camp’s books!

[Jill Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 started by Emily Camp! I would highly recommend this YA novel that was just released by her. I can never go wrong with her books. I should know I’ve read all of them. No spoilers here. Check this out if u haven’t already!!!!

[Lacey Clegg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great YA book. I really enjoyed the characters and story. I’m going to recommend it to my teenagers and their friends.

[Kyrstin Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute teenager romance. Overcoming issues within the family, and a move across country starting a new school.

[Sarah M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily did it again. YA at its finest. Two main characters with troubled pasts find each other when they need someone the most. Pick it up and read it today. You won’t be sorry.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book!! I love all of Emily's books so far!

[Helen Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! I love the Chemistry between the characters. This book made me laugh. I recommend this book to anyone wanting a fun read.

[Tiffany Locklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book and once I got into it I couldn't put it down.