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Forgive & Forget: The Space Between, Filled With Memory
Marlie's life in Santa Barbara is the epitome of the ocean sparkles under the California sun, her studies are going brilliantly, and in Tristan, she has found her soulmate. But this idyllic existence begins to crack when a stranger appears at her door one evening, claiming to be Tristan's twin brother, Callan—someone whose existence Tristan never mentioned. Shortly after this revelation, Tristan vanishes without a trace.
Desperate for answers, Marlie reluctantly accepts Callan's help, and together they journey across Southern California searching not only for Tristan but for the truth. With each passing day, an unwanted attraction grows between them, along with Marlie's tormenting doubts. As she delves deeper into the brothers' past, her own memories and certainties begin to blur. The twins share more than just their appearance—a secret that defies the boundaries of possibility and threatens to plunge Marlie into an abyss between love and betrayal.
A captivating romantic urban fantasy about hidden truths, deceptive certainties, and the ultimate Who can you trust when even your own memories might be lying?
Desperate for answers, Marlie reluctantly accepts Callan's help, and together they journey across Southern California searching not only for Tristan but for the truth. With each passing day, an unwanted attraction grows between them, along with Marlie's tormenting doubts. As she delves deeper into the brothers' past, her own memories and certainties begin to blur. The twins share more than just their appearance—a secret that defies the boundaries of possibility and threatens to plunge Marlie into an abyss between love and betrayal.
A captivating romantic urban fantasy about hidden truths, deceptive certainties, and the ultimate Who can you trust when even your own memories might be lying?
Audible Audio
Published December 18, 2025
49 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 4, 2026
I cannot forgive, and I will Forget.
December 25, 2025
I don’t understand the low ratings of the book. I thought it was written well, and easy to follow. Narrators did a good job too. People need to stop hating just cause they hate the storyline. Just don’t bother rating. It’s not like it’s poorly written at all. And it was entertaining.
January 4, 2026
Swantje Oppermann’s Forgive & Forget is an atmospheric, genre-bending journey through Southern California that sits at the intersection of a psychological thriller and urban fantasy. While it offers a compelling hook and a sharp sense of place, it occasionally loses its footing in the "space between" its ambitious ideas.
The Premise
The story follows Marlie, whose idyllic life in Santa Barbara is shattered when a man named Callan appears, claiming to be the twin brother of her soulmate, Tristan—a brother Tristan never mentioned. When Tristan mysteriously vanishes shortly after, Marlie is forced into an uneasy alliance with the enigmatic Callan. As they traverse the California coast to find him, the line between memory and reality begins to blur, revealing a supernatural secret shared by the brothers.
What Works
The Atmospheric Setting: Oppermann excels at capturing the "California Noir" aesthetic. The contrast between the sparkling Santa Barbara sun and the dark, shifting secrets of the twins creates a palpable sense of unease.
The Central Mystery: The core hook—why Tristan hid his twin and the nature of their shared "secret"—is genuinely intriguing. The book leans heavily into the theme of "unreliable memory," making the reader question Marlie’s perspective just as much as she does.
Strong Concept: The urban fantasy elements are integrated subtly at first, making the eventual "revelation" feel more like a psychological break than a hard-magic system, which adds to the suspense.
What Falls Short
Pacing and Middle Slump: The "road trip" aspect of the plot feels stretched in the middle chapters. While the character development between Marlie and Callan is necessary, the search for Tristan occasionally feels like it's spinning its wheels to fill time.
The Romance Contradiction: The "unwanted attraction" between Marlie and Callan is a staple of the genre, but here it occasionally feels at odds with the urgency of Tristan’s disappearance. It can be difficult to root for the chemistry when the stakes of the missing brother are so high.
The Ending: Without venturing into spoilers, the "secret that defies the boundaries of possibility" may be a bit polarizing for readers who prefer grounded thrillers. The shift into more overt fantasy in the final act feels slightly abrupt compared to the slow-burn psychological build-up.
Final Verdict
Forgive & Forget is a solid choice for readers who enjoy romantic suspense with a supernatural twist. It is a moody, well-written exploration of how well we truly know the people we love. However, a somewhat uneven pace and a divisive ending keep it from reaching "must-read" status. It’s a perfect "weekend read" for those who want something slightly weirder than your average domestic thriller.
The Premise
The story follows Marlie, whose idyllic life in Santa Barbara is shattered when a man named Callan appears, claiming to be the twin brother of her soulmate, Tristan—a brother Tristan never mentioned. When Tristan mysteriously vanishes shortly after, Marlie is forced into an uneasy alliance with the enigmatic Callan. As they traverse the California coast to find him, the line between memory and reality begins to blur, revealing a supernatural secret shared by the brothers.
What Works
The Atmospheric Setting: Oppermann excels at capturing the "California Noir" aesthetic. The contrast between the sparkling Santa Barbara sun and the dark, shifting secrets of the twins creates a palpable sense of unease.
The Central Mystery: The core hook—why Tristan hid his twin and the nature of their shared "secret"—is genuinely intriguing. The book leans heavily into the theme of "unreliable memory," making the reader question Marlie’s perspective just as much as she does.
Strong Concept: The urban fantasy elements are integrated subtly at first, making the eventual "revelation" feel more like a psychological break than a hard-magic system, which adds to the suspense.
What Falls Short
Pacing and Middle Slump: The "road trip" aspect of the plot feels stretched in the middle chapters. While the character development between Marlie and Callan is necessary, the search for Tristan occasionally feels like it's spinning its wheels to fill time.
The Romance Contradiction: The "unwanted attraction" between Marlie and Callan is a staple of the genre, but here it occasionally feels at odds with the urgency of Tristan’s disappearance. It can be difficult to root for the chemistry when the stakes of the missing brother are so high.
The Ending: Without venturing into spoilers, the "secret that defies the boundaries of possibility" may be a bit polarizing for readers who prefer grounded thrillers. The shift into more overt fantasy in the final act feels slightly abrupt compared to the slow-burn psychological build-up.
Final Verdict
Forgive & Forget is a solid choice for readers who enjoy romantic suspense with a supernatural twist. It is a moody, well-written exploration of how well we truly know the people we love. However, a somewhat uneven pace and a divisive ending keep it from reaching "must-read" status. It’s a perfect "weekend read" for those who want something slightly weirder than your average domestic thriller.
January 4, 2026
The narration of this was a true highlight and worked so well with the flow of the story.
The story follows Marlie as she is desperate to find her missing boyfriend.
The story follows Marlie as she is desperate to find her missing boyfriend.
December 23, 2025
I really can't wait to forget this gawd awful story.
January 12, 2026
So close to 5 stars!
It’s just the end that didn’t stick the landing in my opinion. *Spoilers spoilers spoilers*:
Specifically, “I was afraid I’d fall in love with you” “And I was afraid that I would fall in love with you.”
I can buy this from Callan (I listened to this, so apologies if misspelled) since he’s spent nearly the last decade punishing himself over the consequences of falling for his brother’s crush, who just so happens to look like her.
….but the lead replying in kind undercuts the trauma and vulnerability of his statement. Even though she’s saying the same words it’s not the same sentiment.
She’s spent a few days worried maybe about cheating or ending her relationship (but mostly about her now ex), whereas he’s spent 9 years running and feeling unworthy of love.
That’s different.
The author already expertly set up a beautiful dichotomy between the brothers, one seeking forgiveness and the other seeking to forget (well named, well done) - why can’t she respond with her own balanced and opposing take on love? And not being afraid of choosing him.
The rest is so polished that it makes this one smudge at the end stand out; that said, really solid story. I didn’t expect there to be magic, but it’s subtle enough that it doesn’t take the story too far from reality, allowing us to still imagine its consequences in our world. I also really didn’t want to follow this brother, wishing for Tristen instead - which just made the end (and their beginning) that much more brilliant on the author’s part.
I can’t wait to read more of her work!
It’s just the end that didn’t stick the landing in my opinion. *Spoilers spoilers spoilers*:
Specifically, “I was afraid I’d fall in love with you” “And I was afraid that I would fall in love with you.”
I can buy this from Callan (I listened to this, so apologies if misspelled) since he’s spent nearly the last decade punishing himself over the consequences of falling for his brother’s crush, who just so happens to look like her.
….but the lead replying in kind undercuts the trauma and vulnerability of his statement. Even though she’s saying the same words it’s not the same sentiment.
She’s spent a few days worried maybe about cheating or ending her relationship (but mostly about her now ex), whereas he’s spent 9 years running and feeling unworthy of love.
That’s different.
The author already expertly set up a beautiful dichotomy between the brothers, one seeking forgiveness and the other seeking to forget (well named, well done) - why can’t she respond with her own balanced and opposing take on love? And not being afraid of choosing him.
The rest is so polished that it makes this one smudge at the end stand out; that said, really solid story. I didn’t expect there to be magic, but it’s subtle enough that it doesn’t take the story too far from reality, allowing us to still imagine its consequences in our world. I also really didn’t want to follow this brother, wishing for Tristen instead - which just made the end (and their beginning) that much more brilliant on the author’s part.
I can’t wait to read more of her work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2026
The novel veers slightly from the usual romance tinged thriller. Of course, you have the lovebirds: Marlie and Tristan. During the course of their relationship they shared details of their pasts. Marlie, who openly confided details of her past, assumed that Tristan did the same. So how did it happen that Tristan forgot to mention the existence of his fraternal twin brother, Callan?
Callan’s untimely appearance put a kibosh on the cozy evening of Marlie and Tristan.
Callan asks Tristan to do him a favor. Callan owes some bad people some money and they’re out to get him. Callan wants Tristan to retrieve his belongings because he’d have a better chance of slipping in unnoticed because his twin looks nothing like him.
Marlie becomes worried when Tristan doesn’t return from this mysterious errand and insists on accompanying Callan who sets out to find his brother. On this road trip they stop for gas. Marlie goes to the restroom at the gas station. When she returns to the car, Callan and the car are gone. Why did he abandon her?
She’s able to track him because there’s a tracking fob in the car.
Although the twins don’t look alike they fo share one special gift: they gave the power to erase people’s memories. This talent is sets this story apart from the predictable storyline. Is this gift an asset or a curse?
Callan’s untimely appearance put a kibosh on the cozy evening of Marlie and Tristan.
Callan asks Tristan to do him a favor. Callan owes some bad people some money and they’re out to get him. Callan wants Tristan to retrieve his belongings because he’d have a better chance of slipping in unnoticed because his twin looks nothing like him.
Marlie becomes worried when Tristan doesn’t return from this mysterious errand and insists on accompanying Callan who sets out to find his brother. On this road trip they stop for gas. Marlie goes to the restroom at the gas station. When she returns to the car, Callan and the car are gone. Why did he abandon her?
She’s able to track him because there’s a tracking fob in the car.
Although the twins don’t look alike they fo share one special gift: they gave the power to erase people’s memories. This talent is sets this story apart from the predictable storyline. Is this gift an asset or a curse?
December 23, 2025
Forgive & Forget: The Space Between, Filled With Memory is a reflective, emotionally driven read that centres on memory, loss, and the quiet spaces left behind when relationships fracture.
The writing is gentle and often lyrical, and there are moments where the emotional weight really lands. The exploration of forgiveness feels sincere, and the themes of remembering and letting go are handled with care. At its best, the book invites you to slow down and sit with complicated feelings rather than rushing towards resolution.
That said, the pacing felt uneven at times. Some sections linger a little too long in introspection, while other moments that could have been more fully developed pass by too quickly. I also found it difficult to fully connect with the characters, as they sometimes felt more symbolic than fully realised.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and quietly moving book, but one that didn’t quite stay with me as strongly as I hoped. A solid read for those who enjoy introspective, memory-focused stories, even if it doesn’t fully stand out from others in the genre.
The writing is gentle and often lyrical, and there are moments where the emotional weight really lands. The exploration of forgiveness feels sincere, and the themes of remembering and letting go are handled with care. At its best, the book invites you to slow down and sit with complicated feelings rather than rushing towards resolution.
That said, the pacing felt uneven at times. Some sections linger a little too long in introspection, while other moments that could have been more fully developed pass by too quickly. I also found it difficult to fully connect with the characters, as they sometimes felt more symbolic than fully realised.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and quietly moving book, but one that didn’t quite stay with me as strongly as I hoped. A solid read for those who enjoy introspective, memory-focused stories, even if it doesn’t fully stand out from others in the genre.
January 11, 2026
This book is marketed as an urban fantasy but I found it to be more of a mystery/thriller/romance with a touch of a fantasy subplot.
While it was entertaining, the manipulation/mind/memory powers the brothers had felt a bit random to me at times; but this is also the first “urban fantasy” I’ve read so maybe that’s how they tend to be - people having magical abilities but in a normal, modern setting?
I also think that the ending of how Marlie moves on from Tristan to Callan in a span of literally 2 minutes after only be separated/together over the course of 3 days was very unrealistic. And (unless I missed it), it wasn’t made clear what the relationship between Tristan and Travis was & who he was to him.
I also would’ve really liked to have gotten a more of the brother’s background like why they had this magical capability, where it originated from, etc.
With all that being said, I did actually enjoy the story. It was easy to follow, it kept me intrigued to find out how it was going to end & I enjoyed the audio narration.
While it was entertaining, the manipulation/mind/memory powers the brothers had felt a bit random to me at times; but this is also the first “urban fantasy” I’ve read so maybe that’s how they tend to be - people having magical abilities but in a normal, modern setting?
I also think that the ending of how Marlie moves on from Tristan to Callan in a span of literally 2 minutes after only be separated/together over the course of 3 days was very unrealistic. And (unless I missed it), it wasn’t made clear what the relationship between Tristan and Travis was & who he was to him.
I also would’ve really liked to have gotten a more of the brother’s background like why they had this magical capability, where it originated from, etc.
With all that being said, I did actually enjoy the story. It was easy to follow, it kept me intrigued to find out how it was going to end & I enjoyed the audio narration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2026
This book was ridiculous from the start but I kept going because I was hoping things would make sense the more the story progressed. The main female character immediately started pining for the twin brother - when they aren’t identical twins - even tho the story alleges that she is totally in love with her boyfriend who has gone missing. The boyfriend going missing because he went to seek out a teenage love after seeing his twin brother for the first time in years is ridiculous. The main female character ditching the boyfriend for the twin brother at the end was disgusting. It’s not a romance fairy tale. The twin brother literally tried to mess with her memories too but he gets a pass? And he suddenly grows a conscious because she gives him a stern look? The entire thing is unbelievable and unrelatable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
I downloaded this for my commutes this week since it was included in Audible Plus, and honestly… I would listen to Chase Brown read the back of a cereal box. 😂 He absolutely carried this as an audiobook and made it really easy to stay engaged during his chapters.
The story itself had so much promise. The beginning genuinely impressed me - the writing felt thoughtful, the premise was unique, and there were moments early on where I was fully in and thinking, oh, this could be really good.
It was definitely entertaining enough, but the execution just didn’t quite get there for me. As it went on, I felt like some of the emotional depth I was expecting got lost, and the ending especially didn’t land the way I hoped after a good start. Ultimately missed the mark for me, but still liked it.
The story itself had so much promise. The beginning genuinely impressed me - the writing felt thoughtful, the premise was unique, and there were moments early on where I was fully in and thinking, oh, this could be really good.
It was definitely entertaining enough, but the execution just didn’t quite get there for me. As it went on, I felt like some of the emotional depth I was expecting got lost, and the ending especially didn’t land the way I hoped after a good start. Ultimately missed the mark for me, but still liked it.
January 19, 2026
GENRE OVERLOAD, STORY UNDERCOOKED
The ending is so bad, it physically hurt to go through, explains my migraine listening to the last few minutes.
The author thought she cooked... actually she did cook, with ingredients like fantasy, thriller, suspense, romance, literary fiction vibe... result POISON
The audiobook is trying so hard to be a jack of all trades but becomes a master of none
Fantasy – powers with no backstory and just hangs there
Romance – cringe and dumb to the core (goodness me that ending)
Thriller – predictable and lacks weight or substance
Psychological suspense – sighs it what I think the story was?
a 1.75/5 but well Goodreads still makes us round off stuff
The ending is so bad, it physically hurt to go through, explains my migraine listening to the last few minutes.
The author thought she cooked... actually she did cook, with ingredients like fantasy, thriller, suspense, romance, literary fiction vibe... result POISON
The audiobook is trying so hard to be a jack of all trades but becomes a master of none
Fantasy – powers with no backstory and just hangs there
Romance – cringe and dumb to the core (goodness me that ending)
Thriller – predictable and lacks weight or substance
Psychological suspense – sighs it what I think the story was?
a 1.75/5 but well Goodreads still makes us round off stuff
January 8, 2026
I felt this story had so much untapped potential. The relationship between the fmc and the mmc didn't click for me. I didn't get any romance from them so it felt abrupt at the end when she decides to leave her whole life behind for him. The details of where the twins come from and where there powers originate from is completely untapped. It would of been a better story if they discovered more of the twins past.
January 3, 2026
Overall this was a good decent listen. The story held my attention and I found the subject interesting. I think I would put this in the fantasy genre since secret powers is a theme here. And that makes it a read outside of my normal genres. Forgive and Forget is free from the Audible Plus catalog.
December 28, 2025
Well-written, imaginative, and thoroughly entertaining. Thank you, Swantje Oppermann, I had a great time! Also, thank you to Chase Brown and Georgia Maguire, who were excellent narrators.
January 4, 2026
🎧 audiobook
interesting premise and enjoyable story. I guessed the twist early on. it was an easy listen and the mind control stuff was compelling!
interesting premise and enjoyable story. I guessed the twist early on. it was an easy listen and the mind control stuff was compelling!
January 4, 2026
3 stars… ..a tale about Marlie on a hunt for her boyfriend with the help of his twin brother, with a twist. Very predictable and didn’t love the ending!
January 7, 2026
~3.5 stars ~
Rather sad but interesting YA story with a touch of magical realism. Good audiobook.
January 9, 2026
I thought it was pretty good until the very end. What a flat and rushed ending to something that had so much potential. So disappointing 🙁
January 10, 2026
It was written well. I did lose focus after awhile. I had to keep coming back to focus. Not a horrible story, just didn't keep my attention. Must be my ADD
Didn't really understand Callins powers.
Didn't really understand Callins powers.
January 11, 2026
Did not finish. Not my taste. I thought it was a crime/thriller, it’s not. It’s more super natural, not at all my taste in books. Read about half.
January 15, 2026
Interesting ideas. Needed more, proper execution didn’t happen.
January 17, 2026
it wasn't very good
December 31, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The theme of memory was interesting and I liked the way the story developed. The ending was slightly questionable to me, but overall I found it a good read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews