Life gives, and life takes away. Charlie McGee knows all too well just how much truth that statement holds. She was drowning, wasting away from guilt and sadness. But when she meets Slayter Beck, he becomes the only calm in her ever-present storm. He's her light in the darkness. An angel in the midst of her demons. All she wants to do is remember, and when the weight of that burden becomes too much, she tries giving up. But he won't let her. He vows to help her remember. Remember Phoenix.
Randa Lynn is an avid reader and lover of all things romance. She has sketched stories since she could write, and decided to finally pursue her dream in crafting real words from fictional lives. She lives in Louisiana with her husband and children. In her spare time, she loves to watch her favorite movies, find recipes—that she’ll never cook—on Pinterest, and find GIF’s that fit any occasion. Her favorite things in life are her children and husband, spending weekends outside, and—of course.
It's 3:23 am and I'm literally in tears. Ugly crying is an understatement. This book is greatness! I read Always, and it was great too, but this, just wow!! I love reading books by new authors, and seeing how much they grow with each book! This was a giant leap!! I literally had a cry stuck in the back of my throat most of the book, here and there some tears would fall, then, I couldn't hold it in anymore. Literally bawling my eyes out. Depression is an asshole! I love so much how it was turned into something heartbreakingly beautiful. Don't take my review the wrong way! It's not all sad and depressing. There's a lot of love and light in this book too. Oh,and Slayter, what a man! Sexy, gorgeous, loving, amazing man!!! This book is worthy of a gazillion stars!
First off...this cover is beautiful! I love it!! This story I have to admit, started off really good for me but it slowed way down and I was completely bored. My mind is wired for complete darkness and destruction.
This book is more about self reflection and recovery of a broken heart and soul. I am not taking anything away from the devastation and heartache of this book and I really hope Charlie and Slayter have their HEA, but it just left me skimming and that is a huge NO NO for me.
I'm a mess....a complete mess of tears and swollen eyes. This beautiful, heartbreaking, amazing book has kept me glued to my kindle for 2 days. Randa's ability to draw me into the story and keep me captivated while feeling like im sitting in the room watching it all play out live is outstanding. The pain that Charlie is experiencing is heartbreaking. But when beautiful, loving alpha Slayter makes his way into her life, oh it was exactly what she needed. I cannot put into words how proud I am of this author. She has completely blown me away and outdone herself. 5 starts doesn't do this book justice. An absolute top read this year!!
This is an amazing story of struggle heartbreak what a journey. Charlie is broken she's not really living she's just there going through the motions. Slayter has his struggles as well. One bar and fate can change everything, but will Charlie allow it? She so lost . "Being broken has no rule book" this was such an amazing and beautiful journey. This is a must read . Everyone needs to read his story .
First book by this author, the beginning was really good and I was surprised because lately I have not been feeling the books this year.
Then the lead female got so whiney out of nowhere, I love an attitude when done right, and this wasn't. Not a bad book at all just not my thing I guess.
I love a book full of feels. THIS story though, left me breathless. There are so many layers of pain. Both Charlie and Slayter together have a lot of hurt. Slayter has started moving on but Charlie is navigating losses so devastating that her heart is having a difficult time continuing to beat. These characters are so likable that you hate to see their pain. But you know in the end it will all be worth it!
I love the growth that was apparent in Randa Lynn's writing. The story she puts together with these two characters will bring you to your knees. It's heartbreaking and also uplifting with so many emotions. I'm so excited that I was able to early read this story and hope you will mark your calendar for it's upcoming release. Not a story you want to miss!
I've struggled to write a review because how can you share your thoughts when all you feel is ... Everything. This book is NOT for the weak, it will tear you apart, it will make you see life as it really is.... Unfair.
I know what it's like to see a woman mourn over there child.. It's a wound that doesn't heal with time even if people say so... Time doesn't can't heal a hole in your heart that no one can ever replace not even another child.
Charlie a person who broke my heart with her story because what is worse then losing your child? Not remembering ... Being looked at like a fragile glass statute ... But one awful day .. October 15th , two years after her life became a walking vacancy ... She meets someone who made her live..... Sweet , arrogant, Slayter a man who also has had it some what rough but always saw the positive .... He was the light in her darkness until .....
Remembering Phoenix was a phenomenal novel. This is the story of Charlie and her quest to remember Phoenix. I don’t want to say too much and spoil this heart wrenching story but it had me bawling like a baby for most of the book. Just when I thought the worst was over more heartache was in store for Charlie. How much can one person endure before they break?
Charlie had sworn off getting close to anyone ever again. Her motto was they would just leave you in the end. So she built up walls to protect herself from being hurt any more. Slayter was also going through a rough patch when he ran into Charlie in a bar on a date that held bad memories for both of them. He took her shot which irritated her badly. Then about a month later they ran into each other again at the rehearsal dinner for their soon to be wed siblings. She didn’t want to be near him, she thought he was a player. Then he helped her during a vulnerable time at the reception and from then on their relationship started to slowly build.
The characters were amazingly well written. I fell in love with Slayter from the first time he told Charlie, “I’ve got you”. He was perfect for Charlie in every way and always seemed to be nearby when she needed him the most. Charlie had been through a severe trauma and didn’t seem to handling life very well. She was suffering from amnesia, depression and most of all guilt. She didn’t think she should be happy. She really didn’t have much will to live, she was just going through the motions of life but not living. I loved Charlie, she was so much stronger than she thought. She really didn’t think much of herself, she didn’t see the beauty that everyone else saw. Charlie and Slayter together seemed perfect but would his love be enough to save her?
This was an emotional read for me. I was crying through most of this story. Randa ripped my heart out around the nineteen percent mark and then multiple times throughout the rest of the story. I was really beginning to think that an HEA was not in store for Charlie. This story captivated me and I literally couldn’t put it down, I had to know what was in store for Charlie. Even though the heartache and tears this book was an inspirational story. I’m hoping there is more to come from this story, I would love to read more about Lizzie and Stetson.
“But I want to be the person that makes you see you’re not nothing-you’re everything.” ~ Slayter
Let me start of my review with saying…I am so scared that this won’t do the book justice. If I could give it more than 5 Stars I absolutely would. I have started this review many times and just couldn’t find the right words and would delete them and start over again.
This book brought out so many feelings for me. There less than a handful of books that have made me cry and Remembering Phoenix was just added to that list. The emotions that it brought out in me were powerful. There are many life lessons that can be learned from this book and these lessons should be taken to heart.
Randa’s writing has greatly improved from her debut book. She has grown and matured and become more comfortable in her writing style. Remembering Phoenix is nothing like her first book, Always. It touches on some darker subject matter but the author handles it all beautifully.
Charlie is such a complex character. She has been through so much in her short life and tries to deal with everything the only way she thinks she can. Charlie’s story crushed my heart to pieces but also gave me hope. Hope that someone so lost can be found. Sometimes it just takes the right person to nudge you towards the light.
Slayter has some of his own “demons” to slay but I think in helping Charlie he was helping himself as well. The love he has for Charlie is something to be amazed by. It seems like it is unending and knows no bounds. You can sense it in every action and every word.
I really can’t express how amazing this book is. It is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ. You can tell the author poured every ounce of her soul into this book.
Remembering Phoenix is Randa Lynn’s second novel and I can say that I definitely saw the growth of this author in this book.
I was in tears so many times throughout this book it was unreal. Charlie’s pain is so real, so true, and so heartbreaking. Randa tackled depression in a way that cannot be explained in review. I was so unbelievably honored to have been given the chance to read this book early and so incredibly proud of Randa and this book.
I can’t give much away in here because you need to read the book yourself but trust me when I say you do NOT want to miss this one.
“Because a girl like you needs to see that she’s so much more than what she believes. You see yourself as nothing. You think you are worth nothing after what’s happened to you. I can see you, Charlie. The guilt, it eats you alive. But I want to be the person that makes you see you’re not nothing – you’re everything.”
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love Randa Lynn. She has a way with words. I set high expectations for this book as I loved her first book "Always". This book met my expectations and then some. It was so amazing.
I knew a little from the synopsis but there was so much more involved with this book.
The journey Charlie finds herself in after losing her memory is heartbreaking. Enter Slayter who is this amazing, caring man who tries to break into Charlie's hard exterior.
This book has all of the emotions I want in a book: angst, sadness. Happiness, love. It also deals with depression, memory loss and other losses people experience.
Be prepared to ugly cry, but in a good way.
I absolutely loved this book. Thanks for writing it Randa!
Sigh, Remembering Phoenix, wow. What a beautiful, heartfelt story. I related so much to the heroine in this book, Charlie. The struggle of depression, not letting the dark envelop you. At some point we've all had days where our outlook is abysmal.
Depression can be very tough subject matter to write about, and even read about. I applaud Randa Lynn for writing this book. Not only was this book extremely emotional, it was sexy and beautiful. I'm trying not to give too in depth of a review as to avoid spoilers, but this is one of those stories that will stay with me for a long while.
Warning: you will cry, you will swoon, and you'll absolutely melt into a pile of goo because of Slayter, the hero. Loved it.
Charlie has had life knock her down a few times but the worse is when she trying to remember Phoenix. It makes her sad that she can't remember anything about him. So she does whatever she can to make it through life. She meets Slayter who has always got her, no matter what. He helps her feel again.
This book tugged at my heart strings!!!! Loved it! Will be read much more from this author! She knocked it out of the park. You don't want to miss this book!! buy this baby as soon as it releases
Everyone struggles with their own demons. Remembering Phoenix, Is a story of loss capable of bringing the strongest of persons to their breaking point. Charlie is broken without hope of ever picking up the pieces. Slayter Beck is just cocky enough, bold enough and patient enough to collect every piece and put her back together... If she will just let him in. I loved Remembering Phoenix and will recommend it to friends. I teared up a few times so if you're a sap(I don't cry over books) you will probably need tissues lol.
I received a ARC in exchange for a honest review. 4* read. I'm a complete mess of tears and puffy eyes after this read. A story of heartache and struggles this was a complete raw yet beautiful read. Not your typical love story and thats what i loved about it. Charlie is so broken and shes more just existing then actually living. Slayter, well he was hot and my new book boyfriend. A alpha with a sweet side, my favourite kind. I read this book none stop till i'd finished it and i can't wait for more from this author.
I am still reeling from this story. It was so amazing and beautiful and it makes you feel every emotion you read. I started this story around midnight and did not put it down! I read this in hours. It had me pulled in from the beginning and did not let up. I cannot even begin to tell you everything I felt reading this story. I loved every moment of it. It is an amazing story that I highly recommend to anyone looking for something new to read.
Oh this story! You will take the emotional ride that will cleanse you and make you whole. When Charlie wakes up from a life changing event and remembers nobody in her life, what is missing? There is a missing piece of her soul and she doesn't know why. Her conquering hero is quite the unlikely man who she thought could help her on her journey. I can't tell anymore without spoiling it! Read this story, you won't be sorry. Cleanse your soul like I did!
I was fortunate enough to read this in advance for Randa. All I can say is that if you loved Always, you will absolutely fall in the love with this book. She has outdone herself. If you haven't added this one to your list, please make sure you do. You will not be disappointed. Full review to follow.
This is Randa Lynn's second novel.I remember reading her first novel "Always'.It was an okay read.I never thought I would want to read another novel by Randa.But reading Remembering Phoenix has changed that opinion of mine.It is that good.She has written it really well.Her growth as a writer is phenomenal.Can't wait for her next novel!
Tears! Lots of tears! This book had me a blubbering mess but it was oh so worth it. I'm quite simply speechless (very rare for me!) so I apologise for this very short review. All I will say is that you NEED to read this book. 5 stars does not do it justice! Simply uplifting and heartbreakingly beautiful.
Just finished this and I am a mess. a bit fat crying mess of a person. Such a beautiful but heartbreaking story. Randa has done an absolutley fantastic job with this. 5 stars are nowhere near enough for this one
This book is beyond AMAZING!! The characters grab you from the very beginning. It's not your typical love story and your heart will break for them both. I love Slayter! He's the sweetest alpha ever. Make sure you have your tissues ready but it's so worth it!
Loved this book!!! I am in awe of this story. It was a great read, but be ready to cry. U will shed lots of tears, but just amazing read!! Can't wait to see what Randa's next book it.
This book touches on some serious topics, death and depression. Charlie loses her memory and with that, the memory of her child. As a mom, I can't imagine the heartbreak of losing a child. I tried to put myself in her shoes and could understood the idea of going into a dark hole and being depressed. There were parts of the book that were good but the constant back n forth thoughts of "should I be with him" "I loved her but that's crazy" just became annoying. I think I skimmed the last half of the book. I couldn't take it anymore, it was monotonous. I gave it 3 stars because I liked the building of the relationship between the two and the story line.
This was a completely beautiful story and not at all what you might expect if you have read Randa's first book (not related to this at all!!).
Charlie McGee is one of my favourite heroines I have read in a book. Despite all she has been through, all the loss, She sassy and brave and incredibly strong.
Slayter Beck is completely swoon-worthy and despite is own baggage, if perfect for Charlie.
The issues they both deal with separately and together are hard and heart-breaking as grief often is and that aspect of this book makes it relatable. This story is also not an easy read by any means and tissues are a must.
It is beautifully written with well developed characters and an excellent storyline. Simply put, it was hard to put down.
Randa has a way with words and though this is her second book only, it is incredible to see how she has grown as an author- I look forward to what she has planned for the future.