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Forget Us Not
Sam Camden is on the verge of losing the only thing he ever cared about—his wife, Makenzie. First, she tells him she wants a divorce then she’s in a car accident and awakes with no memory of their life together. As much as he knows telling her the truth about their relationship is the right thing to do, he can’t leave her.
When he brings her home, suddenly the house she hated is perfect, she finds the closet she filled to capacity ridiculous, and the man she’s barred from her bed is all she wants.
Makenzie knows something is wrong with her, but being married to the man she can hardly remember is more than she ever dreamed. She can’t remember her husband more than the feeling of safety he inspires, but as she watches him and the way he tiptoes around her and measures every word before he speaks it, and her memories come back in pieces, she’s torn between discovering the truth about herself and enjoying the contentment she feels with the life she barely recognizes.
Resisting their attraction to one another is harder than either is prepared to deal with, and together they have to figure out if they can overcome the secrets of their past or if it’s time to say goodbye once and for all.
When he brings her home, suddenly the house she hated is perfect, she finds the closet she filled to capacity ridiculous, and the man she’s barred from her bed is all she wants.
Makenzie knows something is wrong with her, but being married to the man she can hardly remember is more than she ever dreamed. She can’t remember her husband more than the feeling of safety he inspires, but as she watches him and the way he tiptoes around her and measures every word before he speaks it, and her memories come back in pieces, she’s torn between discovering the truth about herself and enjoying the contentment she feels with the life she barely recognizes.
Resisting their attraction to one another is harder than either is prepared to deal with, and together they have to figure out if they can overcome the secrets of their past or if it’s time to say goodbye once and for all.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2017
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Shirley
23 books28 followersAs an author, Melissa Shirley believes in fairytales, happily ever after, and destiny. Born and raised in Illinois, and a mother of eight, she lives with her husband and three youngest children in a quiet town in the southern part of the state where she spends her time writing and watching her children grow into the people she has always dreamed.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 13, 2017
4.5
Please Melissa Shirley tell me there will be more! I need to know what happens now. I loved this short but sweet love story, second chance with a twist. It had me teary eyed the entire book, and finally tears. It alternates between the two characters, which I liked so I was getting both of their perspectives of the moment. I could feel the tension and hurt as well as the love the entire time.
After a car accident Kenzie can’t remember who she was, her husband or other aspects of her past. She knows she loves him she’s drawn to him, loves everything about him. So as far as she knows their life was perfect before. Sam knows differently. He’s so sweet, caring, and the connection between them is so strong, the author made sure I felt it. It’s sad at times reading his thoughts and fears, the uncertainty of “them” when or if her memory returns.
Even though it’s short, there’s a lot of story in here. It’s a difficult position for both of them to be in knowing vs. not knowing the truth and living with the fear of the truth coming out. I know for me I went back and forth on whether I wanted to know. What do you do with that information once you learn it? Can you even have a future without knowing? Can you fix the past, heal your heart and build a new future?
For me it was a relatable story. Sometimes it’s easier to just run from the pain than be honest with yourself and face your imperfections, especially with this topic. Thank you for a great emotional and hopeful story. I am looking forward to reading more by this author, fingers crossed it’ll be more of Sam and Kenzie’s story.
A Book Lover’s Emporium
Please Melissa Shirley tell me there will be more! I need to know what happens now. I loved this short but sweet love story, second chance with a twist. It had me teary eyed the entire book, and finally tears. It alternates between the two characters, which I liked so I was getting both of their perspectives of the moment. I could feel the tension and hurt as well as the love the entire time.
After a car accident Kenzie can’t remember who she was, her husband or other aspects of her past. She knows she loves him she’s drawn to him, loves everything about him. So as far as she knows their life was perfect before. Sam knows differently. He’s so sweet, caring, and the connection between them is so strong, the author made sure I felt it. It’s sad at times reading his thoughts and fears, the uncertainty of “them” when or if her memory returns.
Even though it’s short, there’s a lot of story in here. It’s a difficult position for both of them to be in knowing vs. not knowing the truth and living with the fear of the truth coming out. I know for me I went back and forth on whether I wanted to know. What do you do with that information once you learn it? Can you even have a future without knowing? Can you fix the past, heal your heart and build a new future?
For me it was a relatable story. Sometimes it’s easier to just run from the pain than be honest with yourself and face your imperfections, especially with this topic. Thank you for a great emotional and hopeful story. I am looking forward to reading more by this author, fingers crossed it’ll be more of Sam and Kenzie’s story.
A Book Lover’s Emporium
March 13, 2017
Please Melissa Shirley tell me there will be more! I need to know what happens now. I loved this short but sweet love story, second chance with a twist. It had me teary eyed the entire book, and finally tears. It alternates between the two characters, which I liked so I was getting both of their perspectives of the moment. I could feel the tension and hurt as well as the love the entire time.
After a car accident Kenzie can’t remember who she was, her husband or other aspects of her past. She knows she loves him she’s drawn to him, loves everything about him. So as far as she knows their life was perfect before. Sam knows differently. He’s so sweet, caring, and the connection between them is so strong, the author made sure I felt it. It’s sad at times reading his thoughts and fears, the uncertainty of “them” when or if her memory returns.
Even though it’s short, there’s a lot of story in here. It’s a difficult position for both of them to be in knowing vs. not knowing the truth and living with the fear of the truth coming out. I know for me I went back and forth on whether I wanted to know. What do you do with that information once you learn it? Can you even have a future without knowing? Can you fix the past, heal your heart and build a new future?
For me it was a relatable story. Sometimes it’s easier to just run from the pain than be honest with yourself and face your imperfections, especially with this topic. Thank you for a great emotional and hopeful story. I am looking forward to reading more by this author, fingers crossed it’ll be more of Sam and Kenzie’s story.
After a car accident Kenzie can’t remember who she was, her husband or other aspects of her past. She knows she loves him she’s drawn to him, loves everything about him. So as far as she knows their life was perfect before. Sam knows differently. He’s so sweet, caring, and the connection between them is so strong, the author made sure I felt it. It’s sad at times reading his thoughts and fears, the uncertainty of “them” when or if her memory returns.
Even though it’s short, there’s a lot of story in here. It’s a difficult position for both of them to be in knowing vs. not knowing the truth and living with the fear of the truth coming out. I know for me I went back and forth on whether I wanted to know. What do you do with that information once you learn it? Can you even have a future without knowing? Can you fix the past, heal your heart and build a new future?
For me it was a relatable story. Sometimes it’s easier to just run from the pain than be honest with yourself and face your imperfections, especially with this topic. Thank you for a great emotional and hopeful story. I am looking forward to reading more by this author, fingers crossed it’ll be more of Sam and Kenzie’s story.
March 5, 2017
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Mediocre design. Two people, standing apart. No romantic elements. Fall palette coloration. Title placement and size is good, but color does not stand out. The synopsis sounds like a particular Sparks novel that was made into a movie.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Alternating first-person POVs: clearly defined and easy to follow.
Melissa Shirley delivers a wonderfully smooth and emotional story in a unique format. Sam and Kenzie are already married when we meet them, yet we know nothing about them. With not much more than one scene detailing the depths of Sam's love for his wife, the reader - and Sam - need to discover who Kenzie is NOW... as she suffers memory loss due to a car accident while on her way to speak with her divorce lawyer. She wakes with a completely different attitude and her scattered memories of self are deemed distasteful even to herself. As the readers learns what she WAS like, I was convinced that Sam was due some kind or award or medal for the crap he'd endured by staying with her. As memories return and secrets are revealed, Sam's doubts and fears escalate. Will this be their second chance to make things right or will they go their separate ways once the truth has been laid bare?
Minimal secondary characters were given bit roles, but the majority of the focus was on the main characters. Dialogue and interaction was good. The plot was well-written, smooth flowing, and contained enough element to keep the reader invested. Predictability was fairly low, but not completely absent. The ending was abrupt and I felt it would have benefited from an Epilogue detailing a point in their future somewhere to allow the reader some satisfaction that the main conflict was (hopefully) finally laid to rest.
Overall, a good story with interesting characters.
.
Rating: [PG-13] ~ Score: 4.05 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from Wickedly Innocent Promotions and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
Mediocre design. Two people, standing apart. No romantic elements. Fall palette coloration. Title placement and size is good, but color does not stand out. The synopsis sounds like a particular Sparks novel that was made into a movie.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Alternating first-person POVs: clearly defined and easy to follow.
Melissa Shirley delivers a wonderfully smooth and emotional story in a unique format. Sam and Kenzie are already married when we meet them, yet we know nothing about them. With not much more than one scene detailing the depths of Sam's love for his wife, the reader - and Sam - need to discover who Kenzie is NOW... as she suffers memory loss due to a car accident while on her way to speak with her divorce lawyer. She wakes with a completely different attitude and her scattered memories of self are deemed distasteful even to herself. As the readers learns what she WAS like, I was convinced that Sam was due some kind or award or medal for the crap he'd endured by staying with her. As memories return and secrets are revealed, Sam's doubts and fears escalate. Will this be their second chance to make things right or will they go their separate ways once the truth has been laid bare?
Minimal secondary characters were given bit roles, but the majority of the focus was on the main characters. Dialogue and interaction was good. The plot was well-written, smooth flowing, and contained enough element to keep the reader invested. Predictability was fairly low, but not completely absent. The ending was abrupt and I felt it would have benefited from an Epilogue detailing a point in their future somewhere to allow the reader some satisfaction that the main conflict was (hopefully) finally laid to rest.
Overall, a good story with interesting characters.
.
Rating: [PG-13] ~ Score: 4.05 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from Wickedly Innocent Promotions and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
June 4, 2017
This is an enjoyable story about a second chances. The author alternates telling the story from the two main characters point of view, I thought this was well done and gave added depth to the characters. I hope to see more with these characters, the author left me wanting more.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
September 10, 2021
It was okay, something to read during lunch. Don't have strong opinions on this other than these two just needed to talk to each other and stop making assumptions about the other person.
March 26, 2017
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
What a perfect quick read! It was packed full of love, heartache, yearning, and sex appeal! This story has the feels in it and for it being such a quick read the author did a stand up job really pumping in all the emotions you get while reading it. I very much enjoyed reading it.
One thing that tends to happen a lot with novellas is that there are of course details left out to keep the story short, I get it. However, with this story, I was pleasantly surprised that it really didn’t feel like there was lacking detail. It felt like the story was told how it needed to be and fit perfectly within a novella storyline. I applaud the author in her ability to write a quick intense, soul shattering story that keeps you interested from the first to last page.
Details and descriptions are great. They don’t leave you hanging but don’t paint every single detail for you. There are some details that are left to your imagination a little bit regarding the characters and is particularly a favorite of mind. You are able to kind of picture the characters how the author wants them to be portrayed but you get to add a little detail on how your mind sees them as you read about them. A+ to the author on that one.
So if you’re in the market for a quick, sweet, emotional book full of love, check this story out. Go grab yourself a copy and start reading. You’ll enjoy it, I promise!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
What a perfect quick read! It was packed full of love, heartache, yearning, and sex appeal! This story has the feels in it and for it being such a quick read the author did a stand up job really pumping in all the emotions you get while reading it. I very much enjoyed reading it.
One thing that tends to happen a lot with novellas is that there are of course details left out to keep the story short, I get it. However, with this story, I was pleasantly surprised that it really didn’t feel like there was lacking detail. It felt like the story was told how it needed to be and fit perfectly within a novella storyline. I applaud the author in her ability to write a quick intense, soul shattering story that keeps you interested from the first to last page.
Details and descriptions are great. They don’t leave you hanging but don’t paint every single detail for you. There are some details that are left to your imagination a little bit regarding the characters and is particularly a favorite of mind. You are able to kind of picture the characters how the author wants them to be portrayed but you get to add a little detail on how your mind sees them as you read about them. A+ to the author on that one.
So if you’re in the market for a quick, sweet, emotional book full of love, check this story out. Go grab yourself a copy and start reading. You’ll enjoy it, I promise!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
March 1, 2017
Never having read this author before she does have a storyline that will call you to it. As I opened it up I was in for the duration right away because it will catch you, then throw you a whopper having you reading making faces as you see what direction it will go. Sam and Makenzie are the kidnappers in this story meaning they kidnap you. As things progress you will want to less and less leave it to do something else because it will have you trapped. You also become like a spectator at times rooting for love to win in this one. This is a bit different so you will not have to worry on predictable anything. You will also be glad you ventured in by the end.
February 23, 2017
Forget Us Not by Melissa Shirley is a contemporary romance novel without cheating and with HEA.
Sam Camden is a bartender who´s gonna lose his wife MacKenzie, they´re falling apart.
Then she´s in a car accident and has memory loss.
She can´t remember anything of their relationship. Sam sees his chance and hides the truth from her. He loves her so so deeply.
Then MacKezie gets suspicious and everything comes to light.
She had her reasons to leave him, foolish reasons but it where hers.
Forget us not is a well written book with a beautiful HEA.
I liked the story and I liked the characters. Sam more than MacKenzie, any way- 5 Stars and Thank you Melissa Shirley.
Sam Camden is a bartender who´s gonna lose his wife MacKenzie, they´re falling apart.
Then she´s in a car accident and has memory loss.
She can´t remember anything of their relationship. Sam sees his chance and hides the truth from her. He loves her so so deeply.
Then MacKezie gets suspicious and everything comes to light.
She had her reasons to leave him, foolish reasons but it where hers.
Forget us not is a well written book with a beautiful HEA.
I liked the story and I liked the characters. Sam more than MacKenzie, any way- 5 Stars and Thank you Melissa Shirley.
March 28, 2017
A second chance at love comes in different forms. Amnesia, temporary or permanent, is a rarely used medium for it, which is a shame. When written right, the love story that was becomes brand new for the characters and reader. It's an exploration of memories, a struggle of remembering, and the discovery of a new beginning.
Sam and Makenzie's story probably mirrors a real life couple somewhere. Not the amnesia and accident part but the "what" that drove Makenzie to pull away. I loved that the dual POV put me in each of their shoes. I loved being in their heads, loved that pull of whatever emotion they were feeling at the moment.
This novella took me by surprise. Not just because of how much story is packed into so few pages but because of the pace. Yup, the pace. Most short stories move quickly, a wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am kind of a thing. This story was surprisingly slow but was so full. The mystery of what happened between Sam and Makenzie was given just as much page space as the heaviness of fear and uncertainty that dogged their post-accident footsteps.
A beautiful gem of a story that is worth more than the words of this review, I hope you consider reading it. The reality and gravity of it is only eclipsed by the love and forgiveness at the end.
Complimentary copy received from publisher
Sam and Makenzie's story probably mirrors a real life couple somewhere. Not the amnesia and accident part but the "what" that drove Makenzie to pull away. I loved that the dual POV put me in each of their shoes. I loved being in their heads, loved that pull of whatever emotion they were feeling at the moment.
This novella took me by surprise. Not just because of how much story is packed into so few pages but because of the pace. Yup, the pace. Most short stories move quickly, a wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am kind of a thing. This story was surprisingly slow but was so full. The mystery of what happened between Sam and Makenzie was given just as much page space as the heaviness of fear and uncertainty that dogged their post-accident footsteps.
A beautiful gem of a story that is worth more than the words of this review, I hope you consider reading it. The reality and gravity of it is only eclipsed by the love and forgiveness at the end.
Complimentary copy received from publisher
April 2, 2017
A short story that gives all the feels. My heart was breaking from the first chapter when Mackenzie tells Sam she wants a divorce. It warms when she wakes up and finds herself drawn to him again. The book is only one hundred and fifteen pages but Melissa packs lots of plot and emotion into those few pages.
The dual points of view helps me know what's going on inside of the minds of both main characters. I found myself torn like between wanting her to find simple happiness with Sam due to her amnesia, but then I'd find I want her to get her memories and then hopefully choose Sam anyway. The end is a bit sudden and I didn't expect it to end like that. It was a good, if highly emotional, read.
The dual points of view helps me know what's going on inside of the minds of both main characters. I found myself torn like between wanting her to find simple happiness with Sam due to her amnesia, but then I'd find I want her to get her memories and then hopefully choose Sam anyway. The end is a bit sudden and I didn't expect it to end like that. It was a good, if highly emotional, read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews