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Shades of Love #3
Love Will Always Remember
An accident changed Leighton Clarke's life forever.
After waking from a coma, Leighton Clarke can’t remember anything from the past six years. She’s stunned when her doctors inform her she has amnesia, something she didn’t think occurred outside of soap operas. Anxious and disoriented, the only person who elicits any feelings is Jonathan Moran, a gorgeous chef with compassionate brown eyes . . . who also happens to be her fiancé.
Jonathan isn’t her fiancé. But when his estranged brother—her real husband-to-be—asks him to step in while he’s away in London, Jonathan doesn’t think he has a choice, especially after seeing how the previously aloof Leighton now responds to him. The more time they spend together, the more Jonathan begins to fall for his brother’s fiancé, until he’s wishing the pretense were reality.
When Leighton’s memories come flooding back, can she forgive the man she’s fallen in love with or will his lie ruin the only thing that feels true?
After waking from a coma, Leighton Clarke can’t remember anything from the past six years. She’s stunned when her doctors inform her she has amnesia, something she didn’t think occurred outside of soap operas. Anxious and disoriented, the only person who elicits any feelings is Jonathan Moran, a gorgeous chef with compassionate brown eyes . . . who also happens to be her fiancé.
Jonathan isn’t her fiancé. But when his estranged brother—her real husband-to-be—asks him to step in while he’s away in London, Jonathan doesn’t think he has a choice, especially after seeing how the previously aloof Leighton now responds to him. The more time they spend together, the more Jonathan begins to fall for his brother’s fiancé, until he’s wishing the pretense were reality.
When Leighton’s memories come flooding back, can she forgive the man she’s fallen in love with or will his lie ruin the only thing that feels true?
339 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 29, 2017
82 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Livesay
16 books956 followersTracey Livesay writes smart, sexy and emotional contemporary romances where strong, successful heroines find love with powerful, passionate heroes. Her latest release, THE DUCHESS EFFECT, is the sequel to last summer’s American Royalty, which evokes the real-life romance between Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle, if Meghan was Megan Thee Stallion. She is the 2021 Emma Award winner for Best Interracial Romance for Like Lovers Do, which was also named one of the 100 Best Fiction Books of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews. A former criminal defense attorney, she lives in Virginia with her husband—who she met on the very first day of law school—and is counting down the days until they have an empty nest. (Don’t worry, their three kids are well aware.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 19, 2017
DOWN & DIRTY QUICKIE REVIEW!
One Sentence Summary:
She’s a Big Business lobbyist with amnesia & he’s a betatastic chef who says he’s her fiance- AKA, his brother.
Name That Trope:
* #BlackGirlMagic Heroine
* ‘I don’t like her, also I can’t like her, see this is me NOT LIKING HER’ - the hero, basically
* “Unlikable” Heroine With A Redemption Arc: YIPPEE!
* Smitten Kitten Good Guy Hero
* ‘I Have A Mighty Boner For You But I’m A Good Boy SO I MUST RESIST!’ - the hero’s theme song
* I Mean, Who Doesn’t Altruistically Lie?
* Jelly Green Giant- AKA? Jealous White Hero
What part made you fangirl squeal?
1.) Whenever Cutie Pie pulled a stupid, acknowledged his fuck up, took responsibility for his actions, apologized, then corrected his behavior! [swooooosh go my panties]
2.) When our gal verbally bitch slapped a misogynist racist. TWICE! Be still my goddamn heart!!!!!!
3.) When Hero Baby employed a financially struggling, non-heroine woman. THE HERO SHIT DON’T GET NO HOTTER!
4.) Our strong and vulnerable heroine!
5.) When our hero stripped off his shirt so he could wipe away her tears!!!!! [cue Penguin-arm flailing here]
6.) SO! MUCH! FEMALE! COMPETENCY! PORN!
Favorite Character:
[whimpers] It hurts my soul to do this but...Leighton! While Jonathan was flip-your-shit swoontastic, Leighton’s the heroine I needed! A woman of color. Career driven. Tough. Gal was the middle finger at the patriarchy I wanted.
How smexy was the smex?
BITCH YOU AIN’T READY FOR THIS SMORGASBORD OF BOINKING!
* Gal knows what she wants, and says so! Clitoris pressure stimulation is a balancing act which requires hand dexterity, AND dialogue! <3 <3 <3
* Hero goes to taste the fruits of his labor after his magic fingers done gave her a bountiful harvest! My feels can’t feel any louder!!!!!!
* Dirty Talk & Passion & Outdoor Doggy, Oh My!
* There was honey suckling off of digits so deliciously sinful, even Satan was blushing!
Whose Line Is It Anyway:
Got any bitching to do?
Just some itty-bitty bitching. There were a handful of grammatical errors, as well as 1 notable continuity error. But that’s it! Everything else was balls-to-the-wall perfect!
Visually Depict Yo Book Feels:
Famous Last Words:
* LGBTQIA+ representation.
* Woke ass writing.
* Well researched Amnesia that ain’t a plot bunny.
* SUUUUUPER smexy humpity times.
* Complex characters.
* Great sexual tension via deep POV.
WHAT MORE COULD A FANGIRL WANT?!
The book is a powerful romance all about identity; who we are, and how we let others define us. The hero’s brother & the heroine’s father effect both characters with this theme. Sexy sex, emotional journeys, the questions of career over self; it’s all here!
The grovel-levels are REAL. The feels are REAL. The HEAs are final!
------------------------------
For a more in depth, LOL-fest discussion on romance novels, HERE BE MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
https://www.youtube.com/fangirlmusings
One Sentence Summary:
She’s a Big Business lobbyist with amnesia & he’s a betatastic chef who says he’s her fiance- AKA, his brother.
Name That Trope:
* #BlackGirlMagic Heroine
* ‘I don’t like her, also I can’t like her, see this is me NOT LIKING HER’ - the hero, basically
* “Unlikable” Heroine With A Redemption Arc: YIPPEE!
* Smitten Kitten Good Guy Hero
* ‘I Have A Mighty Boner For You But I’m A Good Boy SO I MUST RESIST!’ - the hero’s theme song
* I Mean, Who Doesn’t Altruistically Lie?
* Jelly Green Giant- AKA? Jealous White Hero
What part made you fangirl squeal?
1.) Whenever Cutie Pie pulled a stupid, acknowledged his fuck up, took responsibility for his actions, apologized, then corrected his behavior! [swooooosh go my panties]
2.) When our gal verbally bitch slapped a misogynist racist. TWICE! Be still my goddamn heart!!!!!!
3.) When Hero Baby employed a financially struggling, non-heroine woman. THE HERO SHIT DON’T GET NO HOTTER!
4.) Our strong and vulnerable heroine!
5.) When our hero stripped off his shirt so he could wipe away her tears!!!!! [cue Penguin-arm flailing here]
6.) SO! MUCH! FEMALE! COMPETENCY! PORN!
Favorite Character:
[whimpers] It hurts my soul to do this but...Leighton! While Jonathan was flip-your-shit swoontastic, Leighton’s the heroine I needed! A woman of color. Career driven. Tough. Gal was the middle finger at the patriarchy I wanted.
How smexy was the smex?
BITCH YOU AIN’T READY FOR THIS SMORGASBORD OF BOINKING!
* Gal knows what she wants, and says so! Clitoris pressure stimulation is a balancing act which requires hand dexterity, AND dialogue! <3 <3 <3
* Hero goes to taste the fruits of his labor after his magic fingers done gave her a bountiful harvest! My feels can’t feel any louder!!!!!!
* Dirty Talk & Passion & Outdoor Doggy, Oh My!
* There was honey suckling off of digits so deliciously sinful, even Satan was blushing!
Whose Line Is It Anyway:
“Are you a dream or is this real?” she whispered, her clutching fingers and softly spoken words driving him out of his mind.
He removed one of her hands from his ass, shifted, and pressed it against the front of his jeans. “Does this feel like a dream to you?”
*****
‘They’d had an amazing weekend. He couldn’t allow it to end in bitterness and anger because he’d allowed his own insecurities and uncertainty to affect her.’
*****
Mr Asshole: You’re a bitch, you know that?
Our Queen: Did you mean to insult me? Better luck next time, honey. You didn’t, because bitches get stuff done. You should remember that the next time you want to measure your balls against my ovaries. I’ll win every fucking time.
Got any bitching to do?
Just some itty-bitty bitching. There were a handful of grammatical errors, as well as 1 notable continuity error. But that’s it! Everything else was balls-to-the-wall perfect!
Visually Depict Yo Book Feels:
Famous Last Words:
* LGBTQIA+ representation.
* Woke ass writing.
* Well researched Amnesia that ain’t a plot bunny.
* SUUUUUPER smexy humpity times.
* Complex characters.
* Great sexual tension via deep POV.
WHAT MORE COULD A FANGIRL WANT?!
The book is a powerful romance all about identity; who we are, and how we let others define us. The hero’s brother & the heroine’s father effect both characters with this theme. Sexy sex, emotional journeys, the questions of career over self; it’s all here!
The grovel-levels are REAL. The feels are REAL. The HEAs are final!
------------------------------
For a more in depth, LOL-fest discussion on romance novels, HERE BE MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
https://www.youtube.com/fangirlmusings
October 13, 2021
I am changing the name of this series to Shades of cheating and lying..
Go read Like Lovers Do by this author is it superb!!!
Go read Like Lovers Do by this author is it superb!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2017
I'm a fan of amnesia romances but they can be tricky to pull off. The plot of this one and the characters intrigued me. The heroine, Leighton, is a high powered political lobbyist and on first appearance she's not a very pleasant woman. The expectation for the reader is that her getting amnesia will change her character, and it does, in fact, do this for the better. We learn what made her become the way she is, and she has the ability to recapture the woman she used to be (a much more pleasant one!) and I enjoyed seeing this transformation. She's a really well rounded character with flaws but ultimately likable.
The hero Jonathan is a chef and there are some great scenes with him in the kitchen with his staff, and getting his new restaurant off the ground. His attraction to his brother Thomas's fiancee Leighton is inconvenient but he has no intention of acting on it - until that one time, when he can't resist kissing her and the fallout from that is literal. She gets hit on the head running away from him (and her equally inconvenient feelings for him) and herein lies the amnesia plot. Thomas is away on business and since it's clear ( to the reader) that he and Leighton are entering into a marriage of convenience for the sake of their careers and there is no love lost between them, he sees no need to come rushing back to care for her, leaving Jonathan in a quagmire. He's already named himself as her fiance in order to be with her at the hospital, and when she wakes up from her coma, she has no choice but to trust that he is who he says he is. The doctors think that telling her the truth will disturb her recovery and it's best to let her memories come back on their own, a plan he reluctantly agrees to.
The story falls on the ethical tightrope for me. On the one hand, you know that Leighton and Thomas have no real feelings for each other. However Jonathon doesn't really know how Leighton feels about Thomas since she's never indicated to him prior to her amnesia that she didn't love him. Leighton and Jonathan share some very sexy love scenes (because as far as she knows Jonathan is her fiance), but because Thomas still has every intention of going through with the marriage when he comes home, it felt to me like Jonathan was taking advantage of Leighton by not confessing the truth to her earlier. Yes, Leighton and Jonathon clearly belong together and they do get their happy ending, but I'd have liked it better without the cheating aspect. 3.5 stars for an entertaining read that delves into some moral minefields but is well written and has characters I cared about. I plan to read more from this author in the future.
P.S. Great cover! Fits the characters really well.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review.
The hero Jonathan is a chef and there are some great scenes with him in the kitchen with his staff, and getting his new restaurant off the ground. His attraction to his brother Thomas's fiancee Leighton is inconvenient but he has no intention of acting on it - until that one time, when he can't resist kissing her and the fallout from that is literal. She gets hit on the head running away from him (and her equally inconvenient feelings for him) and herein lies the amnesia plot. Thomas is away on business and since it's clear ( to the reader) that he and Leighton are entering into a marriage of convenience for the sake of their careers and there is no love lost between them, he sees no need to come rushing back to care for her, leaving Jonathan in a quagmire. He's already named himself as her fiance in order to be with her at the hospital, and when she wakes up from her coma, she has no choice but to trust that he is who he says he is. The doctors think that telling her the truth will disturb her recovery and it's best to let her memories come back on their own, a plan he reluctantly agrees to.
The story falls on the ethical tightrope for me. On the one hand, you know that Leighton and Thomas have no real feelings for each other. However Jonathon doesn't really know how Leighton feels about Thomas since she's never indicated to him prior to her amnesia that she didn't love him. Leighton and Jonathan share some very sexy love scenes (because as far as she knows Jonathan is her fiance), but because Thomas still has every intention of going through with the marriage when he comes home, it felt to me like Jonathan was taking advantage of Leighton by not confessing the truth to her earlier. Yes, Leighton and Jonathon clearly belong together and they do get their happy ending, but I'd have liked it better without the cheating aspect. 3.5 stars for an entertaining read that delves into some moral minefields but is well written and has characters I cared about. I plan to read more from this author in the future.
P.S. Great cover! Fits the characters really well.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review.
September 7, 2017
Salute🌹
Slow to start but right around chapter 3 took off. I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoying this book. Its one I'd definitely recommend.
Slow to start but right around chapter 3 took off. I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoying this book. Its one I'd definitely recommend.
January 20, 2020
Ooh, I really enjoyed this book. This was a new to me author and she had me hooked from the beginning. At first Leighton's character is very hard and rigid, but she has a weak spot and that weak spot is her fiance's brother, Jonathan. She can't stop thinking about him.
Circumstances arise where Jonathan has to pretend to be her fiance and this leads to some super hot and sweet moments between them. There is of course, the nasty little secret of Jonathan not being her actual fiance, so that leads to some tense moments, but all in all I so enjoyed this story. I can't wait to read the rest of the books.
The writing was entertaining, sexy and just plain fun. She is definitely an author I am now adding to my list.
Quotes & Faves:
♥ His body was hard and muscled and it burned hot beneath her touch. She burrowed her nose into the crook of his neck and inhaled. He smelled incredible, crisp, spicy, heady. She couldn’t name his fragrance but she knew she’d always associate the scent with him.
♥ She’d have to wait for his response. He pressed a whisper-soft kiss against her hair, and then he was gone. I love these little sweet moments.
♥ “When we kiss. Is it always like that?”
“Like what?” He forced his attention away from her lips, curious to hear her answer.
“Like . . . everything. Like I could live off your kisses. Like they could sustain me. Forever.”
He cupped her cheek. “Yes.”
♥ Breaking away from her lips, but promising himself he’d be back, he laid small kisses along her jaw, then buried his face in her neck, inhaling her scent until he was drunk on it. She was so warm and soft and responsive in his arms.
And in this moment, she was his.
♥ She stared at him, wide eyed. “I need my memories back if only to remember what good deed I was doing the moment before you walked into my life.” Imagine me sobbing because she loves how he treats her and then later she's going to think it is all a lie but it really isn't.
♥ Her lips parted and reconfigured into an O. His tongue swirled around the elegant digit and while the exquisiteness of the honey couldn’t be denied, he much preferred the sweetness of her skin. While he suckled her finger, her gaze fell to his mouth, then lifted to clash with his. In their dark depths, he saw the ache of his own yearning reflected at him.
♥ She stood and slid into his arms. “I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through this without you.”
“And you won’t ever have to wonder about it. As long as you want me, I’m here.”
It wasn’t a wedding vow, but it was a promise he intended to keep.
♥ Relief whisked all his tension away, leaving him boneless. He hadn’t lost her. Thank God. Two weeks ago, a life without her hadn’t been an issue. Now it was inconceivable.
♥ Before she could parse his statement and decode what he did or didn’t say, he pressed his mouth against hers, pouring everything he felt into the kiss. He didn’t just kiss her with his lips; he kissed her with every part of him, every inch of his body yearning to be part of whatever was causing her pleasure.
♥ He didn’t care how this had started, Leighton was his. He loved her. And there was no way in hell he would step aside when his brother returned. Thomas had given up being worthy of her the moment he’d left her in the hospital to pursue his career in London.
♥ He scrambled to sit up, placing his palms on her cheeks. He stared into her eyes. “I would hurt myself before I’d ever hurt you. I love you.”
♥ And he thanked the heavens, the moons and the stars for her partial absolution. He pressed kisses to her forehead, eyelids and nose before brushing one across her lips. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and he pulled her close, burying his nose in her hair. OMG, can he be anymore swoon worthy??!!! 💖💖💖💖
♥ Not long after she’d first seen him in the hospital, she’d instinctively surrendered her heart to him. But there, in his bathroom, clutching his tee between her fingers, she made a conscious choice to entrust him with her soul.
♥ “You’ve got to stop viewing everything through the lens of his actions. You know what I got out of it? I got you. I did what I did because I love you. Because I was born for you. Because I get excited when I know I’m getting ready to see you. Your smile lights up my day because you’re mine. And I bask in the privilege of being yours.”
OK, I have way too many quotes from this one. See? I just loved it so much! Definitely read this author. I finally have the first one from the library so I'll be reading that one soon. Yes, I did read this out of order. I had no idea it was part of a series until I started reading this book and at 35% I was already too involved in the story to set it aside until I read the others. It really didn't hurt to read out of order but it may be more enjoyable to do so.
Circumstances arise where Jonathan has to pretend to be her fiance and this leads to some super hot and sweet moments between them. There is of course, the nasty little secret of Jonathan not being her actual fiance, so that leads to some tense moments, but all in all I so enjoyed this story. I can't wait to read the rest of the books.
The writing was entertaining, sexy and just plain fun. She is definitely an author I am now adding to my list.
Quotes & Faves:
♥ His body was hard and muscled and it burned hot beneath her touch. She burrowed her nose into the crook of his neck and inhaled. He smelled incredible, crisp, spicy, heady. She couldn’t name his fragrance but she knew she’d always associate the scent with him.
♥ She’d have to wait for his response. He pressed a whisper-soft kiss against her hair, and then he was gone. I love these little sweet moments.
♥ “When we kiss. Is it always like that?”
“Like what?” He forced his attention away from her lips, curious to hear her answer.
“Like . . . everything. Like I could live off your kisses. Like they could sustain me. Forever.”
He cupped her cheek. “Yes.”
♥ Breaking away from her lips, but promising himself he’d be back, he laid small kisses along her jaw, then buried his face in her neck, inhaling her scent until he was drunk on it. She was so warm and soft and responsive in his arms.
And in this moment, she was his.
♥ She stared at him, wide eyed. “I need my memories back if only to remember what good deed I was doing the moment before you walked into my life.” Imagine me sobbing because she loves how he treats her and then later she's going to think it is all a lie but it really isn't.
♥ Her lips parted and reconfigured into an O. His tongue swirled around the elegant digit and while the exquisiteness of the honey couldn’t be denied, he much preferred the sweetness of her skin. While he suckled her finger, her gaze fell to his mouth, then lifted to clash with his. In their dark depths, he saw the ache of his own yearning reflected at him.
♥ She stood and slid into his arms. “I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through this without you.”
“And you won’t ever have to wonder about it. As long as you want me, I’m here.”
It wasn’t a wedding vow, but it was a promise he intended to keep.
♥ Relief whisked all his tension away, leaving him boneless. He hadn’t lost her. Thank God. Two weeks ago, a life without her hadn’t been an issue. Now it was inconceivable.
♥ Before she could parse his statement and decode what he did or didn’t say, he pressed his mouth against hers, pouring everything he felt into the kiss. He didn’t just kiss her with his lips; he kissed her with every part of him, every inch of his body yearning to be part of whatever was causing her pleasure.
♥ He didn’t care how this had started, Leighton was his. He loved her. And there was no way in hell he would step aside when his brother returned. Thomas had given up being worthy of her the moment he’d left her in the hospital to pursue his career in London.
♥ He scrambled to sit up, placing his palms on her cheeks. He stared into her eyes. “I would hurt myself before I’d ever hurt you. I love you.”
♥ And he thanked the heavens, the moons and the stars for her partial absolution. He pressed kisses to her forehead, eyelids and nose before brushing one across her lips. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and he pulled her close, burying his nose in her hair. OMG, can he be anymore swoon worthy??!!! 💖💖💖💖
♥ Not long after she’d first seen him in the hospital, she’d instinctively surrendered her heart to him. But there, in his bathroom, clutching his tee between her fingers, she made a conscious choice to entrust him with her soul.
♥ “You’ve got to stop viewing everything through the lens of his actions. You know what I got out of it? I got you. I did what I did because I love you. Because I was born for you. Because I get excited when I know I’m getting ready to see you. Your smile lights up my day because you’re mine. And I bask in the privilege of being yours.”
OK, I have way too many quotes from this one. See? I just loved it so much! Definitely read this author. I finally have the first one from the library so I'll be reading that one soon. Yes, I did read this out of order. I had no idea it was part of a series until I started reading this book and at 35% I was already too involved in the story to set it aside until I read the others. It really didn't hurt to read out of order but it may be more enjoyable to do so.
October 31, 2017
3,75 stars
Thoughts will follow soon as I need to digest them a bit more before I can share them. No worries, I really liked the book (duh! I read it in 2 days...when the last read book took me 2 months!) but there were some minor niggles about the romance I need to wrap my head around...
My review
This book was amazing. I was really looking forward to Jonathan's story after the first 2 books in this series and I can say that it exceeded my wildest expectations.
Livesay took tropes that are not the easiest ones to pull off: amnesia and falling for a sibling's partner (business arrangement/engagement of convenience or not) and made them work for me...to a certain extent.
To be honest, I felt some trepidation reading about the mutual attraction between Jonathan and Leighton pre-amnesia and while the engagement between Thomas and Leighton was still ongoing. Also I wasn't too thrilled with the sexual aspect of the relationship moving forward ahead of ending the engagement, no matter how businesslike or non-physical it was. Technically speaking for me it ticked the 'cheating box'. And I felt that Jonathan should have told Leighton everything before they went further emotionally and even embarked on the physical.
Tracey Livesay is the best in writing characters (specifically family members of main characters) you just want to smack in the face...with a chair. In this one it's Jonathan's brother; what a piece of work, that guy! I wanted to pull him out of the pages and smack him hard!
So even if the romance didn't completely work for me as it touched the edges of what I am comfortable with in regards to what I consider cheating, I still really liked the book. The sexy parts were sizzling hot and really sexy. I really liked how Leigh grew as a character and even though I didn't agree with how he handled Leigh's amnesia and his feelings for her, I still have a soft spot for Jonathan.
I truly enjoyed the glimpses of the two previous main couples and I hope Livesay has more for us in this setting/group of friends. *cough* Mike's sister*cough*Zach*cough*
Thoughts will follow soon as I need to digest them a bit more before I can share them. No worries, I really liked the book (duh! I read it in 2 days...when the last read book took me 2 months!) but there were some minor niggles about the romance I need to wrap my head around...
My review
This book was amazing. I was really looking forward to Jonathan's story after the first 2 books in this series and I can say that it exceeded my wildest expectations.
Livesay took tropes that are not the easiest ones to pull off: amnesia and falling for a sibling's partner (business arrangement/engagement of convenience or not) and made them work for me...to a certain extent.
To be honest, I felt some trepidation reading about the mutual attraction between Jonathan and Leighton pre-amnesia and while the engagement between Thomas and Leighton was still ongoing. Also I wasn't too thrilled with the sexual aspect of the relationship moving forward ahead of ending the engagement, no matter how businesslike or non-physical it was. Technically speaking for me it ticked the 'cheating box'. And I felt that Jonathan should have told Leighton everything before they went further emotionally and even embarked on the physical.
Tracey Livesay is the best in writing characters (specifically family members of main characters) you just want to smack in the face...with a chair. In this one it's Jonathan's brother; what a piece of work, that guy! I wanted to pull him out of the pages and smack him hard!
So even if the romance didn't completely work for me as it touched the edges of what I am comfortable with in regards to what I consider cheating, I still really liked the book. The sexy parts were sizzling hot and really sexy. I really liked how Leigh grew as a character and even though I didn't agree with how he handled Leigh's amnesia and his feelings for her, I still have a soft spot for Jonathan.
I truly enjoyed the glimpses of the two previous main couples and I hope Livesay has more for us in this setting/group of friends. *cough* Mike's sister*cough*Zach*cough*
October 9, 2017
3-3.5 stars
Such a sweet story, I really enjoyed most of the story.I like the concept and the characters were lovable.My only complaint is about the ending, I felt like something was missing.I would like to see another book for this couple.Jonathan and Leighton have a great chemistry from the first moment.Overall it was a great read and now I would love to read the previous books.
Such a sweet story, I really enjoyed most of the story.I like the concept and the characters were lovable.My only complaint is about the ending, I felt like something was missing.I would like to see another book for this couple.Jonathan and Leighton have a great chemistry from the first moment.Overall it was a great read and now I would love to read the previous books.
September 11, 2020
I wished she knew the truth way before she did and actually developed deeper relationship after she got all the information. I just don't like relationships built on deception and half truth.
August 30, 2017
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
>>>>>>My Synopsis (Review Follows): <<<<<<
Leighton Clarke is engaged to Thomas Moran. Together they hope to become one of D.C.'s power couples. The only problem is that Leighton finds herself in the uncomfortable position of being extremely attracted to his younger brother, Jonathan. She manages to reign in her attraction, but when an accident leaves her with amnesia, things get complicated because Jonathan tells the hospital staff he is her fiance so she won't be alone...
"Leighton is in a coma, With a swollen. Brain." He emphasized the pertinent words, in case his brother hadn't initially understood their importance.(...)
"I can't. The new system needs to be in place before the end of the fiscal year."
"They can have someone else handle it."
"If they send someone else, I can kiss this partnership goodbye. I've given that firm ten years of my life. That partnership is mine."
"Your fiance is here, fighting for her life. You need to be here with her. Helping her. Not in London."
"Leighton knows how crucial this assignment is. I'll get valuable face time with some of the partners. She'll understand."
"How can she understand? I don't understand."
>>>>>>My Review: <<<<<<
Love Will Always Remember is the third book in the Shades of Love series and it can be read as standalone. While the couples from the previous book make an appearance, their stories are self contained and no spoilers from the previous two are revealed in this one. You can go back and read them later and not feel like you know everything already.
This was a sweet and sexy take on While You Were Sleeping but with some major plot twists. At first I had some apprehensions about a woman falling for her fiance's brother, but quickly realized that Thomas and Leighton's relationship isn't as it should be. Thomas is too self involved and a marriage between the two is destined to fail. His reaction to Leighton's accident put the exclamation point on that sentiment.
The contrast between Jonathan and Thomas was interesting. Both are successful and smart, but their priorities and personalities differ drastically. Thomas' career comes before all else while for Jonathan those he cares for come first. I found it interesting that Leighton was attracted to these two similar yet very different men.
Leighton is a very complex individual. We find out early that she's changed a lot in the past several years. Because of her amnesia she's able to do something that few, if any, of us are ever able to do; look at her life from a different perspective--that of her six years younger self. What she sees disturbs her. As the mystery of how she went from who she was to who she became is revealed, we gain a deeper understanding of her relationships and choices. I loved how she managed to get a second chance at being the person she truly wanted to be.
Overall I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. I loved how Ms. Livesay was able to capture how those people we trust and care about the most can have a profound affect on us. They help shape and mold us into who we are and who we'll become. How sometimes their decisions can make us question, sometime even alter, our own beliefs and choices, but not always in a good or positive way. I think this is my favorite book so far by Ms. Livesay. I loved the hidden depth flowing beneath the storyline. On the Lisarenee Romance Reading Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.
*** All quotes need to be checked against final copy as they are subject to change. I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
>>>>>>My Synopsis (Review Follows): <<<<<<
Leighton Clarke is engaged to Thomas Moran. Together they hope to become one of D.C.'s power couples. The only problem is that Leighton finds herself in the uncomfortable position of being extremely attracted to his younger brother, Jonathan. She manages to reign in her attraction, but when an accident leaves her with amnesia, things get complicated because Jonathan tells the hospital staff he is her fiance so she won't be alone...
"Leighton is in a coma, With a swollen. Brain." He emphasized the pertinent words, in case his brother hadn't initially understood their importance.(...)
"I can't. The new system needs to be in place before the end of the fiscal year."
"They can have someone else handle it."
"If they send someone else, I can kiss this partnership goodbye. I've given that firm ten years of my life. That partnership is mine."
"Your fiance is here, fighting for her life. You need to be here with her. Helping her. Not in London."
"Leighton knows how crucial this assignment is. I'll get valuable face time with some of the partners. She'll understand."
"How can she understand? I don't understand."
>>>>>>My Review: <<<<<<
Love Will Always Remember is the third book in the Shades of Love series and it can be read as standalone. While the couples from the previous book make an appearance, their stories are self contained and no spoilers from the previous two are revealed in this one. You can go back and read them later and not feel like you know everything already.
This was a sweet and sexy take on While You Were Sleeping but with some major plot twists. At first I had some apprehensions about a woman falling for her fiance's brother, but quickly realized that Thomas and Leighton's relationship isn't as it should be. Thomas is too self involved and a marriage between the two is destined to fail. His reaction to Leighton's accident put the exclamation point on that sentiment.
The contrast between Jonathan and Thomas was interesting. Both are successful and smart, but their priorities and personalities differ drastically. Thomas' career comes before all else while for Jonathan those he cares for come first. I found it interesting that Leighton was attracted to these two similar yet very different men.
Leighton is a very complex individual. We find out early that she's changed a lot in the past several years. Because of her amnesia she's able to do something that few, if any, of us are ever able to do; look at her life from a different perspective--that of her six years younger self. What she sees disturbs her. As the mystery of how she went from who she was to who she became is revealed, we gain a deeper understanding of her relationships and choices. I loved how she managed to get a second chance at being the person she truly wanted to be.
Overall I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. I loved how Ms. Livesay was able to capture how those people we trust and care about the most can have a profound affect on us. They help shape and mold us into who we are and who we'll become. How sometimes their decisions can make us question, sometime even alter, our own beliefs and choices, but not always in a good or positive way. I think this is my favorite book so far by Ms. Livesay. I loved the hidden depth flowing beneath the storyline. On the Lisarenee Romance Reading Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.
*** All quotes need to be checked against final copy as they are subject to change. I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2017
Loved this book so much! It played out like a movie in my mind. A believable amnesia story, great characters, sexy times! I read it practically cover to cover in one sitting because I couldn't wait to find out how Jonathan and Leighton found their happily ever after. It was so satisfying.
June 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this one! Amnesia stories and tricky to get right but very easy to get horribly, horribly wrong, but I think Livesay did a great job making this one work. It wasn't that much of a stretch to believe that Jonathan could pretend to be Leighton's fiance without someone telling her the truth, and I liked that there was a medical reason for him to continue the ruse and that it wasn't just him being a jerk (though his brother totally is). Overall I thought this was a really cute contemporary romance, and I really liked it! I'm definitely interested in checking out some of Livesay's other books.
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May 10, 2019This was tough to do and I actually had to talk to myself and give me permission to do it. And that is DNF a book that I found, at least as far as I got, to be well written with main characters I enjoyed. And I hasten to add that it doesn’t affect my willingness to read her books one single bit. I’ve one of her books already and gave it 5 stars and I have a couple more in the TBR pile.
Leigh, the heroine, starts off a rather unlikeable but then she suffers a blow to her head and her personality changes completely as she is now suffering from amnesia and can’t remember the past six years of her life. It was during these six years things happened to cause her coldness.
Jonathan is the brother of her fiancé and through a series of events ends up posing as her fiancé instead. I liked both characters, well, Leigh after she changed and I thought the writing was good. These are reasons why it was hard to DNF the book. But as I read more and more something started to bother me more and more and that was the way Jonathan kept lying to her as to their real relationship. Before, while secretly attracted to him, outwardly she was a snot to him but he was completely attracted to her.
As they became closer and closer and their faux relationship became more physical, I became angrier that Jonathan wouldn’t tell her the truth and if I were Leigh, when my memory came back, I would kick them both so far to the curb they wouldn’t be able to find their way back. To me, he crosses a line with his deception and I couldn’t see how she could forgive him and still be herself.
I may go back to the book since there are more positives, but at this time I have to many other books to read and I was getting more and more upset as I read. This is obviously a hot button for me and hopefully not as much for others as it is well written as far as I got.
I’m not going to grade it as I don’t want to pull the overall grade down unfairly since my reason in no way reflects the talent the author has. And if anyone tells me "no, no, you have to keep reading", I can be easily convinced to change my mind and go back to it 'cause I believe in the author.
Leigh, the heroine, starts off a rather unlikeable but then she suffers a blow to her head and her personality changes completely as she is now suffering from amnesia and can’t remember the past six years of her life. It was during these six years things happened to cause her coldness.
Jonathan is the brother of her fiancé and through a series of events ends up posing as her fiancé instead. I liked both characters, well, Leigh after she changed and I thought the writing was good. These are reasons why it was hard to DNF the book. But as I read more and more something started to bother me more and more and that was the way Jonathan kept lying to her as to their real relationship. Before, while secretly attracted to him, outwardly she was a snot to him but he was completely attracted to her.
As they became closer and closer and their faux relationship became more physical, I became angrier that Jonathan wouldn’t tell her the truth and if I were Leigh, when my memory came back, I would kick them both so far to the curb they wouldn’t be able to find their way back. To me, he crosses a line with his deception and I couldn’t see how she could forgive him and still be herself.
I may go back to the book since there are more positives, but at this time I have to many other books to read and I was getting more and more upset as I read. This is obviously a hot button for me and hopefully not as much for others as it is well written as far as I got.
I’m not going to grade it as I don’t want to pull the overall grade down unfairly since my reason in no way reflects the talent the author has. And if anyone tells me "no, no, you have to keep reading", I can be easily convinced to change my mind and go back to it 'cause I believe in the author.
August 21, 2017
Love Will Always Remember (Shades of Love) by Tracey Livesay
I like a challenge and Tracey Livesay sent one my way. Love Will Always Remember is complicated yet simple. This romance has some major angles. There are circumstances that complicate the lives of all involved. The accident and all it entails is the catalyst. It takes a while to figure out what drives the key players. The irony is that the truth is obvious but seems almost out of reach. I can honestly say, this was a true original. I've never experienced a tale like Leighton and Jonathan's. A smart page turner.
I like a challenge and Tracey Livesay sent one my way. Love Will Always Remember is complicated yet simple. This romance has some major angles. There are circumstances that complicate the lives of all involved. The accident and all it entails is the catalyst. It takes a while to figure out what drives the key players. The irony is that the truth is obvious but seems almost out of reach. I can honestly say, this was a true original. I've never experienced a tale like Leighton and Jonathan's. A smart page turner.
October 20, 2017
Highly recommended!👍😉
I enjoyed reading updates on the previous characters from the other books. It's good to catch up with Indy and Mike. Thomas has some issues to work through when it comes to Jonathan. As for Leighton, I'm proud of the way she handled the situation with Thomas and Jonathan once she got her memory back. She carried herself well with that situation.
I enjoyed reading updates on the previous characters from the other books. It's good to catch up with Indy and Mike. Thomas has some issues to work through when it comes to Jonathan. As for Leighton, I'm proud of the way she handled the situation with Thomas and Jonathan once she got her memory back. She carried herself well with that situation.
October 29, 2020
So. CUTE.
July 23, 2019
It was really hard to like the heroine. The hero’s love(lust?) for the heroine didn’t have any viable reason. Their supposed love was also very shallow and their dialogue was very unrealistic. About one third through the book, it became hard to keep reading but I forced myself to trudge through. Also the writing was a little raunchy for my taste. The premise was good, the overall story just fell flat.
October 30, 2017
Perfect ending to this series
I have to admit from book one I've wondered what would happen with Jonathan Moran and I'm so glad he got the happy ending he so richly deserves. Both he and his love interest Leighton are captivating and it's great to see their relationship blossom from adversity. Plus, food.
I have to admit from book one I've wondered what would happen with Jonathan Moran and I'm so glad he got the happy ending he so richly deserves. Both he and his love interest Leighton are captivating and it's great to see their relationship blossom from adversity. Plus, food.
January 25, 2020
Read this for the following video:Reading The Trope Amnesia
How have I not read Tracey Livesay before this? Why did I not? I was seriously missing out!
I loved this book. I think it really took a look at how a big life event can change your course. Sometimes it takes a little amnesia to turn you back onto the right path.
How have I not read Tracey Livesay before this? Why did I not? I was seriously missing out!
I loved this book. I think it really took a look at how a big life event can change your course. Sometimes it takes a little amnesia to turn you back onto the right path.
July 10, 2021
This is a sweet story, one you read if you are on summer vacation or just bored out of your mind. However, this is not an incredible story and it has many faults. Like the beginning of the book. Seriously, if I didn't know that many books could be shitty in the beginning but turn "right" as the story devolve I would've thrown this book out of my window and I'm not kidding. It has been so long since I've read a book. The me who usually reads at least one book a day would be very angry with this story.
My next comment is for book addicts. DON'T READ THIS BOOK. Not because there is something wrong with a sweet story but I know that it will bore you to death, especially when the author chooses to begin with something that has nothing to do with the story. A boring shit I had to skip and not only this. But why the hell did the couple become all lovey dovey so hell on fast??! And why the hell was the main big problem, the heroine being a nearly sister-in-law and the hero wanting to establish a good relationship with his brother solved so easily and so UNBELIEVABLY!! She just says goodbye to Thomas and after talking to her mother she is back with the hero again. SO NOT COOL.
I don't want another ending, obviously, but there had to be something MORE there. Something real. For God's sake, is it really reality talking when a woman forgive her man after being lied to like this? I wanted some more "drama" there, something to tell me that they loved each other but had to overcome something even bigger, their fake relationship. I didn't get shit.
Anyway, after talking this much, I'm just happy I finished this book. I was about to drop it halfway through but as I said, sweet and normal do work very good with people tending to finish one book a month. It doesn't do much for people addicted to reading..
My next comment is for book addicts. DON'T READ THIS BOOK. Not because there is something wrong with a sweet story but I know that it will bore you to death, especially when the author chooses to begin with something that has nothing to do with the story. A boring shit I had to skip and not only this. But why the hell did the couple become all lovey dovey so hell on fast??! And why the hell was the main big problem, the heroine being a nearly sister-in-law and the hero wanting to establish a good relationship with his brother solved so easily and so UNBELIEVABLY!! She just says goodbye to Thomas and after talking to her mother she is back with the hero again. SO NOT COOL.
I don't want another ending, obviously, but there had to be something MORE there. Something real. For God's sake, is it really reality talking when a woman forgive her man after being lied to like this? I wanted some more "drama" there, something to tell me that they loved each other but had to overcome something even bigger, their fake relationship. I didn't get shit.
Anyway, after talking this much, I'm just happy I finished this book. I was about to drop it halfway through but as I said, sweet and normal do work very good with people tending to finish one book a month. It doesn't do much for people addicted to reading..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2019
I don’t know what to say about this book. It was very, very problematic for me. To sum up the story, Jonathan, the “hero” of this book, is a renowned chef who relocates back to the D.C. area to open his restaurant and try to fix his relationship with his estranged older brother. The heroine, Leighton, is a political lobbyist...who happens to be engaged to Jonathan’s estranged brother. YUP. She gets injured in an accident and ends up with amnesia and can’t remember the last 6 years of her life. Further complicating matters is that Thomas, her fiancé is out of the country and Jonathan ends up pretending to be her fiancé and taking care of her in Thomas’ absence (and at his request).
While perpetuating this lie, Jonathan and Leighton also embark on a sexual affair (to her, she’s simply making love to her fiancé but he knows the truth!). And that felt very very wrong and icky on so many levels to me. I get that he somehow got pressed into this situation but it was just so wrong on so many levels that I really found it impossible to root for these two as a viable couple.
Separate from the romance however, I really liked the character of Leighton and her character arc was really good. I liked how having amnesia forced her to really examine her life choices and figure out what was motivating her and what she really wanted out of her life.
BUT. This is a love story. And as it stands, it wasn’t a very good one unfortunately. I really want to like TL’s books but so far, I’ve been 0 for 3. I like her style of writing but I don’t always like her characters or her plot lines. I really felt like this story could have been told better, keeping the amnesia part in tact but without the huge lie which to me, really made it hard to root for the hero.
While perpetuating this lie, Jonathan and Leighton also embark on a sexual affair (to her, she’s simply making love to her fiancé but he knows the truth!). And that felt very very wrong and icky on so many levels to me. I get that he somehow got pressed into this situation but it was just so wrong on so many levels that I really found it impossible to root for these two as a viable couple.
Separate from the romance however, I really liked the character of Leighton and her character arc was really good. I liked how having amnesia forced her to really examine her life choices and figure out what was motivating her and what she really wanted out of her life.
BUT. This is a love story. And as it stands, it wasn’t a very good one unfortunately. I really want to like TL’s books but so far, I’ve been 0 for 3. I like her style of writing but I don’t always like her characters or her plot lines. I really felt like this story could have been told better, keeping the amnesia part in tact but without the huge lie which to me, really made it hard to root for the hero.
September 5, 2017
Book three of this series and I find that I am falling more and more in love with the characters that are crafted by Livesay. She brings you in to the world of her characters and involve you in their lives on a deeper level. She gives you a reason to bond with them quickly be it illness, disability, or an accident. She crafts a believability behind her interracial relationships that shows you love crosses all boundaries and can thrive.
Leighton lived a life that allowed her to be herself but only to a point. She had the life of power and a bit of prestige, but that life sucked something out of her and just allowed her to live. That was until she had and unfortunate (or fortunate) accident, which left her with amnesia. Said accident allowed for the real Leighton to come back to the forefront and her attraction to Jonathan to grow.
Feeling responsible for the accident that caused Leighton to be hospitalized, Jonathan steps up and becomes the fiancé for her since her real fiancé is nowhere around. Things have some complexity and are a bit sticky but reading through the layers of it all allows for you to see the bigger picture. There were some impossibly uncomfortable situation but Jonathan and Leighton makes for a couple that seems more right than the couple she was actually a part of.
Entertaining read that allows you to see the complexity of interracial couples, marriage of convenience and how some choices in life can change you as a person to someone you are not. Leighton finds these things out and more.
Leighton lived a life that allowed her to be herself but only to a point. She had the life of power and a bit of prestige, but that life sucked something out of her and just allowed her to live. That was until she had and unfortunate (or fortunate) accident, which left her with amnesia. Said accident allowed for the real Leighton to come back to the forefront and her attraction to Jonathan to grow.
Feeling responsible for the accident that caused Leighton to be hospitalized, Jonathan steps up and becomes the fiancé for her since her real fiancé is nowhere around. Things have some complexity and are a bit sticky but reading through the layers of it all allows for you to see the bigger picture. There were some impossibly uncomfortable situation but Jonathan and Leighton makes for a couple that seems more right than the couple she was actually a part of.
Entertaining read that allows you to see the complexity of interracial couples, marriage of convenience and how some choices in life can change you as a person to someone you are not. Leighton finds these things out and more.
September 1, 2017
Love will always Remember by Tracey Livesay is the third book in the shades of love series. I am still reeling from the complexity yet simplistic emotions from this book. Leighton and Jonathan are meant for each other but circumstances make that realisticly complex. Leighton happens to already be married to Jonathan's brother Thomas. I felt torn this entire book. I loved Jonathan and Leighton together but I have complex emotions about how the relationship between them started and the huge lie between them. Upon finishing Love Will Always Remember I feel even better about the couple.
Leighton was a completely different person when she woke up from her coma than she was when she had her accident. Leighton a high profiled lobbyist lost her way to becoming an advocate for the right reasons and causes that could make her feel good about herself.
Jonathan was a chef who came across the country to be closer to his family. Even though he will never be accepted by his brother because his brother wants to put all his troubles off on everyone else. Jonathan also tries to keep his distance from his brother's beautiful fiancé because she is everything he ever dreamed of but needs to remain off limits.
The constant tug and pull of Jonathan's emotions through Love will always remember is enough to make me realize that the complexity of this book was well worth the turmoil I put my own emotions in reading it.
Leighton was a completely different person when she woke up from her coma than she was when she had her accident. Leighton a high profiled lobbyist lost her way to becoming an advocate for the right reasons and causes that could make her feel good about herself.
Jonathan was a chef who came across the country to be closer to his family. Even though he will never be accepted by his brother because his brother wants to put all his troubles off on everyone else. Jonathan also tries to keep his distance from his brother's beautiful fiancé because she is everything he ever dreamed of but needs to remain off limits.
The constant tug and pull of Jonathan's emotions through Love will always remember is enough to make me realize that the complexity of this book was well worth the turmoil I put my own emotions in reading it.
September 29, 2017
Wow!
I'm pretty sure i held my breath through most of this book. I was nervously waiting for Leighton's memory to come back, so I could see what the fallout would be. Thankfully, it wasn't nearly as dramatic and drawn out as I thought it would be, but I think that was mostly because Thomas has to be the biggest douche bag ever. Didn't like him at all. And I'm glad Leighton realized what he was and said 'no thanks. I've changed'. I'm also glad that when her memory returned she immediately realized that she liked the new, real her and didn't try to go back to 'Leighton one point oh', only to then realize she liked the new her better. I'm pretty sure I've read that one before, so thanks for shaking things up a bit.
Jonathan and Leighton were so perfect for each other. From the very first time we see them together, their chemistry is off the charts. The way that they came together was nuts, and a bit extreme, but it had to be in order for them to ever act on their feelings. This book was so good.
Loved the characters, the storyline, the pacing of the story, everything. And the heat! Yes ma'am, Ms. Livesay, you definitely brought the heat! It was great catching up with the other couples, too. Really good series.
Sooo, what's next? Can't wait to read it!
I'm pretty sure i held my breath through most of this book. I was nervously waiting for Leighton's memory to come back, so I could see what the fallout would be. Thankfully, it wasn't nearly as dramatic and drawn out as I thought it would be, but I think that was mostly because Thomas has to be the biggest douche bag ever. Didn't like him at all. And I'm glad Leighton realized what he was and said 'no thanks. I've changed'. I'm also glad that when her memory returned she immediately realized that she liked the new, real her and didn't try to go back to 'Leighton one point oh', only to then realize she liked the new her better. I'm pretty sure I've read that one before, so thanks for shaking things up a bit.
Jonathan and Leighton were so perfect for each other. From the very first time we see them together, their chemistry is off the charts. The way that they came together was nuts, and a bit extreme, but it had to be in order for them to ever act on their feelings. This book was so good.
Loved the characters, the storyline, the pacing of the story, everything. And the heat! Yes ma'am, Ms. Livesay, you definitely brought the heat! It was great catching up with the other couples, too. Really good series.
Sooo, what's next? Can't wait to read it!
June 30, 2019
#3 - An accident, getting hit on the head by a pipe, changed Leighton Clarke's life forever. After waking from a coma, (lobbyist) Leighton Clarke can’t remember anything from the past six years. She’s stunned when her doctors inform her, she has amnesia, something she didn’t think occurred outside of soap operas. Anxious and disoriented, the only person who elicits any feelings is Jonathan Moran, a gorgeous (Michelin chef) with compassionate brown eyes . . . who also happens to be her fiancé. Jonathan isn’t her fiancé. But when his estranged brother Thomas—her real husband-to-be—asks him to step in while he’s away in London, Jonathan doesn’t think he has a choice, especially after seeing how the previously aloof Leighton now responds to him and her doctors suggest he continue the farce. The more time they spend together, the more Jonathan begins to fall for his brother’s fiancé, until he’s wishing the pretense were reality. When Leighton’s memories come flooding back, can she forgive the man she’s fallen in love with or will his lie ruin the only thing that feels true?
January 8, 2020
I wanted to like this book. I really, really did. I like most of the book by this author. This one, however, was deeply problematic.
Leighton Clarke was a great female lead. She's strong, opinionated, yet has some questionable life choices. Jonathan Moran was a nice male lead. Handsome, seemingly moral, and a chef. They made a great pair.
Until Jonathan committed an unforgivable act.
The plot of the book is that Jonathan pretends to be Leighton's fiance. She has amnesia, see, and it was at first the only way he could see her in the hospital. Then, his brother, her real fiance, asks him to keep up the deception, as does her doctor. All of that is iffy but fine.
Then he sleeps with her during the deception. This is a form of sexual assault. She consented to sex with her fiance, not her fiance's brother.
Worse, when she is rightly angry about the deception, apparently she is wrong to feel that way because she...has daddy issues? She's comparing all men to her liar father? Even though what Jonathan did was wrong? Except apparently it wasn't...because they were in love.
Leighton Clarke was a great female lead. She's strong, opinionated, yet has some questionable life choices. Jonathan Moran was a nice male lead. Handsome, seemingly moral, and a chef. They made a great pair.
Until Jonathan committed an unforgivable act.
The plot of the book is that Jonathan pretends to be Leighton's fiance. She has amnesia, see, and it was at first the only way he could see her in the hospital. Then, his brother, her real fiance, asks him to keep up the deception, as does her doctor. All of that is iffy but fine.
Then he sleeps with her during the deception. This is a form of sexual assault. She consented to sex with her fiance, not her fiance's brother.
Worse, when she is rightly angry about the deception, apparently she is wrong to feel that way because she...has daddy issues? She's comparing all men to her liar father? Even though what Jonathan did was wrong? Except apparently it wasn't...because they were in love.
August 18, 2020
This was like a cheap knock off of ‘Remember Me’ by sophie kinsella- which just happens to be my favorite book. As I skimmed through the synopsis of this book, I thought it would be another favorite. My mistake. Protagonists are hard to like; I’m halfway through the novel and I can’t even remember the names of the lead characters. Writing style is weird. I don’t know who edited this book, but it was like s/he was trying too hard to appear somewhat philosophical, but ended up with bizarre word choices and poor word structures. Storyline is bland, I’m not excited and unlike other novels I enjoy, this one is extremely easy to put down and forget. I’ve noticed certain similarities with kinsella’s book, such as the jet setter lead, the powerful and and rich fiancee, the average but meant to be ‘soulmate’ etc. ya’ll are better off reading that rather than this one. This just is not worth the time to read.
July 5, 2022
This was my first “amnesia” story… and I gotta say even tho I likely wouldn’t have picked it had I not been prompted by the summer romance bingo square, I thoroughly enjoyed it…
Tracey Livesay has written a delightfully spicy, wonderfully heartfelt love story. Through Leighton’s story, she asks the question what makes a person who they are? She also demonstrates that relational hurt can greatly influence any and all choices in one’s life and can dictate the trajectory of even major life decisions…
Jonathan was so so so sweet, and I love that he’s a chef. He tried to do the right thing by those around him and ended up giving up his whole self in the process…
It was lovely to see how they found their way back together — this was one of very few romance novels where I truly did not know how they would find their HEA
This was my first Tracey Livesay novel, but it will not be my last — she is phenomenal!
Tracey Livesay has written a delightfully spicy, wonderfully heartfelt love story. Through Leighton’s story, she asks the question what makes a person who they are? She also demonstrates that relational hurt can greatly influence any and all choices in one’s life and can dictate the trajectory of even major life decisions…
Jonathan was so so so sweet, and I love that he’s a chef. He tried to do the right thing by those around him and ended up giving up his whole self in the process…
It was lovely to see how they found their way back together — this was one of very few romance novels where I truly did not know how they would find their HEA
This was my first Tracey Livesay novel, but it will not be my last — she is phenomenal!
August 29, 2017
Ay yi yi, this book is so good! It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book in one day, but I could not put this down. I’ve been so busy lately that I’ve hardly had any time for marathon reading, and even the most sugary books are taking me forever to get through. However, I gave up my list of party chores to finish Tracey Livesay’s scandalous novel! I earned quite a few new mosquito bites sitting outside as punishment, too.
Anybody who watched soap operas in the 90s knows the old amnesia trick–have a main character lose their memory, and hooray, you have a whole new plot! It can get pretty campy. Livesay managed to take amnesia and bring out all the the realness of the disorder–the fear and anxiety, the medical unknowns, the vulnerability. She even poked a bit of fun at those old soaps. Leighton’s memory loss wasn’t a plot twist, but the nucleus that everything else rotated around.
Because this is a romance, we must talk about the love story. I kind of turned my nose up on it at first, because it is a love triangle, but once the characters develop, you can’t help but fall in love with the hero (and hate his brother). I’m never totally ok with cheating stories, but the author does make you forget your morals for awhile, for sure.
As you can tell by this very sexy cover, the heroine is a WOC–and so is the author! Support authors of color and add Tracey Livesay to your TBR, she definitely should make your romance list this fall.
Anybody who watched soap operas in the 90s knows the old amnesia trick–have a main character lose their memory, and hooray, you have a whole new plot! It can get pretty campy. Livesay managed to take amnesia and bring out all the the realness of the disorder–the fear and anxiety, the medical unknowns, the vulnerability. She even poked a bit of fun at those old soaps. Leighton’s memory loss wasn’t a plot twist, but the nucleus that everything else rotated around.
Because this is a romance, we must talk about the love story. I kind of turned my nose up on it at first, because it is a love triangle, but once the characters develop, you can’t help but fall in love with the hero (and hate his brother). I’m never totally ok with cheating stories, but the author does make you forget your morals for awhile, for sure.
As you can tell by this very sexy cover, the heroine is a WOC–and so is the author! Support authors of color and add Tracey Livesay to your TBR, she definitely should make your romance list this fall.
September 2, 2017
I'm liking this author and this series. The characters and the writing style are both good. And that cover! *Rawr*
BUT where it falls over is in the area of research/facts. There is quite a large requirement of suspension of disbelief.
If a character in a contemporary has amnesia, why wouldn't she Google herself? Or look at her Facebook? Or hell, even her LinkedIn?
I would have liked more background story on the existing relationship between the brother and the heroine. I didn't really get how they got together, even for a political marriage. Or their behaviour in reaction to the relationship between the heroine and her father, and the brother and the hero.
It was still enjoyable, but not as good as the second book in the series.
BUT where it falls over is in the area of research/facts. There is quite a large requirement of suspension of disbelief.
If a character in a contemporary has amnesia, why wouldn't she Google herself? Or look at her Facebook? Or hell, even her LinkedIn?
I would have liked more background story on the existing relationship between the brother and the heroine. I didn't really get how they got together, even for a political marriage. Or their behaviour in reaction to the relationship between the heroine and her father, and the brother and the hero.
It was still enjoyable, but not as good as the second book in the series.
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