What do you think?
Rate this book
In Case You Forgot
Two newly single, Black, queer, and socially aware men have packed up to start again--in love, career, and life--in the West Hollywood neighborhood of LA.
Zaire James, on the cusp of 30, has decided marriage isn't all it's cracked up to be. Despite friends, family, and coworkers loving Zaire's "perfect" partner, divorce is a necessary step for finding himself and being free. If only it were that easy.
Kenny Kane has made a career of deferring dreams, lowering expectations, and chasing partners not on his level in hopes of finding a love to call his own. However, on the verge of the big 4-0, he realizes the clock is ticking on all his dreams.
As Zaire and Kenny undo the significant relationships of their pasts, they hope new opportunities, energy, mindsets, and connections will reinvigorate what is missing in their lives--drama and all.
Zaire James, on the cusp of 30, has decided marriage isn't all it's cracked up to be. Despite friends, family, and coworkers loving Zaire's "perfect" partner, divorce is a necessary step for finding himself and being free. If only it were that easy.
Kenny Kane has made a career of deferring dreams, lowering expectations, and chasing partners not on his level in hopes of finding a love to call his own. However, on the verge of the big 4-0, he realizes the clock is ticking on all his dreams.
As Zaire and Kenny undo the significant relationships of their pasts, they hope new opportunities, energy, mindsets, and connections will reinvigorate what is missing in their lives--drama and all.
242 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2019
11 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Frederick Smith
6 books35 followersOriginally from Detroit, Michigan, Frederick Smith is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and Loyola University Chicago. A finalist for the PEN Center Emerging Voices Fellowship, and an alum of the VONA (Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation) Writers Workshop, Fred is a social justice advocate. He lives in Los Angeles and works with college students to help them find their voices and develop pride in their cultural and gender identities. He is the author of Down for Whatever and Right Side of the Wrong Bed, a Lambda Literary Award finalist.
(Source: Amazon.com)
(Source: Amazon.com)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 26, 2019
4 pride-supporting ★★★★✩
⇝Preface.
A while ago I have noticed that I need to consciously up my diversity game in the reading department. I was always super excited if I stumbled upon it by accident in books. They are often only the side characters, however, and I was therefore very happy to see my request for this BlaQueer book granted via NetGalley, thank you so much! It is also at this point that I have to make clear that this is not a Romance novel. It was categorized that way by the publisher, which was very misleading in the beginning. In retrospect, the synopsis doesn't necessarily read like a Romance novel.
⇝Overall
I suspect that white readers might feel alienated from this book, but welcome to the world of diversity: language and just the general reality of things is different when you are not the most privileged being on earth (white, male, hetero, ...). Aside from the BlaQueer aspect of the book, I found it interesting that it doesn't tell one love story from two POVs, but rather two different stories whose characters overlap. I am not used to this kind of storytelling but found it super refreshing and well done. The authors also tackle mental health issues such as coping with grief, overcoming toxic relationships and dealing with an alcohol problem. I myself can somewhat relate to all of these aspects, either due to personal experience or because close friends/family have gone or are going through it. As you guys can see, this book checks lots of boxes that have been underrepresented in the literature up until recently.
I am also pretty impressed by the overall structure of the book. Each chapter is titled with some kind of takeaway message. It took me a while to figure it out. At first, the chapter-names seemed random and confused me, but a white girl can learn.
The only thing that really bothered me that I sometimes felt as if there were chunks missing that made the stories flow easily with the reader. It wasn't uncommon that characters would relate to situations that have happened within the timeframe of the book but haven't been illustrated at all for the reader. I suppose you could expect grown readers to be able to deal with it, but it just wasn't integrated smoothly enough in my opinion.
➺What's happening.
Zaire. Zaire just moved to WeHo after separating from his husband of many years. On the surface, it always seemed like they were a dream come true but it was mostly Mario who had the last say in everything. And that can get hella frustrating. Even though he has a supportive family, a cool flatmate and decent co-workers, it cannot be hidden that alcohol is his best friend. Grieving a marriage and dead parents is a terrible combination, as you can imagine. He notices his Black neighbour Kenny from early on and feels somewhat connected, as they pretty much make up the majority of the Black population in the neighbourhood.
Kenny. Kenny has troubles dealing with his mother's death. Grief and helplessness are taking their toll on him. To top it all up, his instagram-famous model boyfriend Brandon-Malik (BM for short for the rest of this review and Kenny's sister in general) breaks up with him, as BM "doesn't know how to offer support for Kenny". It took me about 25% into BM's long text message - that's right, the slimy arse didn't even make it a face2face break-up - to see through his toxic manipulative bullshit. Alone in West-Hollywood (WeHo), Kenny is mostly busy with his thoughts, dealing with grief in various ways and missing BM way more than I can understand. At first, it seems like meeting Zaire might improve his situation but troubles loom at every corner.
I suppose many expect that if two broken people meet and get involved, all the problems just vanished. I like that this book breaks with this expectation. Sure, it can work, but there is no guarantee. Lack of communication is always a bad idea, except when surprises are involved.
Also, I'm now single for pretty much 2 years and I've never really gone back into the realm of dating. The last two years were about me, my studies and just settling back to the real me. Seriously, guys, it's fucking weird, this dating business. A lot of the situations in "In Case You Forgot" just felt kinda awkward for me and that was pretty much a wake-up call for me. Because they weren't awkward in general, just somebody who unlearned how dating actually works. (Not that I'm gonna change my habits - ha - still hoping my crush from work will magically notice me one day and ask me out on a date :D)
___________________
Writing Quality + ease of reading = 4*
pace = 3.5*
plot development = 3.5*
characters = 5*
enjoyability = 4*
insightfulness = 5* (Dating is fucking weird. (just like me))
____________________
This eArc was given to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
⇝Preface.
A while ago I have noticed that I need to consciously up my diversity game in the reading department. I was always super excited if I stumbled upon it by accident in books. They are often only the side characters, however, and I was therefore very happy to see my request for this BlaQueer book granted via NetGalley, thank you so much! It is also at this point that I have to make clear that this is not a Romance novel. It was categorized that way by the publisher, which was very misleading in the beginning. In retrospect, the synopsis doesn't necessarily read like a Romance novel.
⇝Overall
I suspect that white readers might feel alienated from this book, but welcome to the world of diversity: language and just the general reality of things is different when you are not the most privileged being on earth (white, male, hetero, ...). Aside from the BlaQueer aspect of the book, I found it interesting that it doesn't tell one love story from two POVs, but rather two different stories whose characters overlap. I am not used to this kind of storytelling but found it super refreshing and well done. The authors also tackle mental health issues such as coping with grief, overcoming toxic relationships and dealing with an alcohol problem. I myself can somewhat relate to all of these aspects, either due to personal experience or because close friends/family have gone or are going through it. As you guys can see, this book checks lots of boxes that have been underrepresented in the literature up until recently.
I am also pretty impressed by the overall structure of the book. Each chapter is titled with some kind of takeaway message. It took me a while to figure it out. At first, the chapter-names seemed random and confused me, but a white girl can learn.
The only thing that really bothered me that I sometimes felt as if there were chunks missing that made the stories flow easily with the reader. It wasn't uncommon that characters would relate to situations that have happened within the timeframe of the book but haven't been illustrated at all for the reader. I suppose you could expect grown readers to be able to deal with it, but it just wasn't integrated smoothly enough in my opinion.
This book is for you if…you want to up your LGBTW game reading-wise and possibly need some inspiration for some life choices
➺What's happening.
Zaire. Zaire just moved to WeHo after separating from his husband of many years. On the surface, it always seemed like they were a dream come true but it was mostly Mario who had the last say in everything. And that can get hella frustrating. Even though he has a supportive family, a cool flatmate and decent co-workers, it cannot be hidden that alcohol is his best friend. Grieving a marriage and dead parents is a terrible combination, as you can imagine. He notices his Black neighbour Kenny from early on and feels somewhat connected, as they pretty much make up the majority of the Black population in the neighbourhood.
Kenny. Kenny has troubles dealing with his mother's death. Grief and helplessness are taking their toll on him. To top it all up, his instagram-famous model boyfriend Brandon-Malik (BM for short for the rest of this review and Kenny's sister in general) breaks up with him, as BM "doesn't know how to offer support for Kenny". It took me about 25% into BM's long text message - that's right, the slimy arse didn't even make it a face2face break-up - to see through his toxic manipulative bullshit. Alone in West-Hollywood (WeHo), Kenny is mostly busy with his thoughts, dealing with grief in various ways and missing BM way more than I can understand. At first, it seems like meeting Zaire might improve his situation but troubles loom at every corner.
I suppose many expect that if two broken people meet and get involved, all the problems just vanished. I like that this book breaks with this expectation. Sure, it can work, but there is no guarantee. Lack of communication is always a bad idea, except when surprises are involved.
Also, I'm now single for pretty much 2 years and I've never really gone back into the realm of dating. The last two years were about me, my studies and just settling back to the real me. Seriously, guys, it's fucking weird, this dating business. A lot of the situations in "In Case You Forgot" just felt kinda awkward for me and that was pretty much a wake-up call for me. Because they weren't awkward in general, just somebody who unlearned how dating actually works. (Not that I'm gonna change my habits - ha - still hoping my crush from work will magically notice me one day and ask me out on a date :D)
___________________
Writing Quality + ease of reading = 4*
pace = 3.5*
plot development = 3.5*
characters = 5*
enjoyability = 4*
insightfulness = 5* (Dating is fucking weird. (just like me))
____________________
This eArc was given to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2022
When I first read the description of this novel on Netgalley, I was genuinely excited. It hits a lot of my soft spots - #ownvoices writers, m/m romance, socially aware, complex characters and diverse leads. I am particularly enjoying the number of romances being published that are either diverse or engage in social issues. I want novels like these to be successful and try to support them every way I can.
This is how I approached In Case You Forgot by Frederick Smith and Chaz Lamar. Told in the first person present, the story althernates POVs between Zaire and Kenney. Each chapter title ties in with the main title to complete an aphorism. For example, ICYF: Be Honest, ICYF: Leave on Read, and so on, implying that each chapter should serve as a lesson reinforcing the aphorism presented. It's a clever way of organizing the novel and provides thematic structure to each chapter.
We meet our first main character, Zaire, in chapter one when he asks his huband, Mario, for a divorce. This act sets off Zaire's search for self-realization as he recognizes the need to be free of his partner in order to find the fulfillment he seeks. In contrast, Kenny Kane is not the agent of his own change in the beginning. When we meet him, he is at his mother's funeral, where his on-again/off-again boyfriend, Brandon-Malik, breaks up with him by text. It's an act that haunts Kenny throughout the entire novel and, while it is clear Brandon-Malik is not an ideal partner, Kenny spends the better part of the novel pining after him.
And here is where we get to the crux of my struggle with this novel. On Amazon, this novel is categorized as African American Romance Fiction and LGBT Romance. Therefore I went in, fully expecting a romance read, complete with a meet-cute, beats, declaration, resolution including an HEA/HFN. Instead, the main characters don't even meet until about 30% through the narrative and spend the better part of the book apart. Because of the expectations, I kept trying to read this novel as a romance and grew frustrated with it.
This is not an indie publication, therefore I hold the publisher responsible for the miscategorization. I'm certain I would have enjoyed the novel much more if I had gone into it expecting an LGBT fiction read without the expectation of romance. Realizing the dissonance between genre and content, I reread the book in an attempt to reframe the narrative in my mind and give it a chance to be successful.
Apart from that, the novel is enjoyable on its own terms. It serves as tableau of black youth trying to find connection and love in West Hollywood, complete with all the racial, social, and personal challenges that implies. Zaire and Kenny's struggles feel very relateable and there's a hipness to the characters that I find refreshing.
The point of view was a bit of a struggle for me. I normally don't favor any one viewpoint over another - whatever works for a novel works for me. However, the first person point of view reminds me of the YA genre, in particular when paired with the present tense. As a reference point, The Hunger Games trilogy is told in this very specific pov/tense. It lends immediacy and intensity to the narrative but it's hard to pull off if the internal dialogue isn't rich and engaging. In ICYF, there were times where the transition from internal dialogue to action was jerky and took me out of the reading.
What really works in this novel is the worldbuilding. The setting and supporting characters provide a convincing backdrop against which the characters grow. When I ignored the flaws in narration, I was able to enjoy the realistic character arcs of Zaire and Kenny overcoming their respective struggles to arrive at a place where they are doing what they like to do and are satisfied with the outcome of their lives. As I stated earlier, this journey felt real to me. If I had read it that way from the beginning, I would have gotten more out of it. While there are romantic elements, this novel would be better marketed as straight fiction. Knowing this in advance will allow reader to better manage their expectations and choices.
4 out of 5 stars
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is how I approached In Case You Forgot by Frederick Smith and Chaz Lamar. Told in the first person present, the story althernates POVs between Zaire and Kenney. Each chapter title ties in with the main title to complete an aphorism. For example, ICYF: Be Honest, ICYF: Leave on Read, and so on, implying that each chapter should serve as a lesson reinforcing the aphorism presented. It's a clever way of organizing the novel and provides thematic structure to each chapter.
We meet our first main character, Zaire, in chapter one when he asks his huband, Mario, for a divorce. This act sets off Zaire's search for self-realization as he recognizes the need to be free of his partner in order to find the fulfillment he seeks. In contrast, Kenny Kane is not the agent of his own change in the beginning. When we meet him, he is at his mother's funeral, where his on-again/off-again boyfriend, Brandon-Malik, breaks up with him by text. It's an act that haunts Kenny throughout the entire novel and, while it is clear Brandon-Malik is not an ideal partner, Kenny spends the better part of the novel pining after him.
And here is where we get to the crux of my struggle with this novel. On Amazon, this novel is categorized as African American Romance Fiction and LGBT Romance. Therefore I went in, fully expecting a romance read, complete with a meet-cute, beats, declaration, resolution including an HEA/HFN. Instead, the main characters don't even meet until about 30% through the narrative and spend the better part of the book apart. Because of the expectations, I kept trying to read this novel as a romance and grew frustrated with it.
This is not an indie publication, therefore I hold the publisher responsible for the miscategorization. I'm certain I would have enjoyed the novel much more if I had gone into it expecting an LGBT fiction read without the expectation of romance. Realizing the dissonance between genre and content, I reread the book in an attempt to reframe the narrative in my mind and give it a chance to be successful.
Apart from that, the novel is enjoyable on its own terms. It serves as tableau of black youth trying to find connection and love in West Hollywood, complete with all the racial, social, and personal challenges that implies. Zaire and Kenny's struggles feel very relateable and there's a hipness to the characters that I find refreshing.
The point of view was a bit of a struggle for me. I normally don't favor any one viewpoint over another - whatever works for a novel works for me. However, the first person point of view reminds me of the YA genre, in particular when paired with the present tense. As a reference point, The Hunger Games trilogy is told in this very specific pov/tense. It lends immediacy and intensity to the narrative but it's hard to pull off if the internal dialogue isn't rich and engaging. In ICYF, there were times where the transition from internal dialogue to action was jerky and took me out of the reading.
What really works in this novel is the worldbuilding. The setting and supporting characters provide a convincing backdrop against which the characters grow. When I ignored the flaws in narration, I was able to enjoy the realistic character arcs of Zaire and Kenny overcoming their respective struggles to arrive at a place where they are doing what they like to do and are satisfied with the outcome of their lives. As I stated earlier, this journey felt real to me. If I had read it that way from the beginning, I would have gotten more out of it. While there are romantic elements, this novel would be better marketed as straight fiction. Knowing this in advance will allow reader to better manage their expectations and choices.
4 out of 5 stars
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
I was chuffed with the excellent, character-driven story the authors delivered. This story has been a breath of fresh air, far removed from the standard get together and instalove subgenres. Smith and Lamar have created full-bodied prose that conveys these characters and their situations beautifully. The story unfolds from first-person perspective that alternates between Kenny and Zaire (with a few special chunks narrated by some of Zaire’s siblings). Even with so much of the drama that unfolds in both men’s lives being centered on their failed relationships, I thought Smith and Lamar created multifaceted characters who I grew to care about far more than merely whether or not the two MCs would end up coupled together. Kenny was especially relatable for me; he’s highly educated and knows he doesn’t want to work in the ivory tower that is white-centric academia. However, he struggles to get his consulting business off the ground and seemingly lets his dream of a university in the community concept languish.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
I was chuffed with the excellent, character-driven story the authors delivered. This story has been a breath of fresh air, far removed from the standard get together and instalove subgenres. Smith and Lamar have created full-bodied prose that conveys these characters and their situations beautifully. The story unfolds from first-person perspective that alternates between Kenny and Zaire (with a few special chunks narrated by some of Zaire’s siblings). Even with so much of the drama that unfolds in both men’s lives being centered on their failed relationships, I thought Smith and Lamar created multifaceted characters who I grew to care about far more than merely whether or not the two MCs would end up coupled together. Kenny was especially relatable for me; he’s highly educated and knows he doesn’t want to work in the ivory tower that is white-centric academia. However, he struggles to get his consulting business off the ground and seemingly lets his dream of a university in the community concept languish.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
January 27, 2021
I had a hard time reviewing this book for several reasons. The first being I fully acknowledge that I am way outside my lane to be reviewing this book at all, but I wanted to put down a few thoughts. The second is because this book was labeled as a romance book, and I went into reading it from that perspective. However, what I got instead was a beautiful work of fiction. I was a little blindsided by the ending because with the dual POV characters that is typical in romance, I wasn't expecting the ending that was delivered. However, I think that the impact of the story landed differently because of that-and it was a good thing? It might have even been the authors intention and I am certainly a supporter of upended expectations.
This book follows two MC's Zaire and Kenny, and while I enjoyed both perspectives, Kenny's journey really resonated with me. Beyond the more humorous moments that populate the narrative, this book is a poignant look at grief, failed relationships and their aftermath, self growth and the beauty of both found and birth families. I really enjoyed how the authors included therapy and it's benefits in the story, and how both MC's grew, changed and experienced various levels of the healing process throughout the novel.
This book really stayed in my mind for several days after I finished, as I thought about the characters, their choices etc. and that always makes me feel like the book was a really great read. I'm certainly looking forward to more books by these two authors in the future.
This book follows two MC's Zaire and Kenny, and while I enjoyed both perspectives, Kenny's journey really resonated with me. Beyond the more humorous moments that populate the narrative, this book is a poignant look at grief, failed relationships and their aftermath, self growth and the beauty of both found and birth families. I really enjoyed how the authors included therapy and it's benefits in the story, and how both MC's grew, changed and experienced various levels of the healing process throughout the novel.
This book really stayed in my mind for several days after I finished, as I thought about the characters, their choices etc. and that always makes me feel like the book was a really great read. I'm certainly looking forward to more books by these two authors in the future.
June 14, 2019
First let me say this was a leap for me. I love male/male romance and LGBTIA fiction in general. Although billed as a romance that is not really an accurate description. This is a contemporary story about two gay men who each I independently reach a point in their lives where they are questioning their decisions in life. Each of the two main characters has his own journey that intersects at points in the narrative.
I struggled to connect with the writing which felt clunky in places. There were times when I wondered if the writers were making a specific conscious attempt to avoid using pronouns. For example, when talking about three friends gathering, once introduced the writer would continue to reference the group by misting all their names again rather then saying they, or the group. It felt awkward.
It took awhile to grow to know the characters. One major struggle is they had so much in common that I had a difficult time differentiating them from each other. That resolved as I spent more time with them and they diverged in their choices. Zaire's character never really popped for me. Once he meets Elijah, I was fascinated with him and wanted to know more. I found Kenney's journey more compelling. His struggle and desire for change was compelling. Again, though, I wanted to read about his ideas for bringing school to the community and his diversity work. His ideas excited me.
With all of this said, I am not the target demographic for this book. As a almost 60 white woman, I spent time looking up words in the urban dictionary. So take my opinions with this in mind.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review. 👩🔬
I struggled to connect with the writing which felt clunky in places. There were times when I wondered if the writers were making a specific conscious attempt to avoid using pronouns. For example, when talking about three friends gathering, once introduced the writer would continue to reference the group by misting all their names again rather then saying they, or the group. It felt awkward.
It took awhile to grow to know the characters. One major struggle is they had so much in common that I had a difficult time differentiating them from each other. That resolved as I spent more time with them and they diverged in their choices. Zaire's character never really popped for me. Once he meets Elijah, I was fascinated with him and wanted to know more. I found Kenney's journey more compelling. His struggle and desire for change was compelling. Again, though, I wanted to read about his ideas for bringing school to the community and his diversity work. His ideas excited me.
With all of this said, I am not the target demographic for this book. As a almost 60 white woman, I spent time looking up words in the urban dictionary. So take my opinions with this in mind.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review. 👩🔬
September 1, 2019
I received a copy of this story from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This story was enjoyable and I honestly think many people would get something from it.
Let me preface this with content warnings for mentions of death of a parental figure, mentions of death in relation to a stabbing, and mentions of open-heart surgery.
In Case You Forgot (ICYF) follows two gay, male protagonists by the names of Kenny and Zaire. Each character is struggling through life, whether it be grief over a death of a loved one, and heartache from relationships and dating). Whilst I believe this book is advertised as a romance, it is part of the story; however, I really feel the focus is more on the mental growth of both characters and how they handle what life throws at them. There is romance, but it's probably not in the way you think.
If you're looking for a fluffy read, this is not the story for you (save this story for when you want something angsty).
I loved the diversity in the story, there's people of colour everywhere - even a brief mention of a filipino guy, which always makes me happy. You can characters who are gay and pansexual, there's mentions of open relationships, and characters who go by they/them pronouns. I really enjoyed seeing this so openly depicted in a novel, I think the authors did such a wonderful job in including all walks of life.
In terms of the writing style - I don't think it was for me. The story was completely written in inner thoughts as well as dialogue, there was no descriptive writing like you'd see in other books. Due to this, it felt so colloquial. You saw terms like Lordt and Le Sigh in the text because that is what the character is thinking (but I do wonder, and I don't want to be rude and I apologise if this is, do 30-40 year olds really talk like that? I stopped using 'le sigh' after I hit 15.)
The writing also did not help differentiate between the two characters. I constantly found myself thinking I was reading Kenny's chapters but really I was reading Zaire's. I think they really needed to be depicted differently - and I think with more descriptive writing, and less inner thought monologue's, this could have been really well done.
I found Kenny's story to be more compelling to read, I think in terms of both characters, he held a lot more substance to the story. I enjoyed Zaire's when he was around his family - I enjoyed getting to know his siblings (I particularly enjoyed the flashback of the phone call between Zaire and Harlem, my favourite scene of the whole story).
I did like it though! I'm not upset I read the story, and it did make me laugh and smile at times. I'm not blown away by it, unfortunately.
This story was enjoyable and I honestly think many people would get something from it.
Let me preface this with content warnings for mentions of death of a parental figure, mentions of death in relation to a stabbing, and mentions of open-heart surgery.
In Case You Forgot (ICYF) follows two gay, male protagonists by the names of Kenny and Zaire. Each character is struggling through life, whether it be grief over a death of a loved one, and heartache from relationships and dating). Whilst I believe this book is advertised as a romance, it is part of the story; however, I really feel the focus is more on the mental growth of both characters and how they handle what life throws at them. There is romance, but it's probably not in the way you think.
If you're looking for a fluffy read, this is not the story for you (save this story for when you want something angsty).
I loved the diversity in the story, there's people of colour everywhere - even a brief mention of a filipino guy, which always makes me happy. You can characters who are gay and pansexual, there's mentions of open relationships, and characters who go by they/them pronouns. I really enjoyed seeing this so openly depicted in a novel, I think the authors did such a wonderful job in including all walks of life.
In terms of the writing style - I don't think it was for me. The story was completely written in inner thoughts as well as dialogue, there was no descriptive writing like you'd see in other books. Due to this, it felt so colloquial. You saw terms like Lordt and Le Sigh in the text because that is what the character is thinking (but I do wonder, and I don't want to be rude and I apologise if this is, do 30-40 year olds really talk like that? I stopped using 'le sigh' after I hit 15.)
The writing also did not help differentiate between the two characters. I constantly found myself thinking I was reading Kenny's chapters but really I was reading Zaire's. I think they really needed to be depicted differently - and I think with more descriptive writing, and less inner thought monologue's, this could have been really well done.
I found Kenny's story to be more compelling to read, I think in terms of both characters, he held a lot more substance to the story. I enjoyed Zaire's when he was around his family - I enjoyed getting to know his siblings (I particularly enjoyed the flashback of the phone call between Zaire and Harlem, my favourite scene of the whole story).
I did like it though! I'm not upset I read the story, and it did make me laugh and smile at times. I'm not blown away by it, unfortunately.
June 27, 2019
I must say that I went into this story expecting to read a gay romance that follows the standard formula of a major life change causing two wandering souls to cross paths and make each other whole. But that's not the path that our protagonists take in IN CASE YOU FORGOT.
ICYF is told from the perspective of both Kenny and Zaire, whose lives eventually cross paths when they end up living across the street from each other in West Hollywood. The duel narrative is the strongest when Kenny and Zaire interact with each other bc we get insight from both of them about the same course of events. I think the dual narration falters when they are living their separate lives. Spoiler Alert ahead: But to be honest, I think I feel this way bc I expected Zaire and Kenny to fall in love but they truly ended up just being brief moments in each others lives. I think because of this, ICYF would be stronger if we were only given one perspective and focus was placed on one character that we can champion to succeed in love and life. But by splitting the story between two narrators, the storyline is spread a little too thin.
The honesty of single, gay life is the strongest element of this story. It's a soap opera, our individual subcommunities are small, and we know way too much of each others business.
I finished ICYF appreciating the perspective, but wanting more...I think it would be more accurate if ICYF were just labeled as gay fiction and not romance. And if I never hear the name Brandon-Malik again, it'll be just fine by me and Kenny Kane's friends would agree!
ICYF is told from the perspective of both Kenny and Zaire, whose lives eventually cross paths when they end up living across the street from each other in West Hollywood. The duel narrative is the strongest when Kenny and Zaire interact with each other bc we get insight from both of them about the same course of events. I think the dual narration falters when they are living their separate lives. Spoiler Alert ahead: But to be honest, I think I feel this way bc I expected Zaire and Kenny to fall in love but they truly ended up just being brief moments in each others lives. I think because of this, ICYF would be stronger if we were only given one perspective and focus was placed on one character that we can champion to succeed in love and life. But by splitting the story between two narrators, the storyline is spread a little too thin.
The honesty of single, gay life is the strongest element of this story. It's a soap opera, our individual subcommunities are small, and we know way too much of each others business.
I finished ICYF appreciating the perspective, but wanting more...I think it would be more accurate if ICYF were just labeled as gay fiction and not romance. And if I never hear the name Brandon-Malik again, it'll be just fine by me and Kenny Kane's friends would agree!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2019
A really well written, thought provoking book. That deals with quite a few sensitive topics. This books is thoughtfully planned out and is a really well written book with great characters.
Read
August 1, 2019Fiction S6478i 2019
July 1, 2019
I received my copy of this book the afternoon of Saturday, June 29. I originally planned to read a little but ended up reading MUCH MORE than I expected. Finished it in less than 24 hours; I've never read a book this fast! It was hard to put down after I started.
Let's get the heavy lifting out of the way - this book is really, really good. You'll find yourself relating to the realistically crafted situations of this book no matter how you identify. After all, we're all looking to be loved, understood, heard, seen and respected. This book takes you on that journey with two characters that you will find yourself caring for (and connecting with) within minutes of reading it.
Being a Virgo, I found myself really connecting with Kenny. His seasoned approach to life and love mirrored some of my own struggles. It was really therapeutic in a sense. I found myself trying to connect the dots in my own life while reading about Kenny's struggle to find peace and balance in his own life.
Zaire was an enigma; you never really knew what he was going to do until he actually did it. I really admired the fact that once he decided that something was over, he really didn't look back. Since he's about 10 years younger than Kenny, it was good to see the shift in what was important to him vs what was important to Kenny. I really found a fondness for his relationship with his siblings.
Although there is a wide range of supporting characters, I love that they don't muddy the water. After all, this book is about Kenny and Zaire. The supporting characters drift in and out effortlessly just as they should.
At the core, In Case You Forgot is a story about clawing your way back to the top after suffering tremendous loss. Loss in family, loss in love. It will take you on an emotional journey about finding out who you are and what you really want. It's romantic, fun, funny and emotional. And it feels so real. These are characters that you'll miss when you read the last page. And I really feel like there's some more story to tell. Do yourself a favor, and check this book out!
Let's get the heavy lifting out of the way - this book is really, really good. You'll find yourself relating to the realistically crafted situations of this book no matter how you identify. After all, we're all looking to be loved, understood, heard, seen and respected. This book takes you on that journey with two characters that you will find yourself caring for (and connecting with) within minutes of reading it.
Being a Virgo, I found myself really connecting with Kenny. His seasoned approach to life and love mirrored some of my own struggles. It was really therapeutic in a sense. I found myself trying to connect the dots in my own life while reading about Kenny's struggle to find peace and balance in his own life.
Zaire was an enigma; you never really knew what he was going to do until he actually did it. I really admired the fact that once he decided that something was over, he really didn't look back. Since he's about 10 years younger than Kenny, it was good to see the shift in what was important to him vs what was important to Kenny. I really found a fondness for his relationship with his siblings.
Although there is a wide range of supporting characters, I love that they don't muddy the water. After all, this book is about Kenny and Zaire. The supporting characters drift in and out effortlessly just as they should.
At the core, In Case You Forgot is a story about clawing your way back to the top after suffering tremendous loss. Loss in family, loss in love. It will take you on an emotional journey about finding out who you are and what you really want. It's romantic, fun, funny and emotional. And it feels so real. These are characters that you'll miss when you read the last page. And I really feel like there's some more story to tell. Do yourself a favor, and check this book out!
January 19, 2023
This was a weird one. Perhaps it's too soon after Iv'e finished it, but I have some mixed feelings about it.
On paper, I should have loved it: a book by two black queer guys, about two black queer guys in west hollywood--having grown up in los angeles, I should have connected. But I didn't.
I enjoyed the writing, but it really felt like two novellas that were merged together. I possibly would have enjoyed it more if it had been two separate novellas published in tandem. As it is, I spent the entire time wondering why the two very similar stories were connected.
They are each whole persons and their stories are interesting, they just are only casually connected.
I think I've found a better way of expressing how I felt about this book.
Sometimes, especially in the film and TV age, a story will be told from a specific person's point of view. Then, to add a layer of depth to the story, a minor character in that story will have their story told during the same timespan. The two characters aren't actually connected, their stories just happen to cross paths. This book felt like those two stories, but told at the same time.
On paper, I should have loved it: a book by two black queer guys, about two black queer guys in west hollywood--having grown up in los angeles, I should have connected. But I didn't.
I enjoyed the writing, but it really felt like two novellas that were merged together. I possibly would have enjoyed it more if it had been two separate novellas published in tandem. As it is, I spent the entire time wondering why the two very similar stories were connected.
They are each whole persons and their stories are interesting, they just are only casually connected.
I think I've found a better way of expressing how I felt about this book.
Sometimes, especially in the film and TV age, a story will be told from a specific person's point of view. Then, to add a layer of depth to the story, a minor character in that story will have their story told during the same timespan. The two characters aren't actually connected, their stories just happen to cross paths. This book felt like those two stories, but told at the same time.
March 9, 2025
Fredrick Smith and Chaz Cruz book "In Case You Forgot" is a fun ride down the 10 Freeway up the PCH. This book is fast-paced and takes us into the lives of two black gay men in the city of West Hollywood. The character Zaire gives us perspective on finding love after ending his marriage and demonstrating how life after "happily ever after" can be. Kenny gives us a view into the love life one can have while mourning a loved one. I see myself in Kenny especially when it comes to their love life.
As transplants to Los Angeles, Zaire and Kenny help us explore the themes of love, grief, sex positivity, family and friendship in a light yet profound way. The writing style from the authors is a breathe of fresh air and this will be a joy for all readers. We rarely get to hear these stories and very happy the authors allow us to explore with them.
If you're looking for a fun, fresh, joy ride down the PCH, then this book is worth the read!!!
As transplants to Los Angeles, Zaire and Kenny help us explore the themes of love, grief, sex positivity, family and friendship in a light yet profound way. The writing style from the authors is a breathe of fresh air and this will be a joy for all readers. We rarely get to hear these stories and very happy the authors allow us to explore with them.
If you're looking for a fun, fresh, joy ride down the PCH, then this book is worth the read!!!
August 1, 2019
Reading 'In Case You Forgot' was like watching a GREAT, hilarious, gasp worthy episode of Sex in the City, BUT BETTER because it highlights queer people of color, and has more drama that is relevant to the lives of any millennial navigating dating in Los Angeles and navigating loss. It was so impossible for me to put the book down. I finished it in one night. Aside from the great content, the writing is engaging, vivid and illustrative. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy, you won't regret it!
May 6, 2021
GR really needs to allow for half stars!
I liked this book, enough to want to read the next book about characters that showed up here.
I was more in tune with Kenny's character more than Zaire's, mainly because I'm closer to where Kenny is in life, and Zaire was living a life that was exhausting and unfulfilling for him. I hope that we get to see them both in a better place in the next book.
The publisher did it a disservice, though, by marking it as a romance, when it's really not. It's fiction with some romantic elements, but there's no HEA or HFN.
I liked this book, enough to want to read the next book about characters that showed up here.
I was more in tune with Kenny's character more than Zaire's, mainly because I'm closer to where Kenny is in life, and Zaire was living a life that was exhausting and unfulfilling for him. I hope that we get to see them both in a better place in the next book.
The publisher did it a disservice, though, by marking it as a romance, when it's really not. It's fiction with some romantic elements, but there's no HEA or HFN.
August 13, 2019
This was an interesting book with an incredibly diverse cast of characters. I enjoyed the story lines, although the dual narrative confused me sometimes - I had to check who was speaking at times. I'm a teacher so find myself pretty confident in understanding different colloquialisms etc and some of the lingo was meaningless to me!
But overall a good book.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
But overall a good book.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2019
I'm not sure what this book was supposed to be. I thought it was supposed to be a romance, but it wasn't really that. There's two characters that both have love troubles that date briefly, but most of the story their characters don't even interact. Apparently it's written by two different authors and it kind of feels like two different stories that briefly overlap instead of the eventual romantic relationship I was waiting for.
August 10, 2021
I must say that I absolutely loved this book, perhaps because the story resonated so well with my own personal experiences as a Queer POC living in Los Angeles. The way the characters navigated their journeys in this book was refreshing and felt real, almost like they were people that I would know in real life through mutual connections. This was an excellent read.
August 23, 2021
Not a romance, despite the publisher's description. Closely observed parallel growth stories.
December 31, 2021
This was an excellent read, a look at the intersecting lives of these men, and showing the depths and complexities of modern relationships. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book!
January 8, 2022
*3.75 stars
June 24, 2019
Weirdly Different Book and Characters
Overall, I loved the book. I enjoy stories with alternating points of view but this book had a different formula for it. I did not get my intended ending, which was fine because every real story doesn’t end with the two main characters living together happily ever after. I appreciate the attention given to mental health and the importance of closure throughout the book. I did not like the ending of the book. I kind of felt like Kenny and Zaire should have had their own books, so that they could develop as characters on their own.
I especially feel that Zaire needed more development and I do not like that we do not get any information on his next chapter at the end of the book.
Overall, I loved the book. I enjoy stories with alternating points of view but this book had a different formula for it. I did not get my intended ending, which was fine because every real story doesn’t end with the two main characters living together happily ever after. I appreciate the attention given to mental health and the importance of closure throughout the book. I did not like the ending of the book. I kind of felt like Kenny and Zaire should have had their own books, so that they could develop as characters on their own.
I especially feel that Zaire needed more development and I do not like that we do not get any information on his next chapter at the end of the book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews