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Van Allen Brothers #2
Forget Me
He’s the man she left behind, but never forgot...
Laurel Moore might have had to leave her prized job as an assistant chef in one of NYC's swankiest restaurants to take care of her brother and mother after her father’s death, but she’s not giving up on her dream. Nope. She’s going to turn her father’s debt-ridden, greasy spoon bar and restaurant into a destination gastropub that will bring life back to her small, struggling town. Laurel faces resistance on all sides, but it’s running into her first love, reformed bad boy Jonah Gardiner, that really throws her off her stride. Worse, he’s more tempting than ever.
Spurred on by Laurel’s rejection a decade ago, Jonah cleaned up his act and became an academic and psychologist, who helps everyone understand their feelings except himself. He can think of a million reasons why he and Laurel need to stay at arms' length, but when she shares her new recipes with him, it seems like foreplay. And that’s just the beginning…
Can he and Laurel seize a second chance or will she destroy the peace he's worked so hard for?
TW: Alcoholism, alcoholic parent, toxic parenting, past SA
Laurel Moore might have had to leave her prized job as an assistant chef in one of NYC's swankiest restaurants to take care of her brother and mother after her father’s death, but she’s not giving up on her dream. Nope. She’s going to turn her father’s debt-ridden, greasy spoon bar and restaurant into a destination gastropub that will bring life back to her small, struggling town. Laurel faces resistance on all sides, but it’s running into her first love, reformed bad boy Jonah Gardiner, that really throws her off her stride. Worse, he’s more tempting than ever.
Spurred on by Laurel’s rejection a decade ago, Jonah cleaned up his act and became an academic and psychologist, who helps everyone understand their feelings except himself. He can think of a million reasons why he and Laurel need to stay at arms' length, but when she shares her new recipes with him, it seems like foreplay. And that’s just the beginning…
Can he and Laurel seize a second chance or will she destroy the peace he's worked so hard for?
TW: Alcoholism, alcoholic parent, toxic parenting, past SA
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2019
301 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Kimberley Ash
9 books106 followersKimberley Ash is a British ex-pat who has lived in and loved New Jersey for almost 30 years. When not writing romance, she can usually be found cleaning up after her two big white furry dogs and slightly less furry children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 7, 2019
“She’s a good girl with a lot of love in her, and she likes hopeless cases. Like her father, and her brother . She’ll die, beating herself against that caged heart of yours.”
📖 BUY THIS BOOK: Barnes and Noble 📖
Much thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for this complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own.
📚 Series: Yes. 2nd, but can be read as a standalone.
📚 Genre: New Adult Romance
📚 POV: Third person
📚 Cliffhanger: No
⚠ Content Warnings: Alcoholism. Emotional and Physical Abuse.
⚠ Read if: you want a romance read that's not just about romance.
Forgot Me is a good story about a second chance romance. Laurel moves back to manage their family bar after her father's death. She plans on making it a better 'gastropub' to everyone's disagreement. She meets Jonah, her ex, her father's ex friend and an alcoholic, like her father, too.
This is a story about forgiveness and family. This is really not just about the romance. The romance parts will inserted here and there, and are actually quite sweet. What made me like this book is it showed how people handled grief as well as how people rise up from all the extreme unfortunes that just happens in life sometimes.
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌻 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Hero:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Heroine:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Romance:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Pacing:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Ending:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Page Turner:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐
☁FINAL VERDICT: 3.45/5 ☁
Review also appears on my blog.
June 2:
DedicationWhat a cute dedication ❤
To all the ladies everywhere.
You all deserve a happily ever after.
Don’t let the magazines tell you different.
June 30, 2019
This story was such an interesting yet overwhelming depiction of the mind games that we can be placed in by our parents to the point that we can’t see straight.
Well, Laurel’s father Frank passes away leaving her the family bar and restaurant. What no one knows at the time is that he has left her severely in debt to numerous creditors. So, she needs to not only take care of her mom alcoholic brother, and the business but the debt too.
But being that she went to school to be a chef it has piqued her interest and given her a challenge, a goal if you will. But when she meets up with HIM the old flame that she left behind it is felt in the middle of her chest. When she gives him a taste of her baked goods watching him is almost orgasmic.
So, as she continues to cook, she continues to bring samples to him to try. He tries to stop her saying things were different that he is a recovering alcoholic now he doesn’t drink, doesn’t do relationships or emotional upheaval.
Basically, any relationship with her that works for a few days. But then like magnets there back sneaking around like in high school. Neither mom likes the other child. When Laurel tries to change the restaurant too fast the town folk start pushing back.
Although, Jonah’s timings bad when he tells them what he says is correct and valuable. But cause a wedge. About this same time, he finds out some crazy information about his family that causes a mental meltdown. Laurel, of course, is there for him.
I enjoyed the tub and pull of this book the characters had real things in their lives that truly effect a lot of households. The only thing that bothered me was the dry drunk and no healthy support system in place to shore him up. A lot of unanswered questions. I hope in the next book it will shore them up.
I give this: 4 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
Well, Laurel’s father Frank passes away leaving her the family bar and restaurant. What no one knows at the time is that he has left her severely in debt to numerous creditors. So, she needs to not only take care of her mom alcoholic brother, and the business but the debt too.
But being that she went to school to be a chef it has piqued her interest and given her a challenge, a goal if you will. But when she meets up with HIM the old flame that she left behind it is felt in the middle of her chest. When she gives him a taste of her baked goods watching him is almost orgasmic.
So, as she continues to cook, she continues to bring samples to him to try. He tries to stop her saying things were different that he is a recovering alcoholic now he doesn’t drink, doesn’t do relationships or emotional upheaval.
Basically, any relationship with her that works for a few days. But then like magnets there back sneaking around like in high school. Neither mom likes the other child. When Laurel tries to change the restaurant too fast the town folk start pushing back.
Although, Jonah’s timings bad when he tells them what he says is correct and valuable. But cause a wedge. About this same time, he finds out some crazy information about his family that causes a mental meltdown. Laurel, of course, is there for him.
I enjoyed the tub and pull of this book the characters had real things in their lives that truly effect a lot of households. The only thing that bothered me was the dry drunk and no healthy support system in place to shore him up. A lot of unanswered questions. I hope in the next book it will shore them up.
I give this: 4 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
September 7, 2025
This is an excellent romance, full of well-rounded characters who have difficult problems to overcome. In her signature style, Ms. Ash has us feeling the depths of her characters' emotions while we are rooting for them to overcome their problems. Even the secondary characters are well-portrayed and realistic. The plot has various twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages. I have loved both the author's series and can't wait for the next book!
September 12, 2024
I enjoy imperfect characters. There are many in this story. How they sometimes unwittingly and unwittingly help each other is the basis for this love story. The author created scenery that was easy to relate to and fun to feel transforming.
September 16, 2024
New author
Really a good book. Suspense at every turn. Basic family drama surrounding the sorry. Good ending. Recommend to romatics and suspense readers.
Really a good book. Suspense at every turn. Basic family drama surrounding the sorry. Good ending. Recommend to romatics and suspense readers.
October 5, 2024
I didn’t care for MMC. Behaved oddly.
June 5, 2019
Forget Me by Kimberley Ash
He’s the man she left behind, but never forgot…
Laurel Moore might have had to leave her prized job as an assistant chef in one of NYC’s swankiest restaurants to take care of her brother and mother after her father’s death, but she’s not giving up on her dream. Nope. She’s going to turn her father’s debt-ridden, greasy spoon bar and restaurant into a destination gastropub that will bring life back to her small, struggling town. Laurel faces resistance on all sides, but it’s running into her first love, reformed bad boy Jonah Gardiner, that really throws her off her stride. Worse, he’s more tempting than ever.
Spurred on by Laurel’s rejection a decade ago, Jonah cleaned up his act and became an academic and psychologist, who helps everyone understand their feelings except himself. He can think of a million reasons why he and Laurel need to stay at arms’ length, but when she shares her new recipes with him, it seems like foreplay. And that’s just the beginning…
Can he and Laurel seize a second chance or will she destroy the peace he’s worked so hard for?
This is Laurel Moore and Jonah Gardiner's story.
“Laurel, stop!” a deep voice shouted from above her.
Laurel Moore jumped about a foot, dropped one of the catering-size tomato cans in her arms on her toe, yelped, and looked up. The can rolled into the road, where a bus drove exactly where she’d been about to run. Its left rear tire squashed the can like a juicy tick, sending sauce flying everywhere, landing on her white chef’s scrubs and oozing into her working clogs.
she shouted, distracted from trying to find the source of the voice. She looked like a crime scene from the waist down. Glancing up, she saw people in the back of the bus, gazing at her as though she were an interesting stop on a tour.
Yep. If the hair and beard didn’t brand him, those tattoos sure did. Jonah Gardiner. Town bad boy. The one her mother had always—and uselessly—warned her about. “That Jonah Gardiner,” she’d told Laurel in high school. “You stay away from him. He’s no good. Getting into everything bad, he is. He’ll be in jail or dead from drugs before he’s twenty-five, mark my words.”
Laurel, being a good girl, had stayed away from him in high school. In college, however…
All she could do was stare at him as he joined her in the alley. What was he doing across the street from her father’s bar? “You okay?” he said.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Forget Me by Kimberley Ash is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books Kimberley Ash
Kimberley 's Books with Tule:
Forgive Me
The Van Allen Brothers
Forget Me
The Van Allen Brothers
He’s the man she left behind, but never forgot…
Laurel Moore might have had to leave her prized job as an assistant chef in one of NYC’s swankiest restaurants to take care of her brother and mother after her father’s death, but she’s not giving up on her dream. Nope. She’s going to turn her father’s debt-ridden, greasy spoon bar and restaurant into a destination gastropub that will bring life back to her small, struggling town. Laurel faces resistance on all sides, but it’s running into her first love, reformed bad boy Jonah Gardiner, that really throws her off her stride. Worse, he’s more tempting than ever.
Spurred on by Laurel’s rejection a decade ago, Jonah cleaned up his act and became an academic and psychologist, who helps everyone understand their feelings except himself. He can think of a million reasons why he and Laurel need to stay at arms’ length, but when she shares her new recipes with him, it seems like foreplay. And that’s just the beginning…
Can he and Laurel seize a second chance or will she destroy the peace he’s worked so hard for?
This is Laurel Moore and Jonah Gardiner's story.
“Laurel, stop!” a deep voice shouted from above her.
Laurel Moore jumped about a foot, dropped one of the catering-size tomato cans in her arms on her toe, yelped, and looked up. The can rolled into the road, where a bus drove exactly where she’d been about to run. Its left rear tire squashed the can like a juicy tick, sending sauce flying everywhere, landing on her white chef’s scrubs and oozing into her working clogs.
she shouted, distracted from trying to find the source of the voice. She looked like a crime scene from the waist down. Glancing up, she saw people in the back of the bus, gazing at her as though she were an interesting stop on a tour.
Yep. If the hair and beard didn’t brand him, those tattoos sure did. Jonah Gardiner. Town bad boy. The one her mother had always—and uselessly—warned her about. “That Jonah Gardiner,” she’d told Laurel in high school. “You stay away from him. He’s no good. Getting into everything bad, he is. He’ll be in jail or dead from drugs before he’s twenty-five, mark my words.”
Laurel, being a good girl, had stayed away from him in high school. In college, however…
All she could do was stare at him as he joined her in the alley. What was he doing across the street from her father’s bar? “You okay?” he said.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Forget Me by Kimberley Ash is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books Kimberley Ash
Kimberley 's Books with Tule:
Forgive Me
The Van Allen Brothers
Forget Me
The Van Allen Brothers
June 10, 2019
A short and sweet read touching on topics that can be hard to chat about, with a strong heroine and hero to boot.
Laurel has just returned to her hometown after a stint away from home working as a chef in New York, so she can take over her late father's bar. This presents all sorts of problems for her to overcome, but none that compare to running into an ex-flame, and 'reformed bad boy' Jonah Gardiner. He's had his own demons to overcome, and now, he's a psychologist. Laurel and Jonah should stay away from each other - there's a lot on the line and a lot of history, but they just can't... and so begins the story.
Overall: Did I enjoy this novel? Sure I did. Would I count it as one of my all time favourites? Probably not. It was sweet and although I'm not exactly qualified to speak on the way in which the issues of alcoholism and family trauma were handled, to my mind, it seemed as if it was well-written and seriously considered. Jonah and Laurel were sweet together and I enjoyed seeing them both grow through the course of the book.
Characters: I have to say that Laurel was a very lovely heroine to get behind. Even though she herself was quite blind at a few points, you just wanted to see her succeed and it was a satisfying conclusion in the end to her journey with her father's bar. As for Jonah - I liked him well enough, and I enjoyed seeing his care and compassion for Laurel, willing to confront certain aspects of his past for her, because of his love for her. Did I see him as one of the ultimate swoon-worthy male leads? no, not really - but that's up to the individual to decide. he was great for Laurel, although I'm sure that they would have a fair few issues to deal with - but what couple doesn't?
Storyline: at some points, I have to admit that I had to take a break and dive back into the storyline - and I'm not entirely convinced that it's because of the pacing or the storyline itself. It was lovely to read, but at points I did feel that it moved a little too slowly. The storyline itself manages to set itself apart from the typical trope of ex flames running into one another again fairly decently as well.
Look, overall, this was an enjoyable story to read - and I do have to admit that I am interested to see what happens in what I am assuming will be Matt's story - perhaps with a certain squad captain? Now that, I admit, I am very excited to read (if it happens)
Note: I was very generously gifted an ARC of this novel by the publisher and the author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Laurel has just returned to her hometown after a stint away from home working as a chef in New York, so she can take over her late father's bar. This presents all sorts of problems for her to overcome, but none that compare to running into an ex-flame, and 'reformed bad boy' Jonah Gardiner. He's had his own demons to overcome, and now, he's a psychologist. Laurel and Jonah should stay away from each other - there's a lot on the line and a lot of history, but they just can't... and so begins the story.
Overall: Did I enjoy this novel? Sure I did. Would I count it as one of my all time favourites? Probably not. It was sweet and although I'm not exactly qualified to speak on the way in which the issues of alcoholism and family trauma were handled, to my mind, it seemed as if it was well-written and seriously considered. Jonah and Laurel were sweet together and I enjoyed seeing them both grow through the course of the book.
Characters: I have to say that Laurel was a very lovely heroine to get behind. Even though she herself was quite blind at a few points, you just wanted to see her succeed and it was a satisfying conclusion in the end to her journey with her father's bar. As for Jonah - I liked him well enough, and I enjoyed seeing his care and compassion for Laurel, willing to confront certain aspects of his past for her, because of his love for her. Did I see him as one of the ultimate swoon-worthy male leads? no, not really - but that's up to the individual to decide. he was great for Laurel, although I'm sure that they would have a fair few issues to deal with - but what couple doesn't?
Storyline: at some points, I have to admit that I had to take a break and dive back into the storyline - and I'm not entirely convinced that it's because of the pacing or the storyline itself. It was lovely to read, but at points I did feel that it moved a little too slowly. The storyline itself manages to set itself apart from the typical trope of ex flames running into one another again fairly decently as well.
Look, overall, this was an enjoyable story to read - and I do have to admit that I am interested to see what happens in what I am assuming will be Matt's story - perhaps with a certain squad captain? Now that, I admit, I am very excited to read (if it happens)
Note: I was very generously gifted an ARC of this novel by the publisher and the author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
May 29, 2019
Plot
The heroine Laurel has come back to her home town to juggle personal lives and professional lives. She comes back after her beloved father has died due to alcoholism. She spent her entire life trying to save him, he made promises he couldn’t keep, he tried to get himself onto the straight and narrow but relapse was always going to be just around the corner. He owned a bar and his wife was an absolute enabler, not to mention some unsavoury characters that could just pull him all the way back in. The hero, Jonah was my favourite. I’m a sucker for broken, but strong characters. Jonah, as a teen was a troublemaker, everyone knew it, moreso Laurel. He was headed down the same path as her father and all she wanted to do was save him too. Laurel was truly surrounded by broken men, men that couldn’t put her happiness and concern first. She was trying to fix them all but really she was going to end up breaking herself. Jonah’s root cause of his misery was his terrible childhood. He managed to get his shit together after Laurel leaves him to pursue her career, this had given him a necessary wake up call. But, now Laurel is home and not only is she grieving but she has to manage her attraction to Jonah but also deal with her brother who is now rapidly going down the same road as their father. Jonah still has obstacles in his way, obstacles that could quite easily send him back on the his course of becoming an alcoholic. Can Laurel keep him from descending down a dark path once again?
Thoughts
I’m a big fan of second chance romances and this ticked the boxes. It wasn’t an insta-love story and nothing was quick and simple. The road to happiness wasn’t the direct one. Laurel couldn’t save her father but she played a part in saving Jonah although he is fully aware that the temptation never fully leaves him. The alcoholism issue was dealt with sensitively and was written well and you could feel Laurel’s inner conflict at trying to help everyone but not feeling like she was making much headway. Laurel and Jonah had sweet Chemistry together and there coming back together was heartwarming and their intimate scenes were both comical and hot and the chemistry was obvious. The writing was very good and it was fast paced and the actual romance made you feel all warm and giddy inside. This was my first outing with a Kimberley Ash novel but it certainly won’t be my last.
4 Stars
*I recieved an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
The heroine Laurel has come back to her home town to juggle personal lives and professional lives. She comes back after her beloved father has died due to alcoholism. She spent her entire life trying to save him, he made promises he couldn’t keep, he tried to get himself onto the straight and narrow but relapse was always going to be just around the corner. He owned a bar and his wife was an absolute enabler, not to mention some unsavoury characters that could just pull him all the way back in. The hero, Jonah was my favourite. I’m a sucker for broken, but strong characters. Jonah, as a teen was a troublemaker, everyone knew it, moreso Laurel. He was headed down the same path as her father and all she wanted to do was save him too. Laurel was truly surrounded by broken men, men that couldn’t put her happiness and concern first. She was trying to fix them all but really she was going to end up breaking herself. Jonah’s root cause of his misery was his terrible childhood. He managed to get his shit together after Laurel leaves him to pursue her career, this had given him a necessary wake up call. But, now Laurel is home and not only is she grieving but she has to manage her attraction to Jonah but also deal with her brother who is now rapidly going down the same road as their father. Jonah still has obstacles in his way, obstacles that could quite easily send him back on the his course of becoming an alcoholic. Can Laurel keep him from descending down a dark path once again?
Thoughts
I’m a big fan of second chance romances and this ticked the boxes. It wasn’t an insta-love story and nothing was quick and simple. The road to happiness wasn’t the direct one. Laurel couldn’t save her father but she played a part in saving Jonah although he is fully aware that the temptation never fully leaves him. The alcoholism issue was dealt with sensitively and was written well and you could feel Laurel’s inner conflict at trying to help everyone but not feeling like she was making much headway. Laurel and Jonah had sweet Chemistry together and there coming back together was heartwarming and their intimate scenes were both comical and hot and the chemistry was obvious. The writing was very good and it was fast paced and the actual romance made you feel all warm and giddy inside. This was my first outing with a Kimberley Ash novel but it certainly won’t be my last.
4 Stars
*I recieved an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
June 4, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
It’s not always easy to realistically portray the mindset or the recovery process of a recovering alcoholic or those headed down that dark path, yet Kimberley Ash has given us the ultimate results of alcoholism and the true battle some people fight against every single day while weaving a touching second chance romance for Laurel and Jonah. If alcoholism is a trigger for you then you have been warned.
I have to admire Laurel for the strength to leave not only her family but the young man who she loves but is following the same downward spiral as her father has her entire life. She cannot save any of them – not her father, her brother or the man she wanted a future with. So, she left town and headed out to follow her own dream. Returning after her father’s death (directly related to his alcoholism) to run the family bar, try again to deal with her brother and knowing that she’s opening up a door that was best kept closed – running into Jonah after a decade apart. Losing Laurel was a much-needed wake-up call for Jonah who has cleaned up his act, gotten himself sober and is now a practicing psychologist. Having her back in town is as much of a temptation as staying away from the drink he so often “needs” but denies himself. Somehow they’ll have to co-exist in this small town – or maybe there’s hope for them after everything they’ve gone through.
FORGET ME is an emotionally intense story with characters that are completely believable. Their struggle to get through each day, to carve out a life for themselves in spite of circumstances is evident and simply makes their story more realistic. I’m tempted to call this a bit of a slow burn, their chemistry was off the charts but they have a lot of history to get beyond before they can hope for a future – but that doesn’t mean the feelings of a decade ago simply go away, we feel them fight those feelings with each encounter. I was emotionally engaged with Laurel and Jonah – I’d not hesitate to recommend their story to any Romance reader.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
It’s not always easy to realistically portray the mindset or the recovery process of a recovering alcoholic or those headed down that dark path, yet Kimberley Ash has given us the ultimate results of alcoholism and the true battle some people fight against every single day while weaving a touching second chance romance for Laurel and Jonah. If alcoholism is a trigger for you then you have been warned.
I have to admire Laurel for the strength to leave not only her family but the young man who she loves but is following the same downward spiral as her father has her entire life. She cannot save any of them – not her father, her brother or the man she wanted a future with. So, she left town and headed out to follow her own dream. Returning after her father’s death (directly related to his alcoholism) to run the family bar, try again to deal with her brother and knowing that she’s opening up a door that was best kept closed – running into Jonah after a decade apart. Losing Laurel was a much-needed wake-up call for Jonah who has cleaned up his act, gotten himself sober and is now a practicing psychologist. Having her back in town is as much of a temptation as staying away from the drink he so often “needs” but denies himself. Somehow they’ll have to co-exist in this small town – or maybe there’s hope for them after everything they’ve gone through.
FORGET ME is an emotionally intense story with characters that are completely believable. Their struggle to get through each day, to carve out a life for themselves in spite of circumstances is evident and simply makes their story more realistic. I’m tempted to call this a bit of a slow burn, their chemistry was off the charts but they have a lot of history to get beyond before they can hope for a future – but that doesn’t mean the feelings of a decade ago simply go away, we feel them fight those feelings with each encounter. I was emotionally engaged with Laurel and Jonah – I’d not hesitate to recommend their story to any Romance reader.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
May 19, 2019
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Laurel Moore moved him from NYC where she living her dream out as a chef. Now back home attempting to keep her father’s old bar alive and bringing money in. Coming back home she new that she may run into the one person she hoped she would never have to see again, Jonah Gardiner.
Jonah may hold a fancy degree know and work at the local college, but he never forgot what ruined the greatest few months of his life. After not realizing when he got two new tattoos, he decided to stop drinking. It also didn’t help that Laurel dumped him for that as well.
Will Jonah get a second chance with Laurel? Will Laurel be able to forgive Jonah for what happened in the past so they have a chance for the future? Will Laurel be able to save the new and improved gastropub?
This was my first book by Kimberley Ash and my first where there was a lot of discussion of alcohol abuse. If this is a sensitivity for you, please don’t read this.
I loved how Kimberley not only wrote about struggles of Laurel being a chef and trying to save her families business while have a life outside of work. I loved even more that she wrote down two recipes in the back of the book. I made the recipes and my bake/cook loving heart nearly exploded from pure happiness. Kimberley also wrote this book so well that Brett was my least favorite character, in the beginning at least. It’s probably also because I am an older sibling and understand the stress that comes from being the oldest. Reg....Oh man was it nice to see him and Brian Sr walk out...or get canned. Junior was written beautifully. If you have the opportunity you should definitely give this book a try. Forget Me is book two in the Van Allen Brothers series.
Laurel Moore moved him from NYC where she living her dream out as a chef. Now back home attempting to keep her father’s old bar alive and bringing money in. Coming back home she new that she may run into the one person she hoped she would never have to see again, Jonah Gardiner.
Jonah may hold a fancy degree know and work at the local college, but he never forgot what ruined the greatest few months of his life. After not realizing when he got two new tattoos, he decided to stop drinking. It also didn’t help that Laurel dumped him for that as well.
Will Jonah get a second chance with Laurel? Will Laurel be able to forgive Jonah for what happened in the past so they have a chance for the future? Will Laurel be able to save the new and improved gastropub?
This was my first book by Kimberley Ash and my first where there was a lot of discussion of alcohol abuse. If this is a sensitivity for you, please don’t read this.
I loved how Kimberley not only wrote about struggles of Laurel being a chef and trying to save her families business while have a life outside of work. I loved even more that she wrote down two recipes in the back of the book. I made the recipes and my bake/cook loving heart nearly exploded from pure happiness. Kimberley also wrote this book so well that Brett was my least favorite character, in the beginning at least. It’s probably also because I am an older sibling and understand the stress that comes from being the oldest. Reg....Oh man was it nice to see him and Brian Sr walk out...or get canned. Junior was written beautifully. If you have the opportunity you should definitely give this book a try. Forget Me is book two in the Van Allen Brothers series.
July 31, 2019
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed book 2 of the Van Allen Brothers series. I had read book one but didn’t how the two were connected initially. Book 2 is the story of Laurel and Jonah. It is a second Chance Romance. No one knows they had a romance back when they were younger though. Laurel’s father has recently passed away and she returns to try and save the family bar and grill. We learn he was a long time alcoholic. She is a chef in NYC and gave it all up to come home. Jonah had a drinking problem and it is why he broke up with her years ago. Laurel has tried to save money and began to deliver all the groceries to the bar herself. She nearly got hit by a bus when unloading and Jonah saw her and ran to assist. This was their initial contact when she returned. She reaches out to Jonah with food she makes. She wants to change the food served in the bar, bringing in less frozen deep fried standbys they only served before. She starts trying to get staff and customers on board.
Laurel’s brother Brett has become an alcoholic and she asks Jonah to talk to him. Jonah had told her he was a psychologist. Her mother is grief stricken and Laurel tries to get to to leave the family home above the bar for even a meal downstairs. Her mother is very angry to learn she and Jonah are dating. Jonah’s mother also is not happy as she fears Jonah will hurt Laurel.
Jonah goes to a lecture at the college he works and sees his long estranged father and learns he has a half brother, Lucas( from book one). There is some interaction between Jonah and Lucas. We also learn there is another half brother that Jonah knows and was jealous of.
As the book goes on, Laurel and Jonah fall n love but he pushes her away. As it goes on they do get back together. I was very happy there is a HEA.
Laurel’s brother Brett has become an alcoholic and she asks Jonah to talk to him. Jonah had told her he was a psychologist. Her mother is grief stricken and Laurel tries to get to to leave the family home above the bar for even a meal downstairs. Her mother is very angry to learn she and Jonah are dating. Jonah’s mother also is not happy as she fears Jonah will hurt Laurel.
Jonah goes to a lecture at the college he works and sees his long estranged father and learns he has a half brother, Lucas( from book one). There is some interaction between Jonah and Lucas. We also learn there is another half brother that Jonah knows and was jealous of.
As the book goes on, Laurel and Jonah fall n love but he pushes her away. As it goes on they do get back together. I was very happy there is a HEA.
September 25, 2019
This story was such an interesting yet overwhelming depiction of the mind games that we can be placed in by our parents to the point that we can’t see straight.
Well, Laurel’s father Frank passes away leaving her the family bar and restaurant. What no one knows at the time is that he has left her severely in debt to numerous creditors. So, she needs to not only take care of her mom alcoholic brother, and the business but the debt too.
But being that she went to school to be a chef it has piqued her interest and given her a challenge, a goal if you will. But when she meets up with HIM the old flame that she left behind it is felt in the middle of her chest. When she gives him a taste of her baked goods watching him is almost orgasmic.
So, as she continues to cook, she continues to bring samples to him to try. He tries to stop her saying things were different that he is a recovering alcoholic now he doesn’t drink, doesn’t do relationships or emotional upheaval.
Basically, any relationship with her that works for a few days. But then like magnets there back sneaking around like in high school. Neither mom likes the other child. When Laurel tries to change the restaurant too fast the town folk start pushing back.
Although, Jonah’s timings bad when he tells them what he says is correct and valuable. But cause a wedge. About this same time, he finds out some crazy information about his family that causes a mental meltdown. Laurel, of course, is there for him.
I enjoyed the tub and pull of this book the characters had real things in their lives that truly affect a lot of households. The only thing that bothered me was the dry drunk and no healthy support system in place to shore him up. A lot of unanswered questions. I hope in the next book it will shore them up.
I give this: 4 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
Well, Laurel’s father Frank passes away leaving her the family bar and restaurant. What no one knows at the time is that he has left her severely in debt to numerous creditors. So, she needs to not only take care of her mom alcoholic brother, and the business but the debt too.
But being that she went to school to be a chef it has piqued her interest and given her a challenge, a goal if you will. But when she meets up with HIM the old flame that she left behind it is felt in the middle of her chest. When she gives him a taste of her baked goods watching him is almost orgasmic.
So, as she continues to cook, she continues to bring samples to him to try. He tries to stop her saying things were different that he is a recovering alcoholic now he doesn’t drink, doesn’t do relationships or emotional upheaval.
Basically, any relationship with her that works for a few days. But then like magnets there back sneaking around like in high school. Neither mom likes the other child. When Laurel tries to change the restaurant too fast the town folk start pushing back.
Although, Jonah’s timings bad when he tells them what he says is correct and valuable. But cause a wedge. About this same time, he finds out some crazy information about his family that causes a mental meltdown. Laurel, of course, is there for him.
I enjoyed the tub and pull of this book the characters had real things in their lives that truly affect a lot of households. The only thing that bothered me was the dry drunk and no healthy support system in place to shore him up. A lot of unanswered questions. I hope in the next book it will shore them up.
I give this: 4 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
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May 19, 2019Book #2 in the Van Allen Brothers series by Kimberley Ash is more a look at family relationships than a romance. “Forget Me” concentrates on Laurel Moore’s return from NYC to her hometown to keep her family bar running after her father’s death. In so doing, she reconnects with her past love, Jonah Van Allen who has shed his “bad boy” image to become a psychologist with a PhD under his belt. While their relationship rekindles and burns brightly, both of their families are brought into the story and it quickly becomes a treatise on dysfunctional relationships: with mothers, brothers, fathers, in-laws, employees, friends..... You get the idea. A large part of the story centers around Laurel’s skills as an innovative chef and her creativity, which is evident in the dishes she whips up in her kitchen. The family dynamics and how they affect Laurel and Jonah are at least as important as the affair itself. In the midst of all the goings on the pacing falters here and there, enough so that I kept finding things other than reading to occupy my time (heretofore unheard of). However, the characters are well drawn and the dialogue is authentic. As previously noted, the plot is tightly interwoven and aside from some steamy love scenes, it’s most definitely family centric.
My thanks and appreciation to Net Galley for providing an ARC and the opportunity to submit a pre-publication review of “Forget Me”.
#NetGalley #ForgetMe #KimberleyAsh
My thanks and appreciation to Net Galley for providing an ARC and the opportunity to submit a pre-publication review of “Forget Me”.
#NetGalley #ForgetMe #KimberleyAsh
May 20, 2019
I've always had a bit of a soft spot for 'broken' heroes. In this book, the heroine, Laurel, also has a bit of a thing for them. She spent much of her life trying to save her father, who was an alcoholic and now after his death her younger brother is rapidly following the same path. I'm also a fan of second chance romances, which this fall into.
What I really enjoyed about this story was that there wasn't a simple fix and everything was happy. Jonah has managed to conquer his alcoholism, but he knows that it never really leaves him. It's very easy for stories like this to feel contrived, but this was well written and the characters attempts to deal with their problems felt real.
I liked the chemistry and romance between Laurel and Jonah. Although they had been in a relationship in the past, the reasons that are given for having broken up made sense and didn't stop them from getting back together again. I also enjoyed about Laurels attempts to modernise and update her father's bar. Something that she does not always find successful and straightforward. This is a thoughtful and interesting romance with plenty of those moments that you look for to put a smile on your face and a warm feeling inside when reading romance. I'd certainly be keen to read the next in the series or go back to the first, which I haven't as yet, read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
What I really enjoyed about this story was that there wasn't a simple fix and everything was happy. Jonah has managed to conquer his alcoholism, but he knows that it never really leaves him. It's very easy for stories like this to feel contrived, but this was well written and the characters attempts to deal with their problems felt real.
I liked the chemistry and romance between Laurel and Jonah. Although they had been in a relationship in the past, the reasons that are given for having broken up made sense and didn't stop them from getting back together again. I also enjoyed about Laurels attempts to modernise and update her father's bar. Something that she does not always find successful and straightforward. This is a thoughtful and interesting romance with plenty of those moments that you look for to put a smile on your face and a warm feeling inside when reading romance. I'd certainly be keen to read the next in the series or go back to the first, which I haven't as yet, read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 21, 2019
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
I have not read the first book in this series and after meeting Lucas and Piper in this book, I want to know their whole story! But, it is not necessary and this is easily read as a stand alone. Although, it did take me awhile to figure out that this series is the Van Allen Brothers so even though it is Jonah Gardiner, he is a Van Allen, and so is Lucas.
Lots of emotional parts in this book as these are flawed people and their lives are not perfect and they come with lots of baggage. At times, Jonah seemed so locked away emotionally that it was hard to realize that he was once the town bad boy!
Jonah and Laurel worked well together, as he needed her to realize that he did need his emotions, and she needed a reality check when her dreams get too much for what the "ordinary" people need vs. the newcomers at the bar.
And what a unique combination - the former bad boy, reformed alcoholic and the owner of a bar - you would think that they would be the worst pairing and yet they are so good together.
Now, I have to patiently wait for Matt's story and what is going on in his life, and hope that we see more of Brett and that he gets his life straightened out.
I have not read the first book in this series and after meeting Lucas and Piper in this book, I want to know their whole story! But, it is not necessary and this is easily read as a stand alone. Although, it did take me awhile to figure out that this series is the Van Allen Brothers so even though it is Jonah Gardiner, he is a Van Allen, and so is Lucas.
Lots of emotional parts in this book as these are flawed people and their lives are not perfect and they come with lots of baggage. At times, Jonah seemed so locked away emotionally that it was hard to realize that he was once the town bad boy!
Jonah and Laurel worked well together, as he needed her to realize that he did need his emotions, and she needed a reality check when her dreams get too much for what the "ordinary" people need vs. the newcomers at the bar.
And what a unique combination - the former bad boy, reformed alcoholic and the owner of a bar - you would think that they would be the worst pairing and yet they are so good together.
Now, I have to patiently wait for Matt's story and what is going on in his life, and hope that we see more of Brett and that he gets his life straightened out.
September 27, 2019
This book has recipes. Not just any recipes but two that made my mouth water when I read about the, in the story and then made me drool when I found them at the end. Forget Me, by Kimberley Ash is set in Tanner, Albany. This contemporary romance is a second chance at love story for chef Laurel Moore, who’s left her career in New York City to drag Sullivan’s, her family bar, from the brink of bankruptcy after the death of her alcoholic father. Jonah Gardiner, the man Laurel fell in love with then broke up with because he was also an alcoholic, has cleaned up his act, got himself a PhD in psychology and moved into an apartment across the road from the pub.
The attraction these two feel for each other is palpable but with their history, family issues that both have to face, and Laurel’s need to balance the old ways of the pub and her long standing customers with her efforts to broaden its appeal there is plenty to keep them apart.
I loved watching these two dance around each other. I liked the sensitive way that author Kimberley Ash dealt with alcoholism and it’s effects on not only the afflicted person but also their family and friends. This book had plenty to keep me interested and enough twists to keep me guessing. A great read!
The attraction these two feel for each other is palpable but with their history, family issues that both have to face, and Laurel’s need to balance the old ways of the pub and her long standing customers with her efforts to broaden its appeal there is plenty to keep them apart.
I loved watching these two dance around each other. I liked the sensitive way that author Kimberley Ash dealt with alcoholism and it’s effects on not only the afflicted person but also their family and friends. This book had plenty to keep me interested and enough twists to keep me guessing. A great read!
May 27, 2019
I received an ARC from Netgalley and I am happy to give my honest review.
This was a romance but the story was more of Laurel’s growth in the face of adversity. Her father died leaving her in charge of the family’s bar. He struggled with alcoholism her entire life and she was watching her younger brother go down the same path. The bar was struggling to be successful and Laurel had to leave her esteemed chef position to come home.
She runs into Jonah who is completely different than when she knew him 10 years ago. He’s a psychologist and sober and not interested in getting involved with emotional relationships. He’s fighting some big drama regarding his father and mother and brother. It’s all kind of a mess and I don’t blame him at all for his saltiness.
I felt a little lost in this book. I didn’t read the first book in the series and I think there was some background that got missed. Ultimately I did like this book and liked the Laurel’s character growth. I didn’t see the crazy chemistry between her and Jonah but they were okay together. I would recommend checking this book out.
This was a romance but the story was more of Laurel’s growth in the face of adversity. Her father died leaving her in charge of the family’s bar. He struggled with alcoholism her entire life and she was watching her younger brother go down the same path. The bar was struggling to be successful and Laurel had to leave her esteemed chef position to come home.
She runs into Jonah who is completely different than when she knew him 10 years ago. He’s a psychologist and sober and not interested in getting involved with emotional relationships. He’s fighting some big drama regarding his father and mother and brother. It’s all kind of a mess and I don’t blame him at all for his saltiness.
I felt a little lost in this book. I didn’t read the first book in the series and I think there was some background that got missed. Ultimately I did like this book and liked the Laurel’s character growth. I didn’t see the crazy chemistry between her and Jonah but they were okay together. I would recommend checking this book out.
June 3, 2019
A second chance romance based around a bar and well more. If you have read the fist book in this series Forgive me you know a wee bit about the half brothers in this series Lucas is in the first book and Jonah is featured in this book. Each brother has their own book and yes different mother. Life growing up was not easy for Jonah especially since he went to school with his half brother who happened to be the golden boy. Jonah is tattoo'd and frankly hot as heck. We have Laurel who has come back home to help get her family bar and pub back in order after the death of her father. Sadly her father drank himself to death and while he did that he also almost took the bar down with him. Now it will be up to "Chef Laurel" to turn the bar into not just that but a place that will play the bills and bring in the customers. But remember life is not just about work and 10 years ago she left Jonah because he was to much like her dad...now he is completely the opposite will they reconnect on a whole new level? And what happens when the third brother comes home? I can not wait to read Matthias book next.
June 5, 2019
Forget Me from new to me author Kimberley Ash, is a seductive second chance romance. The two main characters, chef and bar owner Laurel Moore, and psychologist Jonah Gardiner, had a hot and heavy affair about ten years ago. They rekindle their relationship when Laurel moves back into town after her father's passing. With little help from her alcoholic brother and depressed mother, the family's debt riddled bar/restaurant becomes Laurel's responsibility. Jonah used to be the town's bad boy who hung out in Laurel's father's bar. With Laurel back in his life, he is able to conquer the demons of his past.
I liked this story and the secondary characters added a lot of interest the plot. The baggage that Laurel and Jonah have to deal with was intense at times. They are a hot couple, both in and out of the bedroom. The abrupt ending was very disappointing. This is the second book from the Van Allen Brothers series and it can be read as a standalone. Overall, a solid second chance romance with good character development.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
I liked this story and the secondary characters added a lot of interest the plot. The baggage that Laurel and Jonah have to deal with was intense at times. They are a hot couple, both in and out of the bedroom. The abrupt ending was very disappointing. This is the second book from the Van Allen Brothers series and it can be read as a standalone. Overall, a solid second chance romance with good character development.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
May 19, 2019
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Title: Forget Me
Author(s): Kimberley Ash
Character(s):
― Laurel Moore: 30 years old, Blonde, Blue Eyed
― Jonah Gardiner: 32 years old, Red, Blue Eyed
Setting: Tanner, New York
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: R
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s):
― “A little temptation never hurt anyone.”
Overall Opinion:
A heartwarming romance about second chances and learning to allow oneself to fall in love. The chemistry between Laurel and Jonah was steamy hot and you're able to feel it through the pages. Their personalities mesh well together and when old family drama starts to broke down what they thought was a solid relationship you can't help but root for them to fight through the chaos to end up together. This fun and sexy read definitely landed Kimberley Ash in my must read list.
June 4, 2019
An incredibly realistic and emotionally charged second chance romance.
After Laurel’s father passes away, Laurel returns home to run her father’s bar. She didn’t except to see Jonah again. Jonah was the bad boy that Laurel was warned to stay away from. But, Laurel couldn’t resist Jonah and they ended up having a secret relationship one summer.
Laurel made the decision to leave her family and Jonah when she felt she was being pulled into the same destructive lifestyle that Jonah and her father both shared. She followed her dream of becoming a chef. Jonah cleaned his act up after Laurel left. He went to school to become a phycologist. Now that Laurel is back in town and they are both responsible adults, maybe they can pick up where they left off.
This book pulled me in from the start. I enjoyed seeing Laurel and Jonah discover love again. The scenes were very realistic. The author described addiction and what it can do, to the person and everyone close to them, very well in this book. Be warned this is an emotional story, but well worth the tears you might shed.
After Laurel’s father passes away, Laurel returns home to run her father’s bar. She didn’t except to see Jonah again. Jonah was the bad boy that Laurel was warned to stay away from. But, Laurel couldn’t resist Jonah and they ended up having a secret relationship one summer.
Laurel made the decision to leave her family and Jonah when she felt she was being pulled into the same destructive lifestyle that Jonah and her father both shared. She followed her dream of becoming a chef. Jonah cleaned his act up after Laurel left. He went to school to become a phycologist. Now that Laurel is back in town and they are both responsible adults, maybe they can pick up where they left off.
This book pulled me in from the start. I enjoyed seeing Laurel and Jonah discover love again. The scenes were very realistic. The author described addiction and what it can do, to the person and everyone close to them, very well in this book. Be warned this is an emotional story, but well worth the tears you might shed.
June 5, 2019
Forget Me is the second book I have read by Kimberley Ash recently. This is a writer that takes has taken alcoholism by the horns showing the destruction not only to the individual but also to the family, including generational fallout as well. It is all wrapped up in a second chance romance between two small town individuals. Also it has a strong focus making choices.
Laurel Moore has seemingly given up her dream to return home after her father’s death. I so admired her for not giving her dreams up but being able to redo her dream to fit the reality in which she finds herself. As for Jonah Gardiner, he is a man who was able to change his path by making different choices. Years earlier his relationship with Laurel ended poorly. Now there is a second chance if they are ready. I appreciated that they have a history, being older and wiser. Heartfelt story with people that I learned to cared and hope that they find love.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Laurel Moore has seemingly given up her dream to return home after her father’s death. I so admired her for not giving her dreams up but being able to redo her dream to fit the reality in which she finds herself. As for Jonah Gardiner, he is a man who was able to change his path by making different choices. Years earlier his relationship with Laurel ended poorly. Now there is a second chance if they are ready. I appreciated that they have a history, being older and wiser. Heartfelt story with people that I learned to cared and hope that they find love.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 12, 2019
Second chances, new beginnings. I like them. So Forget Me was very promising. And indeed, it was a nice story about Laurel and Jonah. She was the good girl, he was the bad boy. When she decided to cut him loose, because he drank too much, very like her own father, it broke her heart.
So she left town and build herself a future somewhere else. And then her father died and Laurel came back to pick up the pieces. She hadn't counted on Jonah, who is a psychologist now. Their break up was his wake-up call and he has cleaned up his act since then. Seeing Laurel back after all this years, reminds him of why he never set foot in her father's bar again. But now it is Laurel's bar and she needs help. Can Jonah overcome his fears and issues and help her out? And will Laurel be accepting of his help?
A nice read, four out of five stars and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
So she left town and build herself a future somewhere else. And then her father died and Laurel came back to pick up the pieces. She hadn't counted on Jonah, who is a psychologist now. Their break up was his wake-up call and he has cleaned up his act since then. Seeing Laurel back after all this years, reminds him of why he never set foot in her father's bar again. But now it is Laurel's bar and she needs help. Can Jonah overcome his fears and issues and help her out? And will Laurel be accepting of his help?
A nice read, four out of five stars and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
May 23, 2019
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5 stars.
I didn't know this was either a companion or the second in the series initially, so that could be where the lack of a connect came from. What I liked most about the book was the family dynamic and the topic of abuse and the possibility of relapsing. The main protagonist, Laurel, has alcoholics all around her, from her late father, brother, and ex, Jonah, who is a recovering alcoholic. The dialogue was realistic, the chemistry was there, but alas since this is the second book in the series, I do feel as though I am left out and not as connected to the characters - no fault on the author, just myself.
I also found it really cute that the author included the recipes in the back of the book!
3.5/5 stars.
I didn't know this was either a companion or the second in the series initially, so that could be where the lack of a connect came from. What I liked most about the book was the family dynamic and the topic of abuse and the possibility of relapsing. The main protagonist, Laurel, has alcoholics all around her, from her late father, brother, and ex, Jonah, who is a recovering alcoholic. The dialogue was realistic, the chemistry was there, but alas since this is the second book in the series, I do feel as though I am left out and not as connected to the characters - no fault on the author, just myself.
I also found it really cute that the author included the recipes in the back of the book!
May 30, 2019
Forget Me is the second book in Kimberley Ash's Van Allen Brothers series. This is a second chance romance centered on Laurel, a bar/restaurant owner, and Jonah, a psychologist and reformed bad boy. I really enjoyed this one! It was definitely heavier than I am used to and focused on some deep topics. While there was definitely a focus on the central relationship I think the book focused more on Laurel and Jonah's individual development.
I think this could be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the first book (Forgive Me) before reading this one. I can't wait to read Matt's story! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I think this could be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the first book (Forgive Me) before reading this one. I can't wait to read Matt's story! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 11, 2019
Forget Me is an extremely touching story involving a man, Jonah Gardiner, struggling against himself and his insecurities while falling in love all over with his one true other. Struggling, also, is Laurel Moor, who is desperately striving to bring her family’s bar out of deep debt after her father’s death. Undercurrents of a deep love run through the novel wanting to surface and take over.
This, the second in the Van Allen Brothers series is just as great as the first, Forgive Me. I cannot wait for the final book, Free Me, to come out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This, the second in the Van Allen Brothers series is just as great as the first, Forgive Me. I cannot wait for the final book, Free Me, to come out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 24, 2019
Forget Me is a small-town romance with real, human difficulties and a sprinkling of steam. It's easy to read, and the type of book that you can breeze through quickly or actually savor a few chapters at a time.
I enjoyed getting inside both Laurel and Jonah's heads, and felt like I really got to know them over the course of the story, and became invested in their growth.
My one complaint is that it just kinda "ends", without any real resolution. Perhaps that makes it more life-like, but I'd have loved an epilogue.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed getting inside both Laurel and Jonah's heads, and felt like I really got to know them over the course of the story, and became invested in their growth.
My one complaint is that it just kinda "ends", without any real resolution. Perhaps that makes it more life-like, but I'd have loved an epilogue.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 21, 2019
Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a decent romance. Laurel is head chef at her father's bar. She's a strong, independent woman determined to make the restaurant a success.jonah is an ex boyfriend determined to forget his past as a newly reformed psychologist. Both cannot resist their attraction and the sexual tension between them is strong. Good thing Laurel pushes him to acknowledge and accept their love despite their parentage and painful past. Enjoyed it.
This was a decent romance. Laurel is head chef at her father's bar. She's a strong, independent woman determined to make the restaurant a success.jonah is an ex boyfriend determined to forget his past as a newly reformed psychologist. Both cannot resist their attraction and the sexual tension between them is strong. Good thing Laurel pushes him to acknowledge and accept their love despite their parentage and painful past. Enjoyed it.
May 15, 2019
This book was so much fun to read. I refused to go to bed until I finished it. Laurel’s work ethic and her need to save her family was extremely relatable. A lot of romance books tend to follow similar plot paths and this book definitely threw enough emotional twists into the mix to make it stand out.
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