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Close Quarters #3
Suddenly Stranger
HENLEY:
I wouldn’t have forgotten a man like Noah.
I’ve been straight all my life, until I meet the man who says we’ve dated. Noah says we’ve already met, and worse, he thinks we’re exes. I lost six months of memory in an accident, and I thought I had it all accounted for.
But the more I fall for him, the less I want to uncover the past. I wouldn’t forget a man like him and the way he makes me feel when he’s around. If I find out what broke us up the first time, it might ruin our second chance before it can even take off. I’ve got two options: risk losing Noah, or live a lie.
Noah’s a part of my past I need to remember.
NOAH:
We may have history, but it’s in the past.
My ex is the last person I expect to flirt with me at an afterparty. An accident took all his memories of me, and he thinks we’re strangers. We haven’t spoken since we broke up, so after five years you’d think I wouldn’t give him my number. But I can’t resist finding out if he’s the same man who wasn’t ready to settle down.
I’m feeling sparks all over again, but I still want kids, and I remember our last talk all too well. I’m not over the breakup, but I’m falling for him again, and bringing up the past might ruin it all. I’m not getting my heart broken by the same man twice.
He doesn’t even know this is our second chance.
This is the third book in the Close Quarters series. It can be read as a standalone with no cliffhanger.
I wouldn’t have forgotten a man like Noah.
I’ve been straight all my life, until I meet the man who says we’ve dated. Noah says we’ve already met, and worse, he thinks we’re exes. I lost six months of memory in an accident, and I thought I had it all accounted for.
But the more I fall for him, the less I want to uncover the past. I wouldn’t forget a man like him and the way he makes me feel when he’s around. If I find out what broke us up the first time, it might ruin our second chance before it can even take off. I’ve got two options: risk losing Noah, or live a lie.
Noah’s a part of my past I need to remember.
NOAH:
We may have history, but it’s in the past.
My ex is the last person I expect to flirt with me at an afterparty. An accident took all his memories of me, and he thinks we’re strangers. We haven’t spoken since we broke up, so after five years you’d think I wouldn’t give him my number. But I can’t resist finding out if he’s the same man who wasn’t ready to settle down.
I’m feeling sparks all over again, but I still want kids, and I remember our last talk all too well. I’m not over the breakup, but I’m falling for him again, and bringing up the past might ruin it all. I’m not getting my heart broken by the same man twice.
He doesn’t even know this is our second chance.
This is the third book in the Close Quarters series. It can be read as a standalone with no cliffhanger.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2020
150 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 1, 2020
This is a second-chance love story because Henley doesn't remember that he and Noah were even together at it's beginning thinks start to fall in place once they meet again. I have to be honest that the angst in this story made for so rough times as I read it. Especially with the Coronavisrus stuff I have found it hard to get through books that are not all happiness and light! However, several things made it ok with this book. Firstly, was the two MCs... I was literally head over heels for Henley and Noah pretty darn quick... Next was the fact that despite all the issues and setbacks I could really feel how very much in love they were even when things were at there worst. So I made it through the rough patches and thoroughly enjoyed the good times! Once again the author has put together and incredible story, with awesome characters, scorching hot bedroom scenes and lots of feels!
July 10, 2021
This is the last book from this series
Noah and Henley broke up around five years ago. The reason for the break up was because of difference about having children. Noah wanted them but Henley did not.
They rekindle after Noah was chosen as a model for Henley's company
Not being my favorite pair, Henley is annoying and Noah a little immature, but Noah’s friends Presley and Justin (my favorite couple in this series) come up to show Noah that having a family is really the right way
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Noah and Henley broke up around five years ago. The reason for the break up was because of difference about having children. Noah wanted them but Henley did not.
They rekindle after Noah was chosen as a model for Henley's company
Not being my favorite pair, Henley is annoying and Noah a little immature, but Noah’s friends Presley and Justin (my favorite couple in this series) come up to show Noah that having a family is really the right way
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
December 10, 2020
Absolutely loved it!
August 15, 2020
I hate this couple
This is probably one of the worst pairing I have ever had the pleasure to read about. Henley was a poorly written charecter as was Noah. Both spent the majority of the book ignoring each other or lying for the sake of each other. They never truly connected and it was it very difficult to want to see them work everything out.
Noah and Henley broke up around five years ago. The reason for the break up was because of difference in opinion regarding children. Noah wanted them, Henley did not. But while the reader is given a clue to why this is a think Noah is not told till the end of the story. On the other hand, Noah never bothered to ask why he didn't want children. He never even assumed anything. He barely even argued his stance. Something that, again, isn't even mentioned until the story has reached the 83% point. Up until that point we are given dialogue after dialogue over why Noah feels like they will not work and how he believes they need to break up. Eventually he starts to sound extremely shallow for sticking around. By the time this story was through I was left with the complete understanding that these people are just going to settle in a relationship neither of them will ever be completely happy in. Sure Henley came clean about why he didn't want children but he settled for adopting even though he never worked out his main issue. And sure Noah got what he wanted in the end but he was never completely honest about his emotions either.
This story was a waste.
This is probably one of the worst pairing I have ever had the pleasure to read about. Henley was a poorly written charecter as was Noah. Both spent the majority of the book ignoring each other or lying for the sake of each other. They never truly connected and it was it very difficult to want to see them work everything out.
Noah and Henley broke up around five years ago. The reason for the break up was because of difference in opinion regarding children. Noah wanted them, Henley did not. But while the reader is given a clue to why this is a think Noah is not told till the end of the story. On the other hand, Noah never bothered to ask why he didn't want children. He never even assumed anything. He barely even argued his stance. Something that, again, isn't even mentioned until the story has reached the 83% point. Up until that point we are given dialogue after dialogue over why Noah feels like they will not work and how he believes they need to break up. Eventually he starts to sound extremely shallow for sticking around. By the time this story was through I was left with the complete understanding that these people are just going to settle in a relationship neither of them will ever be completely happy in. Sure Henley came clean about why he didn't want children but he settled for adopting even though he never worked out his main issue. And sure Noah got what he wanted in the end but he was never completely honest about his emotions either.
This story was a waste.
July 5, 2020
‘It felt like …a memory…’ Love and amnesia
Jason Collins continues his Close Quarters series – and following the path of thought established in this first books of that series – SUDDENLY DADDY and SUDDENLY ROYAL -he keeps up the high standard in Book 3 – SUDDENLY STRANGER. As always, Jason chooses challenging concepts – amnesia in this one – and succeeds.
One of Jason’s valuable skills is his ability to nudge the reader into his new novel by offering the mind sets of each of the two main characters, in SUDDENLY STRANGER they are Henley and Noah: ‘Henley - I’ve been straight all my life, until I meet the man who says we’ve dated. When I meet Noah, the chemistry’s off the charts. But I never expect him to tell me we’ve already met, and worse, he thinks we’re exes. I lost six months of memories in an accident, and I thought I had it all accounted for. But the more I fall for him, the less I want to uncover the past. I wouldn’t forget a man like him, or the way he makes me feel. If I find out what broke us up the first time, we might ruin our second chance at this. I’ve got two options: risk losing Noah, or live a lie. I just want to be with him, but I have to know the truth. Noah - We may have history, but it’s in the past. Henley’s flirting with me at a party, and he doesn’t even remember we’re exes. An accident took all his memories of me, and he thinks we’re strangers. We haven’t spoken since we broke up, and after five years I shouldn’t be giving him my number. But I can’t resist finding out if he’s the same man who wasn’t ready to settle down. We’ve got more chemistry than ever, but I still want kids, and I remember our last talk all too well. I’m not over the breakup, but I’m falling for him again, and bringing up the past might ruin it all. I won’t have my heart broken by the same man twice. He doesn’t even know this is our second chance.’
The stage for this romance is a restaurant and Jason opens the door introducing Henley as follows- ‘I had always hated parties. And I hated them even more when my attendance was mandatory. But if I wasn’t there, how else was Uncle Marty going to convince anyone else to come? I was Vice President of Escott after all, which meant that it was my job to set the mood’ The ‘headache’ isn’t over when a waiter quits, but the new ‘royal replacement’ adds to the spice. Escott. Even after all these years, I still hadn’t found a way to separate my personal life form my work life, despite my best efforts.’
A better overview of this well written story would be difficult to find, but the pleasure is in the reading and as with all of Jason’s books, the rewards are lasting! Another solid book by Jason Collins.
Jason Collins continues his Close Quarters series – and following the path of thought established in this first books of that series – SUDDENLY DADDY and SUDDENLY ROYAL -he keeps up the high standard in Book 3 – SUDDENLY STRANGER. As always, Jason chooses challenging concepts – amnesia in this one – and succeeds.
One of Jason’s valuable skills is his ability to nudge the reader into his new novel by offering the mind sets of each of the two main characters, in SUDDENLY STRANGER they are Henley and Noah: ‘Henley - I’ve been straight all my life, until I meet the man who says we’ve dated. When I meet Noah, the chemistry’s off the charts. But I never expect him to tell me we’ve already met, and worse, he thinks we’re exes. I lost six months of memories in an accident, and I thought I had it all accounted for. But the more I fall for him, the less I want to uncover the past. I wouldn’t forget a man like him, or the way he makes me feel. If I find out what broke us up the first time, we might ruin our second chance at this. I’ve got two options: risk losing Noah, or live a lie. I just want to be with him, but I have to know the truth. Noah - We may have history, but it’s in the past. Henley’s flirting with me at a party, and he doesn’t even remember we’re exes. An accident took all his memories of me, and he thinks we’re strangers. We haven’t spoken since we broke up, and after five years I shouldn’t be giving him my number. But I can’t resist finding out if he’s the same man who wasn’t ready to settle down. We’ve got more chemistry than ever, but I still want kids, and I remember our last talk all too well. I’m not over the breakup, but I’m falling for him again, and bringing up the past might ruin it all. I won’t have my heart broken by the same man twice. He doesn’t even know this is our second chance.’
The stage for this romance is a restaurant and Jason opens the door introducing Henley as follows- ‘I had always hated parties. And I hated them even more when my attendance was mandatory. But if I wasn’t there, how else was Uncle Marty going to convince anyone else to come? I was Vice President of Escott after all, which meant that it was my job to set the mood’ The ‘headache’ isn’t over when a waiter quits, but the new ‘royal replacement’ adds to the spice. Escott. Even after all these years, I still hadn’t found a way to separate my personal life form my work life, despite my best efforts.’
A better overview of this well written story would be difficult to find, but the pleasure is in the reading and as with all of Jason’s books, the rewards are lasting! Another solid book by Jason Collins.
November 25, 2020
Warm fuzzies… and heated moments
This was definitely one I enjoyed reading, the mix of passionate moments - both physical and emotional - made this a really fun read. Though my personal frustration level with the way part of the story played through was absolutely a factor in my slow reading of the book, I have to say that I’m happy that Mr. Collins found a very plausible way to have the storyline play out. Great read!
This was definitely one I enjoyed reading, the mix of passionate moments - both physical and emotional - made this a really fun read. Though my personal frustration level with the way part of the story played through was absolutely a factor in my slow reading of the book, I have to say that I’m happy that Mr. Collins found a very plausible way to have the storyline play out. Great read!
July 26, 2023
I think that I would have liked this book more if it wasn't so similar in tone and scenarios as the other two in series. In fact, some of the same lines and scenes were in all three books--kind of lazy writing if you ask me, but okay. The story was still kind of sweet although I am not sure that the ending was where a real life couple would have ended up, but romance isn't realistic, so it was fine.
March 7, 2021
💜KU Read 💙
Style: Second chance, M/M
HEA: Yes
Ratings:
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Heat: 4/5
Writing style: 3/5
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Noah broke up with Henley five years ago and still loves him. Henley had an accident and has no memory of them being together. Noah is still hurt over their relationship.
This was a good fast read. Not a whole lot of drama.
Style: Second chance, M/M
HEA: Yes
Ratings:
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Heat: 4/5
Writing style: 3/5
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Noah broke up with Henley five years ago and still loves him. Henley had an accident and has no memory of them being together. Noah is still hurt over their relationship.
This was a good fast read. Not a whole lot of drama.
June 30, 2021
This was an intensely, emotional love story between Henley and Noah, it wasn’t only the sizzle the riveted me it was the true passion and love that infused into the story that made this a deep sigh read.
Another keeper.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
Another keeper.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
July 4, 2021
Henley never wanted children. Noah loves his career but also sees himself as a father. Their breakup was painful but necessary, until they met again. An interesting, second chance story. Henley is not selfish, but we discover with him the reasons why he never saw himself as a father. Noah wants to hold onto their love despite the conflict.
August 4, 2020
Meh
I don’t say “meh” a lot but this story really could be better! Justin and Graham story was good and I was disappointed with Noah’s story... lots of begging for a chance and going back on their words and lying for no reason.
I don’t say “meh” a lot but this story really could be better! Justin and Graham story was good and I was disappointed with Noah’s story... lots of begging for a chance and going back on their words and lying for no reason.
February 19, 2021
3.5
Ugh these boys are so dumb and insecure and desperate for love; it was so cute and had some top-notch chemistry but geez Noah had so many opportunities to come clean and the ending just felt too easy and sudden.
Ugh these boys are so dumb and insecure and desperate for love; it was so cute and had some top-notch chemistry but geez Noah had so many opportunities to come clean and the ending just felt too easy and sudden.
July 7, 2025
I struggled with this one. I love Jason's work, but these two at no moment felt realistic. The uncle was a weird villain/not villain. The therapist did not sound helpful or knowledgeable.
I love an amnesia storyline - but it just didn't work here, nor did the relationship conflict.
I love an amnesia storyline - but it just didn't work here, nor did the relationship conflict.
July 31, 2020
3.5-4/5
Sweet story
Sweet story
July 31, 2020
5 Stars
This was definitely my favorite of all three books. Such a cute story. I loved the characters and the storyline. Definitely 5 stars.
This was definitely my favorite of all three books. Such a cute story. I loved the characters and the storyline. Definitely 5 stars.
July 13, 2020
DNF at 30%.
This seems immensely stupid. First, it is not a stand - alone. There is zero characterization, not even a physical description of the MCs... There are people talking and you have to guess who they are and what their status regarding the MCs is. Both MCs are like children, changing their minds every two seconds. The story contradicts itself all the time. This author will get no more chances from me.
This seems immensely stupid. First, it is not a stand - alone. There is zero characterization, not even a physical description of the MCs... There are people talking and you have to guess who they are and what their status regarding the MCs is. Both MCs are like children, changing their minds every two seconds. The story contradicts itself all the time. This author will get no more chances from me.
July 1, 2020
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the third book in the Close Quarters series. In this book, Noah is the final roommate to find love. Noah is a model and his career is getting hotter and hotter. When Noah has to attend a party for Escott , Noah is a model for their outerwear, he sees Henley. Henley is the next CEO of the company, after his uncle retires. When Henley sees Noah, he wants to talk to him and hopes to get his number. Henley always thought he was straight, but he is very attracted to Noah. When Henley manages to talk to Noah, Noah doesn't understand that Henley doesn't seem to remember him. They had dated a few years before and were madly in love, until the mention of having children came up. Henley was against having kids, and Noah really wants a family. They broke up and Noah never got over Henley. Henley explained he was in a skiing accident and lost his memories. Henley asked Noah to spend time with him and to give him a chance to win him back. Henley felt a connection to Noah and Noah wanted to be with Henley, but he also knew their issues didn't change. I loved this book. I loved Noah, i think he really loved Henley, but he was so heartbroken over the thought of losing him. Noah was willing to avoid the topic of kids to be with Henley. I found it heartbreaking that Noah had to chose between Henley and kids. Henley really loved Noah, but he had his reasons for not wanting kids. I think this was a great book to end this series. Loved it!
June 30, 2020
Mr Collins can't write a bad book! Henley, VP of Escott hated parties. Uncle Marti, CEO made attendance mandatory. Escott was the family's outerwear company passed down through generations. A party goer shared gossip that Uncle Marti was planning on stepping down, and was wondering when Henley would be made, CEO. Henly hadn't heard that yet. Henley, saw what he thought was the most beautiful man he'd ever seen, and had a graphic erotic vision about him and the young man, doing the do even thought he is straight. The young man, Noah and Henley had history that ended badly. He tried to avoid Henley, who was obsessed with talking to Noah. Henley had an accident and was in a coma for a few days. He lose several months of memory. This story was intense. The questions, the thoughts, the explanation, the dilemma, the options, the solutions all drag every emotion out of the reader. They are both absolutely delightful men. Does Henley ever regain his memory? Can Noah forgive him? Can they find each other all over again? You pull for them like you are in a tug of war and the other team is 3 inches from the line, the entire story! Well done. I received an ARC for this story.
July 4, 2020
Suddenly Stranger, Close Quarters book three by Jason Collins. Loved it! Noah and Henley’s story is fantastic! This series has fantastic characters and great storylines! I’ve Been enjoying this entire series. I think this story has been my favorite so far. I hope there is more! I can’t wait to read another story!
July 1, 2020
This is a beautiful second chance romance story where one of the 2, Henley, doesn't remember his past relationship with Noah because an accident left him with amnesia of part of his life. However, when Henley sees Noah he feels a strong pull to Noah and doesn't understand some of the things he seems to know about Noah. I love both of these characters and it was wonderful seeing them rebuild their relationship and seeing that their love never went away. It's a difficult journey with quite a few bumps along the way. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
July 6, 2020
This was an unique second chance storyline dealing with memory loss. Good characters, great chemistry.... I've liked this whole series. Worth a read.
July 3, 2020
A slightly painful love story, with plenty of angst, this author is good at that. Henley and Noah are ex-lovers and five years later they meet again, but Henley’s memory lose and Noah’s pain of their past will not fade away. I really liked both men, they loved deeply, even during the years apart, they were both sweet and caring. This was a beautiful second chance love story.
June 27, 2020
Talk about getting smacked in the chest with the emotions! Noah has been the snarky voice of doom in the previous books in the series. He’s been to the peak of perfection in his relationship with Henley only to have it all fall apart. After five years apart his heart still hasn’t healed. I didn’t blame him for his wishy-washy behavior or wanting to relive what the two of them had. Henley has some major damage from his childhood. I was so glad to see him reach out for professional help. He impressed me by standing up to his uncle when he stepped over the line. When Noah and Henley arrive back at the point that destroyed them the first time, I was hoping so hard for a different outcome than their previous one. It takes time and help for Henley to understand himself and gain a new perspective. The ending is wonderful.
June 28, 2020
Henley has forgotten the love of his life and his Uncle Marti encourages the loss of memory including telling Henley he is straight. Noah thinks that Henley walked away from him never to talk to him again. His heart is broken. Memories of Noah and him together start floating up from deep in his mind and Henley can't help but pursue Noah once again coming together and breaking up again tears them both apart. Henley finally gets help with his memories. Will it be enough for the two men? Will Uncle Marti see the error of his ways before it is too late? Does children enter the picture? Good story and am sure others will think so too. I voluntarily read and reviewed .this ARC book
June 29, 2020
ONCE IN LOVE, ALWAYS IN LOVE
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review
Noah is the last unmarried man of the trio that includes Graham and Justin, friends from college. He is pining over Henley, his ex-lover whom he broke up with. He sees Henley at a company function and the hurt resurfaces. Henley still states that he doesn’t want children, the reason that they broke up. Henley has a traumatic brain injury that keeps him from remembering his days with Noah. Circumstances lead to more problems as they don’t want to be away from each other.
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review
Noah is the last unmarried man of the trio that includes Graham and Justin, friends from college. He is pining over Henley, his ex-lover whom he broke up with. He sees Henley at a company function and the hurt resurfaces. Henley still states that he doesn’t want children, the reason that they broke up. Henley has a traumatic brain injury that keeps him from remembering his days with Noah. Circumstances lead to more problems as they don’t want to be away from each other.
July 1, 2020
Second Chances? What happens when one doesn't remember. Henley sees Noah from across the room feels an instant connection but doesn't understand why. Noah sees Henley & tries to run, he knows why. This story had a little bit of everything. Suspense, romance & angst. Great addition to the series. *I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book for an honest opinion*
June 30, 2020
Such an amazing addition. Noah and Henley's story is emotional. This second chance at love with these two is so beautiful. With Henley's memory loss and his Uncle Martie encouraging the memory loss definitely made this an emotional rollercoaster. However I love every minute of reading this story.
November 23, 2020
Wow, this book may be the best one yet in this series (and I loved the other ones so much already).
It's a second chances book, because Noah and Henley have already been together for several months five years ago. The problem is, Henley lost a chunck of his memory after a skiing accident, and doesn't remember Noah at all. This doesn't mean that all kinds of feelings are stirred when he casually meets Noah at a work function.
Noah does remember everything about their time together and about the insurmountable differences that broke them apart, but he cannot help hoping that this time things will be different.
The book is maybe a bit more angsty than Collins's usual, what with the two MCs holding back, not remembering, or generally being on opposite fronts on very important issues. It's a case of I can't be with you, but I really CAN'T be without you, and it was very emotional at times rooting for these two beautiful souls to finally get together for good.
A book that kept me glued to my Kindle!
It's a second chances book, because Noah and Henley have already been together for several months five years ago. The problem is, Henley lost a chunck of his memory after a skiing accident, and doesn't remember Noah at all. This doesn't mean that all kinds of feelings are stirred when he casually meets Noah at a work function.
Noah does remember everything about their time together and about the insurmountable differences that broke them apart, but he cannot help hoping that this time things will be different.
The book is maybe a bit more angsty than Collins's usual, what with the two MCs holding back, not remembering, or generally being on opposite fronts on very important issues. It's a case of I can't be with you, but I really CAN'T be without you, and it was very emotional at times rooting for these two beautiful souls to finally get together for good.
A book that kept me glued to my Kindle!
September 28, 2020
I expected to like this more than I did. The summary hooked me and it has lots of things I loved, but there were also bits that didn't fully work for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews