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Aurora
When 32-year-old Elena Ricci wakes up in the hospital, the last thing she recalls is walking home from work the night before. Except the night before turns out to be eight years ago and Elena has no memory of the time she’s lost. Family feuds, breakups, and sexual awakenings―all forgotten. For Keelin Jax, Elena’s wife, the long nightmare only continues upon Elena’s awakening when Keelin becomes a platonic roommate overnight. While Elena struggles to adjust to her new present and find the life she left behind, someone from Elena’s past finds a way to seize the opportunity after years of silence.
Cover Artist: Tammy Sedick
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Editor: Barbara Ann Wright
Production Design: Stacia Seaman
eBook Design: Toni Whitaker
Words: 71,000
Cover Artist: Tammy Sedick
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Editor: Barbara Ann Wright
Production Design: Stacia Seaman
eBook Design: Toni Whitaker
Words: 71,000
240 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2020
7 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Emma L. McGeown
5 books21 followersEmma L McGeown is an Irish writer. By day, Emma works for a global market research company, but she has spent most of her twenties reading and writing queer romantic novels that offer three-dimensional characters full of depth and complexity, with a touch of humor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 7, 2020
Was this a debut book for this author? I didn't see any other books listed for her on Goodreads. If that is the case, then consider me impressed. This was a fully engaging drama that was so affecting, I had a lump in my throat trying to keep tears from falling.
I don't now what it is about the amnesia trope, but I can always get into it no matter how cheesy it is. Only this one wasn't silly at all. It was very realistic and complete convincing.
Keelin/Jax is a doctor who is freaking out because her wife, Elena, got hit by a bus and can't remember anything of their life together. Not their relationship, not their home, and not even their child. To top it all off, she doesn't even remember her sexuality! There is an 8 year memory gap that they hope will resolve itself in time.
I have been saying that I want a love triangle in my lesbian fiction for awhile now. This wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, though. Elena's memories are when she was still with her ex boyfriend. So one of the major conflicts in this book is her trying to see if there could still be something there between them. While it is slowly killing her wife, Jax, inside.
This was all just really well done. Full of believable drama and angst for the situation. I was never sure how things would resolve. I wasn't sure things WOULD resolve.
I liked all of the characters. You could sense how close everyone was before the accident and how they tried to support each other afterward. The characters were flawed in the way that everyone is. And you couldn't help but be drawn in and get invested in their journey.
Overall, this was a very emotional story worthy of your time. Read this when you are feeling like you need something that that will make your heart ache.
I recommend this to those who like to read about romance, amnesia, internalized homophobia, family, children, expectations, and kitchen counters.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
I don't now what it is about the amnesia trope, but I can always get into it no matter how cheesy it is. Only this one wasn't silly at all. It was very realistic and complete convincing.
Keelin/Jax is a doctor who is freaking out because her wife, Elena, got hit by a bus and can't remember anything of their life together. Not their relationship, not their home, and not even their child. To top it all off, she doesn't even remember her sexuality! There is an 8 year memory gap that they hope will resolve itself in time.
I have been saying that I want a love triangle in my lesbian fiction for awhile now. This wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, though. Elena's memories are when she was still with her ex boyfriend. So one of the major conflicts in this book is her trying to see if there could still be something there between them. While it is slowly killing her wife, Jax, inside.
This was all just really well done. Full of believable drama and angst for the situation. I was never sure how things would resolve. I wasn't sure things WOULD resolve.
I liked all of the characters. You could sense how close everyone was before the accident and how they tried to support each other afterward. The characters were flawed in the way that everyone is. And you couldn't help but be drawn in and get invested in their journey.
Overall, this was a very emotional story worthy of your time. Read this when you are feeling like you need something that that will make your heart ache.
I recommend this to those who like to read about romance, amnesia, internalized homophobia, family, children, expectations, and kitchen counters.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
September 4, 2021
I admit that the reason I got curious about this book is that the author is from Northern Ireland, my adoptive place in the world. In a small country such as this, she might as well be my neighbour, so I decided to go ahead and read this. I’m glad I did because it was a very good story. I wish it was set in Ireland instead of London though, but it didn’t stop my enjoyment at all.
After being hit by a bus, Elena Ricci wakes up in a hospital with no memory of the last eight years of her life. The years when she broke up with her boyfriend, had a child and married her wife Keelin Jax. When the doctors recommend not to reveal the details of her new life to Elena, Jax and their son struggle to cope with their new reality and people from their past find a chance to interfere in their lives.
This is Ms. McGeown’s debut novel but don’t let that deter you from reading it as it’s very well written. I like the trope of amnesia but sometimes if it’s not done properly it might feel unrealistic. I had no big issues with this part of the plot except maybe for the portrayal of the five-year-old son but I won’t give any more details to avoid spoilers. There is an interesting twist from Elena’s past that contributes to the angst and emotional roller coaster that the characters have to endure. Elena will have to confront her old demons in a sort of maddening deja vu and Jax can do nothing but relive the nightmare again.
Written in first person from the point of view of both Elena and Jax, the reader has a first-row view of their feelings, mindsets and worst fears. Elena is sometimes a frustrating character but her coming out issues make sense in the context of the story. I thought that was done really well and highlights the pressure of family and society for many queer people. Coming out is never an easy process but sometimes is a terrible struggle and we should never take it for granted.
Overall, a very good debut by a promising author. I’m looking forward to reading her next book. 4 stars.
After being hit by a bus, Elena Ricci wakes up in a hospital with no memory of the last eight years of her life. The years when she broke up with her boyfriend, had a child and married her wife Keelin Jax. When the doctors recommend not to reveal the details of her new life to Elena, Jax and their son struggle to cope with their new reality and people from their past find a chance to interfere in their lives.
This is Ms. McGeown’s debut novel but don’t let that deter you from reading it as it’s very well written. I like the trope of amnesia but sometimes if it’s not done properly it might feel unrealistic. I had no big issues with this part of the plot except maybe for the portrayal of the five-year-old son but I won’t give any more details to avoid spoilers. There is an interesting twist from Elena’s past that contributes to the angst and emotional roller coaster that the characters have to endure. Elena will have to confront her old demons in a sort of maddening deja vu and Jax can do nothing but relive the nightmare again.
Written in first person from the point of view of both Elena and Jax, the reader has a first-row view of their feelings, mindsets and worst fears. Elena is sometimes a frustrating character but her coming out issues make sense in the context of the story. I thought that was done really well and highlights the pressure of family and society for many queer people. Coming out is never an easy process but sometimes is a terrible struggle and we should never take it for granted.
Overall, a very good debut by a promising author. I’m looking forward to reading her next book. 4 stars.
April 21, 2022
This book reminded me of 'The Vow' with Rachel McAdams, but this book was SO much more. I'm a little ashamed to admit that I bawled like a little baby reading this, but I think that's just my family culture telling me I'm not allowed to show my feelings.
This was truly a beautiful story. I loved it.
This was truly a beautiful story. I loved it.
May 9, 2022
Some angst there which make the read an enjoyable and interesting one for yours truly.
October 28, 2020
“Aurora” by Emma L. McGeown is a sweet, slow burn romance about an amnesiac patient who loses her memory after being hit by a bus.
Elena Ricci wakes up one day in a hospital to find out she’s been in an accident. As the doctor asks her questions, it becomes obvious she can’t remember anything from the last eight years of her life. She has no memory that she’s had a son, Jamie, that she’s come out as gay, and last but not least, that she’s married a woman, Jax.
Elena did not have the best life in her younger years. She was sent to a Catholic school that believed in conversion therapy when she was fifteen. She spent years denying her sexuality because she felt it was wrong and ended up spending a lot of time in therapy trying to undo all of the damage and to accept who she is. This is all undone by her accident. Elena once again, tries to deny she’s attracted to women even when she finds out she’s married to one. She gets in touch with the last person she remembers being with, Tom.
While I really liked the book overall but there were some pretty frustrating parts I didn’t understand. I failed to understand why the doctors didn’t want anyone to tell her any of the things that matter. They don’t tell her she’s married to Jax, yet, they send her home with her (a complete stranger), pretending to be roommates. Jax also becomes a single parent as it is determined they can’t tell Elena about her son as well or it could be too traumatic for her. I also had a hard time understanding why she would contact her old boyfriend after everyone has told her they broke up a long time ago. Even if that’s the last thing she remembers, she knows it’s been eight years since they were together and there would be a reason for that.
Although I had those issues, they still don’t take away that this is a very good book. There’s the standard angst that comes with amnesia and forgetting one’s family. It’s well written, (though it was a little confusing at times with the timeline but I eventually just ignored it.) There are also some secondary characters which add some comedic relief such as Elena’s sister, Cat and Jax’s best friend, Greg.
It sent me on a pretty broad emotional spectrum while reading. It made me laugh, it made me mad and it made me tear up a bit. It’s a debut book by McGeown and it has me excited to see what she comes out with next.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
Elena Ricci wakes up one day in a hospital to find out she’s been in an accident. As the doctor asks her questions, it becomes obvious she can’t remember anything from the last eight years of her life. She has no memory that she’s had a son, Jamie, that she’s come out as gay, and last but not least, that she’s married a woman, Jax.
Elena did not have the best life in her younger years. She was sent to a Catholic school that believed in conversion therapy when she was fifteen. She spent years denying her sexuality because she felt it was wrong and ended up spending a lot of time in therapy trying to undo all of the damage and to accept who she is. This is all undone by her accident. Elena once again, tries to deny she’s attracted to women even when she finds out she’s married to one. She gets in touch with the last person she remembers being with, Tom.
While I really liked the book overall but there were some pretty frustrating parts I didn’t understand. I failed to understand why the doctors didn’t want anyone to tell her any of the things that matter. They don’t tell her she’s married to Jax, yet, they send her home with her (a complete stranger), pretending to be roommates. Jax also becomes a single parent as it is determined they can’t tell Elena about her son as well or it could be too traumatic for her. I also had a hard time understanding why she would contact her old boyfriend after everyone has told her they broke up a long time ago. Even if that’s the last thing she remembers, she knows it’s been eight years since they were together and there would be a reason for that.
Although I had those issues, they still don’t take away that this is a very good book. There’s the standard angst that comes with amnesia and forgetting one’s family. It’s well written, (though it was a little confusing at times with the timeline but I eventually just ignored it.) There are also some secondary characters which add some comedic relief such as Elena’s sister, Cat and Jax’s best friend, Greg.
It sent me on a pretty broad emotional spectrum while reading. It made me laugh, it made me mad and it made me tear up a bit. It’s a debut book by McGeown and it has me excited to see what she comes out with next.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2020
Keelin Jax grew up in a family that was very accepting of her, her choice to become a doctor and their acceptance of her lesbianian. While on a trip to New York she and other travelers were stranded where they were due to a volcano eruption in IceLand. And that was how she came to know Elena Ricci, a young straight woman who happens to be stranded also. So after agreeing to play tourist, visiting all the landmarks that make up the city. Even though Elena was straight and had a boyfriend back home she felt herself falling for the Dr Jax. But after one wonderful night together she tells Jax that she is not able to keep seeing her when they return to London because again she’s straight.
What Jax didn’t know at the time was her experience of living at a questionable Boarding School for three yrs where she was subjected to the nuns who practice conversation therapy. Needless to say it didn’t and doesn’t work. All it does is endanger the young lives it's supposed to ‘help’. So back to London they both go, Jax to training in her chosen career and Elena goes back to an abusive boyfriend her parents just love.
When Elena finds herself pregnant with a boyfriend who doesn’t want their baby. It was after this that the two women meet again and fall in love. All goes great with them having a strong marriage that like most marriages has a few little ups and downs. Everything changes when Elena is brought into the emergency after being hit by a bus. It’s touch and go for a while but when Elena finally wakes her memories don’t include the past eight years. She has no memories of Jax or even her small son.
This is a book that I had a hard time putting down. Ms McGeown’s tells us a lovely story that draws you in. Wonderfully written, with very likeable characters.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
What Jax didn’t know at the time was her experience of living at a questionable Boarding School for three yrs where she was subjected to the nuns who practice conversation therapy. Needless to say it didn’t and doesn’t work. All it does is endanger the young lives it's supposed to ‘help’. So back to London they both go, Jax to training in her chosen career and Elena goes back to an abusive boyfriend her parents just love.
When Elena finds herself pregnant with a boyfriend who doesn’t want their baby. It was after this that the two women meet again and fall in love. All goes great with them having a strong marriage that like most marriages has a few little ups and downs. Everything changes when Elena is brought into the emergency after being hit by a bus. It’s touch and go for a while but when Elena finally wakes her memories don’t include the past eight years. She has no memories of Jax or even her small son.
This is a book that I had a hard time putting down. Ms McGeown’s tells us a lovely story that draws you in. Wonderfully written, with very likeable characters.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
July 30, 2022
3.5 stars I am in for a good amnesia trope
I enjoyed this book, but……. THEY DON’T TELL HER SHE IS MARRIED AND HAS A SON??!! Like what?? I mean maybe I can understand not revealing she is married to a woman right off the bat because of her background which I sympathize with but not telling her about her own flesh and blood child? And he is only 5. Sorry that didn’t sit right with me. Yes, the do finally tell her but it went on too long imo.
Also I didn’t understand the reasoning in not filling her in on what a f’ing douche canoe her ex-boyfriend is? I mean seriously? He is a horrible person that you would warn a complete stranger against having anything to do with much less the love of your life who YOU ARE MARRIED TO! Ugh.
I enjoyed this book, but……. THEY DON’T TELL HER SHE IS MARRIED AND HAS A SON??!! Like what?? I mean maybe I can understand not revealing she is married to a woman right off the bat because of her background which I sympathize with but not telling her about her own flesh and blood child? And he is only 5. Sorry that didn’t sit right with me. Yes, the do finally tell her but it went on too long imo.
Also I didn’t understand the reasoning in not filling her in on what a f’ing douche canoe her ex-boyfriend is? I mean seriously? He is a horrible person that you would warn a complete stranger against having anything to do with much less the love of your life who YOU ARE MARRIED TO! Ugh.
October 17, 2020
This book was equal parts frustrating and sweet.
When Elena wakes up in a hospital she's lost 8 years of her memories. Forgotten is her marriage to a woman, her son, and her family issues. Her wife, Keelin Jax, accommodates Elena to no end. Jax goes from spouse to platonic roommate overnight, their son has to pretend Elena is just a roommate as well. On top of all this Elena thinks she still has feelings for Tom, her cheating ex-boyfriend (and baby daddy). Elena's family tells her nothing, hoping she'll get her memories back by herself. When it is all taking too long and Elena seems to be heading into the arms of Tom, Jax can't take it anymore and their relationship or whatever is left of it will be gone.
There are so many instances in this book that I just want to slap Elena. She has all these feelings for Jax, even without her memories, but she decides to not let herself feel them. She'd rather be pushed into "normalcy". Jax is extremely patient and understanding with Elena, I really don't know if anyone could ever be this way. I guess it's clear to Jax Elena is the love of her life and she is willing to do whatever it takes to have her in her life in one way or another, no matter how painful. And I imagine it being extremely painful. The supporting characters are strong as well, I like how Cat - Elena's sister - and her marriage are a part of the story as well, not a big part but certainly not a side note. This book really is about family, friends, and love. Although it's frustrating with Elena's memory loss and subsequent actions I do find this book very sweet and heartwarming.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
When Elena wakes up in a hospital she's lost 8 years of her memories. Forgotten is her marriage to a woman, her son, and her family issues. Her wife, Keelin Jax, accommodates Elena to no end. Jax goes from spouse to platonic roommate overnight, their son has to pretend Elena is just a roommate as well. On top of all this Elena thinks she still has feelings for Tom, her cheating ex-boyfriend (and baby daddy). Elena's family tells her nothing, hoping she'll get her memories back by herself. When it is all taking too long and Elena seems to be heading into the arms of Tom, Jax can't take it anymore and their relationship or whatever is left of it will be gone.
There are so many instances in this book that I just want to slap Elena. She has all these feelings for Jax, even without her memories, but she decides to not let herself feel them. She'd rather be pushed into "normalcy". Jax is extremely patient and understanding with Elena, I really don't know if anyone could ever be this way. I guess it's clear to Jax Elena is the love of her life and she is willing to do whatever it takes to have her in her life in one way or another, no matter how painful. And I imagine it being extremely painful. The supporting characters are strong as well, I like how Cat - Elena's sister - and her marriage are a part of the story as well, not a big part but certainly not a side note. This book really is about family, friends, and love. Although it's frustrating with Elena's memory loss and subsequent actions I do find this book very sweet and heartwarming.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
November 5, 2020
A solid 4 stars from me. I’ve always been a sucker for amnesia story lines where the person has to re-fall in love with a partner they don’t remember. Aurora has that, but also throws in the religious, anti-gay parents who use their daughter’s memory loss for their own agenda, and a five-year old son who has to pretend his mum is just his other mum’s roommate so she doesn't freak out.
There’s a lot of pretending in this story. Elena is 32 years old, and after being hit by a London bus, has suffered amnesia and thinks it’s still 2010 – which is before she got pregnant with her ex-boyfriend’s baby (who didn’t want to keep it), ‘turned’ gay and married her wife, Jax. Elena’s sister and doctor want to keep the last eight years of her life a secret until Elena gets her memory back, but her wife Jax is against the plan as it means everyone would need to pretend they’re just roommates and not married, her son (whom Jax adopted and so is officially the other parent) would be only hers, and Elena’s free to explore her feelings for her ex-boyfriend since she can’t remember breaking up with him for very good reasons. And that’s where the parents come in! The mother never liked Jax because, you know… gay… so she encourages her daughter to go after her ex and live a new life with him instead.
You can imagine how this all goes down when Elena discovers the truth about Jax and her son and the fact that her wife and sister have been lying to her all along. I enjoyed the drama along the way and truly wanted to get to the end to see how everything resolved itself. If you’re expecting sex scenes, you’re out of luck (more like heavy petting) but I didn’t feel the story was lacking because of it – I was still rooting for Jax’s HEA. It took me a while to really understand Elena’s motive to pursue something with her ex after she finds out about her wife and son (we’re given the story about Elena’s history of conversion therapy school and feelings of guilt re her parents), but I still didn’t like her choices!
I can keep going on about this but fear I’ll just confuse people even more with my ramblings, so, suffice to say I recommend the book - but be prepared to feel a little frustrated in parts due to Elena’s history.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
There’s a lot of pretending in this story. Elena is 32 years old, and after being hit by a London bus, has suffered amnesia and thinks it’s still 2010 – which is before she got pregnant with her ex-boyfriend’s baby (who didn’t want to keep it), ‘turned’ gay and married her wife, Jax. Elena’s sister and doctor want to keep the last eight years of her life a secret until Elena gets her memory back, but her wife Jax is against the plan as it means everyone would need to pretend they’re just roommates and not married, her son (whom Jax adopted and so is officially the other parent) would be only hers, and Elena’s free to explore her feelings for her ex-boyfriend since she can’t remember breaking up with him for very good reasons. And that’s where the parents come in! The mother never liked Jax because, you know… gay… so she encourages her daughter to go after her ex and live a new life with him instead.
You can imagine how this all goes down when Elena discovers the truth about Jax and her son and the fact that her wife and sister have been lying to her all along. I enjoyed the drama along the way and truly wanted to get to the end to see how everything resolved itself. If you’re expecting sex scenes, you’re out of luck (more like heavy petting) but I didn’t feel the story was lacking because of it – I was still rooting for Jax’s HEA. It took me a while to really understand Elena’s motive to pursue something with her ex after she finds out about her wife and son (we’re given the story about Elena’s history of conversion therapy school and feelings of guilt re her parents), but I still didn’t like her choices!
I can keep going on about this but fear I’ll just confuse people even more with my ramblings, so, suffice to say I recommend the book - but be prepared to feel a little frustrated in parts due to Elena’s history.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2020
For a first debut book this was a good read although I was torn I usually don’t like amnesia stories because not only is it’s hard on the person with the memory loss it’s harder on the people who know you.
Elena absentmindedly walk off a curb and gets hit by a bus. She wakes up after being unconscious with losing eight years of memories. Jax who is her wife who also is a doctor is alarmed that Elena doesn’t remember the important moments in their life ,her or their son Jamie.
Jax is reluctant to agree with the doctor who tells her not to tell Elena anything and let her memories comes back on her own so she tells Elena their roommates and Jamie is her son. When Elena learns that’s she gay and Jax and her are married she doesn’t believe it’s and tries to see if she can rekindle her relationship with her ex boyfriend Tom who is a jerk and if he loves Elena like he said he would’ve done the honorable thing instead of trying to take advantage.
I like Jamie he was such cutie way more smart then the adults in his life. I didn’t like Jax being passive but I get it she was trying to protect herself and their son but I didn’t like that instead of trying to tell Elena who she is why not show her what made her fall for you in the first place. I love Elena sister and Jax friend they provide telling like it is and humor. I also think the things Elena was doing to please her mother comes from when she was teenager went to school and they had conversion therapy there but also think Elena had issues that she never dealt with being gay meant to her. Like you can be proud of who you are but still have issues with it that’s my opinion anyway.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Elena absentmindedly walk off a curb and gets hit by a bus. She wakes up after being unconscious with losing eight years of memories. Jax who is her wife who also is a doctor is alarmed that Elena doesn’t remember the important moments in their life ,her or their son Jamie.
Jax is reluctant to agree with the doctor who tells her not to tell Elena anything and let her memories comes back on her own so she tells Elena their roommates and Jamie is her son. When Elena learns that’s she gay and Jax and her are married she doesn’t believe it’s and tries to see if she can rekindle her relationship with her ex boyfriend Tom who is a jerk and if he loves Elena like he said he would’ve done the honorable thing instead of trying to take advantage.
I like Jamie he was such cutie way more smart then the adults in his life. I didn’t like Jax being passive but I get it she was trying to protect herself and their son but I didn’t like that instead of trying to tell Elena who she is why not show her what made her fall for you in the first place. I love Elena sister and Jax friend they provide telling like it is and humor. I also think the things Elena was doing to please her mother comes from when she was teenager went to school and they had conversion therapy there but also think Elena had issues that she never dealt with being gay meant to her. Like you can be proud of who you are but still have issues with it that’s my opinion anyway.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
November 7, 2020
I only have a “but” and that’s why I gave it 4 stars, which basically is I needed more showing and less telling. I think the emotions would be stronger if I rated of being told Elena had wet dreams about Jax we were shown that. Important pieces of Elena’s development were told as in they happened in the past and I think if we lived through them with her the effect would have been stronger. Nevertheless, I love the story, the poor, the twists and Caterina.
Great debut
Great debut
November 28, 2020
When I read the blurb for this book I figured it was the perfect book to settle into a comfy chair and spend a few hours feeding my guilty pleasure of angsty romance novels. When Elena wakes in a hospital room, she's shocked to find out that she's been hit by a bus and the injuries she's sustained has caused amnesia - she's lost eight years. Of course, everyone believes that allowing Elena to recover her memories on her own and not tell her that over the last eight years she's kicked her jerk boyfriend to the curb, had a baby, fallen in love with a woman and has been living as a happily married woman and mother. Having her return home to live with her "roomate" Jax and Jax's son. It was bit like being a passenger on a speeding train and seeing that the bridge around the bend is gone.
Preposterous? Yeah. Angsty? Oh yeah. But the blend of characters, story and writing work really well and this was a great read.
The book switches 1st person POV between Elena and Jax - so you get the double whammy of angst as they both deal with the situation. Jax is so desperate to not push Elena too fast or too far she often takes a more passive role, even when Elena starts reaching out to her (ex) boyfriend - who she last remembers being in a relationship. On the other hand, Elena's struggling to deal with the blanks in her memory - and once she learns about her current life, it's still so foreign and terrifying for her to have to come out again (she's got a lot of baggage)..
I was really impressed that this was Ms McGeown's first novel - she's managed to find the difficult balance of angsty situations and real and interesting characters that are compelling. She provides enough backstory and past events to make the characters' actions and reactions believable and to ground the angst from getting out of control
Preposterous? Yeah. Angsty? Oh yeah. But the blend of characters, story and writing work really well and this was a great read.
The book switches 1st person POV between Elena and Jax - so you get the double whammy of angst as they both deal with the situation. Jax is so desperate to not push Elena too fast or too far she often takes a more passive role, even when Elena starts reaching out to her (ex) boyfriend - who she last remembers being in a relationship. On the other hand, Elena's struggling to deal with the blanks in her memory - and once she learns about her current life, it's still so foreign and terrifying for her to have to come out again (she's got a lot of baggage)..
I was really impressed that this was Ms McGeown's first novel - she's managed to find the difficult balance of angsty situations and real and interesting characters that are compelling. She provides enough backstory and past events to make the characters' actions and reactions believable and to ground the angst from getting out of control
December 19, 2022
Stories with amnesic characters are quite common and in general, I tend to like them. I like that underlying emotion of knowing that at any moment everything that the character does not remember comes to them suddenly.
In this story, the author has caught me from the beginning and I have to say that she has held me captivated until the final word.
Because it has been much more than a simple situation of amnesia. Elena's life has been so complex that when she wakes up without a single memory of the last eight years of her life, it seems that all the effort she has had to make to get rid of her traumatic adolescence has been for nothing. Not to mention the people around her who do nothing to make her aware of the situation she was in when she had the accident. And the generosity, patience and utter love of her wife Jax, At some point it seems that she is going to stop fighting, because there are things that are not explained to us until the end and they are things that weigh on Jax.
Therefore, a seemingly simple story hides some complex aspects, painful to read, that make up a story that was really interesting. In addition, she does it in a way that allows us to know at all times the vision of the two women, each chapter consists of their two points of view on the scene.
It has been a story with a lot of emotion on the surface and much more on the inside.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
In this story, the author has caught me from the beginning and I have to say that she has held me captivated until the final word.
Because it has been much more than a simple situation of amnesia. Elena's life has been so complex that when she wakes up without a single memory of the last eight years of her life, it seems that all the effort she has had to make to get rid of her traumatic adolescence has been for nothing. Not to mention the people around her who do nothing to make her aware of the situation she was in when she had the accident. And the generosity, patience and utter love of her wife Jax, At some point it seems that she is going to stop fighting, because there are things that are not explained to us until the end and they are things that weigh on Jax.
Therefore, a seemingly simple story hides some complex aspects, painful to read, that make up a story that was really interesting. In addition, she does it in a way that allows us to know at all times the vision of the two women, each chapter consists of their two points of view on the scene.
It has been a story with a lot of emotion on the surface and much more on the inside.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
November 18, 2020
Pretty good book and held my interest. 3.5 stars
November 22, 2020
2.5. I felt like I’ve read this book before. There wasn’t much about it to make it stand out from others with very similar plot lines.
November 12, 2020
This debut book by Emma L. McGeown caught my eye for both its cover and summary. I hadn't read a story that involved amnesia before, especially in a w/w setting, so I was intrigued to see how the author would portray that in a relationship. The roller coaster of emotions as I learned about the lives of Elena and Jax were unexpected and welcomed. Even their son was a lovely character, and I found his involvement in the ordeal well-written. He and his two mothers definitely warmed my heart, and I would love to be friends with all of them. I constantly found myself at my wit's end as each character kept missing each other in certain situations. It has been some time since I have read a book that made me laugh, cry, despair, and feel such joy reading it. I half wanted a kind of 50 First Dates type deal with this story and expected it, but the ending surprised me and helped me realize that true love will spark at the times we as people need it most. It made me believe that the power of love, even if forgotten, still lies deep within one's heart and soul and only needs a bit of time and patience to grow again. An excellent book that I will gladly recommend to others! I look forward to seeing more by this author.
November 26, 2020
This is very impressive for a debut novel. The pace of the story is perfect, the chemistry is perfect, I think everything is perfect, even the way Elena remember everything is brilliant.
dnf
November 10, 2023I tried! I wanted to like the characters, but they were not believable or interesting!
and the amnesia trope is overdone.
and the amnesia trope is overdone.
March 18, 2021
This book had me heading to social media, "who is Emma McGeown and why haven't I read her before?" Because this is a debut, and it's worth reading.
I haven't read an amnesia story before but I certainly watched my share of soap operas in the 1980s, so this was a new twist for me. I also enjoy alternating first person POV, and it worked here well because we got to experience not only the angst of not remembering but also the angst of hoping she'll remember.
Each of the MCs has an interesting family, and unfortunately the amnesiac has a mother who is pushing for the ex-boyfriend because she's extremely homophobic.
There's almost no sex on the page though, and that's the only thing holding back my fifth star. To each her own.
I haven't read an amnesia story before but I certainly watched my share of soap operas in the 1980s, so this was a new twist for me. I also enjoy alternating first person POV, and it worked here well because we got to experience not only the angst of not remembering but also the angst of hoping she'll remember.
Each of the MCs has an interesting family, and unfortunately the amnesiac has a mother who is pushing for the ex-boyfriend because she's extremely homophobic.
There's almost no sex on the page though, and that's the only thing holding back my fifth star. To each her own.
November 3, 2020
When Elena wakes up in the hospital after a head injury she's positive is 2010 and she is still seeing her ex-boyfriend Tom. Meanwhile it is 2018 and her wife, Jax, is devastated. As Elena heals, Jax brings her home, acting as if they are nothing more than platonic roommates, and that Elena's son is actually her own. As Elena struggles to heal and fit back into her life and career with eight years of missing memories, she begins talking to Tom once again. Although she doesn't remember her history with Jax, her body can't seem to help being drawn to her. But will Elena get her memories back before Jax looses her forever?
I usually struggle with first person POV but this was really well written and really worked for me. I have a special place in my heart for books about amnesia and falling in love all over again and this did not disappoint. The chemistry between Elena and Jax was really well done, it was so tangible even as they kept their distance. I loved all the family moments and the host of secondary characters which really made for a heart warming story. Elena's personal conflict made for a unique, and heartbreaking twist to a trope that has been done many times before. This book captured my attention and my heart from the very beginning. This was an excellent debut novel with BSB and I can safely say that this author has a new fan - looking forward to what comes next from this author.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I usually struggle with first person POV but this was really well written and really worked for me. I have a special place in my heart for books about amnesia and falling in love all over again and this did not disappoint. The chemistry between Elena and Jax was really well done, it was so tangible even as they kept their distance. I loved all the family moments and the host of secondary characters which really made for a heart warming story. Elena's personal conflict made for a unique, and heartbreaking twist to a trope that has been done many times before. This book captured my attention and my heart from the very beginning. This was an excellent debut novel with BSB and I can safely say that this author has a new fan - looking forward to what comes next from this author.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2021
3.5 stars. I liked the premise but felt frustrated at the characters for most of the book. Some things were slow to reveal that I felt would have made the reading experience better if I had known about them up front. Over all, this was well written and I was happy to see how things played out, but it was a hard road for both the characters and me as the reader to get there.
January 13, 2021
I admire Jax for her strength - for never giving up and always thinking of what’s good for Elena even though she’s hurting inside, for being so understanding despite the knowledge that she will most probably lose her wife. In Elena’s part, I understand why she can’t fully commit to her feelings towards Jax since she doesn’t remember anything about her at all and for the way her parents treated her while she was young and how they “cured” her with her so called “disease”, but what I don’t get is how can she contacted her ex-boyfriend after knowing they were separated for years? and to continue communicating with him, to think he didn’t immediately came to her when he knew about her accident, wouldn’t she question on what really is the status between them or how she really felt towards him? I was also just a bit confused and annoyed on that part where they told Jax not to tell Elena the truth about who she and Jamie is to her.
Despite all of this, I really did enjoy the book. My heart ached for Jax and Jamie while reading it. Some parts were so heartbreaking. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Despite all of this, I really did enjoy the book. My heart ached for Jax and Jamie while reading it. Some parts were so heartbreaking. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2020
“Thank you, Dr Hall. And I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name, Dr…” I asked as she turned to look at me.
“Jax. Dr Jax.”
This story is about Elena Ricci’s journey of recovering her memories and in the midst of it all remembering who she was. When Elena regained consciousness in the hospital after an accident, she found herself without any recollection of her past eight years of life. She remembered Tom, her ex but somehow found herself strangely drawn to her room mate Jax.
Afraid to push Elena too quickly in her recovery from amnesia, Elena’s sister, Cat convinced Jax to play the room mate until memories started resurfacing for Elena.
With a past she struggled to bury deep before she lost her memories, Elena had to confront her fears of who she was and if it is who she wants to be again.
I liked the premise and it was easy to feel for the main characters who had to battle frustrations, uncertainty, fear and the truth. It would have been better if readers get to know more about the characters, their shared history while rooting for them to get back together.
I just reviewed Aurora by Emma L McGeown. #NetGalley
“Jax. Dr Jax.”
This story is about Elena Ricci’s journey of recovering her memories and in the midst of it all remembering who she was. When Elena regained consciousness in the hospital after an accident, she found herself without any recollection of her past eight years of life. She remembered Tom, her ex but somehow found herself strangely drawn to her room mate Jax.
Afraid to push Elena too quickly in her recovery from amnesia, Elena’s sister, Cat convinced Jax to play the room mate until memories started resurfacing for Elena.
With a past she struggled to bury deep before she lost her memories, Elena had to confront her fears of who she was and if it is who she wants to be again.
I liked the premise and it was easy to feel for the main characters who had to battle frustrations, uncertainty, fear and the truth. It would have been better if readers get to know more about the characters, their shared history while rooting for them to get back together.
I just reviewed Aurora by Emma L McGeown. #NetGalley
December 4, 2020
Aurora was quite the enjoyable read. I read a book or two similar to the last couple of years and I think the storyline works. Of course the author has to have some talent with how they spin the story and McGeown for sure has the talent.
As I read this romance, I found myself rooting for Jax and Elena. They have such a lovely family and who wouldn't want them to make it through this issue. The blurb makes it seems like a mysterious person will enter the picture and take Elena away, but you are thrown hints throughout the read. Sure the overall romance angsty, but it works - it's needed for the story to work. I just really connected with Jax and felt so sad for her. One thing I wish was different was what they decide not to tell Elena. I wanted them to tell her the total truth about everything. Of course that would have changed the dynamic of the book, but I still wanted her to know everything sooner than they told her. Anyway, an enjoyable read and a great ending.
4.5 stars
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
As I read this romance, I found myself rooting for Jax and Elena. They have such a lovely family and who wouldn't want them to make it through this issue. The blurb makes it seems like a mysterious person will enter the picture and take Elena away, but you are thrown hints throughout the read. Sure the overall romance angsty, but it works - it's needed for the story to work. I just really connected with Jax and felt so sad for her. One thing I wish was different was what they decide not to tell Elena. I wanted them to tell her the total truth about everything. Of course that would have changed the dynamic of the book, but I still wanted her to know everything sooner than they told her. Anyway, an enjoyable read and a great ending.
4.5 stars
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
November 8, 2020
My wife got hit by a bus and is now suffering from amnesia. As the story unfolds, the reader learns about the closeness of the family. Dr. Keelin Jax, busy caring wife and parent. Elena Ricci, busy caring wife and parent. Jamie is their adorable little boy. We also learn about secondary characters, some supportive and encouraging, e.g., Caterina (Elena's sister), Greg Hall and his partner (Jax's friends) as well as Jax's mother and some not so much, e.g., Elena's parents and ex-boyfriend Tom. It was difficult not to like Jax, Elena, and Jamie. I felt for Jax as she watched her marriage from afar as her wife dealt with her amnesia. I also felt for Jamie.
I liked the perspectives from Jax and Elena as the chapters switched back and forth. I also liked the "love" triangle as the various characters attempted to workout the situation.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Inc., via NetGalley
I liked the perspectives from Jax and Elena as the chapters switched back and forth. I also liked the "love" triangle as the various characters attempted to workout the situation.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Inc., via NetGalley
November 17, 2020
What an amazing book! It is not very often that you can feel every emotion and heart wrenching pain characters feel. This book gives you that. The up and down and waiting. It's a killer of a book. One I will remember for very long time!
November 3, 2020
Eleana's whole world changes in a blink of an eye after being hit by a bus. When she wakes she's lost 8 years of her life that include falling in love with her wife, Jax, and her son Jamie. Further trouble brews from an overbearing mother and an ex-boyfriend whom she thinks she loves.
Overall the story was compelling. The charcaters have chemistry and I wanted to know more. I wanted to know how it would all turn out. Not just for Eleana, Jax, ad Jamie, but for the secondary characters that had problems of their own. The obstacles of trying to live your current life without knowing how you got there is engaging and a bit heart wrenching. Escpecially, for Elana whose path to get to that place was difficult enough the first time.
Technical flaws like the timing were disconcerting to me (it's the small things that trip me up). The story takes place over a couple of months, yet several places mention as the weeks became months, only to have it be last week or three or four weeks. It's disconcerting and hard to place time as the story swings from specific days and weeks to being told vaugely about time.
The detail of Elana's physical recovery were on the lighter side over so you don't feel bogged down by the weight of them, but I struggled with the logical aspect and recovery time of being hit by a bus followed by brain injury to being at home with little to no PT and drinking so soon.
Jax was patient and loving as her wife recovers and you could feel the love that she had for Elana as she struggled to remember. She wasn't perfect and the emotional toll as she struggled to do the right thing for them all was a realistic balance.
Recommend for anyone that likes amensia with a lot of angsty romance and a funny and motivating supporting cast.
Overall the story was compelling. The charcaters have chemistry and I wanted to know more. I wanted to know how it would all turn out. Not just for Eleana, Jax, ad Jamie, but for the secondary characters that had problems of their own. The obstacles of trying to live your current life without knowing how you got there is engaging and a bit heart wrenching. Escpecially, for Elana whose path to get to that place was difficult enough the first time.
Technical flaws like the timing were disconcerting to me (it's the small things that trip me up). The story takes place over a couple of months, yet several places mention as the weeks became months, only to have it be last week or three or four weeks. It's disconcerting and hard to place time as the story swings from specific days and weeks to being told vaugely about time.
The detail of Elana's physical recovery were on the lighter side over so you don't feel bogged down by the weight of them, but I struggled with the logical aspect and recovery time of being hit by a bus followed by brain injury to being at home with little to no PT and drinking so soon.
Jax was patient and loving as her wife recovers and you could feel the love that she had for Elana as she struggled to remember. She wasn't perfect and the emotional toll as she struggled to do the right thing for them all was a realistic balance.
Recommend for anyone that likes amensia with a lot of angsty romance and a funny and motivating supporting cast.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2020
Five stars. For the first few pages, I was worried that I would find this too similar to M. Ullrich's What the Heart Remembers Most, which came out this year. It doesn't help that the non-injured character goes by Jax more than she does by Keelin. I was glad to find more than enough differences between the two stories: other than the premise of memory loss, they have little in common.
I like how this was done in first person. I really enjoy when authors use that perspective from my teenage dystopian fiction days, but sometimes you can tell that a story would have been better off in third person. This was not the case here, and surprisingly, it wasn't even a disaster with two characters' POVs.
I was fond of the characters. They have a solid relationship, their backstory is done nicely, and I liked that their chemistry was not in-your-face. That can be a little much when other emotions are running high. I sympathized with each of their circumstances, because really, I can't imagine how tough it is. It didn't feel like any of the conflict was unnecessarily angsty, which is one factor that heavily affects my ratings.
My one criticism, and this is such an insignificant thing, was the title. This could have been done so that it didn't literally only come up at the end, e.g. I don't know, a short flashback of a trip to the Northern Lights, featuring a meaningful conversation that they both remember dearly? It would have been a much better title if it hadn't come from nowhere in the last chapter, since the meaning works quite well with the story.
Five star books don't need to be perfect on my scale. This was beautifully written and ticked all my boxes, so it was a no-brainer.
I like how this was done in first person. I really enjoy when authors use that perspective from my teenage dystopian fiction days, but sometimes you can tell that a story would have been better off in third person. This was not the case here, and surprisingly, it wasn't even a disaster with two characters' POVs.
I was fond of the characters. They have a solid relationship, their backstory is done nicely, and I liked that their chemistry was not in-your-face. That can be a little much when other emotions are running high. I sympathized with each of their circumstances, because really, I can't imagine how tough it is. It didn't feel like any of the conflict was unnecessarily angsty, which is one factor that heavily affects my ratings.
My one criticism, and this is such an insignificant thing, was the title. This could have been done so that it didn't literally only come up at the end, e.g. I don't know, a short flashback of a trip to the Northern Lights, featuring a meaningful conversation that they both remember dearly? It would have been a much better title if it hadn't come from nowhere in the last chapter, since the meaning works quite well with the story.
Five star books don't need to be perfect on my scale. This was beautifully written and ticked all my boxes, so it was a no-brainer.
December 22, 2020
It's been forever since I've read a wlw-story that kept as engaged and interested as this one. I have a fable for amnesia plots and this book actually tells two perspectives? I love it!
The characters were wonderful - they were real, approachable; I don't think I've ever read a story such intense and real as this one.
And can we talk about the title and how it got embedded into the book?! I almost cried because it was so beautiful. I loved both Elena's and Jax's POV - my heart broke for Jax because I am pretty sure that's an absolute nightmare for every married person. I was a bit dissappointed that we never got to find out how or what exactly had caused Elena's accident in the first place, but the entire plot made up for it. I loved every single one of these characters - except for Elena's mother and Tom, but that's probably understandable...
I wished I had more parts of Jax's perspective; I felt there was a bit less in that part.
And the ending?! That ending killed me. A very, very amazing way of picking up the title, lots of love to the author for this one!
I received a free copy via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were wonderful - they were real, approachable; I don't think I've ever read a story such intense and real as this one.
And can we talk about the title and how it got embedded into the book?! I almost cried because it was so beautiful. I loved both Elena's and Jax's POV - my heart broke for Jax because I am pretty sure that's an absolute nightmare for every married person. I was a bit dissappointed that we never got to find out how or what exactly had caused Elena's accident in the first place, but the entire plot made up for it. I loved every single one of these characters - except for Elena's mother and Tom, but that's probably understandable...
I wished I had more parts of Jax's perspective; I felt there was a bit less in that part.
And the ending?! That ending killed me. A very, very amazing way of picking up the title, lots of love to the author for this one!
I received a free copy via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2020
Read this is one sitting, it was so refreshing to have a lesbian story set in the UK! Apparently, its a trope to have stories where one character loses their memory but this is the first one I've read, (although I have seen the Vow). In this story, Elena wakes up in hospital having been hit by a bus with no memory of the last 8 years, which includes her wife Jax and son Jamie. I thought I knew where this book was going to take me but we went off in a direction I wasn't expecting, that was more painful to read but also much more realistic. I was gripped form the beginning and the author does a great job of moving the story long. The characters are believable including Jax's best friend Greg who is a trans man and one of the more authentic portrayals I've read in fiction. Elena's relationship with her sister Cat is also realistic, fights and all. Really enjoyed this book and especially the UK setting, it gets an extra star for that alone, its about time...
With thanks to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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