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Amnesia: A Billionaire's Arranged Marriage Romance

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She asked me to pretend to be her, but didn't plan on me falling in love with her fiance.At first I just wanted to help out my friend.

If I could successfully convince her family I was her, she'd be safe to continue living the life she had been for twenty years.

There is just one problem. I think her old fiance might be my soulmate.I'm supposed to be focusing on being someone else, but he throws me off kilter.

I feel bad lying to him, when all I want most is to hear him call my real name.

With him engaged to someone else and my friend still harboring some feelings,

Will I be able to be with the man I love, or will it all end in disaster?

162 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 2021

14 people are currently reading
16 people want to read

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Caleb Borne

8 books31 followers

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
866 reviews10 followers
February 2, 2021
Telling Her Story—Memories, Lies and Revisions of the Truth

Each person has a story to tell, unique to that individual. And, that story is true to the degree that the individual is both the narrator and the protagonist. But, as protagonist, we experience or observe events that make up the individual's story, but as the narrator of the story, we are curators as opposed to being historians—we remember what we wish to remember, and we forget, or even ignore, those events or experiences that we choose to forget.

Annika Silde knew who she was and her story. Her nuclear family was different. She grew up under the care of her grandmother after her parents died. But she and her grandmother were not alone. Annika had a companion growing up with her, an aunt who was actually younger than she was. So now, as an adult, Annika, the grandchild was the primary breadwinner for the grandmother and the aunt. And so, the college graduate continued her tiresome, unrewarding job—both personally and financially—with the Oakland Branch of Offiply, Inc—an office supply company. But while both her job and pay satisfaction were low, Annika labored on—she had emotional and financial responsibilities to support her grandmother by covering the cost of her eldercare facility. But her story and the story of her best friend Corrine Halstead were about to merge.

Annika and Corrine had first met as assigned roommates their freshman year in college, and by luck, the relationship of two strangers had grown close over the last 10 years, from college dorms to first jobs and a shared apartment. And, the girls were not only good friends, they were often thought to be sisters. Sharing similar coloring—blue eyes and light brown hair; the girls both had a sprinkling of freckles across their noses, and they were of similar build and height—5’5”. From a distance, they were often mistaken for the other. And up close, unless side-by-side, only a very astute observer would notice that Corinne had more freckles, higher cheekbones, and a slenderer face, while Annika had fewer freckles, noticeable dimples and a rounder face. The two friends’ stories aligned from the age of 19 to 29, and each knew the other’s family. And, even much of their middle grades and high school experiences connected. But the small details of their early years were not addressed—ever.

So, on the night when Annika left work late, collecting a few more dollars for overtime, she was tired and not interested in any additional complications to her day. And, when her bus didn’t slow to stop at her designated stop, she was not amused. Challenging the driver’s omission of her stop, he pointed down the street which was filled with a sea of bodies and impassable for his bus. But, he did stop to allow her to exit. As she made her way through the crowd, she heard her roommate’s name. And when her own identity was questioned, she ran, slipping into her building through a back service-door.

Arriving tired and confused by the gathered crowd, she confronted her best friend about why the name Corrine Halstead would ignite the crowd and send Annika fleeing to escape. As Corrine began to explain, she shared an unexpected chapter of the life, a time when she had been known as Allium Zefrink, an unloved heiress who had been kidnapped. And, the two best friends who were often mistaken for each other, hatched a plan to exchange identities to benefit each other. And, gaps of unknown information would become “amnesia,” perhaps even resulting from the trauma of her kidnapping, since everyone has events in life that are “forgotten” while other events are “remembered” or “invented” "re-structured" in telling of an individual’s story.

Caleb Bourne leads his reader into a tale of secrecy, abuse and love—both remembered, new and evolving—into unexpected new chapters in the life story of Annika and her friend, Corrine, the lost girl, Allium.

I received a free copy of this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
327 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2021
Exciting, Hot and Romantic!!
This is the first time I have read a novel by Caleb Borne and it was a great story with lots of twists and turns. Without giving away the unique plot, it is the story of Annika, a young woman who worked hard to pay for the expensive medical care of the sick and elderly grandmother who raised her. One night after returning from work, Annika’s roommate and dearest friend, Corrine, begged her to help protect Corrine’s adoptive family from being discovered and prosecuted for taking her and raising her as their own child. She asked that Annika assume Corrine’s identity, return to her birth parents’ estate, and sign documents to secure Corrine’s inheritance. Corrine offered to give her inheritance to Annika to pay for her grandmother’s medical care. Most importantly, Annika had to keep Corrine’s identity a secret. The two were often mistaken for sisters, which made Corrine’s plan feasible. Annika agreed to help. Upon her arrival at Corrine’s family’s estate, Annika learned that Corrine omitted one little detail: Corrine’s birth parents arranged her marriage to the son of their business partners, a tall, well-built, very hot young man who was at the estate anxiously awaiting the return of the little girl he did his best to protect years ago from her abusive birth parents. And that, is just the tip of the iceberg of this interesting plotline!
Mr. Borne’s novel was thoroughly enjoyable. He crafted wonderful characters who have depth and dimension, and who show their mettle as they navigate difficult and unusual circumstances. He included plenty of very sexy exchanges that will leave the reader running for a tall glass of ice cubes, and he juxtaposed the incredible sexual chemistry of the two main protagonists with scenes of them as two vulnerable people learning to let their hearts follow where their bodies led! Mr. Borne’s portrayals of all his characters (holding major and minor roles in this novel) utilized delightful details that fleshed out their personas, allowing the reader to peek into their minds. Mr. Borne was particularly adept at humanizing his characters: some as good and bad; some with grace and style; and others with an appalling lack of humanity and compassion. This novel is a terrific, well-written book that I could not put down. My only criticism was in the fact that the story had to come to an end!
1,476 reviews20 followers
February 9, 2021
This was a twisted love story built on lies!
by sewsummore

This was a love story with a difference! London believed that Allium, his childhood friend believed dead and now found alive, was the same woman. Annika was not that woman! She was playing the role at the pleading of her best friend. Allium's childhood was tragic, her parents had never loved her and while she was never neglected physically, her emotional needs were ignored. Her parents had arranged her marriage to London when she was a baby, their marriage would cement a business partnership between two wealthy families! When Allium's new identity was discovered, she refused to return and convinced her friend Annika to take her place. London had been Allium's only friend as a child, their renewed friendship became something very different. They fell in love but London was now engaged to Allium's baby sister, born after her disappearance! When the truth about Annika's identity is revealed, London is devasted.This was a twisted love story built on lies, but when the love is as deep as London's and Annika's was, anything is possible. I enjoyed this book and was glad for their happy ending!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
February 1, 2021
Annika and her roommate, Corinne Halstead, come to an agreement to keep her from having to return to a situation she is trying to avoid. Annika’s roommate is actually Allium Zefrink, the heiress of Zefrink Enterprises, who was thought to have been kidnapped as a child and has remained missing for 20 years. When “found” by an investigator and with her identity about to be exposed, she got Annika to agree to pose as her to keep the people who helped fake her kidnapping safe from any retribution. She also told Annika to use any money she could get as the wealthy Allium Zefrink and pay for her grandma’s medical bills for life in return for helping with this scheme.

Annika saw no harm in pretending as she returned to “her old life”. And she never thought she might possibly fall in love with her roommate’s fiancé! But London Hayden is everything she could want. Now what will she do? Can she walk away from him? Can she tell him the truth, or is it too late to fix this mess without losing him? And what happens when it all blows up in her face as Corinne’s sister, Azalea, London’s real current fiancée, finds out the truth? The tangled mess might never be able to be sorted out!

Profile Image for BP34.
6,307 reviews46 followers
January 31, 2021
This was a great book that was hard to put down once I began reading. Allium's story was an unusual one. She w as the heiress to the family dynasty, Zefrink Enterprises who disappeared at age nine. Her parents were horrible people and she was only the vehicle that helped them achieve their goal of merging with the Hayden Corporation. To achieve that goal they pledged her in marriage to London. Actually other than the help he was her only friend and was devastated when she was kidnapped. Twenty years later he hired a detective to find her. And found her he did or at least he thought he had. What happens later will amaze you but no spoiler here. Plenty of drama, another arranged marriage, love at first sight, a jealous, twisted sister and soulmates. Throw in a 'roommate' favor and more chemistry that's off the charts. Some deception and twists to keep you guessing. The main characters are amazing, well developed and likable. The story is very entertaining and a page-turner. I read a free book via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Debra Floyd.
419 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2021
Annika is Corrine’s best friend and roommate. She comes home from work one day to find the media there. Annika finally gets into her apartment. She asks Corrine what is going on. She then learns that Corrine’s true identity is Allium. As a child it was rumored that she had been kidnapped. Allium was from a rich family. Her nanny had arranged and became her mother to get her away from the way her parents treated her.

London and his family were in a business deal with Allium’s family. He had been promised to her at the age of nine. When she went missing the family had another child. He then became promised to her. There was no love and he couldn’t get Allium off of his mind. He hired private detectives to find her and they did,

What will happen when Corrine, the real Allium, convinces Annika to be her? What will Happen when the truth comes out? You will need to read to find out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
2,946 reviews25 followers
February 1, 2021
This is the first book I read from caleb Borne and I loved it!!! So much intrigue, twist and turns it will keep you riveted on the edge of your seat from the first to the last page! Annika and her best friend Corrina can be mistaken for one another and when Corrina's past comes knocking she asks Annika to take her place and play along with the scheme. You see Corrina was kidnapped as a child and never wanted to be found, nut in order to cover her tracks she needs Annika's help. In return Annika can get her hands on enough money to pay for her grandmother's medical bills forever. No having any problems with this pretend return to her old life, she falls in love with her roommate's betrothed, can she walk away? or is their subterfuge going to come out? Such a web or lies and intrigue that is riveting in is complexity and results.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michaela Zankl.
448 reviews3 followers
February 1, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! Omg I could not put it down at all. This book is a beautiful love story with some heartbreak. Allium went missing as a child and 20 years later found by a PI. Afraid of losing everything she switched places with her best friend Annika. Annika, being the good friend she is, steps into her shoes but did not expect to fall head over heels for London. Corinne's family is cold and calculated and Corinne long ago and care less about her wellbeing. Things become complicated and Annika has to come clean about who she is before she loses everything.
Caleb Borne has a way to suck you into a story right from the beginning. The story is well developed and not rushed with amazing characters you can relate to. There is a little bit of everything from suspense to romance. This is definitely a must read and I cant wait to read Corinne's story.
11.7k reviews49 followers
February 4, 2021
Interesting and twisting

I have read several of Caleb Borne's other books but Amnesia is a different type of story. At first I was not sure if I was going to like this story or not, and on some level I am still trying to make up my mind fully on it. But with that said there were a lot of really great parts to this well written and very at times riveting story. I am not sure how to describe this story-line and characters so I am not even going to try other than it is about two childhood friends, Allium and London and the rest you will have to read for yourself. Just be prepared for a really twisting story.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Opasan Ouprie.
1,198 reviews
February 1, 2021
This story is about two childhood friends London and Allium. Allium disappeared when they were younger. London has missed her and wanted her back. A PI was hired to find Allium. Once she was found she has amnesia. Is that a good thing or a bad thing do you ask? Well it depends on many things that are happening in this book. There is so much going on that you have to pay attention and read it so you get what and why. You are left on a bit of a cliffhanger so you have to read the following books also. So get ready to learn about childhood friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,249 reviews15 followers
February 5, 2021
This is just an amazing story. I loved how Corrine tried to get out of a bad situation and years later turns into a cluster. We have a change in identity, a sister relationship, sick grandmother, soulmates, arranged marriage, and just a unique original story. I loved and could understand Corrine and her motive, Annika was just trying to help her friend and her grandmother. London I thought was the one that really was an injured party to an extent. This was well written and it flowed so well. This is such a good story and I recommend it as a fabulous book. If I could give it more stars I would.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
777 reviews
February 2, 2021
Excellent!

London has been in love with allium since their childhood and was engaged (at birth) until at the age of 9 she disappeared. Now Allium is back (because London hired a PI to find her) and it's like love at first sight all over again. There are a couple of problems 1) London is engaged to Allium's bitch of a sister and 2) the person he is in love with is NOT Allium but her roommate Annika. Will these 2 figure it all out to get their HEA? A great read, I cannot wait for Corinne's book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth McDaniel.
2,383 reviews
February 8, 2021
In this fun and exciting story, theZefrinks, a very wealthy family has a child go missing that is betrothed to London. Annika pretended to be her roommate Allium when she was discovered and then things go crazy. When London and pretend Allium saw each other for the first time after all those years the sparks were off the charts and led to a romance that caused havoc, resentment, problems and twists in the story. Fun and exciting read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,429 reviews19 followers
February 19, 2021
Amnesia is the story of Annika, who takes on the identity of her best friend in order to protect Corrine's parents and secure funds for the care of her grandmother, and London, who looks for his kidnapped childhood friend whom he was engaged when a child by their parents. When London finds her, she pleads amnesia whenever a situation arises of which she has no knowledge. This well written book has amazing characters and an enjoyable story with plenty of steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2 reviews
January 31, 2021
I really enjoyed the storyline. Annika agrees to take Corinne's place at a family reunion so she can get the inheritance and pay for her grandmother's nursing home. It was supposed to be easy but of course it got complicated. Annika fell for London but worried London wouldn't like her if she wasn't Allium (Corinne's real name). A bit more depth would have been good. More descriptions of the reunion - surely the police should have been present and medical tests beforehand. Overall, enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
104 reviews22 followers
February 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It is really amazing to think of the scenario of the main characters this story is built around could be real. I could see it being a reality, a sad one at best though. I am truly looking forward to reading boor from this author. Being in the thoughts and feelings of the characters is something I like.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,577 reviews35 followers
April 3, 2021
A riveting and entertaining page-turner! It is engaging, well written, and emotionally deep with drama, deception, ups and downs, twists and turns, an arranged marriage, and more. The characters are likeable, well developed, and amazing; the chemistry between them is instant and off the charts! Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
816 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2021
She picked a good time to have amnesia. I can understand why when you look at how she was raised. She made her life better as someone else. Even though she moved on, she still has to deal with the unresolved issues that are coming too soon for her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jean.
1,632 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2021
This was a new author for me, but I really liked her writing. Annika’s roommate has allegedly been kidnapped as a child. When her identity is about to be exposed she asked Annika to pose as her. The switch isn’t as smooth as it should have been. Loved this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mst.
77 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2021
Will look for more from this author!

I really enjoyed this book. With exception of a few things that I didn't care for that are more of a personal choice than a writer thing and also a predictable situation. If the epilogue is any indication I'm hoping there is a book two in the future I can't wait to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for blueyed_cntry_girl.
1,583 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2021
WOW! I can’t believe a family could be like that and not just once. Man I can NOT wait for the next book. There’s so much more I want to know. Tormented as a child, kidnapped, adopted, then the past comes back... What is she to do ? She has too much to lose now for the past to come back and ruin her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,770 reviews12 followers
February 5, 2021
Caleb Borne has written a story that’s worth every minute of your time! So exciting to watch the characters scheme, plan, deceive and fall in love. Oops wrong person. What should they do? You’ll have to read this very recommend book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for T.
2,083 reviews
February 1, 2021
This was a really good book...even with the cliffhanger!! ;)
Lots of twists and deceit and misunderstandings and love and chemistry!! I cannot wait for the next one!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
120 reviews
February 1, 2021
I loved this book. There are some twist and turns but it all works out in the end. The characters are fun and loving. Another fantastic book by Caleb Borne.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christina Burrus.
355 reviews26 followers
February 4, 2021
This was my first book by Caleb Borne and I really enjoyed it!!! This book will keep you turning the pages with so many twists and turns!!! Will romance win in the end? Read and find out!!! Enjoy!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.2k reviews19 followers
February 10, 2021
This was an entertaining & intriguing read. Lots of twists. Great book. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Bibliophile_J.
251 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2021
2.5 Stars.



Firstly, I don't think the title does justice to the book.

Secondly, a good read, but I expected a little more.

Now I am interested in reading Corrine's story now, hope so there is one.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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