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Second Chance Fire Station #2

The One She Can't Forget

The sweet memories of our relationship haunt me more than any fire I've ever fought.
Because she can't remember any of it.
I thought my world was falling apart when Monica was in the car accident. Waiting desperately with her family in the hospital, I couldn’t let anyone see just how much I cared.

Our secret relationship meant my hidden torture as I waited for her to wake up. But when she finally did, the truth, was so much worse.

Thankfully, she’s healing perfectly fine–except she can’t remember the last six months.

Which means she still thinks we merely tolerate each other for her brother’s sake and are more inclined toward animosity than attraction.

She doesn’t remember our first kiss.
Or our first date.
Or our promises of forever.

No one else in town knew we were together, especially her brother--my best friend. And when I tried to tell her, she doesn’t even trust me enough to believe it.

But I’ll do everything I can to make her remember. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll just have to make her fall in love with me all over again. Even if it was nearly impossible the first time. I'll be The One She Can't Forget.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2023

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About the author

Tara Grace Ericson

55 books360 followers
Tara Grace Ericson

faith, hope, and happily ever after

Tara writes small-town, contemporary Christian romance. She loves stories of modern-day characters struggling to obey God, forgive others, and accept themselves - oh, and finding their happily-ever-after along the way.

She lives in Southwest Missouri with her husband and two sons, writing full-time, in between chasing a two toddlers!

Get a free e-book by signing up for Tara's newsletter at her website!

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5 stars
253 (68%)
4 stars
82 (22%)
3 stars
33 (8%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,864 reviews204 followers
February 9, 2025
“Prayer always changes things for the better, right?”

Another fabulous second chance fire station romance!

I appreciated the reminder that (1) sometimes God asks us to forgive, not for the impact it would have on the relationship, but for the impact it would have on us, (2) we need to accept people for the way they are and (3) there’s a secret strength in prayer.
Profile Image for Mandi Blake.
Author 45 books925 followers
March 29, 2023
I LOVED Jake and Monica! The first book in this series left me interested in them, but this story was all I had hoped for an more. I'm also a sucker for an amnesia story and brother's best friend romances. This is one of my favorite Tara Grace Ericson books, which is saying a lot because I love so many of hers.
530 reviews
March 27, 2023
The One She Can’t Forget is a sweet, faith filled romance with likable characters, a great secondary cast, a good faith thread, cameos of characters from past books, and nice pops of humor.

After a car accident, Monica can’t remember the last 6 months of her life. Those 6 months are when she and Jake fell in love. I really liked Jake and I felt so bad for him when he learns that Monica doesn’t remember their romance. She still thinks they are only friends. I liked how supportive he was of her and how he did everything he could to help her remember, without pressuring her too much. Monica was a little harder for me to like because I felt like she was unfair to Jake a few times. I did end up warming up to her in the end though. I loved catching up with all the firefighters too. They have great camaraderie!

The One She Can’t Forget by Tara Grace Ericson is the second story in A Christian Firefighter Romance Series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. There’s a nice sneak peak at the end of this story that has me looking forward to book 3!

Profile Image for Bethany Broome.
215 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2025
this book was so sweet we followed Jake and Monica on there love adventures. she finally starts to remember him but then she breaks up with him cause she thinks he is a distraction. made me so mad but they got back together. then they introduced us to Rebecca and her husband who has left her and the kids. I'm ready to see how their relationship goes and hopefully get an update on Bryce and Krystal life since they got married in this book... maybe something in store for Monica and Jake?
1,532 reviews27 followers
March 23, 2023
I loved this heartwarming romance between Monica, an ER nurse, and Jake, a firefighter. Jake is her brother's best friend. Monica had a crush on Jake during high school but he only saw her as her brother's little sister until four months ago when they secretly started dating. When Monica is involved in a car accident and has a severe brain injury, she loses her memory from the past six months so doesn't remember that she and Jake were dating. Jake then tells her brother about it and decides to start the relationship again in hopes it will bring Monica's memory back. I love the characters and the way the author shares her belief in God through the characters. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy clean Christian romance. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Ali.
484 reviews13 followers
July 9, 2023
This is book 2 in a series and I loved it. This one is a brothers best friend love trope for a Christian romance. This is the second book I have read by this author and I love her writing style and can’t wait to read the others. Only current problem is cliffhanger from this one and book three isn’t published yet.

I would recommend for anyone who likes firefighter or small town romances . These books are clean with only a few kisses but you can feel the love from the characters pouring off the page .
They characters have very different personalities but they balance each other out.
Book deals with memory loss from an accident and the steps of dealing with getting it back.
Profile Image for Tazzy.
283 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2023
Another Tara Grace Ericson Great!
The first book left me chomping at the bit to see what happens with Jake and Monica and this book was worth the anticipation. A great engaging story.
As always with this author's books, the story is clean (no blushing required) and has a faith arc for both the characters.
You won't go wrong reading this one.
Profile Image for Angeline.
811 reviews25 followers
March 20, 2023
This book was just so good! I read it in a day! The One She Can’t Forget is the second book in Tara Grace Ericson’s Second Chance Fire Station series. I have been eagerly waiting for this book and it did not disappoint.
I loved Jake. He was such a wonderful character. I felt for him from the beginning and I wanted him to find his happiness. He was struggling because Monica forgot him and because he was still dealing with feelings of the past. His father had been a hard man and he was learning to forgive and find himself in Christ. Jake had to learn to trust God and what it looked like to love Monica I loved how full of life Jake was and how deeply he cared for Monica
Monica was a bit of a more complicated character. But she grew on me as I read more of the book. She was stubborn and strong and she was trying to put the pieces of her life back together. I did feel for Monica as she tried to figure out her memories and how to heal again. Monica had to learn to see Jake for who he truly was and learn that she couldn’t control everything.
It was sweet to read about Jake waiting on Monica and trying to win her. I loved reading about them falling in love. I liked the depth behind their friendship and romance, they truly got to know each other. The characters were of course lovely and the side characters were a lot of fun. Ericson is able to create a story that draws you in and I really enjoy how she effortlessly weaves faith into her stories.
The One She Can’t Forget was just so good! I would definitely recommend it! I can’t wait to read the next one. Ericson’s books just keep on getting better and better.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
1,093 reviews34 followers
March 23, 2023
Jake is best friends with Monica's brother, so when they finally decided to begin a relationship after knowing each other distantly for years, they decide to keep things quiet. Then, the very day they'd planned to tell everyone, Monica was in a car accident, and when she awoke from a coma, she'd forgotten the last six months - the entire time they'd been dating. He remembers everything and still wants her; she considers him only her brother's friend; and no one else realises why Jake cares. Will her memory return? Or must he win her all over again - if he can? Can they regain what they had lost, or has the accident destroyed more than just Monica's car?

It was clear from book 1 that there was something between these two, and the mention of her accident had me eager for this book. Well, it didn't disappoint. This is a touching and inspiring, but also at times humorous, story of second chances. Monica goes through a lot - as does Jake in a different way. They're very human characters, and I really enjoyed getting to know them better. Watching Jake look after her and slowly redevelop their relationship was delightful. I also loved seeing a bit more of the characters from book 1, but this can still be read as a standalone story - though the epilogue has me looking forward to book 3... A good read.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
471 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2023
There’s so much going in with this story- not only has Monica lost all memories of the last six months after her car accident she’s lost her relationship with Jake her brother’s best friend which blossomed in the last six months. Jakes relationship with his dad who died 15 years ago has shaped who he is- using humor to deflect hard emotions and hard topics because his dad was always putting him down and he couldn’t live up to his expectations. Monica has been a dedicated ER nurse who finally lets loose a little with Jake to almost disastrous results. As her memories slowly return, can she remember how happy and complete Jake makes her feel or can she only remember how she’s messed up when she’s with him?
Just a warning- the first chapter is brutal when she’s lost all memories of their relationship. Jake is insecure in how he views himself after living with his dads expectations so this about does him in. He has a strong religious base and group of friends that he counts on and leans into, especially prayer. It’s good that he turns to that so instinctively as he faces these hard times. Monica has to love Jake for who he is and appreciate what his love and laughter brings to their relationship and how it rounds out her more serious personality.
I received this as an ARC, clean with strong Christian themes that are well done. They use it as a foundation to how they live their lives, but not preaching to everyone else.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
3,113 reviews49 followers
March 27, 2023
It was easy to immerse myself in this book. The characters are fascinating, well-defined and engaging. They have quirks, traits and flaws that make them true to life and understandable. Monica and Jake’s story is an illustration of faith, love and perseverance. When an accident takes away Monica’s memories of the last six months and of their relationship, Jake is left feeling bereft and wondering if she will ever regain the memories of their love. Due to his friendship with her brother and not wanting to incur his disapproval or anger, Jake and Monica had kept their new romantic relationship a secret until they were sure that they would have a future together. At first, no one can fathom why he is so concerned, so invested in her recovery, but he reveals their relationship to her family just as it becomes evident that she doesn’t remember it or even seem open to it. Jake is determined not to just fade into the background and hopes that seeing him more often than she would have if they were just friends may jog her memory. He has faith that God will lead her back to him. Their story is sweet, sometimes funny, sometimes emotional and very inspiring. Love and faith can endure the trials and tribulations of life.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
127 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2023
The sweet memories of our relationship haunt me more than any fire I've ever fought.
Because she can't remember any of it.

I thought my world was falling apart when Monica was in the car accident. Waiting desperately with her family in the hospital, I couldn’t let anyone see just how much I cared. Our secret relationship meant my hidden torture as I waited for her to wake up. But when she finally did, the truth, was so much worse. Thankfully, she’s healing perfectly fine–except she can’t remember the last six months. Which means she still thinks we merely tolerate each other for her brother’s sake and are more inclined toward animosity than attraction. She doesn’t remember our first kiss.
Or our first date.
Or our promises of forever. No one else in town knew we were together, especially her brother--my best friend. And when I tried to tell her, she doesn’t even trust me enough to believe it. But I’ll do everything I can to make her remember. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll just have to make her fall in love with me all over again. Even if it was nearly impossible the first time. I'll be The One She Can't Forget. This was a quick read for me that had me staying up too late to finish.i received an advanced copy of the book from the author so these are my thoughts on the book.i cant wait to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for Gretchen Garrison.
Author 3 books33 followers
April 1, 2023
"My wordless prayer went up. I needed a miracle. Another miracle, considering it was amazing that Monica had survived the accident at all. Now I needed her to remember."

When Jake started dating his best friend's sister, they decided not to let anyone know. And right when they were getting ready to announce their relationship, Monica is in a car accident. Now she can no longer remember the last six months. Jake doesn't know how he can go back to being friends, but Monica is no longer at the same place. Can he wait until she remembers?

This book epitomizes the concept of "love is patient." Looking out for someone's best interests even when it is hard is contrary to the world's definition of love. Jake continues to care for Monica whether or not she reciprocates.

I really appreciated the faith aspect of this book. Prayer is a big part of the plot. I liked how the characters reasoned through their relationship to determine if being together was a good plan.

This book is connected to the first Second Chance Fire Station Book, "The One Who Got Away." I appreciated this book because I read this book first. But you could definitely follow along if you started with this title. Another fun part of this book is that the characters interact with some of the characters from the author's Bloom Sisters series.

I did get an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sheila Wheeler.
45 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2023
This book left me wanting more! Monica is an ER nurse with a secret. Jake is a firefighter and her brother’s best friend. Can the reignite their secret relationship after a car accident leaves her with 6 months of memories gone?

Right if the bat I can see how much the author has grown with her writing style. I have read almost every book by this author and the raw emotion coming from Jake had me floored. I loved him. I wanted to shake Monica and tell her love him already or I will 😂.

I wanted to relate to Monica. We both have medical backgrounds but I’m so not a perfectionist. Jake and Monica balance each other out so well that when they broke up again everyone of their friends had to know they were the ones for each other.

The reason for the 4 star and not 5 is because I needed an epilogue! I need to see Jake down on one knee. I need to see Monica completely submit to Jake and not be scared off again. Also I wanted to see Jake come to terms more with his inward battle of not being good enough. A conversation with Monica’s dad or an older man just to give him victory once and for all over it.

I really thought the next book was going to be about Matteo but I’m really excited about the married couple story!
Profile Image for Ashley Johnson.
592 reviews43 followers
March 26, 2023
The One She Can’t Forget by Tara Grace Ericson is a sweet romance that is sure to satisfy! I enjoyed Jake and Monica’s as characters and was happy to see the fellow firefighters featured again in this book because they have such great camaraderie. Jake was patient with Monica as she processed and tried to regain her life and memories from before her accident. However, I also loved how Jake was realistic and struggled behind the scenes wishing that she could remember everything more swiftly and they could go back to life how it used to be. Jake and Monica were both believers and it was really refreshing to see them both active in their faith and turning to prayer to get them through their circumstances. I enjoyed how light and fun this story was, while also not treating the characters or their struggles like they were trivial. The little pop in at Bloom’s farm was fun for those that have read the Bloom’s Sisters series as well! This story was a sweet, fun romance that really hit the spot and I can’t wait for the next book in this series! And guess what, there might be a little sneak peek at the end of the book at what’s coming next!
Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,493 reviews88 followers
June 12, 2023
I will read anything that Ericson puts in front of me. She writes the sweetest romance threads. The ones that make you smile, swoon, and make you want more. This book is no exception.

The way Jake was with Monica……. Goodness that man had so much patience. I’m sure it wasn’t easy, I know it wasn’t easy. And yet he was so good to Monica while she worked through her lost memories. But even with that, you could feel the connection between these two people. I have no idea how Ericson writes the way she does, but I love it. She makes you feel everything the characters feel - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Let me say that I am here for it.

I think this might be me favorite from Ericson. The storyline was different, the romance was awesome, and the faith thread was inspiring. Friends if you want a clean read romance, look no further. You won’t be sorry you picked it up!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
345 reviews
March 27, 2023
When I finished this book, the one word that immediately came to my mind was WOW!
Monica and Jake were dating in secret when she was in a car accident, resulting in a traumatic brain injury, making her forget the last six months...which included the period of time she and Jake had been in a relationship. Jake was very patient and loving with her. It made my heart melt seeing how he was willing to do whatever it took to take things slow and rebuild their relationship from scratch. What he didn't plan for was when the memories started to come back and Monica remembered the role Jake played in the accident. Will they ever be able to move past the past and look forward to the future? Or will Jake live up to the negative stigma his abusive father pegged him as? Grab this book and find out! You won't regret it! I received an advance e-copy of this book from the author. That in no way influenced my opinions in this review.
634 reviews
March 30, 2023
The One She Can't Forget is a story dealing with amnesia and the lost of a woman's memories. Jake and Monica has been secretly dating for 4 months and has fallen in love. They were going to tell their family and friends the day of the auction, but Monica's accident happens before that takes place. When Jake, Bryce's best friend and co-firefighter paces the waiting room floor in hopes of talking to Monica when she awoke, Monica had no idea of Jake except being Bryce's best friend. Jake was heartbroken. When Bryce asks what was going on, Jake tells him about them falling in love. Bryce loves his sister. He tells Jake to win Monica all over again. But what if she falls in love with him again and then changed her mind when she starts getting her memories back?

I received an advanced copy for my review. I give this story 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
270 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2025
Loved it!

I can't even imagine losing 6 months of memories or how devastating it would be to not remember a love developed during that time. I love how Jake was so patient with Monica, and how she trusted her heart even when she couldn't trust her brain. (Not that I am a huge advocate for trusting your heart over your brain - Jeremiah 17:9, but in this case, it worked!) I also enjoyed how love can break through barriers and misconceptions that you have about yourself; we see this in Jake's view of himself influenced by his dad, and in Monica's mistaken interpretation of her memories. Part of love is accepting the one you love as God created them, flaws and all, and realizing how the two of you being together works better for God's purpose and glory than if you are by yourself.

Great story! Can't wait to read the next one!
735 reviews9 followers
March 27, 2023
Monica and Jake had a secret. They fell in love and had been keeping their four month long relationship on the down low but just when they were ready to go public, Monica was in a terrible car accident and had brain trauma resulting in the loss of her memory from the last six months. This clean romance kept me turning pages as the couple went down a very bumpy road toward regaining their love. I shed a few tears along the way for the pain and confusion experienced by both characters, smiled at the funny moments as Jake coped with his difficulties, and cheered for them as their faith and true love kept them together (along with some very swoony kisses). An enjoyable read! I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
3,231 reviews34 followers
March 20, 2023
Oh, great story.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

In this story we get to know Bryce's sister and best friend. These main characters are awesome. She's suffering from amnesia and remembers nothing from the past six months. She's dependable and capable and he seems to be the life of the party, any party. She, of course, got to know him during that time she can't remember.

Grab tissues, and maybe a notebook. There are bits where Bible verses are discussed and places were the girl's father give great advice, as well as an epiphany in the church that are worth remembering.
807 reviews
March 31, 2023
Jake and Monica had hidden their relationship as until they were certain it would last, they didn't want the local gossips making life miserable. Unfortunately on the night of the big reveal, Monica had a serious car accident and lost the last 6 months of her life, back to a time when Jake was her brothers best friend who she avoided. Jake is determined to get her to fall in love with him, but Monica fears that if she gets in a relationship, she would no longer be a good nurse and could put lives at risk if she was distracted. A really good read and a reminder that we need to put our fears in God's hands and trust him. I received an ARC but this review is my own.
Profile Image for Kitty Elder.
344 reviews6 followers
March 19, 2023
This is a story about Monica, a nurse, and Jake, a firefighter who also happens to be Monica’s bother’s best friend. But really, it’s a story about faith and life, loss and love, and couples who complement and improve each other. I came away from the book with a couple great life quotes and an appreciation for the author who wove it all together. And as a bonus...the couple on the cover are a nurse and a firefighter who are a real life couple.
A big thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy for me to help proof and voluntarily review.
1,585 reviews14 followers
March 23, 2023
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Following a car accident Monica suffers a memory loss. She has no memory of being in a secret relationship with her brother’s best friend, Jake. He continues to support and love her through the healing process helping her heal through laughter and friendship. When her memory returns, she also remembers the times she made bad decisions at work were because she was distracted by Jake. They both need to decide what is best for their relationship. An uplifting story centering around self-concept and God’s leading.
959 reviews11 followers
June 23, 2023
Jake and Monica kept their romantic relationship a secret to avoid town gossips. Then Monica is in a near-fatal car crash where she loses part of her memory (including her relationship with Jake). As Jakes doesn't give up, and Monica struggles through, their lives once again come together. Will they get a second chance? A story of strength, faith, second chances and life's struggles. Life's too short to ignore God's prompting. I was a little frustrated towards the end with Monica's fake drama and reasoning regarding her relationship with Jake, but glad it all worked out with a HEA.
394 reviews13 followers
March 23, 2023
I really enjoyed every bit of the story. I fell in love with Jake and Monica and their story as it played out. I was rooting for them. Both of them had baggage that needed to be dealt with and I loved how the author handled it. They grew as the story progressed, learning from past mistakes, learning to forgive and holding unto faith.
It was a truly delightful read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are mine
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,729 reviews19 followers
March 23, 2023
Monica was in a terrible car accident and lost her memories of the past 6 months. Jake is one of those memories. Jake is Monica's brother, Bryce's best friend. For the past 4 months, Jake and Monica have been dating secretly. On the day of her accident, they had plans to tell all their family and friends about their relationship. When Monica awakes, she has no recollection of anything with Jake. This sweet Christian romance shows how turning to God can help resolve conflicts and pain.
Profile Image for Jeannette Harbottle.
840 reviews10 followers
March 23, 2023
Fear and hope - "two ends of the rope with me in between" characterises the second book in this series. On waking thirty six hours after a car accident, Monica discovers that she has lost all recollection of the previous six months, including a relationship with firefighter, Jake. Her recovery seesaws between fear and hope making a gripping read.
This is a voluntary review of a free copy of the book by the author.
Profile Image for Sharon S.
1,052 reviews8 followers
March 25, 2023
A great, clean addition to the series by Tara Grace Ericson.
Imagine waking up in the hospital and not being able to remember the last six months of your life.
Jake and Monica were in a secret relationship before her accident. When she wakes up, she can’t remember any it.
Jake is devastated but willing to be patient and hopefully get their relationship back.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
599 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2023
This was such a good book about second chances. It's not often that you lose six months of your life but that's what happened to Monica. Not only could she not remember what happened before her accident, she didn't remember her relationship with Jake at all. Tara Grace Ericson depicted the uncertainty, frustration, irritation and fear experienced by amnesia patients. I definitely recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews