Sandra @ My Fiction Nook

What can I say about this book that hasn't been said yet by other reviewers?

Garrett Leigh knows how to write angsty stories, no doubt about that. I also loved, loved, loved that she didn't go the route I almost expected at the end there, because this story was better for it this way.

The book asks the question: If your memories are wiped out after an accident, and you no longer remember the one you love, what remains? What is left and how do you rebuild?

Jodi and Rupert have been together for four years, living in Jodi's place. Rupert has a daughter from a previous marriage, and Jodi has an ex-girlfriend with whom they are both friends. They're happy, they're in love. Life is good.

Until it isn't. Jodi has an accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury that wipes out his memories of the past 5 years. He has no recollection of Rupert or their life together, and expects to still be in a relationship with Sophie, the ex-girlfriend.

The story of the before is told in flashbacks, and the aftermath of Jodi's memory loss is primarily seen from Rupert's point of view.

What impressed me most here was how realistic this story is - we see Rupert's struggle to come to terms with what suddenly is, and how he tries to cope and fight to regain what he's lost. We see Jodi struggle as well, learning to live again, realizing that he's lost so much time and that nothing is the way he thinks.

I liked that Rupert tried his best to let Jodi discover things on his own, and that he never pushed, or gave up. Watching Jodi rediscover parts of himself that he had forgotten was breathtaking. This is a true romance, a gorgeous love story, twice over. Jodi and Rupert just fit together, and their story doesn't end with Jodi's memory loss - it begins again.

Their happy ending is hard won indeed, achieved through sheer determination and hard work, and a love that will not be suppressed.

Beautifully written, high on emotions, I couldn't put this down for any length of time. Recommended!


** I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return. **