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Forget & Forgive
It’s been a year to the day since Matteo Segreto’s biggest mistake ruined the best thing he ever had, and nothing’s been the same. All he can do is try to move on, but his world is empty without the love of his life. Alone and consumed by regret, Matteo would do anything to undo the past.
Then his ex shows up, panicked and begging for his help… with no memory of their breakup.
Owen Carter just woke up to a world that’s all wrong. Everything in his condo is different. The streets outside have changed. Worst of all, his boyfriend clearly doesn’t live with him anymore.
To his horror, he discovers that a year has passed since he went to bed last night. His memory of that entire time is wiped clean, and only a receipt from a creepy fae shop offers any clue as to how or why.
While they work to recover Owen’s memory, the exes slam face first into the past that Matteo wishes he could forget. Despite the hurt and betrayal, they also can’t help but remember how much they once loved each other.
But if Owen gets his memory back and truly remembers the hell Matteo put him through, is there enough love or forgiveness to keep them together?
Forget & Forgive is a 50,000-word standalone amnesia romance with fantasy/paranormal elements.
Content warning: infidelity (off-screen and past, but major part of the story)
Then his ex shows up, panicked and begging for his help… with no memory of their breakup.
Owen Carter just woke up to a world that’s all wrong. Everything in his condo is different. The streets outside have changed. Worst of all, his boyfriend clearly doesn’t live with him anymore.
To his horror, he discovers that a year has passed since he went to bed last night. His memory of that entire time is wiped clean, and only a receipt from a creepy fae shop offers any clue as to how or why.
While they work to recover Owen’s memory, the exes slam face first into the past that Matteo wishes he could forget. Despite the hurt and betrayal, they also can’t help but remember how much they once loved each other.
But if Owen gets his memory back and truly remembers the hell Matteo put him through, is there enough love or forgiveness to keep them together?
Forget & Forgive is a 50,000-word standalone amnesia romance with fantasy/paranormal elements.
Content warning: infidelity (off-screen and past, but major part of the story)
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
20 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
219 books2,724 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 8, 2024
cheating trope and no grovel? just apologies, regret, and forgiveness? a waste of potential. NEXT!
June 8, 2025
The funniest thing about this mess is that these two IMMEDIATELY went to social media to post about their infidelity-induced breakup.
Who cheats on their partner and thinks.... You know who'd really enjoy this? Our friends and family.
100% I get why the cheated on MC would rant about it on there. I don't understand why the cheating cheater who cheats would be on there too?
Like why are you telling people our business? Have you not done MORE THAN ENOUGH, already?
He's already stolen this man's peace and happiness and now he's stealing his likes💀💀💀
Hectic.
Starting to understand why couples keep that shit close to their chests because forgiving a cheater when the whole world knows about it has to be 8000x worse.
Like..... Take us out the chat, fam.
***jk please don't, we live for the drama(but also, maybe think it through before you tell the world?)
Because look at us, being boo boo the fool after we(justifiably, mind you) called your boyfriend a whore of the pork-y variation, and now you two are canoodling again.
This shit is why you can NOT advise people who have seen each other naked.
I can NOT believe this man got cheated on, had the crash out of the century (as he should, well done, Owen), threw Matteo out, lived without him for a FUCKING YEAR, at which point he decided it was too hard- he couldn't do this anymore, got the fae involved to have his memory erased so he could finally have some bloody peace and is now....checks notes:
Gaslighting himself into believing it had been just as bad for Matteo because he posted about it and lost a little weight in the weeks after the breakup.
CRY ME A FUCKING RIVER 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Actually, in a move that would be the epitome of double standards, I'd be mad that he even posted about it. 💀💀💀
Yes, I told everyone we know that you're a cheating whore (which is okay because why ARE you a cheating whore if you don't want people knowing it?)
But also, why tf would you log in to tell people you cheated on me like I'm some kind of victim? When does shaming me end?
Talking about 'Biggest mistake of my life. I'm so sorry, Owen.'
WHY ARE YOU TELLING PEOPLE THAT MAN'S BUSINESS????💀💀💀💀
Why couldn't he be sorry before it got to the stage of public humiliation rituals, ugh.
Can't keep your pants zipped. Can't be trusted without supervision. Can't keep your mouth shut.
What CAN Matteo do right? Riddle me that.
And if I were to gain weight from eating my feelings afterwards while he has the AUDACITY to lose weight??? Strike #3.
43% in, knowing these two were endgame, I thought the only way in which I could get on board with whatever HEA awaited them was if Owen got to forget about it and Matteo got to remember everything in perpetuity.
Owen, because I legit don't think that's something you can ever truly move on from and he doesn't deserve the PTSD.
Matteo, because fuck Matteo. But also because remembering forever, without the ability to EVER tell Owen, would kinda ensure that the perpetrator got to be the one to bear the burden of remembrance.
And because there's nothing to gain from Owen carrying this for the rest of his life, and everything to gain by ensuring Matteo doesn't forget actions have consequences.
Wrote this out so that I can look back upon finishing and see if whatever compromise the author thought up felt sufficient.
And if it's merely a little weight loss for Matteo, I SWEAR TO GOD —!
Just....there HAS to be quantifiable recompense.
“The truth is, I was bored. I felt like we were in a rut, and things were boring, and when I saw the chance for something new and exciting, I jumped on it.”
Yes, we all know that there are no good reasons to cheat BUT some should qualify the cheater for grievous bodily harm, and that right there is one of them.
Okay, in a less bloodthirsty way, this is an okay reason for a cheater that IS NOT destined for forgiveness.
Because it's bad enough that this happened before but also, all the king's horses and all the king's men would not be able to convince a sane person that this cheater is worthy of forgiveness on the grounds that this could never happen again.
This is literally a viable scenario a few months in?
Why would you take back this whore of biblical proportions?
OH MY GOD. The actual shocked Pikachu face when this man said this out loud.
IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE THINGS BETTER.
LOLOLOL there's a level of taking you for a fool that shouldn't be tolerated, even in fiction.
And the big save is that he realized (conveniently after getting his dick wet) that they hadn't been bored, they'd just been HAPPY?!
Your man mistook happiness for boredom? And there's a world in which you take him back?
Oh, okay.
Now he's saying he wants the 'contentment' back.
He was so contented he went off and cheated. But now his eyes are brimming with tears because he misses that 'contentment'.
Right.
I love reading about seeing cheaters get forgiven because as far as I'm concerned it should be high fantasy (knock on wood). Because I'd ask every terrible question under the sun. I couldn't NOT. But also HAVING to ask would be the exact amount of disgrace I'd need to solidify my mind not to forgive. Imagine sitting there asking your person....
'Was it a one off or a prolonged affair?'
'Did you use protection?'
'Did you cum?'
There are questions for which there are no right answers, whichever way you spin it. Whatever answer you get is going to make you madder.
I can't be convinced that you can ever be able to look at someone the same way after having needed to ask them any (or all) of the above questions.
You came? Oh, so you had a grand ol' time, didn't you? You didn't cum? So you did all that (to me, to us) and didn't even get a nut out of it?
It was a one off? How amazing was this person that they were worth risking everything? Prolonged affair? You have got to be kidding me!!
You used protection? Okay, so you were in full control of your mental faculties to know what you were doing, then? And did it anyway? You didn't use protection? YOU DIDN'T USE PROTECTION?
There's LITERALLY no correct answer. None.
It's insulting to even be asked to forgive such a thing. And yet it's probably infuriating AF if they also do the whole 'I can't even ask you to forgive me so I won't' routine because FUCK YOU, you don't make the rules, I make the rules.
Obviously you're not forgiven but how dare you not even bother to ask????
Man💀
"There is probably no man on this planet less likely to cheat than I am, because I know to my core what it costs.”
Um. Should we....should we notify the BBC?
Owen's also a little too easy for my liking because a few tears, an 'I hate myself more than you can imagine' speech and he's kissing this man?
In public? Where people can....see him?
Folded like a wet paper towel.
Sorry but there's no way you lowkey forgive a cheater and don't hide him away like a dirty little secret until you've gaslit yourself extensively.
How are you FROLICKING in public with a man who disgraced you? He literally found out the day before (💀okay according to the timeline he remembers)
Baby, God himself keeps a grudge for longer. Lock the fuck in.
This is why we stay out of grown folk's business because I'm out here sharpening a STAKE and Owen's leading this man to his bed.
Your honor, they should BOTH be whipped.
'Does this mean we can go back?
No! He cheated!'
Having this internal monologue WHILE letting that man fuck you is CRAZY business, sorry.
And if you have to pause proceedings to inquire if he used a condom when he cheated on you.....maybe that's a sign.
Needless to say, nobody was happier than me when Owen got another potion to bring back his memories.
That immediate forgiveness bullshit was NOT working for me and I'm glad he realized his 'forgiveness' of Matteo wasn't worth shit if it was viewed without the crucial knowledge of what his life had been from the moment Matteo wrecked it.
Sure, it's easy to SAY you forgive him because his infidelity is being narrated to you like something that happened to someone else. Your nervous system doesn't remember any of it.
That first recoil and glare immediately after he got his memories back? Yep. Felt like morphine.
Let's see you rationalize it away now, Owen. Tell me again how you want nothing more than to just move past it and get back together now that you remember exactly what it felt like to hear what he'd done.
Not so easy to 'just move past it' when you remember in vivid detail how agonizing the year was, to the extent that you paid money just to shut it off.
I know I sound like a sadistic bitch but so be it. Owen played too much.
'How could he do this to us? How could he fuck another guy and just… ruin everything? Did he not understand the hell I’d been through because he couldn’t be trusted to keep his dick in his pants? '
Oh, yes. THIS is what I came here for.
So funny how quick Matteo was to suggest he leave once Owen remembered. Big man with the courage to cheat on your boyfriend but can't stick around for the consequences.
“You what? You want that pathetic excuse for a meat sack with a penis to park his slutty carcass in your house—why?”
Thank you, Owen's sister, for asking the real questions.
“Would I be betraying myself if I took him back?”
Million dollar question.
Spoiler alert - the answer is yes.
'Deep down, I was sure that if I told him he needed to crawl the entire length of the Appalachian Trail on his hands and knees in the dead of winter, he’d be on the next plane to… wherever that trail started.'
🙄🙄🙄I hate when MCs do this because if you really believe it, tell him then. Tell him to get to crawling.
Idk. Intense regret is not amends. You're sorry. So the fuck what? You SHOULD be sorry. What does that do for me?
There's a terrible thing that men on Twitter in my country were posting on girl's pictures a few years ago.
"You look like you forgive."
And, yeah. That's our Owen. He's an enthusiastic forgiver.
There's nothing to be done about that.
Matteo:
“I can’t promise I won’t fuck up again, but it won’t be like that. No way in hell.”
Owen:
“I know,” he said softly. “If I’ve taken anything away from the last couple of days, it’s that you’re not a cheater.”
He's not — THIS MAN DID NOT JUST SAY THAT?!
Owen. I was rooting for you. We were ALL rooting for you.
I feel gaslit💀
Fuck them both, actually.
“There’s no one in the world for me but you.”
Okay, but what about that guy in Toronto? It probably slipped out and Matteo guided it back in????
Once probably wasn't enough. He probably fucked him thrice that same night and only stopped because they ran out of condoms???
Owen!!!
How do you forgive someone for cheating and don't milk it for the rest of your goddamned lives?
I'd bring it up in situations it doesn't fit.
I'd be like, 'I find it triggering every time you forget to take out the trash because it reminds me of that time I was home doing the chores while you were in Toronto fucking that guy.'
Owen:
"I just don’t want you to spend the rest of our lives groveling.”
Why not?
Another deeply unserious thing is Owen's family warming up to Matteo again, even with full knowledge of everything that went down.
Sorry but there's just no way.
Also.
If you're having to take a Xanax because your boyfriend is back late from work and you need medical help not to spiral over it, then....
Also Owen:
“Yeah. I trusted you back then, but I trust you even more now."
Imagine that. And all that had to happen was for him to cheat on you. Yay!
Love wins🥰
4* because I came here looking to be annoyed and I'm deeply, fundamentally annoyed and that's also annoying to me, and I wish I could smack them both and I don't know how to explain that it's a good thing.
Docked a star because.....*gestures vaguely at everything.
C'mon.
Who cheats on their partner and thinks.... You know who'd really enjoy this? Our friends and family.
100% I get why the cheated on MC would rant about it on there. I don't understand why the cheating cheater who cheats would be on there too?
Like why are you telling people our business? Have you not done MORE THAN ENOUGH, already?
He's already stolen this man's peace and happiness and now he's stealing his likes💀💀💀
Hectic.
Starting to understand why couples keep that shit close to their chests because forgiving a cheater when the whole world knows about it has to be 8000x worse.
Like..... Take us out the chat, fam.
***jk please don't, we live for the drama(but also, maybe think it through before you tell the world?)
Because look at us, being boo boo the fool after we(justifiably, mind you) called your boyfriend a whore of the pork-y variation, and now you two are canoodling again.
This shit is why you can NOT advise people who have seen each other naked.
I can NOT believe this man got cheated on, had the crash out of the century (as he should, well done, Owen), threw Matteo out, lived without him for a FUCKING YEAR, at which point he decided it was too hard- he couldn't do this anymore, got the fae involved to have his memory erased so he could finally have some bloody peace and is now....checks notes:
Gaslighting himself into believing it had been just as bad for Matteo because he posted about it and lost a little weight in the weeks after the breakup.
CRY ME A FUCKING RIVER 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Actually, in a move that would be the epitome of double standards, I'd be mad that he even posted about it. 💀💀💀
Yes, I told everyone we know that you're a cheating whore (which is okay because why ARE you a cheating whore if you don't want people knowing it?)
But also, why tf would you log in to tell people you cheated on me like I'm some kind of victim? When does shaming me end?
Talking about 'Biggest mistake of my life. I'm so sorry, Owen.'
WHY ARE YOU TELLING PEOPLE THAT MAN'S BUSINESS????💀💀💀💀
Why couldn't he be sorry before it got to the stage of public humiliation rituals, ugh.
Can't keep your pants zipped. Can't be trusted without supervision. Can't keep your mouth shut.
What CAN Matteo do right? Riddle me that.
And if I were to gain weight from eating my feelings afterwards while he has the AUDACITY to lose weight??? Strike #3.
43% in, knowing these two were endgame, I thought the only way in which I could get on board with whatever HEA awaited them was if Owen got to forget about it and Matteo got to remember everything in perpetuity.
Owen, because I legit don't think that's something you can ever truly move on from and he doesn't deserve the PTSD.
Matteo, because fuck Matteo. But also because remembering forever, without the ability to EVER tell Owen, would kinda ensure that the perpetrator got to be the one to bear the burden of remembrance.
And because there's nothing to gain from Owen carrying this for the rest of his life, and everything to gain by ensuring Matteo doesn't forget actions have consequences.
Wrote this out so that I can look back upon finishing and see if whatever compromise the author thought up felt sufficient.
And if it's merely a little weight loss for Matteo, I SWEAR TO GOD —!
Just....there HAS to be quantifiable recompense.
“The truth is, I was bored. I felt like we were in a rut, and things were boring, and when I saw the chance for something new and exciting, I jumped on it.”
Yes, we all know that there are no good reasons to cheat BUT some should qualify the cheater for grievous bodily harm, and that right there is one of them.
Okay, in a less bloodthirsty way, this is an okay reason for a cheater that IS NOT destined for forgiveness.
Because it's bad enough that this happened before but also, all the king's horses and all the king's men would not be able to convince a sane person that this cheater is worthy of forgiveness on the grounds that this could never happen again.
This is literally a viable scenario a few months in?
Why would you take back this whore of biblical proportions?
OH MY GOD. The actual shocked Pikachu face when this man said this out loud.
IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE THINGS BETTER.
LOLOLOL there's a level of taking you for a fool that shouldn't be tolerated, even in fiction.
And the big save is that he realized (conveniently after getting his dick wet) that they hadn't been bored, they'd just been HAPPY?!
Your man mistook happiness for boredom? And there's a world in which you take him back?
Oh, okay.
Now he's saying he wants the 'contentment' back.
He was so contented he went off and cheated. But now his eyes are brimming with tears because he misses that 'contentment'.
Right.
I love reading about seeing cheaters get forgiven because as far as I'm concerned it should be high fantasy (knock on wood). Because I'd ask every terrible question under the sun. I couldn't NOT. But also HAVING to ask would be the exact amount of disgrace I'd need to solidify my mind not to forgive. Imagine sitting there asking your person....
'Was it a one off or a prolonged affair?'
'Did you use protection?'
'Did you cum?'
There are questions for which there are no right answers, whichever way you spin it. Whatever answer you get is going to make you madder.
I can't be convinced that you can ever be able to look at someone the same way after having needed to ask them any (or all) of the above questions.
You came? Oh, so you had a grand ol' time, didn't you? You didn't cum? So you did all that (to me, to us) and didn't even get a nut out of it?
It was a one off? How amazing was this person that they were worth risking everything? Prolonged affair? You have got to be kidding me!!
You used protection? Okay, so you were in full control of your mental faculties to know what you were doing, then? And did it anyway? You didn't use protection? YOU DIDN'T USE PROTECTION?
There's LITERALLY no correct answer. None.
It's insulting to even be asked to forgive such a thing. And yet it's probably infuriating AF if they also do the whole 'I can't even ask you to forgive me so I won't' routine because FUCK YOU, you don't make the rules, I make the rules.
Obviously you're not forgiven but how dare you not even bother to ask????
Man💀
"There is probably no man on this planet less likely to cheat than I am, because I know to my core what it costs.”
Um. Should we....should we notify the BBC?
Owen's also a little too easy for my liking because a few tears, an 'I hate myself more than you can imagine' speech and he's kissing this man?
In public? Where people can....see him?
Folded like a wet paper towel.
Sorry but there's no way you lowkey forgive a cheater and don't hide him away like a dirty little secret until you've gaslit yourself extensively.
How are you FROLICKING in public with a man who disgraced you? He literally found out the day before (💀okay according to the timeline he remembers)
Baby, God himself keeps a grudge for longer. Lock the fuck in.
This is why we stay out of grown folk's business because I'm out here sharpening a STAKE and Owen's leading this man to his bed.
Your honor, they should BOTH be whipped.
'Does this mean we can go back?
No! He cheated!'
Having this internal monologue WHILE letting that man fuck you is CRAZY business, sorry.
And if you have to pause proceedings to inquire if he used a condom when he cheated on you.....maybe that's a sign.
Needless to say, nobody was happier than me when Owen got another potion to bring back his memories.
That immediate forgiveness bullshit was NOT working for me and I'm glad he realized his 'forgiveness' of Matteo wasn't worth shit if it was viewed without the crucial knowledge of what his life had been from the moment Matteo wrecked it.
Sure, it's easy to SAY you forgive him because his infidelity is being narrated to you like something that happened to someone else. Your nervous system doesn't remember any of it.
That first recoil and glare immediately after he got his memories back? Yep. Felt like morphine.
Let's see you rationalize it away now, Owen. Tell me again how you want nothing more than to just move past it and get back together now that you remember exactly what it felt like to hear what he'd done.
Not so easy to 'just move past it' when you remember in vivid detail how agonizing the year was, to the extent that you paid money just to shut it off.
I know I sound like a sadistic bitch but so be it. Owen played too much.
'How could he do this to us? How could he fuck another guy and just… ruin everything? Did he not understand the hell I’d been through because he couldn’t be trusted to keep his dick in his pants? '
Oh, yes. THIS is what I came here for.
So funny how quick Matteo was to suggest he leave once Owen remembered. Big man with the courage to cheat on your boyfriend but can't stick around for the consequences.
“You what? You want that pathetic excuse for a meat sack with a penis to park his slutty carcass in your house—why?”
Thank you, Owen's sister, for asking the real questions.
“Would I be betraying myself if I took him back?”
Million dollar question.
Spoiler alert - the answer is yes.
'Deep down, I was sure that if I told him he needed to crawl the entire length of the Appalachian Trail on his hands and knees in the dead of winter, he’d be on the next plane to… wherever that trail started.'
🙄🙄🙄I hate when MCs do this because if you really believe it, tell him then. Tell him to get to crawling.
Idk. Intense regret is not amends. You're sorry. So the fuck what? You SHOULD be sorry. What does that do for me?
There's a terrible thing that men on Twitter in my country were posting on girl's pictures a few years ago.
"You look like you forgive."
And, yeah. That's our Owen. He's an enthusiastic forgiver.
There's nothing to be done about that.
Matteo:
“I can’t promise I won’t fuck up again, but it won’t be like that. No way in hell.”
Owen:
“I know,” he said softly. “If I’ve taken anything away from the last couple of days, it’s that you’re not a cheater.”
He's not — THIS MAN DID NOT JUST SAY THAT?!
Owen. I was rooting for you. We were ALL rooting for you.
I feel gaslit💀
Fuck them both, actually.
“There’s no one in the world for me but you.”
Okay, but what about that guy in Toronto? It probably slipped out and Matteo guided it back in????
Once probably wasn't enough. He probably fucked him thrice that same night and only stopped because they ran out of condoms???
Owen!!!
How do you forgive someone for cheating and don't milk it for the rest of your goddamned lives?
I'd bring it up in situations it doesn't fit.
I'd be like, 'I find it triggering every time you forget to take out the trash because it reminds me of that time I was home doing the chores while you were in Toronto fucking that guy.'
Owen:
"I just don’t want you to spend the rest of our lives groveling.”
Why not?
Another deeply unserious thing is Owen's family warming up to Matteo again, even with full knowledge of everything that went down.
Sorry but there's just no way.
Also.
If you're having to take a Xanax because your boyfriend is back late from work and you need medical help not to spiral over it, then....
Also Owen:
“Yeah. I trusted you back then, but I trust you even more now."
Imagine that. And all that had to happen was for him to cheat on you. Yay!
Love wins🥰
4* because I came here looking to be annoyed and I'm deeply, fundamentally annoyed and that's also annoying to me, and I wish I could smack them both and I don't know how to explain that it's a good thing.
Docked a star because.....*gestures vaguely at everything.
C'mon.
January 9, 2024
Content Warning:
Cheating, happened off page, but the story is based on that
Now, I know that cheating is one of the red-lines for other readers as well (just like Owen, one of the MC in this story). BUT, I am also not going to lie that one of my ultimate favorite M/M couples experienced that plot in their own series, and it made them more endearing for me as a couple and it made their relationship stronger. So, I never 100% dismiss story with cheating in them.
Like I said, this story is based on that.
A year ago, Matteo cheated on Owen, and it destroyed their six-years relationship. But today Owen woke up with no memory at all about the past year, with NO trace of Matteo in his life, and he panicked. He came Matteo for help because for Owen, he still remembered Matteo as his boyfriend.
I wasn't sure about the slight fantasy in this story (it has fae and magical creatures) and the whole "I'm so sorry for everything" from Matteo could be a little repetitive... but in overall, I actually found this one to be GOOD.
I loved how both FINALLY had talk about that night. For the past year the grief and pain was too strong. But this time it was different, so in a sense, they both addressed the issue with different perspective. Matteo knew how it felt for the past year of losing Owen while Owen remembered that he still loved Matteo despite the pain.
So yes, all in all, I loved this.
Cheating, happened off page, but the story is based on that
Now, I know that cheating is one of the red-lines for other readers as well (just like Owen, one of the MC in this story). BUT, I am also not going to lie that one of my ultimate favorite M/M couples experienced that plot in their own series, and it made them more endearing for me as a couple and it made their relationship stronger. So, I never 100% dismiss story with cheating in them.
Like I said, this story is based on that.
A year ago, Matteo cheated on Owen, and it destroyed their six-years relationship. But today Owen woke up with no memory at all about the past year, with NO trace of Matteo in his life, and he panicked. He came Matteo for help because for Owen, he still remembered Matteo as his boyfriend.
I wasn't sure about the slight fantasy in this story (it has fae and magical creatures) and the whole "I'm so sorry for everything" from Matteo could be a little repetitive... but in overall, I actually found this one to be GOOD.
I loved how both FINALLY had talk about that night. For the past year the grief and pain was too strong. But this time it was different, so in a sense, they both addressed the issue with different perspective. Matteo knew how it felt for the past year of losing Owen while Owen remembered that he still loved Matteo despite the pain.
So yes, all in all, I loved this.
November 17, 2024
I'm not crazy about fantasy type stories but I found the premise of Forget and Forgive to be unusual as well as fascinating.
Owen paid a fae for a potion to cause amnesia allowing him to forget the heartache of his partner cheating. Waking up the next morning alone in his bed he had no memory of the entire last year of his life...including buying the potion from the fae. This presented the perfect lure to make me want to see how this would play out, plus it was written by one of my all-time favorite authors, L.A. Witt.
The fantasy element was there but it was minimal, making this an easy to read, otherwise contemporary M/M romance story. You couldn't have any real hate for what Matteo did on his conference trip to Toronto...but he obviously carried a heavy weight of guilt, and he had planned to confess to Owen...but fate and a fae potion, sped up the process.
I liked the way Owen had to work to trust his own instincts, and how both Owen and Matteo explored their past experiences and what had happened in Owen's forgotten year. The flow of this story and the heartfelt emotions that both men felt during this process, was perfect for setting up the eventual outcome. It's a fairly short book, just a little over 200 pages, but so much emotion is presented there...decisions like did Owen really want to remember that lost year and what would happen to the fragile trust that he and Matteo were gradually rebuilding if he returned to the fae and got the potion to return his memory? It was really an unusual interesting and fascinating twist on a story of any genera.
Owen paid a fae for a potion to cause amnesia allowing him to forget the heartache of his partner cheating. Waking up the next morning alone in his bed he had no memory of the entire last year of his life...including buying the potion from the fae. This presented the perfect lure to make me want to see how this would play out, plus it was written by one of my all-time favorite authors, L.A. Witt.
The fantasy element was there but it was minimal, making this an easy to read, otherwise contemporary M/M romance story. You couldn't have any real hate for what Matteo did on his conference trip to Toronto...but he obviously carried a heavy weight of guilt, and he had planned to confess to Owen...but fate and a fae potion, sped up the process.
I liked the way Owen had to work to trust his own instincts, and how both Owen and Matteo explored their past experiences and what had happened in Owen's forgotten year. The flow of this story and the heartfelt emotions that both men felt during this process, was perfect for setting up the eventual outcome. It's a fairly short book, just a little over 200 pages, but so much emotion is presented there...decisions like did Owen really want to remember that lost year and what would happen to the fragile trust that he and Matteo were gradually rebuilding if he returned to the fae and got the potion to return his memory? It was really an unusual interesting and fascinating twist on a story of any genera.
December 7, 2023
I wish we could give partial stars because I would have given this book 4.75 stars but the one thing I didn’t like about this book prevents me from giving it a full five stars.
Let’s start with what I loved- almost everything. Although I’ve read books where amnesia is a part of the book, this book has a storyline completely different from any of them. I love the uniqueness of the plot and really connected with the premise behind it. Who doesn’t wish they could forget certain things that have happened in their lives to help them move past them?
I also really loved the connection between the characters. It’s so well written that the love between them becomes almost tangible. You can feel in your heart, just how much they love each other. By the end of the book, I loved them both and was cheering for them and their HEA.
Now for the one niggling thing I didn’t like- I love supernatural books but the supernatural part of this book almost felt like an afterthought. Like it was added in as just a vehicle to the explain the amnesia instead of an actual part of the book. It felt unnecessary. Owen could have just taken a mysterious pill to erase his memory and the book would have been essentially the same. The random appearance of mythical pets just felt too contrived. It would have been nice to see the supernatural aspects more incorporated or just left out altogether. Don’t let that stop you from reading this book though, I stayed up until 3 o’clock to finish it because I couldn’t put it down. The plot is strong enough to pull you through the minor issue with the supernatural aspect.
I received this book free as an ARC in exchange for my honest review of it.
Let’s start with what I loved- almost everything. Although I’ve read books where amnesia is a part of the book, this book has a storyline completely different from any of them. I love the uniqueness of the plot and really connected with the premise behind it. Who doesn’t wish they could forget certain things that have happened in their lives to help them move past them?
I also really loved the connection between the characters. It’s so well written that the love between them becomes almost tangible. You can feel in your heart, just how much they love each other. By the end of the book, I loved them both and was cheering for them and their HEA.
Now for the one niggling thing I didn’t like- I love supernatural books but the supernatural part of this book almost felt like an afterthought. Like it was added in as just a vehicle to the explain the amnesia instead of an actual part of the book. It felt unnecessary. Owen could have just taken a mysterious pill to erase his memory and the book would have been essentially the same. The random appearance of mythical pets just felt too contrived. It would have been nice to see the supernatural aspects more incorporated or just left out altogether. Don’t let that stop you from reading this book though, I stayed up until 3 o’clock to finish it because I couldn’t put it down. The plot is strong enough to pull you through the minor issue with the supernatural aspect.
I received this book free as an ARC in exchange for my honest review of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2023
Forget & Forgive was a strong 4-star read for me, and I can see why a lot of people would rate it a full 5-stars; it's a great novella. Easy to read with simple, useable language, this story is in classic Witt style that had me flipping pages effortlessly and wanting to continue at every chapter-end to find out all the intimate details of Matteo's and Owen's pasts and how they got into their current predicaments.
One thing I *love* about this story that I almost NEVER read is the focus on the inward thoughts and emotions of the characters, their personalities, and the reasons for the choices they make, while their physical appearances and outside stimulations are barely, if ever, mentioned. While I can appreciate a good character description and frequent reminders about how VIBRANT someone's eye color is, I love the careful avoidance of verbose language, when, what's important isn't the color of Matteo's hair or what Owen is wearing; it's the horrible mistake Matteo made a year ago, how it's affected both of them ever since, and what they're going to do about it now.
The first and only books that come to mind that do something similar - though a bit differently - are Jane Austen's novels - leaving character descriptions largely up to the readers' imaginations, while the choices they make and where those lead them, at the forefront of her storytelling.
This was truly a combination of unique and impressive to me, and it was part of what kept me so intrigued.
The only thing I can say negatively about this book is that I found the circling thoughts of the characters and their conversations more repetitive than necessary to drive home a point. While this novella does an excellent job of giving the full story without excess, I think it could be trimmed down just a SMIDGEN more by cutting out some of the repeating thoughts and words.
Overall, Forget & Forgive is a gut-punch of emotions delivered in a devourable package. As long as you know what you're signing up for - a past-cheating, second-chance romance between self-aware and pleasingly mature adults, with a backdrop of magic - well, then you can't be disappointed. It's done extremely well, and I'm glad I read it. These characters will stick with me for a while. I definitely recommend.
Forget & Forgive ***trigger warnings***
~Past (one night stand) cheating at the forefront of the story; brought up frequently and discussed at length
~Mentioned anxiety
~Depression
~Wounds acquired by being a vet to "exotic" animals (magical creatures); scratches/gashes - nothing excessive or detailed
One thing I *love* about this story that I almost NEVER read is the focus on the inward thoughts and emotions of the characters, their personalities, and the reasons for the choices they make, while their physical appearances and outside stimulations are barely, if ever, mentioned. While I can appreciate a good character description and frequent reminders about how VIBRANT someone's eye color is, I love the careful avoidance of verbose language, when, what's important isn't the color of Matteo's hair or what Owen is wearing; it's the horrible mistake Matteo made a year ago, how it's affected both of them ever since, and what they're going to do about it now.
The first and only books that come to mind that do something similar - though a bit differently - are Jane Austen's novels - leaving character descriptions largely up to the readers' imaginations, while the choices they make and where those lead them, at the forefront of her storytelling.
This was truly a combination of unique and impressive to me, and it was part of what kept me so intrigued.
The only thing I can say negatively about this book is that I found the circling thoughts of the characters and their conversations more repetitive than necessary to drive home a point. While this novella does an excellent job of giving the full story without excess, I think it could be trimmed down just a SMIDGEN more by cutting out some of the repeating thoughts and words.
Overall, Forget & Forgive is a gut-punch of emotions delivered in a devourable package. As long as you know what you're signing up for - a past-cheating, second-chance romance between self-aware and pleasingly mature adults, with a backdrop of magic - well, then you can't be disappointed. It's done extremely well, and I'm glad I read it. These characters will stick with me for a while. I definitely recommend.
Forget & Forgive ***trigger warnings***
~Past (one night stand) cheating at the forefront of the story; brought up frequently and discussed at length
~Mentioned anxiety
~Depression
~Wounds acquired by being a vet to "exotic" animals (magical creatures); scratches/gashes - nothing excessive or detailed
Read
January 3, 2024I don't tend to grab fantasy/PNR stories for review, but the premise of Forget and Forgive... amnesia to forget the heartache of a partner cheating was just too strong a lure... and honestly, the fantasy/PNR elements were minimal and easy to read in an otherwise contemporary romance story.
I love the way Owen has to work to trust his own instincts and how both Owen and Matteo explore their past experiences and what has happened in the intervening year...
I love the flow of this story and the heartfelt emotions that both men feel during this process. It was an interesting twist on a cheating story and one that I found truly fascinating.
I love the way Owen has to work to trust his own instincts and how both Owen and Matteo explore their past experiences and what has happened in the intervening year...
I love the flow of this story and the heartfelt emotions that both men feel during this process. It was an interesting twist on a cheating story and one that I found truly fascinating.
December 19, 2023
Forgot & Forgive
By: L.A. Witt
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
True love just might be Enough!
Oh my this book will tear you up from almost the very beginning. This is definitely not a book to be reading in a room full of people because tears are most likely going to happen. One of the things I probably appreciated the most was the author did not justify the bad behavior she made Matteo own it. She showed that even when you truly love someone that you can and people often do fail others and themselves but it’s what you do after that maybe matters the most. The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: It’s been a year to the day since Matteo Segreto’s biggest mistake ruined the best thing he ever had, and nothing’s been the same. All he can do is try to move on, but his world is empty without the love of his life. Alone and consumed by regret, Matteo would do anything to undo the past.
Then his ex shows up, panicked and begging for his help… with no memory of their breakup.
Owen Carter just woke up to a world that’s all wrong. Everything in his condo is different. The streets outside have changed. Worst of all, his boyfriend clearly doesn’t live with him anymore.
To his horror, he discovers that a year has passed since he went to bed last night. His memory of that entire time is wiped clean, and only a receipt from a creepy fae shop offers any clue as to how or why.
While they work to recover Owen’s memory, the exes slam face first into the past that Matteo wishes he could forget. Despite the hurt and betrayal, they also can’t help but remember how much they once loved each other.
But if Owen gets his memory back and truly remembers the hell Matteo put him through, is there enough love or forgiveness to keep them together?
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
By: L.A. Witt
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
True love just might be Enough!
Oh my this book will tear you up from almost the very beginning. This is definitely not a book to be reading in a room full of people because tears are most likely going to happen. One of the things I probably appreciated the most was the author did not justify the bad behavior she made Matteo own it. She showed that even when you truly love someone that you can and people often do fail others and themselves but it’s what you do after that maybe matters the most. The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: It’s been a year to the day since Matteo Segreto’s biggest mistake ruined the best thing he ever had, and nothing’s been the same. All he can do is try to move on, but his world is empty without the love of his life. Alone and consumed by regret, Matteo would do anything to undo the past.
Then his ex shows up, panicked and begging for his help… with no memory of their breakup.
Owen Carter just woke up to a world that’s all wrong. Everything in his condo is different. The streets outside have changed. Worst of all, his boyfriend clearly doesn’t live with him anymore.
To his horror, he discovers that a year has passed since he went to bed last night. His memory of that entire time is wiped clean, and only a receipt from a creepy fae shop offers any clue as to how or why.
While they work to recover Owen’s memory, the exes slam face first into the past that Matteo wishes he could forget. Despite the hurt and betrayal, they also can’t help but remember how much they once loved each other.
But if Owen gets his memory back and truly remembers the hell Matteo put him through, is there enough love or forgiveness to keep them together?
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
August 21, 2024
This is not a "safe for me" book, but, I loved it. I read it going in knowing the cheating was in the back story, and I was curious how the author would get the heroes through it.
You know how? My FAVORITE THING.
GROVEL!!!
One of the very best grovel/truly sorry/I know just how wrong I was and I regret it all that I've read. I love a good grovel, and once in a while I can handle back story cheating, because I loved this the same way I loved a similar situation in Josh Lanyon's Lovers and Other Strangers, another cheating premise story with the cheating in the past that I utterly loved.
LA Witt didn't shy away from anything. There were no excuses, just two men who genuinely loved each other, one of whom lost his mind and F'd up in the worst possible way. I don't know how she managed it, but it feels like both an impossible situation to overcome, and like these two are meant for each other/soulmates. I ate it up.
It helped that it's told from both heroes POVs, because you get Matteo's perspective and feel viscerally just how sorry he is and that he genuinely knows he torpedoed the best thing that ever happened to him. Neither man has dealt with it well, but we learn Matteo's been in therapy and had revelations on how it even happened, and seeing these two talk it through during the time that Owen's memory is still gone was enlightening--the conversation never would have happened if he hadn't wiped his own memory, and yet, it was the most important conversation they could have.
Anyway, there's so much to unpack here, but, best if you experience it for yourself. Kudos to strong secondary characters who are realistic, give the heroes reality checks but support them fully. No caricatures here, including the fae character.
HEA, hard-won, idealized memory-loss situation that precipitated them overcoming their excruciating breakup (and you bet I'm seeking out this author's other, non-paranormal book on cheating in the backstory to see how she handles it there), cheating in the back story but absolutely no others or any OM drama in the present day. I am shocked by how much I enjoyed this heart-wrenching but rewarding read. It shows just how destructive cheating is and also a way through it for those whose hearts are in the right place. Highly recommended, though only if you can handle a cheating situation. Otherwise don't hurt yourself.
You know how? My FAVORITE THING.
GROVEL!!!
One of the very best grovel/truly sorry/I know just how wrong I was and I regret it all that I've read. I love a good grovel, and once in a while I can handle back story cheating, because I loved this the same way I loved a similar situation in Josh Lanyon's Lovers and Other Strangers, another cheating premise story with the cheating in the past that I utterly loved.
LA Witt didn't shy away from anything. There were no excuses, just two men who genuinely loved each other, one of whom lost his mind and F'd up in the worst possible way. I don't know how she managed it, but it feels like both an impossible situation to overcome, and like these two are meant for each other/soulmates. I ate it up.
It helped that it's told from both heroes POVs, because you get Matteo's perspective and feel viscerally just how sorry he is and that he genuinely knows he torpedoed the best thing that ever happened to him. Neither man has dealt with it well, but we learn Matteo's been in therapy and had revelations on how it even happened, and seeing these two talk it through during the time that Owen's memory is still gone was enlightening--the conversation never would have happened if he hadn't wiped his own memory, and yet, it was the most important conversation they could have.
Anyway, there's so much to unpack here, but, best if you experience it for yourself. Kudos to strong secondary characters who are realistic, give the heroes reality checks but support them fully. No caricatures here, including the fae character.
HEA, hard-won, idealized memory-loss situation that precipitated them overcoming their excruciating breakup (and you bet I'm seeking out this author's other, non-paranormal book on cheating in the backstory to see how she handles it there), cheating in the back story but absolutely no others or any OM drama in the present day. I am shocked by how much I enjoyed this heart-wrenching but rewarding read. It shows just how destructive cheating is and also a way through it for those whose hearts are in the right place. Highly recommended, though only if you can handle a cheating situation. Otherwise don't hurt yourself.
January 3, 2024
This is a compelling and well-written story about the polarising and challenging topic of cheating, forgiving, and second chances set against a fantasy world backdrop.
The emotional and resonant story covers a topic almost everybody strongly reacts to, depending on POV. A complex and contradictory topic of the aftermath and devastating consequences of cheating on both parties involved is in focus. It makes it difficult to remain emotionally indifferent.
The story's backdrop is a fantasy world that serves well as a cover for Owens's unexplainable memory loss. However, along with a vague insight into past emotions and events, it takes off the raw edge of pain and anger when facing cheating and breakup.
Both MCs are well-defined and outlined, with the author providing insight into their present feelings, reactions, and reasoning. However, because the past emotional context leading to the cheating is vague and under-explored, it is difficult to relate and understand Owens's readiness to forgive and the credibility of Matteo's regret and remorse.
The writing and the narrative are always excellent by the author. This book is perfect for readers seeking stories invoking deep, polarising, and sometimes even uncomfortable emotions and thoughts.
The emotional and resonant story covers a topic almost everybody strongly reacts to, depending on POV. A complex and contradictory topic of the aftermath and devastating consequences of cheating on both parties involved is in focus. It makes it difficult to remain emotionally indifferent.
The story's backdrop is a fantasy world that serves well as a cover for Owens's unexplainable memory loss. However, along with a vague insight into past emotions and events, it takes off the raw edge of pain and anger when facing cheating and breakup.
Both MCs are well-defined and outlined, with the author providing insight into their present feelings, reactions, and reasoning. However, because the past emotional context leading to the cheating is vague and under-explored, it is difficult to relate and understand Owens's readiness to forgive and the credibility of Matteo's regret and remorse.
The writing and the narrative are always excellent by the author. This book is perfect for readers seeking stories invoking deep, polarising, and sometimes even uncomfortable emotions and thoughts.
May 16, 2024
An absolutely brilliant book about betrayal and forgiveness, which in some ways really rattled me as in I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days. Could you forgive someone if they betrayed your trust in the worst possible way? Should you? If yes, then why and how? And what next? In most romance books, subject matter like that is handled with lots of cliched drama and grovelling and a big happy end, in short, in a completely unrealistic way. This book however, manages to convey the multitude of feelings that both main characters go through when something like that happens, in a way that makes you feel with them, and hope they find the best way forward, whatever that is. That said, I felt the writing was a bit repetitive at places, and if Matteo was gonna say “I am sorry” one more time I was gonna explode but again, realistic.
I am generally not a fan of fantasy and faes and stuff and when I started reading the book I had no idea there was any in it, but I actually understood why the writer resorted to it and I have to applaud the way it was executed. And I might want a real hellhound for myself now 😊
I am generally not a fan of fantasy and faes and stuff and when I started reading the book I had no idea there was any in it, but I actually understood why the writer resorted to it and I have to applaud the way it was executed. And I might want a real hellhound for myself now 😊
December 24, 2023
I was a little cautious of this one due to the cheating storyline but I have to say it was the perfect scenario for it if you're ever going to be okay with it occurring between main characters. I felt genuine empathy for both men and their situation - there's no attempt here to minimize the consequences of Matteo's actions and he really has done the work to better himself meaning their reconciliation isn't jarring as it could be in their situation. The pacing and structure is good although I think them jumping into bed together comes a little early that's just for me, everyone is different I guess.
I really enjoyed the world-building; looking forward to another story set here. There wasn't loads of exposition, just hints here and there of how the world works and what exists and it feels like there is a lot of possibility here
I really enjoyed the world-building; looking forward to another story set here. There wasn't loads of exposition, just hints here and there of how the world works and what exists and it feels like there is a lot of possibility here
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2024
This is a well written (dual POW) story about second chances and a devastating aftermath cheating can have on established, long lasting and basically great relationship and as well on everyone's psyche. The grass is usually not greener on the other side after all..
Is it possible to gain shattered trust again, pick up the pieces and build something even stronger?
The paranormal aspect of the story basically serves to explain Owen's unconventional memory loss, but also provides some much needed entertaining moments as the reprieve from angst. I missed a little more backstory to their relationship as it was before and at some points the story gets a little repetitive, but that aside it was an enjoyable read.
Is it possible to gain shattered trust again, pick up the pieces and build something even stronger?
The paranormal aspect of the story basically serves to explain Owen's unconventional memory loss, but also provides some much needed entertaining moments as the reprieve from angst. I missed a little more backstory to their relationship as it was before and at some points the story gets a little repetitive, but that aside it was an enjoyable read.
February 4, 2024
This was different. A new approach from this writer - or perhaps its the first fae book I've read of hers and I've read a lot of her books. I'm not in the mood for the fae / occult / magical at the moment, but this was strangely enjoyable. I like the plot and I really like looking at cheating 12 months down the road from this perspective. I'm with Owen on this topic, but it does make one look at the subject a little differently in this book. I can sorta understand why Owen made the choices he did, but I cant say doing the same thing doesnt terrify me just thinking about it. The sexual chemistry is still off the charts but boyo isnt there an awful they need to wade through before coming out the other side - one way or another. Like I said - strangely enjoyable 😊
September 5, 2024
Amnesia
I will give this one a 4/5. This book had me leaking tears. The pain in this book is so relatable. Owen wakes up one day and he is missing the last year of his life. His boyfriend is not at home and there is no trace of him in the house. He looks up his boyfriend through his job. Matteo is regretting the biggest mistake he has made because he cheated on Owen. Of course Owen threw him out of the home and his life and Matteo is miserable. So imagine his shock when Owen shows up at his office saying he does not anything past the last night they saw each other. Matteo decides to help Owen figure out what happened to him. It is obvious that the two men love each other. But what happens when Owen remembers why they are no longer together?
I will give this one a 4/5. This book had me leaking tears. The pain in this book is so relatable. Owen wakes up one day and he is missing the last year of his life. His boyfriend is not at home and there is no trace of him in the house. He looks up his boyfriend through his job. Matteo is regretting the biggest mistake he has made because he cheated on Owen. Of course Owen threw him out of the home and his life and Matteo is miserable. So imagine his shock when Owen shows up at his office saying he does not anything past the last night they saw each other. Matteo decides to help Owen figure out what happened to him. It is obvious that the two men love each other. But what happens when Owen remembers why they are no longer together?
December 3, 2023
A year after a terrible mistake, Matteo is trying to get back to his normal life, but it just seems impossible. His world is empty without his ex, & he’s just consumed by guilt.
Then he meets up with Owen, who is no memory at all about what happened. It’s a year later, & everything has changed.
They end up working together to try to recover Owen’s missing memories, but what happens if he starts to remember?
Another great book, worth reading... Although I find the reason for the memory loss a bit strange, it’s so well written that it’s easy to accept it as a simple fact.
I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.
Then he meets up with Owen, who is no memory at all about what happened. It’s a year later, & everything has changed.
They end up working together to try to recover Owen’s missing memories, but what happens if he starts to remember?
Another great book, worth reading... Although I find the reason for the memory loss a bit strange, it’s so well written that it’s easy to accept it as a simple fact.
I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.
January 3, 2024
I loved this.
I know that romance stories with cheating are a hard no for a lot of readers. In real life this would most likely be a hard no from me but I don't mind reading books with an HEA that contain it. I also find amnesia romance books fascinating and this one had a twist with some paranormal elements
One of the things that made me love this book is that Mateo never tried to justify what he did. The paranormal elements were a bit strange for me but they allowed the different twist on an amnesia romance.
I'm an ARC reader for LA Witt but I also purchased a copy of this story – it's just that good.
I know that romance stories with cheating are a hard no for a lot of readers. In real life this would most likely be a hard no from me but I don't mind reading books with an HEA that contain it. I also find amnesia romance books fascinating and this one had a twist with some paranormal elements
One of the things that made me love this book is that Mateo never tried to justify what he did. The paranormal elements were a bit strange for me but they allowed the different twist on an amnesia romance.
I'm an ARC reader for LA Witt but I also purchased a copy of this story – it's just that good.
December 1, 2023
I LOVED this book!!!! And I was absolutely not expecting to: I usually hate both memory loss and paranormal. So I was shocked at how much I loved this book.
Boy was it angsty, in the best possible way. I felt my heart breaking along with Owen and Matteo’s. IMO, there are not nearly enough cheating books out there given how common it is in real life. I loved seeing the two of them work through it, though I did wish there was more about rebuilding trust after they got back together.
Overall this was absolutely fantastic, and I was left wanting more.
Boy was it angsty, in the best possible way. I felt my heart breaking along with Owen and Matteo’s. IMO, there are not nearly enough cheating books out there given how common it is in real life. I loved seeing the two of them work through it, though I did wish there was more about rebuilding trust after they got back together.
Overall this was absolutely fantastic, and I was left wanting more.
January 10, 2024
I was apprehensive about this story because I’m not the forgiving type, but I trusted LA Witt to get me invested and sympathetic to both MCs, and of course she did! Matteo and Owen are thrown back together after a drastic decision erases Owen’s memory of their year apart. Their reunion is wrenching and powerful as they address their history together. As they stoke the ashes of their relationship, we get to explore the charming paranormal world they live in. The world building is well done and enhances the story. I hope we get to visit again!
May 29, 2024
3.5 stars. I would like to read more on how Owen and Matteo worked through the betrayal and their healing process AFTER Owen's memories returned. The story feels too rushed at the end once Owen has his memories back. I would also have Matteo showing more than just shame and regret. He did not truly grovel or work for Owen's forgiveness. I did find the mythical background fun and the story did, emotionally, pack or very strong punch to the gut. If the aforementioned things were present in the story, this would definitely be a full 4 possibly 5 star read for me.
December 11, 2023
A year ago, Matteo made the biggest mistake of his life and lost the love of his life. Now Owen is at his door with no memory of their breakup or the entire last year. I was completely in love with this second chance romance with a few special twists. The paranormal elements were so subtle and well-done it was easy to forget they were there. I just truly enjoyed seeing how Owen and Matteo would overcome their differences and what had happened in the past. It was so satisfying and sweet.
January 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. I instantly liked Owen and Matteo, and I loved their chemistry. The magical bits mixed in with an otherwise normal setting led me to hope the author will consider writing more stories in this world.
A romance that's crashed and burned, pain and forgiveness, fae shop owners, dangerous mythical pets, and a love that won't fade. This book is terrific!
A romance that's crashed and burned, pain and forgiveness, fae shop owners, dangerous mythical pets, and a love that won't fade. This book is terrific!
January 5, 2024
A very unique take on second chance after cheating. I really liked the author's take of forgiveness and regret. The memory loss is definitely an interesting plot point and used in quite a unique setting.
I admire the author for taking on the topic of infidelity in an established relationship. Not an easy fit to make the forgiveness believable.
I admire the author for taking on the topic of infidelity in an established relationship. Not an easy fit to make the forgiveness believable.
January 13, 2024
I don't like the cover but the story yes very much. Cheating is a hard subject for me but I like to think that when there is true love in a couple, there is also the will to forgive and move on, because the good, the love is always the right choice . Matteo has understood how wrong he has been and Owen has understood and choices the love. This is a painful story but also a hopefully one.
December 9, 2023
Normally, I avoid paranormal romances and I’m not a huge fan of infidelity. However, I gave this one a shot because I love the author’s works. It’s worth it. The paranormal isn’t too much and the MCs were so lovable! It was a quick, fascinating read and so, so worth it!
January 2, 2024
Another great book by this author. A second-chance romance, where one of the Mcs cheats on the other and they breakup. The book starts after the separation and one of the MCs wakes up with no memories of last year, panicked and disoriented. It's an emotional and at times heartbreaking book, where the author portraits really well the suffering of each MC. The sexy times are not the most important part of this book, but, as usual, they are very well done 👏.
January 4, 2024
I don't get it, L.A. Witt used to have some okay books. What the hell happened?
I'm at 40% and most of it is internal dialogue. Non stop word vomit of rhe MCs thoughs and feelings. Almost zero plot.
It's unbelievably boring.
I'm at 40% and most of it is internal dialogue. Non stop word vomit of rhe MCs thoughs and feelings. Almost zero plot.
It's unbelievably boring.
January 9, 2024
Utterly gut-wrenching, had tears in my eyes through most of the read. A lesson in just how much one terrible mistake can cause such heartache and regret. A good read but I wasn't too into the otherworldly stuff.
January 4, 2024
The fae angle could've been utilised better. Maybe it could've given a better reason for breakup because I kinda struggle with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
A wonderful read. I could not put it down. It will be a reread for sure. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
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