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What a great debut! I was really hoping this was going to live up to the promise of that GORGEOUS cover and the stellar recommendation from Ali Hazelwood, and it definitely came pretty close. Told in a mix of flashbacks and present day, we see the strained relationship of these former lovers as they work on the wedding of a lifetime together – she as the wedding planner, he as the florist. Juxtaposed with scenes from the early days of their relationship, we can see all the ways they’ve broken each other’s hearts. I loved the “he falls first” and black cat vibes. Elliot is such a sweetheart of a man, who would’ve gladly handed his heart over to our heroine if only she’d let him. The depth of feelings between them was immediately apparent, and I loved digging in to see how it all unraveled. It’s upbeat one minute and heartbreaking the next, with contrasting tones that give it such a dynamic feel. I was rooting for these two to find their way back together, and this debut had me hooked the whole way through.
The story follows Ama, a wedding planner who doesn’t believe in marriage. Her mother has been married so many times that Ama now thinks of weddings as great parties, and she does her best to make them special. Ama has been building her own business, and she’s presented with a fantastic opportunity – a high profile wedding with a budget unlike any she’s dealt with before. The only catch? The happy couple has already selected their florist, and it’s the man who stole Ama’s heart a few years ago. Ama and Elliot haven’t spoken since their devastating breakup, and working together is sure to stir up some complicated feelings… but how can they say no? It was through work that these two connected the first time around, and teaming up again is a recipe for disaster.
The writing pulled me in immediately, and I was desperate to figure out what went wrong with Ama and Elliot’s relationship the first time around. I’m selective about the second chance romances I read, but it was clear from the start that these two have not gotten over each other. Elliot is this quiet, artistic, flower-obsessed boy, and his devotion to Ama was clear from the start. I loved him so much. Ama makes a great character as well, though I was a little upset with her for toying with my guy, lol. They are obviously perfect for each other in all ways but one, and that added some tension and conflict. I do think the first half was stronger than the second – the wedding is as much a character as the main couple, and I definitely could’ve used more scenes of them connecting in present day. That sort of got lost with all of the wedding content. But that would really be my only complaint; this was a very strong debut, and I am excited to see what’s next from the author. Well worth a read.
Releases on July 11th – preorder today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/40RVmHp
Audio Note:
The audio is fantastic! Narrated by Callie Dalton and Teddy Hamilton, the performances up the emotional impact and make this immensely compelling. I’ve long been a fan of Teddy, and he does an excellent job as Elliot. Callie has never been a favorite of mine, but this was probably the best I’ve heard her – Ama is certainly not an upbeat character, and I loved listening to the quieter side of Callie’s performance. The runtime is also perfect for bingeing, and it’s entirely possible that you’ll want to do exactly that. Unraveling the relationship was so interesting, and even more impactful in audio. There’s a decent amount of spice in the second half, though most of it is pretty quick. So maybe a few uncomfortable moments if you’re listening at work, but it’s definitely not the focus. All in all, highly recommended on audio.
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3nmk6ZO
Find it on Libro.fm here
Blurb:
Ali Hazelwood’s “favorite writer” and fanfic sensation Julie Soto debuts with a deliciously spicy and funny novel about a wedding planner who must work with her grumpy ex to plan the celebrity event that could make or break their careers.
Ama Torres is an optimistic wedding planner who doesn’t believe in marriage. But weddings? They’re amazing. Elliot Bloom is a brooding florist who hates owning a flower shop…until a certain bright-eyed, donut-loving workaholic shows up at his door.
Once upon a time, they collaborated on events by day, and by night, Ama traced the intricate flower tattoos etched along his body. Then Ama shattered his heart and never spoke to Elliot again.
Now they’re working on an event that could make or break both of their careers—except neither of them has gotten over what happened two years ago. Things are not helped by the two brides, who see the obvious chemistry between Ama and Elliot and are determined to set them up, not knowing their complicated history. But as the wedding takes on a life of its own, Ama and Elliot are about to discover that some things can survive a complete catastrophe . . .
Smart and hilarious, Forget Me Not is about two people giving themselves—and love!—a second chance.
Releases on July 11th – preorder today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/40RVmHp
About the Author:
JULIE SOTO is an author, playwright, and actress originally from Sacramento, CA. Her musical Generation Me won the 2017 New York Musical Festival’s Best Musical award, as well as Best Book for her script. She is a musical theater geek, fandom nerd, and the author of many spicy fan fictions. Julie now lives in Fort Bragg, CA, with her dog, Charlie. She is probably drinking coffee as you read this.
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