Forget Me Not - ARC Review
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PUB DATE: July 11, 2023
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FEATURES:
-Contemporary Romance
-Second Chance
-Then & Now Timelines
-Dual POV
-Jaded Wedding Planner meets Grumpy Florist
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SYNOPSIS: Ama is a talented wedding planner, but she doesn't believe in marriage. Elliot is a florist and architect who prefers flowers to people. These two met during wedding season a few years ago, dated, and it did not end well. Now, during a high profile wedding, they are required to work together again.
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WHY 5/5:
You know those rare times when you stumble upon a story that has never been done before? This is one of those.
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You know those stories that are so well layered - pieces of the puzzle sprinkled here and there - and then suddenly they all come together beautifully? This is one of those.
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These characters are so fresh - I haven’t ever read others quite like them. This author managed to do both then & now timelines and dual POV - pulling this off well means readers are privileged to see so many layers to both of these characters and to their relationship. This story is fresh. This story is messy. These characters are flawed. And, this story is so tender. The ending was unexpected and also perfect.
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With a lead character as a wedding planner, I expected this to be a romcom - but this is not that. Instead, it is a deep dive into the lives of two people with pasts that wounded them, trying to find a way forward. And isn’t that the most beautiful, hopeful kind of story?
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Thank you @netgalley and @readforeverpub for my eARC copy. I was given this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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And thank you @juliesotowrites , for this gorgeous book.

Okay this book got me!

I almost isn’t finish reading it, I’m a mood reading and about 20% in I just wasn’t invested. (More of a me thing than the book itself) but last night I was in bed and decided to pick it back up and you guys it sucked me in! Like I’m not kidding when I tell you I was googling every single flower that was mentioned because I wanted to know more about Elliot and why he choose those certain flowers. They were all beautiful btw and I have gone on an absolute trip researching all these flowers!

But back to the book. I love the flashback to the past and present alternating chapters. This author did it perfectly.

Ana and Elliot were such unique characters. I mean yes Elliot was the brooding hot guy with tattoos, but he’s a FLORIST! I mean how hot is that. And Ama is wedding planner, so cute. I loved their story, I loved Ama story in particular. She was the way she was because of her mom and it was 100% understandable. And Elliot my heart broke for him, I wanted to just give him a hug! Im so glad I finished this book and didn’t DNF it

If you’re looking for a unique story about love, acceptance, and all things flowers, wedding, and drama. THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!

This is not a book about vampires in love. Which was fine by me because I loved Ama and Elliot's human love story.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

Ama is an ambitious wedding planner who does not believe in marriage, and you wouldn't either if your mother was married 14+ times. But weddings and proposals, Ama loves those and she loves designing the perfect wedding for a couple. It doesn't matter if the couple lasts forever or for only a few days.
Ama gets her big break to design and plan a celebrity wedding. The only catch, she has to work with her ex-lover, Elliot, a floral designer. Throw in a sabotaging ex-boss, reality TV, and a peanut allergy and this is recipe for drama.

I loved the dual point of view told in different timelines, and I really loved how Soto pulled the timelines together, in the end. Forget Me Not was good. I recommend.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for an ARC of Forget Me Not*

What a heartbreakingly beautiful book with an equally stunning cover. Forget Me Not is a subtly Reylo-inspired second-chance romance starring a wedding planner and a master florist. It's also very much a grumpy-sunshine story with plenty of flowery (literally) prose and a touch of rom-com shenanigans.

But unlike other contemporary romances, these characters - and the side characters - feel much more authentic and relatable. Ama is the overly optimistic wedding planner who's struggling to get out from under the shadow of her previous employer. She's also dealing with the emotional trauma of her mother constantly getting married and divorced (16 times!!). Ama definitely, under no circumstances, wants to get married. Ever.

Elliot is the grumpy guy who never wanted to be a florist but ended up running the shop founded by his late father. He's a bit of a jerk sometimes, hates social media, and uses flowers to send subtle messages about his feelings. He's also covered in tattoos of his favorite flowers. Elliot gained a following in the wedding planning industry by putting his architectural skills to use with elaborate, gravity-defying floral displays.

When a beautiful, love-filled moment between the two of them turns sour, Ama runs off and doesn't speak to Elliot for over two years. But then a career-changing celebrity wedding forces the two of them together again.

I devoured this book. I did not want to put it down, staying up past midnight to finish it. I was immediately invested in the story, especially with Ama's drive for perfection and to grow her reputation. I was rooting for her from page 1, and the end of the book has a VERY satisfying conclusion to her relationship with her ex-boss.

I can't wait to see more fanfic-inspired stories from Julie Soto.

Ama Torres, a small business owner and wedding planner, takes on a huge celebrity wedding and is forced to work with her ex, the gorgeous, tall, tattooed Elliot Bloom of Blooming, a local flower shop. Over the course of several months, the two of them plan this showstopper wedding. They’re spending a lot of time together, putting out fires to make sure things go well for the happy couple, Hazel and Jackie, and memories of their past relationship start to come to the forefront of their minds.

I really wanted to love this book. I mean, look at that cover! Is it not the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?! However, I really struggled to like the main characters. I can’t pinpoint what exactly put me off of them, but I just never felt that connection that I want when I’m reading a romance. I was more invested in Hazel and Jackie’s wedding and how Ama was going to pull that off that I was in her and Elliott’s relationship. The book kept me entertained, and there were quite a few lines that made me laugh and smile, but I didn’t feel entirely satisfied at the end.

One thing that I actually enjoyed was the fact that we had dual POVs and dual timelines. The only POV we get from Elliot is set in the past, slowly leading up to the present and giving us glimpses into his and Ama’s relationship before they broke up. I think I would have appreciated having Ama‘s view of the past as well, or also having Elliot‘s point of you in the present, but all that to be said, I think it actually set up well for telling their story and showing us why Ama was so scared to work with Elliot, and why Elliot was so attuned to her in the present. My only issue was that by the time Elliot’s POV got to the present moment, the book was over. I feel like I didn’t have as much of an emotional impact, and that the ending was just very rushed. The entirety of the romance took place in the past and in the present they’re just planning this wedding together. Both of them are thinking about the past, but they’re not actually having many impactful, romantic interactions in the present until the very end of the book. I think that’s why the ending felt a bit rushed for me.

This was a solid debut, and I look forward to the author’s future books.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Forever for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think this story was not for me. From the blurb I expected something different and while the bones of this story were good, the execution felt clunky. I wanted to give this a higher rating but at the last quarter the story got so convoluted and filled with unnecessary drama, that I was over it.

Let's start with the good: I absolutely love the cover for this book. I think this is my favorite book cover of 2023 so far. If you like second chance romance, and grumpy sunshine vibes, no labels or if you are a Sophie Kinsella fan, this would probably be more enjoyable for you.

But here's what I didn't enjoy: The dual pov with past & present tense got annoying and tedious. I wish we could have gotten to know more about what Ama was feeling when they met. It may have helped me understand her a bit more. The wedding descriptions. If you love weddings you will love this book, and I get it set some of the scenes, but it was too much and I found myself skipping over parts. The repetition of Ama getting donuts really didn't add anything to the story. The way the characters met and fell for each other was <spoiler>insta-love</spoiler> which is one of my least fav tropes. I also think both characters are pretty fickle and messy. I do enjoy real and messy characters but these two needed therapy. It was hard to root for them and as the story went on I wasn't as invested as I wanted to be.

Overall, I think this will be either a hit or miss depending on your reading preferences.

4.5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley, and Forever for an eARC in exchange for a review!

I really enjoyed this romance! It was a quick read that I easily got sucked into! I loved the relationship between Ama and Elliot in both the past and present. The past is filled with the build up of how they came to be with the present showing a lot of longing, tension, and some jealousy. Like it had me screaming and kicking my feet whenever they looked or didn’t look at each other. It’s so obvious that they belong together and make each other better. This would’ve been 5 stars but I just wanted more of them actually in a relationship in the present. Yes, we see them together in the past but I wanted at least one chapter besides the epilogue together again now that they’re older and grown and can actually happily be together.

Overall, this was a great second chance romance and I recommend you read it when it comes out!

Read if you like…
•grumpy x sunshine
•second chance romance
•workplace romance/forced proximity (they have to work at the same wedding)
•dual pov and time periods

4.5 Stars [rounded up]

Thanks to NetGalley & Forever Publishing for the ARC!

- second chance romance
- grumpy / sunshine
- forced proximity
- dual POV
- dual timeline

I’m such a sucker for weddings and second chance romance so I was immediately intrigued by this one & it exceeded my expectations! (despite somewhat high expectations following rave reviews from @kim.reads.romance on ig & TikTok)

Forget Me Not is a second-chance romance following a wedding planner, Ama, and a florist, Elliot, who are forced to reunite to work together on a high profile wedding. I absolutely loved the banter and chemistry between Ama and Elliot and I flew through this because I was so eager to find out how their story would end up. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for future Julie Soto releases!

Beautifully written, heartachingly lovely book.

The characters are all so well written they leapt off the page and took hold of me. This story moved back and forth from dual POV and past to present so effortlessly and weaves together a narrative that had me racing through to make sure the characters were able to work everything out (don't worry you are in good hands).

Its not often that I read a book where I am solidly in the MMC's corner rather than the FMC and even rarer when I see one where the FMC is the one who needs to grovel. Maybe its because I'm not usually a fan of second chance stories, but this one is so well done and instead focuses on the growth and journey of the main characters rather than just the romance. I do wish that there would have been a bit more therapy and growth from Ama before the big resolve, but that might be just because I adored Elliot so much and he deserved a big apology.

At almost every step, I loved that this book is not the typical romance - all the best tropes are there, but tweaked as to be unexpected or nontypical. And all put together it makes a book and story that felt more universal and reflective of the world than 80% of the romances and books I've read. The human element of this story just rings so true that this book is an easy edition to my favorites shelf.

SPOILER: I will say one of most unique (and my favorite) parts of this book is the ending. Soto could have easily pushed and had them get married, but she stayed true to the characters and her story with the "choosing you every day" HEA. It shows once again that this book is more a reflection of the world and the plethora of people and choices by being true to itself rather than trying to hit all the usual expectations.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
- Second Chance
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Dual Timeline
- He Falls First

A second chance romance with a grumpy hero who is also a florist and falls first? Yes, please!

Forget Me Not took me a little longer than usual for me to really get into but once I did, I could not put the book down and needed lots of more Elliot in my life. I think it took me a little longer to get into it because Ama and Elliot do not spend a lot of time together but as you get bits and pieces of the past, it all makes sense.

The first half of the book is the slow revealing of Ama and Elliot's past, then the second half comes in and is faster paces and packed full of sparks and emotion.

Not gonna lie, Ama was not my favorite character but as her character developed and you learned all the little pieces of what make Ama, Ama then I fell in love with her.

Elliot on the other hand was instantly swoony even with his extreme grumpiness. From the beginning I was curious as to why he was so grumpy. Yet, despite his grumpiness, he is always there for Ama when she needs him (and even when she doesn't want his help) which made him even more swoonworthy!

Title: Captivating and Poignant: "Forget Me Not" by Julie Soto

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:

"Forget Me Not" by Julie Soto is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant tale that left a lasting impression on me. This poignant story follows the journey of its main character as she grapples with loss, love, and the complexities of memory.

Soto's writing style is captivating, evoking vivid imagery that transports readers into the heart of the narrative. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing the story to unfold at just the right pace, keeping me engaged from beginning to end.

The characters are deeply human and wonderfully developed. I found myself empathizing with their struggles, cheering for their victories, and shedding tears alongside them. The author skillfully weaves their individual stories together, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and connections.

What struck me the most about "Forget Me Not" is its exploration of memory and its fragility. Soto beautifully captures the nuances of human recollection, delving into the power of forgotten moments and the impact they can have on our lives. The themes of love, forgiveness, and the ties that bind us are delicately interwoven throughout the narrative, leaving a lasting impact on the reader's heart.

While the story was deeply moving, I felt that some sections could have been further explored to enhance the overall depth of the narrative. Nevertheless, "Forget Me Not" remains a powerful and thought-provoking read that will stay with me long after turning the final page.

I highly recommend "Forget Me Not" to readers who appreciate heartfelt stories that delve into the complexities of memory and the enduring power of love. Julie Soto's storytelling prowess shines through, making this a book that will touch the hearts of many.

Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author and publisher for this opportunity.

#BookReview #ForgetMeNot #JulieSoto #EmotionalReads #netgalleyarc

This dual time wedding planner/florist story brings a whole new level to enemies to lovers. I get that there was a lot of past hurt but Elliot was so short with Ama it was painful.

I did like the second chance aspect of this story though and I love how eventually they were able to be what each other needed.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

What a great book to kick off Summer and Wedding Season! A romantic comedy with a lot of steam and weddings galore! Ama is doing well as a wedding planner with a unique gift of giving her couples exactly what they're looking for. She loves weddings...the party part, that is...not the commitment part. Helping her mom through her sixteen divorces has affected Ama's belief in the happily ever after - for her at least. Elliot is curt but vulnerable when it comes to Ama. Taking over the family flower shop when his dad becomes unexpectedly ill, means working side by side with Ama. They're great partners, until they're not. Dual timelines and dual POV done masterfully! The banter is entertaining and you will feel the frenzy of the wedding planning business. There are some great side characters that add to the fun and drama of this book, but the heart of it is Ama and Elliot. I am already looking forward to Julie Soto's next book!!

This was such a fun book to read. It gave off The Wedding Planner and Four Weddings vibes. It’s told in a dual POV in a past and present timeline. I can’t get enough of second chance romance books! I liked all the characters except for one (IYKYK). Ama is a wedding planner, and Elliot is a local florist. They have a history of working together and will be working together again on an upcoming celebrity wedding. I enjoyed the wedding drama, all the donut references, the chemistry and witty banter. Bravo to Julie on her debut novel!

This book was exactly what I hoped it would be. I loved every second of reading this book, and seeing as I was in a bit of a slump that says a lot.

I loved that the author switched it up a bit and had the female character, who was a wedding planner of all things, have a fear of commitment and labels. It was an interesting turn in dynamics from the way it’s always portrayed as the male having these feelings. Put that with her dream career and it creates an extremely interesting dynamic. It also allowed us to see a lot of growth in this character’s feelings and I always love going on those type of journeys with characters.

I enjoyed how Soto used the technique of going back and forth between the past and present. Especially how later on you realize how important those past chapters relate and pull into the ending. It was an incredibly sweet fill circle moment, even if there were times I was wishing we stayed on the present because of where the chapter ended.

I think the author created something new and interesting with this entire book. I was overjoyed to see that while this is a second chance Romance it also felt like a slow burn. It wasn’t any issues that were easily solved and then a third act breakup. Instead it was about growth and character development leading to a happily ever after. Plus seeing it play out in the wedding industry was extremely interesting. Especially when the ex lovers make an amazing duo when it comes to putting together a wedding.

I would also like to mention the side characters all seem to hold their own. You find yourself rooting for the couple involved, they even begin to feel like friends for the reader as well as the main character. Oh and the stepsiblings give me pure joy, and I hope some of them may get a book in the future.

DAMN! I LOVED THIS BOOK! SWEET AND SPICY! made me both laugh and cry.... and Elliot... swoon!

excellent, excellent romcom!

I freaking loved this book! The fact it’s a debut novel is just mind blowing, I’m so excited to read whatever else Julie Soto comes out with. This book is HOT and steamy, Elliot Bloom is the grumpy book boyfriend we all know and love. If you’re a fan of grumpy/sunshine or second chances, this is the book for you!

I'll. be the first to admit it - I normally hate second chance romances, but just like Ama I'm willing to admit when I'm wrong.

This book has everything I could possibly ask for in a romance:
grumpy/sunshine
slowburn
beautifully-executed dual pov
forced proximity
he falls first

Watching Elliot and Ama reconnect was a delight from start to finish. My first must-read of the year.

“You may think everything ends one day, but you haven’t had everything with me”

Okay, I know the term obsessed is grossly overused when describing books these days. However, I am OBSESSED with Forget Me Not by Julie Soto!!! From Julie Soto's writing flo to the then-and-now POV’s of Ama and Elliot. All of it was pure romance perfection. I devoured this book within 24 hours, funny smart, sexy, romantic, everything I want for a perfect escapism!
~Tanja

This book is special. What I really love about this book is that the story feels real. It displays the characters’ scars, their fears, and personality flaws which caused our lead characters’ relationship to fall apart. But this story has a happy ending. It’s a second chance to the one that got away. It took me a while to read this book because I really wanted to absorb it. It’s a beautiful piece of literature that transported me to Sacramento and made me feel like Ama and Elliot are real.

This book introduces us to Ama, a gifted and ambitious wedding planner and Elliot, a grumpy florist who had to drop out of architecture school to run the family business after his father passed away of cancer. It is written both Elliot and Ama’s point of view both in the present and in the past.

Ama, a small business owner in the Sacramento area, is approached by celebrity to plan her and her fiancés wedding. The betrothed couple has already picked out a florist; a friend of the family, who happens to be Elliot, to Ama’s dismay. Ama has avoided working and being in the same place as Elliot, but is forced to do so to plan this wedding which could put her work on the map.

I highly recommend this book. It explores the grumpy meets sunshine trope, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and second chance love tropes. The level of angst and spice is *chef’s kiss*. It is fun, and incredibly romantic, a novel I would not hesitate to read again.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.