10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall is a fun, enemies-to-lovers, workplace holiday romance. Sam a manager at a bed and bath store fakes amnesia to stop his grumpy boss, Jonathan, from firing him. Jonathan offers his house to keep an eye on Sam during his "recovery" and what ensues is typical romcom hijinks. That's the big big problem I had with this book. Nothing really stood out and I didn't feel like I was rooting for Sam and Jonathan to get together. But overall it was still a cute and lighthearted read.

Honestly I'm not sure what to say about this book. In general there were a lot of things I liked about it, but there was a huge roadblock for me in the fact that Jonathan just....is actually a horrible boss? Like I know a lot of this was supposed to be showing that he has "hidden depths" and isn't really a terrible person, but he's still a terrible boss? I don't know how Sam can separate that from how he is *towards* Sam. It feels really shitty, like, the moral is that terrible people also have emotions and aren't *always* horrible to *everyone* around them? Like. Duh.

Idk. There were so many things Jonathan did in the very beginning of the book that had me thinking "yeesh they're going to have to do a really good job of convincing me to like this guy for this to work." And....they didn't. It didn't work. Yes I felt for him in a lot of moments, yes I could see what Sam saw in him in some moments. Part of me *was* rooting for the relationship to work. But that same part of me was also desperately hoping for there to be even unconvincing proof that Jonathan was changing as a boss and wouldn't be so controlling and terrible towards his employees. And that just didn't happen.

So while I liked some things about this book, and was engaged, it was far more frustrating than satisfying for me.

One thing I will say for the book's credit is that I appreciated it debunked Stockholm Syndrome (briefly). It infuriates me when people act as if that's a real thing and so I was glad to see pushback on that in the book.

If you're fine with romances where the love interest is genuinely a terrible person to people he has power over, then I'd recommend this to you (genuinely--that's not even sarcastic. I know that wouldn't be a dealbreaker for some people). Otherwise, you might just be frustrated and wish this could have been as good as you wanted it to be.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this ARC.

I liked this book so much more than Boyfriend Material! I’m not a big fan of the amnesia trope, but in this book there was a twist on the trope and I really liked that! Sam was an amazing character. A bit stupid sometimes, but he knew he was being stupid so that’s fine. Jonathan was a grumpy boss at first, but melted troughout the book.

“Because when we’re like this, I’m happy.”

Just as with Boyfriend Material, I really adored the humour in this book. I’ve laughed out loud multple times again (which gave some weird looks from my surroundings), but I’ve also shed some tears. This book has been an emotional rollercoaster.

“I think I’d rather be someone who cares too much than someone who cares too little.”

This book is perfect to read during Christmas season, because it takes place during Christmas, but also perfect to read during any other time of the year!

The romance between the characters felt very natural. It wasn’t too fast and not too slow, just perfect. And when they finally admitted it, it was ust soooo cute

“ I don’t know how I’m supposed to go the rest of my life without being kissed by you again. “

Alexis Hall always delivers a fun, humorous, and heartfelt romcom that ultimately cements him as one of my favorite romance authors, and 10 Things That Never Happened is no exception. I fell head over heals for both characters, who Hall makes deliciously unlikable, yet redeemable and lovable and ultimately human in equal measure. This was such a fun romp--I love books that make me laugh while also having a gripping plot, both of which this book excelled at. Thank you for the ARC!

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I found this book very enjoyable and a very fast read. I thought the amnesia plot point was going to be hokey but it was well played in my opinion. Really liked it!

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall is the first book in the new series set in the author’s Material World. Sam Becker has found himself in the ultimate pickle. He’s been fired and his branch of a bath-n-bed retailer is finding itself at risk of being totally restructured by none other than company owner, Jonathan Forest. Instead of accepting his fate a physical altercation has led Jonathan to believe that Sam has amnesia and Sam has decided to try to change the fate of the store by going along with it. Unfortunately, getting to know Jonathan has made an already insane situation much more complicated because beneath being a jerk and a stickler for only his rules, Jonathan is a sweet man looking for someone to break into his lonely world. Sam never expects himself to end up wanting more than to save his store but Jonathan is so much more than Sam could have ever guessed. But with a situation based on lies how long can Sam keep up the charade?

Sam Becker is a bit of a mess. He’s very complacent in his store manager role and although he doesn’t want to see his employees suffer, he isn’t passionate about bedding/baths. Jonathan Forest is a mess on a good day covered by a nice suit and a shield of indifference and/or dickishness. The two don’t truly know each other and the time spent seeing them get to know each other was nice, although drawn out at times. Seeing Sam expose his uncertainty towards the future and Jonathan open himself up to the idea that Sam could see him and truly want him hurt my heart.

“Jonathan, are you trying to say that you’re into me?”
“How can I not be?” He flops forward with his elbows on his knees and his brow against his fingertips. “You come into my life like a beam of very annoying sunshine.”

Oh single POV stories you sure aren’t my favorite. I just enjoy getting both characters' perspectives because moments feel more powerful when you get everyone’s POV. That doesn’t mean that I feel like I didn’t know Jonathan as well as Sam because Hall did a good job of making me feel for Jonathan throughout. His love for Sam’s cat really made him for me and then when he was vulnerable, oh boy I wasn’t ready. This book was silly in a way that I appreciated but did linger at times when I didn’t think it needed to. Overall, I am looking forward to more in the series and hope to get the occasional cameo of Sam and Jonathan.

4 stars for Sam and Jonathan allowing things to get personal.

While the fake amnesia plot dragged on a bit too long, I really liked the two MCs in this book and their epic grumpy/sunshine dynamic. The secondary characters were all interesting and well-developed. Even Brian, who I wanted to slap multiple times. What a goober. (Sam, there's a difference between being a lenient boss and being a doormat.)

A charming Christmas read with Richard Curtis vibes.

Glorious! What a gorgeous romance. Sexy, smart, and socially aware - Alexis Hall does it again. Well rounded characters, believable romance, and clever plot twists - yes!

Thank you Netgalley for a free ARC!

I really enjoyed this book! Hall is amazing at writing witty characters and they did so once again with Sam and Jonathan.

While the plot in this book may be a little far-fetched, I did end up laughing out loud at some of the things that happened in this book.

It was amazing to see how Jonathan slowly started melting for Sam and how he took care of him. It really made me kick my feet while I was reading it.

The only reason that I didn’t rate this 5 stars, is because I felt like the ending was a little rushed, but I loved the epilogue we got!!

Thank you to the publishers for the opportunity to check out an ARC of this book through NetGalley!

Alexis Hall does it again! Their books are always fun, romantic, dynamic, and keep me engaged! I just love a fun read with characters that have their own unique personalities. This was a quick read for me that I couldn't put down. Love the queer rep and love that I get some england representation!

I liked this one. Alexis Hall books are hit or miss for me. Some of his books are my absolute favorite like a lady for a Duke and Rosaline Palmer takes the cake but others are ones that I would never recommend like Glitterland. Ones like Boyfriend Material fall somewhere in the middle. So moral of my Alexis Hall story is that I never really know what to expect. I think this one falls somewhere in the middle to the higher enjoyment scale for me. I liked the setting and the characters even if they are a bit obnoxious at times but overall it was one that I would recommend.

Sam likes his job well enough and is pretty good at it, even if managing a bed and bath store isn’t the most exciting job in the world. His boss Jonathan is an annoying twit that sees the store floundering (mostly due to Sam’s ragtag group of sort of incompetent employees), and calls Sam’s down to London where he knows he must fire him despite actually kind of liking Sam. Things go a bit awry when Sam is let go, and he hurts himself only to have a misunderstanding take place and Jonathan assume he’s concussed and lost his memory. He reluctantly offers his home and care to Sam temporarily as he recovers. Sam for his part (who has definitely NOT lost his memory) decides to use this time to regroup and convince Jonathan to rehire him. The pretense of temporary amnesia allows Sam and Jonathan to get to know each other all over again under better circumstances and both are continuously drawn to each other. As they grow closer, will Sam reveal his impulsive lie?
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This was a closed door romance that not only lacked spice but also romance and interest. There were entire parts of the book where Jonathan’s family just bickered incessantly with each other that I skipped over. It was mindless and boring. So much of the book could have been trimmed out and had some actual connection and spark between the two mains instead. I had high hopes for this one because the plot was so intriguing but it just fell flat for me. I really wanted to like it but I honestly forgot about most of it as soon as I finished it.


Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this book but I wasn’t extremely connected to the characters. Overall, it was a cute romance book with good representation that I would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. I needed a light hearted fun book to read, and this one was definitely it. From the witty banter to the story line, it was a good pick me up from daily life.

I adored this sweet book. The story follows Sam, a middle manager at a bed and bath superstore, who is struggling to keep his branch on budget and on target. He is called to London to meet with his boss, the grumpy and over serious Jonathan. On the visit, Jonathan gets angry at Sam and fires him and his whole branch, but in the process, Sam trips over a piece of merchandise and falls, getting a concussion. While recovering, Sam jokes that he doesn't know who Jonathan is, and then the confusion starts. Sam is ordered to recover at Jonathan's house, where he starts to meet his enormous family. The two begin to become close, but the lie that started their new relationship hangs over them.

Things I liked: It's actually funny. Most rom coms aren't, but this one truly made me LOL. Jonathan's family is excellent. Sam's cat is fabulous. Their grumpy/sunshine-ish relationship is so charming. Sam's background is so touching. The eau de While You Were Sleeping. The holiday charm.

Things I didn't like: Nothing. 5/5

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another really cute book by Alexis Hall! These guys relationship and the journey leading to it is very cute. I really enjoyed reading about their chemistry.

I really enjoyed this book. It has fake amnesia, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, found family, and more. Jonathan is the boss of a bath and bedding company. Sam is a branch manager who is ok at his job. After a concussion at the main store in London, Sam has to stay with Jonathan and try to save his job and the job of those who work at his branch. Will his fake amnesia hurt the relationship that's starting to form? Will Sam's poorly thought-out plan completely backfire? This is such a cute book!

I loved this! Alexis Hall always manages to make me laugh with his books.

The humor is fantastic and I rooted for the main pairing right from the start. They had great chemistry and I got so nervous and giddy along with them !!

One of my favorite 2023 romances for sure.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Alexis Hall and am currently making my way through his entire back catalogue. Very queer books with very queer characters are very much my jam. That being said, there are two things that lower this book from a perfect score for me. First is the hard left from enemies to lovers. I felt the progression of the relationship was too fast, without enough anticipation and tension. The mutual pining underneath the apparent hatred is my favourite part of an enemies-to-lovers relationship and I felt this dynamic lacked in that department. The second thing is how Jonathan and Sam seemingly had nothing in common aside from loving Gollum. I can’t picture what they will spend a lazy Sunday doing together. Aside from mutual attraction I don’t know why they’re together.
Negatives aside, this is a very fun and bonkers romcom. I love the eccentric supporting cast and the class commentary. I can’t wait for the next London-verse story.

4.5. I was put off by the last Alexis Hall I attempted to read--Mortal Follies--but I thought this looked similar enough to Boyfriend Material (a book I very much enjoyed, even though its sequel wasn't great) that I figured I'd enjoy it. And I did.

I adore Sam's gently self-deprecating sense of humor. He also so clearly cares about not only Jonathan, but also the cast of characters working at the Sheffield shop. (Hall writes such entertaining side characters.) It endeared him to me, and it gives him some depth that I think is lacking in some of Hall's other main characters. The romance is sweet and more subtle than that of Luc and Oliver, which I appreciated, though I would have loved even more banter. Waiting for Sam's family reveal drove me nuts, but the emotional payoff is worth it.