I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

I was hoping that I was going to like this book more than I did. I’ve read Boyfriend Material by this author, and I loved that. But I had to DNF this book at 20%. For me, there were a couple issues just from what I read.

Firstly, there was so much repetitiveness with the writing, the equipment (the Nexa by MERLIN 8mm sliding glass door shower for example) and character descriptions (New Enthusiastic Chris is new and enthusiastic) would be repeated over and over when it did not need to happen. We would also read what a character is going to say/do and then they would say/do it (“I am going to tell him I am going for a walk…”Jonathan, I am going for a walk””).

Then I didn’t find the 2 main characters enjoyable. Sam reads as a 20 something acting like a teenager. He doesn’t understand that if his store is failing, they will have to close it down and no one gets to work there and everything is pretty much a joke. Then there is Jonathan who reads like Scrooge, grumpy and money hungry. And from what I read, there is no chemistry. There is really only 1 show of human emotion from him in this time and it felt forced

I had a blast with this book from start to finish. As someone who only just started the London Calling series (literally just a few pages in), I am just barely familiar with Alexis Hall's previous work. So in a unique sort of way, I very much viewed "10 Things" with a ton of objectivity. With that being said, despite being part of the greater Boyfriend Material and Husband Material universe, it definitely stands on its own two feet.

For those who consider themselves fans of enemies-to-lovers and amnesia fiction (and who doesn't, really?), "10 Things" more than lives up to its tropes and then some. Hall's irreverent writing style and natural wit had me laughing throughout, and despite an extremely convoluted scenario, Hall embellishes the world with amazing side characters and a *very* satisfying slow burn romance in the end.

I give it so many points for originality, even though I can see this book not being everyone's cup of tea. The two leads are polarizing characters in their own unique ways, terrifically flawed but downright unlikable so many times. In the end though, their chemistry is out of this world and I found myself rooting for them.

I do hope to read more in this series as it emerges, to immerse myself more into Jonathan and Sam's (Material) World, as well as the greater world of London Calling. Having finished this book in the better part of a day and a half, I can definitely see what all the fuss is about this author's more commercially popular work, so I look forward to reading on.

4.5/5 stars (rounded up to 5)

Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cute M/M rom com with premise of faked amnesia baked in. Enjoyed it but it's a very slow burn. Romance is PG rated.

4.5/5

Alexis Hall books have my heart, and this one is no different!!! It's a grumpy x sunshine trope alongside a fake amnesia trope (which is one I'm...not sure I've ever read before lol) where people ACTUALLY handle workplace relationships in a way that respects the inherent difference in power between those in different positions. Laugh out loud funny, charming, and heart-warming. A book that feels like it's about adults (weird adults who still mess up big time but adults who can learn to communicate nevertheless). If you're looking for a fun read, I strongly recommend "10 Things That Never Happened".

Actual rating: 4.5⭐️

If you're a fan of enemies-to-lovers, boss/employee dynamics, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine tropes, and a touch of fake amnesia, then this book is an absolute must-read!

The story revolves around Sam, who, after being fired by his boss, decides to fake amnesia to save the day (and his staff’s jobs). Little did he know that this lie would lead to his grumpy boss, Jonathan, taking care of him at home. At first, it took me some time to warm up to Jonathan, but as the story progressed, I found myself falling for him just as Sam did. The author skillfully unravels Jonathan's layers, revealing a complex character who is both an asshole and a good and vulnerable man. And he quickly becomes a cat dad to Sam’s cat, Gollum - adorable!

What I loved most about this book is the gradual development of the relationship between Sam and Jonathan. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their (British) banter is both hilarious and heartwarming. Alexis Hall beautifully captures the emotions and vulnerabilities of both characters, making their journey from enemies to lovers feel authentic and satisfying.

Alexis Hall's writing style is impeccable, with witty dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring the story to life. The pacing is perfect, keeping you engaged from start to finish.

If you're a fan of romance, complex characters, and a well-crafted plot, I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR.

This sadly was not the book for me. The fake amnesia plot felt really creepy to me and the whole, staying with my boss under false pretenses was uncomfortable. I also felt like Jonathan was completely unlikeable.

There was some good writing though! I highlighted couple of quotes that made me actually laugh out loud. Loved the cat, Gollum.

If you can overlook the "building the relationship on lies" thing, you might enjoy this book. It just wasn't right for me.

It only took the first chapter -- the first few pages, really -- for me to get hooked on this book.

Immediately you have a sense of character, place, and the stakes involved. I really appreciate and enjoy this level of skill in any writing. And as with any Hall book, this this story has an incredible voice and masterful writing that perfectly mixes the actual laugh-out-loud banter with moments of tender realness. It has a memorable ensemble cast (maybe my favorite group in Hall's books yet!), character growth, and thought-provoking commentary on life and love.

And a guinea pig ornament in a Santa hat!

And holiday family chaos!

And fake amnesia!

And <s>fisting</s> (stuffing) a chicken!

And: "I don't know how I'm supposed to go the rest of my life without being kissed by you again." !!!

I enjoyed this story a lot.

*(Also, I'm thinking Brian and Alex Twaddle would be friends? Y/N)

Very nice read, it felt like if a hallmark movie was unironically funny. There were a lot of different characters, but I was able to keep most of them apart so the author did a good thing there. Strong beginning, but near the end, things were rushed and suddenly there was another mystery reveal, which was a bit random, hence only four stars.

Sam Becker is okay at his job but when a run in with corporate lead Jonathan Forest leaves him with a concussion, Sam thinks he can save his and his co-worker’s jobs: fake amnesia, only the more he knows Jonathan, the more he sees there’s more to his boss than his strictness. I really liked Boyfriend and Husband Material, and 10 Things I That Never Happened stayed true to Alexis Hall’s wit and banter. The enemies-to-lovers plot did feel kind of similar to Boyfriend Material but it’s still charming. I adored the audiobook narrator, it really made the experience for this one all the better in this slow burn romance. I would’ve loved some of Jonathan’s POV, he is so sweet and uptight and I wanted just more of him. This felt like a little slice of life story and was just really endearing. Sam is a flawed character and I loved his honesty. I didn’t love the fake amenesia story, but I liked the effort Sam put in to try and make it up to Jonathan. This story is charming and heartwarming and witty.

I can’t believe this is the first ever Alexis Hall novel I’m reading! A friend recently recommended and I was like wait I have their new one on my NetGalley shelf and now here we are.

I loved this grumpy/sunshine trope
M/M romance.

Other tropes you might enjoy:
🐈‍⬛Grumpy cat who likes the interest more than the MC.
🌆Small town boy who doesn’t like the big city
🛁Employer/employee taboo relationship
💕Love interest who might be on the spectrum (though never explicitly said)
😶‍🌫️Fake amnesia and must be cared for by grumpy love interest
…and more

This was really such a fun romance. I really wanted to get to know some of Jonathan’s family better, his sister in particular seemed like a hoot. I really wish they gave more of Sam’s backstory as well. It was left until the very end which also felt buttoned up super fast.

That said, loved Sam, Jonathan, and Gollum the cat. It was over too soon. Also the setting at a bed and bath chain store was too funny.

I can’t believe this is also my first M/M romance and it won’t be my last of the subgenre or my last Alexis Hall romance either 😍

This book is out October 17th so mark your calendars because it’s definitely a must read.

Thank you @netgalley and @sourcebookscasa for my advanced copy!

#netgalley #sourcebookscasablanca #alexishall #10ThingsThatNeverHappened

Such a fun read! Was able to get through it fairly quickly as the story was well-paced. I had never read a book by Alexis Hall before but this makes me want to try more! Nothing revolutionary though.

Trigger Warnings: cursing, medical content, injury, blood, alcohol, past death of parents, grief, deceased grandparents, sex, cemetery

Representation: Gay

10 Things That Never Happened is a contemporary romance about fake amnesia and real feelings. Sam Becker loves―or, okay, likes―his job. Sure, managing a bed and bath retailer isn't exactly glamorous, but it's good work and he gets on well with the band of misfits who keep the store running. He could see himself being content here for the long haul. Too bad, then, that the owner is an infuriating git.

Jonathan Forest should never have hired Sam. It was a sentimental decision, and Jonathan didn't get where he is by following his heart. Determined to set things right, Jonathan orders Sam down to London for a difficult talk…only for a panicking Sam to trip, bump his head, and maybe accidentally imply he doesn't remember anything?

Faking amnesia seemed like a good idea when Sam was afraid he was getting sacked, but now he has to deal with the reality of Jonathan's guilt―as well as the unsettling fact that his surly boss might have a softer side to him. There's an unexpected freedom in getting a second shot at a first impression…but as Sam and Jonathan grow closer, can Sam really bring himself to tell the truth, or will their future be built entirely on one impulsive lie?

This author has quickly become one of my auto reads! I really love this universe especially! This book is a total cornball fest and so much fun. The story line contains a lot of family drama but it comes from a very realistic and loving place. I do wish the last chapter was a bit more informative though. I love an epilogue that flashes forward but the resolution to the main plot line seems a bit brief and skipped over. Overall, this is a book about how two very lonely people who find each other due to a set of rather absurd circumstances. It’s also technically a holiday book, but it didn’t really feel like it.

I read this because recommended if you liked Red White and Royal Blue and I cannot help but completely agree. It was fantastic. Not as amazing as Red White and Royal Blue but definitely scratched that itch.

Alexis Hall begins a new series – Material World – with 10 Things That Never Happened, an opposites-attract romance between two very lonely people who come together through some rather unlikely circumstances. All the things I enjoy about Mr. Hall’s books are here – the characters are flawed and very real, it’s often laugh-out-loud funny, it’s insightful, poignant and sometimes absurd while also being wonderfully down-to-earth. It’s perhaps a little more mellow in tone than some of his other recent titles, but it’s ultimately a touching story about family, love and loss, about coming to terms with the past and looking forward to the future.

Sam Becker is the manager of a bed and bathroom shop in Sheffield, one of four in the small Splashes & Snuggles chain owned by Jonathan Forest. He’s a good boss to his small team, but isn’t great at actually managing the business side of things and the branch isn’t meeting the current sales and profits targets. It looks like the axe is going to fall when Sam is summoned to head office in Croydon by His Royal Dickishness, Jonathan Forest himself, to explain why the store is over budget and under target, and isn’t all that surprised when his hard-nosed, bottom-line-driven, arsehole of a boss tells him he needs to make some big changes if he’s to keep his job – changes which include letting the underperforming staff go, which Sam absolutely doesn’t want to do. Making the rounds of the showroom in the afternoon, Jonathan and Sam get into a bit of an altercation during which Jonathan fires Sam and his whole team, and which ends with Sam catching his foot on a display shower enclosure, which collapses on top of him.

Sam is taken to hospital to be checked out, and when the doctor mentions temporary memory loss as common effect of severe concussion, Sam doesn’t say his memory is fine. He’s still a little confused, but he remembers the argument and Jonathan firing everyone, and is already thinking that maybe this is a way he can save their jobs – he just needs a bit more time to come up with a proper plan. When the doctor assumes Jonathan is going to be the one looking after Sam while he recovers from the concussion – and as Sam doesn’t actually have anyone who can take care of him – Jonathan somewhat reluctantly does the decent thing and takes Sam home. Sam is sure that Jonathan is only doing it because he’s worried Sam will sue the pants off him – but maybe using amnesia as an excuse to spend a bit of time with Jonathan won’t be a bad thing (if they can manage not to kill each other). If Sam can get Jonathan to like him, then maybe Sam will be able to ensure he and his team keep their jobs.

Thanks to some forced proximity – and some completely unexpected generosity on Jonathan’s part when he spends a day driving Sam to his flat in Sheffield (and back) purely so Sam pick up his cat – Sam starts to realise that while Jonathan might be a high-handed, super-controlling workaholic, there’s a good heart lurking underneath it all, and that his plan to get Jonathan to like him might just be working. He hadn’t, however, banked on the reverse happening, but the more Sam glimpses the Jonathan nobody else gets to see – his rare smiles, the vulnerability deep inside (and his affection for Sam’s slightly ugly cat) – the more he is unable to stop himself liking – and falling for - his grumpy boss. I loved watching these two slowly shedding their misconceptions about one another, and that their growing affection for each other is revealed through small, everyday signs of care and genuine regard such as Sam cooking dinner, making one another tea and sandwiches, watching old TV shows and falling asleep together on the sofa. Jonathan looking after Sam is cute – even when he’s a bit heavy-handed you can tell it comes from a good place – and Sam is secretly pleased to be looked after (although he’d never admit it.) But of course, the longer Sam stays, the bigger hole he’s digging for himself with his fake-amnesia plan, and the more he risks ruining this new and fragile something he and Jonathan are building together. He knows he’s going to have to come clean before he’s rumbled. But how? And will Jonathan ever forgive him?

It’s obvious early on that both men have issues they’re loathe to deal with, and the author shows us why Jonathan is the way he is, where he came from, and that while he undoubtedly can be a bit of a knob, that’s not all he is or who he really wants to be. I didn’t actually realise, until I was over halfway through, that, despite Sam being the PoV character, I knew very little about him because he conceals so much – partly because he’s pretending to have amnesia so has to be careful about what he tells Jonathan, and partly because he’s deliberately locked away some painful things he doesn’t want to think about. Mr. Hall does a great job of scattering little hints throughout the story so that it’s not difficult to guess what Sam is running from, but it still packs a punch when it’s revealed near the end, and we finally slot together the pieces to understand what Sam has been going through and why he is the way he is, especially with regards to his job and the people he works with.

There’s a fairly big secondary cast here, consisting of Sam’s colleagues and Jonathan’s large, loving and somewhat chaotic family, who pretty much adopt Sam from the get-go. Jonathan’s relationship with his family is a complicated one – he obviously loves them, but it’s tied up with a lot of guilt and frustration – and I really liked the thoughtful sub-plot that looks at his relationship with his dad and how it has informed his character. Sam’s colleagues are a colourful bunch who do rally round for him, although some them are pretty awful at their jobs, and I couldn’t entirely blame Jonathan for threatening to sack them!

I didn’t realise when I picked it up that the book is set in December in the run-up to Christmas, so I suppose it could (just about) be categorised as a ‘Christmas Book’. Part of the story revolves around Sam trying to persuade Jonathan to host the family for Christmas that year and part is Sam organising the firm’s Christmas party, but thankfully, it’s the least Christmassy Christmas book I’ve ever read – which is a big plus as far as I’m concerned.

The main problem I have overall is that the final section – from Jonathan finding out the truth to the reconciliation and HEA – happens over two-and-a-half chapters. I liked what we get and where Sam and Jonathan end up, but it feels rushed.

10 Things That Never Happened is one of those books that kinda crept up on me. I read it and enjoyed it – but it was only when I started to really think about it and go back through the highlights on my Kindle that I realised just how much the author has packed in to what seems, at first, to be a light-hearted story full of snarky banter, an ugly cat and a ridiculously oversized Christmas tree. Alongside the romance, there’s a story about connecting and re-connecting, about being true to who you are, and not being afraid to to show that you care. One of the many things Alexis Hall does so well is to have his characters experience personal growth while remaining essentially the same people, and that’s true of Sam and Jonathan here. Sam is still upbeat and prone to wearing his heart on his sleeve and Jonathan is still gruff and aloof and anxious, but they’ve found that special someone who complements them – who understands them, accepts them and loves them for who they are – and together, they’re better.

Yes, the fake-amnesia plot is a bit wobbly, and maybe the deception goes on too long, but neither of those things spoiled the book for me. 10 Things That Never Happened is a lovely mixture of the daft and the meaningful in a tender romance full of humour and feels, and I’m making space for it on my keeper shelf.

I can’t say I have ever read a contemporary book set with Northern English characters so that made for a nice change. The characters feel a little familiar to Boyfriend Material, but the plot is quite different. This one left me feeling sad more than laughing, and I’m not sure I loved either main characters.

Alexis Hall fans will love this book!

I squealed when I was approved for this one! Not only for the book itself but because I find our author so intriguing. If you haven’t pulled up articles on them yet and enjoy their books, get on it! Alexis Hall is a pen name so to speak, but look into it yourself.

This book would make a really cute movie. It would be a fantastic “Holiday/Christmas” read if you can even stand holding off. I know for Alexis Hall fans that will be very hard to do. It had some laugh out loud moments and quite the cast of employees and family that surround our protagonist and his boss.

So what are you signing up for with this read? Well, fake amnesia first and foremost, and our MC getting closer and closer with his BOSS. As the two become closer the truth will be harder and harder to tell, you’ll have to read to find out how this all plays out.

For me the second half of the book moved a little faster and that’s where I became hooked. I really enjoyed it overall and have already recommended it. You will really enjoy this bunch of characters and how they all end up intertwining. Plus if you want a book to get you into the “spirit” this is a good one for that.

Thank you to our author, Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with an advanced eGalley copy of the book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This will be available on October 17th, 2023. I hope if you choose to read it you enjoy it also.

If you grew up watching british romcoms, you can't not love the wildness of this story, the main characters, the over the top situations, the loud family and friends, and the totally movie-like scenario. Faking amnesia to make the evil boss change his mind about firing his friends and himself, Sam really doesn't know what he got himself into. He wings it, and he wings it well. Well enough that Jonathan makes him live with him to look after him, and the forced proximity places its fateful hand in getting them to show parts of themselves they don't show often.
But we know that lies don't say secret for long but everytime the time seemed right to come clean, something was in the way. I loved the comedy in this book. Sam's cat choosing Jonathan and Jonathan getting a new bff. The gigantic Christmas tree! The overpriced tree decorations. The NSFW cooking that's not what you imagine. Everything made this book funny, sweet, and a page turner.

10 Things That Never Happened is another quirky book written by Alexis Hall.

Sam Becker finds peace in his job as manager for a bed and bath superstore. He loves his employees and finds their quirks to be charming. Sadly, the owner of the superstore, Jonathan Forest, cannot be the same sort of charming person. Sam, ordered to travel to London to chat about the store from Jonathan couldn't imagine anything worse. Yet he travels down and accidentally trips into the head honcho, bumping his head and "losing his memory", or so Jonathan thinks.

Faking amensia should be a walk in the park. What Sam doesn't expect is Jonathan's guilt and need to keep a consistent eye on him. As Sam and Jonathan get closer, will he be able to tell the truth once he discovers who Jonathan truly is under the grumpy exterior?

I enjoyed reading 10 Things that Never Happened, especially the side characters featured throughout. I pictured the workers to be from my favorite television show, Superstore and enjoyed the work parts of the story to be the best parts! While I wish this story was dual point of view and had the climax of the novel a little earlier, I found the end satisfying and am curious what will be next for this series.

3.5

Alexis Hall books tend to be very hit or miss for me. With everything I’ve read, the summaries sound great and the stories are full of quirky fun characters but I find that sometimes the humorous tone is too much for me. Here though, I think he strikes a nice balance.

Jonathan and Sam play into the classic grumpy/sunshine trope and there is the usual cast of oddball side characters that hit just the right amount of funny without being too “this one eccentricity is my only character trait” that I sometimes feel with Hall’s side characters. I liked watching the slow burn romance and Jonathan’s character growth. The whole stern businessman learns how to deal with his emotions plot tied in nicely with the Christmas setting of this book. I do think the resolution to the third act breakup felt a little out of character though. Like Sam had been lying about having amnesia the whole time and Jonathan got over it really fast.

Overall, I think this was a really solid book, though not a new favorite. I think that could change if I reread it via audio though because I would have loved to hear all the accents! The sample I listened to had me really excited to listen to the whole thing.

“Well, Samwise Eoin Becker, you’ve made some terrible choices.”

It's no secret that I adore Alexis Hall. I have truly enjoyed all of his books I’ve read and this one was no different. It had the humor and heart that I’ve come to love, and expect, from all of Hall’s books.

Sam is so endearing, even when he fakes amnesia in order to save the employees at the bed and bath retailer he manages. The owner, Jonathan, is prickly and secretly called the Prick of Pricksylvania. After a freak accident for which Jonathan feels responsible, he takes care of Sam and they start to see different sides of each other. They have this subtle, underlying tension that really loved. It isn't quite in your face, but their banter is enough to pull the reader right in.

Throughout, we know that Sam feels awful about lying about the amnesia, but as with most lies he’s in too deep to turn it around. Jonathan’s family provide this outstanding supporting cast that I come to love in Hall’s books. They’re hilarious and continuously see through Sam and Jonathan. I'm always in awe of the way Hall manages all of these characters with such clear personalities that add such great layers to the overall story.I love the journey that Sam goes on particular, as he realizes he doesn’t want to continue on as the manager and wants more. He has this self-reflection that really puts his life into perspective.

“You think there’s a lesson here about making up absurdly convoluted lies?”

This book was so fun and I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait for the next book by Alexis Hall.