I really thought I would like this book. I envisaged a Drew Barrymore-esque '50 First Dates' scenario but with murder. I was really looking forward to it but unfortunately, there was just too much focus on memory and recall for this to have held my attention.

At a whopping 11 hours and 9 minutes of audio, this became a chore to finish. There was too much repetition, the author 'told' instead of 'showed' throughout. I even found the lengthy explanations of the investigation process hard-going. I have Masters degrees in Psychology and Forensics, I had to learn a lot about the brain and recall so I thought this would be right up my alley. But this read more like a manual in parts which is not what you want out of your leisure reading.

I couldn't get past the glaring plot holes either. Witness testimony is highly unreliable and having an investigation centred on a witness who cannot retain information just felt too implausible for me.

Others may enjoy this style of writing - its possible these topics are a little overdone for me as I had to study them for 7 years. I just wanted a story and felt like I got an education again instead.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for my copy.

You know it's a great audiobook when you stay in the parked car to just keep listening. I just had to keep listening to find out how everything was going to unfold. Definitely recommending to my friends!

Thanks NetGalley, Sara Driscoll, and Recorded Books for this ARC

The Echos of Memory by Sara Driscoll ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed the plot and character development. I didn’t care for the dialogue or narrator but overall the story was interesting.

Liked the characters but some of it was a bit unbelievable that someone with a memory issues could help solve a murder.

Quinn is a young woman who was left for dead one night after being beat by a stranger and she recovered but has some memory issues. Now a few months later, she is learning to live with her new problems and she is coping pretty well. One night when she is taking out the garbage, she witnesses a murder. She writes everything down and reports it to the police. She works with the police and her memory issues in order to try and solve the case.

I really enjoyed this read! I liked how everything unfolded differently because of the memory issues. It made the read very interesting. I liked how fast paced it was and it kept me interested the whole time.

I liked the characters and I would definitely recommend!

I listened to the audiobook and I liked the narrator a lot! She had a nice voice and it was an easy listen.

It was not quite a five star for me because I did feel like it was a bit long.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc and alc of this one in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed this thriller and the concept. In the middle it fell a bit flat for me because of all the information. It is bit of a slow burn thriller, which is why my interest at time waned. I did enjoy the narrator. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review.
3/5 star

Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia for the ARC

This was a really interesting story and a interesting concept. A main character who witness a murder but because of a head trauma can't create new memories and therefore doesn't remember the incident. I liked our fmc and her drive. I found her refreshingly fearless in the way she continued to investigate the murder and push herself further in therapy to help her memory problem. The side characters were good as well in the way they helped and supported her. And the underlying mystery was good. A different, but fascinating thriller.

A slow burn crime mystery. One night Quinn, a florist witnesses a murder. Or so she thinks, there’s no body. What’s worse is she can’t recall memories, as she was attacked a while back that left her with a brain injury. She keeps a notebook where she writes everything down. Including details of what she saw that night as a form of therapy. This is a unique take on this genre, although it is a bit of a slow burn, it is a good plot. The mystery was very well laid out, with some really good turns along the way. Driscoll is able to incorporate a lot of details about memory loss and keep it interesting the way she does it. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity.

Very good thriller/mystery! Will definitely read more by this author. I enjoyed the different approach with the main character having a traumatic brain injury and not being able to form new memories.

Wow action packed thought provoking. This audio book was a binge listen. The writer had vlearly done tgeir research into the effects of brain injury and trauma and thus shown throught. The narrator dud s fsbujon of just making it a natural part of the narrative. What would you do if you witnessed a murder but you can't remember all the time dye to an attack on you. I loved the way the police were betrayed as both understanding and ignorant. This was full of teists and turns and good solid side chatacters. A real joy to listen 2 and also screamed series potential.
Thank you so much netgallery and publisher and author and narrator.

I wouldn't really call this book a thriller as there's nothing for the readers to 'uncover' and no suspense element really. There wasn't any sense of anticipation of "what comes next", "which one to trust, and who not to trust". There was a crime, and the case was solved as the book progressed with the help of our protagonist.

But I did enjoy the book, which is why I am giving it 3.5 stars. It might not have been gripping, but it was a pleasant one. The character's internal struggles, fight with herself for self-love and confidence, resilience, and the other characters all made it an overall interesting journey.

I also liked the narration, it's always pleasant to find an audiobook with a narrator with a level voice who knows how to change the tones aptly enough for the different characters to be easily distinguished but not sound too odd or forced while doing it!

Never Fall for a Dragon
Mate Mountain #1
Lola Glass
Never Fall for a Dragon is the first book in a spicy new series.
This book got some pretty bad reviews, but I can’t figure out why. It is a fast read and a hot read. I do not like books about demons and there was a demon in the book, but I like dragons. I enjoyed this book. This is the kind of book you read when you need to be distracted, you don’t want anything serious, and you want something hot.
Elodie sees a man and woman in what she believes is an argument. She rushes to the woman’s aid only to discover things were not as it appeared. It was too late though; she had already touched the dragon and so began the heat. The Dragon Shifter, August. Explained what happens when a female touches a male Dragon Shifter. She immediately goes in heat. It is very painful for the next 4 weeks she will be in agony unless he is touching her. If they give in to their desire, they will be mated/sealed for life. August along with the help of some friends, take Elodie to a house where they will stay for the next 4 weeks. The house is unfurnished, so August has furniture delivered. He also has food delivered.
Elodie and August have some very hot scenes as they attempt to resist having sex. They do everything but…it’s a matter of opinion I suppose. They actually get to know each other, and they like each other. What will happen at the end of the 4 weeks.
I like it. The book was a fun read.

Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for review.

Get ready for an intense and emotional ride with "Echoes of Memory"! From the very first page, this gripping thriller had me hooked. But fair warning, it contains some sensitive topics, so brace yourself.

I have a thing for books that explore mental illness and the complexities of the human mind. In "Echoes of Memory," Quinn is battling a traumatic brain injury following a vicious attack. Her struggle to retain short-term memories leads her to rely on journaling and sketching to hold onto the important moments. To make matters worse, she becomes a witness to a murder and finds herself teaming up with Detective Reyes, the only person in law enforcement who believes her tale.

After reading countless thrillers, it's rare to come across a fresh, intriguing plot filled with compelling characters like this one. I can't imagine being in Quinn's shoes, much less with no family to lean on. The author's writing is captivating, and I'm already itching to dive into more of her books, especially if she has other standalone novels up her sleeve.

Sincere thanks to RB Media for providing this audiobook through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.

I was completely absorbed by this book from beginning to end. My interest in mysteries involving memory loss or trauma made it especially compelling. The way the story unfolded was captivating, with each twist and turn keeping me engaged.

The characters were vividly portrayed, and their complex relationships added depth to the plot. Watching how their connections and pasts intertwined to solve the mystery was fascinating. The resolution was both surprising and satisfying, bringing all the elements of the story together in a meaningful way.

This audiobook truly stands out for its skillful blend of intricate plot and rich character development.

Echoes of Memory by Sara Driscoll
Release Date: 7/23/24
Format: audio
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This thriller started quick and had me intrigued! We have a victim of a crime that caused memory loss witnessing another crime while still working on improving her short term memory recollection. Thankfully, she has a handy dandy notebook she documents everything in religiously before her memories escape her!

To no one’s surprise, the two male police officers that show up on the scene, act like she is a criminal for needing to check her “script” and she finds herself second guessing everything. She ends up befriending a friendlier woman detective who helps her navigate her tricky situation as it continues to develop and unfold.

This book unfortunately fell flat for me due the the sheer amount of info dumping. Unfortunately, when there are books that rely heavily on memory loss as a plot device, it’s sometimes difficult to avoid the constant rehashing of details. However, I felt like so much exposition was given to us through info dumping as well.

Not a terrible thriller all in all, but unfortunately not a book I’d be quick to recommend in the genre. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

Thanks to RB Media, NetGalley, Sara Driscoll, and narrator Cynthia Farrell for the chance to listen to a very exciting audiobook. Echoes of Memory tells the story of Quinn Fleming who months earlier was assaulted and now suffers from post traumatic brain amnesia. However, now she is faced with a difficult problem—she just witnessed a murder and if she can’t remember the details she could be the next victim. The police work hard to try and help her but she’s running out of time.
I really enjoyed the writing and I thought the author did a great job making Quinn very realistic. This is one I am happy to recommend to mystery and thriller lovers.

This standalone mystery takes readers on a thrilling journey with Quinn Fleming, a San Diego florist grappling with post-traumatic amnesia after a brutal attack. As the sole witness to a murder she can’t recall, Quinn’s quest to uncover the truth is both captivating and intense.

The storyline is masterfully crafted, with Quinn relying on her handwritten notes and sharp instincts to piece together the crime and ensure her survival. The use of flashbacks, presenting fragments of her broken memory, adds layers of suspense and complexity that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Quinn’s struggle with her memory loss is depicted with authenticity and sensitivity, making her a compelling and relatable protagonist. The tension escalates as she realizes someone else is aware of her fragmented memories and considers her a threat to be eliminated.

The novel’s pacing is excellent, with each chapter revealing just enough to keep readers hooked, yet always leaving them wanting more. The plot is intricate and the twists well-executed.

The narrator skillfully brings the characters to life, adding depth and tension to the story. The narration enhances the experience, making it even more engrossing!

For fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries, this book is a must-read. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of truth, even when the odds are against you.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC (audiobook) in exchange for my honest review.

Narrated by Cynthia Farrell
Presented by RB Media

An interesting premise, but the story was a little too slow for my tastes.

A woman with a traumatic brain injury witnesses a murder, but her condition means she has to write everything down before she forgets what's happened. But once the memories fade, how does she tell what's real and what's not?

I really liked the idea of it, and Quinn was likeable enough as a protagonist. I appreciated the detective and that, for the most part, Quinn wasn't treated like a nutjob. There was a lot of respect given to her and her condition, and the inclusion of her TBI support group helped explain the condition in a compassionate way.

Aside from that, I never really became as invested in the story as I wanted to be. I found myself tuning out a lot and losing interest and therefore focus. There's a lot of attention on Quinn's injury and how she goes about everyday life with it, so it took away from the crime aspect a lot and really slowed the story down.

The narrator did a decent job bringing the characters to life, though some sounded similar enough that I was a little confused as to who was speaking. I also got genders mixed up a bit and lost track of some of the less distinctive characters.

I did enjoy it, but it wasn't particularly memorable. It was an easy enough listen with an interesting premise, but not quite thrilling enough to hook me.

With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC

Slower mystery to what I’m used to. If you like a slow burn mystery this might be for you. I found the main characters persona to be repetitive and not very interesting. She’s been through a lot, but I found it to be the same issues over and over again. I much preferred the chapters from the other characters perspective. I found the end of the book good, since there was more action and excitement. I wish there was more suspense throughout the book though.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARc of this audiobook, The storyline of this book was very intriguing. A woman loses her memory and now she is seeing things that she can’t understand. I unfortunately couldn’t stay interested in the book past 50% I thought the speed of the story was really slow and nothing had happened in the book that was keeping my interest alive.