Phew! what a gorgeous love story - literally. I was thinking of Ryan O'Neal, who we learnt from the Academy Awards in memoriam segment on Monday night, died in the past year (in 2023) aged 82 of cancer.

This is Love Story for 2020 (year published) - the original Love Story movie came out in 1970, 50 years before. Thank goodness Justin doesn't die but he does lose 5 years of his memory, so in that sense his partner Dallas loses Justin, as Justin remember nothing about the past 4.5 years with Dallas in his life. What an horrendous scenario - to lose someone who is right in front of you but is a stranger now.

As only Glen Lloyd can portray, Dallas is so loving/caring/devoted/understanding... so perfect in his effort to do all he can to help Justin recover. "Are you like some kind of perfect guy? Did they bring out a perfect guy in the last 5 years that I don't know about?" Justin asks him, in fun.

Justin's nature - fun loving, flirty, exuberant - is right there, but Dallas has to be infinitely patient as this isn't HIS Justin. This is a stranger who is getting to know him.

I like the cover ...because it stretches my imagination. They are not the Dallas and Justin I have in my mind. Yet I appreciate the push.

Good points, loqiton (reviewer below). This is a linear story without twists or diversions. It's a balm to the upending of everything after the crash. And I usually run a mile from amnesia stories, but this is a slice of life, pragmatic telling of the experience - not a tool for dramatic effect. ( )

4.25 ( )

I was hesitant about this series. I thought there would mainly be heartbreak.
I wasn't sure what to expect, so I kept putting this off. I didn't want to read something depressing and filled with pain.
It wasn't what I found in this story—quite the opposite. I should know to expect more from N.R. Walker.
This is a story of loss and healing...and I have to say that you need each part of it for the complete story, but I don't think you can finish one part and not want to continue on. ( )

Amnesia trope done beautifully. I'm sooooo glad there wasn't any dramatic decree on part of the doctors to withhold information to the patient (no having to hide the fact that so-so is the boyfriend, etc. Yay!).

Justin gets into an accident on the road and suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI), losing five years of precious memories including those spent with the love of his life, Dallas. Dallas's POV is heartbreaking to read, but no matter what, he continues to be the solid and steady rock Justin needs as he slowly gets back on his feet, regardless of whether Justin remembers him or not.

If you're expecting OTT drama or dramatic revelations/twists, this book isn't it. It's gentle, like a soft caress. A healing balm to the soul. It's a simple yet touching story of recovery and unadulterated love, and ends with the hope for a new beginning. Highly recommend!

*single pov apart from the first and last chapters ( )

Justin works for owner Dallas at a motorbike shop, and the two are an established couple living over the shop, when Justin is accidentally t-boned while driving a company van, and is badly hurt. That is where the first book begins. Justin is diagnosed with TBI and retrograde amnesia as a result (in addition to severely broken right leg and arm). He wakes in hospital to learn he's forgotten the last five years of his life, and has no idea who Dallas is.

Listened to the entire series. Nice idea for a plot but badly in need of an editor. I'd love to know how many times in the ~600 pages Justin said either "I'm sorry" or "Thank you for putting up with me". I was ready to DNF about 1/3 of the way into the 2nd book. It got a bit better but not much. *Not* this author's best work. ( )