Reviews

The Memory of You by Jamie Beck

atirandomness's review against another edition

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2.0

Simultaneously too much and nothing at all going on in this story. The author threw all these issues (trauma, rape, cancer etc) and obstacles (betrayal, heartbreak, adultery etc) on the table and then did nothing with them. She just used them as props but there was very little plot otherwise to give them substance.
Serious issues were all sort of glossed over, particularly the heroine’s assault/trauma. If you’re not willing to give serious issues the time and consideration they deserve, don’t use them in your books. It shouldn’t be a cheap plot device to manipulate readers. I also hate the “strong” stupid heroine trope. The heroine was having some sort of blackouts but wouldn’t seek professional help of any kind because she “didn’t want to be a victim”. *eyeroll* It was all dumb and forced. I got bored, disliked almost every character in the book and started to feel manipulated which is always my cue to bounce. ✌

ea82625's review against another edition

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challenging sad

2.0

This book had a lot of unlikeable characters and if I hadn’t been listening to it for free through kindle unlimited I probably would’ve stopped reading it. 

The mfc is in complete denial over major medical incidents that are happening to her. One of her best friends is an absolutely toxic person who had experienced trauma in the past but clearly hasn’t done anything to help herself heal. 

kookie9200's review against another edition

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1.0

DNF. I only made it 23% through, and the book never held my attention.

nahyee's review against another edition

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5.0

See my full review of this title on my blog: Books Under the Blanket (with a flashlight): https://booksundertheblanket.com/dads-against-daughters-dating-until-theyre-30/
Live on Feb 19, 2023

izziede's review against another edition

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Not for me.

syndi3's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 Hands down, Miss Beck delivered her best work with The Memory of You. 
I read dark, broken romance before but not like this. Miss Beck carefully, with respect bringing to light the issue of sexual assault. 
The story not only highlighting issues of victim journey, but also the aspect of law. Do not worry, it is not very complex law jargon. 

Steffi and Ryan represent both victim and the law. I do like how Miss Beck bend Ryan's POV about right and wrong at the end. There is romance but it is in the background. The conversation is deep and meaningful. 

Congrats, Miss Beck. It is indeed your best work. 

jomamaliza's review against another edition

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4.0

Major triggers, but a good read with a sweet end.

rotellareads's review against another edition

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4.0

The Memory of You was a sweet second chance story with a lot of emotional ups and downs. Steffi Lockwood was a strong, independent heroine that you couldn't help but root for. From the very beginning, I really wanted to see her overcome her past demons and get her HEA. Ryan, although hardened and bitter, slowly let his walls against Steffi that he build up over a decade ago, come crumbling down. You wanted these two to end up together, no matter what it took!

This read dealt with a lot of triggers and dark situations. This included some heavy topics that pushed characters to dig deep and question everything.

I rated this read a 4/5 stars because I enjoyed the overall story line, the author's writing style and the depth and detail they put into each character. I felt the story was a little slow in parts and felt rushed at the end, but overall was a satisfying romance read. I can't wait to see what book two in the series has to offer!

bookanonjeff's review against another edition

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5.0

Excellent Memory. This was an excellent book, and a great introduction to a new trilogy from Beck. Longtime fans of hers will likely enjoy it, and newcomers will have an excellent introduction into her style of writing and storytelling. As far as this particular story itself goes, it was engaging and interesting, and never really felt as long as it actually is. (Though don't let the actual page count fool you, there are author notes at beginning and end, plus a sources section and the almost requisite sample of book 2 - actual length of the edition I read was 4% shorter than the total length of the book.)

jroute22's review against another edition

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5.0

Stephanie & Ryan's story is so sweet but real.

I've read all of Jamie's novels and this one did not disappoint. I love the research and thought that went into this novel. I love the way Stephanie develops and seeing her and Ryans relationship evolve.