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sometimesrenn's review against another edition
4.0
Big picture, I really enjoyed this book. I loved how there was a lot of character development with her friends. We learn about Claire and Peyton, both their current roles in Steffi's life and their roles as kids. We also received a preview of their individual character flaws and struggles. The novel doesn't focus exclusively on the two protagonists and name drop people without building the characters. We really get to know her friends and family who don't play a huge role in the relationship aspect of this plot. We receive little cookie crumbs of upcoming relationships, and foreshadows the next books in the series. Overall, it definitely makes me want to keep reading the series so I can learn more the folks in Sanctuary Sound.
Without giving away spoilers, looking back I have some issues with the conceptual aspects.
In the end of the book, Jamie Beck includes a section explaining her inspiration and research for the book. After finishing the novel I thought it was a cute contemporary romance, but then after reading the motive for writing the book I wanted more of the deep stuff. Steffi was assaulted, horribly. That plays a role in the book, but I feel the author could have included more detail and plot content pertaining to the actual night, the consequences, and her backstory. Instead, Steffi suffers from occasional flashbacks and tries to ignore it.
The assault could have had a much stronger role in the plot, but instead it felt like a background detail to the romance. I would have much preferred the assault aftermath be the focus of the novel with the romance being the external arc. Their relationship couldn't be restored until Steffi dealt with her assault, yet it was tip toed around. Maybe the author wanted to keep the novel light, and prevent triggering her readers, but I think it could have brought a lot more depth to the novel after reading all the research she put into writing it.
I also have a minor issue with the title: memory of you. This gives the illusion that the memory of her past relationship with Ryan has significance to the plotline. I expected flashbacks from their relationship that shaped the current plot. Instead, there were very few memories of their relationship explained, such as their trips on the boat and dates at the pizza shop. The memory of that alley should have been incorporated into the title, since those memories (or lack there of) is what shaped the novel.
Without giving away spoilers, looking back I have some issues with the conceptual aspects.
In the end of the book, Jamie Beck includes a section explaining her inspiration and research for the book. After finishing the novel I thought it was a cute contemporary romance, but then after reading the motive for writing the book I wanted more of the deep stuff. Steffi was assaulted, horribly. That plays a role in the book, but I feel the author could have included more detail and plot content pertaining to the actual night, the consequences, and her backstory. Instead, Steffi suffers from occasional flashbacks and tries to ignore it.
The assault could have had a much stronger role in the plot, but instead it felt like a background detail to the romance. I would have much preferred the assault aftermath be the focus of the novel with the romance being the external arc. Their relationship couldn't be restored until Steffi dealt with her assault, yet it was tip toed around. Maybe the author wanted to keep the novel light, and prevent triggering her readers, but I think it could have brought a lot more depth to the novel after reading all the research she put into writing it.
I also have a minor issue with the title: memory of you. This gives the illusion that the memory of her past relationship with Ryan has significance to the plotline. I expected flashbacks from their relationship that shaped the current plot. Instead, there were very few memories of their relationship explained, such as their trips on the boat and dates at the pizza shop. The memory of that alley should have been incorporated into the title, since those memories (or lack there of) is what shaped the novel.
jeandie_leone's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
teri_dost's review
3.0
Knížka není vůbec špatná, ale má uspěchaný konec (doufám, že se něco dozvím v dalších dílech) a trochu matoucí vypravování, ta třetí osoba tomu moc nesvědčí.
atirandomness's review against another edition
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. ✌
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
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.
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
1.0
DNF. I only made it 23% through, and the book never held my attention.
syndi3's review against another edition
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.
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.
rotellareads's review against another edition
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!
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!