A review by cliterateur
Forgotten Vows by Gayla J Reel, Brandi Reed

emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Alright, folks, gather 'round because we've got ourselves an intriguing ride through the tangled web of love, amnesia, secrets, and some steamy scenes that could fog up your glasses. "Forgotten Vows" is like a thrilling adventure that starts slow but gains momentum as you go along.

Picture this: Chelsea Sanders wakes up one day in Texas, missing eight years of her life and having no clue why a ruggedly handsome man is claiming to be her ex-husband. Talk about a bad case of amnesia! But don't let the cliché amnesia trope scare you off; it's only there for the initial setup, and things get spicy pretty fast.

The story is told in an omniscient third-person POV, which might rub some readers the wrong way. There are moments when the transitions between Chelsea's and Benjamin's thoughts feel a bit clunky, like you're switching TV channels too quickly. But hey, it's just an annoyance when you consider the delicious, slow-burning tension between our two leads.

Now, let's talk about the tone. The storytelling is like a hushed secret being whispered in your ear. It's oddly soothing, given the drama unfolding. You'll find yourself getting emotionally invested in Ben and Chelsea's journey "slowly at first, and then all at once," just as John Green said.

Oh, did I mention the spice? Yes, there's some tastefully done steaminess in this book. It is open-door and graphic but it's like a fine wine – classy and elegant. So, if you're into romance with a side of sizzle, you're in for a treat.

In the grand scheme of things, "Forgotten Vows" balances out after the first part where amnesia seems like an info-dumping mechanism. Once you hit the 35% mark, it finds its groove, and you'll be turning those pages faster than a kid in a candy store. It’s very much interesting at first, I just found that there was some info-dumping happening there at first. Don’t get it twisted, there is still a LOT to unpack and find out after all that. 

All in all, "Forgotten Vows" is the perfect palette cleanser or a quick, emotional, and fun read. It's the kind of book you'd want to curl up with on a rainy day, or any day when you need a dose of love, drama, and just the right amount of spice. I'd give it 4 stars, depending on how much you enjoy a good, old-fashioned second-chance romance with a twist. So, grab a copy and join Chelsea and Ben on their passionate journey. Will they find their happy ending, or will their vows truly be forgotten forever? You'll have to read it to find out.

I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.