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The Remembrance Trilogy #1
The Future of Our Past
**New Adult/Contemporary Romance Series.***
Julia Abbot and Ryan Matthews have been inseparable best friends since the moment they met. Each of them fight an internal battle unwilling to risk their incredible friendship but unable to quell their deep longing for the other. On the verge of his departure to medical school and to her new job on the opposite coast, Ryan and Julia are forced to face the undeniable truth of their deeper feelings.
*For readers 17+ due to explicit language and sexual situations.*
Julia Abbot and Ryan Matthews have been inseparable best friends since the moment they met. Each of them fight an internal battle unwilling to risk their incredible friendship but unable to quell their deep longing for the other. On the verge of his departure to medical school and to her new job on the opposite coast, Ryan and Julia are forced to face the undeniable truth of their deeper feelings.
*For readers 17+ due to explicit language and sexual situations.*
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2012
445 people are currently reading
7222 people want to read
About the author
Kahlen Aymes
35 books2,077 followersKahlen is an award-winning author of sizzling hot, deeply moving contemporary romance. Her stories are filled with intense love, passion, angst and emotion that breathes life into her characters and leaves her readers captivated. She lives near Omaha, Nebraska with her daughter, Olivia and their three dogs. Creative by nature, she enjoys the arts, music and theater... But the love of her life is writing!
She has three finished series, and two stand-alone angst-filled, super hot novels; One Step Closer, a Stepbrother romance, and Trading Yesterday, the story of a soccer player who leaves behind the love of his life to follow his dream of playing professionally, only to realize, maybe too late, what really matters.
Representation: Hershman Rights Management
All books available on Amazon, iBooks, Barnes &n Noble, Kobo, Smashwords and BAM!
After Dark also on iTunes and Audible.
The Remembrance Trilogy and Prequel & The Famous Novels available soon on audio.
Follow Kahlen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kahlen.aymes...
Join her book club: Kahlen's Book Babes on Facebook
Sign up for her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/RuW4X
Join her Street Team: http://eepurl.com/Q_S6b
She has three finished series, and two stand-alone angst-filled, super hot novels; One Step Closer, a Stepbrother romance, and Trading Yesterday, the story of a soccer player who leaves behind the love of his life to follow his dream of playing professionally, only to realize, maybe too late, what really matters.
Representation: Hershman Rights Management
All books available on Amazon, iBooks, Barnes &n Noble, Kobo, Smashwords and BAM!
After Dark also on iTunes and Audible.
The Remembrance Trilogy and Prequel & The Famous Novels available soon on audio.
Follow Kahlen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kahlen.aymes...
Join her book club: Kahlen's Book Babes on Facebook
Sign up for her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/RuW4X
Join her Street Team: http://eepurl.com/Q_S6b
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 624 reviews
May 20, 2014
. ***WARNING** Please don't let silly 'ol me deter you from reading the story. Gracias :-)
Otay time to get down to the nitty gritty. First off, this book gave me a friggin cavity.
This is a story of two best friends named Ryan and Julia whom mean the world to each other after 4 short years. Both want to be more than friends but neither were given the gift of a backbone so they keep their traps shut about their feelings(for way to fucking long) until finally one of them admits it(ahh, there is a god! ) and well... you can figure out the rest....p.s. hate to be a spoiler but the dynamics of their relationship doesn't change right away.
Ryan, the male lead, whom appears to be missing his ball sac (hey buddy, go check the lost and found)read more like a teenage puppy eyed girl in love than a 23year old, Harved pre-med stud muffin. If you're looking for a clingy, emotional boyfriend, whom will smother you with the "I LOVE YOU'S (I dare you to count how may times "I LOVE YOU" is said)do not pass go, do not collect $200 as your journey ends here. He was a sweetie, there is no denying that and most of the readers will love him, but me being me, I just wanted to throw on some shoulder pads and tackle the bitch out of him.
Okay I've said enough..
Now on to my naïve, scaredy cat, cry me a river Julie. What can I say? "You is kind. You is smart. You is important." Again,the majority of you will enjoy reading about her life but I am minority #1 so..-->insert cricket sound here<-- Nope, uh-ah. Our beloved(aka overly loved) heroine has a lot of great qualities. Julie's a great editor, fabulous last minute model and cooks a mean lemon muffin ( or was it blueberry?)she will do anything and everything for Ryan while shedding a tear or two or thousand.
In all honesty I am not like most readers so PLEASE don't let me stop you from reading the trilogy. I wanted to try something new and.. it kinda didn't go so well... Now, you may be asking yourself "Self, why the hell is Jahy now reading book 2?" Well folks I have your answer. This damn book ended with the MOTHER of all cliffhangers and this nosey bitch needs to know what happened.. The end :-)
Otay time to get down to the nitty gritty. First off, this book gave me a friggin cavity.
This is a story of two best friends named Ryan and Julia whom mean the world to each other after 4 short years. Both want to be more than friends but neither were given the gift of a backbone so they keep their traps shut about their feelings(for way to fucking long) until finally one of them admits it(ahh, there is a god! ) and well... you can figure out the rest....p.s. hate to be a spoiler but the dynamics of their relationship doesn't change right away.
Ryan, the male lead, whom appears to be missing his ball sac (hey buddy, go check the lost and found)read more like a teenage puppy eyed girl in love than a 23year old, Harved pre-med stud muffin. If you're looking for a clingy, emotional boyfriend, whom will smother you with the "I LOVE YOU'S (I dare you to count how may times "I LOVE YOU" is said)do not pass go, do not collect $200 as your journey ends here. He was a sweetie, there is no denying that and most of the readers will love him, but me being me, I just wanted to throw on some shoulder pads and tackle the bitch out of him.
Okay I've said enough..
Now on to my naïve, scaredy cat, cry me a river Julie. What can I say? "You is kind. You is smart. You is important." Again,the majority of you will enjoy reading about her life but I am minority #1 so..-->insert cricket sound here<-- Nope, uh-ah. Our beloved(aka overly loved) heroine has a lot of great qualities. Julie's a great editor, fabulous last minute model and cooks a mean lemon muffin ( or was it blueberry?)she will do anything and everything for Ryan while shedding a tear or two or thousand.
In all honesty I am not like most readers so PLEASE don't let me stop you from reading the trilogy. I wanted to try something new and.. it kinda didn't go so well... Now, you may be asking yourself "Self, why the hell is Jahy now reading book 2?" Well folks I have your answer. This damn book ended with the MOTHER of all cliffhangers and this nosey bitch needs to know what happened.. The end :-)
August 9, 2012
My blog for Book Reviews!
This book was not for me whatsoever. Maybe I set myself up to dislike the book as much as I did since I am not a romance-reading kind of person. I only discovered this book because it was on a recommendation list for people who liked Fifty Shades of Grey. I haven't read it, and I have heard horrible things about it, but The Future of Our Past had so many good reviews on here, I figured I'd give it a shot. I don't mind reading a story that has romance, but usually there is an actual story... and substance. This book had ZERO substance, and I found myself rolling my eyes so many times, I lost count.
Julia and Ryan have been best friends since they first met during college. Since each of them is ridiculously attractive, intelligent, and perfect in every way, they fall in love with each other. But the catch is that they do not want to ruin their relationship so they never tell the other how they feel. So they walk around every day with sexual tension building while it is obvious to the rest of the world that they are so mad for each other. But as fate would have it, they kind of fall into the perfect place (with complications, of course) of a ridiculous love fest.
What exactly is a ridiculous love fest? Well, it consists of lots of sex (in detail), NEVER letting a moment go by without saying, "Oh, babe, I fucking love you so much, it doesn't seem like I could love you more, but somehow I do every day...", a relationship being built on the idea of missing the other so much that it's all that they can think/talk about... even with each other.
I think the most irritating thing about the book is how ridiculous it is. (Notice how I am repeating that word over and over again? That's kind of how the phrases of "You are so perfect!" or "I love you, babe. I want you so bad," etc. is repeated.) Other than it being an overly cliched relationship of perfection, there are a few things that are stupidly far-fetched. A) Julia lands a dream job at Glamour magazine fresh out of college as a junior editor. Yeah. In what universe does that happen? B) Ryan talks in exaggerated detail to his brother about his deepest and most profound love for Julia. Yeah. That does not happen.
If you like romance, repetition of "I will love you forever...", perfect people (because that is completely believable), unrealistic ideas and lives... then go for this book. Or if you need something a little steamy to read, it is good for that. Sometimes.
I thought about giving this book 1 star, but it was written ok, and it wasn't as terrible as I am making it seem. It definitely wasn't for me, but I did finish it. And the ending left me hanging so I might pick up the sequel if I can get it for free on my Kindle. (That's the other good thing about this... Free on amazon!) So I didn't hate it as I have other books, but I probably will stick to Nicholas Sparks if I am ever in need of a romance story.
This book was not for me whatsoever. Maybe I set myself up to dislike the book as much as I did since I am not a romance-reading kind of person. I only discovered this book because it was on a recommendation list for people who liked Fifty Shades of Grey. I haven't read it, and I have heard horrible things about it, but The Future of Our Past had so many good reviews on here, I figured I'd give it a shot. I don't mind reading a story that has romance, but usually there is an actual story... and substance. This book had ZERO substance, and I found myself rolling my eyes so many times, I lost count.
Julia and Ryan have been best friends since they first met during college. Since each of them is ridiculously attractive, intelligent, and perfect in every way, they fall in love with each other. But the catch is that they do not want to ruin their relationship so they never tell the other how they feel. So they walk around every day with sexual tension building while it is obvious to the rest of the world that they are so mad for each other. But as fate would have it, they kind of fall into the perfect place (with complications, of course) of a ridiculous love fest.
What exactly is a ridiculous love fest? Well, it consists of lots of sex (in detail), NEVER letting a moment go by without saying, "Oh, babe, I fucking love you so much, it doesn't seem like I could love you more, but somehow I do every day...", a relationship being built on the idea of missing the other so much that it's all that they can think/talk about... even with each other.
I think the most irritating thing about the book is how ridiculous it is. (Notice how I am repeating that word over and over again? That's kind of how the phrases of "You are so perfect!" or "I love you, babe. I want you so bad," etc. is repeated.) Other than it being an overly cliched relationship of perfection, there are a few things that are stupidly far-fetched. A) Julia lands a dream job at Glamour magazine fresh out of college as a junior editor. Yeah. In what universe does that happen? B) Ryan talks in exaggerated detail to his brother about his deepest and most profound love for Julia. Yeah. That does not happen.
If you like romance, repetition of "I will love you forever...", perfect people (because that is completely believable), unrealistic ideas and lives... then go for this book. Or if you need something a little steamy to read, it is good for that. Sometimes.
I thought about giving this book 1 star, but it was written ok, and it wasn't as terrible as I am making it seem. It definitely wasn't for me, but I did finish it. And the ending left me hanging so I might pick up the sequel if I can get it for free on my Kindle. (That's the other good thing about this... Free on amazon!) So I didn't hate it as I have other books, but I probably will stick to Nicholas Sparks if I am ever in need of a romance story.
June 20, 2012
A new-to-me-author who was highly recommended by a friend. This is the first book in "The Remembrance" trilogy. An absolutely breathtaking and unforgettable love story. I couldn't stop reading from the time I started until I finished a few minutes ago. And wouldn't you know it, I can't get the second book until who knows when. And then there's a third book, too. Warning: there's a huge cliffhanger at the end and I know this bothers lots of readers. For me, this book was magical and no matter when it's available, I'll be reading this trilogy to the end. Kudos to Kahlen Aymes for a stunning debut to this trilogy.
May 5, 2013
I tried to love this book, I really did. I wanted to, but... there was just too much standing in my way.
I 'stealth' read this the other night and didn't post updates because I wasn't in love with it.
On the surface, it's actually a sweet story of friends who wished they were more but never found the courage to do anything about it. But what that led to just frustrated me to no end.
I guess it was because all the problems in this book stemmed from the direct actions of hero/heroine. There were no external factors to blame and so it made me end up resenting them for creating so much drama for themselves when a few words or an honest conversation could have easily resolved everything.
The book is about Julia and Ryan who had been best friends throughout college. And while they both felt much more than just friendship for each other, neither of them ever (in all the years) did anything about it, or told the other person. They were each too afraid to rock the boat and damage the relationship they already had. But now, with only a few short months before graduation, everything is becoming harder as the prospect of moving to opposite ends of the country to pursue their respective careers becomes closer to reality.
I guess what I didn't understand was why/how for more than three years, if they felt a certain way, that they hadn't acted on it or spoken about it. Three years is a loooooong time. And now they were just going to let each other go? Just like that? I didn't get it. I couldn't relate or understand it.
Personally, I think that if the feeling is strong enough, you should go to any lengths to preserve that relationship. And I'm not just speaking randomly here, my personal life had me in a situation nearly identical to Ryan and Julia's and we chose differently (at the same age they were)... I tried to understand their perspective, but just couldn't agree with their decisions.
In all honesty though, it was Julia who bothered me the most because Ryan actually tried several times to get her to talk, admit feelings, get a job closer to him (he was accepted to Harvard so not exactly something that was easy to transfer away from), but each time she met him with reluctance, or just flat out chose her job over him. This went on for a good portion of the book. I felt like she was constantly choosing her career over him, which was fine, technically, but then the story just became about two people who put their careers above their relationship and that wasn't something I wanted to read about.
The book also has frequent and disorienting time jumps that were both random and not clearly marked. Between one chapter and the next, it would jump anywhere from one minute, to one hour to several weeks, months or years. I could follow along but I found that it just felt like I was missing all these important events that were then just referred back to in passing.
I mean, yes, their situation sucked and I felt bad for them, but at the same time, they'd created their own personal hell, you know? It wasn't external circumstances keeping them apart all these years, it was them. They spent 4 years right in front of each other too scared to make a move, then they each chose jobs on opposite ends of the country away from each other. I found it hard to feel for their pain when every single one of the problems stemmed from their own decisions.
It also got extremely repetitive once they started to work things out with variations of "I love you", "you are my everything", "I need you to breathe", "I can't bear to be without you" etc etc (those are not direct quotes, just representations). At first I liked it, but as the book went on, I found myself skimming pages because I just felt like I was essentially reading the same scene over and over again.
Also, there was a scene in the middle relating to Julia's work which was simply not something that would ever happen in real life and it bothered me because of how unrealistic it was.
And then at the end (no spoilers), Julia made a decision which made me just want to throw my Kindle at the wall (I really thought we were past that kind of stupidity) and then something (external) happened which led to a huge cliffhanger that took the story down a path that I'm just honestly not interested in pursuing.
Here's the thing though... I can see why people would like it. It wasn't the writing style that I had issue with, it was the story line. Kahlen Aymes is a good author and I would definitely try another of her books if she decides to write a different story. And, if the kind of thing I described above isn't something that bothers you, then you might actually end up really liking the book. I guess you could call my problems with it a personal pet peeve of mine. And technically, the stuff that I found repetitive WAS actually swoony so, again, I could very easily see how a reader would love this story.
Ryan was absolutely head-over-heels crazy for Julia and I did like his character and how he kept trying to make things work. It was more a question of Julia always holding back for most of the book which really was something out of his control.
I feel bad saying this but in all honestly, this book was just not for me.
2.5 stars
I 'stealth' read this the other night and didn't post updates because I wasn't in love with it.
On the surface, it's actually a sweet story of friends who wished they were more but never found the courage to do anything about it. But what that led to just frustrated me to no end.
I guess it was because all the problems in this book stemmed from the direct actions of hero/heroine. There were no external factors to blame and so it made me end up resenting them for creating so much drama for themselves when a few words or an honest conversation could have easily resolved everything.
The book is about Julia and Ryan who had been best friends throughout college. And while they both felt much more than just friendship for each other, neither of them ever (in all the years) did anything about it, or told the other person. They were each too afraid to rock the boat and damage the relationship they already had. But now, with only a few short months before graduation, everything is becoming harder as the prospect of moving to opposite ends of the country to pursue their respective careers becomes closer to reality.
"One topic we avoided was out feelings for each other. It hung over us like an unspoken storm, but I was enjoying the day and didn't want to ruin it by forcing the topic, even though I ached to tell her I was in love with her."
I guess what I didn't understand was why/how for more than three years, if they felt a certain way, that they hadn't acted on it or spoken about it. Three years is a loooooong time. And now they were just going to let each other go? Just like that? I didn't get it. I couldn't relate or understand it.
Personally, I think that if the feeling is strong enough, you should go to any lengths to preserve that relationship. And I'm not just speaking randomly here, my personal life had me in a situation nearly identical to Ryan and Julia's and we chose differently (at the same age they were)... I tried to understand their perspective, but just couldn't agree with their decisions.
In all honesty though, it was Julia who bothered me the most because Ryan actually tried several times to get her to talk, admit feelings, get a job closer to him (he was accepted to Harvard so not exactly something that was easy to transfer away from), but each time she met him with reluctance, or just flat out chose her job over him. This went on for a good portion of the book. I felt like she was constantly choosing her career over him, which was fine, technically, but then the story just became about two people who put their careers above their relationship and that wasn't something I wanted to read about.
The book also has frequent and disorienting time jumps that were both random and not clearly marked. Between one chapter and the next, it would jump anywhere from one minute, to one hour to several weeks, months or years. I could follow along but I found that it just felt like I was missing all these important events that were then just referred back to in passing.
I mean, yes, their situation sucked and I felt bad for them, but at the same time, they'd created their own personal hell, you know? It wasn't external circumstances keeping them apart all these years, it was them. They spent 4 years right in front of each other too scared to make a move, then they each chose jobs on opposite ends of the country away from each other. I found it hard to feel for their pain when every single one of the problems stemmed from their own decisions.
It also got extremely repetitive once they started to work things out with variations of "I love you", "you are my everything", "I need you to breathe", "I can't bear to be without you" etc etc (those are not direct quotes, just representations). At first I liked it, but as the book went on, I found myself skimming pages because I just felt like I was essentially reading the same scene over and over again.
Also, there was a scene in the middle relating to Julia's work which was simply not something that would ever happen in real life and it bothered me because of how unrealistic it was.
And then at the end (no spoilers), Julia made a decision which made me just want to throw my Kindle at the wall (I really thought we were past that kind of stupidity) and then something (external) happened which led to a huge cliffhanger that took the story down a path that I'm just honestly not interested in pursuing.
Here's the thing though... I can see why people would like it. It wasn't the writing style that I had issue with, it was the story line. Kahlen Aymes is a good author and I would definitely try another of her books if she decides to write a different story. And, if the kind of thing I described above isn't something that bothers you, then you might actually end up really liking the book. I guess you could call my problems with it a personal pet peeve of mine. And technically, the stuff that I found repetitive WAS actually swoony so, again, I could very easily see how a reader would love this story.
Ryan was absolutely head-over-heels crazy for Julia and I did like his character and how he kept trying to make things work. It was more a question of Julia always holding back for most of the book which really was something out of his control.
I feel bad saying this but in all honestly, this book was just not for me.
2.5 stars
June 15, 2012
On first thought, I wished there was more back story to this couple. I understand that they have been best friends with sexual tension, secretly in love with each other, but I wanted to know more. I love romance books, but halfway through the book I was almost nauseated from all the "I love you so much." So much to the point that I was getting bored. I thought they had some cute banter between the two of them but it was more mushy mushy I love yous more than anything. I don't like when characters seem so unrealistic. Ryan talking to Aaron about Julia did not sound like a conversation between two guys.
"I smiled. 'But I do love her more. She's amazing. Innocent, yes, but so damn passionate. It's like we're one person and we instinctively know what the other needs. The love she has for me seeps right into my skin whenever she touches me, Aaron. It's that intense. Being with her was like nothing I've ever experienced in my life.' My tone was serious and reflective as I lost myself in the memory of her mouth and body moving with mine." -Ryan
It's not that I don't want a man to freely express himself and his feeling but this just seemed over the top for me. The outcome of the book was predictable, well I knew roughly what was going to happen. The ending was left with a cliffhanger. Unfortunately, I have no desire to continue. :-(
"I smiled. 'But I do love her more. She's amazing. Innocent, yes, but so damn passionate. It's like we're one person and we instinctively know what the other needs. The love she has for me seeps right into my skin whenever she touches me, Aaron. It's that intense. Being with her was like nothing I've ever experienced in my life.' My tone was serious and reflective as I lost myself in the memory of her mouth and body moving with mine." -Ryan
It's not that I don't want a man to freely express himself and his feeling but this just seemed over the top for me. The outcome of the book was predictable, well I knew roughly what was going to happen. The ending was left with a cliffhanger. Unfortunately, I have no desire to continue. :-(
August 9, 2012
WOW.... I'm shaking..... Incredible Love Story
You are captivated by the love these two charactures have for each other. I could not put this book down. The love this man Ryan has for Julia and her for him is consuming whole heart, body & soul. Their struggle to share their life together and yet still follow their personal dreams. Their so close to having it all and then........... (sorry you gotta read this book!)
I can't recommend this book enough, it's hot, sexy & loving that is not beyond anyone of our reaches. It reminds us how it feels to be madly and passionately in love with someone.
What I think I loved most in this book was the POV of both main charactures. Your truly felt how deeply in love Julia was with Ryan. And Ryans love for Julia is simply breathe taking.
You are captivated by the love these two charactures have for each other. I could not put this book down. The love this man Ryan has for Julia and her for him is consuming whole heart, body & soul. Their struggle to share their life together and yet still follow their personal dreams. Their so close to having it all and then........... (sorry you gotta read this book!)
I can't recommend this book enough, it's hot, sexy & loving that is not beyond anyone of our reaches. It reminds us how it feels to be madly and passionately in love with someone.
What I think I loved most in this book was the POV of both main charactures. Your truly felt how deeply in love Julia was with Ryan. And Ryans love for Julia is simply breathe taking.
Read
September 8, 2014DNF AT 38%. I'm sure this works for some folks, but if I have to read one more "my love" or "I love you so much" I'm going to throw my poor kindle against a wall. This one's just not for me.
August 7, 2012
If you're a prolific romance book reader, you become accustomed to (and frankly, enjoy) a certain amount of cheesiness: unrealistic "bedroom" talk, uber-perfection of characters, etc...that's why we read, right? :) But, it doesn't mean we don't have our levels of standards!
This book drove me bonkers. SO CHEESY. Every chapter was the EXACT same thing:
I miss you.
I love you so much I can't breathe.
Make love.
Both of us cry.
Why did we waste so much time?
Every single chapter! I would be ridiculously concerned if me and my partner cried EVERY time we made love! And I'd be even more concerned if after years and years together, the ONLY words we ever said to each other were "I miss you" and "I love you so much I can't breathe". I wanted to like the characters! Ryan, a Harvard Med student and Julia, a budding fashion editor. But they drove me crazy. When they weren't telling each other "I miss you", "I love you so much I can't breathe", they were snapping at each other and arguing! (and mind you, the way the author wrote their dialogue was HILARIOUS! TRUST ME...no present day 23 year old says "I want to give you pleasure", "my eyes beseeched her", "I need to taste you, my love"...I mean, C'MON!)
Yes, the love between them was sweet and intense. But ultimately, w/o the last chapter(s) it was boring and grew tiresome. The story line had close to zero arcs until the very end with the cliffhanger. I feel like this entire book could have easily been reduced to the first 2-3 chapters of whatever book 2 will be.
Thank goodness it was on free loan for kindle. And well-played Kahlen Aymes, the cliffhanger of course will force me to read the next book. But, I need to get over my aggravation with this first one and let my eyes roll back from behind my head...
September 3, 2012
I really wanted to like this story. With all the 5 star ratings I went in with high expectations. This book unfortunetly didn't do it for me. I found the characters very unrealistic and hard to relate with. I couldn't feel their connection at all. I wish we got to know their back story more in depth. I didn't like how there was no back bone to their sotry. I get that there is sexual tension between best friends, but as a reader I want to be able to understand and feel their connection, and what brought them to where their at. I want to feel their chemistry. This story just didn't do it.
The timeline jumped around too much for me. Going from one moment to months going by, to weeks going by, then jumping ahead to months again. I wanted to see the inbetweens. This didn't help with any character building, which I felt was really lacking. Halfway through I was getting so bored I had to force myself to read just 3 pages. There were too many dragging bits and I found myself starting to skim the pages.
This story was too mushy and more of a high school romance than what I would expect from college graduates. Unfortunetly. I won't continue the series.
The timeline jumped around too much for me. Going from one moment to months going by, to weeks going by, then jumping ahead to months again. I wanted to see the inbetweens. This didn't help with any character building, which I felt was really lacking. Halfway through I was getting so bored I had to force myself to read just 3 pages. There were too many dragging bits and I found myself starting to skim the pages.
This story was too mushy and more of a high school romance than what I would expect from college graduates. Unfortunetly. I won't continue the series.
June 1, 2012
WARNING: Contains one very hot and very heart meltingly loveable leading man!!:D
Well the first word that springs to my mind when thinking about this book is 'WOW!', secondly, I would like to say that it made a really nice change to pick up a book (or in my case, my kindle) and fall into the depths of those emotions of that first 'one true love' bittersweet despair.
For those of us who have been fortunate enough to know what its like to be in love; to remember that moment when it completely consumes you mind, body and soul, where you can think of nothing and no-one else. Those inner turmoil of emotions that can switch in a moment from incandecent happiness and contentment to sudden lovestruck grief. This book reflects on how young love can be so beautiful and be so devastatingly difficult. It reflects on the sacrifices of love and compromises that come with it.
Ryan and Julia are soul mates, they have secretly loved each-other since College but remained Best Friends for 4 years. It's not until Ryan receives his acceptance letter to Harvard that the reality of their time and distance apart kicks in, and they finally succumb and admit to each-other their true feelings.
They soon embark on a very passionate love affair. Written in first person with both leading characters sharing equal space on the page. Kahlen Aymes has done a wonderful job in highlighting the difficulties that come with long distance relationships. Even though that love is so all consuming, it still proves a hardship even in the strongest of relationships.
The sexual encounters are steamy, but without being too explictly graphic and seedy. Unlike some erotica novels, you can actually feel the love flow from the characters and jump out from the page and into your heart. Sounds whimsical I know, but while reading this book I have to admit I did have a silly grin on my face the whole way through,and it brought back those emotions that I felt as a lovesick late teenager (YA), much to the amusement of my husband!
However, without planting any spoilers, I wasn't quite prepared for the last couple of chapters and I ended the book with a huge lump in my throat and a stray tear (little buggar). I don't cry often while reading but the end of this particular book really got to me. So be warned, you may need a tissue or two!
The excerpt from the next book at the end was much appreciated, and I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series.
Due to the graphic sexual nature of this story, this is for mature readers only - 18+.
So for you Fifty Shades fans who want something a little more heartwarming, with many I Love You's, then you really must try this book.
Well the first word that springs to my mind when thinking about this book is 'WOW!', secondly, I would like to say that it made a really nice change to pick up a book (or in my case, my kindle) and fall into the depths of those emotions of that first 'one true love' bittersweet despair.
For those of us who have been fortunate enough to know what its like to be in love; to remember that moment when it completely consumes you mind, body and soul, where you can think of nothing and no-one else. Those inner turmoil of emotions that can switch in a moment from incandecent happiness and contentment to sudden lovestruck grief. This book reflects on how young love can be so beautiful and be so devastatingly difficult. It reflects on the sacrifices of love and compromises that come with it.
Ryan and Julia are soul mates, they have secretly loved each-other since College but remained Best Friends for 4 years. It's not until Ryan receives his acceptance letter to Harvard that the reality of their time and distance apart kicks in, and they finally succumb and admit to each-other their true feelings.
They soon embark on a very passionate love affair. Written in first person with both leading characters sharing equal space on the page. Kahlen Aymes has done a wonderful job in highlighting the difficulties that come with long distance relationships. Even though that love is so all consuming, it still proves a hardship even in the strongest of relationships.
The sexual encounters are steamy, but without being too explictly graphic and seedy. Unlike some erotica novels, you can actually feel the love flow from the characters and jump out from the page and into your heart. Sounds whimsical I know, but while reading this book I have to admit I did have a silly grin on my face the whole way through,and it brought back those emotions that I felt as a lovesick late teenager (YA), much to the amusement of my husband!
However, without planting any spoilers, I wasn't quite prepared for the last couple of chapters and I ended the book with a huge lump in my throat and a stray tear (little buggar). I don't cry often while reading but the end of this particular book really got to me. So be warned, you may need a tissue or two!
The excerpt from the next book at the end was much appreciated, and I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series.
Due to the graphic sexual nature of this story, this is for mature readers only - 18+.
So for you Fifty Shades fans who want something a little more heartwarming, with many I Love You's, then you really must try this book.
September 28, 2021
This was an OTT cheesy sweet romance, nothing wrong with that if you like your romance on the sweet side 😁. They exchanged I love yous, I miss yous every 2 pages, and it ends in a cliffhanger. I skimmed a lot after the 50% mark, it was all little too cheesy and boring for me…
Might skip book 2 and read 3 instead, book 3 suppose to have a nurse stalker obsessed with the H.
Free on KU.
- best friends - unrequited love - to lovers story.
- both MCs are beautiful.
- nothing happens, they’re in college, they move away from each other after college, he goes to med school. This book has barely any conflict.
- didn’t like how the H sounded like a girl. They cry a lot because they love so much. 🙄.
He called her sweetheart and my love…what 20 some year olds say sweetheart or my love to their partner at this time and age?
- super, super safe read.
- 23 yr old virgin h.🙄
- long, corny, descriptive love scenes. You can tell this was some girls fantasy. No one has sex like this lol..
Might skip book 2 and read 3 instead, book 3 suppose to have a nurse stalker obsessed with the H.
Free on KU.
- best friends - unrequited love - to lovers story.
- both MCs are beautiful.
- nothing happens, they’re in college, they move away from each other after college, he goes to med school. This book has barely any conflict.
- didn’t like how the H sounded like a girl. They cry a lot because they love so much. 🙄.
He called her sweetheart and my love…what 20 some year olds say sweetheart or my love to their partner at this time and age?
- super, super safe read.
- 23 yr old virgin h.🙄
- long, corny, descriptive love scenes. You can tell this was some girls fantasy. No one has sex like this lol..
March 16, 2014
I am going crazy after reading this book. It was truly amazing! I just finished about five minutes ago and I'm frantic because I have to know what happens next. I started this book four hours ago and couldn't put it down. I was suppose to be doing my graduate school homework for my vicious Quantitative Methods class (it was such a hard decision to make...yeah, right). Instead, I found myself engrossed in Julia and Ryan's love story!!
Thank you so much for sharing your books with us Kahlen. If I could have given you more stars I would have done it. I hope the release date for the second book is soon. In the meantime, I plan to tell everyone about this Trilogy. Great job!
Thank you so much for sharing your books with us Kahlen. If I could have given you more stars I would have done it. I hope the release date for the second book is soon. In the meantime, I plan to tell everyone about this Trilogy. Great job!
June 13, 2013
This was very sickly sweet and was missing the most important part for me, the falling in love. The two main characters had already done that before the book started so I think that's what let it down for me.
However, it was very well written and their journey together was lovely and there is a massive cliffhanger so I will no doubt read the next one.
However, it was very well written and their journey together was lovely and there is a massive cliffhanger so I will no doubt read the next one.
April 22, 2013
A few quotes that pretty much convinced me I'd never get to the end of this Cheesefest of bad writing, at just 3 percent into the book.
"Fall had left the trees barren of their lush leaves, reminding me of what my life would become if I went to Boston; a blank page, without the colors that Julia painted on my life. It seemed so bleak, a wasteland."
"They were all laughing and bantering with each other. My eyes flew to Julia. Her face was pink from the cold, her eyes were sparkling and laughter was falling from her lips. She was so gorgeous, she took my breath away."
"She lifted her tear-filled eyes to mine, the luminous green pools drowning me in their depths. “I knew you could do it.”"
So dumb.
They were all laughing and bantering with each other? That sentence is just all kinds of bad.
Was it necessary to cry before we were even done setting up the opening scene? I don't know anyone that cried because their friend got into college, it's not like he won a dang Nobel Prize or anything. Why was she crying? Why were her eyes luminous green pools that drowned him? I wish they would have drowned him.
I couldn't go any further. This was a soap opera.
"Fall had left the trees barren of their lush leaves, reminding me of what my life would become if I went to Boston; a blank page, without the colors that Julia painted on my life. It seemed so bleak, a wasteland."
"They were all laughing and bantering with each other. My eyes flew to Julia. Her face was pink from the cold, her eyes were sparkling and laughter was falling from her lips. She was so gorgeous, she took my breath away."
"She lifted her tear-filled eyes to mine, the luminous green pools drowning me in their depths. “I knew you could do it.”"
So dumb.
They were all laughing and bantering with each other? That sentence is just all kinds of bad.
Was it necessary to cry before we were even done setting up the opening scene? I don't know anyone that cried because their friend got into college, it's not like he won a dang Nobel Prize or anything. Why was she crying? Why were her eyes luminous green pools that drowned him? I wish they would have drowned him.
I couldn't go any further. This was a soap opera.
June 16, 2013
I loved, loved, loved The Remembrance series.
Why? Ryan Matthews!!!!
He's beautiful, passionate, and I swear to god this man can say the most beautiful heart wrenching things to a woman!!!
This was such a freaking beautiful friends to lovers story.
It grabs you from page 1!!!
Ryan and Julia have been best friends since freshman year at college.
They are in love with each other but neither comes out and admits it or fear that the feelings are not reciprocated and confessing their feelings might ruin the friendship.
Finally once they graduate and Ryan goes to Harvard Medical School and Julia goes out to L.A. To work for a high fashion magazine, the separation becomes too much and they confess to each other their true feelings.
I loved how the relationship just grew with such intensity!!
I've been waiting or almost a year for the third book to be released!
It finally came out last week.
I highly recommend this series.
This is a 5++++++++++++++++++++ love story!!!!!!!
You will fall in love with Ryan Matthews! :)
Why? Ryan Matthews!!!!
He's beautiful, passionate, and I swear to god this man can say the most beautiful heart wrenching things to a woman!!!
This was such a freaking beautiful friends to lovers story.
It grabs you from page 1!!!
Ryan and Julia have been best friends since freshman year at college.
They are in love with each other but neither comes out and admits it or fear that the feelings are not reciprocated and confessing their feelings might ruin the friendship.
Finally once they graduate and Ryan goes to Harvard Medical School and Julia goes out to L.A. To work for a high fashion magazine, the separation becomes too much and they confess to each other their true feelings.
I loved how the relationship just grew with such intensity!!
I've been waiting or almost a year for the third book to be released!
It finally came out last week.
I highly recommend this series.
This is a 5++++++++++++++++++++ love story!!!!!!!
You will fall in love with Ryan Matthews! :)
April 16, 2013
4.5 stars
Beautiful, touching, heartwarming story. Loved Ryan & Julia's relationship & how their hearts ached to be united forever. A cliffy approached, although I had been anticipating something since 2 thirds of the way through. So glad I have #2 to dive straight into...
Beautiful, touching, heartwarming story. Loved Ryan & Julia's relationship & how their hearts ached to be united forever. A cliffy approached, although I had been anticipating something since 2 thirds of the way through. So glad I have #2 to dive straight into...
May 28, 2012
Julia & Ryan are best friends and have been inseparable since the moment they met years ago. But, as Ryan finds himself accepted to Harvard Medical School, the two friends not only have to face being separated by thousands of miles, but they also have to finally come come to terms with the fact that what they feel for each other goes way beyond friendship.
This story was, in a word, beautiful. Sometimes the simplest premise can make for the most enjoyable books. And when it comes right down to it, this is a very simple story of two people in love, who have to battle through various obstacles in order to be together. And the author succeeds in making this sweet story rise above many others in the genre.
The cast of characters are wonderfully brought to life, and I truly felt I was right there with them. And the chemistry between Julia & Ryan is undeniable. Yes there were times when i wanted to shake one of them, but only because I wanted them to be happy together so badly. The various pitfalls that crop up don't seem forced, and are handled in the right way.
The book ends rather abruptly and with a cliffhanger. That usually drives me crazy, and I will admit to being a little frustrated when i saw that the story was actually over, and my Kindle wasn't going to magically add a few extra pages. However, the frustration was mainly because I just didn't want to stop reading about Ryan & Julia and didn't feel like waiting on the sequel (which thankfully the author is now working on).
In the end, TFOOP was such a refreshing change from some of the melodramatic love stories I have stumbled upon lately. A book that was sweetly romantic and written in a simple, but addictive style that made me actually want to slow down and try to make the story last.
I am so glad I was lucky enough to spend a little time in Ryan and Julia's world, and am anxiously awaiting my chance to return.
(this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)
My blog: http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/21...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/HollyBerryBelle
This story was, in a word, beautiful. Sometimes the simplest premise can make for the most enjoyable books. And when it comes right down to it, this is a very simple story of two people in love, who have to battle through various obstacles in order to be together. And the author succeeds in making this sweet story rise above many others in the genre.
The cast of characters are wonderfully brought to life, and I truly felt I was right there with them. And the chemistry between Julia & Ryan is undeniable. Yes there were times when i wanted to shake one of them, but only because I wanted them to be happy together so badly. The various pitfalls that crop up don't seem forced, and are handled in the right way.
The book ends rather abruptly and with a cliffhanger. That usually drives me crazy, and I will admit to being a little frustrated when i saw that the story was actually over, and my Kindle wasn't going to magically add a few extra pages. However, the frustration was mainly because I just didn't want to stop reading about Ryan & Julia and didn't feel like waiting on the sequel (which thankfully the author is now working on).
In the end, TFOOP was such a refreshing change from some of the melodramatic love stories I have stumbled upon lately. A book that was sweetly romantic and written in a simple, but addictive style that made me actually want to slow down and try to make the story last.
I am so glad I was lucky enough to spend a little time in Ryan and Julia's world, and am anxiously awaiting my chance to return.
(this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)
My blog: http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/21...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/HollyBerryBelle
August 21, 2012
First off LOVE the names of the main characters and that bracelet, where do i find one of those??? ;)
I'm not a romance hater, I love the idea of love. Makes me feel all mushy and softy inside. But even though Ryan and Julia had so much distance between them we only saw the coupling after all the wait. Had there been more about how they were coping and maybe thrown in more people like Liza and Vincent to make them sway from the relationship a lil I think I would have totally been on board with all the love talk. I think i understood how much they loved each other from page one but it just kept going, like the energizer bunny, the bunny can bee annoying!
Surprisingly enough I knew how this one was gonna end. I'm not talking about the cliffhanger, which really wasnt much of one, blame that one the fact that I know theres a book 2. I kinda figured it out when Julia started taking antibiotics, you put 2 and 2 together and that makes 3, makes sense, dont you think? LOL
I hope Ryan and Julia find their HEA and I hope Julia does go to Paris. She deserves this more than anyone. She's sacrificed so much, moving to the east coast and having to look for a new job. Luckily she didnt have to do a whole lot about that but still she was willing to do what it took for them to be together. Now granted Ryan is on the verge of graduating, he needs to let Julia spread her wings and enjoy the promotion that literally fell onto her lap.
I may one day pick up book 2 but not any time soon. :(
Dont get me wrong, i'd recommend this, just be in the mood for lots of LOVE. LOTS of love talk and some sex! ohhh and speaking of sex, the scene where Ryan surprises Julia and she thinks she's dreaming, WOWZA!!!!
I'm not a romance hater, I love the idea of love. Makes me feel all mushy and softy inside. But even though Ryan and Julia had so much distance between them we only saw the coupling after all the wait. Had there been more about how they were coping and maybe thrown in more people like Liza and Vincent to make them sway from the relationship a lil I think I would have totally been on board with all the love talk. I think i understood how much they loved each other from page one but it just kept going, like the energizer bunny, the bunny can bee annoying!
Surprisingly enough I knew how this one was gonna end. I'm not talking about the cliffhanger, which really wasnt much of one, blame that one the fact that I know theres a book 2. I kinda figured it out when Julia started taking antibiotics, you put 2 and 2 together and that makes 3, makes sense, dont you think? LOL
I hope Ryan and Julia find their HEA and I hope Julia does go to Paris. She deserves this more than anyone. She's sacrificed so much, moving to the east coast and having to look for a new job. Luckily she didnt have to do a whole lot about that but still she was willing to do what it took for them to be together. Now granted Ryan is on the verge of graduating, he needs to let Julia spread her wings and enjoy the promotion that literally fell onto her lap.
I may one day pick up book 2 but not any time soon. :(
Dont get me wrong, i'd recommend this, just be in the mood for lots of LOVE. LOTS of love talk and some sex! ohhh and speaking of sex, the scene where Ryan surprises Julia and she thinks she's dreaming, WOWZA!!!!
September 17, 2013
Ok..that's it!!!...I can't take this anymore!!!..I throw in the towel...I GIVE UP!!! This is a DNF for me...I tried finishing this..I really did...but it was TORTURE!!!
It was just too mushy & sweet for my liking and just lacking in so many things I look for in a great read...it felt like swallowing a spoonful of sugar and adding a spoonful of maple syrup along with another of honey....it was just...
Soooo..I stopped and said to myself...WTH r u doing??...This isn't like school that a teacher picked out the worst written book in history and made you read it through the summer and make you write a 5 page report on...(whewww..sry..had to vent there a minute...childhood memories haunt me at times...LOL!!!)...so I did what many here on Goodreads did with this book.....
It was just too mushy & sweet for my liking and just lacking in so many things I look for in a great read...it felt like swallowing a spoonful of sugar and adding a spoonful of maple syrup along with another of honey....it was just...
Soooo..I stopped and said to myself...WTH r u doing??...This isn't like school that a teacher picked out the worst written book in history and made you read it through the summer and make you write a 5 page report on...(whewww..sry..had to vent there a minute...childhood memories haunt me at times...LOL!!!)...so I did what many here on Goodreads did with this book.....
October 14, 2012
This book has so many good reviews, and I had been looking forward to reading it for a while. But, I had a really hard time getting into the story. It's not that it was bad or badly written, I think it was just too sickly sweet and sappy for me. The "I'm so scared where this is going," "I love you more,", No, I love you more," and "I miss you so much" lines got old really, really fast. What the story came down to was a lot of missing each other, saying I've loved you forever but was scared to tell you, and then ultimately sex and more sex. The story really just needed…a story.
I also had a hard time connecting with the characters. I did not find myself caring for them or caring about their lives. Ultimately if the author would have killed them all off at the end, it would have been fine with me. In the end, the book was okay. If you are into sap and sex and no real storyline, read it.
I also had a hard time connecting with the characters. I did not find myself caring for them or caring about their lives. Ultimately if the author would have killed them all off at the end, it would have been fine with me. In the end, the book was okay. If you are into sap and sex and no real storyline, read it.
August 25, 2012
Warning this review makes reference to things in the second book!
This is a tough book for me to review, because if I look at this book as an individual book I probably would have rated it a three. It was sweet, but seemed a bit slow in places for me, but it picked up at the end of the book via a cliff hanger. I had to read the second book straight away to see what was happening, and omg the second book is very good,I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it a lot, I really cared about what was going on between the two characters and I was actually upset about it for them, But I realised that I probabaly wouldn't have felt that way if I didn't live through everything with them that when on in the first book. I realised that this first book is essential to getting the story set for the great second book and for the reader to understand the loss in it. So with that in mind this first book deserves a four!
This is a tough book for me to review, because if I look at this book as an individual book I probably would have rated it a three. It was sweet, but seemed a bit slow in places for me, but it picked up at the end of the book via a cliff hanger. I had to read the second book straight away to see what was happening, and omg the second book is very good,I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it a lot, I really cared about what was going on between the two characters and I was actually upset about it for them, But I realised that I probabaly wouldn't have felt that way if I didn't live through everything with them that when on in the first book. I realised that this first book is essential to getting the story set for the great second book and for the reader to understand the loss in it. So with that in mind this first book deserves a four!
March 9, 2014
This series is exactly what I needed. I absolutely adored this book ! Quickly onto the next one. It CANNOT end like that !!!
June 7, 2012
Review: The Future of Our Past (The Remembrance Trilogy #1) – Kahlen Aymes
*****5 STARS*****
A LOVE STORY FELT SO DEEPLY, IT LEAVES YOU FULFILLED AND ACHING AT THE SAME TIME!
Julia and Ryan meet at Stanford University, when they are freshmen. From the moment they made eye contact, something just drew them together – they form a lasting, great friendship that neither is willing to test in order to explore deeper feelings.
On the eve of Ryan receiving his acceptance letter into Harvard Medical, he is totally twisted inside. For the past 4 years he’s worked so hard for it, but now that the reality of it is here he isn’t sure he wants to go. Going would mean not being able to see Julia everyday. Especially since she isn’t sure where she will land. Julia has interviews lined up out in California and New York for a Creative Design position, at some of the top magazines.
As Ryan struggles with the news, his brother Aaron comes home – asking if Ryan received his letter… (Aaron also applied to Harvard Medical and has been accepted)
Aaron is over the moon excited and can’t understand why Ryan isn’t as well, when he realizes that Julia is the reason Ryan is overwhelmed instead of overjoyed.
When Julia, Jen, and Ellie arrive at the guys’ apartment to take Ryan and Aaron out to celebrate, Julia realizes that something is wrong with Ryan.
He’s putting on a happy face but she can tell that he’s got something else on his mind. She tries to talk to him, but all she can get is that he will miss her.
Unbeknownst to each other, they are both struggling with the same dilemma. Both have loved, deeply loved the other for a long time, but neither wanted to acknowledge their feelings, not even to their self.
Meanwhile, in the living room – the others are making plans for the evening. They decide on a time to meet, and where they’ll go. Before the girls leave to go get ready, Ryan tells Julia that he would like to talk with her tonight.
After they have a nice dinner, they go to a local club. There’s a guy in the band that Ellie is very attracted to and she wants to see him.
Julia and Ryan try to have a conversation, but with the band and the crowd it’s impossible. They end up going to Ryan’s car; Julia calls him out and tells him that there is NO way he is blowing off Harvard! Ryan explains that he is hurting with the thought of not being able to see her everyday… “What will I do without my best friend?”
Julia promises to try and find a position in New York, at least then she’ll only be a train ride away from Boston vs. 3,000 miles in California.
Julia had planned on spending her last week off before interviews visiting her dad. Ryan asks her to travel with him to Boston and help him, Aaron, and Jen move. She is happy to agree, as she wants to spend as much time with Ryan as possible.
On the last night Julia has in Boston, Ryan and she are intensely feeling what is to come. They have talked and revealed their feelings, but are scared to cross the line fearing it will change the easiness they have with one another.
As they both lay awake, Ryan in his room and Julia on the couch, Ryan decides he wants Julia to sleep in his bed, he wants her in his arms.
As things are really heating up, Aaron knocks and asks Ryan for some Pepto for Jen. Ryan hadn’t unpacked the first aid kit and it’s still down in his car. Since Aaron isn’t dressed, Ryan goes to get the box. When he comes back, Julia has returned to the couch and changed her mind. She doesn’t want to make a mistake out of desperation, Ryan is too important to her. He still wants to have her in his arms, and promises to ‘be good’.
The remainder of the night passes all too fast, and before he is ready Julia is boarding her flight.
At Julia’s first interview, she gets the position of Assistant to the Creative Director at Glamour magazine, which is amazing except for the fact that it’s in California…
Ryan and Julia try their best to talk or text everyday, but with the 3 hour time difference it becomes difficult. Each of them feels the separation deeply and miss each other so much. A tradition they have is Sunday morning coffee, and they keep to that as much as their schedules will allow.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Ryan decides that he’s going to California to spend it with Julia. Their families are disappointed but understand that the two of them need to have this time together.
The holiday finally arrives and they get to spend 5 blissful days together. They have both waited long enough, and neither can contain their feelings any longer. Both confess their love, and express it beautifully to each other with their whole being.
When Sunday arrives and Ryan has to go back to Boston, they both feel the distance more acutely. Now that they know how much in love they are, they don’t want to be apart any longer. Julia will not let Ryan sacrifice Harvard for anything, and approaches her boss to see if a transfer to New York is possible.
Julia’s boss is amenable to her request, although she will be sad to see her go. Julia is lucky, as she has only been with the magazine less than a year.
She’s so excited, and calls Ryan right away to share the news!
Ryan is so happy, Julia will finally be on the same coast – and only a few hours away by train.
They make plans to spend Christmas together in Colorado, after which Ryan will help Julia move. Both know that this still isn’t the ideal situation, but knowing they will get to see each other more often even though it won’t be as much as they want.
Finally, Ryan is close to graduating and has put in for Residency at a hospital not far from where Julia lives in Manhattan.
Just as their separation is coming to an end Julia is offered a promotion of a lifetime. The only problem with it, is that it will take her further away than they have ever been. As she struggles with how to tell Ryan their time apart will be extended for possibly another year, she learns something that may change everything…
While reading The Future of Our Past, I was completely absorbed in the story. The characters are so well developed, I felt as though I was living their lives along with them. I felt their passion, friendship, and what they mean to one another.
Julia and Ryan’s love comes through so loud and clear, I felt their emotions and experienced their struggles.
Ms. Aymes has written a love story so deep and poignant, I can’t wait for the 2nd installment of The Remembrance Trilogy - Don’t Forget to Remember Me
*****5 STARS*****
A LOVE STORY FELT SO DEEPLY, IT LEAVES YOU FULFILLED AND ACHING AT THE SAME TIME!
Julia and Ryan meet at Stanford University, when they are freshmen. From the moment they made eye contact, something just drew them together – they form a lasting, great friendship that neither is willing to test in order to explore deeper feelings.
On the eve of Ryan receiving his acceptance letter into Harvard Medical, he is totally twisted inside. For the past 4 years he’s worked so hard for it, but now that the reality of it is here he isn’t sure he wants to go. Going would mean not being able to see Julia everyday. Especially since she isn’t sure where she will land. Julia has interviews lined up out in California and New York for a Creative Design position, at some of the top magazines.
As Ryan struggles with the news, his brother Aaron comes home – asking if Ryan received his letter… (Aaron also applied to Harvard Medical and has been accepted)
Aaron is over the moon excited and can’t understand why Ryan isn’t as well, when he realizes that Julia is the reason Ryan is overwhelmed instead of overjoyed.
When Julia, Jen, and Ellie arrive at the guys’ apartment to take Ryan and Aaron out to celebrate, Julia realizes that something is wrong with Ryan.
He’s putting on a happy face but she can tell that he’s got something else on his mind. She tries to talk to him, but all she can get is that he will miss her.
Unbeknownst to each other, they are both struggling with the same dilemma. Both have loved, deeply loved the other for a long time, but neither wanted to acknowledge their feelings, not even to their self.
Meanwhile, in the living room – the others are making plans for the evening. They decide on a time to meet, and where they’ll go. Before the girls leave to go get ready, Ryan tells Julia that he would like to talk with her tonight.
After they have a nice dinner, they go to a local club. There’s a guy in the band that Ellie is very attracted to and she wants to see him.
Julia and Ryan try to have a conversation, but with the band and the crowd it’s impossible. They end up going to Ryan’s car; Julia calls him out and tells him that there is NO way he is blowing off Harvard! Ryan explains that he is hurting with the thought of not being able to see her everyday… “What will I do without my best friend?”
Julia promises to try and find a position in New York, at least then she’ll only be a train ride away from Boston vs. 3,000 miles in California.
Julia had planned on spending her last week off before interviews visiting her dad. Ryan asks her to travel with him to Boston and help him, Aaron, and Jen move. She is happy to agree, as she wants to spend as much time with Ryan as possible.
On the last night Julia has in Boston, Ryan and she are intensely feeling what is to come. They have talked and revealed their feelings, but are scared to cross the line fearing it will change the easiness they have with one another.
As they both lay awake, Ryan in his room and Julia on the couch, Ryan decides he wants Julia to sleep in his bed, he wants her in his arms.
As things are really heating up, Aaron knocks and asks Ryan for some Pepto for Jen. Ryan hadn’t unpacked the first aid kit and it’s still down in his car. Since Aaron isn’t dressed, Ryan goes to get the box. When he comes back, Julia has returned to the couch and changed her mind. She doesn’t want to make a mistake out of desperation, Ryan is too important to her. He still wants to have her in his arms, and promises to ‘be good’.
The remainder of the night passes all too fast, and before he is ready Julia is boarding her flight.
At Julia’s first interview, she gets the position of Assistant to the Creative Director at Glamour magazine, which is amazing except for the fact that it’s in California…
Ryan and Julia try their best to talk or text everyday, but with the 3 hour time difference it becomes difficult. Each of them feels the separation deeply and miss each other so much. A tradition they have is Sunday morning coffee, and they keep to that as much as their schedules will allow.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Ryan decides that he’s going to California to spend it with Julia. Their families are disappointed but understand that the two of them need to have this time together.
The holiday finally arrives and they get to spend 5 blissful days together. They have both waited long enough, and neither can contain their feelings any longer. Both confess their love, and express it beautifully to each other with their whole being.
When Sunday arrives and Ryan has to go back to Boston, they both feel the distance more acutely. Now that they know how much in love they are, they don’t want to be apart any longer. Julia will not let Ryan sacrifice Harvard for anything, and approaches her boss to see if a transfer to New York is possible.
Julia’s boss is amenable to her request, although she will be sad to see her go. Julia is lucky, as she has only been with the magazine less than a year.
She’s so excited, and calls Ryan right away to share the news!
Ryan is so happy, Julia will finally be on the same coast – and only a few hours away by train.
They make plans to spend Christmas together in Colorado, after which Ryan will help Julia move. Both know that this still isn’t the ideal situation, but knowing they will get to see each other more often even though it won’t be as much as they want.
Finally, Ryan is close to graduating and has put in for Residency at a hospital not far from where Julia lives in Manhattan.
Just as their separation is coming to an end Julia is offered a promotion of a lifetime. The only problem with it, is that it will take her further away than they have ever been. As she struggles with how to tell Ryan their time apart will be extended for possibly another year, she learns something that may change everything…
While reading The Future of Our Past, I was completely absorbed in the story. The characters are so well developed, I felt as though I was living their lives along with them. I felt their passion, friendship, and what they mean to one another.
Julia and Ryan’s love comes through so loud and clear, I felt their emotions and experienced their struggles.
Ms. Aymes has written a love story so deep and poignant, I can’t wait for the 2nd installment of The Remembrance Trilogy - Don’t Forget to Remember Me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2013
WTF?!? That's HOW this ends!!
GIFSoup
Review:
“I wanted her, but I wanted to make love to her, not just screw in some weak moment. I needed her body. As my friend, she was the most important person in my world, and I wasn’t about to screw that up.”
Ryan Matthews and Julia Abbott have been best friends since freshman year in college. The share everything…except how they feel for each other. When their lives start to drift in different directions; Ryan to Harvard Medical School in Boston and Julia to work for a publisher in Los Angeles, it becomes all too clear that they really need to discuss the topic of one four letter word…love. Neither wants to admit their true feelings in fear that they won’t be reciprocated or that they will lose the dynamic of their friendship.
“I’m completely…and utterly in love with you.” My eyes widened and my heart raced so fast I felt like I would die. “Night and day, you’re all I think about. I miss my best friend, but I want so much more with you. From the moment we met, you’ve had me…captivated. It feels amazing to finally be able to say the words…” “I love you too, Ryan. So much. For what feels like forever.”
So here begins Ryan and Julia’s journey of life, love, and self-discovery…it’s not easy, but so worth it. The long distance relationship they pursue has its challenges but the love Ryan and Julia share is nothing short of epic. Moving closer to one another sounds good in theory but even with Julia relocating across the country to be closer to Ryan, she’s still two hundred miles away in New York. Its better, but not the best, but they make it work and despite the distance, grow closer and closer.
An unexpected surprise causes Julia to take pause in her own dreams (dreams change, and hers took an extreme left turn). In hopes of being with Ryan to share her change of heart in person, Julia hops a train to Boston, but she never gets to share anything at all…
“You deserve whatever I decide to give you and I wasn’t to give you everything. Just don’t forget to remember me, and we’ll be okay. Don’t forget how much I love you…”
What a way to start a series! Kahlen had me hanging on her every word…and Ryan, wow. That man is the epitome of the perfect boyfriend. I fell in love with not just him but Julia as well. Reading this book was like watching a movie, it played out so well and left me crying at the end, as all great books/movies do. I was so upset, and luckily didn’t have to be kept in suspense long because I picked up the next book right away. This is one trilogy that will stay with me…and it all started with The Future of Our Past.
**5 Don’t Forget Me Stars**
GIFSoup
Review:
“I wanted her, but I wanted to make love to her, not just screw in some weak moment. I needed her body. As my friend, she was the most important person in my world, and I wasn’t about to screw that up.”
Ryan Matthews and Julia Abbott have been best friends since freshman year in college. The share everything…except how they feel for each other. When their lives start to drift in different directions; Ryan to Harvard Medical School in Boston and Julia to work for a publisher in Los Angeles, it becomes all too clear that they really need to discuss the topic of one four letter word…love. Neither wants to admit their true feelings in fear that they won’t be reciprocated or that they will lose the dynamic of their friendship.
“I’m completely…and utterly in love with you.” My eyes widened and my heart raced so fast I felt like I would die. “Night and day, you’re all I think about. I miss my best friend, but I want so much more with you. From the moment we met, you’ve had me…captivated. It feels amazing to finally be able to say the words…” “I love you too, Ryan. So much. For what feels like forever.”
So here begins Ryan and Julia’s journey of life, love, and self-discovery…it’s not easy, but so worth it. The long distance relationship they pursue has its challenges but the love Ryan and Julia share is nothing short of epic. Moving closer to one another sounds good in theory but even with Julia relocating across the country to be closer to Ryan, she’s still two hundred miles away in New York. Its better, but not the best, but they make it work and despite the distance, grow closer and closer.
An unexpected surprise causes Julia to take pause in her own dreams (dreams change, and hers took an extreme left turn). In hopes of being with Ryan to share her change of heart in person, Julia hops a train to Boston, but she never gets to share anything at all…
“You deserve whatever I decide to give you and I wasn’t to give you everything. Just don’t forget to remember me, and we’ll be okay. Don’t forget how much I love you…”
What a way to start a series! Kahlen had me hanging on her every word…and Ryan, wow. That man is the epitome of the perfect boyfriend. I fell in love with not just him but Julia as well. Reading this book was like watching a movie, it played out so well and left me crying at the end, as all great books/movies do. I was so upset, and luckily didn’t have to be kept in suspense long because I picked up the next book right away. This is one trilogy that will stay with me…and it all started with The Future of Our Past.
**5 Don’t Forget Me Stars**
June 14, 2012
3.5 Stars
Let me start out by saying that the Julia and Ryan had hot chemistry; these two were unmistakenably in love. You know that couple that is always touching, always talking to the point where you want to gag, that is Julia and Ryan! I struggled with this book because of the lack of drama, angst, or some type of rollercoaster ride through most of the book. The couple had lots of sexual relations and said "I love you" and "I miss you" more times than I can count through the middle of the book. It felt a little repetitive and I almost felt smothered. I know, it is good for people to be so in love but in a book I need something to keep me going. I need to feel some emotion. The very very end did have an occurance that caught my interest, however, and I will be reading book two because of it. From the way the book ends, I think the purpose of this first book is to set up the deep love for the second and third book. I may end up loving the trilogy as it plays out and ranking it high as it does have some promise but it is too early to tell.
Ryan was smart, sexy and he really seemed to know his way around the bedroom. Julia was smart, sexy and could take care of Ryan like no one else can (Iwanted a piece of cake after reading this!). As I think about the characters, they were so much alike that it added to some of the lack of conflict I felt. I liked them but they were maybe a bit too perfect for me. I liked the tension I felt when they were just friends trying to forget that they loved each other. I was elated when they finally expressed their feelings to one another but then I kept waiting for something to happen to spice up the story line. It did eventually come but I had to wait a little longer than I would have liked.
I struggle because this as a stand alone book just does not do it for me as much as I wanted it to. Even when I read all books in a series, I can usually feel a variety of emotion in each book and each has a story line of it's own. I will be very interested to see what others that I generally have book "chemistry" with think about this one. I may have been expecting too much because of all the high rankings I saw on goodreads and Amazon! I may just be too addicted to flawed characters and drama, however, I usually like a good love story.
Let me start out by saying that the Julia and Ryan had hot chemistry; these two were unmistakenably in love. You know that couple that is always touching, always talking to the point where you want to gag, that is Julia and Ryan! I struggled with this book because of the lack of drama, angst, or some type of rollercoaster ride through most of the book. The couple had lots of sexual relations and said "I love you" and "I miss you" more times than I can count through the middle of the book. It felt a little repetitive and I almost felt smothered. I know, it is good for people to be so in love but in a book I need something to keep me going. I need to feel some emotion. The very very end did have an occurance that caught my interest, however, and I will be reading book two because of it. From the way the book ends, I think the purpose of this first book is to set up the deep love for the second and third book. I may end up loving the trilogy as it plays out and ranking it high as it does have some promise but it is too early to tell.
Ryan was smart, sexy and he really seemed to know his way around the bedroom. Julia was smart, sexy and could take care of Ryan like no one else can (Iwanted a piece of cake after reading this!). As I think about the characters, they were so much alike that it added to some of the lack of conflict I felt. I liked them but they were maybe a bit too perfect for me. I liked the tension I felt when they were just friends trying to forget that they loved each other. I was elated when they finally expressed their feelings to one another but then I kept waiting for something to happen to spice up the story line. It did eventually come but I had to wait a little longer than I would have liked.
I struggle because this as a stand alone book just does not do it for me as much as I wanted it to. Even when I read all books in a series, I can usually feel a variety of emotion in each book and each has a story line of it's own. I will be very interested to see what others that I generally have book "chemistry" with think about this one. I may have been expecting too much because of all the high rankings I saw on goodreads and Amazon! I may just be too addicted to flawed characters and drama, however, I usually like a good love story.
June 22, 2012
Ryan and Julia have been the best of friends through college, but have never admitted their true feelings for one another. Now, they face separation when he is accepted to Harvard Medical School and she accepts a job on the West Coast. Only at the last moment do they realize how much they love one another. The two of them must find a way to be together without sacrificing their hopes and dreams.
This novel has the unfortunate dialogue of a soap opera and the descriptive prose of a Harlequin romance novel. There is too much drama for this situation. If they were so close, why couldn't they just share their feelings? And why does Julia have to cry all the time? Okay, maybe it's just not for me, but I outgrew these novels in Junior High. Therefore, I'm giving it 1 star.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*
This novel has the unfortunate dialogue of a soap opera and the descriptive prose of a Harlequin romance novel. There is too much drama for this situation. If they were so close, why couldn't they just share their feelings? And why does Julia have to cry all the time? Okay, maybe it's just not for me, but I outgrew these novels in Junior High. Therefore, I'm giving it 1 star.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*
January 28, 2013
Where do i start....
The relationship between Ryan and Julia was magical and you were brought into it when reading the book. I loved the book being written from both points of view as it was special seeing how they both felt about each other. It's difficult to put into words how many emotions this book put me through ( all good i promise ) i felt love, confusion, heartbreak, it had me in tears at the end and shouting at my kindle in others. All these things are what i look for in fantastic book. If there is one thing you do, you have to read these 3 books, i say 3 because when you read the first there will be no question that you want more. I put The Future Of Our Past at the top of my list of brilliant books. Kahlen Aymes is somebody to watch out for.....
The relationship between Ryan and Julia was magical and you were brought into it when reading the book. I loved the book being written from both points of view as it was special seeing how they both felt about each other. It's difficult to put into words how many emotions this book put me through ( all good i promise ) i felt love, confusion, heartbreak, it had me in tears at the end and shouting at my kindle in others. All these things are what i look for in fantastic book. If there is one thing you do, you have to read these 3 books, i say 3 because when you read the first there will be no question that you want more. I put The Future Of Our Past at the top of my list of brilliant books. Kahlen Aymes is somebody to watch out for.....
considering
October 11, 2013I love best friends falling in love story line!
Julia Abbot and Ryan Matthews have been inseparable best friends since the moment they met. Each of them fight an internal battle unwilling to risk their incredible friendship but unable to quell their deep longing for the other. On the verge of his departure to medical school and to her new job on the opposite coast, Ryan and Julia are forced to face the undeniable truth of their deeper feelings
Julia Abbot and Ryan Matthews have been inseparable best friends since the moment they met. Each of them fight an internal battle unwilling to risk their incredible friendship but unable to quell their deep longing for the other. On the verge of his departure to medical school and to her new job on the opposite coast, Ryan and Julia are forced to face the undeniable truth of their deeper feelings
July 25, 2012
Oh God. Amazing, Brilliant read. I love this book so much i'm hyperventilating. It's a true love story, very pure and smooth. It wasn't as outrageously dramatic as most books are, very refreshing.
WOW!. Best read ever. I knew though that their would be a massive cliff-hanger at the end, i dreaded it, and I was right. Oh I can't wait for the sequel in July. I really can't.
WOW!. Best read ever. I knew though that their would be a massive cliff-hanger at the end, i dreaded it, and I was right. Oh I can't wait for the sequel in July. I really can't.
September 6, 2012
Seriously what is going on with this kind of endings.... They are spreading like a disease!!
Come on authors! Chances are, if we picked up your book at the first place, we'll read the next book too. Thank God I waited for the second book to come out.
Back to my review I really liked it but I'll say more after book#2!
Come on authors! Chances are, if we picked up your book at the first place, we'll read the next book too. Thank God I waited for the second book to come out.
Back to my review I really liked it but I'll say more after book#2!
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