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Contested Possession
We Were Never Lovers
He knows they were friends
He knows they were enemies
But were they ever lovers?
Aboriginal footballer and rising superstar Sean Hiller wakes up in hospital, missing the last two years of his life. The first thing he sees is the good-for-nothing white boy he hates—his teammate, Jack Reaver. And the last thing he remembers is an altercation with Jack in the locker room.
Jack must’ve put him here. Except Jack didn’t cause his accident because he’s now Sean’s best friend and roommate. Jack will be taking Sean home to care for him while he recovers. Sean can’t believe it. Letting Jack back in means confronting what happened between them when they were seventeen, and Sean can’t do that.
But when he discovers Jack strung out in their kitchen at 2:00 AM, Sean takes care of him in a way he’d never dreamed possible. And Jack refuses to tell him exactly what that means. As Sean stares down the prospect of being medically retired at twenty-seven, the pain of not knowing who they are to each other hurts him more than the loss of his career.
He knows they could’ve been friends, could’ve been more. He knows they became enemies instead. But were they ever lovers?
He knows they were enemies
But were they ever lovers?
Aboriginal footballer and rising superstar Sean Hiller wakes up in hospital, missing the last two years of his life. The first thing he sees is the good-for-nothing white boy he hates—his teammate, Jack Reaver. And the last thing he remembers is an altercation with Jack in the locker room.
Jack must’ve put him here. Except Jack didn’t cause his accident because he’s now Sean’s best friend and roommate. Jack will be taking Sean home to care for him while he recovers. Sean can’t believe it. Letting Jack back in means confronting what happened between them when they were seventeen, and Sean can’t do that.
But when he discovers Jack strung out in their kitchen at 2:00 AM, Sean takes care of him in a way he’d never dreamed possible. And Jack refuses to tell him exactly what that means. As Sean stares down the prospect of being medically retired at twenty-seven, the pain of not knowing who they are to each other hurts him more than the loss of his career.
He knows they could’ve been friends, could’ve been more. He knows they became enemies instead. But were they ever lovers?
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2024
60 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
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dnf
February 9, 2025dnf @34%
This is so not what I expected it to be based on the blurb. I had no idea that it features
This is so not what I expected it to be based on the blurb. I had no idea that it features
February 8, 2025
**** 4.5 Stars ****
What a gorgeous story! ✨🥰
What a gorgeous story! ✨🥰
November 24, 2025
Reading a Sasha Avice novel is an immersive and emotional experience that I often need a beat to recover from. In the best way. This is one of my favorites of hers (but don’t worry, Finn, you’ll always be my man!); it’s the latest in her Contested Possession connected series featuring professional football players in Perth, but is just fine to read on its own.
Amnesia, and past enemies to lovers to present “I thought we hate each other; why are you here taking care of me?” Painfully great. An emotional roller coaster and an authentic hurt-comfort read. No melodrama or OTT circumstances here.
Sean and Jack were brief, instant-connection fast friends, and then enemies through boyish mistakes and miscues. They became footy teammates as adults, but the enmity remained real. Or did it? When Sean wakes in the hospital to find Jack at his bedside, red-eyed and distraught, to say he’s confused is a massive understatement. He doesn’t even remember how he got there, let alone why the man who’s been a splinter under his skin for years is the one by his side.
Turns out, he’s forgotten the past two years.
What ensues is a poignant, painful, beautiful, sweet, steamy recovery so full of dramatic irony my teeth hurt (in a great way). With a first half in only Sean’s POV—an interesting editorial decision—we get to know this Sean and the conflict between the men and why it’s incomprehensible to Sean that he’s been living in Jack’s house, and the way Sasha shows Jack’s hurt and fledgling hope and how it’s crushed time and again through his reactions is *chefs kiss* spectacular. I experienced every emotion, whether I had the insight in Sean’s head or the view of Jack’s reactions. Sob! And then at chapter 15, we start to get Jack’s point of view too. And oh, these two. A few tears may have been shed. Okay a lot of tears. Also there is an adorable dog, and I am always here for the adorable dog! Yay Lola!
It’s swoony romantic, from the way Jack cares for Sean and does all he can not to interfere with his recovery but not get pushed too far away, to the things he has to leave unspoken…to the hints of past-them ghosts Sean senses but can’t pull into his brain…geezus I don’t know how I survived! And you sympathize with Sean (apart from when he’s being VERY stubborn, Sean, you would have deserved to fall down those stairs!) because he’s genuinely confused and taken aback by this weird new dynamic, not having any idea why they’re friends, not knowing, as the reader does, that they were so, so much more…it’s heartbreaking to see hopes build and be crushed time and again. But don’t worry, there’s so much joy too! I can never say enough about this author’s natural intuition and character work. It’s seamless and organic, and this is a mind-bendingly lovely story.
On the other-person drama front, this book is also entirely safe for me, which not all of Sasha’s books are (though I’ve loved most of them anyway, because…Sasha! There’s literally only one I can’t read.). These two are with only each other, even when they’re emotionally at odds or physically apart.
Experiencing their relationship both past and present, layer by layer, is a gift and I wish only that I could re-read the book for the first time again. Congrats, Sasha, you made me cry! And believe in the power of love. Hearts to you.
I guess the only thing I wanted a little more of was Sean’s experiences talking with people who knew him for the past two years—teammates and his family—to see what they had to say. I don’t believe he wouldn’t have asked, say, Ben or Jayden about what he’s been like the past two years, anything important they might be able to fill him in on, and we got little insight. It seems like something Sean would have done, especially as he got more and more frustrated with Jack, knowing/sensing Jack was holding back from telling him the full truth a lot. But that didn’t take away from just how much I enjoyed what’s here.
HEA, amnesia, football (Aussie rules) teammates, enemies to lovers in the past, present hurt-comfort “what do you mean we’re housemates?! I hate you!” to lovers, multicultural, nuanced romance. Incredible reading experience for me. Totally safe for me, no others, no messing about with any hint of others. Even when one doesn’t remember, these two are only for each other. Highly, highly recommended.
My thanks to the author for the ARC but I also preordered a copy because I knew I’d love it that much.
Amnesia, and past enemies to lovers to present “I thought we hate each other; why are you here taking care of me?” Painfully great. An emotional roller coaster and an authentic hurt-comfort read. No melodrama or OTT circumstances here.
Sean and Jack were brief, instant-connection fast friends, and then enemies through boyish mistakes and miscues. They became footy teammates as adults, but the enmity remained real. Or did it? When Sean wakes in the hospital to find Jack at his bedside, red-eyed and distraught, to say he’s confused is a massive understatement. He doesn’t even remember how he got there, let alone why the man who’s been a splinter under his skin for years is the one by his side.
Turns out, he’s forgotten the past two years.
What ensues is a poignant, painful, beautiful, sweet, steamy recovery so full of dramatic irony my teeth hurt (in a great way). With a first half in only Sean’s POV—an interesting editorial decision—we get to know this Sean and the conflict between the men and why it’s incomprehensible to Sean that he’s been living in Jack’s house, and the way Sasha shows Jack’s hurt and fledgling hope and how it’s crushed time and again through his reactions is *chefs kiss* spectacular. I experienced every emotion, whether I had the insight in Sean’s head or the view of Jack’s reactions. Sob! And then at chapter 15, we start to get Jack’s point of view too. And oh, these two. A few tears may have been shed. Okay a lot of tears. Also there is an adorable dog, and I am always here for the adorable dog! Yay Lola!
It’s swoony romantic, from the way Jack cares for Sean and does all he can not to interfere with his recovery but not get pushed too far away, to the things he has to leave unspoken…to the hints of past-them ghosts Sean senses but can’t pull into his brain…geezus I don’t know how I survived! And you sympathize with Sean (apart from when he’s being VERY stubborn, Sean, you would have deserved to fall down those stairs!) because he’s genuinely confused and taken aback by this weird new dynamic, not having any idea why they’re friends, not knowing, as the reader does, that they were so, so much more…it’s heartbreaking to see hopes build and be crushed time and again. But don’t worry, there’s so much joy too! I can never say enough about this author’s natural intuition and character work. It’s seamless and organic, and this is a mind-bendingly lovely story.
On the other-person drama front, this book is also entirely safe for me, which not all of Sasha’s books are (though I’ve loved most of them anyway, because…Sasha! There’s literally only one I can’t read.). These two are with only each other, even when they’re emotionally at odds or physically apart.
Experiencing their relationship both past and present, layer by layer, is a gift and I wish only that I could re-read the book for the first time again. Congrats, Sasha, you made me cry! And believe in the power of love. Hearts to you.
I guess the only thing I wanted a little more of was Sean’s experiences talking with people who knew him for the past two years—teammates and his family—to see what they had to say. I don’t believe he wouldn’t have asked, say, Ben or Jayden about what he’s been like the past two years, anything important they might be able to fill him in on, and we got little insight. It seems like something Sean would have done, especially as he got more and more frustrated with Jack, knowing/sensing Jack was holding back from telling him the full truth a lot. But that didn’t take away from just how much I enjoyed what’s here.
HEA, amnesia, football (Aussie rules) teammates, enemies to lovers in the past, present hurt-comfort “what do you mean we’re housemates?! I hate you!” to lovers, multicultural, nuanced romance. Incredible reading experience for me. Totally safe for me, no others, no messing about with any hint of others. Even when one doesn’t remember, these two are only for each other. Highly, highly recommended.
My thanks to the author for the ARC but I also preordered a copy because I knew I’d love it that much.
January 7, 2025
4**** stars
Imagine your partner wakes up in a hospital after a life-threatening accident. Finally, after days of worry. And what you see when he looks at you is only irritation and resentment. He doesn’t remember the love and happiness you’ve shared. Instead, he remembers you from before. From when he hated you.
Told mostly from Sean’s POV. Sean, who suddenly finds himself in the care of Jack, the man he loathes. But is, shockingly and according to everyone else, best friends with him now.
My heart broke so hard for Jack and for me it was honestly hard to like Sean at times.
Still, a beautiful story that unfortunately felt a bit long at times. But I’m very satisfied with the ending. Like very. For a while I was afraid it would end differently.
***********
Contested Possession Series
Book 0 - His boyfriend’s Rookie
Book 1 - Because He’s My Guy
Book 2 - You Could Do Better
Book 3 - This Is My Church
Book 4 - We Were Never Lovers - 4.0 stars
Imagine your partner wakes up in a hospital after a life-threatening accident. Finally, after days of worry. And what you see when he looks at you is only irritation and resentment. He doesn’t remember the love and happiness you’ve shared. Instead, he remembers you from before. From when he hated you.
Told mostly from Sean’s POV. Sean, who suddenly finds himself in the care of Jack, the man he loathes. But is, shockingly and according to everyone else, best friends with him now.
“Are we lovers?”
“We were never lovers,”
My heart broke so hard for Jack and for me it was honestly hard to like Sean at times.
Still, a beautiful story that unfortunately felt a bit long at times. But I’m very satisfied with the ending. Like very. For a while I was afraid it would end differently.
***********
Contested Possession Series
Book 0 - His boyfriend’s Rookie
Book 1 - Because He’s My Guy
Book 2 - You Could Do Better
Book 3 - This Is My Church
Book 4 - We Were Never Lovers - 4.0 stars
March 11, 2025
I don't know why I've been reading so many sad books lately. I swear at least five of my last reads had me crying, and randomly, three of them were second-chance romances. Now, listen, I don't usually like second-chance romance because it's always angsty, and honestly, it gives me anxiety, so I tend to avoid them.
So why did I pick this book? Who knows 🤷🏻♀️? I saw it recommended in a Facebook group (of all places), and it said it was about Australian footie players. And 1) I love sports romance, and 2) I'm obsessed with everything Australia-related, so it felt like a win-win. I figured I could push through the anxiety, and yeah, it definitely gave me some.
The whole amnesia trope can either be an excellent concept or a complete disaster. Thankfully, for this book, it worked great.
Jack and Sean first met when they were 17, shared an amazing night together, but because teenagers are stupid, things didn’t go the way they should have. The next day, they had a game where Jack accidentally caused an injury that ended up affecting Sean's professional career.
Now, in the present, Jack and Sean are teammates and have secretly been together for two years. But after Sean wakes up in the hospital with no memory of those two years, he forgets that he doesn’t hate Jack anymore and more importantly, that they’re more than friends. Since they're in the closet, nobody else knows either, so Jack is devastated, grieving their relationship while also caring for a version of Sean who dislikes him.
Even though we only get Sean’s POV for about the first 40% of the book, Jack’s emotions are so clear that you can feel them. And when we finally get Jack’s POV? Yeah, that’s when the crying started. Jack loves Sean, needs him, and misses him, but the doctors have warned him not to force memories back. He’s also terrified Sean won’t believe him if he tries.
Not gonna lie, this was a very emotional read, but thankfully I knew it was going to have a HEA, even if it took them forever to get there.
I know this is part of a series, but I’m 100% sure you don’t need to read the other books to enjoy this one. I didn’t, and I didn’t feel like I missed anything.
10/10 recommend if you love sports romance and second-chance stories. And honestly, even if you don’t, give it a shot. It’s not perfect, but it’s seriously enjoyable.
So why did I pick this book? Who knows 🤷🏻♀️? I saw it recommended in a Facebook group (of all places), and it said it was about Australian footie players. And 1) I love sports romance, and 2) I'm obsessed with everything Australia-related, so it felt like a win-win. I figured I could push through the anxiety, and yeah, it definitely gave me some.
The whole amnesia trope can either be an excellent concept or a complete disaster. Thankfully, for this book, it worked great.
Jack and Sean first met when they were 17, shared an amazing night together, but because teenagers are stupid, things didn’t go the way they should have. The next day, they had a game where Jack accidentally caused an injury that ended up affecting Sean's professional career.
Now, in the present, Jack and Sean are teammates and have secretly been together for two years. But after Sean wakes up in the hospital with no memory of those two years, he forgets that he doesn’t hate Jack anymore and more importantly, that they’re more than friends. Since they're in the closet, nobody else knows either, so Jack is devastated, grieving their relationship while also caring for a version of Sean who dislikes him.
Even though we only get Sean’s POV for about the first 40% of the book, Jack’s emotions are so clear that you can feel them. And when we finally get Jack’s POV? Yeah, that’s when the crying started. Jack loves Sean, needs him, and misses him, but the doctors have warned him not to force memories back. He’s also terrified Sean won’t believe him if he tries.
Not gonna lie, this was a very emotional read, but thankfully I knew it was going to have a HEA, even if it took them forever to get there.
I know this is part of a series, but I’m 100% sure you don’t need to read the other books to enjoy this one. I didn’t, and I didn’t feel like I missed anything.
10/10 recommend if you love sports romance and second-chance stories. And honestly, even if you don’t, give it a shot. It’s not perfect, but it’s seriously enjoyable.
December 22, 2024
I always admire how MCs have the restraint not to blurb shit when the other has some sort of amnesia. The doctors would simply have to hate me because I'd sing like a canary. You forgot shit? Let me catch you up.
No idea what Jack did to the gods in a previous life but yeeish. He's been a victim of circumstances as far as anything to do with Sean was concerned for a decade. And the hits just kept coming.
Their memories, though. At first I was so frustrated with Jack for not just telling Sean, because Sean begged and begged. But reading through the memories? All that little shit? Yeah, there's some stuff you can't explain. Stuff you can only feel.
I started to understand when he kept telling himself he couldn't tell Sean the truth about them because if he did and Sean didn't believe him, it would break him.
It legit got to a point where I was sadder than Jack about the absence of Sean's memories. Because it was breaking him regardless and he had to hold himself together for Sean, who btw is no fucking walk in the park. And he had no one to lean on because nobody else knew about them.
It didn't help matters that they'd had a D/s dynamic before Sean's accident, so without him there in the Dom capacity, Jack was flailing.
This one's sadder than the others because it's not just messy relationship drama. It felt like Jack fighting for his life and he's not even the one that got his body broken.
When the memories returned?
When Jack burst into tears I was right there with him. I'm not even going to lie, that man wouldn't have made it if Sean hadn't remembered.
“Whatever you want.”
“‘Cos we always do what I want?” Sean smiled up at him.
“I always want what you want,” Jack said simply.
Like...??? Tell me that's a man who'd have made it.
And I was just so happy that he got his dom back, man. Watching his heart break again and again daily was really ruining the vibe.
Could not recommend more highly.
Got a review copy of this one from GRR.
No idea what Jack did to the gods in a previous life but yeeish. He's been a victim of circumstances as far as anything to do with Sean was concerned for a decade. And the hits just kept coming.
Their memories, though. At first I was so frustrated with Jack for not just telling Sean, because Sean begged and begged. But reading through the memories? All that little shit? Yeah, there's some stuff you can't explain. Stuff you can only feel.
I started to understand when he kept telling himself he couldn't tell Sean the truth about them because if he did and Sean didn't believe him, it would break him.
It legit got to a point where I was sadder than Jack about the absence of Sean's memories. Because it was breaking him regardless and he had to hold himself together for Sean, who btw is no fucking walk in the park. And he had no one to lean on because nobody else knew about them.
It didn't help matters that they'd had a D/s dynamic before Sean's accident, so without him there in the Dom capacity, Jack was flailing.
This one's sadder than the others because it's not just messy relationship drama. It felt like Jack fighting for his life and he's not even the one that got his body broken.
When the memories returned?
When Jack burst into tears I was right there with him. I'm not even going to lie, that man wouldn't have made it if Sean hadn't remembered.
“Whatever you want.”
“‘Cos we always do what I want?” Sean smiled up at him.
“I always want what you want,” Jack said simply.
Like...??? Tell me that's a man who'd have made it.
And I was just so happy that he got his dom back, man. Watching his heart break again and again daily was really ruining the vibe.
Could not recommend more highly.
Got a review copy of this one from GRR.
January 3, 2025
Excellent amnesia trope, second chance, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers-to-i think I still hate you-to-lovers, adorable dog, nice and angsty.
I had high expectations for this one and I'm thrilled it exceeded them.
Full tags and RTC.
I had high expectations for this one and I'm thrilled it exceeded them.
Full tags and RTC.
December 29, 2024
When Sean wakes up intubated in the ICU, he's shocked to see that his rival and enemy Jack is at his bedside. He and Jack can't stand each other- yet everyone is telling him that Jack is his emergency contact and they live together. He's thrown off even more to realize that he's lost his memories of the past 2 years. Two years where apparently everything changed. What's even more confusing is that Jack tells him they were never lovers, but the attraction between them is undeniable. But how can they act on that attraction, in the absence of trust?
I knew from the blurb that this book had the potential to break me so I went in cautiously. And of course since it was written by Sasha Avice, it absolutely did. The tension in the book built and built and built as Sean and Jack tried to figure out what to do after Sean's injury. The ending was very compelling and made me sob. I won't spoil the ending but it was classic Sasha!
The book was very interesting- I really liked the Aboriginal aspects of the story that felt very authentic and lent an additional layer of of complexity to Sean and Jack's love story. I appreciate how Sasha uses sensitivity readers and does her research to ensure that her characters are well written. As a nurse, I have no complaints about the hospital scenes, which is rare. If you're in the mood to read a heart-wrenching story of figuring out who you are without your memories, definitely read this book!!
Rating: 3.5 stars
Angst: 4.5/5
Steam: 2.5/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
"he was itching for that contact, so desperate for it, it felt like a particular brand of touch starvation."
I knew from the blurb that this book had the potential to break me so I went in cautiously. And of course since it was written by Sasha Avice, it absolutely did. The tension in the book built and built and built as Sean and Jack tried to figure out what to do after Sean's injury. The ending was very compelling and made me sob. I won't spoil the ending but it was classic Sasha!
"But I guess you’re not wrong. Couldn’t hate anyone as much as I hated you unless I loved them first."
The book was very interesting- I really liked the Aboriginal aspects of the story that felt very authentic and lent an additional layer of of complexity to Sean and Jack's love story. I appreciate how Sasha uses sensitivity readers and does her research to ensure that her characters are well written. As a nurse, I have no complaints about the hospital scenes, which is rare. If you're in the mood to read a heart-wrenching story of figuring out who you are without your memories, definitely read this book!!
Rating: 3.5 stars
Angst: 4.5/5
Steam: 2.5/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
January 21, 2025
Tropes: amnesia, second chance romance, hurt/comfort, secret relationship, established relationship, miscommunication
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 1.5/5
Kinks: Dom/sub, bondage, toys
Angst: medium
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: death of parent by cancer, death of parents by boating accident, sporting injuries, serious concussion with memory loss, racism, homophobia, internalized homophobia, minor character threatening to rape major character, dubious consent between minor character and major character, depression, caretaking
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: they kissed for the first time when they were 17, but Jack rejected Sean and pretended it was a joke. They went their own ways for about 7 years, they both did some casual hookups with others, though Sean only had a few hookups because he's had some bad experiences with racist hookups. They end up playing on the same professional Australian football team when they were about 24, and they get together at 25. Neither of them are with anyone else after they get together at age 25.
3.5 stars
Jack and Sean have known each other since they were 17. They both play Australian football professionally. They met for the first time when their teams played at 17, and at first they were friendly and hung out. But Sean kissed Jack, and both of them were in the closet, so Jack laughed it off, said he was straight, and that he was just drunk. Then in the next game they played, one of Jack's teammates made of racist comment towards Sean who is Aboriginal, and Jack accidentally took Sean out in a hit on the field. Jack thought Sean was okay, but Sean had a bad concussion and almost missed out on getting drafted because of his serious injury. Jack wanted to make it up to Sean, and be friends or more, but Sean pushed him away and has hated him fiercely since.
We flash forward to Jack and Sean being 26, almost 27. Sean wakes up in the hospital after a car accident that caused him a severe concussion and badly broken leg. Jack is in the hospital room and is clearly distraught. Sean can't remember the last 2 years, the last he remembered Jack and him were Rivals and hated each other. But Jack tells him that they are best mates now and live together. Jack insists on helping him with his recovery, and takes him home with him. Sean can't settle into his own skin, because he can't trust what Jack is telling him, it doesn't feel right. Sean still feels the antagonism he's always felt towards Jack, but he feels attraction too, and he's confused by Jack because Jack clearly worries and cares more than a friend would. Sean asks Jack what they are, and Jack lies and sticks to the friend's line. But as time goes on, he admits they are friends that f*** at least. As the months pass, with no memory returning, both men start to lose hope that they'll be able to return to normal. Jack is mourning the loss of his partner who doesn't remember him, and Sean might not be able to go back to football, he might have to medically retire.
There were some things that I liked about this book. It was a very emotional book, it made you feel the emotion. I liked how obsessed with each other Jack and Sean were over the years, they had an intense bond. We didn't really see a ton of Sean's feelings, but Jack deeply loved Sean. I appreciate it that there wasn't really any other person drama, no cheating, which is a break from the other books this author writes. Sean's struggle with racism and homophobia was realistically presented with vulnerability and depth of emotion.
I did struggle with the book though because of the miscommunication trope. I think it was a bad idea for the author to use amnesia plus the miscommunication trope and string it along as long as she did. Because we didn't get a resolution until 90% in, and it felt like we went the entire book without seeing who Jack and Sean were as people and what they were like as a couple. I don't think I was as invested as I would have been if we could have known them better. I'm the type of person who really likes a story that's told in stream of consciousness, where you can really see the passion and feelings. I don't like feeling distant from the characters, and not knowing them because of my neurospiciness, and I need to see a strong connection between them and we spent 90% with a broken connection between them.
I really couldn't understand why Jack said the things that he said. Sean has outright asked Jack a lot of things and Jack is always evasive. The answers that Jack gives make Sean insecure in their relationship, he really legitimately doesn't know what they were, he doesn't know what he should feel for Jack or what Jack feels for him. If Jack would at least tell him something definitive Sean would have his feet steady on the ground. Also, I don't know what definition of lovers Jack was going by, but they were definitely lovers! It was nonsensical how Jack wasn't truthful even when he was trying to be open. It was Jack's fault why they were as distant as they were, because Sean invited him and begged him actually to clarify things, but he wouldn't tell it to him straight.
And a minor thing that annoyed me. Sean owns a place for rental income purposes. It's been like 6 months since his injury and it's clear that nobody's renting the place, because Sean stayed at that place for a week and there's been no mention since he came to live with Jack about what he was doing without apartment. It doesn't seem realistic that they would do nothing with the apartment in that time frame.
Some notable moments:
"Jack pulled away and Sean’s stomach dropped. But Jack stayed where he was and met his eyes. They stared at each other for a moment before Sean added pressure to Jack’s head and pushed him down. And Jack went like it was the most natural thing in the world."
"There was no world in which Jack didn’t love Sean. The tears spilled over and he pressed both palms against the sockets hard, tried to hold them in, but they were bitter and hot and wanted to come out. He swiped angrily at his eyes and made them stop."
I love the simple way that Sean tells Jack he has his memory back. The soft look he gives Jack. "“Jack, it’s me,” Sean said and walked the few steps to him. “Sean?” Jack asked, hopeful but unbearably unsure too. “It’s me,” Sean said again, face splitting into a grin that felt soft too. The same soft look he’d developed only for Jack. Jack’s face crumbled and he dropped the spatula. Sean caught him up in a hug as Jack began to shake and tears fell from his eyes. “Ya did so good. It’s me, it’s me,” Sean murmured and gripped him tightly."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 1.5/5
Kinks: Dom/sub, bondage, toys
Angst: medium
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: death of parent by cancer, death of parents by boating accident, sporting injuries, serious concussion with memory loss, racism, homophobia, internalized homophobia, minor character threatening to rape major character, dubious consent between minor character and major character, depression, caretaking
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: they kissed for the first time when they were 17, but Jack rejected Sean and pretended it was a joke. They went their own ways for about 7 years, they both did some casual hookups with others, though Sean only had a few hookups because he's had some bad experiences with racist hookups. They end up playing on the same professional Australian football team when they were about 24, and they get together at 25. Neither of them are with anyone else after they get together at age 25.
3.5 stars
Jack and Sean have known each other since they were 17. They both play Australian football professionally. They met for the first time when their teams played at 17, and at first they were friendly and hung out. But Sean kissed Jack, and both of them were in the closet, so Jack laughed it off, said he was straight, and that he was just drunk. Then in the next game they played, one of Jack's teammates made of racist comment towards Sean who is Aboriginal, and Jack accidentally took Sean out in a hit on the field. Jack thought Sean was okay, but Sean had a bad concussion and almost missed out on getting drafted because of his serious injury. Jack wanted to make it up to Sean, and be friends or more, but Sean pushed him away and has hated him fiercely since.
We flash forward to Jack and Sean being 26, almost 27. Sean wakes up in the hospital after a car accident that caused him a severe concussion and badly broken leg. Jack is in the hospital room and is clearly distraught. Sean can't remember the last 2 years, the last he remembered Jack and him were Rivals and hated each other. But Jack tells him that they are best mates now and live together. Jack insists on helping him with his recovery, and takes him home with him. Sean can't settle into his own skin, because he can't trust what Jack is telling him, it doesn't feel right. Sean still feels the antagonism he's always felt towards Jack, but he feels attraction too, and he's confused by Jack because Jack clearly worries and cares more than a friend would. Sean asks Jack what they are, and Jack lies and sticks to the friend's line. But as time goes on, he admits they are friends that f*** at least. As the months pass, with no memory returning, both men start to lose hope that they'll be able to return to normal. Jack is mourning the loss of his partner who doesn't remember him, and Sean might not be able to go back to football, he might have to medically retire.
There were some things that I liked about this book. It was a very emotional book, it made you feel the emotion. I liked how obsessed with each other Jack and Sean were over the years, they had an intense bond. We didn't really see a ton of Sean's feelings, but Jack deeply loved Sean. I appreciate it that there wasn't really any other person drama, no cheating, which is a break from the other books this author writes. Sean's struggle with racism and homophobia was realistically presented with vulnerability and depth of emotion.
I did struggle with the book though because of the miscommunication trope. I think it was a bad idea for the author to use amnesia plus the miscommunication trope and string it along as long as she did. Because we didn't get a resolution until 90% in, and it felt like we went the entire book without seeing who Jack and Sean were as people and what they were like as a couple. I don't think I was as invested as I would have been if we could have known them better. I'm the type of person who really likes a story that's told in stream of consciousness, where you can really see the passion and feelings. I don't like feeling distant from the characters, and not knowing them because of my neurospiciness, and I need to see a strong connection between them and we spent 90% with a broken connection between them.
I really couldn't understand why Jack said the things that he said. Sean has outright asked Jack a lot of things and Jack is always evasive. The answers that Jack gives make Sean insecure in their relationship, he really legitimately doesn't know what they were, he doesn't know what he should feel for Jack or what Jack feels for him. If Jack would at least tell him something definitive Sean would have his feet steady on the ground. Also, I don't know what definition of lovers Jack was going by, but they were definitely lovers! It was nonsensical how Jack wasn't truthful even when he was trying to be open. It was Jack's fault why they were as distant as they were, because Sean invited him and begged him actually to clarify things, but he wouldn't tell it to him straight.
And a minor thing that annoyed me. Sean owns a place for rental income purposes. It's been like 6 months since his injury and it's clear that nobody's renting the place, because Sean stayed at that place for a week and there's been no mention since he came to live with Jack about what he was doing without apartment. It doesn't seem realistic that they would do nothing with the apartment in that time frame.
Some notable moments:
"Jack pulled away and Sean’s stomach dropped. But Jack stayed where he was and met his eyes. They stared at each other for a moment before Sean added pressure to Jack’s head and pushed him down. And Jack went like it was the most natural thing in the world."
"There was no world in which Jack didn’t love Sean. The tears spilled over and he pressed both palms against the sockets hard, tried to hold them in, but they were bitter and hot and wanted to come out. He swiped angrily at his eyes and made them stop."
I love the simple way that Sean tells Jack he has his memory back. The soft look he gives Jack. "“Jack, it’s me,” Sean said and walked the few steps to him. “Sean?” Jack asked, hopeful but unbearably unsure too. “It’s me,” Sean said again, face splitting into a grin that felt soft too. The same soft look he’d developed only for Jack. Jack’s face crumbled and he dropped the spatula. Sean caught him up in a hug as Jack began to shake and tears fell from his eyes. “Ya did so good. It’s me, it’s me,” Sean murmured and gripped him tightly."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2025
5 stars
Sasha Avice delivered the most beautiful MM romance with the amnesia trope I've ever read.
It's a work of fiction, of course, but it felt so real: all Sean's confused emotions about his new reality, the struggles over the sensation that something is missing, his conflicted feelings toward Jack, they were very wonderfully written.
And Jack, oh poor Jack who stood like a rock against all the hatred, sarcasm and lack of trust Sean kept throwing at him; while I was reading, I could feel his pain because the man he loved didn't remember him and the devastating truth that he couldn't confide in anyone, because, for the rest of the world, they were just best friends.
I admit I know nothing about First Nation people and I'm glad this book gave me the chance to get to know them a little.
The end was beautiful, knowing Sasha Avice's style I wasn't expecting that, but I obviously adored it.
I hope she won't make us wait long for another book.
Highly recommended.
Sasha Avice delivered the most beautiful MM romance with the amnesia trope I've ever read.
It's a work of fiction, of course, but it felt so real: all Sean's confused emotions about his new reality, the struggles over the sensation that something is missing, his conflicted feelings toward Jack, they were very wonderfully written.
And Jack, oh poor Jack who stood like a rock against all the hatred, sarcasm and lack of trust Sean kept throwing at him; while I was reading, I could feel his pain because the man he loved didn't remember him and the devastating truth that he couldn't confide in anyone, because, for the rest of the world, they were just best friends.
I admit I know nothing about First Nation people and I'm glad this book gave me the chance to get to know them a little.
The end was beautiful, knowing Sasha Avice's style I wasn't expecting that, but I obviously adored it.
I hope she won't make us wait long for another book.
Highly recommended.
January 27, 2025
I loved this book so much. Probably one of the best amnesia trope books I’ve ever read. Sean and Jack were amazing. I cannot imagine the pain Jack felt when Sean forgot him and their relationship. Sean’s frustration and fear was palpable.
It’s been so long since I’ve read this level of angst. I loved this entire book.
Also, the parrot references 😭. I loved it.
Amazing book. Highly recommend.
It’s been so long since I’ve read this level of angst. I loved this entire book.
Also, the parrot references 😭. I loved it.
Amazing book. Highly recommend.
January 9, 2025
Well then…I wasn’t expecting to cry but damn!!!
So imagine finally getting to be with the boy you love after all the years of him hating you. He gets in a car accident and wakes up with sever injuries. Not only does he not remember you guys are in a relationship but the last thing he remembers is that he HATES you!! Omg my poor Jack!!! I felt so bad for him. He was such a sweetheart and Sean was so mean to him when he finally wakes up. I wanted to knock Sean over his head and smack his memories back into him. It was so gut wrenching watching them interact knowing they were together but now it’s like they are strangers.
It did frustrate me that Jack wouldn’t tell Sean anything about their past though. Like I get the doctors told him not to, told him it could make it worse if he pushes memories on him but omg I kept screaming “JUST TELL HIM ALREADY.” The anticipation of Sean finally getting his memories back is what made me fly through this book. I could not put it down! But Jack was soo good to Sean. He would literally do anything for him. I do wish he would have remembered sooner than the last chapter though, we have to wait the entire book for that so it’s like ugh!! But when he finally does I started crying again lol.
I couldn’t give it 5 stars though and it’s a me thing. This book was so Australian. And that feels weird to say but there were so many words and phrases I’ve never heard of so half the time I was like WTF are they talking about? I had no idea what sport “footy” is in Australia so I got super confused when there were details about it. I definitely googled it. The author wrote names of people and teams as if we were supposed to know what they are and I guess if you’re Australian you would. Also when they would talk about the past and when they had their falling out it felt like they were talking in riddles, like there was a whole other book on what happened when they were younger and what happened when they had a fight in the locker room and I felt so out of the loop. It confused the hell out of me.
Other than that I really did enjoy this book, it’s a shame I heard her other books aren’t safe because aside from the Australian slang I would love to read another one.
NO CHEATING
NO OM DRAMA (they get jealous but nothing happens)
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
PAST PARENTAL DEATHS
So imagine finally getting to be with the boy you love after all the years of him hating you. He gets in a car accident and wakes up with sever injuries. Not only does he not remember you guys are in a relationship but the last thing he remembers is that he HATES you!! Omg my poor Jack!!! I felt so bad for him. He was such a sweetheart and Sean was so mean to him when he finally wakes up. I wanted to knock Sean over his head and smack his memories back into him. It was so gut wrenching watching them interact knowing they were together but now it’s like they are strangers.
It did frustrate me that Jack wouldn’t tell Sean anything about their past though. Like I get the doctors told him not to, told him it could make it worse if he pushes memories on him but omg I kept screaming “JUST TELL HIM ALREADY.” The anticipation of Sean finally getting his memories back is what made me fly through this book. I could not put it down! But Jack was soo good to Sean. He would literally do anything for him. I do wish he would have remembered sooner than the last chapter though, we have to wait the entire book for that so it’s like ugh!! But when he finally does I started crying again lol.
I couldn’t give it 5 stars though and it’s a me thing. This book was so Australian. And that feels weird to say but there were so many words and phrases I’ve never heard of so half the time I was like WTF are they talking about? I had no idea what sport “footy” is in Australia so I got super confused when there were details about it. I definitely googled it. The author wrote names of people and teams as if we were supposed to know what they are and I guess if you’re Australian you would. Also when they would talk about the past and when they had their falling out it felt like they were talking in riddles, like there was a whole other book on what happened when they were younger and what happened when they had a fight in the locker room and I felt so out of the loop. It confused the hell out of me.
Other than that I really did enjoy this book, it’s a shame I heard her other books aren’t safe because aside from the Australian slang I would love to read another one.
NO CHEATING
NO OM DRAMA (they get jealous but nothing happens)
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
PAST PARENTAL DEATHS
December 14, 2025
So I stayed up way too late reading part of “We Were Never Lovers” by Sasha Avice and finished it today and I loved it. Australian Football (soccer) players, set when the MC is recovering from a bad car crash and amnesia. Usually I don’t like an amnesia story but this was excellently done.
He wakes up having lost memories of the last two years of his life and the one teammate he hates is at his bedside when he wakes up. As the audience we pick up pretty quickly that their dynamic changed in the last 2 years but are in the limited perspective of the confused angry and in pain MC who is worried he’s losing career, is shocked to hear his mom died, etc.
Lots of angst but got me to tear up by the end and pulled it altogether.
It also does a great job with the dynamics and societal elements that have played into the animosity of MC who is aboriginal and from a rural area displayed toward LI who is white and from a wealthy family and works really well as far as not feeling like a cheap misunderstanding or amnesia or whatever trope. And had aboriginal beta readers involved in the process.
Thank you Sully for the rec! It took me like a year to actually pick this up but it was as phenomenal as you’d described!
He wakes up having lost memories of the last two years of his life and the one teammate he hates is at his bedside when he wakes up. As the audience we pick up pretty quickly that their dynamic changed in the last 2 years but are in the limited perspective of the confused angry and in pain MC who is worried he’s losing career, is shocked to hear his mom died, etc.
Lots of angst but got me to tear up by the end and pulled it altogether.
It also does a great job with the dynamics and societal elements that have played into the animosity of MC who is aboriginal and from a rural area displayed toward LI who is white and from a wealthy family and works really well as far as not feeling like a cheap misunderstanding or amnesia or whatever trope. And had aboriginal beta readers involved in the process.
Thank you Sully for the rec! It took me like a year to actually pick this up but it was as phenomenal as you’d described!
December 31, 2024
I was hoping for, but not expecting, some of the writing magic that enthralled me with ‘This Ain’t No Gay Romance’ by this author. I very much enjoyed a Goodreads Friend’s review of this book, which gave them a lot of feels. So, I was disappointed when this was one of a handful of books I read this year where I did not like an MC. Here, it is Sean, cover guy and the one whom the story revolves around. He has gone amnesiac from a huge car accident, which has also left his athletic body with some major broken bones. I felt for him in that first chapter, the last two years of his life, gone, disappeared from his memory. His mother has died, a baby has been born, and the footy teammate he pretty much dislikes has not left his side the entire hospital stay.
This all hits him pretty hard. His response at first is bitterness and unkindness to the teammate, Jack, who seems very familiar with Sean’s personal life.
The reader doesn’t need it spelled out that Sean and Jack have worked through Sean’s two year ago animosity towards Jack and are now lovers who live together. Poor Jack! Such a decent, devoted, loving man! And handsome af, too. Sean is nicer to the dog than he is to Jack, with whom he goes home. I believe that a trauma like a head injury would not take away your basic decency, even if it changes your personality. Sean does not have TBI. He does have a horrible attitude problem towards one who is helping him. He was petulant and unkind while picking up on Jack’s anguish that he tries to hide. Sean ignores it and I checked out from this couple.
I skimmed read to see if there is memory recovery. The author does a neat twist of writing some scenes.
What a disappointing read.
This all hits him pretty hard. His response at first is bitterness and unkindness to the teammate, Jack, who seems very familiar with Sean’s personal life.
The reader doesn’t need it spelled out that Sean and Jack have worked through Sean’s two year ago animosity towards Jack and are now lovers who live together. Poor Jack! Such a decent, devoted, loving man! And handsome af, too. Sean is nicer to the dog than he is to Jack, with whom he goes home. I believe that a trauma like a head injury would not take away your basic decency, even if it changes your personality. Sean does not have TBI. He does have a horrible attitude problem towards one who is helping him. He was petulant and unkind while picking up on Jack’s anguish that he tries to hide. Sean ignores it and I checked out from this couple.
I skimmed read to see if there is memory recovery. The author does a neat twist of writing some scenes.
What a disappointing read.
Read
January 14, 2025I’ve typed out a wordy review twice and it’s got lost. So I’ll just say that I liked the setting of this story between Sean Hiller an AboriGinal Australian and Jack Reaver who both play on the same Australian Rules Football team.
They have a history going back to their mid teens, Sean viewing Jack as an enemy for a number of years due to miscommunication, misunderstanding and the homophobic atmosphere in their sport and general environment. Though they did ‘experiments’ together briefly.
Now 27 years old, both closeted gay men, Sean has suffered an awful accident on the field. With possible brain damage and serious leg injuries, Jack has taken him home to care for him while he recovers. Jack is devastated that Sean has no memory of the past two years and is treating Jack like the enemy he once regarded him as.
This is a slow story following the daily life under one roof, Sean feeling the physical pull to Jack while Jack tries to keep his deep emotions for Sean in check. He is afraid to tell Sean about their life over the past two years in case he leaves him forever.
I really engaged with Jack’s Character, how he took care of his friend despite Sean’s coldness and anger towards him. The situation and setting is different from what I’ve been reading recently so that held my attention despite the shifting between time frames unexpectedly, which confused me at times.
I’ve read a few of Sasha Avice’s books over the past year or so and I’ve always enjoyed her writing and the settings.
They have a history going back to their mid teens, Sean viewing Jack as an enemy for a number of years due to miscommunication, misunderstanding and the homophobic atmosphere in their sport and general environment. Though they did ‘experiments’ together briefly.
Now 27 years old, both closeted gay men, Sean has suffered an awful accident on the field. With possible brain damage and serious leg injuries, Jack has taken him home to care for him while he recovers. Jack is devastated that Sean has no memory of the past two years and is treating Jack like the enemy he once regarded him as.
This is a slow story following the daily life under one roof, Sean feeling the physical pull to Jack while Jack tries to keep his deep emotions for Sean in check. He is afraid to tell Sean about their life over the past two years in case he leaves him forever.
I really engaged with Jack’s Character, how he took care of his friend despite Sean’s coldness and anger towards him. The situation and setting is different from what I’ve been reading recently so that held my attention despite the shifting between time frames unexpectedly, which confused me at times.
I’ve read a few of Sasha Avice’s books over the past year or so and I’ve always enjoyed her writing and the settings.
December 18, 2024
Wow this book just got me in all my feels. Sasha is on a level all to herself with her writing. She's a detailed author who writes amazing flawed characters. Normally I am not a huge fan of amnesia tropes but Sasha definitely did her research. She wrote it so well and gave greater detail to the entire process. She let her character suffer from it and heal from his wounds. Physically and emotionally. I was very intrigued with the research she obviously put into the clans of Australia. Her terms she used authentically to show the character of the people. She touched very heavy on the racism a "blackfellow" endures in a very white sport of footyball. While this book was a romance I found that it was educational for the reader. I found the scenes were very authentic to her characters and their dilemma.
I truly appreciate the time and energy this author put into her writing because it shows. From the realistic dilemma of memory loss and the gradual gaining of the memories.
Reading is educational for me and this book definitely succeeded in that
I truly appreciate the time and energy this author put into her writing because it shows. From the realistic dilemma of memory loss and the gradual gaining of the memories.
Reading is educational for me and this book definitely succeeded in that
December 31, 2024
“You just needed a boyfriend to stop thinking about footy.”
i love this series, ngl. literally my only issue with this book is the way the flashbacks just started to happen… that was a bit jarring at first, but i eventually pieced together what was happening.
February 14, 2025
Ugh, I love the amnesia trope. Like it's seriously my fave, but I just couldn't connect with this one. And I really really really really wanted to love this book. There was just...something off? Maybe it was the flashbacks sprinkled throughout. They just didn't seem necessary. And, at times, it was hard to follow that we were in a flashback and not the present. And then Sean just seemed like a dick. He obviously could tell that there was something between him and Jack, and he just kept, idk, making it seem less than, and then getting upset with Jack for not explaining it well enough. And Jack just irritated me because while I understand he didn't want to tell Sean the truth because he was afraid Sean wouldn't believe him, but at the same time, like duh Sean is getting frustrated because he knows he's not being given all the information!
I honestly wanted to DNF but I also wanted to see how this was all resolved. I have the other books in the series on my TBR, but I'll probably hold off on reading them just yet
I honestly wanted to DNF but I also wanted to see how this was all resolved. I have the other books in the series on my TBR, but I'll probably hold off on reading them just yet
December 26, 2024
I tend to avoid amnesia in the love stories I read because for some reason the loss of time together is a type of angst that continues to hurt even when the story concludes with an HEA... it’s a peculiar kind of loss to read about, always raw because of the constant reminder. But when one of your favourite writers comes out with a story with amnesia and it’s part of one of your favourite series you just cannot not read it.. that would be ludicrous!
Omg this story, so insanely beautiful- hitting all my emotions, catching me from the first chapter, gripping and never letting go, watching these men reach for each other across the chasm of amnesia.
The author does a masterful job of navigating all these big feelings, tightly holding this story together, maintaining the precarious balance between revealing the obvious history and intimacy between Sean and Jack and the mystery of what they could have meant to each other over the past 2 years.. what happened to shift Sean’s obvious animosity to this kinship he supposedly had with Jack. Sean’s struggle to recover and regain his lost memories while adapting to his present strikes a chord of empathy but Jack, Jack’s obvious loss, his courage in holding space and support for Sean is truly heartbreaking. On top of that their chemistry, attraction and pull towards each other is slowly revealed, gently peeled back but very very obvious and very very hot.
As usual Avice does a stellar job of pulling you into the intimacy as it’s being revealed, building it up beautifully. The other thing is how tactile and immersive this story is, nothing to jar you out of the experience of the tale whether it’s understanding the people she is writing about or the footy or the medical circumstances they find themselves in it all flows beautifully and comes with a tonne of depth. That ending is pure euphoria!
Even if you havnt read the rest of the series (but why havnt you, its so good😊 ?) I would definitely recommend checking this out, read it please and tell me what you think of it.
I think I underlined half the book 😂, there were so many quotes I wanted to include but I had to be careful of spoilers. There is sensitive content like an MC dealing with racism, remembering a se3ual assault and others so check out trigger warnings if you need.
Expect
* Amnesia
* Slow burn
* Second chance
* Football romance
* Teammates
* Pining
* Enemies to lovers
* Emotional
* Found family
Omg this story, so insanely beautiful- hitting all my emotions, catching me from the first chapter, gripping and never letting go, watching these men reach for each other across the chasm of amnesia.
The author does a masterful job of navigating all these big feelings, tightly holding this story together, maintaining the precarious balance between revealing the obvious history and intimacy between Sean and Jack and the mystery of what they could have meant to each other over the past 2 years.. what happened to shift Sean’s obvious animosity to this kinship he supposedly had with Jack. Sean’s struggle to recover and regain his lost memories while adapting to his present strikes a chord of empathy but Jack, Jack’s obvious loss, his courage in holding space and support for Sean is truly heartbreaking. On top of that their chemistry, attraction and pull towards each other is slowly revealed, gently peeled back but very very obvious and very very hot.
As usual Avice does a stellar job of pulling you into the intimacy as it’s being revealed, building it up beautifully. The other thing is how tactile and immersive this story is, nothing to jar you out of the experience of the tale whether it’s understanding the people she is writing about or the footy or the medical circumstances they find themselves in it all flows beautifully and comes with a tonne of depth. That ending is pure euphoria!
Even if you havnt read the rest of the series (but why havnt you, its so good😊 ?) I would definitely recommend checking this out, read it please and tell me what you think of it.
I think I underlined half the book 😂, there were so many quotes I wanted to include but I had to be careful of spoilers. There is sensitive content like an MC dealing with racism, remembering a se3ual assault and others so check out trigger warnings if you need.
Expect
* Amnesia
* Slow burn
* Second chance
* Football romance
* Teammates
* Pining
* Enemies to lovers
* Emotional
* Found family
December 27, 2024
This was quite an intense book. Intense in the fact that both characters have a past with one another, one that isn't very ideal.
Jack and Sean both have had some sort of feelings for each other since they met but because of certain misunderstandings and rough encounters they supposedly hate each other.
After an accident that has Sean losing 2 years of his memories he is back to hating Jack who accepts the punches as best as he could, hoping his Sean will come back.
This is a slow burn, angsty, enemies-to-lovers book that takes the idea of amnesia and creates a unique twist to it.
I will admit, reading the book was a bit of a struggles, could be because of the Australian setting, or because a certain amount of concentration needs to be had as you will get confused when the past and present are forged into one throughout the book.
But regardless of that, I enjoyed how Sean went from absolutely hating Jack to seeing a new sides of Jack that had him feeling for him a lot quicker than when they were younger.
I absolutely loved Jack and how he showed vulnerability even though it would have hurt him in return. When hope started dying in Jack, I felt for the guy. He really just wanted Sean back and having to go through the hell they went through in the past again must have not been easy.
//ARC Review//
Jack and Sean both have had some sort of feelings for each other since they met but because of certain misunderstandings and rough encounters they supposedly hate each other.
After an accident that has Sean losing 2 years of his memories he is back to hating Jack who accepts the punches as best as he could, hoping his Sean will come back.
This is a slow burn, angsty, enemies-to-lovers book that takes the idea of amnesia and creates a unique twist to it.
I will admit, reading the book was a bit of a struggles, could be because of the Australian setting, or because a certain amount of concentration needs to be had as you will get confused when the past and present are forged into one throughout the book.
But regardless of that, I enjoyed how Sean went from absolutely hating Jack to seeing a new sides of Jack that had him feeling for him a lot quicker than when they were younger.
I absolutely loved Jack and how he showed vulnerability even though it would have hurt him in return. When hope started dying in Jack, I felt for the guy. He really just wanted Sean back and having to go through the hell they went through in the past again must have not been easy.
//ARC Review//
December 24, 2024
This is my first encounter with this author and my inaugural foray into the amnesia trope. I must confess, I was utterly captivated. The story, centered around Sean, who suffers amnesia following an accident, is a emotional exploration of memory and identity.
The narrative, primarily from Sean's perspective, offers tantalizing glimpses into Jack's mind, adding depth and intrigue. Sean's internal struggles and emotional turmoil are vividly portrayed, drawing the reader irresistibly into the story from the very first chapter.
The unexpected presence of Jack, his former nemesis, at his bedside is a source of profound confusion. Sean grapples with the inexplicable shift in their dynamic, yearning to understand how their relationship evolved from enmity to something deeper.
While intimate scenes are relatively sparse, the emotional resonance of their connection is undeniable. The author masterfully conveys the depth of their feelings, leaving an indelible mark on the reader.
Jack's quiet suffering, his restraint, and the eventual triumph of their love story are immensely satisfying. The supporting characters are well-developed and intriguing, leaving me eager to delve further into this author's work and explore the other books in this series.
* I received an ARC copy from GRR and this is my honest review *
The narrative, primarily from Sean's perspective, offers tantalizing glimpses into Jack's mind, adding depth and intrigue. Sean's internal struggles and emotional turmoil are vividly portrayed, drawing the reader irresistibly into the story from the very first chapter.
The unexpected presence of Jack, his former nemesis, at his bedside is a source of profound confusion. Sean grapples with the inexplicable shift in their dynamic, yearning to understand how their relationship evolved from enmity to something deeper.
While intimate scenes are relatively sparse, the emotional resonance of their connection is undeniable. The author masterfully conveys the depth of their feelings, leaving an indelible mark on the reader.
Jack's quiet suffering, his restraint, and the eventual triumph of their love story are immensely satisfying. The supporting characters are well-developed and intriguing, leaving me eager to delve further into this author's work and explore the other books in this series.
* I received an ARC copy from GRR and this is my honest review *
November 11, 2025
Thanks, Joanna, for the BR, honestly, I doubt I’d have finally cracked this one open without your nudge. It’s been languishing on my TBR forever, and I’m so glad I gave it a shot.
The amnesia plotline could have felt like a gimmick, but the way Jack and Sean circle around it: Sean piecing together whatever-the-hell-was-happening one bruising bit at a time, while Jack tries to deal with this new reality, absolutely worked for me. Plus those small hurt/comfort hits that landed exactly where they should.
My only real complaint is the author’s habit of holding back tiny details and then replaying the same moment in an extended version. Once or twice it’s neat, but after that it feels like going over old ground. It never crossed into lazy “I-can’t-tell-you-this-but-I-have-my-reasons” writing, but I’d have preferred either full upfront exposure or tighter retelling. Thank God the narration stays fluid.
I also appreciated how the story handles racism: straightforward, respectful, and believable.
Overall, an enjoyable read and a solid 4 stars.
The amnesia plotline could have felt like a gimmick, but the way Jack and Sean circle around it: Sean piecing together whatever-the-hell-was-happening one bruising bit at a time, while Jack tries to deal with this new reality, absolutely worked for me. Plus those small hurt/comfort hits that landed exactly where they should.
My only real complaint is the author’s habit of holding back tiny details and then replaying the same moment in an extended version. Once or twice it’s neat, but after that it feels like going over old ground. It never crossed into lazy “I-can’t-tell-you-this-but-I-have-my-reasons” writing, but I’d have preferred either full upfront exposure or tighter retelling. Thank God the narration stays fluid.
I also appreciated how the story handles racism: straightforward, respectful, and believable.
Overall, an enjoyable read and a solid 4 stars.
October 12, 2025
5⭐️
You know what. I REALLY liked this one.
I think this is the best amnesia trope book I’ve read.
Both MCs are wonderfully fleshed out, complex people. Hurt and hurting, having a history of hurting each other.
Yes there’s a dose of miscommunication. And just boys being stupid. But it was done well and I really enjoyed reading this story.
You know what. I REALLY liked this one.
I think this is the best amnesia trope book I’ve read.
Both MCs are wonderfully fleshed out, complex people. Hurt and hurting, having a history of hurting each other.
Yes there’s a dose of miscommunication. And just boys being stupid. But it was done well and I really enjoyed reading this story.
December 24, 2024
I've gotten really into the amnesia trope lately and I really enjoyed this one. My heart broke for Jack. His pain of watching someone he loved not remember their story was heartbreaking. This was a really good read.
January 9, 2025
I couldn’t put this story down!!
Sean wakes after a serious car crash and believes it’s two years earlier than it is. He’s injured, in pain and why is the man he cannot stand constantly next to his bed and genuinely looks concerned?
I thought I had this story sussed out but I truly didn’t! Yet another fabulous story from the lovely Sasha Avice
Sean wakes after a serious car crash and believes it’s two years earlier than it is. He’s injured, in pain and why is the man he cannot stand constantly next to his bed and genuinely looks concerned?
I thought I had this story sussed out but I truly didn’t! Yet another fabulous story from the lovely Sasha Avice
December 26, 2024
Rating: 4.5
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: amnesia, teammates, forced proximity
We Were Never Lovers was an incredible and heart-wrenching story!
It was a story full of raw emotions, and I completely broke down and sobbed through the realisation of what Jack had been through all on his own while Sean recovered. I loved how I slowly got the pieces to puzzle together, and I admire Jack so much for his patience and determination not to tell Sean about the last two years. It was easy to understand his reasoning for not doing it though, even if it was difficult to see him hurt over things that Sean said and did.
I loved how the first half of the story was told solely from Sean's PoV, it added to the confusion from his amnesia and gave me plenty of time to speculate and wonder about what these two men really were to each other. The hurt / comfort was fantastic, and I liked how Sean over time got better at reading Jack and his emotions.
Sean and Jack tugged hard on my heartstrings, and I found myself entirely invested in their story. There were glimpses of their past together as teenagers, when they first met at camp, and it helped to put the picture of their relationship together. The connection and pull had always been there, they just let a few misunderstandings get in their way for a while. It was a beautifully told and complex story, with flawed characters doing everything they could to get back what they lost.
We Were Never Lovers was the best amnesia story that I've read so far, and Sasha Avice did an amazing job with portraying Sean's feelings and confusion, as well as the hopefulness and resignation that they both went through. If you haven't tried anything by this author yet, this is a great place to start!
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Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: amnesia, teammates, forced proximity
We Were Never Lovers was an incredible and heart-wrenching story!
It was a story full of raw emotions, and I completely broke down and sobbed through the realisation of what Jack had been through all on his own while Sean recovered. I loved how I slowly got the pieces to puzzle together, and I admire Jack so much for his patience and determination not to tell Sean about the last two years. It was easy to understand his reasoning for not doing it though, even if it was difficult to see him hurt over things that Sean said and did.
I loved how the first half of the story was told solely from Sean's PoV, it added to the confusion from his amnesia and gave me plenty of time to speculate and wonder about what these two men really were to each other. The hurt / comfort was fantastic, and I liked how Sean over time got better at reading Jack and his emotions.
Sean and Jack tugged hard on my heartstrings, and I found myself entirely invested in their story. There were glimpses of their past together as teenagers, when they first met at camp, and it helped to put the picture of their relationship together. The connection and pull had always been there, they just let a few misunderstandings get in their way for a while. It was a beautifully told and complex story, with flawed characters doing everything they could to get back what they lost.
We Were Never Lovers was the best amnesia story that I've read so far, and Sasha Avice did an amazing job with portraying Sean's feelings and confusion, as well as the hopefulness and resignation that they both went through. If you haven't tried anything by this author yet, this is a great place to start!
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Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
December 31, 2024
I can’t believe I found one of my favorite books of 2024 on the 31st of December.
This was lovely, made me feel all the feelings. I loved the subtle hints of D/s relationship. I loved how imperfect they were, and how they go from angry stupid teenagers to a bit less dumb grown ups.
The setting, the writing, the characters, everything worked for me in this book. What a find
This was lovely, made me feel all the feelings. I loved the subtle hints of D/s relationship. I loved how imperfect they were, and how they go from angry stupid teenagers to a bit less dumb grown ups.
The setting, the writing, the characters, everything worked for me in this book. What a find
January 13, 2025
This book is hand-on-your-chest achingly beautiful.
I felt so hard for these boys and I was just rooting for things to work out the whole time. When it all unraveled I was bawling my eyes out with happy tears.
Really enjoyed, would recommend in a heart beat.
I felt so hard for these boys and I was just rooting for things to work out the whole time. When it all unraveled I was bawling my eyes out with happy tears.
Really enjoyed, would recommend in a heart beat.
January 4, 2025
Waking up to find your whole world has changed must be terrifying. Having your boyfriend/life partner wake up and not remember who you are to each other must be equally as devastating. Yet that’s exactly the situation Jack and Sean find themselves in as their story unfolds.
Many reviewers I trust said this was different from other amnesia tropes they’ve read, and I can see why. It's a difficult yet beautiful story that touches on racism and homophobia along with the psychological and emotional trauma of grief and loss. The emotion is intense, raw, and painful. From the moment Sean questions Jack’s presence in his hospital room, I knew it was going to be one of the hardest stories I’ve read in a long time. I just didn’t anticipate how deep or wide that chasm of pain would run.
As Jack & Sean get reacquainted, their story is told in flashbacks, conveying the difficult road they’ve traveled and all they’ve overcome in the past only for it to be wiped away in the present. Their love is beautiful, complex, and all-consuming which makes it all the more heartbreaking to realize what they’ve lost.
Then there's the pain and anguish Jack experiences; he's so caring and supportive while dying inside. His grief is tangible, as is his loneliness while he suffers in silence. That’s not to say it’s any easier for Sean whose confusion and frustration are unmistakeable as he works to solve the puzzle that is his life.
The only thing keeping me from rating this story higher is my frustration over when the story began to stagnate. Sean and Jack were beginning to understand and care for each other in their new reality, but they kept letting Sean's amnesia get in the way of creating a new bond. Maybe it’s important they come to a crossroads where they’re unsure how to move forward – both struggling to reconcile who they are in the present - but they linger overlong before things change suddenly. It's almost as if the author brought them to the brink, flipped a switch and everything was fine. I think I would’ve preferred a more gradual shift in realization and return to Sean‘s memories, even if the moment he begins to remember is one worth savoring.
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, so it definitely works as a standalone, but as I got to know their friends, family, and teammates, I found myself wishing I had. Maybe I would have had a better understanding of their world and the people in it or felt a greater attachment and connection to these characters and what they’re going through.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
Many reviewers I trust said this was different from other amnesia tropes they’ve read, and I can see why. It's a difficult yet beautiful story that touches on racism and homophobia along with the psychological and emotional trauma of grief and loss. The emotion is intense, raw, and painful. From the moment Sean questions Jack’s presence in his hospital room, I knew it was going to be one of the hardest stories I’ve read in a long time. I just didn’t anticipate how deep or wide that chasm of pain would run.
As Jack & Sean get reacquainted, their story is told in flashbacks, conveying the difficult road they’ve traveled and all they’ve overcome in the past only for it to be wiped away in the present. Their love is beautiful, complex, and all-consuming which makes it all the more heartbreaking to realize what they’ve lost.
Then there's the pain and anguish Jack experiences; he's so caring and supportive while dying inside. His grief is tangible, as is his loneliness while he suffers in silence. That’s not to say it’s any easier for Sean whose confusion and frustration are unmistakeable as he works to solve the puzzle that is his life.
The only thing keeping me from rating this story higher is my frustration over when the story began to stagnate. Sean and Jack were beginning to understand and care for each other in their new reality, but they kept letting Sean's amnesia get in the way of creating a new bond. Maybe it’s important they come to a crossroads where they’re unsure how to move forward – both struggling to reconcile who they are in the present - but they linger overlong before things change suddenly. It's almost as if the author brought them to the brink, flipped a switch and everything was fine. I think I would’ve preferred a more gradual shift in realization and return to Sean‘s memories, even if the moment he begins to remember is one worth savoring.
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, so it definitely works as a standalone, but as I got to know their friends, family, and teammates, I found myself wishing I had. Maybe I would have had a better understanding of their world and the people in it or felt a greater attachment and connection to these characters and what they’re going through.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
December 28, 2024
4.5 🌟
So you’ve read enemies to lovers, but have you read enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers? Enemies to lovers inception, if you will. That plus Sean’s amnesia make this an angsty read and Sasha’s writing is what really fleshes it out and makes it great
The whole story is a really hard journey. All the work they already went through to hash out Sean’s hatred toward Jack is gone. Sean is holding on to a lot of anger toward Jack and really society in general, but Jack is his easiest target
Their backstory is slowly unraveled so you really get an idea of why Sean is so angry. The story of their relationship from the past 2 years is also slowly told so you understand how it’s complicated to explain what they were to each other, and how painful it is for Jack to lose “his” Sean
This is a slooow burn and I actually teared up at the end. Fricken amnesia trope 😭 Sean was such an asshole for most of the story and my heart broke for poor Jackie, but Sean was properly caring toward him at the end
So you’ve read enemies to lovers, but have you read enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers? Enemies to lovers inception, if you will. That plus Sean’s amnesia make this an angsty read and Sasha’s writing is what really fleshes it out and makes it great
The whole story is a really hard journey. All the work they already went through to hash out Sean’s hatred toward Jack is gone. Sean is holding on to a lot of anger toward Jack and really society in general, but Jack is his easiest target
Their backstory is slowly unraveled so you really get an idea of why Sean is so angry. The story of their relationship from the past 2 years is also slowly told so you understand how it’s complicated to explain what they were to each other, and how painful it is for Jack to lose “his” Sean
This is a slooow burn and I actually teared up at the end. Fricken amnesia trope 😭 Sean was such an asshole for most of the story and my heart broke for poor Jackie, but Sean was properly caring toward him at the end
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