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Trust & Tequila #4
Love What's Left
I should have died. He should have let go. But that was never our story.
Sydney
Once I had everything—a career, a home, and a husband I adored.
Until his enemy tore our world apart and left me a ghost of who I was.
I wake in a hospital bed, lost between silence and the echo of a life I can’t remember. There’s only a blank wall where my memories should be—and him. My husband. The tattooed stranger who watches me with tortured eyes and never leaves my side.
Every day, his gentle touch and patient words find another fragment of my scattered heart. But how can Gabriel love the feral thing I’ve become when he’s haunted by the woman I’ll never be again?
Gabriel
Sydney says my wife is gone. But this fierce shadow with wild eyes will always be my sunshine.
They tell me to let go of who we were. The only way forward is to stop looking back. But I’ll take a thousand cuts to my bleeding heart to shelter every jagged piece of hers.
I gave the woman I married my To my last breath. To her last heartbeat. I’m never letting go.
LOVE WHAT'S LEFT is a steamy stand-alone romance set in the Trust & Tequila universe and is intended for mature audiences only. It contains dark themes that may be disturbing to some readers. Content Warnings may be found using the "Look Inside" feature.
Sydney
Once I had everything—a career, a home, and a husband I adored.
Until his enemy tore our world apart and left me a ghost of who I was.
I wake in a hospital bed, lost between silence and the echo of a life I can’t remember. There’s only a blank wall where my memories should be—and him. My husband. The tattooed stranger who watches me with tortured eyes and never leaves my side.
Every day, his gentle touch and patient words find another fragment of my scattered heart. But how can Gabriel love the feral thing I’ve become when he’s haunted by the woman I’ll never be again?
Gabriel
Sydney says my wife is gone. But this fierce shadow with wild eyes will always be my sunshine.
They tell me to let go of who we were. The only way forward is to stop looking back. But I’ll take a thousand cuts to my bleeding heart to shelter every jagged piece of hers.
I gave the woman I married my To my last breath. To her last heartbeat. I’m never letting go.
LOVE WHAT'S LEFT is a steamy stand-alone romance set in the Trust & Tequila universe and is intended for mature audiences only. It contains dark themes that may be disturbing to some readers. Content Warnings may be found using the "Look Inside" feature.
- GenresRomance
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2025
35 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Evangeline Williams
5 books60 followers#1 Amazon Bestselling Author Evangeline Williams writes sweet, spicy, feel-good romance with a dash of suspense. She likes her heroes loyal, her tea hot, and her TBR (To Be Read) endless. If she isn't reading or writing, you'll probably find her binge-watching K-dramas or traveling (and calling it research). Evangeline makes her home with her husband, children, and two sassy dogs in Western Pennsylvania. As a neurospicy and physically disabled writer, she loves the opportunity to bring a diverse mix of characters to life on the page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 10, 2026
All the Feels in this 5 STAR Read!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I can’t recommend this book enough!
- Strong, yet vulnerable and relatable characters
- A man that is so deliciously obsessed with and devoted to his wife that, sadly, doesn’t even remember his name, much less the life they shared together
- The wittiest banter between MC’s that I’ve ever read (seriously— had me giggling out loud like a lunatic 👀🤣)
- Every kind of tear was shed!
- And the spice was spicin’, if you know what I mean, but not at the expense of its very intriguing storyline.
- Has TWO epilogues! 🙌
********************************************
Gabriel, our Hero, has a ghost from his past with a secret vendetta. When his wife, Sydney (our heroine) disappears under strange circumstances, he rebuffs anyone’s suggestion that his wife might have left him by her own choice. He’s determined he will find her and bring her home safely.
Sydney, while in the hands of a deranged maniac, refuses to bend and betray her husband’s trust. Yet the more she resists, the more drugs she’s given which is slowly breaking down her mind until all she knows is her name and that he will find her— not knowing who HE even is anymore.
Gabriel thought the worst was over once he found Sydney alive, albeit very unwell, but alive all the same, but unbeknownst to him, that’s when the real challenge begins. You can bring a body back from the depths of hell, but that doesn’t always mean the mind follows with it.
As Sydney begins to slowly recover her memories, she uncovers truths about herself that make her fearful of who she might have been, while Gabriel fears he’s only going to lose her again once she remembers the real circumstances of their past.
*********************************************
~ Addiction
~ Alcoholism
~ Recovery
~ Death of a Parent
~ Child Abuse Referenced
~ Trafficking Referenced
~ Blackmail
~ Coercion
~ (Slight) Manipulation
This was just a beautiful, very well written story that captured my attention from the very beginning. It was full of a wide range of emotions that always hit hard in my chest and I got lost in the mystery of trying to piece back together the fragments of Sydney’s broken memories. Evangeline Williams did such a phenomenal job and I feel certain she’s an author to keep an eye on as she further develops her writing career!
❤️ Lastly, I feel it’s important to note that this book was a part of a series, but can be read as a standalone and enjoyed all the same— as is evident by my enthusiastic praise of it since it’s the first and only one I’ve read in this series so far myself. ❤️
~ Reaction as soon as I closed my kindle when I finished it:
Oh- My- God!
It’s been a long time since I’ve been this thrilled with a book. Review to come, but at this rate I’m only going to get 5 hours of sleep before I have to take the kids to school and my butt to work— but— WORTH IT! 🙌🫶😁
I can’t recommend this book enough!
- Strong, yet vulnerable and relatable characters
- A man that is so deliciously obsessed with and devoted to his wife that, sadly, doesn’t even remember his name, much less the life they shared together
- The wittiest banter between MC’s that I’ve ever read (seriously— had me giggling out loud like a lunatic 👀🤣)
- Every kind of tear was shed!
- And the spice was spicin’, if you know what I mean, but not at the expense of its very intriguing storyline.
- Has TWO epilogues! 🙌
********************************************
Gabriel, our Hero, has a ghost from his past with a secret vendetta. When his wife, Sydney (our heroine) disappears under strange circumstances, he rebuffs anyone’s suggestion that his wife might have left him by her own choice. He’s determined he will find her and bring her home safely.
Sydney, while in the hands of a deranged maniac, refuses to bend and betray her husband’s trust. Yet the more she resists, the more drugs she’s given which is slowly breaking down her mind until all she knows is her name and that he will find her— not knowing who HE even is anymore.
Gabriel thought the worst was over once he found Sydney alive, albeit very unwell, but alive all the same, but unbeknownst to him, that’s when the real challenge begins. You can bring a body back from the depths of hell, but that doesn’t always mean the mind follows with it.
As Sydney begins to slowly recover her memories, she uncovers truths about herself that make her fearful of who she might have been, while Gabriel fears he’s only going to lose her again once she remembers the real circumstances of their past.
*********************************************
~ Addiction
~ Alcoholism
~ Recovery
~ Death of a Parent
~ Child Abuse Referenced
~ Trafficking Referenced
~ Blackmail
~ Coercion
~ (Slight) Manipulation
This was just a beautiful, very well written story that captured my attention from the very beginning. It was full of a wide range of emotions that always hit hard in my chest and I got lost in the mystery of trying to piece back together the fragments of Sydney’s broken memories. Evangeline Williams did such a phenomenal job and I feel certain she’s an author to keep an eye on as she further develops her writing career!
❤️ Lastly, I feel it’s important to note that this book was a part of a series, but can be read as a standalone and enjoyed all the same— as is evident by my enthusiastic praise of it since it’s the first and only one I’ve read in this series so far myself. ❤️
~ Reaction as soon as I closed my kindle when I finished it:
Oh- My- God!
It’s been a long time since I’ve been this thrilled with a book. Review to come, but at this rate I’m only going to get 5 hours of sleep before I have to take the kids to school and my butt to work— but— WORTH IT! 🙌🫶😁
December 21, 2025
A mature, raw, and real novel about what it takes to maintain a relationship after trauma, addiction, and during life's hardships. I was taken aback by the depth and care taken in navigating these topics and how real the love between the characters felt. You'll be rooting for them all the way through.
December 8, 2025
When I stumbled across an ARC form promising me a standalone angsty romance, the tropes had me in a chokehold. As anticipated, I devoured it within hours of starting. You've got:
🖤Golden retriever, playboy-turned-devoted-husband MMC
🖤Amnesia trope (her heart remembers what her brain cannot)
🖤STEM heroine (she's a chemical engineer!)
🖤FMC in peril
🖤Where is my wife?
🖤Hurt her and die
🖤Marriage in trouble
🖤Nursing her back to health
🖤Unwavering devotion from mmc
🖤They have to fight their demons to be together
Now, if you read a lot of dark romance, mafia romance, etc., you are probably familiar with books that come with a similar list of tropes. Less than 5 chapters in, I already knew that Williams delivered everything I wanted. It just got better from there. Moment after moment had me metaphorically on my knees: I caught myself reading pages twice to savor the moments and highlighting whole sections of text. Nearly every exchange between the MCs, in fact, and some from the side characters as well. Each and every character in this book now holds a little piece of my heart somehow.
There are a few things that, in my humble opinion, set Love What's Left apart from similar stories:
1. The relationship. So much dark romance is a naive woman and a possessive, powerful hero who decides he wants her and steamrolls her wishes along the way. Here, however, our FMC Sydney is a force to be reckoned with as much as Gabriel is, and Gabriel knows it. He thinks highly of her--and not just in a "she's gorgeous" or "she's perfect" without any rationale type of way--and tells people so. Their relationship is not one-sided, but a partnership. These two people work together and love each other deeply, to the point of improving for the other person. Each obsessed with the other. And this is such a small thing, but Sydney has her own guards instead of ones that are only loyal to the domineering husband.
On that note...
2. The main characters. Gabriel isn't a one-dimensional, brooding bad boy who kills people indiscriminately because nobody matters but the people in his circle. He's a tatted up cinnamon roll family man. Yes, it's as delicious as it sounds. Sydney is a strong female lead without needing to be overly sassy or bitchy. She's got smarts and a mean sense of humor. She was in a tough situation with no one to save her, so she saved herself and those she loved in the only way she could, giving up everything that was important to her in the process. Later on, we see her tackle hard moments with wit and maturity. Williams didn't claim a badass FMC--she showed us one.
3. The memory loss. This aspect of the story allows for a unique concept and pacing. We're given a second chance element for a couple that never fell out of love or ended in betrayal. It also gave the story a different structure, as we start with the action and this married couple whose history is built through snippets of memories, flashbacks, and secondhand information. We're learning about Sydney and the life she had alongside her. Watching her fall in love with her husband all over again was a real treat.
Beautiful, just beautiful. I'm in a slump now, but well done.
🖤Golden retriever, playboy-turned-devoted-husband MMC
🖤Amnesia trope (her heart remembers what her brain cannot)
🖤STEM heroine (she's a chemical engineer!)
🖤FMC in peril
🖤Where is my wife?
🖤Hurt her and die
🖤Marriage in trouble
🖤Nursing her back to health
🖤Unwavering devotion from mmc
🖤They have to fight their demons to be together
Now, if you read a lot of dark romance, mafia romance, etc., you are probably familiar with books that come with a similar list of tropes. Less than 5 chapters in, I already knew that Williams delivered everything I wanted. It just got better from there. Moment after moment had me metaphorically on my knees: I caught myself reading pages twice to savor the moments and highlighting whole sections of text. Nearly every exchange between the MCs, in fact, and some from the side characters as well. Each and every character in this book now holds a little piece of my heart somehow.
There are a few things that, in my humble opinion, set Love What's Left apart from similar stories:
1. The relationship. So much dark romance is a naive woman and a possessive, powerful hero who decides he wants her and steamrolls her wishes along the way. Here, however, our FMC Sydney is a force to be reckoned with as much as Gabriel is, and Gabriel knows it. He thinks highly of her--and not just in a "she's gorgeous" or "she's perfect" without any rationale type of way--and tells people so. Their relationship is not one-sided, but a partnership. These two people work together and love each other deeply, to the point of improving for the other person. Each obsessed with the other. And this is such a small thing, but Sydney has her own guards instead of ones that are only loyal to the domineering husband.
On that note...
2. The main characters. Gabriel isn't a one-dimensional, brooding bad boy who kills people indiscriminately because nobody matters but the people in his circle. He's a tatted up cinnamon roll family man. Yes, it's as delicious as it sounds. Sydney is a strong female lead without needing to be overly sassy or bitchy. She's got smarts and a mean sense of humor. She was in a tough situation with no one to save her, so she saved herself and those she loved in the only way she could, giving up everything that was important to her in the process. Later on, we see her tackle hard moments with wit and maturity. Williams didn't claim a badass FMC--she showed us one.
3. The memory loss. This aspect of the story allows for a unique concept and pacing. We're given a second chance element for a couple that never fell out of love or ended in betrayal. It also gave the story a different structure, as we start with the action and this married couple whose history is built through snippets of memories, flashbacks, and secondhand information. We're learning about Sydney and the life she had alongside her. Watching her fall in love with her husband all over again was a real treat.
“What do you want from me?” I ask.
“For you to be healthy and happy,” he says.
“What’s in it for you?” I speak the words slowly, careful to say what I mean.
“I want my wife back,” he says hoarsely.
“I don’t . . . understand.”
“I love you.”
Beautiful, just beautiful. I'm in a slump now, but well done.
December 19, 2025
I was soooo invested in this book…like could.not.put.it.down! I was a little nervous being this was the only book I’ve read in this series but it’s a standalone and I don’t think it made a difference. I do think I’ll read them now though since I liked this one so much.
From the beginning, it’s packed with drama and sucks you right in.
Sydney is kidnapped - she just keeps repeating her husband will come for her. After the trauma of the event, she has amnesia.
Her husband, Gabriel - like the angel, is sooo patient with her during her recovery. I can’t imagine seeing the love of your life not know who you are every day. Gabriel has scars of his own as well - he’s a recovering alcoholic because he used to use alcohol to numb the pain.
The story is far from boring as he tries to help her put the pieces leading up to her kidnapping together. At the same time, show her that he loves her then and now. It’s well written in the aspect of current and the flashbacks - the past and why things are they way they are kind of thing. It’s written in both his and her pov which is always easy for me to read and I don’t know why but the image of her husband in my head reminds me of Tobias King 😂 (he’s one of my all time favs).
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend. Please read the trigger warnings! Thank you @happilybookedpr and @evangeline_williams_author for the early read! All opinions are my own.
From the beginning, it’s packed with drama and sucks you right in.
Sydney is kidnapped - she just keeps repeating her husband will come for her. After the trauma of the event, she has amnesia.
Her husband, Gabriel - like the angel, is sooo patient with her during her recovery. I can’t imagine seeing the love of your life not know who you are every day. Gabriel has scars of his own as well - he’s a recovering alcoholic because he used to use alcohol to numb the pain.
The story is far from boring as he tries to help her put the pieces leading up to her kidnapping together. At the same time, show her that he loves her then and now. It’s well written in the aspect of current and the flashbacks - the past and why things are they way they are kind of thing. It’s written in both his and her pov which is always easy for me to read and I don’t know why but the image of her husband in my head reminds me of Tobias King 😂 (he’s one of my all time favs).
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend. Please read the trigger warnings! Thank you @happilybookedpr and @evangeline_williams_author for the early read! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Y'all, I needed some time to craft my thoughts so my review would be something more than an incoherent screaming meme.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review and woooo boy now you're getting one.
HOW is it possible that every single book Evangeline Williams writes becomes my new favorite in the series? When I tell you I finished this book and I haven't stopped thinking about it since....I want to immediately reread it from the beginning. (Also AHHHHH at the Henry/Frankie and Dean/Bronwyn and James/Clarissa cameos.....and of course Arden and Charlotte 😍)
Gabriel and Sydney's story is going to emotionally traumatize you in the best way possible. It had me crying on a train, in public, at 6am. The way these two fight for each other--not even for their love, but fight FOR each other, through everything that happens to them, is incredible. Learning their story as Sydney recovers her memories and seeing how far they came was so heart wrenching, and really told their journey in the best way.
She's done it again, folks, and I'm going to keep devouring anything she writes. I'm sure the next one is going to be my new favorite, too, but I feel like this story is going to become my new favorite reread.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review and woooo boy now you're getting one.
HOW is it possible that every single book Evangeline Williams writes becomes my new favorite in the series? When I tell you I finished this book and I haven't stopped thinking about it since....I want to immediately reread it from the beginning. (Also AHHHHH at the Henry/Frankie and Dean/Bronwyn and James/Clarissa cameos.....and of course Arden and Charlotte 😍)
Gabriel and Sydney's story is going to emotionally traumatize you in the best way possible. It had me crying on a train, in public, at 6am. The way these two fight for each other--not even for their love, but fight FOR each other, through everything that happens to them, is incredible. Learning their story as Sydney recovers her memories and seeing how far they came was so heart wrenching, and really told their journey in the best way.
She's done it again, folks, and I'm going to keep devouring anything she writes. I'm sure the next one is going to be my new favorite, too, but I feel like this story is going to become my new favorite reread.
December 14, 2025
A great book to read as an ARC! Despite not reading the first three in this series, I really enjoyed this story. The characters had a way of drawing me in and sharing their emotions. Definitely recommend if you’re ready to get in your feels
December 18, 2025
This is the fourth book in the Trust & Tequila but you can read as a standalone book..
I gave the woman I married my vow: To my last breath. To her last heartbeat. I’m never letting go.
Inside, you'll find:
*Amnesia
*Tatted up golden retriever family man with hidden scars
*He fell first
*Woman in STEM
*"Who hurt you?"
*"Where is my wife?"
*Marriage in trouble
*Hurt/Comfort
*Angst, suspense, & banter
*Yearning as an Olympic sport
LOVE WHAT'S LEFT is a steamy stand-alone romance set in the Trust & Tequila universe and is intended for mature audiences only
I gave the woman I married my vow: To my last breath. To her last heartbeat. I’m never letting go.
Inside, you'll find:
*Amnesia
*Tatted up golden retriever family man with hidden scars
*He fell first
*Woman in STEM
*"Who hurt you?"
*"Where is my wife?"
*Marriage in trouble
*Hurt/Comfort
*Angst, suspense, & banter
*Yearning as an Olympic sport
LOVE WHAT'S LEFT is a steamy stand-alone romance set in the Trust & Tequila universe and is intended for mature audiences only
December 21, 2025
Just finished Love what’s left by Evangeline Williams. This is my 1st time reading any of her books. With that being said I’m not sure if this book continues on from where the last book in the Trust and Tequila series left off. I was little confused on some parts I felt like I was missing something. But as the story went on I was able to get some background but not all. It follows Sydney a brilliant scientist and her bosses son Gabriel. It starts off with Sydney getting kidnapped and drugged to the point she lost her memories. When she is rescued she believes she’s still in danger either at the hospital or at home with Gabriel. Through most of the book it’s mostly about her recovery and her slowly growing relationship with Gabriel. I do think you need to read the series in order to maybe understand everything. Overall it was a good book. I will have to reread it when I read the other books.
December 19, 2025
I was so happy to receive an ARC of this book! And as much as I loved it I’m not even sure how to start this review. Obviously from the star rating I enjoyed this book and would recommend. But something happened while reading this book that doesn’t usually happen, I found myself feeling so incredibly frustrated with the FMC but couldn’t articulate why. I tend to be a very cerebral reader and it’s usually very easy for me to put into words what I like and don’t like until the FMC said it herself, she’s just awful…at least she was. Very mild spoilers unless you didn’t read the blurb the FMC has amnesia for the majority of the book and is remembering her relationship with the MMC in pieces and as she remembers you go on the journey with her asking the same question, why are they together? And going on that journey with her, feeling her frustration, and recognizing just how poorly she treated the MMC prior to the incident that causes her amnesia and her growth from that, moving on from old wounds and new is truly a testament to Williams’s writing. There’s a scene that sticks out where she’s asking him about she treated him early in their relationship and he gives typical “I understand why you are the way you are and I love you unconditionally” and she tells him to get some conditions my reaction was “OMG YES! Tell him about self respect!” And that’s when the book became a five star read for me.
The mystery aspect of it was immensely fun as well! Just enough red herrings so you’re never 100% sure who did it until the end but not so many the plot felt wandering until I was bored.
The MMC was wonderful. Sweet. Thoughtful. Respectful. Kind. Hot. Everything you want your next book boyfriend.
I would rate this on the lower end of the spice scale and that makes sense for this book. With the amnesia and injuries the FMC sustained at the beginning of the book she spends the first half in recovery of some kind and literally trying to remember her husband. But when it hits, it’s so good!
Between this book and Williams’s previous release, Ardently Yours, I’d personally love to see Williams test her hand at dark romance! All the markers are there for a “diet” dark romance at least!
The mystery aspect of it was immensely fun as well! Just enough red herrings so you’re never 100% sure who did it until the end but not so many the plot felt wandering until I was bored.
The MMC was wonderful. Sweet. Thoughtful. Respectful. Kind. Hot. Everything you want your next book boyfriend.
I would rate this on the lower end of the spice scale and that makes sense for this book. With the amnesia and injuries the FMC sustained at the beginning of the book she spends the first half in recovery of some kind and literally trying to remember her husband. But when it hits, it’s so good!
Between this book and Williams’s previous release, Ardently Yours, I’d personally love to see Williams test her hand at dark romance! All the markers are there for a “diet” dark romance at least!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sydney and Gabriel
What you’ll get:
Amnesia
Dark themes
Finding love again
Heartbreak
Angst
He falls first
Marriage in trouble
Suspense
Safety:
Alchoholism
Kidnapping
Drugging
“I’ll never feel safe again”
I can't remember how I came across this, but I’m glad I elected to receive an advance copy, because this was gorgeous, and heartbreaking, but still an absolute joy to read.
“Good girl”
Oh God, I wanted this man.
Book 4 in the series, but my first time reading… Carries as a standalone, however, likely reads better if read in order.
This is dark from the very first word.
Sydney is being held hostage, kept drugged and isolated, as a form of payback against a death from years earlier when Gabriel was a child.
Her trauma causes her to disassociate and shut off, and she can’t remember her husband…
What follows is a brutally heartbreaking tale where Sydney doesn’t feel safe with the familiar, and Gabriel is falling apart despite being this dark guy that has no issues with killing others.
The characters were amazing.
Sydney and Gabriel were a dream… it took time, but…. swoon!!!!
“You’re my safe space, Gabriel. You.”
But, oh my lord… my heart broke for her. She was naive, tough, strong, and resourceful. No TSTL heroine here… She made some knee jerks early in, but very much forgiven…
I mean… that balcony scene!!!!
“This man killed the person who tortured me. That’s enough for me to give him the benefit of the doubt.”
But, Gabriel… well, he stole my heart. This big, bad tatted hero will kill someone, but turns into a cinnamon roll for her. The lengths he went for her, from start to finish, won me over.
“I don’t love you.”
“You will. For now, you can think of me as a friend. The important thing is your recovery.”
The tattoos… I fell a little in love in that scene. It was easily one of the sweetest scenes that I read in this.
“Those… are my tattoos.”
It was a longer read for me. A few twists along the way, and a few moments of humour here and there, but for the most part, a deeply emotional journey
What you’ll get:
Amnesia
Dark themes
Finding love again
Heartbreak
Angst
He falls first
Marriage in trouble
Suspense
Safety:
Alchoholism
Kidnapping
Drugging
“I’ll never feel safe again”
I can't remember how I came across this, but I’m glad I elected to receive an advance copy, because this was gorgeous, and heartbreaking, but still an absolute joy to read.
“Good girl”
Oh God, I wanted this man.
Book 4 in the series, but my first time reading… Carries as a standalone, however, likely reads better if read in order.
This is dark from the very first word.
Sydney is being held hostage, kept drugged and isolated, as a form of payback against a death from years earlier when Gabriel was a child.
Her trauma causes her to disassociate and shut off, and she can’t remember her husband…
What follows is a brutally heartbreaking tale where Sydney doesn’t feel safe with the familiar, and Gabriel is falling apart despite being this dark guy that has no issues with killing others.
The characters were amazing.
Sydney and Gabriel were a dream… it took time, but…. swoon!!!!
“You’re my safe space, Gabriel. You.”
But, oh my lord… my heart broke for her. She was naive, tough, strong, and resourceful. No TSTL heroine here… She made some knee jerks early in, but very much forgiven…
I mean… that balcony scene!!!!
“This man killed the person who tortured me. That’s enough for me to give him the benefit of the doubt.”
But, Gabriel… well, he stole my heart. This big, bad tatted hero will kill someone, but turns into a cinnamon roll for her. The lengths he went for her, from start to finish, won me over.
“I don’t love you.”
“You will. For now, you can think of me as a friend. The important thing is your recovery.”
The tattoos… I fell a little in love in that scene. It was easily one of the sweetest scenes that I read in this.
“Those… are my tattoos.”
It was a longer read for me. A few twists along the way, and a few moments of humour here and there, but for the most part, a deeply emotional journey
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love What’s Left
By: Evangeline Williams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love What's Left grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let go. Evangeline Williams delivers an emotionally charged, angsty romance that masterfully handles a difficult premise: what happens when trauma erases a person's entire memory, including the life they shared with their spouse?
The story follows Sydney, who wakes up after a traumatic event with a blank slate where her memories should be, and Gabriel, her devoted husband, who is forced to become a stranger to her while fighting to help her heal. The dynamic between them is intense and raw. Gabriel's unwavering loyalty and gentle patience as he tries to woo the "feral shadow" of the woman he married is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
Williams expertly explores how Sydney must learn to trust Gabriel and eventually fall for the man she no longer remembers, while Gabriel battles the grief of losing the woman he knew. The narrative is dual-perspective, which effectively showcases the internal struggles of both characters.
♥️What I loved:
* Emotional Depth: The portrayal of memory loss and the painful journey toward healing is incredibly moving.
* Gabriel's Devotion: He is the definition of a loyal hero, a man who will take a thousand cuts to his bleeding heart to shelter a single shattered piece of his wife's.
* Angst & Steam: The book is both angsty and steamy, a perfect combination for those who like their romance with high emotional stakes and spice.
Overall, if you enjoy romance with the amnesia trope, interconnected standalones, and dark themes that ultimately deliver a satisfying happily ever after (HEA), you should give Love What's Lefta read. It's a powerful story about love's enduring nature, even when faced with the unimaginable.
10/10 Would recommend to family and friends
By: Evangeline Williams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love What's Left grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let go. Evangeline Williams delivers an emotionally charged, angsty romance that masterfully handles a difficult premise: what happens when trauma erases a person's entire memory, including the life they shared with their spouse?
The story follows Sydney, who wakes up after a traumatic event with a blank slate where her memories should be, and Gabriel, her devoted husband, who is forced to become a stranger to her while fighting to help her heal. The dynamic between them is intense and raw. Gabriel's unwavering loyalty and gentle patience as he tries to woo the "feral shadow" of the woman he married is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
Williams expertly explores how Sydney must learn to trust Gabriel and eventually fall for the man she no longer remembers, while Gabriel battles the grief of losing the woman he knew. The narrative is dual-perspective, which effectively showcases the internal struggles of both characters.
♥️What I loved:
* Emotional Depth: The portrayal of memory loss and the painful journey toward healing is incredibly moving.
* Gabriel's Devotion: He is the definition of a loyal hero, a man who will take a thousand cuts to his bleeding heart to shelter a single shattered piece of his wife's.
* Angst & Steam: The book is both angsty and steamy, a perfect combination for those who like their romance with high emotional stakes and spice.
Overall, if you enjoy romance with the amnesia trope, interconnected standalones, and dark themes that ultimately deliver a satisfying happily ever after (HEA), you should give Love What's Lefta read. It's a powerful story about love's enduring nature, even when faced with the unimaginable.
10/10 Would recommend to family and friends
December 30, 2025
📢 BOOK REVIEW📢
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
I needed tissues and lost sleep over this book!
The who done it thriller vibe had me second guessing the motive of every character, but the vonerability of the FMC and MMC forced me to constantly check myself and say " we don't judge, we lead with hope not hurt and for those who deserve it we always give second chances."
❗️Gabriel built Sydney a fortress of solitude unasked and offered to be her safe space through the storm and nightmares. He didn't pressure her for answers, demand she heal and move on. He simply brought snacks and set up her peaceful retreat. Period. ❗️
LOVE WHAT'S LEFT was a fantastic novel that moved slow at first and started off confusing but as I reflect it was all apart of understanding what Sydney was going through and one i had to experience to travel her healing journey with her. Once I caught on, the story moved fast and I was cheering and sighing all over the place.
I highly recommend this book; it's a great read!
Favorite line: "A slow smile floods my soul and spreads to my face."
What to expect:
💍Amnesia trope (her heart remembers what her brain cannot)
🖤Hurt her and die (he kills the man who kidnapped her)
💍Forced proximity
🖤Marriage in trouble
💍Golden retriever mmc
🖤Woman in STEM
💍Woman in peril
🖤Where is my wife?
💍Who hurt you?
🖤Nursing her back to health
💍Unwavering devotion from mmc
🖤He’s a recovering alcoholic
💍He has hidden scars from a tortured past
🖤Former playboy/fuck boy who became a devoted husband
💍He falls first
🖤Angst, angst and more angst
💍They have to fight their demons to be together
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
I needed tissues and lost sleep over this book!
The who done it thriller vibe had me second guessing the motive of every character, but the vonerability of the FMC and MMC forced me to constantly check myself and say " we don't judge, we lead with hope not hurt and for those who deserve it we always give second chances."
❗️Gabriel built Sydney a fortress of solitude unasked and offered to be her safe space through the storm and nightmares. He didn't pressure her for answers, demand she heal and move on. He simply brought snacks and set up her peaceful retreat. Period. ❗️
LOVE WHAT'S LEFT was a fantastic novel that moved slow at first and started off confusing but as I reflect it was all apart of understanding what Sydney was going through and one i had to experience to travel her healing journey with her. Once I caught on, the story moved fast and I was cheering and sighing all over the place.
I highly recommend this book; it's a great read!
Favorite line: "A slow smile floods my soul and spreads to my face."
What to expect:
💍Amnesia trope (her heart remembers what her brain cannot)
🖤Hurt her and die (he kills the man who kidnapped her)
💍Forced proximity
🖤Marriage in trouble
💍Golden retriever mmc
🖤Woman in STEM
💍Woman in peril
🖤Where is my wife?
💍Who hurt you?
🖤Nursing her back to health
💍Unwavering devotion from mmc
🖤He’s a recovering alcoholic
💍He has hidden scars from a tortured past
🖤Former playboy/fuck boy who became a devoted husband
💍He falls first
🖤Angst, angst and more angst
💍They have to fight their demons to be together
January 1, 2026
Love What's Left is book 4 in the Trust and Tequila series and is a forgotten love romance. I read this as a standalone and while it was still enjoyable, I did feel a little lost when other characters came into play at the beginning because I had no clue who they were, but it didn't take anything away from this story and I absolutely loved it still.
Sydney is kidnapped and being tormented for information. She can't remember anything except that he will come for her. But when she is finally found and rescued by her husband Gabriel, she is suffering with amnesia and can't remember who he is, she just knows that she feels safe around him.
The story is packed with action, but also lots of love, patience, healing, hurt, trust, and finding their way back to each other through it all. Because what Sydney learns about Gabriel is that he used to be an alcoholic and that is a huge no no for her. But there must be a reason why she still married him.
I loved the way Gabriel was so patient with her. He was so respectful towards her through all the ups and downs, which in turn taught her to trust him and believe in him I think. Which is why when he was drugged, even his own family thought maybe he relapsed or started using. But she believed in him and trusted him enough to get him to a hospital and get help. That literally melted my heart.
I absolutely loved this story. It was action packed from beginning to end. The story is gripping, well written and addicting. I highly recommend giving this one a read!!
Sydney is kidnapped and being tormented for information. She can't remember anything except that he will come for her. But when she is finally found and rescued by her husband Gabriel, she is suffering with amnesia and can't remember who he is, she just knows that she feels safe around him.
The story is packed with action, but also lots of love, patience, healing, hurt, trust, and finding their way back to each other through it all. Because what Sydney learns about Gabriel is that he used to be an alcoholic and that is a huge no no for her. But there must be a reason why she still married him.
I loved the way Gabriel was so patient with her. He was so respectful towards her through all the ups and downs, which in turn taught her to trust him and believe in him I think. Which is why when he was drugged, even his own family thought maybe he relapsed or started using. But she believed in him and trusted him enough to get him to a hospital and get help. That literally melted my heart.
I absolutely loved this story. It was action packed from beginning to end. The story is gripping, well written and addicting. I highly recommend giving this one a read!!
December 15, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect from this story but what we got wasn't it. I read through this over the course of the weekend, I was so intrigued by what was going on and what might happen next. The story opens with Sydney being kidnapped and tortured before being saved by her husband Gabriel. Sydney has no memory and has to relearn everything and who she can trust, including Gabriel. Gabriel is a man so in love with his wife that he goes to all lengths to be by her side and help her heal. We get to see the past through her remembering little by little and that continues to the end of the story. Sydney is not the same woman that Gabriel married, she has some changes in personality because of the trauma she endured. There is a bit of mystery as to why she was kidnapped and by who but it's like a side note to the romance. I had an inkling as to who the bad guy was and ended up being right in the end but didn't know the motive. There were a couple spicy scenes throughout the story, nothing too over the top or lengthy. What really surprised me was what came after the villain reveal, when they talk about how they came to be married. The very last chapter brought me to tears just because of the beauty of that moment. I've never read a scene like that in a book so that was new to me but as I said, beautiful.
December 26, 2025
This book reads like a Netflix series in the best possible ways - each time I sat down to read, I had no idea what emotions would be pulled from me and the story had some twists and turns that I did not see coming. The story of Sydney and Gabriel was sometimes tense, sweet, sexy, and funny. All the while, there were secrets to uncover. Gabriel had secrets. Sydney had secrets. Would these secrets harm one another once they were revealed? Who kidnapped her and why?
My favorite aspect of the book was Sydney rediscovering her relationship with her husband. In the beginning, her trauma made her lose all of her memories of him. She had to piece together their relationship from scratch. Imagine learning to love someone based solely on their actions without any preconceived ideas or experiences! And Gabriel was so patient and also so guarded because he knew about their past and waited for her to rediscover the old triggers and minefields that complicated their relationship. Gabriel had worked really hard to become someone Sydney could be proud of. Was it enough?
Overall, this is a good story. It's a romance with some meat to it! if you read the previous books, you will no doubt rate this one higher than I did because there is plenty of mention of other characters. I knew some of them, but they were in my way of reading more about Sydney and Gabriel!
My favorite aspect of the book was Sydney rediscovering her relationship with her husband. In the beginning, her trauma made her lose all of her memories of him. She had to piece together their relationship from scratch. Imagine learning to love someone based solely on their actions without any preconceived ideas or experiences! And Gabriel was so patient and also so guarded because he knew about their past and waited for her to rediscover the old triggers and minefields that complicated their relationship. Gabriel had worked really hard to become someone Sydney could be proud of. Was it enough?
Overall, this is a good story. It's a romance with some meat to it! if you read the previous books, you will no doubt rate this one higher than I did because there is plenty of mention of other characters. I knew some of them, but they were in my way of reading more about Sydney and Gabriel!
December 19, 2025
I’ve been lucky enough to be on the ARC list for almost this entire series, and it has been an absolutel joy to read them.
This book though? This book was art. I was absolutely locked in from the very first page. We see this whole other world that was happening in the background of prior books, and why Gabriel pushed to be a better man. The story is brilliantly woven together with past and present and completely takes you into the story right when you start it.
Evangeline has the unique ability to write very real relationships that happen in wild scenarios (you mean you aren’t kidnapped by your husband’s enemies on the average Tuesday?). They are funny, flawed, and very real. The arcs and growth that her characters go through are healing to read.
This book? I cried, I laughed out loud, I wanted to throw my kindle across the room (I pitch a really heavy duty case as the next merch). It was a perfect book.
Sydney and Gabriel’s ability to grow together as new people while both being gentle with each other AND confronting their demons should be the new standard for book relationships.
Don’t skip this book, it was one of my favorite reads of the year and a beautiful conclusion to the main part of this series.
This book though? This book was art. I was absolutely locked in from the very first page. We see this whole other world that was happening in the background of prior books, and why Gabriel pushed to be a better man. The story is brilliantly woven together with past and present and completely takes you into the story right when you start it.
Evangeline has the unique ability to write very real relationships that happen in wild scenarios (you mean you aren’t kidnapped by your husband’s enemies on the average Tuesday?). They are funny, flawed, and very real. The arcs and growth that her characters go through are healing to read.
This book? I cried, I laughed out loud, I wanted to throw my kindle across the room (I pitch a really heavy duty case as the next merch). It was a perfect book.
Sydney and Gabriel’s ability to grow together as new people while both being gentle with each other AND confronting their demons should be the new standard for book relationships.
Don’t skip this book, it was one of my favorite reads of the year and a beautiful conclusion to the main part of this series.
December 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Love What's Left by Evangeline Williams is my first book as an intro into this Author's work. This was is #4 to a series.
Admittedly I jumped in this book without really knowing it was #4. However, I think I got through the book pretty well. This book primarily focused on Sydney and Gabriel. The book leaves nothing out about what is going on.
This book starts out with Sydney having gotten kidnapped, Gabriel fighting to get her back, and focuses solely on her healing process and his coping process.
This was an intense read. But like I said, it left nothing out. You learn who Sydney is, as she relearns herself. You learn who Gabriel is as struggles with the parts of himself he tried do bury that this new version of his wife keeps digging up.
Evangeline handled the PTSD extraordinarily. She handled coping even better. Gabriel truly had the patience of a saint through this whole book, and the spice in this book is worth it, because it gets better as their bond gets stronger. It ends in a HEA and is worth the ride. I really enjoyed thia book, and feel like I'll be adding the rest of the series to my TBR.
Love What's Left by Evangeline Williams is my first book as an intro into this Author's work. This was is #4 to a series.
Admittedly I jumped in this book without really knowing it was #4. However, I think I got through the book pretty well. This book primarily focused on Sydney and Gabriel. The book leaves nothing out about what is going on.
This book starts out with Sydney having gotten kidnapped, Gabriel fighting to get her back, and focuses solely on her healing process and his coping process.
This was an intense read. But like I said, it left nothing out. You learn who Sydney is, as she relearns herself. You learn who Gabriel is as struggles with the parts of himself he tried do bury that this new version of his wife keeps digging up.
Evangeline handled the PTSD extraordinarily. She handled coping even better. Gabriel truly had the patience of a saint through this whole book, and the spice in this book is worth it, because it gets better as their bond gets stronger. It ends in a HEA and is worth the ride. I really enjoyed thia book, and feel like I'll be adding the rest of the series to my TBR.
January 12, 2026
Unique Plot with much disconnect
Love What's Left is the fourth book in the Trust and Tequila series, though it is said that it can be read as a standalone. This is the only book I have read in this series, and am not sure if the book would have been better if I had read the others in the series first. From the very first page, and all the way through the book, I felt as if I was missing a part of the story. The reader is immediately dropped into the action of the storyline, but instead of grabbing my attention and causing interest in the plot, it felt like I skipped the first six chapters and was now trying to piece together everything. The further I got into the book, I started to wonder if confusing the reader was by design, to help them understand and connect with the Main Female Character. Regardless of my confusion being intentional or not, it did not connect me with the characters, and almost caused me to DNF the book, more than once.
Overall this was an OK story, with a unique plot that moves slowly and jumps timelines quickly. There is a bit of angst, a very little bit of spice and a couple of possible triggers.
Love What's Left is the fourth book in the Trust and Tequila series, though it is said that it can be read as a standalone. This is the only book I have read in this series, and am not sure if the book would have been better if I had read the others in the series first. From the very first page, and all the way through the book, I felt as if I was missing a part of the story. The reader is immediately dropped into the action of the storyline, but instead of grabbing my attention and causing interest in the plot, it felt like I skipped the first six chapters and was now trying to piece together everything. The further I got into the book, I started to wonder if confusing the reader was by design, to help them understand and connect with the Main Female Character. Regardless of my confusion being intentional or not, it did not connect me with the characters, and almost caused me to DNF the book, more than once.
Overall this was an OK story, with a unique plot that moves slowly and jumps timelines quickly. There is a bit of angst, a very little bit of spice and a couple of possible triggers.
January 26, 2026
Note: There is a lot of triggering and sensitive content in this book. Please read the TWs before reading the book.
This book wrecked and shredded me. While it is a common occurrence for me when I am handed amnesia romance tropes, I nevertheless had to point that out because while I get sad while reading sad stuff, I can control my waterworks for the most part, and in this one, I almost couldn't.
Another note: I read this book as a standalone and have no prior knowledge of the previous books.
While this was a decent book, I just felt that there were a lot of different things happening, so there was just a lot to take in. Too much, not just emotionally, but in terms of the depth of the story - there were so many storylines, genres, etc. coming into play - which I personally feel could have been cut down especially the last part. I felt the start was a bit slo,w and the last part was a bit too fast. A good balance would have been great with the perfect depth of contexts involved. Was it one of my best amnesia romance/second chance reads? No. But overall it was a decent read.
This book wrecked and shredded me. While it is a common occurrence for me when I am handed amnesia romance tropes, I nevertheless had to point that out because while I get sad while reading sad stuff, I can control my waterworks for the most part, and in this one, I almost couldn't.
Another note: I read this book as a standalone and have no prior knowledge of the previous books.
While this was a decent book, I just felt that there were a lot of different things happening, so there was just a lot to take in. Too much, not just emotionally, but in terms of the depth of the story - there were so many storylines, genres, etc. coming into play - which I personally feel could have been cut down especially the last part. I felt the start was a bit slo,w and the last part was a bit too fast. A good balance would have been great with the perfect depth of contexts involved. Was it one of my best amnesia romance/second chance reads? No. But overall it was a decent read.
January 8, 2026
Okay, listen, this one is heavy. Like sit down, clear your schedule, and prepare to feel things kind of heavy. Love What’s Left is emotional, messy, and intense in a way that doesn’t try to soften the edges, and honestly, that’s what made it work for me.
Sydney’s story broke my heart. Watching her try to piece together a life she can’t remember while carrying so much trauma felt raw and real. And Gabriel… wow. His quiet loyalty, patience, and restraint made his love feel genuine, not rushed or performative. I loved getting both POVs because it added so much depth to their connection and to the way grief, guilt, and love all collide.
There were moments where it felt emotionally overwhelming, but in that way where you keep reading anyway because you’re already too deep. The pacing kept me hooked, and even when it hurt, I didn’t want to put it down.
If you’re in the mood for a romance that leans darker, digs into loss and healing, and actually sticks with you after you’re done, this one is worth it. Just maybe don’t go in expecting something light.
Sydney’s story broke my heart. Watching her try to piece together a life she can’t remember while carrying so much trauma felt raw and real. And Gabriel… wow. His quiet loyalty, patience, and restraint made his love feel genuine, not rushed or performative. I loved getting both POVs because it added so much depth to their connection and to the way grief, guilt, and love all collide.
There were moments where it felt emotionally overwhelming, but in that way where you keep reading anyway because you’re already too deep. The pacing kept me hooked, and even when it hurt, I didn’t want to put it down.
If you’re in the mood for a romance that leans darker, digs into loss and healing, and actually sticks with you after you’re done, this one is worth it. Just maybe don’t go in expecting something light.
December 7, 2025
Arc rewiew : I just finished this book and omg I love them so much I admit I cry a little, be angry, be sad, etc all the emotions was there I am so happy they find each other again and they are stronger than ever after everything they been through when she's was gone they have my heart and if you guys didn't preoder the book go buy it now I promis It's going to be worth it 🥺🤗❤️
Tropes :
💍 Amnesia trope (her heart remembers what her brain cannot)
🖤 Hurt her and die (he kills the man who kidnapped her)
💍 Forced proximity
🖤 Marriage in trouble
💍 Golden retriever mmc
🖤 Woman in STEM
💍 Woman in peril
🖤 Where is my wife?
💍 Who hurt you?
🖤 Nursing her back to health
💍 Unwavering devotion from mmc
🖤 He’s a recovering alcoholic
💍 He has hidden scars from a tortured past
🖤 Former playboy/fuck boy who became a devoted husband
💍 He falls first
🖤 Angst, angst and more angst
💍They have to fight their demons to be together
Tropes :
💍 Amnesia trope (her heart remembers what her brain cannot)
🖤 Hurt her and die (he kills the man who kidnapped her)
💍 Forced proximity
🖤 Marriage in trouble
💍 Golden retriever mmc
🖤 Woman in STEM
💍 Woman in peril
🖤 Where is my wife?
💍 Who hurt you?
🖤 Nursing her back to health
💍 Unwavering devotion from mmc
🖤 He’s a recovering alcoholic
💍 He has hidden scars from a tortured past
🖤 Former playboy/fuck boy who became a devoted husband
💍 He falls first
🖤 Angst, angst and more angst
💍They have to fight their demons to be together
December 11, 2025
ARC Review-Happily Booked PR
Star Rating: 5⭐️
Pub Date: Dec 18, 2025
Romantic Suspense/Mystery
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Format: Digital
Thanks to Happily Booked for this ARC. This was so emotional and deep! At first I thought it was a captor/captive dark romance kinda thing but it wasn’t. Our main FMC Sydney is drugged and captured in the beginning and she gets amnesia and she forgets her past and that she’s married to Gabriel and she thinks that he is her captor but he wasn’t. This is a romantic suspense and an emotional deep connection between Gabriel and Sydney and I really loved this! This is one of the novels this year I absolutely loved this story! I didn’t know this was a series but it’s the 4th in a series. The writing of this story was amazing and so easy to read! The story also deals with flaws from both characters. Around the ending when we find out the twist I was like dang… just a deep story!
Star Rating: 5⭐️
Pub Date: Dec 18, 2025
Romantic Suspense/Mystery
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Format: Digital
Thanks to Happily Booked for this ARC. This was so emotional and deep! At first I thought it was a captor/captive dark romance kinda thing but it wasn’t. Our main FMC Sydney is drugged and captured in the beginning and she gets amnesia and she forgets her past and that she’s married to Gabriel and she thinks that he is her captor but he wasn’t. This is a romantic suspense and an emotional deep connection between Gabriel and Sydney and I really loved this! This is one of the novels this year I absolutely loved this story! I didn’t know this was a series but it’s the 4th in a series. The writing of this story was amazing and so easy to read! The story also deals with flaws from both characters. Around the ending when we find out the twist I was like dang… just a deep story!
December 18, 2025
This is one of my favorite reads of the year. This was such an original story and I loved the characters. The amnesia plot was a really interesting tool and I loved how it affected Sydney and Gabriel so profoundly and in such different ways. Gabriel’s devotion to Sydney was so powerful and I loved that he never doubted her and always did everything he could to make her feel safe, comfortable, and loved. The way the story of the betrayal and Sydney’s abduct¡on unfolded was really surprising and very well done. There was more than one scene that had me so devastated for Gabriel and others that had me devastated for Sydney. I honestly think Sydney and Gabriel’s relationship was helped by her bout of amnesia, it definitely changed the way she saw him and I think it made their bond stronger than ever. This was an incredibly moving and beautiful story. It was pretty low spice, but the love they shared more than made up for it.
January 2, 2026
- Healing
- Touch her at your own peril
- Romantic suspense
I was in an emotionally vulnerable place when I started this book, so it did take me a bit longer than normal to finish reading it. But I absolutely loved it. I was so invested in the recovery of Sydney after her husband Gabriel finds her. She had been taken over a month earlier and there wasn't much hope. But Gabriel refused to stop looking.
Once she's back at home, the hardest part starts. She has little memory of Gabriel and their relationship. The absolute devotion Gabriel has for her brought many a tear to my eyes. He would not give up making sure she felt safe. Even if that meant she never remembered him. Cue waterworks!!
The story of their relationship is revealed in flashbacks. I did want to know more about Gabriel's past as well, but that might have been mentioned in earlier books. This was the first I read in this series.
This book was absolutely gripping and I was so invested in the characters!
- Touch her at your own peril
- Romantic suspense
I was in an emotionally vulnerable place when I started this book, so it did take me a bit longer than normal to finish reading it. But I absolutely loved it. I was so invested in the recovery of Sydney after her husband Gabriel finds her. She had been taken over a month earlier and there wasn't much hope. But Gabriel refused to stop looking.
Once she's back at home, the hardest part starts. She has little memory of Gabriel and their relationship. The absolute devotion Gabriel has for her brought many a tear to my eyes. He would not give up making sure she felt safe. Even if that meant she never remembered him. Cue waterworks!!
The story of their relationship is revealed in flashbacks. I did want to know more about Gabriel's past as well, but that might have been mentioned in earlier books. This was the first I read in this series.
This book was absolutely gripping and I was so invested in the characters!
December 7, 2025
Sydney has been kidnapped and drugged, and during this ordeal, her memories of her life since meeting her husband have been wiped. All she can remember is that he's coming for her, but with her mind broken, she forgets who he is. Gabriel loves his wife and will do anything to get her back. What he doesn't expect is for her not to know who he is or the life they share. Starting fresh, Gabriel has to help Sydney unlock her memories and get answers about how she was captured. This is a beautifully heartbreaking story that ends with a HEA. I really enjoyed this book and fell in love with the characters. They have both been through so much in childhood that changed the way they looked at the world, but when they finally reconnect and Sydney falls back in love with her husband, it really makes your heart feel full for these two.
December 8, 2025
ARC Review:
Tropes:
Amnesia
Marriage in crisis
Trauma healing
Protective and devoted MMC
Hurt/comfort
This story follows Sydney, who wakes from trauma with no memories of the life she once built or the husband who refuses to give up on her. Gabriel’s devotion and heartbreak jump off the page as he tries to help her rediscover not only their marriage, but herself. Their path is painful, tender, and deeply emotional.
I was seriously in the trenches with Sydney and Gabriel. Their road back to each other after everything they lost is so achingly written that I felt every moment in my chest. Evangeline Williams crafted something raw, intimate, and beautifully told. If an audiobook ever drops, it will be an instant buy.
Huge thanks to Happily Booked PR and the author for this ALC!
Tropes:
Amnesia
Marriage in crisis
Trauma healing
Protective and devoted MMC
Hurt/comfort
This story follows Sydney, who wakes from trauma with no memories of the life she once built or the husband who refuses to give up on her. Gabriel’s devotion and heartbreak jump off the page as he tries to help her rediscover not only their marriage, but herself. Their path is painful, tender, and deeply emotional.
I was seriously in the trenches with Sydney and Gabriel. Their road back to each other after everything they lost is so achingly written that I felt every moment in my chest. Evangeline Williams crafted something raw, intimate, and beautifully told. If an audiobook ever drops, it will be an instant buy.
Huge thanks to Happily Booked PR and the author for this ALC!
Review of advance copy
Wow. Just wow!
Thank you for allowing me to ARC read this! The emotions, the struggle for both Sydney and Gabriel. Was so well written, my heart broke from the first page to the last and even in between. The struggles especially for Sydney broke me completely. The emotions Gabriel faced day to day broke me and pieced me back together. The raw emotions, the storyline everything in this book was so well done and I enjoyed it so very much!!!!
Favorite quotes:
“I tighten my arms once more. The woman who never trusted me to hold up under the weight of my own burdens is now the wife who needs me to carry us both. And I will. Until my last heartbeat. Until her last breath. If she needs me to shift the world on its axis, I’ll move heaven and earth by the strength of my love alone.”
“If I go under, don’t you dare drown with me. I’ll never forgive either of us.”
Thank you for allowing me to ARC read this! The emotions, the struggle for both Sydney and Gabriel. Was so well written, my heart broke from the first page to the last and even in between. The struggles especially for Sydney broke me completely. The emotions Gabriel faced day to day broke me and pieced me back together. The raw emotions, the storyline everything in this book was so well done and I enjoyed it so very much!!!!
Favorite quotes:
“I tighten my arms once more. The woman who never trusted me to hold up under the weight of my own burdens is now the wife who needs me to carry us both. And I will. Until my last heartbeat. Until her last breath. If she needs me to shift the world on its axis, I’ll move heaven and earth by the strength of my love alone.”
“If I go under, don’t you dare drown with me. I’ll never forgive either of us.”
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I enjoyed this book. It had some mystery and suspense and was reminiscent of a second-chance romance. The MCs are some high profile people that get caught up in a mess and Sydney ends up being a captive for over a month before she is rescued.
She has no memory of who she is, or who her husband is. Who, by the way is the world’s most patient man ever. He stays by her side and helps her regain her memories, all while struggling to keep it together for the both of them.
He is not trying to hide what their past was, but he is also not trying to push those memories onto her. She comes into her own, and finds that she loves the man that she sees, regardless of how she might have felt before she was kidnapped.
It is truly a beautiful story of how tragedy can clear the way for a new path forward in life, and that feelings can change and grow and be renewed.
She has no memory of who she is, or who her husband is. Who, by the way is the world’s most patient man ever. He stays by her side and helps her regain her memories, all while struggling to keep it together for the both of them.
He is not trying to hide what their past was, but he is also not trying to push those memories onto her. She comes into her own, and finds that she loves the man that she sees, regardless of how she might have felt before she was kidnapped.
It is truly a beautiful story of how tragedy can clear the way for a new path forward in life, and that feelings can change and grow and be renewed.
December 30, 2025
What to expect:
💍Amnesia trope (her heart remembers what her brain cannot)
🖤Hurt her and die (he kills the man who kidnapped her)
💍Forced proximity
🖤Marriage in trouble
💍Golden retriever mmc
🖤Woman in STEM
💍Woman in peril
🖤Where is my wife?
💍Who hurt you?
🖤Nursing her back to health
💍Unwavering devotion from mmc
🖤He’s a recovering alcoholic
💍He has hidden scars from a tortured past
🖤Former playboy/fuck boy who became a devoted husband
💍He falls first
🖤Angst, angst and more angst
💍They have to fight their demons to be together
🔥my view
I did not expect to feel so much emotion reading this book it was such a great read, I laughed and cried.
Gabriel and Sydney are a couple you just fall in love with straight away, a page turning must read.
#nowavailable #newrelease #forcedproximity @happilybookedpr
💍Amnesia trope (her heart remembers what her brain cannot)
🖤Hurt her and die (he kills the man who kidnapped her)
💍Forced proximity
🖤Marriage in trouble
💍Golden retriever mmc
🖤Woman in STEM
💍Woman in peril
🖤Where is my wife?
💍Who hurt you?
🖤Nursing her back to health
💍Unwavering devotion from mmc
🖤He’s a recovering alcoholic
💍He has hidden scars from a tortured past
🖤Former playboy/fuck boy who became a devoted husband
💍He falls first
🖤Angst, angst and more angst
💍They have to fight their demons to be together
🔥my view
I did not expect to feel so much emotion reading this book it was such a great read, I laughed and cried.
Gabriel and Sydney are a couple you just fall in love with straight away, a page turning must read.
#nowavailable #newrelease #forcedproximity @happilybookedpr
December 31, 2025
I was hooked from the beginning. The imagery and raw emotions pull you in to Sydney and Gabriel’s story - gripping your soul and putting you there with them.
Sydney closed off so much of herself to protect herself, waiting for Gabriel to come save her. Gabriel is able to find her but is it too late? She’s endured so much, to wait for him to rescue her, closing off parts of her memory to protect him. She’s lost her memories of them - of her husband and their love.
Gabriel’s devotion is unwavering, his strength undeniable. He suffers from his own demons and seeing his love and determination so steadfast, while waiting for his wife to remember she loves him and to come back to him makes it impossible to not cheer for his success and their love.
The amnesia trope is a hard one to write this beautifully; if this book isn’t already on your TBR - add it immediately.
Sydney closed off so much of herself to protect herself, waiting for Gabriel to come save her. Gabriel is able to find her but is it too late? She’s endured so much, to wait for him to rescue her, closing off parts of her memory to protect him. She’s lost her memories of them - of her husband and their love.
Gabriel’s devotion is unwavering, his strength undeniable. He suffers from his own demons and seeing his love and determination so steadfast, while waiting for his wife to remember she loves him and to come back to him makes it impossible to not cheer for his success and their love.
The amnesia trope is a hard one to write this beautifully; if this book isn’t already on your TBR - add it immediately.
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