They want rock hard abs and ripped biceps. Women don’t want the skinny dork. No. The skinny dork gets shoved to the back seat. The skinny dork gets stuck in the friend-zone. And that’s where Max has been trapped for six years.
The woman of his dreams is right in front of him yet still beyond his reach. Why? Because Danny is in love with someone else, the hot guy with rock hard abs and ripped biceps. Life sucks! Good guys always finish last. Just when Max is ready to give up, Fate steps in and with the help of two annoying friends, he gets the opportunity he’s been waiting for. The underdog finally has a chance to get the girl. The question is: Is he brave enough to take it?
This is a standalone, full-length contemporary romance for adults only! (18+)
"Danny, after all theses years...you must know..." Six years of yearning condensed into that single moment. "You have to know how I feel about you."-Max
Wanting To Remember, Trying To Forget was an entertaining, angsty, and at times frustrating read. This book had me all over the board on emotions. I have been sitting here for 2 days trying to figure out how to write my thoughts on this book. 2 days!! There were parts of this book I loved. Parts that made me angry. Parts that made me laugh my butt off and parts that made me yell at my kindle. My poor family had to put up with crazy Jessica while I read this book. One minute I'm laughing loud like a crazy woman and the next I'm yelling " What the hell is wrong with you.. Why can't you see what is right in front of you!! God you're an idiot!!" What can I say I'm passionate about my books people(or crazy) whatever! At times I wanted to line up just about every character in this book and do this to them
"This one dimple attracts a lot of women." "So what you're saying is that it's your personality that eventually has them running in the opposite direction? Maybe if you had two, they'd consider staying more than a week." "No, I'm content with one." He stretched his arms arrogantly and clasped his hands at the back of his head. "Statistically, they say men with one dimple- on average- have bigger penises."-Max and Danny
But the funny thing is that I didn't hate or dislike any of the characters, well I hated Richard(Danny's ex boyfriend). I will say though that Danny drove me crazy at times. I wanted to shake her so hard! She somehow managed to make me want to beat her for the way she was with Max and I still liked her. And Max OMG Max...... I straight up loved the shit outta him! I'm just sayin' he was one sexy nerd. So shy and sweet and that damn one dimple I swear to God he was just so cute. I loved that both MC's were imperfect. They had tempers and did stupid things. They were real and down to earth. Which made it easier to connect with them. I also loved that they are both inexperienced in the bedroom. Danny being a virgin and Max only having had sex 2 times, years ago. I hate when I read a book where the virgins lay the pipe like sex gods, it's just so unbelievable. So I was glad that both Max and Danny were not magical sex gods but instead two people who had to teach each other. They learned slowly and together and got good together. But their inexperienced didn't make things boring. OMG the sex in this book was hot! That bathroom scene where Max goes all possessive caveman and angry fucks her on the floor OMG!!
"So you think all these women are just waiting to jump you?" "Of course. Statistics don't lie, Danny. They probably saw the one dimple and now they know what I'm packing beneath these well-tailored trousers."-Danny and Max
Although their relationship was angsty and intense, it was also romantic and sweet. I loved it. Their road was a bumpy one, but I loved the ride. I loved Max and Danny together. They were cute, and had a connection that stood out. I won't be forgetting them or this story anytime soon. A real gem in this book was Charlie. Charlie really shined for me. He made me laugh so hard. The hate/hate relationship with him and Danny had was one of the highlights of this book for me. The things they said to each other, so funny..... Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a slower burn but it was a passionate read. I really wished this book had an epilogue. I really liked Max's family and I am guessing that they will be getting their own books. I really can't wait to read Kevin's book. I recommend this book to anyone who loves intense, angsty, best friends to lovers books. Below I leave a few of my favorite Charlie/ Danny moments....
"So," Charlie began, taking a seat on the opposite end of the sofa, "have you sacrificed any small children lately?" "Just the little innocent one I found lost and alone at the grocery store yesterday. You still downloading illegal porn, Charlie?" she asked idly, not lifting her head from the magazine. Charlie glanced at her with a look of sheer arrogance. "A guy like me doesn't need porn when the real thing is so easily accessible." Danny flipped over another page. "Yes and I'm sure the biggest turn on for any woman you date is the fact that you still live with your mother. That's extremely sexy, by any standard, and what makes you even sexier is how old you look. Women love sugar daddies. How old are you now anyway? Forty-five?" Danny tried her hardest to hold back a smile. The worst imaginable thing anyone could say to Charlie was to make a comment about his age. He hated the fact that he was turning gray prematurely. "I look mature," He corrected firmly. "You look old." "Mature!" "Old!" "Mature!" "Old!"-Charlie and Danny
"What's amazing is that you actually found time to do all this," Charlie said, looking almost impressed. "I mean, in between sacrificing children and buying people's souls." "Eat a dick, Charlie!"-Charlie and Danny
Sometimes I think that I'm my own worst enemy when I'm reading a book. I like story-lines that are swift moving and I think that sometimes when they aren't, I sabotage my own reading experience because the book isn't moving as quickly as I want it to. I'm not entirely sure if that is what happened with this one but I suspect that it was. This book does not move quickly. That's not necessarily a bad thing. There are a lot of readers out there that don't mind the slow pace and actually prefer it. Unfortunately, I'm just not one of those people.
This book was slow moving from the very beginning to the end. And while that captured my attention when I first started reading, it didn't keep it. I think that's because in the beginning, there is a bit of drama and drama being drawn out is amazingly frustratingly wonderful. You just want to know more but you're enjoying the suspense and watching the train wreck unfold before you - we've all been there, I'm sure. But that drawing out process throughout an entire book just doesn't blow my skirt up. To me, rather than enjoying the book, I get impatient. Impatient me is a jerk.
I liked the characters for the most part. I was told beforehand that the book featured a beta-male. Won't lie, totally looked that shit up. It's just not a phrase that I've ever heard before which is strange considering the phrase alpha-male is used quite frequently. That being said, I didn't mind that the leading man, Max, is a beta-male. I kind of liked the change of pace from all of the other alpha males I read about the rest of the year. Actually, I found him to be the most intriguing character of the whole book. It was really Danny that I just didn't really like. I don't know if it was her personality or what but I thought that she was just one of those females that would irritate me. She was completely oblivious to everything in her life and it made me want to shake her until she woke up. For me, I thought that she took a backseat to Max. I think that if the book had been primarily from his POV that I might have liked it more because I wanted to know more about him than I did her.
I did find myself skipping some of the long descriptive paragraphs ... I like more dialogue in a book. I like those verbal interactions more than being told about them through descriptions or inner monologues. I think too much of those descriptive paragraphs can weigh a book down and that's what happened to this one when I was reading. I wanted to crack a whip and get the book moving along more. Not a bad book but not one that I'll read again any time soon since I like a more fast paced story-line.
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
So like the loser i am, i decided to be the first person to rate my book. I know what you're thinking, if it's my book, why 4 stars. Well, i am exceptionally hard to please, so much so that even my own book can't get a 5 from me. This is not a bad thing. It leaves room for me to get better.
For me personally, i got tired of the alpha male and decided to give the nerd the spotlight in this one. Although he is a little short-tempered, Max is a sweet, sensitive guy who's in love with his best friend. So why hasn't he made a move in six years? Well, he's shy He doesn't have the best track record when it comes to the opposite sex And finally, Danny is not just a little out of his league, there's also a slight problem:
Knowing that he has to let go of the "maybe we could be more than friends" fantasy, Max decides it's time to move on. The plan seems to be working out just fine. New girlfriend. New outlook on life. But no-one ever said life goes according to plan. Maybe all Danny needed was a new outlook on life as well to finally see the man who has been right by her side for six years. You will have to see for yourself how their story unfolds. This story is one full year in the lives of these characters and a lot can happen in a year.
So now for the reasons why it lost a star: 1) i generally love a slow build-up but this one was slow even for me. I chose a nerd and virgin for my main characters (maybe not the smartest choice) Inexperience = slow (i had to take it at their pace) 2) the author (aka me) could not decide what she wanted this book to be. Is is a comedy or drama, light-hearted or serious? How am i supposed to FEEL? Well, i think you're gonna feel a bit of everything
Overall i think this is a beautiful story not just about love, but friendship. Your partner should also be your best friend and that is most definitely the case with Max and Danny.
In all fairness to the book and the other reviewers, I should re-skim and ten re-review as I am in San Antonio for a funeral. That may have influenced my opinion.
I hated this book. The heroine is a shallow idiot with zero taste on men; the hero is a wimp who lets the heroine stomp all over him, and Andrew or Anthony needs to die a low agonizing death beaten by all the stupid women he's cheated on. They can dig a hole and throw their lipstick at his head.
The kicker for me was when the heroine finds out
I'm going to re-read a Kleypas Hathaway book.
Reviewed and changed my rating. I was more than a little harsh.
An excellent read! I liked the layered characters, the story telling was very engaging and the humour was delightful.
Max and Danny were best friend for six years, and Max has been in love with Danny for all of those years. The problem was Danny could not see how blatantly obvious Max's feeling was and she kept treating him only as a very dear best friend. Although there were hints that her feeling maybe more...
So as the story went on, even when all I wanted to do just bitchslap them both because their situation sometimes so frustrating, I couldn't stop turning the pages.
Although I must admit, But I kept reading, because so far it had been a great read, and I was not disappointed. I think the author handled this cliché trope pretty well. It gave Danny "a fresh pair of eyes" to see Max. Even when there's a little lie involved. You see, with encouragement from his friends Amber and Charlie, And as it wont to do, the shit hit the fan. It's rather melodramatic, So they kissed and made up.
There's something that bothered me though.
I must say, Danny's stubbornness was annoying. She refused to see what's right in front of her. But a remembrance near the end of the story revealed that So I kind of get her.
Anyway, read this book. Highly recommend! The friendship between Max and Danny was adorable, the sex scenes was hot! The side characters was fun and interesting. This book was an emotional roller coaster indeed. And I enjoyed it immensely. Can't wait for the next book.
This sweet and yet powerful story of how friendship is the foundation of the best relationships definitely keeps you glued to the pages!
Nerdy Max and cool-chick Danny have been friends for years. Max has been in love with her from the day they met, but Danny has never shown any more affection to him than friendly feelings. Max goes along with it, thinking it's better to have her close than not have her at all. After an accident, Danny looses her memory. She has some childhood recollections but that's it. Her friends convince Max to use this and tell her that Max and her are dating. Danny doesn't know any better, and Max knows her so well... plus, there is something comfortable about him, so it must be true. Sometimes, a bump on the head is the best thing for you, but when her memories come back, all hell breaks loose.
The passion that these two have for each other is contagious. You can't help but love how dorky they are, and how perfect they are for each other. However, best friends are forever. The only reason I knock off half a star for rating is the POV changes between paragraphs at times, and it's confusing. One sentence it's "he looked at me..." the next sentence: "when I look at her" - had me rereading to keep track of things.
That bathroom scene get's a rating all on it's own!
I really enjoyed the journey this book took me on. While I pride myself in being able to guess the general direction in which a plot will go, there were a lot of little surprises. The characters were crafted very well and it was very easy for me to connect with the major players.
It was a different kind of emotional journey to The Journal, and I feel very fulfilled now that it is finished.
I really enjoyed the premise of this book and look forward to reading the next one. My namesake seems like she is going to take me for a wild ride!
When I first started reading this book, I thought I wouldn't enjoy it for the mere fact that I'm not usually a fan of books that come in a series. I was wrong. As I read the prologue I thought I had the entire story all figured out, and I'm a total sucker for a good romance, your typical break up to make up stories. Again I was wrong. I also think I was very curious to see what the author could conjure up after writing a book as amazing as The Journal (I still get emotional). She did not fail me with this book!
Anyway, as I read I saw it is about the nerdy best friend that's secretly in love with the girl etc etc etc. Now we all know how that story goes....haha think again. I can't help but giggle at the fact that these characters and situations are so relateable. I can picture the scenes, the characters, the emotions not only between the main characters but also between the family members. There are little inside jokes, that make you feel so part of their lives. It literally feels as though I could drive somewhere and literally find all these people living as they are in the book.
The book is well written and takes you through different emotions but also not allowing you stay with one feeling for too long. I see the people in my life in some of the characters, gosh I see pieces of me in some of them. Everything you think this book is it's not, it's even better. It gives you just enough of a glimpse of the next book to have you wanting to know more. And For one that's not a fan of series you best believe I'll be getting the next ones!!! Really an amazing, fun, heart fulfilling read. The characters and story just has a way of lingering long after you've finished reading. I would highly recommend it!! It is so difficult for me not to fill tis entire review with spoilers. I want to share my favourite parts with you and tell you what really happens. Just thinking about it has me excited!! Do yourself a favour and read the book!!!
Wow, I must say. This author truly has an exceptional talent when it comes to creating genuine characters. All these characters are so loveable, they really just stick with you. They become a part of you. You get trapped in their world and you don’t want to escape from it. This author is also very diverse with her story telling. After reading The Journal, I thought this book would be the same. On the contrary it’s completely different. The only thing that’s the same is amazing talent for creating great stories. This was a wonderful, very different read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book mainly because it wasn’t based on the Alpha male for once. When you see nerd, you may think bland. But not in this case. This book is steamy, sexy, and passionate. Its funny and filled with moments where I was literally laughing out loud and some very heartfelt moments too. It has everything I’d want a romance novel to be. And it was really nice to see the underdog get the girl. Especially when that underdog is a nerd like Max Shepard. There’s just something about Max that I fell in love with. He’s smart, funny, sarcastic and so romantic. What’s not to love? I am so happy that this book is part of a series because I am definitely hooked. Can’t wait to read Jordan’s and Kevin’s books. Tyler seems like such a strange character and I can’t wait to “get to know him a bit better” and as for Kevin… what did that girl do to him? Waiting not so patiently for those to be released.
In the beginning, the two started off as friends, then roommates, until….it suddenly became something more. The book mainly illustrates the love’s journey.
Throughout the novel, the reader gets acquainted with the characters both as individuals and as a couple. Max has always pined for Danny, adoring her beneath the thin veil of friendship, but she is too preoccupied with some long-distance relationship to even notice.
Max was such a lovable dork who loved sci-fi movies and playing video games. He was smart, funny, sensitive, and hot. And who could resist his fumbling charm? Yep, the bumbling was definitely cute.
The best part about Danny and Max was their deep friendship. They’ve seen each other through the good, the bad, and the ugly; they’ve been friends first and foremost, and they know every little thing about each other. When two people start off as friends, those are really the best kinds of relationships.
Written in a sequence of 12-month period, story had a rich blend of drama and heart. It was like When Harry Met Sally mixed with a soap opera. I mean, there was amnesia involved, and amnesia was the symbol of the title—one is wanting to remember and the other is trying to forget. Yep, the two definitely have a long, bumpy road with a forgotten memory and a fabricated lie; yet, it will be clear to everyone that Danny and Max belong together.
It’s delightfully witty and emotional; a fun, light read that audiences will enjoy. Another well-written work of Ms. Jacqueline!
I know books from the same author should never be compared, especially when they are to different genres, but is very difficult when the author has set such a high standard in The Journal. It was a good read and i would recommend it to other readers. I got a bit irritated with the use of star signs, but that is a personal dislike and the characters wouldn't make sense without it.
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! OH EM GEEEEEEE!!!! Definitely worth the read, I managed to finish it in one sitting. I read the authors review and I would have to give this book a 5 star rating. For starters, I for one quite enjoy a slow build-up. It gives a better understanding of why they fall in love or enjoy each other’s company. And secondly this book isn’t just about the bond of friendship but also about the importance of family. I loved the scenes with Max and his family. The silly texts between his sister Jordan and himself. The conversation between Max and his brother Kevin – Kevin says “Max you’re my brother, you already know how I feel and I know how you feel”. That one line had so much significance cause by something so simple you felt just how close these siblings are. When I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review, I must say that this book was simply not what I expected it to be. I honestly expected your typical friends to lover’s story, where they both have always had this sorta like for each other but was never brave enough to take the chance until one drunken night. Which is usually predictable, so that's kinda what I expected. Soooooo not the case! In the Prologue there's a line where Max tells Danny... "Maybe you want to remember Danny, but I'm trying to forget." and you think oh okay, that's the title so yeah I see where this is going... UH like no! That’s not where it went, the title and that line is meant in a completely different context in this book. And my biggest problem was that I kept expecting it to be predictable, I kept thinking, yeah I know what’s going to happen next, but it managed to surprise me at every turn. So what makes it different? You see Max and Danny's friendship and you're like aww I want a friendship like that. And then they hook up and you're like HELL F*&%KING YEAH I want a relationship like that. There’s parts where you’ll laugh especially the parts with Charlie. And there’s scenes where you’ll cry. I teared up quite a bit during the motel room scene. Like I previously said its not predictable, it builds great friendship and family bonds. There’s just so many things. Max took me by surprise, I expected this awkward nerd that has no swag or charm. A push over that keeps going back for more punishment. But good grief he is the furthest from that. I wouldn’t say he is a sucker for punishment because Danny is really so great (bit daft when it comes to Richard, but great nevertheless.) She was blinded by Richard for so long and at one point Max tells her: “its amazing what a fresh pair of eyes can see” I thought that was so clever considering the circumstances. There's a scene in December (my second favourite scene in this book, the first is the motel room scene) but anyway that scene shows how much he transformed from nerdy dork to amazing man! My favourite line comes from that scene. "It was a sight to behold, almost devastating to witness. The exact moment he stopped caring.” That line was a knife to through heart especially because of how much he invested in this. I downloaded the playlist suggested by the author and re-read those scenes again with those songs playing. It’s a perfect fit. I also read the “Get in My Head Section” by the author. And I must say I’m very intrigued to read Kevin’s book (Max’s younger brother). He seems like a very interesting character and I’m quite eager to see his story and find out what the heck happened with the "bat-shit crazy girl". So I really hope that gets released soon. Definitely worth a read. Its cute, its playful, its funny and its just a damn good book! I’ve also uploaded a few of my favourite quotes from this book.
Title: Wanting to Remember, Trying to Forget Author: Jacqueline Francis Publisher: N/A ISBN: 978-0-620-69797-2 Buy Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel Blurb: Meet the Shepards 1 -Due for release 5/1/2016 Women want the hot guy, right?
They want rock hard abs and ripped biceps. Women don’t want the skinny dork. No. The skinny dork gets shoved to the back seat. The skinny dork gets stuck in the friend-zone. And that’s where Max had been trapped for six years.
The woman of his dreams is right in front of him yet still beyond his reach. Why? Because Danny is in love with someone else, the hot guy with rock hard abs and ripped biceps. Life sucks! Good guys always finish last. Just when Max is ready to give up, Fate steps in and with the help of two annoying friends, he gets the opportunity he’s been waiting for. The underdog finally has a chance to get the girl. The question is: Is he brave enough to take it?
Summary: I was enamored by Max from the beginning. He may think of himself as a geek, but his obsession of gaming and his quirky attitude drew me into the story. It was obvious to everyone, except for Danny, that he has always loved her. Danny has a rotten track record with men, but even after all that Max was always their to pick put the pieces until the next bad choice when it repeats all over again. Danny had her own problems from her childhood, but when she met Max things seemed to go her way. It was wonderful to read a story where the good guy, not the handsome egotist was in the spotlight, even if Danny didn't see it that way in the beginning. When tragedy struck Max's friends took it into their hands to help their geeky friend Max giving him his chance, but can love triumph? This was a wonderful and fun story with unique characters and the series has just begun.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was amazing. At first o thought that the tutor meant that the couple would break up. But that was so not the case. I will let you read the book to find out what I mean. ;)
Thtough out this book I have literally laughed out loude and also on the verge of tears. I love how Max would always cheat in games. I mean, who would have thought of doing a dynamite in rock, paper, scissors? I nought that Max was hilarious sometimes.
Overall I loved this book! Can't wait for the next one (if there will be?) :)
Wanting To Remember, Trying to Forget by Jacqueline Francis
This book is a friends to lovers book where you get to see the romance between Danny and Max. Danny is already in a relationship with Richard and it's obvious that he doesn't case about her even just a little bit. I really wanted to hit him at more than one interval during this book. It's clear to me and to Danny's friends that he's using her. He's not interested in a relationship. He's only after one thing and that grinds my gears. I don't like it and I'll admit to thinking unsavoury thoughts about the idiot.
Max gets asked out by someone that he has started to work with called Sofia who also happens to have a Spanish accent. Now I like Sofia in a way because she forces Danny to realise that she has real feelings for Max. I was cheering for them too once they finally reached that understanding.
This is not a typical friends to lovers because usually they're already friends before they delve into a relationship. However in this book you get to see their friendship develop so you're already rooting for them before they develop a relationship. This book is so amazingly good. I'm so glad I took a chance on this book and I'm exited to read more
What does a girl do when she realizes that her geeky best friend is actually the perfect man?
“She lifted her head and their lips touched...His eyes locked on hers...a few more silent seconds. A few more shaky breaths...”
I truly loved this book. It had just the right amount of humor and steaminess to it, to keep those pages turning. I absolutely fell in love with Max, he was perfect, just the right amount of geek; he was adorable and real. I loved the fact that you can hear his every thought and know how he feels for Danielle, which makes him that much more believable, and you can’t help but fall in love with him. Danielle is the beautiful, successful, sassy woman, who ignores all the telltale signs that the man of her dreams is actually right in front of her. It takes a twist of events to clear her perception and see Max in a different light. I loved these characters and really connected to them and the story. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work in the future.
I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review.