Faire table rase

by Charlie Cochet, Myriam Abbas (Translator)

Il est sexy. Il est dangereux. Et il ne se souvient de rien.

En tant que propriétaire d’Apple’N Pies, Joe Applin mène une vie calme et sans histoire, satisfait de passer ses journées à servir des clients qui viennent de partout pour manger ses délicieuses tartes faites maison. Avec sa bande hétéroclite – Bea, Elsie et Donnie – Joe ne pourrait pas être plus heureux dans son petit royaume de pâtisseries et de café.

L’expérience a appris à Joe que l’amour est surfait – et parfois, dangereux. Il n’a aucune intention de répéter ses erreurs passées. Mais il rencontre cet homme beau et mystérieux sans nom ni souvenirs, et Joe ne peut nier que quelque chose de doux se trame. Il n’est pas du genre à prendre des risques, pas avec son cœur et certainement pas avec sa vie, pourtant plus il passe de temps avec « Tom », plus il se rapproche de perdre les deux.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Audiobook, Mystery, Gay

221 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2016

About the author

Step into a world of romance, humor, and heart-pounding action with Charlie Cochet, the international bestselling author behind the captivating THIRDS series. Embrace a fusion of Cuban flair and American charm as you dive into her stories with unforgettable characters and a dash of delightful mayhem.

Fueled by a love for classic rock and Cuban lattes, Charlie resides in Central Florida with her rascally Doxiepoo and a very opinionated German Shepherd. When she isn’t writing, she’s losing herself in a whirlwind of books and movies.

Charlie’s stories will stir your imagination and ignite your passion. So grab your favorite coffee, turn up the music, and prepare for your next adventure.



Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
Patreon: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Join Charlie's FB fan group

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is as sweet as cinnamon apple pie.



Joe is a baker who takes his pies seriously. He runs a small cafe with a crew consisting of two teenagers (Donnie and Elsie) and a senior (Bea), and has not a care in the world. Or so he claims. Joe is lonely, and when he finds an injured man bleeding in the garden next door he cleans him up and keeps him.

"Tom" has a killer body and a smile that lights up the room. He also has no idea who he is or how he came to be in the garden next to Joe's cafe with nothing but dirt and flower petals in his pocket.

A chaste romance blossoms between Joe and Tom. I know not to expect a lot of smexy times from the Dreamspun Desires series, so I wasn't disappointed (much) that most (but not all) of the steam was off page.

Some of Joe's behaviors were a little OTT. He's 37 but acts much younger, talks to himself, and likes to rest his head inside his oven (don't ask).

I got a little tired of his bantering with Bea and Donnie. I liked Tom and, like Joe, knew he was a good guy. I mean, come on, this is a romance novel. Of course Tom is Joe's Prince Charming.



There's some action, a contentious (but somewhat unnecessary) visit from Joe's vile ex, and a rather exciting (if expected) ending. Tom's identity was not a big surprise. I knew as soon as Joe told Tom the story of his ex. But the mystery wasn't really the point.

This is a feel-good book and a nice addition to the Dreamspun Desires series.

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

We have one sweet unassuming guy who owns a tasty pie shop (kill me now, I’m starving!!) and one sexy muscled man with a bump on the head and a pesky memory problem. These two fall hard and fast for one another, even amongst the whole who-am-I mystery surrounding guy number two.

This story is fun, sexy and even a bit exciting there towards the end as all the memories come rushing back and the mystery is solved in high-stakes fashion.

I’m an unabashed Cochet fangirl, that’s never been put into question, but I’m also a bit of a scaredy-cat when it comes to romances featuring an amnesia trope, so I found myself avoiding this particular story for longer than I probably should have.

Thankfully, this week I found myself in just the right mood to tackle this potentially tricky read, so I put my big girl pants on and got to reading this story once and for all.

Spoiler alert: everything about this story was absolutely delightful.

As is probably no surprise to absolutely anyone who has ever read a Cochet story, she once again created a romantic tale full of heart and humour, featuring a great, well-rounded cast of characters who made up yet another of her truly lovable book families.

Needless to say, this one gets an enthusiastic double-thumbs-up from me.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forgive and Forget was a very, very, very (did I emphasize that enough??) sweet book from Charlie Cochet in the Dreamspun Desires line, which, admittedly, isn't my favorite imprint from Dreamspinner Press. The cheesy plots, low steam, and short length do a not a perfect match make, but I couldn't resist trying this cute amnesia story from the always solid Charlie Cochet.

Forgive and Forget requires a total suspension of reality to make it work. The baker MC (Joe) came across as a blushing, virginal teenager, not an independent man and shop owner. His romance with "Tom" was sweet as pie (ha!), and though the sex scenes weren't particularly sexy (IMO), they were a very cute couple together.

I read this paperback outside on a perfect early summer day, and it's fluffy content fit my mood. I wanted something... mindless, if you guys don't mind me saying so, and the story was the silly, adorable content I was craving. It isn't going to be a favorite of mine (or, I suspect, anyone), but it was a very satisfying book for me on that particular day. And I call that a win.

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[Darien · Rating 3 out of 5]

~FORGIVEN AND FORGOTTEN~

In all the years in all the lands this is my first time reading Charlie Cochet and I won’t hold this story against her because I know what to expect when reading the Dreamspun Desires imprint. Forgive and Forget is exactly how I’m feeling when it comes to this story.

Joe Applin likes his quiet life running his pie shop with his eclectic friends that make up his family. Baking is what he does best and he gets super happy when people get happy eating his pies. While life might not be super exciting, it’s really quite fulfilling. Well things take a turn for the exciting when Joe finds himself caring for a strange beautiful man with amnesia. He has to help the man that he named Tom figure out who he is while keeping his heart in check, because Tom might be married and living a full life somewhere else and when he regains his memories Joe worries about just becoming another memory.

Seems Tom wasn’t living the white picket fence life and suddenly cops and sketchy dudes are invading Joe’s space. All of Joe's protective instincts are going off and he knows he has to keep Tom safe during the recovery of his memories. Apple n’ Pies just took on more than they can bake.

Mostly I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I’d hoped. The story is hella cute but the delivery was a let down. There was way too much story packed in here and close to the ending it all started feeling rushed. Joe and Tom lacked spark for me, and the little surprise about their meeting each other was just too cliché. The writing and flow is good so I got through it quite quickly and was never bored. I just wanted more, and overall it all felt very cheesy.

As I said, this won’t set the tone for me when it comes to reading Charlie Cochet and will check out her other works. In this instance I’m willing to forgive and forget 😈



More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS

[.Lili. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I've avoided the Dreamspun Desires books. Harlequins were never my thing, so I've been hesitant to give these a try. I was waiting for one who's blurb appealed to me and Forgive and Forget's hooked me.

A bakery owner + a cute guy with amnesia = count me in!



Did it deliver? Pretty much. The story had a little bit of everything: fluff, mystery, action, humor, and the all important happy ending.

Why "pretty much" and not just "yes"? Well, Joe was a bit immature for a 37-year-old, and that did grate on my nerves a bit. Also, some of the dialogue just didn't work for me- it got tiresome. And the ex showing up- eh. The thing is, though- these are all things I should've expected, so it's all on me.

If you're a fan of Harlequins and are in the mood for a cute read that has a little bit of everything, totally check this one out! This book not being a complete hit is entirely my fault- and overall I did enjoy it. 3.5 Stars.

ARC kindly provided to Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amnesia! Not your typical amnesia story, at least not for me. :) But this was cute, and I really liked it overall. The plot is kinda farfetched but eh, what can you do? :D I knew the twist at the end was coming, and I think everyone reading this would too. I always enjoy CC's writing, some more than others.

I give this 3.5ish stars rounded up to 4.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded down.

I liked the plot. Not that it was a huge mystery as to who "Tom" turned out to be, but I liked it anyway.

I liked both main characters. Joe is in his later 30s, and a baker, with a small bakery/cafe over which he lives, and where he bakes his pies, in 18 different flavors. Heck, I didn't realize there was this much variety in pie, but just reading about them made me want some. Joe runs his pie bakery with two teenagers (Donnie and Elsie) and and older lady named Bea. I liked them too. I liked how Bea was like a mother figure.

But even if he proclaims that he's happy with his life, Joe is lonely. After a bad break-up, he seems to have given up on men, and he doesn't want to do anything other than baking pies and run his small cafe.

Then Joe stumbles upon an injured, bloodied man in the courtyard/garden beside his bakery. Being a kind soul, Joe takes the man inside to clean him up and offer him shelter. The fact that the man is super hot once all that blood is washed off is an added bonus, of course.

Except the man does not know who he is, what he's doing in the garden, or where he came from. Nor who injured him. What he does know is that Joe mustn't call the police. He's adamant that he can't go to the police or even to a hospital. They settle on "Tom" as his temporary name.

This being a romance novel in the Dreamspun Desires series, it's very clear from the start that Joe and "Tom" will fall in love. The fun is watching them get there. There's not a whole lot of steam on page, but this was also expected and thus didn't detract from the story.

What bothered me a little is that Joe often came across as younger than his years, that he was in some aspects a little immature (seriously, who sticks their head into an oven?), and perhaps insecure, possibly due to the treatment he received by the nasty ex who for some reason also got screen time. He was the archetypal jerk, and didn't add anything to the plot or the progression of it.

There were some fun moments and some really sweet moments, and... well, read it yourself, because I don't want to spoil things. You'll say awww much like I did, I'm sure.

Not one of my favorites from this series, this was still an enjoyable read and a good way to spend a few hours. Slightly OTT, but then most of the books in this series are. That's what makes them fun, amirite?


** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **

[Ula'ndi Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall book rating: 3
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5

Sticky Sweet



And totally unrealistic.

If you’re in the mood to eat ice cream from the carton, couch lounge and wear sleeper socks, then read this one.

It’s a feel good.

If your reading this for the suspense / action / mystery, then perhaps you should pass. Especially if your thinking “Thirds- series” this isn’t that. It’s FEEL GOOD. Full stop.

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forgive and Forget is a feel good, low angst romance featuring a somewhat dramatic lives-in-his-head baker, a handsome stranger with amnesia, some well-meaning, if meddling, friends, and also has a dash of mystery and suspense. Oh, and delicious pie.



Joe Applin is thirty-eight and content with his quiet life as owner of Apple'n Pies, a cafe and pie shop. He's surrounded himself with good people, happy customers, and he's come a long way from his unhappy past.

One night after closing Joe finds a man bleeding and hurt in his garden. When the man pleads with Joe not to contact the police or take him to a hospital because he'll be killed, Joe trusts his instincts and takes the man to his home above the shop.

After cleaning the man up they learn he's lost his memory of who he is, why he was hurt, or how he came to be in the garden even though he seems to remember everything else, including pop culture references.

Joe christens the man "Tom" in order to call him something and protects him while he heals and hides out. Eventually the two fall in love. However, hiding a wanted man isn't easy and eventually the bad guys find them.

I found the story didn't offer a lot in the way of surprises, the bantering between Joe and his co-worker Bea got a bit old, and I called the whole mystery, etc. long before it's reveal, but all in all it was an easy listen.

Narrator John Solo does a good job giving the characters and mystery life. He has a way with the sexy times and bringing the emotions of the story out. Solo makes this an enjoyable listening experience.

The Dreamspun Desires stories are based on the old Harlequin romance formula of sweet, low angst, romances with a guaranteed HEA and this installment in the series is no different delivering an easy, if predictable, sweet, fluffy romance with some humor, mystery, and action.

Those looking for a low angst romance with some humor, sexiness, mystery, action, and a happily ever after will find that here with the added bonus of a pleasurable listen.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a real hankering for some pie.



Audio copy of Forgive and Forget provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.

[Caipi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story, just as sweet as an apple pie. ;)
Joe is the owner of a lovely little shop, serving his customers delicious homemade pies.
One day, he finds an injured, unconscious stranger in his garden and takes him in. This stranger can't remember anything, he's suffering from amnesia but knows in his gut that he can't go to the police or a hospital. So Joe lets him stay and calls him by the name of Tom.
Joe and "Tom" are great together, slowly getting closer. :)
And with a bit of action, Tom's story comes to light towards the end of the book.

I listened to the audio, great narrated by John Solo!

3.5 stars

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Very cute and fluffy and will leave you hungry for pie! Apple and cinnamon for me please :)

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love the man of mystery type? I know I certainly do, so that’s why I couldn’t resist picking up this book from Charlie Cochet.

Well, Joe gets this and whole lot more than he bargained for in the process after discovering a stranger in the garden at the back of his café. The problem? He’s been bonked on the head and has amnesia, the stranger that is. From the word go I felt at home at Joe’s New York Café, it was if I could smell all the pies and buns, the coffee being brewed, the cinnamon and feel the cosy atmosphere. Yes, I loved Joe’s modest little café. Nothing flash, up market or pretentious. Just down to earth, cosy, maybe a little tattered and worn around the edges but fill this with great characters who work for Joe like Bea the pensioner who has more energy and gumption than anyone I know who is so protective over Joe. Also Elsie and Donnie two adorable teenagers and you have a happy little world full of sweetness, love and warmth. Loved the whole backdrop where this story played out.

However, the merry little gang discover a stranger who has amnesia and Joe takes him in not knowing what else to do. From here on in it’s a guessing game all the way until the man of mystery is revealed. I loved this whole idea. Joe is so sweet and loving but also has trust issues due to what his ex did to him. I could so understand this, after having a shitty ex does leave it’s emotional scars and Joe has them in heaps. If anyone has ever come out of a bad relationship they’ll know exactly how this feels and will be able to relate to Joe and his hang-ups totally. Then if he didn’t need anymore to contend with he finds himself falling for a man, who he has called Tom, who has amnesia and can’t remember a thing!

Despite the fact we have no idea who or what Tom is, the one thing that we do know is he is sex on legs and if nothing else he knows his bread is buttered on the same side as Joe’s. I’m definitely no expert on amnesia, but even though Tom can’t remember a thing he still knows his sexuality and emotions are real. This was fascinating for me as well as for Joe. What the hell do you do when the person you’re falling for remembers nothing of his former life before the bump on the head? It has the potential of opening up a whole can of worms. Is he married with a family somewhere? Does he have a boyfriend or girlfriend waiting for him? Does he even live in your city or part of town? What happens when he does actually recover his memory? Have you started a relationship with someone that has no future when the memories come back? Have you been cheating on someone unintentionally? The only truth that is standing in the room is that these two are so attracted to each other the air is positively fizzing with sexual tension. Joe needs Bea to give him a kick in the right direction and after the defences come down and the dam breaks a sweet, loving relationship ensues. You could just feel how right Joe and Tom were for each other. The romance is as sweet as one of Joe’s cherry pies, a real treat for those that like soppy romances where you can feel the just love oozing and dripping from the page. It made me feel all warm and cosy reading about these two and their friends, just like Joe’s café. This is still balanced out with the mystery that is Tom which adds a little angst and suspense to stop things getting too sickly sweet.

However, Joe’s little world is about to be rocked big style. The unspoken elephant in the room is, who the f*** is Tom really? I loved how Charlie Cochet plotted this out. First there a few clues of what he may have done in the past due to his behaviour. Bea picks up on a couple of things first. They’re only ever so subtle, but there, and Bea being an excellent observer has her radar already making possible job choices. After Joe and Tom spend a fruitless evening Google searching missing persons or anything they could think to jog Tom’s memory only have the option now to wait until his memory comes back. This however gives the relationship time to develop. So we have a wonderfully sweet romance, combined with the the man of mystery, sex on legs, kind of guy – YUM! As far as I was concerned and possibly Joe too, Tom’s memory could remain lost forever and he could start with just making new ones with Joe!

But evil doings are afoot! First I was lulled into a beautiful, sweet and saccharine romance that gave me the warm cosies and then just when you’re getting comfortable - WHAM! HOLY CRAP! I was broadsided, knocked for six, battered about with an action packed finale that I never saw coming. And all that in the last 20% of the book. I mean it’s terrific writing where the reader feels safe, maybe with a little suspicion on Tom’s part, but you’re lulled into forgetting who he might be anyway. Then from centre left you’re thrown completely off the tracks with an action packed, hard hitting, movie style ending that I seriously didn’t see coming. I may have suspected something all the time but once everything is out in the light the impact is that much more. I loved how Charlie also adds a nice bit of fate and “meant to be” on top that gave the whole story a wonderfully rounded feeling to it.

This was my first book by Charlie Cochet I have to admit to my utter shame, but if this is what Charlie can produce in what is essentially a relatively quick read then I’m definitely going to have to start picking up more of her extensive works for sure.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars to this super sweet and mysterious goody
This is book 7 in Dreamspinner Press's new
Dreamspun Desires Collection

Dreamspun Desires are contemporary category romance novels, complete with your favorite heartwarming heroes, captivating plots, and exotic settings. These titles are all about happily ever afters that leave you with a satisfied smile for days.

He's hot. He's dangerous. And he can't remember anything.

Our MC are Joe Applin, who owns Apple'n Pies and Tom who can't remember his life as he is suffering amnesia from a hit on the head. Nobody knows why Rom was found out in Joe's Garden, with a bump on his head moaning "no cops" but Joe feels like he must help this man. So Tom stays with Joe and helps out at the pie shop, and the two get to know each other, all while Joe waits for the other shoes to drop and Tom (or whoever he is) to remember his life and run off - taking his heart with him.

People start coming to look for a man who fits Toms description. Joe instinctively hides Tom, becoming more and more involved in whatever madness atom has brought to his doorstep. But when one night an Agent Baker from the FBI shows up, Joe can't save Tom anymore. Is this the end of the row for these two star crossed lovers? This was my first book by Charlie Cochet, (yes, I know wipe the shocked look off your faces, I haven't read the ever popular series yet) and I really liked this authors writing style, the creativity, the descriptors, and the way I was able to almost smell the warm pie baking just by reading the authors descriptions. The Supporting characters of Bea, Elsie, and Donnie—who really add to the story, I loath stories where supporting characters do nothing but take up space and I am happy to say that is not the case in this story.

Overall, one of the better stories in the Dreamspun Collections, it has it all - romance, hotness, fun, mystery, angst, and two MC you can't help but loving!

5 Stars



*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews

[Elyxyz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sono felice che anche la Cochet abbia contribuito alla collana Desire (era da parecchio che aspettavo un aggiornamento di questa serie) perché adoro il suo stile, sia per la sua opera più celebre sia nelle storie autoconclusive.
Il cuore non dimentica è un concentrato di dolcezza e amore, di simpatia e affetto, di amicizia e fratellanza, con un pizzico di suspense e di giallo a movimentare la trama.
È la lettura perfetta per coccolarsi senza disgrazie e drammi da mal di stomaco, per trascorrere qualche piacevole ora con dei bei personaggi e un’ottima resa italiana.
Joe, il nostro protagonista, è il proprietario di un piccolo locale a New York, una caffetteria un po’ rétro e certamente poco appariscente, ma che sia fa apprezzare dai suoi clienti abituali per le straordinarie torte che il giovane sa preparare con talento e tanta devozione. Cucinare è la sua passione e chi assaggia le sue creazioni rimane estasiato.
La famiglia di Joe è il suo staff: una strana combriccola formata dalla materna e manesca Bea, il pasticcione Donnie e la giovane Elsie, che sono sinceramente affezionati a lui, non come a un capo, ma piuttosto come un figlio, un amico e un fratello, benché non abbiano legami di sangue.
Anche se Joe ha chi gli vuol bene, il suo cuore è solo da tanto tempo, dopo un brutto incidente che lo ha segnato profondamente e che lo ha reso diffidente verso le relazioni.
A rimettere in discussione la sua determinazione ci pensa un uomo ferito, svenuto nel suo giardino, apparentemente poco raccomandabile e pericoloso, ma anche dannatamente sexy, che Joe raccatta e porta nella sua casa, con l’aiuto degli amici, e se ne prende cura, seguendo l’istinto anziché il buonsenso.
Al suo risveglio, il bel tenebroso non ricorda nulla, neppure il suo nome, e Joe – dopo averlo ribattezzato Tom – si offre di ospitarlo, inserendolo nel gruppo dei suoi collaboratori/amici.
Ho amato le scene di quotidianità che fanno trasparire l’affiatamento del gruppo, i piccoli battibecchi, la comicità simpatica degli scherzi, l’amore che li lega. Tom s’innesta nella loro vita con una semplicità disarmante, pare appartenere al loro mondo da sempre e, aiutati da varie spinte, lui e Joe diventano più che amici, amici con benefici, perché pur essendo mossi dall’instant love, non è facile per Joe affidare il suo cuore malandato a qualcuno e l’oscuro passato di Tom è un grosso deterrente, poiché potrebbe avere una famiglia da qualche parte e un compagno ad attenderlo.
Il passato ritorna su più fronti in questa commedia romantica che, tutto sommato, dopo un inizio imprevisto, scorre liscia fino all’ultimo quarto di storia, dove i nodi vengono al pettine e il tutto si movimenta parecchio.
Il mio parere sul libro è decisamente positivo: è un racconto che mi ha fatta sorridere di felicità per tutta la trama, che mi ha soddisfatta e si legge con piacere e scorre via che è una bellezza. Soprattutto all’inizio, i suoi personaggi un po’ strampalati mi hanno ricordato quelli ‘sopra le righe’ della Calmes, e il mio è un complimento, amando molto anche questa autrice.
Il mio consiglio è di leggerlo se cercate una storia dolce, romantica, non troppo lunga o articolata, con una spruzzata di giallo, un romance m/m che vi coccoli, senza cavillare.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.1 Stars

Since I'd already inhaled the book chosen for a group discussion - the day it came out: CHOSEN FOR MM Romance Group Author of the Month read.

I've been avidly reading the THIRDS series (even though I was slightly - SLIGHTLY - disappointed by Against the Grain & a little more disappointed by Catch a Tiger by the Tail...I felt like there was just not enough of Ethan & Calvin in their own book) and I really wanted to see if a standalone title would live up to what I've come to expect from her.

It did.

A little more romantic and less erotic than anything I've read by her but it kind of fit the premise IMHO. And after the big reveal and plot twist I want to tackle some more of her stories to see if guys like that always end up in her books. I'm good with it, if so. I'm a huge fan of fictional FBI/CIA/ATF/etc. agents...and I especially love undercover stories. That was a little tangential to the plot in this book, but still there.

Overall, I'm pleased with my choice and looking forward to the next release from Charlie Cochet.

Merged review:

Since I had to use the 1st Kindle edition for my challenge, I'm going to go ahead and re-rate this one as 3.5 rather than 4 stars and .25 of it was due to John Solo's narration.

I appreciated that there was little by way of actual detail when it came to the baking and whatnot. I'm not fond of the "chef" trope solely because so many of the books I've read have been filled with the minutia of cooking. There was some mention of the tasks, but nothing overly specific.

What I don't remember from my first read was having to suspend disbelief so much. Especially the part about how Liam just happened to be near Joe's bakery.

But it was just as tooth-ache inducing this time around. So sweet...and yet also hot.

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars
I'm a bit at a loss what to say about this one.
It was ok. It neither knocked me off my feet nor made my toes curl in horror. I didn't feel the urge to stop reading in the middle of it.
I found Joe a bit too childlike for someone who's supposedly 38. He behaves and talks like someone in their twenties, if not younger. His character is meant to be a bit awkward and quirky, but the way it was written it didn't really appeal to me.
Tom in all his mystery is a much more interesting character and I enjoyed his uneasiness about his amnesia, although a lot more could have been made of it.
As for the plot - it is pure fairy-tale. There is nothing realistic about it whatsoever. I might have just swallowed who Tom really is for the sake of the story, but the fact that Tom had met Joe before really took it a step too far, and it was pretty obvious btw. I guessed it as soon as Joe told his story.
This might delight you if you're looking for a read where you don't need to employ your brain and can totally switch off (and we all need a book like that at times) But watch out - there is a good chance you might 'catch' diabetes from the overpowering sweetness of it all.

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** SPOILER ALERT !***

This book as sweet as apple pie made by Joe.

And I enjoyed every minutes I spent my day with Joe and Tom/Liam. Aww..they are so adorable.Joe the reckless, 'jittery bug' like Tom said, and Tom, the most adorable amnesia guy I have ever 'met'.

They're made in heaven.
Tom/Liam and Joe are so clueless about their 'relationship' and yet, it works just great for them.
No wonder, because Tom/Liam (as I predicted earlier) is someone from Joe's past.
This is an easy read, light, sweet and definitely adorkable. And I loved it.

But, I think Bea is a bit annoying and overly 'lebay' IMO.
But despite of annoying Bea, this one is worth my time... I need to find out about Joe's other friend the doctor.
Hope there's someone out there can give me some clue. :)

[Arch Bala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this one! I loved both MCs and the side characters as well. I really liked the big reveal at the end and that romantic little twist just made my heart putty and all! This was a classic Charlie Cochet and by far the best from the Dreamspun Series if I may say!

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Forgive and Forget’ is one of the sweetest action/adventures I’ve read. With two main characters who come from very different backgrounds, a cast of secondary characters who are hilarious yet very loyal, and the setting a small coffee shop, this novel had my interest from the moment I read the blurb. Then there is Joe, a man with disappointment in his past who now focuses on baking divine pies and running his business. Add a hot stranger who was hit over the head and lost his memory, and the mystery is high from the start. Despite the focus being firmly on the budding romance between Joe and the stranger he decides to call Tom, this story is maybe best described as a romantic thriller. Or a thrilling romance. But never mind the labels, it is very entertaining and delightful all around.


Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Mirjam · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Joe finds a stranger (who has been smacked in the head)in the garden at the back of his shop, he gets more than he has bargained for. When the stranger wakes up it seems he has amnesia and can not remember a thing, not even his name, so Joe names him Tom. Joe's co-workers and dear friends initially are hesitance towards Tom but in the end they have come to adore him and Joe starts to feel more for Tom. Joe being insecure does not see and does not believe, that Tom is also falling for him. The two men try to find out who Tom really is but get no where. When the FBI shows up at Joe's shop the story takes a sudden turn and we learn who Tom is.

Joe has a nice little shop that seems to be cozy, I think I would love his shop and this treats.
This was a very sweet read, and I especially loved the supporting characters. Their banter with Joe made me laugh a number of times. Indeed, a "sweet" read!

[Lori¸¸¸.•*❀Ɍɛɑɗs̱LɪƙɛIʈs̱H̱ɛɍJɔɓ 유❤유 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a new book by Charlie Cochet, but I discovered it was just re-released. It was fine, if not a little boring. I mean it was very sweet but it seems like a different author wrote the THIRDS series than this one (and others I have read that are not in the THIRDS universe.) There was some strange verbiage throughout the book that seemed like a 70 year old might say. I wouldn't not recommend this but I doubt I will remember it for too long.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the mystery when Tom appears suddenly and we don’t know where he came from. Joe was a little bit naïve to let him in his home without knowing anything about Tom’s background, so that was strange. Elsie, Donnie and Bea were very funny. I loved how protective they were of Joe. Tom is intriguing and it was great to see how Joe opens his heart to him.

[Sara Emme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una storia bellissima, con due protagonisti perfetti! Una storia dolcissima, divertente e con una buona dose di avventura!! Super consigliato!!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute and sweet, but a little bit too short for me personally. Still good tho!

[Lara Di Iorio · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Davvero tanto carino e dolce. Una lettura da relax deliziosa.

[Sara]

I don’t think I will ever not like a book from the Dreamspun Desire series. This book is just fun. This series is fun and that’s why I keep coming back to it all and am never disappointed. This is my first read from the Charlie Cochet and I am in love with her writing.

We meet one Joe Applin, owner of Apple’n Pies as he is going about his day of normalcy in his pie and coffee shop. We meet his motley crew of employees and get a general feel for Joe; he’s in his late 30’s, single and really married to his job. You get a sense there was a bad break up in his past and that he is hesitant about new relationships.

When he is changing a light outside his cafe with his employee young Danny, he hears a noise in the garden and they investigate to find one battered, semi-conscious man who doesn’t want them to call the cops but may have a concussion. While passed out, Joe and the gang drag the stranger up to Joe’s apartment and try to wake him up and find out what the heck is going on.

I loved that the author handles the first instances of amnesia with actual thought but includes the comedy. Being in Joe’s head as he questions the comparison of the situation to a Lifetime movie and if amnesia is plausible in the case was fun to read. It brought a moment of realism to a story that only happens in movies and TV Shows… or does it?

I adored the hell out of Joe with his ability to quote movies, shows or anything else that pops into his head. I am the same way and I can guarantee you 99% of the time, my response to most situations has nothing to do with that is going on or what has been asked. My brain is always on six degrees of random, so beware.

Bea, Danny, Elsie and Jules were great supporting characters. They show how much Joe will go to take care of those he cares about and they also show how much they care about Joe. Bea was hilarious and I really hope Danny mans up and tells Elsie how he feels and I am happy Jules ends up back on her nurse feet as well.

Anyway. Joe is letting amnesia boy, though now christened Tom, stay in his apartment though he questions his decision of why. When he tells the gang, I was cracking up. Joe’s reaction to Tom and Tom’s reaction to Joe had me on pins and needles waiting for small touches, coy looks and the moment they both say screw it and give in.

Ugh.

The mystery of who Tom is though… let’s talk about that for a minute. I was so damn thrilled when I turned a page and we get Tom’s POV because oh boy did I ever need it. It was great to see him trust his instincts with Joe and give them both a chance… well, at a chance at something more, something special and something damn romantic.

I am not a reader who tries to figure out a story, regardless of its complexity. For me, letting the author and the characters lead me through it all is what I love about reading. Sure, I come up with theories from time to time but I like to let the story tell itself and having said this, I did have a theory on Tom and I am so happy I was right.

This story, of a sugary sweet romance between Tom and Joe was a joy to read. I loved every word of it and was honestly kinda bummed when it ended. I feel like I haven't said enough as I look over the many highlights and notes I have from the story but I'm gonna keep those a bit longer so I can laugh and swoon over the moments a few more times.

Forgive and Forget is another wonderful addition to this series. It’s a story about taking a chance on love, even when the guy who are with may not know his name at the moment, it’s about trusting your gut and it’s about being rescued and rescuing right back.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fill of cliches and sweetness, sometimes that’s all you want to read.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute if predictable story. It's certainly a premise I've read before and none of the turns were that unique, but the characters were fun and it was a light-hearted version of this type of story. I liked Joe and his quirky nature. His little band of friend/family were sweet and really cared about Joe's happiness. I liked his pie shop as well. It sounded like a place I would have loved to go sit and have a slice. "Tom" was a little too quickly smitten for my taste, but this story does take place over weeks rather than days so it worked out for me overall. This developed rather than feeling too much like insta-love.

Tom's amnesia was expected and there weren't any real strange developments there, which in some ways was nice. I liked the author didn't try to force it into being something, or to solve it in some crazy way. It was just a part of the story that kept a little bit of conflict in without being overbearing. The resolution of it all was again, predictable, but worked well enough.

All in all this was a fun read and kept me entertained without being anything that I was super excited about. I liked the characters, it read fast, and I found myself smiling throughout, so for me, it worked.

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is sweet as pie (sorry - I will stop now). But really, it's a feel good, low angst amnesia mystery but mostly a learning-to-love-again romance. Joe is a little bit of a Charlie Cochet quirky character, but not over much. It seemed like he talked about how weird he was more than actually being weird. Secretly I wish that the author wouldn't try so hard to make her characters be quirktastic (I'm thinking of Dex). In some ways, that effort distracts from the stories a tiny bit. That said, Liam and Joe were super sweet, the secondary characters added a bit of variety and Blake the bastard ex was a nice albeit relatively uneventful villainous sort.

This is a good choice for a recovery read - know what I mean? After you read something that just guts you, this is a good choice to get your warm fuzzies back in place.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super sweet romance that runs mad with the amnesia trope - but handled it quite well. Joe is impossibly shy about taking a risk in love but perhaps a hunky man in need is enough to break down his barriers.