10 Things That Never Happened

    

Title: 10 Things That Never Happened

Series: Material World #1

Author: Alexis Hall

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca, October 17, 2023

Pages: 391

Genre: LGBTQ Contemporary Romance

FAKE AMNESIA. REAL FEELINGS? REAL PROBLEMS.

Sam Becker loves—or, okay, likes—his job. Sure, managing a bed and bath retailer isn't exactly glamorous, but it's good work and he gets on well with the band of misfits who keep the store running. He could see himself being content here for the long haul. Too bad, then, that the owner is an infuriating git.

Jonathan Forest should never have hired Sam. It was a sentimental decision, and Jonathan didn't get where he is by following his heart. Determined to set things right, Jonathan orders Sam down to London for a difficult talk…only for a panicking Sam to trip, bump his head, and maybe accidentally imply he doesn't remember anything?

Faking amnesia seemed like a good idea when Sam was afraid he was getting sacked, but now he has to deal with the reality of Jonathan's guilt—as well as the unsettling fact that his surly boss might have a softer side to him. There's an unexpected freedom in getting a second shot at a first impression…but as Sam and Jonathan grow closer, can Sam really bring himself to tell the truth, or will their future be built entirely on one impulsive lie?

Sam Becker doesn't take much seriously. Jonathan Forest takes everything, including himself, way too seriously. To be fair, owning your own business gives you a bit of a right to take it seriously. Jonathan takes it to another level, but we get there in the end.

Sam is just trying to meet his quotas, keep his staff employed, and his boss happy. Which seems nearly impossible. Until Sam gets a head injury at work, and attempts to make a joke that everyone takes a little too seriously. This comedy of errors quickly snowballs out of control and it's pretty stressful. But I mean, still a comedy so hilarious.

It hit all of the beats. Bumbling employee and uptight boss. It made me laugh, it made my cry. Honestly, it did make me cry. That third act breakup HIT. But then Gollum the cat saved the day. I mean, it wasn't that dramatic, but I love a good dually literary pet.

Ratings

Stars: 5/5

Spice: 1/5