10 Things That Never Happened Series: Material World #1
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on October 2023
Genres: Adult Fiction, Romance
Pages: 394
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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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?
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?
This review is for the Audiobook.
Read by Will Watt, Published by Dreamscape Media
100% enjoyable rom com. What else is there to say?
Hall does a fantastic job balancing real troubles and vulnerabilities with light hearted humor and wit. His characters are always richly nuanced and complicated, fighting their inner wars as well as external ones. Jonathan is no exception. He is easily passed off as a grumpy rich jerk, but by the end Hall has somehow made you want to root for his transformation into a … more soft hearted jerk? 😉
Sam is easily your best friend, your mate, the too nice boss that you go to with you problems. I love the conversations he has with his staff and it’s easy to see how these interactions show the bonds between them while also giving us a glimpse into his inner workings.
Hall has created a story solely his own, blending all of the best things about romantic comedies flawlessly. It was such a pleasure to listen to this audiobook and disappear into Sam and Jonathan’s complicated world. I was never so happy to commute to work.
Will Watt does a great job as a narrator. I really enjoyed listening to Sam’s voice and honestly, I can’t imagine anyone else narrating Sam the same way. The nuances and emotion he puts into the reading is authentic and it really brings Sam and Jonathan to life. There are a few different voices he does, mostly for the family which are fun and entertaining. Great narrator!
Overall, it’s exactly what I needed to read right now. Charmingly flawed characters based in real life, a solid supporting cast and lots of fluttering hearts. One of my favorites this year.
Kimberly majored in Songwriting and currently works full time in the music industry. When she's not listening to music, knitting or writing, you can find her outside reading her favorite genres: Young Adult, Adult Fiction, Mystery, and Romance.
