Ten Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall

Have you ever wanted a second chance to make a first impression?  Sam Becker gets that chance... but can he sustain it in 10 Things That Never Happened

From the blurb:

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?

Heather's Review:

Grumpy boss?  check

Sunny employee with a few quirks? check

An accident and memory loss? well...

I wasn't sure if Jonathon was going to have any redeeming value, but in typical Alexis Hall style, the quirky, sunny character worms his way in and starts to melt the grumpy heart...  or guilts him into being nice...

10 Things That Never Happened builds slowly, unravelling each character and showing new elements of the characters in a way that brings out the best in both of them, while still maintaining their personality and flaws.  Add in the classic Hall snark and some gritty reality that the characters need to wade through and you have a really good read!

Once again, I truly enjoyed getting to know Jonathon and Sam and look forward to seeing where the next book in the series goes!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

10 Things That Never Happened is currently available in wide release e-book, paperback and audiobook.