I really enjoyed this debut romcom by Julie Soto. This is a great story about a wedding planner and a grumpy florist who are forced to work together for a famous influencers wedding. They have history together and this is a brilliant second chance romance with dual timelines that I felt was really well done. Ama tells the current time from her perspective and we get the past timeline from Elliot’s PoV which I thought was a really interesting and clever way of telling their story.
Overall this was a really fun second chance romcom that I definitely recommend!

Julie Soto
3.5

Forget me Not is about wedding planner Ama, who normally works with couples on a budget to give them exactly what they want, but via a recommendation gets a chance to plan the wedding of influencer Hazel and her girlfriend Jackie. Complete with a massive budget, a film crew and a two faced ex boss and mentor looking to scupper her plans. But the biggest issue is having to work with her brooding ex and superstar florist Elliot.

This book is the style that I've come love with chapters from both Ama and Elliot's pov. So it won me over from the start. There's quite a few secondary characters, and most of them are step siblings of Ama due to her mum's many, many marriages. I really enjoyed the writing and found the descriptions of all the characters really detailed and so could easily picture them.

I found that the reason for the breakup of Ama and Elliot originally was a bit meh and would've made more sense if they'd been together longer and I really didn't understand why, after a couple of years, they both had such apprehension about seeing each other. Especially when their whole relationship seemed mainly to be about sex and there wasn't much details of them spending time together or dating.

But it didn't ruin the enjoyment of the book, it was a really light, bright, breezy and quick read with a peppering of spice throughout.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this entertaining book

a wedding planner and a grumpy florist... what an exciting combination

ama the wedding planner has a meeting with a couple about a wedding.... it could bring her more attention for her business
this couple are highly visible and come with some baggage... namely their florist is someone she has avoided working with for a few years ... elliott is the grumpy florist

have to admit this is a very entertaining storyline with a dual time line going on that doesnt distract to the main story though it does adds information about the history of ama and elliott

its very well written by this author and you are drawn in to all the goings on to do with being a wedding planner and organising a wedding but its the characters that you get to know and love and in some cases hate...

well worth a read and will be keeping an eye out for more from this author

I really enjoyed this book by Julie Soto, my first book of hers and I will definitely be looking out for her again. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline, found it a little slow in starting but great once it really got going. Lovely beach read for a holiday this summer. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this early proof

I found this book a little slow to initially get into. It also took me quite a while to understand or warm to the characters. I felt at times their actions didnt match the personalities that they had so I did struggle reading it. I did enjoy the ending though.

I requested this ARC because a big romance author raved about it, but honestly as a 2nd-chance romance it just fell short for me.

The FMC Ama is a hot mess. No wonder, with her mother's frankly unhinged behavior for her entire life. The woman has been married 16 times and Ama admits this fact influenced her to become a wedding planner. Because although she doesn't do relationships or really believe in love (who could blame her), she does enjoy planning a nicely-put together event??? Her only friend is one of her previous step-siblings and even that seems like a fairly shallow relationship. Ultimately I knew very little about Ama except she eats donuts for breakfast, is allergic to peanuts and urgently needs therapy. The toxic relationship she has with her mother is never addressed, nor does anyone in the book ever call this woman out for her insane wedding/divorce merry-go-round life. This was incredibly frustrating.

The love interest and MMC Elliot was a more well-rounded character, but I had trouble believing the why of his was utterly besotted feelings for Ama. At the end of the day, he's a hot, tattooed florist with Daddy issues and a talent for making large floral installations. The only toxic relationship he's concerned about in Ama's life is that with her former boss and mentor, who is clearly a Villain.

They're thrown together for a celeb wedding and we're along for a very long ride - the book takes place over literally months of planning. The time jumps were a little clunky and I must admit I'm not used to a romance having its story take place over such a long timeframe. It did make for some nice pining and angst though.

The sex scenes were pretty hot and I had no complaints about the writing, it was just the characters I just didn't jam with. Instead of cheering them on, I just got really annoyed - mostly with Ama and her screwed up relationship issues.

The blurb of this one reeled me in, and the story within the pages landed me.

I loved second chance tales, though they can be a bit hit or miss for me, and this one was mostly a hit.

Ama and Elliot's past could have really ruined their present relationship, so I was glad that they figured their stuff out without too much unnecessary drama - there had to be some of course though.

I liked the dual timelines, though I did find myself skimming the past timeline a bit, as to me it felt that it was fluffed out a bit and didn't tell me enough about why it affected the present - but this is just a Janeane thing!

I wish there had been more interaction between them as the big wedding was going ahead.

Overall, a wonderful debut and I would read more by this author in the future.

A light hearted romance that won't change the world but will entertain you on the beach or train. There is a light touch to the writing and despite a lull in the middle act it was a fun read. (copy received via Netgalley in return for an honest review)

Ama broke Elliot's heart and now they've got to work together to put on a big deal wedding. She tells the story in the present while he tells the story of what happened before and during their breakup. She's got no faith in marriage thanks to her mom while he wants a marriage, kids, the whole nine yards. This is a good turn on the usual trope and I especially liked that Elliot is a florist. It's fun, light, and entertaining. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

4,25/5

I went with little to no expectations into this and I ended up absolutely loving it! Not just just loving, but LOVING it!

Was Elliot my type of guy? Yes.
Was it because of his tattoos? Maybe. (Yes)
Was it also because of his knowledge of flowers (although this can kind of be expected from a florist)? Also maybe.
But was it because he was just grumpy 90% of the time? Definetely. Absolutely. Yes.
Also yes to "flowers are easier than people".

I particularly enjoyed the way the story was told. We had a, very much appreciated, dual pov with Ama's chapters being told in the present and Elliot's chapters in the past. And while this way we had only a limited perspective into the other person's feelings in their respective timeline, I didn't feel like I was missing out on something.

Even the third act breakup hater in me was fine, and I think it's because I knew where the story was going. So it's not like the big argument was brought up from nothing or something ridiculous in its core. I would even say this was a valid fight they had.

I can even sympathize with Ama on labeling things or the lack of want to do so, though our reasons might be different.

I also always feel a certain type of way when "real world" references are being dropped in a fictional story, like Instagram and Twitter and memes and influencer and whatever the internet can birth, but this, as well, didnt feel too off. Or off at all.

I dont think this book was supposed to be funny, but it did brought up some giggles on my part.

Really enjoyed it. Can wholeheartedly recommend.

Forget Me Not by Julie Soto
★★★★,5 (4,5)

Ama is a wedding planner. Elliot a florist - a grumpy one might I add. The problem? Ama broke Elliot's heart and years after that crime they have to work together and bring a high-profile wedding to life. Yes, it sounds as stressful as it is lol.

This book has
+ second chance
+ grumpy/ sunshine
+ wedding planner/ florist
+ lots of donuts and flowers
+ banter
+ henley shirts
+ two POVs

I knew I had to read this when I found out that Julie Soto is lovesbitca8 on ao3 and wrote my favorite fanfic of all time. And let me tell you: she did not disappoint! (no one is suprised. No one)

I live for men who don't talk much and Elliot is definitely one of them! 😌 But don't let his silence trick you! I instantly fell for him and whenever Ama and Elliot were stood in the same room I mentally crossed my fingers for them and was sitting on the edge of my seat.

I also heard that it's getting a TV adaptation and I'm so so excited!!!!!

I just wish that the ending would be less rushed 🥹

Thank you to @netgalley and @harpercollinsuk for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! 🫶🏻

I loved every second of this book, and devoured it in less than two days. Sexy, funny, and absurdly sweet, I adored the two leads and was rooting for them so hard. Just a fantastic romance, from start to finish!

Light-hearted and filled with chemistry, Forget Me Not by Julie Soto tells a beautiful second-chance romance story about a boy who wants a proper relationship and a girl who doesn't believe in commitment.

Summary: Ama Torres is a wedding planner who has no desire to get married after witnessing her mother's 16 failed marriages. She's excited to plan a picture-perfect wedding for a popular influencer. The problem is that she has to work with her former not-a-boyfriend, Elliot Bloom, whose heart she broke almost three years ago.

Tropes/Genres:
• second-chance romance
• grumpy x sunshine
• opposites attract
• workplace romance
• set in Sacramento
• wedding planning

Review: I really like how this book is different from the conventional second-chance romance stories. This time, the girl is at fault. It's actually very refreshing to see that. Elliot is such a grumpy sweetheart. Wholesome. Green flag. He's the kind of guy who wants marriage and happy endings. He's always there for Ama even after she'd broken his heart those years ago. Elliot and Ama make such a good couple. It just seems so normal for them to be together. I can't picture them with anyone else. I dare say that even though Ama hurt Elliot, she wasn't the bad guy. She and Elliot still deserved to be together. She was just scared and confused, and that's normal.

This book shows readers the different ways of looking at love, wedding and marriage. I understand why Ama thinks that marriages don't last and weddings are just parties. She's not wrong. Weddings are parties to celebrate a relationship and the start of a lifelong commitment. That's one way to look at it among many. I understand why Ama would think that such lifelong commitments don't exist. She's seen her mother's experiences and learned from them. This shows how parents can affect their child's outlook on life.

It's nice to see the behind-the-scenes of wedding planning in this book. There's so much to do! It makes me appreciate weddings a little bit more. I also gained insight into how stressful weddings can be and why they can negatively affect relationships. It's so important to be present and supportive of your partner! A wedding is not only one person's day, but it can be easy to forget that while you're overwhelmed with your emotions. Hazel and Jackie are adorable. I would call them the second lead couple of the book (with the main characters being the first), as we see them struggle with their wedding preparations, making such important decisions for their big day. They're such amazing people and so good for each other.

The story is told with parallel storylines, one through Ama's POV (the present timeline) and the other through Elliot's POV (the past timeline). The present timeline depicts the preparations for Hazel and Jackie's wedding and the reunion of Ama and Elliot, while the past timeline depicts Ama and Elliot's history, which ties back to the present timeline. It's such a great way to tell a second-chance romance story. I loved seeing the details from the past and how their failed relationship positively impacted their lives even though their relationship didn't work out back then.

I recommend this book to readers of second-chance romance. It's so good. I think it's a huge bonus that this story doesn't use the miscommunication trope. A second-chance romance without the miscommunication trope! Perfect for readers who want to try the first trope but hate the second one.

Forget Me Not is a delightful debut by Julie Soto about second chances and getting over your fears to take that leap in your personal and professional life.

Ama is an up-and-coming Sacramento wedding planner, who, two years previously broke the heart of florist Elliot as she eschews relationships after seeing her mum marry multiple times. After she lands her first big contract to plan an influencer's wedding, she's dismayed to learn she'll have to work with him again.

Soto cleverly uses dual point of view with Ama in the present day, and Elliot in the past. Normally I'm not a huge fan of jumping between past and present, as most times I find it drags the pacing down and adds nothing more to the tension, but this worked well to add depth to the characters, especially Elliot.

Elliot is grumpy and downright rude. And yet Soto cleverly slowly reveals his true nature and why he acts how he does in present day. (Oh my and the symbolism of his tattoos...swoon!) This is a guy who was forced to drop out of his architecture course to take over his late father's business, which was not his choice. He was also committed to Ama who sent mixed signals to him - she told him she wanted casual, but everything in her actions indicated otherwise. Inside he is a tender hearted man who doesn't give his heart away easily. Meanwhile Ama is tenacious, perfectionist and the sort of person you'd love to have a drink with, but she lacks the confidence in her talents (hence deferring to her ex-boss), and also her ability to know that her mum's love life is no reflection on how her future love life will be.

Both are also creative and phenomenal at their jobs. I really loved the level of detail Soto masterfully weaves in to demonstrate their talents and skills. As much as I love the romance plot, I want to see and not be told someone is good at their job. Ama's people skills to find out how to make a couple's wedding their day that shows their relationship and personalities in the little touches. Elliot uses his architecture background to create sculptures with plants.

Forget Me Not is the perfect book to be swept away in and be lost in the world of flowers and two people who are just perfect for each other. I certainly couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading what Julie Soto does next.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a simple, fun, easy and quick read. The perfect type of book for your holiday, beach, pool kind of read. The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Two of my favourite tropes mashed together in this book! Enemies to lovers and grumpy sunshine!
A very sweet, second chance romance and I was hooked! I was absolutely rooting for these two!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. *

oh my god.this is my favourite book ever.I absolutely adored and devoured this.omg.i have a book hangover. this was so so so good. Calling dibs on Elliot for being the most perfect grumpy book boyfriend ever . wow 10 stars

OK, so at first I was like 'Elliot is so bloody rude and dislikeable why is Ama bothering' and then by halfway through this switched to 'this guy is adorable Ama WTF is wrong with you?!' and then 'LOOK AT HOW HE SHOWS UP WHEN YOU NEED HIM, HE IS PERFECTION. SHOW ME YOUR TATTOOS ELLIOT. LET ME HAVE A TURN ON THAT WORKTOP.'

Things may have gotten a bit intense with this read. I bloody loved it. The two timelines worked really well, and the ramp up on the wedding day had me feeling super anxious on Ama's behalf. Sticking Elliott on the book boyfriends list.

I enjoyed every single page of Forget Me Not, and I’m so glad I read it. Ama and Elliot are both brilliant characters, so likeable and memorable, and I only wish the page count was longer so I could have carried on their story.

I’m a fan of second chance romances, even though I don’t think I’ve actually read that many, and it works really well here as a tried and tested trope. I was completely on board with Ama and Elliot’s past and present, thanks to a dual narrative that spans two timelines (I love this story structure), and a chemistry that practically sizzles off the page.

Julie Soto’s writing is fun and accessible, and I think her future books will be just as good as this one. I’m already looking forward to whatever she writes next, and she’s definitely a new romance author to watch.

Forget Me Not is a fantastic addition to the genre, with a good mix of sweet and spicy, and a fascinating look into the lives of a wedding planner and a florist. It’s fast-paced, realistic, and completely addictive — I finished reading it at 3am, and I regret nothing. I hope everyone loves it as much as I do!

Right from the very beginning i really enjoyed the authors style of writing. It pulled me in and kept me absorbed in the story too.

It was such an easy read and kept me turning the pages right up until the very end, just because I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next.

I loved the enemies-to-lovers and grumpy / sunshine tropes - they are actually two of my favourite tropes to read and worked really well in this story.

This was a wonderful, heart warming, romantic read and a book that left me with a smile on my face long after i had finished reading it…….