I really wanted to love this book, the blurb pulled me in before I even opened up the book. The idea is there but the book fell short for me. The world building needed more work and the FMC made me want to DNF, she was immature and it’s hard to get into a book when you can’t connect with the FMC as a female reader.

Overall the plot was good and unique, I see promise in F.A Eden’s books. I have hope that Carra will be written better in the following book.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC for this book
3.5 stars (rounded down)
This book was different from currently popular books in this genre, but in a good way. Even if certain reveals seemed predictable, I really enjoyed the otherness of the plot and characters, overall just refreshing.
The first chapter throws you right into the plot, though the first half of the book is a bit slower than the second. I liked the characters but wished we had a bit more insight into why they are the way they are. Also the world building was rather thin and I wished we learned a bit more about the magic rules. As this seems to be the first book by the author and the first in a series there is a lot of potential to improve the world building and character motivations and insights. The cliffhanger at the end has me intrigued and I will be looking forward to second book of this series.

2🌟
This was just not it.
The synopsis sounded fun.
The theme sounded interesting.
The beginning of the book was really good but it went downhill.
I didn't connect to the characters.
I didn't Love the setting.
It just wasn't it for me.

Thank you, NetGalley and F.A. Eden for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

Mortal Memories is a fun, quick read that throws you into the thick of it. Anna (Carra) finds herself running through a forbidden area of the fae quarters with amnesia until a guard catches her and threatens to kill her for her trespassing. She is miraculously saved by Straid who covers for her by saying she is his fiancee and they are to be married the following morning. They develop a rocky friendship trying to recover her memories while simultaneously investigating the disappearances of several humans and fae.

Some Vague Spoilers to Follow (nothing that will ruin the plot):

For me, the book could've used more world-building. I appreciated the immediate draw of being put into action, afterward the book slowed drastically with many opportunities to delve deeper into this world and the many types of creatures within it. It could have deepened the readers' emersion and was a lost opportunity. There were a few plot holes, some of which may be tied together in subsequent installments. My biggest issue with this novel was the believability. Carra magically remembers she's a prostitute but really nothing else. I just find it hard to believe that this woman loses all of her memories, gets one flashback of sleeping with a man, and instantly is like "aha! im a prostitute, time to get back to work!". I feel that Carra should have had more trauma to work through to get back to that profession, especially with how apprehensive she was of Straid the first half of the book. Some of the sex dialogue also felt a little forced, and more natural flow would've worked better. Specifically, the scene where she invites the new body guard to join her with Jax like 5 minutes after meeting him. It was just... strange.

Otherwise, it was a super fun read, and the last 25% of the book was great pacing, and super enthralling. I will be anxiously awaiting the second book to figure out if my guesses are correct! If you're in the mood for something that isn't the typical series of trials romantasy, this is a wonderful option.

📚Mortal Memories by F. A. Eden📚

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
🌶️🌶️1/2

✨Tropes✨
💜Memory loss
💜Marriage of Convenience
💜Slow burn
💜Friends to lovers

✨Summary✨
Carra is a human who has lost all of her memories, and now she is in a forbidden place in the Fae city unaccompanied. This is against Fae laws and is punishable by death. Fortunately, a fae male named Straid, steps in and saves her life by offering to marrying her. They are married that night, with the knowledge that there could never really be love between them for different reasons. Carra is still trying to recover her memories, slowly, and Straid is trying desperately to suppress his painful memories of a long deceased fiancée. Meanwhile, human and fae women are disappearing. Straid is pulled into it when two of his household employees are taken. Could the mysterious disappearances be connected to Carra’s memory loss? And when Carra and Straid’s friendship deepens into more, can they both accept it?

👩🏻My Recommendation👩🏻
This was a really great read. I loved the marriage of convenience and memory loss tropes in this book. There’s spice in it, with it also being a slow burn between the two main characters. The ending frustrated me at first, but upon deeper reflection, it actually really makes me excited for how the next book is going to pan out. I would highly recommend this book. I really enjoyed it. It’s romance focused and not world building focused, but sometimes that’s the kind of book you need in between heavy fantasy novels. It’s fun, sexy, tension filled, and with an intriguing twist at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC and the opportunity to review this book.

The beginning of this novel starts with a woman named Carra who can't remember who she is or anything about her life for that matter. She is found in an area where humans are killed and a fae named Straid saves her life by claiming they are to be married in the morning to the guard who is trying to kill her.

Later due to some magical fragrance, Carra remembers some parts of her life. Mainly that she is a prostitute. Still wanting to find out more about herself, she starts engaging with her clients again. During this time, several people have disappeared. To learn more information she sleeps with her clients more and they seem to give her whatever she wants.

The two main characters don't start to develop any kind of feelings for each other until very late into the book. Then it kind of seems very fast paced at that point. I do wish that there was more focus on their relationship growing rather than focusing on her prostitution and clients.

The ending left me a bit confused, but also interested enough to read the sequel when there is one.

Thank you #Netgalley, F.A. Eden, and publishers for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Mortal Memories
Author: E.A. Eden
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️
🌶️ Rating: 🌶️

The Good, The Bad and The Yes Please:

A late night traipse through the fae quarters forbidden by threat of death to mortals travelling alone, leaves Carra in a position she never could have imagined. Mostly because she can’t remember anything at all. Given the unexpected choice of making a run for it or marrying the fae stranger who came to her rescue, she is thrown into a world she can’t remember, and has no idea who to trust.

This book was unusual in the way it drew itself out - there was very little world building, very little explanation or backstory on our characters and it led with a kind of tension and intrigue that I find more in psychological thrillers I pick up in the airport more than my typical fantasy books. If it wasn’t for the mention of Fae and magic every so often that’s exactly what I would have thought I was reading.

The premise is interesting and kept me going, although I did not feel any connection to the FMC, though I did feel for her amnesia. Like a good airport thriller (fae psychological thriller?) this book was a light read that I read quickly and appreciated the simplicity.

I would say read this book if you are into light fantasy reads with a psychological thriller feel to them.

A big thank you to NetGalley, F.A. Eden and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to have an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review.

“And suddenly she was alone with the injured husband she could no longer deny she had feelings for.”

This book was surprisingly good. When I first started reading it, I went in with no expectations whatsoever. The story of a human woman who does not remember anything about her life and a fae lord who remembers too much and saves her from a terrible destiny. The dynamic they share is complicated, intriguing and fascinating. It left me wanting more at the end of every chapter. I didn’t want the story to end and yet I was craving more of the action. At the very beginning it seemed like the fmc’s story and the mmc’s were totally separated and had nothing in common. But then the threads between their fates started to glow and everything got it be more visible. It still was quite complicated but the narration was easy to get through and made it all not that hard to read. And the spice … let’s just say that it was in the right amount. Would I have wanted more? A specific time of more? Maybe. But I guess there’s still more to the story to be told so … we have time for that! Overall I’m glad I got to read this book! I did enjoy it very much!!

"Come, let us find a place away from the crowds," he murmured against her curls. "I find I would like to be alone with my wife."

🌟🌟🌟(🌟)
This has promise to be a 4-star read as long as the handful of edits can be fixed before release happen. I honestly enjoyed this story, and don't get me started on that TWIST at the end!

🔥🔥🔥
The spice do be spicing on the few occasions it is present. It pairs with the FMC perfectly and doesn't overshadow the main story plot

I'm still new to tropes, but this covers:

Amnesia (as stated in the description)
Forced proximity
Fake relationship to Slow Burn
He falls first, and HARD

I really hope there is more to come!

(Also posted to GR, I just can't work out how to link from app)

A romance that is both enchanting, sexually explicit, and a tragic mystery. I absolutely hope there will be more and that I’ll get to read them!

I really wanted to like this book, the idea is solid and I was excited after reading the description. The world building needed more work, and I didn’t like the way the FMC was written. Unfortunately disliking the FMC makes it difficult to read and connect with the book. The MMC was well spoken and respectful, and the book moved at a good pace. Overall the idea was unique and intriguing, though the execution could use some work. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for more of F.A. Eden’s books though.

Mortal Memories by F. A. Eden weaves a tale of amnesia and forbidden romance set against the backdrop of the enigmatic Fae Quarter. The story follows Carra, a mortal woman with no recollection of her past, who finds herself in a perilous situation that forces her into a marriage with Straid, a Fae lord haunted by his memories of a past love. The narrative explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the complexities of love. The book offers a slow-burn romance that will appeal to fans of this genre, with a blend of mystery and fantasy elements. I enjoyed the novel for its engaging premise and emotional depth. Overall, "Mortal Memories" presents a mix of intrigue and romance that promises to captivate readers looking for a spicy Fae romance with a touch of suspense. This is a review of an ARC. I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Mortal Memories by F.A. Eden introduces readers to a world of fae intrigue, mysterious pasts, and an unexpected romance that teeters on the edge of danger and desire. The story follows Carra, a mortal woman found alone in the fae Quarter—a place where no human should tread without consequence. Faced with a dire choice—marry her unexpected savior, Straid, or run for her life—Carra agrees to the marriage, setting the stage for a slow-burn romance filled with secrets and suspense.

At the heart of Mortal Memories is the delicate interplay between Carra, a woman with no memory of her past, and Straid, a fae male haunted by his own. When Carra awakens in the fae Quarter, her only option for survival is to marry Straid, a man who has distanced himself from the world after the tragic loss of his fiancée fifty years ago. Straid’s decision to marry Carra is impulsive, driven by a sense of duty and perhaps something more that he’s not ready to admit.

The book delves into Carra’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates the fae world and tries to uncover the mystery of her lost memories. Straid, on the other hand, is a character shrouded in complexity, with a painful past that has kept him isolated for decades. As their relationship develops, the chemistry between them becomes palpable, drawing readers into a slow-burn romance that simmers with tension and unspoken emotions.

However, as engaging as the premise is, Mortal Memories does have its flaws. The beginning of the book feels rushed, with the world-building and character development somewhat lacking in depth. For a story set in a fae realm, readers might find themselves craving more vivid descriptions and a better understanding of the world Eden has crafted. The rapid pacing in the early chapters leaves little room to fully immerse in the fae Quarter’s unique environment, which could have added more richness to the narrative.

Yet, once you move past the initial rush and dive deeper into the heart of the story, Mortal Memories begins to reveal its strengths. The emotional depth of the storyline and the evolving relationship between Carra and Straid take center stage, offering readers a compelling narrative that keeps them hooked. Carra's journey from a bewildered woman with no memory to someone slowly piecing together her past is compelling, and Straid’s reluctance to fully reveal himself, even as his feelings for Carra grow, keeps the reader invested in their evolving relationship.

Throughout the book, there is noticeable repetition of sentences and a few punctuation errors, but these are easily overlooked in light of the gripping slow burn of chemistry between the two main characters and the mystery that echoes throughout the story. Eden weaves a sense of mystery throughout the narrative, particularly with the growing list of people going missing in the fae Quarter. The possibility that these disappearances are connected to Carra adds an additional layer of intrigue, keeping readers guessing about the true nature of her past and what it might mean for her future with Straid.

The novel concludes on a tantalizing cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. While Mortal Memories may stumble in its early chapters with rushed world-building and some repetitive writing, it ultimately redeems itself through the strength of its characters and the slow-burn romance that unfolds between them.

If you’re a fan of fae romances with a mix of mystery and emotional depth, Mortal Memories is worth a read. Just be prepared to push through the initial hurdles and settle in for a story that slowly but surely weaves its spell.

Great story & plot. Loved the characters and the writing was phenomenal. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Mortal Memories by F.A. Eden
3 stars ⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the concept and intrigue
5 for spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Spicy spice
Tropes: slow burn, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, amnesia,

I was really excited to read this story as the premise sounded interesting and intriguing. A mortal woman losing her memories and on the verge of being captured and possibly executed is saved by a male fae by pretending to be her fiance and then is forced to actually marry her to keep her alive. When a string of people go missing, Straid, the MMC, seeks out to solve this mystery along with the reason Carra lost her memory. Sounds like a perfect plot to this story. However, I felt there was a lack of world building and character development in the story.

The main character, Carra, had lost her memories and was forced into a marriage just to save her life, yet miraculously runs into a complete stranger on the sidewalk who claims to know her and tells her that she is a prostitute and he was her client. So, without any hesitation or question, she goes straight to servicing him and others. I felt this aspect was just out of place and did not flow well. It didn’t make any sense.

I did enjoy the mystery and the idea that something bad was happening and they were trying to find out why and what was behind this. However, there was no urgency or continuity with this and it just kinda fell flat. I did enjoy the ending and it did set up the next book pretty well. But, it took a lot to get through to get there and it just did not flow.

**Mortal Memories** by [Author's Name] is a captivating blend of fae magic and romance, offering a compelling slow-burn narrative that will appeal to fans of K. F. Breene and Sarah J. Maas. This novel weaves an enchanting tale of love, memory, and intrigue set against the backdrop of a richly imagined fae world.

The story begins with Carra, a mortal woman who finds herself in the fae Quarter under mysterious and perilous circumstances. With no recollection of her life prior to that night, she is faced with a life-or-death decision: marry her rescuer or flee into the unknown. Opting for marriage, Carra commits to unraveling the mystery of her past while navigating the complexities of her new life.

Straid, the fae lord who rescues Carra, has been living in seclusion since the death of his fiancée fifty years ago. His impulsive decision to marry Carra, driven by a sense of duty and emerging feelings, brings him back into the realm of society and emotion. As he becomes entangled in Carra’s struggle to rediscover her identity, Straid is also forced to confront a series of disturbing disappearances in the Quarter that seem eerily connected to his new wife.

The novel excels in its character development and emotional depth. Carra’s journey to piece together her fragmented past while adjusting to a life in the fae world is portrayed with sensitivity and nuance. Her determination to uncover the truth about her identity and her growing relationship with Straid provide a solid emotional core to the story.

Straid’s transformation from a reclusive figure to a man grappling with his emotions and responsibilities is compelling. His internal conflict and burgeoning feelings for Carra add layers of complexity to their slow-burn romance. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their interactions are charged with a mix of tension, vulnerability, and burgeoning affection.

The novel’s setting is richly described, immersing readers in the mystical and often perilous world of the fae Quarter. The atmospheric details and the sense of danger and enchantment enhance the story’s appeal, making the fae realm a vivid and integral part of the narrative.

**Mortal Memories** is a seductive and engaging read that combines elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy. It offers a satisfying blend of intrigue and emotional depth, making it a standout choice for readers who enjoy immersive fae romances with a touch of suspense. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate world-building or the slow-burning romance, this novel promises a rewarding journey into a world where memory and love intertwine in the most unexpected ways.

The book was extremely fast paced and easy to read, but not for me. For someone who likes a lot of smut and a fast pace this book would be perfect, it was just not what I expected.

This book was so good!!! I finished it in 2 days. I couldn't put it down. The ending left my jaw on the floor. Please tell me there is another book? I can not wait to know what happened and how and why. I need more.

Mortal Memories has an intriguing setup but feels a bit uneven. The fast-paced start and spicy moments were engaging, but the lack of world-building and plot clarity left me wanting more. Carra’s quick shift back to her old profession felt off, and some plot points were confusing or left hanging. Overall, it’s a decent read with potential, though it could use some refinement.

The story follows a mortal, Carra, who ends up in the Fae Quarter without memory of her past. She's forced to marry a fae lord named Straid to save herself, and together, they unravel some mind-blowing mysteries. The book has it all—romance, mystery, and fantasy. The author creates a fantastic world where mortals and fae intertwine. This book is perfect if you're into slow-burn romance, amnesia, and political intrigue. The characters are incredibly well-developed, and this whole subplot about people disappearing keeps you on the edge of your seat. I 100% recommend it! Huge thanks to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and the author, F. A. Eden, for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.