I use the following emojis in my Rate scale
✨ - overall rating out of 5
🔥- story/plot

My rating is as followed;
✨✨✨✨
🔥🔥🔥

Tropes included;
Forced Marriage
Amnesia
slow burn
Fae x Human

My Feedback/Review;
*this is a review of an arc so bare in mind these things may have changed by full release*
i give it a 3.5-4 star.

The grammar kind of let this book down for me, the story itself i rather enjoyed but the small errors in grammar made it difficult to read and took me out of the story. The wrong name was used for our main female character before we knew what her actual name was which again took me out of the story and made it a little hard to fully become engrossed and zoned in with this one. This story has potential and the author has done a fantastic job with the story itself but the grammar and minor issues with name mix ups takes my solid 4star to a 3.5


I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A romantasy with a mystery plot and lots of yearning. The slow burn is definitely slow burning. Love this book and can't wait to have the completed version in my hands!

I'm a bit biased about this book but I do genuinely think it's great!!

okay, that ending? mind blowing and such a good play on the title

i adored mortal memories. the romance, mystery, and intrigue. i had absolutely NO idea what the twist was gonna be and i sat there for a few minutes processing the entire book. so, so good! if you love sarah j. maas mortal memories is absolutely for you. 4 stars

thank you f.a. eden and netgalley for the ARC!

Mortal Memories by F. A. Eden
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 10 October 2024

In a world where mortals and fae coexist uneasily, Carra finds herself in a perilous situation. Discovered alone in the forbidden fae Quarter with no memory of her past, she faces certain death. Her only options: marry her rescuer or flee for her life. Choosing marriage, Carra embarks on a journey to uncover her lost identity and the reasons behind her dangerous presence in the Quarter.

Straid, a fae lord who has lived in seclusion for fifty years following his fiancée's death, finds his world upended when he impulsively marries Carra to save her life. As he grows closer to his new wife, Straid becomes entangled in a web of mystery. People are disappearing from the Quarter at an alarming rate, and he suspects a connection to Carra's past.

As Carra and Straid navigate their unexpected union, they must confront not only their growing feelings for each other but also the dark forces at play in the fae world. Their quest for answers could unveil secrets that threaten both their relationship and the delicate balance between mortal and fae realms.

"Mortal Memories" offers a captivating blend of romance, mystery, and fantasy that will enchant readers from the first page. This slow-burn fae romance skilfully weaves together elements of amnesia, forbidden love, and political intrigue into a compelling narrative.

The author excels in world-building, creating a rich and complex universe where the uneasy coexistence of mortals and fae provides a fertile ground for conflict and drama. The fae Quarter, with its air of danger and mystery, serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding story.

Carra and Straid are well-developed protagonists, their individual struggles and gradual attraction to each other forming the heart of the novel. Carra's quest to recover her memories adds an element of suspense that complements the romantic plot, while Straid's journey from isolation to emotional engagement is particularly poignant.

The pacing of the romance is expertly handled, with the slow-burn approach allowing for a deep exploration of the characters' evolving relationship. The promise of spicier content will appeal to readers who enjoy their romance with a dash of heat.

The mystery surrounding the disappearances in the Quarter adds depth to the plot, intertwining personal and political stakes in a way that keeps readers guessing. This subplot provides a nice balance to the romantic elements, ensuring the story remains engaging on multiple levels.

While the amnesia trope is familiar in romance novels, the author brings fresh elements to it through the fae setting and the larger mystery at play. The potential connections between Carra's past and the current events in the Quarter create an intriguing narrative thread that will likely carry through future instalments.

"Mortal Memories" will certainly appeal to fans of K.F. Breene and Sarah J. Maas, offering a similar blend of fantasy world-building and romantic tension. However, it also stands on its own merits, with unique elements that set it apart in the crowded field of fae romance.

In conclusion, this novel delivers a satisfying mix of romance, mystery, and fantasy. With its intriguing premise, well-developed characters, and promise of more to come, "Mortal Memories" is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the series.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and the author, F. A. Eden, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/443542d3-328b-4ce9-a6f6-3239998d6bdb?redirect=true

Gracias a NetGallery por darme la oportunidad de leer esta historia y dar mi reseña libremente ✨ mágicos.

Recientemente tuve el placer de leer un libro que combina de manera magistral los elementos del romance y la fantasía: una historia de amor entre un fae y una mortal. Desde las primeras páginas, me encontré cautivado por el ritmo inicial rápido, que rápidamente da paso a un desarrollo más pausado y profundo, creando un perfecto "slow burn" que mantiene al lector enganchado hasta el final.

El mundo en el que se desarrolla la historia está construido de manera sutil pero efectiva. Aunque la construcción del mundo no es excesiva, proporciona el contexto suficiente para entender las reglas y dinámicas que rigen la interacción entre los personajes. Las reglas de este universo en particular me parecieron fascinantes y bien elaboradas, añadiendo una capa adicional de interés a la narrativa.

La protagonista, con su trabajo único, ofrece una perspectiva fresca y convincente, y me encantó cómo su “vida profesional”🌶️ se entrelaza con su relación con el fae. El protagonista masculino es estoico pero muestra un romanticismo y una profundidad de pensamiento que lo hacen entrañable. Su carácter estoico contrasta maravillosamente con los momentos más íntimos y románticos que comparte con la protagonista, creando una dinámica cautivadora.

Las escenas "spicy" están bien distribuidas a lo largo de la historia y son inesperadas, lo que añade un elemento de sorpresa que disfruté enormemente. Estas escenas están bien escritas y contribuyen al desarrollo de la relación entre los protagonistas.

El único punto negativo, si se puede llamar así, es que el libro deja muchas preguntas sin responder, indicando claramente que habrá una continuación. No puedo esperar a que salga el próximo libro, porque esta historia me ha dejado queriendo más.

En resumen, me encantó espero con ansias el siguiente 💜 me encantaron los elementos fae, poderes, forced proximity, etc.

This is a great book for people who like slow burn and want to watch the main characters form a bond.

I think the general story of the main character missing her memory is intriguing. And they're both such likable characters; she is assertive when it comes to her own rights and self-worth, but not in an annoying way. And he's such a cutie.

There wasn't a lot of world building, and I didn't need any more. We know a little about the fae area they live in, and I personally prefer that the story revolved more about the characters than a grand fantasy world.

I'm actually not a big fae fan, and I was happy to note that the way fae are written here is to my liking. The whole "they can't lie" and "you have to be careful how you speak with them" thing is always very interesting. And I'm glad the book didn't have a lot of political talk in it; I hope it'll stay that way in the next two books.

I can't wait to see how their story continues.

Loved this book so much. I gave it 4 stars and loved everything about this book and story. Everything is super well explained in the plot so you don't need to worry about the plot being shallow. It's amazing.

If you're into slow-burn romance with spice and a touch of fae magic, this book is worth checking out. At points, the stakes feel pretty low, almost giving off a cozy fantasy vibe. But don't be fooled—it ramps up and gets more tense before you know it.

I loved the two main characters. Carra, especially, is a breath of fresh air. She’s not your typical romantasy heroine, and it’s awesome to see a woman of color in the spotlight. Her dynamic with Straid is just perfect—her assertiveness balances his stoic charm really well. Plus, the book has a really positive representation of sex workers, which is rare and handled with respect.

My main issue with the book is that it’s too short. The author created such a compelling storyline and such interesting characters, but only gives us a taste of it all. The world-building is intriguing but could use more detail, and I would have loved more time and interaction building up the main romance. I was left wanting more from all of it. And some plot points felt a bit flimsy, like the forced marriage situation—it felt like a quick fix to get the story moving, even though it did lead to some interesting dynamics.

The ending left me hanging and wanting to throw my Kindle, though! It's a cliffhanger that sets up for a sequel, which is exciting but also frustrating because I wanted more right now! Despite these minor gripes, it's an enjoyable read that will appeal to romantasy fans and anyone who loves character-driven stories with a bit of smut. If you like slow-burn romance, intriguing characters, and a mix of fantasy elements, you'll likely find a lot to enjoy. Just be ready for a bit of a cliffhanger and a craving for more depth. Fans of Sarah J. Maas and similar authors will definitely feel at home here.

Likes & Tropes 🌹

- World and themes very similar to the beginning of ACOTAR

- It’s giving early Feyre and Tamlin vibes in the beginning

- Dual POV

- He falls first

- She advances first

- Forced relationship

- Mysterious missing people

- Their timing is off

- LOTS of spice

- The ending you will never see coming

Rating - 4/5 🌟

I really enjoyed this story. It wasn’t like anything I’ve read before. The beginning had some similarities to ACOTAR but the story itself and its contents were drastically different. I do wish there was more background description around the magic and the magic system and the rules and why things are the way they are in this world, at times it felt like rules were in place with no context and we were forced to just accept them. But overall, the story is beautifully written and I felt immersed in the plot. I wanted to know more about why she had lost her memory and there are still questions regarding that and some other things but it sets things up nicely for a sequel which I love. I find I’m often not motivated to read sequels when the original book is tied up nicely at the end with a bow. I think if there was just a little more world building this would be 5 stars for me. The characters themselves were easy to love and root for. There was plenty backstory for them. I was surprised that in that short of a story (216 pages) I was able to get to know the characters so intimately. A sequel is desperately needed as the story seemed to end right as their story was just about to take off! It definitely left me at the edge of my seat and wanting more so I look forward to reading the next one! ❤️

Thank you so much to NetGalley and F. A. Eden for giving me the chance to review this book! I look forward to seeing what’s to come for these characters in the future 🥰

A lovely story. Waiting eagerly for the next story. I became totally immersed in the story. A great build of the characters and families. A delightful twist for the ending.

The ending was so unexpected. Wow. Waiting for the next two books is going to be a huge struggle! The romance in this book was simply amazing. There was a slow-burn that didn't feel forced at all, and the characters were so well developed without the need to info dump at any point. I highly recommend this book to anybody who loves romantasy, because this was so much fun to read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and F.A. Eden for a copy of this book! I loved it and cannot wait for the rest.

This was an interesting read! I believe fans of Bridgerton and Jane Austen would enjoy this because it's around the same era but also has a modern enough feel to it that it's not like reading a classic, it just has the nostalgic feeling to it. It also has magic and Fae in it with a cool political intrigue in power classes of human and fae relations. Overalls this was an interesting read! There's a lot of mystery and twists and some spice!
Thanks netgalley for the arc!

Thanks to NetGalley, I got an early read of this book before its October 10th, 2024 release. The ending was a standout—creative and shocking, leaving a cliffhanger that promises something wild. However in truth, it took me a while to get into the story.

The growing relationship between Carra and Straid was a highlight. I enjoyed seeing their connections develop and appreciated the normalcy of their interactions. While the world-building was minimal and I would have liked more, Straid's family and history added depth.

Carra's character left me wanting more. She is portrayed as a human prostitute who lost her memory. One moment she doesn’t know who she is, and the next, she’s eager to return to her work despite her amnesia. This felt inconsistent and hard to believe. Her profession played a significant role in the story, often feeling as if the plot would unnecessarily centre around it. Almost all spicy scenes focused on her work rather than her relationship with Straid, which pulled my rating down from 3 stars to 2.5.

The book, still in its final stages, sometimes lacked the ability to keep the reader interested and felt as if it needed further background development and maybe even character and world building. Despite these issues, the book had a decent flow and an exciting ending. I'm curious to see how this will be adapted and really believe it has potential for a thrilling series, especially after the amazing cliffhanger.

Please be warned that there is sexually explicit content and wording present.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Mortal Memories by F.A. Eden follows an amnesiac human woman and a fae lord that saves her from a terrible fate. This book is full of tropes that I, personally, adore:

Amnesia; a courtesan and the one lover she wants but can't have; arranged marriage; and a decent, engaging plot to split up the erotic scenes. Many people tend to think that erotica is just fine without plot, but I find that every story is spicier with a little bit of drama and intrigue, which Eden captures perfectly. There were admittedly a few errors within the text, but as it's still early in ARC, I didn't feel like that needed to be taken into account at this time.

I ate this right up. I'm a little upset that I have to wait so much longer for the second book now! It ends on a cliffhanger, which I thought was perfect. Eden doesn't show her entire hand while committing to her storytelling, and between our two narrators, we don't get the full picture of what's going on behind the mystery.

It's also a DELICIOUS slow burn. Yes, there's smut, as the main character is a courtesan, and her profession is respected entirely throughout. However, the main couple don't immediately fall for each other, or fall into bed together. For me, this was a beautifully frustrating slow burn, something I didn't realize I'd been craving in media for a while.

Is it perfect? Nope! But I loved it, and I'm so excited to read more.

Actual rating more like a 4.5, rounded up! :)

I really enjoyed this book. I hope the author continues to write more books in the future. I can't wait to see what this author releases in the future.

This was an interesting read. I’m a sucker for the amnesia trope and the main character is a human who is saved by a fae man and she can’t remember anything. The cliffhanger was so good and I can’t wait to pick up the next one!

This book did a slow-burn romance very well, and the tropes - forced proximity/marriage - were well executed once they had been laid out. The best part of this book was the mystery, it was very intriguing and I loved it

A splendid and well written romantast that enraptured me from start to finish. I really loved the characters and the tropes were absolutely superb. Mortal Memories was a fantastic story that reignited my fervor for storied about the Fae and their relationships with humans and the magical realms. Wonderful book! Would absolutely recommend!

I couldn’t stop reading from the first page. I loved the characters and the dynamics. I really want to read the next one as it leaves you wanting more

3.5 ⭐️
Okay, I actually kind of liked this one.
A true slow-burn with a focus on slow. I liked that we got to see our main characters get to know each other and form a bond before they ended up in bed together.

I really liked the premise of the book, and that ending!!! Omg, now I have to read the sequel.

I was thoroughly entertained, but I'm hoping for more insight into the magic and worldbuilding in the next book. That's something I missed a bit.

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc!

Honestly I loved the premise of the book, I was hooked from the beginning and was excited to see where the story went. I’m looking forward to future books by F. A Eden!

This was a very good read. The plot, the characters were so very well developed. I enjoyed reading this one! Can’t wait to read more from the author

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️ Check trigger warnings

I thoroughly enjoyed following Carra and Straid. I loved how we got to find out more about our FMC through her recovering memories just as she did. As her memories are coming back, the twists and turns that take place had me playing detective. I fell in love with the MMC Straid 😍 he's so cute, and I feel like he was done wrong (you'll have to read to see). I never knew much about faes and their abilities, but after reading this, I would enjoy being one lol

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Where to start, where to start, where to start. This book reads more like a mystery than a romance, and it's a good thing I like mysteries. Carra is such a strong, spicy character. Straid comes off as - dare I say it - stodgy. 😩 I love that he steps in and saves Carra and marries her to keep her from being executed. This book really starts with a bang and leaves you hoping things will get ✨️extra✨️ but honestly, it left me with high hopes, some meh feelings in the middle, then picked me back up towards the end.

I'm a bit disappointed with the development of Straid and Carra's relationship. Straid tries to keep his distance and allow Carra to continue with her business after she recovers some of her memories, but truly, there was more romance between Carra and her clients than between Carra and Straid. They have a slow build to feelings for one another, but there is zero chemistry with them in their on page interaction.

The mystery aspect is what really kept me going in this book. I wanted to know who was taking the fae and humans alike and why. The world building was interesting. We stay almost exclusively in the Fae Quarters, so I'm interested to see where else we get to go in the future.

There's a wildly interesting twist at the end of the book that I didn't see coming. But the cliffhanger was brutal.

I give it .5⭐️ for romance and 4⭐️ for mystery, but a 4⭐️ read in total with everything. I'm interested in reading the next book just because I really want to see how it shakes out with the plot twist.

I enjoyed this book and wished it was longer. It makes me want to know more the world and the fae. The spicy scenes were done well too. I look forward to reading what happens next.

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.

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** 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.

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 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.

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!

“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."

📚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.

When Carra is discovered in the fae Quarter alone, a transgression punishable by death, she’s given a choice: marry her savior, or run for her life. Missing all memories from before that night, she agrees to the marriage and turns her focus toward rediscovering who she is, and why she was in the Quarter in the first place.

When his fiancée died fifty years ago, Straid withdrew from society. But after impulsively marrying a mortal woman to save her life, there are some things he cannot ignore: his feelings for his new wife, the growing list of people going missing in the Quarter–and the possibility that the disappearances may be connected to the woman he loves.

Mortal Memories is a slow-burn, spicy fae romance perfect for fans of K. F. Breene and Sarah J Maas.

*“Mortal Memories”* by F.A. Eden is an enthralling tale that effortlessly weaves together the threads of mystery, romance, and fantasy. The story follows Carra, a mortal woman who wakes up in the fae Quarter with no memory of her past, and Straid, a fae lord haunted by the loss of his fiancée decades ago. When Carra’s life is put in jeopardy, Straid’s impulsive decision to marry her sets them on a path of self-discovery and danger.

Eden does a fantastic job of building a world that feels both magical and treacherous, making it easy to get lost in the fae Quarter's intrigue. Carra’s journey to uncover her past is compelling, and her gradual adaptation to a life she never expected is portrayed with depth and nuance. Straid, though initially distant, evolves into a character you can’t help but root for as he grapples with his own ghosts and growing feelings for Carra.

The dynamic between Carra and Straid is one of the highlights of the book. Their relationship feels organic, with tensions and misunderstandings that add layers to their connection. The romance develops naturally, allowing readers to savor each moment as the bond between them deepens.

While the story unfolds at a measured pace, this deliberate build-up adds to the suspense and keeps you eagerly turning the pages, eager to discover what happens next. The mystery surrounding the disappearances and Carra’s lost memories is revealed in a way that enhances the tension, making the ultimate payoff even more satisfying.

*“Mortal Memories”* is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of fae lore, slow-burn romances, and mysteries with a supernatural twist. Eden’s skillful storytelling and the emotional depth of her characters make this a journey worth taking.
#MortalMemories #NetGalley

Summarized:
A human woman stumbles in the fae quarters that are off limits to all mortals. Before a disaster occurs, she’s rescued by a fae lord that claims her as his wife in order for nothing bad to fall upon her. However, she doesn’t know who she is, nor how she stumbled into the quarters. How can she marry someone if she doesn’t even know her own name? Mortal Memories is a spicy fae romantasy that follows Carra, a mortal who’s cursed by memory loss. And her temporary husband Straid, who does everything to help her get her memories back before the person that stole them finds her again.

Thoughts:
Cliffhangerrrrrrr, WE END THE BOOK ON A FREAKING CLIFFHANGER!! It took forever for me to get into reading this book at first. I can’t tell if it just seemed super slow in the beginning or if my current reading slump is just messing up my head. But the second this book comes out this needs to be at the top of your tbr. Like I actually need the sequel to this right now. Tomorrow, in a few hours actually because that cliffhanger is insane. I’m not going to spoil a thing about this book but I strongly recommend you read this asap.

Where do I even start?! This book hooked me in from the very start!
The sense of mystery and air of suspicion that is around the story line really did a great job of keeping me guessing the whole time. Straid is my favourite character by far, and I love seeing his journey to opening up romantically after 5 decades of grief and recluse. It was so beautiful to see.
I love that this is going to be a series as I can’t wait to read more about this world.
As for the world building, there was little external world building which surprisingly I didn’t mind. I feel like the story line was very centred in the here and now and what was happening in the here and now felt intriguing enough to keep me interested and guessing what would happen next.
None of it felt predictable, and I truly didn’t know where the plot was going to go which was actually quite refreshing for me!

I can’t wait to read the next book, and thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title!

F.A. Eden's *Mortal Memories* is a captivating blend of mystery, romance, and fantasy that grips you from the start. The story centers on Carra, who wakes up in the fae Quarter with no memory of her past, and Straid, a fae lord who is haunted by his long-lost fiancée. As Carra’s life becomes intertwined with Straid’s, their evolving relationship is both touching and compelling. Eden crafts a magical and treacherous world that is immersive despite the minimal external world-building. The dynamic between Carra and Straid adds depth, though some readers might find their initial romantic connection lacking. The narrative keeps you guessing with its intriguing plot twists and the mystery of Carra’s past, although a few plot holes and a somewhat predictable ending might detract from the experience for some. Overall, *Mortal Memories* is an engaging read that fans of fae lore and slow-burn romance will enjoy, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

Prepare yourself for a sizzling, slow-burn adventure where fae and humans mix like oil and water—unless, of course, there's a forced marriage and a sprinkle of amnesia involved. Carra wakes up with a headache bigger than her memory loss, and her options are limited: either marry a brooding fae lord, Straid, or risk becoming a fae snack. Spoiler: she chooses door number one, and the awkward, tension-filled journey to discover her identity and why she was found in the forbidden fae Quarter begins.

Now, let's talk about the twisty plot. It’s like peeling an onion—each layer reveals something you didn’t see coming, and yes, there might be some tears involved (especially from our hero Straid, who hasn’t dealt with emotions since... ever?). But don't worry, the romance, though slow to ignite, definitely brings the heat, promising readers a few blush-worthy moments.

There were a few grammar quirks, but since it’s an ARC, I’ll overlook them—after all, it's not the final edit!

ARC but my opinions are entirely my own.

“Mortal Memories,” by F. A. Eden

I really liked this book. It had a unique plot with the Fae and human marriage pact because she forgot her memories. The plot was so unique because he allowed her prostitution career even though they were married so as to not control her. The silk spider part was very sweet and was my favorite part. It is on the slow side and felt a lot like a slice of life. 5 out of 5 stars.

-Fae
-Amnesia
-Marriage Pact/ Marriage of Convenience
-Prostitution

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

At first I was unsure if I would enjoy this book, but towards the end I couldn't put it down! There were times that I was really frustrated with the FMC, but I really enjoyed her directness. There were also some small typos and some sentences that didn't really make sense in my head, but perhaps I didn't read them correctly. Honestly, in order to enjoy this book, you have to have a very open mind when it comes to the relationship dynamics. I had to remind myself constantly that both main characters were happy with their relationship and the FMC's line of work. I was also hoping for more spice between the main characters so hopefully that ends up in the sequel. I am looking forward to the next book already!

Carra finds herself fleeing from danger, and doesn't remember anything. She has to choose to get married, or risk being killed. She chooses to marry the mysterious fae. Carra works on trying to recover her memories while her and Straid try to navigate the marriage they were thrown into.

I loved the characters in the book, and the story was very intriguing.

This had everything described plus more. The slow burn romance was written really well and I had little idea where the book would take me and I loved reading to see what would happen! Would recommend this is you like books by Sarah J Maas and Hannah Whitten.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this eCopy to review

I just finished reading Mortal Memories by F. A. Eden, and it was quite an intriguing experience. The story follows Carra, a mortal woman who wakes up in the fae Quarter with no memory of how she got there. Her life is saved by Straid, a fae lord who claims her as his wife to protect her from the harsh laws of the fae world.

From the moment Carra is introduced, I was captivated by her struggle to piece together her past while navigating the complexities of her new life. The amnesia plotline added a layer of mystery that kept me turning the pages, eager to uncover the truth behind her lost memories.

Straid, on the other hand, is a character shrouded in his own past traumas. His fiancée died fifty years ago, and since then, he has withdrawn from society. His impulsive decision to marry Carra to save her life brings him back into the world, and their relationship evolves in a slow-burn, tension-filled manner.

One of the strengths of this book is its character development. Carra and Straid’s interactions are filled with emotional depth, and their journey from strangers to partners is both believable and engaging. The romance is very slow to build, but it feels authentic and well-earned by the end.

However, I felt the world-building was a bit lacking at times, and there were a few plot holes that left me with unanswered questions. Some parts of the story could have used more development, especially regarding the fae world and its rules.

Despite these issues, Mortal Memories is a compelling read. The blend of fantasy, romance, and mystery makes for an entertaining story, and the characters’ emotional journeys are genuinely moving.

Below is what I posted on my Instagram and Goodreads! I really did enjoy your book. It felt like a different take on fantasy. Some aspects just felt a little glossed over. I would have really liked to see Straid and Carra interact more. Sometimes it felt like her job was focused on more than their relationship but that was what I was the most interested in. Also when you started introducing Straids family at the end, I was SO interested in them! I can't wait to learn more about them in the next book!

I have to start by saying, I really enjoyed this book. It got me hooked right from the start and I had to keep reading until the very end to see what happened to the MFC. Although....spoiler alert, sort of....we have to wait for the next book to find out. The ending definitely leaves you needing to read the next book.

I really enjoyed the marriage of convenience trope and Straid and Carras relationship. However, I wish we got to see a little more of it. There were times were it felt like spice was thrown in just for the sake of having spice and it took away from their relationship. I also really wanted more information on Straid and his family. However, it looks like we will get more of that in the next book!

Overall, if you like spice in your fantasy books and you like the marriage of convenience trope, this should definitely be added to your TBR!

Oh my god, the ending!! Literally the last line of the book killed me, I need the next one. It ends on a major cliffhanger. This is a fae and human romance story like no other. Carra is a human female who has lost her memories and ends up married to a fae lord. She slowly regains her memories, and she’s a prostitute. Straid, the fae lord, is ok with her continuing to work while he is searching for a friend who has disappeared. Due to the nature of her job, there is a lot of spice, very detailed with different species of fae. Straid is falling for her as the story continues, and just as he’s about to tell her, she disappears. I read this as a NetGalley arc, these are my opinions.

Memories bind and shape you more than you’d think.

Memories can make or break you. Having too much of a person you’ve loved and given your heart to when they’re gone makes you feel truly empty. Having none of yourself or all you’ve experienced gives you a sense of loss of your identity. Memories hurt, they heal, they protect and preserve, they burn, and they provide.

The story got medium world-building, as we were mainly focused on the characters and the mysteries. Which I see as good, nothing too rushed and we weren’t given information overload on any aspect of the world. What we do learn is really interesting, with all the spoken contracts and rules mortals should learn when in the fae realms.

The plot was really interesting! The concept would really catch your eye and keep you to it. All the characters did not act in ways you’d expect, which made it a fresh take on some dynamics. The story went through many twists and turns, making for quite a cliffhanger by the end of it.

Carra may not have known much of herself, especially in the start, but it does not take away her fire. She’s strong-willed and she does what she loves with no shame for it. She’s smart and clever, quickly adapting to her situation.

Straid had to deal with soul-crushing grief at such a young age, and it made him more restrained and lost. But he’s a trying male, a fae of honor. And he only wishes to protect everyone he cares about.

The very, very slow burn romance just left you wanting so much more with all that heat and tension and will-they-won't-they dynamic.

Thanks to NetGalley and F.A. Eden for an Advanced Reader Copy - pub date 10/10/2024. Here we have a mortal woman Carra who can't remember her past rescued by a fae lord Straid avoiding his own past. A by-chance rescue leads to a marriage of convenience which, of course, gets complicated. Not just by the participants, of course. The author also has decided to give us a magical mystery, possibly some murders, definitely Big Problems.

When you open a romantasy, you tend to expect certain things. Magic, romance, probably some kind of decently high stakes mixed in, some level of spice. I would never have said to expect respect for sex workers or rigorous adherence to consent and boundaries but I am DOWN with that. It's refreshing and should definitely show up more. In this case, too, it also adds a level of extra depth to Straid, the hero. A clearly powerful, rich, stunning fae lord who has clearly defined boundaries to what he will and won't do? Yes, please. He does have some emotional hang-ups, what with losing his mortal fiancé 50 years ago and still mourning, plus a Very Complicated Family Situation, but there is noticeable growth in his character through the book. He feels almost too good to be true in places but Eden puts in those little imperfections that feel natural, given his history and that baggage.

Carra almost suffers in comparison, to be honest! She is still well handled and has layers to her, even as she tries to uncover her past, but she feels strangely less human than the actual fae around her. I can't put my finger on it but it probably has something to do with still missing entire chunks of her history even three quarters through the book. (It's a growing process). She is likeable and sympathetic but Straid is just so very well done that the poor woman fluctuates more than she should.

The only real quibble with the book that I can put my finger on is at the very end. Warning, it's a very VERY slow burn kind of romance despite the frequent sex (but not between the main characters!) and then the mystery rightfully eats up a good chunk of real estate... But then you get a fantastic cliff-hanger and you're ready to close the book... But there is another chapter? That is another cliff-hanger and feels like it probably should have opened the next book in the series. So the actual last chapter does this strange backwards dilution thing to the second to last chapter and, oh, I wish we ended on that second to last one because it was extremely Just Right.

“And he vowed to the universe, out loud, that he would not rest until he found her.”
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
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From the very first sentence of this book I could not put it down. The mystery of the fmc’s identity drew me in, but the slow regaining of her memories kept me reading, ever hungry for more.
Carra’s a character I can see myself in a lot. Headstrong and ready to stand up for herself, but also soft and gentle when she wants to be.
Straid immediately joined my roster of book boyfriends. Watching his walls slowly come down, the ice in his heart slowly melt was so beautifully written. It felt so natural, nothing forced or rushed about the nature of their relationship.
Overall, incredible book! I read it front to back in less than 12 hours.

Mortal Memories captured my attention from page one. It’s a fantasy book like no other I’ve ever read before and the ending left me speechless!
Sometimes I felt like things were a bit fast paced but nothing that actually bothered me that much.
In some ways you can compare this book to other fae+human books, but the story was very unique and why it was complex it was also easy to read. I hope there will be a sequel (I presume there will) and can’t wait to read it!

I was really intrigued by the premise of this book, and I was pleasantly surprised.

The story follows a human woman with amnesia as she seeks to piece together her life and the events of the night that led to her memory being wiped. On the night of the incident, she is found in the Fae Quarters alone, a crime punishable by death for a human, where she is rescued by Straid - the enigmatic Fae who offers to marry her to save her life.

I enjoyed unlocking parts of Anna's life throughout this book, and found her fieriness (mostly) admirable. I also like that she's portrayed as a plus-size POC, rather than the typical Fantasy FMC! Also, plenty of sex-worker positivity in this which was fab.

Straid is the typical fantasy man; attractive, aloof and brooding. He has plenty of secrets and we only find out about most of them in the latter half of the book.

The tension between the FMC & MMC was great, and I found myself really wanting them to finally give in. It was, however, painful knowing they both wanted more but neither would relent (!) Such is the pain of dual POV in this instance. Saying that, I appreciated being able to read this story from both sides as it built on each characters' background and motivations really well.

I liked the Fae bonds and contracts lore in this. It helped to portray a sense of trust and closeness between characters when they used phrases such as 'I swear' or 'please'.

I really enjoyed the ending and I can't wait to see what happens next! This was a quick, easy read, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the sequel to see how the Epilogue is resolved/explained?! We love a cliffhanger!

There were a few grammatical errors, and in a couple of places, the wrong name was used, which was confusing. I understand that this can happen in an ARC, so hopefully this is resolved prior to release.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Hi Book Besties!💕🌻
I am so excited to share my review with you guys for Mortal Memories😍 By @faedenbooks
A Giant thank you to @Netgalley for the gifted eARC! This is Book 1 in Wylder Tales series. It does have some pretty dark themes so you should absolutely check out those trigger warnings before jumping in! Your mental health is always more important than a book.
This was a fantastic book, a human with no memories of herself and a Fey who comes to her rescue in an area where she should be killed for being unescorted in. However the only way to save her is to agree to marry him. Death or Marriage are her only two choices. But what does being married to this fey really mean…
I loved this entire world! Straid is the ultimate grieving romantic and I love him for it and Carra is just so amazing!I can’t wait to see what happens next!

F.A. Eden is AMAZING! This world they've created is lush and beautiful while the plot and characters are so vivid. I found it hard to step away from! I can't wait to read what they come out with next bc this book is a must read!

I'm not okay.. I couldn't put it down and it ends with a cliffhanger so my only question is when the next one is coming out??? also I have to admit that I didn't liked the other naughty evolvements the FMC had with the characters, specially when she was married.. I'm not saying that she shouldn't work, I'm just saying that for multiple times the MMC saved the FMC and I felt she did disrespected him for her own selfishness and pleasure without consider his feelings

3.5 /5 stars

At first, I had quite a hard time connecting with the book and for some reason I got more of a human x vampire vibe than a human x fae (not sure why tho).

Anyway, I pushed through and I really enjoyed the 2nd half. I really liked the characters and they really started to get more depth, I especially like that the FMC is confident and won't let anyone tell her what to do, but it's still a reasonable human and has enough logic to understand when or why some things have to be done in a certain way.

The ending however, it was great and now I really want to know what's gonna happen next. If the 2nd volume is gonna be as good as the 2nd half of this book, I can't wait to see what's gonna happen.

This was an interesting read. Mortal memories gave some ACOTAR vibes for me, I enjoyed the relationship between the characters and felt it gave a good slow burn. The ending caught me off guard, but kept me intrigued for a sequel. Would definitely recommend.

What an exciting read!! Just when you think you know what will happen, a big twist is thrown in.

When a mortal woman is running in a Fae area of town alone with no memories, she is saved from Fae guards when a saviour claims that she's his fiancee. Carra has no memories of the night she lost her memory, but being married to a Fae will save her from death.

Lord Straid, a Royal Prince, has been living in seclusion for the past 50 years after his mortal fiancee died. After meeting and marrying Carra, he helps her retrieve her memories and slowly falls in love with her. But soon others are disappearing and Straid needs to find out the connection between them and his new wife.

Someone he never expected to see again is orchestrating a sick game. Will he figure it out in time?

A must read!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fae magic, lost memories, slow burn romance, consent-cautious MMC, and a curvy FMC? Amazing.

Mortal Memories ticked SO many boxes for me! I was so engrossed I didn't come up for air until I was done (sorry to my spouse for that). It takes a lot for a book to make me completely lose myself and yell audibly at the characters (again, sorry spouse), and this book did that for me. I really enjoyed Carra's cleverness, compassion, independence, and confidence. Her determination through frustration was refreshing. She handled adversity admirably, feeling the fear and sadness and struggle without doing the damsel in distress please save me oh strong man thing. I also absolutely loved the level of world building - enough to give an idea of the world, but not so much that we get mired in complexity. I got to fill in details so it felt real to me, didn't distract me from the plot, and didn't have me feeling like I had to take notes to remember odd world details.

This book feels like a refreshing take on the current fae romantasy trend. All the things you look for (spice! miscommunication! emotional men! strong women! intrigue! magic! mystery!) without the "primal urge" trope. I highly suggest this as your next romantasy read!

I will die every day until the next book comes out, because THAT CLIFFHANGER! I need to know what happens!

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and the spice was good. I will say I want more! I want to never leave this world the author has created

I feel, in a word, BAMBOOZLED. I snagged this ARC from the “Read Now” section of NetGalley the day before it disappeared forever, thinking it was just going to be a short lil novel that was a fun fae-human romantasy like all the amazing ones that fill my digital library (I’m looking at you, KU).

And I mean, sure, I got that, sort of. But ALSO: this novel is sex-worker positive, centers an amnesiac storyline, has dual POV with a yearning man who truly is so soft even when he hides it (I mean, he makes her dresses and she doesn’t find out till the endddddd, my heart), AND THEN!!!!! Horror of all horrors! There was a cliffhanger!!!!!! I thought this was going to be self-contained and a happy ending. And then I got utterly and completely ~~clobbered~~ by the cliffhanger. I think I gasped out loud. I think I blacked out. I think I shrieked, “You’ve got to be f***ing kidding me.” Who knows what other insane shit happened when I finished the last page and realized that the biggest mindf**k had taken place and I was, again: BAMBOOZLED.

Suffice it to say: this book was an utterly pleasant surprise, and I am so very much looking forward to the sequel. In addition to all of the good stuff written above, the quality of the writing is also beautiful, and I enjoyed it immensely. 4 fabulous ⭐s

*Thank you again to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Excellent book, loved it! Looking forward to more from this author! Apologies for the lateness of my review

Karen is offered a choice when she's discovered within the Fae quarter, marry her saviour or run for her life. She chooses to marry as she has no memories from before that night in the hope that she can rediscover who she is and why she was in the quarter.
I found this an enjoyable book though it did seem a little bit on the short side. I do want to read the next one in the series and hope that the development of the story gives more enjoyment.