by Julie Soto
ASIN/ISBN: 9781538740880
Publication: July 11, 2023

**I received a copy of the book through NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own.**

Forget Me Not is as funny as it is heartbreaking. The grumpy-sunshine trope hides two people irrevocably changed by their relationship. Ama, once cynical about relationships, remains hesitant to be in one but not for the same reasons anymore. When a high-profile wedding forces her to work with Elliot, a florist in the area who also happens to be her ex, she has to set aside her lingering feelings for him. Being the untalkative grump that he is, it is more difficult to discern if Elliot still feels anything for her. What is clear is that he was in love with her before it all fell apart. 

Julie Soto strategically alternates between the past and present through Ama, whose point of view is usually in the present, and Elliot, whose point of view is usually in the past. It allowed me to connect better with both characters. Giving Elliot a voice in the past helped me understand why Ama was not quite over him, no matter what she said in her chapters, and it gave me a chance to fall for him as well. His adoration of and patience with Ama showcased a man more vulnerable than he portrayed himself to be. Furthermore it hinted at what his grumpy facade could be hiding in the present. 

The beginning of the book hints at what led to their breakup. It does not take away from the story but helps create a fair amount of speculation and foreboding leading up to the pivotal moment. Soto wrote it so well that when Elliot broke, it broke me too. While I can recall a few favorite scenes, this is the one I will never forget.  

Forget Me Not is one of my favorite books this year. It was a near perfect read. This was one of those books where the longer I thought about it, the closer it got to a 5-star read. It’s deserving of all the stars. In time, this one will surely become a comfort read as well.