Title: Muscle Memory Author: Stylo Fantôme
Series: Standalone
Release date: August 28, 2017
(Sub)genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 260
Buy: Amazon US ~ Amazon UK
Rating:
I received this book from Give Me Books PR in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Her lips, the way she feels, how she moves against me. Her voice when she laughs, her eyes when she cries. Her soul connected to mine, for better or for worse, for all eternity.
I don't remember.
A blank face. Unrecognizable. The darkness and impenetrable fog, day after day after day. Who am I? And for that matter, who is she?
I can't remember.
Two sides to the same coin – one wants to remember, and the other wants to stay forgotten. Which side will win? Can he trust his heart to bring him back to her? Or will she stay lost in the fog forever?
I might never remember.
It’s been a few days since I’ve finished Muscle Memory, and I can’t stop thinking about the story. I know Stylo Fantôme for her wild stories, kick-ass heroines (with a little lack of self-preservation) and flawed heroes, but Muscle Memory is something else. It’s beautiful, romantic and full of feelings, I simply love this heartbreaking story.
“Her heart was breaking for a man who didn’t exist anymore. For a love that should have lasted forever.”
Have you ever wondered how it would be to wake up one morning, not knowing who you are, not knowing anything of your past? That’s what happens to Jon; he wakes up in the hospital without any memory of his life until then. Without any clue to who he is, he starts a new life, helped by social workers and Kitty, a volunteer at the half way house. Slowly Jon starts to fall for the beautiful, rich Kitty and he settles into his new life with her. A chance meeting with Delaney however, changes everything. It turns out she knows all about his past, and while he can’t remember her, Jon just knows she’s important to him.
“How do I know you?” he whispered, palming her ass cheek. “How do I know this?” “Because … some things are forever,” she whispered back.”
As I already said, I know Stylo Fantôme for very different stories then Muscle Memory. Muscle Memory is far less ‘in-your-face’, but it still holds your attention at every turn. The story has multiple POV’s, but most is told through Jon’s eyes. We see his life as Jay before the accident that causes his memory loss, and his life afterwards as Jon. They are very different men, but both know there’s only one woman for them.
I’m not sure how to describe my feelings for this story and its characters. I love Jay and Delaney and the love they shared, but they were the poster-children of dysfunctional. Ending in disaster was the only possible outcome, and it did in a way. I love Jon/Jay. I know some of his actions are questionable at best, but I so get them. He wants to know about his past, and he can’t deny the deep-seated feelings he has for Delaney. Delaney, poor sweet girl. My heart broke a few times for her. Yes, she has made mistakes in the past, but she shouldn’t be punished like this. I love the ending of the story, it’s perfect.
“Never, ever,” she repeated, her lips trembling beneath his own. “My brain forgot,” he said. “And my heart wasn’t sure. But my soul … how could I ever forget it belongs to you?”
I adore Muscle Memory, plain and simple. I give this story 5+ stars.
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