*3.5 stars*
Short and sweet! While the blurb made me feel I wouldn't enjoy the story because of the amnesia trope, I should have trusted Stacy :)

Georgiana is such a lovely heroine and while Daniel was such an arse initially, he did eventually redeem himself. I loved reading his scenes with Anna and Sarah so much!

Seeing old couples pop up was also fun.

Recommend ( )

At the beginning of this book, the heroine is mistaken by the hero for someone else aboard a yacht. This mistaken identity got the heroine fired with no remuneration to tide her over. After that event, the hero ended up overboard and washing up ashore with amnesia; the only person he remembers is the heroine. The upset heroine decided to lie to the hero that they are a married couple so that she could have her payback for getting fired. But as the two become closer, there is a ticking clock as the ruse will end when the hero has his memory back.

I adore the author's writing style, so my grievance about this book is not the author's fault. I have a particular book hero type that is a hit-or-miss for me, depending on the level of rakishness and reformation. The hero of this book is a Rake, an impression that is captured from the previous book and continues in this story, particularly at the beginning of this book. It would be nice to have the story be longer so that the hero's reformation can show the growth that he goes through, especially during a certain situation at the latter half of the book that makes his character unlikable. With that said, I liked the heroine and her family, including the animals that lived with them. I also liked the cameos of the couple from the previous book, which are always enjoyable to read about in a series. The premise is also interesting, especially when it's set in a historical period and when the roles are reversed from the original inspiration. Overall, this is a solid Stacy Reid book with a book hero type that isn't my favorite.

** Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own. ** ( )

I Wish You Had Been Real

Stacy Reid returns with book two of her Unforgettable Love series, with a spicy romance about finding purpose and love. Miss Georgianna Elanor Heyford (Georgie) dreams of becoming a renowned chief, and supporting her three sisters. Receiving an invitation to cater for the notorious rake Daniel Rutherford, the Earl of Stannis’ lavish Yacht party, is not ideal. Yet it is an excellent opportunity to display her skills. She just needs to avoid the alluring eyes of the Earl. Daniel is content with his dalliances, working, and avoiding marriage. Until he is found washed ashore without his memories. Georgianna is left in a difficult position of protecting her reputation, by claiming him as her husband. In the meantime, they must make a life together, as his memories slowly return.

Stacy Reid starts her story off fast with a spicy first encounter between Georgianna and Daniel. Georgianna makes a dazzling impression with her amazing food, and an even more provocative one with Daniel. When the ridiculous Lady Johanna Wimpole reacts poorly to his dismissal, he is left ashore without his memories. His very public declaration of their liaison, leaves Georgianna no choice but to claim him is her husband. It is her quick wits, work ethic, and fiery temper that helps her manage Daniel’s practical but wicked tongue. Though, who can blame Georgianna for a little revenge after his boorish dismissal. Which he responds with his own deviousness. So, a bit of a warning for some passionate swearing.

Stacy Reid’s writing is a lot of fun to read, with spunky characters, fast-paced plots, and passionate romance. The sisters Elizabeth (Lizzie), Sarah, and Annabelle (Anna) are delightful as they help Daniel mange his new chores. It is his determination to make the best of his situation, and to work hard that endears him to the family. For Georgianna, it is his tempting kisses, and his diligence to her wellbeing. Together, they must reconcile their responsibilities with their dreams. ( )