10 Things That Never Happened

by Alexis Hall Narrated by Will Watt

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

The Boyfriend Material universe expands with a new rom-com series written with sharp wit and a supporting cast that makes the story shine. If you get lost in a good enemies-to-lovers arc, then you’ve found your next series.

Sam Becker loves-or, okay, likes-his job. Sure, managing a bed-and-bath retailer isn't exactly glamorous, but it's good work, and he gets on well with the band of misfits who keep the store running. He could see himself being content here for the long haul. Too bad, then, that the owner is an infuriating git. Jonathan Forest should never have hired Sam. It was a sentimental decision, and Jonathan didn't get where he is by following his heart. Determined to set things right, Jonathan orders Sam down to London for a difficult talk...only for a panicking Sam to trip, bump his head, and maybe accidentally imply he doesn't remember anything? Faking amnesia seemed like a good idea when Sam was afraid he was getting sacked, but now he has to deal with the reality of Jonathan's guilt-as well as the unsettling fact that his surly boss might have a softer side to him. There's an unexpected freedom in getting a second shot at a first impression...but as Sam and Jonathan grow closer, can Sam really bring himself to tell the truth, or will their future be built entirely on one impulsive lie?

Editorial Reviews

OCTOBER 2023 - AudioFile

Will Watt's delightful performance amplifies the holiday magic in this contemporary workplace romance. Splashes and Snuggles store manager Sam Becker sustains a concussion and fakes amnesia after his frosty boss, Jonathan Forest, fires him and his entire underperforming staff. What ensues is a heartwarming journey for both men, full of snarky banter and free-flowing humor, as Sam recuperates at Jonathan's London home. Watt's comedic timing and attuned delivery of dialogue and narrative draw out the depths of humor and heart, and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. His regional accents transport listeners throughout England as Sam tries to find jobs for his irreverent Sheffield-based employees and connects with Jonathan's boisterous and loving family. A must-listen for rom-com fans! J.R.T. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

Publishers Weekly

08/07/2023

Hall spins off his fan favorite Boyfriend Material with a droll enemies to lovers rom-com that offers a fresh take on the amnesia trope. When Sam Becker, manager of the struggling Sheffield, England, branch of bed and bath retailer Splashes & Snuggles, is summoned to London by the chain’s owner, prickly profit-driven Jonathan Forest, he knows he’s going to be fired. He’s not expecting Jonathan to announce that he’s axing all of Sam’s employees as well. In the ensuing confrontation, Sam falls into a display shower and passes out. The harried ER doctor misdiagnoses him with amnesia and insists that Jonathan should look after him for a fortnight. Sam runs with it, pretending he doesn’t remember any part of his tense relationship with Jonathan, let alone being fired, and hatching a plan to use this new status quo to soften Jonathan up. As they spend more time together, however, Sam realizes that he might not mind Jonathan’s prickliness as much as he thought. The plotting is rom-com gold, Hall’s typical wit is on display, and the eclectic supporting cast charms, but the heroes themselves feel ever so slightly underdeveloped. Still, fans of grumpy/sunshine romances will eat this up. Agent: Courtney Miller-Callihan, Handspun Literary. (Oct.)

From the Publisher

"Sam Becker enjoys almost everything about his job managing a bed-and-bath store, except for his awful boss, Jonathan Forest. While confronting said boss, Sam hits his head and—well, the details don’t matter when the result is that he fakes amnesia to avoid being fired and moves in with Jonathan so that he can be looked after. The screwball setup of Alexis Hall’s 10 Things That Never Happened (Sourcebooks Casablanca, $16.99, 9781728245102) leads to a poignant love story, told through Sam’s amusing first-person voice. The close perspective puts the reader shoulder-to-shoulder with Sam, who is actually holding some important stuff back. Closed-off Jonathan is a typical workaholic, yet the attraction between the two housemates grows and becomes impossible to ignore despite the boss-employee taboo. The authentic emotion at the center of this romance will win readers’ hearts and make them care deeply about these characters and their hopeful happy ending." — BookPage

"Fans of grumpy/sunshine romances will eat this up." — Publishers Weekly

"Enemies-to-lovers romance between a grinning nihilist sunshine and a deeply withdrawn sensitive grump..., perfect for romance lovers and newbies alike." — Library Journal

"Alexis Hall’s new rom-com might have a zany setup—a guy fakes amnesia!—but its authentic emotion will win readers’ hearts." — BookPage

Earphones Award

"Will Watt’s delightful performance amplifies the holiday magic in this contemporary workplace romance [...] Watt’s comedic timing and attuned delivery of dialogue and narrative draw out the depths of humor and heart, and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments." - Audiofile Magazine, Earphones Award Winner

AudioFile

Will Watt’s delightful performance amplifies the holiday magic in this contemporary workplace romance…Watt’s comedic timing and attuned delivery of dialogue and narrative draw out the depths of humor and heart and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments…A must-listen for rom-com fans! Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”

BookPage (starred review)

Authentic emotions will win readers hearts.”

Library Journal

★ 08/01/2023

In this enemies-to-lovers romance between a grinning nihilist sunshine and a deeply withdrawn sensitive grump, Sam ends up with a concussion as his boss is confronting him, so he decides to fake amnesia as well. Sam doesn't see the harm, since workaholic CEO Jonathan called him to London just to dress him down. But Sam has no one to help him after the accident, making Jonathan his reluctant caregiver. Jonathan's just as much of a jerk as Sam thought—at first. But caring for Sam changes him, reducing his addiction to work and allergy to family. Now Sam's caught up in his lie, Jonathan's attention, and Christmas-party planning. Can he come clean while keeping this fragile new relationship alive? Hall (Something Spectacular) avoids worn tropes: changes occur because of active character choices; self-awareness is hard-won; side characters are distinctive and layered; the concussion realistically impacts Sam's abilities; and boss/employee ethics are handled before the relationship goes deeper. VERDICT A fresh take on a popular theme, perfect for romance lovers and newbies alike.—Katherine Sleyko

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159731401
Publisher:	Dreamscape Media
Publication date:	10/17/2023
Series:	Material World , #1
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	615,720

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