Flashes of Memory by Natalie Brianne: Book Review

Details

• Genre: Mystery/suspense, Historical fiction, Fantasy (some steampunk elements)
• Series: The Constantine Capers (Book #2)
• Length: 328 pages (Kindle edition)
• Publication Date: July 31, 2024

Tropes

• Forced proximity (employer/employee)
• Friends to lovers
• Slow burn
• Love at first sight/instalove

My Rating

Book Description

“The Last time Byron Constantine took a case from Her Majesty, he lost his memory. But even he knows not to refuse Queen Victoria. 

When Mira Blayse agreed to be a personal secretary to an amnesiac detective, she never expected to be invited to Buckingham Palace. Yet here she is meeting with the Prime Minister. Assigned to protect the British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, the two don’t realize this assignment will lead to murder, espionage, and not one, but three mysteries.

Meanwhile, an unexpected encounter with a woman from his past leaves Byron reeling with flashbacks and new memories. But despite this miraculous recovery, he always forgets Mira.

This new development, family expectations, and the ever looming Order of Circe all threaten their unique partnership, the truth, and their lives. With Mira’s heart pulled every which way, can she accept that the man she loves will never remember her?”

— from Goodreads

My Review

The forgetful detective.  His intrepid secretary.  And a dangerous secret society.

Book 2 introduces our detective duo’s respective siblings:

Mira’s twin brother Walker, who was repeatedly referenced in Book 1, and Byron’s older brother Castel, who reminded me a lot of Mycroft Holmes.

More about Byron’s background is revealed. In addition to his full name and family, we learn the details concerning the accident that took his memory.

His and Mira’s relationship is progressing.  However, Mira kept grappling with whether or not she could handle a relationship with a man who keeps losing his memories of her.  (That scene where Mira tells Byron not to read his journal was a total gut punch.)

While I understand why she’s upset, I’m glad it was acknowledged that Mira wasn’t properly communicating or really addressing the issue with Byron.

But that moment when Byron finally remembered Mira was worth all the exasperating love triangle stuff.

Favorite Moments

🌂 going to Buckingham Palace
☂️ “jealousy doesn’t suit you”
🌂 remembering Mira

Favorite Quotes

“She had seen him face death with less cowardice. Really, how bad could this brother be?“

Natalie Brianne

“Mira sat there like an intruder, albeit an oblivious one, as the brothers played chess with their facial expressions.“

Natalie Brianne

“‘You are more than I ever imagined based on what I had written. And so, I am jealous of the selves I have left behind each day. Every me that has had the pleasure of knowing you.’

…’To me, there is only one you.’“

Natalie Brianne

“‘You really do look splendid this evening. We ought to go to more parties.’

‘I’d be more inclined to do so if I knew you would be there.’“

Natalie Brianne

“He leaned closer. ‘I can’t wait to remember you. Although, it was a pleasant experience to be introduced to you again.’“

Natalie Brianne

“He searched through the ivy with one hand, and Mira stifled a chuckle. It reminded her of when she first met him. Byron and shrubbery just seemed to get along.“

Natalie Brianne

“He looked at Bryon. ‘But I expect you to take care of her while I’m in here.’

Byron glanced at Mira with a soft smile. ‘I’d do that either way.’“

Natalie Brianne

“‘At least someone is happy and in love.’

…’Falling in love is easy. Landing on your feet is another matter.’“

Natalie Brianne

“‘Uncle, how can he love someone he doesn’t remember?’

‘I’m not sure. The human brain is a complex and mysterious thing, and so are memories. But the heart is even more unpredictable. Does the heart need the head to feel?’“

Natalie Brianne

“‘The worst thing is, at this point, he could put down his journal forever and forget me altogether. But I could never forget him.’“

Natalie Brianne

“Oh yes, I was your secretary but you never remembered me, so I resigned. Also, I love you, but that’s irrelevant.“

Natalie Brianne

“‘Yes I’ve never remembered you before without my journal, but that doesn’t mean I can’t love you now, with you here in front of me.’ He choked on a laugh. ‘Even now as I’m arguing with you, I can’t help but love you.’“

Natalie Brianne

“‘I don’t need ink and paper to tell me how I feel. Mira, I’ve never loved you for what you could do for me. I love you.’“

Natalie Brianne

“Mira nodded and pressed into him. She sighed. Her forgetful detective remembered her. Had actually remembered her.“

Natalie Brianne

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