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The accident must be messing with my head; I'm having dirty dreams about my stepbrother.

Except Holt Walker is so much more than that. He's my best friend. My confidant. My biggest cheerleader. He changed his entire life to be with me when my racing career took off and he's been with me through all my highs AND lows.

I had never looked at Holt in this light before. I told myself that it would be wrong to act on these feelings I'd suddenly found. Only the more I tried to ignore them, the more I couldn't. Holt's dark hair, his hazel eyes. He's all I wanted.

When I finally confessed to Holt, he was reluctant at first - until he wasn't. Suddenly he was all-in and when we were together it was the happiest I'd ever been. I felt like Holt was the missing piece I didn't realize I needed. When my world got turned upside down again he stepped up to take care of me and I swear there isn't anything he couldn't do.

I want forever with Holt until I find out he's keeping secrets from me that will change everything I thought I knew about the two of us.

** This is book three in the Wide Open Series. It can be read as a standalone but is more enjoyable if read in order. **

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2023

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About the author

Sundae Leighton

19 books224 followers
Sundae Leighton writes romance novels that are sweet with a dark twist. She got her start writing fanfiction with her friends in school, but didn’t take the plunge to publish her first book (Picture Perfect) until 2020. Born and raised in Connecticut, where she currently resides with her husband and their cats. She sometimes scares herself when she writes things darker than intended, considers coffee the nectar of the Gods, and once ran the NYC marathon (OK - half marathon). When she isn’t writing down what the voices in her head tell her to, she likes watching murder shows, NASCAR, and reading romance books with lots of dark angst.

You can keep in touch with Sundae at SundaeLeighton.com and find her on most social media platforms.

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5 stars
98 (56%)
4 stars
35 (20%)
3 stars
14 (8%)
2 stars
13 (7%)
1 star
12 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Meagan.
190 reviews65 followers
December 29, 2023
This is book three of Sundae’s Wide Open series. This can be read as a stand-alone and has an HEA. This is my first book by Sundae Leighton.

💛MM Romance
💛Pining
💛High Angst
💛Stepbrothers
💛Hurt/Comfort
💛NASCAR driver
💛Second Chance

I didn’t read this series in order because I made myself a deal that I was going to read this book by the end of the year and I’m so glad I made that happen. I loved Watson and Holt so much.

“He was Watson Brooks, mister popular racecar driver, and I was, well, Holt Walker, nerdy, shy nobody, and everything he wasn’t.”

This book takes you on quite the emotional journey. I love how Sundae based Watson off some of her favorite NASCAR drivers, such a cool element to the story.

Watson and Holt, met at the age of 15, and became instant best friends. They had such a close connection before they became more.

Holt, hid that he was in love with Watson for years. He is almost stunned when Watson admits to wanting to be with him. I love how these two came together, it seemed like their relationship moved fast but I guess when you’ve known someone for so long, and are already inseparable, it makes sense.

I loved all twist you gave us. This was such a beautiful story you told you’re readers.
Profile Image for haletostilinski.
1,303 reviews494 followers
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 25, 2023
DNF @ 46%

I had to give up on this one. I just wasn't feeling it. Something about the writing was off to me. There were quite a few typos here and there as well.

Tbh, it happened too fast between Holt and Watson. Then it spent the first half with no amnesia to speak of. Then it happens within a page, Watson wakes up within the next page or two, and then oop! he has amnesia!

Then I skimmed the rest after 46% and right away Watson just all the sudden is into Holt again. It was kind of like they had to fall in love twice in one love story, but without the build up.

I don't get why this didn't have the amnesia from the beginning almost and then the rest of it be them building their relationship again.

Instead it was 1/2 not an amnesia romance at all, which is funny given the title of this, and the other half is the amnesia but done poorly.

And then of course Holt keeps it hidden that they were together - also engaged too! Which was super fast and I was honestly skimming at that point - because of course he does. But then when Watson finds out he gets really angry that Holt kept it from him - a little too OTT angry, imo - and they spent time apart for the first time in the story.

Also, Watson loses his memory due to a wreck he gets in with his NASCAR driving, and then he gets his memory back by getting in a wreck, I read while skimming. Like lol okay.

The step-brother aspect, of course, was barely a big deal. Also everyone kept saying they knew about Waston and Holt, like they literally were all like "you in love with Watts?" or "you and Watts together?" or "Watts is your boyfriend isn't he?" all the damn time and were like "i could tell" and they all could tell and didn't seem to have a problem with two step-brothers together?

Man, where's the taboo? I'm so tired of step-brother romances shying away from the taboo of it all. Like it's like it's no big deal, so then...why even include it?

I mean, Mason had a problem at first, but when Watson said it was serious he changed he tune and was fine with it.

The only one who had a real problem with it was Holt's dad, and he continuously had a problem from what I skimmed, but of course he eventually came around too. But he was also looked at as like a bad guy for how he reacts and treats them. Even by Watson's mother, who is also someone who suspected about them for years, apparently. EVERYONE saw it between these two step-brothers, apparently! And had no problem with it.

I just...it takes the fun out of it. Also, no one having a problem with it just makes it a regular relationship and all taboo-ness is taken straight out the window and really, where is the fun in that? What's the point of it when it's not even a big deal? Also, in real life I feel like everyone in this would truly freak the fuck out. Even if one or two of them came around, lbr. They'd all have a problem with it.

But nah, it's really only the dad who has a problem and how dare he! It just was something else that added to my disinterest in this.

I just didn't connect with this from the start, and skimming after I DNF'ed helped me know that I wouldn't have cared even after the amnesia. It felt just as ridiculous as before the amnesia.

This book wasn't for me, unfortunately 🤷‍♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amina .
636 reviews425 followers
February 24, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰

“I’ll go wherever you are, Watson James. We’re a team, a packaged deal.”

anigif

I went in with really high hopes for Amnesia, but I'm sad that it didn't quite live up to my expectations of what I was diving into. Holt and Watson have been stepbrothers since they were fifteen and inseparable best friends ever since - where one goes, the other will definitely follow. Not to mention that Watson has been secretly pining for his brother since their first meeting, but has been too afraid to ever act on it. When Holt expresses his own developing attraction to him, things quickly heat up and escalate between the two of them, all the while, trying to navigate out of the struggles that come their way from their developing feelings.

Ah, I wanted to like this - I really did. Watson was a sweet enough character, and I liked how committed he was to Holt's career and feelings, especially during the difficult moments. Holt, on the other hand - as much as I admired how passionate he was about Watson, sometimes he came off a little too clingy and childish, very unpredictable in his explosive outbursts, and dare I say it -a bit possessive of Holt even if it was in an endearing way. *sighs* When I don't like one of the personalities in a pairing, I think that makes my experience with their relationship a bit harder to enjoy and this sadly was one of those times.

Not to say, there were some good points to this. There was a healthy dosage of angst, which was nicely balanced with some adorably tender and not too smoldering moments shared between them. The appreciative nods to NASCAR racing as a whole, made me have newfound respect for the sport and I'm curious to see what the future may be for some of Holt's new teammates.

I also enjoyed the moments they had when they had the thrills of being on the racetrack, followed by their soft meetings in the racing pit. 💕💕 The ring exchange was also a very lovely touch that played a big part throughout the book, and 'winners get waffles'. was the sweetest taste to their relationship. But, even with these lovable points it wasn't enough to make it a special enough read.

It could also have benefited from some fine tuning to the editing - the writing wasn't bad, but it was a little choppy at times. Often times the choice of words for a particular emotion or feeling didn't really suit the overall tone of the scene and that would throw me me off. And that really grates on me when I'm trying to invest my emotions to a character's relationship, and may have contributed to my further disappointment with a storyline that could have been a solid worthwhile read. 😞😞
Profile Image for Julia (bookish.jka).
708 reviews185 followers
February 12, 2023
"Holt stared at me in the dark, his eyes wide with want and desire. He hadn’t pushed me away or climbed from the bed. “You’re going to break me, Watson.” “You’re going to save me,” I promised him. Those five little words were all it took before Holt’s mouth came crashing down against mine."

Amnesia is the first book I've read in Sundae Leighton's Wide Open series set in the world of NASCAR racing and whilst it didn't detract from Holt and Watson's (linked standalone) story, I would have preferred to read the other two first, because I like to know all about the periphery characters too. The first two books, Picture Perfect and Gravity, are MF romance whilst Amnesia is a delectable MM step-brother romance.

This is an angsty (it's in the title!) tale of love found, love lost and second chances and given that our MCs are step-brothers, it does have that 'forbidden' element too - and the steamy first times are just perfect.

Amnesia is a cute love-match, friends-to-lovers read and it comes recommended to everyone who adores those tropes.

4 sizzling stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for emmaloureads.
408 reviews28 followers
February 6, 2023
This was a hell of a rollercoaster of angst, emotional turmoil, high levels of pining and frustrating stubbornness and has caused me mental exhaustion. But that’s not a bad thing, as Holt and Watson are such a super charged and highly emotional couple.

Sundae holds no punches in this book where the angst is concerned, she quickly throws you into the story and does not let you breathe. I found myself trying to read faster as I needed to know what was happening, I needed that reassurance. It’s one of those page turners that you don’t want to put down.

Holt killed me with his level of pining, then his anxiety of being unsure and making silly decisions. Then you have his hot racer stepbrother (not blood related), who is super sweet, horny and also makes stupid decisions. They really represent boys in their early 20s, and that’s why it feels so real.

You can tell Sundae has a love of NASCAR, which I know nothing about, but it’s such a refreshing setting and I appreciated that with how it was written, I didn’t feel like I was missing out even with my lack of knowledge on the sport.

On the lovey dovey scale, these boys just worked together so well, there was no option than for them to be together, life couldn’t work otherwise. It was slightly bordering on a codependency level but in a positive way if that found love and devotion they have.

Thanks for the crazy emotional ride Sundae 😂
Profile Image for Siân PJsAndBooks.
273 reviews11 followers
March 5, 2023
It is called Amnesia, so you know some memory stuff is going to happen. Every time a dangerous situation happened, basically anytime someone was driving, I was worried.

When the memory stuff was happening, my heart was in my mouth...

This book has an epilogue from both POVs so my heart is happy. Though I definitely would like a second book about this boys.
Profile Image for Kristen's Fantasy Nook.
198 reviews18 followers
February 7, 2023
I really loved Holt and Watts. Their story is so heartfelt and now I'm also wondering if I should be a NASCAR fan.

I had read The Lying Tree by Sundae Leighton, which I also loved, and I was so happy to see Matthias and Killian pop up in this story.

I loved how much friendship and brotherhood was a foundation of this story both between the main characters and the all the friendships with the secondary characters.

I read this one as a standalone, but it is part of the Wide Open series.

MM Romance
Step-brother Romance
Friends to lovers
Profile Image for Laura Fabian.
458 reviews40 followers
February 6, 2023
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

I'm so in love with what Sundae Leighton did with this book: the pacing and direction she gave to Holt & Watson's story was very different to what I have read in her other books and I LOVED every moment of it! Also, Sundae and her teasers didn't reveal much of the plot, so I enjoyed the twists and surprises much more and cements this woman's place as one of my favorite authors.

One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book was the beautiful friendship that Holt & Watson formed since they became stepbrothers: their bond is so strong & adorable despite how different they are, plus, the relationship they have as a family, including their parents, was also very beautiful and their plot had some twists that I did not expect, broke my heart, and also healed me in the last chapters.

Also, as individual characters Holt & Watson stole my heart: Holt is the nerd of the two: a lover of Marvel movies & comics, a reserved guy who has always had a crush on Watson, has been by his side as he fulfills his dreams, and also had to watch his reputation as a womanizer grow from the front row, something that broke my heart along with Holt's, but also helped me to see how cute he is. For his part, Watson is one of the most popular and desired NASCAR drivers, his personality is loud, outgoing and completely different from Holt, plus of being his stepbrother's protector and his best friend.

And without a doubt, the best thing about the story was the way Sundae developed Waston's feelings for Holt throughout the book, the obstacles she put in their way, and the way their love for each other is always there, even in the worst of times. And the best plus of all was the way the author included my favorite characters throughout the plot of Amnesia , something I absolutely love about her books.

🏎️Watson: 5/5
🏁Holt: 5/5
🏎️Plot: 4/5
🏁Love story: 5/5
🏎️Secondary characters: 5/5
🏁Cover: 5/5
🏎️Universe: 5/5
🌶️: 4/5

🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

Estoy muy enamorada de lo que Sundae Leighton hizo con éste libro: el ritmo y la dirección que le dio a la historia de Holt & Watson fue muy distinta a lo que he leído en sus otros libros y ME ENCANTÓ cada momento! Además, Sundae y sus teasers no revelaron mucho de la trama, así que disfruté mucho más de los giros y sorpresas que tuvo la trama y afianza el lugar de ésta mujer como una de mis autoras favoritas.

Una de las cosas que más disfruté de este libro fue la hermosa amistad que Holt & Watson formaron desde que se volvieron hermanastros: su vinculo es muy fuerte & adorable y amé que a pesar de lo distintos que son, además de que la relación que tienen como familia, incluyendo a sus papás, también fue muy linda y su trama tuvo algunos giros que no me esperaba, rompieron mi corazón, y también lo sanaron en los últimos capítulos.

También, como personajes individuales Holt & Watson me robaron el corazón: Holt es el nerd de los dos: amante de los comics & películas de Marvel, un chico reservado y que siempre ha estado enamorado de Watson, ha estado a su lado mientras cumple sus sueños, y también a tenido que ver crecer desde primera fila su reputación como mujeriego, algo que rompió mi corazón junto al de Holt, pero que también ayudo a ver lo linda & tierna que es su personalidad. Por su parte, Watson es uno de los conductores de NASCAR más populares y deseados, su personalidad es ruidosa, extrovertida y completamente diferente a la de Holt, además de ser el protector de su hermanastro y mejor amigo. Y sin lugar a dudas, lo mejor de la historia fue la manera en la que Sundae desarrolló los sentimientos de Waston por Holt a lo largo del libro, los obstáculos que puso en su camino y la forma en la que el amor del uno por el otro siempre está ahí, incluso en los peores momentos.

Y el mejor plus de todos fue la manera en la que la autora incluyó a mis personajes favoritos a lo largo de la trama de Amnesia, algo que amo con locura acerca de sus libros.

🏎️Watson: 5/5
🏁Holt: 5/5
🏎️Trama: 4/5
🏁Historia de amor: 5/5
🏎️Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🏁Portada: 5/5
🏎️Universo: 5/5
🌶️: 4/5
Profile Image for suziebookdiaries.
24 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2023
Watts and H are stepbrothers who formed an instant connection when they were first introduced as teenagers. Watts is a racing car driver who's outgoing and has a larger than life personality. Holt is your classic 'nerd', shy and reserved. Watts takes H under his wing, shows interest in everything he does and supports him unconditionally. Whilst H comes to know his true feelings for Watts early on, we are treated to the journey of Watts coming to his own realisation.

They are an inseparable duo as H follows Watts on the road, working as part of the pit crew for his team. One race day, Holt is hit by another drivers car in the pit lane, Watts is beside himself with fear for his stepbrother. Thankfully H is fine, but this event seems to trigger something in Watts and that night they kiss for the first time. Holt admits he's been in love with Watts for years, and as Watts explores his feelings for H, he knows with every fibre of being that it just feels right. There is some push and pull as Holt seeks to protect his heart and Watts comes to realise he is capable of forming a deep connection and loving someone (his pit bunny days are over).

As the name of this book suggests, a terrible racing accident results in Watts losing his memories of the past few weeks, including those where they became a couple. We watch as Holt tries to deal with this loss in the best way he knows how and Watts struggles to regain those memories and deal with the undeniable feeling in his gut that draws him to H.

Their path is not an easy one, Watts injury is worse than it first seems, it not only threatens his relationship with H but also his future as a racing car driver.

I thoroughly enjoyed the evolution of their relationship and their battle to reclaim one another.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
385 reviews135 followers
February 7, 2023
"I'd follow him into hell if that's what Watson asked of me."

Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual, First Person
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

"You're going to break me, Watson." "You're going to save me."

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

Overall Opinion
This book was so beautiful I couldn't put it down for even a minute! Holt and Watson make such a wonderful couple, who had to overcome so many hurdle to get their happy ending, every time you would think they were finally there, life would come along and shatter your hopes. Holt and Watson are stepbrothers who could not be more different, with Watson being an extroverted NASCAR racer and Holt an introverted and shy 'nerd', but they are the best of friends and stepbrothers who inevitably develop feelings for one another. Of course, being a Sundae Leighton book, there isn't an easy road to happiness without a healthy dose of twists and turns and angst for days! Both individually and together, these two characters absolutely obliterated my heart and soul, and by the end, I was not ready to go back and face reality. I don't want to spoil anything that occurred in this masterpiece so I won't talk about the plot line, but oh was the plot so well written and paced perfectly! Overall this was such a sweet and emotional book that had me in tears and I cannot wait to see more from this author!

Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Stepbrothers
❣️ NASCAR
❣️ Friends to Lovers
❣️ Hurt/Comfort
❣️ HEA

Trigger and Content Warnings: Traumatic brain injury, car accident
Profile Image for Shelley.
360 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2023
Very good book to read except for the editing. Some sentences had extra words or words out of place causing the flow of the story to come to a screeching stop as I had to reread the paragraph and sentence to determine what I thought the author meant.
The story was sugary sweet. Holt a total sweetheart who had my emotions up and down as their relationship went through it’s ups and downs. Watts on the other hand seemed to need a kick in the pants at times, though I loved his character.
Killian and Mathias? I got a real kick out of their supporting our main characters (have already bought The Lying Tree as soon as I saw it).
This is my first time reading this author. I will definitely read more if her books.
The sex scenes in this story were okay. Not super spicy and hot, just okay. It didn’t stop me from reading the book or buying other of this author’s books though. Though I do hope the sex scenes are hotter in her other books.
Profile Image for the.aquarius.booklover .
110 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2023
Amnesia is the 3rd book in the Wide Open series. This is my first Sundae Leighton book. I am disappointed that I didn't read the rest of the series before I read Amnesia because some of the characters from a previous installment are featured here. It would have been more beneficial for me to have a broader scope of the world building the author created. However, now I can just backtrack and read them all. I also learned about the world of NASCR, which I knew nothing about, and now I fins myself fascinated with.

This story broke my heart. Watts and Holt are stepbrothers who are best friends. Watts is a NASCR driver who wants Holt to come with him while he follows his dream of becoming famous in the racing circuit. Watts has always needed Holt; his best friend, number one cheerleader by his side. Holt agrees, giving up his life to be on Watts team as a tire guy. He has been in love with Watts since he was a teenager.

It's not until Holt is hit by a car on the track at one of the races that Watts starts to see him in a different light. He starts to fall in lust with Holt, in love with Holt, and their deep bond turns into something that neither one of them ever saw coming. It's a life changing love and with the up comes the down. A life changing event.

This book is called Amnesia, for a reason. And that reason is heartbreaking; why the book broke my heart. Just when it looks like Watts and Holt will make their way back to each other, they are separated again by circumstances. These two suffer before the HEA, they so rightly deserve. This is a book that you cry into a box of tissues. It's wonderful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rachel Furlan.
26 reviews
February 1, 2023
As my first Sundae Leighton book I wasn’t sure what to expect but this story was a rollercoaster ride of emotions!

Watson and Holt are best friends and stepbrothers; Holt has been in love with Watson for years and follows him to pursue his dreams of a NASCAR career. Once Watson discovers his feelings for Holt their relationship develops quickly but not without a fair share of ups and downs.

The dynamic between Watson and Holt (Watts and H) is very sweet and full of emotion - the true definition of best friends to lovers and the added layer of stepbrothers trope makes the spicy scenes even more steamy!

Lots of twists and surprises along the way had me flying through this book to see what happens next.

I especially liked cameos from other characters sprinkled in throughout the book and can’t wait to read their stories next!
765 reviews7 followers
May 11, 2023
I loved this so much! I love NASCAR and this book definitely hit the spot. The racing scenes were written perfectly, it was like I was in the pits with Holt or in the car with Watson. Holt has loved his stepbrother for many years and would follow him anywhere. When Holt got hurt during a pit stop, Watson started seeing his him in a whole new light. Hesitant at first, Holt couldn't believe Watson could like him back. They had a sweet and hot relationship until a racing accident (mentioned in the blurb) left Watson forgetting that he was Holt's boyfriend. Holt is heartbroken as he watches his brother revert back to his old ways. Ugh there were so many tears shed but I was thrilled with how everything worked out in the end. Angsty, emotional, fast paced: this book had a little bit of everything. I hope we get Carson's story soon. On a side note it was fun identifying all the little nods to current NASCAR drivers and their actions on and off the track. Winners get waffles!
Profile Image for E.L. Ough.
Author 2 books68 followers
February 7, 2023
Love a racing car book! This did not disappoint!!! But don’t be fooled this book is full of so much hurt and comfort!

Holt and Watson become step brothers at age 15 and have not been apart from each other since!! Where Watt’s go’s H follows! They are inseparable.

Watson is just starting his nascar career and Holt is along for the ride! He might not drive but he’s a big part of the team.

Holt has been in love with his stepbrother for years and it’s only now that things are starting to change for them, but their love story is not an easy ride, and after a big accident they have to now navigate this new part of their relationship.

The hurt and comfort on this story got me right in the heart!! I loved the touches and a love a man pick up (swoon) these two not only had a great spice connection but they were so both emotionally invested in each other even before they become more than just stepbrothers.

I loved seeing Mathias and Killian again 🥰

What’s next Sundae I’m ready for it!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

🏎️NASCAR
🏁Stepbrothers
🏎️Hurt/Comfort
🏁Fast burn
🏎️Size difference
Profile Image for Felicia.
394 reviews29 followers
February 5, 2023
1st person/dual pov
Spice: 4/5

First things first, I have never read a romance book that involved racing and now I feel like I’ve been missing out on something lol. It offered a different kind of excitement than say a football or soccer type of sports romance. So that was a nice change for me and I will definitely be adding more to my TBR.

Holt and Watson are positively adorable! In the beginning, when they are just best friends you can see that the bond they share is so much more than that. Their love is obvious even if it’s seen differently in Holt's eyes than it is for Watson. I do like how the moment of clarity hits Watson that his feelings for Holt are not as simple as he originally thought they were.

The first part of the book surprised me a little. After reading the blurb I didn’t expect to get that much of their story before getting to the reason for the title of the book. For me, it felt like it was a tad drawn out at times but I did really enjoy getting to see them together and having all the moments that make their relationship grow. The pacing picked up a lot in the second part of the book which I was fine with. The conflict Holt has to deal with hurts my heart so much. I just wanted to hug him and tell him it would all be ok. Then things shifted and just when it seemed like we were out of the woods we hit another wall. This one - this one broke my heart completely.

Now, this is strange to say I realize that lol but part of me wanted that heartache to last a tad longer than it did. I just felt like things may have been resolved too quickly or maybe it was more like too easily… I’m not really sure. Either way, I was expecting and kind of wanted that pain to be drawn out just a little bit more than it was. But I am also a fan of high-angst books and I get the feeling that the author probably didn’t intend for this book to have a lot of angst. So that’s more on me not really the book itself. Just a heads up if you’re used to high angst reads.

Overall it was a good story and had a lot of really sweet moments that have you wanting nothing but the best for both of these guys. I love their connection with each other and how in sync they are when it comes to the other one's needs. Their circle of friends is precious and they really care about them which shows throughout the book. As I said before the only real issue I had was how the timing was structured. It either felt too slow or too fast and I just couldn’t find that happy medium. Other than that I still enjoyed reading about this couple and the obstacles they have to overcome to make it to their happy ending.

Also, the whole “winners get waffles” is one of my new favorite things ever! I will never not think about these two every time I see waffles. 🥹
Profile Image for Allison.
112 reviews32 followers
February 8, 2023
🏁 ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎: 𝔸𝕞𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒 🏁

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

🧇 Stepbrothers
🏎 NASCAR
🧇 Hurt/Comfort
🏎 Second Chance
🧇 MM Romance

"Winners Get Waffles"

Amnesia was a winner. This book took me on an emotional roller-coaster ride. It was such an adorably, sweet ride, though. Don't get me wrong, the tension & angst were still there.

Ohhh, Watson & Holt. Watts & H. These two dug their way into my heart. The sweet love that they have for each other is the "awww make me swoon kind." These two stepbrothers have been inseparable since they were 15. Both relying on & needing each other. Their connection was deep even before they realized that they felt "more" for each other.

The first part of this beautiful story focuses on their friendship and how that closeness turns into an undeniable romantic relationship. Watts can't see doing anything in life without H by his side. Watson becomes a famous NASCAR driver, Holt becomes a part of the crew. By the middle, I was thinking, "Oh no, what's going to happen?" It still wasn't what I was expecting. You have to read it to see what I'm talking about.

By the end, all my anxiety and fears were laid to rest in a nice HEA bow. I loved that their friends rallied around them & put them in their places when needed. I definitely want to read their stories as well.

The spiciness was hot! Just the right amount of smut. You can feel the pain that Watts & Holt struggle through. Not just in their relationship but in their careers & personal lives too.

This was my first racing read, and I loved it! Applause to the author for sparking me to look up Noah Gragson! 😉

💛 Pick up Amnesia ➡️ https://4sund.ae/a
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Claire Walker.
360 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2023
Amnesia is book 3 in the Wide Open Series and is an m/m romance.
it can be read as standalone but you may enjoy reading in order to have a better understanding of the other characters. The first two books are m/f.
I absolutely love this series but especially this one. All the characters are amazing but Holt & Watson are on another level.
Step brothers, best friends, everything the other needs. They do everything together and when feelings are revealed and reciprocated its just the icing on the cake.
After a terrible accident Watson suffers from Amnesia and as always Holt is there for him no matter what but unfortunately Watts doesn't remember that they were ever together or the fall out the family had.
It's heartbreaking for them both in different ways but this is a story I won't forget and will stay with me.
There's a lot of hurt/ comfort, longing, plenty of steam, and the sweetest of moments.
This is one of my fav. book's from Sundae and its was also great to have cameos from the first two books as well as the Lying Tree which again is a fav and the guys from there come together nicely in Amnesia.
Although I don't know a great deal about racing cars etc, I didn't really need to. It was clear Sundae knows what she was talking about and is very passionate about the sport. I didn't feel clueless at any point and now find myself more intrigued by racing.
I can't recommend this book enough. My heart came up in my throat, hurt like hell, melted and was put back together. A truly heartwarming and emotional story.
Profile Image for Shannon Rugg.
224 reviews18 followers
February 6, 2023
Let me preface this by saying that I have never picked up a book by Sundae Leighton before, but after reading this book, I want to go through and read everything else she has written!! I loved this story; I found myself not being able to put it down. Watson and Holt, Watts and H, they had me completely enamored with them.

This book had allllll things I love—stepsiblings to lovers, MM, friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, and characters overcoming the shit that life has thrown at them. Also, an MM Nascar romance?! Hell. Yes. These boys were resilient and they way they stepped up for one another was so freaking heart warming!!

Watson experiences a traumatic brain injury due to a racing accident and life after that changes for him; including his relationship with Holt. The boys have to step back from the direction they were going prior to the accident because of the awful hand they have been dealt. I honestly do not always love the amnesia/memory loss trope/theme because most characters bounce back, there’s minimal fight to get back together, and things are just normal again a few chapters later. Sundae didn’t do that in this book. These boys had to fight for their happy ending, for any semblance of a life together. I won’t give more details because I refuse to spoil it! Sundae honestly gave us, what I would consider, a real life experience and recovery post injury. It was relatable and realistic, and you can definitely tell Sundae has done her research!!

This is a fast burn—these boys get together and their sex life is definitely NOT lacking!! I loved seeing Holt get bossy, I loved seeing the vulnerable side to Watson. Sundae immediately hooks you in with these boys—if you pick it up, don’t expect to put it down until you’re reading the very last page! All in all I am SO glad I signed up for the ARC of this book!! It checked all my boxes and I honestly will be recommending this one to everyone!!
February 11, 2023
Amnesia by Sundae Leighton is an emotional contemporary sports romance story. Holt and Watson are stepbrother and best friends. Holt is gay and has a crush on Watson. When Watson decides to race for NASCAR Holt follows. However after years go by Watson reciprocates those feelings realizing he is in love with Holt after Holt is hit by a car. Holt is terrified it won't last. Will Holt and Watson get their HEA or will Holts fears come true?
The characters in Amnesia pulled me into this emotional rollercoaster of a love story. Watts had golden retriever energy where once he realized his love for Holt, he only cared about pleasing him. Holt was vulnerable and utterly devoted to Watts. However when things happened to pull them apart it broke me as much as them. With as much love as these two expressed one couldn't help but desire a HEA for these two.
I rate Amnesia with 5 out of 5 starts. It has engaging characters and a plots that leaves you filled with uncertainty and anticipation. The story is filled with twists that leave readers ambivalent of their future. Despite being taboo, there was an innocence to their relationship that left me feeling secure that they deserved a HEA. This story is super steamy and will leave you with your toes curled and wanting more. If you like scorching hot, taboo, mm romances where twists conspire against true love this friends-to-lover story is a must read!
Profile Image for Erin Figueiredo.
3,026 reviews63 followers
February 14, 2023
WOW! That was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride that had me continually sobbing into my pillow. Watson and Holt are such sweet and adorable characters that they just instantly had me falling in love with them. But there story wasn’t an easy one as there was so much angst, heartache and pain woven into it that I wasn’t sure how much hurt my poor heart could take.

Holt and Watson have this incredible bond that was forged when they were teenagers and only grew stronger as they grew older. The amount of love they have as best friends and stepbrothers was extraordinary and could be felt in every heartfelt word or action either one of them takes to help or protect the other. When a kiss takes their relationship to a whole new level, my heart just soared for them. I wanted it to happen just as much as they did.

The emotional turmoil and anguish that is twisted into this story had my stomach in knots and my heart beating uncontrollably. All of the pain, anger, passion and love oozed off the pages and nearly killed me. And all of the sexual tension and explosive moments between Holt and Watson had my toes curling and my panties combusting. These two put out so much heat I thought my kindle would melt.

I absolutely adored this story. I was taken on one hell of a crazy emotional journey that I never wanted to end.

Truly a well written, beautiful and heartwarming love story!
Profile Image for Mich Mich.
216 reviews8 followers
February 5, 2023
This was an emotion packed read. My heart was broken but it was also put back together, even better than before. I couldn’t put this book down; I needed to know what happened next! It’s fast paced and heart stopping; much like a NASCAR race. I loved all the twists and turns in the plot; it had my emotions racing like they were at Watkins Glen International (that’s my last racing pun/reference for this review).

Holt and Watson are step brothers but more importantly the perfect best friends. Their friendship quickly grows into something more. The chemistry and spice between these two is delicious. They’re navigating the growing pains of their new relationship when everything changes. The title foreshadows what’s to come. It’s nerve racking and beautiful to watch them fall in love again. But then…another twist and turn.

This book is part of the Wide Open Series and is a standalone. It’s the first book I read in the series and will be going back to read the others.
Profile Image for Srishti Nair.
317 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2023
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review of Amnesia by Sundae Leighton

Amnesia is book 3 of Wide Open series, can be read as a standalone but more enjoyable if read in order. This book is an MM romance which includes step-brothers falling in love with each other.

Holt and Watson, the MMCs of Amnesia are step-brothers, but not only that, they are best friends as well. We usually see, step-brothers who hate each other, but this book is showing them as best friends as well, which is a such a good storyline already, oh to fall in love with your bestfriend. But something happens and somehow, Watson and Holt fall for each other.

Their first kiss was something straight out of novel, I mean, it was so hot (and adorable) to watch Watson get protective over Holt and then kissing him. Can you belive, or rather, would you believe me when I say that I HAD tears in my eyes? Because these two characters are in asuch a vulnerable state!

“You’re going to break me, Watson.” “You’re going to save me,” I promised him. - This is that one line which made me fall HARDER for this book!

THIS BOOK DID NOT DISAPPOINT ME AT ALL! The best parts of this book were the supporting characters and their opinions and how they looked out for each other! Watson and Holt's story needs to reach new platforms!
Profile Image for Emily.
312 reviews6 followers
February 6, 2023
This was my first book by Sundae Leighton and it was a successful read! Stepbrothers is my favorite trope and this is a good one!!

Watson and Holt, Watts and H, became stepbrothers at the age of 14 and have been best friends ever since. They are inseparable, with Watson even bringing Holt along as he starts his racing career, getting Holt a job as a tire carrier. They live and work together every day and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Holt is gay and has been in love with Watson for years. He would do anything for him. Watson is unaware of Holt’s attraction to him, but he couldn’t love Ht more. He relies on Holt to keep him centered and secure.

The story here is wonderful - there are moments and twists you won’t see coming. I kept finding myself surprised! The author keeps the story interesting and unpredictable which makes it hard to put down! I did not understand how the title of the book fit in at first it’s so twisty and great! 😄 Lots of emotion, lots of attraction, lots of open door scenes that are pretty scorching hot! I do wish Holt had been stronger and spoken up for himself - fight, boy!! 😩😓

4/5 stars and I recommend reading I’d you love stepbrothers falling for each other, hurt/comfort, and a lot of steam and emotion!
Profile Image for INeedABookBreak.
763 reviews30 followers
February 6, 2023
4.5/5 stars
I really enjoyed this MM angsty romance between a race car driver and the stepbrother, who has been pining for him since their teenage years.

Amnesia is the third book in the Wide Open series although it can be read as a standalone.

Holt and Watson were adorable, but they had to work really hard for their HEA. Watching them each fight for their forbidden love was heart wrenching in the best possible way. I was deep in my feelings for this book especially for my sweet baby Holt. I also loved how spicy this book was! Holt and Watson had amazing chemistry and that definitely showed during the spicy scenes.

I loved seeing characters from the author’s books show up, and I can’t wait to see what she releases next!
Profile Image for Anshul (stories.buddy).
663 reviews11 followers
February 6, 2023
Holt and Watson will leave you wanting more of their story and future. They are super cute boys who have matured into handsome men. Holt is the nerd who can follow Watson anywhere and is in love with his stepbrother i.e. Watson. Watson is this amazing racer who is unknown of his own feelings and of his brothers too but when he figures out then it’s all fireworks. The story is sweetly written and emotionally strained. True to its title Amnesia strikes and take away precious moments and feelings and leaves everyone heartbroken. The plot is interesting and I liked how confident Watson is about everything around him or his thoughts. In the end, everything gets sorted but the journey they both endure is a roller coaster one. You will be in for an emotional ride.
Profile Image for Colleen.
146 reviews6 followers
February 9, 2023
4.5 stars

Watson and Holt
Watts and H

These two 🥰

Holt has been in love with his stepbrother, Watson, for years. They're best friends, they do everything together. But Watson is clueless of Holt's love for him.

One day, out on the race track where they both work, an accident changes everything between them and what follows, I'd describe as a rollercoaster! Just when I thought it was HEA time, I was wrong. So much is thrown at them!

Some of the things they go through, the words that are shared and actions taken - both for and against each other - gave me the feels.
🥹🫠😍😭☹😃

Their connection is beautifully written. The love between them so evident. They are soulmates.

❤ Stepbrothers
❤ Second Chances
❤ NASCAR
Profile Image for Richelle Zirkle.
1,789 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2023
This was my first book by the author, but it won’t be my last. Watson and Holt were everything, and if this is NASCAR? I’ll take it! It felt like the parts about the sport blended effortlessly with the two men and their friendships with others and their developing relationship. This one wrung me out several times over. I’m not usually emotional over a read, but dang did it get me. I would read another entire book about how wholly they fought for each other, even when they didn’t realize the other was doing it.
Profile Image for Nerida.
144 reviews3 followers
February 1, 2023
I genuinely was not expecting this book to be this good. My husband loves NASCAR (it’s pretty much background noise in my house) and I was like, how do you even make NASCAR drivers sexy? I’ll tell you how… make them stepbrothers and make them have lots of filthy seggs 😈

Watson and Holt are positively swoon worthy 🫠 and I do think this mostly comes down to the high quality spice, but also you just know they’re soulmates. They’re that cute.

At first I was thinking that their romance was so fast paced… a lot happens in the first half that made me think it was a little TOO easy.

And then, I remembered that this book is literally called “Amnesia” 👀 aaaaaand then it completely turned upside down and I couldn’t stop. I smashed through the second half of this book so quickly; it was so addictive.

Get ready to have your heart broken, your soul crushed and your tissue box emptied.

Waffles are for winners ✌️✌️

I received an ARC for this book and these are my honest opinions.
Profile Image for KymReads33 .
291 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶🌶

The first half of this book is some delicious stepbrother smut 🤤🥵 Watson and Holt have been stepbrothers since they were 15 and Holt has been in love with Watts for years. Watson is a racecar driver and Holt has followed him his whole career. Watson begins to see Holt as more and they begin a relationship very quickly.  By the middle of the book, I thought for sure things were too good to be true....and enter heartbreak. 
The title of the book is amnesia after all. 
Watson gets into an accident and doesn't remember his relationship with Holt. It's painful and heartbreaking. 
I loved all of their friends rallying together and trying to help them work it out. Definitely a great group of people to have around. 
While there is a twinge of sadness, this is an otherwise cute smutty MM read. Definitely enjoyable. 
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