If you’re a fan of romance stories about falling back in love – this is a must read. Do I Know You? is an unconventional one if you’re looking for a stranger meet cute, but it feels authentic and thrilling in the same way. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Eliza and Graham are anticipating an anything-but-sexy, weeklong getaway to celebrate their five-year anniversary. Nestled on the Northern California coastline, the resort prides itself on being a destination for those in love and those looking to find it. For Eliza and Graham, it might as well be a vacation with a roommate.
When a well-meaning guest mistakes Eliza and Graham for being single and introduces them at the hotel bar, they don’t correct him. Suddenly, they’re pretending to be perfect strangers and it’s unexpectedly…fun? Eliza and Graham find themselves flirting like it’s their first date, and waiting with butterflies in their stomach for the other to text back.
Everyone at the retreat can sense the electric chemistry between Eliza and Graham’s alter egos. But when their scintillating game of roleplaying ends, will they still feel the heat?
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Told in dual perspective, Do I Know You? is a story about romance. About the fact that just being a relationship doesn’t end the wooing, the swooning, the flirting. We can sink into a mode of complacency. Of thinking “I’m done now right?” But that isn’t right. As humans, we are always changing, our wants, desires, and dreams. And part of being in a long term relationship with anyone, involves evolving with someone. Consistently getting to know this new person.
Do I Know You? is a testament to that. To the distance between them. The ways in which the things we never say builds up. All the almost, could have been, and wish I’d say, amount to a landslide. To wondering if we’ve missed the chance completely. Do I Know You? is about the joys of getting to know someone again. That curiosity and ease you can have with a total stranger. With the mystery of who these new personas are, Eliza and Graham discover the ability to be messy. To pretend. It gives us courage and safety.
But can this last beyond the vacation? We can’t re-write our realities, the very real conversations we’re putting off, but how do we bring our pretend into reality? Hiding in plain sight is never the answer. The various performances we put on throughout our lives and even to the ones we love the most. What I loved about Do I Know You? are the real insecurities and fears both Eliza and Graham have. To constantly wonder if we’re good enough for someone.
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And to realize that part of love is to confront the hard conversations. The ones we don’t want to have, but the ones that spur us into growth. That show us that we can’t keep cruising. Do I Know You? is a story that will charm and thrill. That will make you think about why partners stay together. Find Do I Know You? on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org, & The Book Depository.