A review by cakt1991
Awakened by the CEO's Kiss by Therese Beharrie

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

 I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own. 

Awakened by the CEO’s Kiss is a sweet romance from Therese Beharrie. I was a bit unsure about the amnesia trope, but I really liked the original take on it, exploring how it’s rooted in psychological trauma, and how memory is linked (or not) with our choices as to who we become as people. 

The exploration of Brooke’s past pain as the story unfolded was really well done, and while it can be hard to do tougher topics justice in category or novella length works, I think Beharrie does so here. 

The idea of a CEO playing housekeeper is a bit gimmicky, but I really respect that it’s related to Tyler’s “family-first” mentality, as he’s covering for his sister. And even though Brooke doesn’t remember meeting him, he remembers her, and in spite of initial awkwardness between them, Brooke is able to open up again. The romance is really quiet and while not lacking in issues they need to work through, it’s more generally sweet than melodramatic, to contrast with the darkness in their pasts. 

This is a beautiful, heartwarming romance, and is perfect for anyone looking for a sweet, cozy, romantic  read.