In Do I Know You? by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka, A week-long getaway to a 
private resort in picturesque Northern California would seem like a dream to most couples. But not for Graham and Eliza. The trip, given to them as a fifth anniversary gift, while thoughtful, makes them both panic. What will they talk about on the seven-hour car ride? What will they do when they get to the resort? And how will it not end in catastrophe? Because as in tune with each other as Eliza and Graham once were, there’s now distance and little communication filling their days and nights.
‘I don’t know how to fix this. Not just this conversation–this. This quiet expanse we’re wading through, together but separate.’
Their first night at the resort already finds Graham and Eliza at odds. Well, until a fellow guest at the bar tries to match them up together, not realizing they’re married. For some reason, neither of them corrects David. Instead, they play along with the ruse. And both Eliza and Graham are shocked to realize it’s the first time they’ve relaxed around each other–and had fun–in what feels like forever. So why not keep up the pretense during their stay and see if it can light a spark in their relationship, right? But to make it all work in the long run, Graham and Eliza will also have to sort through their own personal problems. Something they’ve avoided for way too long.
‘Having fun for a week pretending we’re getting to know each other is fine, but what happens when vacation ends? When we have to return to our real lives without having solved any of our issues?’
While Do I Know You? was quite a bumpy ride for its main characters, it proved to be an absolute joy to read. The incredible depth of gritty, honest feelings and truths that led to the rekindling of their sweet romance was tender, beautiful, and achingly heartfelt.
‘I will never give up. Our marriage will change over the years, but I will always remember this–there’s a way back. We just have to be brave enough to find it.’
I haven’t read a whole lot of “marriage in trouble” romances, but much like the few I have before, Do I Know You? was every bit as intense, emotional (as one would expect), and memorable. Married author duo Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka truly did a fantastic job with Eliza and Graham’s journey back to each other. These relatable characters were realistically flawed. As was their marriage. And it turned out to be an emotional roller coaster ride watching them start off basically unable to communicate–with their protective walls built high–to then slowly remembering what it was that drew them together in the first place.
I loved the progression Graham and Eliza went through. It could get frustrating at times. But it was all part of them finding themselves again so they would be able to be an active part of their marriage moving forward. Using a form of roleplaying was an ingenious idea. One that meant there were some awkward moments between Eliza and Graham here and there but overall, it was them learning to be playful again with each other while rebuilding the passion that had faded a bit over their five years of marriage.
The inclusion of another guest at the hotel, David, and how he played some pivotal roles in Graham and Eliza’s quest was really interesting. At first, I wasn’t sure if David might detract from the story or even feel unnecessary. But he was actually a buffer between the couple, becoming a good friend to Graham, helping to steer him back on course when he got too in his own head about his marital problems. Plus, David was definitely entertainment value, bringing some lightheartedness to the storyline that hopefully will make readers smile as much as I did.
QOTD: Have you ready any “marriage in trouble” type romances? Any recommendations?
Book Info:
Publication: January 24th 2023 | Berkley |
When a couple starts to feel like they’re married to a stranger, a flirtatious game of pretend becomes the spark they need to reignite their relationship.
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?
Amy Donahue
This sounds good. I’m sure I must have read this genre at some point in my long reading life but I can’t think of any examples offhand.
Michele H
It’s a really interesting trope but not a widely used one for some reason. Hopefully you enjoy this one if you check it out, Amy! 🙂
Banana cake
I don’t think I would enjoy this.
Michele H
Completely understandable! Not every trope is every reader’s cup of tea. 😉
Sharlene Wegner
Hi, I read another book by these authors, The Roughest Draft, and that was really good! The Bromance Book Club was a great marriage in trouble romance. Funny, too! The Road to Christmas by Sheila Roberts.
Michele H
Nice! Glad you enjoyed The Roughest Draft by this duo, Sharlene! Yes, The Bromance Book Club was absolutely a wonderful romance with lots of humor sprinkled in. We loved that one, too! Ohhh…you can’t go wrong with a Sheila Roberts Christmas book. I still need to get to that one. 🙂
Sharlene Wegner
I read another book by this couple, The Roughest Draft, and it was really good. The Road to Christmas and The Bromance Book Club were good marriage in trouble books.
Latesha B.
Can’t think of any marriage in trouble stories offhand, but this one sounds really good. Will have to look into reading it.
Michele H
It’s definitely worth reading, Latesha! This author duo did such a great job with giving us readers ALL the emotions, plus lots of laughs along the way. Happy reading to you!! 🙂
Mary C
I have read stories about marriages in trouble, but they generally feature couples with teen-age children.
Michele H
Right? There’s usually some kind of family issues going on or a health crisis. This was unique in that there were no children or a shocking health issue. It was just a couple who lost their way, which I think will be so very relatable for a lot of readers. Enjoy, Mary!
bn100
cute cover
Michele H
It definitely is! This author duo has had some great cover art for their books 🙂
Amy R
Thanks for the review.
Michele H
Thanks for reading it, Amy!! 🙂
Patricia B.
Of course I’ve been married much longer than 5 yers, but can still relate to their problem. Early on in a marriage, especially if there are children, you are so busy getting everything done you can forget about working on the relationship. Now we rarely have the radio on when we travel and have wonderful conversations. In a busy life, we forget how important taking the time to be together and just talk is.
Michele H
Truer words, Patricia! No matter how long a couple has been together, it can be all too easy to focus on day-to-day stuff and let the relationship go on autopilot. That’s why I think this particular story will really resonate with readers. Plus it was just so well written that it’s hard to put down! lol Happy reading to you!!
Patricia B.
Sometime we get so busy being married, we forget it takes work to keep a marriage healthy. We have been married much longer than this couple and still work on it. We find we rarely turn the radio on when traveling. We spend most of the time just talking, something so many of us do not take the time to do.
Ellen C.
Not one of my favorite tropes, but it looks interesting.