10 Things That Never Happened

## Novel by Alexis Hall

***10 Things That Never Happened*** (originally with the working title of ***The Amnesia Plot***) is a romantic comedy novel by British writer Alexis Hall. It serves as the first installment of the *Material World* series, where Hall initially called it "a standalone Christmassy amnesia romcom". It was released on 17 October 2023 by Sourcebooks Casablanca, set in the same universe of the *London Calling* series, where Jonathan Forest "is an old university friend of Luc's". The audiobook, narrated by Will Watt, was published through Dreamscape Media the same day.

## Synopsis

Fake amnesia. Real feelings? Real problems.

Sam Becker loves—or, okay, likes—his job. Sure, managing a bed and bath retailer isn't exactly glamorous, but it's good work and he gets on well with the band of misfits who keep the store running. He could see himself being content here for the long haul. Too bad, then, that the owner is an infuriating git.

Jonathan Forest should never have hired Sam. It was a sentimental decision, and Jonathan didn't get where he is by following his heart. Determined to set things right, Jonathan orders Sam down to London for a difficult talk…only for a panicking Sam to trip, bump his head, and maybe accidentally imply he doesn't remember anything?

Faking amnesia seemed like a good idea when Sam was afraid he was getting sacked, but now he has to deal with the reality of Jonathan's guilt—as well as the unsettling fact that his surly boss might have a softer side to him. There's an unexpected freedom in getting a second shot at a first impression…but as Sam and Jonathan grow closer, can Sam really bring himself to tell the truth, or will their future be built entirely on one impulsive lie?

## Background

On 13 April 2023, *Paste* magazine published an exclusive reveal of the artwork, alongside an excerpt of the first chapter. They mentioned, "Eagle-eyed readers may remember that Jonathan has a cameo in sequel *Husband Material*".

The cover art was done by Elizabeth Turner Stokes, where Hall noted, "illustration, design, & the little white streak in Jonathan's hair which is now my new obsession". He added details of it being between a "mega grump x (secretly damaged) sunshine", the "mega grump" having an "absolute goblin of a cat", and the ship names being Jam and Gollathan. He also stated that Luc and Oliver would *not* make an appearance.

## Plot

Sam Becker is a manager of bath and bedroom company Splashes & Snuggles of the Sheffield branch. The owner, Jonathan Forest, calls one day to indicate displeasure of them being "over budget and under target," and wants to meet him in person in Croydon the following day to show how it's properly done. When Sam shows up to shadow his boss, he witnesses Jonathan pitching a sale to a young couple, and steps in, believing it isn't convincing them. Afterwards, Jonathan gets cross when Sam continues the constructional criticism, enough for Jonathan to say Sam and his team are fired. Sam steps back and happens to trip, making the Nexa by MERLYN 8mm Sliding Door Enclosure fall down on top of him. Sam gets driven in an ambulance to the hospital, reported of having a severe concussion and possible memory loss. The doctor advises Jonathan to keep an eye on him.

Sam decides to pretend to have amnesia so Jonathan won't fire him or fellow employees. Jonathan drives Sam to his Croydon home, and later on Sam calls his friend and employee Claire to inform of him faking his amnesia. The two visit Sam's residence to retrieve his cat, Gollum, to take back to Croydon. As days pass, Sam meets Jonathan's large family, learning that his boss supports them financially.

Sam grows used to Jonathan's grumpy attitude, and the two occasionally banter and flirt. As the one month passes, the two grow closer and eventually kiss and become boyfriends. However, the story of Sam faking his amnesia gets out across the Splashes & Snuggles branches, where employee Brian tells a few people. Jonathan confronts Sam before walking away, hurt. Later on, Jonathan travels to Sheffield on Christmas day, wanting to be with Sam. They share a kiss.

## Chapter list

The 34 chapters are split into five parts, and includes an epilogue. All are written from Sam's point of view.

 Part Two: Going Home & Meeting the Boyfriend
 Part Three: Trimming the Tree & Facing the Past
 Part Four: Keeping My Head & Keeping My Heart
 Part Five: Coming Clean & Saying Goodbye

## Characters

* Samwise Eoin "Sam" Becker – 27 years old; manager of the Splashes & Snuggles Sheffield branch
* Jonathan Forest – owner of Splashes & Snuggles
* Amjad – an employee at Splashes & Snuggles
* Brian – customer advisor at Splashes & Snuggles
* Claire – assistant manager at Splashes & Snuggles
* Tiffany – assistant manager, hair and beauty consultant at Splashes & Snuggles
* Chel – former customer advisor at Splashes & Snuggles
* Liam – employee at Splashes & Snuggles Croydon branch
* Wendy Forest – Jonathan's mother
* Johnny – Wendy's brother and Jonathan's uncle
* Nana Pauline – Johnny's mother and Jonathan's grandmother
* Agnieszka – Jonathan's housekeeper
* Les – Jonathan's dad
* Nanny Barb – Wendy's mum
* Grandad Del – Wendy's dad
* Auntie Jack – lives next door to Barb and Del
* Barbara Jane "BJ" – Jonathan's sister
* Nana Pauline
* Dr Singh
* Grandad William – Sam's granddad

## References

1. ↑ Milas, Lacy (13 April 2023). "Exclusive Cover Reveal + Excerpt: Alexis Hall's *10 Things That Never Happened*". *Paste*. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023.
2. ↑ "Alexis Hall (@quicunquevult)". *Twitter*. April 14, 2023.
3. ↑ "Alexis Hall (@quicunquevult)". *Instagram*. 16 April 2023.

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