“Forgetting with You” is the debut novel from Robin Clairvaux—and what a strong debut it is. From start to finish, it’s a solid, satisfying romance and a great way to kick off a Sapphic writing career.
And once again… damn those redheads. They’re the death of many a good lesbian. This time it’s Jackie (the redhead), freshly dumped at the bar by her boyfriend, while Camryn sits a few stools away, sulking over a missed promotion. One drink leads to a lustful fling, and suddenly we’re in the middle of a Sapphic spiral mess of emotions.
You’ve got your classic tropes here: one-night to forever, gay-for-you, and toaster oven goodness. That's the recipe… You follow it, and it comes out good. What makes a classic trope great is what the author does with the characters.
And what Clairvaux builds around it is what makes this one shine. Where the book really stood out for me was in its representation. Camryn is Native American, a BIPOC lead we don’t often see enough of in Sapphic romance. Her culture isn’t just mentioned in passing; it’s woven into the story through family dynamics, museum references, and a sense of pride that doesn’t rely on wealth or perfection. She’s confident and knows how to hold her own, and that felt incredibly refreshing.
The writing is clean, thoughtful, and smart. It’s the kind of weekend read you race through, not because it’s light, but because it’s easy to fall into. And I’ll be honest: I found no real faults here. That’s rare for me. I’m a picky reader, but Clairvaux checked all the boxes without ever overplaying her hand.
A beautiful first novel. I’ll absolutely be keeping an eye on what she writes next.
BOOK SUMMARY
A simple night of forgetting. A connection that’s simply unforgettable.
Camryn Durant plays it safe. Since losing her heart to the wrong woman ten years ago, the shy graphic designer focuses on work and never takes risks. But when a chance meeting in a bar with a beautiful stranger turns into a night of reckless passion, Cam struggles to go back to her cautious habits, even though falling for a straight woman is bound to lead to emotional disaster.
Jackie Webster has no business questioning her sexuality. So why can’t the poised and predictable politician’s daughter stop thinking about the warm, adorable butch woman she hooked up with in an ill-advised moment of heartache? Getting closer to Cam means discovering herself in ways she never thought possible, but it can also mean losing her reputation, her relationship with her family, and the future she’s always wanted.
Each moment they spend together pushes them closer to an agonizing choice. Will they cling to security or reach for love?
Good review. I love it when I come across an amazing debut author's novel!