Remember When (The Remember Trilogy Book 1)

Remember When is a walk down memory lane for those who were teens in the late 80's early 90's. Back before cell phones, facebook and goodreads.

Layla has a crush on the new boy in town, Trip. He ends up sitting directly behind her in class and she immediately sets her sights on him.

If you are looking for a sweet romantic comedy than this book is for you.

Nothing new ever happens in the small town of Norman, New Jersey. Layla Warren has grown up with her classmates, and they know each other’s histories as if they were their own. But everything changes when Trip Wilmington moves to town. Gorgeous, funny and smirky, he sweeps Layla off of her feet. She is utterly and completely smitten. The two of them fall into step quickly, hanging out together and having private jokes – and even working a horrible job together at the video store. But everything is better when Trip is around, and though Layla wants their relationship to be something (a lot) more, it seems that is not in the cards.

Then Lisa has to give Layla the hard truth: Layla is pining after someone who obviously doesn’t feel the same way about her that she does about him. Lisa is worried that the fallout when Layla finally comes to terms with their non-status will be exactly the same as when Layla’s mom walked out. Layla realizes that Lisa is right; she can’t be the doormat, the girl dropping everything whenever Trip calls. But can she? Should she?

Brava, Ms. Torrest. You were able to construct a story that both ended and continued. And while I will say that I probably would have been more frustrated with the ending had I not known this was a trilogy, you did conclude enough of the story to make it satisfying. We all know from the description that this is an “early years” look at a now-famous actor; so I am assuming the remaining two volumes will cover the current-day part of his life at some point.

To be honest, there really isn’t a lot that goes on here. It’s very realistic in that aspect, but not in a dull and boring way. There are only a couple of things that didn’t make sense to me. First, Trip seems extremely interested in Layla, but I can’t figure out why, before her talk with Lisa about Trip’s ambivalence, he never does anything about it. That isn’t ever really explained. And the horrible thing that Layla overhears Trip’s dad saying about her mom? How would he know enough about her to say anything, much less that? Maybe we’ll find out later.

One of the underlying themes is Senior Year: Change is Upon Us. Anyone who has graduated from high school, especially, I assume, from a place where you’ve known the other students since kindergarten, knows it is so bittersweet. It is the last time that all of you will be together, and it will be the last time that you ever even see some of your friends that you’ve shared so much with. While you are so ready to move on to the next phase of your life, it can be scary, sad and exhilarating all at the same time. Prevalent throughout the story, this makes Layla and Trip’s relationship that much more poignant. It’s a strange time where you know everything is about to change, and you embrace it and dread it in equal measures.

I am going to have to read the sequel for sure.

Remember When by T. Torrest was published January 1, 2013 by CreateSpace. I got this for free.

Rating: 3

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Fiction Romance Series
Ages: 13 and up

Really good book! Very funny! I loved taking a trip back to the 80s and high school. I've been thinking about my high school friends and my first love and first time since finishing this book. I can't wait to read the next one!

Wow! This book was a great, unexpected surprise. LOVED how this story took a whole book to explain the beginning of these two. I loved Trip & Kayla. For someone who graduated in 1990, the story was a great trip down memory lane. Such a sweet story that had me in tears at the end with Trip's letter. Ready for Book 2.

Beautiful and realistic. I'm in love with the trilogy. It's sexy and touchy at the same time. It talks about love and friendship. Although it tells the story of two teenagers(the first book), it's not a story about teens getting drunk, and the bad boy turning into a gentleman because of love. And, thankfully, they have their dramas, just like the rest of us, but it's not like they are traumatized and scarred in a bad way by everything. They enjoy life and deal with their problems in a very relistic way. I'm so tired of the old storyline about people who are damaged, troubled and have a lot of baggage ...I can't tell enough how much I loved reading this trilogy. I fell like starting all over again.

Found this just breezing thru the book lists - pulled in by the references to growing up in NJ. So happy I did! T. Torrest's writing style pulled me right into the story, seeing bits and pieces of memories from high school. Back when we didn't have text messages or emails and passed notes back and forth on loose leaf. The author develops the characters and their friendships with ease, and I was rooting for Layla right from the start. I had a hard time putting the book down, but managed to read it over 2 days, and then re-read two favorite parts. The teaser of part 2 has me pulled in and I can't wait to get part 2 on my Kindle in June to see how Layla and Trip have changed over the ten years since their last parting.

She is smart, beautiful and vulnerable and a member of the popular group at school. He is the new guy at school in their senior class who just happens to be scrumptious, witty and the son of a billionaire hotel builder. Of course, they share classes and fall in love. Then she goes off to college and a successful career and he becomes a famous movie star.

She is smart, beautiful and vulnerable and a member of the popular group at school. He is the new guy at school in their senior class who just happens to be scrumptious, witty and the son of a billionaire hotel builder. Of course, they share classes and fall in love. Then she goes off to college and a successful career and he becomes a famous movie star.

I have spent five glorious hours reading this marvelous book, blissfully ignoring my boyfriend. Maybe I'm being a bit presumptuous saying that Remember When is a classic. I absolutely adore this book. If you are contemplating on reading don't! T. Torrest put feeling into this book and it shows, it has enough humor, romance, drama, and sadness to keep you entertained. You won't want to put it down. You become captivated, T. Torrest hides nothing in this book I loved every single bit.

"Nothing to hide
Nothing to hide? Okay fine.
Here it is.
I could be in love with you.
I'll write it again.
I really think I could be in love with you."

Very nicely written YA romance. A great depiction of Catholic school in the suburbs of NJ in the late eighties/early nineties. Love the references to pop culture, music etc. Absolutely loved Trip and the secondary characters. Not entirely sure why Layla made some of the decisions she did but the author did a wonderful job describing the trial and tribulations of teenagers as they are about to go to college to start the life they have desired for the four years of high school.

This was really so good that I got butterflies in my stomach every time Trip talked to Layla. It didn't hurt that I also loved the 90s references. The whole idea of relationships in high school, and being afraid to label them, and just "hanging" as friends was very relatable. There may not be a "cliffhanger" at the end, but I won't be able to sleep until I start book 2.

I just finished the Remember When Trilogy this morning at 2:15 AM. I seriously have no words for how much I loved these books. I am a total sucker for a 2nd chance romance but then when you throw in fantastic 80's references, well it's all over. I've actually had this series on my kindle for quite some time and just based on the small blurb that I initially read, I knew that I would love them. I really didn't want their story to end. The writing was wonderful and oh did it bring back some memories. I really just want to savor the feelings that I have for these books for just a little while longer.

Five stars for T. Torrest for such outstanding work! I'm blown away! It's rare that I would get so consumed in a book that I can feel myself actually there watching everything happening like an outsider looking in. I'm so happy I found this book because it has been a long time since I've been so amazed by words on my kindle screen...words that came to life and engulfed me into that other dimension.

Nicholas Sparks better watch out for T. Torrest because she is on fire! I truly enjoyed this teenage love story because it's so real that anyone can relate to it. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good read. Especially to the eighties kids that are in for a s*** load of nostalgia. Highly impressed. Now it's time for me to read part two!

I really had little expectation for this book as I think I swiped it for free a few weeks ago. I had noticed and considered it several times but for one reason or another, passed it by. Well, I loved it. Kind of slow start but it was a really cute book. Might be in part due to 1991 being pretty close to my HS years as well but the 90's references were adorable and it was really just a cute story and had me laughing and crying. Again, I loved it.

In the first installment of this series, we meet Layla and her first love, "Trip" Wiley. We follow her from high school to her career days. She meets a new hot transfer student who goes on to become a mega movie star. I have to say I loved this book- the sarcasm and the wit- the humor and the story. I highly recommend this one! I couldn't wait for each of The next ones to come out- I literally waited by while they downloaded.

I graduated high school in 1989 and this book was so awesome to read. I had it on my wish list for a long time but now I don't know why I waited so long. However, this way I can read all 3 without waiting.

Trip and Layla were so relatable to me - neither one wanting to open up about their feelings in case the other didn't feel the same way. Oh to be young and stupid again.

Love, Love, Love all the 80's stuff!

I was hesitant to read this book because it talks about high school love but the first few chapters were so funny I had yo keep reading. This story had me laughing and crying, often within the same chapter! Layla and Trip are super cute together and their story is one of young love. Enjoy it!

I loved this book!!!!
I just finished it today and I'm going thru with drawls already. I want more Trip and Layla. (Even though this was set in a high school time frame and I'm well into my, umm.... late 20's, yeah that's my age :) I'll just say it kept me reading. It brought back memories of my high school days.) I can't wait for the next book to come out, I have to know what happens with these two. Great job to the Author!! I'll be waiting for the next book to come out!!!

I really liked this story it's realistic, funny and a great read. The story itself was really good but I felt if there was ever another persons pov needed it was in this book. I loved trip but we don't really know much about him, it's hard to totally commit to his character. I am glad I don't have to wait for the next book, hoping it will show more of trips life and answer some questions that I have from Layla's life also.

What a refreshing read that was both entertaining and heartwarming compared to the contemporary romances I have been reading lately. I loved most everything about this story. Trip and Layla's story was well written and developed and set up the sequel perfectly. If you are looking for something a little different than the cookie cutter new adult/contemporary romances out there lately, this is your book. You will not be disappointed.

I loved this sweet light hearted read. it took me back to all the feelings and emotions of a teenage girl falling in love. My favorite part was all the 90's references. T.Torrest did a great job of creating characters that you won't forget. Looking forward to reading the next one.

I just completed this book, and was very impressed. It was wonderful! It's a sweet, believable, heart wrenching love story that keeps you intrigued. As soon as I finished it I wanted to go buy the next one in the series. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys romantic literature.

This book was one of best finds. The only problem is its a trilogy and the third one is not yet released. This book totally sucked me in and made me remember how silly we can be in high school. I totally loved the characters and they were so realistic with there misunderstandings and fights. I even loved the best friend conflict. It really brought home the concept of senior year being so exciting yet sad due to changes and loss at same time.

Omg I was hooked the whole way through this book. The love between friends the comedy of it all. The songs that I had to hear. I was completely and utterly amazed that I found this book series. Trip and laylas friendship is so amazing. I loved how they have grown. There connection for one another. I know what it is like moving away from your best friend. I can relate to the characters in this book. That was why I couldn't put it down. Thanks for this now I have to buy the rest of them.

I really can't say enough positives about this book. I stayed up until 230 to finish it, and then was bummed that I didn't have the foresight to buy the second in the series before and there I was stuck without internet. Needless to say I came to the internet cafe brought and early to get the second in the series and I can't wait to read it. I hope it doesn't let me down, because the first book really is going to be hard to top...but reviews sounds like she did it, so I'm excited! If you're on the fence about buying this book, I PROMISE it will not disappoint. I laughed out loud, I smiled, yes, I even cried.

I just couldn't stop reliving the moments in this book. Funny, how the silliest things from that era are the most memorable. Great way to bring the story of this couple to life. I loved how well the author didn't just create a couple she creates and entire clique of people who are all vital parts of the senior year experience. Good book, now on to number 2.

I purchased this book based on some reviews I had read, and the book exceeded my expectations. I could barely put it down, and then I had to purchase/read the second book right away. I felt that Ms. Torrest created characters that are easy for her readers to connect with and like. She has a fluid and engaging writing style, and Layla's (the main character and narrator) personality shines through the pages. I cannot wait for the 3rd book to come out - I think I migth even take the day off of work so I can read it in one sitting without interruption! I look forward to more books from Ms. Torrest!

I got this book, for free, for some summer reading. Having read over the reviews, both good and bad, I was expecting enjoyable, quick and predictable. While it is all of that, it is so much more. I'm 28 but this book had me believing I was 17 again, easily reliving the beauty of Senior year. I enjoyed living life with Layla, Trip, Lisa and Cooper. But what I loved most was the poignant descriptions of the hard parts of life - high school life, specifically. While everything was still predictable, it was beautifully written and portrayed, drawing me in without even noticing! I thought I would have no intention of reading the second but now, I REALLY want to see this thing play out!

I really loved Layla and Trip’s story! The whole book is told from Layla’s POV. It takes place in 1990-91 during their senior year of high school. The prologue takes place years in the future, and we are told that Trip is now a famous actor. This first book is sort of just Layla reminiscing about her friendship with a teenage Trip.

“Trip and I met when we were teenagers, way back before anyone, himself included, could even dream he’d turn into the Hollywood commodity that he is today.”

I love when a book can put a smile on my face, and leave me smiling the entire time. The story sucked me in from the start and I couldn’t put it down. And lucky for me all three books are out so I don’t have to wait to dive into the next book!

“Be happy. Wherever you wind up. And know that I’ll be thinking of you, wherever I am.”

The first editorial review on this book's page is perfect. I laughed, I cried, I got angry. I love this trilogy. I got the first book free and as soon as I read the last page I went to the store on my Kindle and ordered the next two. I couldn't wait. I did not want this series to end.