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Remember My Name: An M/M Romance
524 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 23, 2026
I have so many issues with this book, I don’t even know where to start. This read like a rough draft. A really rough draft. So many errors with dates and time left me confused and having to reread. For example, when Ivan was 16 he told his foster mom he’d been looking for Jay for 7 years. It had only been 4 at that point. They mention growing up together but were only together for 6 months? There was also a questionable description of male anatomy that I don’t think the author quite understood. The writing was also SO REPETITIVE. Honestly, this book could have been cut in half if it was just edited properly.
April 7, 2026
Beautiful book, although I have some questions. And there were some annoying inconsistencies. So they meet when they’re 12 and 14, and get split up pretty soon. And they look for each other forever and have all the important details. It’s the time of social media. Why on earth can’t they find each other? I get that they didn’t have phones. But why didn’t they have some sort of social media presence, at least when they were 18?
I know that would have ruined their second meetup, but seriously, this was a bit ridiculous. They even mentioned looking on social media. And somehow they both didn’t think to ever make an account?
Then the inconsistencies: how long has Ivan lived with Rosalyn? The age of his new siblings keeps changing. And why doesn’t Michael have a role? That was a bit weird too.
So that were the lesser points. The rest of the book was the best! I cried at least 10 times, sometimes even out loud 😳😂 As a former kid with foster siblings (that were treated as our own) I understand a lot about their trauma. And in this book it has been portrayed very authentic I think.
Will reread and definitely recommend. This author is amazing! Hope she writes a lot more.
I know that would have ruined their second meetup, but seriously, this was a bit ridiculous. They even mentioned looking on social media. And somehow they both didn’t think to ever make an account?
Then the inconsistencies: how long has Ivan lived with Rosalyn? The age of his new siblings keeps changing. And why doesn’t Michael have a role? That was a bit weird too.
So that were the lesser points. The rest of the book was the best! I cried at least 10 times, sometimes even out loud 😳😂 As a former kid with foster siblings (that were treated as our own) I understand a lot about their trauma. And in this book it has been portrayed very authentic I think.
Will reread and definitely recommend. This author is amazing! Hope she writes a lot more.
March 11, 2026
If I read "Big" or "Fat" cock one more time in this book, I'm gonna jump off a BIG FAT building.
2 stars for the emotional damage I got in the first half, but I really couldn't finish it.
I wanted to love it, I wanted to feel the pain these two have suffered from, but they run in circles, then they fuck with dirty talk that makes no sense for two VIRGINS or barely not virgins anymore (in my head it doesnt...it's just so over the top, like in porn...)
The story itself was intriguing for me to WANT to read it so badly, but the smut just threw me off so hard I cannot...for now...finish this book.
I really hope this book finds a re-edit... I wan't to know whats gonna happen, but I just cannot oversee all the timing issues, the weird sextalk issues, the characters who flipflop with personality issues.
I love myself a good starcrossed lovers with hurt/comfort....and lots of angst, and swordfighting... I'm so...gutted I didn't love this.
Soft DNF at 57%.
2 stars for the emotional damage I got in the first half, but I really couldn't finish it.
I wanted to love it, I wanted to feel the pain these two have suffered from, but they run in circles, then they fuck with dirty talk that makes no sense for two VIRGINS or barely not virgins anymore (in my head it doesnt...it's just so over the top, like in porn...)
The story itself was intriguing for me to WANT to read it so badly, but the smut just threw me off so hard I cannot...for now...finish this book.
I really hope this book finds a re-edit... I wan't to know whats gonna happen, but I just cannot oversee all the timing issues, the weird sextalk issues, the characters who flipflop with personality issues.
I love myself a good starcrossed lovers with hurt/comfort....and lots of angst, and swordfighting... I'm so...gutted I didn't love this.
Soft DNF at 57%.
March 29, 2026
”You're not broken. You're hurt. There's a difference."
I really wanted to love this since based on the blurb, the book should have been right up my alley (foster brothers, broken boys, hurt & comfort, years apart and then finding each other again), but overall it didn't live up to my expectations.
I liked many things about this. We get a good amount of content from the time they were in foster home when they were young. The book also gave a brief overview of what happened between the time they were separated and when they found each other again.
I also liked both MMCs and the author writes about them in such a way that I am able to form a connection to them. I liked the change in their relationship dynamics, how Jay supported them when they were young and how Ivan was able to give him the same support when they were older.
What affected my reading experience was that this was a little tedious at times. It felt like they were having the same conversation over and over again and same things were repeated. It's wonderful that they communicate about things, but in this case, there was sometimes too much talking which often didn't bring up anything new.
Also, not that these boys didn't suffer enough already, but there could have been more drama or conflict there, perhaps something more related to Jay's problems.
Another thing was that spice didn't work for me. Both were around 20 years old, virgins, never done anything with anyone. However, as soon as they started having sex, they jumped right into dirty talking and both did it in the same way. The dialogue didn’t feel natural in their situation and kind of threw me off in those scenes.
For a debut, this isn't too bad, and I would read other books from the author in the future.
Read 02/2026
_________________
I dream about a kid with a garbage bag, standing in a doorway, looking at me with those terrified eyes like I'm the only thing left in the world that might not hurt him. In the dream, I don't let him down. In the dream, I keep him safe. I wish it were more than just a dream.
”I will not let you fall any further. I will not let you drown. I will pull you out of this darkness even if I have to drag you kicking and screaming.”
”I never could have given up. You're part of me. You always have been. I couldn't stop looking for you any more than I could stop breathing."
"You don't even know, do you? You don't know how much you saved me. Not just from Henderson, from everything. You gave me a template for what kindness looks like. What safety feels like. What love looks like. I've been chasing that same feeling my whole life. That feeling of being held by you in the dark."
I really wanted to love this since based on the blurb, the book should have been right up my alley (foster brothers, broken boys, hurt & comfort, years apart and then finding each other again), but overall it didn't live up to my expectations.
I liked many things about this. We get a good amount of content from the time they were in foster home when they were young. The book also gave a brief overview of what happened between the time they were separated and when they found each other again.
I also liked both MMCs and the author writes about them in such a way that I am able to form a connection to them. I liked the change in their relationship dynamics, how Jay supported them when they were young and how Ivan was able to give him the same support when they were older.
What affected my reading experience was that this was a little tedious at times. It felt like they were having the same conversation over and over again and same things were repeated. It's wonderful that they communicate about things, but in this case, there was sometimes too much talking which often didn't bring up anything new.
Also, not that these boys didn't suffer enough already, but there could have been more drama or conflict there, perhaps something more related to Jay's problems.
Another thing was that spice didn't work for me. Both were around 20 years old, virgins, never done anything with anyone. However, as soon as they started having sex, they jumped right into dirty talking and both did it in the same way. The dialogue didn’t feel natural in their situation and kind of threw me off in those scenes.
For a debut, this isn't too bad, and I would read other books from the author in the future.
Read 02/2026
_________________
I dream about a kid with a garbage bag, standing in a doorway, looking at me with those terrified eyes like I'm the only thing left in the world that might not hurt him. In the dream, I don't let him down. In the dream, I keep him safe. I wish it were more than just a dream.
”I will not let you fall any further. I will not let you drown. I will pull you out of this darkness even if I have to drag you kicking and screaming.”
”I never could have given up. You're part of me. You always have been. I couldn't stop looking for you any more than I could stop breathing."
"You don't even know, do you? You don't know how much you saved me. Not just from Henderson, from everything. You gave me a template for what kindness looks like. What safety feels like. What love looks like. I've been chasing that same feeling my whole life. That feeling of being held by you in the dark."
January 28, 2026
This book was truly an amazing read. This appears to be the authors first book and what a place to start.
The story of Jay and Ivan is heartbreaking and raw, but its filled with love and hope and fighting for each other.
I cannot reccomend this book enough.
It will stick with me for a long time.
The story of Jay and Ivan is heartbreaking and raw, but its filled with love and hope and fighting for each other.
I cannot reccomend this book enough.
It will stick with me for a long time.
March 24, 2026
This book is a perfect example of how potential can be undermined by execution. The emotional core of this book is undeniably powerful. The story elicited such a visceral response in me, the beginning to the MCs reunion especially was very emotional. Someone order me an EKG because my heart! I absolutely broke for Jay. It was all I could do to keep it together. Any book that can provoke that kind of response I’m inclined to rate higher. However, what could have been a standout debut suffered from a clear lack of editing.
For context, I am willing to overlook some issues, I understand that even professionally edited books go to market with a few errors, that’s just how it goes. However, the number of mistakes, grammar issues, narrative inconsistencies, and excessive repetition, eventually became too noticeable and pulled me out of the story. The lack of editorial tightening made the book longer than it needed to be. With better developmental cohesion and some willingness to “kill a few darlings,” this could have been a high four or five-star read. As it stands, it lands at a three. I do think the author has potential, and I’d likely pick up their next book. But I’m begging, hire an editor.
The positives: Overall, I enjoyed the story and really liked both main characters. They came across as real people and I felt for them every step of the way. Their bond and what they meant to each other was undeniably special and I was rooting for them the whole time. I especially appreciated the role reversal in their adult lives. Jay, who was the older, bigger, and protective figure in their childhood, is the one who struggles more in adulthood. I also liked the nuanced portrayal of trauma. Too often, trauma and recovery are depicted in a flat, one-dimensional way, even problematic way, but here we see two people who experienced many of the same traumatic events yet process and cope with them very differently. Their contrasting coping mechanisms and how the lingering effects of trauma for each of them presented added realism to the story, and I commend the author for that.
Now the issues: The book contains numerous grammatical errors and developmental oversights that led to an abundance of narrative inconsistencies where details are established and later contradicted or presented as new information. The pacing, particularly after their reunion, was a bit off. Some elements dragged while others that I thought deserved more attention and development were rushed.
The repetition, oh my goodness gracious, the repetition. Far too many conversations were repeated without any variation or new details sometimes within pages of each other. I’d have to go back and make sure I’d actually advanced the page and hadn’t just gotten lost and re-read the same part. It became tedious. I think a solid 100 pages could have been cut by eliminating the repetitious scenes alone.
The spicy scenes were fine I suppose, nothing inspiring, they felt pretty formulaic and mechanical, without any personalization to their dynamic.
This book had a worthwhile foundation and compelling characters, but the lack of editing and narrative issues ultimately held it back from being truly exceptional. With more streamlined storytelling, the author could produce something outstanding in the future.
For context, I am willing to overlook some issues, I understand that even professionally edited books go to market with a few errors, that’s just how it goes. However, the number of mistakes, grammar issues, narrative inconsistencies, and excessive repetition, eventually became too noticeable and pulled me out of the story. The lack of editorial tightening made the book longer than it needed to be. With better developmental cohesion and some willingness to “kill a few darlings,” this could have been a high four or five-star read. As it stands, it lands at a three. I do think the author has potential, and I’d likely pick up their next book. But I’m begging, hire an editor.
The positives: Overall, I enjoyed the story and really liked both main characters. They came across as real people and I felt for them every step of the way. Their bond and what they meant to each other was undeniably special and I was rooting for them the whole time. I especially appreciated the role reversal in their adult lives. Jay, who was the older, bigger, and protective figure in their childhood, is the one who struggles more in adulthood. I also liked the nuanced portrayal of trauma. Too often, trauma and recovery are depicted in a flat, one-dimensional way, even problematic way, but here we see two people who experienced many of the same traumatic events yet process and cope with them very differently. Their contrasting coping mechanisms and how the lingering effects of trauma for each of them presented added realism to the story, and I commend the author for that.
Now the issues: The book contains numerous grammatical errors and developmental oversights that led to an abundance of narrative inconsistencies where details are established and later contradicted or presented as new information. The pacing, particularly after their reunion, was a bit off. Some elements dragged while others that I thought deserved more attention and development were rushed.
The repetition, oh my goodness gracious, the repetition. Far too many conversations were repeated without any variation or new details sometimes within pages of each other. I’d have to go back and make sure I’d actually advanced the page and hadn’t just gotten lost and re-read the same part. It became tedious. I think a solid 100 pages could have been cut by eliminating the repetitious scenes alone.
The spicy scenes were fine I suppose, nothing inspiring, they felt pretty formulaic and mechanical, without any personalization to their dynamic.
This book had a worthwhile foundation and compelling characters, but the lack of editing and narrative issues ultimately held it back from being truly exceptional. With more streamlined storytelling, the author could produce something outstanding in the future.
March 4, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ So I enjoyed the story on this one but it definitely had its challenges.
Hearing about how they found each other then were torn apart, only to be back together was very heart-breaking and beautiful.
However, I do feel like, in real life, the adults would have done more. I have experience with social work and foster care and this story didn’t align with what I know. But, that being said, my experience is not everyone’s. But the Hendersons not getting arrested is so unlikely. And they would have completed examinations on both of the children when removing them from the home.
Some challenges for me in this book had to do with the length, for one. It was in desperate need of editing. Someone to go through and cut out some parts. I felt like the author was trying to reach a specific word count or something. It was just soooo long. Mannnyyyyyy repeated thoughts and dialogue. It got so tedious. Also the dialogue itself wasn’t always realistic. I thought to myself multiple times, who would actually say this? And the dirty talk was so extra lol. Like using descriptors during dirty talk that were more author-describing words rather than something someone would say. It’s hard to word what I mean lol.
There were also some consistency errors. Like the first weekend together was 3 days long? Lol Saturday happened twice. And just other inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story.
Also ugh! I feel like it was such a wasted opportunity for Ivan to not show Jay the note he kept from him for years and got laminated. Why didn’t that get mentioned?!
The honeymoon was cute. The wedding was okayyy.
I dunno. This one just didn’t hit.
Hearing about how they found each other then were torn apart, only to be back together was very heart-breaking and beautiful.
However, I do feel like, in real life, the adults would have done more. I have experience with social work and foster care and this story didn’t align with what I know. But, that being said, my experience is not everyone’s. But the Hendersons not getting arrested is so unlikely. And they would have completed examinations on both of the children when removing them from the home.
Some challenges for me in this book had to do with the length, for one. It was in desperate need of editing. Someone to go through and cut out some parts. I felt like the author was trying to reach a specific word count or something. It was just soooo long. Mannnyyyyyy repeated thoughts and dialogue. It got so tedious. Also the dialogue itself wasn’t always realistic. I thought to myself multiple times, who would actually say this? And the dirty talk was so extra lol. Like using descriptors during dirty talk that were more author-describing words rather than something someone would say. It’s hard to word what I mean lol.
There were also some consistency errors. Like the first weekend together was 3 days long? Lol Saturday happened twice. And just other inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story.
Also ugh! I feel like it was such a wasted opportunity for Ivan to not show Jay the note he kept from him for years and got laminated. Why didn’t that get mentioned?!
The honeymoon was cute. The wedding was okayyy.
I dunno. This one just didn’t hit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2026
This book had the potential to be spectacular but I was instead brought out of the story by the constant small inconsistencies in the story itself. This book needs an editor. It needs several editors.
Also, the sex made ZERO sense. Two blushing virgins with ZERO experience even KISSING anyone are not going to speak like that in bed. Like, what are we doing….
Also, the sex made ZERO sense. Two blushing virgins with ZERO experience even KISSING anyone are not going to speak like that in bed. Like, what are we doing….
February 14, 2026
Some promises don’t fade—they become lifelines
What makes this book work is the connection between Ivan and Jay. Their bond isn’t just romantic—it’s foundational. The kind of love that comes from two people who were each other’s only safe place, and never stopped being that, even when the world ripped them apart. Their relationship feels raw, protective, and genuinely heartwarming without losing the weight of what they’ve lived through.
The healing arc is handled with care, and the emotional payoff comes from watching love become something steady instead of something fragile. This is the kind of story where the tenderness hits harder because it’s earned.
There were a few minor continuity issues, but they didn’t take away from the heart of the story or the emotional impact.
What makes this book work is the connection between Ivan and Jay. Their bond isn’t just romantic—it’s foundational. The kind of love that comes from two people who were each other’s only safe place, and never stopped being that, even when the world ripped them apart. Their relationship feels raw, protective, and genuinely heartwarming without losing the weight of what they’ve lived through.
The healing arc is handled with care, and the emotional payoff comes from watching love become something steady instead of something fragile. This is the kind of story where the tenderness hits harder because it’s earned.
There were a few minor continuity issues, but they didn’t take away from the heart of the story or the emotional impact.
February 16, 2026
I cannot even put in words how much a loved this book, Jay was so hurt and so kind and he really wanted to be the best, and the way he protected Ivan, i cried most of the book, the support and love that they had for eachother is everything, at the end i had to stop so many times because i was sobbing, amazing
Read
April 19, 2026This is one of the books where I would have appreciated more tell than show, because some things were a little too repetitive. As a reader, I'm more than okay being told once or twice about an important information or detail. The other thing that didn't work for me about this book is the smut, how it was written. This is where Wilds lost me. I cared a lot about Ivan and Jay when they were younger, throughout their suffering under Henderson's house, after they got separated, after they grew up and faced new realities separately, after they finally found each other again, and after they felt and expressed their attraction and feelings to each other. I imagined their intimate moments to be on the tender and clumsy side (with their touches, words, curiosity, and intentions), to match all the fragile emotions leading up to their reunion, but Wilds' approach is more on the crude side, which really surprised me, because it seemed performative for both of the characters. Every time Jay and Ivan had sex, it felt like I was reading about a completely different couple.
April 9, 2026
Great premise
I wanted to like this so much, man. I’m a sucker for foster kids and tragic backstories, but I had to DNF at around 90 pages because of one GLARING detail- these kids had access to a computer, it was somewhere in the 2010s at this time, I think, and they didn’t create social media accounts??? They could have found each other in five minutes on the computers they kept ‘searching’ each others’ names for. I am willing to suspend my disbelief for a lot of things, but not making a Facebook account specifically for the one person you know is looking for you- i don’t get it. And if there is an explanation for it later, it needed to come sooner.
I wanted to like this so much, man. I’m a sucker for foster kids and tragic backstories, but I had to DNF at around 90 pages because of one GLARING detail- these kids had access to a computer, it was somewhere in the 2010s at this time, I think, and they didn’t create social media accounts??? They could have found each other in five minutes on the computers they kept ‘searching’ each others’ names for. I am willing to suspend my disbelief for a lot of things, but not making a Facebook account specifically for the one person you know is looking for you- i don’t get it. And if there is an explanation for it later, it needed to come sooner.
March 8, 2026
The start of this book had so much going for it. Jay and Ivan lived through so much at such a young age and their bond was infinite.
Unfortunately after the two boys were separated it just got worse.
Continuity was a big problem for me. One thing said in one chapter, then completely changed or contradicted later on. Time periods not matching up. It just bothered me too much.
I also felt the spicy scenes didn't quite work. The dirty talk did not feel natural or right for the type of characters these men had.
All that being said, this book is a debut for the author, and I would their next book a chance. As with life, we are all on a learning curve, and dont get everything right all of the time.
Unfortunately after the two boys were separated it just got worse.
Continuity was a big problem for me. One thing said in one chapter, then completely changed or contradicted later on. Time periods not matching up. It just bothered me too much.
I also felt the spicy scenes didn't quite work. The dirty talk did not feel natural or right for the type of characters these men had.
All that being said, this book is a debut for the author, and I would their next book a chance. As with life, we are all on a learning curve, and dont get everything right all of the time.
April 5, 2026
DNF @ 51%
Notes I took while reading:
The start was devastating and gave a very good basis for Ivan and Jay's dynamic. The writing was very emotional and I loved how we saw Ivan start off scared of Jay then cautiously warmed up because of how earnest he was. It was very very sad when they eventually separated and I wish the author just timeskipped their time apart because I couldn't find myself caring about their individual experiences when we'd already seen the foster system at its worst AND they were already separated. Also, it was basically just summarized anyway so it really killed the emotional pacing.
I loved when they found each other again though. The emotional weight from their separation really held up well there. I also really liked how they bonded over their trauma and how Ivan really showed Jay that he cared and didn't blame him for anything. I was a little shocked at how easy everything seemed at that first weekend from
TL;DR: Promising start that loses momentum after Ivan and Jay see each other again. Jay's troubles felt mainly like lip service because of how easily he seemed to be able to give up alcohol and drugs. The scenes where Ivan comforted Jay were sweet at first, but got very repetitive after the third/fourth time he did it. Could've used actual angst and conflict (that showed Jay failing to keep sober or giving into his fears before the 50% mark) to make their romance hard fought. Also really needed some editing to cut down the repetition. I swear there were three chapters back to back where Jay panicked about something, said he wasn't worth Ivan's time, then Ivan told him he wasn't giving up on him and that he was worth it. It did not need to happen three separate times.
2 stars.
Notes I took while reading:
The start was devastating and gave a very good basis for Ivan and Jay's dynamic. The writing was very emotional and I loved how we saw Ivan start off scared of Jay then cautiously warmed up because of how earnest he was. It was very very sad when they eventually separated and I wish the author just timeskipped their time apart because I couldn't find myself caring about their individual experiences when we'd already seen the foster system at its worst AND they were already separated. Also, it was basically just summarized anyway so it really killed the emotional pacing.
I loved when they found each other again though. The emotional weight from their separation really held up well there. I also really liked how they bonded over their trauma and how Ivan really showed Jay that he cared and didn't blame him for anything. I was a little shocked at how easy everything seemed at that first weekend from
TL;DR: Promising start that loses momentum after Ivan and Jay see each other again. Jay's troubles felt mainly like lip service because of how easily he seemed to be able to give up alcohol and drugs. The scenes where Ivan comforted Jay were sweet at first, but got very repetitive after the third/fourth time he did it. Could've used actual angst and conflict (that showed Jay failing to keep sober or giving into his fears before the 50% mark) to make their romance hard fought. Also really needed some editing to cut down the repetition. I swear there were three chapters back to back where Jay panicked about something, said he wasn't worth Ivan's time, then Ivan told him he wasn't giving up on him and that he was worth it. It did not need to happen three separate times.
2 stars.
April 24, 2026
Jason Morrow and Ivan Collins. I’ll probably remember their names with how often they were mentioned in the book. This was probably one if the most emotional and lowkey traumatizing books I’ve ever read. It’s super important to check your triggers for this ind because I don’t really have any triggers and some scenes where difficult to get through even for me.
Jay must be one of my favorite men ever written, I just felt so much for him. I’m so devastated about the lack of stability he had throughout his life and all the things he had to go through. This book just gave me an insight about what foster kids in the system have to go through that I did not know about to this extent. It absolutely shattered my heart and I cried multiple times through this book. I’m glad they had each other and even tho it might be hard to wrap your head around them actually only having been together for 6 months. Well being traumatized, abused and hit for 6 months and the only thing you have is each other you will most likely build a trauma bond.
Ivan brought so much stability routine and love into jay’s life, I really admire him for that. Ivan was so strong for his age, and he listened so well to whatever jay said when they were younger. He has grown into such a great person.
My issues with this book and what kept it from being a 5 star is that it was extremely repetitive, across both povs. Both characters kept repeating the same things over and over as well as describing things the exact same way. At some point it really started annoying me but luckily I was able to look past it because the story truly held me captive.
And the smut was just wild. It was good but very unrealistic considering they were both virgins and probably knew very little about sex in general so for them to be fucking and talking like porn stars that was a bit meh.
But overall 4/5 stars, definitely worth reading just check the triggers.
Jay must be one of my favorite men ever written, I just felt so much for him. I’m so devastated about the lack of stability he had throughout his life and all the things he had to go through. This book just gave me an insight about what foster kids in the system have to go through that I did not know about to this extent. It absolutely shattered my heart and I cried multiple times through this book. I’m glad they had each other and even tho it might be hard to wrap your head around them actually only having been together for 6 months. Well being traumatized, abused and hit for 6 months and the only thing you have is each other you will most likely build a trauma bond.
Ivan brought so much stability routine and love into jay’s life, I really admire him for that. Ivan was so strong for his age, and he listened so well to whatever jay said when they were younger. He has grown into such a great person.
My issues with this book and what kept it from being a 5 star is that it was extremely repetitive, across both povs. Both characters kept repeating the same things over and over as well as describing things the exact same way. At some point it really started annoying me but luckily I was able to look past it because the story truly held me captive.
And the smut was just wild. It was good but very unrealistic considering they were both virgins and probably knew very little about sex in general so for them to be fucking and talking like porn stars that was a bit meh.
But overall 4/5 stars, definitely worth reading just check the triggers.
March 23, 2026
If I wasn't a mom this probably would of been like a 4.25 ⭐️ for me. But my mama heart was hit so hard early in this book and I was taken on an emotional ride, so for me this goes on my very rare 5 ⭐️ read list!
This book is absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking and amazingly written. The story and journey that is being told in this book really dives hard into your heart. It was hard for me to put the book down but also I took my time with it because well cry breaks and mental adjustments were needed and I definitely didn't want to rush this so I could take it all in.
It broke my heart multiple times and at the same time showed so much love.
Also, I love a good spicy scene (this book didn't really have a lot of them) but this was a first for me where I skimmed through the spice to get back into the story.
Definitely add to your MM TBR and grab the tissues.
( very small note cause I know it can bother some readers.... they do a lot of back and forth with the same feelings in multiple chapters - but where it might be annoying to some readers I think it makes sense to do it because it's how these characters are constantly thinking and feeling, they've been through so much that it's tough for them to be accepting of things)
This book is absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking and amazingly written. The story and journey that is being told in this book really dives hard into your heart. It was hard for me to put the book down but also I took my time with it because well cry breaks and mental adjustments were needed and I definitely didn't want to rush this so I could take it all in.
It broke my heart multiple times and at the same time showed so much love.
Also, I love a good spicy scene (this book didn't really have a lot of them) but this was a first for me where I skimmed through the spice to get back into the story.
Definitely add to your MM TBR and grab the tissues.
( very small note cause I know it can bother some readers.... they do a lot of back and forth with the same feelings in multiple chapters - but where it might be annoying to some readers I think it makes sense to do it because it's how these characters are constantly thinking and feeling, they've been through so much that it's tough for them to be accepting of things)
Did Not Finish
May 4, 2026DNF @ 53%
April 30, 2026
I’ve read a number of the other reviews of this book, and honestly, they come across as overly harsh and, at times, a bit closed-minded. There’s a clear tendency to fixate on minor details and inconsistencies while missing the bigger picture of what the book is actually trying to do.
Is it a perfect book? No. Are there inconsistencies? Yes. But I’ve read far worse—books that fall apart entirely and still don’t receive this level of nitpicking. Some of the criticism here feels less like fair evaluation and more like an unwillingness to engage with the story on its own terms.
Yes, the beginning is a bit rough, and it takes time to build, but the payoff makes it worthwhile. Not every book needs to be dissected line by line to be appreciated. Sometimes it’s better to step back, let go of the urge to scrutinize every detail, and simply enjoy the experience for what it is.
Is it a perfect book? No. Are there inconsistencies? Yes. But I’ve read far worse—books that fall apart entirely and still don’t receive this level of nitpicking. Some of the criticism here feels less like fair evaluation and more like an unwillingness to engage with the story on its own terms.
Yes, the beginning is a bit rough, and it takes time to build, but the payoff makes it worthwhile. Not every book needs to be dissected line by line to be appreciated. Sometimes it’s better to step back, let go of the urge to scrutinize every detail, and simply enjoy the experience for what it is.
March 29, 2026
This is just a really lovely book to read. The author’s writing style is kind of comforting if that doesn’t sound too weird. I loved the build up of the relationship and that it felt realistic without being horribly gritty and too much to take (I read to escape and so felt she has a really great balance here). Highly recommend this book, loved that it’s also a bit longer than many of the books I read - so it took me two days to read (I read a lot and very quickly so most books are done in a day). And even in the parts of the book where the mc was struggling it still felt hopeful and comforting. And I cried at the end, happy tears, which was also lovely. I will be keeping an eye out for more from this author.
February 3, 2026
An outstanding double hurt/comfort story. Jay and Ivan first met as two foster children in an abusive house. Jay does his best to protect the younger Ivan, and the two form a strong bond. They memorise each other's personal details in case they are separated, but once that happens, they are unable to reconnect until seven years later. During that time, Ivan had been quite fortunate in finding a family, but Jay struggled even more. Their story of slow healing and support and finding each other in a carefully growing adult romantic relationship was truly moving. I have never cried over any wedding vows until this book. I will not be forgetting this story.
Thanks for the advance copy via Booksprout, I am honoured to leave a voluntary review.
Thanks for the advance copy via Booksprout, I am honoured to leave a voluntary review.
February 24, 2026
Remember My Name
I just finished reading Remember My Name by Wren Wilds and I loves it.
Ivan & Jay are foster kids. Ivan meets Jay when he's placed in hia home. They both suffer greatly & Jay gives Ivan much needed support to survive. Things happen where Ivan & Jay are separated & don't see each other again for 7 years. Jay has picked up some bad habits & is just barely surviving at age 21. He's gotten into s bar fight & that's how Ivan was able to find him on a news page. I don't want to spoil it, but from there, the rest is both heartwarming as well as heart breaking. I would definitely recommend this book.
I just finished reading Remember My Name by Wren Wilds and I loves it.
Ivan & Jay are foster kids. Ivan meets Jay when he's placed in hia home. They both suffer greatly & Jay gives Ivan much needed support to survive. Things happen where Ivan & Jay are separated & don't see each other again for 7 years. Jay has picked up some bad habits & is just barely surviving at age 21. He's gotten into s bar fight & that's how Ivan was able to find him on a news page. I don't want to spoil it, but from there, the rest is both heartwarming as well as heart breaking. I would definitely recommend this book.
February 28, 2026
I felt like the story started too slow with so much background story on Jay and Ivan… then suddenly they meet and it went too fast.
The pace and believability was a little off for me. Like seriously… as soon as you meet up again - can’t you like give us a little turmoil and emotional tension for a couple more chapters so that there’s some gritty angst in there.
Then I have a gripe about their ages - really in this day and age? The ending/epilogue is hardly believable; what are they? 20 years old. Really?
But. Apart from my sceptic beliefs. The author has a lovely writing style and I would read more from them
The pace and believability was a little off for me. Like seriously… as soon as you meet up again - can’t you like give us a little turmoil and emotional tension for a couple more chapters so that there’s some gritty angst in there.
Then I have a gripe about their ages - really in this day and age? The ending/epilogue is hardly believable; what are they? 20 years old. Really?
But. Apart from my sceptic beliefs. The author has a lovely writing style and I would read more from them
March 21, 2026
The first half of this book, gosh, I couldn't breathe at times. It was so well thought out that the boys experiences haunted my thoughts for a few days. Wren absolutely shines when it comes to painting the picture and truly defining the scene.
I really enjoyed the book as a whole, but, their re-introduction just didn't quite sit right. Obviously, they were gonna fall in love. But, in the same chapter? That was a tough one to swallow for me
I love that Wren showed REAL WORLD PROBLEMS, such as the charges from the bar fight. Those are things a lot of authors ignore in favor of the story. But this? This felt like a true from nothing to everything book.
I really enjoyed the book as a whole, but, their re-introduction just didn't quite sit right. Obviously, they were gonna fall in love. But, in the same chapter? That was a tough one to swallow for me
I love that Wren showed REAL WORLD PROBLEMS, such as the charges from the bar fight. Those are things a lot of authors ignore in favor of the story. But this? This felt like a true from nothing to everything book.
March 12, 2026
I will remember this book
I will remember this book for the rest of my life.
The 2 MMC are tragic and beautiful. I cried for Jay so much.
If you want to cry so hard that your eyes are swollen for days, if you want smile so much that your face hurts, if you want a love story that will not disappoint and if you have room in your head and heart for a story that you will think about at least once a day for the rest of your life, then read this book!
This is the 1st book I’ve read from this author and I can’t wait to read more!
I will remember this book for the rest of my life.
The 2 MMC are tragic and beautiful. I cried for Jay so much.
If you want to cry so hard that your eyes are swollen for days, if you want smile so much that your face hurts, if you want a love story that will not disappoint and if you have room in your head and heart for a story that you will think about at least once a day for the rest of your life, then read this book!
This is the 1st book I’ve read from this author and I can’t wait to read more!
April 7, 2026
A Five Star read I'll never forget
This book will stay with me for the rest of my life. It was beautiful and heart breaking and tragic and life affirming. Jay and Ivan are so well done and such real people that I feel like I know them now. They survived tragedy together and heartbreak and real true love. I didn't want it to end. I've now read both of this author's books and cannot wait for more. One of the best books I've ever read and I read 200+ a year!! So so glad that Ivan and Jay saved each other and get their happy ever after!
This book will stay with me for the rest of my life. It was beautiful and heart breaking and tragic and life affirming. Jay and Ivan are so well done and such real people that I feel like I know them now. They survived tragedy together and heartbreak and real true love. I didn't want it to end. I've now read both of this author's books and cannot wait for more. One of the best books I've ever read and I read 200+ a year!! So so glad that Ivan and Jay saved each other and get their happy ever after!
April 13, 2026
MM/ virgin MMCs/ first love/ second chance romance/ hurt/comfort/ found family/ HEA
Trigger warning: child abuse/ violence/ trauma/ drug use/ addiction/ alcoholism/ depression/ self-destructive behavior/ suicidal ideation/ homophobia/ assault
This is the second book that I’ve read from this author and I liked it well enough. The writing itself isn’t horrible but it’s pretty repetitive. The storyline is beautiful and emotional but I found myself skimming quite a bit. Editing would have benefited this book immensely.
Trigger warning: child abuse/ violence/ trauma/ drug use/ addiction/ alcoholism/ depression/ self-destructive behavior/ suicidal ideation/ homophobia/ assault
This is the second book that I’ve read from this author and I liked it well enough. The writing itself isn’t horrible but it’s pretty repetitive. The storyline is beautiful and emotional but I found myself skimming quite a bit. Editing would have benefited this book immensely.
April 21, 2026
I really wanted to love this one because the premise is exactly my kind of thing. I kept reading, hoping it would all come together in the end but it got harder to stay in the story as I went.
There were a lot of continuity issues that pulled me out, and the same conversations kept happening over and over without adding anything new. By the last 30%, I found myself skimming, which I hate doing.
It’s frustrating because the idea is so good, but the execution just didn’t work. I’m even wondering if this was supposed to be a rough draft and not the final version.
There were a lot of continuity issues that pulled me out, and the same conversations kept happening over and over without adding anything new. By the last 30%, I found myself skimming, which I hate doing.
It’s frustrating because the idea is so good, but the execution just didn’t work. I’m even wondering if this was supposed to be a rough draft and not the final version.
March 2, 2026
I really loved this book. I loved how Ivan & Jay cared for each other. You can feel the deep connection between them. I cried at different occasions. Them memorizing each other's personal details and repeating it every night for 7 years is so heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. And their wedding vows were just perfect and tear-jerking.
Yes, the book had some errors (time and dates) but it's not enough to deter me from loving the story.
Yes, the book had some errors (time and dates) but it's not enough to deter me from loving the story.
March 31, 2026
Wonderfully emotional!
Wow! I loved this SO much! These are the types of stories that I love to read. Emotional, heartbreaking, hurt/comfort, happy ending..perfect! Ok, so there is one thing I would’ve liked to have seen. Jay’s note. I wish he could have found out that Ivan carried it that entire time.
I meant every word. I will find you. Don't give up on me.
Remember my name. — J
😩😭🫶
Wow! I loved this SO much! These are the types of stories that I love to read. Emotional, heartbreaking, hurt/comfort, happy ending..perfect! Ok, so there is one thing I would’ve liked to have seen. Jay’s note. I wish he could have found out that Ivan carried it that entire time.
I meant every word. I will find you. Don't give up on me.
Remember my name. — J
😩😭🫶
April 6, 2026
The most beautiful touching story I’ve read this year!
I love friends to lovers, second chances, found families and this book had everything. It was intense at times and yes I cried tears of sadness and tears of joy. Such a beautifully written story of two scared boys who first meet ‘in the foster system’ when all they had was each other. The next 7 years are tough and even in the darkest moments they never stop fighting for each other. I just loved it.
I love friends to lovers, second chances, found families and this book had everything. It was intense at times and yes I cried tears of sadness and tears of joy. Such a beautifully written story of two scared boys who first meet ‘in the foster system’ when all they had was each other. The next 7 years are tough and even in the darkest moments they never stop fighting for each other. I just loved it.
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