Dark and twisted secrets mar Shane Coulter’s skin, and darken his fragile heart. Yet he keeps his nightmarish truth hidden from all those he holds dear with a smart mouth and abrasive attitude.
His first love, Callan Reid, refuses to accept Shane’s tough exterior. Convinced something truly horrific lurks beneath Shane’s defenses, Callan vows to uncover the truth.
But some things are better left buried. As darkness from the past threatens to be brought to light, there are those who would kill to prevent it. Can Callan break down Shane’s walls? Or will digging into the past come with deadly consequences?
Laurencia Hoffman is the author of several novels and novellas and co-author of The Wages of Sin series. She specializes in thrillers but loves to dabble in other genres including horror, fantasy, and romance.
When she's not writing, she also enjoys making her own line of natural products, satisfying her sweet tooth, and watching films.
(3.45 stars) This was a surprising pleasant read, with a genre combination that I have not read before: suspense/mystery and gay romance - that worked better than expected.
Shane is a very complex characters, with an incredible story and dealing with so much. We follow him in the present, and slowly we find out about his past and what he's dealing with at the moment.
I liked the writing, pacing and the story telling, but I feel like it would benefit from a bit more editing on the dialogue and structure.
That being said, I was impressed with the direction the book took, and I'm very curious where the story goes in the next one.
Remember My Name is the first book in the Remember My Name series. This was not the reading experience I expected. This book is marketed as suspense, but I didn’t feel like it was suspenseful at all. I feel like it’s more of a dark, angsty romance because the main character has a haunted past. I had what I’m guessing was supposed to be the suspenseful part figured out within the first few chapters.
Now, I LOVE a dark, angsty m/m romance, so I tried to get into this book despite the mis-marketing, but I couldn’t get emotionally involved with the characters until over half-way through. There wasn’t a good emotional build up at the beginning.
Another thing that was a bit distracting was the choppy way the scene breaks came up. It didn’t flow well, so there were times I had to take a minute to figure out where they were or what was going on. And the overall story was a bit slow in places.
Also, the book ends abruptly after only 13 chapters. It is unclear whether or not the author meant for it to be a cliffhanger. There isn’t really any closure to the story. I read the description of book two in order to try to see if there was a hint that it was continuing, but based on what I read, it looks like book two has a completely different set of characters. Basically, it left me confused as to the authors choice of ending the story where it ended. I’m wondering if maybe there was supposed to be more and it just didn’t get uploaded?
Something I did like about the story is that the main character had people around him who were truly trying to support him no matter how much he pushed them away.
This story had a lot of potential and I really wanted to like it more than I did. Maybe book two will be more satisfying. I’ll give it a try, just in case.
Remember My Name is a slow burn thriller that shows glimpses of how PTSD and anxiety can wreck a person. Of course, being stalked by a demented serial killer with a personal vendetta is also torture! This story was a quick read for me and I enjoyed the multiple points of view. The main characters can be a bit two dimensional at times but as the story progresses and you learn more about each person it gets better. Shane and Callan are my favorite characters but I also really like Peter, the owner of a crystal shop that Shane works at. The crystals mentioned in the book are pictured here and bring a supernatural feel into the story. The ending sets us up emotionalIy for the next book and I just started on the sequel. I'm eager to see what happens. Will Shane and Callan survive? Will the monster be brought to justice? Stay tuned to find out! ⠀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I didn't read the blurb and I'm heartbroken. It's really good written, I love the suspense and mystery. I have to read the next book Now. I have to know what happens. It was really good, but check TW before reading. Great work!
This was a MM romance and thriller, and I found Shane and Callan to be strong characters that really held the story together. Shane Coulter is hiding some dark and twisted secrets and the only person who ever saw beyond his smart mouth and abrasive attitude to the vulnerability beneath was Callan Reid, his first love. Callan is convinced that Shane’s tough image is just that, and believing that he has suffered badly in his past Callan wants to uncover the truth. However Shane would rather the past stayed in the past and that his secrets remain secrets. In digging up Shane’s past Callan unwittingly brings danger into both their lives as there are people who are willing to kill to prevent Shane’s truths coming out. This was a story about secrets and how the past affects the present and future, but it was also about first love. Shane and Callan were great characters as they were likeable and relatable but also realistic with their flaws. The storyline flowed well and the plot had enough drama and twists in it that it kept me gripped from beginning to end. The author really made me feel immersed in Shane and Callan’s story and I found myself thinking about the characters long after I had finished the book.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman, but I knew I wanted to read it after seeing the cover and a few teasers. This is a new author to me but I will be back to see what else she has available in the very near future. This book really took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions as I read the story of Shane Coulter. He is dealing with a lot right now and has some secrets that have shaped him into who he is today. The journey that he takes with his first love Callan is something that will stick with you long after reading. I will say this being a MM romance is usually a genre that I tend to critique harder because I love a good solid read with MM romance, it just seems to be something that can turn gimmicky at times. I didn’t have any issue with this in Remember My Name. It read very poignantly that this is a topic dear to the author and she put her all into writing a realistic and believable read. I was enthralled from the very first page until the last and I am sure anyone else who is a fan of MM romance will love it just as much as I did.
I am wondering if this is a case of it's me and not the book, because the reviews are praising it and I'm not getting the hype.
Most of the book is from Shane's pov, about how he need to push others away from him and the secrets he holds. And it goes this way with few cracks until almost at the end. I couldn't feel the angst because Shane have developed in to someone that is difficult to like or relate to. But he still holds the love of so many.
Other than Shane's meetings with Callan, we hardly get to know much of him, other than he lacks the will to be his own man, and we never get to know how much older he was, unless I just didn't spot it.
I realise this is suppose to be a series but for a first book it drags out too long for me to keep being invested in the character and his problems.
Shane Coulter is a man with a dark past and a darker heart, he has been through a lot in his life and this has made him into the person he is today, abrasive, sarcastic and a pain in the ass to those around him, but as much as he tries to distance himself from those around him, he can’t seem to push them far enough away. One day he is meeting his friend for something to eat, but instead of him, he sees a face from his past, his first love, Callan Reid, a tall, blonde man whose blue eyes keep him entranced and help his breath to come back, but they also remind him of what they had and why he left him. Callan cannot help being drawn back to Shane, the man he left behind to appease his family, but the life he chose hasn’t made him happy and all he wants is a second chance with him and he is determined to get Shane to come around to his point of view.
They agree to meet up and go on a date, but Shane insists that it is his rules or nothing and the main rule is that they are complete strangers, they don’t talk about the past or delve too deeply into each others lives, Callan agrees, albeit reluctantly and they agree to meet and start again. As the two meet on one of Shane’s favourite walking trails, Callan asks to take his picture, Shane agrees, however, it is too much like all times, but he agrees to dinner as payment for the photographs, although he takes his own car and follows him there. When they get to the restaurant, it is the same one as the other night. After the waiter brings their food, they talk about their careers and other small talk, slightly touching on the topic of family and relationships, but before he can get too comfortable, Shane makes his excuses and leaves, albeit agreeing to dinner the next Friday on his way out.
Shane is really trying to keep his aloof attitude going, it is becoming harder, especially when the rest of his family and his boss at work are trying to drum up an uncomfortable amount of conversation, as time passes and Shane sees more of Callan, he is finding that the more time he spends around him, the harder it is becoming to stay closed off and Callan is beginning to think that there is more to Shane pushing him away than just being obstinate, meanwhile, Shane is still desperately trying to keep his secrets hidden, but his well built walls and boundaries are starting to be pushed against and he isn't comfortable with it at all. Will Callan be able to get Shane to open up to him and accept the help being given, or will Shane close himself off even more as the pressure mounts? Can Shane keep his demons at bay, or will the darkness close in on him and destroy whatever he has left? This is a thrilling story of love and protection in this romance with a dark twist which will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing as to what will happen all the way to the end.
Shane Coulter is a man in his twenties with secrets. Secrets that need to stay buried for the sake of those that he loves. He has scars that serve as a reminder of the terrible atrocities that can happen if he even threatened to share his secret.
When he was fourteen, Shane had his first relationship with a boy named Jake. Then Shane disappeared, never to be seen again. Shane later was in a relationship with Callan Reid. Callan was and is the love of his life. After Callan walked out because his parents are also not big fans of his sexuality, Shane swore off love. Then Callan reappeared.
Shane’s bitterness and negative attitude affect every relationship he has. From his boss, Peter; to his mother; Callan; his best friend, Troy; and even his brother, Ethan. Shane knows that it’s best for everyone that loves him to stay away. He has to set distinct boundaries. Then someone else that he loves disappears, and he knows they will never return. What can he do now, but stay away from everyone else that he loves?
Laurencia Hoffman has truly weaved an amazing tale. Remember My Name is a story of fear, regret, and love. It’s also about knowing who you are despite the consequences that follow. I was hooked by the plot from the beginning and never lost interest. I definitely recommend this book.
Shane has many secrets that he doesn't want anyone to know about. He keeps people at a distance and has a wall built around himself to protect those he loves, or so he thinks. His prickly, tough guy attitude keeps people from prying, but it's not always so easy to keep up the facade. Scarred by a dark past, loss of a young love, and later on being abandoned by his first love make his outlook on what love is not so great. When his ex shows back up in town wanting a second chance Shane is unsure how to proceed. Callan has always been able to see through the walls he has so carefully built and he won't give up trying to find out why Shane is the way he is. Should he forgive him for leaving and start up their romance again? Or should he move on from Callan and never look back?
Callan is back in town and wants a second chance with Shane, but he is being kept at an arms length. He wants to uncover what happened to Shane to make him this way, but how far will be too far? There are those out there willing to do whatever it takes to make the secrets stay hidden.
This is a MM mystery/romance written by Laurencia Hoffman. I found the book intriguing and look forward to starting book 2 shortly.
Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman is not for the faint heart and has potential trigger warnings within. It’s well written and it definitely has lots of intrigue.
The main character Shane reminds me a lot of Holden from Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger. He’s stubborn and he’s all about Shane! He’s someone who doesn’t take other’s feelings into account and uses sarcasm as a defense mechanism. This is his journey of his experiences of that great love as well as a past, present, and future of trauma and sadness in his life.
When Shane first meets Callen, he knows that’s it for him. Callen and Shane share a chemistry that exceeds all obstacles in their way, or does it?
He’s extremely secretive and the trauma’s in Shane’s life not only impact his relationship with Callen, but also family and the few friends he has. Unfortunately he has one secret he feels could destroy everyone he loves that he uses to push everyone in his life away.
Does Shane end up with his happily ever after? Do his secrets destroy everything he holds dear? I encourage you to dig in and find out. If you love a good romance with some suspense and mystery thrown in, this book is for YOU!
Remember My Name (Remember My Name Series Book 1) By Laurencia Hoffman 5 out of 5 stars
The story Remember My Name (Remember My Name Series Book 1) by Laurencia Hoffman is a Romantic Suspense book. It is a story that had me hooked from the very beginning. The main characters in the story are Shane Coulter and Callan Reid. Shane is a character that I could empathize with. He hides his true self and the darkness by pushing everyone that he loves and that loves him away. He is in such pain that it hurt my heart to read about how he sees and feels about himself. Callan is a man that wants to help Shane and refuses to leave even when Shane tells him to go. He is a kind soul who doesn’t understand why Shane acts the way that he does. This is an emotional story and I found my emotions going up and down the enter time I was reading it. The book has heartbreaking moments. It also gives you a front seat view of Shane’s behavior and how he feels about himself. Don’t miss out on a story that includes romance, suspense, and mysterious happenings. I would highly recommend reading it.
Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman is an emotionally charged and gripping MM romance. It is a little dark and sad in places, and I found my emotions were all over the place while reading some scenes. This is the first book of Luciana Hoffman’s that I have read, and I have to admit that she won me over with her intense story. Shane Coulter has been hiding some dark and disturbing secrets behind a impudent and prickly attitude. The only person who took the time to look past his protective tough guy camouflage is Callan Reid, Shane’s first love. Callan is certain that there is something truly shocking to blame for Shane to be the way he is. And Callan is determined to uncover the truth. But as Shane starts digging for answers, danger comes calling. There are some that would prefer that the truth never be revealed- and are willing to kill to keep the truth from emerging. Past meets present in a chilling story of secrets and love. Intriguing reading!
This book is dark, heart wrenching and I am torn in thought. After finishing this book, it has taken me a day to write this review because of thinking of everything that happened in this story. Shane Coulter's character has totally torn my heartstrings many times in this book. He is angry, distant and at times a complete jerk, keeping family and friends at arms length not to get close. Yet I feel for him completely, the abuse he suffered and the loss of a close friend that he never got over. The story unfolds as we meet Callan, whom was the love of his life, pop back in and wants another chance with Shane. There is a lot of love/hate feelings from Shane when it comes to giving Callan another chance. This story unfolds, but there is so much more... Family secrets, lost friendships, Dark twists and turns along the way, but I do not want to give the book, you need to read it to find out. The ending though made me feel like I missed a piece of some puzzle that I am trying to wrap my head around. Please be advised there are triggers of abuse. Overall 4 Stars.
Remember My Name was nothing like what I was expecting, and I am not disappointed. I have not read anything by Laurencia Hoffman before, but will be starting the second book in this series ASAP. This book kept me hooked the entire time, and left me screaming at the end. The book follows Shane's life, and his complicated love for Callan. At first I was confused when it kept jumping back in forth in time, talking about Shane and Jake, and Shane and Callan, but it quickly all came together. I love that the mystery was kept throughout, and until the end of the story. The cliff hanging ending has me pissed off, lol. The 2nd book does not sound like it continues the story, but I am really hoping it does. I need answers, now! I do caution the readers, this book focuses around a gay couple, and has multiple mentions and images of abuse (self inflicted and otherwise). This could be a trigger for some readers, and believe it deserves to be mentioned.
This is my first book by this author, I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. This is a mystery thriller story that kept me turning pages to the end. I enjoyed being pulled in right from the beginning and made to feel as if I was right there in the story. I had no problems connecting with the characters as they brought on the twists and turns. They made the story easy to read and enjoyable. This is a story about hidden secrets from the past and those who will stop at nothing to prevent them from getting out. There are consequences but will they turn deadly? Are some things better off left in the past? Callan and Shane are great characters that made the story believable. They are strong and supportive and really made the story for me. I highly recommend this book.
Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman is the first book in the Remember My Name series. This is a dark and emotional story that really draws you in. What I got when I started reading this book is not what I expected when I first picked it up. I expected the story to be a little dark and to really take me on a journey however I didn’t expect it to be so full of emotions. I was very pleasantly surprised by this. The story has been built up well from the beginning. It has a great pace to it that keeps you, as the reader, engaged in what is happening. It was easy to imagine the story as the author does a great job of making you feel like you are right in the story with the characters. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it has definitely caught my attention. I am looking forward to reading more in the future.
Wow this was a story I wasn't expecting but I really enjoyed. It was an emotional roller coaster.
Shane has suffered in his life, from abuse at the hands of his father to the heartbreak of his first love and other losses and heartbreak in between. All this has turned Shane into a cold, hard person who is happier pushing people away than confiding in them.
When he bumps into his first love Callen again they want to rekindle their failed relationship but with Shane holding so many secrets and being so hard to get close to will Callen be able to break down his walls and boundaries or will the constant coldness end up pushing Callen away for good.
Its a strong emotional story and shows that secrets and heartbreak can cause a person to change. It also shows that sometimes keeping secrets isn't the right way to deal with things.
This book bounced around like crazy. I don't fully understand what I just read. It was all leading up to this big reveal that never happened? Everything was very vague. I get that it is supposed to be a mystery and thriller but honestly, I didn't get that from this book. The timeline was confusing; it literally jumped weeks in advance without any lead in or nothing. There were times when Shane and Cal fought but 1/2 chapter later, they are completely fine? I do believe if she had continued the book instead of ending it, I think I would have rated it higher but it just seemed so anticlimactic and confusing at times. And the second book in the series, the blurb says that it's about a different person. What happened with Shane? Did Cal ever tell anyone what he knows? What about Peter? Just so many questions, not enough answers and if there were, it was confusing.
Remember My Name (Remember My Name Series Book 1) by Laurencia Hoffman is an MM romance thriller.
Shane Coulter's skin is marred by dark and twisted secrets, and they darken his heart. With a sharp mouth and abrasive attitude, he hides his nightmare truth from everyone he cares about. However, Shane's first love, Callan Reid, is unconvinced by his rough demeanor. Callan is convinced that something genuinely heinous lurks underneath Shane's barriers, and he swears to find out the truth. However, certain things are best kept buried. As the past's evil threatens to be exposed, some will kill to protect it. Will Callan be able to break down Shane's defenses? Or will delve into the past have lethal ramifications?
I loved this story and the concept of it as well.I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. This is the first book in the series can’t wait to read more.
From the very first page, Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman leaves you desperate to know what is going to happen next. One of the most suspenseful novels that I have read in a long time, the story of Shane Coulter leaves the reader eager to read more with the end of every chapter, especially the last one.
Shane Coulter is a master at keeping secrets from everyone he cares about, repeating over and over throughout the book that it is to protect them. Upon finding out the truth of his past in the end of the book, the writer ends it on a major cliffhanger. Needless to say, I will be starting the next novel within the hour!
This may be uncomfortable to read if you have ever experienced domestic or parental violence, as well as anyone who may identify as LGBTQ. Overall a very well written novel that I suggest to anyone who loves a good suspense novel.
Shane as a main character is just fantastic. He is raw, real and I loved him. His relationships with people were real. It made me feel like his past was a true reflection in his present day, on how he coped with things. I some times felt that the timeline was all over the place. It confused me, trying to keep a track on days as there was no clear indication of the days. I didn’t think the story matched the blurb. For me, the draw of the book was about murder, but I felt that was like a 3rd plot point in the book. I feel that 75% of the book wasn’t relevant to the blurb, but would have been fantastic as a contemporary novel as the relationship between Shane and Cal was fantastic and I was eager to find out how it developed.
I have to admit that the book cover grabbed my attention and I knew I had to read it. I am not familiar with Laurencia Hoffman but I will be seeking out her other stories. The plotline is amazing. There was a darkness lurking about with a side of M/M romance for flavor. There are many emotional highs and lows. I was turning the pages faster and faster because I needed to know what was coming up. Her characters are fully developed and complex in nature. Shane has some deep secrets that could be deadly. He puts up a tough front until Callan pushes through the walls. To find out what happens to Callan and Shane you will have to read the book. Believe me, it is worth the read. I cannot wait to read Remember His Name book 2.
A dark drama with mystery, love, and complicated relationships! Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman follows Shane, a young man with a tortured soul and sorted past. Shane has secrets, many secrets and won’t let anyone in…except maybe Cal. He loves Cal, but is it safe for him to love anyone?
Hoffman develops the character of Shane, as well as those of his family, friends, and lover throughout the story, keeping you turning the page. As the story unravels, more and more secrets and darkness comes through. This was a fast-paced read and ends in a way that will have you reaching for the second book immediately! If you enjoy a book with a bit of mystery and darkness that intertwines in the lives of the characters, this one is for you!
Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman is a MM suspenseful romance that keeps you reading. Shane has secrets that he does not want to share, so he does what he can to keep the people he cares about at arm's length. He is very sarcastic with a less than desirable attitude that makes people question his motives.
Callan is Shane's first love, and after the heartbreak of Callan walking away, they are back in each other's lives. Callen sees past Shane's rough exterior and wants to know the truth of what made Shane the way he is.
Sometimes, it is best to leave things alone. The more you dig the more lives could be in danger.
This was a good read and I recommend you give it a read too! I will be starting on Book 2 soon!
Shane, young, bitter, with his heart closed off, hides secrets from everyone in his life, including Callen. Callen, older, successful, and Shane's first adult relationship, reenters Shane's life after breaking his heart. Can Callen break through and help Shane confront his past, his many dark secrets, before it is too late?
I enjoyed Remember My Name. The characters are likeable, but are not very well developed. The reader is left with a lot of questions about who he is. The relationship between Shane and Callen was realistic and I was rooting for them to figure it out before another heartbreak. I love cliffhangers and this novel is set up perfectly to lead into book 2 in the series. Great writing!
This was an incredible story for me. I have just come out with my own sexuality in the last few years. Reading about Shane and his struggle of being gay and his family not so supportive of that hit some heart strings for me. Shane has been through a lot. The first boy he dated, Jake, disappeared. Then he met and fell in love with Callan. When Callan walked away, Shane was heartbroken. Callan reappears and Shane has to make some choices. He still loves Callan, but can they date, and Shane still be able to hide the secrets from his past? I related to the characters in this book and felt like I got to know them all personally. Thank you Laurencia for a heartstring pulling story. I loved it!
I really enjoyed this book. It immediately pulled me in, and I couldn't put it down. When I got to the end, I wasn't quite ready for it to be over, partly because I just wanted more time with the characters but I also felt like the third act was only a handful of pages long. I hadn't realized that this is the first book in a trilogy, which makes sense. After doing digging into it for a few minutes, I learned that the second book is about entirely different characters, but there is a tie-in to book one. The third book is back to Shane and Cal for a conclusion. The book itself has a compelling story that is well done. It has a few missed editing errors but nothing major. I'm looking forward to checking out the next two books in this series.