Help Me Remember

by Romeo Alexander

Falling in love while on the run and recovering from amnesia wasn’t the plan.

I wake up injured. Unable to remember who I am.

A hot stranger with white-blond hair and bright blue eyes says his name is Eric and claims mine is Dylan. Apparently, he was my best friend. The chemistry between us is undeniable. I need help, and Eric seems willing to give it. But can I trust him?

When I start getting flashbacks of my life before, it’s obvious I’m not the man Eric thinks I am.

Why are the Russian Mafia and the cops after me? What kind of man am I? Now Eric is caught up in my chaos, and that’s unacceptable. Eric is starting to mean a lot to me, and I’m starting to desire things I shouldn’t. He’s all I’ve got and thank God he still believes in me…for now.

I have no idea how, but for Eric’s sake, I’ll do whatever it takes to get us out of this mess, one way or another.

***

Help Me Remember is an MM bisexual, friends-to-lovers romance. Join Dylan as he searches for answers and uncovers long-buried truths and a passion far hotter than he expected. As danger threatens, he has to rely on instinct to prevail and get a chance at a happy ever after with the man he doesn’t remember.

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Suspense, Mystery

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2022

About the author

Romeo Alexander lives in Michigan, USA, with his dog and two cats. As a certified night owl, coffee and a wicked sense of humor keep him going most days, as does playing with flavors in the kitchen.

As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.

Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Shelba · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 37%.

Amnesia?! Mafia?! Sounds fun… only this is a totally snoozefest.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story seems pretty familiar.

[S a n d r a · Rating 3 out of 5]

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3.5 ⭐

Mafia and amnesia? Count me in! And if friends to lovers and second chance is added to the mix, I'm a goner.

The blurb got me. I couldn't wait to read it and having already read some of the author's books, I knew I liked his style and that I could expect a light, fresh and addictive story.

I was not disappointed.

The whole book is told by Dylan's POV. The guy wakes up hurting and battered in an abandoned building, not remembering who he is or what's his name. Fate leads him to a clinic that could attend him, and there he finds Eric. His childhood friend. Not that he remembers him, obviously.

But Eric does, and saying he's surprised to find Dylan at the clinic, and in that state no less, wouldn't be wrong. I liked how the author pulled this part. I wasn't sure what to expect since, what are the odds of not remembering who or where you are and finding that guy you were friends with until some years ago? Yep, sounds convenient. But surprisingly, it didn't feel forced at all.

Seeing them together, Dylan trying to remember and Eric confused by the situation, felt natural. Not only they have to come to terms with their current situation and decide what to do from now on, they also have unfinished business from their past. Business Dylan can't remember, but not remembering doesn't erase them.

And then things get tricky for them. Who's Dylan really? Is he a good guy? Or should Eric run as fast as he can, as far as he can? Suddenly, they are being chased by deadly mafia thugs with no one to trust nor a safe place to stay, and the plot gets more interesting with every new chapter.

I find some things are easily foreseeable, but that didn't dim my enjoyment. And the rhythm helps, since everything goes fast enough without it feeling rushed, so you can't help but keep reading.

The romance was nice. Not mindblowing but cute. I loved how Dylan likes both present and past Eric as his memories start coming back, and I found truly adorable the way Eric feels pleased whenever Dylan remembers something about the two of them.

I loved the sexy times too. But I can't deny some of their hooking sessions happened under unrealistic situations (like the basement one lol). Like, you are being chased and think that's the better time and place to get hot and bothered? I kinda made me laugh sometimes.

A book I would completely recommend if you are looking for something cute and fresh that's not too sweet and that has lots of action and adrenaline

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan wakes up in an abandoned building not knowing who or what happened. He does know he's been hit over the head & thanks to a bulletproof vest was shot & lived. He ends up in an urgent care where Eric comes in & recognizes him immediately. Eric takes Dylan home with hum & their journey begins finding out what happened to & who Dylan truly is. Entertaining, action packed with a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This book was thrilling and hilarious. The blurb made me want to read it immediately and I was hooked from the first page!

Dylan wakes up injured and not remembering who he is. He meets Eric who claims to be his childhood best friend whom he estranged years ago. Together, they keep finding clues telling them that Dylan was in fact a really bad person, but Eric seems to rely on his memories of the old Dylan as a proof that that can't be. What's the truth? Who really is Dylan?

There was so much action, sarcastic banter, and chemistry.
And OMG I thought this was going to be a "serious" book.. It was hilarious! You know those action movies where the main character is grumpy and sarcastic? It actually reminded me of a few Jason Statham's movies.

There's action, fights with the bad guys, a few intense and shocking scenes, emotional moments, but the humor made it all light and fun.

I think my expression was constantly switching between a grin and a frown.

Both Dylan and Eric were sarcastic, Dylan being more on the moody and stoic side while Eric being more on the sunshiney and sassy, sometimes ott 🤣. I laughed a lot at their cluelessness and their WTF reactions whenever they found a new clue, and at their mocking answers to the bad guys.

Eric was a kind and good person, but while dying to know all secrets about Dylan, I did also have a lot of questions about Eric's life.

The scenes where reality, dream and memories, past and present overlap in Dylan's mind are so well-written.

The last part of the book is even more intense, at some point I realised I had a hand on my mouth and I had been holding my breath, I was shocked a few times, and then all of a sudden I cried, all in chapter 12.

I had theories and I couldn't wait to find out if they were correct! I was also a bit afraid of whether I was going to like the truth when I found out or not. I'm not going to say what my theory was and not even if I was right or not. But this book is perfect for a buddy read or a book club, where you can compare your ideas and share the excitement 🤩

Fun facts: there is a Titanic scene in this book 🤣

Content and Trigger Warnings
There are things you'd usually have in a thriller/crime/action book, such as violence, fights, injuries, car accidents, some gunshots, killing bad guys. Not too graphic.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dylan become conscious, he sees that he has fallen through several floors in an abandoned building, he's been shot in his bullet-proof vest, he has various wounds including a head injury, and he has no prior memories. He makes his way to a nearby clinic and is recognized by Eric, who claims he is a childhood friend.

As thing develop, he learns that he has specialized skills and he is being pursued by very dangerous people, with Eric tagging along to help protect him while he heals. Although Dylan has few memories, all indications are that he is someone from an unsavory past. Eric insists that Dylan is a good man at his core. To top it off, Dylan had always seemed rather asexual while Eric had a crush on him since his teen years. Now, it seems that Dylan is attracted to Eric, too.

What's really happening and can the two men have a future when so many pieces are missing and danger is at every turn? This book is predictable and the truth of the mysterious past is probably rather apparent to most readers, but it is still very entertaining, with a lot of action and even more passion and love.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down
Okay I have to be honest it took me a few chapters to get into this book which throw me because usually with Romeos books I am there straight away hook line and sinker but for some reason this one was a bit slower for me but let me tell you once this story got going I just could not put the book down and I was on the edge of my seat to find out what was going to happen with Dylan and Eric. So
Dylan wakes up with a head injury and he thinks he’s fallen through a hole in the floor but as he gets to get up he notices that he’s also been shot but he was wearing a vest but that’s not the most confusing thing, that is he has no memory of who he is why he was there who shot him and what happened to his head. Thankfully he makes it to a clinic because he didn’t feel safe going to a hospital. When asked to fill out the paperwork he made up a name he told receptions he didn’t know who he was but she still asked him to fill out the paperwork and thankfully as he was standing there in his pants getting examined by the doctor a man walks in and calls him Dylan. Dylan’s first thought was well he’s hot I think I’m into men. Dylan learnt the man’s name was Eric and growing up they were best friends. The only problem is Dylan doesn’t have a clue who he is there’s no recognition there at all. But he knows where a birthmark is and that night he ends up leaving the clinic with Eric. But it seems like trouble just keeps coming Dylan’s way when he saves an elderly man from what he thinks is being mugged. And this starts a whole series of events that puts Eric and Dylan’s life in danger. As well as Dylan trying to remember who he is. There is a hell of a lot more to the story than what I’ve just told you but you’ve got to read this yourself. What I did like was the connection that Dylan and Eric made a fresh. Eric had no qualms admitting he was gay and that he had been in love with his best friend for a long time and in Dylan‘s head he knew he was attracted to him but could it be more. And as time goes by you start to see the connection form between these two. I absolutely adore their first kiss and the time they spent in his old house. And my heart was just beating so fast for the epilogue to see what was going to happen for these two. A really brilliant read could not put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there was a romantic story line thread through this book, it was so much more than a romance. I would put it along the lines of a thriller, more than romance. When you've got at least two different sets of bad guys chasing you, being constantly shot at and having to be on the run, the romance really does take a back seat to it all. However, the author was really good at threading through the romance that it seemed to be a natural part of the story line and the moments that the couple were able to steal were perfect amounts for the situations they were in at the time.

My first introduction to the author was through the Cruise series and I absolutely adored that series, as it was much lighter in tone than this book was. This was my first real introduction into the Port Dale world, and I'm not sure if the other books in the series in that town are as dark and gritty, but I'm still willing to give more books in the series a go. I realize that there are nicer parts to the Port Dale city, but this one definitely took part on the rougher side of town.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TaurReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the action. Very Jason Bourne with man loving, gay for you (Kinda iffy since one of the main characters finds himself attracted to the other, except his past was very woman attracted). Eric and Dylan were nicely written and developed characters. The pace was decent. It’s a great story, but more than a parts seemed like filler info.

There’s a lot of action, but Eric and Dylan take the few moments of respite to navigate the their emotional journey.

Overall, solid story with romance, steam, and nonstop action.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan is suffering from retrograde amnesia and finds himself getting up from a filthy floor, covered in bruises, congealed blood, with a splitting head, having been shot point blank and fallen through multiple floors of an abandoned, rotting apartment building. Still, he cognizant enough to walk to a free clinic for treatment and a chance to help jog his memories to figure out how he ended up in the situation to begin with. At the clinic, he runs into Eric, who recognizes him right away and he takes him home since Dylan has no credit cards or identification. What ensues is one mishap after another and as his memories unravel, the picture of who is is and what he is doing in Port Dale is becoming muddier and murkier.

Wow! This book has a lot of elements that make it an exciting, terrifying (but not too much), awe-inspiring and awww-inspiring read. The chemistry between the MC's was off the charts hot and the steamy scenes were so vivid and realistic that it was very satisfying to read. I loved that the person who Dylan used to be still shone through the mysteries about his life and that Eric always thought he was truly a good person, even if all the evidence pointed to Dylan being an unsavory character. This was such a good book with suspense, romance, mystery, police presence, mafia, and steamy hot scenes. All in all, a great book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I really enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting. Dylan wakes up injured without any memory of what happened, where he is or who he is. He knows that he needs to get checked out but for some reason something inside him knows that he can’t go to the hospital so he finds his way to a free clinic. He’s getting checked out by the doctor and the nurse comes in and completely freezes at the sight of him. The man tells him that his name is Eric and that they were best friends growing up until they completely lost touch four years ago. He also tells him he’s Dylan. Considering Dylan needs help and Eric is offering to help him he decides to go home with him. I liked the suspense aspect of this book.

I enjoyed seeing them reconnect after all these years, and that even with everything going on around them that Eric believed that Dylan wasn’t a bad guy. Or that he couldn’t be so drastically different, even after not seeing each other for years. Dylan had real doubts about the type of guy he is, as more of the mystery surrounding him is resolved. While the danger gets progressively worse the undeniable chemistry between them explodes. I loved the sarcastic moments throughout this book. A lot of the danger was so OTT but it made for a fun read. I really enjoyed the Epilogue as it gave me an insight into what became of them after everything that went down during the book. I’d definitely recommend this book & author to anyone.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't remember myself but I'm gradually remembering you

This is yet another fantastic read from Romeo Alexander. The first book I read by him was the start of The Cruise series and I was immediately hooked. The five books in that series were great reads that I loved, but overall much lighter in tone than what he turned to next. The standalones and the Cresson Point series are much darker, with more depth to them and heavier topics covered. Some include violence, as this one does, and I really prefer these harder reads that he writes so well.
Imagine waking up and not knowing who you were but finding out that you may not like that person. That's what Dylan has to cope with throughout this book, all while being injured, chased at gunpoint across the city, and trying to keep his best friend safe as well.
Dylan is a mystery to himself but meeting the man who claims to be his best friend gives him some answers to his background, though not nearly enough to explain who he is now. Eric is caring and kind, and positive a ray of sunshine to Dylan when they were younger.
Dylan and Eric were so different, wonderful characters who belonged together. Their story unfolds in real time and flashbacks, and I was captivated by them. Romeo has also given us other characters who play a significant part in the story, good and bad, and I really liked the two women they encounter, Ana and Ivy.
The ending was perfect for them and for me.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed with intense, pulse pounding, heart thumping action with danger around every corner. Our main characters have an emotional roller coaster of doubts, unwavering belief, dubious clues, and serious trust issues.
This book is told from Dylan's pov but is so well written you get a clear understanding of Eric - who he is and how he feels - while Dylan struggles with who he is - and what he may have done - due to his amnesia.
Eric knows who Dylan used to be and believes he is still that man in his core, but Dylan has some serious doubts. Despite all the confusion, both men feel an attraction that runs deeper than the surface. The forced proximity and dangerous situations bring them much closer, but it isn't until the twists stop and they finally get some answers that they can truly accept the powerful love they have for one another and have hope for their HEA.
This was an engaging, exciting, gripping story, a good mix of action and romance, that I would definitely recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

An attention-grabbing beginning.
Mr. Alexander presents the reader with a very different side to Port Dale; a grittier side of mobsters, drugs, betrayal, unknown acquaintances, and two long lost friends only to reconnect again under intense circumstances. Dylan is such a strong man, even with complete memory loss, but Eric is his saving grace. Friends with a history that was lost when Dylan disappeared to parts unknown. Eric continued with his life until Dylan appeared at the clinic Eric works at and each begins to reveal their histories, a broken home with cold unfeeling parents for Dylan, and Eric with a loving surviving father. Their story is a completely different genre
from previous books in the Port Dale series but a refreshing switch for this reader. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dylan and Eric grew up together and Eric would have Dylan do things with him so Dylan wouldn’t be home alone but after school ended Dylan disappeared from Eric’s life. Dylan woke up from falling and getting shot with no memory made it to a free clinic where Eric worked and then was told him name he didn’t know or remember Eric. Then got in a fight saving an older man which got the attention of the gang boss who recognized him and told the Russian mafia that came looking for him. Went to the cops had to rescue Eric got away but being chased until they both crashed, Eric got them safe and doctored up Dylan. Then got away again but got caught almost lost Eric, found he wasn’t the bad guy after all and was put on leave until he got his memories back. Eric and Dylan were great! Good book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joy Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

All right, first you have to suspend your disbelief a little. Any time amnesia is trotted out as a plot line, I am hesitant. This is covered well. Then our hero just happens to run into his teenage crush? Maybe a bit much to swallow. But if you get past this, the book is great. The crush is kind and sunny, but under pressure, he has a backbone and a sharp tongue. The hero thinks he is a villain and that is not quite in keeping with the way he behaves. They both learn a lot about themselves and each other while dodging Latino gangs, the Russian mafia, the FBI, and local cops. It's an entertaining ride.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about keeping us in suspense! Dylan gets injured after being shot at and falling through floors and loses his memory. While getting treated, he is found by Eric who was his childhood best friend. Dylan has trouble trusting, but he knows there is something special about Eric. The book as a whole really only takes place over a short period of time, but a lot happens in those pages. It was a little slow going for me at first because I was just as confused as Dylan trying to figure out what was going on, but it really roped me in. By the end, I couldn't put the book down, and I couldn't wait to find out what was really going on. Great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This was a really enjoyable book, lots of action and suspense and a growing relationship with enough doubts and feelings from both MCs to make it quite realistic. I thought that the amnesia part was really well done, it seems that there was definitely research done on how such an injury will affect the workings of the brain, and that there wasn't a miraculous cure. Dylan's personal character and instincts still functioned even when his memory didn't. The combination and interchange of action, flashbacks and partial regained memories made for a very well-balanced plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and finished it in one sitting. The parts about Dylan’s memory start a bit slow but then it keeps building and building, through glimpses of memories, moments of instinct, and violence to protect them as they try to unravel what Dylan had done and who he was. Erik’s unwavering belief in the kind of person Dylan is deep down gives Dylan hope that he isn’t as bad as he fears. There is danger, feelings admitted, and protection of each other as they try to get to the bottom of what Dylan was doing all those years. A great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book keeps you intrigued and wanting to help Dylan remember his life or at least what his past few years! Eric is there to help but he is having problems remembering that Dylan doesn't remember. Together they face trying to piece Dylan's life back together and find out who tried to kill him. This brings many dangers their way that have to be dealt with and it isn't easy even though Dylan's muscle memory is working fine thankfully. This is a very good read with mystery, memory loss and reconnecting with a BFF all while falling in love. Easily done, right?!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story completely captivated me! Romeo Alexander's books are a must-read for me regardless of what they are actually about, but as soon as I read the premise for this book, I was hooked before I even began. Great world building. Eric and Dylan were such wonderful characters and I loved both of them. This story was exciting, suspenseful, dangerous, and mysterious in that Dylan had no memory of who he his beyond what he was told by his supposed childhood best friend... and starts to suspect that may not be as true as Eric believes it to be. An intriguing, captivating, fantastic read. 5 stars.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is as it seems or as it should be. Waking up, not knowing who you are, what you do or your purpose in life can be a bit off putting. A stranger, Eric identifies the amnesiac as Dylan. Too easy? As Dylan, regains smippets of his memory, he doesn’t recognize the Dylan Eric does. He has questions and hints, but no answers. Dylan, has skills and good muscle memory that keeps them out of hot water but swimming in warm.Will he like the man who is emerging? Will he keep Eric safe? Good adventure. Lots of secrets. Eric, gets to experience a rollercoaster adventure trying to reclaim Dylan. Great story, nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Akasha721 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book and the narrative from Dylan's point of view is insightful but it leaves out half the story. Eric has pinned for Dylan for ten years and in the mean time he has moved on with his life but how did he cope? He seems like a very interesting character with him not biting his tongue. Too bad we will never know just how much the two of them meant to each other. The story is good with a lot of action and some obvious and surprising moves made by the criminals. That made you want to find out what happens in the end. I think it could have been better with a two person perspective.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hard to put down. This is a great book to read! Dylan wakes up and is in pain and does not know who he is or where he is. After cleaning himself up a little he goes to find a clinic so that he can be checked out. Eric works at the clinic helping out where ever he is needed. Eric has loved Dylan for a long time but never told him. Eric and Dylan were best friends for a long time and then Dylan stopped talking to him. Will Eric help Dylan stay alive and safe until Dylan can remember who he is????? What will happen if Dylan remembers who he is????.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jimbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the book Can I Trust you? by Alexander. This is a thriller that hits the road like gangbusters and keeps going till the final shootout and beyond.

Good story telling, some humor that made me laugh out loud and because the story revolves around Dylan not having a clue who he is due to a head injury . . . as the read, we get to learn everything as he does.

It works. The love interest, like Can I Trust You? has the same sort of old friends meeting to figure out that one is bi and the other has been in love with him since they were kids.

Readable, fun, and wonderful all rolled into one.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Romeo is back with another 5 start books and it was fantastic. No only do we get friends to loves romance but we also get some mystery and suspense mixed with mafia! I really enjoyed Dylan and Erik together with their wonderful connection and chemistry. Dylan needs help to remember who he is and the only to help him is Erik but these things get complicated, not only with their growing feelings but also the FBI and Mafia. Awesome book with a wonderful HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DANNETTE HUGGINS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story line. Friends to lovers.

These two started out as childhood friends. One from the rough side of town but that didn't stop their friendship. As they grew up their lives grew apart. They would keep in touch but then Dylan got a job that he couldn't tell his best friend about and they drifted. He ends up back in his town but without a memory and in pretty bad condition. Eric takes him in and nurses him back to health. In the process they get shot at. On the run from bad guys and the law. They fight to get to where they need to be to find out the truth.

[Temberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is amazing, I have never seen amnesia handled so brilliantly!
Dylan wakes up in and abandon building with absolutely no memory and he has also been shot. He makes his way to a local clinic where he comes in contact with Eric who was his childhood friend that he can't remember.
From there they are both on the run from just about everyone! The mob is chasing them as is the police and the FBI even getting into the act! One heck of a page turner but with a happy ending.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a suspenseful and action packed read that was laced with so much emotion! We are along for the ride with Dylan as he tries to remember who he is. I do not want to give anything away as you need to read this with no knowledge of Dylan as well. We are taken back with Dylan to learn his past with Eric. Eric has been wonderful for Dylan always! I was absolutely invested in learning about what happened to Dylan and even more the real time relationship developing between him and Eric.

[CJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanted to enjoy it.

I was so looking forward to this book. But was let down. Was only in one POV not both and I personally do not like reading books without both POV. At times I didn’t know who was talking. It also wasn’t as exciting as it sounded.

Books should have to say if its single POV or dual POV etc, as we spend a lot buying books to enjoy.