Riven

Riven is the first story I've read by Roan Parrish but I do have other books of hers on my TBRL (to be read list). It was a very moving story and had me in tears by the end. Two tortured guys who need each other but it takes time for Caleb to comes to terms with that. Caleb is a recovering addict who had a promising music career but his addictions created major problems for him. Once he gets sober he stays away from that lifestyle because he doesn't want to be drawn back into it. Theo hears Caleb singing one night while he is walking home and he is drawn to him. They begin a relationship but run into problems when Theo tries to convince him to give music another chance. Caleb doesn't want to be drawn back into all of the things that go along with the life of a musician; he's afraid for his sobriety. Caleb and Theo have a rough road to their HEA. Theo isn't really happy playing in the band Riven; he wants to make music with Caleb. Caleb has to overcome his fears so that he can get back to his music and be with the man he loves. A very emotional story which I really enjoyed. A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

Totally enjoyed this book! Was especially drawn by the way Parrish writes the musicians’ love for, and immersion in, their music.

Oh My God! This book is EVERYTHING! I was so excited to finally get my hands on this one and it did not disappoint! This book was sweet but also sexy AF. It just never stopped being amazing. It’s one of those rare gems that will stick with me for years to come and I’m already planning a re-read. Theo is a ‘reluctant rockstar’ who kind of fell into fame due to his immense talent as a singer and songwriter, but he hates nearly everything about being famous. He is overwhelmed from the stress of his life in the spotlight, constant touring, struggles to fit in with the band and even himself, unsure where he belongs in the world. After wandering the streets of NY on his one night home between tours, he is drawn to a guitar solo he hears and follows the music. That’s where he discovers Caleb sitting alone in the corner of a bar. Caleb has lived the life of a musician and has several stints in rehab to show for it. Lost and struggling to get through each day, Caleb has alienated himself from nearly everyone and the music that he loves so much. These two men are drawn to each other and form a deep connection over their need to create music and their attraction for one another. That one night together is enough to leave a lasting impression on them both. Theo decides to take a leap of faith when he simply cannot get Caleb out of his mind, and tracks Caleb down. Now they have to see if they can both find a way to navigate their lives and overcome their fears. Roan Parrish has a unique, diverse writing style that always astounds me. It's never the story that bends to match her writting, it’s her writing that adapts to each story. Every book is a new and unique experience that ensnares the reader, drawing you in so you can do nothing else but read until you reach the end. She creates diverse and multidimensional characters that tug at your heart more and more with each page. She makes you not only fall in love with them, but understand each of them in a way other authors don’t. So much so that even if they do something you don’t agree with, you still understand why they do it. Theo defies the usual rockstar idol. He remains sweet and naive in the world of rock and roll fame, somehow untouched by the usual things that corrupt people in the spotlight. We understand where his uncertainty comes from the more we get to know him, and why he struggles so hard to stand up for himself or what he wants. Caleb is such a tortured soul but he is written in such a clear, concise way that I found it hard to judge him for his choices. All I wanted to do is hug him, tell him to trust in himself, and encourage him that second chances are possible. Theses guys were so sweet and perfect together that it made my heart ache with happiness. This book was sweet, sexy and satisfying from start to finish, with a few scenes that I won’t be forgetting any time soon. The storyline was fantastic and was paced well. I didn't want to put this book down but I also never wanted it to end. It’s without a doubt, one of my top books of 2018 so far.