What do you think?
Rate this book
Riven #1
Riven
Theo Decker might be the lead singer of Riven, but he hates being a rock star. The paparazzi, the endless tours, being recognized everywhere he goes—it all makes him squirm. The only thing he DZ’t hate is the music. Feeling an audience’s energy as they lose themselves in Riven’s music is a rush unlike anything else . . . until he meets Caleb Blake Whitman. Caleb is rough and damaged, yet his fingers on his guitar are pure poetry. And his hands on Theo? They’re all he can think about. But Caleb’s no groupie—and one night with him won’t be enough.
Just when Caleb is accepting his new life as a loner, Theo Decker slinks into it and turns his world upside-down. Theo’s sexy and brilliant and addictively vulnerable, and all Caleb wants is another hit. And another. That’s how he knows Theo’s trouble. Caleb can’t even handle performing these days. How the hell is he going to survive an affair with a tabloid superstar? But after Caleb sees the man behind the rock star, he begins to wonder if Theo might be his chance at a future he thought he’d lost forever.
Just when Caleb is accepting his new life as a loner, Theo Decker slinks into it and turns his world upside-down. Theo’s sexy and brilliant and addictively vulnerable, and all Caleb wants is another hit. And another. That’s how he knows Theo’s trouble. Caleb can’t even handle performing these days. How the hell is he going to survive an affair with a tabloid superstar? But after Caleb sees the man behind the rock star, he begins to wonder if Theo might be his chance at a future he thought he’d lost forever.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2018
208 people are currently reading
3,238 people want to read
About the author
Roan Parrish
36books2,305followersRoan Parrish lives in Philadelphia, where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.
When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends� hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.
She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends� hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.
She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 687 reviews
June 21, 2018
Everyone else LOVES this book, but I'm getting flashbacks to when I read and was the only hater of the bunch. Though I loved , I'm thinking maybe isn't for me.
was far from terrible, but I just... don't get it. I found the characters to be boring and I couldn't get myself emotionally invested. There was this strange feeling of disconnect that I couldn't shake.
The music aspects were... good. I liked that these guys had passion. I didn't like the back and forth, and I really didn't feel like they had much chemistry. It just felt... bland. I do struggle a bit with books that lead with sex and don't have that tension, that buildup, but something about the writing just felt flat.
I'm going with 2-stars since I didn't hate it, but I was so out of sync with this book that I actually DNFed at 82%.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
was far from terrible, but I just... don't get it. I found the characters to be boring and I couldn't get myself emotionally invested. There was this strange feeling of disconnect that I couldn't shake.
The music aspects were... good. I liked that these guys had passion. I didn't like the back and forth, and I really didn't feel like they had much chemistry. It just felt... bland. I do struggle a bit with books that lead with sex and don't have that tension, that buildup, but something about the writing just felt flat.
I'm going with 2-stars since I didn't hate it, but I was so out of sync with this book that I actually DNFed at 82%.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
June 9, 2018
3.5
Liked it but didn't love it,like I expected...
One ABSOLUTE positive was Theo...I love a character that is sexy and hot but has a kind of innocence about them,
More pics,
There's no denying both men had a great chemistry and the sex scenes were some of the best I've read
The musical aspect was very well done and I'm sure the Author did her research because I was totally invested in that part of the story.
Unfortunately...
Although Theo and Caleb had a great connection I really didn't like Caleb as an individual and the inner monologues (and there's a lot of them) from both men,quite frankly bored me....
Overall,it was ok.Probably best to ignore me and check out other reviews because it's a massive hit with most people.
Liked it but didn't love it,like I expected...
One ABSOLUTE positive was Theo...I love a character that is sexy and hot but has a kind of innocence about them,
More pics,
There's no denying both men had a great chemistry and the sex scenes were some of the best I've read
The musical aspect was very well done and I'm sure the Author did her research because I was totally invested in that part of the story.
Unfortunately...
Although Theo and Caleb had a great connection I really didn't like Caleb as an individual and the inner monologues (and there's a lot of them) from both men,quite frankly bored me....
Overall,it was ok.Probably best to ignore me and check out other reviews because it's a massive hit with most people.
May 3, 2018
5 Stars!
I think this has to be my favorite story by this author so far.
Theo was the type of character I desperately wanted to reach through the pages so I could hug him and Caleb garnered the same reaction out of me. One of my favorite couples I've read about this year hands down.
Theo loves music. He loves writing it and creating it. He loves seeing people enjoying their music. What he doesn't love is the paparazzi following him and taking his picture. The crowds that engulf him when he's out and about. He's not happy. Even in his band he feels alone. He hates touring but loves performing. Caleb loves music as well. He's a talented musician in his own right but hasn't been on a stage in years. He is a broken and damaged soul who is just trying to survive his addiction. He has learned his triggers and does anything to keep himself from temptation. But he needs music like he needs the blood pumping through his veins. But as much as he needs it he also fears it is exactly what will have him fall back into the life he's desperately trying to leave behind. He can't afford to fall down that slippery rope again so he's done his best to accept his new life as a loner. That is until Theo walks into his life. Theo hears Caleb playing when he's out having a late night stroll. Theo is completely captivated by Caleb's voice and the fingers that strum the haunting music that pulled him to this man. Caleb knows that Theo is trouble with a capital T and has more power to bring him to his knees than any drug ever had the ability to. He knows one night with this sexy vulnerable man won't be enough. But can a man who has been trying so hard to live a solitary life let himself be open to a man who is very publicly known?
With Caleb, Theo finally found like he belonged. That he found someone who saw him and wanted him just the way he was. With Theo, Caleb felt like he could be someone more than his past and the drugs. That he could be happy.
I really loved this story and will no doubt be reading it again. One of my favorites of the year.
**I received an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
I think this has to be my favorite story by this author so far.
Theo was the type of character I desperately wanted to reach through the pages so I could hug him and Caleb garnered the same reaction out of me. One of my favorite couples I've read about this year hands down.
Theo loves music. He loves writing it and creating it. He loves seeing people enjoying their music. What he doesn't love is the paparazzi following him and taking his picture. The crowds that engulf him when he's out and about. He's not happy. Even in his band he feels alone. He hates touring but loves performing. Caleb loves music as well. He's a talented musician in his own right but hasn't been on a stage in years. He is a broken and damaged soul who is just trying to survive his addiction. He has learned his triggers and does anything to keep himself from temptation. But he needs music like he needs the blood pumping through his veins. But as much as he needs it he also fears it is exactly what will have him fall back into the life he's desperately trying to leave behind. He can't afford to fall down that slippery rope again so he's done his best to accept his new life as a loner. That is until Theo walks into his life. Theo hears Caleb playing when he's out having a late night stroll. Theo is completely captivated by Caleb's voice and the fingers that strum the haunting music that pulled him to this man. Caleb knows that Theo is trouble with a capital T and has more power to bring him to his knees than any drug ever had the ability to. He knows one night with this sexy vulnerable man won't be enough. But can a man who has been trying so hard to live a solitary life let himself be open to a man who is very publicly known?
With Caleb, Theo finally found like he belonged. That he found someone who saw him and wanted him just the way he was. With Theo, Caleb felt like he could be someone more than his past and the drugs. That he could be happy.
I really loved this story and will no doubt be reading it again. One of my favorites of the year.
**I received an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
October 12, 2019
Audio book -4.35 stars
Story - 4 stars
Iggy and Chris did a wonderful job narrating. Chris has a really sexy voice, my only problem with him is the heavy breathing in between sentences which was a distraction.
Well, that was surprisingly good. My first encounter with RP book was not a pleasant one, maybe because it was her debut book. This on the other hand was entertaining.
I am not a contemporary person, i was surprised at how much i enjoyed hanging out with Theo and Caleb. I believe it is the writing. After my long stint with mysteries (which i will be going back to soon), there is a part of me that missed this kind of story. My mood was just right. I can't pinpoint what it is exactly, but i had an easy time with it.
Another thing i had missed was sex! The long sex scenes plus the money shot. Gaaaah! Theo and Caleb delivered. The sex scenes were hot.
Their chemistry was believable too. I liked the way their relationship developed, it felt refreshing and not forced to fit into the romance norm. The story flowed so well and with ease. It was angsty without overdoing it, emotional without being OTT, sweet without being cheesy.
The secondary characters fit well into the story. Rhys stole the show for me. His book better be good.
Overall it was enjoyable and i liked it A LOT!
Story - 4 stars
Iggy and Chris did a wonderful job narrating. Chris has a really sexy voice, my only problem with him is the heavy breathing in between sentences which was a distraction.
Well, that was surprisingly good. My first encounter with RP book was not a pleasant one, maybe because it was her debut book. This on the other hand was entertaining.
I am not a contemporary person, i was surprised at how much i enjoyed hanging out with Theo and Caleb. I believe it is the writing. After my long stint with mysteries (which i will be going back to soon), there is a part of me that missed this kind of story. My mood was just right. I can't pinpoint what it is exactly, but i had an easy time with it.
Another thing i had missed was sex! The long sex scenes plus the money shot. Gaaaah! Theo and Caleb delivered. The sex scenes were hot.
Their chemistry was believable too. I liked the way their relationship developed, it felt refreshing and not forced to fit into the romance norm. The story flowed so well and with ease. It was angsty without overdoing it, emotional without being OTT, sweet without being cheesy.
The secondary characters fit well into the story. Rhys stole the show for me. His book better be good.
Overall it was enjoyable and i liked it A LOT!
August 4, 2020
5 Rebirth Stars ⭐️
Sometimes you try a new author and you know from the very first chapter that you will love every moment. This is an MM romance with so much heart and depth (and heat 🔥) that I was bewitched from start to end.
Theo Decker is a reluctant celebrity. As the face and lead singer of rock band Riven, his love for music has come at a price. Burned out and disillusioned, he’s suppressing his emotions to keep everybody else happy. On a rare night out, he stumbles across music that calls to his soul.
"It was mournful and angry and beautiful and raw, and the feelings of it roiled around in my chest until I was craning to hear more."
Theo never expected that his encounter with Caleb Blake Whitman would steal his breath and light him up. Accustomed to lonely nights and groupies, Theo hasn’t felt a connection with a lover in possibly forever. Neither are prepared for each other; a kinship formed over music and a chemical reaction far too irresistible to walk away from.
"I wasn’t usually such a cuddler. Hell, I’d never really had much of a chance. I was just so used to anonymous fucks, or one-night stands who were blitzed out of their minds, or on-again-off-again flings who had no interest in anything but the main event."
Caleb is a loner and he’s not looking for company. He has chosen to leave music behind. A clean break, a chance to beat his addictions yet again. It's another attempt to create a new life. He’s not expecting a saviour, he intends to fight this war alone.
"I knew the danger of waiting for some outside force to bend a gentle knee and change my life. I knew that if anything was going to bring me back to life, it would have to be me."
Two men, both lonely and damaged. They are in desperate need of each other’s support, compassion and understanding. Theo in all his awkwardness is prepared to put his heart on the line but getting Caleb to take a risk on a rockstar is the challenge. This is a journey of awareness, self-healing and ultimately finding love great enough to inspire courage and happiness.
"The hope on his face nearly tore me apart. Because it was all for me. This man, standing in front of me, was dreaming a dream for me, and it was humbling as fuck."
Sometimes you try a new author and you know from the very first chapter that you will love every moment. This is an MM romance with so much heart and depth (and heat 🔥) that I was bewitched from start to end.
Theo Decker is a reluctant celebrity. As the face and lead singer of rock band Riven, his love for music has come at a price. Burned out and disillusioned, he’s suppressing his emotions to keep everybody else happy. On a rare night out, he stumbles across music that calls to his soul.
"It was mournful and angry and beautiful and raw, and the feelings of it roiled around in my chest until I was craning to hear more."
Theo never expected that his encounter with Caleb Blake Whitman would steal his breath and light him up. Accustomed to lonely nights and groupies, Theo hasn’t felt a connection with a lover in possibly forever. Neither are prepared for each other; a kinship formed over music and a chemical reaction far too irresistible to walk away from.
"I wasn’t usually such a cuddler. Hell, I’d never really had much of a chance. I was just so used to anonymous fucks, or one-night stands who were blitzed out of their minds, or on-again-off-again flings who had no interest in anything but the main event."
Caleb is a loner and he’s not looking for company. He has chosen to leave music behind. A clean break, a chance to beat his addictions yet again. It's another attempt to create a new life. He’s not expecting a saviour, he intends to fight this war alone.
"I knew the danger of waiting for some outside force to bend a gentle knee and change my life. I knew that if anything was going to bring me back to life, it would have to be me."
Two men, both lonely and damaged. They are in desperate need of each other’s support, compassion and understanding. Theo in all his awkwardness is prepared to put his heart on the line but getting Caleb to take a risk on a rockstar is the challenge. This is a journey of awareness, self-healing and ultimately finding love great enough to inspire courage and happiness.
"The hope on his face nearly tore me apart. Because it was all for me. This man, standing in front of me, was dreaming a dream for me, and it was humbling as fuck."
Want to read
May 29, 2018
M/MMM AN ADDICTING BAD BOY ROCKER!
Stand-alone.
LIVE! | | | | | |
Blurb:
Theo Decker might be the lead singer of Riven, but he hates being a rock star. The paparazzi, the endless tours, being recognized everywhere he goes—it all makes him squirm. The only thing he DZ’t hate is the music. Feeling an audience’s energy as they lose themselves in Riven’s music is a rush unlike anything else . . . until he meets Caleb Blake Whitman. Caleb is rough and damaged, yet his fingers on his guitar are pure poetry. And his hands on Theo? They’re all he can think about. But Caleb’s no groupie—and one night with him won’t be enough.
Just when Caleb is accepting his new life as a loner, Theo Decker slinks into it and turns his world upside-down. Theo’s sexy and brilliant and addictively vulnerable, and all Caleb wants is another hit. And another. That’s how he knows Theo’s trouble. Caleb can’t even handle performing these days. How the hell is he going to survive an affair with a tabloid superstar? But after Caleb sees the man behind the rock star, he begins to wonder if Theo might be his chance at a future he thought he’d lost forever.
June 2, 2018
I have read a number of books by this author that I really enjoyed and when I read the blurb for this one, I got really excited. I mean "rock stars" are a definitely a weakness of mine...Add the words "rough and damaged" and I am sold!! I couldn't wait to open this baby up.
Theo is the lead singer of the up and coming rock band "Riven". He really loves singing but being the focus of the band is not all it's cracked up to be. Theo is being hounded by the paparazzi and to make matters worse...his bandmates seem to actually resent him for it. To say they are close would be a big fat lie...
Theo knows he owes them all a lot, so he doesn't want to rock the boat, but he's so tired of touring and being famous...When he's out and about one night, he meets Caleb... at first not having the first clue who Caleb really is.
Caleb used to have his own spot in the world of music, but addiction got the better of him. He's been in and out of rehab multiple times ever since.
So far, the last time has stuck...and he intends to keep it that way.
These two have instant chemistry and even though Caleb knows he shouldn't he can't stop himself from responding to Theo. He should stay away from Theo though, because being around Theo and all that surrounds him, is a major trigger for Caleb. But how can he stay away from something that feels so right....
I really enjoyed reading this one, it was sweet and sexy and a bit emotional at times. Theo and Caleb really are lobsters ;)
My reviews are posted on
Follow Us on�
May 22, 2018
4 STARS
Have you ever read a book for the cover alone? What? Now don't look at me like that. Have you seen this cover? There's just something about it that's utterly magnetic. It lures you in. And then you read the blurb, and INSTANT HOOK!
This was my second book by Roan Parrish and I'm definitely a fan. Riven is an emotional, character driven story that was as gripping as it was raw. Now normally, I don't really enjoy a romance where the main characters hook up in less than 20% of the book. But that's what happened when Theo first stumbles onto Caleb. The unwilling rockstar that's trying to escape his reality meets a brooding recovering addict and sparks fly immediately. After no more than some conversation over their love of music and a romantic walk, they fall into bed together. But yet somehow it totally worked in this story.
The chemistry between Theo and Caleb may have been instant, but it also progresses over the course of their courtship. Caleb struggles daily with his sobriety. He was such an endearingly imperfect character. This is a man that's as far from perfect as it gets, and he knows it. After several failed stints in rehab, he hopes his third will be the charm. Cutting himself off fully from his previous life is the only way he sees of serving sobriety this time around. And Theo and his fame threatens everything he's worked so hard for.
Theo was absolutely adorable. There was something so vulnerable about him that you can't help but fall for him. He wears his heart on his sleeve and his emotions all over his face. He's one of the most genuine characters I've read in a long while. His fame is still a shock to him and something he struggles with. He loves music, but hates the notoriety that has come with it and the weird vibe that he seems to have with his bandmates. Caleb is his escape from his own gloom reality.
This was a bit slower paced than I normally like, but it still worked for me. I loved the characters, and I absolutely loved the story. It may not have been my normal cuppa, but it was one I enjoyed from beginning to finish. Caleb and Theo were adorable together and oh so sexy. If you're looking for an emotionally charged, character driven story, this is a definite must read.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
He was lust and heat and power and I fucking loved it.
Have you ever read a book for the cover alone? What? Now don't look at me like that. Have you seen this cover? There's just something about it that's utterly magnetic. It lures you in. And then you read the blurb, and INSTANT HOOK!
This was my second book by Roan Parrish and I'm definitely a fan. Riven is an emotional, character driven story that was as gripping as it was raw. Now normally, I don't really enjoy a romance where the main characters hook up in less than 20% of the book. But that's what happened when Theo first stumbles onto Caleb. The unwilling rockstar that's trying to escape his reality meets a brooding recovering addict and sparks fly immediately. After no more than some conversation over their love of music and a romantic walk, they fall into bed together. But yet somehow it totally worked in this story.
The chemistry between Theo and Caleb may have been instant, but it also progresses over the course of their courtship. Caleb struggles daily with his sobriety. He was such an endearingly imperfect character. This is a man that's as far from perfect as it gets, and he knows it. After several failed stints in rehab, he hopes his third will be the charm. Cutting himself off fully from his previous life is the only way he sees of serving sobriety this time around. And Theo and his fame threatens everything he's worked so hard for.
Theo was absolutely adorable. There was something so vulnerable about him that you can't help but fall for him. He wears his heart on his sleeve and his emotions all over his face. He's one of the most genuine characters I've read in a long while. His fame is still a shock to him and something he struggles with. He loves music, but hates the notoriety that has come with it and the weird vibe that he seems to have with his bandmates. Caleb is his escape from his own gloom reality.
This was a bit slower paced than I normally like, but it still worked for me. I loved the characters, and I absolutely loved the story. It may not have been my normal cuppa, but it was one I enjoyed from beginning to finish. Caleb and Theo were adorable together and oh so sexy. If you're looking for an emotionally charged, character driven story, this is a definite must read.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
February 14, 2018
This book blew me away.
It moved me.
It made me hurt.
There was so much feeling in the writing.
I couldn't stop reading.
I loved Theo and Caleb so so much.
One of my favorite books of the year.
ARCH kindly provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, for an honest review
It moved me.
It made me hurt.
There was so much feeling in the writing.
I couldn't stop reading.
I loved Theo and Caleb so so much.
One of my favorite books of the year.
ARCH kindly provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, for an honest review
May 29, 2018
When you open a book and you connect to the characters instantly and they touch you deeply, it's already a good sign. If the story speaks to you then you are on a good way to your next favorite. Roan Parrish is a new-to-me author and this is what happened to me when I started reading Riven.
Theo lives everybody else's dream. He is the lead singer one of the most popular bands, Riven. He and his bandmates sell buckets of records and make a ridiculous amount of money. The problem? Theo loves performing but hates hates the fame that comes with being a superstar. On a short stop at home while touring he meets Caleb and they connect instantly through music.
His tongue was an instrument, and he kissed me like he was playing a song, coming on strong, easing off, building to a crest, changing the rhythm.
Caleb is a recovering drug addict and a former well known musician. These days he doesn't perform anymore - too big is the fear to fall back into old patterns. His one-night-stand with Theo suits him just right because the gorgeous man is drug-material and he just can't replace one addiction with another. But the rockstar is nothing if not tenacious and a couple of weeks later he shows up at Caleb's doorstep, temptation personified and a delicious dance of push and pull begins.
First let me gush a little about these two characters. How cute were they? Seriously? On-stage Theo is a charismatic frontman who wraps his audience around his fingers. He captivates people with his voice and words and talent.
Theo had a way about him that got people in the palm of his hand. He was human but glamorous; effortlessly cool but vulnerable.
Off-stage he is adorably shy and awkward. He's also extremely forgiving but I never felt that he was a doormat. There was something very refreshing about his honesty. Theo doesn't know how to not show his feelings. They just bubble out of him and it's what makes him so extremely lovable. I wanted to wrap him up in bubble wrap and keep him safe because he needed somebody to give him love and safety. There were so many thoughtful and sweet things he did for Caleb, he was incredible.
Out of nowhere, I felt my chest tighten and my throat seize, suddenly close to tears. In all of this, somehow, Theo had managed to remind me of who I was. Who I wanted to be. Who I could be again.
Caleb fears nothing more than a relapse but he lets this fear rule his life. He stays in his old farmhouse and takes up planting vegetables and basically goes through the motions. Theo rattles something inside of him and it scares the living daylights out of him. Caleb pushes Theo away, again and again, and faithful, sweet and forgiving Theo totally has Caleb's number so it's easy for him to forgive the man he's falling in love with. Usually I get really annoyed when there is too much pushing away going on - not with Caleb. It was so clear right from the start, so understandable why he did it. There just wasn't a reason to be mad at him. His fears were totally valid - a relapse was a possibility, but little by little he realized that Theo was his strength and not his weakness. These two were multi-layered characters who had a wonderful and easy connection, in tune with each other.
Theo has some issues too but he loved with an open heart and had an astonishingly positive outlook. I swear to God I choked up a couple of times because his loneliness really got to me. Caleb's need for distance was really hard on him.
Caleb told himself the story that no one could depend on him because he’d break their trust.
And what stories had I told myself? That I was unlovable. That I had to earn the right to be cared for. That unless I made myself indispensable, I would be tossed away.
I found myself utterly charmed by the whole cast of this book. Not only the two main characters were delightful, Caleb's best friend Rhys was amazing too. It was so good to see that Caleb had somebody who loved him with all his deficiencies and flaws and was just a rock for him when things got really hard.
Riven is a fast read and kept me invested throughout the whole story. I just couldn't stop - I was riveted and enthralled, I hurt and was sad, I laughed and smiled and I was happy when I closed the book leaving Theo and Caleb in a good place. Roan Parrish has a beautiful writing style. The dialogues are actually very close to how people really talk. If you're insecure or awkward there are lots of uh's and ah's and um's. I actually liked that. But her descriptions were beautiful and sometimes beautifully haunting.
I turned to him and watched him listen to the song I��d written for him. The song that had gathered inside me, that I’d held tight all these months and finally unspooled for him in the early morning light. The song that told him all the things he already knew, but in the language we both felt deeper than words.
Ms Parrish has a new fan. I will now go forth and buy all of her backlist because this was one of the most beautiful MM stories I've read.This book is written with heart and feeling - it's a story this author can be proud of.
August 19, 2021
Wonderful narration by Chris Chambers and Iggy Toma.
There is so much heart and emotion in this story. Theo is such a complete sweetheart, struggling with his quick rise to fame, feeling unworthy of the accolades. There is something so childlike in how he sees the world, and how he relates to people. He’s innocent, but as a touring rock star and songwriter, he really isn’t all that innocent. He DZ’t do drugs, or seem to immesh himself in the usual rocker persona. He sees Caleb one night at an open mic, DZ’t know who he is, but something in Caleb’s music, speaks to Theo.
Caleb is a recovering addict and a former musician himself. He’s in his mid-30’s and has cloistered himself on a small farm, quietly trying to find himself. I was irritated over and over again by Caleb’s inability to open up to Theo. It’s like emotional whiplash how he is with Theo, come here, no go away, wait, come back. Poor Theo just wants to be loved. I have to give props to , as life with an addict, or recovering addict is written very well here.
This book has so many beautiful messages. It’s raw, honest, sweet, angsty, steamy, irritating, and so deeply lovely.
There is so much heart and emotion in this story. Theo is such a complete sweetheart, struggling with his quick rise to fame, feeling unworthy of the accolades. There is something so childlike in how he sees the world, and how he relates to people. He’s innocent, but as a touring rock star and songwriter, he really isn’t all that innocent. He DZ’t do drugs, or seem to immesh himself in the usual rocker persona. He sees Caleb one night at an open mic, DZ’t know who he is, but something in Caleb’s music, speaks to Theo.
Caleb is a recovering addict and a former musician himself. He’s in his mid-30’s and has cloistered himself on a small farm, quietly trying to find himself. I was irritated over and over again by Caleb’s inability to open up to Theo. It’s like emotional whiplash how he is with Theo, come here, no go away, wait, come back. Poor Theo just wants to be loved. I have to give props to , as life with an addict, or recovering addict is written very well here.
This book has so many beautiful messages. It’s raw, honest, sweet, angsty, steamy, irritating, and so deeply lovely.
February 20, 2018
I can't get this book out of my head. It was-
breathtaking
soulful
magical
poetic
passionate
I don't think I can write a coherent review for it. Riven is one you have to experience. It's about two men going on a journey together; it's about healing, trust, new beginnings. It's also unlike any rockstar book I've ever read. It didn't rely on typical cliches. It was just so full of feeling.
Trust me, friends, read this book. Sorry to be so vague but you'll be the better for it.
5+ GORGEOUS Stars.
"There was this moment before, the first note left my mouth, when everything changed. There was the before and the after, the quiet and the noise; the off and the on. It was the moment when I felt like I appeared, pushing everything that I was out of myself like the notes I sang were a strong-currented river, able to disgorge me."
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
![Profile Image for moonlight☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 10, 2022
The other night, he'd come out of the shower to find me on the couch, and draped himself over me. After a few seconds, his whole body stiffened, and he started to pull away, as if he'd collect himself and take himself away before I could point out that he'd transgressed.
There was a deep need in him, and it sang to me. Plucked at strings pulled taut inside me that had never been strummed. I wanted to be able to grant him every right over me. I wasn't there yet. Not quite. But I wanted it. For the first time, I wanted it.
� i loved how lyrical the writing was in this book, which fits well as it's a rockstar romance. idk if this is how the author's writing usually is (considering i've tried one other book by her before and i couldn't get into it) or if it's just meant for this trilogy bc of the rockstar concept, but i was pulled in by the writing from the very first page.
� from rockstar romances i've read in the past, i feel like they can be in one of two categories: shallow with no depth or emotional, gritty and raw that has impact. i'm happy to say this belonged in the latter for me. 😌
� this book is an example of a one night stand turned more done right!! often times, if the mcs have a one night stand in the beginning of the book, part ways then meet again later on, it never felt more than lust or attraction to me for the romantic aspect? however, this had the emotional connection i needed for a story like this and it delivered in all the right ways. 😭 the way they were taking it slow after meeting again and getting to know each other? their texts, simple convos, calls—i loved every interaction they had. i also liked how they had an instant connection the moment they met and couldn't let go of that connection. 🥺
� not really sure how to feel about Theo's band tbh. they were okay but, other times, it never felt like they truly understood—or even tried to—Theo. maybe Ethan came close in putting a bit of effort but they were meh. i definitely loved Caleb's friends tho!! Rhys. Huey. i'm looking forward to their stories (which i'm aware are the next two books lol)! 🥰
� overall, this book had me in my feels and i just loved Theo and Caleb so much!! �
There was a deep need in him, and it sang to me. Plucked at strings pulled taut inside me that had never been strummed. I wanted to be able to grant him every right over me. I wasn't there yet. Not quite. But I wanted it. For the first time, I wanted it.
� i loved how lyrical the writing was in this book, which fits well as it's a rockstar romance. idk if this is how the author's writing usually is (considering i've tried one other book by her before and i couldn't get into it) or if it's just meant for this trilogy bc of the rockstar concept, but i was pulled in by the writing from the very first page.
� from rockstar romances i've read in the past, i feel like they can be in one of two categories: shallow with no depth or emotional, gritty and raw that has impact. i'm happy to say this belonged in the latter for me. 😌
� this book is an example of a one night stand turned more done right!! often times, if the mcs have a one night stand in the beginning of the book, part ways then meet again later on, it never felt more than lust or attraction to me for the romantic aspect? however, this had the emotional connection i needed for a story like this and it delivered in all the right ways. 😭 the way they were taking it slow after meeting again and getting to know each other? their texts, simple convos, calls—i loved every interaction they had. i also liked how they had an instant connection the moment they met and couldn't let go of that connection. 🥺
� not really sure how to feel about Theo's band tbh. they were okay but, other times, it never felt like they truly understood—or even tried to—Theo. maybe Ethan came close in putting a bit of effort but they were meh. i definitely loved Caleb's friends tho!! Rhys. Huey. i'm looking forward to their stories (which i'm aware are the next two books lol)! 🥰
� overall, this book had me in my feels and i just loved Theo and Caleb so much!! �
March 23, 2019
ETA for Audio:
It would have been better as a duet, but...
It's a great audio.
My only complaint about the performance, and it's a small one, is Chris Chambers needs to work on his breath control when using the mic. You can often hear his breath intakes before speaking, which could be annoying.
Otherwise, Iggy Toma and Chris Chambers both did a wonderful job overall. Their character voices are great, the pacing and timing was aural perfection, and I would have been perfectly happy and content if either one had narrated alone.
Because while I enjoyed listening to both narrators, the fact that it was dual narration did adversely affect my enjoyment. (See my "I hate having to listen to two different interpretations of the same role in the same book" rants from the past.)
Look, Riven's a good audio. But I'm not going to lie...I truly believe this would have been award-winning awesomeness had it been a duet narration instead.
If you can't afford duet or ensemble narration, stick to a single narrator. All I'm saying.
**~~**~~**~~**~~**
Riven took my expectations of a rock star romance and completely obliterated them. This is unlike anything I thought it was going to be. I anticipated it being good because I have yet to be disappointed by a Roan Parrish novel, but I didn't realize how invested I would be in these characters.
In sweet, naive, Theo.
In broken, but mending, Caleb.
Upon finishing I could only think, "I'm wrecked." and had a book hangover for a day or two where I couldn't get the story or Theo and Caleb out of my head. The best kind of wrecked.
The writing is almost lyrical, and pulled me in like some of my favorite music that I can listen to and let the world disappear. I got lost in this book.
I loved so much about Riven, from the dual POV that let me get inside the heads of these two incredible characters, to the way it flowed, to the way it ended, to the way it made me feel. And, man, did it make me feel so much.
I'm wowed by this story. I just...I loved this so much.
God, I hope Roan Parrish gets Spencer Goss to narrate this.
Highly recommended!
Advanced Review Galley copy of provided by via in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at .
Initial thoughts: Ohmigod, I'm wrecked. I loved so much about this book, from the dual POV that let me get inside the heads of these two incredible characters, to the way it flowed, to the way it made me feel. And, man, did it make me feel so much. I'm wowed by this. God, I hope she gets Spencer Goss to narrate this. I'm honestly so happy with the way this ended. I just...I loved this so much.
Full review to come when I can string words together and not just gush.
It would have been better as a duet, but...
It's a great audio.
My only complaint about the performance, and it's a small one, is Chris Chambers needs to work on his breath control when using the mic. You can often hear his breath intakes before speaking, which could be annoying.
Otherwise, Iggy Toma and Chris Chambers both did a wonderful job overall. Their character voices are great, the pacing and timing was aural perfection, and I would have been perfectly happy and content if either one had narrated alone.
Because while I enjoyed listening to both narrators, the fact that it was dual narration did adversely affect my enjoyment. (See my "I hate having to listen to two different interpretations of the same role in the same book" rants from the past.)
Look, Riven's a good audio. But I'm not going to lie...I truly believe this would have been award-winning awesomeness had it been a duet narration instead.
If you can't afford duet or ensemble narration, stick to a single narrator. All I'm saying.
**~~**~~**~~**~~**
Riven took my expectations of a rock star romance and completely obliterated them. This is unlike anything I thought it was going to be. I anticipated it being good because I have yet to be disappointed by a Roan Parrish novel, but I didn't realize how invested I would be in these characters.
In sweet, naive, Theo.
I couldn’t deny that it was satisfying� amazing, even, to have people love our music so much. I was so gratified whenever I saw people touched by what we made. And the performances themselves, I loved. But I felt like I’d waded into calm waters only to be pulled out to sea by a powerful undertow. Choked breathless, unprepared, defenseless, looking around in panic as the shoreline receded farther with each wave.
In broken, but mending, Caleb.
Everything about him worked its way under my skin, like a bullet slowly making its way to my heart.
Upon finishing I could only think, "I'm wrecked." and had a book hangover for a day or two where I couldn't get the story or Theo and Caleb out of my head. The best kind of wrecked.
“If you’re looking for a prize, you ain’t lookin� for love. Love isn’t a reward. It’s not something you deserve or don’t deserve.�
The writing is almost lyrical, and pulled me in like some of my favorite music that I can listen to and let the world disappear. I got lost in this book.
I loved so much about Riven, from the dual POV that let me get inside the heads of these two incredible characters, to the way it flowed, to the way it ended, to the way it made me feel. And, man, did it make me feel so much.
I'm wowed by this story. I just...I loved this so much.
“I don’t need the world to love me and I don’t need my parents to love me. I just need you to love me. Because I love you.�
God, I hope Roan Parrish gets Spencer Goss to narrate this.
Highly recommended!
Advanced Review Galley copy of provided by via in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at .
Initial thoughts: Ohmigod, I'm wrecked. I loved so much about this book, from the dual POV that let me get inside the heads of these two incredible characters, to the way it flowed, to the way it made me feel. And, man, did it make me feel so much. I'm wowed by this. God, I hope she gets Spencer Goss to narrate this. I'm honestly so happy with the way this ended. I just...I loved this so much.
Full review to come when I can string words together and not just gush.
December 1, 2018
Audio - 4.5 stars
Iggy Toma - 5 stars
Chris Chambers - 4 stars I love his voice but he has a habit of taking deep breaths that I find distracting
Story 4.5 stars round up because even with all the push/pull, there's no denying the emotional connection and chemistry between the MCs.
Iggy Toma - 5 stars
Chris Chambers - 4 stars I love his voice but he has a habit of taking deep breaths that I find distracting
Story 4.5 stars round up because even with all the push/pull, there's no denying the emotional connection and chemistry between the MCs.
December 2, 2018
Nov 2018 reread: Only about 4 months after my first Riven read, I just finished it again. I tried hard this time to identify what I love so much about this book.
The biggest thing I realized was how beautifully Parrish created characters who were achingly vulnerable without being weak. That vulnerability intensified their connection and chemistry, and their relationship evolution just felt so incredibly real, because it was based on them as people rather than on contrived plot points.
I hope lives up to this one when I read it next week! 🤞
—ĔĔĔĔĔĔ�
Sometimes I read a book, and it’s so good that it renews my love for reading for the millionth time and I can’t wait to grab the next one on my list. And sometimes I read a book that just makes me want to quit reading, because what could possibly follow it?
Riven was the latter.
This is going to be incoherent and eye-roll worthy and I can’t even bring myself to be sorry.
I am struck with feelings of inadequacy with this review. Everything I’m considering writing will sound either hyperbolically OTT or so cheese-filled that I won’t be able to look at myself in the mirror afterwards.
If you’ve read a few of my reviews, you know that I can sometimes be a really picky asshole, and then sometimes I love a book so much that I just forgive or overlook its flaws. I was determined not to do that, here. I want to write reviews that I would want to read, that would tell me the real downsides that would matter to me if I weren't in love. But I cannot think of any areas for improvement. I just can’t.
That isn’t to say that everyone will like it, especially if they read for just the happy feelings. It made me choke up I don’t know how many times, and legit cry twice and not in the happy way. But in terms of things that could have been written better, or executed better in order to tell this story? I got nothin�. I was IN IT. I wasn’t reading about it � it was happening to me.
Strip away my desire
Dismantle the star
I'll drag this bare body wherever you are
I was continuously steeling myself against disappointment, and I realized that I kind of have “bad writing ptsd.� Even though it’s been weeks since I’ve read something I really didn’t like (I’ve had a good run recently), I’ve been burned many times, as we all have. And this one had me in its clutches; I was powerless and bracing myself. I wanted nothing more from Theo and Caleb than just to do what they would really do. Not to say something that I’d read in a hundred books before, or to turn left or right based on what was advantageous for the plot. I expected that at least I’d be let down in the Epilogue, grand central station for cliché and convenient wrap-ups. But I exhaled long and hard when it was done� because that never happened.
So I can’t wait until the next time I read it, because I’ll be able to trust it, and fall in love even deeper than I already am.
The biggest thing I realized was how beautifully Parrish created characters who were achingly vulnerable without being weak. That vulnerability intensified their connection and chemistry, and their relationship evolution just felt so incredibly real, because it was based on them as people rather than on contrived plot points.
I hope lives up to this one when I read it next week! 🤞
—ĔĔĔĔĔĔ�
Sometimes I read a book, and it’s so good that it renews my love for reading for the millionth time and I can’t wait to grab the next one on my list. And sometimes I read a book that just makes me want to quit reading, because what could possibly follow it?
Riven was the latter.
This is going to be incoherent and eye-roll worthy and I can’t even bring myself to be sorry.
I am struck with feelings of inadequacy with this review. Everything I’m considering writing will sound either hyperbolically OTT or so cheese-filled that I won’t be able to look at myself in the mirror afterwards.
If you’ve read a few of my reviews, you know that I can sometimes be a really picky asshole, and then sometimes I love a book so much that I just forgive or overlook its flaws. I was determined not to do that, here. I want to write reviews that I would want to read, that would tell me the real downsides that would matter to me if I weren't in love. But I cannot think of any areas for improvement. I just can’t.
That isn’t to say that everyone will like it, especially if they read for just the happy feelings. It made me choke up I don’t know how many times, and legit cry twice and not in the happy way. But in terms of things that could have been written better, or executed better in order to tell this story? I got nothin�. I was IN IT. I wasn’t reading about it � it was happening to me.
Strip away my desire
Dismantle the star
I'll drag this bare body wherever you are
I was continuously steeling myself against disappointment, and I realized that I kind of have “bad writing ptsd.� Even though it’s been weeks since I’ve read something I really didn’t like (I’ve had a good run recently), I’ve been burned many times, as we all have. And this one had me in its clutches; I was powerless and bracing myself. I wanted nothing more from Theo and Caleb than just to do what they would really do. Not to say something that I’d read in a hundred books before, or to turn left or right based on what was advantageous for the plot. I expected that at least I’d be let down in the Epilogue, grand central station for cliché and convenient wrap-ups. But I exhaled long and hard when it was done� because that never happened.
So I can’t wait until the next time I read it, because I’ll be able to trust it, and fall in love even deeper than I already am.
March 2, 2019
*** Roughly 3 Stars***
I liked it, but...
... I didn't love it. Caleb and Theo were great characters and I felt for them, but... I didn't really care for the story. There, I've said it. There was too much blah-blah - umm, sorry monologue- and I was kinda... bored? It picked up a bit in the second half, but even the added sort of drama just dwindled away...
As for the audiobook: both narrators were new to me, but I enjoyed the job they did with a few reservations. Iggy Toma's voice was a bit too old for Theo in my opinion and even if Chris Chambers's voice for Caleb was like molten chocolate with a touch of caramel and honey - which gave me goosebumps -, he gasped for air after almost every other sentence and that was a bit annoying to put it mildly.
I will still go for book #2 since I already own the audiobook and guess who will be the narrator? *dreamy sigh*
I liked it, but...
... I didn't love it. Caleb and Theo were great characters and I felt for them, but... I didn't really care for the story. There, I've said it. There was too much blah-blah - umm, sorry monologue- and I was kinda... bored? It picked up a bit in the second half, but even the added sort of drama just dwindled away...
As for the audiobook: both narrators were new to me, but I enjoyed the job they did with a few reservations. Iggy Toma's voice was a bit too old for Theo in my opinion and even if Chris Chambers's voice for Caleb was like molten chocolate with a touch of caramel and honey - which gave me goosebumps -, he gasped for air after almost every other sentence and that was a bit annoying to put it mildly.
I will still go for book #2 since I already own the audiobook and guess who will be the narrator? *dreamy sigh*
February 5, 2019
This book wrecked me, put me back together and wrecked me again. It was beautiful, gut wrenching, funny, sad, hard, loving, surreal.
I'm not one who likes a lot of angst while reading. My poor little emotions can't take it. But I could not put this book down. No matter how much my heart hurt or how much I wanted to bitch slap Caleb at times, I couldn't stop reading. The whole thing is beautifully written. The pain and turmoil of both Caleb and Theo was real.
Theo is struggling with fame He loves his music and he's good at what he does. But, he doesn't want the notoriety that comes with it. Everyone takes a piece of him.
All he wants is someone to want him for who is really is. To love him.
Caleb is struggling with his addiction. His struggle is real and at times hard to read. He wants his music back but doesn't trust himself to want or need anything or anybody. Until he meets Theo and realizes that just maybe, he can have a little something for himself without sacrificing his sobriety.
There's a lot of push/pull here. At times I was ready to fling my iPad across the room because Caleb was an ass...again. I get it, I get he was scared. But, I had a soft spot for Theo and when Caleb continually gives Theo a little to only turn around and run, I wanted to shoot him myself! I wouldn't have kept reading if I wasn't sure Parrish would give these guys the HEA they deserved.
I love how this centered around the music, the references and emotions. It was stunning. And these two together are phenomenal and hot.
This is only the second book of Roan Parrish's that I've read. It definitely won't be the last. The writing grabs me right away and keeps me invested with it's haunting and ethereal quality.
I'm not one who likes a lot of angst while reading. My poor little emotions can't take it. But I could not put this book down. No matter how much my heart hurt or how much I wanted to bitch slap Caleb at times, I couldn't stop reading. The whole thing is beautifully written. The pain and turmoil of both Caleb and Theo was real.
Theo is struggling with fame He loves his music and he's good at what he does. But, he doesn't want the notoriety that comes with it. Everyone takes a piece of him.
"I opened my arms, threw my head back, and shattered myself to pieces for them, until there was nothing left. �"
All he wants is someone to want him for who is really is. To love him.
"I was used to being looked at, but being seen was something quite different. And I felt like Caleb saw me."
Caleb is struggling with his addiction. His struggle is real and at times hard to read. He wants his music back but doesn't trust himself to want or need anything or anybody. Until he meets Theo and realizes that just maybe, he can have a little something for himself without sacrificing his sobriety.
I wanted to be at the center of my own life again. I wanted to matter. For the music to matter. I wanted all of it. And I wanted it with Theo.
There's a lot of push/pull here. At times I was ready to fling my iPad across the room because Caleb was an ass...again. I get it, I get he was scared. But, I had a soft spot for Theo and when Caleb continually gives Theo a little to only turn around and run, I wanted to shoot him myself! I wouldn't have kept reading if I wasn't sure Parrish would give these guys the HEA they deserved.
I love how this centered around the music, the references and emotions. It was stunning. And these two together are phenomenal and hot.
This is only the second book of Roan Parrish's that I've read. It definitely won't be the last. The writing grabs me right away and keeps me invested with it's haunting and ethereal quality.
November 22, 2018
Wow, this was so much better and so much more than I thought it was going to be. I’m so sad it’s over. I might cry. I seriously can’t believe this has so few reviews, it’s officially my new favorite M/M. Ever. Honestly, it's one of my top romances. Theo and Caleb stole my heart and I can't stop thinking about them.
I thought I was getting into another okay (maybe decently) written, steamy M/M rock star romance with characters who were fun but didn’t stand out when it came to leading men. I was soo wrong and I’m soo gooey and happy about it. The writing was really well done. It flowed smoothly between POVs and had just enough prose to make it a little lyrical, but not over the top. Theo and Caleb were artists and the writing style fit that and amplified it.
The hand I was holding had strummed that beautiful song out of his guitar, and I wanted to squeeze it so tight that some of that magic leached into me. I want to pull its beauty inside me.
I knew my triggers, the way the road seeped into my veins as surely as the needle, opening me up, making patterns I couldn’t claw my way clear of.
I loved what a huge part music played in this plot. Theo and Caleb were constantly playing it, writing it, talking about it, loving it, living it. THIS is how books with artists as the main characters should be written. The reader should be able to read and feel how much the character's art is a part of their life, their world, their development.
And then there were the characters themselves. Dear. Lord.
Well fuck me if Theo, with his tangled black hair, kohl rimmed blue eyes, tats and all black grungy wardrobe, wasn’t every one of my emo 15-year-old self’s wet dreams come true. I usually hate longer hair on guys but, Jesus Christ he was hawwwttt. Not only was his appearance insanely beautiful, but so was his personality. He was so full of life and had an innocence, awkwardness and vulnerability about him that was crazy endearing, but also surrounded by such a deep loneliness and longing to be wanted and loved that it broke my heart. Theo was so vivid that I could picture him perfectly and I fucking adored him. I loved that he was super tall and lanky, like a puppy that hadn’t grown into his paws yet, which is really different from the typical “swim suit model, abs for days� appearance in romances. For all his vibrant energy he had a sexiness about him that was intense. One second he would be tripping over himself and adorable and then next a wanton sex God. *sigh* I loved the spectrum of his character.
While Theo vibrated with energy, Caleb was jaded as fuck and barely hanging on. As a washed up recovering drug addict he struggled every day to survive. He wasn’t looking for happiness, he was just trying to get through the days and through the shame and guilt that his addiction had caused. Then he meets Theo in a dark bar and he makes him want things that he never thought he could have and that he was afraid to allow himself. I loved the complexity of Caleb’s character and reading his struggle to fight the fear and shame his addiction brought, and the belief that he didn’t deserve happiness. Damn, did fear rule his life, weighing in on every decision. But I totally got it. He was raw and jagged around the edges, but so kind and caring. Even though his life seemed out of control he had this calmness about him that was very soothing. He also sounded sexy AS FUCKKKK with his tattoos, rugged features and rougher demeanor. I pictured him exactly like the cover model, who is gorgeous. I loved reading his personal development, I loved reading how he was with Theo, I loved loved loved him.
I loved every piece of Theo and Caleb, as individuals and together. I loved how distinguished their voices were � from the way that they read I could tell that there was a 6+ year age gap without having to be told how old they were, which I appreciated. Their personalities were very different but complimented each other. THEIR CHEMISTRY WAS OFF THE CHARTS. They were so fucking cute, and adorable, and sweet and hot together. They spoke and felt so sweetly about each other. I swear I could feel their love oozing off the pages. Chan and I were talking about it, and this book has a level of intimacy and adoration that you don’t see in a lot of romances. They loved each other but they also adored each other and I feel like there is a difference between the two. They were constantly showing each other little affections: sitting in laps while having discussions, running hands through hair, cuddling and back rubbing, touching in little ways that weren’t sexual but comforting and this made their relationship seem so much deeper, raw and real. Yes, they had their issues but I loved how they were honest and open with each other, worked on having good communication and that sex wasn't used as an emotional band-aid. They actually talked things out, shared their thoughts and concerns. Shocking, I know. I 100% fell in love with their love and obviously I’m obsessed. They were two broken and lonely people, living life on autopilot and it was so beautiful watching them come to life with each other. I could clearly see that way they were changing each other, it was like they were breathing life back into the other.
This book had a level of admiration, tenderness, and love that I haven't gotten from any other M/M romances and to be honest and romances in general. It was sweet and beautiful and everything I want in a romance. I’m so in love and I’ll be reading this a million times. So yeah, good read this because it’s fantastic.
----------------------------------------------
The M/M marathon continues with the one bish as thirsty for M/M as me, Chan
I thought I was getting into another okay (maybe decently) written, steamy M/M rock star romance with characters who were fun but didn’t stand out when it came to leading men. I was soo wrong and I’m soo gooey and happy about it. The writing was really well done. It flowed smoothly between POVs and had just enough prose to make it a little lyrical, but not over the top. Theo and Caleb were artists and the writing style fit that and amplified it.
The hand I was holding had strummed that beautiful song out of his guitar, and I wanted to squeeze it so tight that some of that magic leached into me. I want to pull its beauty inside me.
I knew my triggers, the way the road seeped into my veins as surely as the needle, opening me up, making patterns I couldn’t claw my way clear of.
I loved what a huge part music played in this plot. Theo and Caleb were constantly playing it, writing it, talking about it, loving it, living it. THIS is how books with artists as the main characters should be written. The reader should be able to read and feel how much the character's art is a part of their life, their world, their development.
And then there were the characters themselves. Dear. Lord.
Well fuck me if Theo, with his tangled black hair, kohl rimmed blue eyes, tats and all black grungy wardrobe, wasn’t every one of my emo 15-year-old self’s wet dreams come true. I usually hate longer hair on guys but, Jesus Christ he was hawwwttt. Not only was his appearance insanely beautiful, but so was his personality. He was so full of life and had an innocence, awkwardness and vulnerability about him that was crazy endearing, but also surrounded by such a deep loneliness and longing to be wanted and loved that it broke my heart. Theo was so vivid that I could picture him perfectly and I fucking adored him. I loved that he was super tall and lanky, like a puppy that hadn’t grown into his paws yet, which is really different from the typical “swim suit model, abs for days� appearance in romances. For all his vibrant energy he had a sexiness about him that was intense. One second he would be tripping over himself and adorable and then next a wanton sex God. *sigh* I loved the spectrum of his character.
While Theo vibrated with energy, Caleb was jaded as fuck and barely hanging on. As a washed up recovering drug addict he struggled every day to survive. He wasn’t looking for happiness, he was just trying to get through the days and through the shame and guilt that his addiction had caused. Then he meets Theo in a dark bar and he makes him want things that he never thought he could have and that he was afraid to allow himself. I loved the complexity of Caleb’s character and reading his struggle to fight the fear and shame his addiction brought, and the belief that he didn’t deserve happiness. Damn, did fear rule his life, weighing in on every decision. But I totally got it. He was raw and jagged around the edges, but so kind and caring. Even though his life seemed out of control he had this calmness about him that was very soothing. He also sounded sexy AS FUCKKKK with his tattoos, rugged features and rougher demeanor. I pictured him exactly like the cover model, who is gorgeous. I loved reading his personal development, I loved reading how he was with Theo, I loved loved loved him.
I loved every piece of Theo and Caleb, as individuals and together. I loved how distinguished their voices were � from the way that they read I could tell that there was a 6+ year age gap without having to be told how old they were, which I appreciated. Their personalities were very different but complimented each other. THEIR CHEMISTRY WAS OFF THE CHARTS. They were so fucking cute, and adorable, and sweet and hot together. They spoke and felt so sweetly about each other. I swear I could feel their love oozing off the pages. Chan and I were talking about it, and this book has a level of intimacy and adoration that you don’t see in a lot of romances. They loved each other but they also adored each other and I feel like there is a difference between the two. They were constantly showing each other little affections: sitting in laps while having discussions, running hands through hair, cuddling and back rubbing, touching in little ways that weren’t sexual but comforting and this made their relationship seem so much deeper, raw and real. Yes, they had their issues but I loved how they were honest and open with each other, worked on having good communication and that sex wasn't used as an emotional band-aid. They actually talked things out, shared their thoughts and concerns. Shocking, I know. I 100% fell in love with their love and obviously I’m obsessed. They were two broken and lonely people, living life on autopilot and it was so beautiful watching them come to life with each other. I could clearly see that way they were changing each other, it was like they were breathing life back into the other.
This book had a level of admiration, tenderness, and love that I haven't gotten from any other M/M romances and to be honest and romances in general. It was sweet and beautiful and everything I want in a romance. I’m so in love and I’ll be reading this a million times. So yeah, good read this because it’s fantastic.
----------------------------------------------
The M/M marathon continues with the one bish as thirsty for M/M as me, Chan
Read
January 31, 2022
dnf @ 15%.
June 28, 2018
we're talking EMO MAN OF MY DREAMS with tats and flippy black hair we're talking GAY ROMANCE we're talking GAY CUDDLING AND AFFECTION
ok this was so much fun. we've got a sexy gay rockstar, theo, who is straight out of my 13 yr old myspace dreams. longish black hair, tattoos, eyeliner and nail polish wearing. and then we have the lumber sexual, caleb, who is the sweetest recovering heroin addict.
from the very beginning this book was unlike most MM romances i've picked up. i hadn't realized it before there's usually a lot of attraction and sexual experiences in these books but not a lot of affection and adoration. from the beginning, the way that caleb talks about theo had be swooning. his description of physical characteristics along with the goods and bads of theo's personality were so heartfelt.
and then there was all the cuddling. after the first time they had sex, caleb pulled theo onto his chest so they could sleep like that and he rubbed theo's back. HELLO is that not the dream?
i think too often we get stories where the gay main characters are emotionally damaged and scared of intimacy beyond sex. that wasn't the case here. caleb and theo had an instant spark. there was no insta love, but there was an innate intimacy to their relationship from the very beginning.
there was so much to love about this book. the plot was all about self discovery and also realizing that you can so that self discovery while in a serious relationship.
the only thing i wasn't thrilled with and the only reason i docked this a star was due to caleb's behavior. theo would verbalize his affections, caleb would freak out and pull away. even though theo was just verbalizing behaviors that both of them were already displaying. i understand caleb is a recovering addict but after the first or second time of dumb behavior you figure he would have learned to not push away the one guy who kept giving him chances.
all in all, this really stood apart from all other MM in my eyes. absolutely fantastic and i can't wait to read more from this author.
ok this was so much fun. we've got a sexy gay rockstar, theo, who is straight out of my 13 yr old myspace dreams. longish black hair, tattoos, eyeliner and nail polish wearing. and then we have the lumber sexual, caleb, who is the sweetest recovering heroin addict.
from the very beginning this book was unlike most MM romances i've picked up. i hadn't realized it before there's usually a lot of attraction and sexual experiences in these books but not a lot of affection and adoration. from the beginning, the way that caleb talks about theo had be swooning. his description of physical characteristics along with the goods and bads of theo's personality were so heartfelt.
and then there was all the cuddling. after the first time they had sex, caleb pulled theo onto his chest so they could sleep like that and he rubbed theo's back. HELLO is that not the dream?
i think too often we get stories where the gay main characters are emotionally damaged and scared of intimacy beyond sex. that wasn't the case here. caleb and theo had an instant spark. there was no insta love, but there was an innate intimacy to their relationship from the very beginning.
there was so much to love about this book. the plot was all about self discovery and also realizing that you can so that self discovery while in a serious relationship.
the only thing i wasn't thrilled with and the only reason i docked this a star was due to caleb's behavior. theo would verbalize his affections, caleb would freak out and pull away. even though theo was just verbalizing behaviors that both of them were already displaying. i understand caleb is a recovering addict but after the first or second time of dumb behavior you figure he would have learned to not push away the one guy who kept giving him chances.
all in all, this really stood apart from all other MM in my eyes. absolutely fantastic and i can't wait to read more from this author.
September 16, 2018
The reluctant rockstar who didn't want to be......
Theo Decker had no idea when he joined Riven a few years ago just how big they would become. And, as the lead singer, he is the most recognized. He's the one who gets mobbed everywhere. He's the one that the paparazzi chase.
Music is everything to him, but the fame and the constant touring.......he'd prefer to take a pass.
Caleb Whitman was once in the music industry and talented in his own right. But a strong addiction took its hold, and it took four tries at rehab to get clean. Caleb knows his triggers, and the fame, touring, many other aspects of music are big ones for him.
A chance meeting brings these two together. And while there is no insta-love, there is an instant connection which felt organic.
Most of the angst in this one came from Caleb's push/pull game. He has to balance wanting Theo with not wanting anything to do with the music industry. And since Theo has been told that he isn't worth it for his entire life, that hits a little too hard for Theo when Caleb keeps pushing.
This is very much a sexy read. In face, there were two times that I thought the characters should be talking, but the clothes were coming off instead.
Definitely a great story with two damaged characters who need to recognize what's right in front of them.
Theo Decker had no idea when he joined Riven a few years ago just how big they would become. And, as the lead singer, he is the most recognized. He's the one who gets mobbed everywhere. He's the one that the paparazzi chase.
Music is everything to him, but the fame and the constant touring.......he'd prefer to take a pass.
Caleb Whitman was once in the music industry and talented in his own right. But a strong addiction took its hold, and it took four tries at rehab to get clean. Caleb knows his triggers, and the fame, touring, many other aspects of music are big ones for him.
A chance meeting brings these two together. And while there is no insta-love, there is an instant connection which felt organic.
Most of the angst in this one came from Caleb's push/pull game. He has to balance wanting Theo with not wanting anything to do with the music industry. And since Theo has been told that he isn't worth it for his entire life, that hits a little too hard for Theo when Caleb keeps pushing.
This is very much a sexy read. In face, there were two times that I thought the characters should be talking, but the clothes were coming off instead.
Definitely a great story with two damaged characters who need to recognize what's right in front of them.
November 17, 2018
***4.25 Stars***
When I'm looking for a beautifully written character driven story, there's one author I turn to....Roan Parrish. And with Riven, she's proved, yet again, why that is.
I absolutely loved this story! This book is as much a love story about music as it is a love story between Caleb and Theo. Each chapter a verse in the song. The words a melody carrying you through the tale.
Caleb and Theo had a connection from the moment they met. Is it a bit insta? A little bit. But it absolutely worked. These were two passionate and creative men who recognized something in each other.
Theo is the reluctant rock star. He loves creating music, performing it, listening to it....but he loathes the "fame" that comes with it.
Caleb is the recovering addict. The man who lost himself in the melody, the booze, and the drugs. Sober for over a year, he doesn't trust himself to have one without the other two. But Theo has awakened something inside of him. And it's equal parts fear and hope.
Theo and Caleb had such patience with each other. So much passed between them in those unspoken moments...as though they both heard the same song in their heads.
And all the passion they felt for music, translated to some explosive chemistry in their relationship too. These two were combustible together.
I do wish Roan Parrish developed more of the story with regards to Theo's relationship with his bandmates. I wanted to know more about their dynamic. Especially with Theo's insecurities.
And with Caleb being a recovering addict, I would have liked to have seen more of how he used to be. There's a brief explanation of how he fell into the booze and drugs, but with the level of fear he had, I wanted to see how bad it truly was.
Also, which may have been mentioned but I missed, I have no idea how old either of these guys are? There seems to be a bit of an age difference...maybe 10 years....but I'm not sure.
But even with my couple of quibbles, this book was virtually impossible to put down. Roan Parrish hooked me from the very beginning and kept me entranced until the very last page.
So much emotion. So much passion.
***ARC courtesy of publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for a review***
**
Pre-Reading thoughts:
When I'm looking for a beautifully written character driven story, there's one author I turn to....Roan Parrish. And with Riven, she's proved, yet again, why that is.
Everything about him worked its way under my skin, like a bullet slowly making its way to my heart.
I absolutely loved this story! This book is as much a love story about music as it is a love story between Caleb and Theo. Each chapter a verse in the song. The words a melody carrying you through the tale.
Caleb and Theo had a connection from the moment they met. Is it a bit insta? A little bit. But it absolutely worked. These were two passionate and creative men who recognized something in each other.
Theo is the reluctant rock star. He loves creating music, performing it, listening to it....but he loathes the "fame" that comes with it.
The crowd. They thundered around me, their stomps and screams like my own heartbeat, their energy coursing through me like blood. These were the moments I lived for. These were the moments that made every other miserable bit of fame worth it.
I opened my arms, threw my head back, and shattered myself to pieces for them, until there was nothing left.
Caleb is the recovering addict. The man who lost himself in the melody, the booze, and the drugs. Sober for over a year, he doesn't trust himself to have one without the other two. But Theo has awakened something inside of him. And it's equal parts fear and hope.
Ghosts of the past and hopes for the future were a dangerous cocktail.
Theo and Caleb had such patience with each other. So much passed between them in those unspoken moments...as though they both heard the same song in their heads.
And all the passion they felt for music, translated to some explosive chemistry in their relationship too. These two were combustible together.
I do wish Roan Parrish developed more of the story with regards to Theo's relationship with his bandmates. I wanted to know more about their dynamic. Especially with Theo's insecurities.
And with Caleb being a recovering addict, I would have liked to have seen more of how he used to be. There's a brief explanation of how he fell into the booze and drugs, but with the level of fear he had, I wanted to see how bad it truly was.
Also, which may have been mentioned but I missed, I have no idea how old either of these guys are? There seems to be a bit of an age difference...maybe 10 years....but I'm not sure.
But even with my couple of quibbles, this book was virtually impossible to put down. Roan Parrish hooked me from the very beginning and kept me entranced until the very last page.
So much emotion. So much passion.
As my voice came in, I saw Caleb's eyes widen. I turned to him and watched him listen to the song I'd written for him. The song that had gathered inside me, that I'd held tight all these months and finally unspooled for him in the early morning light. The song that told him all the things he already knew, but in the language we both felt deeper than words.
***ARC courtesy of publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for a review***
**
Pre-Reading thoughts:
May 26, 2018
This was a mixed bag. It started poorly for me because the purple prose was out in full force. This author loves her words and she loves to use all of them at the same time. What could be said in 4 words, she uses 20. It kept pulling me out of the story and by 15% I was thinking about dnf-ing this. I liked the overall plot enough to push through and by the mid way mark it either got better or I became numb to it.
This story is about Theo who is a huge rock star. But he hates it. He hates everything but the actual music itself. He hates touring, the business aspect, the attention, the lack of privacy, etc. He feels guilty for hating it though and tries to push himself to appreciate what he has. One night while he's walking around NYC trying to clear his head, he hears music that captivates him and he finds himself walking in to a hole in the wall bar. There he finds the source of the music is ex addict and ex jazz/blues musician Caleb. The two men have an instant connection both emotionally and sexually. What starts as a smoking hot one night stand, leads to a budding romance.
It is part a romance and part a story about them figuring out what they want to do with their lives. Theo needs to find a way to be happy and stop putting everyone but himself first. Caleb needs to find a way to stay sober but incorporate music back into his life.
Their story is told in alternating points of view. I adored Theo. I loved the chapters told by him and I connected with him immediately. He was a great MC. Caleb on the other hand was a struggle. I imagine his trials and his fears were probably very realistic but he exhausted me. And every time he made Theo cry (which was more than once) I wanted to punch him in his fictional face. Thank goodness the author chose to do alternating pov's because if I struggle with Caleb this much while reading how he felt, I probably would have hated him if I'd only gotten Theo's pov.
I had high expectations for this after seeing other reviews and having a few friends love it. Unfortunately it was just average for me. The overall plot and the MC's had potential to be great but I couldn't get past the flowery writing style. It's just not for me. I imagine this won't be an issue for a lot of others though.
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
April 16, 2018
Riven by Roan Parrish was an emotional story about two musicians, Theo and Caleb, trying to find their happiness. The writing was phenomenal and pulled you into the story making you feel every emotion the M/C were going through. Battling inner demons and struggling to be honest with themselves and each other, in what they truly wanted out of life.
I listen to music all the time, but. I do not have a musical bone in my body, so reading about musicians and how they struggle with their craft, made me only appreciate it even more. Music was everything to Theo and Caleb, it’s what they lived for. They struggled with insecurities and fear of failure, just like everyone else.
I do not want to give too much away because you need to experience this angsty roller coaster ride for yourself. It is a story that will stay with you for a while.
This is definitely one of my top reads for this year, and I highly recommend you give it a try.
I was provided a copy of this book via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review
I listen to music all the time, but. I do not have a musical bone in my body, so reading about musicians and how they struggle with their craft, made me only appreciate it even more. Music was everything to Theo and Caleb, it’s what they lived for. They struggled with insecurities and fear of failure, just like everyone else.
I do not want to give too much away because you need to experience this angsty roller coaster ride for yourself. It is a story that will stay with you for a while.
This is definitely one of my top reads for this year, and I highly recommend you give it a try.
I was provided a copy of this book via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review
April 5, 2018
5 Stars
This is my first book written solely by Roan Parrish, and I was absolutely blown away!
It was one of those books that pulls you into another world, the very best kind of escape.
I am not a fan of overly angst filled books and I sometimes miss out on really great stories, luckily this book made me feel, but it didn't tear me apart. It was the perfect mix of emotions.
The struggles of both MCs were so well described, you could see at the beginning they were just trying to survive and their progression of learning how to really live life all over again. Learning to trust
Music was a living, breathing being; a language they spoke and the thread that wove these two characters together.
Sigh, I simply loved it!!
**ARC kindly provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
This is my first book written solely by Roan Parrish, and I was absolutely blown away!
It was one of those books that pulls you into another world, the very best kind of escape.
I am not a fan of overly angst filled books and I sometimes miss out on really great stories, luckily this book made me feel, but it didn't tear me apart. It was the perfect mix of emotions.
The struggles of both MCs were so well described, you could see at the beginning they were just trying to survive and their progression of learning how to really live life all over again. Learning to trust
Music was a living, breathing being; a language they spoke and the thread that wove these two characters together.
Sigh, I simply loved it!!
**ARC kindly provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
June 18, 2018
4.5 stars
This is a sweet and natural love story between two intense and troubled men. Two musicians who know first hand that everything comes with a price. Because that’s what happens to Caleb and his additions and also the toll for Theo to pay with his aversion to fame. Very different in their problems and experiences but very close and similar in the core. The fears are not the same but both have them. Both are scared somehow about the thing they love the most: music.
Riven is a beautiful and an honest portrait of two men with flaws. Two men not ready for a world that shows them its real face in one way or another. This is about consequences, about finding a safe place, about the need of having an anchor even if you are clinging to an unsteady one, a scared one who needs the same from you.
Riven is also about balance and harmony. It’s full of metaphors to highlight, feels and music. Great quotes and passages. It has a lot of sexy moments too and I found it hugely successful in showing us who Caleb and Theo are. Where they are coming from to be who they are now. The whys. The hows.
The characters are built awesomely, filled with tiny details, wonderful little pieces. A great amount of meaningful little parts giving life two conflicted men, so good both in the inside, so afraid of things. So afraid of love—and not being loved� and life.
I must say that I enjoy a beautifully written book as much as I love simplicity. This one is shelved in the former, nothing simple about how this story is told and the characters sketched but since it’s my first Roan Parrish book, I don’t know if the prose is always like this. No worries tho, I’ll find out for sure since I loved this one.
Highly recommend!
This is a sweet and natural love story between two intense and troubled men. Two musicians who know first hand that everything comes with a price. Because that’s what happens to Caleb and his additions and also the toll for Theo to pay with his aversion to fame. Very different in their problems and experiences but very close and similar in the core. The fears are not the same but both have them. Both are scared somehow about the thing they love the most: music.
Riven is a beautiful and an honest portrait of two men with flaws. Two men not ready for a world that shows them its real face in one way or another. This is about consequences, about finding a safe place, about the need of having an anchor even if you are clinging to an unsteady one, a scared one who needs the same from you.
Riven is also about balance and harmony. It’s full of metaphors to highlight, feels and music. Great quotes and passages. It has a lot of sexy moments too and I found it hugely successful in showing us who Caleb and Theo are. Where they are coming from to be who they are now. The whys. The hows.
The characters are built awesomely, filled with tiny details, wonderful little pieces. A great amount of meaningful little parts giving life two conflicted men, so good both in the inside, so afraid of things. So afraid of love—and not being loved� and life.
I must say that I enjoy a beautifully written book as much as I love simplicity. This one is shelved in the former, nothing simple about how this story is told and the characters sketched but since it’s my first Roan Parrish book, I don’t know if the prose is always like this. No worries tho, I’ll find out for sure since I loved this one.
Highly recommend!
September 9, 2020
Caleb Blake Whitman is a talented musician and former rockstar. After several failed attempts at rehab, he’s a year into sobriety after isolating himself on a farm outside of New York, far away from the world that was his downfall. That is until Theo Decker stumbled into his life. Theo is the lead singer and songwriter for Riven, currently the hottest new band in the music world. But Theo’s a true musician and deeply hates the infamy that comes along with the band’s success. All he wants to do is write and perform. When he hears Caleb playing his guitar at a bar one evening, he’s inexplicably drawn to the man and his talent.
What I loved about this story was the contrasts between Theo and Caleb and how that ignites their chemistry. Theo’s all beauty, talent and naivety while Caleb is enormously talented, damaged and fearful. Theo knows his own heart but just not how to follow it. Caleb is overwhelmed by his fear of falling back into the dismal life of indulgence in drugs and alcohol. Both are consumed by their intense feelings for each other, Theo so openly and Caleb more guardedly. The music bonds them and enthralled me.
This was a lovely story, even though the fear that grips Caleb was often palatable. I completely understood his neuroses and why he needed time and support to power through them. He has some great friendships that help him come to terms with the challenges of being with someone like Theo while fighting the urges he fought so hard to overcome. I loved that we got both of their points of view with Theo’s light balancing Caleb’s darker view. The two narrators did a great job in their performances, especially Chris Chambers. His voice was just delicious as Caleb and I definitely plan to listen to the rest of the series. I enjoyed this story and the themes that resonated so strongly throughout. I’m a permanent fan of Theo and Caleb and want to see more of those secondary characters that played major roles here.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
What I loved about this story was the contrasts between Theo and Caleb and how that ignites their chemistry. Theo’s all beauty, talent and naivety while Caleb is enormously talented, damaged and fearful. Theo knows his own heart but just not how to follow it. Caleb is overwhelmed by his fear of falling back into the dismal life of indulgence in drugs and alcohol. Both are consumed by their intense feelings for each other, Theo so openly and Caleb more guardedly. The music bonds them and enthralled me.
This was a lovely story, even though the fear that grips Caleb was often palatable. I completely understood his neuroses and why he needed time and support to power through them. He has some great friendships that help him come to terms with the challenges of being with someone like Theo while fighting the urges he fought so hard to overcome. I loved that we got both of their points of view with Theo’s light balancing Caleb’s darker view. The two narrators did a great job in their performances, especially Chris Chambers. His voice was just delicious as Caleb and I definitely plan to listen to the rest of the series. I enjoyed this story and the themes that resonated so strongly throughout. I’m a permanent fan of Theo and Caleb and want to see more of those secondary characters that played major roles here.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
June 5, 2018
One of the rare occasions where I have zero niggles. I found everything about this book perfect. I think it's the best Roan Parrish to date. 5 stars.
June 5, 2018
Ese chico de la portada es maravilloso... El contenido del libro, pues como casi todo, irá en opiniones, pero para mí también lo ha sido. Una historia de amor entre dos músicos que viven un momento distinto en sus carreras, pero soportando ambos un peso que les impide ser felices y sentirse bien con lo que hacen, el hecho de encontrarse cambiará sus vidas.
La dinámica entre los personajes es una que ya hemos visto en otros libros de Roan, no es algo nuevo. Por un lado Theo tiene éxito con su grupo Riven, pero es tremendamente vulnerable e inconsciente de su valor como persona y como música, con un físico propio de una estrella de rock. Después, Decker, que igual que en su momento lo hizo Rafe o Rex, representa la tranquilidad, la fuerza, la estabilidad, también físicamente. En Riven la música es protagonista, pero todo lo abarca la historia de amor entre Theo y Decker. Su relación comienza de una forma un tanto precipitada, el instalust es totalmente razonable, pero en lo relacionado a los sentimientos me hubiera gustado algo un tanto más lento en su desarrollo. A pesar de esto, la relación va evolucionando con mucha belleza y Roan tiene la inmensa de virtud de ser capaz de escribir escenas llenas de intimidad y carga emotiva, que al menos a mí hace que sienta lo mismo que sienten los personajes y pueda entenderlos.
Además de tener muchos sentimientos a flor de piel, el libro es entretenido y cuenta con muy buenos secundarios. La pena es que no todo es perfecto. El inglés no es mi lengua, pero no suelo tener ningún problema para leer, no utilizo el diccionario, no lo domino hablando, pero sí leyendo. Sin embargo, con este libro ha habido frases que he tenido que leer más de una vez para entenderlas. Para que una historia sea bella o esté bien escrita no necesita de una metáfora en cada párrafo, u otro recurso estilístico. A veces, menos es más.
Le voy a poner 5 estrellas, porque me han gustado los personajes y porque me ha emocionado su historia. Sin embargo, no quiero dejar de mencionar ese problema con el estilo que he tenido. Quizás es una cuestión de gustos, quizás el problema es que el inglés no sea mi primera lengua.
Muy bonito, estoy deseando leer el siguiente.
La dinámica entre los personajes es una que ya hemos visto en otros libros de Roan, no es algo nuevo. Por un lado Theo tiene éxito con su grupo Riven, pero es tremendamente vulnerable e inconsciente de su valor como persona y como música, con un físico propio de una estrella de rock. Después, Decker, que igual que en su momento lo hizo Rafe o Rex, representa la tranquilidad, la fuerza, la estabilidad, también físicamente. En Riven la música es protagonista, pero todo lo abarca la historia de amor entre Theo y Decker. Su relación comienza de una forma un tanto precipitada, el instalust es totalmente razonable, pero en lo relacionado a los sentimientos me hubiera gustado algo un tanto más lento en su desarrollo. A pesar de esto, la relación va evolucionando con mucha belleza y Roan tiene la inmensa de virtud de ser capaz de escribir escenas llenas de intimidad y carga emotiva, que al menos a mí hace que sienta lo mismo que sienten los personajes y pueda entenderlos.
Además de tener muchos sentimientos a flor de piel, el libro es entretenido y cuenta con muy buenos secundarios. La pena es que no todo es perfecto. El inglés no es mi lengua, pero no suelo tener ningún problema para leer, no utilizo el diccionario, no lo domino hablando, pero sí leyendo. Sin embargo, con este libro ha habido frases que he tenido que leer más de una vez para entenderlas. Para que una historia sea bella o esté bien escrita no necesita de una metáfora en cada párrafo, u otro recurso estilístico. A veces, menos es más.
Le voy a poner 5 estrellas, porque me han gustado los personajes y porque me ha emocionado su historia. Sin embargo, no quiero dejar de mencionar ese problema con el estilo que he tenido. Quizás es una cuestión de gustos, quizás el problema es que el inglés no sea mi primera lengua.
Muy bonito, estoy deseando leer el siguiente.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 687 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.