Riven: A Novel

Just as beautifully written as all Roan Parish’s books, Riven is a feast for the soul. When I read a book by RP I know I’m in for some heavy feels, and the two men in this one are dealing with some major life issues. Watching them work through it all, and get to a safe, healthy, and satisfying place was an incredible experience. It took me a long time to read this one. It was one I’d pick up and read, then put down for awhile. I knew I’d finish it, but I guess it just felt so heavy at times. I think it’s because the two characters’ issues are so real, and the way they work through them are really intense, but gah - so worth it. I highly recommend this truly wonderful story.

***4 ‘Dismantle the Star’ Stars*** The cover was the bait. It’s stark simplicity drew me in and after reading the blurb I decided to give it a go because I like M/M and I like rockstar romances, so why not? And I was pleasantly surprised by Riven. Not, that I had gone into it with any true expectations since this is my first book by the author. But it was more than I thought it would be. There was a flow to everything that captured my interest and had me needing to know how Theo and Caleb would tackle their demons and get their HEA and in the end it all worked for me. Theo is a star, but doesn’t really see it. He’s not entirely naive. He knows he has talent and that people “know” him, but he’s the guy that’s about the process and creating the art and that’s what I loved about him. He just wanted to be. He is also that person that doesn’t want to let other down, so he pushes himself and goes against what his heart and mind are telling him he truly needs. Caleb has a lot of demons to fight and though he’s stumbled in the past, he’s determined to stay on the straight and narrow, even if it means isolating himself from everything that once made him whole. I really liked Caleb, even when those internal conversations ~ which were more like spontaneous outbursts of random sounds ~ occurred in his head. He’s sweet, compassionate and a man who is trying hard to be a good man, even though he already is. Theo and Caleb’s journey starts off hot and heavy, but isn’t insta-love ~ at least not as far as I was concerned. Insta-Lust. Insta-Interest. Yes, but love, No. The physical attraction is there, and they are HAWT together, but their connection through music was even more intense, and though much of it did go over my head, the mutual respect and awe they had for each other was obvious. What I found the most interesting was how the power balance between them shifted around a lot. Sometimes Caleb was the stronger of the two, while Theo was in others. The dynamic was fascinating and I loved watching as they both grew as their relationship progressed and thought they fit each other perfectly. I’m very happy that I decided to give Riven a go. The writing was engaging, the pacing was good and I enjoyed the dual 1st person POV’s. As for the supporting cast of characters, Rhys and Huey were the hands down favs, but my feelings towards the Riven crew are a little...tepid. I understood why they felt, acted and reacted the way they did to things, but when I look at everything, I just wasn’t that impressed, though if I had to pick a favorite it would be Ethan because, in the end, at least he tried. So, if you are a fan of character driven romances and like M/M romances and music, then I’d say give this one a looksie. ~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~

Riven is an emotionally charged, character driven story that grabs hold and doesn't let go even after that last page is turned. Oddly enough, this isn't a book I would normally pick up. I rarely read rocker romances and if it looks angsty, I'll usually shy away. We get enough angst in every day life, right? But, something about the fabulous cover caught my eye. There's just something about it that is almost seductive, and the description hinted at something more than the norm for rocker romances. More is certainly what I found - in spades. Occasionally, we find characters that are almost defined by their flaws and with some, those flaws are what draw the reader to them. That is case with Theo and Caleb. From struggling with sobriety to finding out that fame and fortune aren't what it's cracked up to be, both have their issues to deal with and often feel completely alone in their respective worlds. However, the way they deal with those issues is part of what makes them so great together, that and finding their solace in the music. I particularly liked that neither our lovable guys was hiding on the relationship front. They're both out and proud and that isn't a source of contention as is so often relied on for the big obstacle to overcome in these stories. In the end, Riven isn't so much about the glamorous life of rockstar, but what happens after the lights have gone down and the crowds are all gone - the loneliness that longs to be filled by that one person who can make us feel whole. So, while it is emotional and intense, underneath the angst lies hope. It's wonderfully written and passionate. These characters and their love story is one that will stay with you long after you've read that last page.