4.5 Stars Loved it!

‘I set about the business of learning what being lonely felt like. Because being lonely was what being sober felt like. Trapped, forever, in the real world.’

A reluctant rock star and a recovering addict and former musician; Theo and Caleb. That’s who we met and fell in love with in Riven. Two very lost men finding each other by chance when they need someone the most and discovering the music that resides within them both. Roan Parish wrote two characters with such depth and detail we felt like we knew them, heard the lyrics of their soul and felt their bond and intense attraction.

‘Theo, who would never assume that people would think he was worth paying attention to because for most of his life, people hadn’t.’

Theo, the lead singer of Riven is lost. The frontman for a successful band with adoring fans he is amongst people every day but never feels part of a unity, lyrics swirling through his head; an extraordinary beat drumming in his veins. We wanted to protect this musical genius; this shy and sweet boy. Vulnerable, gifted and haunted he feels as if he fits in, well…nowhere. Until he meets Caleb. When someone sees through your layer of self-protection and encourages your inner strength it’s hard not to want to be around them. Add a passionate attraction to the mix and you have a boy hopelessly in love with a man he greatly admires.

“I hate being famous. Being…me.”
“What do you hate about it?”
“It’s too…loud. Not the music. That’s the part I love. The people. It’s like they’re too in my head. Their voices. Their opinions. Their grabby hands. They want something from me you know? I don’t like them looking at me, – or it’s like they make me into this puppet. A doll. A version of myself that isn’t real and they can control.”

Caleb is hiding. He’s a recovering addict trying to avoid anything to do with his former lifestyle as a famous musician, afraid to fall back into a life of dependency. The night he meets Theo he knows just what he’s letting himself into so he runs. Back to the countryside where temptation and flashing lights don’t exist and can’t lure him back. He can’t forget the man he met though such was the attraction and need to protect. It’s easy to let fear rule your life but when love rears its powerful head nothing can withstand it.

‘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.’

Beautiful writing, a unique voice, such depth of character and vivid imagery made this a wonderful romance that had every human emotion depicted in such an emotional and passionate way. Caleb and Theo came across as real honest and flawed characters that truly crave nothing more than a human loving touch. Their love story was lyrically addictive and wore its heart on its sleeve. Sometimes we find our home in the heart of another, we find somewhere we belong.

“Strip away my desire/ dismantle the star/ I’ll drag this bare body wherever you are.”

Beautifully written book, I couldn't put it down. You never really know what triggers addiction or how anyone copes on a day to day basis. Caleb and Theo are so great together. They help each other balance out. This book made me cry and you can feel the angst, anger, and love in every word that iRoan Parrish have written in this book.

Reluctant rock star + musician slash recovering addict + random encounter = great story. Roan Parrish took a one-night stand and turned it into a beautiful romance. This was unlike many rock star romances I've read. For one thing, no one was in the closet, and the relationship was not under the limelight - which is not to say it wasn't affected by it. Theo, Caleb, and their relationship are delved into with great detail; they are shown as real people with real flaws and are portrayed with such honesty. I loved Caleb and Theo from the start, and with quite a few ups and downs and some unexpected twists along the way, they definitely held my interest. I always enjoy this author's writing, and though this was a different from her usual style, her way with words once again won me over. This was a great start to this series, and I look forward to the next book.

SPOILERS!

Anyway! SO GOOD. Extremely hot and sexy, and both main characters felt so real and so lovable. One of my favorite things about it was that although there was plenty of angst there were no…villains, really? The other members of Riven made Theo feel left out, yes, but they weren’t terrible people–they knew each other earlier and had gotten used to just hanging out with each other, they were put off by how media focused on just Theo, and they misinterpreted a lot of Theo’s awkwardness as not really wanting to hang out with them. (Plus they were unaware of Theo’s childhood that left him particularly susceptible to abandonment issues.) I like the acknowledgement that it’s possible for basically well-meaning people to make each other miserable.

I like too that Theo has to come to what seems like one of his first huge adult decisions on his own, regardless of what Caleb thinks. And I love that that huge important decision is just that…you don’t HAVE to do what’s expected of you. Even if it’s what you used to think you wanted. Even if it’s something that most people would think was the most awesome thing ever.

I love that this is about two damaged, terribly hurt people slowly learning that they can choose actions that make them happier, including choosing each other. For a book that has music woven so wonderfully all through it, for a book that has some GREAT GODAMIGHTY HOT sex scenes, there’s something sweetly…quiet, somehow, about the way these men come to love one another. Beautiful.

A very moving story.

Riven is the first story I've read by Roan Parrish but I do have other books of hers on my TBRL (to be read list). It was a very moving story and had me in tears by the end. Two tortured guys who need each other but it takes time for Caleb to comes to terms with that.

Caleb is a recovering addict who had a promising music career but his addictions created major problems for him. Once he gets sober he stays away from that lifestyle because he doesn't want to be drawn back into it.

Theo hears Caleb singing one night while he is walking home and he is drawn to him. They begin a relationship but run into problems when Theo tries to convince him to give music another chance. Caleb doesn't want to be drawn back into all of the things that go along with the life of a musician; he's afraid for his sobriety.

Caleb and Theo have a rough road to their HEA. Theo isn't really happy playing in the band Riven; he wants to make music with Caleb. Caleb has to overcome his fears so that he can get back to his music and be with the man he loves.

A very emotional story which I really enjoyed.

A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

Self doubt and drug addiction continues to pull them apart. Can the music that brought them together help heal their wounds?This is a gut wrenching story that makes you see that your opinion is the only one that matters. Out of love comes beautiful music!

I got an ARC of this book.

I don't go for the bad boy, rock star, or rich guy romance novels. I find them boring. I find them predictable. There has to be something large to draw me to them. The broken Caleb and the cover did me in on this one. I wanted to see how this played out. I am all about hurt/comfort.

Theo is a rock star, but doesn't really understand what that means. He is the lead singer of a wildly popular rock band. He doesn't understand that it means that people will recognize him in public, that his life is now living on a tour bus/planes, he doesn't understand that all of his life is under the microscope. He hides from the fans, he hates touring, and he feels awkward with his band. The back story that he is given is magical. I loved how much pain and sadness Theo carried inside. I loved how much it bled out into his actions before it was revealed. It allowed me to experience his pain, instead of being told it existed. It was amazing writing and character building that led me to liking Theo.

Caleb is a recovering addict. His drug of choice seemed to be alcohol and heroin or meth. There are references to heroin and cocaine throughout the book, but I'm not sure if it is ever solidified as to which one he was doing. There is mostly needle references. I am also very much not into drug addicts, in recovery or not. I literally moved out of my hometown partially because you had two options: be a heroin addict or work with heroin addicts. So that twist on broken Caleb took some forcing myself to sit through at first. Then I realized that Caleb's pain came from him punishing himself for the people he hurt and trying to stay sober through that pain, instead of just a desire to use again. It was a complex issue instead of a sensationalized one. Again, I have to give kudos for great writing and character development. Caleb's sponsor is even a character that has lines, he is called, he is real. It made the whole thing feel more substantial and believable to me. It made it easier.

The romance was very up and down because of Caleb's recovery and Theo's childhood trauma. It was an amazing ride. The sex was generally hot, though I had the same issues I have with so many romance novels. The boys engage in oral sex without a condom repeatedly, but always use a condom for anal sex. This book goes a step further and a has a "conversation" about not using a condom for sex. It is like grunting, I didn't really get the meaning until there was no condom. Then went "oh, that totally wasn't enough communication and was totally not the right time to discuss it". The author was pretty good about the use of lube outside of two scenes. One discussed using spit as lube, which in the right context can be super hot and possible so that scene doesn't really count. The other scene it just wasn't discussed at all for some reason which felt off considering how well Parrish did in all the other scenes. If there had been condoms for oral sex in the beginning then I would be praising this book as the best sex I have ever read in a M/M romance. Not all of the sex was penetrative. There was such range and fluidity that it was always a treat to get a sex scene instead of just a chore. I am impressed.

Oh my gosh you guys!

Honestly, I do not have enough words to describe the wonderfulness that was this book. No, IS this book!

Theo and Caleb could not be more perfect for each other and with this book you get everything you have come to love about Roan's work....angst...love, lust, heartache....everything!!

I recommend this book SO much!!

This is my first Roan Parrish book and I was impressed. I had applied for this book back in February and received it and forgot what the story was about, I love going into a story blind. So, I really liked Caleb and Theo as individuals as well as a couple. I enjoyed that there was a courtship and not insta love. This is an emotionally charged story. Caleb, you feel his pain and fear of relapsing. His sobriety is his number one priority. He has cut himself off the world , as he thinks this is the only way to keep the drugs at bay. It is actually quite heartbreaking to read, the desperation is very believable,
And Theo, the reluctant Rock Star. He loves the music and the creating it, but hates the notoriety that comes with it. He is not really close with his band mates and doesn't really give them a chance to get to know him. Theo, escapes when he is with Caleb. He forgets the fame and just feels and his feelings run deep for our, brooding Caleb.
This story works in many ways, it is sweet and loving. It has a bit of a "what do I do with my life?" as an underlying topic. There are many things that I think readers will gravitate to and enjoy.
I am not a real big fan of sugary sweet romance and this had that at times. The beginning was a little slow paced and a bit wordy. But all in all this is an enjoyable and well thought out story.

This booked played with my emotions the whole way through. Theo is a rock star who hates being famous buts loves performing for his fans. Caleb is a recovering drug addict who also used to be a famous blues musician. One lonely night between touring, Theo was walking and heard someone playing music in a small bar. He stopped and was transfixed by what he heard and who he saw (Caleb). They spent one hot night together. But Theo couldn’t shake Caleb and Caleb kept thinking of Theo. After his tour ended, Theo found Caleb and their passionate, yet scary relationship started forming. These two ripped my heart apart. Both of them are struggling with past demons and are afraid to fully trust their feelings. I was so lost in their journey. I loved it and hated it sometimes. This is a truly touching romance. Perfect!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 Stars

Riven is a contemporary MM romance between an older blues musician and a young, reluctant rock star, solely focusing on their character development, within their relationship with one another and within themselves.

Slow paced, with a small cast of characters, I have to be honest how it took me several days to finish the novel. Not because I didn’t enjoy it, but rather because there just wasn’t much going on to ‘hook’ me. It meandered at times, causing it to feel longer than its page count. With that being said, I did truly enjoy Theo and Caleb.

Theo is all about the music and the performance, and absolutely loathes the bells and whistles. He joined a band because he wanted a sense of community, camaraderie, of family. Being the lead singer, which means he is the frontrunner who has fans clamoring for his attention, jealousy and a divide keeps Theo from connecting with his bandmates in the way he wished he could.

Caleb had a good career as a musician, but he fell into all the trappings of being a star, including drugs. It took four stints in rehab, but it was basically maturity that has Caleb struggling to stay sane and sober. I felt this characterization was dead-accurate – the fear, the worry and panic. How he wants to be with Theo but not the celebrity that follows in his wake, how he wants to create music but not the trappings.

Theo and Caleb were hot together, a lot of chemistry and tension that was a bit too instantaneous for my liking. I need to be teased, have it drawn out and make me earn it. There was lust explored at the start of the novel, and the guys kept going there as they got to know each other on a deeper level. Prude, I am not, but I have to admit I skimmed the later sex scenes due to the abundance and redundancy.

The conflict was self-created. While I understood Caleb’s fear and hesitation, the ‘push you away’ was one or two too many times in a novel, removing the emotional impact while taking it into more of a frustrating-the-reader territory, when the reader knows they will eventually get there due to the genre. Able to predict the ending, I kept thinking, “C’mon, not again!”

Theo and Caleb resonated with me on an emotional level. I appreciated their struggles and growth as the novel progressed, and their connection felt real. The music intrigued me. However, the slower pacing, lack of any real conflict, the redundancy when it came to scenes/smexy time/relationship issues, and Caleb pushing Theo away a few times too many, this had my interests waning and contemplating DNFing the novel many times over.

The ending did give me the warm and fuzzies, so I’m pleased I persevered and do believe it was worth it.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is a full on angst-fueled romance between two tortured musicians. Theo is a reluctant rock star, the front man outsider in a band that both resents and needs his musical talents. Caleb is a washed-up Blues musician struggling to stay clean and away from the lifestyle that exacerbated his addiction.

There is an immediate connection between Theo and Caleb from their first meeting. But both men carry too much emotional baggage. Relationships require trust and vulnerability and neither Theo or Caleb can do either of these things. The result is an emotionally volatile push-pull relationship that I found exhausting and often infuriating as a reader.

The music is beautiful in this book and I love the way the author almost allows us to hear it. For me, the relationship between Caleb and Theo is so volatile that both men often seem childlike. Theo’s reaction to his success comes across as petulant and ungrateful. There were times I shared the band’s dislike for Theo because his arrogance and general misery aren’t terribly attractive.

I enjoyed the quality of the writing in this story more than I enjoyed the characters or their relationship. I’m probably older than the target demographic for this story and I think I’m a little too old for Theo’s emo angst. But as always, Roan Parrish’s writing is beautiful.


Angie – ☆☆☆
I have only read a few books by this author and seems like I am always in the minority on how I feel about each book. I almost didn't make it through this one. The insta-love between Theo and Caleb would have been fine with me, along with all the sex, I love sex in my books. However, I didn't connect with Theo or Caleb. I felt like some things were said over and over again, which drove me nuts. Then some of the story just seemed like filler to make the book longer or to try to make you like it more. Even the sex couldn't keep me interested. Theo and Caleb's story just wasn't for me but I am sure others will love it.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I am a big fan of tortured rock stars who have had enough of fame and paparazzi – so this worked for me. It has to be said that Theo could have helped himself by communicating better with his band, as when he does finally they do tone their expectations down a bit.

Both Caleb and Theo clearly had an amazing talent, but not enough direction – so it was a bit frustrating at times to have them leading the story! They did, however, have wonderful chemistry, in every way, which kept the interest levels high even when their future together seemed so uncertain. The lack of supportive side characters who were integral to the story was noticeable – sure, there were both Rhys and Huey in Caleb's life, but their role seemed to be fixed around Caleb's fear of falling, rather than his chance at a clean future. And Theo really had no one except Caleb.

It was a different take on a rock star romance, and one which gave me pause for thought, and guaranteed that if I met them, we would eat out!

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.

Theo had burrowed deeper than I’d realized, dug barbs into me. And when he’d ripped away—when I’d pushed him away—it had felt like they all tore loose at once.

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.

"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."

I have to admit that this is my first Roan Parrish book but it will definetely NOT be my last. I absolutely adored this book and all the brokenness and rightness of all that was Theo & Caleb.

Theo Decker is part of the a huge upcoming rock band. He has it all. The fame and the fortune but he's misearble.

Caleb Blake Whitman was living it all but his demons won out, causing it all to crash down. Now he's trying to survive life after his most recent stint at rehab.

Music is the main thing in common between these two and by fluke Theo and Caleb are drawn together by music. They have one explosive night then Caleb walks away because Theo is too big of a temptation.

Theo has never fit into the world. He's always felt on the outskirts but something about Caleb makes him feel right. So, he makes the effort to make it with Caleb. However, things aren't always easy and both have their own demons causing some bumps along the way.

Their relationship had such a beautiful organic flow to it and it just grew and grew to where it needed to be.

I'm not sure if Rhys had his own book or story already, If he did I will hunt it down and read it, if he didn't then he''s such a great part of this story and I wish we did have his own book.

I’m a sucker for rock stars and music and I really “felt” this. Theo and Caleb are so obviously perfect for one another and though there is some angst and separation – it’s mild (in comparison to some of the author’s other works).

I really loved the explanation/musical process we get to glimpse in addition to the look at addiction and recovery we see with Caleb.

Theo is a very lovable character and I was glad to see him find his own stride. The chemistry he has with Caleb is both heart warming and HOT.

This was amazing and I heartily recommend it! I hope someone awesome does the audio book! (Joel Leslie- ahem.)

OMG, this book is awesome!! I don’t have enough words to say how much you need to stop everything and read this, so that statement will have to do. 😉 Warning, there is an element of insta-love in this. The two MCs meet and have sex and then can’t stop thinking about the other and then get together, but they are essentially strangers. Ok warning over! Now to the good stuff!

These guys are explosive, just burn up the sheets hot. One think you can guarantee with a Roan Parrish story – steamy hot sex scenes and men you want to be real. Theo is so sweet and sensitive, and also a lost soul. I don’t want to give away any spoilers so just know he has never felt truly wanted by anyone before, and he is now a famous rock star with band mates who don’t seem to care about him. He doesn’t feel connected to them and there is this energy between them that almost screams “stay away – we only want you for your talent, not you.” This really hurts Theo because he wants so much to be part of a close group and he is afraid to say no to them for fear of being rejected or hated.

Caleb though, he has his own demons to contend with. He is an addict and he escaped fame to live in a remote home away from the glitz and glam and drugs of celebrity/rock stardom. When Caleb and Theo meet, Caleb is apprehensive about getting involved with Theo because of who he is and what he represents. Their relationship (if you want to call it that – they certainly aren’t sure if they would) seems to be going smoothly until…Theo is followed by the tabloids to Caleb’s oasis. Now people know where Caleb is and where and who Theo is involved in. The drama between them that follows is so very real and hard to read. Caleb is so scared of relapsing, and Theo just wants someone to want him enough to try.

I was so in love with these characters, and it is MORE THAN OBVIOUS Roan did some research in music because literally everything written about writing music and the creativity behind it just blew me away and felt so real and I completely decided to never want to be a music writer, lol. 😀 That stuff is hard!!
Of course our hero’s can’t stay apart, and while the road wasn’t easy & smooth, these guys are so worth the potholes traveled to get to their HEA. I cannot wait to read more stories set in this world. An absolutely brilliant story and I highly recommend it.

Roan Parrish sure knows how to write a romance novel.

I liked just about everything about this book. That includes the scenario: Caleb, a blues singer and veteran of the music industry who has withdrawn from the world because of struggles with addiction, meets Theo, the young lead singer/songwriter for a hit rock band, and the two fall in love while navigating their careers and Caleb’s fears about relapsing. I liked the way the relationship between the two men is allowed to develop over time and with both of them occasionally messing up and then learning from their mistakes. And for anyone who wants plenty of hot scenes in their romances—yep, that’s definitely a plus here.

The only thing that niggled at me about this book is Theo’s extreme naïveté. I do realize that the author chose to write the character that way; more than one character notes that Caleb is very naïve. But it just didn’t seem realistic to me that a guy who has been involved in the music industry for several years could be as innocent as Theo seems to be. That’s the one thing that made Theo seem more like a character in a book than a real person to me.

Really, though, this is one of the best romances I’ve read in a while. Highly recommended.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

When I first finished Riven I felt compelled to sit down and get to my review immediately while the raw emotions were still fresh in my mind and the tear tracks still fresh on my face. Make no mistake, these tears aren’t ones of sadness but those of overwhelming joy at what I just experienced. Riven hooked me from the very first pages but I took my time with it, savoring it over a few days and it tore me up to see it come to an end. I’m officially head-over-heels for these characters and I have no doubt that it’s going to take a while for them to leave the forefront of my mind.

I don’t think the timing of this book could’ve been more perfect for me. Just the dedication, “for everyone who needs a fresh start”, was so reminiscent of what’s happening in my own life and seeing Theo and Caleb moving forward, starting anew made me feel like I wasn’t doing it alone. I found that to be both comforting and reassuring. And I loved that the characters grew independently as well as together. I think it’s difficult to pull that off because too much self discovery and time apart can make it hard to believe that the two people could really make it work but the way these two communicate and come together is done so well. They’re so perfect for each other that even when they go through rough patches I still was never afraid that they wouldn’t find their HEA.

Something that really stood out to me was how accurately addiction is portrayed. I have a close family member who struggles with their sobriety and I felt like Roan really understands what a person goes through on a daily basis as they live their lives without their favorite vices. As someone who loves to eat, I especially appreciated the wisdom that’s laid down on what a person with food addiction goes through at every meal. I felt like “someone finally gets it!” and that’s just another example of how well Roan researches for her stories. I always feel like whatever she’s writing about has been explored so thoroughly that there’s no doubt in my mind that every detail has been considered.

Loving, passionate, sensual and sexy, Riven is the best book I’ve read this year, if not, in a very long time. Roan has outdone herself with this gorgeous story, from the striking cover art, through and through, to the incredible pages within. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy asap!

PS. To anyone at Loveswept who might happen upon my review, please oh please do consider releasing this wonderful story as a paperback. I have a strong need to hold and cherish a physical copy of this book!

This is a MM romance set in the world of rock music. The characters have great characters along with their flaws. They are well developed and you feel you know them. The ups and downs of their journey just adds to the story. The story moves at a great pace, I had a hard time putting it down. It is a wonderful read.

This story was such a roller coaster!

This book follows Theo, a very kind and gentle soul who wants to please his loved ones. He's an amazing and gifted musician, and I just want to protect him. Then we have Caleb, who is trying to find some stability in his life after the drugs and alcohol.

This book is the perfect example of the hurt/comfort trope. We have two broken men just trying to find themselves. Individually and together.

I loved that Caleb's addictions weren't swept under the rug. I recently read a book where this happened and it is the absolute worst. I appreciated that Roan showed the ups and downs of addiction, and I loved that we saw Caleb interact with his sponsor. Overall, I thought this very well done.

Riven was filled with heartwarming and heartbreaking scenes, I definitely recommend it!

Theo is a rock star and has all the problems that come with it. He meets Caleb and BOOM instant chemistry. I loved reading about these two characters and the problems they try to overcome. A wonderful read.

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