Heuy is a bar owner and has his share of problems. He doesn't let anyone get close to him. He's trying to keep his sobriety. Felix has been taking care of his family and doesn't know what to do with himself. He walks in to Huey's bar and instantly finds him attractive and wants to get to know him better. I didn't like the way Huey treated Felix at times but I understood both characters had their issues. All in all I liked this story and would recommend it.

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

I hate first person POV, but this trilogy (Riven, Rend, and now Raze) was worth gritting my teeth and dealing with it. This is a very lovely and psychologically mature romance between two "caretaker" protagonists (Felix, an oldest sibling of five who has dedicated his life to his family, and Huey, a sponsor for Narcotics Anonymous who runs his life by an unyielding routine) who must learn to let themselves be taken care of instead. Felix's internal monologue, in particular, is very heavy on articulating his wants and needs, which may rub some readers the wrong way, but none of it is unreasonable (and Huey certainly wants and needs just as many things, even though he's terrible at admitting it even to himself); I think there's a certain visceral reaction to sharing headspace with a character who has been neglected for a long time and is finally able to demand what they need that some people like and some people don't. There's a significant age gap between the two characters (but no daddyplay, if that's a concern) and some delicate hints of BDSM/service top dynamic. Characters from Riven and Raze make cameos (especially Theo) but I think the book would work as a standalone. Overall, it's a very solid trilogy and I recommend it to contemporary romance fans!

4.5 Stars for Raze by Roan Parrish
This is my read by this author and I’m really not sure why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now but after reading Raze that’s about to change because I really enjoyed everything about this book.
Raze is book 3 in the Riven Series but it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone.
Huey and Felix are amazing characters who have many issues to overcome before they can open their hearts to each other and this is their love story. I say love story but for this was more of a journey and it was a journey I was happy to be on because this book has all the feels, it’s romantic, it has the perfect mix of passion and angst, it has characters you can’t help loving and it has a HEA, what more can you ask for. I’m looking forward to catching up on the previous books in this series as well as what’s next in the Riven series.

I really enjoyed this- the whole series, actually. Roan Parrish has an amazing ability to focus in on the details of feelings and character that make the stories feel incredibly real; while at the same time, leaving much room for the imagination. I found Huey and Felix fascinating in their difficult struggles to find each other and more importantly, themselves. The interactions with 'the crew' from the previous books was just icing on the cake. (Though each book reads completely as a standalone as well.) Will more adventures follow?

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Huey and Felix have been used to taking care of others for a long time. For Huey, a strict schedule and the help he provides to recovering addicts, has been the key to stay out of his own addiction. For Felix, being the head of the family and giving his siblings and mother whatever they need, has being his whole life. When they meet each other, the emotions between them, start to change the life as they know it. Felix is slowly destroying the wall that Huey had built to hide his emotions away. The fear of change have them struggling and fighting to hold on to each other to get to the happy ending they so desperately need.

I was having a lot of problems getting myself into the story. It took me a lot to get to a point when I was enjoying the book. It was very slow paced, but I don’t think it had something to do with that. I have enjoyed slow paced books. There was something about Huey and Felix’s connection that didn’t quit click at the start. Happily things change, a lot, and I end up loving how they fit each other as a couple.

What I liked about it was the place when I start, not being able to care for the main characters and how I felt about them when I finish the book. The character development was perfect and it make me get to a point when I love them. It was fantastic to see the struggles each of them have and how much it affect the way they interact with each other. The book is full of emotions, which makes it a bit angsty at times, something I always appreciate in a book. The romance between them start very quickly, but getting to a moment when I actually believe they love each other, took a while. I really enjoyed the journey.

Even with the few issues I had, I liked reading the book a lot. Readers who like books with a lot of emotions and a bit of angst might be able to like it.

I really enjoyed reading the story of Huey and Felix. Both of them had their own issues to overcome. And with the help of each other, they did just that. This was another emotional story as both Huey and Felix worked through their past. I loved how all the other characters from the first two books made appearances. I love reading Roan Parrish books. They bring out all the right feelings of a great romance.

I rounded my rating from a 3.5 up to 4 stars because the overall quality of this series is 4 star worthy.

This third installment in the Riven series features Huey, a narcotics anonymous sponsor who once served as a sponsor for, and is now a good friend of, Caleb from book 1. In order to stay clean, Huey has put walls around his life in the form of intense structure. He follows his schedule and rarely deviates from it until he meets Felix. Felix is the opposite of everything Huey is and he challenges Huey to embrace his softer side.

The writing is excellent and the story, while less intense than the other two books, still has some of the angst and inner turmoil that seems to be a hallmark of Roan Parrish books. I've read a couple of other reviews of this book and it seems about 50/50 on whether readers didn't care for Huey or didn't care for Felix. For me, Felix just wasn't my cup of tea. I like the idea that a male (regardless of sexual preference) does not have to be macho, 6-pack abs, I never cry or show emotion type of character, BUT, I am not really a fan of needy characters. Felix was just too needy for me and came off whiny. I think Felix is a large part of why this book, while good, is my least favorite. I think Theo from book 1 was a better example of someone who is soft, emotional, loving, but in a way that still showed strength.

Overall thoughts on the series:
Book 2, followed very closely by book 1, is my favorite. Full disclosure, I may have book 2 ranked slightly ahead of book 1 because I read book 2 first and fell in love with the writing and characters. I think this is a really good series if you like M/M and want your HEA with a good serving of angst and issues along the way. These books are not all puppies and rainbows, but they do show the power and impact love can have on a person's life.

The adult content (sex scenes) :-) in the books are intense, but because the stories and characters are so strong, it makes the sexual situations feel more like just a part of life/relationships and keeps it from being erotica. But if you blush easily, these may not be the books for you, lol.

If there is a next book, I hope it is about Grin from book 2.

The great storyline and the wonderfully created characters kept me totally engaged as I turned each and every page of this well written book! I was so engrossed in this story that I read this book in one sitting!

5.0 out of 5 starsGreat continuation of an amazing series
This book. I love the differences between Huey and Felix. It shouldn't work between them but it absolutely does! They have quite a way to go to get there but they do eventually. I absolutely loved how the whole crew of friends from the previous books is there to support them, to give them a nudge into the right direction.
Such a great series!

Raze was an odd read for me compared to other books by this author. While it was an enjoyable read, there was a disconnect between me and these characters that I still can't put my finger on. I've always loved the way Roan portrays her characters - with amazing depth and nuance, and honesty in their growth. Huey and Felix in Raze were no different, but I didn't really love them. So reading their story became more of a study on character development rather than a sweep-me-off-my-feet romance. Would still recommend if you've read the first two in this beautifully written series.

I found Felix to be selfless to the point of being self detrimental and self sacrificing, needy, and insecure. Huey was brusque, closed off, compartmentalized feelings/emotions, and a heart of gold. I liked that Theo and Caleb were supportive and protective of their friend Huey. It was good to see Huey grow and not need all the crutches in his life ( he over extended to keep from temptations). Now he found better outlets. The ah ha moment for Huey was like opening a door and giving him the secrets within. I loved the self healing and support Huey took on. .Great ending.

Huey’s life is all about structure and routine. He found it necessary in the early days of his recovery from addition and now it’s so ingrained he’s afraid to let go of his routines. He runs his bar, he sponsors others in recovery, he goes to the gym and the grocery store. Every minute is accounted for and he clings to that structure, never allowing anyone to get too close even though he’s lonely.

Felix shouldered a lot of responsibility even from a young age. Working while in high school to help support his family, taking care of his younger siblings, getting dinner on the table, helping with homework, and generally being a second parent while his mother worked long hours. Working a dead-end job and feeling unfulfilled, Felix longs for more, both professionally and personally.

I loved seeing these two special people come together – slowly, haltingly - both a little unsure how to proceed. Huey, shut off from everyone for so long, was like a rusty hinge, long neglected and in need of care and attention. Felix was much more open about what he wanted and so willing to put himself out there. He was completely vulnerable but brave enough to pursue Huey and make his feelings known. He was so accustomed to taking care of everyone around him and he craved having someone put him first for once. Watching as he pushed past his uncertainty and told Huey what he wanted and needed… I wanted to simultaneously hug him and cheer for him.

At first glance, Huey and Felix may have appeared to be polar opposites, but where it counted they really wanted the same things: love and acceptance and that special person who allowed them to lay down their burdens and just be. And I enjoyed every minute of their journey to finding that in each other. Parrish managed to create two characters I loved and pulled for and she grounded their story in reality without unnecessary drama.

Raze was a quiet story, very much character-driven, with a focus on personal growth and navigating a new relationship. I loved the focus on building a partnership, learning to communicate in a healthy way, and the respect and support shown within the relationship. Raze is the third book in Parrish’s Riven series but each can be read as a standalone. I had no problem immersing myself into Huey and Felix’s story and appreciated the bits of background given without feeling bogged down by too much of it. If you’re looking for a romance that’s heavy on character growth and full of emotion, you won’t go wrong with Raze.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series, but for some reason, I was hesitant about starting this one. I really should know better by now that I'm in good hands with Roan Parrish's writing. Like so many of her books, this one had me feeling all the feels. I'm so glad I didn't have an audience when reading some parts because I can't be certain I wasn't ugly crying. Okay, I wasn't crying that hard, but still. The feels. I felt them.

Both MCs were very relatable, lovable, and perfectly imperfect. The solution both of them found to handling the uncertainties and unsteadiness of their lives was in devoting their time to helping others. Felix, as he was growing up, by taking care of his siblings while his single mother was at work which left him feeling aimless by the time he reached his mid-20s. Dane (Huey) by being a sponsor to countless sponsees, running a bar, and strictly adhering to his daily schedule. Both are really good at avoiding the root causes of their anxieties, struggles, and unhappiness by focusing their attention on other people. I appreciated as each of them navigated their feelings and started working to address their own issues, neither of them tries to be the other's savior. Instead, they provide the emotional support and solid ground the other needs to do the tough work of self-improvement.

Roan's writing is absolutely gorgeous, and many passages left me in self-reflection regarding how, as someone who self-describes herself as a "helper," what I'm doing is actually helping or hindering the people I'm aiming to serve, or keeping me from my own self-care. I haven't related so deeply to MCs (particularly Felix) in a really long time. I wanted to bear hug both of them so much throughout this book.

The only thing that kept me from giving this book a 5 was that I felt like the last 25% was just... dragging... on... forever... The big emotional climax of the book happened at about 75%, so the rest of the book felt like one really long epilogue.

But I still loved this book.

4.5 Stars

Roan Parrish is such a talent, you guys, and this series is absolutely some of her best work. Here’s a secret, though…I have yet to read Riven, the title book in the series. *gasp* It’s ok, though. Everybody stay loose. I promise I’m going to get to it ASAP. Because as much as Rend made me want to go back and read Theo and Caleb’s story, Raze, the latest addition to the series, made me want to read it even more. Theo and Caleb once again have fantastic and important cameos in Raze, as do Rhys and Matt. In fact, I don’t think Parrish could have told Huey and Felix’s story without the help of the rest of the gang. It’s great when the supporting cast is such an integral part of the book; I love seeing authors weave all the lives together. BUT the MCs are still the stars, so let’s get back to Huey and Felix…

Huey was my favorite. I loved Felix too, of course, but I ADORED Huey. I felt such strong emotions for him throughout the story. I wanted to hug him, and cheer for him, and for him to finally see that he was worthy of having an amazing life. That the lonely existence he had resigned himself to wasn’t his only option. Up to this point, his entire life has consisted of strictly adhering to his routine: running the bar, going to the gym, grocery shopping, being there 24/7 for his sponsees, and repeat. He hasn’t had a relationship for seven years. Seven. Years. So, the instant attraction that he feels for Felix is like a gut punch, and when Huey begins to crave Felix’s touch and his company, it’s terrifying.

Felix doesn’t have much more recent experience with relationships than Huey does. His time is spent at work, or with his sister and best friend, Sofia, or with his family. At one point in the book, Felix suggests to Huey that he may have a bit of a martyr complex, and while Felix doesn’t take care of everyone around him to be a martyr, necessarily, he has spent most of his life putting everyone else first. He started helping his mom take care of the house and his younger siblings at a young age, and genuinely loves helping provide for his family—but, it didn’t allow for much time to think about what he wanted for his own future. Felix is a complete and total love, but his neediness and tendency to whine was a bit OTT at times. I realize he was written that way on purpose, and that he owned the behavior on page a couple of times…but, it was hard to get past in a few scenes. That being said, I loved his spirit and what a beautiful, genuine person he was. And, I was so sad when his relationship with Sofia began changing. Parrish did an excellent job with building their relationship. Felix’s sadness about Sofia all of a sudden being absent from his life was so palpable and heart-breaking.

As much as I love the guys individually, however, they were perhaps even better together. 😊 Either one of them could level the other with something as simple as a hug, and their dynamic in bed was beyond intense. I loved how they owned up to their mistakes and gave each other the space to grow. They were supportive of each other’s dreams, and protective of each other’s hearts. I loved how Huey was outraged on Felix’s behalf about Sof’s behavior and was ready to go to bat for him. And, I loved how even when Felix was being a brat, Huey knew his heart was in the right place.

There were a ton of little touches that made this such a good read. And, going back to having not read Riven, it’s actually a testament to how well the books stand alone that I could feel such a strong connection to both the second and third books without ever having read the first. So, if you were planning to hold off on Raze because you haven’t read the other books, I say don’t! You can honestly read them in any order—just make sure you read them.

Reviewed by Jules

Dear Roan Parrish,

Why did this novel make me tear up? Gah. The story of Dane and Felix just touched my heart in such lovely and painful ways. I truly felt for Dane and Felix and the way they felt so lonely and lost at times. Their pain felt like my pain and their successes filled me with so much hope.

I loved how openly vulnerable Felix was and how Dane's vulnerability felt so different and yet was so very evident. I loved how messed up they were and how they worked it out. I loved how Felix's verbosity played off of Dane's stoicism. (Though as I was reading I absolutely felt with certainty that some would strongly dislike either Felix or Dane because of their traits--I liked it).

I loved the secondary characters and their sage advice.

I liked the resolution and HEA and yet I still wanted more because I wasn't ready to be done with them, though I liked our last look at them...for now?

This was so, so good!
It took me awhile to get into this because I was really nervous about the entire “sobriety” thing that is a recurring theme in the series but – though it is definitely a main theme – it almost took a back seat to the really sweet and awkward romance between these two totally mismatched heroes.

I loved that Felix had to really dig deep and find his own happiness and how Huey had to admit his “patterns” were no longer helpful.

The heat is just right – a fair amount of steam but this is really more about the feels.

Highly recommended! I think it’s best when read as part of the series but it can absolutely stand on its own.

5 of 5 stars

We finally get Huey's story and I loved it!

This is the third book in the Riven series but it can be read as a standalone if you want. If you don't read the first two books, though, you'll really be missing out on a couple of great stories.

Huey is the owner of a bar and he appeared in both of the first two books. He's also Caleb's best friend (book 1, Riven). I've been dying to read his story and I wasn't disappointed at all when I read Raze.

Huey is a former addict and he now spends a lot of his time sponsoring and helping other N/A members. He has structured his days so that almost everything he does is scheduled because he's afraid if he deviates from his schedule that he will relapse.

Felix and his sister come to karaoke night at Huey's bar and Felix is attracted to Huey but Huey has been "frozen" for so long he doesn't really know how to interact or respond to Felix's obvious attraction.

Raze has a complex storyline involving Felix, his sister Sofia, members of the band Riven and Huey. This story really kept me captivated and glued to my e-reader until I finished it. Felix has been taking care of his siblings for so long that he hasn't made time for himself.

Now his sister is getting a chance at the career she's always wanted and it's left him feeling a bit left out even though he's really happy for her. When his relationship with Huey (Felix calls him by his given name Dane) starts heating up he's left feeling lonely and adrift when Huey seems to always put everyone else's needs ahead of Felix's.

Huey needs to learn to live outside of the structure he's been using and Felix needs to learn what he wants to do for himself. It's not an easy path but they end up with a wonderful HEA.

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

This little book felt very powerful to me I loved Huey and Felix and how things felt very real and that how you can recover from one addiction something else like a strict schedule can take its place. The kitten was an excellent touch and I liked that any miscommunication was not dragged out. I look forward to the audiobook to get to know them even better

I really love this series and this was an excellent installment. In Raze, Parrish returns to dual narrators which I thought greatly improved the books. As in all of her books, the two protagonists in this one are deeply flawed, and it helps to have each perspective when they're being idiots.

The two Heroes are basically opposites. Felix is young, sweet, and uncertain of what he wants to do with his life. Dane (aka Huey) is a hardened recovering drug addict who seeks control over everything. Felix asks Huey out because he's hot (I guess), and if not for that, they probably never would have ended up together. However, it works. I like these kind of opposites attract couples. Felix's neediness was understandable. He's been taking care of others for so long and now he wants someone to finally take care of him. I liked Dane and thought his nerdy side was adorable, but at times he's a little too stoic. They were a fun couple to read about.

this is a very standard roan parrish book. there's the trademark big tough guy with a past who hooks up with the emotional twink thing going on that's in so many of parrish's books. i guess it works for her, but it's getting a little tired for me.

overall, it was pretty entertaining. i wouldn't say i'm a very romantic person, but i do like seeing queer people get happy endings, so that's probably where i get the most enjoyment out of these kinds of books.

my one main issue that probably stopped this from getting a higher rating was huey. he's an interesting character, but the problem with writing a character that is emotionally distant is that, as a reader, i can't connect with him. like, at all. i think if he had warmed up to felix just a little faster, or maybe just let himself feel something without necessarily outwardly showing it, the story would have been a bit better. less stiff.