Unable to find an apartment he could afford in Paris, Raphaël Diop had no other choice but to move in with the enigmatic Adrien Dupuis, a charming man with many secrets.If cohabitation seemed like a bad idea from the start, things only got worse when Adrien acknowledged his attraction to Raphaël, making an offer difficult to resist.But sleeping together wasn’t an option for Raphaël, not when it … Raphaël, not when it might cost him the only place where he could live.
Could they truly ignore their desire for each other, or could Raphaël believe that one night together might be worth risking it all?
RETURN is a bisexual romance set entirely in France. It contains MM and MF scenes. Though part of a series, it is a standalone story.
Warning for readers triggered by biphobia as well as depression.
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RETURN (Rewind Book 2)
By: Rowan Shaw
5 out of 5 stars
The story RETURN (Rewind Book 2) by Rowan Shaw is an amazing book that I fell in love with and just couldn’t put down. It pulled me in from the very beginning and I found myself lost reading the storyline and about the characters. It is a story that tells the tale of Raphael Diop and Adrien Dupuis. Raphael meets Adrien when he is trying to find a place to stay. He is a student and wonders just who the man standing in front of his really is. Adrien is a man who is handsome and stubborn. Both Raphael and Adrien seem to have a tendency to deny or ignore what is at times right before them. There is an attraction between them. There is also sparks as well as desire. What does the future hold for Raphael and Adrien? Read this book to find out. This story is at times emotional and also has some romantic scenes that are very steamy. I found myself growing to care about Adrien and Raphael with each chapter that I read, and I wanted them to be happy. There are intense conversations between these two. I enjoyed the bantering that goes back and forth between them. There are additional characters introduced and have their own part to play in the story. This is a wonderful story with characters that are unforgettable and come alive on the page. I would highly recommend reading this book.
This is the second book in the series, and even if it is the story of Raphael and Adrien and happens at the same time that the story of Enzo and Florian from book 1, the book really can be read as standalone. This is another brilliant book in my opinion, I’m amazed how the author uses really strong topics and make his characters go through them and go out scatted but OK. In this second book the topic is sex services and again the way the LGBTQ community suffer even from their own families and how love and acceptance help them to heal those wounds. In Rowan Shaw’s books the HEA is gained through hard work and is totally well deserved and when the book finished you felt emotional drained and happy for them. Really, really brilliant! I can’t wait for book 3.
One good thing I can say about this book is that I loved learning new words and phrases, especially in French. I also learned quite a bit that I didn’t know about the LGBTQIA+ community. As far as the story goes, I couldn’t get into it for the longest time, but I loved the ending.
Please note that I did receive an ARC of this book, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I love (and love and love …) in Paris all year long!
August 13, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
The life of a male escort can be grueling, even in the City of Lights, but Adrien seems content until he gains a roommate and has to face the complications that come with a close bond not related to his work. The author includes almost non-stop clinches, in pairs and threesomes, and they sizzle! But there’s also strong, solid emotion and complexity, particularly in Adrien’s background and struggles, that makes the characters relatable and their romance compelling.
This is the first book I’ve read in the series and, though it appears some of the same characters appear in both Return and its predecessor, it’s easily read as a standalone. I liked the author’s writing style, her ability to bring the heat time and again but not make things feel repetitive, the emotional growth of the characters and the positive ending. (And the French setting didn’t hurt!)
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Return is the second book in the Rewind series by Rowan Shaw. It is a well written and interesting story, filled with intriguing characters. Expect a lot of steam…. A LOT! These characters evolve alot both separately and together. Overall, a satisfying read.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Return (Rewind Book 2)
By Rowan Shaw
Return is the second book in the Rewind series by Rowan Shaw. I probably should mention that this is a bisexual romance, if you don’t like this type of stories, I wouldn’t probably read it. However, for those of us that can read this type of storyline you are absolutely going to love this book especially if you liked Rewind. Now I have found while this is a part of a series it can be read as a standalone. Return is centered around Adrien and Raphel. Liked both main characters and I really wouldn’t be able to pick which of these two I would say was my favorite. What I also liked about this book was that the secondary characters added another level to this story, so love a book when you get to know the secondary characters as well as the primary characters. Return is written so well it just seems to flow nicely. You will probably get a little lost in this book for the simple reason you are not going to be able to put the book down, until life rudely interrupts.
RETURN (Rewind Book 2) by Rowan Shaw
4-stars
Return is the second book in the Rewind series by Rowan Shaw . It has an excellent storyline that easily flows from start to finish. As always with this author, I enjoy the character development and creativity put behind each one. Each character had their own unique personality. I had a hard time picking my favorite character between Raphael and Aiden, but I felt drawn more to Raphael than I did Aiden. I also really enjoyed the scenery of this novel. It seemed very realistic and easy to visualize. It was a wonderful romantic and mysterious read.
Return by Rowan Shaw is the second book in the Rewind series and WOW it was an incredible book. From page one and until the end, I fell in love with the characters and could not put down. This book tells the story of Raphael and Adrien. Raphael is a student and he cannot afford a place of his own in Paris. He then meets Adrien and moves in with him. He’s a man with such amazing charisma but also many secrets. There is an attraction between them both, but Raphael is worried to take that leap and mess up having a place to stay. How long can they ignore the attraction between them? Can maybe one night help the sexual tension?
I loved this book and highly recommend. Rowan Shaw has given us an amazing FIVE star read!
A great read about opposites. Raphael is just looking for a flat in Paris. He finds one but the owner seems to be an arrogant young man with erotic pictures on his walls. With nowhere else to go, Raphael takes a risk and moves in despite their opposites. Can they get along and make it work?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn’t put down. Well developed characters like Adrien sarcastic and arrogant but vulnerable underneath or Raphael cautious and shy but caring underneath. I really liked the contrasts between them done to perfection to make their dislike relatable. The only issue I would raise is that I felt that Daniel was unnecessary and jarred from the narrative.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like with the inside Ariens hous with the wide rooms and white floors and ornate tiles for a sense of luxuty.and contrasting wonderfully with the bold and bright colours of the paintings perfectly written. Or the college in the rain with the umbrella and waiting in the queue so vivd it’s as if you’re actually there.
Once again, a wonderful tale about sexuality with a wonderful representation of gay people and their struggles in society. The switch of perspectives worked well to display both sides of the story and different ways of life and was easy to follow with names in chapter titles. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.
RETURN (Rewind Book 2)
by Rowan Shaw
This is the second book in this series but it can be read as a standalone but I would suggest reading the first one because it’s awesome and also because it’s where we first met Raphael. I am so glad that this book is just as good as the first. There is a lot of raw emotion in this story. I was completely drawn into the story needing to know where the relationship was going to go between Adrian and Raphael, and I also really felt connected as I found out more about each character. I couldn’t help but want everything to work out for each of them whether they end up together or not. The chemistry and attraction between these two was evident from the beginning. There are some intimate romantic scenes in this story and I found that they were done tastefully without losing any of the heat that comes with these scenes. I loved reading this story I highly recommend it and I cannot wait to read the next one.
LOVE IS LOVE
Pan
Cis
Bi
Trans
Queer
Gay
Neutral
RETURN is the second in “The Rewind Series” and can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. It is a full bodied romance that has a slow burn, angst, emotions, sexy times and friendship. The characters are complex and well developed and there are a few who are just downright evil.
The story line is well plotted and flows with ease. This was a quick read on a rainy Sunday afternoon and I would absolutely recommend it. There are a few terms that are “new” to some people’s vocabulary and I would just like to say this: It doesn’t matter what word is used – it’s still flesh and bones and heart and brains. No matter what pronoun or sexual identity someone is – we are all still human beings.
This was a great read during pride month (or any month for that matter).
What another brilliant book by author Rowan Shaw. Return is Book 2 in the Rewind Series, and for this not being a genre of book I usually read, I can’t deny that I enjoyed this book just as much as the first. This is a well-written book that flows from chapter to chapter with characters that are well developed, connectable and you grow to love throughout. I loved Raphael and Adrien story, they go along on a journey in which they have a strong and undeniable chemistry.
This book while can be read as a stand-alone, I highly suggest you pick up Book 1 as this is where we first meet our main character.
I was captivated with this read from the get go – and you will be too! I can’t wait to see what else this author brings but until then don’t miss this read.
Well after reading rewind the first book of the series I didn’t think I could love this book as much but Oh my god I loved it more! I really have been swayed into reading more m/m novels by reading this it was such a beautiful read the story line flowed and was written wonderfully. I was pulled into their world and I felt a great connection with the character’s which made reading this novel even more of enjoyable experience. I was so looking forward to reading this story and I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest if anything it excelled my expectations. I look forward to reading more from this author!!
This is the second book in the series. This story follows the lives of Adrien and Raphael.
Adrien seems to have it all, a nice apartment, lots of money and is extremely attractive but he has a past that has left him with scares. Add into this his job and he is a person with many secrets.
Raphael is a student in desparate need of somewhere to live and and when he answers Adriens add for a roommate neither of them are aware how they will change each others lives.
This story is about love and risking everything you know for a chance of happiness with someone you love
Return by Rowan Shaw
Four Stars
Return is the second book in the Rewind series by Rowan Shaw. This book can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading Rewind first as that is where we meet Raphael for the first time. This book started out a little slow for me, but really made up for it by the end. This is Raphael and Adrein’s story. I love the witty banter between the two of them, and how their story comes together. The love scenes are sizzling hot. I highly recommend this book, series and author. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.
Return by Rowan Shaw is the second book in the Rewind series. I enjoyed the first book in the series and was interested in what would happen in this book. This can be read as a standalone and enjoyed because the story is contained. Raphaël Diop is a student living in Paris looking for affordable housing. Adrien Dupuis has a room available in his apartment. The two do not have much in common and live very separate lives. Will their relationship change?
The characters are well written and I enjoyed learning about them. Also, the secondary characters added to the story and did not take away from the story of Adrien and Raphaël. This is a bisexual romance and if this is not a comfortable theme this might not be the book for you. I believe that if you can read this story you will enjoy this book and get to know Raphaël and Adrien better.
Return by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars!
This was an excellent second book to Rewind. Raphael and Adrien are wonderfully written characters and their story is beautiful. I also really liked the glimpse of Enzo and Florian to get a taste of how their relationship is working out.
Raphael is such a strong man. I didn’t think at first that he would be able to follow all of the rules set in place when moving into Adrien’s apartment, but he did even though he broke the biggest rule but kept it to himself. He struggles a lot with his feelings for Adrien but manages to suppress them so that he can continue living in the apartment and has somewhere to sleep.
Adrien broke my heart. His whole story is heart wrenching from his family issues to how young he was when he started his current job. I can understand him completely not wanting to give up or let anything interfere with his job because he needs the money and never wants to have to live on the streets again. At the same time my heart hurts because if you finally found love, wouldn’t you do anything to keep it?
The secondary characters are just as wonderful, I love how they have Adrien’s back through it all even if it may mean they can no longer do business with him, as long as he was happy. An overall fantastic book, I would highly recommend. I can’t wait to see more from this author!
RETURN (Rewind Book 2) By Rowan Shaw. This story had me on an emotional roller coaster but I loved every minute of it. This can be read as a stand-alone without any confusion but do yourself a favor and read the first one because it’s really great also. Each character captured my heart in different ways and truly made this an incredible story. From page one I knew I’d be completely hooked on this story. The author does a wonderful job of dealing and writing raw emotional things and balances them well with steamy scenes and romance. I love the attention to even the smallest details. I loved this book and can’t wait to see where the author takes readers next. Five huge stars all the way!
Return by Rowan Shaw is the exact reason why I love reading M/M books. Rowan writing just has this way of pulling you into this world that she has created and not letting you go. She had me hooked with Rewind but Return was something that I couldn’t put down and wanted to read again after I finished; so many yummy scenes. Rowan is becoming one of my favorites for LBGTQ writers. The blurb only tells you part of what this book is about, the other side is something that I have never read before when it has come to M/M romances. I loved that Rowan took a chance with this storyline. LOVE IS FREE!! Looking forward to the next book and seeing where Rowan Shaw is going to take me to next in Paris.
Return by Rowan Shaw is the second book in the series but can be a stand alone book as well. Rowan Shaw paints the perfect picture with her words. That makes reading her books a lot easier. There was a warning in the synopsis that I passed on in the description of my review. The story of Rapheal and Adrien can be uncomfortable for some readers. The story has some strong emotions that could spark the readers emotions. Personally, I can empathize with anyone (real or fictious) so this story, even though I loved it, took me on some big emotional moments. Rapheal is a college student looking for a place to live (on the cheap side) and he found Adrien. Both had strong emotions for one another but neither one really knew what was in store. Will Adrien and Raphael give in to their emotions or will turn away from each other?