Two tortured musicians inspire each other to risk their hearts in this edgy and emotional novel. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY LIBRARY JOURNAL “Riven is the romance you must read next. You’re welcome.”—Suzanne Brockmann, New York Times bestselling author of Some Kind of Hero Theo Decker might be the lead singer of Riven, but he hates being a rock star. The paparazzi, the endless … 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 doesn’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.
Roan Parrish’s pitch-perfect Riven novels can be read together or separately:
RIVEN | REND
Praise for Riven
“[Roan] Parrish may well break readers’ hearts with this deeply felt, perfectly paced contemporary. . . . The author’s sensitive portrait of an addict in recovery adds depth and layers to the story. . . . Generous and tender in all the right ways.”—Publishers Weekly
“Riven has it all: off-the-charts chemistry, heart-wrenching emotion, and a captivating storyline that grabs you from page one.”—Sloane Kennedy, author of The Protectors series
“Roan Parrish turns her signature lyrical prose to the world of rock and roll, and the result is both beautiful and off-the-charts hot.”—Jenny Holiday, USA Today bestselling author of One and Only
This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
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Riven is the romance you must read next. You’re welcome.
Riven has it all: off-the-charts chemistry, heart-wrenching emotion, and a captivating storyline that grabs you from page one.
Riven by Roan Parrish is my first read by this author and I was hooked the minute I started reading. It was a mix of two of my favorite romance genres, Rockstar and M/M with a bit of an age gap thrown in.
Theo is dubbed the Reluctant Rockstar by the media and while his fans may think that it is just a persona, the title is a true reflection of his hatred to the fame. He loves the music just not everything else that comes with it.
Caleb has been where Theo is, only he loved the fame and everything that came with just a bit too much. After multiple stints in rehab he finally has his life together and plans to keep it that way. Theo wasn’t a part of those plans, but the more time that they spend together the more his plans change.
I loved Theo and Caleb, they were the perfect couple. They complemented each other in the best of ways. Not to mention the chemistry between them, HOT! Their story was realistic, with multiple ups and downs and no easy fixes in sight. I only wish that there was more interaction with the secondary characters, I absolutely adored Rhys and I think that Ethan had the potential to become a great character if he had been given more of a voice.
4.5 stars
*Review by Amy W., Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night w/ Books Blog*
“Ghosts of the past and hopes for the future were a dangerous cocktail.”
Yeah, you guessed it. I found another rockstar romance that led me to a new-to-me author. I’ve found some amazing rockers and some even more amazing authors this way, and Riven was indeed #AMAZING.
Look out Roan Parrish, you have a new fan, so prepare to be stalked. I can’t describe the experience of reading this story more clearly than by saying that you made me feel your words. You put me in the heads and hearts of your characters and made me love them, flaws and all.
Theo has been tagged by the media as The Reluctant Rock Star. Nobody can deny he’s extremely talented. His fans and his band members agree that his songwriting, vocal ability, and concert performances are outstanding. It’s all the rest of it that sucks. Joining an established band as the lead singer is a daunting experience when the other band members have a longstanding relationship and can finish each other’s sentences. Talent alone is not enough to make him fit in and he can’t help feeling like he’s on the outside of that relationship. The question is, are they making him feel that way or is it all in his head? And then there’s photo shoots, album covers, videos, and interviews. While his bandmates are excited and thrilled at the process and attention, he’d rather be home alone writing songs. While they love being recognized and gushed over by fans, he’d rather remain anonymous. WTF?
When faced with all his blessings he feels ashamed of these feelings. He has so much to be grateful for. However, there’s some truth in the statement, “If I learned anything in this business, it’s that getting what you thought you wanted doesn’t necessarily feel anything like what you thought it would.” Fan acceptance doesn’t replace previous rejection. Record sales don’t equal love and support. Being in the spotlight doesn’t erase those times he was ignored. He feels alone in spite of rarely being by himself.
He heard Caleb before he ever saw him. His music called to him as he walked by a bar, at night, wearing his hat to hide from his fans. He was drawn to the guitar playing but once he got a look at him he couldn’t avoid his lustful thoughts. Their chemistry was immediate, both musically and physically. Would one night be enough? It would have to be because Theo was leaving on tour the next day…
Caleb knows that Theo is the last thing he needs at this stage in his life. He didn’t let on that he recognized him, but he knows Theo is the lead singer of the successful band, Riven. He’s made a point of isolating himself, living a loner lifestyle. He doesn’t want the eyes that are constantly following Theo to find him. But he wants him…
Okay, I set it up for you. Two sexy, talented, very broken musicians who suck up all the oxygen in the room when they are in it. The irresistible force that pulls them toward each other and the many very good reasons why it’s not a good idea. But let me tell you, for such a bad idea, it feels oh so good to both of them. And as for this virtual voyeur, I give their performance two thumbs up. And I’m not talking about their music (wink-wink).
I really enjoyed the music industry details in this story. The songwriting process, the concerts, the touring, and the recording. And I really loved the author’s writing style. I will most definitely be looking forward to whatever she has for her readers next. The line forms here…
This was my first Roan Parrish book, and I loved it! Insightful view into the lives of musicians, one at the height of his fame and hating every aspect of fame except the music, the other a recovering addict whose fame fed his downfall. Believable, steamy slow burn, wonderful love scenes, deeply emotional. I’ll definitely read more by this author. Highly recommend!
All I kept thinking while reading was these characters need therapy.
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.
I enjoy all of Roan Parrish’s books but I particularly loved this one/series. Had me gripped from the start
Get ready to cry, throw your book, smile at the sweetness that leaps off the page, and ache for these damaged characters. Theo and Caleb are the perfect match for the other, and as a reader it’s satisfying to see how well they fit. Highly recommend. Must read. Go buy it now!
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.
It was very moving 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.
Roan Parrish is a genius. I’m hoarding her books at this point because I don’t want to run out. She creates such vivid worlds and characters. I love how affectionate her characters are with one another. They’re always hugging and clasping shoulders and such. It makes you feel even more connected to them and I really wanted to hug Caleb and Theo myself. I adored those two and was fully caught up in the angst of whether and how they could make things work. Theo is in a spotlight he never asked for, while Caleb essentially ran away from that life in order to maintain his sobriety. They both have a lot to learn from one another and the way they reach toward their dreams was so inspiring. Perfect amount of angst, capped off with a happy ending. More please.
CW: addiction, recovery, anxiety
This book was AMAZING!! Roan Parish’s writing never fails to suck me in.
Theo and Caleb were intense together. The reluctant rock star and the the recovering addict.
Theo is a famous musician who hates being famous, who feels more alone in the spotlight than you would think possible. And Caleb is trying to get his life back on track, to fight the demons that sucked him under when he was famous.
Caleb’s goal is to stay out of the spotlight.
Theo brings that spotlight with him, no matter how much he wants to avoid it.
The thing that got to me the most is the vulnerability of these characters. Theo’s past has left him feeling unwanted, like he wasn’t worth the trouble. I wanted to jump into this book and hug him, tell him he IS worth it.
I loved watching these characters grow. Most of all, I loved the chemistry they had between them!
Bottom line: read this book.
Loved it.
This is an excellent book! You will absolutely fall in love with these characters and yearn for them to be together.
Roan Parrish turns her signature lyrical prose to the world of rock and roll, and the result is both beautiful and off-the-charts hot.
I’m a sucker for a good angsty rocker book and this one delivered. It’s my first time reading Roan Parrish, and I like her style. I’ve had Riven for a while and read it a couple of times to let is soak into my brain before writing this review. It’s a contemporary MM romance with alternating POV.
Riven follows Theo Decker and Caleb Blake Whitman, two musicians destined for a chance meeting that changes them both profoundly. I thought it was going to be about the band Riven but it’s not, they’re a bunch of jealous jerks who are petty and small in their quest for fame and celebrity. They plucked Theo from an open mic night to be Rivens lead singer and he’s wildly gifted with his song writing and amazing voice, catapulting them to super-stardom. Shy Theo hates the fame and all that comes with it. Caleb used to be a well known blues musician brought down to rock bottom by his drug addiction and subsequent stints in rehab. He is afraid to get back into the music scene for fear of losing himself again for good. Caleb is playing his guitar at his sponsor Huey’s bar as Theo is on a late night walk in the city, Theo is drawn to the man and his music. It’s insta-lust and the pair spend a hot night together.
Caleb is a larger than life character that just can’t trust himself with any trigger that will lead him back to using. The music he loves so much brought him fame and the trappings that led to his destruction. He’s cut him self off from the world to live a simple life tending his garden and playing occasionally, only seeing Rhys his closest friend and former band ate/lover for support. I enjoyed his visits with his sponsor Huey talking out his demons. His addiction and recovery ring spot on and it’s painful to watch him suffer.
Theo is a tragic character desperately seeking love and family, having been denied it by his parents all his life. He is so naive it’s almost unbelievable. How could he have no idea that the other band members were not getting as much rabid attention as he was as front man for the band? He completely burned out from touring and his voice is raw, but they push him for more and more. It didn’t ring true for me that the band and their manager would treat him so miserably and expect him to just take it forever. He grows a bit through his with Caleb.
The pair are drawn to each other on so many levels, physically, emotionally and musically. It’s lovely to see them working together to mend their broken parts. I would have liked a bit less sex and a bit more relationship building. Their working in the garden together and writing music were beautiful. I loved the support they give each other in the end.
I loved the epilogue at the farmers market! It made my heart happy. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series very much.
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.
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!
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Riven (Riven #1) by Roan Parrish to read and review.
It’s been a while since I’ve given a new author (new to me) a full 5 star rating. In fact, I can’t even think of a time I’ve done that on a debut (again, for me) before. This is SOOOO worth the full 5 star rating. I would even venture as far as to say that it was perfect.
Theo is the lead singer of a very popular band. The band has risen to the top rather quickly and the fame that’s come with it has taken it’s toll on Theo. So much so that he finds himself walking miles late at night, ending up in a bar, listening to a man playing guitar to himself. He wasn’t just playing the guitar though, everything about the way he played the guitar pulled Theo in. And so it begins…
Caleb is a washed up musician. At least that’s the way he sees himself. After years in the business, and multiple stints in rehab, the only way to keep himself clean and sane has been to give up the thing he loved most. But still drawn to the music, one night, while playing in his sponsors bar (oh, the irony), Theo walks in and shocks him. Why? Because not only was it Theo freakin’ Decker who’s hot as sin, he completely understood the emotion he was looking for while playing his song. Let the emotions begin…
You guys!!!! THIS!!! This was an amazing story. A story of inter turmoil, of starting over, of acceptance, of love. And it’s not one of those, man meets man, lust, and then within a month, love each other unconditionally. Nope. This was written like a true, real story. Taking us through the ups and downs of BOTH mens’ struggles, both within themselves and each other, over a real course of time.
I just can’t think of anything else to say except…If you’re wondering if you should read this, the answer is a resounding YES!!!!!!!!!!!