Theo is the lead singer for Riven. Worn down with touring, never really connecting with the other band members, he's alone. Loving the music, hating the rock star he's become. The band has just ended a tour and he's walking the city trying to relax. He goes into run down bar and hears a beautiful man sing a beautiful song and is entranced.

Caleb, playing one of his songs for himself, doesn't expect a gorgeous dark haired man to sit down beside him and start deconstructing the song. Trying to figure out what is different about it and what makes it work. The music pulling Theo towards Caleb.

Caleb, recently out of another stint in rehab, is afraid of his music. He knows the music led to his drug use. He is trying to come to terms with the version of himself he no longer recognizes.
Drawn to Theo, he gives into the pull between them. They want each other but both of them come with a lot of baggage. Misunderstandings abound, tearing them apart, love bringing them back together. The music drives the story.

I liked the book, although at times the problems seemed to break up the storyline to much.

5 Star Read
Received ARC in exchange for an honest review

I was not sure if I should request this book first time reading not only this author but genre M/M relationship. I read a few of the previous NG reviews - all excellent & so is mine

Praise for this author who writes an amazing story of two people trying to find love. Theo & Caleb were such amazing characters & together they are just phenomenal...

Theo is a reluctant Rock Star & lead singer for the band Riven. He meets Caleb a recovering addict formerly in the music business - their chance meeting in a bar where Caleb is just holed up with his AA sponsor working some of the new material / lyrics floating around in his head .& playing his guitar.

There is Immediate & intense chemistry between the two but Caleb keeps pushing Theo away not wanting to go down the path that might set him on his 4 attempt in rehab.

These two are so good for each other -when they do put all their issues behind them it’s such a tender love story.

Just read please such an awesome love story !!

Can you possibly imagine having everything you’ve ever wanted and feeling lost? Constantly seafood the one thing that seems missing. Theo had it all but felt at a loss for the instant fame that followed him everywhere. Only one person truly understands everything that he is going through and sees Theo for the person he is. Two damaged souls that some how fit one another. Finding strength to achieve their dreams and push the fear that has consumed them for far too long to the side. Definitely reminds you of how important it is to find your soul mate and to give you the push that will change your life forever.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author but it won’t be the last. I love this story. Normally I don’t like rock star stories but something drew me to this. It’s much more about two guys who were both hurting each in their own way. How they are put into a relationship and how that relationship progresses kept me hooked. I really liked not only the main characters but some of the secondary characters are very attractive. I feel the character development is good. I feel I understand where these guys are coming from and why they feel the way they do. I think the story flowed right along not giving me anywhere I wanted to skim over. I am very happy with the ending even though I would have been happy to spend a little more time with these two. I look forward to more books by this author.

I got a copy of this ebook from Netgalley and to be 100% honest, I didn't expect it to be great. At best, I expected a novel full of fanfic-esque tropes where we all know the two mains are going to end up together, but they spend the entire novel somehow managing to avoid any sort of meaningful communication until the last chapter. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Riven was nothing like this.

I am usually fairly picky about realistic fiction, because I feel like too much of the plot hinges on lack of communication causing problems that don't need to be there. Riven completely avoids this pet peeve of mine, and I was thrilled. Yes, Theo and Caleb's relationship is not easy, and they get in a few fights. But the difference is that these fights are based on real issues that cause tension in their relationship and need to be talked about, and even more importantly, they are talked about! After fighting, the characters reflect on their actions, and after a little time, they talk to each other about the problem and work it out together. I mean, talk about groundbreaking! It shouldn't feel revolutionary to read about a couple who don't spend hundreds of pages fighting and giving each other the silent treatment because of a simple miscommunication, but unfortunately, it is. Theo and Caleb actually talk about their problems, work out their issues through open communication, apologize for their mistakes, and work to build a trusting and healthy relationship where they can both grow as individuals as well as a couple, and I found it immensely refreshing.

The conflict in the novel is not "will these two people end up together," but rather that Theo and Caleb both have their own issues based on their life situation and their past, and these issues are something that affect them as individuals as well as affecting their relationship. Their relationship is not a cure-all or a replacement for actually working on their issues (in Caleb's case, addiction and recovery, and in Theo's case, a lack of fulfillment in his rock star status and a profound feeling of isolation from the people in his life); rather, they help provide a catalyst for each other to start addressing these issues and moving forward, with the support and encouragement of a loving partner. Falling in love is not *the solution* to their problems, but having a healthy relationship is certainly a positive influence as well as a challenge.

Without going into too many details about the plot, I also really appreciated the musical aspect of the novel. I felt like I got a cool look into the process of creating music, and how different people relate to that experience in different ways. It was written in a way that seemed genuine but also accessible to readers.

On the whole, I truly enjoyed this novel and I thought it was a great example of how a novel about two people and their lives and relationships can be interesting without contrived miscommunications or unnecessary tragedy. On the surface, not much actually happened compared to the action-packed sci-fi/fantasy I usually read, but by the end of the novel I felt like there was a complete and very satisfying story arc. It felt real and very relatable, and it felt very hopeful in the end. I don't read realistic fiction often, because often it bums me out and makes me feel bad about my own life, but Riven felt very uplifting. If these two characters could work through their problems and move forward with hope for the future, then so can the reader.

My one disappointment in this novel is the lack of female characters. Like many books about romances between men, women were few and far between and did not play a major role in the story, which was a bit of a bummer, especially in a book coming from a female author. Female-authored male/male romances where women are almost non-existent are unfortunately, quite common, but I always am a little disappointed, especially when books are this well written. The supporting characters were lovely (I especially liked Rhys, and would have loved to read a book about how his relationship with his husband developed), and I have no doubt that the author could have written interesting and well-developed supporting characters that were women.

On the whole though, I did really really enjoy Riven, much more than I expected to. It's probably one of my favorite realistic fiction novels, and I would definitely recommend it.

There are some books that are hard to review because there are just no words to adequately describe how much you loved the book. This book was one of those. All I can say is, wow! This book was nothing like I expected. I expected the typical rock star romance, but it was not that at all. It was full of emotion, realness, heartache, struggles, laughter and self-reckoning. It was heartbreakingly beautiful. It was one of the best books I've read in a very long time and that says a lot when I read 200+ books a year.

Theo Decker is the gay lead singer of rock band Riven. They are super popular, touring the world and Theo is going along with the motions and living the lifestyle of a rock star while he's at it. But he's not happy. He loves music, but he hates the attention and popularity it gives him. He's one person on stage and in public, but we see that he's very vulnerable and shy when he's away from all that. He was absolutely adorable and endearing. I loved Theo's character so much and how much he grew as a person and artist in this book. I would certainly go buy his album!

Then there's Caleb Whitman, a recovering drug addict and musician who is trying to get his life back together by living at his grandfather's old farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. Caleb keeps himself isolated, but every now and then, he'll head into the city, visit his sponsor and even play some tunes in his sponsor's bar. He's just playing around on his guitar there one night when Theo walks by, is drawn by the music and walks in.

And the rest, as they say, is history. Well, there's a lot more that happens after they hook up that night, but it's the start of their life together. But it's not without some battles, Caleb running away from Theo when he was scared, Theo not doing what will make him happy, etc. They certainly had a lot of personal issues to deal with, more than most people would in a relationship. But somehow, they managed to overcome them. I wasn't sure how it would play out since they were both so damaged in their own ways, but they did together.

I loved the ending and how far they had grown in both their personal lives and their relationship. I wish the author had given more of a future view so that we could really see where they were now, but at least the view we got was sufficient to make me happy with the ending :-)

Oh and this was my first Roan Parrish book - not sure how that happened! But it definitely won't be my last.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Riven is the story of two musicians who don't know how to make much-needed changes in their lives. Theo is the famous frontman for a rock band who wants a family to belong in, and Caleb is a recovering drug addict who is hiding in an isolated farmhouse. They meet over music, almost by chance.

Roan Parrish specializes in characters who have dark places making connections with each other. None of her characters get "fixed" or cheer up, but she nudges them, carefully and sensitively, into better places in their lives. It's always satisfying to read.

ARC review for NETGALLEY, Roan Parrish is really hit or miss with me. For me this one was not grabbing my attention and I gave up about 15% of the way. This is most likely a case of just not clicking for me as everyone is loving this book. I may give it another go sometime later down the road.

Let me start off by saying I'm not sure what it is about this cover but I love it. Riven was such a great rock star romance read. I absolutely loved Theo and Caleb and I also enjoyed the side characters. You have two people who are broken in very different ways trying to do what's right for them but realizing that everything has its risk and sometimes the risk is worth reward. They just have to have enough faith and love to take that leap. This is the first book I've read from this author and I definitely look forward to reading more of her work. I would definitely recommend this book. It's a great book for readers that enjoy a good m/m romance read.

Theo is a reluctant rock star and lead singer of the band, Riven, while Caleb has stepped away from the music industry after years of addiction and rehab. How they meet, slowly get to know each other, and come to realize what is important in life makes a beautiful story, enhanced by two heroes who struggle but eventually discover what love really means. Told in both of their voices, the book is enhanced by a strong sense of music and what an important role it can play in people's lives. This is the first book by Roan Parrish that I have read, but I will be reading her earlier works and definitely looking forward to what comes next.

I think what I loved most was Parrish's gorgeous exploration of music and the process of creating it. The entire book had a dreamy quality to it, that I often feel when I get lost in a good song. Theo and Caleb were great characters, and I appreciated how their issues were rough edges that they had to smooth out.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were real, had troubled pasts that realistically affected their outlook on life and relationships. Both Theo and Caleb were engaging and endearing in their own ways.

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.

This was an outstanding read. The authors prose really grabbed me from the start. I could feel the emotion between Theo and Caleb. Also, this one touches on some very specific issues that can be used in a not great way. ( I'm trying to avoid any spoilers) but this one issue is one I personally battle with and not many authors get it right. This one did.

5 stars.

"How strong the stories we told ourselves were. What power they had to shape how we saw the world, even when confronted with evidence to the contrary."

This book was breathtaking.

I just...I'm blown away by how much I loved this.

I loved Caleb and Theo. Their love for music, for each other, to be happy again, to find what makes them want to live.

"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."

Riven is an honest and beautiful book that makes you shake your head, want to throw your kindle and pull at your hair. But it's real and it's raw. And it makes you feel everything that the characters feel; their nerves, the fear, and the happiness. What it feels like to live in fear and not be able to do anything about it. Or that it takes you a while to find you happy place.

"I wanted to be the center of my own life again. I wanted to matter."

It was about Theo and Caleb being 'reborn' in a sense. And there isn't a book like this out there. And that is why there is absolutely nothing that I hated about this book or would change.

Readers Beware! Riven is raw, seductive, and highly addictive! Once you partake, you'll be hopelessly hooked and craving more, more, more . . . more of Theo & Caleb, more of their sensual, passionate story & music, more of this author's rhythmic, unique voice. What struck me like a lightning bolt about this story is the "honesty" resonating throughout, growing stronger & more demanding beat by beat. Although denied by both men for a long time, it drives both main characters to finally face the haunting, debilitating truths holding them each back individually.

There's little doubt that Riven is character driven - the story of two men consumed heart and soul by music in its purest form. Caleb's career has waned as he succumbed to the rock lifestyle and is now paying his penance - left believing that the only hope for his sanity and survival is giving up the very thing that keeps his heart beating - music and everything & everyone associated with it. On the other hand, Theo is riding the monster crest of fame, but he's drowning under the never-ending adoration of fans and the relentless pursuit of paparazzi - a reluctant rock star in that he hates the fame, lifestyle, and all it entails. He, like Caleb, lives for the music and songs reverberating in his head.

As this story opens, the two men meet and their erotic, passionate, troubled journey begins. Their chemistry is electric, and readers are gifted with love scenes that are highly combustible. Parrish's characterizations are authentic - so real and powerful and explosive that my heart overflowed with their truths and turmoil. There's a song from Dan Hill (later recorded by other artists) from way back that portrays Theo & Caleb and their conflicted emotions and inner battles best for me (it is not used in this book). I began hearing it in my head as this story played out and will quote it here as it describes the way I saw and felt these two men better than my own words can. The chorus goes like this:

Sometimes when we touch,
The honesty's too much,
And I have to close my eyes & hide.
I wanna hold you 'til I die,
'Til we both break down & cry,
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subsides.
(*by Dan Hill - Protected by copyright)

The honesty and love of these two men for music and each other is painful, all-consuming, & overwhelming at times as they work through their fears in an effort to move forward. And yet, through it all, they always feel genuine.

Riven is NOT your typical Rock Star story; in fact, there's nothing "typical" about this book. It's a gift, a rare treasure - one readers only dream of discovering once in a blue moon hidden among all the other books on the shelf. The sensuous yet mysterious siren of a cover seduced me into taking a closer look at this book, and the blurb sealed the deal. I decided to take a chance on it and am so glad I did. Roan Parrish has delivered a story and characters that will forever play in my head, heart, and soul. All I can ask is "More, please!" A Page Burning, Must Read!

Caleb and Theo's story is set in the spotlight of brilliantly talented musicians navigating adulthood and fame with a crushing amount of adverse childhood experiences weighing on both of them. Caleb is a recovering addict with a poor track record of sobriety, and he's falling for Theo, a reluctant rock star who loves the music but hates the fame.

I love the raw imperfections of Parrish's characters and Caleb and Theo reflect that beautifully.

4.2 out of 5 stars

Riven dives head first into the world of rock. We're right on stage with Theo as he screams his heart out into the crowd; so close to him you can practically smell the sweat on his skin and hear his ragged breathing through the ink on the pages. When Theo first meets Caleb, he's unsure of himself and his place in the world, despite being an adored after rock star. In fact, the fame makes him uneasy. Caleb, despite having troubles of his own, seems to ground Theo and give him a sense of home. Together, they work through various struggles that have the potential to rip them apart permanently and send Caleb's life spiraling back out of control.

While I would technically categorize this as insta-love, Parrish has a way of still making you feel invested in the characters and their budding romance. I have a tendency to get bored with insta-love stories because it's like, okay great--the protagonists are already together, some awful thing will happen and pull them apart, but they'll inevitably fall into their happily ever after. That's why we read books after all, right? For those sweet endings? I'm down for the happy endings, guys, don't get me wrong--but I need some grit; I need some misery and angst, and just that down and dirty, real-life stuff. Parrish certainly delivered on that.