Riven

Wow. This book was beautifully written and I'm feeling overwhelmed by the feelings it evoked in me.

Theo is a popular reluctant rockstar who doesn't understand why he is so popular and can't believe that he is deserving of being loved. Caleb is a former musician who is one year out of rehab, trying to get his life back together . When these two meet, sparks fly and from their first meeting, it's so inevitable that they have to be together.

The character development is great in this book. The journey of Theo realizing what he wants from his life and Caleb trusting himself to dream of a future are amazingly written. Their internal struggles are very realistic and it was good to see them follow their own paths and find a way back to each other every time they separate. Their love story is absolutely beautiful and I was rooting for them from the get go. They also take time getting to know each other and it was wonderful watching them grow together.

The book is also full of musical terminology, aspects of creating music, the way Theo and Caleb visualize and feel their way through their writing process - it's qll very enthralling and I wished I knew more about music. I think the author did a great job incorporating the intricacies of creating music as well as the negative affects the fame can have on a musician. Theo and Caleb's struggles were very different and the author handled them each in a very individual way.

Overall, this book was a great experience and I would definitely reread it in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

Actual review closer to 3.75 stars. The story pacing was good and I enjoyed the world building. Mars being different than the “standard” YA main character was a nice change. However, I didn't really feel the chemistry between Mars and his love interest. Tbh thought it was better with a different character and kind of wished that happened instead.

I'm also a smidge confused this is a series because it seemed to wrap up nicely at the end?

Either Roan Parrish really understands music, or she had great advisers on Riven. It's so refreshing to read a book about a rock star that actually talks about the process of creating music. I was fascinated by the way she described Theo and Caleb's diverse methods of songwriting, and their discussions about music were among my favorite parts of the book. Plus who wouldn't love a book that gives us such fictitious band names as Washtub Prophecy and Runny Whites?

The romance between Theo and Caleb is both sweet and hot, and both of their personal struggles are portrayed with compassion and honesty. Theo was a little too forgiving at times when Caleb freaked out and ghosted him, but that seemed consistent with his starved for love personality that didn't let him take a stand for himself until the book's climax. And it's so rewarding to watch Caleb slowly realize that he doesn't have to sacrifice his beloved music to remain in recovery.

A little OTT at times, but very engaging and not always predictable. Plus there's a quick trip to Philadelphia and I think I caught a glimpse of Ginger from Small Change!

ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.