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Riven #2
Rend
After a whirlwind romance, a man with a painful past learns to trust the musician who makes him believe in happy endings.
Matt Argento knows what it feels like to be alone. After a childhood of abandonment, he never imagined someone might love him—much less someone like Rhys Nyland, who has the voice of an angel, the looks of a god, and the worship of his fans.
Matt and Rhys come from different worlds, but when they meet, their chemistry is incendiary. Their romance is unexpected, intense, and forever—at least, that’s what their vows promise. Suddenly, Matt finds himself living a life he never thought possible: safe and secure in the arms of a man who feels like home. But when Rhys leaves to go on tour for his new album, Matt finds himself haunted by the ghosts of his past.
When Rhys returns, he finds Matt twisted by doubt. But Rhys loves Matt fiercely, and he’ll go to hell and back to triumph over Matt’s fears. After secrets are revealed and desires are confessed, Rhys and Matt must learn to trust each other if they’re going to make it. That means they have to fall in love all over again—and this time, it really will be forever.
Roan Parrish’s pitch-perfect Riven novels can be read together or separately:
RIVEN | REND
Matt Argento knows what it feels like to be alone. After a childhood of abandonment, he never imagined someone might love him—much less someone like Rhys Nyland, who has the voice of an angel, the looks of a god, and the worship of his fans.
Matt and Rhys come from different worlds, but when they meet, their chemistry is incendiary. Their romance is unexpected, intense, and forever—at least, that’s what their vows promise. Suddenly, Matt finds himself living a life he never thought possible: safe and secure in the arms of a man who feels like home. But when Rhys leaves to go on tour for his new album, Matt finds himself haunted by the ghosts of his past.
When Rhys returns, he finds Matt twisted by doubt. But Rhys loves Matt fiercely, and he’ll go to hell and back to triumph over Matt’s fears. After secrets are revealed and desires are confessed, Rhys and Matt must learn to trust each other if they’re going to make it. That means they have to fall in love all over again—and this time, it really will be forever.
Roan Parrish’s pitch-perfect Riven novels can be read together or separately:
RIVEN | REND
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2018
106 people are currently reading
1819 people want to read
About the author
Roan Parrish
37 books2,384 followersRoan Parrish lives in Philadelphia, where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.
When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.
She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
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When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.
She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Roan's Newsletter
Roan's Facebook Group
Roan on Twitter
Roan on Instagram
Roan’s website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 474 reviews
June 29, 2023
OH. WOW. this was such a gut-wrenching and emotionally taxing read for me, and matt and rhys have my entire heart. 🫶 and this is what i mean when i say marriage-in-crisis done right. their love was so tender and fucked up and beautiful and chaotic and filled with so many secrets, so much angst and tension and yet... something about it called to parts of me, and i ended up loving every broken, heartbreaking, adorable piece of it. 💓
them relearning each other after seeing the shit that came between them and tryna fix it is everything. when i talk about soulmates? matt & rhys are IT. they’re so unapologetically perfect for each other, ugh. they owned each other, heart, mind, body and soul. and the way rhys fought for matt? gosh, i want someone to fight for me like that.
matt was so achingly vulnerable and insecure but in that way that just spoke to me. it never once annoyed/irritated me bc even though i’ve never been in the position where i’ve been that doubtful of myself, i could relate with all the abandonment issues he had. and fuck, i just wanted him to be happy, for both of them to be happy together.
at first i was scared that not having rhys’ pov was gonna hinder me loving the book. but i needn’t have worried at all, bc something just clicked for me with the book and omg, having only matt’s pov in this was the best imo bc i didn’t feel like i was missing anything even when we didn’t have rhys’ perspective, mainly bc i could feel the love he felt for matt bleed through the cracks and I LOVED HIM SO MUCH FOR THAT.
inevitably, both of them fucked up in their own ways. matt with his thoughts that he was never good enough, that rhys would be better off without him, and rhys with him casting a blind eye (however unintentionally) to his husband’s struggles. but fuck, their dynamic worked so well for me bc they always wanted to be better for each other. they always wanted to try to figure it out, to work it out somehow. especially rhys, with his protective, soft, fierce, attentive, affectionate, absolutely adorable self. the way he just wanted to believe that everything was okay between them? it was heartbreaking but also relatable tbh bc everyone wants to look on the bright side and never see their loved ones struggling. and it hurt, but in the end it hurt so good? and the pain was absolutely delicious. 💖💗💕💓💘💝
plus!! i loved calebtheo cameos in this, and the way both of them helped in mending matt and rhys’ relationship. theo and matt’s friendship was something i was hoping for, but when it happened? i was squealing so hard 🥺 also, a shoutout to caleb for being there for rhys when before it was always vice versa 😭 i loved the advice caleb offered him in the end.
this book was a healing process at its finest and i loved every moment of it (not a surprise, bc i love angst-filled romances and this had that in spades, while also offering moments of levity and calm and cuteness in between). 🤍
my eyes are puffed and red from crying my heart out all night and yet i’ve never been better <3
“hi,” i said into the hollow of his throat and tightened my arms around him. i traced his spine and the thick muscles of his back. i let myself focus completely on him.
“hi,” he said, fingers tangling in my hair to tilt my chin up. he kissed me, slowly. a hello kiss. an i missed you today kiss.
them relearning each other after seeing the shit that came between them and tryna fix it is everything. when i talk about soulmates? matt & rhys are IT. they’re so unapologetically perfect for each other, ugh. they owned each other, heart, mind, body and soul. and the way rhys fought for matt? gosh, i want someone to fight for me like that.
matt was so achingly vulnerable and insecure but in that way that just spoke to me. it never once annoyed/irritated me bc even though i’ve never been in the position where i’ve been that doubtful of myself, i could relate with all the abandonment issues he had. and fuck, i just wanted him to be happy, for both of them to be happy together.
at first i was scared that not having rhys’ pov was gonna hinder me loving the book. but i needn’t have worried at all, bc something just clicked for me with the book and omg, having only matt’s pov in this was the best imo bc i didn’t feel like i was missing anything even when we didn’t have rhys’ perspective, mainly bc i could feel the love he felt for matt bleed through the cracks and I LOVED HIM SO MUCH FOR THAT.
“does it feel like a relief to be mine, matt? does it feel good to know that no matter what you do, you can’t get rid of me? that you can fuck up, and we can fight, and i’ll still be here. that you’ll still belong to me?”
inevitably, both of them fucked up in their own ways. matt with his thoughts that he was never good enough, that rhys would be better off without him, and rhys with him casting a blind eye (however unintentionally) to his husband’s struggles. but fuck, their dynamic worked so well for me bc they always wanted to be better for each other. they always wanted to try to figure it out, to work it out somehow. especially rhys, with his protective, soft, fierce, attentive, affectionate, absolutely adorable self. the way he just wanted to believe that everything was okay between them? it was heartbreaking but also relatable tbh bc everyone wants to look on the bright side and never see their loved ones struggling. and it hurt, but in the end it hurt so good? and the pain was absolutely delicious. 💖💗💕💓💘💝
plus!! i loved calebtheo cameos in this, and the way both of them helped in mending matt and rhys’ relationship. theo and matt’s friendship was something i was hoping for, but when it happened? i was squealing so hard 🥺 also, a shoutout to caleb for being there for rhys when before it was always vice versa 😭 i loved the advice caleb offered him in the end.
this book was a healing process at its finest and i loved every moment of it (not a surprise, bc i love angst-filled romances and this had that in spades, while also offering moments of levity and calm and cuteness in between). 🤍
“rhys,” i said after a while. i felt like a damp towel, so full with emotion i’d been dripping for days. “i never thought it was possible to love someone as much as i love you. like how your brain can’t imagine a color you’ve never seen. i just... i didn’t have the ability to even think of it. and every time i felt more for you, and more, and more, it... it was like i had to break apart the universe and remake it as one where i could love you more.”
my eyes are puffed and red from crying my heart out all night and yet i’ve never been better <3
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September 21, 2022
reread: sept 2022
god, Rhys and Matt never fail to make me cry. even when i knew certain scenes were coming, i still end up crying. 😭 definitely one of my fav heart-wrenching books and it's still constantly on my mind. <3
***
"Does it feel like a relief to be mine, Matt? Does it feel good to know that no matter what you do, you can't get rid of me? That you can fuck up, and we can fight, and I'll still be here. That you'll still belong to me?"
this was one of the most emotionally exhausting (aka the best kind of stories tbh) books i've ever read and the five stars shouldn't be a surprise bc i eat that shit up. angst, hurt/comfort, pain. i loved all of it.
i think what surprised me most about this book (and why it felt realistic, in my case) was how relatable Matt was for me. although i've mentioned in other reviews how i relate with a certain character's trait or personality, Matt's thoughts, insecurities, fears felt like my own. my heart broke for him. whether it was how he always felt like a burden or he was never good enough, always thinking people (lover, family or friends) will eventually leave, i understood him bc i've been in that place. Rhys was the definition of someone who was ideal: he listens and pays attention, he's very caring, protective, soft. in spite of that, i loved his character bc he wasn't perfect either. there were moments when he was shown to just believe what people are telling him bc he wants to believe things are okay, even when they aren't. these two had so many cute, as well as emotional and heartbreaking, moments throughout this book that i was smiling, laughing and crying all at once.
also!! i absolutely adored how Matt and Theo have formed an unlikely friendship that worked well for them. they were so cute. 🥺
p.s. if anyone knows any books with a marriage in crisis plot that hit you in the feels, pls lmk!! i definitely need more after this. 😌
god, Rhys and Matt never fail to make me cry. even when i knew certain scenes were coming, i still end up crying. 😭 definitely one of my fav heart-wrenching books and it's still constantly on my mind. <3
***
"Does it feel like a relief to be mine, Matt? Does it feel good to know that no matter what you do, you can't get rid of me? That you can fuck up, and we can fight, and I'll still be here. That you'll still belong to me?"
this was one of the most emotionally exhausting (aka the best kind of stories tbh) books i've ever read and the five stars shouldn't be a surprise bc i eat that shit up. angst, hurt/comfort, pain. i loved all of it.
i think what surprised me most about this book (and why it felt realistic, in my case) was how relatable Matt was for me. although i've mentioned in other reviews how i relate with a certain character's trait or personality, Matt's thoughts, insecurities, fears felt like my own. my heart broke for him. whether it was how he always felt like a burden or he was never good enough, always thinking people (lover, family or friends) will eventually leave, i understood him bc i've been in that place. Rhys was the definition of someone who was ideal: he listens and pays attention, he's very caring, protective, soft. in spite of that, i loved his character bc he wasn't perfect either. there were moments when he was shown to just believe what people are telling him bc he wants to believe things are okay, even when they aren't. these two had so many cute, as well as emotional and heartbreaking, moments throughout this book that i was smiling, laughing and crying all at once.
also!! i absolutely adored how Matt and Theo have formed an unlikely friendship that worked well for them. they were so cute. 🥺
p.s. if anyone knows any books with a marriage in crisis plot that hit you in the feels, pls lmk!! i definitely need more after this. 😌
October 15, 2019
Audiobook - 5 stars
Story - 4.35 stars
“I can only afford to pick up guys on Wednesdays,” he said, indicating the dollar-drink sign.
Lawd Cheesus! I guess this is what we call angst!
Rhys already stole the show for me in book 1, so, i was excited to read his story. I was not prepared for the rollercoaster that was Rhys and Matty's relationship.
I completely get why this was book had mixed reviews and a couple of Dnfs. It was frustrating as hell.
I didn't even realize this book was told solely from Matty's POV until i was done. Reflecting on the story then I was like waaaaaaaiiit! Ha! I have been played. This was written in a way that i felt i got Rhys POV too.
Roan!
Matty! Matty! what a frustrating. adorable, damaged and all that shit character. He was exhausting and interesting to know, i love him. Matt and Rhys deserve each other, i don't think they can survive with other people. I felt their relationship was codependent, low key dysfunctional. Matty's background explains why he is so guarded and skittish at times. I wanted to shake him at time but that wouldn't have helped. He needed time and once i decided to give him that, i stopped being frustrated.
Rhys on the other hand, is all warm and sunny with some saviour complex. He loves to be needed, he is the one who has it all together. I love Rhys, but i wanted to shake too sometimes. Good thing Caleb did the shaking for me. Matty and Rhys complimented each other well.
The first half of the book was a bit slow, i decided to be patient and the rest delivered. I enjoyed Roan's writing, her way of storytelling is different, she focuses more on character and character development rather than plot and it worked for me. I love that she doesn't follow that same old romance formula. Everything happens backwards.
The Sex scenes were hot and frequent, these two love to get down and dirty. Me likey alot.
The humor was just right to balance the angst. One minute i want to strangle Matty, the next i want to hug him, the next i am laughing so hard. Yaap! Rollercoaster indeed.
I loved Theo and Matty's friendship, it was is so precious.
Story - 4.35 stars
“I can only afford to pick up guys on Wednesdays,” he said, indicating the dollar-drink sign.
Lawd Cheesus! I guess this is what we call angst!
Rhys already stole the show for me in book 1, so, i was excited to read his story. I was not prepared for the rollercoaster that was Rhys and Matty's relationship.
I completely get why this was book had mixed reviews and a couple of Dnfs. It was frustrating as hell.
I didn't even realize this book was told solely from Matty's POV until i was done. Reflecting on the story then I was like waaaaaaaiiit! Ha! I have been played. This was written in a way that i felt i got Rhys POV too.
Roan!
Matty! Matty! what a frustrating. adorable, damaged and all that shit character. He was exhausting and interesting to know, i love him. Matt and Rhys deserve each other, i don't think they can survive with other people. I felt their relationship was codependent, low key dysfunctional. Matty's background explains why he is so guarded and skittish at times. I wanted to shake him at time but that wouldn't have helped. He needed time and once i decided to give him that, i stopped being frustrated.
Rhys on the other hand, is all warm and sunny with some saviour complex. He loves to be needed, he is the one who has it all together. I love Rhys, but i wanted to shake too sometimes. Good thing Caleb did the shaking for me. Matty and Rhys complimented each other well.
The first half of the book was a bit slow, i decided to be patient and the rest delivered. I enjoyed Roan's writing, her way of storytelling is different, she focuses more on character and character development rather than plot and it worked for me. I love that she doesn't follow that same old romance formula. Everything happens backwards.
The Sex scenes were hot and frequent, these two love to get down and dirty. Me likey alot.
The humor was just right to balance the angst. One minute i want to strangle Matty, the next i want to hug him, the next i am laughing so hard. Yaap! Rollercoaster indeed.
I loved Theo and Matty's friendship, it was is so precious.
Read
November 10, 2018No rating.DNF@ around 40%.
I tried,I really did but after two weeks I'm throwing in the towel here.
I'm not in the least bit bothered about these characters.I found what I read so depressing and boring.Apparently it gets better in the second half...I honestly wasn't interested to find out.
Just about everyone loved this so probably best to move along and check out other reviews.
Review copy provided by NetGalley
I tried,I really did but after two weeks I'm throwing in the towel here.
I'm not in the least bit bothered about these characters.I found what I read so depressing and boring.Apparently it gets better in the second half...I honestly wasn't interested to find out.
Just about everyone loved this so probably best to move along and check out other reviews.
Review copy provided by NetGalley
March 6, 2021
The fact that I’m immediately rereading this? New favorite book, no question
This is the marriage in crisis book I’ve been looking for!!! Matt and Rhys married two months into their whirlwind romance and now a year later they’re facing their first trials as a married couple. Rhys, a musician, is going on tour for his debut album and Matt, a social worker, stays home to hold down the fort as Rhys’s absence opens old wounds for him.
There’s so much to adore about this story, the love and intimacy radiates off the page. Rhys and Matt are without a doubt a new favorite couple for me. I love how this book discusses Matt’s trauma and abandonment issues without asserting that love is all that’s needed to cure lasting emotional trauma. I loved how it discussed Rhys and his savior complex as well. Beyond that I also adored the way this book handled angst, it was never frustrating or too drawn out these characters have so many valuable, necessary adult conversations about their emotions and it was beautiful. I just adored this couple and their journey so so much. They were sweet, and funny, and their relationship was everything. This author has a gorgeous writing style, she crafted some truly amazing characters here and reading about them was heartwarming, heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful.
Also the sex scenes are amazing so that’s always a plus
This is the marriage in crisis book I’ve been looking for!!! Matt and Rhys married two months into their whirlwind romance and now a year later they’re facing their first trials as a married couple. Rhys, a musician, is going on tour for his debut album and Matt, a social worker, stays home to hold down the fort as Rhys’s absence opens old wounds for him.
There’s so much to adore about this story, the love and intimacy radiates off the page. Rhys and Matt are without a doubt a new favorite couple for me. I love how this book discusses Matt’s trauma and abandonment issues without asserting that love is all that’s needed to cure lasting emotional trauma. I loved how it discussed Rhys and his savior complex as well. Beyond that I also adored the way this book handled angst, it was never frustrating or too drawn out these characters have so many valuable, necessary adult conversations about their emotions and it was beautiful. I just adored this couple and their journey so so much. They were sweet, and funny, and their relationship was everything. This author has a gorgeous writing style, she crafted some truly amazing characters here and reading about them was heartwarming, heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful.
Also the sex scenes are amazing so that’s always a plus
November 25, 2018
I really enjoyed reading "Riven" and so when I saw this one go up...I, of course, had to read it too... But...let me start off by saying that these books are nothing alike. This one was actually much darker/emotional than I expected.
This book is about an already established couple Rhys and Matt. I've got to be honest here and say that I don't remember much about these two from the first book, just that Rhys is Caleb's ex. That said...I read a lot of books, so it's hard to remember every single detail. Plus I'm getting older
This book is told from Matt's pov and let me tell you...it wasn't always the easiest to read. Matt is dealing with some very heavy issues and when Rhys goes on tour with his band...those issues become ever larger...
This book definitely brought on the waterworks for me !!!
These two don't give up though. They keep fighting, especially Rhys...he won't give up on Matt and I really loved him for that.
This book was a very sweet, lovable, sexy and hot emotional rollercoaster ride... I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next !!
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September 18, 2018
Holy hell, get the tissues ready, folks!
This one put me through the emotional ringer. Matt is our exclusive narrator here, and he is a sad dude. A product of the foster system, he learned never to want anything.
And even though Chapter 1 begins 18 months into his marriage to Rhys, and he's so in love, he doesn't trust that happiness will last for him.
The first half of this book was gut-wrenching. It is a black cloud over your head and you just want to curl up in a fetal position to make the pain go away. How can someone be so broken? How can someone literally not want anything because he's never even thought to ask for it?
But...…
I couldn't put it down. Every painful word resonated into some of the best character development. I read this in one sitting.
And the second half happened. What a refreshing way to show resolution of marital problems. The black clouds parted, the sun rays descended, and the angels were singing. I loved, loved, loved the second half.
If you're going into this one expecting it to be anything like Riven, you will be in for a surprise. It's like comparing Books 1 and 2 of the Middle of Somewhere series.
I will settle on 4 stars because I liked the story overall, even with the pain of the first half. Parrish is very talented in her writing skills.
Best quote of the book:
This one put me through the emotional ringer. Matt is our exclusive narrator here, and he is a sad dude. A product of the foster system, he learned never to want anything.
And even though Chapter 1 begins 18 months into his marriage to Rhys, and he's so in love, he doesn't trust that happiness will last for him.
The first half of this book was gut-wrenching. It is a black cloud over your head and you just want to curl up in a fetal position to make the pain go away. How can someone be so broken? How can someone literally not want anything because he's never even thought to ask for it?
But...…
I couldn't put it down. Every painful word resonated into some of the best character development. I read this in one sitting.
And the second half happened. What a refreshing way to show resolution of marital problems. The black clouds parted, the sun rays descended, and the angels were singing. I loved, loved, loved the second half.
If you're going into this one expecting it to be anything like Riven, you will be in for a surprise. It's like comparing Books 1 and 2 of the Middle of Somewhere series.
I will settle on 4 stars because I liked the story overall, even with the pain of the first half. Parrish is very talented in her writing skills.
Best quote of the book:
I loved his transition from fuckbeast to cuddlemonster.
October 25, 2023
I’m so shocked about not liking this that I don’t even know where to start.
Matt and Rhys met in a bar, one of them ready to meet his new one-night stand, the other prepared to make him stay at all costs. Despite Matt’s insecurities, Rhys manages to convince him to start dating. They fall in love fast, they marry and figure it out that’s it. They are going to live happily ever after.
But marriage is only the beginning.
I ADORE relationship/marriage crisis books. Maybe that’s why I’m really picky about them. I think we already started on the wrong foot, because I don’t understand why they got married so early on. They didn’t really know each other, it felt as if Rhys wanted to make sure Matt was going to stick with him after being hurt by all those guys in the past who didn’t want to commit to him. I almost felt as if Rhys ‘tricked’ Matt into marrying him because he wanted someone to take care of. I don’t think Matt was ready for marriage, even if I understood why he went along with it. After everything he went through, marriage promised the stability and unconditional love he had missed. In a way, they were both using each other, and marriage, to calm their fears and it didn’t sit well with what marriage means for me.
In any case, they married and lived happily until Rhys had to go on tour and Matt’s insecurities came to life. While Matt’s struggles rang true, I was never really interested in his character. I never felt he was going through something I haven’t read before or that the story was a real one. That’s why I don’t like it when the authors make it obvious that you have a character who is going through a lot (Matt) and one that it’s there to be the supportive secondary character in his own story (Rhys). Maybe it’s because there is nothing I hate more than co-dependency and part of me can't help but wonder whether Rhys would have married Matt if he didn’t carry all the trauma that made him the perfect candidate to fulfill Rhys’ need to protect and care for someone. I know some readers love that dynamic, but I really don’t.
I also don’t understand why nobody thought about therapy from the beginning. Matt works as a counselor! He knew he wasn’t doing alright, everyone around him knew he wasn’t doing alright. Why didn’t anybody suggest therapy? In fact, I would have suggested individual therapy and couple therapy, because sometimes Rhys’ behavior and ‘hero’ complex made everything more difficult. The only explanation I came up with it’s that asking for professional help would have ended the story too fast.
Basically, the whole book felt a back and forth with no real progress to make the reader suffer. Which might have worked if I cared. Or if I was a reader who enjoys depressing books. But I didn’t, and I’m not.
🎧Read as an audiobook
*Rating: 1.5/5 stars
Matt and Rhys met in a bar, one of them ready to meet his new one-night stand, the other prepared to make him stay at all costs. Despite Matt’s insecurities, Rhys manages to convince him to start dating. They fall in love fast, they marry and figure it out that’s it. They are going to live happily ever after.
But marriage is only the beginning.
I ADORE relationship/marriage crisis books. Maybe that’s why I’m really picky about them. I think we already started on the wrong foot, because I don’t understand why they got married so early on. They didn’t really know each other, it felt as if Rhys wanted to make sure Matt was going to stick with him after being hurt by all those guys in the past who didn’t want to commit to him. I almost felt as if Rhys ‘tricked’ Matt into marrying him because he wanted someone to take care of. I don’t think Matt was ready for marriage, even if I understood why he went along with it. After everything he went through, marriage promised the stability and unconditional love he had missed. In a way, they were both using each other, and marriage, to calm their fears and it didn’t sit well with what marriage means for me.
In any case, they married and lived happily until Rhys had to go on tour and Matt’s insecurities came to life. While Matt’s struggles rang true, I was never really interested in his character. I never felt he was going through something I haven’t read before or that the story was a real one. That’s why I don’t like it when the authors make it obvious that you have a character who is going through a lot (Matt) and one that it’s there to be the supportive secondary character in his own story (Rhys). Maybe it’s because there is nothing I hate more than co-dependency and part of me can't help but wonder whether Rhys would have married Matt if he didn’t carry all the trauma that made him the perfect candidate to fulfill Rhys’ need to protect and care for someone. I know some readers love that dynamic, but I really don’t.
I also don’t understand why nobody thought about therapy from the beginning. Matt works as a counselor! He knew he wasn’t doing alright, everyone around him knew he wasn’t doing alright. Why didn’t anybody suggest therapy? In fact, I would have suggested individual therapy and couple therapy, because sometimes Rhys’ behavior and ‘hero’ complex made everything more difficult. The only explanation I came up with it’s that asking for professional help would have ended the story too fast.
Basically, the whole book felt a back and forth with no real progress to make the reader suffer. Which might have worked if I cared. Or if I was a reader who enjoys depressing books. But I didn’t, and I’m not.
🎧Read as an audiobook
*Rating: 1.5/5 stars
January 30, 2019
Audio – 5++++ Thanks Simone for giving me a heads up that about the audio coming out. It was more than worth the “painful” wait. LOL
Story – 5++++ Roan Parrish is officially a favorite/go to author for me.
This book was fucking amazing! My favorite by the author to date.
In short, Rhys and Matt are married and deeply in love. They come from very different backgrounds which influences their expectations of marriage. The relationship angst was high and exhausting but at NO time did these guys doubt the love they shared. It takes a while, and there are hurt feelings, but they want their marriage to work. How can you not root for a couple like them???
Shockingly enough, I’m not going to complain about there being too many sex scenes. Why??? Because there was nothing dull about them. The scenes were pure passion, and the dirty talk was so possessive, I just about turned into a puddle of goo.
I need book 3 NOW!!
Story – 5++++ Roan Parrish is officially a favorite/go to author for me.
This book was fucking amazing! My favorite by the author to date.
In short, Rhys and Matt are married and deeply in love. They come from very different backgrounds which influences their expectations of marriage. The relationship angst was high and exhausting but at NO time did these guys doubt the love they shared. It takes a while, and there are hurt feelings, but they want their marriage to work. How can you not root for a couple like them???
Shockingly enough, I’m not going to complain about there being too many sex scenes. Why??? Because there was nothing dull about them. The scenes were pure passion, and the dirty talk was so possessive, I just about turned into a puddle of goo.
I need book 3 NOW!!
November 27, 2018
Full review now posted, November 27
I have to admit, I was a little disappointed that Rend was not about Theo and Caleb, the couple from Riven, but it is about Caleb’s oldest friend, Rhys. We already know Rhys is married to Matt, and Rend is their story.
The first half of the book is, well, rather boring. It tells of Matt’s day to day life, and I just felt like it was almost void of any emotion from Matt. Rhys is full of life and is madly in love with Matt, but Matt is struggling. The second half of the book, you learn more about Matt’s heartbreaking past, and it had me wondering if the author made the first half emotionally boring to make the reader feel so much in the second half, because the emotions hit you hard. Matt, started questioning if he was good enough for Rhys, even feeling unworthy of being loved. His childhood is full of heartache and hurt, and you begin to understand why Matt is so afraid, but Rhys will fight for him.
Yes, Theo and Caleb are in this book, quite a lot, actually. I enjoyed catching up with them and seeing such a strong bond between Caleb and Rhys.
Once again, the author’s writing will hit you with all the feels, and I have a feeling, this story will be with me for a long time.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit, I was a little disappointed that Rend was not about Theo and Caleb, the couple from Riven, but it is about Caleb’s oldest friend, Rhys. We already know Rhys is married to Matt, and Rend is their story.
The first half of the book is, well, rather boring. It tells of Matt’s day to day life, and I just felt like it was almost void of any emotion from Matt. Rhys is full of life and is madly in love with Matt, but Matt is struggling. The second half of the book, you learn more about Matt’s heartbreaking past, and it had me wondering if the author made the first half emotionally boring to make the reader feel so much in the second half, because the emotions hit you hard. Matt, started questioning if he was good enough for Rhys, even feeling unworthy of being loved. His childhood is full of heartache and hurt, and you begin to understand why Matt is so afraid, but Rhys will fight for him.
Yes, Theo and Caleb are in this book, quite a lot, actually. I enjoyed catching up with them and seeing such a strong bond between Caleb and Rhys.
Once again, the author’s writing will hit you with all the feels, and I have a feeling, this story will be with me for a long time.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2018
Disclaimer: I'm not sure how to write a coherent review for this book. I was twisted up in feelings from beginning to end.
I went into Rend by Roan Parrish expecting a similar book to Riven, but the fact is they're entirely different. I think I had a lump in my throat through most of the book. It's told through Rhy's POV, and due to his childhood, he's afraid of being too happy because he's always in fear of the rug being swepped from under him. Matt was solid throughout and was ever so patient with Rhys' feeling- he's a caretaker.
Rend had me from their first meeting to the very end. Roan Parrish can fucken write.
If you're in the mood for a story that is:
-Full of feels
-Melancholic
-Excellent character development
-Outstanding relationship growth
-Flawless writing
-Hot and emotionally charged sex scenes
-And everlasting love
Then, read this book. I highlighted the hell out of this book. My favorite passage:
This was a love letter. A fucking love letter from a man I'd only met five times. A love letter saying things I'd never imagined anyone would say, seeing me in a way I'd never seen myself. As I read it again a room opened inside me, turning emptiness to possibility, solitude to potential. A room opened inside me, and I wanted to fill it with Rhys. I wanted to choose. I wanted, for the first time in my grungy fucking life, to choose someone and make them mine. And it terrified me. "Oh fuck," I said to no one. "Oh fuck, fuck, fuck me."
HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.
February 14, 2019
I was so in the mood for an established couple romance!
I hadn’t really put it all together when I was reading Riven, but Caleb‘s ex-partner and best friend, Rhys, is married to Matt. I remember Theo being kinda uncomfortable reaching out to Rhys when he needed help with Caleb and Matt was there...
Anyway, don’t worry about any of that, Rend can be read as a standalone. We see Theo and Caleb a fair bit, but none of their story will be spoiled if you read this one first.
There were so many things that made this novel incredible. Matt’s narration of his life story is a heart breaker, and beautifully done. Thinking of everything this young man went through and how he’s processed it, it's humbling to see where he is at the start of this novel.
I enjoyed watching Rhys come to understand Matt’s story, and reevaluate his own life. What it adds to him as a person, and what it does for their relationship is powerfully moving.
Of course Rend is full of all the gorgeous prose I expect from Roan Parrish. I highlighted so many meaningful statements and poetic thoughts… reading over them now, it’s too hard to pick just one to share here. I’ll take the easy way out and simply encourage everyone to read this truly stunning novel.
It was some of the most beautiful angst I’ve ever read, and it was a journey I’d happily take again.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of my honest review
I hadn’t really put it all together when I was reading Riven, but Caleb‘s ex-partner and best friend, Rhys, is married to Matt. I remember Theo being kinda uncomfortable reaching out to Rhys when he needed help with Caleb and Matt was there...
Anyway, don’t worry about any of that, Rend can be read as a standalone. We see Theo and Caleb a fair bit, but none of their story will be spoiled if you read this one first.
There were so many things that made this novel incredible. Matt’s narration of his life story is a heart breaker, and beautifully done. Thinking of everything this young man went through and how he’s processed it, it's humbling to see where he is at the start of this novel.
I enjoyed watching Rhys come to understand Matt’s story, and reevaluate his own life. What it adds to him as a person, and what it does for their relationship is powerfully moving.
Of course Rend is full of all the gorgeous prose I expect from Roan Parrish. I highlighted so many meaningful statements and poetic thoughts… reading over them now, it’s too hard to pick just one to share here. I’ll take the easy way out and simply encourage everyone to read this truly stunning novel.
It was some of the most beautiful angst I’ve ever read, and it was a journey I’d happily take again.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of my honest review
February 7, 2025
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Ouch.
Established couple + marriage in crisis will usually have me screaming and running in the other direction, but a trusted friend said I could handle it, and Roan’s writing is hard to resist.
This book was beautiful, real, painful and somehow felt healing. When I finally started crying, I cried hard. Matty’s anxiety and fear of abandonment was palpable, and even when you’ll want to shake him and tell him that Rhys loves him and that he has nothing to worry about, you understand so well why he constantly feels like everything good will be torn away any moment.
Rhys isn’t perfect, he definitely has a bit of a hero complex and he’s a bit naive, but he is so good. He has a lot of patience and understanding, which is exactly what Matty needed. Seeing these two work through things and save + strengthen their marriage was so lovely — even though I kept blubbering.
It was also intensely romantic and erotic. Full of intimacy and possessiveness — in a ‘you belong’ kinda way — and I don’t know what kind of magic got sprinkled into these sex scenes, but oh my, it worked. There’s also a scene with virgin role play (‘I wish you were my first and only’ — dear lord), and I’ll tell you, I’m more into that than I ever thought I’d be.
I’m really sad I can’t add any quotes because, as per usual, Roan’s writing is incredible. Alas, no quotes as I listened to the audio and it’s not in KU. Greg Boudreaux did a great job narrating this. He made me feel all the feels.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established married couple
Marriage in crisis
Past trauma
Size difference
Musician MC
Hurt/comfort
Grumpy/sunshine
‘Mine’ kink
Possessive
Somnophilia
Video call sex
Intimate & romantic
Edging
Sex toy use
Virgin role play
Hands-free orgasm
Cockwarming
Assumed small age gap
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Alcohol consumption (on-page intoxication)
Explicit sexual content
Somnophilia
Fear of abandonment
Vomiting
Disordered eating (because of anxiety)
Details of MC being bullied (past)
MC physically assaulted and injured (past)
Themes of abandonment
Themes of financial insecurity
Mention of MC’s ex/friend being a drug addict (sober during the story)
Anxiety and panic
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 25 and early to mid 30s
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 249
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
Ouch.
Established couple + marriage in crisis will usually have me screaming and running in the other direction, but a trusted friend said I could handle it, and Roan’s writing is hard to resist.
This book was beautiful, real, painful and somehow felt healing. When I finally started crying, I cried hard. Matty’s anxiety and fear of abandonment was palpable, and even when you’ll want to shake him and tell him that Rhys loves him and that he has nothing to worry about, you understand so well why he constantly feels like everything good will be torn away any moment.
Rhys isn’t perfect, he definitely has a bit of a hero complex and he’s a bit naive, but he is so good. He has a lot of patience and understanding, which is exactly what Matty needed. Seeing these two work through things and save + strengthen their marriage was so lovely — even though I kept blubbering.
It was also intensely romantic and erotic. Full of intimacy and possessiveness — in a ‘you belong’ kinda way — and I don’t know what kind of magic got sprinkled into these sex scenes, but oh my, it worked. There’s also a scene with virgin role play (‘I wish you were my first and only’ — dear lord), and I’ll tell you, I’m more into that than I ever thought I’d be.
I’m really sad I can’t add any quotes because, as per usual, Roan’s writing is incredible. Alas, no quotes as I listened to the audio and it’s not in KU. Greg Boudreaux did a great job narrating this. He made me feel all the feels.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established married couple
Marriage in crisis
Past trauma
Size difference
Musician MC
Hurt/comfort
Grumpy/sunshine
‘Mine’ kink
Possessive
Somnophilia
Video call sex
Intimate & romantic
Edging
Sex toy use
Virgin role play
Hands-free orgasm
Cockwarming
Assumed small age gap
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Alcohol consumption (on-page intoxication)
Explicit sexual content
Somnophilia
Fear of abandonment
Vomiting
Disordered eating (because of anxiety)
Details of MC being bullied (past)
MC physically assaulted and injured (past)
Themes of abandonment
Themes of financial insecurity
Mention of MC’s ex/friend being a drug addict (sober during the story)
Anxiety and panic
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 25 and early to mid 30s
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 249
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
March 11, 2019
Story: 5 STARS!
Audio: 5+ STARS!
So, I ended up LOVING this one, but truth be told, when I started, I was a little cranky.
First, it revolves around an established couple so I didn't get to experience that new love high that I love so much. And second, it's mostly about only one character's fight with his demons.
But it didn't take me long to go from cranky ===> pleased ===> thrilled.
Because I adore a well-written story that's driven by emotion rather than events. And let's just say that Rend gave me plenty to sink my teeth into. I was in heaven.
Plot in a nutshell: Rhys is a steady, well-rounded guy. His confidence and sunny disposition are a testament to his stable, supportive, loving upbringing.
Matt is a product of the foster system. His deep-seated fears and vulnerabilities are a reflection of his heart-breaking, uncertain childhood.
These two very different men find each other, fall in love, get married and live happily ever after . . . or do they?
Even though he can't fathom what Rhys sees in him, Matt has no intention of losing the best thing that's ever happened to him.
Emotional and heartfelt, Rend kicked my ass in such a good way. I love that this author has things to say and she says them beautifully. Plus, she goes about it in a very explicit way. :D I couldn't ask for more.
Another Roan Parrish book for my 2019 Favorites shelf!
Audio: 5+ STARS!
"I don't know how to do this."Oh, man . . . ooey, gooey, coming-of-age New Adult GOODNESS from Roan Parrish. And what a performance by Greg Boudreaux!
So, I ended up LOVING this one, but truth be told, when I started, I was a little cranky.
First, it revolves around an established couple so I didn't get to experience that new love high that I love so much. And second, it's mostly about only one character's fight with his demons.
But it didn't take me long to go from cranky ===> pleased ===> thrilled.
Because I adore a well-written story that's driven by emotion rather than events. And let's just say that Rend gave me plenty to sink my teeth into. I was in heaven.
Plot in a nutshell: Rhys is a steady, well-rounded guy. His confidence and sunny disposition are a testament to his stable, supportive, loving upbringing.
Matt is a product of the foster system. His deep-seated fears and vulnerabilities are a reflection of his heart-breaking, uncertain childhood.
These two very different men find each other, fall in love, get married and live happily ever after . . . or do they?
Even though he can't fathom what Rhys sees in him, Matt has no intention of losing the best thing that's ever happened to him.
I wanted it for him. I wanted him to have everything he'd ever hoped for.Matt does everything to be everything for Rhys until there's just nothing left to give, leaving them both devastated as they scratch and claw to hold on to one another . . .
Emotional and heartfelt, Rend kicked my ass in such a good way. I love that this author has things to say and she says them beautifully. Plus, she goes about it in a very explicit way. :D I couldn't ask for more.
Another Roan Parrish book for my 2019 Favorites shelf!
September 24, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Sheesh. Talk about hitting you where it hurts.
This one was hard to read. Most of the book in fact. It was very melancholic. Even with Rhys' sunny disposition.
My hurt broke time after time for Matt.
I really feel like I should remember Matt from Riven. After all, Matt and Rhys were married before Theo and Caleb even met. But I don't.
Much like Riven, the writing is flawless. It's captivating. It's full of so much emotion.
Great addition to the series. I think Noe needs a book. Or Huey. Oh....maybe Noe and Huey! :)
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Sheesh. Talk about hitting you where it hurts.
This one was hard to read. Most of the book in fact. It was very melancholic. Even with Rhys' sunny disposition.
My hurt broke time after time for Matt.
I really feel like I should remember Matt from Riven. After all, Matt and Rhys were married before Theo and Caleb even met. But I don't.
Much like Riven, the writing is flawless. It's captivating. It's full of so much emotion.
Great addition to the series. I think Noe needs a book. Or Huey. Oh....maybe Noe and Huey! :)
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
June 1, 2024
*May 31, 2024: A long-due reread of one of my all-time favorite MM reads. I love how Matt and Rhys go about redefining what marriage and being together and loving each other all mean for them - morphing their potent devotion into something more sustainable that drives them to face their innermost insecurities and fears in order to make things work. It's infinitely brave. I wish for what they ended up sharing by the end 🥹
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say hello to a love story that doesn’t fit into the conventional romance mold and is all the better for it. following an established couple already more than a year into their marriage—a decision they make within a matter of months of meeting—this story recounts their struggles and slow healing process as they come to the realization that being wildly in love with someone won’t magically tame old fears and abandonment issues (in Matt’s case, borne of a traumatic foster care experience).
by far the most emotionally exhausting Roan Parrish book, and for that same reason, i loved every second of it. codependence at its finest 😌👌🏼
---------
say hello to a love story that doesn’t fit into the conventional romance mold and is all the better for it. following an established couple already more than a year into their marriage—a decision they make within a matter of months of meeting—this story recounts their struggles and slow healing process as they come to the realization that being wildly in love with someone won’t magically tame old fears and abandonment issues (in Matt’s case, borne of a traumatic foster care experience).
by far the most emotionally exhausting Roan Parrish book, and for that same reason, i loved every second of it. codependence at its finest 😌👌🏼
December 6, 2018
Review to come, maybe? We’ll see. I’m a little overwhelmed about what to write, because this one hit me on a cellular level. Oh fuck it, I’ll try. Here goes nothing…
This book isn’t for all capital-R-Romance readers. First off, it’s about an established couple, which isn’t everyone’s bucket of fun. Secondly, it’s not all hearteyes and pixie dust. The angst is real, it doesn’t feel contrived for plot’s sake, and it’s not easily resolved.
This story IS for... Readers who sometimes feel like the Romance genre is a pigeonhole. Who crave reading past the HEA, deeper, for better or worse. Who might even want to glean a few hundred bucks’ worth of therapy from a $5 book.
I adore Riven. I’ve read it twice in the last six months. This book is different from Riven, but there's a consistent thing between them that has made Roan Parrish an autobuy for me from now on: her willingness and ability to navigate psychological waters. Not only does she clearly know of what she writes, but her skill in doing so is on point.
So if you’re looking for some light fluff (and no judgement, that’s exactly what we all need sometimes), leave this one on the shelf for now. But if you are down for going on a cathartic journey where the characters have to really work for it… REND.
P.S. I hardcore loved Theo’s and Caleb’s appearances here as my favorite secondary characters ever. If you couldn’t get enough of them in Riven (ahem-buddy read partner-ahem), you’ll love that too. More than just a cameo!
This book isn’t for all capital-R-Romance readers. First off, it’s about an established couple, which isn’t everyone’s bucket of fun. Secondly, it’s not all hearteyes and pixie dust. The angst is real, it doesn’t feel contrived for plot’s sake, and it’s not easily resolved.
This story IS for... Readers who sometimes feel like the Romance genre is a pigeonhole. Who crave reading past the HEA, deeper, for better or worse. Who might even want to glean a few hundred bucks’ worth of therapy from a $5 book.
I adore Riven. I’ve read it twice in the last six months. This book is different from Riven, but there's a consistent thing between them that has made Roan Parrish an autobuy for me from now on: her willingness and ability to navigate psychological waters. Not only does she clearly know of what she writes, but her skill in doing so is on point.
So if you’re looking for some light fluff (and no judgement, that’s exactly what we all need sometimes), leave this one on the shelf for now. But if you are down for going on a cathartic journey where the characters have to really work for it… REND.
P.S. I hardcore loved Theo’s and Caleb’s appearances here as my favorite secondary characters ever. If you couldn’t get enough of them in Riven (ahem-buddy read partner-ahem), you’ll love that too. More than just a cameo!
September 25, 2021
5 stars. I loved this book!
Rhys, Rhys, Rhys. Such a perfect amazing loving man.
Matt, I just want to hug him forever.
His demons, his doubts, his fears. It hurt so much to read these pages, but it was so beautiful to watch him fight and heal.
I was a bit worried reading about a married couple. I hate breaks, break-ups, separations. They make me nervous and anxious. But thankfully, that’s not what this book was about. It was about being broken and not being able to be happy in your new perfect life with your perfect husband.
It broke my heart, but that’s okay. Some people are broken, but they can heal. They can find happiness. It’s there somewhere, you just can’t give up. This is one of those books that help remind us of that. Don’t give up, you can make it. You got this.
I loved the ending so much. Such a hard earned HEA.
And the secondary characters. I loved Grin, I loved Mona. I loved that we got to see so much of Theo and Caleb.
The writing was beautiful once again. I need to read a lot more books by this author.
My review is all rambling and probably makes little sense. Just read the book. (But read book 1 first)
Rhys, Rhys, Rhys. Such a perfect amazing loving man.
Matt, I just want to hug him forever.
His demons, his doubts, his fears. It hurt so much to read these pages, but it was so beautiful to watch him fight and heal.
I was a bit worried reading about a married couple. I hate breaks, break-ups, separations. They make me nervous and anxious. But thankfully, that’s not what this book was about. It was about being broken and not being able to be happy in your new perfect life with your perfect husband.
It broke my heart, but that’s okay. Some people are broken, but they can heal. They can find happiness. It’s there somewhere, you just can’t give up. This is one of those books that help remind us of that. Don’t give up, you can make it. You got this.
I loved the ending so much. Such a hard earned HEA.
And the secondary characters. I loved Grin, I loved Mona. I loved that we got to see so much of Theo and Caleb.
The writing was beautiful once again. I need to read a lot more books by this author.
My review is all rambling and probably makes little sense. Just read the book. (But read book 1 first)
November 30, 2018
Me ha parecido... maravilloso. Roan Parrish siempre sabe conectar conmigo como lectora, crea personajes que me hacen sufrir profundamente por lo reales que me parecen. Esta vez lo ha vuelto a conseguir, me gustó muchísimo Riven, pero quizás este me ha gustado incluso más.
El libro parte de un punto difícil para mí, la pareja ya está formada, es un matrimonio y una de las cosas con las que yo más disfruto es ser testigo de cómo se conocen los protagonistas y se van enamorando. Aquí ese proceso ya está superado, ellos están ya profundamente enamorados, pero son dos personas muy distintas, en el exterior y fundamentalmente en el interior debido a sus experiencias vitales. Matt ama a Rhys y Rhys ama a Matt, pero Matt arrastra demasiado equipaje debido a su difícil infancia, juventud, abandonos, y a pesar de haber encontrado a Rhys y tener todo para ser feliz, no encuentra la forma. Por su parte, Rhys ama a Matt, pero no sabe cómo ayudarle... Realmente en el libro ocurre poco, está exclusivamente enfocado en el desarrollo de su relación, en altos y bajos y la búsqueda de la felicidad mutua. Es muy muy romántico, mucho, con escenas de sexo maravillosas, escenas de peleas maravillosas y declaraciones de amor maravillosas. Yo no soy sicóloga, quizás su relación es demasiado codependiente, quizás no es la más sana de las relaciones, pero como dice Theo en algún momento (protagonista de Riven) es su relación, lo que funciona para ellos y lo que les hace felices.
Y todo esto acompañados de secundarios, conocidos (Theo y Caleb) y nuevos (Noé y Grin), que lo único que hacen es mejorar la historia.
Muy recomendable, lo más destacable es que es un libro de sentimientos escrito para hacer sentir al espectador un abanico enorme de emociones.
El libro parte de un punto difícil para mí, la pareja ya está formada, es un matrimonio y una de las cosas con las que yo más disfruto es ser testigo de cómo se conocen los protagonistas y se van enamorando. Aquí ese proceso ya está superado, ellos están ya profundamente enamorados, pero son dos personas muy distintas, en el exterior y fundamentalmente en el interior debido a sus experiencias vitales. Matt ama a Rhys y Rhys ama a Matt, pero Matt arrastra demasiado equipaje debido a su difícil infancia, juventud, abandonos, y a pesar de haber encontrado a Rhys y tener todo para ser feliz, no encuentra la forma. Por su parte, Rhys ama a Matt, pero no sabe cómo ayudarle... Realmente en el libro ocurre poco, está exclusivamente enfocado en el desarrollo de su relación, en altos y bajos y la búsqueda de la felicidad mutua. Es muy muy romántico, mucho, con escenas de sexo maravillosas, escenas de peleas maravillosas y declaraciones de amor maravillosas. Yo no soy sicóloga, quizás su relación es demasiado codependiente, quizás no es la más sana de las relaciones, pero como dice Theo en algún momento (protagonista de Riven) es su relación, lo que funciona para ellos y lo que les hace felices.
Y todo esto acompañados de secundarios, conocidos (Theo y Caleb) y nuevos (Noé y Grin), que lo único que hacen es mejorar la historia.
Muy recomendable, lo más destacable es que es un libro de sentimientos escrito para hacer sentir al espectador un abanico enorme de emociones.
November 18, 2018
I'm not going to lie to you...I wasn't really prepared for the emotional roller-coaster that was Rend. I immediately requested an arc after reading Riven based solely on the love I'd had for Riven (one of my few 5-stars-for-real reads this year), and I didn't even read the blurb for Rend, I just thought, "It must be mine!" Luckily it all worked out in the end.
We first met Rhys in Riven as an already married man, and Caleb's ex, who's still his best friend. Rend is told entirely from Rhys's husband, Matt's, point of view and begins with the night Matt meets Rhys, a larger-than-life gorgeous Viking of a man who's incredibly, and mind-boggingly, into Matt. But Matt grew up in the system and his past is what shapes him and the relationship he has with Rhys.
We're all works in progress, some more than others. Matt and Rhys love each other madly, and would do anything for the other. Which leads to a minor relationship miscommunication that happens so often: One partner assuring the other that it's fine, I'm fine so they don't impede the other's dream - even to their own detriment.
While it was gut-wrenching at times, what Matt and Rhys go through together to make sure their happily ever after continues is heartbreaking and heartwarming and has made me all gooey love eyes at this. I LOVE LOVE LOVE RHYS...and Matt's wonderful too.
The only thing that would have made this better, for me, would have been having Rhys's POV. This needed Rhys's POV, IMO. Regardless, I absolutely loved reading this and would heartily recommend. Best if read after Riven, because even though it could probably standalone, it's better for having read Caleb and Theo's story.
Established relationship romance with a single first-person POV, medium angst, vigorous and super hot sex scenes, dirty talk, emotional growth, an enduring love that just needed a little work, and a very, very happy ending.
4.75 stars
Advanced Review Galley copy of Rend provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
We first met Rhys in Riven as an already married man, and Caleb's ex, who's still his best friend. Rend is told entirely from Rhys's husband, Matt's, point of view and begins with the night Matt meets Rhys, a larger-than-life gorgeous Viking of a man who's incredibly, and mind-boggingly, into Matt. But Matt grew up in the system and his past is what shapes him and the relationship he has with Rhys.
This was a love letter. A fucking love letter from a man I'd only met five times. A love letter saying things I'd never imagined anyone would say, seeing me in a way I'd never seen myself. As I read it again a room opened inside me, turning emptiness to possibility, solitude to potential. A room opened inside me, and I wanted to fill it with Rhys. I wanted to choose. I wanted, for the first time in my grungy fucking life, to choose someone and make them mine. And it terrified me. "Oh fuck," I said to no one. "Oh fuck, fuck, fuck me."
We're all works in progress, some more than others. Matt and Rhys love each other madly, and would do anything for the other. Which leads to a minor relationship miscommunication that happens so often: One partner assuring the other that it's fine, I'm fine so they don't impede the other's dream - even to their own detriment.
"...it was like I had to break apart the universe and remake it as one where I could love you more...I know I did a lot of damage. When I was breaking it apart. I know I hurt you. I was clumsy with it. But I wouldn't ever want to go back there. To that other world where I didn't know how to love you. I wouldn't want to live there.
While it was gut-wrenching at times, what Matt and Rhys go through together to make sure their happily ever after continues is heartbreaking and heartwarming and has made me all gooey love eyes at this. I LOVE LOVE LOVE RHYS...and Matt's wonderful too.
The only thing that would have made this better, for me, would have been having Rhys's POV. This needed Rhys's POV, IMO. Regardless, I absolutely loved reading this and would heartily recommend. Best if read after Riven, because even though it could probably standalone, it's better for having read Caleb and Theo's story.
Established relationship romance with a single first-person POV, medium angst, vigorous and super hot sex scenes, dirty talk, emotional growth, an enduring love that just needed a little work, and a very, very happy ending.
4.75 stars
Advanced Review Galley copy of Rend provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 9, 2018
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
We met Matty and Rhys in RIVEN. Since they were married then already I didn't expect that we'd get a story about them. Little did I know how hurt and desperate the quiet Matty was. His childhood trauma made it impossible for him to believe that somebody could love him unconditionally, and that's what Rhys did.
They married after a few months of dating, and while the love between them was undoubtedly there, they didn't know each other enough, that they could settle into their life together and not have let it be affected by their respective pasts. Storm clouds start to appear, when Rhys, a musician whose star is rising, leaves to go on a two months tour and Matty stays behind. All of a sudden the shy, introverted beautiful young man has to deal with his demons and doubts about pretty much everything except their love for one another.
I wandered through the empty house as if I might find Rhys in a cupboard or under a chair like a misplaced book.
Rhys is a fixer, his sunny disposition finds something good in everything and everyone. His frustration and fear are overwhelming when he realizes that he can't help or fix Matt.
There were some incredibly angsty and emotional parts in REND, some made me hurt for Matty so much that I got choked up. He was so hungry for Rhys's love, but his abandonment issues made it impossible for him to enjoy what he had at first. Rhys did everything he could, this big, sweet, patient guy who loved his husband with his whole being.
“Am I your real life person?” I blurted, leaning my head back against the couch.
“You’re my everything person.”
There was a lot of sex in this book and while I'm usually all for some dirty, hot boy-on-boy lovin' I found myself skimming those parts at some point. There was also an exorbitant amount of "I love yous" which I only realized later, that they had a purpose. Rhys just really needed to hammer it into Matt's head by repeating it over and over again.
Healing went both ways - Rhys always wanted a relationship like his parents had, but until Matt none of his previous relationships wanted to be serious. Matt was made for Rhys - finally he could shower his love on someone who soaked it up like a sponge and returned his feelings.
"...it was like I had to break apart the universe and remake it as one where I could love you more."
When you grow up in a steady home you can forget that some people aren't that lucky. It's definitely good that you can and nobody should feel guilty about it. But at the same time a reminder that other people may need help because of their childhood will put the things, we whine about, into perspective. I didn't mean to get all philosophical on you but REND definitely resonated with me, because it showcases the damage a child with a negligent and unloving parent can sustain. Matt is that child and he was lucky to find somebody with an endless capacity to love and the patience of a saint.
I loved how Theo and Matt's friendship grew and turned into something special. And Caleb proved to be an amazing friend to Rhys, somebody who provided the insight his friend couldn't see because he was too close to the issue.
"I’m saying Matt has had a rough go of things and never dealt with them. And then you came along. Big old beast of sunshine and plans and charisma and a steady damn hand. And he fell in love with you. And suddenly Matt— with all that shit in his past— was hanging out with you all the time. Where do you think that shit went? It didn’t disappear. It didn’t transform from pain to joy like water to fucking wine, Nyland.”
Roan Parrish's writing is really special and beautiful. It was something I loved in the previous installment and my admiration for her art has only been cemented in this one. Personally I loved RIVEN a little bit more story-wise, however, Rhys and Matt were wonderful characters and I am definitely looking forward to reading RAZE. I wonder who that will be about?
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June 26, 2023
MM Romance
Hurt/Comfort
5++ Stars ⭐️
Audiobook Narrator: 5 Stars ⭐️ Greg B 💗
I absolutely fucking loved this book. It made me laugh until my cheeks hurt but two minutes later I’d be crying my eyes out and I could not put it down. I stayed up so late listening to this that my ears hurt from the headphones but I just could not get enough of Rhys and Matt. This book had some of the hottest sex scenes 🥵 and them being read to me by a narrator who gasps and moans was an experience I need more of. The sex scenes were just a bonus though because the reason I loved this was the relationship Matt and Rhys have and all the love and affection between them. Even when shit was going sideways in this book I felt their love for one another and I loved how each of them felt possessive over the other. Sometimes all the “mine” and “I’m yours” makes my eyes roll but that wasn’t the case here. Just like Matt I swooned every time Rhys claimed Matt as his and when it was incorporated into the sex scenes too? Fuck me. 🥵🥵
This is the first time I’ve read about an already established couple that hasn’t been a follow up book or duet and I wasn’t sure what to expect. This had a prologue that set the stage for how they met and then started about 2 years into their marriage with Rhys about to go on a 2 month tour and Matt staying home. The entire book is from Matt’s POV and after Riven, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this. Matt appeared needy and insecure in Riven and I thought being stuck with a character like that would bug me but I can admit how wrong I was. I’m sorry I doubted Matt because while he was needy and insecure at times, I loved him. I wanted to wrap my arms around Matt and just keep him safe from all his inner demons. Even though Rhys didn’t have his own chapters, I felt like I knew him because seeing Rhys through Matt’s adoring eyes was all I needed. Matt had some stuff to work through to be his best self and for their relationship to thrive but I believed the entire time they would make it and were perfect for each other. I just adored the hell out of them.
Also, I adored Theo (Riven) even more in this story and I loved his friendship with Matt. Loved all the other characters too and Max! I loved the narration by Greg B because it felt like he was a part of this world and knew the characters intimately. I’m not a seasoned audiobook listener but I’ve listened to about 5-6 now and this is the first one that I felt on an emotional level. Yah, this book had angst and even if I read it I’m sure I would have cried but Greg B made me feel like I was experiencing people who existed in real life and mattered, and it made this feel like a work of art and not just a book. I dont know how to explain it but I am going to look up all his books because I need more. 💗
Hurt/Comfort
5++ Stars ⭐️
Audiobook Narrator: 5 Stars ⭐️ Greg B 💗
I absolutely fucking loved this book. It made me laugh until my cheeks hurt but two minutes later I’d be crying my eyes out and I could not put it down. I stayed up so late listening to this that my ears hurt from the headphones but I just could not get enough of Rhys and Matt. This book had some of the hottest sex scenes 🥵 and them being read to me by a narrator who gasps and moans was an experience I need more of. The sex scenes were just a bonus though because the reason I loved this was the relationship Matt and Rhys have and all the love and affection between them. Even when shit was going sideways in this book I felt their love for one another and I loved how each of them felt possessive over the other. Sometimes all the “mine” and “I’m yours” makes my eyes roll but that wasn’t the case here. Just like Matt I swooned every time Rhys claimed Matt as his and when it was incorporated into the sex scenes too? Fuck me. 🥵🥵
This is the first time I’ve read about an already established couple that hasn’t been a follow up book or duet and I wasn’t sure what to expect. This had a prologue that set the stage for how they met and then started about 2 years into their marriage with Rhys about to go on a 2 month tour and Matt staying home. The entire book is from Matt’s POV and after Riven, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this. Matt appeared needy and insecure in Riven and I thought being stuck with a character like that would bug me but I can admit how wrong I was. I’m sorry I doubted Matt because while he was needy and insecure at times, I loved him. I wanted to wrap my arms around Matt and just keep him safe from all his inner demons. Even though Rhys didn’t have his own chapters, I felt like I knew him because seeing Rhys through Matt’s adoring eyes was all I needed. Matt had some stuff to work through to be his best self and for their relationship to thrive but I believed the entire time they would make it and were perfect for each other. I just adored the hell out of them.
Also, I adored Theo (Riven) even more in this story and I loved his friendship with Matt. Loved all the other characters too and Max! I loved the narration by Greg B because it felt like he was a part of this world and knew the characters intimately. I’m not a seasoned audiobook listener but I’ve listened to about 5-6 now and this is the first one that I felt on an emotional level. Yah, this book had angst and even if I read it I’m sure I would have cried but Greg B made me feel like I was experiencing people who existed in real life and mattered, and it made this feel like a work of art and not just a book. I dont know how to explain it but I am going to look up all his books because I need more. 💗
Want to read
May 23, 2018I don't even know what it's about, but after reading Riven I am TOTALLY all in.
September 25, 2018
*** 3.75 stars
Rend was an emotional rollercoaster for me. First of all, it's not about two people getting together and everything stops with their Happy Ever After. It's about what happens afterwards and about how to fight for your relationship if problems are arising.
The main focus of this book was definitely the relationship between the two MCs and their character development was very well written.
We have Rhys, a sunny musician from a happy home, leaving his husband to go on a tour. And then there is said husband, Matt (our first person narrator), who has some serious abandonment issues amongst other things and who basically falls apart when Rhys leaves. Like really falls apart with nightmares and scary little imaginative friends like that dude here:
Matt sure does have his reasons to be the way he is but there were some things that bugged me about him:
- He had... zero self esteem at all and he was depressed (my medical opinion at least).
- He was so very much dependent on Rhys that at times I found their relationship unhealthy. I mean, I get it... it's also somehow romantic to need your partner so much and it works since Rhys is a possessive guy, but...
When Rhys needed someone, he had to turn to Caleb (yeah, we get Caleb and Theo from book 1 :P) and that right there is why both partners should be strong alone.
Being in Matt's head was on the one side interesting because the dark thought spirals were very realistic but on the other side it was also very much exhausting. Thank goodness, he takes the right steps at some point.
All in all, it is an emotional, angsty read in the hurt/comfort-genre which thankfully gets lighter during the second half of the book. I would recommend it to those who are fed up with fluffy and want a lot of twisted feelings and an emotional read. Pure Roan Parrish style actually, so if you loved her books, you will probably love that one, too.
**ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Rend was an emotional rollercoaster for me. First of all, it's not about two people getting together and everything stops with their Happy Ever After. It's about what happens afterwards and about how to fight for your relationship if problems are arising.
The main focus of this book was definitely the relationship between the two MCs and their character development was very well written.
We have Rhys, a sunny musician from a happy home, leaving his husband to go on a tour. And then there is said husband, Matt (our first person narrator), who has some serious abandonment issues amongst other things and who basically falls apart when Rhys leaves. Like really falls apart with nightmares and scary little imaginative friends like that dude here:
Matt sure does have his reasons to be the way he is but there were some things that bugged me about him:
- He had... zero self esteem at all and he was depressed (my medical opinion at least).
- He was so very much dependent on Rhys that at times I found their relationship unhealthy. I mean, I get it... it's also somehow romantic to need your partner so much and it works since Rhys is a possessive guy, but...
When Rhys needed someone, he had to turn to Caleb (yeah, we get Caleb and Theo from book 1 :P) and that right there is why both partners should be strong alone.
Being in Matt's head was on the one side interesting because the dark thought spirals were very realistic but on the other side it was also very much exhausting. Thank goodness, he takes the right steps at some point.
All in all, it is an emotional, angsty read in the hurt/comfort-genre which thankfully gets lighter during the second half of the book. I would recommend it to those who are fed up with fluffy and want a lot of twisted feelings and an emotional read. Pure Roan Parrish style actually, so if you loved her books, you will probably love that one, too.
**ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
November 5, 2019
Fabulous!!!!
I want to do this book justice with my review, but I fear that I can't. It was just so....
Refreshing: This isn't your typical romance. It followed a new playbook, one with moves and plays I haven't seen before. How often do we get a "romance" with a married couple? For this, I thank Roan Parrish.
Introspective: We only see Matt's POV. Through his eyes we struggle with his inner ghosts--those of the past, present, and future. Even though were in his thoughts a lot, I never felt like I got sucked in the mire. His fears, joys, and love kept me moving forward with him. And as uncertain as he was in himself, I had faith that Parrish would pull Matt through his inner demons toward an HEA. After all, this is a romance. But I admit that I loved the uncertainty that I didn't know what would happen from one minute to the next.
Sexy: The heat, the sex, the dirty talk, the need in this book was off the charts for me!! The sex never felt staid, it was new and fresh--like I said earlier, this book is following a new playbook.
Well crafted and written: A book that is so singularly character driven has to be well written and crafted since it relies on the intricacies of human thought and emotions rather than plot. I loved how the words played out on the page. Beautiful!
This book was all of the above and so much more. The characters, one seemingly perfect and the other less than, both face their flaws and strengths. Both grow and change in a way that is subtle, but so, so right and believable.
You don't need to read the previous book, Riven, to enjoy this one, but I would highly recommend doing so. Theo and Caleb both make appearances in this one.
I already had Roan Parrish down as one of my favorite MM authors. Now, it's cemented.
I have the next book preordered.
Enjoy this one. It's angsty, but in a very good and very real way.
I want to do this book justice with my review, but I fear that I can't. It was just so....
Refreshing: This isn't your typical romance. It followed a new playbook, one with moves and plays I haven't seen before. How often do we get a "romance" with a married couple? For this, I thank Roan Parrish.
Introspective: We only see Matt's POV. Through his eyes we struggle with his inner ghosts--those of the past, present, and future. Even though were in his thoughts a lot, I never felt like I got sucked in the mire. His fears, joys, and love kept me moving forward with him. And as uncertain as he was in himself, I had faith that Parrish would pull Matt through his inner demons toward an HEA. After all, this is a romance. But I admit that I loved the uncertainty that I didn't know what would happen from one minute to the next.
Sexy: The heat, the sex, the dirty talk, the need in this book was off the charts for me!! The sex never felt staid, it was new and fresh--like I said earlier, this book is following a new playbook.
Well crafted and written: A book that is so singularly character driven has to be well written and crafted since it relies on the intricacies of human thought and emotions rather than plot. I loved how the words played out on the page. Beautiful!
This book was all of the above and so much more. The characters, one seemingly perfect and the other less than, both face their flaws and strengths. Both grow and change in a way that is subtle, but so, so right and believable.
You don't need to read the previous book, Riven, to enjoy this one, but I would highly recommend doing so. Theo and Caleb both make appearances in this one.
I already had Roan Parrish down as one of my favorite MM authors. Now, it's cemented.
I have the next book preordered.
Enjoy this one. It's angsty, but in a very good and very real way.
June 5, 2022
This book was angsty. So very angsty. But beautiful. So very beautiful.
Reread 2022-06-05
This book is still so very angsty but so very beautiful. And I loved every single second of it. I love Rhys's steady presence and I just want to wrap Matt in bubbles until he stops hurting.
Reread 2022-06-05
This book is still so very angsty but so very beautiful. And I loved every single second of it. I love Rhys's steady presence and I just want to wrap Matt in bubbles until he stops hurting.
dnf
November 1, 2018dnf @ 35%
Very well written but I'm the wrong reader for this story. It isn't working for me.
Very well written but I'm the wrong reader for this story. It isn't working for me.
February 6, 2019
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Just wow. Roan outdid herself with this one. Matt and Rhys are an amazing couple and my heart pounded when Matt was going through his troubles. We meet Rhys in Riven, which is another amazing book. Rhys was sort of involved with Caleb, but then Caleb and Theo get together and Rhys is their friend. I loved Rhys. His character was just beautifully written. He is a big man and he takes such care with Matt, which Matt can't help but love. When Matt forgets his wallet and can't pay for groceries, Rhys loves that and of course uses his card. And Matt on one hand doesn't like himself when he forgets, but he LOVES it when Rhys takes care of him and, well, babies him, but in a good way. The whole time I am reading this Matt comes across as a man just waiting to be made into a submissive, kneeling and begging and serving. That doesn't happen, but when Rhys is away on tour, Matt felt so lost and alone, and he didn't have Rhys around telling him what to do, or reminding him to eat or go shopping for food. It would have been 100% genuine if their relationship had morphed into that. Shame it doesn't, although still in a way they are because Matt is built that way and demands Rhys own him and hold him never let go.
This book isn't just about Matt and Rhys's relationship. There is a surprising supernatural element to this too.
Matt's emotions are all over the place and my heart ached for him. I think he needs professional help, and I don't know how they plan to handle Rhys going on tour in the future. What really got me was that I wasn't being force fed his emotions. They grew naturally and I never once felt like it wasn't genuine. It's hard to explain, and I don't want to give away too much of the story anyway, but know that Matt couldn't help himself when it came to loving Rhys and he still struggles with believing that Rhys loves him and really wants to be with him. This is part of what is driving Matt so crazy with Rhys being gone. His absence, regardless of the fact that he is coming back, makes Matt feel like he has been abandoned like when his mom left. Poor Matt. He needs Rhys just like Rhys needs Matt. These two wouldn't survive without the other.
I whole heartedly recommend this book and the series and I see there is a 3rd book on the horizon. Can't wait to see what it's about! Squee! 5 stars
Wow. Just wow. Roan outdid herself with this one. Matt and Rhys are an amazing couple and my heart pounded when Matt was going through his troubles. We meet Rhys in Riven, which is another amazing book. Rhys was sort of involved with Caleb, but then Caleb and Theo get together and Rhys is their friend. I loved Rhys. His character was just beautifully written. He is a big man and he takes such care with Matt, which Matt can't help but love. When Matt forgets his wallet and can't pay for groceries, Rhys loves that and of course uses his card. And Matt on one hand doesn't like himself when he forgets, but he LOVES it when Rhys takes care of him and, well, babies him, but in a good way. The whole time I am reading this Matt comes across as a man just waiting to be made into a submissive, kneeling and begging and serving. That doesn't happen, but when Rhys is away on tour, Matt felt so lost and alone, and he didn't have Rhys around telling him what to do, or reminding him to eat or go shopping for food. It would have been 100% genuine if their relationship had morphed into that. Shame it doesn't, although still in a way they are because Matt is built that way and demands Rhys own him and hold him never let go.
This book isn't just about Matt and Rhys's relationship. There is a surprising supernatural element to this too.
Matt's emotions are all over the place and my heart ached for him. I think he needs professional help, and I don't know how they plan to handle Rhys going on tour in the future. What really got me was that I wasn't being force fed his emotions. They grew naturally and I never once felt like it wasn't genuine. It's hard to explain, and I don't want to give away too much of the story anyway, but know that Matt couldn't help himself when it came to loving Rhys and he still struggles with believing that Rhys loves him and really wants to be with him. This is part of what is driving Matt so crazy with Rhys being gone. His absence, regardless of the fact that he is coming back, makes Matt feel like he has been abandoned like when his mom left. Poor Matt. He needs Rhys just like Rhys needs Matt. These two wouldn't survive without the other.
I whole heartedly recommend this book and the series and I see there is a 3rd book on the horizon. Can't wait to see what it's about! Squee! 5 stars
June 4, 2024
Review from 2019
I've given this an A+ for narration (duh!) and a B+ for content at AudioGals.
Rend isn’t an easy book to read or listen to, but it’s one that well repays the time spent with it. It’s the tale of a marriage on the edge of collapse and a troubled young man who is dealing with some very real, very deep emotional issues – and I came away from it having experienced laughter and tears, moments of joy, moments of pain and everything in between. When an author can do that simply through the arrangement of words on a printed page… it’s powerful stuff. And when you then take those words and give them to a narrator of the calibre of Greg Boudreaux – who I knew would nail, absolutely and perfectly, every single emotion behind them – there was never a doubt that I was going to be reduced to a pile of emotional rubble by the end.
We meet Matt Argento as he’s nursing a drink in a local bar, hoping to get himself picked up for a night of no-strings sex in a comfortable bed. He’s coming to the conclusion that it isn’t going to happen when a large, handsome blond man sits down next to him, introduces himself as Rhys (who was a secondary character in Riven ) and starts chatting to him. Matt is completely on board with the idea of going home with him, but when they leave the bar, Rhys instead heads for a local diner where he proceeds to order practically everything on the menu and Matt, suddenly realising that yes, he’s hungry, tucks in, too. The pair of them spend a couple of hours talking and getting to know each other, and Matt is already starting to feel the sort of connection with Rhys he’s never really felt with anyone before. He’s disappointed when the night ends with only a passionate kiss – but is pleased when Rhys asks for his number and texts him the next day to ask to see him again. They continue like this for a few weeks, although Rhys makes no moves beyond kisses and Matt starts to wonder if perhaps he’s not attracted to him sexually… until he realises Rhys has been waiting for him to make clear what he wants. Matt’s life being bounced around the foster system has taught him that asking for things is pointless because they never happen – but he gathers his courage:
…I texted him, Do you have sex?
He wrote back immediately: Yes.
I responded: Great. Wanna have it with me?
Rhys: More than anything.
Twenty months later, we find Matt, happily married to Rhys, working at Mariposa, a non-profit organisation that helps kids transition out of foster care. It’s a fulfilling job, he and Rhys are head-over-heels in love and living in comfortable domesticity (well, almost – neither of them can cook!) – it’s the kind of life Matt had never even dreamed of, let alone thought to have, but sometimes he can’t help looking over his shoulder waiting for the other shoe to drop. Life has taught him that the good things never last, and with Rhys about to go on tour to promote his first solo album, all Matt’s old fears and insecurities feel like they’re lying-in-wait on the peripheries of his life, just waiting to creep back in and smother him.
Knowing this tour is important to Rhys, and not wanting to spoil what should be a happy and exciting time for him, Matt does his best to hide what’s really going on with him whenever they talk, and the longer Rhys is away, the harder Matt finds it to cope. The story is told completely in Matt’s PoV, which isn’t always a comfortable place to be, although Ms. Parrish very wisely intersperses the present-day portions of the novel with flashbacks showing how Matt and Rhys fell in love – and they’re very much needed to balance out the emotional upheaval Matt is going through. He knows Rhys loves him, but doesn’t understand why – overlooked and unappreciated for almost all his life, he doesn’t think he’s worthy of being loved, and that view of himself eventually grows into the belief that he’s not good enough for Rhys, and that Rhys would be better off without him.
And Rhys… oh, Rhys is just gorgeous. He’s kind, honourable and open-hearted with an enormous capacity for love and happiness, and his faith in Matt, even through the darkest of times, is touching and wonderful to witness. He’s Matt’s heart, just as Matt is his, and through all the emotional turmoil, the hurt, the anger and the black moments in Rend, the one thing that’s never in question is Matt and Rhys’ deep and abiding love for one other. Perhaps they got married too early – they’d only known each other for a couple of months when they tied the knot – and hadn’t taken the time to really think it through and work out how to be married, but they never give up on each other, no matter how badly they’re hurting.
As I said at the beginning of this review, when I saw Greg Boudreaux’s name attached to this audiobook, I knew I’d be reduced to a pile of quivering, emotionally-drained mush by the end of it. He characterises the two leads perfectly, employing a richly resonant baritone to portray Rhys, aptly reminding the listener that he’s a physically imposing man with a personality to match, while Matt is pitched slightly higher and his voice has an appealing, winsome quality. There are a handful of secondary characters in the novel, notably Theo and Caleb from Riven, who are just as clearly differentiated so there’s no confusion when they’re all in scenes together (and I swear Mr. B has based his interpretation of Theo on Iggy Toma’s performance in that audio). Matt’s irrepressible friend Grin lives up to his name and almost always has a smile in his voice, and the couple of female characters – Rhys’ mum and Matt’s boss – are convincingly and obviously female by virtue of a change of timbre and delivery rather than any great variation in pitch. But by far the most impressive thing about the performance as a whole is the incredible range of emotion and expression on display. This is an intense and intensely romantic story and it would perhaps be easy to overdo in places, but Mr. Boudreaux never takes things over the top and never underplays; he captures Matt’s raw fear, vulnerability and crippling uncertainty perfectly, and Rhys’ bewilderment and anger are palpable, as is the depth of the strong and very real affection between them. Audiobooks like this one rarely get nominated for big industry awards and that’s a crying shame, because if there was an Oscar for audiobook performance, Greg Boudreaux certainly deserves one for his work here.
I make no secret of the fact I’m a bit of an angst bunny, and romance novels allow me to indulge that need for angsty stories while knowing it’ll all work out in the end; I know that no matter what the characters go through, there’s an HEA/HFN in store for them. And Rend is one of those stories where I needed to remind myself of that, because at times, things get to looking pretty bleak. BUT – don’t let the prospect of that put you off, because when all’s said and done this is a beautiful and uplifting story about two people who are hopelessly and irrevocably in love working through their problems, finding their way back to each other and becoming stronger as a result.
I've given this an A+ for narration (duh!) and a B+ for content at AudioGals.
Rend isn’t an easy book to read or listen to, but it’s one that well repays the time spent with it. It’s the tale of a marriage on the edge of collapse and a troubled young man who is dealing with some very real, very deep emotional issues – and I came away from it having experienced laughter and tears, moments of joy, moments of pain and everything in between. When an author can do that simply through the arrangement of words on a printed page… it’s powerful stuff. And when you then take those words and give them to a narrator of the calibre of Greg Boudreaux – who I knew would nail, absolutely and perfectly, every single emotion behind them – there was never a doubt that I was going to be reduced to a pile of emotional rubble by the end.
We meet Matt Argento as he’s nursing a drink in a local bar, hoping to get himself picked up for a night of no-strings sex in a comfortable bed. He’s coming to the conclusion that it isn’t going to happen when a large, handsome blond man sits down next to him, introduces himself as Rhys (who was a secondary character in Riven ) and starts chatting to him. Matt is completely on board with the idea of going home with him, but when they leave the bar, Rhys instead heads for a local diner where he proceeds to order practically everything on the menu and Matt, suddenly realising that yes, he’s hungry, tucks in, too. The pair of them spend a couple of hours talking and getting to know each other, and Matt is already starting to feel the sort of connection with Rhys he’s never really felt with anyone before. He’s disappointed when the night ends with only a passionate kiss – but is pleased when Rhys asks for his number and texts him the next day to ask to see him again. They continue like this for a few weeks, although Rhys makes no moves beyond kisses and Matt starts to wonder if perhaps he’s not attracted to him sexually… until he realises Rhys has been waiting for him to make clear what he wants. Matt’s life being bounced around the foster system has taught him that asking for things is pointless because they never happen – but he gathers his courage:
…I texted him, Do you have sex?
He wrote back immediately: Yes.
I responded: Great. Wanna have it with me?
Rhys: More than anything.
Twenty months later, we find Matt, happily married to Rhys, working at Mariposa, a non-profit organisation that helps kids transition out of foster care. It’s a fulfilling job, he and Rhys are head-over-heels in love and living in comfortable domesticity (well, almost – neither of them can cook!) – it’s the kind of life Matt had never even dreamed of, let alone thought to have, but sometimes he can’t help looking over his shoulder waiting for the other shoe to drop. Life has taught him that the good things never last, and with Rhys about to go on tour to promote his first solo album, all Matt’s old fears and insecurities feel like they’re lying-in-wait on the peripheries of his life, just waiting to creep back in and smother him.
Knowing this tour is important to Rhys, and not wanting to spoil what should be a happy and exciting time for him, Matt does his best to hide what’s really going on with him whenever they talk, and the longer Rhys is away, the harder Matt finds it to cope. The story is told completely in Matt’s PoV, which isn’t always a comfortable place to be, although Ms. Parrish very wisely intersperses the present-day portions of the novel with flashbacks showing how Matt and Rhys fell in love – and they’re very much needed to balance out the emotional upheaval Matt is going through. He knows Rhys loves him, but doesn’t understand why – overlooked and unappreciated for almost all his life, he doesn’t think he’s worthy of being loved, and that view of himself eventually grows into the belief that he’s not good enough for Rhys, and that Rhys would be better off without him.
And Rhys… oh, Rhys is just gorgeous. He’s kind, honourable and open-hearted with an enormous capacity for love and happiness, and his faith in Matt, even through the darkest of times, is touching and wonderful to witness. He’s Matt’s heart, just as Matt is his, and through all the emotional turmoil, the hurt, the anger and the black moments in Rend, the one thing that’s never in question is Matt and Rhys’ deep and abiding love for one other. Perhaps they got married too early – they’d only known each other for a couple of months when they tied the knot – and hadn’t taken the time to really think it through and work out how to be married, but they never give up on each other, no matter how badly they’re hurting.
As I said at the beginning of this review, when I saw Greg Boudreaux’s name attached to this audiobook, I knew I’d be reduced to a pile of quivering, emotionally-drained mush by the end of it. He characterises the two leads perfectly, employing a richly resonant baritone to portray Rhys, aptly reminding the listener that he’s a physically imposing man with a personality to match, while Matt is pitched slightly higher and his voice has an appealing, winsome quality. There are a handful of secondary characters in the novel, notably Theo and Caleb from Riven, who are just as clearly differentiated so there’s no confusion when they’re all in scenes together (and I swear Mr. B has based his interpretation of Theo on Iggy Toma’s performance in that audio). Matt’s irrepressible friend Grin lives up to his name and almost always has a smile in his voice, and the couple of female characters – Rhys’ mum and Matt’s boss – are convincingly and obviously female by virtue of a change of timbre and delivery rather than any great variation in pitch. But by far the most impressive thing about the performance as a whole is the incredible range of emotion and expression on display. This is an intense and intensely romantic story and it would perhaps be easy to overdo in places, but Mr. Boudreaux never takes things over the top and never underplays; he captures Matt’s raw fear, vulnerability and crippling uncertainty perfectly, and Rhys’ bewilderment and anger are palpable, as is the depth of the strong and very real affection between them. Audiobooks like this one rarely get nominated for big industry awards and that’s a crying shame, because if there was an Oscar for audiobook performance, Greg Boudreaux certainly deserves one for his work here.
I make no secret of the fact I’m a bit of an angst bunny, and romance novels allow me to indulge that need for angsty stories while knowing it’ll all work out in the end; I know that no matter what the characters go through, there’s an HEA/HFN in store for them. And Rend is one of those stories where I needed to remind myself of that, because at times, things get to looking pretty bleak. BUT – don’t let the prospect of that put you off, because when all’s said and done this is a beautiful and uplifting story about two people who are hopelessly and irrevocably in love working through their problems, finding their way back to each other and becoming stronger as a result.
December 11, 2018
Since Out of Nowhere, I’ve been reading Roan Parrish’s books waiting and hoping for the next Colin, whose struggles I felt like my own and who made me so happy when he finally found the strength to face and overcome his demons. Matt came pretty close, although I’ve a strong feeling that if I’d read this book around the time I read Out of Nowhere for the first time, I wouldn’t be here making distinctions between the two of them.
As a romance reader, I’ve sometimes said that I didn’t believe in a couple’s HEA because the way they got there didn’t make me feel like they’d learned to deal with problems and setbacks as a couple. By the time this book begins, Matt and Rhys have been married for more than a year and they’re very much in love, they adore each other, but, as cute and adorable as their first months together were, they are one of those couples.
Not because of anything any of them did wrong, just because getting married isn’t a magic wand, being in love often isn't enough and vows don’t “make” a marriage, and by the time they got married they were heels over head for each other but still a work-in-progress.
Neither of them realizes how things are perfect only on the surface until it’s time for Rhys’s first tour away from home, when Matt finds himself alone to deal with all the fears he’s buried deep inside and tried to forget about.
Some readers will probably find this book depressing, Matt’s head isn’t a happy place most of the time, Rhys and Matt have to work for their relationship and it’s not an easy, smooth path, but I didn’t mind (for the record, I’m probably not the best judge, Colin’s head was ten times worse and I never had a problem with it). The sweet and carefree moments offered a good balance to Matt’s darker thoughts and I spent more time smiling than feeling down, because throughout the book you can see how deeply in love Rhys and Matt are. Despite the fact that they have to learn how to be a “real” couple, it’s never in doubt that they’ll put in the work and come out the other side together.
As a romance reader, I’ve sometimes said that I didn’t believe in a couple’s HEA because the way they got there didn’t make me feel like they’d learned to deal with problems and setbacks as a couple. By the time this book begins, Matt and Rhys have been married for more than a year and they’re very much in love, they adore each other, but, as cute and adorable as their first months together were, they are one of those couples.
Not because of anything any of them did wrong, just because getting married isn’t a magic wand, being in love often isn't enough and vows don’t “make” a marriage, and by the time they got married they were heels over head for each other but still a work-in-progress.
Neither of them realizes how things are perfect only on the surface until it’s time for Rhys’s first tour away from home, when Matt finds himself alone to deal with all the fears he’s buried deep inside and tried to forget about.
Some readers will probably find this book depressing, Matt’s head isn’t a happy place most of the time, Rhys and Matt have to work for their relationship and it’s not an easy, smooth path, but I didn’t mind (for the record, I’m probably not the best judge, Colin’s head was ten times worse and I never had a problem with it). The sweet and carefree moments offered a good balance to Matt’s darker thoughts and I spent more time smiling than feeling down, because throughout the book you can see how deeply in love Rhys and Matt are. Despite the fact that they have to learn how to be a “real” couple, it’s never in doubt that they’ll put in the work and come out the other side together.
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