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Red Note #1
The Rebound
"Some love affairs aren’t meant for the public eye.
Some love affairs won’t survive the fallout."
International pop star Sean das Dores has two loves in his life: his music and his long-term girlfriend Jo—though not necessarily in that order. So when he finds himself in the throes of a panic attack before a show, he chooses her over the arena of fans chanting his name.
What he doesn’t expect to find when he makes it home, is Jo...in bed with his uncle Apollo.
"Maybe we are all looking for something that feels a little wrong.
Maybe we all get off on that kind of thing."
Ignoring his uncle’s ominous warnings, Sean decides on a betrayal of his own: to seek comfort in the one person Apollo wants this hidden from—Calliope das Dores.
But when he arrives at her lake house—just before his twenty-first birthday—he quickly learns he was the last to know of their partners’ deception.
"Are we really going to do this?
Rebound with each other?"
What starts as an act of revenge rekindles long-buried desires between the forbidden lovers. As Sean and Calliope drive across the country, their stunned exes follow—and so do the secrets they hoped would stay hidden.
But all road trips, and some love affairs, have to end somewhere.
Some love affairs won’t survive the fallout."
International pop star Sean das Dores has two loves in his life: his music and his long-term girlfriend Jo—though not necessarily in that order. So when he finds himself in the throes of a panic attack before a show, he chooses her over the arena of fans chanting his name.
What he doesn’t expect to find when he makes it home, is Jo...in bed with his uncle Apollo.
"Maybe we are all looking for something that feels a little wrong.
Maybe we all get off on that kind of thing."
Ignoring his uncle’s ominous warnings, Sean decides on a betrayal of his own: to seek comfort in the one person Apollo wants this hidden from—Calliope das Dores.
But when he arrives at her lake house—just before his twenty-first birthday—he quickly learns he was the last to know of their partners’ deception.
"Are we really going to do this?
Rebound with each other?"
What starts as an act of revenge rekindles long-buried desires between the forbidden lovers. As Sean and Calliope drive across the country, their stunned exes follow—and so do the secrets they hoped would stay hidden.
But all road trips, and some love affairs, have to end somewhere.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2019
96 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Rogue
60 books851 followersJ.R. Rogue first put pen to paper at the age of fifteen after developing an unrequited high school crush and has never stopped writing about heartache. She has published multiple volumes of poetry and novels. Her work has been recognized with three Goodreads Choice Awards nominations, a testament to the impact of her work on readers.
In addition to her writing, J.R. Rogue is a certified yoga teacher with additional certification in Yoga Nidra and Trauma-Informed Yoga. She is passionate about mindfulness and meditation, and currently studying Foundations in Meditation. Furthermore, J.R. Rogue has been sober from alcohol since January 1st, 2020, a personal achievement that she is proud of and that has strengthened her commitment to mindfulness and wellness.
J.R. Rogue resides in a small town in the Midwest with her family, where she enjoys a peaceful life reading and telling stories
In addition to her writing, J.R. Rogue is a certified yoga teacher with additional certification in Yoga Nidra and Trauma-Informed Yoga. She is passionate about mindfulness and meditation, and currently studying Foundations in Meditation. Furthermore, J.R. Rogue has been sober from alcohol since January 1st, 2020, a personal achievement that she is proud of and that has strengthened her commitment to mindfulness and wellness.
J.R. Rogue resides in a small town in the Midwest with her family, where she enjoys a peaceful life reading and telling stories
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
June 16, 2019
"We all have weapons we can use against others, for survival, to cause chaos."
The Rebound is my first book by Rogue, but it certainly won't be the last. I wasn't entirely sure what this novel would be, but it exceeded my expectations, whatever they were. I actually didn't know that the Sean in this book was loosely inspired by the author's adoration of Shawn Mendes, but it was incredible to see the subtly influences while keeping the characters in this story wholly their own. Jen's writing has a way of blending poetic prose and contemporary compulsiveness to create an entirely readable experience, and I AM HERE FOR IT.
I don't want to say too much, because I honestly just want you to read this for yourself, but there is quite a bit of dark, angsty content here. As a reader, I'm more times than not attracted to romance that features the dark, taboo, painful narratives, and The Rebound fits nicely into that mold. There is a good deal of pain for our characters, but this bled into a realm of hope, healing, and human connection that I simply adored. If you enjoy romance of this type, I highly recommend giving The Rebound a try. Not only are you supporting an author who marketing her books on her own budget, but you can snag the e-book (at the time of this writing) for $3.99 (free on kindle unlimited!)
*Many thanks to the author for providing my review copy.
The Rebound is my first book by Rogue, but it certainly won't be the last. I wasn't entirely sure what this novel would be, but it exceeded my expectations, whatever they were. I actually didn't know that the Sean in this book was loosely inspired by the author's adoration of Shawn Mendes, but it was incredible to see the subtly influences while keeping the characters in this story wholly their own. Jen's writing has a way of blending poetic prose and contemporary compulsiveness to create an entirely readable experience, and I AM HERE FOR IT.
I don't want to say too much, because I honestly just want you to read this for yourself, but there is quite a bit of dark, angsty content here. As a reader, I'm more times than not attracted to romance that features the dark, taboo, painful narratives, and The Rebound fits nicely into that mold. There is a good deal of pain for our characters, but this bled into a realm of hope, healing, and human connection that I simply adored. If you enjoy romance of this type, I highly recommend giving The Rebound a try. Not only are you supporting an author who marketing her books on her own budget, but you can snag the e-book (at the time of this writing) for $3.99 (free on kindle unlimited!)
*Many thanks to the author for providing my review copy.
June 12, 2019
Well, here I am. A person who read the blurb for this story when Jen shared it with me and thought to myself: "Talon get real, you will not like this book. Just politely tell her that you aren't able to read it." Well, if I could slap myself for ever thinking something like that-- I would. How dare I misjudge like that! So here I am, done with The Rebound, and loving every second of it.
Jen has this type of sharp writing that cuts right in at the beginning and doesn't let go until you're done. The poignant writing in The Rebound helps the story flow from one POV to the next as well as one point in time to another. She really stepped it up in this novel-- basing the plot around a third person and first person POV. I thought the mixture really helped set the tone of the book as a whole.
I will say this, the whole Shawn Mendes as a muse thing almost turned me off from this but I'm glad that it didn't! Mainly because I didn't picture this Sean that way at all. That's the beauty of books. The words are on the page, but the pictures in your head are your own.
If you think this novel is just about revenge and rebounding-- you're 100% wrong. It's much more than that. The Rebound is J.R. Rogue's best novel to date. I said what I said. She is just like a fine-wine. With every book she writes, she gets better and better. To me, that is what being an author is all about. Progressing and growing with each novel you write. Jen excels at this.
Jen has this type of sharp writing that cuts right in at the beginning and doesn't let go until you're done. The poignant writing in The Rebound helps the story flow from one POV to the next as well as one point in time to another. She really stepped it up in this novel-- basing the plot around a third person and first person POV. I thought the mixture really helped set the tone of the book as a whole.
I will say this, the whole Shawn Mendes as a muse thing almost turned me off from this but I'm glad that it didn't! Mainly because I didn't picture this Sean that way at all. That's the beauty of books. The words are on the page, but the pictures in your head are your own.
If you think this novel is just about revenge and rebounding-- you're 100% wrong. It's much more than that. The Rebound is J.R. Rogue's best novel to date. I said what I said. She is just like a fine-wine. With every book she writes, she gets better and better. To me, that is what being an author is all about. Progressing and growing with each novel you write. Jen excels at this.
June 13, 2019
How do I form words into sentences that can even remotely do justice to The Rebound by J.R. Rogue? I don’t know if they exist. Her writing is poetry, her voice so different, so lyrical. This story her song.
Broken hearts, shattered promises, two people wanting what they shouldn’t. Using each other to seek revenge. No love—just payback. Sean + Calliope have one summer to get over the pain they endured.
The Rebound had me consumed. I wanted to read faster to see what would happen, yet I knew I needed to savor every word, every moment.
Everyone says they’re afraid to be themselves with the person they love, because what if you are, and the person you love leaves you?
But that’s not what you’re really afraid of. You’re afraid you’ll be yourself and the one you love won’t leave. Instead, they’ll stay, and break you down. They’ll kill the real you, and you’ll be the one who doesn’t leave.
I felt every emotion these characters felt—their pain, their conflict, their desire, their love.
Ms. Rogue beats to her own drum. She stepped out of the traditional romance novel box and delivered a story that kept me glued to the pages. She is an author to watch.
Broken hearts, shattered promises, two people wanting what they shouldn’t. Using each other to seek revenge. No love—just payback. Sean + Calliope have one summer to get over the pain they endured.
The Rebound had me consumed. I wanted to read faster to see what would happen, yet I knew I needed to savor every word, every moment.
Everyone says they’re afraid to be themselves with the person they love, because what if you are, and the person you love leaves you?
But that’s not what you’re really afraid of. You’re afraid you’ll be yourself and the one you love won’t leave. Instead, they’ll stay, and break you down. They’ll kill the real you, and you’ll be the one who doesn’t leave.
I felt every emotion these characters felt—their pain, their conflict, their desire, their love.
Ms. Rogue beats to her own drum. She stepped out of the traditional romance novel box and delivered a story that kept me glued to the pages. She is an author to watch.
July 5, 2019
Find more at Carlene Inspired.
Y'all, I love me a good, sexy, angsty book, but nothing beats a book with all of those qualities AND the added bonus of being about a forbidden love affair. J.R. Rogue gives us this with The Rebound. Featuring Sean, the singer all girls are fans of, and Calliope, his Uncle's wife, we get to know about this couple that comes together in a time of loneliness, of grief, of anger, and of long buried feelings. Sean's girlfriend and his uncle have been having their own affair and in his shock Sean runs to the only family he has left, into Calliope's comforting arms in the Ozarks. It's meant to be for the summer, to be a secret, but all things come into the light at some point.
"She felt something then. When he touched her, when he hurt her. She felt. And she didn't want to let go."
I knew I was in for an age-gap romance, for a forbidden relationship with an "aunt", and of course I knew there'd be angst, but nothing prepared me for the feeling J.R. Rogue put me through. The Rebound tells of devastation, of coming-of-age, of the lengths a person will go to in order to survive. It tells of love and loss and fear and anger. It's about life and the quality of living that we dream about, but can't attain. It's a book that took me deep into my feelings, into those dark corners that authors rarely reach, while also making me see the strength in climbing from those depths to reach humanity and kindness and life. It isn't about The Rebound, it's about what the rebound revealed, about the secrets and lies that had been holding them all captive for far too long.
"People come into your lives in seasons. I will be a short one for her. One of those falls you barely feel, before winter grips you."
I devoured this book so quickly, I was in love with how J.R. Rogue paired her poetic prose with a gritty story that readers may shy away from. It's worth putting your usual rules for books away, it's worth taking a blind chance on. It's one of those books that's real, that can hit close to home, but it's done magnificently. In all the darkness there is a story of hope and love and the human experience. The Rebound will consume you, swallow you hole, and it will stay with you long after you read the last word on the final page.
Y'all, I love me a good, sexy, angsty book, but nothing beats a book with all of those qualities AND the added bonus of being about a forbidden love affair. J.R. Rogue gives us this with The Rebound. Featuring Sean, the singer all girls are fans of, and Calliope, his Uncle's wife, we get to know about this couple that comes together in a time of loneliness, of grief, of anger, and of long buried feelings. Sean's girlfriend and his uncle have been having their own affair and in his shock Sean runs to the only family he has left, into Calliope's comforting arms in the Ozarks. It's meant to be for the summer, to be a secret, but all things come into the light at some point.
"She felt something then. When he touched her, when he hurt her. She felt. And she didn't want to let go."
I knew I was in for an age-gap romance, for a forbidden relationship with an "aunt", and of course I knew there'd be angst, but nothing prepared me for the feeling J.R. Rogue put me through. The Rebound tells of devastation, of coming-of-age, of the lengths a person will go to in order to survive. It tells of love and loss and fear and anger. It's about life and the quality of living that we dream about, but can't attain. It's a book that took me deep into my feelings, into those dark corners that authors rarely reach, while also making me see the strength in climbing from those depths to reach humanity and kindness and life. It isn't about The Rebound, it's about what the rebound revealed, about the secrets and lies that had been holding them all captive for far too long.
"People come into your lives in seasons. I will be a short one for her. One of those falls you barely feel, before winter grips you."
I devoured this book so quickly, I was in love with how J.R. Rogue paired her poetic prose with a gritty story that readers may shy away from. It's worth putting your usual rules for books away, it's worth taking a blind chance on. It's one of those books that's real, that can hit close to home, but it's done magnificently. In all the darkness there is a story of hope and love and the human experience. The Rebound will consume you, swallow you hole, and it will stay with you long after you read the last word on the final page.
June 14, 2019
I expected this to hurt me... and it did. Hahaha
BEAUTIFUL! I wasn’t expecting to love it so much, not my usual tropes. 🙈
UPDATE... so last night i decided to skim some parts for quotes, but then i just started reading the whole thing again. Sooo, it was better the second time for me. I was anxious the first time because i wasn’t sure when to expect the aches. But the second time was easier and i could get more lost in the story and the beautiful poetic writing. Also, can we just talk about how great these characters are? Sean is a cinnamon roll, not all that flawed. But everyone else? Flawed AF. AND I AM HERE FOR THAT! Apollo is awful and also the best villain I’ve ever read. I know I’m not suppose to like him, but i do. IDK WHY I AM LIKE THIS 🙈 he is toxic. Not redeemable. Jo, I’m glad we got pov from her! She’s just another woman out there trying to survive and get and have it all. I can understand that selfish drive. And Calliope who also has that, but who is also genuine. You both want to hug and shake her!
A SOLID 5 STAR RATING 🖤
BEAUTIFUL! I wasn’t expecting to love it so much, not my usual tropes. 🙈
UPDATE... so last night i decided to skim some parts for quotes, but then i just started reading the whole thing again. Sooo, it was better the second time for me. I was anxious the first time because i wasn’t sure when to expect the aches. But the second time was easier and i could get more lost in the story and the beautiful poetic writing. Also, can we just talk about how great these characters are? Sean is a cinnamon roll, not all that flawed. But everyone else? Flawed AF. AND I AM HERE FOR THAT! Apollo is awful and also the best villain I’ve ever read. I know I’m not suppose to like him, but i do. IDK WHY I AM LIKE THIS 🙈 he is toxic. Not redeemable. Jo, I’m glad we got pov from her! She’s just another woman out there trying to survive and get and have it all. I can understand that selfish drive. And Calliope who also has that, but who is also genuine. You both want to hug and shake her!
A SOLID 5 STAR RATING 🖤
August 21, 2019
Loved it. Absolutely loved it. It was not what I expected, which is often a good thing. Reading Jen’s books makes me excited because every one is better than the last. She’s grown so much as a writer. I’m just stunned. This is so, so good.
June 4, 2019
By far Rogue’s best work to date. I found myself so emotionally invested in these characters and their story. The woven past and present different POVs were so well done and perfectly timed. Rogue never disappoints.
June 13, 2019
There is no one in this world who writes quite like J.R. Rogue does.
She effortlessly weaves different POVs and past/present chapters in a way that is not only cohesive, it's brilliant.
I am in awe of her ability to carve a solid place in the romantic suspense genre. Because that's exactly what this is.
What can I say about this story, other than the fact that everyone should read it?
It bends morals, it breaks hearts, and all along, you're still hoping for a happy ending for the sweet Sean and his elusive muse.
Jen is one of the most talented authors of our time. She is as impressive as she is versatile.
Just know this little woman can write her ass off.
She effortlessly weaves different POVs and past/present chapters in a way that is not only cohesive, it's brilliant.
I am in awe of her ability to carve a solid place in the romantic suspense genre. Because that's exactly what this is.
What can I say about this story, other than the fact that everyone should read it?
It bends morals, it breaks hearts, and all along, you're still hoping for a happy ending for the sweet Sean and his elusive muse.
Jen is one of the most talented authors of our time. She is as impressive as she is versatile.
Just know this little woman can write her ass off.
August 12, 2019
Right away I was beyond captivated with the story told from multiple POVs. It was heartbreaking yet poignant and I hated everyone involved in leading up to this situation. This story puts you in a melancholy mood. But it had messages about hope, loving yourself and finding yourself.
Sean is a young naive musician who retaliates with his uncle’s wife when his uncle has an affair with his girlfriend. As the story unfolds, you learn more about the complicated relationships between the 4 and well..... I just became more angry and saddened for Sean and Calliope as they were prisoners in their mind and hearts and so desperately in need of breaking free from their cages. This journey takes on several heavy topics and it is treated in such a stirring way that you are drawn into each and every character’s experience and somewhat empathetic for them. BUT every time I read Apollo’s messages all I would think was prick, prick, prick. Jerk. Asshole. Piece of shit. Fucker! And every other name under the sun. He was not a good person. I was in agony for Calliope and Sean.
Her writing is poetic. There is so much pain, emotion and heartache in her words that stirs you and pulls you to these characters that you can’t help but be deeply connected to them. It’s a sorrowful read but a beautiful one. I didn’t want this to end.
Sean is a young naive musician who retaliates with his uncle’s wife when his uncle has an affair with his girlfriend. As the story unfolds, you learn more about the complicated relationships between the 4 and well..... I just became more angry and saddened for Sean and Calliope as they were prisoners in their mind and hearts and so desperately in need of breaking free from their cages. This journey takes on several heavy topics and it is treated in such a stirring way that you are drawn into each and every character’s experience and somewhat empathetic for them. BUT every time I read Apollo’s messages all I would think was prick, prick, prick. Jerk. Asshole. Piece of shit. Fucker! And every other name under the sun. He was not a good person. I was in agony for Calliope and Sean.
Her writing is poetic. There is so much pain, emotion and heartache in her words that stirs you and pulls you to these characters that you can’t help but be deeply connected to them. It’s a sorrowful read but a beautiful one. I didn’t want this to end.
May 27, 2019
I was blessed to get an early copy of The Rebound. And with it, I see how much J.R Rogue continues to grow and get better with each book she writes. This book weaved a tale of past and present between 4 peoples lives and with it brought pain, destruction, loneliness and a deep seated want.
I really enjoyed the way Ms Rogue took the characters pasts and presents and intertwined it with third and first person (along with the continuous texts). I know with romance, a lot of readers might shy away from 3rd person. But I'm here to tell you not to. You are missing out on some amazing stories that allows an author to play with what is happening in their stories with greater detail. That's exactly what we got to see with Calliope and Sean (and a little of Jo). We got to see these younger versions of these characters rescue themselves in different ways and see where it took them in the future. Some was pure ugliness, but it was raw and real and I always felt like I was on the precipice about to fall.
"Being human....It's weird and beautiful and sad."
This wasn't all just about a rebound or to spite the others that have hurt you. It was about learning and growing and feeling. Age gap be damned. I'm here for the beauty in the ugly. The story flowed well and it gave me a history of characters along with a journey to healing and finding happiness where you least expect it. She took characters that shouldn't have been involved and made it into a story of painful need and desires. Love comes in very different forms. We just have to open our eyes to see where the healthy reality lies.
"I'd rather feel absolutely everything. To the extreme. I'd rather feel it all than feel nothing at all."
I can't wait for other readers to take a chance on a story that is unique in style with characters that aren't perfect. It's a ride worth taking.
I really enjoyed the way Ms Rogue took the characters pasts and presents and intertwined it with third and first person (along with the continuous texts). I know with romance, a lot of readers might shy away from 3rd person. But I'm here to tell you not to. You are missing out on some amazing stories that allows an author to play with what is happening in their stories with greater detail. That's exactly what we got to see with Calliope and Sean (and a little of Jo). We got to see these younger versions of these characters rescue themselves in different ways and see where it took them in the future. Some was pure ugliness, but it was raw and real and I always felt like I was on the precipice about to fall.
"Being human....It's weird and beautiful and sad."
This wasn't all just about a rebound or to spite the others that have hurt you. It was about learning and growing and feeling. Age gap be damned. I'm here for the beauty in the ugly. The story flowed well and it gave me a history of characters along with a journey to healing and finding happiness where you least expect it. She took characters that shouldn't have been involved and made it into a story of painful need and desires. Love comes in very different forms. We just have to open our eyes to see where the healthy reality lies.
"I'd rather feel absolutely everything. To the extreme. I'd rather feel it all than feel nothing at all."
I can't wait for other readers to take a chance on a story that is unique in style with characters that aren't perfect. It's a ride worth taking.
March 21, 2021
"“Sea of Sorrows.
Sea. Of Sorrows.
C of Sorrows.
Calliope das Dores."
My previous review got lost, so I forgot what I had written ✔️✔️
Sea. Of Sorrows.
C of Sorrows.
Calliope das Dores."
My previous review got lost, so I forgot what I had written ✔️✔️
June 11, 2019
I’ve struggled to get through a book this year. Reading ever so slowly. But The Rebound woke me up. The amount of feelings I experienced while reading this floored me. I didn’t realize how hollow I had been feeling before I finished. Rogue has a particular style which I love. She doesn’t do fluffy and light. She punches your gut with her all. I adore her for this.
June 27, 2019
"I'd rather feel absolutely everything. To the extreme. I'd rather feel it all than feel nothing at all."
When I saw that J.R. Rogue was writing a book with Shawn Mendes as her inspiration... I was leery. I was given a concrete image of the main character and sometimes it's hard to let my mind get lost in a story, when that happens. I was able to get so wrapped up in the words that I forgot. I forgot that Sean had a very clear muse.
The Rebound ended up being so much more than I bargained for. It touches on heavy matters like toxic people and abuse. It was poignant yet hopeful. J.R. Rogue is truly an artist in the way she weaves her stories. She paints a picture and slowly adds details, some are apparent and others are more obscure. Every word has a definitive purpose to evoke a certain feeling from the reader. This novel is heavy with emotion. Most of it will be uncomfortable, but that's Rogue's gift. She brings you to those dark corners and you'll come out of the other side being happy you experienced it.
Yes, there's an age gap. Yes, it's about an affair between relatives by marriage. But when you peel back the layers, it's really about two people stepping out of the shadows they've been hiding in.
When I saw that J.R. Rogue was writing a book with Shawn Mendes as her inspiration... I was leery. I was given a concrete image of the main character and sometimes it's hard to let my mind get lost in a story, when that happens. I was able to get so wrapped up in the words that I forgot. I forgot that Sean had a very clear muse.
The Rebound ended up being so much more than I bargained for. It touches on heavy matters like toxic people and abuse. It was poignant yet hopeful. J.R. Rogue is truly an artist in the way she weaves her stories. She paints a picture and slowly adds details, some are apparent and others are more obscure. Every word has a definitive purpose to evoke a certain feeling from the reader. This novel is heavy with emotion. Most of it will be uncomfortable, but that's Rogue's gift. She brings you to those dark corners and you'll come out of the other side being happy you experienced it.
Yes, there's an age gap. Yes, it's about an affair between relatives by marriage. But when you peel back the layers, it's really about two people stepping out of the shadows they've been hiding in.
June 15, 2019
I can't say I've read another author that writes quite like J.R. Rogue, especially when it comes to THE REBOUND.
Rogue has a way of saying a lot with just a few words. Her sentences are poetic in their simplicity, weighted and honestly raw. Flowery descriptions are not what you get from her, but depth and understanding of emotions and connections. The conversations between the characters read as organic and even without excessive description, you can imagine the characters perfectly.
This is the 2nd book of Rogue's that I've read and it's fascinating watching her writing grow and change while maintaining a similar voice. This is not a hearts-and-flowers book, so don't go in looking for that. This is a book about communication and connection and growth and change.
It's a quick read, but also makes you pause and think, so allow yourself some time to feel.
I didn't fully feel connected to the H and h, but I think that's more on my part than Rogue's. I did enjoy feeling like a fly on a wall, watching the story unfold.
Rogue has a way of saying a lot with just a few words. Her sentences are poetic in their simplicity, weighted and honestly raw. Flowery descriptions are not what you get from her, but depth and understanding of emotions and connections. The conversations between the characters read as organic and even without excessive description, you can imagine the characters perfectly.
This is the 2nd book of Rogue's that I've read and it's fascinating watching her writing grow and change while maintaining a similar voice. This is not a hearts-and-flowers book, so don't go in looking for that. This is a book about communication and connection and growth and change.
It's a quick read, but also makes you pause and think, so allow yourself some time to feel.
I didn't fully feel connected to the H and h, but I think that's more on my part than Rogue's. I did enjoy feeling like a fly on a wall, watching the story unfold.
May 17, 2019
I don't know what ARC God smiled on me, but somehow I got a copy of this delivered to my kindle. (Thank you!)
This book is beautiful. It's also brutal.
Yeah, brutal and beautiful is probably the best way I can describe it.
There is only one other piece of art that I can compare it to and that's the film Blue Valentine. Blue Valentine is an absolutely beautiful movie, but I would NEVER be able to watch it again. Same with this book.
There are times where it was soul crushing. I am married and I have a good marriage. Seeing Calliope's marriage gave me so much anxiety and filled me with so much sadness. I FELT Calliope. Calliope WAS the lake.
I'm not a Shawn Mendes fan. In fact, I had to kind of do my research on him prior to picking this up since I know he was the muse for Sean in the story. Sean was the only untarnished character in the book. Everyone was so jaded around him that it made to stop and look at those surrounding me.
There is a lot of depth to this book. I picked it up expecting a romance, but in a way I felt like it was a ghost story.
Its going to haunt me for awhile.
I would definitely recommend it to those that liked Verity by Colleen Hoover, Ghost Writer by Alessandra Torre, or Mud Vein by Tarryn Fisher. I think those that liked those stories would appreciate this one.
This book is beautiful. It's also brutal.
Yeah, brutal and beautiful is probably the best way I can describe it.
There is only one other piece of art that I can compare it to and that's the film Blue Valentine. Blue Valentine is an absolutely beautiful movie, but I would NEVER be able to watch it again. Same with this book.
There are times where it was soul crushing. I am married and I have a good marriage. Seeing Calliope's marriage gave me so much anxiety and filled me with so much sadness. I FELT Calliope. Calliope WAS the lake.
I'm not a Shawn Mendes fan. In fact, I had to kind of do my research on him prior to picking this up since I know he was the muse for Sean in the story. Sean was the only untarnished character in the book. Everyone was so jaded around him that it made to stop and look at those surrounding me.
There is a lot of depth to this book. I picked it up expecting a romance, but in a way I felt like it was a ghost story.
Its going to haunt me for awhile.
I would definitely recommend it to those that liked Verity by Colleen Hoover, Ghost Writer by Alessandra Torre, or Mud Vein by Tarryn Fisher. I think those that liked those stories would appreciate this one.
June 15, 2019
*sigh*
I told myself that I was not going to binge read this book. I lied. I found myself telling others about the amazing story before I was even 50% into it. Sean was beautifully written. I felt what he felt and hurt when he hurt. Apollo filled my heart with pain, Jo made me want to fight someone, and Calliope reminded me of myself in so many ways. Amazing story.
I told myself that I was not going to binge read this book. I lied. I found myself telling others about the amazing story before I was even 50% into it. Sean was beautifully written. I felt what he felt and hurt when he hurt. Apollo filled my heart with pain, Jo made me want to fight someone, and Calliope reminded me of myself in so many ways. Amazing story.
June 11, 2019
The Rebound was not what I was expecting, but I mean this in the best way possible. When I first heard the author was writing a romance inspired by Shawn Mendes, I figured it would be a light beach read, happy and sweet. But knowing Rogue's writing style, I should have known better.
The storyline was captivating, with dark and taboo undertones, and the characters were written in such an honest and real way that they were hard to ignore.
I found myself rooting for the love that I thought would repel me. Though the couple had a very unique romance blossoming, an unconventional love that most people would shake their heads at, ultimately, I wanted to see them happy, because they were each deserving of a happy ending.
Rogue has a way of weaving in sad and genuine feelings, words that will gut you, in something you thought would be happier and lighter. She will surprise you with her talent, with her heart, by inspiring you to look at unconventional things in an accepting fashion.
On another note, I will never be able to hear a Shawn Mendes song without thinking of Sean das Dores. And this is the greatest parting gift of all from this book. The fact that it will live on long after you close it.
The storyline was captivating, with dark and taboo undertones, and the characters were written in such an honest and real way that they were hard to ignore.
I found myself rooting for the love that I thought would repel me. Though the couple had a very unique romance blossoming, an unconventional love that most people would shake their heads at, ultimately, I wanted to see them happy, because they were each deserving of a happy ending.
Rogue has a way of weaving in sad and genuine feelings, words that will gut you, in something you thought would be happier and lighter. She will surprise you with her talent, with her heart, by inspiring you to look at unconventional things in an accepting fashion.
On another note, I will never be able to hear a Shawn Mendes song without thinking of Sean das Dores. And this is the greatest parting gift of all from this book. The fact that it will live on long after you close it.
June 11, 2019
Lisa says...
"Some love affairs aren't meant for the public eye. Some love affairs won't survive the fallout."
4 Forbidden Stars
I opened up my kindle one day and right there on the screen was The Rebound to say I was excited is an understatement. If you are looking for a feel good romance this is not the book for you! BUT if you like to feel the gritty reality of a story then this is for you.
These characters are so real and imperfect in their own way, which makes parts of them so easy to relate to. This is a Forbidden Romance story so if that is your thing, you NEED this book! J.R. Rogue's writing is so impressive and really reaches down inside you and grips you with the feelings of pain and joy that these two main characters Sean and Calliope experience throughout this story. I really enjoyed how these characters evolved in this story. This is one of those stories that will stay with you for a long time.
Congratulations J.R. Rogue on a truly heartfelt read!!!
This book was received for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
"Some love affairs aren't meant for the public eye. Some love affairs won't survive the fallout."
4 Forbidden Stars
I opened up my kindle one day and right there on the screen was The Rebound to say I was excited is an understatement. If you are looking for a feel good romance this is not the book for you! BUT if you like to feel the gritty reality of a story then this is for you.
These characters are so real and imperfect in their own way, which makes parts of them so easy to relate to. This is a Forbidden Romance story so if that is your thing, you NEED this book! J.R. Rogue's writing is so impressive and really reaches down inside you and grips you with the feelings of pain and joy that these two main characters Sean and Calliope experience throughout this story. I really enjoyed how these characters evolved in this story. This is one of those stories that will stay with you for a long time.
Congratulations J.R. Rogue on a truly heartfelt read!!!
This book was received for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
May 29, 2019
"Everyone loves a fantasy more. Doesn't make it real."
Jesus. J.R. Rogue has truly outdone herself with The Rebound. After shamelessly commenting on every ARC giveaway post I came upon, this beauty hit my email last night and I devoured it in no time.
I'm always a sucker for older women/younger men stories. I adore musicians ....combine those elements that with another of Jen's kind anti-alpha males and now I'm a goner for Sean.
The Rebound alternates from first to third person POV which is an intriguing difference in today's Indie market.
Also, that cover is amazing.
J.R. Rogue is always an automatic one click for me, she should be for you too. 😂
Jesus. J.R. Rogue has truly outdone herself with The Rebound. After shamelessly commenting on every ARC giveaway post I came upon, this beauty hit my email last night and I devoured it in no time.
I'm always a sucker for older women/younger men stories. I adore musicians ....combine those elements that with another of Jen's kind anti-alpha males and now I'm a goner for Sean.
The Rebound alternates from first to third person POV which is an intriguing difference in today's Indie market.
Also, that cover is amazing.
J.R. Rogue is always an automatic one click for me, she should be for you too. 😂
May 28, 2019
Rogue returns with a captivating story I couldn’t put down. The full spectrum of emotion, taboo, sexy, heartbreaking, gut wrenching. Make no mistake about it, pick up this book and you’re in for a ride. Prepare to become invested. Prepare to be a little broken.
June 7, 2019
3.5 - 4 stars
“Maybe one day we will meet again,
someplace I left unsaid words on your collarbone.
The map is littered with those places. My chest is full of them.”
This book. Sean. Calliope.
😩❤️
“Maybe one day we will meet again,
someplace I left unsaid words on your collarbone.
The map is littered with those places. My chest is full of them.”
This book. Sean. Calliope.
😩❤️
May 22, 2019
4.5 stars ✨
another masterpiece by j.r. rogue
The Rebound has been an emotional roll coaster of a book. Which we all know are my favorite kind.
another masterpiece by j.r. rogue
The Rebound has been an emotional roll coaster of a book. Which we all know are my favorite kind.
May 21, 2019
There are moments in our lives that hit us in such a way that leave us completely speechless. For me, this is one of those moments.
The Rebound is the first book that I have the pleasure to read by J.R Rogue and, it’s impossible not ask myself, Why? Why did it take me so long to do it?
But now, my heart knows the answer. The constant pounding inside my ribcage doesn’t seem to find an end, even while I write this review.
I close my eyes and I still can picture the raw feelings each one of the characters had to embrace after every chapter. The agony and the joy they had to experience in order to make this story as unique as it was.
J.R Rogue did not hesitate to give her all in this book. Her impeccable writing is the reason why it will be impossible for the reader to stop turning over the pages and keep removing all the layers of this painfully beautiful love story.
I find fascinating how J.R Rogue found a way to balance the past and present in the book. A necessity that was overriding for the story to flow. I really enjoyed the different POVs that where filled with third and first person, giving an inside of each character, their complex feelings and the decisions they made. What exactly made them fall and evolve.
The Rebound by J.R Rogue not only has a plot like no other, but it explains you in the most fascinated way what’s the meaning of true freedom. How love can be able to blind us to the point where we find ourself not knowing who we are anymore. And what happens when we let people dictate what is best for us. But true love is irrevocable and when you find it, no matter how long it took you, you know you will never attempt to run away from it anymore.
My recommendation for all the readers is to take your time reading it. This is a book where you have to savour every single moment without restrictions. Let your heart feel, because that was what this author wanted from you. <3
The Rebound is the first book that I have the pleasure to read by J.R Rogue and, it’s impossible not ask myself, Why? Why did it take me so long to do it?
But now, my heart knows the answer. The constant pounding inside my ribcage doesn’t seem to find an end, even while I write this review.
I close my eyes and I still can picture the raw feelings each one of the characters had to embrace after every chapter. The agony and the joy they had to experience in order to make this story as unique as it was.
J.R Rogue did not hesitate to give her all in this book. Her impeccable writing is the reason why it will be impossible for the reader to stop turning over the pages and keep removing all the layers of this painfully beautiful love story.
I find fascinating how J.R Rogue found a way to balance the past and present in the book. A necessity that was overriding for the story to flow. I really enjoyed the different POVs that where filled with third and first person, giving an inside of each character, their complex feelings and the decisions they made. What exactly made them fall and evolve.
The Rebound by J.R Rogue not only has a plot like no other, but it explains you in the most fascinated way what’s the meaning of true freedom. How love can be able to blind us to the point where we find ourself not knowing who we are anymore. And what happens when we let people dictate what is best for us. But true love is irrevocable and when you find it, no matter how long it took you, you know you will never attempt to run away from it anymore.
My recommendation for all the readers is to take your time reading it. This is a book where you have to savour every single moment without restrictions. Let your heart feel, because that was what this author wanted from you. <3
October 12, 2022
The main male character had no personality whatsoever. This had a good premise besides the no personality.
November 20, 2022
Age-gap/forbidden romance 🔥
January 5, 2020
Listening to Shawn Mendes version of "Use Somebody" and reading the last line in the book gave me chills. Instant goosebumps all over my body. It was the perfect ending to this story.
June 15, 2019
I’m a Rogue fanatic. There. I said it. KMLYMI was my favorite Rogue novel, until I read The Rebound. Rogue came in swinging with this one. I swear her brain was like, yo, let’s have a growth spurt during the writing process with this one, okay? Okay.
I’ll start with the characters, because they will go down in history as some of my favorites. I’m convinced Rogue couldn’t write a flat character, even if she tried. They read as flesh and blood, not fiction, and that’s a testament to her craft because she could have easily fallen into the trap of writing one dimensional characters bogged down by tropes with a title like The Rebound, but alas, she spun this story far away from tropeville. I went into this book knowing who her muse was, but she didn’t write Sean just as we see her muse, she made him his own being, and after a while I didn’t picture him as her muse, but as a new fictional boyfriend I was meeting for the first time. Calliope is one of those female leads that doesn’t come around very often. Not only is she older than most women we read about, she has so many layers, layers that so many women can relate to. And her sensuality, HELLO. I actually found myself attracted more to Calliope than Sean, which was a first for me. Calliope is officially my first book girlfriend. Every time I was in her head I got lost in her longing, her pain, and I wanted to hang her in head for just a little longer. #teamcalliope
I even liked the villains, because Rogue writes believable, realistic villains. You can’t help but nod and say yep, I know a person like that, or I know someone who would pull a stunt like that.
Now for the story, even IF Rogue wrote flat characters here, I imagine the angst and the longing in this story could have driven this story by itself. It’s everything you’d expect from a novel called The Rebound, and so much more. There was suspense, revenge, love and an ending I DID NOT SEE COMING. I’ve come to expect certain endings with Rogue, so it was a nice surprise to get the one we got here, but still, in Rogue fashion.
I wouldn’t say this book is dark like some other Rogue novels we’ve come to love, but it’s not exactly light. It falls somewhere in the middle, and that middle is the Rogue sweet spot.
I’ll start with the characters, because they will go down in history as some of my favorites. I’m convinced Rogue couldn’t write a flat character, even if she tried. They read as flesh and blood, not fiction, and that’s a testament to her craft because she could have easily fallen into the trap of writing one dimensional characters bogged down by tropes with a title like The Rebound, but alas, she spun this story far away from tropeville. I went into this book knowing who her muse was, but she didn’t write Sean just as we see her muse, she made him his own being, and after a while I didn’t picture him as her muse, but as a new fictional boyfriend I was meeting for the first time. Calliope is one of those female leads that doesn’t come around very often. Not only is she older than most women we read about, she has so many layers, layers that so many women can relate to. And her sensuality, HELLO. I actually found myself attracted more to Calliope than Sean, which was a first for me. Calliope is officially my first book girlfriend. Every time I was in her head I got lost in her longing, her pain, and I wanted to hang her in head for just a little longer. #teamcalliope
I even liked the villains, because Rogue writes believable, realistic villains. You can’t help but nod and say yep, I know a person like that, or I know someone who would pull a stunt like that.
Now for the story, even IF Rogue wrote flat characters here, I imagine the angst and the longing in this story could have driven this story by itself. It’s everything you’d expect from a novel called The Rebound, and so much more. There was suspense, revenge, love and an ending I DID NOT SEE COMING. I’ve come to expect certain endings with Rogue, so it was a nice surprise to get the one we got here, but still, in Rogue fashion.
I wouldn’t say this book is dark like some other Rogue novels we’ve come to love, but it’s not exactly light. It falls somewhere in the middle, and that middle is the Rogue sweet spot.
May 14, 2019
What are words? That is the feeling I often get after finishing a JR Rogue novel. With The Rebound, it was no different, and I was sucked into Rogue’s unique style of concise, sharp storytelling with just the right amount of weight elicited from each word.
Rogue weaved a tale that was far more than a breakup and the revenge arc that followed. The plot was perfectly paced with both last/present POVs. Much of the story inflicted an ache in the reader, but Rogue is an expert at creating moments in the agony; pockets of solace when the characters come together and you feel the meaning of each weighted glance, each touch. Moments.
This is not the kind of review that will tell you anything about the plot, but what I can say to that is the storyline was satisfying and well fleshed-out, with a delicate push and pull that kept me reaching for this book. I keep saying I’ve found my favorite JR Rogue novel, but that usually only rings true until the next one comes out.
Rogue weaved a tale that was far more than a breakup and the revenge arc that followed. The plot was perfectly paced with both last/present POVs. Much of the story inflicted an ache in the reader, but Rogue is an expert at creating moments in the agony; pockets of solace when the characters come together and you feel the meaning of each weighted glance, each touch. Moments.
This is not the kind of review that will tell you anything about the plot, but what I can say to that is the storyline was satisfying and well fleshed-out, with a delicate push and pull that kept me reaching for this book. I keep saying I’ve found my favorite JR Rogue novel, but that usually only rings true until the next one comes out.
June 28, 2023
★★★★ WOW STARS!
I’m still sitting here like this
This story was wow I don’t even know how to fully explain it…
this read isn’t something I’d usually go for.. but it was being offered for free and something about the summary had me HOOKED. I found myself so intrigued by this messy ass story I wanted to know EVERYTHING. I was trying to figure out everything before I read it because I was THAT invested.
Sean ugh my heart really went out to him.. poor thing I just wanted to push his head in my boosums.
Calliope was a heartbreaking beautiful mess.
All these characters were so VERY flawed!!!
But again something about this story had me very captivated 🥹🥹🥹🥹
My biggest issue…. Apollo!!!
He was the definition of a villain but I found myself intrigued by his character
Don’t judge me….
I feel like we kinda of get a look into what happened with Jo after the fall out of everything
but Apollo…. Crickets absolutely nothing especially with what happened between him and Sean I was very confused by it. He was such a pivotal character to then just never heard anything about him again, while I get it because he was an asshole still felt like his storyline just had no ending lol like was he in jail? Did he die?
LIKE WHAT HAPPENED!!
Other than that I really enjoyed this story it was a wild ride!!!
-bOOkSn0b📚
I’m still sitting here like this
This story was wow I don’t even know how to fully explain it…
this read isn’t something I’d usually go for.. but it was being offered for free and something about the summary had me HOOKED. I found myself so intrigued by this messy ass story I wanted to know EVERYTHING. I was trying to figure out everything before I read it because I was THAT invested.
Sean ugh my heart really went out to him.. poor thing I just wanted to push his head in my boosums.
Calliope was a heartbreaking beautiful mess.
All these characters were so VERY flawed!!!
But again something about this story had me very captivated 🥹🥹🥹🥹
My biggest issue…. Apollo!!!
He was the definition of a villain but I found myself intrigued by his character
Don’t judge me….
I feel like we kinda of get a look into what happened with Jo after the fall out of everything
but Apollo…. Crickets absolutely nothing especially with what happened between him and Sean I was very confused by it. He was such a pivotal character to then just never heard anything about him again, while I get it because he was an asshole still felt like his storyline just had no ending lol like was he in jail? Did he die?
LIKE WHAT HAPPENED!!
Other than that I really enjoyed this story it was a wild ride!!!
-bOOkSn0b📚
May 23, 2019
This book.. I am at a loss for words. I think I will be haunted by this book for the rest of my life.
This story may possibly be the best writing from J.R. Rogue EVER. The way she brought Sean and Calliope to life, and made me feel all their pain and joy... I don’t think I will e we recover from this. I absolutely fell in love with these two. My heart shattered for them.
I absolutely never wanted this book to end, and I dragged my feet while finishing it. I dreaded and anticipated it both at the same time with a heaviness on my chest. I honestly do not think I will recover from this book.
Bravo J.R. Rogue. You have set a new bar for me.
This story may possibly be the best writing from J.R. Rogue EVER. The way she brought Sean and Calliope to life, and made me feel all their pain and joy... I don’t think I will e we recover from this. I absolutely fell in love with these two. My heart shattered for them.
I absolutely never wanted this book to end, and I dragged my feet while finishing it. I dreaded and anticipated it both at the same time with a heaviness on my chest. I honestly do not think I will recover from this book.
Bravo J.R. Rogue. You have set a new bar for me.
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