What do you think?
Rate this book
Small Change #2
Invitation to the Blues
Eight months ago Jude Lucen fled his partner, his career, and a hospital in Boston after a suicide attempt. Now back in Philadelphia, he feels like a complete failure. Piano has always been his passion and his only escape. Without it, he has nothing. Well, nothing except a pathetic crush on the most gorgeous man he’s ever seen.
Faron Locklear came to Philly looking for a fresh start and has thrown himself into tattooing at Small Change. He’s only met Jude a few times, but something about the red-haired man with the haunted eyes calls to him. Faron is blown away by Jude’s talent. What he isn’t expecting is the electricity he feels the first time they kiss—and the way Jude’s needs in bed speak directly to his own deepest desires.
Jude and Faron fall fast and hard, but Jude has spent a lifetime learning that he can’t be what the people he loves need. So when the opportunity arises to renew his career in Boston, he thinks he has to choose: music, or Faron? Only by taking a huge risk—and finally believing he’s worthy of love just as he is—can he have the chance for both.
Faron Locklear came to Philly looking for a fresh start and has thrown himself into tattooing at Small Change. He’s only met Jude a few times, but something about the red-haired man with the haunted eyes calls to him. Faron is blown away by Jude’s talent. What he isn’t expecting is the electricity he feels the first time they kiss—and the way Jude’s needs in bed speak directly to his own deepest desires.
Jude and Faron fall fast and hard, but Jude has spent a lifetime learning that he can’t be what the people he loves need. So when the opportunity arises to renew his career in Boston, he thinks he has to choose: music, or Faron? Only by taking a huge risk—and finally believing he’s worthy of love just as he is—can he have the chance for both.
ebook
First published March 28, 2018
152 people are currently reading
1237 people want to read
About the author
Roan Parrish
36 books2,359 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.
Roan's Newsletter
Roan's Facebook Group
Roan on Twitter
Roan on Instagram
Roan’s website
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews
March 26, 2018
One thing I've come to expect from picking up a new book by Roan Parrish is never to expect a similar story with new characters.Her books are wonderfully diverse and this is no exception.
Book two in the series ( book one is MF ), but can definitely be read as a standalone.Both characters were introduced in Small Change and if you go both ways in your books I would definitely recommend that one.I was more than a bit fascinated by Jude and,especially,Faron and was really interested in reading their story...
This one deals with mental illness and kudos to the Author because her portrayal of Jude's condition was extremely well portrayed.His self doubt,insecurities,and feelings of worthlessness touched a cord with me as I have personal experience with a family member who suffered in the same way.My heart ached for Jude at times and Faron was just perfect with him.His patience and understanding with Jude was so special to read about.
It's a slow,sensual story that was beautifully written and one I would definitely recommend.
An Arc of Invitation to the Blues was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.>
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
![Profile Image for len ❀ [ia bc of school].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1753226014i%2F51318038._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 2, 2024
Finishing this makes me feel so cynical because I was so bored.
I’m sure this is a wonderful story, and I’m extremely happy for those who loved this and felt emotional reading it, but I could not for the life of me bring myself to care enough for the characters or believe in the relationship connection.
I normally love and adore stories centered on mental health, especially with depression and anxiety because I can relate to them one way or another. But it’s not even so much as relating or not relating that I love; it’s how real they feel. How flawed and complex they feel. How the characters feel real and not just fictional, how easy it is to understand them and sympathize with them. We constantly say we read to escape reality, and that is true for me for the most part, but I still love seeing different perspectives of characters going through it. I love a good mix and blend of fluff and angst, of suffering and pure bliss, because for once it’s not me going through it.
I’d usually feel like I wanna protect Jude and wrap him in a warm bubble blanket, but reading this made me feel nothing but boredom. I couldn’t bring myself to care about him, his depression, how sad he is, how difficult it is for him, and his past. I couldn’t bring myself to worry about what would happen in the future or what would change. I couldn’t bring myself to feel any sort of sympathy, even though I should have. This is an angsty read yet it felt like that was all there was. Jude’s inner monologue remains the same for pretty much the entirety of the story, about how worthless he feels, how unlovable he is, how his former boyfriend made him feel, etc.
I can see how and why this story will be relatable to some and emotional as well, but nothing about it captivated me. I continued reading just to finish it, but there were too many times where I put the book down because of how unmotivated I was, how bored I felt, and that’s never good.
Adding on to that, I couldn’t root for the relationship this author created between Jude and Faron. I wondered what exactly Faron saw in Jude besides being a former pianist who is a “unique Ginger” with his pale, white skin, flaming red long hair, and freckles. The author tries bringing up a point about how it could’ve been considered fetishization if Jude complimented Faron’s dark brown/black skin yet sometimes it felt like Faron was fetishizing Jude for how he looked. His attraction felt primarily physical, and since we don’t get his POV, we don’t really see or understand what he sees in Jude. Most of his personality revolves around depression and anxiety. While he can be considered to be funny and kind later in the book, I found those traits to be commonly bland, nothing that made Jude stand out and instead something I’d hope any character has (in cases like these).
I didn’t think the author was consistent with Jude’s character. He claims he doesn’t like touch and he had just gotten off a five year (toxic) relationship yet 30% in and him and Faron were already going at it. It felt like there needed to be more emotional development before the two got together, yet there was no struggle with anything. It was as if Jude had a problem with everyone BUT Faron, and we don’t really know why besides the fact that he’s…Faron. I felt like everything happened too fast. It would’ve made more sense for their intimacy to slowly grow, but that didn’t happen. It was barely 30% in and the two were already having some sort of intercourse. In my opinion, there were hardly any intimate moments between the two. The painting sessions had so much potential but they always led to sex. Why? Was it necessary all the time? They were one of the only ways the author used to add tension, which to me just feels like a weak structure because it feels lazy. I felt like I barely got to know both characters, and Jude being our sole narrator, it felt like all we know about him was related to common, basic human traits and his mental health. Truly it felt like there was nothing else about him besides being depressed and anxious. I get it, truly, but you gotta give me some actual personality.
I’m glad Jude found someone who accepted and understood him, who didn’t make him feel bad for who he is, who was patient. But at the same time I didn’t believe in their emotional connection. I just wasn’t a fan.
Also I’m not one to comment on covers but it’s mentioned more than once that Jude’s hair is put up in a ponytail (Faron even braids it) yet the guy on the cover has short hair. This would’ve been better had them cover model been differently or Jude had short hair.
Overall, not a fan, but everyone else seems to have loved it so what do I know? 🤷🏻♀️
I’m sure this is a wonderful story, and I’m extremely happy for those who loved this and felt emotional reading it, but I could not for the life of me bring myself to care enough for the characters or believe in the relationship connection.
I normally love and adore stories centered on mental health, especially with depression and anxiety because I can relate to them one way or another. But it’s not even so much as relating or not relating that I love; it’s how real they feel. How flawed and complex they feel. How the characters feel real and not just fictional, how easy it is to understand them and sympathize with them. We constantly say we read to escape reality, and that is true for me for the most part, but I still love seeing different perspectives of characters going through it. I love a good mix and blend of fluff and angst, of suffering and pure bliss, because for once it’s not me going through it.
I’d usually feel like I wanna protect Jude and wrap him in a warm bubble blanket, but reading this made me feel nothing but boredom. I couldn’t bring myself to care about him, his depression, how sad he is, how difficult it is for him, and his past. I couldn’t bring myself to worry about what would happen in the future or what would change. I couldn’t bring myself to feel any sort of sympathy, even though I should have. This is an angsty read yet it felt like that was all there was. Jude’s inner monologue remains the same for pretty much the entirety of the story, about how worthless he feels, how unlovable he is, how his former boyfriend made him feel, etc.
I can see how and why this story will be relatable to some and emotional as well, but nothing about it captivated me. I continued reading just to finish it, but there were too many times where I put the book down because of how unmotivated I was, how bored I felt, and that’s never good.
Adding on to that, I couldn’t root for the relationship this author created between Jude and Faron. I wondered what exactly Faron saw in Jude besides being a former pianist who is a “unique Ginger” with his pale, white skin, flaming red long hair, and freckles. The author tries bringing up a point about how it could’ve been considered fetishization if Jude complimented Faron’s dark brown/black skin yet sometimes it felt like Faron was fetishizing Jude for how he looked. His attraction felt primarily physical, and since we don’t get his POV, we don’t really see or understand what he sees in Jude. Most of his personality revolves around depression and anxiety. While he can be considered to be funny and kind later in the book, I found those traits to be commonly bland, nothing that made Jude stand out and instead something I’d hope any character has (in cases like these).
I didn’t think the author was consistent with Jude’s character. He claims he doesn’t like touch and he had just gotten off a five year (toxic) relationship yet 30% in and him and Faron were already going at it. It felt like there needed to be more emotional development before the two got together, yet there was no struggle with anything. It was as if Jude had a problem with everyone BUT Faron, and we don’t really know why besides the fact that he’s…Faron. I felt like everything happened too fast. It would’ve made more sense for their intimacy to slowly grow, but that didn’t happen. It was barely 30% in and the two were already having some sort of intercourse. In my opinion, there were hardly any intimate moments between the two. The painting sessions had so much potential but they always led to sex. Why? Was it necessary all the time? They were one of the only ways the author used to add tension, which to me just feels like a weak structure because it feels lazy. I felt like I barely got to know both characters, and Jude being our sole narrator, it felt like all we know about him was related to common, basic human traits and his mental health. Truly it felt like there was nothing else about him besides being depressed and anxious. I get it, truly, but you gotta give me some actual personality.
I’m glad Jude found someone who accepted and understood him, who didn’t make him feel bad for who he is, who was patient. But at the same time I didn’t believe in their emotional connection. I just wasn’t a fan.
Also I’m not one to comment on covers but it’s mentioned more than once that Jude’s hair is put up in a ponytail (Faron even braids it) yet the guy on the cover has short hair. This would’ve been better had them cover model been differently or Jude had short hair.
Overall, not a fan, but everyone else seems to have loved it so what do I know? 🤷🏻♀️
June 15, 2019
Audio – 5+++++ stars!!!
Story – 5+++++ stars!! (Read the blurb!)
Yes, yes, I know!! Another heavy and exhausting read by the very talented Roan Parrish. For me that equates to yet another PERFECT read by Roan Parrish. I loved it!! I hope this series isn’t over. There were a couple of secondary characters that stood out, and I would love to read their story.
I really, really appreciate how inclusive this author is when it comes to the cast of characters. Extra points for Jude and Faron actually discussing dating someone outside of their race. It wasn’t overdone, but it’s wasn’t swept under the rug either. Because as wonderful as it would be, the world is not color blind.
Story – 5+++++ stars!! (Read the blurb!)
Yes, yes, I know!! Another heavy and exhausting read by the very talented Roan Parrish. For me that equates to yet another PERFECT read by Roan Parrish. I loved it!! I hope this series isn’t over. There were a couple of secondary characters that stood out, and I would love to read their story.
I really, really appreciate how inclusive this author is when it comes to the cast of characters. Extra points for Jude and Faron actually discussing dating someone outside of their race. It wasn’t overdone, but it’s wasn’t swept under the rug either. Because as wonderful as it would be, the world is not color blind.
February 14, 2019
***5 Stars***
2018 FAVORITE!!! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! This book is raw, honest and so damn beautiful. It makes me believe in love, humanity and that everything can be okay.
"Love and battle."
Full review to come once I come down from this book high.
I played. I drifted from piece to piece and movement to movement because it didn't matter. Faron's arms held me tight, and he pressed kisses to my back every now and then. Sometimes he hummed along and I felt the vibration up and down my spine. Mostly, he drifted with me, anchoring me to him as I sent my music up into the night.
I have no idea how I’m even going to put my love for this book into words?! And how am I gonna pick quotes to share when I highlighted damn near half the book?!?
ALL THE LOVE. SO MUCH LOVE.
And look at this AMAZING fan art!! I LOVED EVERY TIME Faron did Jude's hair!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
Merged review:
2-14-19
OMG!! ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS IS ON SALE!! $0.99 TODAY ONLY!! I can't recommend this book enough! Go, go, go snatch up this deal!!!
https://www.amazon.com/Invitation-Blu...
---------------------------------------
***5 Stars***
2018 FAVORITE!!! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! This book is raw, honest and so damn beautiful. It makes me believe in love, humanity and that everything can be okay.
"Love and battle."
Full review to come once I come down from this book high.
I played. I drifted from piece to piece and movement to movement because it didn't matter. Faron's arms held me tight, and he pressed kisses to my back every now and then. Sometimes he hummed along and I felt the vibration up and down my spine. Mostly, he drifted with me, anchoring me to him as I sent my music up into the night.
I have no idea how I’m even going to put my love for this book into words?! And how am I gonna pick quotes to share when I highlighted damn near half the book?!?
ALL THE LOVE. SO MUCH LOVE.
And look at this AMAZING fan art!! I LOVED EVERY TIME Faron did Jude's hair!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
February 7, 2022
I cried because somehow I had landed somewhere I wanted to be and I realized perhaps it was the first time I'd wanted to be somewhere.
I cried because I finally knew what it was to love someone more than I hated myself.
[4.5] y’all know i relish books centered around mental health, and once again, Roan Parrish did not hesitate in bringing forward yet another poignant and accurate mental health portrayal, this time with Invitation to the Blues.
Jude, a recovering pianist back home after a failed suicide attempt. from the depiction of his downward spirals of depression, his anxiety’s impact on his day-to-day life, his ever-present negative self-talk, you can imagine his internal monologues aren’t a walk in the park, but they carry with it a real rawness that is bound to have you feeling for him, especially if you’ve been in a similar place.
i think it’s awfully easy to relate to Jude’s incessant fear of being a burden to our loved ones, and as a consequence of this belief, we either consciously or unconsciously put distance between ourselves and others to prevent our darkness from spreading and tainting them. but Faron, UGH what a soothing balm to the soul he was.
“I don’t want you out of generosity. Or because I’m some kind of angel or savior. I want you because something inside you vibrates just so with something inside me.”
he is just so remarkably accepting of and attuned to Jude’s everything. so what if he suffers from Perfect Boyfriend Syndrome (LET A GIRL DREAM 😭), trust me when i say there was enough drama from the manipulative, toxic ex (i was *fuming* as in literal smoke coming out of my ears whenever he made an appearance, even in name only) that if the author had inserted some random miscommunication for the sake of rocking the boat, it would’ve struck glaringly unauthentic for this couple. honestly i felt more comfort and relief than anything just to witness a fellow ball of anxiety/depression able to simply coexist with another human being who sees him for more than his mental illness, but also accepts that it’s a part of him.
i could argue that perhaps a more in-depth convo could’ve been had about the best way to approach Jude when he finds himself in the midst of a major depressive episode, but i was still quite satisfied overall with what was presented here.
Greg Boudreaux’s performance was absolutely stellar and added depth to an already emotional story, so i highly recommend the audio if you’re considering picking this one up! also huge props to the author for bringing up the topic of race (as they are an interracial couple) and for mentioning how anxiety/depression meds can affect what happens in the bedroom (Faron immediately dispelling Jude’s shame 😌👌🏼).
the cover is disappointing though…. Faron braiding Jude’s hair is one of the softest things in this book, and yet they chose a model with *the* shortest hair to represent Jude because logic. WHYYYYYY 😮💨
putting that aside, this is a character-driven story written with a flowery, lyrical prose that you’re either going to eat up or spit out, but to me, it flowed like magic, the words speaking straight to my heart.
special thanks to Agla, my go-to Roan Parrish expert, for recommending that i read this! 🥰
December 19, 2023
Not your easy peasy fluffy romance. But so good, and so… positive… despite the difficult premise.
I heard many good things about this book, and I tried starting reading this series with book 1. Spoiler: it didn’t work for me. This series is a mix of mf and mm pairings, and I didn’t like the FMC from book 1 (who’s POV we get) at all. So I stopped after chapter 1 and jumped into this one.
And this one - it destroyed me. It’s told from the pov of Jude. Jude is an incredibly talented pianist, and he’s depressed. Not your “I’m in a bad mood” depression - he’s ill. Severely ill. Since he’s been a teenager. He takes medication. And he has ups and downs, and after a failed suicide attempt he flees back to his hometown, trying to get his life back on track.
I know it sounds tough, and it’s difficult sometimes to be in his head, to witness his thoughts, and how he spirals. But even if it hurts, it’s beautiful, too. And large parts of why it’s beautiful can be contributed to Faron.
Faron is… I have no words to describe how awesome he is. He’s an artist, too, a painter who works as a tattoo artist. He’s in his late twenties, a few years younger than Jude.
The instant connection between him and Jude isn’t just physical. Faron seems to know instinctively how to deal with Jude - he gives him space, and he’s his rock when things get tough. And the intimate scenes - I explicitly didn’t call them “sex scenes” because they’re so much more than that - they’re nothing short of magical, very intense, and will leave you breathless.
I think a part of why I feel so emotional about this book is because of Greg Boudreaux, because yes, I’ve listened to the audio (free with your Audible subscription). I knew he’s one of the best out there, but he really outdid himself here. His narration when Jude’s thoughts get frantic and jumbled WILL leave your heart hammering, and the intensity of Jude’s feelings will leave you speechless.
Another thing I loved: the poetic, somewhat lyrical writing, very fitting for a book where both MCs are artists. I wish I could have highlighted entire chapters.
Also: the prize for the most despicable ex definitely goes to Casper.
Seriously.
Fuck Casper.
One of the best books I’ve read this year, even if it’s not the easiest to read.
I heard many good things about this book, and I tried starting reading this series with book 1. Spoiler: it didn’t work for me. This series is a mix of mf and mm pairings, and I didn’t like the FMC from book 1 (who’s POV we get) at all. So I stopped after chapter 1 and jumped into this one.
And this one - it destroyed me. It’s told from the pov of Jude. Jude is an incredibly talented pianist, and he’s depressed. Not your “I’m in a bad mood” depression - he’s ill. Severely ill. Since he’s been a teenager. He takes medication. And he has ups and downs, and after a failed suicide attempt he flees back to his hometown, trying to get his life back on track.
I know it sounds tough, and it’s difficult sometimes to be in his head, to witness his thoughts, and how he spirals. But even if it hurts, it’s beautiful, too. And large parts of why it’s beautiful can be contributed to Faron.
Faron is… I have no words to describe how awesome he is. He’s an artist, too, a painter who works as a tattoo artist. He’s in his late twenties, a few years younger than Jude.
The instant connection between him and Jude isn’t just physical. Faron seems to know instinctively how to deal with Jude - he gives him space, and he’s his rock when things get tough. And the intimate scenes - I explicitly didn’t call them “sex scenes” because they’re so much more than that - they’re nothing short of magical, very intense, and will leave you breathless.
I think a part of why I feel so emotional about this book is because of Greg Boudreaux, because yes, I’ve listened to the audio (free with your Audible subscription). I knew he’s one of the best out there, but he really outdid himself here. His narration when Jude’s thoughts get frantic and jumbled WILL leave your heart hammering, and the intensity of Jude’s feelings will leave you speechless.
Another thing I loved: the poetic, somewhat lyrical writing, very fitting for a book where both MCs are artists. I wish I could have highlighted entire chapters.
Also: the prize for the most despicable ex definitely goes to Casper.
Seriously.
Fuck Casper.
One of the best books I’ve read this year, even if it’s not the easiest to read.
March 22, 2025
Re-read and enjoyed just as much, if not more, after having now read Small Change. I adore Jude, he is such a beautiful character that really speaks to me. His sensory sensitivities and mental health is wonderfully written and it doesn’t feel like they come from a Google search. The connection between him and Faron feels genuine and intimate and I love them quietly co-existing in their home together. This is my favourite book by this author.
Initial review 2024 - Lovely mental health and neurodivergence rep. Crazy good piano player. Interracial couple. Hair braiding. Ginger appreciation. Interesting use of art supplies in the bedroom. This story had so much going for it.
The relationship between these guys started much quicker than I expected, at times I felt like something was missing. Overall though this was lovely and I do wish there was more in this world. Phee and Winston?? Come on!
I do wish he got the cat back. If ever there was an extra scene that I actually agreed to subscribe to a newsletter for, it would be for a cat reunion 🐈⬛
This can be read as a standalone but does include side characters from the In the Middle of Somewhere series (m/m) and Small Change (m/f) and is chronologically set after those.
Initial review 2024 - Lovely mental health and neurodivergence rep. Crazy good piano player. Interracial couple. Hair braiding. Ginger appreciation. Interesting use of art supplies in the bedroom. This story had so much going for it.
The relationship between these guys started much quicker than I expected, at times I felt like something was missing. Overall though this was lovely and I do wish there was more in this world. Phee and Winston?? Come on!
I do wish he got the cat back. If ever there was an extra scene that I actually agreed to subscribe to a newsletter for, it would be for a cat reunion 🐈⬛
This can be read as a standalone but does include side characters from the In the Middle of Somewhere series (m/m) and Small Change (m/f) and is chronologically set after those.
October 29, 2022
Depression and anxiety speak to me, as I’ve been battling them for twenty years. My brother committed suicide. My oldest daughter is also battling her own anxiety and depressive thoughts. We’re all a little broken. So I felt for Jude. All his darkness.
What can ever balance the scales if you’re a black hole of misery that sucks in every scrap of light and turns it to your own material? You can’t climb out of a black hole if you are the hole.
I loved Faron and it made me so happy for Jude that he found Faron. Faron was so solid. Caring. Patient. But it took me a while to understand. What did Faron see in Jude? Saviour complex? We slowly realize that Jude is gorgeous. Smart. Funny. Kind. And he views himself so negatively, and that’s what we see. His sad POV.
The sex scenes were just gorgeous. And the rest. The art. The music. Their love. It’s a beautiful book.
What can ever balance the scales if you’re a black hole of misery that sucks in every scrap of light and turns it to your own material? You can’t climb out of a black hole if you are the hole.
I loved Faron and it made me so happy for Jude that he found Faron. Faron was so solid. Caring. Patient. But it took me a while to understand. What did Faron see in Jude? Saviour complex? We slowly realize that Jude is gorgeous. Smart. Funny. Kind. And he views himself so negatively, and that’s what we see. His sad POV.
The sex scenes were just gorgeous. And the rest. The art. The music. Their love. It’s a beautiful book.
April 27, 2018
Once again, Roan Parrish nails it with the feels. But I must admit this one was a bit of a downer pretty much throughout the whole book.
But I liked Faron and Jude. A lot.
So while, it's not my go-to book I *am* glad I read this one. Roan's writing is worth it.
And it's always good to step out of the norm and change things up.
Sure hoping the new guy Phee gets a book! :)
But I liked Faron and Jude. A lot.
So while, it's not my go-to book I *am* glad I read this one. Roan's writing is worth it.
And it's always good to step out of the norm and change things up.
Sure hoping the new guy Phee gets a book! :)
April 6, 2018
4,5 stars
This one was so good! I fell hard for the writing and I highlighted a lot. So poetic and full of emotions. I loved it!
I've also read the Middle of Somewhere series by this author and enjoyed all the books. But Invitation to the Blues was pretty different, as one of the main characters suffers from depression and anxiety.
It's the second book in the series Small Change but can be read as a stand-alone. The beginning was super slow paced and I'm not really a fan of slow burn romance, BUT when Jude and Faron got together, sparks started to fly. My iPad was on fire and I really, really love the attraction between the characters here, mostly because Jude feels worthless, anxious and guilty. So much guilt for disappointing his family and pretty much everyone.
It broke my heart to witness his struggles and his pain, but Faron, oh Faron *sigh*, he was like a balm in Jude's life.
Jude was a pianist who left his boyfriend (for 5 years), his career, friends and life in Boston and moved to Philadelphia, after a suicide attempt.
I loved the connection between them. There are also some extremely hot scenes. For reasons I thought they won't be such a great match in bed, but this author writes some explosive scenes.
I was so glad to revisit Daniel, Rex and Ginger from In the Middle of Somewhere.
We get only a little relationship angst, and to be honest I would have wanted to get Faron's POV too, but overall it was a great story. I love books that I keep thinking about long after finishing them, and I have a feeling I will be thinking about Jude and Faron for a while. They were so in sync even if they were different. So 4,5 stars from me.
This one was so good! I fell hard for the writing and I highlighted a lot. So poetic and full of emotions. I loved it!
I've also read the Middle of Somewhere series by this author and enjoyed all the books. But Invitation to the Blues was pretty different, as one of the main characters suffers from depression and anxiety.
It's the second book in the series Small Change but can be read as a stand-alone. The beginning was super slow paced and I'm not really a fan of slow burn romance, BUT when Jude and Faron got together, sparks started to fly. My iPad was on fire and I really, really love the attraction between the characters here, mostly because Jude feels worthless, anxious and guilty. So much guilt for disappointing his family and pretty much everyone.
It broke my heart to witness his struggles and his pain, but Faron, oh Faron *sigh*, he was like a balm in Jude's life.
Jude was a pianist who left his boyfriend (for 5 years), his career, friends and life in Boston and moved to Philadelphia, after a suicide attempt.
I loved the connection between them. There are also some extremely hot scenes. For reasons I thought they won't be such a great match in bed, but this author writes some explosive scenes.
I was so glad to revisit Daniel, Rex and Ginger from In the Middle of Somewhere.
We get only a little relationship angst, and to be honest I would have wanted to get Faron's POV too, but overall it was a great story. I love books that I keep thinking about long after finishing them, and I have a feeling I will be thinking about Jude and Faron for a while. They were so in sync even if they were different. So 4,5 stars from me.
August 12, 2023
4.5 stars
“I turned my head to kiss his palm, and forced myself to sit with this feeling. I felt needed, wanted, useful. I felt like part of a team. I didn’t think I’d ever felt it before.”
Such a gorgeous love story depicting depression and anxiety in a manner that rings true. I felt for Jude and wanted to hug him so badly and Faron was just the perfect, sensitive boyfriend to support him. Sometimes stories featuring two artists—in this case a classical pianist and a painter—can be pretentious and suffer from too much melodrama and angst, but this wasn’t the case. Roan Parrish struck the perfect balance between depicting their artistic temperaments, how these translated into Jude’s and Faron’s relationship and how they expressed themselves. The sections describing Jude’s performances and how he felt when he played the piano were beautiful, as were the ones featuring Faron’s paintings. And can I please give a special shout out to the sex scenes? They were steamy! And erotic. And so damn lyrical. I can’t even explain it. You just have to read them.
“I turned my head to kiss his palm, and forced myself to sit with this feeling. I felt needed, wanted, useful. I felt like part of a team. I didn’t think I’d ever felt it before.”
Such a gorgeous love story depicting depression and anxiety in a manner that rings true. I felt for Jude and wanted to hug him so badly and Faron was just the perfect, sensitive boyfriend to support him. Sometimes stories featuring two artists—in this case a classical pianist and a painter—can be pretentious and suffer from too much melodrama and angst, but this wasn’t the case. Roan Parrish struck the perfect balance between depicting their artistic temperaments, how these translated into Jude’s and Faron’s relationship and how they expressed themselves. The sections describing Jude’s performances and how he felt when he played the piano were beautiful, as were the ones featuring Faron’s paintings. And can I please give a special shout out to the sex scenes? They were steamy! And erotic. And so damn lyrical. I can’t even explain it. You just have to read them.
February 9, 2024
Reread 02/2024.
Read 08/2023.
5 stars. What a fantastic book!
I loved, loved Jude and Faron. I loved the way the author SHOWED us their characters through their actions.
I loved the storyline. Loved the emotions. Appreciated the representation of depression.
There was no need for drama or third act break ups, because the MCs actually talked honestly to each other, can you imagine?!
This author has such an impressive way to let me feel the connection between the MCs, during mundane tasks as well as during sex scenes (amazing, intimate, beautifully written sex scenes).
I'll definitely reread this book again and again in the future, I'm just sad I didn't read it earlier.
"But it's not just Jaspar that was the problem. It's me."
Ginger shook her head.
"You are how you are," she said, eyes intent. "You're not the problem. You're the whole thing. The good and the bad. You're not one element of your own life. You're all of it."
Read 08/2023.
5 stars. What a fantastic book!
I loved, loved Jude and Faron. I loved the way the author SHOWED us their characters through their actions.
I loved the storyline. Loved the emotions. Appreciated the representation of depression.
There was no need for drama or third act break ups, because the MCs actually talked honestly to each other, can you imagine?!
This author has such an impressive way to let me feel the connection between the MCs, during mundane tasks as well as during sex scenes (amazing, intimate, beautifully written sex scenes).
I'll definitely reread this book again and again in the future, I'm just sad I didn't read it earlier.
"But it's not just Jaspar that was the problem. It's me."
Ginger shook her head.
"You are how you are," she said, eyes intent. "You're not the problem. You're the whole thing. The good and the bad. You're not one element of your own life. You're all of it."
April 2, 2018
Muy dudosa entre volver a leer a Roan o no tras lo sucedido con Santino Hassell, decidí hacerlo porque nunca la he visto ser desagradable o dañina con nadie así que comencé el libro con la mente lo más abierta que pude.
Roan tiene un estilo que te puede gustar o no, pero escribe de una forma que parece que le habla a mi corazón. A veces no pasan muchas cosas en sus libros, como en el caso de Invitation to the Blues, porque el foco de todo son los sentimientos de los personajes, cómo se conocen, cómo establecen el vínculo que conducirá al amor, qué sienten, cómo se relacionan con las parejas, familias, amigos y el mundo. Jude sufre de depresión y ansiedad desde que era un niño y esto va a influir en todos los aspectos de su vida y en todas sus relaciones, tras una relación tóxica llega a un punto del que cree que no puede salir. Intentando sacar la cabeza del hoyo conoce a Faron. Jude es inteligente, bueno, sensible, pero con un alma muy dañada, es estremecedor cuando la autora consigue poner al lector en su lugar y que sientas esa angustia. Mientras, Faron es la paz, estabilidad, comprensión, tranquilidad. Ambos personajes se complementan y funden creando un mundo lleno de sensibilidad y aunque no todo se puede solucionar porque todos arrastramos nuestros demonios, lo que queda es la esperanza y la luz frente a la oscuridad, aunque a veces pueda apagarse un poquito.
Me ha emocionado mucho, los pensamientos, los diálogos, cómo se relacionan entre ellos y con los demás, las escenas de sexo son magníficas, muy intensas. Me gustaría destacar a los personajes secundarios, a algunos ya los conocemos y otros espero que se hayan perfilado como protagonistas de libros futuros. Qué felicidad ver a Daniel otra vez.
Roan tiene un estilo que te puede gustar o no, pero escribe de una forma que parece que le habla a mi corazón. A veces no pasan muchas cosas en sus libros, como en el caso de Invitation to the Blues, porque el foco de todo son los sentimientos de los personajes, cómo se conocen, cómo establecen el vínculo que conducirá al amor, qué sienten, cómo se relacionan con las parejas, familias, amigos y el mundo. Jude sufre de depresión y ansiedad desde que era un niño y esto va a influir en todos los aspectos de su vida y en todas sus relaciones, tras una relación tóxica llega a un punto del que cree que no puede salir. Intentando sacar la cabeza del hoyo conoce a Faron. Jude es inteligente, bueno, sensible, pero con un alma muy dañada, es estremecedor cuando la autora consigue poner al lector en su lugar y que sientas esa angustia. Mientras, Faron es la paz, estabilidad, comprensión, tranquilidad. Ambos personajes se complementan y funden creando un mundo lleno de sensibilidad y aunque no todo se puede solucionar porque todos arrastramos nuestros demonios, lo que queda es la esperanza y la luz frente a la oscuridad, aunque a veces pueda apagarse un poquito.
Me ha emocionado mucho, los pensamientos, los diálogos, cómo se relacionan entre ellos y con los demás, las escenas de sexo son magníficas, muy intensas. Me gustaría destacar a los personajes secundarios, a algunos ya los conocemos y otros espero que se hayan perfilado como protagonistas de libros futuros. Qué felicidad ver a Daniel otra vez.
May 27, 2018
"I don't want you out of generosity. Or because I'm some kind of angel or savior. I want you because something inside you vibrates just so with something inside me"...
What a beautiful love story. Heavy subject and tons of self loathing but delivered in a way that doesn't overwhelm the reader. The angst is just so, and the romance is always, always present. Great surprise.
"Your battle and your love re the same to me, Jude."
P.S. But why does the cover model have short hair?
September 16, 2018
3.5 stars
I’m starting to think I might have outgrown this author, which sounds ridiculous, because I’ve read maybe 4 books by Roan Parrish, not nearly enough to have something to outgrow.
It’s the only explanation I can find, though. I really liked In the Middle of Somewhere and Out of Nowhere is one of my favorite books. The other two books (included this one) I’ve read this year, though, have left me pretty indifferent.
The writing is always good, the characters (mostly) well rounded, their struggles and reactions always realistic. There’s always something missing though.
Jude and Faron made no exception. Jude’s depression was presented in a realistic light, without making it a depressing reading. The problems are there and they don’t get magically resolved by the epic-love-that-cures-it-all or some other nonsensical spin so often used in books where one of the MCs has mental health issues.
I liked how calm, patient and understanding Faron was, although he was maybe a little too perfect to be true. Faron says to Jude that he’s not perfect and, since at that point I’d already started to think exactly that he seemed perfect, I thought something was going to happen to show how not perfect he was. It never happened though, I can’t think of a single time he was less than perfect in the whole book. While his life wasn’t perfect, he always had the perfect reaction to everything.
Also, there wasn’t any real conflict. Jude had his problems with dealing with depression, anxiety and his jerk of an ex, and Faron had his own things to figure out and deal with, but between them there never was any real conflict.
It would’ve been already weird in a “normal” relationship, but I found it jarring here, given the additional problems Jude’s mental issues piled on a new relationship.
I guess partly it was meant to show how much of a difference the right person can make. Not everyone has the right personality to handle the challenges that come with a partner suffering from depression and anxiety, good intentions often aren’t enough, and the “right” person can certainly make all the difference.
Faron being understanding and right for Jude was all well and good and it’s not like there wasn’t any relationship development, on the contrary, but it seemed too easy how well they navigated everything, just the slightest stumble here and there, everything solved with a degree of maturity and open communication that I found difficult to believe it could be found in a new relationship.
Maybe I’m just become so used to the presence of the “big conflict”, that I’ve been conditioned to expect it and to feel like something is missing when it doesn’t happen.
The problem is that some kind of serious conflict gives the author a chance to show how the couple is going to work through big problems every time they’ll arise and, if I don’t get to see that, I’ll be left with the feeling that maybe their relationship will crush and burn the first time one of them has a less-than-perfect reaction.
In this book, Jude and Faron works through things from the start because Jude’s issues make it inevitable, so there’s some of that solving-problem dynamic, but it didn’t feel enough to me.
A person with mental health issues will always be high maintenance in a relationship context and I don’t believe the most understanding and adaptable partner will always handle things with grace and perfect balanced emotions. I would’ve have appreciated seeing Faron and Jude not handling things perfectly for a change and learning from that experience. That way I would have felt more sure about their romance not being some sort of fairy tale, with the depressed MC meeting his prince charming.
Side note 1: Jude has long hair, not very long, but long enough that he always ties it and Faron is able to braid it. So, what’s up with that cover?
Side note 2: how much of a jerk you have to be to fake your cat being sick only to get your ex to return your calls? That's just one step above using your child in the same way. You don't deserve to be owned by that cat, asshole.
I’m starting to think I might have outgrown this author, which sounds ridiculous, because I’ve read maybe 4 books by Roan Parrish, not nearly enough to have something to outgrow.
It’s the only explanation I can find, though. I really liked In the Middle of Somewhere and Out of Nowhere is one of my favorite books. The other two books (included this one) I’ve read this year, though, have left me pretty indifferent.
The writing is always good, the characters (mostly) well rounded, their struggles and reactions always realistic. There’s always something missing though.
Jude and Faron made no exception. Jude’s depression was presented in a realistic light, without making it a depressing reading. The problems are there and they don’t get magically resolved by the epic-love-that-cures-it-all or some other nonsensical spin so often used in books where one of the MCs has mental health issues.
I liked how calm, patient and understanding Faron was, although he was maybe a little too perfect to be true. Faron says to Jude that he’s not perfect and, since at that point I’d already started to think exactly that he seemed perfect, I thought something was going to happen to show how not perfect he was. It never happened though, I can’t think of a single time he was less than perfect in the whole book. While his life wasn’t perfect, he always had the perfect reaction to everything.
Also, there wasn’t any real conflict. Jude had his problems with dealing with depression, anxiety and his jerk of an ex, and Faron had his own things to figure out and deal with, but between them there never was any real conflict.
It would’ve been already weird in a “normal” relationship, but I found it jarring here, given the additional problems Jude’s mental issues piled on a new relationship.
I guess partly it was meant to show how much of a difference the right person can make. Not everyone has the right personality to handle the challenges that come with a partner suffering from depression and anxiety, good intentions often aren’t enough, and the “right” person can certainly make all the difference.
Faron being understanding and right for Jude was all well and good and it’s not like there wasn’t any relationship development, on the contrary, but it seemed too easy how well they navigated everything, just the slightest stumble here and there, everything solved with a degree of maturity and open communication that I found difficult to believe it could be found in a new relationship.
Maybe I’m just become so used to the presence of the “big conflict”, that I’ve been conditioned to expect it and to feel like something is missing when it doesn’t happen.
The problem is that some kind of serious conflict gives the author a chance to show how the couple is going to work through big problems every time they’ll arise and, if I don’t get to see that, I’ll be left with the feeling that maybe their relationship will crush and burn the first time one of them has a less-than-perfect reaction.
In this book, Jude and Faron works through things from the start because Jude’s issues make it inevitable, so there’s some of that solving-problem dynamic, but it didn’t feel enough to me.
A person with mental health issues will always be high maintenance in a relationship context and I don’t believe the most understanding and adaptable partner will always handle things with grace and perfect balanced emotions. I would’ve have appreciated seeing Faron and Jude not handling things perfectly for a change and learning from that experience. That way I would have felt more sure about their romance not being some sort of fairy tale, with the depressed MC meeting his prince charming.
Side note 1: Jude has long hair, not very long, but long enough that he always ties it and Faron is able to braid it. So, what’s up with that cover?
Side note 2: how much of a jerk you have to be to fake your cat being sick only to get your ex to return your calls? That's just one step above using your child in the same way. You don't deserve to be owned by that cat, asshole.
October 10, 2018
Okay. Damn. Roan Parrish. *slow clap*
This was fantastic.
It wasn’t an easy read primarily because of the thoughts that went through Jude’s head. These ranged from self loathing to borderline suicidal and was very tough to read sometimes. Also, since this book was solely in his POV, it was 100% undiluted.
He was also working through rebuilding his relationship with his family and trying to be better overall. So it wasn’t all doom and gloom; especially where Daniel and Ginger were concerned.
This brings me to my favourite thing about this book, which was Faron. He is my new book boyfriend. He had such great patience, heart and warmth that was the perfect fit for Jude. I just couldn’t get enough of him. He balanced Jude out and didn’t “cure” Jude’s depression and anxiety like other authors like to think a good D is magically able to do. I loved it.
I hope we get to see more of him, his family and in particular his brother Sabien in subsequent books.
Sooo...for the next book Phee and Winston ? That should be interesting... **cackles** 🤣🤣
This was fantastic.
It wasn’t an easy read primarily because of the thoughts that went through Jude’s head. These ranged from self loathing to borderline suicidal and was very tough to read sometimes. Also, since this book was solely in his POV, it was 100% undiluted.
He was also working through rebuilding his relationship with his family and trying to be better overall. So it wasn’t all doom and gloom; especially where Daniel and Ginger were concerned.
This brings me to my favourite thing about this book, which was Faron. He is my new book boyfriend. He had such great patience, heart and warmth that was the perfect fit for Jude. I just couldn’t get enough of him. He balanced Jude out and didn’t “cure” Jude’s depression and anxiety like other authors like to think a good D is magically able to do. I loved it.
I hope we get to see more of him, his family and in particular his brother Sabien in subsequent books.
Sooo...for the next book Phee and Winston ? That should be interesting... **cackles** 🤣🤣
April 2, 2018
Sé que voy a estar en minoría, no está mal pero la pareja no me ha llegado al alma, y precisamente eso es el eje del libro.
Mucho mejor desarrollado el personaje de Jude, al tener en todo momento su POV consigue que conectes más con él . Tenía muchas esperanzas puestas en Faron, pero no ha podido ser :/
BR con Izen y Elsa <3
Mucho mejor desarrollado el personaje de Jude, al tener en todo momento su POV consigue que conectes más con él . Tenía muchas esperanzas puestas en Faron, pero no ha podido ser :/
BR con Izen y Elsa <3
April 22, 2018
Top 5 romance of all time. I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME
July 24, 2023
As always, Roan Parrish is excellent at 1) romance between artists, where the art is alive and authentic on the page and a hugely vital part of how the characters connect and communicate; 2) realistic mental health issues and characters grappling with them in the context of a new relationship; and 3) characters (mostly) communicating maturely about various baggage and issues instead of a whole slew of daft misunderstandings and tantrums, hooray (also, 3b: physical intimacy and how it's part of communication, i.e. fantastic sex scenes that are both hot AND important to the plot). Loved the characters, loved spending more time with this group of friends, would love it even more if there were more book in this ‘verse!
April 6, 2018
Invitation to the Blues:
beautiful, sensual, sad, real, but above all full of hope.
4.25 Stars
August 30, 2019
5 stars audio!!
4.5 stars story.
4.5 stars story.
August 16, 2022
I have tried to read everything that I can find that was written by Roan Parrish. This one had been rather evasive but all of a sudden, I found it in paperback at a yard sale. It's an emotional tale...as often her stories are...about accepting yourself, even when the person you are is imperfect and you may not like that person very much. Thankfully I have no personal experience with depression, but I thought that Roan Parrish wrote about Jude's experience so well that the reader had no problem understanding the spiraling nature of depression and anxiety and how unpredictable and sometimes unexpected, the triggers can be. The story follows Jude Lucen and Faron Locklear's friendship and then attraction that eventually turns into a very meaningful connection. Jude fights it at first because by experience he has reason to believe that his depression is a burden to anyone that would or could possibly love him. Faron shows Jude that he is someone who understands him even when Jude can’t find his words. Faron is someone that makes him feel calm, even when his anxieties wage a war inside his head.... when he feels ugly and unlovable. Those are the times that Faron uses his artist skills to show Jude how beautiful he sees him. Faron shows Jude that he loves all parts of him, the good and the bad, because all those parts are what makes him who he is. A sweet and touching love story. I loved the way Faran summed it up...“I don’t want you out of generosity, or because I’m some kind of angel or savior. I want you because something inside you vibrates just right with something inside of me.”
November 20, 2020
Light in the darkness
How can a book that deals with such a difficult subject matter feel so light? There is so much hope in it. So much understanding. A rope down the well to help you back out when there's no hope left. Sigh.
How can a book that deals with such a difficult subject matter feel so light? There is so much hope in it. So much understanding. A rope down the well to help you back out when there's no hope left. Sigh.
March 11, 2025
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Roan Parrish is ridiculously talented. It’s almost a guarantee that whatever you read after a Roan book will feel straight up terrible in comparison, and this book was no exception.
I cried because I finally knew what it felt like to love someone more than I hated myself.
Initially I was a little sad about it being single POV, but it made sense for the story and was done well. The book is full of beautiful writing and relatable experiences with depression and anxiety.
Usually I don’t notice the spice in a book all that much and 98% of the time most sex scenes are forgotten as soon as I’ve finished reading them. However. . This little book about depression and finding love might be the hottest thing I’ve read. It was just so intimate and sensual. A lot of it was important for the characters and the story, which made it more impactful.
I really appreciated that there was no ✨magic dick✨ and there’s a focus on living a full life *with* depression, not magically being cured.
Probably my only ‘criticism’ is Jude’s age. I know someone’s age doesn’t tell you everything about them, but I had a really hard time reconciling his behavior and personality with being 36 years old. He felt more like someone in their early 20s.
Highly recommend this one. I will certainly be rereading it.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Mental illness
Eating disorder
Size difference
Edging
Black MC
Lots of foreplay
Following orders in bed
Hands-free orgasms
Age gap
Tattoo artist MC
Caretaking
Hurt/comfort
Depression and anxiety
Prostate orgasm
Blindfolded sex
Sensation play
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Past — recent — suicide attempt (few details)
Smoking cigarettes
Symptoms of depression
Detailed struggle with eating disorder
Harry Potter reference
Alcohol consumption
Prescription drug use
Explicit sexual content
MC emotionally abused by ex (past, details)
Anxiety attacks
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Almost
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 27 and 36
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 286
Happy ending: Yes
I made my father uncomfortable. He loved me, no doubt. But love without intimacy is lonelier than indifference.
“[…] Something doesn’t have to be forever to be the most important thing you do.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
Roan Parrish is ridiculously talented. It’s almost a guarantee that whatever you read after a Roan book will feel straight up terrible in comparison, and this book was no exception.
I cried because I finally knew what it felt like to love someone more than I hated myself.
Initially I was a little sad about it being single POV, but it made sense for the story and was done well. The book is full of beautiful writing and relatable experiences with depression and anxiety.
Usually I don’t notice the spice in a book all that much and 98% of the time most sex scenes are forgotten as soon as I’ve finished reading them. However. . This little book about depression and finding love might be the hottest thing I’ve read. It was just so intimate and sensual. A lot of it was important for the characters and the story, which made it more impactful.
I really appreciated that there was no ✨magic dick✨ and there’s a focus on living a full life *with* depression, not magically being cured.
Probably my only ‘criticism’ is Jude’s age. I know someone’s age doesn’t tell you everything about them, but I had a really hard time reconciling his behavior and personality with being 36 years old. He felt more like someone in their early 20s.
Highly recommend this one. I will certainly be rereading it.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Mental illness
Eating disorder
Size difference
Edging
Black MC
Lots of foreplay
Following orders in bed
Hands-free orgasms
Age gap
Tattoo artist MC
Caretaking
Hurt/comfort
Depression and anxiety
Prostate orgasm
Blindfolded sex
Sensation play
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Past — recent — suicide attempt (few details)
Smoking cigarettes
Symptoms of depression
Detailed struggle with eating disorder
Harry Potter reference
Alcohol consumption
Prescription drug use
Explicit sexual content
MC emotionally abused by ex (past, details)
Anxiety attacks
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Almost
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 27 and 36
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 286
Happy ending: Yes
I made my father uncomfortable. He loved me, no doubt. But love without intimacy is lonelier than indifference.
“[…] Something doesn’t have to be forever to be the most important thing you do.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
March 22, 2018
*I was gifted this ARC and freely give my review of it*
************💙❤️***********
This book truly ripped me open and a lot of the reason is that I can relate to Jude’s challenges with anxiety. I cried and read, cried a little more, read again and cried and so on.......
I loved it❣️
This is some of the reasons why (I can’t say all I want because of spoilers):
* Excellent storyline
* Characters that came alive and emotionally wrecked me, most of all because I can relate to Jude and his challenges and I have highlighted the hell out of this book.
* No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
* Enough dialogues to keep my interest and keeping the story going forward whiteout loosing momentum.
* Some of the most tender and sweet love scenes I’ve read to this day.
* I love Faron and his calm personality, he reminds me of a person presence in my own life in some ways. Jude deserves a person like that in his life.
When I sit here writing my review, I feel an urge to discuss this book and I’m afraid I will end up with spoilers if I write more so I settle with this:
I recommend this book and I actually declare it the best MM romance I’ve read so far this year.
5 stars 🌟
************💙❤️***********
This book truly ripped me open and a lot of the reason is that I can relate to Jude’s challenges with anxiety. I cried and read, cried a little more, read again and cried and so on.......
I loved it❣️
This is some of the reasons why (I can’t say all I want because of spoilers):
* Excellent storyline
* Characters that came alive and emotionally wrecked me, most of all because I can relate to Jude and his challenges and I have highlighted the hell out of this book.
* No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
* Enough dialogues to keep my interest and keeping the story going forward whiteout loosing momentum.
* Some of the most tender and sweet love scenes I’ve read to this day.
* I love Faron and his calm personality, he reminds me of a person presence in my own life in some ways. Jude deserves a person like that in his life.
When I sit here writing my review, I feel an urge to discuss this book and I’m afraid I will end up with spoilers if I write more so I settle with this:
I recommend this book and I actually declare it the best MM romance I’ve read so far this year.
5 stars 🌟
Read
December 29, 2019I don’t know... I... um... yeah... don’t know what to say about this one... I can’t put my finger on why, but I never bonded with Jude or Faron. I liked each of them well enough but didn’t really connect with either of them. Moreover, I spent a lot of time squinting and thinking, “I don’t know about this...” I just wasn’t feelin it.
I didn’t dislike Invitation to the Blues. I didn’t find it problematic or offensive. But I don’t feel comfortable rating it when I can’t even figure out how and why it didn’t work for me.
No rating.
I didn’t dislike Invitation to the Blues. I didn’t find it problematic or offensive. But I don’t feel comfortable rating it when I can’t even figure out how and why it didn’t work for me.
No rating.
July 29, 2018
Stunning!!! 4.5 Stars!!!
.....I absolutely LOVED this book! The quality of writing was glorious: descriptive, evocative, and, at times, lyrical. It was a pleasure to absorb the words on the page and delight in the images and sounds my brain made of them. GLORIOUS!!
The characters had DEPTH! Jude, our pianist struggling with severe depression was so roundly depicted, that I could feel and hear him. I knew him. I knew his flaws and fears and felt them with him. Marvelous!
Faron, our tattoo artist/painter was also vividly drawn, but he had very few flaws. It was here, in his near perfection, that the story lost a 5 Star rating. Still, I liked him very much, beauty and goodness personified in a person of color—a refreshing deviation from the standard POC MC.
I also liked how race was indeed a subject for our lovers—one black, the other white. It was discussed and highlighted, as were the privileges and disadvantages of race in the United States.
Depression was a focus here since we see this romance play out from the point of view of our pianist coping with mental illness. While his struggle was real, it was not depressing for me as a reader. Somehow, Parrish was able to allow me in his head without sucking me into a dark maelstrom of depression. How can she do this? I don’t know, but the book had little angst for one dealing with this illness.
So, I loved this book. I loved it enough that I might read the MF title that precedes this one (although this one is an excellent standalone, reading IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE before this one will introduce you to the majority of the secondary characters in here: Rex, Daniel, Christopher, and Ginger).
My recommendation: read this!!
.....I absolutely LOVED this book! The quality of writing was glorious: descriptive, evocative, and, at times, lyrical. It was a pleasure to absorb the words on the page and delight in the images and sounds my brain made of them. GLORIOUS!!
The characters had DEPTH! Jude, our pianist struggling with severe depression was so roundly depicted, that I could feel and hear him. I knew him. I knew his flaws and fears and felt them with him. Marvelous!
Faron, our tattoo artist/painter was also vividly drawn, but he had very few flaws. It was here, in his near perfection, that the story lost a 5 Star rating. Still, I liked him very much, beauty and goodness personified in a person of color—a refreshing deviation from the standard POC MC.
I also liked how race was indeed a subject for our lovers—one black, the other white. It was discussed and highlighted, as were the privileges and disadvantages of race in the United States.
Depression was a focus here since we see this romance play out from the point of view of our pianist coping with mental illness. While his struggle was real, it was not depressing for me as a reader. Somehow, Parrish was able to allow me in his head without sucking me into a dark maelstrom of depression. How can she do this? I don’t know, but the book had little angst for one dealing with this illness.
So, I loved this book. I loved it enough that I might read the MF title that precedes this one (although this one is an excellent standalone, reading IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE before this one will introduce you to the majority of the secondary characters in here: Rex, Daniel, Christopher, and Ginger).
My recommendation: read this!!
March 28, 2018
3.5 stars
This is a slow burn romance between Jude, a depressed pianist and Faron, a tattoo artist. Jude is in his mid-thirties and his life is still a mess. He left his asshole boyfriend and his job in a symphony to head back to his hometown where he reunites with his family and met Faron. I have read some stories about depressed hero before, which is much more angsty and sad compared to Jude. From Jude's state of mind from his POV, I don't feel all doom and gloom. He is self-deprecating with a hint of sarcasm, which make this a less heavy read.
Faron is quite a swoon-worthy hero, he is so patient and understanding with Jude. He seems perfect in every way that I was looking for some flaws just to make sure this guy is real. Of course, he is not. As I said, the romance is slow burn and the plot focus more on their day to day life getting to know each other and connecting on an emotional level. Most of the things they did are pretty mundane. I would say their interaction is very touching, emotional and sensual, but lacking in excitement and drama. We did, however, get some drama towards the end, which finally invokes some much-needed blood pressure in me.
This is a slow burn romance between Jude, a depressed pianist and Faron, a tattoo artist. Jude is in his mid-thirties and his life is still a mess. He left his asshole boyfriend and his job in a symphony to head back to his hometown where he reunites with his family and met Faron. I have read some stories about depressed hero before, which is much more angsty and sad compared to Jude. From Jude's state of mind from his POV, I don't feel all doom and gloom. He is self-deprecating with a hint of sarcasm, which make this a less heavy read.
Faron is quite a swoon-worthy hero, he is so patient and understanding with Jude. He seems perfect in every way that I was looking for some flaws just to make sure this guy is real. Of course, he is not. As I said, the romance is slow burn and the plot focus more on their day to day life getting to know each other and connecting on an emotional level. Most of the things they did are pretty mundane. I would say their interaction is very touching, emotional and sensual, but lacking in excitement and drama. We did, however, get some drama towards the end, which finally invokes some much-needed blood pressure in me.
September 7, 2018
This was so, so GREAT! I have been looking forward to Faron's story since he was introduced and I am very happy with his story. The relationship between Faron and Jude was so special, and it felt so real. I was worried that once Jude got together with Faron, all his problems would magically disappear. That didn't happen. Jude was still just as messed up as he always was, but now Faron is there to help. They are great together. What else is there to say? Daniel and Rex make a cameo, which was awesome! They don't really play a big part, which was cool because this book isn't about them. I loved seeing Chris and Ginger again (love them!). So many good things about this. Can't wait for the next book!
5 stars
5 stars
October 22, 2020
I love this book. Two artists are paired and the way they see the world as artists is unique and lovely to see. They helped each other but did not save each other which is why I love this author so much. Jude is at a crossroad so the journey to better is difficult but it felt true. The communication was, as usual, great. Their conversations felt real and the secondary characters were great (you would enjoy this one more if you have read In the Middle of Somewhere and Small Changes first but it can be read as standalone).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews