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River of Rain #2
After Rain Falls
After Rain Falls is BOOK TWO OF TWO in the River of Rain Duet. In order to understand the contents of this book, you must read Follow the River first. This is the conclusion of River and Rain's story.
Love has never been important to me. Not because I didn't want it, I just never imagined feeling something so powerful.
There was a point where I thought I felt it years ago for the person I trusted most in the world, only to have it shatter in a thousand pieces.
But now he's back in my life and I'm certain I was wrong.
Because nothing compares to the way I feel about River Lennox.
Nothing could have prepared me for the war we waged against one another to turn into a battle to not only find ourselves, but each other.
Our prison sentence became our sanctuary from anything—or anyone—who dared to rip us apart.
He crawled under my skin, into my heart, and made a home for himself there despite my efforts to stop him.
But it doesn't matter now. Not when I find myself being thrown into a chess game I never asked to play with decisions forced on me that no one should have to make.
It's not just life and death.
It's love and hate.
The past and the future.
Except…when my past comes knocking with a thirst for vengeance, I start to question if I have a future at all.
Love has never been important to me. Not because I didn't want it, I just never imagined feeling something so powerful.
There was a point where I thought I felt it years ago for the person I trusted most in the world, only to have it shatter in a thousand pieces.
But now he's back in my life and I'm certain I was wrong.
Because nothing compares to the way I feel about River Lennox.
Nothing could have prepared me for the war we waged against one another to turn into a battle to not only find ourselves, but each other.
Our prison sentence became our sanctuary from anything—or anyone—who dared to rip us apart.
He crawled under my skin, into my heart, and made a home for himself there despite my efforts to stop him.
But it doesn't matter now. Not when I find myself being thrown into a chess game I never asked to play with decisions forced on me that no one should have to make.
It's not just life and death.
It's love and hate.
The past and the future.
Except…when my past comes knocking with a thirst for vengeance, I start to question if I have a future at all.
307 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2021
549 people are currently reading
3449 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Ricci
16 books4,670 followersCE Ricci is a USA Today and international best-selling author who enjoys plenty of things in her free time, but writing about herself in the third person isn’t one of them. She believes home isn’t a place, but a feeling, and it’s one she gets when she’s chilling lakeside or on hiking trails with her dogs, camera in hand. She’s addicted to all things photography, plants, peaks, puppies, and paperbacks, though not necessarily in that order. Music is her love language, and traveling the country (and world) is the way she chooses to find most of her inspiration for whatever epic love story she will tell next!
CE Ricci is represented by Two Daisy Media.
For all subsidiary rights, please contact Savannah Greenwell: info@twodaisy.com
Join CE Ricci's reader group here!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wreck...
CE Ricci is represented by Two Daisy Media.
For all subsidiary rights, please contact Savannah Greenwell: info@twodaisy.com
Join CE Ricci's reader group here!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wreck...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 960 reviews
June 13, 2021
⭐1.2 “this book gave me a real-life migraine” stars ⭐
Myjudgment luck as of late has been highly questionable, leaving behind a carnage of two stars reviews in its wake. My solution for it? Picking the controversial sequel of an already controversial book, of course.
Yes, I’m a book masochist. There’s really no other explanation.
What the reading experience felt like.
************************************
A Documentation of my Suffering.
Below, I have decided to do a page overview since there are too many things to address and not enough characters to otherwise elaborate.
WARNING: this will obviously include a lot of spoilers. And an instance of on-page sexual assault will also be discussed.
🚨
🚨
🚨
🚨
🚨
🚨
I apologize ahead of time for the repetition since everyone’s fucking name starts with an R in this one.
⤇ Page 12, and a brief recap for anyone who hasn’t read the first book: Beginning with a bang. Rain, who dumped River at the end of the previous title after telling him “he was nothing but a hole to stick his dick into”, is now engaging in all sorts of mental acrobatics to justify his actions. Claiming, for all intents and purposes, that it was all done to protect the other guy.
Protect him from who, you ask? Why, Rain’s evil stepfather of course, who’s seeking revenge after Rain previously provided proof of his own abuse at his hands.
(If this already sounds convoluted, it’s because it is)
⤇ Page 19: Rain utters the phrase “Until my dying breath, I’ll belong to River Lennox”. I just need to point out that these guys have been romantically involved for a month and a half tops.
⤇ Page 21: Roman, Rain’s ex-best friend and fling, or the Hussy as I like to call him (aka the third part of the most unnecessary love triangle ever), gets his own POV. In his chapter, we are suddenly introduced, with absolutely no previous foreshadowing by the way, to a goddamned secret society in charge of global order. Which Roman belongs to and his father is the leader of.
I repeat, this supposedly simple enemies-to-lovers duology suddenly has a side plot involving the knock-off Illuminatis.
It was early on, but I already knew this to be true.
⤇ Page 33: When discussing River’s obvious grief at the sight of Rain and Roman the Hussy parading around town, Rain claims that he “can’t believe that River actually thinks he doesn’t give a fuck.” As if, again, he hadn’t previously screamed in the guy’s face how worthless he was just weeks ago?
I blame my consequent migraine on all the squinting I was doing.
⤇ Page 50: By this point (not even a month later), River is downright suicidal and resorting to drugs and alcohol to cope, which was also the way Rain addressed his own issues in the previous installment. I get that people can resort to dangerous coping mechanisms to deal with grief and heartbreak, but is it necessary to have every character in the story fall for the same vices?
This duology took this to heart.
⤇ Page 70: there’s an almost kiss between Rain and Roman.
Things we did not need: that.
⤇ Page 80: Roman talks about his cock in the third person.
This we also absolutely did not need: ☝️☝️☝️
⤇ Page 90: River, now all alone and despite his multiple addictions, finally musters up the courage to stand up to the father who walked out on him due to his sexuality. Probably one of the few parts of the book I enjoyed reading.
@ River:
I was honestly more invested in River's path to bettering his life than in any type of romance or secret society tomfoolery.
⤇ Page 130: Rain and River have a confrontation, and when River asks why he even cares, Rain spews this bullshit:
Well, perhaps because you were the one who dropped him in an instant and told him he was good only for a few fucks?
And I volunteer as a helper too.
⤇ Page 145: Rain keeps claiming he wants Riv to move on, yet goes out of his way to seek him out at a party and try and initiate another sexual encounter, knowing full well he does not intend to return any romantic gestures afterward. The levels of audacity...
Plus, he was still talking about keeping his love for River on the down-low, in case his evil stepfather figures things out and comes for Riv. So the obvious idea is trying to fuck him in a bathroom in a house full of inebriated people, right?
The idiocy displayed here defies all human comprehension.
⤇ Page 160: Later on at said gathering, Rain and Roman go to the basement and find River completely out of his mind on drugs. The guy is mentally not there and barely even conscious. So naturally, Rain being the protective and kindhearted guy that he is, would obviously stand up to protect him once Roman decides that “hey, sexually assaulting the guy seems like a good way to make a point”? RIGHT?
Yeah, no. He just stands there and watches until River’s friends stop the assault themselves. When they later throw his and Roman’s ass out of the party, Rain proceeds to feel sorry for himself.
This is how reading Rain’s self-pitying POV felt like.
⤇ Page 165: After not moving a finger while the Hussy assaulted the supposed love of his life, Rain goes back to their shared apartment and decides that kissing the despicable guy is the best way to get his mind off things. And eventually, when Roman starts to blow him, waits until the very last second to stop things from escalating further.
Which obviously really proves how loyal and devoted Rain is (not).
⤇ Page 169: Rain once again goes out of his way to start a confrontation with River, alleging it’s to check up on him when in reality he only ends up humiliating the guy further. These words are spoken:
Which is, you guessed it, the wonderfully empathetic and loving man that is Rain, now victim-blaming River over the violation he endured. Implying that due to being high, it was somehow Riv’s fault he couldn’t stop it…
My new philosophy.
⤇ Page 177: Rain finds out that (conveniently) he and River share the same therapist. It takes the woman pressuring him for Rain to FINALLY snap out of it and reach out to River via phone call. River, lovable but naive dumbass that he is, agrees to hear Rain out and forgives him.
⤇ Page 191: After more threats by the evil stepfather, Roman suggests bringing both Rain and River to his secret Illuminati Mansion, in which all the other “apprentices'' (aka young eligible hot guys) hang out. There were pages worth of exposition about the secret society here, but the only thing I wrote down as a note was “What in the Da Vinky code?” and I think that sums things up pretty thoroughly.
Roman and his Illuminati squad, apparently. Because yes, they literally had a round table in a basement they used for meetings. In case the book wasn’t subtle enough for ya.
⤇ Page 220: While laying in bed, River tells Rain that he doesn’t remember much about the night at the party, aka the one in which Roman assaulted him, and Rain tells him it’s “better he doesn’t”, effectively washing his hands of the situation and taking away the right to know what happened from Riv. As one would obviously do to his so-called soulmate.
The assault is never again discussed or even hinted at in the rest of the book and River never finds out the truth. So I can’t help but ask…
⤇ Page 225: Roman the Prick goes out of his way to seek River out in the Secret Society Mansion to tell the guy that he “eliminates threats”, pretty much insinuating he will kill Riv in order to acquire access to Rain’scock heart. At this point, I fully believe River can do much better so Roman and Rain can become an item for all I care.
⤇ Page 240: more Secret Society crap nobody cares about is discussed.
⤇ Page 260: After another bargain bin Illuminati meeting is over, Roman asks Rain to have a word and then kisses the guy, which Rain reciprocates out of “feeling sorry for friendzoning him”. At this point, Riv had (stupidly) agreed to give him a second chance. So yes, they were a committed couple and yes, Rain proved once more he ain’t shit.
And of course River walks in on them doing the tongue tango that very instant.
🎶🎵Hello darkness, my old friend 🎶🎵
⤇ Page 270: Less than a chapter later, River is packing his bags ready to leave after witnessing his boyfriend cheating on him, only for Rain to show up, tell Riv he loves him, and be magically forgiven.
River, I adore you but please take this advice King.
⤇ Page 300: Ted the Evil Step gets in contact with them and asks Rain to meet up in order to extort him for money, using some dirty fabricated info as leverage. As the smart and logical man that he is, Rain agrees. And then, once Riv asks him to accompany him and Roman to the location, he caves in approximately 0.5 seconds.
What was that about trying to keep River safe before?!
⤇ Page 309: They reach the meeting and the stepfather gives his big villainous speech, in which he admits that he was always in with the Illuminati knock-offs and they are all part of a big global human trafficking network. Again, where was the foreshadowing? NOWHERE.
Like the logic in this book, my sanity had also completely vanished by then 👋👋
⤇ Page 318: there’s a confrontation, and when Ted the Step threatens to shoot Rain with a magically procured firearm, River gets in the path of the bullet and takes two shots directly to the gut.
While he slips into unconsciousness, he thinks how worth it everything was just to save Rain. When the man, I cannot stress enough, had done approximately ZERO things himself in order to actually keep Riv safe or even mentally stable.
At this point, my No DNF-ing policy classifies as self-loathing.
⤇ Page 325: Another Roman POV chapter, in which we get to witness him debating for a few minutes whether to find medical help for River or to allow the guy to die, because:
And I’m supposed to want to read a future spin-off featuring this piece of work? Unless it’s a whodunnit, I’m starring as the murderer and he’s the John Doe, I’m not interested.
⤇ Page 330: After River does get to a hospital and is undergoing surgery and fighting for his life, Rain FINALLY tells Roman off, effectively forcing the guy to leave. Too bad it took you 300 plus pages to do it though, ya jerk!
⤇ Page 350: Weeks later, River wakes up in the hospital to find Rain sleeping by his bedside. In a rather rushed way to wrap up things, they kiss, exchange I Love You’s, agree to move in together, and decide to adopt a dog.
The future dog getting ready to escape that dysfunctional household:
⤇ Page 360: The epilogue happens, which takes place two years later. Both guys buy a cabin, which resembles the one they stayed at in the first book (where they fell in love in after a month and a half of fucking), and then Rain gets on one knee and proposes, Riv says yes, they start to undress and get ready to do the horizontal…
Only for an abrupt POV switch to happen and Roman to start describing how he was watching everything while crouching outside a window. Like the Illuminati creep that he is.
It really do be like that.
THE END.
************************************
I can’t gather the brain cells to give some proper final thoughts, so I’ll just use this space to profess my RELIEF at being done with this book.
As always though, to anyone who liked both entries in the duology, more power to y’all! I hated this with a burning passion, but my low rating or rant is not done with the intention to try and invalidate anyone else’s adoration.
Over and out.
************************************
River of Rain duology by C.E Ricci
Follow the River — 3.5 ⭐
After Rain Falls — 1.2 ⭐
My
Yes, I’m a book masochist. There’s really no other explanation.
What the reading experience felt like.
************************************
A Documentation of my Suffering.
Below, I have decided to do a page overview since there are too many things to address and not enough characters to otherwise elaborate.
WARNING: this will obviously include a lot of spoilers. And an instance of on-page sexual assault will also be discussed.
🚨
🚨
🚨
🚨
🚨
🚨
I apologize ahead of time for the repetition since everyone’s fucking name starts with an R in this one.
⤇ Page 12, and a brief recap for anyone who hasn’t read the first book: Beginning with a bang. Rain, who dumped River at the end of the previous title after telling him “he was nothing but a hole to stick his dick into”, is now engaging in all sorts of mental acrobatics to justify his actions. Claiming, for all intents and purposes, that it was all done to protect the other guy.
Protect him from who, you ask? Why, Rain’s evil stepfather of course, who’s seeking revenge after Rain previously provided proof of his own abuse at his hands.
(If this already sounds convoluted, it’s because it is)
⤇ Page 19: Rain utters the phrase “Until my dying breath, I’ll belong to River Lennox”. I just need to point out that these guys have been romantically involved for a month and a half tops.
⤇ Page 21: Roman, Rain’s ex-best friend and fling, or the Hussy as I like to call him (aka the third part of the most unnecessary love triangle ever), gets his own POV. In his chapter, we are suddenly introduced, with absolutely no previous foreshadowing by the way, to a goddamned secret society in charge of global order. Which Roman belongs to and his father is the leader of.
I repeat, this supposedly simple enemies-to-lovers duology suddenly has a side plot involving the knock-off Illuminatis.
It was early on, but I already knew this to be true.
⤇ Page 33: When discussing River’s obvious grief at the sight of Rain and Roman the Hussy parading around town, Rain claims that he “can’t believe that River actually thinks he doesn’t give a fuck.” As if, again, he hadn’t previously screamed in the guy’s face how worthless he was just weeks ago?
I blame my consequent migraine on all the squinting I was doing.
⤇ Page 50: By this point (not even a month later), River is downright suicidal and resorting to drugs and alcohol to cope, which was also the way Rain addressed his own issues in the previous installment. I get that people can resort to dangerous coping mechanisms to deal with grief and heartbreak, but is it necessary to have every character in the story fall for the same vices?
This duology took this to heart.
⤇ Page 70: there’s an almost kiss between Rain and Roman.
Things we did not need: that.
⤇ Page 80: Roman talks about his cock in the third person.
This we also absolutely did not need: ☝️☝️☝️
⤇ Page 90: River, now all alone and despite his multiple addictions, finally musters up the courage to stand up to the father who walked out on him due to his sexuality. Probably one of the few parts of the book I enjoyed reading.
@ River:
I was honestly more invested in River's path to bettering his life than in any type of romance or secret society tomfoolery.
⤇ Page 130: Rain and River have a confrontation, and when River asks why he even cares, Rain spews this bullshit:
“How the hell can he be this blind? How can he not see that this is hurting me just as much as it is him?”
Well, perhaps because you were the one who dropped him in an instant and told him he was good only for a few fucks?
And I volunteer as a helper too.
⤇ Page 145: Rain keeps claiming he wants Riv to move on, yet goes out of his way to seek him out at a party and try and initiate another sexual encounter, knowing full well he does not intend to return any romantic gestures afterward. The levels of audacity...
Plus, he was still talking about keeping his love for River on the down-low, in case his evil stepfather figures things out and comes for Riv. So the obvious idea is trying to fuck him in a bathroom in a house full of inebriated people, right?
The idiocy displayed here defies all human comprehension.
⤇ Page 160: Later on at said gathering, Rain and Roman go to the basement and find River completely out of his mind on drugs. The guy is mentally not there and barely even conscious. So naturally, Rain being the protective and kindhearted guy that he is, would obviously stand up to protect him once Roman decides that “hey, sexually assaulting the guy seems like a good way to make a point”? RIGHT?
Yeah, no. He just stands there and watches until River’s friends stop the assault themselves. When they later throw his and Roman’s ass out of the party, Rain proceeds to feel sorry for himself.
This is how reading Rain’s self-pitying POV felt like.
⤇ Page 165: After not moving a finger while the Hussy assaulted the supposed love of his life, Rain goes back to their shared apartment and decides that kissing the despicable guy is the best way to get his mind off things. And eventually, when Roman starts to blow him, waits until the very last second to stop things from escalating further.
Which obviously really proves how loyal and devoted Rain is (not).
⤇ Page 169: Rain once again goes out of his way to start a confrontation with River, alleging it’s to check up on him when in reality he only ends up humiliating the guy further. These words are spoken:
“Were you too high on speedball last night to even know who was touching or sucking you off? Or did you think it was me?”
Which is, you guessed it, the wonderfully empathetic and loving man that is Rain, now victim-blaming River over the violation he endured. Implying that due to being high, it was somehow Riv’s fault he couldn’t stop it…
My new philosophy.
⤇ Page 177: Rain finds out that (conveniently) he and River share the same therapist. It takes the woman pressuring him for Rain to FINALLY snap out of it and reach out to River via phone call. River, lovable but naive dumbass that he is, agrees to hear Rain out and forgives him.
⤇ Page 191: After more threats by the evil stepfather, Roman suggests bringing both Rain and River to his secret Illuminati Mansion, in which all the other “apprentices'' (aka young eligible hot guys) hang out. There were pages worth of exposition about the secret society here, but the only thing I wrote down as a note was “What in the Da Vinky code?” and I think that sums things up pretty thoroughly.
Roman and his Illuminati squad, apparently. Because yes, they literally had a round table in a basement they used for meetings. In case the book wasn’t subtle enough for ya.
⤇ Page 220: While laying in bed, River tells Rain that he doesn’t remember much about the night at the party, aka the one in which Roman assaulted him, and Rain tells him it’s “better he doesn’t”, effectively washing his hands of the situation and taking away the right to know what happened from Riv. As one would obviously do to his so-called soulmate.
The assault is never again discussed or even hinted at in the rest of the book and River never finds out the truth. So I can’t help but ask…
⤇ Page 225: Roman the Prick goes out of his way to seek River out in the Secret Society Mansion to tell the guy that he “eliminates threats”, pretty much insinuating he will kill Riv in order to acquire access to Rain’s
⤇ Page 240: more Secret Society crap nobody cares about is discussed.
⤇ Page 260: After another bargain bin Illuminati meeting is over, Roman asks Rain to have a word and then kisses the guy, which Rain reciprocates out of “feeling sorry for friendzoning him”. At this point, Riv had (stupidly) agreed to give him a second chance. So yes, they were a committed couple and yes, Rain proved once more he ain’t shit.
And of course River walks in on them doing the tongue tango that very instant.
🎶🎵Hello darkness, my old friend 🎶🎵
⤇ Page 270: Less than a chapter later, River is packing his bags ready to leave after witnessing his boyfriend cheating on him, only for Rain to show up, tell Riv he loves him, and be magically forgiven.
River, I adore you but please take this advice King.
⤇ Page 300: Ted the Evil Step gets in contact with them and asks Rain to meet up in order to extort him for money, using some dirty fabricated info as leverage. As the smart and logical man that he is, Rain agrees. And then, once Riv asks him to accompany him and Roman to the location, he caves in approximately 0.5 seconds.
What was that about trying to keep River safe before?!
⤇ Page 309: They reach the meeting and the stepfather gives his big villainous speech, in which he admits that he was always in with the Illuminati knock-offs and they are all part of a big global human trafficking network. Again, where was the foreshadowing? NOWHERE.
Like the logic in this book, my sanity had also completely vanished by then 👋👋
⤇ Page 318: there’s a confrontation, and when Ted the Step threatens to shoot Rain with a magically procured firearm, River gets in the path of the bullet and takes two shots directly to the gut.
While he slips into unconsciousness, he thinks how worth it everything was just to save Rain. When the man, I cannot stress enough, had done approximately ZERO things himself in order to actually keep Riv safe or even mentally stable.
At this point, my No DNF-ing policy classifies as self-loathing.
⤇ Page 325: Another Roman POV chapter, in which we get to witness him debating for a few minutes whether to find medical help for River or to allow the guy to die, because:
“While Rain might take the time to mourn River, he’ll eventually find a way to move on. And I’d wait. For the pain of his loss to fade. For him to be ready to open his heart again. For him to be able to love again.”
And I’m supposed to want to read a future spin-off featuring this piece of work? Unless it’s a whodunnit, I’m starring as the murderer and he’s the John Doe, I’m not interested.
⤇ Page 330: After River does get to a hospital and is undergoing surgery and fighting for his life, Rain FINALLY tells Roman off, effectively forcing the guy to leave. Too bad it took you 300 plus pages to do it though, ya jerk!
⤇ Page 350: Weeks later, River wakes up in the hospital to find Rain sleeping by his bedside. In a rather rushed way to wrap up things, they kiss, exchange I Love You’s, agree to move in together, and decide to adopt a dog.
The future dog getting ready to escape that dysfunctional household:
⤇ Page 360: The epilogue happens, which takes place two years later. Both guys buy a cabin, which resembles the one they stayed at in the first book (where they fell in love in after a month and a half of fucking), and then Rain gets on one knee and proposes, Riv says yes, they start to undress and get ready to do the horizontal…
Only for an abrupt POV switch to happen and Roman to start describing how he was watching everything while crouching outside a window. Like the Illuminati creep that he is.
It really do be like that.
THE END.
************************************
I can’t gather the brain cells to give some proper final thoughts, so I’ll just use this space to profess my RELIEF at being done with this book.
As always though, to anyone who liked both entries in the duology, more power to y’all! I hated this with a burning passion, but my low rating or rant is not done with the intention to try and invalidate anyone else’s adoration.
Over and out.
************************************
River of Rain duology by C.E Ricci
Follow the River — 3.5 ⭐
After Rain Falls — 1.2 ⭐
November 12, 2023
1.5/5
Ughh, this book was a freaking mess I don’t want to write spoilers here, so I’m just gonna say that I’m mad at almost everything in this book, mainly our two main characters. I'm quite disappointed as I thought the second book would be a bit more enjoyable than the first.
The quotes were cute though.
Ughh, this book was a freaking mess I don’t want to write spoilers here, so I’m just gonna say that I’m mad at almost everything in this book, mainly our two main characters. I'm quite disappointed as I thought the second book would be a bit more enjoyable than the first.
"It wasn’t a mistake, mo grá. No moment with you ever could be.”
"And knowing my sleep is the only place I'm able to kiss you, touch you, and feel the fire you consume me in…makes me crave the nightmares."
The quotes were cute though.
March 22, 2021
4.5 Stars
Told in multiple POV, 1st person, it’s the second installment in the "River of Rain" duet and it has to be read in order. This one begins where book 1 ends. At this point, River is broken, unrecognizable even to himself. Shattered and fractured beyond repair. He’s depressed, angry, scared and betrayed by the people in his life. he feels alone, abondoned, forgottena and empty. He became his own woers enemy. Rian is filled to the brim with hostility and he needs to be free. He needs to talk but he doesn’t feel brave enough; not for his own saftey but for the ones he loves the most…
Again, there is too much push & pull here. They want to be with each other but there is a bridge between them and they both have to cross it over to see each other at the half way. It’s full angsty and emotional. In this one I felt a bit of love triangle and it got to me a little. I hope the author thinks about Roman and don't leave him alone. he deserves to have that person (the one) in his life, to taste the real love. All in all, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Told in multiple POV, 1st person, it’s the second installment in the "River of Rain" duet and it has to be read in order. This one begins where book 1 ends. At this point, River is broken, unrecognizable even to himself. Shattered and fractured beyond repair. He’s depressed, angry, scared and betrayed by the people in his life. he feels alone, abondoned, forgottena and empty. He became his own woers enemy. Rian is filled to the brim with hostility and he needs to be free. He needs to talk but he doesn’t feel brave enough; not for his own saftey but for the ones he loves the most…
Again, there is too much push & pull here. They want to be with each other but there is a bridge between them and they both have to cross it over to see each other at the half way. It’s full angsty and emotional. In this one I felt a bit of love triangle and it got to me a little. I hope the author thinks about Roman and don't leave him alone. he deserves to have that person (the one) in his life, to taste the real love. All in all, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
June 30, 2021
In book one I preferred Rain because he’s broody and broken and now poor River … god, he’s such a mess. I just want to hold him.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who sees the hypocrisy of refusing to give into River’s pleas for love because he’s protecting him. But why the fuck are you arguing about it outside on your front stoop where the asshole knows where you live!!!
Roman is such a shit but he’s still likable. All’s fair in love and war and all that, but he doesn’t stand a chance and he knows it. That’s why he never fails to taunt River because misery loves company. At the same time I kinda hate him because he just keeps kicking the puppy. Who does that?
Omg Rain! You already told him you were gonna tell him everything, so spit it out already!
So, Roman’s issue is having to produce an heir so that’s why he couldn’t make a life with Rain back when he stood a chance. Dude, gay men have been having babies for decades. Ever heard of surrogacy? It usually involves a sister and your chosen mates sperm and guess what? You not only have a sister, she’s your twin, the closest you could ever come to your own biology! 🤦🏼♀️
So, the first third and the last third were great. All the angst and pain, it was heart wrenching to experience everything River went through as he spiraled out of control. And then when they finally figured their shit out, it warmed my worn out beaten heart.
Unfortunately the middle left a bit to be desired, it got to be too long winded and that beat horse was long dead. Having said that. The duo was still a fantastic read, I’m especially intrigued by The Enclave and those five.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who sees the hypocrisy of refusing to give into River’s pleas for love because he’s protecting him. But why the fuck are you arguing about it outside on your front stoop where the asshole knows where you live!!!
Roman is such a shit but he’s still likable. All’s fair in love and war and all that, but he doesn’t stand a chance and he knows it. That’s why he never fails to taunt River because misery loves company. At the same time I kinda hate him because he just keeps kicking the puppy. Who does that?
Omg Rain! You already told him you were gonna tell him everything, so spit it out already!
So, Roman’s issue is having to produce an heir so that’s why he couldn’t make a life with Rain back when he stood a chance. Dude, gay men have been having babies for decades. Ever heard of surrogacy? It usually involves a sister and your chosen mates sperm and guess what? You not only have a sister, she’s your twin, the closest you could ever come to your own biology! 🤦🏼♀️
So, the first third and the last third were great. All the angst and pain, it was heart wrenching to experience everything River went through as he spiraled out of control. And then when they finally figured their shit out, it warmed my worn out beaten heart.
Unfortunately the middle left a bit to be desired, it got to be too long winded and that beat horse was long dead. Having said that. The duo was still a fantastic read, I’m especially intrigued by The Enclave and those five.
May 18, 2021
**re-read 05/17/2021**
If it is possible somehow, I am even more in love with River & Rain after my re-read because DAMN!! These two can heat up the page while breaking your heart and that is some fucking talent. This time I tried to take a little more time and really feel the things that both men were feeling when they were at their most toxic and somehow it resonated so much. Sometimes the things that we do to protect others end up hurting them far more than if we would have just let them in.
For real though, fuck Roman!! Gah, he seriously ticked me off so much always trying to be that one person for Rain when it was always going to be River. Also, the things that we learn about the Enclave in this book that will ultimately lead up to These Vile Secrets is seriously crazy but I don't think we have even begun to see what they can do.
Really there is no reason for me to go into more raving about this duet because it is just EVERYTHING!! Some people didn't have the best experience with the darkness that this duet entails and that was one of the reasons I loved it. Their story is not easy, it will rip your heart out, make you question your choices and just leave you on the floor sobbing. Even though I probably won't see River & Rain again for a while their story will always be close to my heart for so many reasons. Lets see if C.E. Ricci can make me change my mind about Roman fucking Mitchell.
**original review 02/09/2021**
ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review.
Follow the River was book one in the River of Rain duet and I felt that book in my soul!! From the moment we meet Rain and River their connection is undeniable as well as heartbreaking. In book two After Rain Falls we get to see a whole different side to both beautiful and damaged men. Now, don't get too excited just yet because as with book one this book will test your limits for not only how much your heart can handle but the love you have for River and Rain as well.
There were so many moments while reading this book that I felt my stomach just drop for what was to come and while not all of it was sad, C.E. Ricci's ability to create such a tragic tale that gave you so much hope is almost unbelievable. Not once can I remember a story breaking my heart so much while giving me so much hope for where it was headed. River might have been the obvious hero to a lot of people in Follow the River but Rain's passion for what he loved was what made this story so incredible. He might not have made some of the best choices but everything he did, he did because he thought it was the right choice for River.
Book hangovers aren't something I generally deal with because I am always ready to dive into the next story, but this story is lingering in my heart and mind unlike anything I've read in years if ever. While my review might not give away really anything about this story, I hope it gives people an idea at how powerful Ricci's words were. This story did not go in any direction I thought it was and while the ending was MIND BLOWING it was exactly how I would imagine Rain and River's story to end after everything that they went through.
As if I have to say, After Rain Falls was a five star book and with its companion book Follow the River I will be forever reminded of the love, passion and sheer beauty that was River and Rain. I am not ready to say goodbye to them but that is what makes a story so powerful. Even after the end you are not ready to let the characters to go but I know that if I am ever wanting a dose of Rain or River, I can just crack open one of these books and fall in love all over again with their story.
If it is possible somehow, I am even more in love with River & Rain after my re-read because DAMN!! These two can heat up the page while breaking your heart and that is some fucking talent. This time I tried to take a little more time and really feel the things that both men were feeling when they were at their most toxic and somehow it resonated so much. Sometimes the things that we do to protect others end up hurting them far more than if we would have just let them in.
For real though, fuck Roman!! Gah, he seriously ticked me off so much always trying to be that one person for Rain when it was always going to be River. Also, the things that we learn about the Enclave in this book that will ultimately lead up to These Vile Secrets is seriously crazy but I don't think we have even begun to see what they can do.
Really there is no reason for me to go into more raving about this duet because it is just EVERYTHING!! Some people didn't have the best experience with the darkness that this duet entails and that was one of the reasons I loved it. Their story is not easy, it will rip your heart out, make you question your choices and just leave you on the floor sobbing. Even though I probably won't see River & Rain again for a while their story will always be close to my heart for so many reasons. Lets see if C.E. Ricci can make me change my mind about Roman fucking Mitchell.
**original review 02/09/2021**
ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review.
Follow the River was book one in the River of Rain duet and I felt that book in my soul!! From the moment we meet Rain and River their connection is undeniable as well as heartbreaking. In book two After Rain Falls we get to see a whole different side to both beautiful and damaged men. Now, don't get too excited just yet because as with book one this book will test your limits for not only how much your heart can handle but the love you have for River and Rain as well.
There were so many moments while reading this book that I felt my stomach just drop for what was to come and while not all of it was sad, C.E. Ricci's ability to create such a tragic tale that gave you so much hope is almost unbelievable. Not once can I remember a story breaking my heart so much while giving me so much hope for where it was headed. River might have been the obvious hero to a lot of people in Follow the River but Rain's passion for what he loved was what made this story so incredible. He might not have made some of the best choices but everything he did, he did because he thought it was the right choice for River.
Book hangovers aren't something I generally deal with because I am always ready to dive into the next story, but this story is lingering in my heart and mind unlike anything I've read in years if ever. While my review might not give away really anything about this story, I hope it gives people an idea at how powerful Ricci's words were. This story did not go in any direction I thought it was and while the ending was MIND BLOWING it was exactly how I would imagine Rain and River's story to end after everything that they went through.
As if I have to say, After Rain Falls was a five star book and with its companion book Follow the River I will be forever reminded of the love, passion and sheer beauty that was River and Rain. I am not ready to say goodbye to them but that is what makes a story so powerful. Even after the end you are not ready to let the characters to go but I know that if I am ever wanting a dose of Rain or River, I can just crack open one of these books and fall in love all over again with their story.
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February 27, 2021
✰ 5 stars ✰
before anything else, imma just say this now: this book is NOT for everyone. The relationship between both heroes wasn't perfect, it was even toxic at times and I can understand the perspective of someone who wouldn't like this book so feel free to look at the spoiler below about the things I didn't like and you can decide if it's a book you wanna check out or not!
⊱ ──────ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ────── ⊰
i'm going to start with what I didn't like so I can get it off my chest:
there were a lot of moments throughout this duet that had me frustrated af and disgusted because of the actions/decisions made by certain characters; for example, in the first book
soo, why exactly 5 stars?
I'm an emotional reader, who gets attached (to fictional characters) way too easily. I love characters who are complex, morally grey. They're neither bad nor good, but they're in that grey line as I find them more fascinating to read about. Quite obvious if you look at my 'all time favorites' shelf, lol. Most of the things I read, I don't condone irl, but isn't that the beauty of being able to separate fiction vs reality? Reading is my escape from reality so, despite the shitty things that happened in this book, I can't exactly deny it still made me feel and be emotionally invested. River's my favorite character and him being the wholesome one in all this was like the light in a dark tunnel. He's not perfect by any means, but I truly felt for him. I also enjoyed Rain and River's chemistry overall, minus the bad shit that kept happening to them. With Roman, . I'm intrigued with the rest of the boys in The Enclave and wouldn't mind reading stories about them as well!
would I recommend this? Although I personally enjoyed this duet, I think this is one of those books where it's really up to yourself to decide because, as I said, it's not for everyone but, hopefully, this review could help you (somewhat) decide.
before anything else, imma just say this now: this book is NOT for everyone. The relationship between both heroes wasn't perfect, it was even toxic at times and I can understand the perspective of someone who wouldn't like this book so feel free to look at the spoiler below about the things I didn't like and you can decide if it's a book you wanna check out or not!
⊱ ──────ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ────── ⊰
i'm going to start with what I didn't like so I can get it off my chest:
there were a lot of moments throughout this duet that had me frustrated af and disgusted because of the actions/decisions made by certain characters; for example, in the first book
soo, why exactly 5 stars?
I'm an emotional reader, who gets attached (to fictional characters) way too easily. I love characters who are complex, morally grey. They're neither bad nor good, but they're in that grey line as I find them more fascinating to read about. Quite obvious if you look at my 'all time favorites' shelf, lol. Most of the things I read, I don't condone irl, but isn't that the beauty of being able to separate fiction vs reality? Reading is my escape from reality so, despite the shitty things that happened in this book, I can't exactly deny it still made me feel and be emotionally invested. River's my favorite character and him being the wholesome one in all this was like the light in a dark tunnel. He's not perfect by any means, but I truly felt for him. I also enjoyed Rain and River's chemistry overall, minus the bad shit that kept happening to them. With Roman, . I'm intrigued with the rest of the boys in The Enclave and wouldn't mind reading stories about them as well!
would I recommend this? Although I personally enjoyed this duet, I think this is one of those books where it's really up to yourself to decide because, as I said, it's not for everyone but, hopefully, this review could help you (somewhat) decide.
February 19, 2021
Where do I start?
I knew that this book would be more sad, after the way that Follow The River ended... But I didn't expected to be so depressing for so long into the story.
River... My poor happy, lovely and carefree baby, is completely shattered and unrecognizable in this book. He's soooo down and so broken, that not even he could recognize himself.
I liked this book because it's the well deserved happily ever after of my babies, but I can't say that I loved their journey in this second book.
River is a mess until more than half book, he's really in a dark place, and although I can understand the reasons why Rain pushed him away, I can't accept a lot of things that happened along their time apart, or the way that each one of them decided to deal with their problems.
Like... why can't you just sit and talk like fucking adults?
I get that the author wanted to introduce the theme for her next series, BUT I was expecting a book more into Rain and River overcoming their issues and limitations, and less about The Enclave.
There's a lot of things that I could have passed without in this second book...
And I won't leave any spoilers here, but I'll say this...
She will need to be one hell of a writer to make me like Roman, because I don't give a fuck about him... In fact, he's probably the major reason behind my lower rating in comparison to the first book, because I really hate him!
Everything that he did, or that he thought he was entitle to, or that he manipulated to make Rain be with him... Argh! No!
I. Just. Hate. Him.
That said, yeah... This is also another emotional journey, full of ups and downs and with River and Rain finally getting the happy ending that they deserve.
I wish I could have seen more of them as a happy couple, not just an epilogue.
But I'm happy at how they ended.
Read
February 18, 2021After having a serious conversation between myself and I, I decided to give this one up, I won't give a rating because I only got until 36% but until that point it was a one star read.
Here's the thing, I LOVED the first book, I knew it wasn't perfect but for a first time author I thought it had potential. The drama was there in Follow the River but the difference between that book and this one (I've thought a lot about this because I'm shocked) it's that FTR was a little bit simpler, it was just about River and Rain's animosity, also there were secrets that I think kept the story fresh, not repetitive and other stuff was actually happening, like Rain's painting, River's reading and walking, etc. Never in my life could I imagine that the author was gonna come out this mess next.
Now, in After Rain Falls all becomes a disaster, when you're in chapter one this thought repeats itself in all the pages: I think of River all the time. Then chapter 2 happens wich WTF with that and we got to chapter 3 and the same thought, then chapter 4 and the same thought but this time in River's head. And that was the book for the third part, well not totally we also got the: I can't be seen with you but I still seek you out because... Well the author didn't explain, but it continues with: it got clear to me that I had to maintain my distance and then I run to your house, I sleep with you and I wake up the next morning thinking: I can't stop it I must be with you and then suddenly I think I need to maintain my distance, (where did that change came from? Not even the author knows), then it kept going to: I tell you that we are a mistake and days later, without warning, I appear in front of your house to yell at you about the same thing I've yelled at you and thought about in episode 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11....
So it was exhausting and not the good kind, it was really badly written, things didn't make sense, the angst didn't make sense, the development, the transitions, the characters, NOTHING made sense.
Bad, bad bad.
Here's the thing, I LOVED the first book, I knew it wasn't perfect but for a first time author I thought it had potential. The drama was there in Follow the River but the difference between that book and this one (I've thought a lot about this because I'm shocked) it's that FTR was a little bit simpler, it was just about River and Rain's animosity, also there were secrets that I think kept the story fresh, not repetitive and other stuff was actually happening, like Rain's painting, River's reading and walking, etc. Never in my life could I imagine that the author was gonna come out this mess next.
Now, in After Rain Falls all becomes a disaster, when you're in chapter one this thought repeats itself in all the pages: I think of River all the time. Then chapter 2 happens wich WTF with that and we got to chapter 3 and the same thought, then chapter 4 and the same thought but this time in River's head. And that was the book for the third part, well not totally we also got the: I can't be seen with you but I still seek you out because... Well the author didn't explain, but it continues with: it got clear to me that I had to maintain my distance and then I run to your house, I sleep with you and I wake up the next morning thinking: I can't stop it I must be with you and then suddenly I think I need to maintain my distance, (where did that change came from? Not even the author knows), then it kept going to: I tell you that we are a mistake and days later, without warning, I appear in front of your house to yell at you about the same thing I've yelled at you and thought about in episode 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11....
So it was exhausting and not the good kind, it was really badly written, things didn't make sense, the angst didn't make sense, the development, the transitions, the characters, NOTHING made sense.
Bad, bad bad.
September 8, 2021
”Mussed hair and swollen lips and amber eyes filled with love and lust, I’ve never seen anything more perfect in my goddamn life.”
Well. She’s wrecked me again💚💚.
After Rain Falls picks up where Follow the River finishes, with River and Rain at odds with each other, and Rain's former bestie Roman back in town to support him.
I know readers are taking sides on this, but nuh uh I do not ship Roman in any way, not after THOSE 60 seconds...🤬. (UPDATE: okay, so maybe after I read TVS my view on Roman changed, yeah, yeah, don’t @ me…😌).
We learn more about the mysterious 'enclave' in ARF, setting us up nicely for C.E. Ricci's next series and without giving too much away, our boys do get their HEA, but it's a really rocky ride to get there.
TAKE NOTE angst levels were again high in this one, and at times I just wanted to bang the boys' heads together to make them see sense.
Whilst still a 4.5 (rounded up to 5) star read for me, I preferred FTR. I just love that enemies-to-lovers, fighting-the-attraction-to-each-other trope, more than the we're-in-love-and-this-is-all-too-hard trope. Both exceedingly 🔥🔥🔥 in the capable hands of Ms Ricci though 😈.
Highly recommended.
If you’ve read FTR you're going to need to read this one too. ASAP 💚.
4.5 (r/up) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well. She’s wrecked me again💚💚.
After Rain Falls picks up where Follow the River finishes, with River and Rain at odds with each other, and Rain's former bestie Roman back in town to support him.
I know readers are taking sides on this, but nuh uh I do not ship Roman in any way, not after THOSE 60 seconds...🤬. (UPDATE: okay, so maybe after I read TVS my view on Roman changed, yeah, yeah, don’t @ me…😌).
We learn more about the mysterious 'enclave' in ARF, setting us up nicely for C.E. Ricci's next series and without giving too much away, our boys do get their HEA, but it's a really rocky ride to get there.
TAKE NOTE angst levels were again high in this one, and at times I just wanted to bang the boys' heads together to make them see sense.
Whilst still a 4.5 (rounded up to 5) star read for me, I preferred FTR. I just love that enemies-to-lovers, fighting-the-attraction-to-each-other trope, more than the we're-in-love-and-this-is-all-too-hard trope. Both exceedingly 🔥🔥🔥 in the capable hands of Ms Ricci though 😈.
Highly recommended.
If you’ve read FTR you're going to need to read this one too. ASAP 💚.
4.5 (r/up) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 4, 2022
If you think you're lost, just follow the river.
i didn't love this book but for some reason i saw myself addicted and bewitched to the heartbreak, pain, and this constant push and pull it brought. i tried reading other books but found myself picking this one up again. this whole duet, well at least for me, was fucking exhausting. it will suck your energy. it will suck your joyous vibes. i feel like the epilogue in this book is the only time where both river and rain got truly happy. also, my biggest buzzkill here was how the first half of the story could've been easily resolved if they just... talked. like grown adults. i mean if someone is in danger, you have to tell that they are in danger and the possible reason of it. and not to push them away and see them lose their mind guessing. overall, these books are a wild ride. a part of me is glad i picked them up finally and a part of wish i didn't.
February 14, 2021
*** I received an eArc in exchange for an honest review.***
What an amazing conclusion to this breathtaking debut duet!!! I am in awe of the amazing journey both River and Rain experienced throughout both of these novels. This novel was the breathtaking conclusion to the cliffhanger that left many unanswered questions. This novel takes the reader on an epic ride that was impossible to put down because you are anxiously awaiting the next development.
If you are a fan of stories where the HEA is not an easy destination where it must be earned then this is the story for you. I was captivated by River and Rain's story and anticipate the next installment in this fascinating world of fresh and interesting characters.
What an amazing conclusion to this breathtaking debut duet!!! I am in awe of the amazing journey both River and Rain experienced throughout both of these novels. This novel was the breathtaking conclusion to the cliffhanger that left many unanswered questions. This novel takes the reader on an epic ride that was impossible to put down because you are anxiously awaiting the next development.
If you are a fan of stories where the HEA is not an easy destination where it must be earned then this is the story for you. I was captivated by River and Rain's story and anticipate the next installment in this fascinating world of fresh and interesting characters.
February 20, 2021
I am an emotional mess over this book. I knew going in after how book one ended, this book would be heartbreaking. I just didn't expect it on this level. For more than half the book, I was teary eyes. Freaking Gut-wrenching, River and Rain will always hold a special place in my heart. After Rain Falls is right up my alley, I recommend you ahead to the trigger warning; this book is not for everyone, and that is okay.
River and Rain are such a complicated couple, both messy and make mistakes when they are part. I can't fault them with how they handled it. Both in extreme emotional pain. As much as I love Rain, my poor River. I have never read about a main character like his, so loving, giving, forgivable and broken, he really wears his heart on his sleeve. I just wanted to comfort him—two people who belong together but are part. Rain did what he had to do to protect the one he loves. Secrets unfold, and things move quickly.
I am not sure how I feel about Roman; I am not a fan. I am trying to look at things from his perspective, and I can see somethings. Let's see what the author has installed for him in the future, and I will keep an open mind. The book is easy to read. I read it in one sitting. If you like MM, I recommend this duet.
River and Rain are such a complicated couple, both messy and make mistakes when they are part. I can't fault them with how they handled it. Both in extreme emotional pain. As much as I love Rain, my poor River. I have never read about a main character like his, so loving, giving, forgivable and broken, he really wears his heart on his sleeve. I just wanted to comfort him—two people who belong together but are part. Rain did what he had to do to protect the one he loves. Secrets unfold, and things move quickly.
I am not sure how I feel about Roman; I am not a fan. I am trying to look at things from his perspective, and I can see somethings. Let's see what the author has installed for him in the future, and I will keep an open mind. The book is easy to read. I read it in one sitting. If you like MM, I recommend this duet.
March 16, 2023
Gostei do desfecho da história, mas isso de enclave foi viajar muito na maionese. Achei o Roman um porre, nem vou perder meu tempo lendo um livro com ele. Nem ce ricci para me fazer ler livro com Roman e esse povo do enclave ( que não me convenceu)
February 22, 2022
Welp, this book, as they say, jumped the shark (do they still say that? IDK, I'm old). Anyway, it was very... not good, and wildly over the top. I kind of found the first book compelling because trapped in a cabin is genuinely one of my favourite tropes, plus who doesn't love a good enemies to lovers vibe. But this book is just a genuine mess. Apart from the absolutely, mindbogglingly nonsensical plot, I struggled to tell the MCs apart. They were both unbelievable dumbasses and neither of them seemed very distinct. And then there's this thing with a secret society that made no sense whatsoever, and all these profoundly unnecessary side characters. The list of poor plot decisions goes on and on. Apart from that, I found the dialogue unrealistic and soap-opera level melodramatic. Real people do not talk like that, I wish authors would aim for authenticity in this. It so takes one out of a story when people just like say things no human has ever said in real life. I'm not sure who this book was for, or what story it was really trying to tell. If you pared it down to just Rain and River trying to be together while dealing with past traumas and family drama it might have been a readable story, but all the extraneous stuff just honestly ruined it. Yeah, no, this one was not for me.
December 18, 2021
It's been a minute since I read a love story like River and Rain's and I completely fell in love with these two. It was so emotional, funny, and with lots of ups and downs, and I loved every second of the ride. The Playlist for this book really helped and magnified the emotion I was feeling during reading this book. CE did an excellent job and it shows how their story turned out as real as it was. Can't wait for the novella now ♥️
February 17, 2021
So, this is my personal opinion, because I know that many loved it ... But it was not my case.
I felt like 98% of the characters were angry. The drama and toxicity increased. MUCH. I felt that instead of getting better, it got worse. And sometime after the middle I was bored. I just wanted to know how it ended. Meh. I am so disappointed and frustrated.😔
I felt like 98% of the characters were angry. The drama and toxicity increased. MUCH. I felt that instead of getting better, it got worse. And sometime after the middle I was bored. I just wanted to know how it ended. Meh. I am so disappointed and frustrated.😔
February 18, 2021
This is going to be an unpopular opinion but whatever. I read this book in one day because I was in a rush to finish it and not look at it longer than necessary lol. Beware of SPOILERS cuz there's a lot. This review will be a doozy so strap in. TRIGGER WARNING: talk of rape.
Okay, so this book was unsatisfying for me, to say the least. I found there to be too many issues. I didn't add a review to the first book because I was waiting for this one.
1- I never like when authors romanticize co-dependence, ownership of a person, obsessive and possessive thoughts and behaviours, rape, etc. - I know a lot of people think it's hot to hear someone say "you're mine and I'm yours" but when it's repeatedly shoved in your face, you feel like you're choking on it and getting second-hand embarrassment. It irks me when unhealthy relationships are normalized and made to be romantic when really they're co-dependent and toxic as hell.
River: "I wanna be able to claim you and mark you as mine and not look like an idiot for it. And there was so much of that from both River and Rain..just ugh...
2- I felt bad for Roman. Not saying I liked him but I pitied him and wanted to shake him out of his obsession with Rain despite knowing Rain would let him down. Not everyone will agree with my pity for him, though I get why because Roman was hella petty and only breaking his heart further when he kept pining after Rain, but when Ciarain told him to leave the hospital in such a careless, heartless way, my heart broke for Roman. He saved the man he despised and resented and all for Ciarain and because it was the right thing to do. And Ciarain just tossed him aside like he meant nothing.
I don't think it would've worked out between Roman and Ciarain, especially because of his baby plan and because he just couldn't accept that Ciarain never loved him. He at least realized at the end if it did work out with Ciarain, he would've been the second choice. And Ciarain isn't blameless, he led Roman on a few times.
3- I understand River's contempt for Roman but when he thought this: This has been a game to him from the beginning. It’s been filled with heartache and agony and he’s been a puppet master behind such a large majority of it. Feeding into my insecurities, letting me assume the worst. I thought he was throwing a lot of blame where it didn't belong. It wasn't a game to Roman, he might've wanted to be petty towards River but he loved Ciarain and he did what a lot of people would do in his position: he fought for his love to win. Even if he was petty and curt with River, he was in pain because the man he loved, loved someone else. River wasn't grateful when he woke up at the hospital. Roman saved him and not Ciarain lol. Roman saved Ciarain from Ted as well. He helped the man he loved countless times and he didn't get the gratitude that he deserved.
Looking back to Roman, I scoff. “And you? You’re no better. Deception is the name of the game for you, for all of you in this secret society that hasn’t managed to do jack shit to help with this mess we’re in.” Lol, this was hilarious, because who the fuck is River to scold Roman about what he has been or has not been able to do to help Rain with Ted. As far as I'm concerned, Roman is not obliged to do jack shit but he's trying because he cares for Rain and because it's genuinely the right thing to do. Lol, River and Rain survived only because of Roman. And LOL when River forgave Rain right away after he got caught kissing Roman back and all because Rain said he loved River... River was such a pushover when it came to Rain. Ciarain truly had both men whipped.
4- River: It’s hilarious to the point where I want to laugh, but I can’t. Because this is my life and the person I love being thrown into the equation. The person I’ve battled for, gone to war for, and it still manages to feel as if I’m the only one fighting. What war is he talking about lol... a lot of the writing in this book was extremely dramatic and cringe. I was sighing in my head a lot.
5- I don't like Ciarain. Not since the first book but I wanted to understand why so many readers are enamoured with him despite what he was like and what he did in the first book but NOPE, including the way he was with Roman throughout the book... just his carelessness in general was gross. He put Roman through the wringer. Oh and also He effing RAPED River in the first book. I don't care if River says he could've stopped it if he wanted. He was in shock when it happened. I don't care if River loved or lusted after Ciarain enough to get over it. It was a vile and brutal attack. And he won't get any sympathy from me because Ted sexually abused Rain when he was young. In fact, it makes things worse because if he knew how it feels to have your body abused like that, he wouldn't have put his unlubed dick forcefully in River. And Idc that the author wrote him to be aware of that fact because it doesn't change anything. I can't support any relationship that has had that no matter how many times the author writes a happy ending. If I was showering in the shower and all of a sudden I feel this pain in my asshole and it feels like I'm torn apart and it's because the guy is so angry that he shoved it up there without any care for who he's hurting, I'd never be able to get that out of my head no matter what I felt for him beforehand, no matter what the author writes, a person does not let that shit go unless there's an unhealthy infatuation that's written as love. It's insulting to victims. That said, just because I felt bad for Roman, I didn't like what happened at the party and what Roman, in his desperation, did. I didn't like that at all. Didn't like Rain in that scene either but his shitiness wasn't surprising whatsoever.
A lot of River's behavior is just as questionable as Rain's. In the first book and in this one. I can't go into it too much because then this review will be soooo damn long. But I don't like River either lol.
6- The author has potential in writing but the crazy run-ons of thoughts and feelings during actual conversations was too much and unrealistic, it got super annoying. It was also hella wishy-washy and cheesy af and made me cringe, many, many times it felt like a script for Days Of Our Lives.
7- Not sure if I'll read Roman's book (if he gets one) because I'm guessing the author would milk his pain over losing Rain to another man and I'm honestly sick of Rain and River after only two books lol. But I still hope the author will write something for him; I want him to find someone worthy of his love and I want him to forget about Ciarain because I truly believe Ciarain didn't deserve him as a friend or as a lover. But I'm guessing Roman would only go through more pain before he finds actual love.
8- Author in Preface: They aren’t perfect. They hurt each other as much as they love each other. They make mistakes. They’re going to do things that make you angry, happy, sad, and probably everything in between. But to me, it makes sense because that’s how real love works in all of our lives. So if I’m doing my best to make them as real as possible, shouldn’t their relationship be too?
Lol wtf. Their relationship wasn't by any means "real", it was hella toxic NO MATTER HOW MANY HAPPY ENDINGS ARE WRITTEN FOR THE TWO OF THEM. If you truly feel different then ok wtv but dont generalize this shit. And that's NOT how "real love" works, dude. I just...can't even with this statement.
Okay, so this book was unsatisfying for me, to say the least. I found there to be too many issues. I didn't add a review to the first book because I was waiting for this one.
1- I never like when authors romanticize co-dependence, ownership of a person, obsessive and possessive thoughts and behaviours, rape, etc. - I know a lot of people think it's hot to hear someone say "you're mine and I'm yours" but when it's repeatedly shoved in your face, you feel like you're choking on it and getting second-hand embarrassment. It irks me when unhealthy relationships are normalized and made to be romantic when really they're co-dependent and toxic as hell.
River: "I wanna be able to claim you and mark you as mine and not look like an idiot for it. And there was so much of that from both River and Rain..just ugh...
2- I felt bad for Roman. Not saying I liked him but I pitied him and wanted to shake him out of his obsession with Rain despite knowing Rain would let him down. Not everyone will agree with my pity for him, though I get why because Roman was hella petty and only breaking his heart further when he kept pining after Rain, but when Ciarain told him to leave the hospital in such a careless, heartless way, my heart broke for Roman. He saved the man he despised and resented and all for Ciarain and because it was the right thing to do. And Ciarain just tossed him aside like he meant nothing.
I don't think it would've worked out between Roman and Ciarain, especially because of his baby plan and because he just couldn't accept that Ciarain never loved him. He at least realized at the end if it did work out with Ciarain, he would've been the second choice. And Ciarain isn't blameless, he led Roman on a few times.
3- I understand River's contempt for Roman but when he thought this: This has been a game to him from the beginning. It’s been filled with heartache and agony and he’s been a puppet master behind such a large majority of it. Feeding into my insecurities, letting me assume the worst. I thought he was throwing a lot of blame where it didn't belong. It wasn't a game to Roman, he might've wanted to be petty towards River but he loved Ciarain and he did what a lot of people would do in his position: he fought for his love to win. Even if he was petty and curt with River, he was in pain because the man he loved, loved someone else. River wasn't grateful when he woke up at the hospital. Roman saved him and not Ciarain lol. Roman saved Ciarain from Ted as well. He helped the man he loved countless times and he didn't get the gratitude that he deserved.
Looking back to Roman, I scoff. “And you? You’re no better. Deception is the name of the game for you, for all of you in this secret society that hasn’t managed to do jack shit to help with this mess we’re in.” Lol, this was hilarious, because who the fuck is River to scold Roman about what he has been or has not been able to do to help Rain with Ted. As far as I'm concerned, Roman is not obliged to do jack shit but he's trying because he cares for Rain and because it's genuinely the right thing to do. Lol, River and Rain survived only because of Roman. And LOL when River forgave Rain right away after he got caught kissing Roman back and all because Rain said he loved River... River was such a pushover when it came to Rain. Ciarain truly had both men whipped.
4- River: It’s hilarious to the point where I want to laugh, but I can’t. Because this is my life and the person I love being thrown into the equation. The person I’ve battled for, gone to war for, and it still manages to feel as if I’m the only one fighting. What war is he talking about lol... a lot of the writing in this book was extremely dramatic and cringe. I was sighing in my head a lot.
5- I don't like Ciarain. Not since the first book but I wanted to understand why so many readers are enamoured with him despite what he was like and what he did in the first book but NOPE, including the way he was with Roman throughout the book... just his carelessness in general was gross. He put Roman through the wringer. Oh and also He effing RAPED River in the first book. I don't care if River says he could've stopped it if he wanted. He was in shock when it happened. I don't care if River loved or lusted after Ciarain enough to get over it. It was a vile and brutal attack. And he won't get any sympathy from me because Ted sexually abused Rain when he was young. In fact, it makes things worse because if he knew how it feels to have your body abused like that, he wouldn't have put his unlubed dick forcefully in River. And Idc that the author wrote him to be aware of that fact because it doesn't change anything. I can't support any relationship that has had that no matter how many times the author writes a happy ending. If I was showering in the shower and all of a sudden I feel this pain in my asshole and it feels like I'm torn apart and it's because the guy is so angry that he shoved it up there without any care for who he's hurting, I'd never be able to get that out of my head no matter what I felt for him beforehand, no matter what the author writes, a person does not let that shit go unless there's an unhealthy infatuation that's written as love. It's insulting to victims. That said, just because I felt bad for Roman, I didn't like what happened at the party and what Roman, in his desperation, did. I didn't like that at all. Didn't like Rain in that scene either but his shitiness wasn't surprising whatsoever.
A lot of River's behavior is just as questionable as Rain's. In the first book and in this one. I can't go into it too much because then this review will be soooo damn long. But I don't like River either lol.
6- The author has potential in writing but the crazy run-ons of thoughts and feelings during actual conversations was too much and unrealistic, it got super annoying. It was also hella wishy-washy and cheesy af and made me cringe, many, many times it felt like a script for Days Of Our Lives.
7- Not sure if I'll read Roman's book (if he gets one) because I'm guessing the author would milk his pain over losing Rain to another man and I'm honestly sick of Rain and River after only two books lol. But I still hope the author will write something for him; I want him to find someone worthy of his love and I want him to forget about Ciarain because I truly believe Ciarain didn't deserve him as a friend or as a lover. But I'm guessing Roman would only go through more pain before he finds actual love.
8- Author in Preface: They aren’t perfect. They hurt each other as much as they love each other. They make mistakes. They’re going to do things that make you angry, happy, sad, and probably everything in between. But to me, it makes sense because that’s how real love works in all of our lives. So if I’m doing my best to make them as real as possible, shouldn’t their relationship be too?
Lol wtf. Their relationship wasn't by any means "real", it was hella toxic NO MATTER HOW MANY HAPPY ENDINGS ARE WRITTEN FOR THE TWO OF THEM. If you truly feel different then ok wtv but dont generalize this shit. And that's NOT how "real love" works, dude. I just...can't even with this statement.
February 13, 2024
This one contains some spoilers.
After Rain Falls is book two of the River and Rain duet by CE Ricci. This series is so different from the rest of her books, which I’ve now read them all besides These Vile Secrets (Which I am going to put a pause on because personally, I don’t care if Roman finds happiness or falls in love, he honestly deserves to fall into hell at this point).
This book made me feel so many things, rage and sadness being the most prominent. The pain in this book from River's POV around pg. 100 wrapped around me like a vice, one you can’t quit or get away from. It was so deep; it made my soul hurt for him. River fucking obliterated my heart, I could feel his pain coming off the fucking pages and I hated it. I’ve cried while reading books, but I sobbed for him. Sometimes connecting with characters or relating to them isn’t the best feeling in the world. I truly felt his pain and the damage from his father. Maybe that’s why this book tortured me a little extra.
While this book gives a happy ending, it packs a punch. Leaving a massive gaping hole right through your chest before you get too it. I think I felt every emotion while reading this. I also felt a thread of my sanity leaving while waving goodbye to my IQ, and brain cells. Which if we’re being honest must have disappeared beforehand, exhibit A being I continued to read this, knowing it was torturing me.
Also, the next person who touches or assault River, instant death for you. Like, baby, I just wanted you to pull yourself together the whole time. Drugs do NOT solve problems, they create more. I just want to hug you and give you the love you needed/wanted.
And WTH Rain, you should of got Roman away from your man, you supposedly love, yet you watched him assault him because you didn’t want to make a scene. MAKE A SCENE BABY!!! For crying out loud, you protected no one by sitting idlely by while trying to decide what to do.. You should of beat his ass. *Dishonor on you, and dishonor on your family. Is how I felt in this moment. Glad El and Drew showed up and kicked you both to the curve. Will the real friends please stand up…..
Also, cried my literally fucking eyes out after River got shot and then also again when River’s father wouldn’t let Rain see him. I don’t know why that pos, who walked away from his family thinks he has a say in anything about River, but I guess he got the message when River woke up and went off on him. My heart cracked into pieces alongside River’s and Rain’s in these moments. How River's father decided to walk permanently out of his sons life, after he escaped death, I’ll never understand. (It’s just a book, breathe Meagan.) Haha.
Also, did Roman even actually come to help Rain or did he come to cause him more problems because it seems like the little bitch only cares about his selfish self and what he wants. Seriously, watching people through windows for two years, your not a creep at all….. 🤨🤔🙄😬 Also, you watching the man you supposedly love breaking, begging, pleading with anyone who would listen to save River or let them change places, while you thought about letting River actually die so you could have him??? Disgusting doesn’t even begin to describe you... TRASH, TRASH, TRASH…. Lower than whale shit, this one. Just because you decided to jump into action and help in the end, doesn’t make you redeemable. (Your not forgive lol)
Also, why the fuck, did it feel like we we’re playing where’s Waldo with Ted? This is one sick bastard right here, honestly, he got off too easy and more pain and suffering was needed. But they were short on time as it was. Some of these characters are skin crawling, disgusting, mostly this man.
Anyways, this was a really toxic dramatic experience, that only CE Ricci could pull off. It seems like it ended to abruptly after River woke up. It ends with you getting a two-year time jump of Rain proposing to River and creepy Roman watching through the window 👁️👁️…… ( I always feel like somebody’s watching me…. It’s probably Roman…)
This is a read at your own risk duet, the authors wants readers to go in blind. Ignore this review if you want go in blind 🤷🏻♀️😅
Sorry for the spoilers, just felt I couldn’t write a write for this series without them.
CE Ricci is good at pulling out all my emotions and making me feel all the things. She is an insta-buy author for me.
After Rain Falls is book two of the River and Rain duet by CE Ricci. This series is so different from the rest of her books, which I’ve now read them all besides These Vile Secrets (Which I am going to put a pause on because personally, I don’t care if Roman finds happiness or falls in love, he honestly deserves to fall into hell at this point).
This book made me feel so many things, rage and sadness being the most prominent. The pain in this book from River's POV around pg. 100 wrapped around me like a vice, one you can’t quit or get away from. It was so deep; it made my soul hurt for him. River fucking obliterated my heart, I could feel his pain coming off the fucking pages and I hated it. I’ve cried while reading books, but I sobbed for him. Sometimes connecting with characters or relating to them isn’t the best feeling in the world. I truly felt his pain and the damage from his father. Maybe that’s why this book tortured me a little extra.
While this book gives a happy ending, it packs a punch. Leaving a massive gaping hole right through your chest before you get too it. I think I felt every emotion while reading this. I also felt a thread of my sanity leaving while waving goodbye to my IQ, and brain cells. Which if we’re being honest must have disappeared beforehand, exhibit A being I continued to read this, knowing it was torturing me.
Also, the next person who touches or assault River, instant death for you. Like, baby, I just wanted you to pull yourself together the whole time. Drugs do NOT solve problems, they create more. I just want to hug you and give you the love you needed/wanted.
And WTH Rain, you should of got Roman away from your man, you supposedly love, yet you watched him assault him because you didn’t want to make a scene. MAKE A SCENE BABY!!! For crying out loud, you protected no one by sitting idlely by while trying to decide what to do.. You should of beat his ass. *Dishonor on you, and dishonor on your family. Is how I felt in this moment. Glad El and Drew showed up and kicked you both to the curve. Will the real friends please stand up…..
Also, cried my literally fucking eyes out after River got shot and then also again when River’s father wouldn’t let Rain see him. I don’t know why that pos, who walked away from his family thinks he has a say in anything about River, but I guess he got the message when River woke up and went off on him. My heart cracked into pieces alongside River’s and Rain’s in these moments. How River's father decided to walk permanently out of his sons life, after he escaped death, I’ll never understand. (It’s just a book, breathe Meagan.) Haha.
Also, did Roman even actually come to help Rain or did he come to cause him more problems because it seems like the little bitch only cares about his selfish self and what he wants. Seriously, watching people through windows for two years, your not a creep at all….. 🤨🤔🙄😬 Also, you watching the man you supposedly love breaking, begging, pleading with anyone who would listen to save River or let them change places, while you thought about letting River actually die so you could have him??? Disgusting doesn’t even begin to describe you... TRASH, TRASH, TRASH…. Lower than whale shit, this one. Just because you decided to jump into action and help in the end, doesn’t make you redeemable. (Your not forgive lol)
Also, why the fuck, did it feel like we we’re playing where’s Waldo with Ted? This is one sick bastard right here, honestly, he got off too easy and more pain and suffering was needed. But they were short on time as it was. Some of these characters are skin crawling, disgusting, mostly this man.
Anyways, this was a really toxic dramatic experience, that only CE Ricci could pull off. It seems like it ended to abruptly after River woke up. It ends with you getting a two-year time jump of Rain proposing to River and creepy Roman watching through the window 👁️👁️…… ( I always feel like somebody’s watching me…. It’s probably Roman…)
This is a read at your own risk duet, the authors wants readers to go in blind. Ignore this review if you want go in blind 🤷🏻♀️😅
Sorry for the spoilers, just felt I couldn’t write a write for this series without them.
CE Ricci is good at pulling out all my emotions and making me feel all the things. She is an insta-buy author for me.
February 12, 2021
OMG I NEED TO TAKE A BREATH 💚💚💚💚💚 RTC.
Okay.......breath taken....
I had been hanging out for After Rain Falls since I inhaled Follow the River in December, and C.E. Ricci didn't disappoint with the second book in the duet🥰.
We pick up where we left off in Follow the River, and finally get to meet Roman. I have many strong feelings about Roman. Mixed feelings. And he's in this book a lot. From. Start. To. Finish.😒
River and Rain are just everything💚💚. But they have to work through some tough issues and heartache to try and find their HEA. Lots of angst and frustration. And steam 🔥🔥🔥 (thank goodness for small mercies).
And of course we learn more about the mysterious Enclave, which gives us the heads up on the next book from the brilliant C.E. Ricci - I can't wait for that one either, despite the fact it may well be Roman's book....😁.
Loose ends are tied up (for the most part) and we get all the answers we wanted and needed after Follow the River, but keep the tissues and the wine handy!
Triggers do apply in this book, so take care with that as always.
Although on balance, I think I preferred book 1, it's still another 5 ✨✨✨✨✨read from me.
Do yourself a favour and start reading immediately ❣
(ARC received from the author in exchange for my honest review).
Okay.......breath taken....
I had been hanging out for After Rain Falls since I inhaled Follow the River in December, and C.E. Ricci didn't disappoint with the second book in the duet🥰.
We pick up where we left off in Follow the River, and finally get to meet Roman. I have many strong feelings about Roman. Mixed feelings. And he's in this book a lot. From. Start. To. Finish.😒
River and Rain are just everything💚💚. But they have to work through some tough issues and heartache to try and find their HEA. Lots of angst and frustration. And steam 🔥🔥🔥 (thank goodness for small mercies).
And of course we learn more about the mysterious Enclave, which gives us the heads up on the next book from the brilliant C.E. Ricci - I can't wait for that one either, despite the fact it may well be Roman's book....😁.
Loose ends are tied up (for the most part) and we get all the answers we wanted and needed after Follow the River, but keep the tissues and the wine handy!
Triggers do apply in this book, so take care with that as always.
Although on balance, I think I preferred book 1, it's still another 5 ✨✨✨✨✨read from me.
Do yourself a favour and start reading immediately ❣
(ARC received from the author in exchange for my honest review).
May 15, 2024
''All I want—no, all I fucking need—is someone to love me back the way I should be loved. The way I crave. Love me the way I willingly love others, without qualms or questions. With my entire heart. My mind, body, and soul. I love with every goddamn inch of who I am. And I know I deserve nothing less in return.''
So, I loved the first book of this duo and I think well the second book I am going to love it ... but it was toxic and sad and pointless at some point .. I didn´t hate it because despite everything it was very addictive and had very good and cute moments but definitely I didn't like the plot twist.
So, I loved the first book of this duo and I think well the second book I am going to love it ... but it was toxic and sad and pointless at some point .. I didn´t hate it because despite everything it was very addictive and had very good and cute moments but definitely I didn't like the plot twist.
Read
June 21, 2024Holy codependency, Batman!
Finally, it’s over
Edit: Months later unfortunately im still thinking about this duet
Why?
Finally, it’s over
Edit: Months later unfortunately im still thinking about this duet
Why?
February 17, 2021
“Some rise by sin and some by virtue fall”
Every thought of you burns my skin. And knowing my sleep is the only place I'm able to kiss you, touch you, and feel the fire you consume me in…makes me crave the nightmares.
OH MY GOD. okay. So. Let me tell you. This book picks after where we left off in follow the river, which was months ago and I honestly had so much time to make up scenarios and expectations for this book. And holy shit did this book exceed all of them.
The craziest shit happens in this book. Plots and twists that I never saw coming. Towards the middle of the book I wasn’t sure if I was happy about the deviation away from the romance towards the ‘secret society’ but it all kind of fit at some point and I was able to get into it.
I might have you, but you own me. Every inch. Every thought. Every moment of every day, Abhainn. You own me.”
The romance in this book is the definition of EPIC ROMANCE. It was heartbreaking just like the first one. Possessive, protective, raw and wholesome. We get both river and rain struggling to be with and get pass their intense feelings for each other. We see river spiralling from the events in his life. His family. His lover. His friends. His game. Everything. And we see them lean against each other and the satisfaction I felt when they finally gave in to those feelings were indescribable.
“You have me. You will always have me. Until every star in the night sky burns out. “
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Every thought of you burns my skin. And knowing my sleep is the only place I'm able to kiss you, touch you, and feel the fire you consume me in…makes me crave the nightmares.
OH MY GOD. okay. So. Let me tell you. This book picks after where we left off in follow the river, which was months ago and I honestly had so much time to make up scenarios and expectations for this book. And holy shit did this book exceed all of them.
The craziest shit happens in this book. Plots and twists that I never saw coming. Towards the middle of the book I wasn’t sure if I was happy about the deviation away from the romance towards the ‘secret society’ but it all kind of fit at some point and I was able to get into it.
I might have you, but you own me. Every inch. Every thought. Every moment of every day, Abhainn. You own me.”
The romance in this book is the definition of EPIC ROMANCE. It was heartbreaking just like the first one. Possessive, protective, raw and wholesome. We get both river and rain struggling to be with and get pass their intense feelings for each other. We see river spiralling from the events in his life. His family. His lover. His friends. His game. Everything. And we see them lean against each other and the satisfaction I felt when they finally gave in to those feelings were indescribable.
“You have me. You will always have me. Until every star in the night sky burns out. “
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 16, 2021
2.5 stars
"The number one rule of self-preservation: detach from what destroys you."
I am very sad to not like this one as I have been waiting for this since I finished book 1. But what started off as a great enemies-to-lovers story, ended as a...mess.
First of all, I don't buy the secret society thingie. Second, it has become such a melodrama that is not very well done for me. It felt forced.
I did like Rain and River though and I really hoped with them. The writing is also great.
I will still read the author's next book.
"The number one rule of self-preservation: detach from what destroys you."
I am very sad to not like this one as I have been waiting for this since I finished book 1. But what started off as a great enemies-to-lovers story, ended as a...mess.
First of all, I don't buy the secret society thingie. Second, it has become such a melodrama that is not very well done for me. It felt forced.
I did like Rain and River though and I really hoped with them. The writing is also great.
I will still read the author's next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2021
"And now I know we're no longer an almost. We're everything"
-- yes baby you guys are everything. Just like this book was everything. These characters were everything. This author is everything.
If you ever take my advice and you enjoy emotionally driven, SUPER HIGH ANGST, panty soaking sex and just reading the best MM or flat out romance, READ THIS DUET. Yes there are triggers. Its dark. But it is so worth it. My heart still hasnt forgave me.
I have been sitting here trying to form the right kind of words to review this. Because JUST like the last book, I am feeling so much. So so much.
Do you know how when you are just starting a new relationship with someone and although its new and exciting, you feel that love inside when you think of that person? Like your heart is doubled in size, its warm and fuzzy, and you just feel that ACHE? That is what I felt when Rain and River finally got their heads together. I felt that love. It felt so real. Just typing this review and remembering certain parts is giving me the skipping-heart feeling.
I can say without a DOUBT I rarely EVER have this feeling while reading a book. Yes I feel the love in fiction books and connect to them in every way but with CE Ricci, its indescribable to me. It makes her automatically one of my favorite authors with only these 2 books. They both brought out feelings in me I can count on my hands that I have had reading the thousand+ books I have read.
This story not only had that deep rooted love we all crave, but it had some HOTTTTTT MM SEX. Just like in book 1. I was squirming all over fhe2 place. And it had the perfect amount of suspense. I was on the edge of my seat for multiple reasons during more than half of this book.
Rain and River will go down in history as my favorite MM couple ever written. And without saying anything else, because I wanted this review to be somewhat vague about the actual story, I also love Roman and I cannot WAIT to dig deeper into his head. There are others I love but I am just keeping hush right now.
"How can emptiness feel so heavy?"
Seriously I am struggling with this right now after finishing this. I am so empty. I have the SAME feelings I had when I finished Follow the River. I cant explain it besides I just LOVE this authors words so much I feel actually lost when I am done with her books. Because now I have nothing to look forward to.
5 stars. 50 stars. 500 stars. 5,000 stars. 50,000 stars. 500,000 stars. 5,000,000 stars.
-- yes baby you guys are everything. Just like this book was everything. These characters were everything. This author is everything.
If you ever take my advice and you enjoy emotionally driven, SUPER HIGH ANGST, panty soaking sex and just reading the best MM or flat out romance, READ THIS DUET. Yes there are triggers. Its dark. But it is so worth it. My heart still hasnt forgave me.
I have been sitting here trying to form the right kind of words to review this. Because JUST like the last book, I am feeling so much. So so much.
Do you know how when you are just starting a new relationship with someone and although its new and exciting, you feel that love inside when you think of that person? Like your heart is doubled in size, its warm and fuzzy, and you just feel that ACHE? That is what I felt when Rain and River finally got their heads together. I felt that love. It felt so real. Just typing this review and remembering certain parts is giving me the skipping-heart feeling.
I can say without a DOUBT I rarely EVER have this feeling while reading a book. Yes I feel the love in fiction books and connect to them in every way but with CE Ricci, its indescribable to me. It makes her automatically one of my favorite authors with only these 2 books. They both brought out feelings in me I can count on my hands that I have had reading the thousand+ books I have read.
This story not only had that deep rooted love we all crave, but it had some HOTTTTTT MM SEX. Just like in book 1. I was squirming all over fhe2 place. And it had the perfect amount of suspense. I was on the edge of my seat for multiple reasons during more than half of this book.
Rain and River will go down in history as my favorite MM couple ever written. And without saying anything else, because I wanted this review to be somewhat vague about the actual story, I also love Roman and I cannot WAIT to dig deeper into his head. There are others I love but I am just keeping hush right now.
"How can emptiness feel so heavy?"
Seriously I am struggling with this right now after finishing this. I am so empty. I have the SAME feelings I had when I finished Follow the River. I cant explain it besides I just LOVE this authors words so much I feel actually lost when I am done with her books. Because now I have nothing to look forward to.
5 stars. 50 stars. 500 stars. 5,000 stars. 50,000 stars. 500,000 stars. 5,000,000 stars.
February 10, 2021
“𝐈 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐦𝐞. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐧. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐦𝐞.”
I had the opportunity to beta read this for CE Ricci earlier in January and I am only now just sitting down to write this review because this book MESSED. ME. UP. CE has such a way with words, her talent is outstanding and I absolutely adored in duet with my whole heart.
After Rain Falls is book 2 of the river of rain duet. I wont say much about the plot because it would spoil the first book, but this is a continuation of River and Rain's story. It's messy, it's painful, it's sexy, it's beautiful.
"𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬, 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥."
This story will break your heart but there will be moments you will swoon, smile like a goofball and giggle. I love these characters so much (especially my baby, River). I know there are a lot of Roman haters out there but I even fell for his character a little bit.
I adored this book, these characters, this story, the atmosphere. I just loved this entire journey for these two boys and I want to dive back in and start all over again.
*ARC/Beta copy provided in exchange for honest review.
I had the opportunity to beta read this for CE Ricci earlier in January and I am only now just sitting down to write this review because this book MESSED. ME. UP. CE has such a way with words, her talent is outstanding and I absolutely adored in duet with my whole heart.
After Rain Falls is book 2 of the river of rain duet. I wont say much about the plot because it would spoil the first book, but this is a continuation of River and Rain's story. It's messy, it's painful, it's sexy, it's beautiful.
"𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬, 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥."
This story will break your heart but there will be moments you will swoon, smile like a goofball and giggle. I love these characters so much (especially my baby, River). I know there are a lot of Roman haters out there but I even fell for his character a little bit.
I adored this book, these characters, this story, the atmosphere. I just loved this entire journey for these two boys and I want to dive back in and start all over again.
*ARC/Beta copy provided in exchange for honest review.
December 1, 2022
4.5
This would have been a solid 5 but there was way too much secret society, which I'm not a huge fan of. Definitely be prepared to cry though.
I think River & Rain are one of my favourite book couples ever.
This would have been a solid 5 but there was way too much secret society, which I'm not a huge fan of. Definitely be prepared to cry though.
I think River & Rain are one of my favourite book couples ever.
April 1, 2024
I wanted to like this as much as the first one but sadly, I can’t. It’s a let down for me. I wish they didn’t add Roman’s POV and the Enclave brotherhood. Not only did it mess the whole story, it also made the whole reading journey so tedious for me. The first half is all about Rain and River and their very toxic push and pull relationship. But the second half, with the involvement of Enclave and introduction of multiple side characters, that’s where I lost it. All the anticipation, excitement and hope I had for this story just vanished in thin air.
I loved C.E. Ricci’s works especially ‘Iced Out’ but sadly, this felt like they stretched it too much and added so many elements that are not really necessary. Not only did it ruin this for me. River and Rain lost their chemistry along the way and I kind of wish they would take their therapy session seriously because they need it more than they need to get together.
I loved C.E. Ricci’s works especially ‘Iced Out’ but sadly, this felt like they stretched it too much and added so many elements that are not really necessary. Not only did it ruin this for me. River and Rain lost their chemistry along the way and I kind of wish they would take their therapy session seriously because they need it more than they need to get together.
![Profile Image for melancholy_reader [hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1749135172i%2F159391289._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 5, 2025
Nah ah. It should have all ended in book 1.
Skimmed to the end after I got to 70% 😪
Skimmed to the end after I got to 70% 😪
November 23, 2025
Добре що я таки продовжила читати. Друга книга однозначно в моєму топі болючих книг🥹 вони разом із собою розбивали і зцілювали моє серце. Я так за них переживала, з одного боку розуміла що мусить закінчитись добре але при читанні я вже не була впевнена.
Дивом для мене стало що авторка добавила розділи від лиця Ромена (друга Рейна) це дуже неочікувано.
Стосовно хлопців, мені здається я в першій частині не дуже вірила в їхнє кохання але в цій, вони таки його вистраждали. Воно принесло їм стільки болю🥲
Я навіть не знаю, Рівер казав що весь біль вартий того що буде в кінці, коли вони будуть разом але я навіть не знаю, особливо Рівер стільки постраждав, мені так шкода було його, Рейн ще себе стримував але Рівер🥹
Ця дилогія точно залишиться в моєму серці🥰
Побачила що є книга про Ромена але тільки чомусь одна, думала таки напише про всіх хлопців🤷🏿♀️ якось дивненько.
Дивом для мене стало що авторка добавила розділи від лиця Ромена (друга Рейна) це дуже неочікувано.
Стосовно хлопців, мені здається я в першій частині не дуже вірила в їхнє кохання але в цій, вони таки його вистраждали. Воно принесло їм стільки болю🥲
Я навіть не знаю, Рівер казав що весь біль вартий того що буде в кінці, коли вони будуть разом але я навіть не знаю, особливо Рівер стільки постраждав, мені так шкода було його, Рейн ще себе стримував але Рівер🥹
Ця дилогія точно залишиться в моєму серці🥰
Побачила що є книга про Ромена але тільки чомусь одна, думала таки напише про всіх хлопців🤷🏿♀️ якось дивненько.
February 11, 2021
From Almost to Everything
An emotionally charged love story that will leave you breathless. River and Rain went from almost to EVERYTHING. The angst level has reached it’s peak in the conclusion to this unforgettable romance.
Heart breaking.
Soul crushing.
All consuming love.
This MM romance will break you to pieces and then put you back together.
Stronger.
Better.
Forever.
Rain walked away to protect him. It’s the only way to keep him safe.
River is crushed. Just devastated and he’s spiraling. He gave away his heart and now he’s left struggling with everything. That happy, carefree man we met is gone.
Rain wants to stay away, but watching River implode isn’t something he can do. Rain knows he’s being watched by the evil that lurks and it’s only a matter of time until his step-father makes a move. He called his best friend for help because he has resources. However, Roman is causing issues. Everything is complicated.
As the story unfolds, secrets will be revealed. Rain can’t walk away, so he’ll need to share his past or they won’t have a future.
This story ripped out my heart more than once. I yelled, I got angry and I hoped that they would find their way back. The road is tumultuous and not without pain. It is a journey of letting go of the past and finding a new and better future.
The passion this couple shares is utterly explosive. The connection could not be severed. Their love was forever, even when it was ugly. The fight for a future will have you on the edge of your seat. Hang in there because in the end, it’s all worth it.
An emotionally charged love story that will leave you breathless. River and Rain went from almost to EVERYTHING. The angst level has reached it’s peak in the conclusion to this unforgettable romance.
Heart breaking.
Soul crushing.
All consuming love.
This MM romance will break you to pieces and then put you back together.
Stronger.
Better.
Forever.
Rain walked away to protect him. It’s the only way to keep him safe.
River is crushed. Just devastated and he’s spiraling. He gave away his heart and now he’s left struggling with everything. That happy, carefree man we met is gone.
Rain wants to stay away, but watching River implode isn’t something he can do. Rain knows he’s being watched by the evil that lurks and it’s only a matter of time until his step-father makes a move. He called his best friend for help because he has resources. However, Roman is causing issues. Everything is complicated.
As the story unfolds, secrets will be revealed. Rain can’t walk away, so he’ll need to share his past or they won’t have a future.
This story ripped out my heart more than once. I yelled, I got angry and I hoped that they would find their way back. The road is tumultuous and not without pain. It is a journey of letting go of the past and finding a new and better future.
The passion this couple shares is utterly explosive. The connection could not be severed. Their love was forever, even when it was ugly. The fight for a future will have you on the edge of your seat. Hang in there because in the end, it’s all worth it.
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