Hurts to Love You by Alisha Rai

Being bad never felt so good, in the third novel in Alisha Rai’s sexy Forbidden Hearts series!

Well-behaved women don’t lust after men who love to misbehave.

Heiress Evangeline Chandler knows how to keep a secret... like her life-long crush on the tattooed hottie who just happens to be her big brother’s friend. She’s a Chandler, after all, and Chandlers don’t hook up with the help. Then again, they also don’t disobey their fathers and quit their respectable jobs, so good-girl rules may no longer apply.

Gabriel Hunter hides the pain of his past behind a smile, but he can’t hide his sudden attraction to his friend’s sheltered little sister. Eve is far too sweet to accept anything less than forever and there’s no chance of a future between the son of a housekeeper and the town’s resident princess.

When a wedding party forces Eve and Gabe into tight quarters, keeping their hands off each other will be as hard as keeping their clothes on. The need that draws them together is stronger than the forces that should shove them apart... but their sparks may not survive the explosion when long-buried secrets are finally unearthed.

Book 3
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Avon Romance

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series – and I would say that you absolutely MUST read the first two books to get the underlying story sorted out in your head. In fact, I would recommend that now they are available, you read all three in succession as there is a lot of detail and complexity which can be forgotten over time. I kept having flashbacks, as Ms. Rai helped fill in the blanks that had appeared over the months between reads. As always, the writing is smooth and well-paced, making it a very easy read.

Maybe because I was playing catch up in my mind, the initial portion of the book did not work as well as the previous ones have, when I have been utterly enthralled. I am sure it was partly purposeful, but the situation between Gabe and Eve was very clunky. Whilst Jackson in the previous book was taciturn, he was still expressive. These two really struggled to overcome their pasts to deal with the possibilities of their futures. They are a lovely pair of people, and we learn even more about their tenacity and strength of will as the book progresses, but they do nothing to boost each other, even given the examples of their siblings. I guess I just couldn't connect with them as well as the other couples. Still a really good romance, but just not as blown away. When I have time, I will reread them all together, as I have a feeling that may be part of the issue.

I was very happy overall with this book, which ties so many loose ends together – even more than we might have expected – but there are still some mysteries that could be resolved methinks. Certainly, we get a good vibe about how the Chandler-Kane feud is finally over, but Brendan is still left as an issue in my opinion. It was fun to see just how many happy endings could be achieved though!


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 stars

A classic tale of a well-to-do young woman who has feelings for the boy from across the tracks. The boy has done well enough, but he believes he will never be good enough for the princess in the tower.

Not only that, Gabe has a secret, one that he's been carrying most of his life. He's afraid that if the truth comes out, it will ruin his relationships with his family and friends.

Gabe must come to terms with how past secrets not only affect his past, but his future as well. Once he makes peace with his demons, can he embrace the light that is Evangeline.

Also Available in the Forbidden Hearts Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Hate to Want You post.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Avon Romance

For reviews & more info, check out our Wrong to Need You post.

Alisha Rai pens award-winning, sexy, contemporary romances and is the first author to have an indie-published book appear on The Washington Post’s annual Best Books list. She spends most of her time dreaming up sexy heroes and heroines, traveling, and tweeting.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Hurts to Love You (Forbidden Hearts #3) by Alisha Rai to read and review.

No Pressure by Elle Keaton

Home is where the heart is, right? Except when it's not. Not when you're afraid for your life.

Joey James has given up on finding his 'Prince Charming'. There is no such thing, he needs to be realistic about his chances of a lasting relationship. A chance encounter with a former school mate at the local grocery store changes everything-maybe. Before Joey can decide what to do about it, he is swept into a terrifying scheme. Forced into helping a dangerous stranger in exchange for his family's safety, Joey begins a perilous journey into the criminal underbelly of Skagit. He will do whatever is needed to protect his family.

Buck Swanfeldt had a secret crush on Joey James in high school. Social anxiety and a two-year age difference made it impossible for him to approach Joey then. Life since high school has been challenging. And lonely. Eight years later, fate brings them together and Buck decides to act. He utterly fails. He would have left it at that, except fate seems to be intent on pushing Joey in his direction, and clearly Joey needs someone at his back.

Dark, sordid secrets hiding in Skagit are bubbling to the surface, danger lurks in unexpected places. Buck has never been anyone's hero but something about Joey has him throwing caution to the wind. Together the two men take on a dangerous force greater than themselves. But sometimes our worst enemy is ourselves.

*Warning: May need a tissue!
*Ends with a mystery solved and a HEA, no cliffhanger.
Intended for mature audiences only 18+

Book 2
Buy Links

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~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
No Pressure is the story auto mechanic Buck and nurse Joey. It is really sweet the way Buck ‘accidentally’ bumps into Joey at the supermarket at the beginning of the story. Buck doesn’t have much in the way of friends or a social life, so it is pretty brave of him to take the bull by the horns and make contact with Joey, hoping something would come of it.

A relationship begins to develop between the men against the backdrop of Joey having been dragged into some really nasty stuff by the criminal element in town. The author does an excellent job mixing the lovely budding romance with the danger Joey is in and the terror he is feeling. And I have to say, for a while there I couldn’t see how Joey was going to get out of the mess he was in.

Reading No Pressure made me happy even though it involved criminals involved in people smuggling. I love the way the author writes the romance so it takes time to build, and I enjoyed being back in Skagit and seeing the characters I already know and love. I will shortly be reading book three in this series, Spring Break, and I’m very much looking forward to it.

Also Available in the Accidental Roots Series

Book 1
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~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our Storm Season post.

Book 5
Buy Links

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~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the River Home Blog Tour.

Author, photographer, rare Pacific Northwest Native, Elle grew up in Seattle, WA., with the Cascade Mountain range to the east and Olympics to the west. Less than two hours northwest lie the majestic San Juan Islands. To the northeast is the Methow Valley and the scrub deserts of Eastern Washington. Geography ripe with material.

A graduate of Western Washington University, Elle has a BS in biology which taught her to be tenacious. The closest she has come to biology since then is having two kids. Like an experiment or something. She’s lived in four states (none of which were gaseous), London England, and Hong Kong; always knows what time it is, and has no problem finding parking even in the most difficult places. Cannot balance a checking account.

Elle's series Accidental Roots, mostly set in the Skagit Valley of Western Washington, will make its debut spring of 2017. Storm Season is tender, sometimes irreverent, full of nosy neighbors and help when the hero didn’t think he needed it. Writing has always been a passion but not something she was able to take seriously until recently. Now her head is full of ideas and not enough time in each day.

Connect with Elle

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ARC Provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of No Pressure (Accidental Roots #2) by Elle Keaton to read and review.

The Consequence of Rejection by Rachel Van Dyken Blog Tour

You know the universe is trying to tell you something when you get struck by lightning, but only after getting hit on by the elderly, almost getting ran over by a semi, and running into the one who got away.
Why do they say it like that anyway?
Like I accidentally lost her when she was the one that got in the car with my best friend and left me.
The day after I proposed.
We were eighteen.
I wanted forever.
She didn't.
It's been ten years.
I tried to move on, tried to get married, had that same wedding crashed by my now best friend who says the only way for me to stop pissing off the universe, is to gain closure with the one woman I can't forget.
So I do it.
I embark on a journey down memory lane that not only lands me in prison but on the receiving end of a fist fight in front of the entire town, this naturally happens after drunken pool sex, climbing the same girls window, and getting threatened at gunpoint by her father.
To say the universe is trying to tell me something anything, is a giant understatement.
I just hope I survive the message.
And then, I hope I survive her—again.

Book 4
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~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in this series I’ve read, though I’ve read plenty of Rachel Van Dyken’s other books and this one was definitely the funniest – it’s hilarious. It is able to be read as a standalone but with all the other characters from the first books talked about so much, I’m excited to go back and check those out too.

Jason is pretty much cursed with bad luck – from being struck with lightning to literally having the door ripped off his truck. When it comes to his life, if it weren’t for bad luck he’d have none at all. His train of bad luck really began when he proposed to the love of his life, Maddy, their senior year of high school and she rejected him and left town. Now, ten years later she’s returned, and Jason’s friends are determined to get him closure. His group of hilarious friends set out to recreate the fun Maddy and he used to have in high school so that they could figure out they weren’t compatible and move on – only the exact opposite begins to happen and things just get steamy.

I was pretty salty at Maddy in the beginning of this book with the way she left Jason, but I have to give props to the writing and the way the story rounds out with you loving all the characters. Jason and Maddy are adorable together and though full of hardships, their love story is so cute! My absolute favorite part of this book was the entertainment – it had me cracking up from start to finish. Highly recommend!

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

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Rachel’s New Rockin’ Readers Facebook Group

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Consequence of Rejection (Consequence #4) by Rachel Van Dyken to read and review for this tour.

Bad Business by Nicole Edwards

This player’s got a lot to learn if he wants to score... with the boss’s daughter.

Stone:
Football is more than a game to me. It’s my calling. Becoming the Dallas Wranglers’ starting quarterback before I retire is a dream come true, but with a few wins under my belt, suddenly everyone wants a piece of me. And even though being in the spotlight has its perks—beautiful women, star treatment, more beautiful women—what really gets me sweating is the watchful gaze of my sexy-as-hell PR coach, Savannah Andrews. The catch? Her father is kind of my boss...

Savannah:
In my family, football is big business. When your dad owns an NFL franchise, you learn a thing or two about schmoozing, and from what I can tell, it’s not a skill in Jason Stone’s playbook. Sure, the veteran quarterback is literally larger than life. With broad shoulders, muscles on muscles, and a mouth made for kissing, he may be one of the hottest men in the league—and I should know. I’ve turned down enough players to start my own all-star team. But those guys just wanted to get close to my father. Meanwhile, Stone is getting temptingly close... to me.

The Bad Boys of Sports come to life in these sexy standalone novels by New York Times bestselling author Nicole Edwards.

Book 2
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is a fun, simple sports romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The storyline will be familiar to sports romance fans – star player falls for team owner’s daughter – but the quality of Nicole Edwards’ writing makes this one special.

This is definitely romance and not erotica – and it is quite a departure from some of the author’s kinkier stories. This is a more vanilla read. It’s a playful, sweet, and easy story with characters I quickly fell in love with.

I read it on a hot beach and it makes for a perfect holiday read. This isn’t a complicated or angsty book and there isn’t much that’s especially original about it – but I loved the banter between Stone and Savannah and I loved the way they fit together pretty perfectly.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/F Sports romance

This is a typical sports romance story. Stone is a high-profile quarterback who is helping to bring a lower team up to the Super Bowl again. He is cocky and a smart player. He lives for the game. But when Savannah catches his eye, he'll do what he can to make sure that he is what she needs.

Savannah is living in the shadow of her father. Despite her intelligence, her dad sometimes uses her for her looks rather than her degree. When she lets her hair down for a night, it seems that the connection that was made won't let go.

Savannah and Stone have to navigate a working relationship and a private relationship. It is a sweet story that follows their choices and how they navigate. For people who have read Edwards' books before, this is definitely not erotica but more of a true romance. Stone and Savannah's chemistry is still hot, but they have a more organic relationship.

Overall, this is a quick read that is not angsty or full of turmoil.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Savannah doesn't mind working for the family business, her father owns the Dallas Wranglers football team. She's just glad that she's able to be do her job mostly behind the scenes, leaving the public faces of the team to her father and brothers.

Stone has only signed a one-year contract but with the Wranglers on a winning streak and the odds of making the playoffs getting better after every win, her father wants to know what it will take to get him to sign a contract extension. The problem is, Stone isn't sure if he wants to continue to play the game. He's had a great career and the Super Bowl rings to prove it. He wouldn't mind one more to add to his collection, but he's not sure if he's willing to put his body through another few years of torture for a chance to win a couple more rings.

The more Savannah learns about Stone, the more she likes the man off the gridiron. He's smart, funny, and seems to really like her. Not just because she's the boss's daughter but maybe in spite of it.

I enjoyed reading about Stone and Savannah and the way their romance played out over the course of the book. The book took a familiar storyline (sports romance) and made it new again.

Also Available in the Bad Boys of Sports Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Bad Reputation post.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, their three kids, and four rambunctious dogs. When she’s not writing about sexy alpha males, Nicole can often be found with a book in hand or making an attempt to keep the dogs happy. You can find her hanging out on Facebook and interacting with her readers—even when she’s supposed to be writing.

Connect with Nicole

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The Nicole & Colt Edwards Facebook Group

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Bad Business (Bad Boys of Sports #2) by Nicole Edwards to read and review.

Jagged by Lauren Dane

The sweetest reward comes after the longest wait…

Vicktor Orlov took one look at the wary gaze and slow-to-trust personality of the deliciously sexy and fascinating Rachel Dolan and knew he wanted more than just a casual friendship. But as a natural protector, he also knew bossiness and overprotective maneuvering would push her away. He’ll use every tool in his easygoing arsenal to convince her to take a chance on them.

Rachel’s flourishing new career as a tattoo artist has brought color back into a life previously damaged by violence. She knows she can trust Vic—it’s herself she’s not sure of. She doesn’t want to be caged or controlled, protected so much she has no ability to make her own choices. And damn if the man doesn’t know it.

When Vic finally drops all pretenses of “just friends” and focuses all his careful affection and irresistible seduction on her, Rachel knows she’s falling hard for the laid-back pretty-boy Russian she’s discovered has a relentlessly steel spine when it comes to her.

And she can’t resist.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Harlequin

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series – and actually, I think you would be best off reading this before book one, even though it is set chronologically afterwards. I say this because it makes a bit more sense of Maybe and Rachel's states of mind in the first book.

The romance part of this book is rather lovely, and mirrors Maybe and Alexsei's book in an interesting way. Watching Rachel overcome her fears and learn to trust is full of hope. Her strength of character also comes back to her, as she overcomes her father's terrible acts. The support of Vicktor, and all his family, as well as her friends and sister, gives her the chance to heal and move forward. I loved the lessons in the kitchen with Irena and the images of Vicktor working in the bakery.

I would certainly recommend that you read these two books together, as they are really strongly linked, and themes carry on between the two. There are so many threads, that at times it can get rather confusing, but there was much to be enjoyed too.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
This slow burn romance hits all the right notes. Vic and Rachel have danced around each other for a while now, but with her sister and his cousin becoming an item, it seems the time is right for Vic to make a move. Rachel is receptive and she can't help but notice all the things he does to make her feel safe.

The easy way they relate to each other makes this read all the more special.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This is the second book in this series and I definitely recommend reading book one so that you understand what's going on.

Vicktor has been watching his neighbor, Rachel, for a while. He understands that she's sometimes fragile but possesses a strength that nobody can touch. When it becomes clear that Rachel might be ready to have a real relationship, Vicktor wastes no time in developing and showing Rachel how much he wants her.

Rachel was an FBI agent, but when a case goes sideways, she has to re-evaluate her priorities and figure out if she can continue with that life. When her parents become meddlesome, it's up to her to realize what she wants in life for herself might not match what they want.

These two had some chemistry, but it was more about their relationship and sometimes tiptoeing through some land mines that present from each of their pasts. Overall, it was a good read, but seemed a little disjointed in where the story was coming from or going. I think this would have been more successful if we had more of a focus.

Also Available in the Whiskey Sharp Series

Book 1
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Harlequin

For reviews & more info, check out our Unraveled post.

Lauren Dane is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over fifty novels and novellas across several genres. She lives in the Northwest with her patient husband and three wild children.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Jagged (Whiskey Sharp #2) by Lauren Dane to read and review.

The Undercover Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden

The Tate Brothers were raised to protect what is theirs…

Navy SEAL Wolf Tate is on a mission of vengeance. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to infiltrate the lair of his arms-dealing enemy—and rescue the mother he never knew. To do this, he’ll need more than his father’s fortunes or his brothers-in-arms. He must find a way to kidnap his enemy’s daughter for leverage. There’s just one problem: She is also one of Wolf’s closest friends—and the only woman he’s ever loved…

For years, Olivia de Santis has been waiting for Wolf to take her in his arms and make her dreams come true. But she never imagined that he’d sneak into her bedroom one night…and take her as his hostage. Olivia knows she should resist him—and stay loyal to her own family. But how can she deny the burning justice of Wolf’s mission, and the blazing desire in his eyes—even if giving into the heat of the moment can put her in grave danger?

Book 3
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
St. Martin's Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

This is the second book that I've read in this series. I didn't enjoy this one nearly as much as the previous book.

Wolf is a hard character for me to like. He seems so naive and strange. He loves Olivia, but then uses her throughout the story. Then you have the issue that he seems to be manipulated so easily by several people in his life.

Olivia is a tough woman. I thought she was a stronger character, but still felt that she was missing something. She was so sheltered that it was hard to believe that she would've been able to see what truly was going on around her. She wanted Wolf to choose her and I can understand that. But in the end, her story was almost about getting even for Wolf.

They had decent chemistry and there were a lot of emotions floating around. Overall, this had potential, but just didn't deliver for me.

Also Available in the Tate Brothers Series

Book 2
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
St. Martin's Press

For reviews & more info, check out our The Wicked Billionaire post.

Jackie Ashenden lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids and two cats. When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband. Her books include Hollywood Blackmail, In Bed with the Billionaire, Kidnapped by the Billionaire and Make you Mine.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Undercover Billionaire (Tate Brothers #3) by Jackie Ashenden to read and review.

Invitation to the Blues by Roan Parrish Release Blitz

Eight months ago Jude Lucen fled his partner, his career, and a hospital in Boston after a suicide attempt. Now back in Philadelphia, he feels like a complete failure. Piano has always been his passion and his only escape. Without it, he has nothing. Well, nothing except a pathetic crush on the most gorgeous man he’s ever seen.

Faron Locklear came to Philly looking for a fresh start and has thrown himself into tattooing at Small Change. He’s only met Jude a few times, but something about the red-haired man with the haunted eyes calls to him. Faron is blown away by Jude’s talent. What he isn’t expecting is the electricity he feels the first time they kiss—and the way Jude’s needs in bed speak directly to his own deepest desires.

Jude and Faron fall fast and hard, but Jude has spent a lifetime learning that he can’t be what the people he loves need. So when the opportunity arises to renew his career in Boston, he thinks he has to choose: music, or Faron? Only by taking a huge risk—and finally believing he’s worthy of love just as he is—can he have the chance for both.

The Small Change series is set in the Middle of Somewhere universe and features crossover characters from that series. Each book can be read on its own.

Content warning: This book contains explicit discussion of depression, anxiety, attempted suicide, and feelings of worthlessness.

Book 2
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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

“Hold this,” Faron murmured into my hair, and handed me the sketchbook. I held it so he could draw with his right hand as his left continued to explore my torso. He sketched our feet, his elegant and high-arched, and mine, bony and slender; his dark, mine pale. And all the while, his fingers sketched other shapes against my skin. He dipped into my navel and ran along my ribs, sending shivers down my spine. When he skimmed a fingertip over my nipple I gasped and tensed against him.

He traced my nipple until it was a hard peak, then squeezed it, and my hips jerked, making the sketchbook jump in my hand. Faron’s breath went rough and he nuzzled into my hair.

My heart was pounding and I knew he could feel it. I squirmed to try and take my shirt off, but I couldn’t quite get it. Faron stripped it off of me and ran sure fingers along my ribs. Then he traced the blue veins visible beneath my skin from my heart to where they disappeared under my waistband.

With my oversized shirt out of the way, the bulge of my erection in my jeans was obvious.

I drew my knee up, resting it against the back of the couch. He slid a hand up the inside of my thigh so slowly I held my breath, but he didn’t touch my hard cock and I shuddered with arousal.

“Jude,” Faron breathed, and I let the sketchbook fall between us as I went for the button on my jeans. I felt like I was made of pounding heart, flushed skin, raging need, and it felt like nothing I’d ever experienced. It didn’t even feel like sex; it felt like desire. It felt like what I knew sex was supposed to feel like but rarely had for me.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is a slow, sweet, and sometimes angsty story of a relationship between a musician and an artist. After a suicide attempt, Jude can’t face returning to his life in Boston and his job playing for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He is adrift in his hometown when he meets Faron, an artist who has struggles of his own.

Jude and Faron have a wonderfully sensuous connection from the start. Jude is hesitant, wary but also desperate to be understood. On the surface, Faron is confident and sexual but his self-assurance hides deeper vulnerabilities. I love the way the artist and the musician understand each other’s creativity. This story also offers a thoughtful and sensitive look at Jude’s struggle with his mental health issues.

I really loved this book. We get to catch up with familiar characters from earlier books and as always, Roan Parish’s writing is beautiful. I love the reflections on relationships, families, and art in this book and I love that the characters from earlier books haven’t settled into suburban heteronormative lives.

Roan Parrish lives in Philadelphia, where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.

When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.

Connect with Roan

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Invitation to the Blues (Small Change #2) by Roan Parrish to read and review for this tour.