Raze

Ratings aside, I truly liked Raze, and as I've come to expect from Parrish, the writing is great with those terrific lines that jump out at you. Raze gives us a May/December romance, which is one of my favorite tropes, and we get those wonderfully flawed characters that Roan Parrish does so well. That said, I just couldn't help but feel like something was missing in this one. Maybe it's because the author has set the bar so high with this series, but I didn't feel like Huey and Felix's story sucked me in the way the first two in the series did. Part of that could be my feelings about Huey for a lot of this one. I waffled back and forth with him from the beginning. He would do something so completely sweet one minute, and check out of the relationship the next. I get the reasons why, but Felix is just so darn lovable that I couldn't help but want to shake the stuffing out of Huey at times - no matter his size. I also feel like he's a little too closed off, so much so that I had a hard time getting to know Huey. Whatever the reasons for my feelings about this third book in the series, I would still recommend it. The whole series is full of fantastic writing and wonderful characters with real problems. The romances bring out all the feels and while they are angsty, it's angst that we can understand and empathize with.

Raze is a wonderful M/M contemporary romance that features Felix and Huey (aka Dane). I really enjoy this author's writing style. Her characters feel so real and their troubles true. Most have flaws but they handle the angst in a loving mature way. Felix is younger but having help raise is younger siblings makes him feel like an old soul. Huey has had a rough time in life. He's dealt with the demons of addiction in his own special way. He doesn't think he has room in his life for a relationship but his draw to Felix can't be denied. Watching these two try to mesh their very different lives together was fun and emotional. I recommend this book to everyone.

In a series where each of the characters has touched me so deeply, I have to say Roan Parrish has outdone herself with Raze. Parrish gets into the very essence of these incredible men, building a story for each of them and exploring what makes them tick. Whether it’s overcoming addiction or finding what sparks your passion, for the couples from the Riven series, simply surviving isn’t enough. My favorite part of a Roan Parrish novel is how thoroughly she explores her characters. Parish gets deep into the very psyche of these men, and finds the things that make them real. Defeating obstacles, healing past wounds, and finding a way to move forward in a positive way are some issues that apply to all of us. Being able to actually relate to these guys makes a Roan Parrish novel so special. Huey’s story is heartbreaking, but empowering as well. Coming off a life completely ruled by drug use, every moment for an addict is about just surviving. Huey has created coping mechanisms as well a complex schedule to fill his days and avoid relapse. He’s taken back control, unfortunately there’s no time or space left for having a meaningful life. Freed from the responsibilities of caring for his family, Felix is finally in a position to make a life for himself. Acting on his initial attraction to Huey, Felix actively pursues the older man. The scene where he’s asking Huey on a date is completely adorable, and is a glimpse at some of the fire that’s inside him. It’s clear that with a bit of attention and encouragement, Felix will flourish. I fell in love with these two remarkable guys and it’s extremely satisfying to watch them work it all out. Although they’ve got some serious baggage, the angst isn’t overwhelming. I found the positive message Ms. Parrish’s continually weaves throughout Raze to be very uplifting, and the romance between Huey and Felix is toe-curlingly delicious. Looking ahead, I’d love to get Riven guitarist Coco Swift’s story. Between her romance with Felix’s sister Sophie and the challenge of keeping the band together after Theo’s retirement, this is one strong woman! Whatever story Roan Parrish chooses to tell next in this standalone series, I know it’s going to be a good one.