KindleMMRomanceReader's Reviews > Risk the Fall

***ARC Review***

This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.

Riven and Parrish have my heart! Riley Hart is an amazing writer and this story is fantastic. I loved this book. It’s such an amazing and gritty story about trying to claw your way out of the only life you’ve ever known. Riven takes the fall for something his best friend, Rex, does. He spends six years of his life in prison for it. Parrish, Rex’s brother, is head of the construction crew at the job Riven lands once he’s released from prison and on parole. Even though they’ve know each other most of their lives and Riven tried to keep Parrish out of trouble when they were younger, Riven and Parrish are at odds once Riven gets out of prison. Riven and Rex are no longer best friends and Parrish is a Hunt, a family that Riven wants nothing to do with anymore.

Truths come out and things change between Riven and Parrish. While things start off physical and as a means to an end, it’s clear that these two are drawn to one another in a deeper and more meaningful way. There’s so many painful and beautiful moments in this book. It really puts you in your feelings. The despair and hopelessness that Riven feels is prevalent, so it’s glorious when a little bit of light and laughter comes into his life.

Riven thinks he’s trash and that couldn’t be further from the truth. I waited and waited for him to see himself the way Parrish and his grandmother did. I understand that it was hard to break from the cycle of negative thoughts and feelings of unworthiness, but gosh was I glad when Riven opened up bit by bit and allowed himself to be loved by Parrish (and love him in return). I loved how protective of one another Riven and Parrish were. It’s obvious that they put the people they love first. Those moments of intimacy, honesty, fragility, and vulnerability between them made my heart swell.

There are compelling side characters in this book. Betsy is the best grandma in the world. I was so happy to see Becca take agency over her life and ensure that her and her kids would be better off in the future. Riven and Parrish fight for their HEA. It’s not without struggle, but it’s so well deserved. The epilogue is set in the future, and it’s a good one. I was excited to see Parrish and Riven achieve their dream. Read this book as soon as it releases. You won’t regret it.

{CW: violence, drug use, crime, death of a non-main character}

I don’t ever put quotes in my reviews, but this one really stayed with me, so I’m sharing it with all of you:

“He made me want more. Made me look forward to my life, even if it wasn’t a real special one, but I’d get to spend it with him, and that’s what would make it spectacular.”