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Jaded Ivory #2
Ride Me
Regret.
I’m a man living with regret. It eats at me night and day.
Eights years ago, I ran from Reagan instead of facing the music. I was sure he would shut me out if he knew the truth, so I beat him to the punch. I left and never looked back.
Or at least I tried not to.
To this day, Reagan is always in the back of my mind, trying to make me remember the fun we had. I always wonder what he would have thought if I’d told him everything.
The regret echoes in my head.
Now he’s standing in front of me, looking for answers I doubt he’s ready for.
Can Reagan accept me for who I really am?
Warning: Contains sexual situations between two men.
I’m a man living with regret. It eats at me night and day.
Eights years ago, I ran from Reagan instead of facing the music. I was sure he would shut me out if he knew the truth, so I beat him to the punch. I left and never looked back.
Or at least I tried not to.
To this day, Reagan is always in the back of my mind, trying to make me remember the fun we had. I always wonder what he would have thought if I’d told him everything.
The regret echoes in my head.
Now he’s standing in front of me, looking for answers I doubt he’s ready for.
Can Reagan accept me for who I really am?
Warning: Contains sexual situations between two men.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2018
About the author
Rebecca Brooke
35 books506 followers
Rebecca Brooke is the author of the Traded Series, as well as other contemporary and paranormal books. She grew up in the shore towns of South Jersey. She loves to hit the beach, but always with her kindle on hand. She is married to the most wonderful man, who puts up with all of her craziness. Together they have two beautiful children who keep her on her toes. When she isn’t writing or reading (which is very rarely) she loves to bake and watch episodes of This is Us and Game of Thrones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 11, 2019
2.5 stars round up for the yummy cover and suggestive title.
Sawyer has been in love with his straight best friend, Reagan, since they were 16 years old. His way of dealing with that is by disapearing from his friend’s life. But being the drummer of an up and coming rock band, Sawyer is eventually tracked down by Reagan 7 years later at a meet and greet. Reagan is pissed and hurt and wants to know why Saywer has cut all ties with him. Sawyer isn’t ready to tell him, he’s gay, but the two fall back into an easy friendship. Reagan eventually finds out about Sawyer. Things get heated between them. First with Reagan being upset that Sawyer didn’t feel he could be upfront with him, and secondly, because Reagan started feeling attracked to Sawyer and can now act on those feelings.
The story was pretty cliché, but entertaining. There were a few minor editing issues, but ultimatley, it was the repetativeness that had me rating the story 2.5 stars.
Sawyer has been in love with his straight best friend, Reagan, since they were 16 years old. His way of dealing with that is by disapearing from his friend’s life. But being the drummer of an up and coming rock band, Sawyer is eventually tracked down by Reagan 7 years later at a meet and greet. Reagan is pissed and hurt and wants to know why Saywer has cut all ties with him. Sawyer isn’t ready to tell him, he’s gay, but the two fall back into an easy friendship. Reagan eventually finds out about Sawyer. Things get heated between them. First with Reagan being upset that Sawyer didn’t feel he could be upfront with him, and secondly, because Reagan started feeling attracked to Sawyer and can now act on those feelings.
The story was pretty cliché, but entertaining. There were a few minor editing issues, but ultimatley, it was the repetativeness that had me rating the story 2.5 stars.
February 7, 2019
I’m calling it. It was an alright book. But I got sick of Sawyer’s wining, and being a coward real quick. Look I get that coming out is a scary thing to do especially to those you love. And not everyone needs to know who you are with. But man sometimes you have to put your big boy boxer briefs on and do it. The book was pretty much sawyer wanting to tell folks but not wanting to tell folks and being too scared to tell folks. And boy did we jump into sex fast. I would have loved if Reagan struggled a little more. Sawyer struggled more than Reagan did with Reagan’s discovering his sexuality. Sad part is it hit all my check marks. Gfy, new discoveries, friends to more, and rock star. But it was just a little to much wining for my taste.
September 29, 2021
Unfortunately, this wasn’t a win for me. It was ok, mediocre, with surface level characters. I love the musician aspect, but the MM/I’ve-loved-you-since-childhood didn’t feel sincere. It was a shame, because I actually liked both these characters and felt they had so much potential!
Sawyer has known he’s been gay since he was a teen. He’s tried dating and sex with women, but that has only been to deflect and hide his homosexuality from others.
Reagan and Sawyer have been best friends since they were boys. They were constantly getting in trouble at school and at home. Reagan doesn’t know it, but Sawyer has been in love with him since they were sixteen. Long story short, Sawyer cuts off all contact at age eighteen. Reagan doesn’t know what he’s done wrong and misses his friend.
Seven years later, Reagan is now a lawyer. He spots a photo of his old buddy, Sawyer, a drummer for a huge up and coming band. He confronts Sawyer about abandoning him after high school and their friendship takes off again like it was never ended.
This is a gfy trope, and I didn’t really believe it. Sawyer was such a well-written character in the first book, but he’s like a paper cutout in this one. Bummer.
Sawyer has known he’s been gay since he was a teen. He’s tried dating and sex with women, but that has only been to deflect and hide his homosexuality from others.
Reagan and Sawyer have been best friends since they were boys. They were constantly getting in trouble at school and at home. Reagan doesn’t know it, but Sawyer has been in love with him since they were sixteen. Long story short, Sawyer cuts off all contact at age eighteen. Reagan doesn’t know what he’s done wrong and misses his friend.
Seven years later, Reagan is now a lawyer. He spots a photo of his old buddy, Sawyer, a drummer for a huge up and coming band. He confronts Sawyer about abandoning him after high school and their friendship takes off again like it was never ended.
This is a gfy trope, and I didn’t really believe it. Sawyer was such a well-written character in the first book, but he’s like a paper cutout in this one. Bummer.
February 1, 2019
3.75⭐️
Not too bad for the authors first M/M. Nothing felt too over the top or unbelievable when it came to the development of Sawyer and Reagan’s relationship. I liked the way it took some time to reconnect and build their friendship back up before the nature of their relationship changed. The only thing I felt was missing was more references to the setting. Maybe I missed it or it was done more in the first book so I might go back and read that. Hayward football was mentioned but without google I would’ve assumed it was LA, not San Fran. And there wasn’t much mentioned as far as local land marks. I feel like that helps me invest in the book more.
The author has a great writing style which seemed to flow seamlessly. The supporting characters were great but sometimes Mari was a bit grating. I went back and forth from liking her and wanting her gone. Even though Sawyer’s closetedness effected the group and had potential to “drag them down”, I still didn’t like the way she overstepped boundaries when it came to him coming out to them. It’s a personal thing and I’m a firm believer that nobody should ever be pushing someone to do that the way she did. I know she just wanted the best for him but still, it was just too meddlesome how she was putting on a show in front of their peers and attempting to get him to out himself on the spot. What she was doing was too close to outing him and that’s the cardinal rule that should never be broken. There is no exception to this rule.
The only thing I found too hard to swallow was the open homophobia of Reagan’s bosses. Seriously-They’re a law firm and there’s no way the main partners of the “top law firm” of a BAY AREA city would risk doing that so openly, telling potential clients that they don’t represent homosexuals straight to their faces. It would’ve been more believable if a discussion with the team, behind closed doors, was brought into the plot. And if this was a well known thing in the workplace, why hadn’t there been any repercussions in the past? It couldn’t have been the first time it happened and not everyone’s just going to eat that and go out silently.
All in all though, it was still an enjoyable read and I’d read her next M/M novel.
Not too bad for the authors first M/M. Nothing felt too over the top or unbelievable when it came to the development of Sawyer and Reagan’s relationship. I liked the way it took some time to reconnect and build their friendship back up before the nature of their relationship changed. The only thing I felt was missing was more references to the setting. Maybe I missed it or it was done more in the first book so I might go back and read that. Hayward football was mentioned but without google I would’ve assumed it was LA, not San Fran. And there wasn’t much mentioned as far as local land marks. I feel like that helps me invest in the book more.
The author has a great writing style which seemed to flow seamlessly. The supporting characters were great but sometimes Mari was a bit grating. I went back and forth from liking her and wanting her gone. Even though Sawyer’s closetedness effected the group and had potential to “drag them down”, I still didn’t like the way she overstepped boundaries when it came to him coming out to them. It’s a personal thing and I’m a firm believer that nobody should ever be pushing someone to do that the way she did. I know she just wanted the best for him but still, it was just too meddlesome how she was putting on a show in front of their peers and attempting to get him to out himself on the spot. What she was doing was too close to outing him and that’s the cardinal rule that should never be broken. There is no exception to this rule.
The only thing I found too hard to swallow was the open homophobia of Reagan’s bosses. Seriously-They’re a law firm and there’s no way the main partners of the “top law firm” of a BAY AREA city would risk doing that so openly, telling potential clients that they don’t represent homosexuals straight to their faces. It would’ve been more believable if a discussion with the team, behind closed doors, was brought into the plot. And if this was a well known thing in the workplace, why hadn’t there been any repercussions in the past? It couldn’t have been the first time it happened and not everyone’s just going to eat that and go out silently.
All in all though, it was still an enjoyable read and I’d read her next M/M novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2018
Drummer Sawyer is gay but hasn't come out publicly, except for a few close friends and family members. He ran from his best friend Reagan because of how he felt for him.
Reagan is finally ready to find out why Sawyer rand and turns up for a meet and great with Sawyer's band. Whilst Reagan has always been with women, he finds himself attracted to Sawyer. As both struggle with their feelings for each other, they also struggle with keeping their relationship secret. Reagan's company is not very tolerant and Sawyer is concerned about their fans' reactions.
I really enjoyed this book and the way they support each other and put each other first. These two showed a strength - a strength that shouldn't be needed to just be who you are but the world is still intolerant at times.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Reagan is finally ready to find out why Sawyer rand and turns up for a meet and great with Sawyer's band. Whilst Reagan has always been with women, he finds himself attracted to Sawyer. As both struggle with their feelings for each other, they also struggle with keeping their relationship secret. Reagan's company is not very tolerant and Sawyer is concerned about their fans' reactions.
I really enjoyed this book and the way they support each other and put each other first. These two showed a strength - a strength that shouldn't be needed to just be who you are but the world is still intolerant at times.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
June 28, 2018
This is the first book I have read by this author, it won’t be the last. This book pulled me in from the beginning. I couldn’t put it down. Sawyer is the drummer for Jaded Ivory. He is hiding a secret. Reagan is a lawyer and a childhood friend of Sawyers. These characters have amazingly hot chemistry. I didn’t read the first book in this series but I plan to soon. I can’t wait for the next book!
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
July 1, 2018
4.5 Stars!
You'd never guess Ride Me is Ms. Brooke's first MM book, everything from the characterization to the progression of Sawyer and Reagan's relationship appealed to my love for this genre.
While I'm aware that GFY/OFY is not for everyone, the author did a fantastic job showing us the gradual changes in Reagan's feelings towards Sawyer in a realistic manner. Reagan and Sawyer were smoking hot together and the sex scenes were not only sexy but passionate and intense. My favorite part might have been the way they reconnected after so long without seeing each other and how they managed to go from friends to lovers in such a believable way.
This is a very satisfying slow burn, friends to lovers story that I will surely read again in the future. Very recommendable!
* Copy provided to the reviewer by the author for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
You'd never guess Ride Me is Ms. Brooke's first MM book, everything from the characterization to the progression of Sawyer and Reagan's relationship appealed to my love for this genre.
While I'm aware that GFY/OFY is not for everyone, the author did a fantastic job showing us the gradual changes in Reagan's feelings towards Sawyer in a realistic manner. Reagan and Sawyer were smoking hot together and the sex scenes were not only sexy but passionate and intense. My favorite part might have been the way they reconnected after so long without seeing each other and how they managed to go from friends to lovers in such a believable way.
This is a very satisfying slow burn, friends to lovers story that I will surely read again in the future. Very recommendable!
* Copy provided to the reviewer by the author for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
July 6, 2018
Review to come
January 20, 2019
Second chances.
I am saying second chances, however it can also be gay for you.
Sawyer loved Regean since he was sixteen, but was afraid to tell him. Seven years later Regean finds him and the connection continued.
Good story.
I am saying second chances, however it can also be gay for you.
Sawyer loved Regean since he was sixteen, but was afraid to tell him. Seven years later Regean finds him and the connection continued.
Good story.
June 28, 2018
I loved the first book, and knew I would like this book, but wasn't sure it could top Rock Me. It did. I love Sawyer and Reagan's story. It was such a good read.
Instead of telling his best friend he was in love with him, or even that he was gay, Sawyer left and started fresh, finding himself in the process. He was so sure what Reagan's response would be, he cut him off.
Reagan spent years wondering what he did wrong for Sawyer to leave like he did. When he finally tracks him down, noticing things about Sawyer he would never have imagined.
Yeah, Sawyer makes a few mistakes, but I love how much Reagan proves he's all in and wants to be there.
Instead of telling his best friend he was in love with him, or even that he was gay, Sawyer left and started fresh, finding himself in the process. He was so sure what Reagan's response would be, he cut him off.
Reagan spent years wondering what he did wrong for Sawyer to leave like he did. When he finally tracks him down, noticing things about Sawyer he would never have imagined.
Yeah, Sawyer makes a few mistakes, but I love how much Reagan proves he's all in and wants to be there.
January 20, 2019
This is the second book of the series but you can follow the story just fine without reading the first one. Sawyer is the drummer in an up and coming band called Jaded Ivory. He hides the fact that he's gay from everyone except the two closest members of the band. Years ago he dropped out of sight from his best friend, Reagan when he realized he was in love with him but couldn't come out of the closet. Flash forward seven years and Reagan sees where the band is meeting fans and he wants to see Sawyer and ask why he dropped their close friendship without a word. Feelings ensue.
Regan is supposedly straight but becomes "gay for you". The set up needed more background when they were younger to make this work for me. I certainly liked them as a couple but didn't fully buy into the relationship. Sawyer's struggle with coming out and how it would impact the band was the more interesting storyline.
Regan is supposedly straight but becomes "gay for you". The set up needed more background when they were younger to make this work for me. I certainly liked them as a couple but didn't fully buy into the relationship. Sawyer's struggle with coming out and how it would impact the band was the more interesting storyline.
October 17, 2020
Ok. Here it is.
Rebecca Brooke is a new to me author, and I love taking a chance so I was given an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review only.
The story is simple, kind of second chancy in that Sawyer and Reagan were friends when they were younger, but...nothing more. Unrequited love if you will.
The two are reunited as adults, and of course, from there, the friendship is rekindled which then leads to more.
In order to be completely honest in my review, I want to explain something. My ARC copy was riddled with errors. So much so that it was almost to hard to move past them because my brain does not want to cooperate when words are transposed or in the wrong part of the sentence, or when the sentence or word is just wrong.
I will eventually purchase this book for a re-read because it is my hope that the final product was edited the way it needed to be to make the read easier.
The plot, story, etc still worked for me, because 1-I love MMRomance and 2-I know that this was an ARC and it is uncorrected. I still gave this book 4 stars because I DID enjoy the character's and plot.
Rebecca Brooke is a new to me author, and I love taking a chance so I was given an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review only.
The story is simple, kind of second chancy in that Sawyer and Reagan were friends when they were younger, but...nothing more. Unrequited love if you will.
The two are reunited as adults, and of course, from there, the friendship is rekindled which then leads to more.
In order to be completely honest in my review, I want to explain something. My ARC copy was riddled with errors. So much so that it was almost to hard to move past them because my brain does not want to cooperate when words are transposed or in the wrong part of the sentence, or when the sentence or word is just wrong.
I will eventually purchase this book for a re-read because it is my hope that the final product was edited the way it needed to be to make the read easier.
The plot, story, etc still worked for me, because 1-I love MMRomance and 2-I know that this was an ARC and it is uncorrected. I still gave this book 4 stars because I DID enjoy the character's and plot.
March 15, 2019
Oh my
I liked this story. It was filled with angst, self doubt and worry. Best friends turned lovers story. Sawyer left home and cut all tied with his best friend. A few years down the road their paths crossed. Reagan does everything to find out the reason his best friend left so those years ago. I liked Reagan and Sawyer although he spent so much imagining the worst scenarios but Reagan was there to pull him back!
I liked this story. It was filled with angst, self doubt and worry. Best friends turned lovers story. Sawyer left home and cut all tied with his best friend. A few years down the road their paths crossed. Reagan does everything to find out the reason his best friend left so those years ago. I liked Reagan and Sawyer although he spent so much imagining the worst scenarios but Reagan was there to pull him back!
January 11, 2019
4.25 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 26, 2018
Regret.
I’m a man living with regret. It eats at me night and day.
Eights years ago, I ran from Reagan instead of facing the music. I was sure he would shut me out if he knew the truth, so I beat him to the punch. I left and never looked back.
Or at least I tried not to.
To this day, Reagan is always in the back of my mind, trying to make me remember the fun we had. I always wonder what he would have thought if I’d told him everything.
The regret echoes in my head.
Now he’s standing in front of me, looking for answers I doubt he’s ready for.
Can Reagan accept me for who I really am?
••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--RIDE ME is the second instalment in Rebecca Brooke’s contemporary, adult JADED IVORY erotic, rock romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Jaded Ivory. This is twenty six year olds, Jaded Ivory’s drummer Sawyer Alason, and attorney Reagan Setton’s story line. RIDE ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: RIDE ME contains graphic scenes of M/M sexual situations that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Sawyer and Reagan) RIDE ME follows the rekindling friendship and building romance between twenty six year olds, former best friends, Jaded Ivory’s drummer Sawyer Alason, and attorney Reagan Setton. From the age of seven Reagan and Sawyer were best friends but the day before each was to head off to college, Sawyer disappeared without explanation. Fast forward to present day wherein Reagan is desperate to reconnect with his best friend, the friend he hasn’t heard from in close to eight years. Enter Jaded Ivory’s drummer Sawyer Alason, and the man with whom Reagan will fall in love. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship, and romance between Reagan and Sawyer, and the potential fall-out as neither one has come out of the proverbial closet, threatening their hard fought anonymity with the media and friends.
Sawyer Alason has always known he was gay but having fallen in love with Reagan at the age of sixteen, Sawyer struggled with the potential loss of his best friend, a friend from whom he walked away without explanation. Now the drummer for the up and coming rock band Jaded Ivory, Sawyer is hoping Reagan’s reappearance won’t be destroyed when the truth is revealed. Reagan Setton never considered himself gay or bi-sexual but reconnecting with Sawyer Alason found our hero wondering about the what ifs, including his strong and visceral reaction to a man he once considered his best friend.
The relationship between Reagan and Sawyer is a rekindling friendship; a best friends to lovers M/M romance that struggles in the face of potential rejection, discrimination and loss of family and friends. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are re-introduced to the members of the band: lead singer Mari Cosmann, and her boyfriend Cole Wallace (Rock Me #1); Keyboardist Heath Marshall, lead guitarist Jackson Hadden and bass player Monty Vance, as well as band manager Tom; Sawyer’s parents Charlene and Derek: and Reagan’s parents Kathleen and Tommy.
RIDE ME is a story of family, friendship, loyalty, and heart break. The premise is engaging and endearing; the characters are colorful, and charismatic; the romance is seductive and passionate. RIDE ME is a wonderful , sensitive and spirited story line of friendship, second chances, and falling in love.
Own a copy
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 26, 2018
Regret.
I’m a man living with regret. It eats at me night and day.
Eights years ago, I ran from Reagan instead of facing the music. I was sure he would shut me out if he knew the truth, so I beat him to the punch. I left and never looked back.
Or at least I tried not to.
To this day, Reagan is always in the back of my mind, trying to make me remember the fun we had. I always wonder what he would have thought if I’d told him everything.
The regret echoes in my head.
Now he’s standing in front of me, looking for answers I doubt he’s ready for.
Can Reagan accept me for who I really am?
••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--RIDE ME is the second instalment in Rebecca Brooke’s contemporary, adult JADED IVORY erotic, rock romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Jaded Ivory. This is twenty six year olds, Jaded Ivory’s drummer Sawyer Alason, and attorney Reagan Setton’s story line. RIDE ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: RIDE ME contains graphic scenes of M/M sexual situations that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Sawyer and Reagan) RIDE ME follows the rekindling friendship and building romance between twenty six year olds, former best friends, Jaded Ivory’s drummer Sawyer Alason, and attorney Reagan Setton. From the age of seven Reagan and Sawyer were best friends but the day before each was to head off to college, Sawyer disappeared without explanation. Fast forward to present day wherein Reagan is desperate to reconnect with his best friend, the friend he hasn’t heard from in close to eight years. Enter Jaded Ivory’s drummer Sawyer Alason, and the man with whom Reagan will fall in love. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship, and romance between Reagan and Sawyer, and the potential fall-out as neither one has come out of the proverbial closet, threatening their hard fought anonymity with the media and friends.
Sawyer Alason has always known he was gay but having fallen in love with Reagan at the age of sixteen, Sawyer struggled with the potential loss of his best friend, a friend from whom he walked away without explanation. Now the drummer for the up and coming rock band Jaded Ivory, Sawyer is hoping Reagan’s reappearance won’t be destroyed when the truth is revealed. Reagan Setton never considered himself gay or bi-sexual but reconnecting with Sawyer Alason found our hero wondering about the what ifs, including his strong and visceral reaction to a man he once considered his best friend.
The relationship between Reagan and Sawyer is a rekindling friendship; a best friends to lovers M/M romance that struggles in the face of potential rejection, discrimination and loss of family and friends. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are re-introduced to the members of the band: lead singer Mari Cosmann, and her boyfriend Cole Wallace (Rock Me #1); Keyboardist Heath Marshall, lead guitarist Jackson Hadden and bass player Monty Vance, as well as band manager Tom; Sawyer’s parents Charlene and Derek: and Reagan’s parents Kathleen and Tommy.
RIDE ME is a story of family, friendship, loyalty, and heart break. The premise is engaging and endearing; the characters are colorful, and charismatic; the romance is seductive and passionate. RIDE ME is a wonderful , sensitive and spirited story line of friendship, second chances, and falling in love.
Own a copy
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 28, 2018
When I read the blurb for Ride Me it definitely intrigued me. I had read one previous book by the same author and enjoyed it, so the fact that Ride Me was a rock star romance and M/M, I was all over it. I enjoy the author's writing style and the characters that she creates. All though this is book two in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
Sawyer has spent the last several years trying to build his career as the drummer for the up and coming rock band, Jaded Ivory. His one regret is walking away from his best friend Reagan. He offered no explanation, just up and ran away. Now Sawyer spends his nights drumming and sneaking away to satisfy the one need he has but keeps hidden from all but a few. To say that he is stuck in the closet is a bit of an understatement. But, he believes that this is the best thing not just for himself, but for the band as well. When his past shows up to a meet and greet, Sawyer has to wonder if he has what it takes to fix the mess he created and be true not just to himself, but to Reagan as well.
Seeing Sawyer again after all these years was more than Reagan could ask for. But he had so many unanswered questions. Would he be able to get the answers he deserved or would trying to fix their friendship be more than he can handle? Reagan has made a name for himself as well. He works for a large legal firm and is a partner there as well. As Reagan and Sawyer begin to repair their friendship, emotions and boundaries are tested. Will he be able to forgive Sawyer for not trusting him with the truth so long ago?
Sawyer and Reagan together are explosive. I loved the build-up as they tried to repair all the hurt and anger from all those years ago. Sawyer is such a cautious character. He takes things one step at a time and questions everything. Reagan, on the other hand, goes with what he feels. When he realizes that he wants to explore more in their relationship he is the one too but Sawyer's fears to rest. Can two friends become something more? Are they both strong enough to face their fears and step out into the world and not be ashamed of who they are not just one their own, but as a couple as well? If you love a great rock star romance, that is sexy, M/M, a little emotional and entertaining, then this is the book for you. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Brooke's work in the future.
4 iScream Stars
Sawyer has spent the last several years trying to build his career as the drummer for the up and coming rock band, Jaded Ivory. His one regret is walking away from his best friend Reagan. He offered no explanation, just up and ran away. Now Sawyer spends his nights drumming and sneaking away to satisfy the one need he has but keeps hidden from all but a few. To say that he is stuck in the closet is a bit of an understatement. But, he believes that this is the best thing not just for himself, but for the band as well. When his past shows up to a meet and greet, Sawyer has to wonder if he has what it takes to fix the mess he created and be true not just to himself, but to Reagan as well.
Seeing Sawyer again after all these years was more than Reagan could ask for. But he had so many unanswered questions. Would he be able to get the answers he deserved or would trying to fix their friendship be more than he can handle? Reagan has made a name for himself as well. He works for a large legal firm and is a partner there as well. As Reagan and Sawyer begin to repair their friendship, emotions and boundaries are tested. Will he be able to forgive Sawyer for not trusting him with the truth so long ago?
Sawyer and Reagan together are explosive. I loved the build-up as they tried to repair all the hurt and anger from all those years ago. Sawyer is such a cautious character. He takes things one step at a time and questions everything. Reagan, on the other hand, goes with what he feels. When he realizes that he wants to explore more in their relationship he is the one too but Sawyer's fears to rest. Can two friends become something more? Are they both strong enough to face their fears and step out into the world and not be ashamed of who they are not just one their own, but as a couple as well? If you love a great rock star romance, that is sexy, M/M, a little emotional and entertaining, then this is the book for you. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Brooke's work in the future.
4 iScream Stars
June 28, 2018
The combination of a rockstar romance, a version of second chance, and coming out for both main characters made Ride Me a strong draw for me as a fan of M/M romance. This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and though it is the second book in the Jaded Ivory series, I can definitely say you do not have to read the first book in order to enjoy this one; Ride Me stands on its own just fine.
There is a solid cast of characters here, not just the main ones, but with the rest of the band members and both Reagan and Sawyer’s parents as well. I do give a lot of credit to Reagan—he comes across as remarkably nonplussed as his feelings toward Sawyer come to light, ready to explore those feelings, and fully supportive of Sawyer. It’s a bit surprising how easily he steps into the relationship considering he’s never had any inkling of attraction to a man…which does give this story a gay-for-you edge even if at some point he begins to consider himself bisexual.
I adored Sawyer, and understood why he made the choices he did to stay closeted and to take off without telling Reagan years ago…though I might not have agreed with that particular choice. There was also a point near the end of the story where Sawyer makes a decision and does something that I was not happy about—something that is a real pet peeve of mine in any romance story (sorry for the tease, but telling you would be a big spoiler…so you’ll have to find out on your own!). But those things aside, I really did like his character, and I was truly happy for him and Reagan as I watched their relationship develop.
There are some points that are predictable, and some that frustrated me (what I just mentioned with Sawyer), but overall Ride Me was a good read and one that I would recommend. 3.5 stars from me, and the author does have me intrigued about the other band members and their stories. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
There is a solid cast of characters here, not just the main ones, but with the rest of the band members and both Reagan and Sawyer’s parents as well. I do give a lot of credit to Reagan—he comes across as remarkably nonplussed as his feelings toward Sawyer come to light, ready to explore those feelings, and fully supportive of Sawyer. It’s a bit surprising how easily he steps into the relationship considering he’s never had any inkling of attraction to a man…which does give this story a gay-for-you edge even if at some point he begins to consider himself bisexual.
I adored Sawyer, and understood why he made the choices he did to stay closeted and to take off without telling Reagan years ago…though I might not have agreed with that particular choice. There was also a point near the end of the story where Sawyer makes a decision and does something that I was not happy about—something that is a real pet peeve of mine in any romance story (sorry for the tease, but telling you would be a big spoiler…so you’ll have to find out on your own!). But those things aside, I really did like his character, and I was truly happy for him and Reagan as I watched their relationship develop.
There are some points that are predictable, and some that frustrated me (what I just mentioned with Sawyer), but overall Ride Me was a good read and one that I would recommend. 3.5 stars from me, and the author does have me intrigued about the other band members and their stories. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
June 29, 2018
I liked it a lot.
This is the first book I've read by Rebecca Brooke and I really enjoyed it. Ride Me is book 2 in the Jaded Ivory series but it can be read as a standalone. I didn't read book one and didn't feel lost or like I'd missed anything by reading only book two.
Jaded Ivory is an up and coming rock band and Sawyer is the drummer living the life he'd always dreamed of. Only one thing is missing – the best friend he left behind seven years ago without any explanation.
When Reagan finds out that Jaded Ivory is having a meet and greet in the town where he lives he buys a ticket and decides to confront Sawyer and finally find out what he did wrong to make Sawyer leave without a word all those years ago.
Wow, this story was an emotional one for me. I know a lot of people don't like gay-for-you (GFY) stories but I happen to enjoy them, and this was a good one. It was also a bonus that it's kind of a second chance story and a friends-to-lovers one – a great triple play in my opinion.
The author's words made me feel the anguish that Sawyer felt because he felt that he could never have what he wanted. As Sawyer and Reagan began to renew their friendship, I also felt the deep connection these two had to each other. When that connection finally exploded into something more? It was HOT, HOT, HOT.
If this author writes any more M/M books I would definitely be willing to read them.
Note: The Advanced Copy I read was not the final release copy. I normally don't even mention this in a review but because there were fairly substantive errors, and I was unable to see the final released product, I thought I should mention it. I was assured that they would be corrected before release. My rating of the book was based solely on the story, ignoring any grammatical/typographical errors I saw.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
This is the first book I've read by Rebecca Brooke and I really enjoyed it. Ride Me is book 2 in the Jaded Ivory series but it can be read as a standalone. I didn't read book one and didn't feel lost or like I'd missed anything by reading only book two.
Jaded Ivory is an up and coming rock band and Sawyer is the drummer living the life he'd always dreamed of. Only one thing is missing – the best friend he left behind seven years ago without any explanation.
When Reagan finds out that Jaded Ivory is having a meet and greet in the town where he lives he buys a ticket and decides to confront Sawyer and finally find out what he did wrong to make Sawyer leave without a word all those years ago.
Wow, this story was an emotional one for me. I know a lot of people don't like gay-for-you (GFY) stories but I happen to enjoy them, and this was a good one. It was also a bonus that it's kind of a second chance story and a friends-to-lovers one – a great triple play in my opinion.
The author's words made me feel the anguish that Sawyer felt because he felt that he could never have what he wanted. As Sawyer and Reagan began to renew their friendship, I also felt the deep connection these two had to each other. When that connection finally exploded into something more? It was HOT, HOT, HOT.
If this author writes any more M/M books I would definitely be willing to read them.
Note: The Advanced Copy I read was not the final release copy. I normally don't even mention this in a review but because there were fairly substantive errors, and I was unable to see the final released product, I thought I should mention it. I was assured that they would be corrected before release. My rating of the book was based solely on the story, ignoring any grammatical/typographical errors I saw.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
June 28, 2018
This is the first book I have read by Rebecca Brooke and it certainly won’t be the last this may be book 2 in the Jaded Ivory Series but it can be read as a stand-alone because I haven’t read book 1 and it took nothing away from Sawyers story, I loved it.
Sawyer the hot drummer with Jaded Ivory has a secret and he is living a lie...he left his home town and his best friend Reagan right after high school because he couldn’t bear his friend to hate him because of his feelings now many years later he comes face to face with the man who has held a piece of heart for all those years. Reagan didn’t understand why Sawyer left without even a goodbye and now it’s time to find out the reason for his rapid departure........
I loved the characters in this book I loved the loyalty the band members have and I loved how Reagan was open to explore his feelings that he never realised he had til he caught up with his best friend. I’m looking forward to the other band members stories and I certainly will be reading book 1 which I understand is Cole and Mari’s story. This book has a real feel good factor about it, it’s about believing in your feelings and fighting for who you love. Can’t wait for more from Jaded Ivory.
Sawyer the hot drummer with Jaded Ivory has a secret and he is living a lie...he left his home town and his best friend Reagan right after high school because he couldn’t bear his friend to hate him because of his feelings now many years later he comes face to face with the man who has held a piece of heart for all those years. Reagan didn’t understand why Sawyer left without even a goodbye and now it’s time to find out the reason for his rapid departure........
I loved the characters in this book I loved the loyalty the band members have and I loved how Reagan was open to explore his feelings that he never realised he had til he caught up with his best friend. I’m looking forward to the other band members stories and I certainly will be reading book 1 which I understand is Cole and Mari’s story. This book has a real feel good factor about it, it’s about believing in your feelings and fighting for who you love. Can’t wait for more from Jaded Ivory.
June 13, 2019
A bit too angsty for me
While the MCs had the potential to grab me the whole thing was just a bit too angsty for me. Sawyer is just a bit too martyrish. There’s not a lot of depth to Reagan’s character so it’s hard to really feel for him.
And then there’s the problem of lack of research/factual errors, poor editing and horrid proofreading. Did anyone with common knowledge of the world read this to edit it? The timeline for Reagan’s career does not work at all. Seven years since they last saw each other which was just before they left for college making them 25. Four years of college plus three years of law school. There’s your seven years....how did he then become a second year associate at his big prestigious law firm (which must not have any in house legal counsel since they blatantly violate the law in a way that would so get them sued.) I really, really hate mistakes like this as it takes my head out of the book. And don’t say “it’s fiction”...the story is set in the real world, in the US. Basic rules of reality apply. It would have been a simple fix to just make the characters a few years older and re-write some scenes. It’s just poor editing and/or beta reading.
While the MCs had the potential to grab me the whole thing was just a bit too angsty for me. Sawyer is just a bit too martyrish. There’s not a lot of depth to Reagan’s character so it’s hard to really feel for him.
And then there’s the problem of lack of research/factual errors, poor editing and horrid proofreading. Did anyone with common knowledge of the world read this to edit it? The timeline for Reagan’s career does not work at all. Seven years since they last saw each other which was just before they left for college making them 25. Four years of college plus three years of law school. There’s your seven years....how did he then become a second year associate at his big prestigious law firm (which must not have any in house legal counsel since they blatantly violate the law in a way that would so get them sued.) I really, really hate mistakes like this as it takes my head out of the book. And don’t say “it’s fiction”...the story is set in the real world, in the US. Basic rules of reality apply. It would have been a simple fix to just make the characters a few years older and re-write some scenes. It’s just poor editing and/or beta reading.
July 16, 2018
Holy hotness, I do love a romance with a muso in it, double that when it's the drummer... this is a second chance romance, Sawyer is the drummer for one of the hottest bands of the world, and Reagan is the only man he's ever loved. Sawyer is gay, and he loved his best friend, but the day they were leaving for college together Sawyer up and disappeared. Fast forward 8 years and Reagan turns up at a meet and greet to get some answers. He got that and a whole lot more. The reason why Sawyer left is that he couldn't be around his best friend anymore knowing he was straight. This story is sort of a GFY, but it is a slow burn and you get to see how Reagan dealt with his feelings for Sawyer. This book is part of a series, but I didn't read the first book due to it being M/F which I don't read, the characters from the first book are in this book, but I didn't need to read it to follow the story, in fact, if I wasn't already aware of the first book I would have thought Ride Me was a stand-alone. This is the first book from this author, and if she continues to write M/M I will continue to read her books.
June 29, 2018
OMG I FLOVED every moment of this book, I am seriously lacking the words that will do this book justice, and I have no idea where to start my review, but here goes nothing.
This is Sawyer's story (the drummer of Jaded Ivory), this is a m/m book (I started reading this with a little hesitation as that is not usually something I enjoy reading, but this book was hotter than I could have ever imagined, there may have been a few parts where I needed to stop and fan myself).
Sawyer has spent his life hiding who he really is, running from his best friend Reagan as he had fallen in love with him, fast forward eight years and Reagan finds Sawyer, wanting answers as to why he left without saying goodbye.
The build up to Reagan and Sawyer finally being together left my heart pounding with anticipation.
I cannot express how amazing this book was, if you don't read any other book this month, take the time and read this one (it is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone).
Floved it
This is Sawyer's story (the drummer of Jaded Ivory), this is a m/m book (I started reading this with a little hesitation as that is not usually something I enjoy reading, but this book was hotter than I could have ever imagined, there may have been a few parts where I needed to stop and fan myself).
Sawyer has spent his life hiding who he really is, running from his best friend Reagan as he had fallen in love with him, fast forward eight years and Reagan finds Sawyer, wanting answers as to why he left without saying goodbye.
The build up to Reagan and Sawyer finally being together left my heart pounding with anticipation.
I cannot express how amazing this book was, if you don't read any other book this month, take the time and read this one (it is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone).
Floved it
June 30, 2018
Jaded Ivory is a rock group currently on their way up ..
The drummer is Sawyer who has a secret that he has kept hidden ....
Why he left his best friend without any explanation .
Sawyer had spent every single day with Reagan since he was seven years old up until he left..
Reagan is now a man they haven't seen each other for so long until.....
I absolutely loved this book its one of those books that you don't want to stop reading it certainly grabs all your feelings.
The journey of two guys who after so long away from each other meet again.
The truth has to be told but can it easily be told?
Can love override everything?
What opens up is who they are ,can love be a word thought or spoken?
Family friends and their fans they all take an important part in this book .
This is my first read of Rebecca Brooke and certainly not my last .
I will not give spoilers but what I can say is this book is worth much more than five stars and you will certainly remember this book..
The drummer is Sawyer who has a secret that he has kept hidden ....
Why he left his best friend without any explanation .
Sawyer had spent every single day with Reagan since he was seven years old up until he left..
Reagan is now a man they haven't seen each other for so long until.....
I absolutely loved this book its one of those books that you don't want to stop reading it certainly grabs all your feelings.
The journey of two guys who after so long away from each other meet again.
The truth has to be told but can it easily be told?
Can love override everything?
What opens up is who they are ,can love be a word thought or spoken?
Family friends and their fans they all take an important part in this book .
This is my first read of Rebecca Brooke and certainly not my last .
I will not give spoilers but what I can say is this book is worth much more than five stars and you will certainly remember this book..
July 19, 2018
This is a very nice gay for you book by Rebecca Brooke and second in the Jaded Ivory series.
This book features Sawyer, the drummer of Jaded Ivory and his best friend from age 7 , Reagan.
Sawyer is in love with Reagan since they were 16, but afraid of his friends reaction he just vanishes without a word and leaves his friend behind, wondering whatever he did wrong for his friend to cut him like that.
Years later when Jaded Ivory starts to gain more and more popularity Reagan sees a poster for a meet and greet with the band and sees his chance to finally get his answers after all this years.
Sawyer is terrified, and surprisingly it is Reagan to hold the 2 together.
This book is about coming out and the fears and consequences in life that come with it in the frame of a very nice gay for you/ best friends love story.
The story sucks you right in and definitely wont get boring.
Im looking forward to read more from this author!
Very solid 4.5 stars !
This book features Sawyer, the drummer of Jaded Ivory and his best friend from age 7 , Reagan.
Sawyer is in love with Reagan since they were 16, but afraid of his friends reaction he just vanishes without a word and leaves his friend behind, wondering whatever he did wrong for his friend to cut him like that.
Years later when Jaded Ivory starts to gain more and more popularity Reagan sees a poster for a meet and greet with the band and sees his chance to finally get his answers after all this years.
Sawyer is terrified, and surprisingly it is Reagan to hold the 2 together.
This book is about coming out and the fears and consequences in life that come with it in the frame of a very nice gay for you/ best friends love story.
The story sucks you right in and definitely wont get boring.
Im looking forward to read more from this author!
Very solid 4.5 stars !
June 28, 2018
I love to read contemporary romance. I love a good Rebecca Brooke story too. When this author said it was going to be different with an M/M book, I jumped on it. Some are hit, some are miss. This is a hit. A 5 star story that was full of emotions. Of course there are plenty of steamy scenes to burn down the roof but there was heart above all.
Sawyer is the drummer in a band and he’s gay but he doesn’t want no one to know for fear to be rejected and that it would affect the band negatively. He’s always been able to keep it under wraps, that is until he’s childhood best friend shows up, Reagan.
This is a story about love, affection and connection between 2 PEOPLE simple as that. It was a beautifully written story with plenty of emotions. I felt their despair and pain. Because the author was able to put that in the amazingly created characters. Some are still afraid to come out and that they will be rejected. These are people with feelings. This story demonstrates that perfectly. Bottomline is this is a must read.
Although this is the second book in the Jaded Ivory series, I can safely say that it can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first one and I want it now. I wonder how I missed it. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
June 29, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by this author an I really enjoyed the story. Now I need to get more.
Sawyer and Reagan have been best friends since they were young. Sawyer disappeared on the day they were suppose to leave for college. He has some secrets that he doesn’t want to tell Reagan. He’s scared of the rejection of his best friend. So he goes on with his life. Or at least he tries to.
Reagan has never forgotten Sawyer. He’s always wanted to know what happened and where he went too. Then he get the opportunity to get the answers he needs.
Sawyer and Regans story is about truly being who you were meant to be. Coming to terms with being out as a gay man. Finding love that has never died. Having friends and family support you no matter what. Loving yourself. Second chances. Living freely. Their story was an amazing one and I really hope we get more of these guys.
Sawyer and Reagan have been best friends since they were young. Sawyer disappeared on the day they were suppose to leave for college. He has some secrets that he doesn’t want to tell Reagan. He’s scared of the rejection of his best friend. So he goes on with his life. Or at least he tries to.
Reagan has never forgotten Sawyer. He’s always wanted to know what happened and where he went too. Then he get the opportunity to get the answers he needs.
Sawyer and Regans story is about truly being who you were meant to be. Coming to terms with being out as a gay man. Finding love that has never died. Having friends and family support you no matter what. Loving yourself. Second chances. Living freely. Their story was an amazing one and I really hope we get more of these guys.
June 28, 2018
My first read from Rebecca and I so wasn’t disappointed this was a fantastically hot & sexy book! Sexy Sawyer the drummer from Jaded Ivory is living a lie.. he left his hometown after high school without a word to his best friend Reagan because he was scared of his feelings! Reagan takes his chance to get answers when he finds his childhood friend Sawyer at a meet & greet for his band Jaded Ivory... the two quickly rekindle their friendship but Sawyer is still keeping his true feelings locked up tight for fear of being hurt and rejected by the one person who means the most to him. A feel-good story about second chances and holding on to the ones you love!! Standing up for who you are and what you truly want! I can’t recommend this series highly enough I cannot wait to read more!!
Reviewed by Nat
Reviewed by Nat
July 3, 2019
3.5 rounded up! This was a good friends to lovers story. I had a bit of a hard time with the fact that Sawyer’s automatic response is to hide large parts of himself from people by not coming out. While of course this is an incredibly difficult thing to do and I don’t want to minimize that struggle at all, the people he wasn’t telling were all very accepting in a way I think he could have anticipated. But, fear of rejection is strong so it can make sense. Raegan is awesome though I had a hard time believing that a law firm could so blatantly discriminate against him based on his sexuality and he could just shrug and get a new job. The lawyer people I know would have flipped their shit and sued the company (rightfully so). But otherwise I loved seeing childhood best friends end up together. It was really quite sweet!
June 27, 2018
My first read from Rebecca and I so wasn’t disappointed this was a fantastically hot & sexy book! Sexy Sawyer the drummer from Jaded Ivory is living a lie.. he left his home town after high school without a word to his best friend Reagan because he was scared of his feelings! Reagan takes his chance to get answers when he finds his childhood friend Sawyer at a meet & greet for his band Jaded Ivory... the two quickly rekindle their friendship but Sawyer is still keeping his true feelings locked up tight for fear of being hurt and rejected by the one person who means the most to him. A feel good story about second chances and holding on to the ones you love!! Standing up for who you are and what you truely want! I can’t recommend this series highly enough I cannot wait to read more!!
July 26, 2018
I love this second chance, best friends to lovers story. Great storyline that captivated me right from the beginning and I could not put this book down. It's been about eight years since Sawyer has seen Reagan, but as soon as he sees him again, all of the old feelings come back. But what do you do when you're in love with your "straight" best friend! Then again, Reagan doesn't seem to be that "straight" after all. It's wonderful to see how their relationship develops and how selfless Sawyer is when confronted with something that he feels would destroy Reagan. Sawyer and Reagan have sizzling chemistry and they are magnificent together. This is a definite MUST READ!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
January 10, 2019
Rock romance
I really loved Sawyer and Reagan together and the way they went from old friends to friends again to lovers.
Sawyer left Reagan without an explanation and he's obviously hurt and confused about why.
The fact that Sawyer is gay and in love with his best friend made him run, but they get a second chance of friendship.
Then old feelings comes back for Sawyer while Reagan starts to notice things about Sawyer even though Reagan always have considered himself straight.
I had some issues with Sawyers friends pressuring him to come out in different situations and especially Maris over the top flirting with Reagan to make Sawyer slip was nagging me.
I loved all interactions between Reagan and Sawyer though.
I really loved Sawyer and Reagan together and the way they went from old friends to friends again to lovers.
Sawyer left Reagan without an explanation and he's obviously hurt and confused about why.
The fact that Sawyer is gay and in love with his best friend made him run, but they get a second chance of friendship.
Then old feelings comes back for Sawyer while Reagan starts to notice things about Sawyer even though Reagan always have considered himself straight.
I had some issues with Sawyers friends pressuring him to come out in different situations and especially Maris over the top flirting with Reagan to make Sawyer slip was nagging me.
I loved all interactions between Reagan and Sawyer though.
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