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Ryker
I had a secret.
It was mine and in no way would I let anyone get close enough to find out what it was. My life hadn't been easy, but who cares? We play the cards we were dealt, and my hand sucked. There was one thing that I was good at. One thing I was proud of... my drums.
When I joined the band, I finally felt as though I belonged. I'd been able to push my anger and guilt to the back of my mind and get lost inthe music. Then she came along. Faith. Even her damn name haunted me.
Where she was sweet, I wasn't. Where she was naïve to the cruelness of the world, I wasn't. She was a teenager when we met, and for years I promised myself to stay away from her. Then one night, our lives shifted. In a moment of weakness, I let her in. I told her part of my secret... of what I had done. She then gave me a piece of herself that I could never give back.
I wasn't good enough for her. I knew it. My bandmates knew it. I'm sure deep down she knew it. Yet, she wouldn't let me go. It was up to me to do the dirty work.
So that's what I did. I broke her heart.
Too bad I fell in love with her.
**Due to adult content - 18+ please**
It was mine and in no way would I let anyone get close enough to find out what it was. My life hadn't been easy, but who cares? We play the cards we were dealt, and my hand sucked. There was one thing that I was good at. One thing I was proud of... my drums.
When I joined the band, I finally felt as though I belonged. I'd been able to push my anger and guilt to the back of my mind and get lost inthe music. Then she came along. Faith. Even her damn name haunted me.
Where she was sweet, I wasn't. Where she was naïve to the cruelness of the world, I wasn't. She was a teenager when we met, and for years I promised myself to stay away from her. Then one night, our lives shifted. In a moment of weakness, I let her in. I told her part of my secret... of what I had done. She then gave me a piece of herself that I could never give back.
I wasn't good enough for her. I knew it. My bandmates knew it. I'm sure deep down she knew it. Yet, she wouldn't let me go. It was up to me to do the dirty work.
So that's what I did. I broke her heart.
Too bad I fell in love with her.
**Due to adult content - 18+ please**
ebook
First published July 7, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 25, 2019
DNF
Can not connect with any aspect of this book. The story is flat. Characters boring. So i decided to shelved it under DNF
Can not connect with any aspect of this book. The story is flat. Characters boring. So i decided to shelved it under DNF
June 29, 2014
Joanne Schwehm held me captive with this book. Ryker is a man with regrets,demons and a fear of love. Faith has loved him from the moment they met. He has a secret. Will his secret change how Faith feels about him if he reveals it to her? This story had me from the very first page and I didn't want to put it down. This story made me laugh , it gave me the giddy butterflies of anticipation, made me angry ,and then ripped my heart out only to have it mended gently. Faith is a strong woman set on what she wants, who she wants and has a faith in humanity that is refreshing. She is not a sappy doormat, nor is she a raging bitch, She simply stands up for herself when needed . She gets hurt but it doesn't detour her from seeing the good and trusting what is meant to be. Ryker is damaged , he is talented, trying to get by each day while his demons chase him , but he just needs a little "Faith". Joanne doesn't give them a wham bam thank you ma'am kind of love story, she lets the moments happen organically and then lets them settle and be felt. It is as real as it gets. The supporting characters are well written and are genuine , they have a story of their own that I hope they will make known to Joanne (hint hint ). Max is Faith's and Rykers best friend but he isn't overbearing he remains mostly nuetral while sticking up for whats right on both accounts. Tyf is a strong and supportive friend who is empathetic yet outspoken but kind. This book left me happy and satisfied. I loved it front to back. Joanne knocked it out of the park . Oh and I will NEVER listen to Moby Dick the same way again .... "Dude"
November 28, 2014
I'm a big fan of tormented and sexy rock stars, so reading Ryker seemed like a no-brainer. After all, "sex, drums and denial" is the name of the game here... Oh yes, please!
Ryker Jeffries is hiding, and hiding from, his past. Not even his best friend knows why Ryker is so closed off. But that past is why Ryker can never have the girl he wants....Faith.
Faith Bishop is loyal, beautiful and completely hung up on Ryker. But he won't give her the time of day - and if he does, he uses it to alienate her. And yet, Faith can't help but want to get close to him.
It's getting harder for Ryker to deny his feelings for Faith, but he's sure she won't want him after she discovers his past. Will she be able to help him move on, or will she walk away once she knows the truth?
I ended up really enjoying this rock star read from Joanne Schwehm, but I struggled at times with it. Never did I want to stop reading it entirely, but many times I found myself distracted from the story. And after thinking it over, I'm still not completely sure why.
Perhaps because I liked both Ryker and Faith but never loved them; while they had good chemistry, I would have loved to see some stolen moments from their shared past to better understand how they - Ryker, in particular - came to fall so hard, so fast.
Or perhaps it was because I occasionally found the dialogue to be a touch stilted and formal, which broke my concentration. Some more tweaking to the talk, talk, talk could have taken this book from good to great.
Regardless, I truly liked reading Ryker. The reveal about his past was interesting and a little different. Faith was a good female character - smart, kind and strong. And I adored Max. He was my favorite secondary character, and I wouldn't say no to reading more about him and Tyf. That would mean more rock stars...and I'm more than ok with that.
Ryker is a standalone novel. No cliffhanger. ~ Beth, 3.5 stars
Ryker Jeffries is hiding, and hiding from, his past. Not even his best friend knows why Ryker is so closed off. But that past is why Ryker can never have the girl he wants....Faith.
Faith Bishop is loyal, beautiful and completely hung up on Ryker. But he won't give her the time of day - and if he does, he uses it to alienate her. And yet, Faith can't help but want to get close to him.
It's getting harder for Ryker to deny his feelings for Faith, but he's sure she won't want him after she discovers his past. Will she be able to help him move on, or will she walk away once she knows the truth?
I ended up really enjoying this rock star read from Joanne Schwehm, but I struggled at times with it. Never did I want to stop reading it entirely, but many times I found myself distracted from the story. And after thinking it over, I'm still not completely sure why.
Perhaps because I liked both Ryker and Faith but never loved them; while they had good chemistry, I would have loved to see some stolen moments from their shared past to better understand how they - Ryker, in particular - came to fall so hard, so fast.
Or perhaps it was because I occasionally found the dialogue to be a touch stilted and formal, which broke my concentration. Some more tweaking to the talk, talk, talk could have taken this book from good to great.
Regardless, I truly liked reading Ryker. The reveal about his past was interesting and a little different. Faith was a good female character - smart, kind and strong. And I adored Max. He was my favorite secondary character, and I wouldn't say no to reading more about him and Tyf. That would mean more rock stars...and I'm more than ok with that.
Ryker is a standalone novel. No cliffhanger. ~ Beth, 3.5 stars
July 23, 2014
4/5 STARS FOR RYKER, OH RYKER.
Jesus. I dont even know where to start. You're heart will break for Ryker and everything he has gone through but you will also want to nut punch him for the way he treats Faith. It was a constant push and pull and I was just being dragged along for the ride. I loved every minute of it. You usually get the damaged rock star throwing away his life for meaningless groupies and lots of drugs but Ryker's so different. He wants real love but he's too afraid to go after it.
I cant say too much more or I'll ruin it for you.
PICK UP THIS BOOK NOW!
you wont regret it.
Jesus. I dont even know where to start. You're heart will break for Ryker and everything he has gone through but you will also want to nut punch him for the way he treats Faith. It was a constant push and pull and I was just being dragged along for the ride. I loved every minute of it. You usually get the damaged rock star throwing away his life for meaningless groupies and lots of drugs but Ryker's so different. He wants real love but he's too afraid to go after it.
I cant say too much more or I'll ruin it for you.
PICK UP THIS BOOK NOW!
you wont regret it.
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May 29, 2015
Well I did it, I finally found the time to read Ryker and what a treat it was. Band based "tick", sweet romance "tick", troubled alpha "tick" and a girl who has loved him all of his life but is continually spurned "tick". Yep, this did it for me!
There weren't too many twists and turns in this story. It was a straight forward tale of boy wants girl but won't accept his feelings for her and girl wants boy and does everything in her power to make him realise that they are meant to be together. Add the delicious mix of music into the fold and you have a perfect story.
Ryker, as expected, has a troubled past and won't let go of his emotional baggage in order to see his future, a future in the arms of his "Dude" aka Faith. Faith is literally the sweet girl next door. Having lived next to and been best friends with Max her whole life, Ryker is thrown into her path when he turns up to audition as the group's drummer. Faith is immediately drawn to this troubled boy but seeing him grow up, and move emotionally further and further away from her, is hurting her especially when he uses woman like "stamps" . Eventually though Faith breaks through his defences and he finally opens up to her about his past and together they try to support each other towards their HEA.
This is the first book by Joanne Schwehm that I have read and it won't be the last.
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There weren't too many twists and turns in this story. It was a straight forward tale of boy wants girl but won't accept his feelings for her and girl wants boy and does everything in her power to make him realise that they are meant to be together. Add the delicious mix of music into the fold and you have a perfect story.
Ryker, as expected, has a troubled past and won't let go of his emotional baggage in order to see his future, a future in the arms of his "Dude" aka Faith. Faith is literally the sweet girl next door. Having lived next to and been best friends with Max her whole life, Ryker is thrown into her path when he turns up to audition as the group's drummer. Faith is immediately drawn to this troubled boy but seeing him grow up, and move emotionally further and further away from her, is hurting her especially when he uses woman like "stamps" . Eventually though Faith breaks through his defences and he finally opens up to her about his past and together they try to support each other towards their HEA.
This is the first book by Joanne Schwehm that I have read and it won't be the last.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1HQRJ9Q
Review Requests: http://www.jezabellgirlandfriends.com...
Email: jezabellgirlandfriends@gmail.com
Web: http://jezabellgirlandfriends.com
FB: http://facebook.com/jezabellgirlandfr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Jezabell_girl
Google+: http://google.com/+JezabellGirl
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/JezabellGirl
TSU: https://www.tsu.co/Jezabell_Girl
July 26, 2014
4.5 Stars
I love books that catch my full attention right from the very beginning, books that have emotional angst……..and Ryker was just that.
Ryker Jeffries was broken. Shattered. He didn’t deserve to live a happy, care-free life. He lost that right years ago. He used drumming and sex as an escape to his sad, tragic, and lonely reality. He only ever wanted one girl, but he was not worthy of her love.
Faith Bishop loved Ryker since….well, forever. He was it for her. Problem was, Ryker always made it abundantly clear he didn’t want Faith.
Or did he?
Faith and Ryker argued a lot and always found ways to get on each other’s nerves. There were more than a few moments where Ryker was downright an asshole! I found myself gasping with shock at some of the things he would tell Faith just to keep her at arm’s length. He couldn’t let her get close. He’d ruin her. He wasn’t good for her. But life had a funny way of working out.
Despite Ryker’s greatest efforts, Faith got to him. She helped him open up. She helped him realize he deserved happiness just as much as the next person. He deserved the life he always yearned for – one where he’s loved. Once Ryker and Faith got together, it was a smooth ride. Not a lot of angst, but the emotional side was very much there. Learning about Ryker’s past was heartbreaking. It helped me fully understand why he did the things he did. *Sigh.* Ryker is amazing. Yummy, too!
It’s an absolute plus for me when authors give me FULL closure as a reader with their endings.
That. Epilogue. Wow. LOVED IT. Everything came full circle and in the most wonderful way possible. I finished reading with the biggest smile ever. LOVED IT!
I recommend this book!! 4.5 Stars!
I love books that catch my full attention right from the very beginning, books that have emotional angst……..and Ryker was just that.
“Some people are meant to go through life alone, and I was one of those people.” – Ryker
Ryker Jeffries was broken. Shattered. He didn’t deserve to live a happy, care-free life. He lost that right years ago. He used drumming and sex as an escape to his sad, tragic, and lonely reality. He only ever wanted one girl, but he was not worthy of her love.
“The thought of you with someone else terrifies me, but so does the thought of you being with me.”
Faith Bishop loved Ryker since….well, forever. He was it for her. Problem was, Ryker always made it abundantly clear he didn’t want Faith.
Or did he?
Faith and Ryker argued a lot and always found ways to get on each other’s nerves. There were more than a few moments where Ryker was downright an asshole! I found myself gasping with shock at some of the things he would tell Faith just to keep her at arm’s length. He couldn’t let her get close. He’d ruin her. He wasn’t good for her. But life had a funny way of working out.
Despite Ryker’s greatest efforts, Faith got to him. She helped him open up. She helped him realize he deserved happiness just as much as the next person. He deserved the life he always yearned for – one where he’s loved. Once Ryker and Faith got together, it was a smooth ride. Not a lot of angst, but the emotional side was very much there. Learning about Ryker’s past was heartbreaking. It helped me fully understand why he did the things he did. *Sigh.* Ryker is amazing. Yummy, too!
“I wanted to be yours for years, and now I am.” – Faith
It’s an absolute plus for me when authors give me FULL closure as a reader with their endings.
That. Epilogue. Wow. LOVED IT. Everything came full circle and in the most wonderful way possible. I finished reading with the biggest smile ever. LOVED IT!
I recommend this book!! 4.5 Stars!
May 25, 2014
Joanne Schwehm nailed it with this book. It is so beautifully written. Ryker is a broken man and Faith has been in love with him for a very long time. I was given a copy of this book by the Author for my honest opinion and I loved it. Joanne has a gift with her words and you can tell how gifted she really is when you read this beautiful book. I know that I for one will continue to follow this Author as she is one that with every book she puts out you can tell that her heart and soul goes into writing it. Very well done.
July 19, 2015
This book was a 4.5 out of 5 stars for me.
Ryker and I have a very twisted relationship. At times, I wanted to throttle him for being such an arrogant manwhore. Other times, I actually wanted to hug him. He ran my emotions through the gamut. Faith is definitely more patient than I would be!
Joanne didn't hold anything back. She took me from anger to laughter to tears and then back again, and that is the sign of an excellent author! Can't wait to read more of her work!
Ryker and I have a very twisted relationship. At times, I wanted to throttle him for being such an arrogant manwhore. Other times, I actually wanted to hug him. He ran my emotions through the gamut. Faith is definitely more patient than I would be!
Joanne didn't hold anything back. She took me from anger to laughter to tears and then back again, and that is the sign of an excellent author! Can't wait to read more of her work!
December 3, 2014
Ryker Ryker Ryker....you can play the drums on me anytime ;)
So...my favorite types of stories are the type where the characters have known each other since childhood. Any yet, somehow something has kept them apart. It always creates the best kind of angst as they discover they were always meant to be together. So yeah, I loved this story!
Ryker <3
So...my favorite types of stories are the type where the characters have known each other since childhood. Any yet, somehow something has kept them apart. It always creates the best kind of angst as they discover they were always meant to be together. So yeah, I loved this story!
Ryker <3
March 31, 2015
Swoon
While reading about Ryker and while he tried to push Faith away it was never done in malice...just as a shield. When he was a dick my heart still ached and I knew he would capture it. Beautiful story about past mistakes, not feeling worthy, and finding family outside your blood.
While reading about Ryker and while he tried to push Faith away it was never done in malice...just as a shield. When he was a dick my heart still ached and I knew he would capture it. Beautiful story about past mistakes, not feeling worthy, and finding family outside your blood.
July 24, 2014
First time I read anything by this author. I was pleasantly surprised. The story is well written, very likeable characters. Ryker and Faith are great together. She shows him he is worthy of being loved and he finally believes it. Nice story, easy read. Will read more from this author.
July 29, 2014
Loved it…
4.5 Stars
Loved Ryker and want him for my own. He's secretive and sexy, but with a soft hear underneath. Mmmmmmm!!! Loved the Angst and banter. And the Steamy scenes were Awesome. especially the Dream. LOL!!!
4.5 Stars
Loved Ryker and want him for my own. He's secretive and sexy, but with a soft hear underneath. Mmmmmmm!!! Loved the Angst and banter. And the Steamy scenes were Awesome. especially the Dream. LOL!!!
August 1, 2017
Spoiler free review
Ryker hands down is going on my top 20 list for 2017.
What is it that Faith saw in the guy, he didn't do commitment. All he did was go from one woman to the next, And while doing this he was slowly breaking Faith's heart. The whole time I read this book I went from hating Ryker to liking him to swooning over him.
The deeper I got into the book I slowly started to understand the broken man. And that is exactly what he was, broken.
The thing that got me the most was how he didn't want Faith, BUT he didn't want her with anyone else...
Ryker hands down is going on my top 20 list for 2017.
What is it that Faith saw in the guy, he didn't do commitment. All he did was go from one woman to the next, And while doing this he was slowly breaking Faith's heart. The whole time I read this book I went from hating Ryker to liking him to swooning over him.
The deeper I got into the book I slowly started to understand the broken man. And that is exactly what he was, broken.
The thing that got me the most was how he didn't want Faith, BUT he didn't want her with anyone else...
November 22, 2014
This story isn't what I had expected. I'm rather disappointed.
Ever since Ryker and Faith met a couple of years ago, they've been interested in each other, but since Ryker has a really *ominous voice* dark past *ominous voice*, he's into one night stands and doesn't want to be in a relationship with Faith.
Thus, he tries to drive her away and due to that the two are rather miserable. Sounds familiar or what?
Everything changes on Faith's 21st birthday party, when Faith tells Ryker how she feels. Ryker says that he doesn't feel the same way (liar, liar, pants on fire) and both of them are still miserable. But about a week later Ryker agrees to help Faith get rid of her virginity... And guess what? They fight for a couple of days, but then ...
A couple of days later they're doing it like rabbits. Ugh, drama.
This story is told from two different POV-s. Ryker's and Faith's POV are so friggin' similar that I even found myself thinking that it's one schyzophrenic person whose halves simply happen to be of different sexes.
On the plus side, the halves talk about their problems and get over them. That IS a plus, yes?
I had other problems with this book as well. For instance, the secret Ryker's been keeping nearly a decade? He told Faith a week ago, his best friend a couple of hours ago and now, he's even telling all about it to Faith's father. I don't get why he couldn't tell his best friend a couple of years earlier.
Then I really don't get as to how and why Ryker and Faith got together in a matter of days after YEARS of insults. OK, there was this huuuuuuuuuuge amount of physical attraction, since Ryker's so hot.
My e-reader doesn't have the find and count function, but if it did, I'd be willing to bet, that the word "hot" has been used at least 50 times.
Ever since Ryker and Faith met a couple of years ago, they've been interested in each other, but since Ryker has a really *ominous voice* dark past *ominous voice*, he's into one night stands and doesn't want to be in a relationship with Faith.
Thus, he tries to drive her away and due to that the two are rather miserable. Sounds familiar or what?
[Faith:]“You do enjoy pushing boundaries. Look at us. You always try to get a rise out of me. Max never understood why, and it confused the hell out of me too.”
[Ryker:]“I think I just wanted you to tell me that you loved me, and I was scared you never would, so I pushed you away. I needed to control that, I guess."
Everything changes on Faith's 21st birthday party, when Faith tells Ryker how she feels. Ryker says that he doesn't feel the same way (liar, liar, pants on fire) and both of them are still miserable. But about a week later Ryker agrees to help Faith get rid of her virginity... And guess what? They fight for a couple of days, but then ...
Waking up next to Faith two days in a row made me feel as if my life had purpose.
A couple of days later they're doing it like rabbits. Ugh, drama.
This story is told from two different POV-s. Ryker's and Faith's POV are so friggin' similar that I even found myself thinking that it's one schyzophrenic person whose halves simply happen to be of different sexes.
On the plus side, the halves talk about their problems and get over them. That IS a plus, yes?
I had other problems with this book as well. For instance, the secret Ryker's been keeping nearly a decade? He told Faith a week ago, his best friend a couple of hours ago and now, he's even telling all about it to Faith's father. I don't get why he couldn't tell his best friend a couple of years earlier.
Then I really don't get as to how and why Ryker and Faith got together in a matter of days after YEARS of insults. OK, there was this huuuuuuuuuuge amount of physical attraction, since Ryker's so hot.
My e-reader doesn't have the find and count function, but if it did, I'd be willing to bet, that the word "hot" has been used at least 50 times.
July 9, 2014
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Received from: Joanne Schwehm (in exchange for an honest review)
Date completed: 05.16.14
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content and language
Grammar/editing: ungraded – book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
When I reviewed MY CHANCE, I *may* have appealed to Ms. Schwehm that she needed to add another Beta to her group. Oh, knowing that this was her next book, I *may* have even claimed the drummer, but you know it was truly altruism. She needed me, right? You can never have too many Grammar Nazis in your corner, right? Okay, okay, I’m done flirting with the lightning bolts. I do want to say a huge thank you to Joanne for letting me coax my way onto her friend list and her Beta group. I will also be forever grateful for Jade C. Jamison teaming us up.
RYKER is a stand-alone contemporary romance featuring the rock band Raging Urge.
I am absolutely in love with Ryker - the man and the book. I told Joanne that since books are an author’s babies, that makes her my mother-in-law, even if she is much younger.
Ryker is gorgeous and talented. He had a horrible childhood and lives with the guilt of his past. A past he does not want to share.
The band front man is Max. He and Faith have been best friends since they were children. His newer best friend, and drummer, is Ryker. He sees the way that Ryker uses women and tries to warn Faith away, but she knows her heart.
Then there is Faith. I adore her. She is intelligent and fierce. Faith is just graduating college and on the springboard for all that is wonderful in life – first “real” job, first apartment, and first love. She has had a crush on Ryker for years, but he keeps on breaking her heart, until….
I got home from work on a Friday afternoon and opened up Facebook. I had a message from Joanne that she sent the updated version of the book to my Kindle. I started reading, and reading, and reading… I could not stop. I finished just before midnight. I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more. I played songs when they were mentioned in the story. …
Three songs you need to know from this book:
Cowboy Casanova by Carrie Underwood
Human by Christina Perri
Moby Dick by Led Zeppelin
OMG. The scene with Moby Dick was HAWT!!! This is why I love drummers. All of my book boyfriends are drummers.
The story is told in alternating chapters, so you know the feelings of both Ryker and Faith. Joanne has done an amazing job of bringing these characters, and all of the supporting characters, to life. This is her best book so far and I know you will love it as much as I do.
Received from: Joanne Schwehm (in exchange for an honest review)
Date completed: 05.16.14
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content and language
Grammar/editing: ungraded – book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
When I reviewed MY CHANCE, I *may* have appealed to Ms. Schwehm that she needed to add another Beta to her group. Oh, knowing that this was her next book, I *may* have even claimed the drummer, but you know it was truly altruism. She needed me, right? You can never have too many Grammar Nazis in your corner, right? Okay, okay, I’m done flirting with the lightning bolts. I do want to say a huge thank you to Joanne for letting me coax my way onto her friend list and her Beta group. I will also be forever grateful for Jade C. Jamison teaming us up.
RYKER is a stand-alone contemporary romance featuring the rock band Raging Urge.
I am absolutely in love with Ryker - the man and the book. I told Joanne that since books are an author’s babies, that makes her my mother-in-law, even if she is much younger.
Ryker is gorgeous and talented. He had a horrible childhood and lives with the guilt of his past. A past he does not want to share.
The band front man is Max. He and Faith have been best friends since they were children. His newer best friend, and drummer, is Ryker. He sees the way that Ryker uses women and tries to warn Faith away, but she knows her heart.
Then there is Faith. I adore her. She is intelligent and fierce. Faith is just graduating college and on the springboard for all that is wonderful in life – first “real” job, first apartment, and first love. She has had a crush on Ryker for years, but he keeps on breaking her heart, until….
I got home from work on a Friday afternoon and opened up Facebook. I had a message from Joanne that she sent the updated version of the book to my Kindle. I started reading, and reading, and reading… I could not stop. I finished just before midnight. I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more. I played songs when they were mentioned in the story. …
Three songs you need to know from this book:
Cowboy Casanova by Carrie Underwood
Human by Christina Perri
Moby Dick by Led Zeppelin
OMG. The scene with Moby Dick was HAWT!!! This is why I love drummers. All of my book boyfriends are drummers.
The story is told in alternating chapters, so you know the feelings of both Ryker and Faith. Joanne has done an amazing job of bringing these characters, and all of the supporting characters, to life. This is her best book so far and I know you will love it as much as I do.
July 16, 2014
Ryker happens to be my very first Joanne Schwehm novel. I am very glad that I had the opporturnity to finally read her and I really enjoyed Ryker. Ryker came along right when I needed a sexy drum playing bad boy. Sometimes I just get in the mood for a book boyfriend that is so damaged that he can’t even accept accept kindness or love. I loved watching Ryker fight helplessly against Faith’s ability to break him down.
Faith has wanted Ryker for years, but Ryker wants nothing to do with love, especially from Faith. His horrible past mistakes have ruined him and he thinks that he will never be good enough her. Ryker believes that Faith is good, kind, and loving and deserves someone else that pure, but Faith isn’t easily swayed. She wants Ryker and refuses to give up on him.
The writing was very good in this novel. I felt it was just a tad rushed and that Joanne could have milked the angst a little bit more, but what can I say, I really love me some angst. The sex was very very hot without me being ridiculously long and over the top.
“Look at me. Let me see you when I bring you pleasure.”
In truth, it was really just an extremely sweet and romantic story featuring a bad boy drummer and the innocent girl next door. I felt incredibly connected to the characters and sympathized very much with Ryker and his past. I was really rooting for Faith to be able to break through to him. I also enjoyed all of the side characters. Max especially. Great story and really well written. 4.5 Smooches!
“Faith, you’re my composer. You make the beats stronger, you give them purpose; you give me purpose. I want you by my side as we write the best love song, our song.”
Amie
Faith has wanted Ryker for years, but Ryker wants nothing to do with love, especially from Faith. His horrible past mistakes have ruined him and he thinks that he will never be good enough her. Ryker believes that Faith is good, kind, and loving and deserves someone else that pure, but Faith isn’t easily swayed. She wants Ryker and refuses to give up on him.
The writing was very good in this novel. I felt it was just a tad rushed and that Joanne could have milked the angst a little bit more, but what can I say, I really love me some angst. The sex was very very hot without me being ridiculously long and over the top.
“Look at me. Let me see you when I bring you pleasure.”
In truth, it was really just an extremely sweet and romantic story featuring a bad boy drummer and the innocent girl next door. I felt incredibly connected to the characters and sympathized very much with Ryker and his past. I was really rooting for Faith to be able to break through to him. I also enjoyed all of the side characters. Max especially. Great story and really well written. 4.5 Smooches!
“Faith, you’re my composer. You make the beats stronger, you give them purpose; you give me purpose. I want you by my side as we write the best love song, our song.”
Amie
July 12, 2014
Ryker and Faith were meant to be if Ryker would have just let it happen. Instead, he thought he was doing both him and her a favor by pushing her away, thinking he could lose her once he had her. His solution? Because she was so sweet and hard to resist, he resorted to being a jerk. Faith was just as pure and kind hearted as her name but I don't blame her for the emotional whiplash vibes she got from Ryker. His past was tainted and he kept it to himself, never letting anyone in. I wish that Ryker could have not dealt with so much burden on his shoulders for so long. He doesn't have much good going for him except his talent at drums and the chance for his band to hit it big. He's isolated otherwise. Faith was the bigger person by looking past the hurt he would inflict and see the real Ryker behind it all, despite his constant screw ups. She knew her heart belonged to Ryker and no one else so even if she tried to meet other guys, it just wasn't the same. It wasn't unrequited but it felt like it to her. Her friends Max and Tyf were such supportive people. The thing about Ryker or anyone else who holds onto grief and guilt is that it's hard to be happy again without making the decision to let it go and allow happiness. This is Ryker's biggest obstacle. He also didn't have closure so when the opportunity comes, Ryker becomes reborn with a new found freedom without forgetting the past. Faith is always by his side. It's a bittersweet story with a lesson about letting love in and remembering people who fight for that love.
July 28, 2014
Ryker is the first book that I have ever read by Joanne Schwehm and I have to say that I am very impressed. From page one I could not put this book down and it took me on one heck of an emotional ride. Ryker is a womanizing drummer for a band Raging Urge. The first half of the book I just wanted to reach through and slap him. I was almost sure that I was never going to like him. But through out the book the more I learned about him the more my heart broke for him, and the more I fell in love with him! It takes time but eventually you get to see all the different layers that go to Ryker. I actually shed some tears while reading this to the point my family looked at me like I was crazy.
You also have Faith who is best friends with the band and has been in love with Ryker for years. She sees how Ryker is with women but still holds out hope that she can have him one day even though he treats her like crap most of the time. Faith was a great leading female and it was great to see her grow into her own person through the book.
You also have Max and Tyf also play big roles in this book . They are there for both Ryker and Faith!
This book was everything that I love to read. I felt connected to the characters to the point that I laughed and cried with them. I was emotionally invested in them. These characters and this book are probably in my top 5 out of all the books I have read so far in 2014. Joanne Schwehm did and amazing job at bringing the characters and their emotions to life and I can not wait to read more from her!
You also have Faith who is best friends with the band and has been in love with Ryker for years. She sees how Ryker is with women but still holds out hope that she can have him one day even though he treats her like crap most of the time. Faith was a great leading female and it was great to see her grow into her own person through the book.
You also have Max and Tyf also play big roles in this book . They are there for both Ryker and Faith!
This book was everything that I love to read. I felt connected to the characters to the point that I laughed and cried with them. I was emotionally invested in them. These characters and this book are probably in my top 5 out of all the books I have read so far in 2014. Joanne Schwehm did and amazing job at bringing the characters and their emotions to life and I can not wait to read more from her!
January 25, 2015
Ryker is a drummer who really likes to bang on his drums...and other places as well. His rep precedes him wherever he plays and between him and his bandmate/best friend Max, all of the groupies gravitate in their direction. Too bad Ryker is hiding his feelings for Max's BFF and neighbor Faith...and for years plays a game of "pull her in just to push her away" and it is making both of them miserable. Ryker likes to flaunt his conquests in Faith's face and pretty much makes it impossible for her to be around the band without a little piece of her dying inside.
Ryker has a big secret he has been keeping from everyone and it has caused him to become the "heart of stone" man always pushing away the one person who he desperately needs and deep down loves.
When a wall comes down between Ryker and Faith and sparks fly between these two, everything changes and a surprise visitor from the past and shocking secrets revealed cause a major shift in their future.
I love rock books, bad boys who make the girls scream at their feet and drop to their knees. This one was a kindler, gentler version with the love story and childhood trauma playing a bigger part in this book than the actual band making it big. We see a young, up and coming band from their beginning and get a glimpse into the personal lives of them and the women they love.
**** 4 **** "brotherly love and a mother's lies" stars
Ryker has a big secret he has been keeping from everyone and it has caused him to become the "heart of stone" man always pushing away the one person who he desperately needs and deep down loves.
When a wall comes down between Ryker and Faith and sparks fly between these two, everything changes and a surprise visitor from the past and shocking secrets revealed cause a major shift in their future.
I love rock books, bad boys who make the girls scream at their feet and drop to their knees. This one was a kindler, gentler version with the love story and childhood trauma playing a bigger part in this book than the actual band making it big. We see a young, up and coming band from their beginning and get a glimpse into the personal lives of them and the women they love.
**** 4 **** "brotherly love and a mother's lies" stars
January 18, 2015
I don't know what it is lately, but I'm really falling in love with rockers and Ryker didn't disappoint.
This story set in Rochester, NY, features an up and coming band with Ryker as the drummer and Faith as a loyal friend of the band. But certainly not a groupie. Sweet, kind, smart and hopelessly in love with the drummer, Faith tries to break free from the hold he has on her heart. She dates, meets new friends, gets an apartment, but nothing can stop the pull she has to VERY tormented and broken manwhore, Ryker.
Ryker, likewise is like a magnet to Faith, but every time he gets close to allowing fate to take over, he pulls back. He doesn't feel he deserves her. Schwemm takes the reader on a roller-coaster of a ride through Ryker's past and Faith's devotion that twists and turns to the very end. With just the right amount of angst to keep me on my toes, this is a 5-star romantic read.
The side characters are fun and lively. I especially loved Jake and Tim from the band - both their affection and jabs toward Ryker kept me laughing and really showed how the foursome had become a family for the lost drummer.
My favorite scenes were when Ryker plays Moby Dick and the epilogue. The epilogue is outstanding and ties it all up for me.
I can't spill any secrets, so you will have to read for yourself.
This story set in Rochester, NY, features an up and coming band with Ryker as the drummer and Faith as a loyal friend of the band. But certainly not a groupie. Sweet, kind, smart and hopelessly in love with the drummer, Faith tries to break free from the hold he has on her heart. She dates, meets new friends, gets an apartment, but nothing can stop the pull she has to VERY tormented and broken manwhore, Ryker.
Ryker, likewise is like a magnet to Faith, but every time he gets close to allowing fate to take over, he pulls back. He doesn't feel he deserves her. Schwemm takes the reader on a roller-coaster of a ride through Ryker's past and Faith's devotion that twists and turns to the very end. With just the right amount of angst to keep me on my toes, this is a 5-star romantic read.
The side characters are fun and lively. I especially loved Jake and Tim from the band - both their affection and jabs toward Ryker kept me laughing and really showed how the foursome had become a family for the lost drummer.
My favorite scenes were when Ryker plays Moby Dick and the epilogue. The epilogue is outstanding and ties it all up for me.
I can't spill any secrets, so you will have to read for yourself.
August 5, 2014
Ryker is a mysterious guy who hides his past from the people who are close to him. He thinks that by pushing away the only girl he’s ever cared about it is going to get him through! So instead he goes off with the women who throw themselves at him for a quick fix and it breaks Faiths heart.
Faith has been in love with Ryker from the moment she first met him and she’s determined she is going to break him down and make him fight his demons but the question is will he tell her what those demons are??
Ryker is a nice light read in the NA genre. I sometimes struggled with Ryker himself and wanted to put my hand through the kindle and give him a shove for being a douche but he really was a sweet guy in his heart of hearts. Faith was to forgiving at times and was such a sweetheart with her patience.
I really loved this book however I have given it 4 stars as it was quite predictable from the beginning. I think it could have done with a bit more of an unexpected plot twist later on in the book to throw a spanner in the works as they say. Overall a great read that I would certainly recommend. Well done Joanne xx
Faith has been in love with Ryker from the moment she first met him and she’s determined she is going to break him down and make him fight his demons but the question is will he tell her what those demons are??
Ryker is a nice light read in the NA genre. I sometimes struggled with Ryker himself and wanted to put my hand through the kindle and give him a shove for being a douche but he really was a sweet guy in his heart of hearts. Faith was to forgiving at times and was such a sweetheart with her patience.
I really loved this book however I have given it 4 stars as it was quite predictable from the beginning. I think it could have done with a bit more of an unexpected plot twist later on in the book to throw a spanner in the works as they say. Overall a great read that I would certainly recommend. Well done Joanne xx
August 13, 2014
Ryker is a complex hurt man and you want to hug, hold, and console him. Joanne grabs you from the very start and you ride this emotions roller coaster full speed ahead. You can't help but feel for the boy Ryker once was, that made Ryker...well Ryker. A really great read that will captivate you to the end.
Faith is an innocent, caring, smart, beautiful, young woman. On her 21st birthday she plans to tell the man of her dreams that she loves him and wants to be his.
Ryker is a damaged man with a troubled past. Ryker knows he must keep Faith away from him at all costs for her own safety. He has lost everyone he cared for and loved he knows he must protect Faith from him. The closest thing to family he has is Max & their band. If he ever did anything to hurt Faith he would lose them to. What Ryker doesn't know is it's too late. Faith loves him and he is all she wants. Can Faith show Ryker he us worthy of love or is his past too much for him to overcome?
Reviewed for: What I Read & What I Thought
Faith is an innocent, caring, smart, beautiful, young woman. On her 21st birthday she plans to tell the man of her dreams that she loves him and wants to be his.
Ryker is a damaged man with a troubled past. Ryker knows he must keep Faith away from him at all costs for her own safety. He has lost everyone he cared for and loved he knows he must protect Faith from him. The closest thing to family he has is Max & their band. If he ever did anything to hurt Faith he would lose them to. What Ryker doesn't know is it's too late. Faith loves him and he is all she wants. Can Faith show Ryker he us worthy of love or is his past too much for him to overcome?
Reviewed for: What I Read & What I Thought
June 29, 2014
Ryker oh Ryker where do I begin? At first I'll say I wasn't feeling him. There was just something about him. As I kept reading he changed and he ended up winning me over!
Ryker drums to his own beat (pun intended). He does his best to keep Faith away. But somehow she gets to him and he opens up. Once he does swoon!!!!
Faith had loved one man and one man only, Ryker. As much as she gives herself to him only to be rejected she can't help but to keep trying. And just when she does give up a little Ryker steps up and blows her away!
When these two get together the whole book just did it for me! Ryker ended up being an awesome man and worthy of Faith's love!
I love the relationship that Ryker and Faith had with Max! Max was a big part of their story and loved him!
Honestly when it comes down to if you arent sure about one clicking or not DO IT! You won't be disappointed!!!! Ryker proves to be worthy!!!
Ryker drums to his own beat (pun intended). He does his best to keep Faith away. But somehow she gets to him and he opens up. Once he does swoon!!!!
Faith had loved one man and one man only, Ryker. As much as she gives herself to him only to be rejected she can't help but to keep trying. And just when she does give up a little Ryker steps up and blows her away!
When these two get together the whole book just did it for me! Ryker ended up being an awesome man and worthy of Faith's love!
I love the relationship that Ryker and Faith had with Max! Max was a big part of their story and loved him!
Honestly when it comes down to if you arent sure about one clicking or not DO IT! You won't be disappointed!!!! Ryker proves to be worthy!!!
August 4, 2014
Ryker Jeffries hides behind his own dark past and that holds him back from our dear sweet Faith Bishop. And can the darn man do things with those hands of his, especially on the drums. Amongst other things. Faith is as sweet as sweet goes but she's pretty kickass in her own way. I'm sure you'd have to be to handle a guy like Ryker.
This is the first book I've read from Joanne Schwehm. I'd say she does well to bring the reader to feel as her characters do. That is the most important thing. As I told my best friend, it's the first time I truly want to throw whatever I have on hand to the male lead, in this case, Ryker. The emotional rollercoaster that we have between Ryker and Faith is at times confusing (Faith is really patient. I...won't be as nice) and the height of their romance is downright sizzling. There were some issues that I found regarding the choice of words during their alone time but it's minor. The plot definitely makes up for it.
This is the first book I've read from Joanne Schwehm. I'd say she does well to bring the reader to feel as her characters do. That is the most important thing. As I told my best friend, it's the first time I truly want to throw whatever I have on hand to the male lead, in this case, Ryker. The emotional rollercoaster that we have between Ryker and Faith is at times confusing (Faith is really patient. I...won't be as nice) and the height of their romance is downright sizzling. There were some issues that I found regarding the choice of words during their alone time but it's minor. The plot definitely makes up for it.
July 15, 2014
Ah, Ryker...
This is quite a change from Joanne Schwehm's first series.
Ryker is a drummer and let's face it at first he's a bit of a douche.
Faith is a sweet girl and as been in love with Ryker forever. She's determined that he see himself as she sees him.
He hides his insecurities with meaningless sex with groupie after groupie. Faith continues to love him and have high hopes for him when a lesser woman would have told him to get lost.
These 2 don't have a traditional love story.
Hot sex, angst, drama, make me want to choke you moments, and swooning all occurred while reading the book.
Bottom line, Ryker is a man you want to take a chance on.
I highly recommend this book!
If you love a rocker, you don't want to miss out on Ryker!
4.75 STARS!
This is quite a change from Joanne Schwehm's first series.
Ryker is a drummer and let's face it at first he's a bit of a douche.
Faith is a sweet girl and as been in love with Ryker forever. She's determined that he see himself as she sees him.
He hides his insecurities with meaningless sex with groupie after groupie. Faith continues to love him and have high hopes for him when a lesser woman would have told him to get lost.
These 2 don't have a traditional love story.
Hot sex, angst, drama, make me want to choke you moments, and swooning all occurred while reading the book.
Bottom line, Ryker is a man you want to take a chance on.
I highly recommend this book!
If you love a rocker, you don't want to miss out on Ryker!
4.75 STARS!
July 20, 2014
I read this book in 1 day, I have to say this is an amazing book. I read this book and could not put it down, it was addictive Ryker I loved, hated and wanted to shake some sense into him , faith I just loved her she was so tolerant of Ryker and loved him for him and not his past. , Ryker was messed up his past stopped him from loving faith, he needed faith as much as she needed him but didn't realise it. I loved all characters in the book as they all played their part in bringing faith and Ryker to their senses, this book is so beautifully written by the author it's like she lives and breathes the characters in this book.I 'd give it 100 stars if I could . This book is a need to read book
August 7, 2014
Well that was quite a read. Not often that I dislike the leading man instantly but Ryker managed it. Faith on the other hand, well I was in her corner from the start even if I was puzzled by her tenacity where Ryker was concerned. As the story unfolded my opinion changed and by the end of the book I loved Ryker.
Faith is best friend's with Max. Max is in a band, his other best friend is Ryker the drummer. Faith has held a torch for Ryker for a long time, he has been nothing but cruel as he parades new conquests past her on a regular basis. Ryker has some pretty heavy issues in his past and doesn't feel that he could ever offer Faith anything, as far as he's concerned he's not good enough for her. Will Faith be able to change his mind?
A great book with a brilliant ending and epilogue.
Faith is best friend's with Max. Max is in a band, his other best friend is Ryker the drummer. Faith has held a torch for Ryker for a long time, he has been nothing but cruel as he parades new conquests past her on a regular basis. Ryker has some pretty heavy issues in his past and doesn't feel that he could ever offer Faith anything, as far as he's concerned he's not good enough for her. Will Faith be able to change his mind?
A great book with a brilliant ending and epilogue.
August 14, 2014
I loved this book. Ryker is the tough drummer who can get any woman he wants. Faith is the girl next door, literally, and the one that Ryker fears he can never have. Faith is sweet, compassionate and totally in love with Ryker. She knows that there is more to him that he shows the world. One night she gets him to open up about his troubled past. It shows her his true character and she loves him even more. She needs to break down the rest of Ryker's walls to get to the man she knows she is. Ryker is so afraid to let her in because he fears that if she truly sees him she would not love him. This is a true love story at it's finest.
July 7, 2014
Ryker is an awesome book! Do you love a book about bands? Do you love drummers? Do you love romance? If you answered yes to these questions then you will love Ryker like I do! Ryker feels like he doesn't deserve love. Faith has loved Ryker as long as she has known him but he doesn't know. Will Ryker realize he does deserve love? Will Ryker notice Faith? Will Faith tell him how she feels ? Will they find their way to each other? Find out all about Ryker and Faith in this phenomenal book! It is a definite must read! I loved everything about it!
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