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Fledged
Jody is torn between the band, his faith, and the one person he can’t have.
To escape the quiet of his lonely childhood, Jody befriends Luke and his brother—his spirited next-door neighbors. Drawn into their world of music and camaraderie, Jody joins their rock band and sets off on a tour across the country in a beat-up van, seeking freedom from his strict parents.
But with the newfound proximity, hidden desires and secret longings begin to unfurl.
Set amidst the abstinence-preaching Christian purity culture that thrived in the late 1990s, Jody and Luke grapple with the urges of adolescence while navigating the pressures of fame. As their desire intensifies, Jody and Luke edge toward temptation. What follows is a gritty but tender exploration of first love.
With the rising success of their band, Jody must finally decide between a future with the band, his faith, and his heart.
Fledged is a gay, hurt-comfort, coming of age romance with some spicy scenes.
To escape the quiet of his lonely childhood, Jody befriends Luke and his brother—his spirited next-door neighbors. Drawn into their world of music and camaraderie, Jody joins their rock band and sets off on a tour across the country in a beat-up van, seeking freedom from his strict parents.
But with the newfound proximity, hidden desires and secret longings begin to unfurl.
Set amidst the abstinence-preaching Christian purity culture that thrived in the late 1990s, Jody and Luke grapple with the urges of adolescence while navigating the pressures of fame. As their desire intensifies, Jody and Luke edge toward temptation. What follows is a gritty but tender exploration of first love.
With the rising success of their band, Jody must finally decide between a future with the band, his faith, and his heart.
Fledged is a gay, hurt-comfort, coming of age romance with some spicy scenes.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 28, 2026
For the first 75%, this book was 4⭐️ Then it went downhill after that.
This is a duet which tells the story of Jody and Luke but told in Jude's POV (book 1). In 1994, Jody (12) meets Luke (12) and his brother Paul (13/14) as they are neighbors. They become friends. They attend church and Sunday school. Luke is the wild and rebellious kid while Jody is more on the quiet side. They soon start a band and start touring. While navigating and being on tour, Jody and Luke's best friend relationship turns into more. We get to see the struggles of social expectations vs religious beliefs vs personal feelings. The timeline is mainly in the past but there are chapter is the present in 2012. So, yes there is a 9 year separation.
The book started out good, although the first chapter is in 2012, and Jody is with his partner Evan when he gets a call from Paul that their father died. So, Jody has to go back and see Luke and Paul after 9 years apart.
I moved past the partner part and most of the chapters were in the past so it was nice to see how the friendship bloomed between Jody, Luke and Paul. Especially how Jody and Luke became close. Even when they first met, you can tell how much Luke cared about Jody. Luke would make plans and change stuff (like his birthday or eat the cake early) just so Jody can attend. Those moments were precious. It was nice to see them forming the band and touring and performing. Luke and Jody's relationship is very slow burn but I liked that, especially with the homophobia and Christian beliefs surrounding them. Those beliefs are drills in the boys. Beliefs of no same sex relationship, no sex before marriage. So it was nice seeing Jody and especially Luke surrender to their urges and their feelings and explore them.
The book did drag a bit sometimes and would lose my interest for a bit.
I get to 76%, where I'm told that Jody and Evan have an open relationship for 5 years. And the reason for Jody wanting that and I quote "Sometimes, he had weeks on end where the thought of sexual contact was repulsive to him. It wasn’t fair to Evan to insist he remain celibate because of Jody’s swings in mood. On the other hand, sometimes Jody needed the high that came with a conquest and the thrill of a new sexual partner."
So, the story started to lose me at this point. I could stomach a partner but to know that Jody also likes to get high on getting different sexual partners caused me an ick🤢
Then, I get to 92%, in 2003 and 2 years after the separation, I get on page detailed sex scene between Jody and Kristian. I thought maybe Kristian would become someone in Jody's life. But nop, Jody ghosts him after he fucks him. So tell me why at 92%, I'm reading a detailed sex scene of a one night stand? AT 92 fucking %? LIKE WHYYYYYYY?!! Not only that, but during that scene, Jody goes to grab the condom but Kristian is like 'you said you haven't been with anyone in 2 years and neither have I' and Jody just nods and fucks him bare. Ex-fucking-cuse meeeeee?!!!🤢
After his night with Kristian, we are told that Jody started hitting the clubs and hooking up more but 'mostly handjobs or the occasional blowjobs, as well as copious amount of making out.' Then at 94%, Jody has to vividly remember the first bj he received from a stranger🤢
Ughhh, what a way to ruin a good book for me in the last 25%.
This is a duet which tells the story of Jody and Luke but told in Jude's POV (book 1). In 1994, Jody (12) meets Luke (12) and his brother Paul (13/14) as they are neighbors. They become friends. They attend church and Sunday school. Luke is the wild and rebellious kid while Jody is more on the quiet side. They soon start a band and start touring. While navigating and being on tour, Jody and Luke's best friend relationship turns into more. We get to see the struggles of social expectations vs religious beliefs vs personal feelings. The timeline is mainly in the past but there are chapter is the present in 2012. So, yes there is a 9 year separation.
The book started out good, although the first chapter is in 2012, and Jody is with his partner Evan when he gets a call from Paul that their father died. So, Jody has to go back and see Luke and Paul after 9 years apart.
I moved past the partner part and most of the chapters were in the past so it was nice to see how the friendship bloomed between Jody, Luke and Paul. Especially how Jody and Luke became close. Even when they first met, you can tell how much Luke cared about Jody. Luke would make plans and change stuff (like his birthday or eat the cake early) just so Jody can attend. Those moments were precious. It was nice to see them forming the band and touring and performing. Luke and Jody's relationship is very slow burn but I liked that, especially with the homophobia and Christian beliefs surrounding them. Those beliefs are drills in the boys. Beliefs of no same sex relationship, no sex before marriage. So it was nice seeing Jody and especially Luke surrender to their urges and their feelings and explore them.
The book did drag a bit sometimes and would lose my interest for a bit.
I get to 76%, where I'm told that Jody and Evan have an open relationship for 5 years. And the reason for Jody wanting that and I quote "Sometimes, he had weeks on end where the thought of sexual contact was repulsive to him. It wasn’t fair to Evan to insist he remain celibate because of Jody’s swings in mood. On the other hand, sometimes Jody needed the high that came with a conquest and the thrill of a new sexual partner."
So, the story started to lose me at this point. I could stomach a partner but to know that Jody also likes to get high on getting different sexual partners caused me an ick🤢
Then, I get to 92%, in 2003 and 2 years after the separation, I get on page detailed sex scene between Jody and Kristian. I thought maybe Kristian would become someone in Jody's life. But nop, Jody ghosts him after he fucks him. So tell me why at 92%, I'm reading a detailed sex scene of a one night stand? AT 92 fucking %? LIKE WHYYYYYYY?!! Not only that, but during that scene, Jody goes to grab the condom but Kristian is like 'you said you haven't been with anyone in 2 years and neither have I' and Jody just nods and fucks him bare. Ex-fucking-cuse meeeeee?!!!🤢
After his night with Kristian, we are told that Jody started hitting the clubs and hooking up more but 'mostly handjobs or the occasional blowjobs, as well as copious amount of making out.' Then at 94%, Jody has to vividly remember the first bj he received from a stranger🤢
Ughhh, what a way to ruin a good book for me in the last 25%.
September 30, 2024
Fledged is a deeply evocative and emotional coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the tumult of adolescence, self-discovery, and the clash between personal identity and societal expectations. Jody, a lonely and sheltered boy, finds solace and excitement with his next-door neighbors, Luke and his brother, as they form a rock band and embark on a cross-country tour. This journey is not just about escaping his restrictive upbringing but also about discovering his true self amidst the powerful influences of friendship, fame, and faith.
Set against the backdrop of the 1990s Christian purity movement, the novel deftly explores the internal conflict Jody faces as he begins to question the beliefs he was raised with. His developing feelings for Luke, complicated by the pressures of their rising band, create an emotionally charged narrative of suppressed desires and difficult choices.
R.O. Riley writes with a keen understanding of the weight of expectations—family, faith, and personal identity—and how they shape and restrict us. The character dynamics are beautifully developed, particularly Jody’s slow, heart-wrenching realization of his own sexuality. The themes of love, freedom, and the desire to break free from societal and familial constraints make this story not only relatable but also profoundly impactful.
With its mix of nostalgia, raw emotion, and the electric pulse of young rebellion, Fledged will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world while balancing the weight of their own heart. A must-read for fans of powerful, character-driven stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Set against the backdrop of the 1990s Christian purity movement, the novel deftly explores the internal conflict Jody faces as he begins to question the beliefs he was raised with. His developing feelings for Luke, complicated by the pressures of their rising band, create an emotionally charged narrative of suppressed desires and difficult choices.
R.O. Riley writes with a keen understanding of the weight of expectations—family, faith, and personal identity—and how they shape and restrict us. The character dynamics are beautifully developed, particularly Jody’s slow, heart-wrenching realization of his own sexuality. The themes of love, freedom, and the desire to break free from societal and familial constraints make this story not only relatable but also profoundly impactful.
With its mix of nostalgia, raw emotion, and the electric pulse of young rebellion, Fledged will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world while balancing the weight of their own heart. A must-read for fans of powerful, character-driven stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2024
This is a beautifully written coming-of-age story that dives deep into the emotional complexities of discovering one's sexuality. The exploration of self-identity and all the internal struggles that come with it is portrayed with raw authenticity, making it an emotional and relatable read for anyone who has been through the journey of self-discovery.
The characters are well-developed, but Jody in particular stands out. His character arc is full of depth, vulnerability, and growth, pulling you into his world and making you feel every moment of confusion, joy, and heartache. Jody’s journey is both inspiring and heartbreaking, offering readers a genuine portrayal of the highs and lows of adolescence, especially when it comes to understanding and accepting who you truly are.
I thoroughly enjoyed following their story so far and am eager to see where the next book will take them. If the first book is any indication, the next chapter in their lives will be filled with even more emotional intensity and growth. It's a journey you won’t want to miss! This is a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-drawn characters and stories that aren’t afraid to tackle the complicated process of coming of age and coming out.
The characters are well-developed, but Jody in particular stands out. His character arc is full of depth, vulnerability, and growth, pulling you into his world and making you feel every moment of confusion, joy, and heartache. Jody’s journey is both inspiring and heartbreaking, offering readers a genuine portrayal of the highs and lows of adolescence, especially when it comes to understanding and accepting who you truly are.
I thoroughly enjoyed following their story so far and am eager to see where the next book will take them. If the first book is any indication, the next chapter in their lives will be filled with even more emotional intensity and growth. It's a journey you won’t want to miss! This is a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-drawn characters and stories that aren’t afraid to tackle the complicated process of coming of age and coming out.
October 1, 2024
4.5 stars. Jody is really my favourite sort of character - almost always on the outside looking in and starved for the right sort of attention. His relationship with the brothers next door was really beautiful, and the slow growth of more with Luke was really touching. Luke was so supportive and sweet in that phase. However, the homophobia in their church and from their parents split them up. Now it's going to be a painful wait until the next book, where I hope that they can all find a HEA. They certainly deserve one.
October 2, 2024
This was a striking coming of age story about the complexities and at times emotional pain of coming to know yourself and to coming to terms with oneself sexually in at times difficult circumstances. My heart remains full for Jody, who had a difficult life. A good guy in tough circumstances. There were other characters that were interesting and as readers we were getting to know. This story felt like it was not quite finished so I will look forward to the next story to see how things unfold.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2024
The author picked a great time period and background to explore Jody's growing up story. We get to see him questioning everything he's been taught about God, love and how to be a "good" person. The rock band allows him to escape his family for a time and as his feelings for Luke develop both of them will have choices to make that Jody really has ever had the family or community support to begin to deal with. I can't wait to see what happens to Jody and Luke in book two.
September 15, 2024
This book was so different to what I was expecting. Lovely compassionate writing and it kept me reading. Jody was very likeable and had had a difficult life. Luke made me feel lots of conflicting emotions and hopefully book two will sort this out. My only criticism was that it finished mid story, yes there is another book, but I will now have to re-read this when the next one is available.
September 29, 2024
A well written, intense coming of age storyline that covers all the emotional angst discovering your sexuality. Really great characters especially Jody. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey so far and looking forward to the next book to see what's next for them!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2024
Follow one young boy as he deals with the loneliness he feels on a daily basic. He may face more loneliness if he cannot find a way to connect with others around him. He needs to find new connections to aid him in ending the loneliness he feels. Beautiful and powerful as you follow he in his struggles to become connected to others around him. See who he will connect to first of all
October 10, 2024
Be ready for an all nighter of reading
A beautifully written and evocative novel that will resonate with anyone that grew up feeling like they are out of step in their world. Every one who has been a teen, in other words! It will bring you a journey from tears to giddy joy and back. Can hardly wait for the next one. Read in one sitting.
A beautifully written and evocative novel that will resonate with anyone that grew up feeling like they are out of step in their world. Every one who has been a teen, in other words! It will bring you a journey from tears to giddy joy and back. Can hardly wait for the next one. Read in one sitting.
September 29, 2024
I really liked this story and thought it was a well written emotional coming of age story and it kept my attention from the beginning to the end, the characters are good and I’m looking forward to reading book two to see what happens for Jody and Luke.
December 30, 2024
Oh my wowwww!!!! Totally didn’t go the way I expected it to and I mean it in the best way possible. Definitely looking forward to more…
April 27, 2025
WOW
This might be a new contender for my favorite book
This might be a new contender for my favorite book
April 29, 2025
This book is amazing (I’m sobbing and can’t rly talk rn)
November 3, 2025
Really enjoyed this duology! The story and quality of writing were good and it felt pretty believable. Really satisfying if you enjoy the friends to lovers and second chance romance tropes.
September 9, 2025
Fledged is a slow-burn tragedy about a lonely boy growing into himself and his sexuality. The story focuses on the main characters' emotional complexity and the way people hurt those they care about. Religious trauma and societal pushes towards conformity are big elements of the book, and it ends up being a tragic read with an open ending leading up to its sequel.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews