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Strings Detached
As a boy, Jake experienced the death of his parents while he was exploring his sexuality and discovering his faith. As an adult, this trauma from his past has turned him into an alcoholic pastor living a hermetic—and celibate—existence. Mostly, he is content with this life, except for his fear that God is not real after all; or is it the fear that He is very real indeed?
Jake’s routine is interrupted by the arrival of two women, Lily and Eve, and Jake’s estranged brother Benny. His past, something he’d tried his best to forget, comes crashing into him at a nearly fatal speed. As we journey through a tale of addiction, identity, love and religion, Jake is left with a choice: to continue his descent into self-loathing and isolation or embrace the new life that he accidentally stumbled into.
Jake’s routine is interrupted by the arrival of two women, Lily and Eve, and Jake’s estranged brother Benny. His past, something he’d tried his best to forget, comes crashing into him at a nearly fatal speed. As we journey through a tale of addiction, identity, love and religion, Jake is left with a choice: to continue his descent into self-loathing and isolation or embrace the new life that he accidentally stumbled into.
265 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2025
3 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Chris Riffle
1 book11 followersChris Riffle is originally from the suburbs of Cincinnati, OH. He has been living in New York City since 2017. When he's not writing, he's either out at a bar or working at his job in the advertising industry. Strings Detached is his first published work, but he hopes to continue writing novels until his fingers stop working--though by then the voice-to-text technology will probably be so advanced that we'll no longer use fingers to write anyway.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 29, 2025
Yes, I’m the author’s mom (the last name gives it away!), and I’m incredibly proud. But I’m also just really struck by how sincere and emotionally honest this novel is. Strings Detached tells a story that sticks with you.
Jake, the main character, is working through the fallout of early trauma, addiction, and a complicated relationship with his faith. He’s flawed, withdrawn, and often unsure of what he believes—but that’s what makes him feel so real. His inner conflict is deeply human, and Chris writes him with quiet understanding. You come to love Jake not because he’s heroic, but because he’s trying to move forward in the only way he knows how.
The dialogue between Jake and Lily was one of my favorite parts. It’s understated but full of meaning, and it adds moments of warmth to an otherwise introspective story. As Jake reconnects with his estranged brother Benny and forms a connection with Eve, both relationships challenge him to look at his past—and himself—differently.
This is a timely, heartfelt book that deals with hard topics—grief, addiction, identity, faith—but it does so through characters who feel real. Of course, I’m proud as his mom—but I can also say, as a reader, I truly appreciated the experience of this story.
Jake, the main character, is working through the fallout of early trauma, addiction, and a complicated relationship with his faith. He’s flawed, withdrawn, and often unsure of what he believes—but that’s what makes him feel so real. His inner conflict is deeply human, and Chris writes him with quiet understanding. You come to love Jake not because he’s heroic, but because he’s trying to move forward in the only way he knows how.
The dialogue between Jake and Lily was one of my favorite parts. It’s understated but full of meaning, and it adds moments of warmth to an otherwise introspective story. As Jake reconnects with his estranged brother Benny and forms a connection with Eve, both relationships challenge him to look at his past—and himself—differently.
This is a timely, heartfelt book that deals with hard topics—grief, addiction, identity, faith—but it does so through characters who feel real. Of course, I’m proud as his mom—but I can also say, as a reader, I truly appreciated the experience of this story.
July 18, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I would recommend it to anyone.
-The story is gripping. I often found myself unable to stop reading to find out what happens next, particularly in the later half of the book.
- Jake is an imperfect, yet likable main character- which is something I always enjoy in a story. He’s sympathetic, without being pathetic, and he’s easy to route for. The author does a great job of fleshing out his personality, and although the book is written in third person, I feel like the reader gets a great portrait of this character’s inner monologue.
- The way the author writes about the relationship between brothers Benny and Jake was particularly touching. They felt so real, and the interactions were so genuine and well fleshed out.
- The way the author writes about religion and faith is extremely powerful. It’s thought provoking, and the pay off in the end is excellent.
- Anyone who grew up around organized religion will identify with the points made throughout the book- questioning, doubt, guilt, etc.
-I hope a book like this could open the eyes of anyone who may be dealing with those thoughts- making them feel less alone, or prodding them to explore their questions, etc.
Great book!!!!
-The story is gripping. I often found myself unable to stop reading to find out what happens next, particularly in the later half of the book.
- Jake is an imperfect, yet likable main character- which is something I always enjoy in a story. He’s sympathetic, without being pathetic, and he’s easy to route for. The author does a great job of fleshing out his personality, and although the book is written in third person, I feel like the reader gets a great portrait of this character’s inner monologue.
- The way the author writes about the relationship between brothers Benny and Jake was particularly touching. They felt so real, and the interactions were so genuine and well fleshed out.
- The way the author writes about religion and faith is extremely powerful. It’s thought provoking, and the pay off in the end is excellent.
- Anyone who grew up around organized religion will identify with the points made throughout the book- questioning, doubt, guilt, etc.
-I hope a book like this could open the eyes of anyone who may be dealing with those thoughts- making them feel less alone, or prodding them to explore their questions, etc.
Great book!!!!
December 30, 2025
A novel about an alcoholic preacher dealing with childhood trauma, this book started out rocky and I wasn't sure if I would get into it, but it really fell into a rhythm and stuck the landing. The author has some trouble writing women and there's an element of Magic Pixie Dream Girl energy that I found off putting, but on the whole, this was a solid novel with some fantastic chapters and dialogue, and the ending was satisyfing in a believable way. I would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews