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The Riven Altar
Kasia Sawadzka has spent her life choosing responsibility over desire. A retinal surgeon in Seattle, she is steady, disciplined, and fiercely devoted to her family. Rock stars belong to another world. Temporary, dangerous. Not for women who have to keep their hands steady and their heart intact.
Rafe Ashton is tired of being a symbol. As the frontman of The Riven Altar, one of the world’s most enigmatic alt-rock bands, he lives inside myth. Sacrifice, blood, lament, all while privately craving something quieter, truer. Fame has taught him how easily people want access without understanding, and how badly intimacy can break when it’s rushed, exposed, or consumed.
Their connection begins by accident. It deepens through late-night conversations, shared silences, and the slow recognition of something neither of them was looking for but both feel, unmistakably. Rafe doesn’t want to be worshipped. Kasia doesn’t want to be rescued. What they want is terrifyingly simple: but will they be able to hold onto it?
Love doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Touring schedules, public scrutiny, family obligations, old wounds, and the cost of choosing someone when the world demands something else all threaten to pull them apart. As grief resurfaces and the distance between stages and operating rooms grows wider, Kasia and Rafe must decide whether love can survive without guarantees, or if wanting each other is simply another beautiful thing destined to fracture.
Rafe Ashton is tired of being a symbol. As the frontman of The Riven Altar, one of the world’s most enigmatic alt-rock bands, he lives inside myth. Sacrifice, blood, lament, all while privately craving something quieter, truer. Fame has taught him how easily people want access without understanding, and how badly intimacy can break when it’s rushed, exposed, or consumed.
Their connection begins by accident. It deepens through late-night conversations, shared silences, and the slow recognition of something neither of them was looking for but both feel, unmistakably. Rafe doesn’t want to be worshipped. Kasia doesn’t want to be rescued. What they want is terrifyingly simple: but will they be able to hold onto it?
Love doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Touring schedules, public scrutiny, family obligations, old wounds, and the cost of choosing someone when the world demands something else all threaten to pull them apart. As grief resurfaces and the distance between stages and operating rooms grows wider, Kasia and Rafe must decide whether love can survive without guarantees, or if wanting each other is simply another beautiful thing destined to fracture.
636 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2026
9 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 4, 2026
OH MY GODDDDD
5⭐️
😭 last few chapters
This book holy mother of pearls, it was such a rollercoaster of emotions I really loved the writing, the overall plot, the way it just flows. This books takes you on a journey of tension, yearning, but mksf of all betrayals and dealing with inside thoughts and how they go through life, it’s a beautiful and emotionally powerful book that takes you along for a hot ride, and it’s so addictive before you know you’re finished with it or it actually finishes you instead. That’s the power of a good author, an author that has a whole career infront of her, and I will be by her side to hype her up cause this was phenomenal I can’t get enough. INIDIE AUTHOR.
Rafe omfggggg he’s so dreamy I can’t ughh this made is what you call a category 5 yearner oh lord he was so god damn fine and I eat his scenes up ugh he was everything and more. His character ughh he was so in his head. HE WAS hurting my soul throughout. My pooor man just wants peace he wants love but he thinks he fucks it up every time 😭😭 Literally he forgets to breathe and live in the moment he’s so in his head 😭😭😭 he needs that one thing to ground him and turn the volume down of his voices on his head. He’s so strong he keeps going even when it gets too much he pushes through and I love him so much
Kasia she was so badass but also she was so family oriented which was so important and I loved that. And she had so much tension so much heart towards rafe like it was so good!! I also feel like she was his way to escape his “static” in his head. She gave him His free childhood he never really got she gives him that she makes him feel like a teenager when he had to adult fast due to them doing the band. I feel like she learned a lot throughout.
Personally I think Rithy and Rafe have so much chemistry always and their tension it’s so intriguing so I’m curious to know what happens with them cause I sense something. I feel there’s room to grow and blossom and flourish but I feel kas isn’t his person idk how to explain they do connect but I don’t sense like they would make it long term just cause of the emotions rafe still is so stuck with his static in his head and I feel like (biased here) rithy he knows that pain he knows what rafe in a way others don’t because of that 20 year relationship thing and how they lost time and how it was the right person wrong time and I feel like they speak to me they seem more emotionally connected than kas and rafe.
This book had lovable side characters especially within kasias family, and rafe’s band mates and I feel like there’s so much material here to keep writing more and I’m so here for this because if it’s gonna be anything like this I’m so sat and I will love to be emotionally invested and then have that gut wrenching experience again. and THIS IS HER DEBUT WHATTTTT!!! Girlll this was everything and more so gooddddddd I can’t get enough of this and I love rafe and Rithy and the whole band like ugh they’re so hot I can’t contain myself
And THAT GOD DAMN ENDING WHAT THE FUCK I WAS SOBBING SO HARD I COULDN’T SEE THE PAGES. I am hurting so much that was so unexpected and so painful like I wasn’t expecting that at all I feel so broken after that. That really played with my emotions there to the extreme.
D.M. RANDALL…. Bestie this was so good ughhh I’m so proud of you this was so phenomenal and you should be damn proud of yourself and I can’t wait to see where you take me next cause you got me for the long haul now. I’m so glad we got to meet in this process and flourish a friendship that lights up my day and you’re just a good person that cares about her readers but also care about the importance of relationships and being such a light in this community and someone that I love to talk too. So I wanted to say thank you for everything and I am just so happy for you, you deserve the world my fiend.
5⭐️
😭 last few chapters
This book holy mother of pearls, it was such a rollercoaster of emotions I really loved the writing, the overall plot, the way it just flows. This books takes you on a journey of tension, yearning, but mksf of all betrayals and dealing with inside thoughts and how they go through life, it’s a beautiful and emotionally powerful book that takes you along for a hot ride, and it’s so addictive before you know you’re finished with it or it actually finishes you instead. That’s the power of a good author, an author that has a whole career infront of her, and I will be by her side to hype her up cause this was phenomenal I can’t get enough. INIDIE AUTHOR.
Rafe omfggggg he’s so dreamy I can’t ughh this made is what you call a category 5 yearner oh lord he was so god damn fine and I eat his scenes up ugh he was everything and more. His character ughh he was so in his head. HE WAS hurting my soul throughout. My pooor man just wants peace he wants love but he thinks he fucks it up every time 😭😭 Literally he forgets to breathe and live in the moment he’s so in his head 😭😭😭 he needs that one thing to ground him and turn the volume down of his voices on his head. He’s so strong he keeps going even when it gets too much he pushes through and I love him so much
Kasia she was so badass but also she was so family oriented which was so important and I loved that. And she had so much tension so much heart towards rafe like it was so good!! I also feel like she was his way to escape his “static” in his head. She gave him His free childhood he never really got she gives him that she makes him feel like a teenager when he had to adult fast due to them doing the band. I feel like she learned a lot throughout.
Personally I think Rithy and Rafe have so much chemistry always and their tension it’s so intriguing so I’m curious to know what happens with them cause I sense something. I feel there’s room to grow and blossom and flourish but I feel kas isn’t his person idk how to explain they do connect but I don’t sense like they would make it long term just cause of the emotions rafe still is so stuck with his static in his head and I feel like (biased here) rithy he knows that pain he knows what rafe in a way others don’t because of that 20 year relationship thing and how they lost time and how it was the right person wrong time and I feel like they speak to me they seem more emotionally connected than kas and rafe.
This book had lovable side characters especially within kasias family, and rafe’s band mates and I feel like there’s so much material here to keep writing more and I’m so here for this because if it’s gonna be anything like this I’m so sat and I will love to be emotionally invested and then have that gut wrenching experience again. and THIS IS HER DEBUT WHATTTTT!!! Girlll this was everything and more so gooddddddd I can’t get enough of this and I love rafe and Rithy and the whole band like ugh they’re so hot I can’t contain myself
And THAT GOD DAMN ENDING WHAT THE FUCK I WAS SOBBING SO HARD I COULDN’T SEE THE PAGES. I am hurting so much that was so unexpected and so painful like I wasn’t expecting that at all I feel so broken after that. That really played with my emotions there to the extreme.
D.M. RANDALL…. Bestie this was so good ughhh I’m so proud of you this was so phenomenal and you should be damn proud of yourself and I can’t wait to see where you take me next cause you got me for the long haul now. I’m so glad we got to meet in this process and flourish a friendship that lights up my day and you’re just a good person that cares about her readers but also care about the importance of relationships and being such a light in this community and someone that I love to talk too. So I wanted to say thank you for everything and I am just so happy for you, you deserve the world my fiend.
March 21, 2026
I first read this book as a first draft, and this morning finished reading the final arc. It’s a long book, but I could read 10,000 pages of this.
🎸❤️🔥
It is very rare to come across a story that sticks with you and is so unbelievably moving, that you think about it for hours, days, weeks, months… this is one of those books.
Debut author? unbelievable.
Wonderful writing, wonderful story, wonderful characters.
This story is heartbreaking AND heartwarming in equal measure.
There is something for everyone in this beautiful thing here.
I loved the relationships, the characters are so lovable, Rafe & Kasia have my whole heart ~ but there is a very special place for Rithy 💜 So excited for his story too.
Massive congratulations to you if you got through reading this without bawling like a baby, and congratulations to the author ✍️ MASTERPIECE.
XxxxxxxxX
🎸❤️🔥
It is very rare to come across a story that sticks with you and is so unbelievably moving, that you think about it for hours, days, weeks, months… this is one of those books.
Debut author? unbelievable.
Wonderful writing, wonderful story, wonderful characters.
This story is heartbreaking AND heartwarming in equal measure.
There is something for everyone in this beautiful thing here.
I loved the relationships, the characters are so lovable, Rafe & Kasia have my whole heart ~ but there is a very special place for Rithy 💜 So excited for his story too.
Massive congratulations to you if you got through reading this without bawling like a baby, and congratulations to the author ✍️ MASTERPIECE.
XxxxxxxxX
March 9, 2026
ARC Review
Do you remember your first concert?
That moment when the lights dim, the first note hits, and suddenly a song slices straight through you like it knows every secret you’ve ever kept?
This book brings that feeling rushing back. It makes you wonder… what if?
What if you met the person whose music shaped your dreams, not under stage lights, but somewhere ordinary and unexpected? What if you had the chance to see the human behind the voice, the stories behind the lyrics, the pain and beauty that live between the notes?
This story feels like stepping into a dream you once had as a teenager, staring at posters on your wall and imagining impossible things. It’s about brushing against the untouchable, meeting the idols you once placed on a pedestal, and discovering what it truly takes to turn a fever dream into something real.
Because dreams come with a cost.
They ask for courage. Growth. Sacrifice.
Sometimes fate opens a door. Sometimes it pauses everything and forces you to see the weight your dreams place not only on you, but on the people who walk beside you.
At its heart, this is a story about love and devotion, about chasing light through the dark, and about finding the strength to hold onto something beautiful even when it feels just out of reach. ✨📖🎶
Raquel (TheInkAddictsReads on Insta)
Do you remember your first concert?
That moment when the lights dim, the first note hits, and suddenly a song slices straight through you like it knows every secret you’ve ever kept?
This book brings that feeling rushing back. It makes you wonder… what if?
What if you met the person whose music shaped your dreams, not under stage lights, but somewhere ordinary and unexpected? What if you had the chance to see the human behind the voice, the stories behind the lyrics, the pain and beauty that live between the notes?
This story feels like stepping into a dream you once had as a teenager, staring at posters on your wall and imagining impossible things. It’s about brushing against the untouchable, meeting the idols you once placed on a pedestal, and discovering what it truly takes to turn a fever dream into something real.
Because dreams come with a cost.
They ask for courage. Growth. Sacrifice.
Sometimes fate opens a door. Sometimes it pauses everything and forces you to see the weight your dreams place not only on you, but on the people who walk beside you.
At its heart, this is a story about love and devotion, about chasing light through the dark, and about finding the strength to hold onto something beautiful even when it feels just out of reach. ✨📖🎶
Raquel (TheInkAddictsReads on Insta)
March 22, 2026
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCHHHHH. Rafe and Kasia are EVERYTHING. I absolutely adored every second of their story. D.M. Randall's writing is vivid and immersive; everything was descriptive and I pictured the chapters so well. Kasia's family is definitely a highlight; reading about them was wonderful. I loved reading about all the different dynamics between different members of her family, and how that plays out in her own life. Then, Rafe comes into the picture and I'm going to hold your hand when I say this, but you have not read about true yearning until you read about Rafe. I'm NEVER getting over The Riven Altar. And to top it all off, the ending was absolutely GUT WRENCHING. I don't normally cry over books but gosh, I did cry over this one. PLEASE do yourself a favour and read this AMAZING BOOK. Kasia and Rafe are going to stick with me for a while. Thank you D.M. Randall for providing me with an ARC to review. I can't wait to see what other amazing things you get up to.
March 31, 2026
Now this is how you write a Sleep Token inspired romance!!
The writing is absolutely captivating…poetic, emotional, & will completely pull you under. I didn’t even register that this was a 600+ page book… I just devoured it. Easily my top read of the year so far, and I genuinely didn’t want it to end. From the very first page, I was hooked. Every emotion feels raw & intentional, like you’re living it right alongside the characters. This story doesn’t just pull you in…it holds you there & refuses to let you go.
I’m always a sucker for dual POV, & this one delivered. Getting inside both perspectives added so much depth to the story. The characters felt incredibly real…flawed, layered, & grounded. The relationships, especially the family dynamics, were written in a way that felt honest & relatable without losing that emotional intensity.
And Rafe…
Rafe is the standard. The blueprint. The reason my expectations are now unrealistic & I will never recover. Giant green flag…the kind of man who would hold you like a prayer, not a possession & worship you like something sacred.
I am genuinely blown away that this is a debut novel. If this is what D.M. Randall can do right out the gate… I will be reading everything she writes with haste!
The writing is absolutely captivating…poetic, emotional, & will completely pull you under. I didn’t even register that this was a 600+ page book… I just devoured it. Easily my top read of the year so far, and I genuinely didn’t want it to end. From the very first page, I was hooked. Every emotion feels raw & intentional, like you’re living it right alongside the characters. This story doesn’t just pull you in…it holds you there & refuses to let you go.
I’m always a sucker for dual POV, & this one delivered. Getting inside both perspectives added so much depth to the story. The characters felt incredibly real…flawed, layered, & grounded. The relationships, especially the family dynamics, were written in a way that felt honest & relatable without losing that emotional intensity.
And Rafe…
Rafe is the standard. The blueprint. The reason my expectations are now unrealistic & I will never recover. Giant green flag…the kind of man who would hold you like a prayer, not a possession & worship you like something sacred.
I am genuinely blown away that this is a debut novel. If this is what D.M. Randall can do right out the gate… I will be reading everything she writes with haste!
March 18, 2026
5⭐️ 2🌶️
🎸Rockstar romance
🩺Doctor/patient
🎸Forced proximity
🩺Found family
🎸Slow burn
🩺Dual pov
I’m still in shock that this was a debut novel by DM. Randall this book completely blew me away! This is so much more than just a rockstar romance; it’s layered with emotional depth that had me feeling everything from start to finish. I especially loved how mature and intentional the conversations were between Kasia and Rafe.
This story felt like a true journey, and I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. From Kasia’s life as a doctor to Rafe navigating the chaos of the rockstar world, and the cultural influences woven throughout, every element came together to create something incredibly unique and powerful.
Not only was the story amazing, but the writing itself was absolutely beautiful. There were moments that genuinely gave me chills. I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved this book.
This is one of those stories that lingers long after the final page… and I already know Kasia and Rafe will be living in my head for a very long time.
🎸Rockstar romance
🩺Doctor/patient
🎸Forced proximity
🩺Found family
🎸Slow burn
🩺Dual pov
I’m still in shock that this was a debut novel by DM. Randall this book completely blew me away! This is so much more than just a rockstar romance; it’s layered with emotional depth that had me feeling everything from start to finish. I especially loved how mature and intentional the conversations were between Kasia and Rafe.
This story felt like a true journey, and I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. From Kasia’s life as a doctor to Rafe navigating the chaos of the rockstar world, and the cultural influences woven throughout, every element came together to create something incredibly unique and powerful.
Not only was the story amazing, but the writing itself was absolutely beautiful. There were moments that genuinely gave me chills. I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved this book.
This is one of those stories that lingers long after the final page… and I already know Kasia and Rafe will be living in my head for a very long time.
March 22, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I felt all emotions with this book and feel like i lived a whole lifetime experiencing this book. D.M. Randall did not pull her punches writing this tremendous debut novel. The book is paced well where the romance doesn’t feel rushed or limited to short time span but really has time to flourish and become such a deep love. I throughly enjoyed the dual POV of this story and the parallels that happen in their lives leading to an even more profound love in the end. There were a few moments where I was so ready for the main characters to interact more directly but so much character growth happened during that time that made other moments between so profound. I was so invested in their love story that I felt such a wide range of emotions from this story that sometimes I had to pause to process everything that happened in the story but at the same time feeling like I need to know more and keep reading.
The MMC is so poetic and I felt like I could have highlighted so many amazing quotes from him that made me swoon. He talks to her like it is song lyrics at times and isn’t in the cliche way but just poetic and beautiful. I have decided the author must moonlight as a song writer. 🤣
Although you will experience a whirlwind of emotions with this story, I felt complete with the ending of the story. I am excited to read more by D.M Randell and get to experience the other love stories in future books. Do be prepared for a 600 page book that is full of an insightful and intense love story that will make you cry, laugh, and shocked at times. Worth every page!
I felt all emotions with this book and feel like i lived a whole lifetime experiencing this book. D.M. Randall did not pull her punches writing this tremendous debut novel. The book is paced well where the romance doesn’t feel rushed or limited to short time span but really has time to flourish and become such a deep love. I throughly enjoyed the dual POV of this story and the parallels that happen in their lives leading to an even more profound love in the end. There were a few moments where I was so ready for the main characters to interact more directly but so much character growth happened during that time that made other moments between so profound. I was so invested in their love story that I felt such a wide range of emotions from this story that sometimes I had to pause to process everything that happened in the story but at the same time feeling like I need to know more and keep reading.
The MMC is so poetic and I felt like I could have highlighted so many amazing quotes from him that made me swoon. He talks to her like it is song lyrics at times and isn’t in the cliche way but just poetic and beautiful. I have decided the author must moonlight as a song writer. 🤣
Although you will experience a whirlwind of emotions with this story, I felt complete with the ending of the story. I am excited to read more by D.M Randell and get to experience the other love stories in future books. Do be prepared for a 600 page book that is full of an insightful and intense love story that will make you cry, laugh, and shocked at times. Worth every page!
April 4, 2026
I had such a great time reading this one and I really connected with the characters. The dynamic between Rafe, Kasia and Dominik had some real stakes and tension which really kept me engaged. I found the band dynamic rubbing up against the interpersonal relationships of the members outside of the band was super interesting and the last 100-150 pages were absolutely electric.
March 21, 2026
6⭐️ Holy hell, this book has done something to me. What started as a playlist that looked like it was straight out of my teenage years, and the promise of a rockstar romance very quickly turned into something that I will never forget. Kasia and Rafe were everything. Her family was everything. His bandmates were everything. It was devastating, beautiful, and I definitely shed a good amount of tears. To me, that's how you know a story has its claws in you, and this one left scars in the best way.
April 1, 2026
ARC REVIEW.
This book…THIS BOOK! I am unwell! I sat at my kitchen table crying and drinking wine for a good 30min. Then I stared at the wall for another 30 mins and decided maybe I should write this review.
The Riven Alter is on the longer side but please DO NOT let that deter you. Every part of this story blends and flows so damn beautifully that if anything were missing the impact wouldn’t be as strong. The picture that DM paints is beyond words.
I laughed. I cried. I screamed. I giggled. It was all there and I didn’t want it to end.
Kasia went to a concert at 16 and fell in love, I love how absolutely real that felt how relatable it instantly made her character! Fast forward and now she’s in her 30s and she’s a retinal surgeon trying to find her way professionally and personally. Rafe is a rockstar (literally) who lands himself in Kasia chair. JEALOUS! Everything Kasia thought she knew and wanted comes into question and she’s swept up in this whirlwind romance that makes you wish you could be her. Rafe is like the perfect MMC he talks essentially in song lyrics that melt your heart, mind, and soul. And he loves so hard you feel it in your bones as a reader. He’s learned his mistakes from the past and he fights like hell to find his peace.
The family dynamic is so heartwarming. They are so close and loving and there for each other. The sibling banter was so cute it reminded me of me and my siblings. The band members of The Riven Alter I need to know more about them, I hope that we soon get to learn!!
There was heartbreak, grief, love, and laughter. This book had it all. But buckle up because trust me it will leave you feeling broken. But in the best(?) way! I didn’t want this story to end!!!
This book…THIS BOOK! I am unwell! I sat at my kitchen table crying and drinking wine for a good 30min. Then I stared at the wall for another 30 mins and decided maybe I should write this review.
The Riven Alter is on the longer side but please DO NOT let that deter you. Every part of this story blends and flows so damn beautifully that if anything were missing the impact wouldn’t be as strong. The picture that DM paints is beyond words.
I laughed. I cried. I screamed. I giggled. It was all there and I didn’t want it to end.
Kasia went to a concert at 16 and fell in love, I love how absolutely real that felt how relatable it instantly made her character! Fast forward and now she’s in her 30s and she’s a retinal surgeon trying to find her way professionally and personally. Rafe is a rockstar (literally) who lands himself in Kasia chair. JEALOUS! Everything Kasia thought she knew and wanted comes into question and she’s swept up in this whirlwind romance that makes you wish you could be her. Rafe is like the perfect MMC he talks essentially in song lyrics that melt your heart, mind, and soul. And he loves so hard you feel it in your bones as a reader. He’s learned his mistakes from the past and he fights like hell to find his peace.
The family dynamic is so heartwarming. They are so close and loving and there for each other. The sibling banter was so cute it reminded me of me and my siblings. The band members of The Riven Alter I need to know more about them, I hope that we soon get to learn!!
There was heartbreak, grief, love, and laughter. This book had it all. But buckle up because trust me it will leave you feeling broken. But in the best(?) way! I didn’t want this story to end!!!
April 3, 2026
This book did not disappoint at all. Who hasn’t over obviously been in love with their favorite rockstar or boy bad member? As a teenager growing up, NKOTB were the boy band I fell in love with. That excitement of seeing any first concert is something that is an amazing experience!!! This story follows a retina surgeon and the front man for the Band The Riven Altar as they navigate a relationship that is thrust into the public eye and life pressures. It teaches you that even the greatest love stories are not without tears, miles, and other problems. Love is hard enough to navigate through without being a celebrity and this book shows the other side that most of us do not understand. I loved this book very much. I read this as an arc and this is my unbiased review.
April 3, 2026
“The danger isn’t desire… it’s what comes after.”
This story felt intimate in a way that quietly wrecks you. It’s not loud or rushed—it’s slow, intentional, and deeply emotional.
Kasia and Rafe come from completely different worlds, but what makes this stand out is how real everything feels. The push and pull between love, responsibility, and timing hits in a way that stays with you long after you finish.
There’s no fantasy of easy love here—just two people trying to hold onto something meaningful while everything around them threatens to pull it apart.
And honestly? That’s what made it so powerful.
This story felt intimate in a way that quietly wrecks you. It’s not loud or rushed—it’s slow, intentional, and deeply emotional.
Kasia and Rafe come from completely different worlds, but what makes this stand out is how real everything feels. The push and pull between love, responsibility, and timing hits in a way that stays with you long after you finish.
There’s no fantasy of easy love here—just two people trying to hold onto something meaningful while everything around them threatens to pull it apart.
And honestly? That’s what made it so powerful.
April 3, 2026
I am absolutely enthralled with this book and absolutely everything about it! I haven’t felt like this since reading a certain Raven book and I NEVER thought a book could embed itself into my brain even a fraction of the amount that this one did I am OBSESSED! You want to READ this forget about your TBR and other books and get lost in this one. You won’t regret it
April 3, 2026
I had the absolute pleasure to receive an ARC from the author of the book and I am leaving an honest review.
I simply could not put this book down. I wanted to go along with the characters to the clinic and on tour.
This story follows Dr. Kasia Sawadzka and Rafe Ashton.
Dr. Sawadzka is a retina specialist in Seattle. This woman is intelligent, assertive, strong, disciplined and controlled. She will always choose someone else’s wellbeing over herself, because it has been drilled into her during medical training and through family values. On her first on call night, she goes to one of The Katabasis Tour concerts and gets back a small piece of herself: something out of her adolescent dreams, because she’s been a fan of The Riven Altar forever.
Rafe Ashton is better known as Obelus, lead singer of The Riven Altar. He’s observant, feels deeply, transforms every experience into poetic lyrics and music, and is craving a pause. He falls down after a concert and hits his head, which lands him in the ER and Dr. Sawadzka’s office. Her kindness, stillness, competence and beauty draw him in. He just can’t stop thinking about her.
Through text messages and phone calls these two opposing individuals get to know each other, drowning in the pull they feel.
This story is written beautifully, it captures the high of new love and contrasts it to duty and all the demands of the life they choose. It reminds us of being respectful with other’s time. And brings up that the right person will see us completely, respectfully, with admiration and through all the creation we present to everyone else. It highlights that real love stays for the ugly and can disappear in a second. That we all deserve a love that is present. DM Randall didn’t hold back writing this book…it’s a fantastic debut!!! If you love slower paced stories with a lot of yearning…this rockstar romance is just for you.
Thank you DM Randall for letting me be on this ARC Team, for waiting for my POV and for sharing and walking along my side while reading this amazing story.
I simply could not put this book down. I wanted to go along with the characters to the clinic and on tour.
This story follows Dr. Kasia Sawadzka and Rafe Ashton.
Dr. Sawadzka is a retina specialist in Seattle. This woman is intelligent, assertive, strong, disciplined and controlled. She will always choose someone else’s wellbeing over herself, because it has been drilled into her during medical training and through family values. On her first on call night, she goes to one of The Katabasis Tour concerts and gets back a small piece of herself: something out of her adolescent dreams, because she’s been a fan of The Riven Altar forever.
Rafe Ashton is better known as Obelus, lead singer of The Riven Altar. He’s observant, feels deeply, transforms every experience into poetic lyrics and music, and is craving a pause. He falls down after a concert and hits his head, which lands him in the ER and Dr. Sawadzka’s office. Her kindness, stillness, competence and beauty draw him in. He just can’t stop thinking about her.
Through text messages and phone calls these two opposing individuals get to know each other, drowning in the pull they feel.
This story is written beautifully, it captures the high of new love and contrasts it to duty and all the demands of the life they choose. It reminds us of being respectful with other’s time. And brings up that the right person will see us completely, respectfully, with admiration and through all the creation we present to everyone else. It highlights that real love stays for the ugly and can disappear in a second. That we all deserve a love that is present. DM Randall didn’t hold back writing this book…it’s a fantastic debut!!! If you love slower paced stories with a lot of yearning…this rockstar romance is just for you.
Thank you DM Randall for letting me be on this ARC Team, for waiting for my POV and for sharing and walking along my side while reading this amazing story.
April 5, 2026
This is the best romance novel I’ve read this year. The writing is poetic, lyrical. The characters are relatable, with distinctive personalities and voices. The dialogue is brilliant and the world is build around the reader so beautifully you can’t help but fall in. Congratulations on the best debut novel I’ve ever read!! If you’re looking for a refreshing contemporary romance with a serving of rockstar and longing then look no further.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book and was not paid for my review.
***
Kasia is a fiercely disciplined Seattle doctor who has no time for the chaos of a rock star. Rafe is the enigmatic frontman of a legendary alt-rock band, exhausted by fame and craving something real. When a chance encounter sparks a deep, late-night connection, they must navigate grueling tour schedules, intense public scrutiny, and their own grief to figure out if their love can survive the spotlight.
- Rock Star x Doctor
- Opposites Attract
- Accidental Connection
- Emotional & Angsty
***
I’m not sure I know where to start with this review. It’s safe to say that this book broke my heart, made me cry ugly tears, and stare at a wall for far too long recovering. So yeah, you have to read it.
This is a rockstar romance, but it’s not what you would expect. It is slow, introspective, emotional, poetic, and painfully human. If you are looking for the fast paced, hit after hit spicy romance then this is not the book for you. But if you want to get swept up in real, painful emotion and an impossible romance through a poetic lens, then you absolutely have to read this book.
Kasia is our FMC, she is the responsible, high achieving, focussed and driven daughter of a loud, enigmatic family that loves hard. She has weekly family dinners, connections that are long, messy and impossible to ignore and so so much responsibility that she never quite figured out how to live her life now she has achieved her goal of becoming a doctor. With the exception of one thing, her favourite band, The Riven Altar has been an obsession since her brother took her to their first gig when she was 16. I loved Kasia, I felt her pain and pressure so well, she is desperate to do the right thing and usually that means choosing between what she wants and others’ needs. Watching her go through this book, breaking into little pieces and healing them back together in totally different ways, is powerful.
Rafe is the semi-anonymous front band for the dark and twisty mega rock band. They play behind veils whilst giving their souls and hearts to their music. But Rafe is drowning in that life, not sure who is anymore, and trying not to be the guy who hurts everyone around him. A chance encounter brings him face to face with a doctor with smudged eyeliner and glitter on her cheeks, his entire world shifts and centres on something new. My man, he did me proud, he is not perfect – by any stretch – but he is learning from his mistakes and when he stakes a claim, he stands by it.
Be warned, this story covers some genuinely heart wrenching topics and doesn’t shy away from the realities of grief, pain and loss. But it does it so so well. It feels real and is written so beautifully I have no doubt I will be coming back for more when book 2 comes out.
Ready to be emotionally wrecked repeatedly? Want something poetic, lyrical, slow paced and beautiful? Go get it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Slow, torturous, gorgeous. A must read.
***
Kasia is a fiercely disciplined Seattle doctor who has no time for the chaos of a rock star. Rafe is the enigmatic frontman of a legendary alt-rock band, exhausted by fame and craving something real. When a chance encounter sparks a deep, late-night connection, they must navigate grueling tour schedules, intense public scrutiny, and their own grief to figure out if their love can survive the spotlight.
- Rock Star x Doctor
- Opposites Attract
- Accidental Connection
- Emotional & Angsty
***
I’m not sure I know where to start with this review. It’s safe to say that this book broke my heart, made me cry ugly tears, and stare at a wall for far too long recovering. So yeah, you have to read it.
This is a rockstar romance, but it’s not what you would expect. It is slow, introspective, emotional, poetic, and painfully human. If you are looking for the fast paced, hit after hit spicy romance then this is not the book for you. But if you want to get swept up in real, painful emotion and an impossible romance through a poetic lens, then you absolutely have to read this book.
Kasia is our FMC, she is the responsible, high achieving, focussed and driven daughter of a loud, enigmatic family that loves hard. She has weekly family dinners, connections that are long, messy and impossible to ignore and so so much responsibility that she never quite figured out how to live her life now she has achieved her goal of becoming a doctor. With the exception of one thing, her favourite band, The Riven Altar has been an obsession since her brother took her to their first gig when she was 16. I loved Kasia, I felt her pain and pressure so well, she is desperate to do the right thing and usually that means choosing between what she wants and others’ needs. Watching her go through this book, breaking into little pieces and healing them back together in totally different ways, is powerful.
Rafe is the semi-anonymous front band for the dark and twisty mega rock band. They play behind veils whilst giving their souls and hearts to their music. But Rafe is drowning in that life, not sure who is anymore, and trying not to be the guy who hurts everyone around him. A chance encounter brings him face to face with a doctor with smudged eyeliner and glitter on her cheeks, his entire world shifts and centres on something new. My man, he did me proud, he is not perfect – by any stretch – but he is learning from his mistakes and when he stakes a claim, he stands by it.
Be warned, this story covers some genuinely heart wrenching topics and doesn’t shy away from the realities of grief, pain and loss. But it does it so so well. It feels real and is written so beautifully I have no doubt I will be coming back for more when book 2 comes out.
Ready to be emotionally wrecked repeatedly? Want something poetic, lyrical, slow paced and beautiful? Go get it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Slow, torturous, gorgeous. A must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book and wow - what can I say! D.M. Randall has created a world that I describe as devastatingly beautiful.
The story itself, and the characters, was just so real and raw, it felt like you could just pluck them from the page and bring them into the real world where they would fit right in. It was so beautifully written, the characters had real depth and were so relatable, but they were also multilayered seeing the good and the complicated side of each person, and the emotions that could be felt.
The world the story felt set in didn’t feel false, it felt like it could be happening in our world at this moment.
I am now obsessed with Rafe, he wasn’t the typical brooding MMC, but he had such a raw and beautiful element to him that he was just human, not the usual perfect yet flawed character that the MMC can often be.
The relationships between all the characters in the book felt real, the family bonds, the romance, the parental and sibling relationships, nothing felt forced, just natural and relatable.
The relationship between Rafe and Kasia felt natural, it was a beautifully written set up from the initial meeting until the end, with real emotions and problems. When there’s a time towards the end they’re not together, you can feel the loss and the yearning for each other like it’s a real relationship - you can feel how they’re feeling, you can relate off the page to the ache they’re both going through and it’s portrayed amazingly throughout.
And towards the end, the shock twist regarding Piotr, I did not see coming whatsoever and it actually broke my heart. I felt like I’d lost a member of my own family. It was written so delicately, but the emotions were able to be felt off the page. I sobbed the last few chapters of the book and I never cry in books!
I think the phrase we’re using is the book left me - broken and feral!
Overall this book exceeded my expectations, and more. I couldn’t put it down and every chance I got I wanted to spend a few more moments emerged in this world and the story.
D.M. Randall is a beautiful story teller and I cannot wait to dive back into this world again in future, and to be reunited with my now book boyfriend Rafe.
Stunning, 5*s!!!
The story itself, and the characters, was just so real and raw, it felt like you could just pluck them from the page and bring them into the real world where they would fit right in. It was so beautifully written, the characters had real depth and were so relatable, but they were also multilayered seeing the good and the complicated side of each person, and the emotions that could be felt.
The world the story felt set in didn’t feel false, it felt like it could be happening in our world at this moment.
I am now obsessed with Rafe, he wasn’t the typical brooding MMC, but he had such a raw and beautiful element to him that he was just human, not the usual perfect yet flawed character that the MMC can often be.
The relationships between all the characters in the book felt real, the family bonds, the romance, the parental and sibling relationships, nothing felt forced, just natural and relatable.
The relationship between Rafe and Kasia felt natural, it was a beautifully written set up from the initial meeting until the end, with real emotions and problems. When there’s a time towards the end they’re not together, you can feel the loss and the yearning for each other like it’s a real relationship - you can feel how they’re feeling, you can relate off the page to the ache they’re both going through and it’s portrayed amazingly throughout.
And towards the end, the shock twist regarding Piotr, I did not see coming whatsoever and it actually broke my heart. I felt like I’d lost a member of my own family. It was written so delicately, but the emotions were able to be felt off the page. I sobbed the last few chapters of the book and I never cry in books!
I think the phrase we’re using is the book left me - broken and feral!
Overall this book exceeded my expectations, and more. I couldn’t put it down and every chance I got I wanted to spend a few more moments emerged in this world and the story.
D.M. Randall is a beautiful story teller and I cannot wait to dive back into this world again in future, and to be reunited with my now book boyfriend Rafe.
Stunning, 5*s!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am not quite sure how to put this book review in a format that will do it justice. I just finished the The Riven Altar by D.M. Randall and I am speechless. You know when you read a book and then at the end of it, you pause- and it takes those additional moments to work through the amount of emotions you were just taken through? That is probably the best way I can explain what it is like to read this story.
This is a Rock and Roll M/F romance that rips out your heartstrings with so much passion. The author’s writing is unlike anything I have ever read! The imagery she conveys in the way she writes is just – WOW. You feel everything. Absolutely everything.
The funny thing is that this book is not written in first person. It is written in dual POV, and you can feel everything each of these characters are going through, but not with a single “I felt xyz” type statement. NOT ONE SINGLE MENTION of an internal dialogue touching a “what should I do” mindset. Not a single detail repeated. “I can’t be with him this time” each chapter even though they are indeed with him again and again in each chapter. Every sentence in this story moves the paragraph forward. Every paragraph is needed for the chapter. It is a 642 page story but it reads effortlessly. I have read 310 books in the last couple of years, and when I say I have never read anything like this- I can not be more sincere.
This is D.M. Randall’s first book, and I am absolutely blown away. This was a bit out of my traditional reading style – but holy WOW am I glad I read this. That statement doesn’t actually capture it though…. It is more like, I am so glad things aligned and somehow I was fortunate enough to cross paths with this amazing author and experience this story. I cannot wait to see where this series goes. Esp. for book 3.
This is a placeholder review for Goodreads and will be amended as my more formal review evolves.
This is a Rock and Roll M/F romance that rips out your heartstrings with so much passion. The author’s writing is unlike anything I have ever read! The imagery she conveys in the way she writes is just – WOW. You feel everything. Absolutely everything.
The funny thing is that this book is not written in first person. It is written in dual POV, and you can feel everything each of these characters are going through, but not with a single “I felt xyz” type statement. NOT ONE SINGLE MENTION of an internal dialogue touching a “what should I do” mindset. Not a single detail repeated. “I can’t be with him this time” each chapter even though they are indeed with him again and again in each chapter. Every sentence in this story moves the paragraph forward. Every paragraph is needed for the chapter. It is a 642 page story but it reads effortlessly. I have read 310 books in the last couple of years, and when I say I have never read anything like this- I can not be more sincere.
This is D.M. Randall’s first book, and I am absolutely blown away. This was a bit out of my traditional reading style – but holy WOW am I glad I read this. That statement doesn’t actually capture it though…. It is more like, I am so glad things aligned and somehow I was fortunate enough to cross paths with this amazing author and experience this story. I cannot wait to see where this series goes. Esp. for book 3.
This is a placeholder review for Goodreads and will be amended as my more formal review evolves.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First and Foremost-- 6 star read, I am writing this review 12 hours after I finished it and I am still utterly wrecked and devastated but in the best way.
The very first thing I fell in love with for this story is Kasia's family, they are so loving and genuine, messy and imperfect, caring and nurturing. Absolutely everything a family should be- I felt just as part of the family by the end of this story because that was this family does for others, takes you in and keeps you.
The love story between Rafe and Kasia- its everything it is meant to be. Haunting, raw, complex, dreamy, hypnotic, mesmerizing, true, real, captivating. I could go on and on.
The depth of this story was the real shining gem for me, I went in completely blind and was rewarded with the hard hitting impact of a glimpse into this family's life- the lasting genuine true love found in normal life with someone who is your best friend, the sturdiness of sibling bonds- being there for each other no matter what- the complicated emotions of loneliness, duty, maintaining peace, denying your heart, unrequited love, the effect of toxic people hurting others you love, support, desire, obsession, superficial interactions, genuine interactions- just a full representation of real life.
I truly loved every single thing about this book from beginning to end. I love how D.M. wrote layers to each character and we slowly uncover them the more we read. The pace was set up perfectly for the progression of the plot, the plot just made sense the entire time I read it- almost as if I already had known all these characters for years to say, "oh that is definitely characteristic of so-and-so" I understood everyone's actions as they happened and the reasons for them.
10/10, Absolutely no notes- if you love emotional damage, real characters, and a once in a lifetime opportunity with your romance this is a book for you.
The very first thing I fell in love with for this story is Kasia's family, they are so loving and genuine, messy and imperfect, caring and nurturing. Absolutely everything a family should be- I felt just as part of the family by the end of this story because that was this family does for others, takes you in and keeps you.
The love story between Rafe and Kasia- its everything it is meant to be. Haunting, raw, complex, dreamy, hypnotic, mesmerizing, true, real, captivating. I could go on and on.
The depth of this story was the real shining gem for me, I went in completely blind and was rewarded with the hard hitting impact of a glimpse into this family's life- the lasting genuine true love found in normal life with someone who is your best friend, the sturdiness of sibling bonds- being there for each other no matter what- the complicated emotions of loneliness, duty, maintaining peace, denying your heart, unrequited love, the effect of toxic people hurting others you love, support, desire, obsession, superficial interactions, genuine interactions- just a full representation of real life.
I truly loved every single thing about this book from beginning to end. I love how D.M. wrote layers to each character and we slowly uncover them the more we read. The pace was set up perfectly for the progression of the plot, the plot just made sense the entire time I read it- almost as if I already had known all these characters for years to say, "oh that is definitely characteristic of so-and-so" I understood everyone's actions as they happened and the reasons for them.
10/10, Absolutely no notes- if you love emotional damage, real characters, and a once in a lifetime opportunity with your romance this is a book for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Riven Altar is a rockstar romance, but it’s actually SOOO much more than that. While the music and fame play a big role, the heart of this story is in the relationships. Every single one of them. The way the characters are written will have you flipping pages late into the night.
I honestly don’t know how to fully put into words what this book made me feel. Over 600 pages flew by like it was nothing, and I was sad to see the end getting closer.. That's how good it is!! I laughed, I cried, and yes... I legit yelled at my Kindle more than once.
As a concert loving girlie, I connected with the story so much. That feeling of seeing the lights go up for the first time and being forever changed. But then Kasia gets to meet the real person behind the fame. The fact that they both fell for AND accepted eachother the they were.. that slow burn was perfection!!
The diverse cultures meant so much to me too. Not to mention my gega was Polish, and while we never spoke the language, the family closeness and dynamics felt so familiar and personal. You experience the warmth and chaos of Kasia’s family dinners, their love, their grief, and it stays with you. Plus seeing a woman who is brilliant and staking her claim in a male dominated profession was such a nice change. We adore a bosssss lady!!
Rafe’s POV added had me INVESTED. Getting a look backstage, into touring life, and into his poetic mind was truly an experience. And the band? You truly get to know every member and their fights, struggles, and closeness with each other, which made me love them that much more!
I was completely hooked from start to finish, and everything about this book will live rent free in my head....now all I want is to see this band live because I’m 1000% in.
And Rafe… yeah, I’ll be dreaming about him for a long LONNGG time.
I honestly don’t know how to fully put into words what this book made me feel. Over 600 pages flew by like it was nothing, and I was sad to see the end getting closer.. That's how good it is!! I laughed, I cried, and yes... I legit yelled at my Kindle more than once.
As a concert loving girlie, I connected with the story so much. That feeling of seeing the lights go up for the first time and being forever changed. But then Kasia gets to meet the real person behind the fame. The fact that they both fell for AND accepted eachother the they were.. that slow burn was perfection!!
The diverse cultures meant so much to me too. Not to mention my gega was Polish, and while we never spoke the language, the family closeness and dynamics felt so familiar and personal. You experience the warmth and chaos of Kasia’s family dinners, their love, their grief, and it stays with you. Plus seeing a woman who is brilliant and staking her claim in a male dominated profession was such a nice change. We adore a bosssss lady!!
Rafe’s POV added had me INVESTED. Getting a look backstage, into touring life, and into his poetic mind was truly an experience. And the band? You truly get to know every member and their fights, struggles, and closeness with each other, which made me love them that much more!
I was completely hooked from start to finish, and everything about this book will live rent free in my head....now all I want is to see this band live because I’m 1000% in.
And Rafe… yeah, I’ll be dreaming about him for a long LONNGG time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is an emotional rollercoaster ride that never stops! WOW. When Kasia turns 16, her big brother, Piotr, lets her tag along with him and his best friend, Dominik, to see a local band, The Riven Altar, play. She is blown away by the band, and instantly obsessed. Fast forward 16 years and Kasia is a retinal surgeon/specialist who just scored tickets to see her (now world famous) favorite band perform again. Through a series of events, she ends up meeting the lead singer and forming a tentative friendship, even though he’s on the road touring. Meanwhile, she starts dating (now single dad) Dominik. It isn’t long before she is feeling torn between the two men - safe, dependable Dominik, known all her life, and dangerous rockstar Rafe, with whom she has an intense connection she’s never felt before. Both men make mistakes along the way that cause uncertainty for Kasia, and ultimately, a shocking event leads Kasia to make a heartbreaking decision. She desperately tries to move on, until another devastating event changes life as she knows it, and she’s forced to choose again. Can love conquer all the obstacles life throws in its path, or will Kasia never see her happy ending? The Riven Altar will take you through all the emotions and back again. It will rip you apart just to put you back together, then repeat the process. 10/10, must read, especially if you enjoy rockstar romance and strong FMCs. Also, you will fall in love with every member of Kasia’s wild and crazy Polish family! All the characters are so well-written and the writing itself is so descriptive, emotive, and even poetic. You truly feel like you’re in the space with every character in every scene. I seriously can’t believe that this was a debut novel 🤯
Review of advance copy received from Author
Full disclosure The Riven Alter is not like any other book I’ve come across before & I think most readers will feel the same. So much so that I had to sit with this for 3 days after finishing it due the emotions I felt in the last 1/3 of the book. The way the author wrote this makes you feel like you’re living in the pages along side the characters. You can’t help but feel EVERYTHING and I truly mean this in the best way. It’s messy, it’s beautiful, it’s real! When I initially received the ARC for this book and saw the 600+ pages I was terrified. I am naturally a slow reader because I tend to reread things to really let them sink in. I downed this book in 4 days. Every waking moment my nose was in this book. I am a huge fan of slow burn and spice and those tropes drew me to this book alongside the curiosity of a rockstar romance, but those are only a few of the many tropes this book touches on. In the book you follow Kasia who is a doctor and without getting too into spoilers I think she is why I was able to really live in this book. Because how much more real life can that get? Am I doctor? No, but the fact that it hits on a note of reality and possibility for the reader is something unique that I haven’t crossed very often. Yes this is a rockstar romance but it’s also so much more than that. I don’t know if there is even enough time/character count to discuss all the things in this book that make it special but if you’re looking for something fresh and emotional and spicy and captivating I highly recommend The Riven Alter. Trust me you will be sitting staring at the wall after finishing this and wonder “Damn did I really just feel it that hard”. Yes, yes you did queen! Please do me a favor and do not sleep on this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Remember when we would record cds to cassette tapes to play in our cars? Going to the local music venues where you just hoped you could meet a band/member that might make it one day? Reading The Riven Altar gave that sheer sense of nostalgia from the very first chapter. Now, take that, and mix it with real life day to day situations as an adult. Family, routines, jobs, just wondering if you settled or if there could be more to life and where you fit in the big picture. You get the perfect balance of dream vs. reality and get to see what happens if those dreams came true and where it would tie in to those real life scenarios.
The love story you get between Kasia and Rafe is raw, messy and real. It’s super relatable and beautifully poetic. The banter between the band mates, the side characters and, yes, even plot twists all flow so well. You really find yourself rooting for a lot of the them in the story but also jaded on whether to dislike others or if they’re just misunderstood.
Some ask about spice. This does have open door scenes, but personally, I think the main focus is not on the actions themselves but on the intimacy and emotional connection of it. You truly get to see the whole relationship and vulnerability get laid out and everything that happens was meant to happen for it to make sense in the end.
I am not a contemporary reader typically, and this book easily made me interested in checking out more. This is also hands down one of my favorite reads this year. I may not be the best with words my self, but DM Randall sure is. Thank you for the ARC opportunity and letting me rant to you with all of my thoughts and feelings through this journey. I can’t wait to see what else you create in the future.
I highly recommend giving this one a shot.
The love story you get between Kasia and Rafe is raw, messy and real. It’s super relatable and beautifully poetic. The banter between the band mates, the side characters and, yes, even plot twists all flow so well. You really find yourself rooting for a lot of the them in the story but also jaded on whether to dislike others or if they’re just misunderstood.
Some ask about spice. This does have open door scenes, but personally, I think the main focus is not on the actions themselves but on the intimacy and emotional connection of it. You truly get to see the whole relationship and vulnerability get laid out and everything that happens was meant to happen for it to make sense in the end.
I am not a contemporary reader typically, and this book easily made me interested in checking out more. This is also hands down one of my favorite reads this year. I may not be the best with words my self, but DM Randall sure is. Thank you for the ARC opportunity and letting me rant to you with all of my thoughts and feelings through this journey. I can’t wait to see what else you create in the future.
I highly recommend giving this one a shot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5+⭐️
I have never read a rockstar romance before so I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I started The Riven Altar but man was I blown away by this book! Be prepared to cry a lot, laugh out loud, get angry and fall deeply in love!
It is so hard to believe this is DM Randall’s debut novel. This is a story that I will be thinking about for a long time. The way each character was so incredibly written made their emotions and experiences feel real! Every relationship, whether it was Kasia and her family or with Rafe, Dominik and Lucia or Aga and Poitr, was portrayed with so much emotion that you can’t help but fall for everyone! This book was equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, I don't think I have ever read a book and gone through the entire range of emotions while reading like I did with this one! The amount of times I was laughing with, rooting for, screaming at, giggling and kicking my feet and crying with all the characters is crazy!
The pacing of this slow burn was so amazingly done. The personal growth as well as the romance wasn’t rushed or constricted. It had time to develop and grow into a deep love that will last a lifetime! The gut wrenching moments when the MCs were apart had me screaming but it was all worth it for them to finally grasp how they truly felt and when they finally reconnected, it was electric!
I cannot wait to continue to follow the characters stories in book 2!! I feel so incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this amazing book!
“I want you. I love you. I want us. I want to live my life while I have it, with you.”
I have never read a rockstar romance before so I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I started The Riven Altar but man was I blown away by this book! Be prepared to cry a lot, laugh out loud, get angry and fall deeply in love!
It is so hard to believe this is DM Randall’s debut novel. This is a story that I will be thinking about for a long time. The way each character was so incredibly written made their emotions and experiences feel real! Every relationship, whether it was Kasia and her family or with Rafe, Dominik and Lucia or Aga and Poitr, was portrayed with so much emotion that you can’t help but fall for everyone! This book was equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, I don't think I have ever read a book and gone through the entire range of emotions while reading like I did with this one! The amount of times I was laughing with, rooting for, screaming at, giggling and kicking my feet and crying with all the characters is crazy!
The pacing of this slow burn was so amazingly done. The personal growth as well as the romance wasn’t rushed or constricted. It had time to develop and grow into a deep love that will last a lifetime! The gut wrenching moments when the MCs were apart had me screaming but it was all worth it for them to finally grasp how they truly felt and when they finally reconnected, it was electric!
I cannot wait to continue to follow the characters stories in book 2!! I feel so incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this amazing book!
“I want you. I love you. I want us. I want to live my life while I have it, with you.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Riven Altar
By D. M. Randall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Riven Altar is a gut-wrenching and beautifully written rockstar romance that explores the collision of two vastly different worlds. The story follows Kasia Sawadzka, a disciplined Seattle retinal surgeon whose life is built on responsibility, and Rafe Ashton, the enigmatic frontman of the world-famous alt-rock band, The Riven Altar. When an accident forces Kasia to step in as Rafe’s doctor, an undeniable and slow-burning connection begins to form through late-night conversations and shared silences. Randall masterfully navigates the tension between Kasia’s grounded life and the chaotic, mythic fame that Rafe desperately wants to escape.
What truly sets this debut apart is the depth of its characters and its rich cultural texture. Kasia is a brilliant "boss lady" in a male-dominated field, and the glimpses into her warm, chaotic Polish family dinners add a layer of authenticity and heart to her journey. Rafe is equally compelling; he is tired of being a symbol for his fans and privately yearns for a quiet, true intimacy that fame has made impossible. The secondary characters, including the other band members—who feature their own poignant subplots, including an MM romance—round out a world that feels incredibly real and raw. If you love stories about yearning, "he falls first," and the heavy cost of choosing love over duty, this emotional rollercoaster will stay with you long after the final page.
Overall, this was a fantastic 4-star read. For a debut novel, D. M. Randall shows incredible promise, and I look forward to reading many more great books from this author in the future.
10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.
By D. M. Randall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Riven Altar is a gut-wrenching and beautifully written rockstar romance that explores the collision of two vastly different worlds. The story follows Kasia Sawadzka, a disciplined Seattle retinal surgeon whose life is built on responsibility, and Rafe Ashton, the enigmatic frontman of the world-famous alt-rock band, The Riven Altar. When an accident forces Kasia to step in as Rafe’s doctor, an undeniable and slow-burning connection begins to form through late-night conversations and shared silences. Randall masterfully navigates the tension between Kasia’s grounded life and the chaotic, mythic fame that Rafe desperately wants to escape.
What truly sets this debut apart is the depth of its characters and its rich cultural texture. Kasia is a brilliant "boss lady" in a male-dominated field, and the glimpses into her warm, chaotic Polish family dinners add a layer of authenticity and heart to her journey. Rafe is equally compelling; he is tired of being a symbol for his fans and privately yearns for a quiet, true intimacy that fame has made impossible. The secondary characters, including the other band members—who feature their own poignant subplots, including an MM romance—round out a world that feels incredibly real and raw. If you love stories about yearning, "he falls first," and the heavy cost of choosing love over duty, this emotional rollercoaster will stay with you long after the final page.
Overall, this was a fantastic 4-star read. For a debut novel, D. M. Randall shows incredible promise, and I look forward to reading many more great books from this author in the future.
10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Riven Altar changed my brain chemistry FOREVER. This was not just a rockstar romance, we explored the lives of her characters. I've read a few rockstar romances and nothing compares to what D.M. had done with TRA(The Riven Altar).
Kasia, our FMC, is smart, sassy, passionate, and badass. She juggles a busy life and a workload filled with patients and family. Kasia's family really makes it for me. You feel the love in their family diners. Learning more abot Polish culture was so fun and seeing a different dynamic from my own family and even compared to other books, was incredible heartwarming. Reading this, you feel like you're apart of the Sawadzka family.
Then the band. You meet every member and get to learn about their own inter-band relationships. Seeing the story from Rafe's POV is also fun because we get to see what truly happens backstage, while they tour. How his poetic mind works.
The YEARNING. If you don't love slow burn, this is not for you. We burn slow and hot here. This book had me laughing, screaming, gasping, crying, and throwing my Kindle across the room (While also messaging D.M. ALL of my thoughts). This story will take you on ALL of the emotions. You will feel every single thing for these characters. I'm determined they're real people and you can't tell me otherwise.
Amazing amazing read. The EASIEST 5 stars I could give. D.M. Randall poured her heart and soul into this and it's reflected in every word. TRA will forever be one of my top favorites. Go and read this book, you will NOT regret it.
Kasia, our FMC, is smart, sassy, passionate, and badass. She juggles a busy life and a workload filled with patients and family. Kasia's family really makes it for me. You feel the love in their family diners. Learning more abot Polish culture was so fun and seeing a different dynamic from my own family and even compared to other books, was incredible heartwarming. Reading this, you feel like you're apart of the Sawadzka family.
Then the band. You meet every member and get to learn about their own inter-band relationships. Seeing the story from Rafe's POV is also fun because we get to see what truly happens backstage, while they tour. How his poetic mind works.
The YEARNING. If you don't love slow burn, this is not for you. We burn slow and hot here. This book had me laughing, screaming, gasping, crying, and throwing my Kindle across the room (While also messaging D.M. ALL of my thoughts). This story will take you on ALL of the emotions. You will feel every single thing for these characters. I'm determined they're real people and you can't tell me otherwise.
Amazing amazing read. The EASIEST 5 stars I could give. D.M. Randall poured her heart and soul into this and it's reflected in every word. TRA will forever be one of my top favorites. Go and read this book, you will NOT regret it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I read this book, I knew, this author knows love and ache and heartache. You can’t write this kind of story without having passion and the author has beautifully poured their heart into a masterpiece.
The Riven Alter is a beautiful unfolding of what happens when two seemingly opposite souls. A rockstar and a doctor collide and love that challenges their lives and beliefs, about themselves, about love, about loss. We all want to find a love that takes us deep into our very beings and have the courage it takes to embrace it. The courage to see our own worth and embrace an unexpected path.
I have to highlight the brilliant narrative choice to switch to Rafe’s point of view completely won me over. Suddenly, the story deepened from a beautiful romance into a profound look at longing, vulnerability, and the transformative power of being truly seen by someone you love. To be able to see both sides is something I’ve always wanted in my own life and D.M. Randall delivers in a way that kept me wanting more!
This book is for anyone who has ever ached for a love that captures all of their being. It’s written with a tenderness and insight that only someone with a beautiful heart could create. I am in awe of D.M. Randall’s talent and so honored to have been one of the first to read and witness them bring this story to life.
The Riven Alter is a beautiful unfolding of what happens when two seemingly opposite souls. A rockstar and a doctor collide and love that challenges their lives and beliefs, about themselves, about love, about loss. We all want to find a love that takes us deep into our very beings and have the courage it takes to embrace it. The courage to see our own worth and embrace an unexpected path.
I have to highlight the brilliant narrative choice to switch to Rafe’s point of view completely won me over. Suddenly, the story deepened from a beautiful romance into a profound look at longing, vulnerability, and the transformative power of being truly seen by someone you love. To be able to see both sides is something I’ve always wanted in my own life and D.M. Randall delivers in a way that kept me wanting more!
This book is for anyone who has ever ached for a love that captures all of their being. It’s written with a tenderness and insight that only someone with a beautiful heart could create. I am in awe of D.M. Randall’s talent and so honored to have been one of the first to read and witness them bring this story to life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Just two people who ran out of ways to hurt and finally found one way to heal."
This book hooked me from the very first page and never let go.
What stood out right from the get-go was the authentic way Kasia’s life is portrayed through her family. She brings every member vividly to life—their quirks, their bonds, their quiet tensions—so that you feel like you’ve stepped into their home, shared their meals, and become part of their world. You’ll find yourself laughing and rolling your eyes right along with them.
And then there’s Rafe. *Sigh*. Sweet, sensitive, achingly poetic Rafe. His voice—both in dialogue and inner thoughts—is pure beauty, laced with vulnerability and intensity. The passion, pain, and raw desire between him and Kasia is evident. Their relationship unfolds with all the messy, beautiful realism of real love: exhilarating highs, devastating lows, and everything in between. By the end, your heart will be pounding, breaking, and hoping right alongside them.
No spoilers, but brace yourself—the final hundred pages or so are an emotional storm, and it’s beautiful in it’s own way.
Overall, this book is real, honest, and written in a way that makes you yearn for the deepest possibilities of love. I highly recommended this book. Stick with it until the very last word and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
This book hooked me from the very first page and never let go.
What stood out right from the get-go was the authentic way Kasia’s life is portrayed through her family. She brings every member vividly to life—their quirks, their bonds, their quiet tensions—so that you feel like you’ve stepped into their home, shared their meals, and become part of their world. You’ll find yourself laughing and rolling your eyes right along with them.
And then there’s Rafe. *Sigh*. Sweet, sensitive, achingly poetic Rafe. His voice—both in dialogue and inner thoughts—is pure beauty, laced with vulnerability and intensity. The passion, pain, and raw desire between him and Kasia is evident. Their relationship unfolds with all the messy, beautiful realism of real love: exhilarating highs, devastating lows, and everything in between. By the end, your heart will be pounding, breaking, and hoping right alongside them.
No spoilers, but brace yourself—the final hundred pages or so are an emotional storm, and it’s beautiful in it’s own way.
Overall, this book is real, honest, and written in a way that makes you yearn for the deepest possibilities of love. I highly recommended this book. Stick with it until the very last word and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kasia Sawadzka and Rafe Ashton’s story doesn’t just unfold. It lingers. Like a ghost.
Kasia says it best: “No matter how much he loves me, no matter how much I love them both, it still feels like standing in someone else’s doorway, holding my breath, hoping I don’t wake the ghosts.” Two worlds, two men ... and she’s standing in the fracture. An ex woven into the walls. A child whose “for Mama” is innocent and devastating. The ghosts follow.
The story is steeped in these haunted spaces, where the ghosts of past relationships shape every choice, and the enduring presence of lives already lived presses into each moment. When Kasia reaches out to Rafe, she doesn’t just cross a line. She invites something in. And from there, everything feels shaped by what follows them. A song that won’t let go, becomes a possession rooted in childhood, reshaped in adulthood. Memory and reality blur. Every moment, every note, every touch, carries echoes. Even the most intimate moments — songs shared, brushstrokes traced, voices left on voicemails — echo with loss, and what cannot be undone.
This isn’t just love. It’s what love leaves behind, and what it refuses to release. Almost every line reads like poetry, and this author has become one of my favourites. I cannot recommend this story highly enough 🖤
Kasia says it best: “No matter how much he loves me, no matter how much I love them both, it still feels like standing in someone else’s doorway, holding my breath, hoping I don’t wake the ghosts.” Two worlds, two men ... and she’s standing in the fracture. An ex woven into the walls. A child whose “for Mama” is innocent and devastating. The ghosts follow.
The story is steeped in these haunted spaces, where the ghosts of past relationships shape every choice, and the enduring presence of lives already lived presses into each moment. When Kasia reaches out to Rafe, she doesn’t just cross a line. She invites something in. And from there, everything feels shaped by what follows them. A song that won’t let go, becomes a possession rooted in childhood, reshaped in adulthood. Memory and reality blur. Every moment, every note, every touch, carries echoes. Even the most intimate moments — songs shared, brushstrokes traced, voices left on voicemails — echo with loss, and what cannot be undone.
This isn’t just love. It’s what love leaves behind, and what it refuses to release. Almost every line reads like poetry, and this author has become one of my favourites. I cannot recommend this story highly enough 🖤
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