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Rip Cord #1-3

Rip Cord: The Complete Trilogy

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The Complete Rip Cord Trilogy:

The Reunion:

Gil Davis hated high school. Ever the geek, he has no intentions of attending his 10th year class reunion. The last thing he wants is to relive the taunting and teasing he received during his teenage years. However, there is one thing he misses from high school: the star Varsity football player. The one he had a crush on from the first day he laid eyes on him. But the last thing he expects is the now pro football player to come back to their home town to attend a lame high school reunion. Known as the Bad Boy of the NFL, Ripley "Rip" Cord, not only shows up, but shows up without a date and an eye for Gil.

The Weekend:

Geek Gil Davis hasn't heard a word from NFL player, Rip Cord, since hooking up at their class reunion. Then Rip calls him unexpectedly, he's taking Gil to his cabin for a weekend of exploration.

The Ever After:

When Rip Cord is kicked out of the NFL, he shows up unexpectedly at Gil Davis' front door. With his career over, Rip's finally ready for a future with Gil, if Gil's willing to give him another chance.

NOTE: The Rip Cord trilogy was previously published as three separate novellas. It has now been combined into one edition. This is a gay second chance romance with a guaranteed HEA.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2016

104 people are currently reading
229 people want to read

About the author

Jeanne St. James

129 books2,420 followers
JEANNE ST. JAMES is a USA Today and international bestselling romance author who loves an alpha male (or two). She writes steamy contemporary M/F and M/M romance, as well as M/M/F ménages, and has published over 60 books (so far). She also writes M/M paranormal romance under the name: J.J. Masters. Some of her books have been translated into French, German, Italian and Portuguese.

Want to read a sample of her work? Download a sampler book here: BookHip.com/MTQQKK

To keep up with her busy release schedule check her website at www.jeannestjames.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jeannestjames.com/newslett...

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5 stars
94 (23%)
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94 (23%)
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104 (26%)
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69 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
Profile Image for Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus.
1,120 reviews1,067 followers
March 20, 2019
Time of death? Ummmm..... Around the gazillion time i was told how one of the MC is the bad boy of NFL.

description

Sorry John Solo, it's not you! it is the story! Return to seller!

Rip was well-known. Unfortunately it was as the “bad boy” of the National Football League.

The Bad Boy of the NFL was…nuzzling his ear.

The Bad Boy of the NFL was his.

Was the Bad Boy of the National Football League really calling him?


The writing is cringey. The story is of a Geek and a Jock/ Bullied and the Bully, with low key offensive one liners.

description

The Mcs meet at their high school reunion, 10 years later then BAM! BOOM! MC 1 kisses MC 2....then....then.... the bad boy of NFL fucks the other guy in the locker room and it is all baby this! baby that! kneel! suck!

description

Anyhoo, i will just leave this here!

Rip released a long sigh, his cock still deep within Gil but softening a bit. “Are you usually on the receiving end?”
“Depends on who I’m with.”
“You know with me you will always be a bottom.”
Gil gave a slight shrug. The move dislodged Rip, and he stepped back.
“Does that bother you?”
“No.” As long as I’m with you.“Have you ever—”
“No.” Rip cut him off.
No, of course not. Gil couldn’t see him being a bottom for anyone.


description
Profile Image for Shin Mon Thway.
663 reviews1,703 followers
August 23, 2018
I think if you go into this book with the opinion that it’s only an erotica, you will have a much better time enjoying this one. Out of all three short stories, I find that first one of my favorite. Because it was written like an erotica and it felt exactly like that. Short, dirty, filthy and oh-so-sexy. The two other shorties in the trilogy felt like an afterthought of the author after writing the first one. Although it was attempted as a romance, it fell a bit short mainly because of Rip. He was a major a-hole and a top-notch manipulator. So he was mistreated by his father in his teenage years but that was not an excuse to treat Gil or others the way he did. Gil is a spineless, infatuated man who’s been in love with Rip for years so it was really easy to manipulate him. Also, there are a lot of contradictions. Rip has been in NFL for years and even though he had a bad reputation, he got contracted for every year before he was out permanently. And a gift of 3000$ worth camera to Gil is a big deal for him??? Because 3000$ is such a huge deal for the sports star? Also the word “the bad boy of the NFL” was used again and again and again that I got sick of it after a while. Epilogue was sweet but for me Rip didn’t make up for what he did to Gil. I would have loved this audio so much better if there was no romance in it and just sexy hookup because then, I’m not going to analyze or try to empathize with the characters. John Solo always delivers with his amazing narration though. Sex scenes are really hit and John’s voice elevated them to a whole new level. Great job buddy!


3.25 Why do sports stars need to be major a-holes stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨





Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,474 reviews380 followers
June 29, 2018
Story - 2.5-3 stars
Audio/narrator - 4 stars

I think that this is the first thing I have ever read/listened to from this author. I received this in audio format, and I first want to say that I just LOVE John Solo! He's a great narrator and really has some great voices and pace to his narration. I honestly think that if I had been reading this on my own, I would have not enjoyed it nearly as much as I did listening to John Solo.

The book itself is a bit hard to rate. I loved Gil, but I kinda think he could do better than Rip, because Rip treated him like crap for over half of the book (he threw out his personal belongings in the yard! He ridiculed Gil for thinking it'd be anything more meaningful). And he was basically a jerk until the final book in the trilogy, which was from Rip's POV. Rip went from being all "don't get any ideas of this being more than sex" to "I love you" in the span of a short part of this book.

I also wish that Gil could have stood up for himself more - if you don't like something, say you don't, just don't go jump off a cliff b/c the guy you've been obsessed with since high school tells you to. Rip barked a command and Gil basically did it, and I wish he could have spoken up his wants a bit more early on.

Their chemistry together even has me a bit torn. I thought they had some solid chemistry in some of their scenes together - but for Rip to not have ANY prep before Gil topped him for the first time EVER...well...really? There wasn't a ton of prepping for either if I remember correctly. And there is a bit of kink - although it was never discussed, negotiated, and like, safely planned (and there was serious paddling going on.) and so it just didn't flow for me.

The epilogue set 4 years later made up for some of my dislike of Rip, but it was hard to like him after all he had said to Gil and the way he treated him. Plenty of other people seemed to really enjoy this story, so if you are a fan of the sports god and nerdy geek pairing, you might really like this.

I received an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for AussieMum.
1,392 reviews55 followers
May 26, 2018
DNF 37%
Dissenting opinion ahead...

This could have been so good if these two men had just met up at the reunion and had an amazing encounter. But that didn't happen. Well it did, but it wasn't amazing.

These two don't even have conversations. Rip speaks in single sentences basically telling Gil to jump, and Gil says "how high". 10 years they haven't seen each other, (since high school when Rip watched while other kids bully Gil), and Rip practically pushes Gil into the locker room and they have hours of sex. There's no talking. No getting to know each other. No kindness. No romance. No laughing...Just sex.

And it only got worse when Rip started barking orders at Gil and throwing most of his clothes and book on he lawn before their weekend away. Yep, Rip's a real catch.

Maybe it gets better. But I can't make myself finish this to find out if these two get a HEA. Run Gil, run!!!!
Profile Image for W.
1,391 reviews138 followers
January 11, 2020
It was a struggle to finish  

Overall : 2 stars
Performance : 4 stars
Story : 2 stars
Reviewed: 12-28-19

I disliked both heroes so much , that even John Solo solid narration couldn't help me connect or/care about them. Rip , the jock acted and talked like a macho, arsehole, caveman and Gil, the nerd was a spineless doormat.

In the positive side, the MC have lots of steamy , raunchy sexy times.
Profile Image for Paul.
314 reviews17 followers
June 26, 2018
Can you smell that? Go on take deep sniff; that my friends is the vile reak of m/m garbage. This was BAD (and not in the good way). I am going to write a more detailed take down of this offensive and very near homophobic tome; when I can be bothered.
Profile Image for Steph (Teacups & Tropes).
870 reviews131 followers
Read
August 25, 2021
DNF @ 31%

The word “pussy” was used one too many times and not in reference to female genitalia. Soooo. No. Couldn’t go on.
Profile Image for Sara .
1,542 reviews154 followers
Read
July 5, 2018
I'd already read The Reunion and The Weekend in this series and did not realize there was more.

I still like Rip and Gil even though they and their romance have faults. I am a sucker for unrequited love that turns into an HEA so I needed to see what happened after they parted ways once their weekend was over.

I loved that we finally get Rip's POV in The Ever After and see what's in his head. It was obvious both men had feelings and that Rip's went deeper than he would let himself acknowledge. It was pretty sad to know how hard and for how long he had to hide that he was gay and the physical abuse he received from his father. It gave more depth to the character than just the bad boy football player who was in the closet. I don't think that Gil deserves better because Rip is all Gil has ever wanted and Gil is a fantastic human being and lover that gets Rip isn't perfect. Sure, Gil could have stood up for himself a few times but the story is how it is and I am actually okay with that. It's fiction.

The epilogue was ridiculously sweet and I love the addressed invitation. These two made me smile on a crap, shit (sorry Rip), day at work so thumbs up for that and the new chest of toys the couple has acquired.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,826 reviews178 followers
August 30, 2019
Three great books put together into one beautifully written series.
High school reunion turns into fantasy weekend of unleashed sexual attraction between Gil and Rip in the first book – The Reunion. Just because Rip is a pro football player and Gil is a brainiac nerd does not mean that they cannot be together in the second book The Weekend. And finally in the last book – The Ever After, after losing his career, Rip finally gets the man of his dreams. Coming out had its obstacles, but the chemistry between the two made all of the negatives turn around and finally A HEA. This was the perfect collection for a wonderful M/M romance.
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,903 reviews99 followers
August 6, 2019
This book is never going to win a Pulitzer Prize, but I thought it was a fun sexy read. It’s HEA as you knew it would be and lots of sex to get there.
Profile Image for SoCalBookReviews.
602 reviews20 followers
July 30, 2018
There are three shorter novellas included in this Trilogy bundle. So, let me just say that I was not really a fan of these characters up until the third part of the book. Part 3 (The Ever After) was the tipping point for me. I really liked how the characters finally had some dialogue and meaningful conversations going on between them. And we also finally learned why Rip acts the way he does and why he has such a crappy personality, Which doesn't excuse him but at least we get the reasoning behind it. I really disliked everything about him personally for the first two thirds of this book. It all comes to light in the end which totally redeems this entire trilogy for me. This book was a really interesting mix of second chances, and opposites attract, and coming out, and learning to love. Oh, and I can't forget to mention how much kinky sex there ended up being in this book, that totally surprised me. I was not expecting that at all.

Audio - John does a great job with the narration for this entire audiobook. I really liked his voice for Rip how deep it was compared to Gil's voice and thoughts. I would recommend this one in audiobook just based off the narrator. But, really John's voice for Rip is so on-point with Rip's personality I think that the narration might actually be part of why I disliked Rip as a person so much at the beginning... lol. I might have actually liked Rip a little more if I had read the book, instead of listening to the story. He really brings out the "villain" in Rip's personality with his voice. Which does give the story that added extra you look for in an audiobook.

~The Reunion~
At their High school reunion, geeky Gil meets up with the popular High school football player from his past. Gil always had a Crush on the football star Rip, but didn’t realize that Rip even knew who he was. At the reunion Gil gets a once in a lifetime chance to "hook up" with him. Listening to this part of the story was interesting. Rip is not really a likeable guy, it seems like he was the douchey popular sports stereotype in high school who never stuck up for the geeky guy getting bullied. And even when they meet again several years later, Rips personality doesn’t seem to have progressed much past that same guy he was years before. There’s not much actual conversation between the two guys before they go off into the locker room having sex together. And then there’s no real conversation after that either. This part of the book is just so short it has more of a Hot & Dirty, Wham, Bam, thank you Man sort of feel to it. And while the sex was really hot, there’s a lot more sex than there is dialogue going on so far.
~The Weekend~
After a few weeks without hearing from Rip, Gil gets a call to be ready in an hour for a weekend getaway?!? wth.... Who can get ready for a weekend getaway in an hour with no details or info on where you’re even going. lol. I am not quite sure why Gil just goes along with everything Rip says and does other than the infatuation he has for him. Rip takes them to a place in the middle of nowhere with no phones/internet. Makes them hike in the woods when Gil is very obviously not a fan of the outdoors. They have dirty, hot sex exactly how and when Rip wants them to. Rip comes and goes from Gil’s life as he pleases with no thought of how Gil actually feels. I feel like Rip is just a user (whether he realizes it or not) and Gil deserves so much better than that.
~The Ever After~
Yesss.. Redemption!!
Thank god for best friends.... Gil's bestie Katie is Fierce!! Finally Rip gets taken down a notch and called out on how horrible and selfishly he treats Gil. Honestly, I can’t help but think that Rip got some karmic payback when we find out he's been booted from the football team for his actions. I am so glad that Gil finally found the balls to ask Rip the hard questions about their relationship and where they stand as a couple now that Rip doesn’t have much else going on in life. That Gil didn’t just willingly go back to Rip without thinking about it first made the conclusion of this book so much better for me. ​
Profile Image for WycEd Reader.
2,384 reviews39 followers
August 11, 2018


Check out our The Rip Cord Trilogy Audiobook Review post on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆
I have very mixed feelings about this trilogy. I like Gil, but I found his willingness to continuously forgive Rip’s transgressions a tad… not disturbing, but rather troubling. I wanted him to realize he deserved to be treated better and demand as much from Rip. As for Rip, my initial positive impression of him during his first interaction with Gil and insisting Gil join him at his table didn’t last. Rip is one of those characters that the better I got to know him, the less I liked him.

The Reunion – 4 stars

This was a classic geek fantasy with a twist. I’m dating myself here – even if I disclose that I watched it years after its release – but The Reunion made me think of a m/m version of Revenge of the Nerds. This is the story I enjoyed the most because it was what it was, a high school reunion hook-up between the still-hot jock and the not-quite-so-geeky nerd. The quickie by the lockers was hot, if not really believable considering how much EVERYONE was vying for Rip’s attention, so the privacy factor wasn’t realistic, but hey, this is a fantasy. While hot, the whole shower scene was the first clear look at how Rip really isn’t concerned for Gil’s mental well-being. Knowing that Gil was bullied in high school by the other jocks, Rip should have never snapped Gil with the towel. That single action was like having cold water thrown on me – it completely doused any of the effects of their sexy times because it was bullying behavior. Yeah, that might be the kind of thing that happens in Rip’s team’s locker room, but Gil isn’t one of the guys and that was such an inappropriate thing to do to someone who doesn’t know you that well. So while that bothered me, I sallied forth with the hope that Gil’s maturity would balance out Rip’s boys-will-be-boys immaturity and the two would find their happily ever after.

The Weekend – 2 stars

This is the book that would have had me throwing in the towel had I been reading it. I’ll have to remember to edit my review before posting to Audible or Amazon, but Rip Cord shows himself to be an asshole, a major effing douchebag asshole. What I think was intended to come off as sexy, alpha-male, dominant behavior is actually bullying, controlling, and demeaning behavior. This is an installment where the author tried too hard to make it sexy and it didn’t work. Despite the sex itself being consensual, the whole BDSM scene was not sexy to me because not only did Rip not obtain consent for the scene elements – something I don’t think the way too starry-eyed Gil is capable of giving because he can’t say no to Rip – but there was no discussion about what was going to happen, no safe words were exchanged, and Rip didn’t check in with Gil during the so-called scene. As someone who reads quite a bit of BDSM, what happens between Gil and Rip is an example of how NOT to do it. I suspect other readers or listeners won’t have the same problem I did and will likely find this installment to be a continuation of the fantasy. But the unexpected BDSM-like scene coupled with Rip’s bipolar attitude about their “relationship” left a sour taste in my mouth after completing The Weekend. For me, Rip is the embodiment of every high school jock who doesn’t realize he’s no longer in high school and really needs to grow the hell up.

The Ever After – 3 stars

Truth be told, I’m not really sure how much I enjoyed this installment. Much like Katie, I had absolutely no sympathy for Rip. Unlike Katie, I would not have brought his drunk arse into my home to give him yet another chance to disappoint my best friend. That’s right, after being radio silent for months and after being kicked out of the NFL, Rip shows up drunk and passed out on Katie and Gil’s porch. Like a good bestie in a romance, Katie gives Rip a chewing out and then deposits him in Gil’s bed to sleep it off and wait for Gil to get home because she knows that Gil loves Rip. Because these were written as novellas, Gil isn’t able to give Rip the cold shoulder he deserves and while he doesn’t forgive Rip immediately, I still felt like Gil gave in too quickly. While I did lose track of the time span of this installment, I still found it hard to buy into Gil’s love for Rip and Rip realizing that he felt the same way about Gil. At this point, these two have spent about three days together in the past year after not having seen one another in ten years. I know this is a romance, but unrequited high school crushes between two people who only admired one another from afar, never interacting with more than a passing hello, is not enough of a history for me to buy into them falling in love in three days. Maybe if there had been some text banter or email exchanges in between The Reunion and The Weekend, I might have found The Ever After more believable, but at the end of the day, I’m looking at Gil, a guy in love with an idea of who he thinks Rip is, and Rip, a guy who fancies himself in love because Gil lets him be himself, not loving Gil for who Gil is but rather who Gil lets him be. It just didn’t work for me.

As for the narration, I’m a big fan of John Solo’s narrative performances and it's what I liked most about this trilogy. I suspect that had I read the novellas instead of listening to them, I would not have finished them because Solo toned down what I saw as Rip’s sense of entitlement and infused a vulnerability in him that I wouldn’t have been able to. I really enjoyed Gil’s few “I’m over this” moments and felt like I could actually hear it in his voice, Gil’s backbone going straight when he had to stand up to Rip. For me, Solo’s narration was the best part of the trilogy. Five stars for Solo’s narration.

In all fairness to the author, I feel as though I need to clearly state that what made this a three-star listen for me was Rip. Jeanne St. James’ writing was actually quite good, she just created a character I didn’t like, couldn’t connect with, and didn’t think he was good enough for Gil, even if he was who Gil thought he wanted. In fact, I hope to get a chance to check out some of St. James’ other books when time allows because I did enjoy the author’s writing style. I realize this sounds like faint praise or a backhanded compliment, but this was a case of the story and the reader/listener not being a good fit. I suspect that Rip Cord: The Complete Trilogy will have many a fan among readers and listeners, sadly, I’m not one of them.

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of Rip Cord: The Complete Trilogy by Jeanne St. James, narrated by John Solo to listen to and review.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Angela Goodrich.
1,608 reviews102 followers
July 27, 2018
I received a free copy of this audiobook to listen to and review for Wicked Reads.

I have very mixed feelings about this trilogy. I like Gil, but I found his willingness to continuously forgive Rip’s transgressions a tad… not disturbing, but rather troubling. I wanted him to realize he deserved to be treated better and demand as much from Rip. As for Rip, my initial positive impression of him during his first interaction with Gil and insisting Gil join him at his table didn’t last. Rip is one of those characters that the better I got to know him, the less I liked him.

The Reunion – 4 stars

This was a classic geek fantasy with a twist. I’m dating myself here – even if I disclose that I watched it years after its release – but The Reunion made me think of a m/m version of Revenge of the Nerds. This is the story I enjoyed the most because it was what it was, a high school reunion hook-up between the still-hot jock and the not-quite-so-geeky nerd. The quickie by the lockers was hot, if not really believable considering how much EVERYONE was vying for Rip’s attention, so the privacy factor wasn’t realistic, but hey, this is a fantasy. While hot, the whole shower scene was the first clear look at how Rip really isn’t concerned for Gil’s mental well-being. Knowing that Gil was bullied in high school by the other jocks, Rip should have never snapped Gil with the towel. That single action was like having cold water thrown on me – it completely doused any of the effects of their sexy times because it was bullying behavior. Yeah, that might be the kind of thing that happens in Rip’s team’s locker room, but Gil isn’t one of the guys and that was such an inappropriate thing to do to someone who doesn’t know you that well. So while that bothered me, I sallied forth with the hope that Gil’s maturity would balance out Rip’s boys-will-be-boys immaturity and the two would find their happily ever after.


The Weekend – 2 stars

This is the book that would have had me throwing in the towel had I been reading it. I’ll have to remember to edit my review before posting to Audible or Amazon, but Rip Cord shows himself to be an asshole, a major effing douchebag asshole. What I think was intended to come off as sexy, alpha-male, dominant behavior is actually bullying, controlling, and demeaning behavior. This is an installment where the author tried too hard to make it sexy and it didn’t work. Despite the sex itself being consensual, the whole BDSM scene was not sexy to me because not only did Rip not obtain consent for the scene elements – something I don’t think the way too starry-eyed Gil is capable of giving because he can’t say no to Rip – but there was no discussion about what was going to happen, no safe words were exchanged, and Rip didn’t check in with Gil during the so-called scene. As someone who reads quite a bit of BDSM, what happens between Gil and Rip is an example of how NOT to do it. I suspect other readers or listeners won’t have the same problem I did and will likely find this installment to be a continuation of the fantasy. But the unexpected BDSM-like scene coupled with Rip’s bipolar attitude about their “relationship” left a sour taste in my mouth after completing The Weekend. For me, Rip is the embodiment of every high school jock who doesn’t realize he’s no longer in high school and really needs to grow the hell up.


The Ever After – 3 stars

Truth be told, I’m not really sure how much I enjoyed this installment. Much like Katie, I had absolutely no sympathy for Rip. Unlike Katie, I would not have brought his drunk arse into my home to give him yet another chance to disappoint my best friend. That’s right, after being radio silent for months and after being kicked out of the NFL, Rip shows up drunk and passed out on Katie and Gil’s porch. Like a good bestie in a romance, Katie gives Rip a chewing out and then deposits him in Gil’s bed to sleep it off and wait for Gil to get home because she knows that Gil loves Rip. Because these were written as novellas, Gil isn’t able to give Rip the cold shoulder he deserves and while he doesn’t forgive Rip immediately, I still felt like Gil gave in too quickly. While I did lose track of the time span of this installment, I still found it hard to buy into Gil’s love for Rip and Rip realizing that he felt the same way about Gil. At this point, these two have spent about three days together in the past year after not having seen one another in ten years. I know this is a romance, but unrequited high school crushes between two people who only admired one another from afar, never interacting with more than a passing hello, is not enough of a history for me to buy into them falling in love in three days. Maybe if there had been some text banter or email exchanges in between The Reunion and The Weekend, I might have found The Ever After more believable, but at the end of the day, I’m looking at Gil, a guy in love with an idea of who he thinks Rip is, and Rip, a guy who fancies himself in love because Gil lets him be himself, not loving Gil for who Gil is but rather who Gil lets him be. It just didn’t work for me.

As for the narration, I’m a big fan of John Solo’s narrative performances and it’s what I liked most about this trilogy. I suspect that had I read the novellas instead of listening to them, I would not have finished them because Solo toned down what I saw as Rip’s sense of entitlement and infused a vulnerability in him that I wouldn’t have been able to. I really enjoyed Gil’s few “I’m over this” moments and felt like I could actually hear it in his voice, Gil’s backbone going straight when he had to stand up to Rip. For me, Solo’s narration was the best part of the trilogy. Five stars for Solo’s narration.

In all fairness to the author, I feel as though I need to clearly state that what made this a three-star listen for me was Rip. Jeanne St. James’ writing was actually quite good, she just created a character I didn’t like, couldn’t connect with, and didn’t think he was good enough for Gil, even if he was who Gil thought he wanted. In fact, I hope to get a chance to check out some of St. James’ other books when time allows because I did enjoy the author’s writing style. I realize this sounds like faint praise or a backhanded compliment, but this was a case of the story and the reader/listener not being a good fit. I suspect that Rip Cord: The Complete Trilogy will have many a fan among readers and listeners, sadly, I’m not one of them.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
522 reviews24 followers
July 20, 2021
2 stars

The audiobook read by John Solo was so good but the story? Uhhhhh, I wanted to punch Rip in the face so many times. He was such an asshole and I get it, his father was horrible but no reason to be such a dick to Gil.
Profile Image for Tate Webb.
274 reviews5 followers
April 24, 2024
DNF at 33%

It is erotica, but advertised as a romance.

Maybe the romance came later?

Not going to read more to find out
Profile Image for xxBooksILovexx.
779 reviews42 followers
April 2, 2021
This was my first listen by Jeanne St James. Gil & Rip definitely had a better time at their 10th High School reunion than most people do! Enjoyed their love story. Excellent narration by John Solo.
Profile Image for Nicki.
216 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2020
Rip and Gil!!!

As a huge fan of Jeanne St James I had to read this set once I found it and I was not disappointed at all while m/m romance isn’t for everyone I think she did a great job and kept it tasty and hot all while have a good story line. This set was steamy and written so well and I definitely recommend you check it out.
Profile Image for Elysian Fields.
2,193 reviews37 followers
May 9, 2018

Rip Cord is three short stories (The Reunion, The Weekend, and The Ever After) each telling a part of this couples story. Filled with lust, heat, passion, and just enough drama; this is the story of Rip and Gil.

Ripley “Rip” Cord is an NFL “bad boy” who is hiding who he really is from everyone but himself and Gil. He comes across as harsh at times, but there is a need in him that any reader can see. His passion towards Gil is evident and makes this story. There was a few times that I was shaking my head at Rip, wanting to smack him for his choices. There is a quote that I believe is the perfect example of his beliefs: “I had a reputation to uphold as a tough football player…I feel I still have to.”

Gil is a “geek” who has been lusting after Rip for the better part of a decade plus. Shy and reserved, Gil finds himself at the center of his life’s fantasy. He gets what he has always wanted but soon has to question what he is willing to live with or without in terms of a relationship with Rip. I liked Gil in that he was Rip's balance and I was really proud of him in his actions toward Rip.

This story wastes no time getting to the heat and it doesn't cool off. I loved reading about two characters who are so incredibly different yet find peace and comfort in each other. As aggressive and dominate as Rip was, I still felt that this was a really sweet story at its core. Short on details in places, the heat of this story and the characters themselves made up for it.

This was a completely enjoyable read and a great way to spend my evening. I had the immense pleasure of receiving an ARC and I am leaving an honest review. If you love MM romance, alpha men, sweetness and heat, check this story out!
Profile Image for Katherine.
2,870 reviews13 followers
June 5, 2018
Making new memories over the bad

A really good book a altogether, but I've got to say that individually I might have given up on these books. With two characters starring and one being an insufferable jerk it made me wonder if the whole thing would be worth it; if I had to wait for that third novella I might not have read it. But being able to read it all as one made it a very worthwhile progression.

Gil is a sweetheart, a smart CPA with a great best friend who pushed him to go to his high school reunion. High school was hell for Gil, alternating between invisibility and getting beaten up, and the one bright spot was his crush on Rip. At the reunion Gil runs into Rip and it turns out that crush may have been mutual. But Rip is deeply in the closet and if Gil wants anything their time together has to stay that way too.

It was hard watching Gil in this. He keeps putting his heart out there but to have it knocked back down. Rip would be demanding and impatient, but then turn around and be kind and caring, putting Gil's heart through the ringer. In the end when Rip hits rock bottom we finally get to see more and make some real progress between the two. Gil doesn't make it easy and doesn't take any crap, but Rip and Gil find their way together for a very nice little ending.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,308 reviews22 followers
May 24, 2018
This is the complete anthology of Ripley (aka Rip) and Gil’s story in three parts. The first part has the two men getting reacquainted at their high school reunion. The second part chronicles the time they spend together over the weekend. The third part details their ever after. Rip is the one that all the young boys wanted to be. In high school he was popular and the quarterback of the school’s football team. Gil was his opposite. He was a nerd and picked on incessantly. To make matters worse, he was attracted to Rip. Fast forward ten years, Rip is the “bad boy” of the NFL but is hiding his true self. Gil is still somewhat of a nerd but has matured although he still has his insecurities when it comes to Rip. When Rip makes a move on Gil, at the reunion, the chemistry is incendiary and just keeps getting hotter. Ms. St. James has written a touching storyline of two men finding out who they really are and what they are willing to do to have the life they want to live. If you enjoy reading a M/M storyline then this is one you should check out. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this story.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,147 reviews56 followers
June 19, 2018
The high school nerd and the popular jock, not an unusual pair. While in high school, nothing ever happened, but 10 years later at their high school reunion things would change. Rip is struggling on his football team, the ultimate bad boy and finds comfort and passion with Gil. Thinking it was only a one night stand, Gil was excited to get the call and spend the weekend with Rip. And their relationship begins to build. I am not normally an MM listener, but when this story came out, I was intrigued. I love the character of Rip. He is the ultimate hunky man, but is so tortured by his secrets. At times I felt Gil needed a little more backbone, but reflecting on the story, I think he was able to give Rip what he needed to become the man he is supposed to be. With hot, erotic scenes, love and understanding, Jeanne St James has written an enjoyable listen.

This is my first narration by John Solo, and I loved his voice for Rip. I did think he gave Gil a pretty weak voice, and while his character is more introverted, I would have liked him to have a little more confidence. His pace was great and he gave the men just the right amount of emotions.
1,109 reviews
May 11, 2018
For me, this trilogy was short (each part is novella length), and so I was able to read it quickly. Within the first few pages, I finally found a character that I hate, and not matter what he did to try to change, my opinion of him still makes him a jerk. However, I'm a glutton for punishment, and even though Rip is not one if my favorite characters, I still loved reading their whirlwind romance.

This is a M/M romance, with very erotic scenes, some BDSM elements, and a jerky jock with a lot of issues. But, Gil (the nerd) is absolutely adorable, and makes me realize that we'll do just about anything, and forgive just about anything, for those we love.

I didn't read this trilogy when it first came out, and I'm glad I waited to read it now. I'm curious if maybe we'll get to see more of our NFL bad boy and his nerd-CPA boy-toy in the future.

Please note that I did receive an ARC of this book, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
1,708 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2018
I love this author and her stories! There hasn't been a single one I haven't devoured. She has a way of taking tough characters and showing their vulnerable sides. I just wish it hadn't taken so long to see Rip's vulnerabilities and learn the why of them. There were times I didn't like the way he treated Gil, especially after their intimate interactions. It made a lot more sense after Rip confided in Gil. The two men had chemistry and I was rooting for them to admit their true feelings for each other. This set of three novellas can be read in a few hours making it a great afternoon read.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
Profile Image for Donna Smith.
1,273 reviews12 followers
May 20, 2018
What a hot read! This M/M romance is not your traditional story line. Gil has been in lust over Rip since high school. Gil was the class nerd and Rip, the star quarterback. Gil couldn't even imagine Rip being into him. Their 10 class reunion happens and Rip manages to keep Gil close to his side and even makes an excuse for them to be alone. And all of Gil's bad memories about the place have been replaced by Rip and his desire.
This three book set explores how they come to terms with being together. A trip down their old high school halls,a stolen weekend and finally really talking to each other about where they want to be and go in the future.
Profile Image for Kara Coens.
836 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2018
I loved Gil and Rip! There was a lot of pent up emotions coming from both of them that kept me turning the pages. Gil had, still does have, a huge crush on Rip and has been following his career. Not once has Gil ever thought he would have a chance with the superstar football player. Rip has come to their high school reunion hoping that the one person he has always secretly wanted, geeky and sexy Gil, will be there. I honestly loved walking through this journey with Gil and Rip. At times I truly disliked Rip but he managed to redeem himself. I hope you will enjoy this sexy, steamy and emotional read as I did!
Profile Image for Ginger.
1,166 reviews8 followers
June 17, 2018
Gilbert Davis is the class nerd, Riply (Rip) Cord is the class Jock, and never in Gil’s life did he dream that by going to his 10th class reunion would he be confronted, then possessed by his secret high school crush Rip Cord. Gil thinks it’s only a one night stand, but then he gets a call spend the weekend with me. A weekend of passion, exploration and confessions.
With the new football season getting underway Gil is surprised to come home from work to find his bed occupied by Rip, with more confessions, especially the one with his admission of love and dreams fulfilled.
Thank you Jeanne St. James for gifting me this audible gift, for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Sonja Netkovska.
97 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2018
Beautiful M/M trilogy. It's short but is a must read story, actually everything Jeanne has writen is must read.
It's about Gil who is a clumsy, unsertan in himself and the biggest nerd and Rip who is Bad Boy of the NFL. Gil after 10 years is still obsessed and deep in love with his first crush Rip, is Rip on the same page as Gil is?
Buy it and you'll find out even if you're not into M/M romances you'll love this trilogy.
My opinion is that this trilogy was the start of Jeanne's obsessed novellas.
Profile Image for Quen Barlow.
440 reviews
May 25, 2018
My my my Mr Rip

This is definitely a interesting story Rip and Gil are night and day but are so perfect together.
Rip is a jerk and he knows it and it drives me crazy the but I love him for it. Gil is a sweetheart and no matter what Rip does he is there to pick him up. This story is hot and definitely worth reading the only down side was I wished it was longer. I voluntarily read a copy
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.7k reviews28 followers
July 14, 2018
Rip Cord is the complete trilogy about Gil who was the school nerd going to his 10 year high school reunion, seeing his school crush Rip the school jock and getting the chance to be with him. I don’t usually read MM but I love this authors writing so I figured I'd give it a try and I wasn't disappointed. The narration was great and each character had a distinct voice. I was given a review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily reviewed it.
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