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Exits, Desires, & Slow Fires: Poems
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Poetry (2017)“Rogue is focused, deliberate, and seasoned in her latest release that is a mix of poetry and prose...a wordsmith. Her command of the poetic language is unparalleled and sets her apart from other contemporary poets.” —Alicia Cook, Bestselling author of Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately
“It’s going to hit you below the belt. You’re going to reach for the
closest stand-in lover you can find & you’re going to make a home in their body
& you’re going to pretend your childhood memories are hung
in his chest & you skinned your knee
tripping over the curve of his arm & you have always been here.”
In Exits, Desires, & Slow Fires Goodreads Choice Nominated poet J.R. Rogue shines bright. With heartbreaking language, the bestselling author revisits unreturned love like only she can. Unforgiving pain, wanting, longing, fierce betrayal, and sweet lies feel like a second skin in this collection about love and loss.
“It’s going to hit you below the belt. You’re going to reach for the
closest stand-in lover you can find & you’re going to make a home in their body
& you’re going to pretend your childhood memories are hung
in his chest & you skinned your knee
tripping over the curve of his arm & you have always been here.”
In Exits, Desires, & Slow Fires Goodreads Choice Nominated poet J.R. Rogue shines bright. With heartbreaking language, the bestselling author revisits unreturned love like only she can. Unforgiving pain, wanting, longing, fierce betrayal, and sweet lies feel like a second skin in this collection about love and loss.
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Paperback
First published September 19, 2017
47 people are currently reading
1931 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Rogue
60 books851 followersJ.R. Rogue first put pen to paper at the age of fifteen after developing an unrequited high school crush and has never stopped writing about heartache. She has published multiple volumes of poetry and novels. Her work has been recognized with three Goodreads Choice Awards nominations, a testament to the impact of her work on readers.
In addition to her writing, J.R. Rogue is a certified yoga teacher with additional certification in Yoga Nidra and Trauma-Informed Yoga. She is passionate about mindfulness and meditation, and currently studying Foundations in Meditation. Furthermore, J.R. Rogue has been sober from alcohol since January 1st, 2020, a personal achievement that she is proud of and that has strengthened her commitment to mindfulness and wellness.
J.R. Rogue resides in a small town in the Midwest with her family, where she enjoys a peaceful life reading and telling stories
In addition to her writing, J.R. Rogue is a certified yoga teacher with additional certification in Yoga Nidra and Trauma-Informed Yoga. She is passionate about mindfulness and meditation, and currently studying Foundations in Meditation. Furthermore, J.R. Rogue has been sober from alcohol since January 1st, 2020, a personal achievement that she is proud of and that has strengthened her commitment to mindfulness and wellness.
J.R. Rogue resides in a small town in the Midwest with her family, where she enjoys a peaceful life reading and telling stories
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 21, 2017
Reviewed on: 5171 Miles Book Blog.
When the woman who made me love poetry releases a new collection, you better believe I’m all but foaming at the mouth to get a taste. Her words are among my favorites ever written. Just look at this cover, guys. We’re not supposed to get our hopes up based on an image, but after gazing at this cover how can we not?
Luckily, the content inside was exactly up to par and paired perfectly with the stunning cover photo. J.R. Rogue’s composition of words is pure art. In such few words, she is able to create the imagery of a scene in a novel. I become fully immersed in the picture she paints and am always left craving more. I want to crawl inside her mind to reveal the stories behind poems. The mystery of not knowing or understanding the full stories behind a page-full of words is absolutely captivating.
Without giving much away about the content within, I wanted to share some of my favorite lines from a few poems in this collection:
“The idea of me & the idea of you
look better together anyway.”
“I liked you better when you liked me less.”
“I’m no open book but one look at my cover
& you’re whispering my plot twists before
I’ve had a chance to blow on the ink.”
The longest poem in the collection, “It’s Going to Hit You Violently” was undoubtedly my favorite. Rogue can rip my heart out and serve it on a platter. I could write my entire review on this poem alone. I’m in awe of the world she crafted in my brain, the feelings she evoked, and the absolutely empathy I was able to feel through reading her words.
Rogue is a master of the mantra, “Less is more.”
Fewer words = all the feels.
When the woman who made me love poetry releases a new collection, you better believe I’m all but foaming at the mouth to get a taste. Her words are among my favorites ever written. Just look at this cover, guys. We’re not supposed to get our hopes up based on an image, but after gazing at this cover how can we not?
Luckily, the content inside was exactly up to par and paired perfectly with the stunning cover photo. J.R. Rogue’s composition of words is pure art. In such few words, she is able to create the imagery of a scene in a novel. I become fully immersed in the picture she paints and am always left craving more. I want to crawl inside her mind to reveal the stories behind poems. The mystery of not knowing or understanding the full stories behind a page-full of words is absolutely captivating.
Without giving much away about the content within, I wanted to share some of my favorite lines from a few poems in this collection:
“The idea of me & the idea of you
look better together anyway.”
“I liked you better when you liked me less.”
“I’m no open book but one look at my cover
& you’re whispering my plot twists before
I’ve had a chance to blow on the ink.”
The longest poem in the collection, “It’s Going to Hit You Violently” was undoubtedly my favorite. Rogue can rip my heart out and serve it on a platter. I could write my entire review on this poem alone. I’m in awe of the world she crafted in my brain, the feelings she evoked, and the absolutely empathy I was able to feel through reading her words.
Rogue is a master of the mantra, “Less is more.”
Fewer words = all the feels.
September 8, 2017
I was provided an advanced copy of Exits, Desires, & Slow Fires by J.R.Rogue in exchange for an honest review. And hon-est-ly: 5 stars.
Rogue is focused, deliberate, and seasoned in her latest release that is a mix of poetry and prose, with most pieces taking up most of the page, leaving very little room for negative space (thank you for killing trees the humane way).
Each piece is strong, there is no filler in this book. Rogue is a wordsmith. Her command of the poetic language is unparalleled and sets her apart from other contemporary poets.
Long time readers of Rogue will be able to recognize this work as hers just by reading a few of the pieces - she has mastered the artistry of her own voice and style. She knows exactly who she is as an artist.
"My poems are shallow graves
that give me away,"
she writes in one of the pieces. Instead of pulling out overdone cliches, Rogue pulls from her own life (in the work, she also mentions trying to "pull songs from her flesh"). Fans of Rogue will also notice her familiar use of the ampersand, the theme of unrequited loved, and the light biblical references, a nod to living on the bible belt.
Simply put, if you started to lose faith in the poetry collections you've been buying on Amazon, this book will reinstate your love for bittersweet prose.
You'll be able to read it in one sitting, but will find yourself revisiting. Maybe even pulling some lines to complement your latest Instagram post. Now I want to share some of my favorite lines from larger pieces within the book:
"I can't bring myself to face the truth of it all.
That she was the heroine & I was just a plot device..."
"I feel like you're more of a
ghost in this town
than the legend you'd thought you'd be."
Rogue has always shined brightest when writing about unrequited love. In this collection, she has hit her stride and most other writers will be eating her dust.
Rogue is focused, deliberate, and seasoned in her latest release that is a mix of poetry and prose, with most pieces taking up most of the page, leaving very little room for negative space (thank you for killing trees the humane way).
Each piece is strong, there is no filler in this book. Rogue is a wordsmith. Her command of the poetic language is unparalleled and sets her apart from other contemporary poets.
Long time readers of Rogue will be able to recognize this work as hers just by reading a few of the pieces - she has mastered the artistry of her own voice and style. She knows exactly who she is as an artist.
"My poems are shallow graves
that give me away,"
she writes in one of the pieces. Instead of pulling out overdone cliches, Rogue pulls from her own life (in the work, she also mentions trying to "pull songs from her flesh"). Fans of Rogue will also notice her familiar use of the ampersand, the theme of unrequited loved, and the light biblical references, a nod to living on the bible belt.
Simply put, if you started to lose faith in the poetry collections you've been buying on Amazon, this book will reinstate your love for bittersweet prose.
You'll be able to read it in one sitting, but will find yourself revisiting. Maybe even pulling some lines to complement your latest Instagram post. Now I want to share some of my favorite lines from larger pieces within the book:
"I can't bring myself to face the truth of it all.
That she was the heroine & I was just a plot device..."
"I feel like you're more of a
ghost in this town
than the legend you'd thought you'd be."
Rogue has always shined brightest when writing about unrequited love. In this collection, she has hit her stride and most other writers will be eating her dust.
September 23, 2017
She is my most favorite. Her work makes me drool and get weepy and really re-evaluate who I am. And I need that. Every day.
December 7, 2017
I have so many favorites in this short collection and I didn’t want it to end. I read some poems and wanted to slide down the wall and cry it out. Others were drenched in desire and left me wanting more. I couldn’t get enough of this collection. J.R. Rouge never disappoints.
September 21, 2017
"Tell me you're sorry so we can both try on the lie."
Unforgiving pain, wanting, longing, fierce betrayal, and sweet the lies we tell each other were all themes represented in Exits, Desires, & Slow Fires. This collection of poetry will cut you down to the bones as the intense, dark, and heartbreaking words slash across the canvas that Rogue paints for her readers.
"If you break my heart & I still smile, was it ever love at all?"
Each and every poem's voice is strong with an unyielding filter that makes you feel all the emotions. The way she expertly weaved her words together wrapped around my heart and took up home, and even though they are tragic poems, they had a calming effect over my soul. This is the type of writing that never leaves you. It's the kind of writing that burrows deep in you heart and stays with you. Read it!
XX,
Jennifer
*ARC Provided by author*
Unforgiving pain, wanting, longing, fierce betrayal, and sweet the lies we tell each other were all themes represented in Exits, Desires, & Slow Fires. This collection of poetry will cut you down to the bones as the intense, dark, and heartbreaking words slash across the canvas that Rogue paints for her readers.
"If you break my heart & I still smile, was it ever love at all?"
Each and every poem's voice is strong with an unyielding filter that makes you feel all the emotions. The way she expertly weaved her words together wrapped around my heart and took up home, and even though they are tragic poems, they had a calming effect over my soul. This is the type of writing that never leaves you. It's the kind of writing that burrows deep in you heart and stays with you. Read it!
XX,
Jennifer
*ARC Provided by author*
September 10, 2017
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
5 "Beautifully breathtaking" Stars!!!
JR Rogue has been one of my favorite writers for a long time. I was lucky enough to stumble upon her page on Instagram, and since then I have been forever grateful.
Everything JR writes is beyond amazing. She makes you feel everything she writes. She has the ability to open your heart and feed you every single emotion she pours into her poems. And that visceral feeling that tugs at your soul and the uncontrollable urge to shed tears. She leaves you in haze. And there's nothing you can do other than absorb every single word.
This collection of poetry is no different. Every one of these poems will hit you right in the heart. How? How does she do it? I honestly don't know. But with everything she writes it just gets better and better.
'It's Going To Hit You Violently' this poem cut me. I was on the floor clutching my chest. Each and every word embedded itself in the deepest parts of my marrow. I felt it. I felt the hurt. The sadness. The love. The betrayal. EVERY. SINGLE. THING. I let the tears fall without a care. These words latched themselves in my soul and I made a home for them.
JR, I can't even begin to tell you what your writing does to me. I love all your words. I have lived some of your words. You are without a doubt and will always be one of my favorite poets. Thank you for becoming a writer. Thank you for your realness and authenticity. And thank you for sharing a piece of your heart with the rest of us.
5 "Beautifully breathtaking" Stars!!!
JR Rogue has been one of my favorite writers for a long time. I was lucky enough to stumble upon her page on Instagram, and since then I have been forever grateful.
Everything JR writes is beyond amazing. She makes you feel everything she writes. She has the ability to open your heart and feed you every single emotion she pours into her poems. And that visceral feeling that tugs at your soul and the uncontrollable urge to shed tears. She leaves you in haze. And there's nothing you can do other than absorb every single word.
This collection of poetry is no different. Every one of these poems will hit you right in the heart. How? How does she do it? I honestly don't know. But with everything she writes it just gets better and better.
'It's Going To Hit You Violently' this poem cut me. I was on the floor clutching my chest. Each and every word embedded itself in the deepest parts of my marrow. I felt it. I felt the hurt. The sadness. The love. The betrayal. EVERY. SINGLE. THING. I let the tears fall without a care. These words latched themselves in my soul and I made a home for them.
JR, I can't even begin to tell you what your writing does to me. I love all your words. I have lived some of your words. You are without a doubt and will always be one of my favorite poets. Thank you for becoming a writer. Thank you for your realness and authenticity. And thank you for sharing a piece of your heart with the rest of us.
October 16, 2017
Beautiful words!
December 21, 2017
Great colection
There is a ton of feeling and a ton of heartache in this longing collection of poetry. I enjoyed every page and would definitely recommend it :)
Xo,
Rach
There is a ton of feeling and a ton of heartache in this longing collection of poetry. I enjoyed every page and would definitely recommend it :)
Xo,
Rach
September 20, 2017
I don't know what happens to my brain when I read Rogue's words but I feel absolutely transported. I feel every sense becoming more accute, and calm all in the same breath. With expert craftsmanship she creates beautiful prose, weaving words into a masterpiece. I think most of this book was read in a trance, one where I couldn't ignore anything she wrote, where I had to take in every single letter into my soul and feel it living there. I swear I'm not exaggerating. I adore her writing, I adore her style and I adore her.
September 21, 2017
Lots of desires
So much nostalgic longing. I can't help but think of my own past loves while reading this. The cover is beautiful, but the content inside is even better.
So much nostalgic longing. I can't help but think of my own past loves while reading this. The cover is beautiful, but the content inside is even better.
September 21, 2017
I don’t typically seek out to read poetry. But Jens words touch my soul. Her emotion radiates off the pages. Each poem draws you in and leaves you wanting more. I find myself buying everything I can get my hands on written by her.
September 25, 2017
Entrancing and personal
The consistent use of the second person in addressing the subject of the poems gives this collection a deeply personal voice. It feels as though you’re reading someone’s private letters. It was absolutely captivating.
The consistent use of the second person in addressing the subject of the poems gives this collection a deeply personal voice. It feels as though you’re reading someone’s private letters. It was absolutely captivating.
October 14, 2017
"I am my own to break.
I am my own."
<3
I am my own."
<3
October 13, 2018
Great poems, I enjoyed this a lot! The style reminded me a bit of Richard Siken, where the words just sort of flow fast and consistently. Great one!
December 26, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the Goodreads giveaways. I’ve never heard of the author before and did not know what to expect. From the very first page I was hooked. The words came to life and pulled me in. As the book ended I craved for more. I am a new fan and I cannot wait to read her other books.
August 15, 2018
4.5/5
Apparently, I am just going to binge all of J.R. Rogue's poetry collections.
While Tell Me Where It Hurts resonated with me more deeply than Exits, Desires, and Slow Fires, it had nothing to do with the quality of the writing. Jen has this remarkable ability to weave poetry that is both accessible and profound. I don't understand why her books aren't absolutely everywhere.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to read her next book.
Apparently, I am just going to binge all of J.R. Rogue's poetry collections.
While Tell Me Where It Hurts resonated with me more deeply than Exits, Desires, and Slow Fires, it had nothing to do with the quality of the writing. Jen has this remarkable ability to weave poetry that is both accessible and profound. I don't understand why her books aren't absolutely everywhere.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to read her next book.
September 28, 2017
My lady
Ahhh so many caught my attention. I feel like I'm being torn into two directions. Makes me feel all kinds of twisted things. Rogues words always brand me in a way I never knew. I esp love them when they are written for me. Such talent Rogue has. Twisting words together is such a new fashion.
Ahhh so many caught my attention. I feel like I'm being torn into two directions. Makes me feel all kinds of twisted things. Rogues words always brand me in a way I never knew. I esp love them when they are written for me. Such talent Rogue has. Twisting words together is such a new fashion.
February 1, 2020
rogue tells a good story. this was absolutely profound. i envy this kind of vulnerability and this ability to effortlessly use metaphor and still be completely honest. all good poetry is honest.
September 22, 2017
*I volunteered to review a Copy of this book from The Author*
Thank you so very much Ms.Rogue!! I am extremely honored and grateful!! :)
4.5 Stars!!
Being a huge admirer of Ms.Rogue's work I couldn't wait to dive into this new collection!! I fell, I fell, and then I fell some more for every piece in this book. I couldn't stop the tears from falling after reading every raw, honest, and beautiful word. A couple of times I had read the poems twice because I wanted to feel those words over and over again.
I have too many favorites to name them all but here's a few that really stuck with me. - Barely, The Worst Kind of Game, Just Friends, All The Nameless, The Problem With Temptation, Tasted Like Poetry, It's Going To Hit You Violently, and last but certainly not least Tabula Rasa.
Here's a few lines from some of the poems mentioned above that really got to me. -
"You're the brutal truth when everyone else is spoon-feeding me roses."
"Some days love is the worst kind of game."
"You’re going to love him in reverse."
I connect with a lot of Ms.Rogue's poems but this collection hit me in the heart in ways I didn't see coming. I can never do her pieces justice because they are like heartbeats - each one different but oh so powerful. She writes what many of us feel and what we hide on the inside. Ms.Rogue puts her heart, soul, blood, sweat, tears, and pain into everything she does. She knocks it out of the park with Exits, Desires, & Slow Fires!! :)
I highly recommend this collection to anyone who is looking for a deep and breathtaking read. If you haven't read any of Ms.Rogue's work before you are definitely missing out so change that today!! Even if you aren't a fan of poetry I believe everyone can take something away from this and appreciate it. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did my fellow book lovers!! :)
Thank you so very much Ms.Rogue!! I am extremely honored and grateful!! :)
4.5 Stars!!
Being a huge admirer of Ms.Rogue's work I couldn't wait to dive into this new collection!! I fell, I fell, and then I fell some more for every piece in this book. I couldn't stop the tears from falling after reading every raw, honest, and beautiful word. A couple of times I had read the poems twice because I wanted to feel those words over and over again.
I have too many favorites to name them all but here's a few that really stuck with me. - Barely, The Worst Kind of Game, Just Friends, All The Nameless, The Problem With Temptation, Tasted Like Poetry, It's Going To Hit You Violently, and last but certainly not least Tabula Rasa.
Here's a few lines from some of the poems mentioned above that really got to me. -
"You're the brutal truth when everyone else is spoon-feeding me roses."
"Some days love is the worst kind of game."
"You’re going to love him in reverse."
I connect with a lot of Ms.Rogue's poems but this collection hit me in the heart in ways I didn't see coming. I can never do her pieces justice because they are like heartbeats - each one different but oh so powerful. She writes what many of us feel and what we hide on the inside. Ms.Rogue puts her heart, soul, blood, sweat, tears, and pain into everything she does. She knocks it out of the park with Exits, Desires, & Slow Fires!! :)
I highly recommend this collection to anyone who is looking for a deep and breathtaking read. If you haven't read any of Ms.Rogue's work before you are definitely missing out so change that today!! Even if you aren't a fan of poetry I believe everyone can take something away from this and appreciate it. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did my fellow book lovers!! :)
September 23, 2017
I will be the first to admit that I don’t usually read very much poetry. I don’t claim to be well versed in it at all and most of what I have read has been for school.
That being said, I love the poetry of J.R. Rouge. I literally stumbled across her when she was doing a little author takeover in Tarryn Fisher’s reading group. I instantly loved her poetry, they way that she noticed other people. I love her beautiful words, and she is my living proof that not all great poetry is by bald old men. There has got to be at least one poem, at least one line that she has written that each and every living person can relate to.
This new book is no different from her others, and yet it is. In her usual truth-telling way, Rogue dials in on the way that simple, everyday actions look and feel differently to those that love them. Maybe from the way you drink your coffee to the way you turn the page of a book. I love how she notices people, and how she puts what she notices into universal words that speak to everyone.
Certainly a master at painting sadness and longing but also passion and hope, at times heart-clenching angst, this collection of poems stands above any other poetry I have read (even though that resume is very short). I think that there is something in here for all ages to read, enjoy, and relate to.
If you were ever curious about reading some poetry but didn’t know where to start, this is exactly where I would point you! Easy to read and easy to understand, this collection is good for both the beginner or seasoned poetry reader.
I did receive a copy of this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. I would have bought it anyways.
That being said, I love the poetry of J.R. Rouge. I literally stumbled across her when she was doing a little author takeover in Tarryn Fisher’s reading group. I instantly loved her poetry, they way that she noticed other people. I love her beautiful words, and she is my living proof that not all great poetry is by bald old men. There has got to be at least one poem, at least one line that she has written that each and every living person can relate to.
This new book is no different from her others, and yet it is. In her usual truth-telling way, Rogue dials in on the way that simple, everyday actions look and feel differently to those that love them. Maybe from the way you drink your coffee to the way you turn the page of a book. I love how she notices people, and how she puts what she notices into universal words that speak to everyone.
Certainly a master at painting sadness and longing but also passion and hope, at times heart-clenching angst, this collection of poems stands above any other poetry I have read (even though that resume is very short). I think that there is something in here for all ages to read, enjoy, and relate to.
If you were ever curious about reading some poetry but didn’t know where to start, this is exactly where I would point you! Easy to read and easy to understand, this collection is good for both the beginner or seasoned poetry reader.
I did receive a copy of this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. I would have bought it anyways.
September 21, 2017
This should come as no surprise if you have followed Reader with a Plan for awhile, but I absolutley love love love JR Rogue. She takes pieces of her heart and sould and shares it with the world in bold and beautiful collections. I think that one of my favorite things about JR is that she is bold and she is willing to fight. Even when she has her moments of doubt she comes back fighting and stronger. I do not pretend to know the cost this may have on her but I do admire that she continues on always. She stands up for what she believes in and her voice is not a quiet voice.
This collection of work is beautiful and with JR's writing style it is easy to feel pulled in and go through the emotions. Take your time to savor everything and to feel it because the slow burn is worth it you guys!
This collection of work is beautiful and with JR's writing style it is easy to feel pulled in and go through the emotions. Take your time to savor everything and to feel it because the slow burn is worth it you guys!
December 30, 2017
Heartache
Betrayal
And the all elusive love(r)
That is the feel of the book to me. The words strung together so eloquently that they give you a glimpse into the life of the author.
I'm not going to pretend that I know everything there is to know about poetry and composition or that I even understand everything there is to understand about them. I always base the poetry on the feel of it. And gosh did this collection of poems make me feel.
I've been following the author on Instagram for a while now and her words have always been beautiful to read. And now after reading this book it has me itching to read the rest of her poems and books. Although its been a fairly recent obsession with poems, and I don't have much to compare it to; I think this book was full of raw emotion that translated very well onto the page.
I loved this collection. This has been a fantastic read.
Betrayal
And the all elusive love(r)
That is the feel of the book to me. The words strung together so eloquently that they give you a glimpse into the life of the author.
I'm not going to pretend that I know everything there is to know about poetry and composition or that I even understand everything there is to understand about them. I always base the poetry on the feel of it. And gosh did this collection of poems make me feel.
I've been following the author on Instagram for a while now and her words have always been beautiful to read. And now after reading this book it has me itching to read the rest of her poems and books. Although its been a fairly recent obsession with poems, and I don't have much to compare it to; I think this book was full of raw emotion that translated very well onto the page.
I loved this collection. This has been a fantastic read.
February 6, 2018
I have been a bit of a poetry kick here lately and am absolutely LOVING it. I think this is the second or third book I have read by this poet and it is my all time favorite!
Exits, Desires, and Slow Fires sets that slow fire of desire within you as you read.
The words within this book are so much more than words. In just a few lines the author conveys an entire story full of emotion and meaning that will tear you open. The poetry found throughout this book is so open and real. You really cannot ask for anything more soul opening.
I hope to see more poetry from J.R. Rogue in the future because she is one of the best I have read.
Check her out: http://amzn.to/2nOOPMt
Exits, Desires, and Slow Fires sets that slow fire of desire within you as you read.
The words within this book are so much more than words. In just a few lines the author conveys an entire story full of emotion and meaning that will tear you open. The poetry found throughout this book is so open and real. You really cannot ask for anything more soul opening.
I hope to see more poetry from J.R. Rogue in the future because she is one of the best I have read.
Check her out: http://amzn.to/2nOOPMt
March 27, 2018
"You're going to chain the color of his eyes to everyday objects and you're going to call those colors liars".
Some poetry books are clichés, speaking about love and pain in a way that is relatable but obvious. Then there are those who seem to know your heart's deepest secrets and scars and translate all of those into bleeding words. Exits, Desires and Slow Fires is one of those books. I love everything about it - its phrasing, its queer titles and the meanings that you have to dig to understand. It's the first time that I heard about the book and I couldn't be happier that I chose to read it. 5 stars!
Some poetry books are clichés, speaking about love and pain in a way that is relatable but obvious. Then there are those who seem to know your heart's deepest secrets and scars and translate all of those into bleeding words. Exits, Desires and Slow Fires is one of those books. I love everything about it - its phrasing, its queer titles and the meanings that you have to dig to understand. It's the first time that I heard about the book and I couldn't be happier that I chose to read it. 5 stars!
September 25, 2017
I was SO VERY EXCITED to read another book by the woman who made me fall in love with poetry. Exits, Desires, & Slow Fires' cover was STUNNING and the words inside matched it. The writing was simply CAPTIVATING. My favorite poem was It’s Going to Hit You Violently. It was so HEARTBREAKING I was drawn to it. I'll NEVER tire of this woman's writing, and I hope she NEVER stops writing.
September 26, 2017
I'm not the greatest when it comes to poetry reading. I tend to skim and skip until I reach the end. But with this book, I enjoyed savoring every word and every stanza. I let myself feel. I allowed the words to drown me with the emotions I do my best to suppress.
I admit some of the pieces cut me deep. It was astonishing how words can mirror what someone is truly feeling.
I am going to be always grateful for J.R. Rogue for awakening the poetry in me.
I admit some of the pieces cut me deep. It was astonishing how words can mirror what someone is truly feeling.
I am going to be always grateful for J.R. Rogue for awakening the poetry in me.
September 29, 2017
Good Golly Ms Molly is this collection fantastic. Heartache and love and everything in between. The art of seduction for love and lust and getting lost in the difference.
J. R. Rogue can do no wrong with another solid collection of poetry. You won't be disappointed by a single page.
J. R. Rogue can do no wrong with another solid collection of poetry. You won't be disappointed by a single page.
March 8, 2018
“You’re going to chant your name as it is over & over. You’re going to un-memorize the way his last sounded with your first & you’re going to convince yourself they never went together anyway.”
Man. This one hurt.
Man. This one hurt.
January 26, 2019
Oh my heart... these poems know how to tear your heart open. A few reminded me of parts of past heartbreaks.. almost as if they were written just for me. I cried, and felt as though I finally got some healing for some wounds I didn’t think would ever heal.
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