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Road Kings #2
Riff
I confess: I hooked up with the Road Kings’ bassist after a show thirteen years ago. It was supposed to be just one night - then I’d never see Neal Watts again.
But life likes to throw curveballs, and we ended up with a daughter. We could do this, right? We could stay friends for our daughter’s sake, even though we weren’t a couple.
Thirteen years of friendship. Thirteen years of relying on each other. Thirteen years of Neal in my life, even though we’re never alone together. Because that would be crossing a line.
But suddenly we’re both free to cross any lines we want to. And when Neal gives me that look that melted me all those years ago, I definitely want to.
I could have a wild fling with a rock star, and it would be incredible. But suddenly I’m starting to wonder…
What if we’ve been in love all this time?
But life likes to throw curveballs, and we ended up with a daughter. We could do this, right? We could stay friends for our daughter’s sake, even though we weren’t a couple.
Thirteen years of friendship. Thirteen years of relying on each other. Thirteen years of Neal in my life, even though we’re never alone together. Because that would be crossing a line.
But suddenly we’re both free to cross any lines we want to. And when Neal gives me that look that melted me all those years ago, I definitely want to.
I could have a wild fling with a rock star, and it would be incredible. But suddenly I’m starting to wonder…
What if we’ve been in love all this time?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2022
112 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 11, 2022
4.5 A Little Bit of Chaos Stars ⭐
I loved the heck out of this book. I mean I'm not a huge fan of the whole rockstar trope, however when the author nails the characters and sizzling chemistry; you need to get over yourself.
We’d spent so many years in a fragile relationship that we’d painstakingly constructed out of matchsticks. And we’d just burned it all down.
Neal Watts has loved the mother of his child from afar. Thirteen years is a long time to bench your feelings, but he has. You see when Neal knocked up a one night stand, neither expected it could work. Yet years later, the retired rockstar is very much part of their lives.
With getting divorced, Raine is rethinking her life choices. She may share a daughter with Neal, but they took very different paths. While Neal chose music, Raine remained the stable parent while married to another. Except the one constant has been has been their co parenting.
“Are you seeing anyone?” I asked him, because apparently I had no filter anymore.
“No,” he replied, not even bothered by the question. He pointed to the other object on the bedside table. “The prominent box of tissues should have tipped you off.”
Now that Raine is single, the emotional floodgates have opened. And just as Neal has the chance to rekindle a romance with Raine, he has the opportunity to come out of retirement. A reunion tour which would provide much needed money for his daughter's future. Once again stuck between a hard place and a rock.
Honestly, the author's writing was on point. You felt the inner turmoil from start to finish and the constant battle to find a middle ground. And when these two stop resisting, hot damn was the sexual interactions smouldering. The kind that hits you right in the panties!
“I hate you,” I cried out as my body surrendered to him, trying to come.
He touched my clit again, a leisurely lick, and I whimpered. “I’ve told you to take it out on me,” he said as he slid two fingers deliciously into me, deep and strong. “You’re so fucking stubborn. Now I have to make you behave.”
Riff is the second book in the Road Kings series, and all the band members are amazing. It's actually enjoyable being on tour with all these disgruntled men because the dramas are real, not petty. Neal and Raine were a fantastic couple. Their honestly was refreshing and humbling, and I'll say it again, they were absolute fire together. This is a series you want to check out. 🖤🤍
ARC provided by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
I loved the heck out of this book. I mean I'm not a huge fan of the whole rockstar trope, however when the author nails the characters and sizzling chemistry; you need to get over yourself.
We’d spent so many years in a fragile relationship that we’d painstakingly constructed out of matchsticks. And we’d just burned it all down.
Neal Watts has loved the mother of his child from afar. Thirteen years is a long time to bench your feelings, but he has. You see when Neal knocked up a one night stand, neither expected it could work. Yet years later, the retired rockstar is very much part of their lives.
With getting divorced, Raine is rethinking her life choices. She may share a daughter with Neal, but they took very different paths. While Neal chose music, Raine remained the stable parent while married to another. Except the one constant has been has been their co parenting.
“Are you seeing anyone?” I asked him, because apparently I had no filter anymore.
“No,” he replied, not even bothered by the question. He pointed to the other object on the bedside table. “The prominent box of tissues should have tipped you off.”
Now that Raine is single, the emotional floodgates have opened. And just as Neal has the chance to rekindle a romance with Raine, he has the opportunity to come out of retirement. A reunion tour which would provide much needed money for his daughter's future. Once again stuck between a hard place and a rock.
Honestly, the author's writing was on point. You felt the inner turmoil from start to finish and the constant battle to find a middle ground. And when these two stop resisting, hot damn was the sexual interactions smouldering. The kind that hits you right in the panties!
“I hate you,” I cried out as my body surrendered to him, trying to come.
He touched my clit again, a leisurely lick, and I whimpered. “I’ve told you to take it out on me,” he said as he slid two fingers deliciously into me, deep and strong. “You’re so fucking stubborn. Now I have to make you behave.”
Riff is the second book in the Road Kings series, and all the band members are amazing. It's actually enjoyable being on tour with all these disgruntled men because the dramas are real, not petty. Neal and Raine were a fantastic couple. Their honestly was refreshing and humbling, and I'll say it again, they were absolute fire together. This is a series you want to check out. 🖤🤍
ARC provided by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 21, 2022
*4.5* Raine and Neal met in their 20's, had a one night stand, and have a 13 year old daughter together. While they've remained friends, they've kept their distance. Raine went on to marry another, and Neal continued to tour with his band and do all those rockstar things. (Yes, he's a manwhore for years)
It really bothered me that Raine was left to raise their daughter by herself. While it stated that Neal did chip in financially, and has purchased a house and began to settle down, he was still largely an absentee father for many years. I felt like that part was largely skimmed over, because it would have made the hero look pretty bad. (He missed doctor appointments, parent teacher conferences, teaching his daughter how to tie her shoes, use the potty, brush her teeth, etc)
Despite my frustration with that, I still really loved this overall second chance story. It was filled with introspective and deep conversations, and some really hot steam.
I've said this before, but Julie Kriss just writes relationships so well.
This was a wonderful book to BR with my friend Kristie!
It really bothered me that Raine was left to raise their daughter by herself. While it stated that Neal did chip in financially, and has purchased a house and began to settle down, he was still largely an absentee father for many years. I felt like that part was largely skimmed over, because it would have made the hero look pretty bad. (He missed doctor appointments, parent teacher conferences, teaching his daughter how to tie her shoes, use the potty, brush her teeth, etc)
Despite my frustration with that, I still really loved this overall second chance story. It was filled with introspective and deep conversations, and some really hot steam.
I've said this before, but Julie Kriss just writes relationships so well.
This was a wonderful book to BR with my friend Kristie!
June 13, 2022
Deliciously real well written real life issues do not derail the chemistry
This book is a re read for sure
Thanks to my friend Isabella for the hint
This book is a re read for sure
Thanks to my friend Isabella for the hint
October 12, 2023
4.5 stars
I’m usually a bit iffy about romances where one character is in a rock band, but I loved this! Probably because there was a good amount of domestic scenes in there, and both characters were likeable and relatable (even if they weren’t without faults).
I also need more low-angst, low-key pining, second chance, ‘one night stand to co-parents who respect each other to lovers’ romances in my life. Is that too niche?
Highly recommend picking up the audiobook — something about it felt really warm. Jacob Morgan and Andi Arndt are two of my favourite contemporary romance narrators and they killed it in this book.
I’m usually a bit iffy about romances where one character is in a rock band, but I loved this! Probably because there was a good amount of domestic scenes in there, and both characters were likeable and relatable (even if they weren’t without faults).
I also need more low-angst, low-key pining, second chance, ‘one night stand to co-parents who respect each other to lovers’ romances in my life. Is that too niche?
Highly recommend picking up the audiobook — something about it felt really warm. Jacob Morgan and Andi Arndt are two of my favourite contemporary romance narrators and they killed it in this book.
December 4, 2022
4.5 out of 5
I skimmed this one again very quickly to get to Rythym. It doesn’t pack quite the same punch as Duet, the heroine was a wee bit of an issue for me again, but still enjoyed it quite a bit.
*¥*¥*¥*¥*¥*¥*
I truly don’t know why Julie Kriss doesn’t get the recognition she deserves. This book, along with every other book I’ve read by her, is very enjoyable and I think those who haven’t read her books should give her a try.
This is the second book in the Road Kings series. It’s about four friends who were very popular rock stars up until five years previous to the start of the series when they had all just had enough and quit. There was no blowup; they ended things amicably with no hard feelings, but they were all just wrung out. At the start of the first book Duet, which I believe is free by the way, they were asked to get back together and go on tour for some mysterious backer for ten weeks. After some negotiating they agree and so it begins.
This book involves Neal, the bassist of the band and Raine, the young woman he spent a night with back in the day, right before the group went on tour the very next day. She ended up pregnant and while Neal supported her financially, he continued touring and she married someone else. When Road Kings disbanded, he’s a lot more involved in Amber, his daughter’s life. He and Raine have a successful custody arrangement and seem to get along very well. As Riff opens, Raine has split with her husband and suppressed and unacknowledged feelings between Raine and Neal began to bubble up.
But when Neal tells Raine he’s going back on tour, that creates a real division and brings back bitter feelings for Raine that she never really explored. Her anger that her life was turned upside down while Neal got to party on, the fact that he was sleeping with other women plagued her.
Riff actually starts time wise before Duet and fills in some missing pieces. The two books brilliantly weave together in telling the story and I was in awe at how well the author did it.
It’s a great and very realistic second chance romance. I also love the character of Amber, their daughter. She plays an important role in the story. I found her very believable as a teenager.
The relationship between the four members of the group is wonderfully done as well. They are very close and support each other but they still have their disagreements and battles. I love that Rush and Carly play an important part, especially Rush. They aren’t back burnered at all. And I want to read the next two books. Julie Kriss leaves us wanting. Although the tour is over when this book comes up, this is just the beginning.
I gave this a 4.5 but rounded up to 5 because I was a bit, probably unfairly, frustrated with Raine’s reluctance to go all in. I completely understood her reservations but I didn’t want her struggle hurt Neal and Amber.
This is a great, wonderful, heartwarming book. And because the timeline is very similar, Duet doesn’t need to be read first I don’t think. But if you do think this sounds good and you want to try this great author, you will want to read Duet.
I buddy read it with Rain, a friend and a Goodreads friend and it was so much fun. We share very similar tastes. And while chatting about this book we had the exact same thoughts a number of times. This is the third time we’ve done a buddy read I’m very anxious to keep it going and doing a fourth, a fifth and so on.
So, final thought - read this book and I predict you will find yourself a great new author that I rave on every book.
I skimmed this one again very quickly to get to Rythym. It doesn’t pack quite the same punch as Duet, the heroine was a wee bit of an issue for me again, but still enjoyed it quite a bit.
*¥*¥*¥*¥*¥*¥*
I truly don’t know why Julie Kriss doesn’t get the recognition she deserves. This book, along with every other book I’ve read by her, is very enjoyable and I think those who haven’t read her books should give her a try.
This is the second book in the Road Kings series. It’s about four friends who were very popular rock stars up until five years previous to the start of the series when they had all just had enough and quit. There was no blowup; they ended things amicably with no hard feelings, but they were all just wrung out. At the start of the first book Duet, which I believe is free by the way, they were asked to get back together and go on tour for some mysterious backer for ten weeks. After some negotiating they agree and so it begins.
This book involves Neal, the bassist of the band and Raine, the young woman he spent a night with back in the day, right before the group went on tour the very next day. She ended up pregnant and while Neal supported her financially, he continued touring and she married someone else. When Road Kings disbanded, he’s a lot more involved in Amber, his daughter’s life. He and Raine have a successful custody arrangement and seem to get along very well. As Riff opens, Raine has split with her husband and suppressed and unacknowledged feelings between Raine and Neal began to bubble up.
But when Neal tells Raine he’s going back on tour, that creates a real division and brings back bitter feelings for Raine that she never really explored. Her anger that her life was turned upside down while Neal got to party on, the fact that he was sleeping with other women plagued her.
Riff actually starts time wise before Duet and fills in some missing pieces. The two books brilliantly weave together in telling the story and I was in awe at how well the author did it.
It’s a great and very realistic second chance romance. I also love the character of Amber, their daughter. She plays an important role in the story. I found her very believable as a teenager.
The relationship between the four members of the group is wonderfully done as well. They are very close and support each other but they still have their disagreements and battles. I love that Rush and Carly play an important part, especially Rush. They aren’t back burnered at all. And I want to read the next two books. Julie Kriss leaves us wanting. Although the tour is over when this book comes up, this is just the beginning.
I gave this a 4.5 but rounded up to 5 because I was a bit, probably unfairly, frustrated with Raine’s reluctance to go all in. I completely understood her reservations but I didn’t want her struggle hurt Neal and Amber.
This is a great, wonderful, heartwarming book. And because the timeline is very similar, Duet doesn’t need to be read first I don’t think. But if you do think this sounds good and you want to try this great author, you will want to read Duet.
I buddy read it with Rain, a friend and a Goodreads friend and it was so much fun. We share very similar tastes. And while chatting about this book we had the exact same thoughts a number of times. This is the third time we’ve done a buddy read I’m very anxious to keep it going and doing a fourth, a fifth and so on.
So, final thought - read this book and I predict you will find yourself a great new author that I rave on every book.
June 22, 2023
2.75 stars
Riff would have been a DNF for me (easily) except I wanted to follow the ongoing storyline about the band for the other books in the series. The romance itself sucked, which is too bad since the concept (groupie has guitarist’s child, they share custody and years into knowing each other a romance develops) had potential. The execution was bad though. I wash hoping for more of a friends-to-lovers dynamic but instead there was a lot of relationship-on-the-rocks bickering and the hero was, in the words of a friend, deeply unsexy. You know a book has gone wrong when your favorite parts are about the couple from the first book.
Riff would have been a DNF for me (easily) except I wanted to follow the ongoing storyline about the band for the other books in the series. The romance itself sucked, which is too bad since the concept (groupie has guitarist’s child, they share custody and years into knowing each other a romance develops) had potential. The execution was bad though. I wash hoping for more of a friends-to-lovers dynamic but instead there was a lot of relationship-on-the-rocks bickering and the hero was, in the words of a friend, deeply unsexy. You know a book has gone wrong when your favorite parts are about the couple from the first book.
August 24, 2022
Another Audible listen last month, this one was even better than Duet. Jacob Morgan rocked my socks off this time and once again, Andi Arndt and JM gave me all the feels in this second book in the Road Kings rockstar romance series. Can't wait for Rythym, out in December...I'll be listening again to get the full effect of sexy, emotive narration, filled with wit and smolder, whispering in my ears again! Loved this one soooo damn much.
July 10, 2022
How is this series SO FREAKING GOOD?!
I adored book 1 (Denver 😍) but the caring dad vibes of Neal got me in the feels. He's the type of man you want to come home to every night. Swoon.
This series is amazing. So well written with mature, grounded characters that make me ache for more.
I cannot wait for the rest of the series!
I'm already a Road Kings fan!
I adored book 1 (Denver 😍) but the caring dad vibes of Neal got me in the feels. He's the type of man you want to come home to every night. Swoon.
This series is amazing. So well written with mature, grounded characters that make me ache for more.
I cannot wait for the rest of the series!
I'm already a Road Kings fan!
June 20, 2022
3 stars
Definitely better than the first book, but there were a lot of parts that I really couldn't care less about, hence, the low rating. The heroine in this one has a better characterization AND there was a separate epilogue (important, since the first book didn't have any).
Definitely better than the first book, but there were a lot of parts that I really couldn't care less about, hence, the low rating. The heroine in this one has a better characterization AND there was a separate epilogue (important, since the first book didn't have any).
October 23, 2022
at first i thought this would be a 5 star and then at the 25% mark I had the sudden realisation that for the first 8 years of his daughters life he was an arsehole. but i thought as long as it is acknowledged by the book (which at this point it was) and he grovels a bit i can deal. but then somewhere along the way despite making frequent references to only trying to be a father for the past 5 years (of the 13 year old child's life), he was 'a good father and always had been'. coupled with the the fact it ends so abruptly, he never truly apologises despite his internal monologue saying that he should. and there wasn't even an epilogue to provide extra resolution.
and to make matters worse in the third act, aka the emotional high point, we get two chapters from the last books hero and heroine just being cute. like i do not care. i dnf'd their book and even if i didn't i still wouldn't, they had their book. it just ruined the pace and made an abrupt ending seem even more abrupt.
and to make matters worse in the third act, aka the emotional high point, we get two chapters from the last books hero and heroine just being cute. like i do not care. i dnf'd their book and even if i didn't i still wouldn't, they had their book. it just ruined the pace and made an abrupt ending seem even more abrupt.
Read
June 8, 2022Lovely, lovely, lovely. Julie Kriss just always hits the right tone for me, in every book of hers that I have read. This second book about the Road King's continues the more unusual slant to a rockstar romance. Rockstar has inverted commas around it, as these guys have retired from performing, from being on the road for months on end, but music still runs through their life blood.
Raine and Neal are a complete delight. Raine has tried to squeeze her exuberance and zest, into a way of life which suits her husband rather than fulfilling her, and, finally, she is starting to spread her wings. And Neal 😍. What a fabulous man. I just love him. His steadfastness, his innate kindness, his love for Amber and Raine, his love for his bandmates; it's all there along with such a readable story. Absolutely fabulous 💖💖💖💖💖
Raine and Neal are a complete delight. Raine has tried to squeeze her exuberance and zest, into a way of life which suits her husband rather than fulfilling her, and, finally, she is starting to spread her wings. And Neal 😍. What a fabulous man. I just love him. His steadfastness, his innate kindness, his love for Amber and Raine, his love for his bandmates; it's all there along with such a readable story. Absolutely fabulous 💖💖💖💖💖
June 10, 2022
I am absolutely in love with the Road Kings! I don’t know what it is about this series but it just gets into your soul and you want to savor every single word.
Neal and Raine are this explosive combination of adorably sweet and deliciously dirty. There’s no overwhelming seduction but instead an overflowing pot of tension that is SO good!
“We’ve been happening forever.”
So many swoony moments that will capture your heart in this one. The vibe is electric and full of energy and completely addictive.
Just like every great concert - I wish I could’ve experience this book for the first time as soon as I finished it.
Neal and Raine are this explosive combination of adorably sweet and deliciously dirty. There’s no overwhelming seduction but instead an overflowing pot of tension that is SO good!
“We’ve been happening forever.”
So many swoony moments that will capture your heart in this one. The vibe is electric and full of energy and completely addictive.
Just like every great concert - I wish I could’ve experience this book for the first time as soon as I finished it.
June 9, 2022
I'll admit, Neal was the Road King I was least interested in reading about, he's pretty level headed compared to the rest of the band, and single parent stories aren't usually my jam. But Raine! She stole the show. I fall more in love with each female lead in each book in this series! The story happens simultaneously as Denver and Callie's book, plus a bit later. There were definitely some hints about Axel and Stone's stories, and I'm really looking forward to reading more.
Read
July 6, 2022Great standalone, but the deal with the mystery backer just keeps getting more intriguing!
Really good characters, in every sense of the word. Julie Kriss shows-not-tells great examples of what being a good father means to Neal, and how Raine - who already trusts him - grows to realize that life can be good whichever road they take.
Really good characters, in every sense of the word. Julie Kriss shows-not-tells great examples of what being a good father means to Neal, and how Raine - who already trusts him - grows to realize that life can be good whichever road they take.
July 21, 2024
Maybe even better!
As much as I loved Duet, Riff may well be better. Maybe because I know the characters? Huh. Neal and Raine have their work cut out for them, but they seem up to the challenge. It's a wild ride, and I enjoyed every minute.
As much as I loved Duet, Riff may well be better. Maybe because I know the characters? Huh. Neal and Raine have their work cut out for them, but they seem up to the challenge. It's a wild ride, and I enjoyed every minute.
June 12, 2022
I’m struggling with this rating, really struggling. So here’s what I loved:
—the storyline: 2 people who’ve had a child together and realize so many years later that they love each other
—rock star trope, one of my favorites
What I’m struggling with is the execution of the storyline: I just didn’t get how they really loved each other. They both admit at various times throughout the book that they didn’t ever interact much. Because of Raine’s jealous ex-husband, the majority of their communication was done through text. So it’s not like they grew to love each other while raising their child. But yet they *knew* each other.
“….because he always seemed to know me. We’d hardly been alone together for five minutes at a time for the past thirteen years, and yet I was starting to think that Neal had watched me more closely than I’d given him credit for.”
I just had a hard time with that. They spent one night together when she was 21, had a 13 year old daughter that they barely communicated about, and yet 2 seconds after her divorce, they were in love.
At times I also wanted to smack Raine up side the head. She got mad at the speed of light (poor Neal) and I never exactly understood why she was mad at him. Neal had a lot more patience than I did.
So I guess I’m going with 3 stars. This wasn’t a bad book and I mostly enjoyed it. But because of the issues mentioned above, I dissociated at about the 3/4 mark and just started to skim.
—the storyline: 2 people who’ve had a child together and realize so many years later that they love each other
—rock star trope, one of my favorites
What I’m struggling with is the execution of the storyline: I just didn’t get how they really loved each other. They both admit at various times throughout the book that they didn’t ever interact much. Because of Raine’s jealous ex-husband, the majority of their communication was done through text. So it’s not like they grew to love each other while raising their child. But yet they *knew* each other.
“….because he always seemed to know me. We’d hardly been alone together for five minutes at a time for the past thirteen years, and yet I was starting to think that Neal had watched me more closely than I’d given him credit for.”
I just had a hard time with that. They spent one night together when she was 21, had a 13 year old daughter that they barely communicated about, and yet 2 seconds after her divorce, they were in love.
At times I also wanted to smack Raine up side the head. She got mad at the speed of light (poor Neal) and I never exactly understood why she was mad at him. Neal had a lot more patience than I did.
So I guess I’m going with 3 stars. This wasn’t a bad book and I mostly enjoyed it. But because of the issues mentioned above, I dissociated at about the 3/4 mark and just started to skim.
April 19, 2023
Julie Kriss does it again
While I did like Duet just a smidgen more than Riff, this is still an awesome book. As usual the characters have real flaws and hopes and insecurities, and the book is gripping and emotional. And loved two chapters from Denver and Callie's pov!
Now just need to wait for Rythm... 😞
Standalone. 1st person dual pov. No violence. Steamy.
While I did like Duet just a smidgen more than Riff, this is still an awesome book. As usual the characters have real flaws and hopes and insecurities, and the book is gripping and emotional. And loved two chapters from Denver and Callie's pov!
Now just need to wait for Rythm... 😞
Standalone. 1st person dual pov. No violence. Steamy.
June 13, 2022
Riff is the second in Julie Kriss’s new series about The Road Kings, the coolest band in romantic fiction.
Neal and Raine’s story begins thirteen years before the opening of the book, when a hot bassist in a rising indie band and a beautiful young woman exploring her newly adult world, collide for one night.
“That night, I decided to try rock star sex as an experiment, to see if I liked it. I liked it.”
That night results in Amber, their daughter.
Raine and Neal navigate shared, but separate parenthood. The Road Kings go on to become an idiosyncratic live band; Raine, a successful business woman married to a lawyer. They maintain a careful friendship; linked by their shared love of Amber, and just maybe, by a memory of that one night.
At the beginning of the book, everyone stands on the cusp of change. After five years apart The Road Kings are back on tour. Raine had divorced her controlling husband and Amber stands at the threshold of womanhood.
For me this book was more about Raine, than Neal, for all his rockstar charm. Derailed from girlhood by the sudden responsibility of a child, Raine, at 35, is stretching the boundaries of her successful, but very structured life. She begins to rediscover the wild and gorgeous girl within the capable woman she has become.
Neal has, in his way, loved Raine for thirteen years, and her divorce forces his awareness that it’s not just The Road Kings who might have a second chance.
“Because, me? I had a thing for Raine. I could admit it. She was gorgeous and sexy, and the night we spent together was burned into my brain, no matter how long ago it had happened.”
In some ways Neal and Raine change places - his steadfast care for Raine and Amber, contrasting with Raine’s fearful volatility as she realises that her happiness might depend on embracing chaos.
A storm in Detroit traps Neal and Raine together, the wild weather a parallel to their joining. Written with Julie Kriss’s signature quiet eroticism, their rediscovery of each other is by turns tender, funny, honest and deeply emotional. Not to mention very hot.
“If you can’t say the truth when you’re naked in bed with someone, then when can you say it?”
Neal and Raine’s second-chance is set against the The Road King’s tour, as the band, with characteristic nonchalance, play music their way. Callie and Denver have a chapter, and the pairings of the next books get an airing. I enjoyed a shout-out to Julie Kriss’s Filthy Rich series, as the identity, although not the purpose, of the mysterious backer, is discovered.
Julie Kriss is a favourite author of mine, she writes with a subtle elegance, which is, perhaps, at odds with the current fashions in romance. Neal and Raine’s book is a very grown-up romance - everyone has responsibilities; people to care for; homes and careers to nurture. Old enough to know that love is dangerous and family, by blood and choice, might be more important than anything else.
This is a lovely book about growing up, but not giving up your dreams or your passion.
If Duet was a smoky jazz note on a sultry night. Riff is a growling bass chord on a sunny afternoon. If you want to hear the whole song, you’ll need to buy a ticket to The Road Kings.
I received an ARC of this book, but I bought a copy as well.
Neal and Raine’s story begins thirteen years before the opening of the book, when a hot bassist in a rising indie band and a beautiful young woman exploring her newly adult world, collide for one night.
“That night, I decided to try rock star sex as an experiment, to see if I liked it. I liked it.”
That night results in Amber, their daughter.
Raine and Neal navigate shared, but separate parenthood. The Road Kings go on to become an idiosyncratic live band; Raine, a successful business woman married to a lawyer. They maintain a careful friendship; linked by their shared love of Amber, and just maybe, by a memory of that one night.
At the beginning of the book, everyone stands on the cusp of change. After five years apart The Road Kings are back on tour. Raine had divorced her controlling husband and Amber stands at the threshold of womanhood.
For me this book was more about Raine, than Neal, for all his rockstar charm. Derailed from girlhood by the sudden responsibility of a child, Raine, at 35, is stretching the boundaries of her successful, but very structured life. She begins to rediscover the wild and gorgeous girl within the capable woman she has become.
Neal has, in his way, loved Raine for thirteen years, and her divorce forces his awareness that it’s not just The Road Kings who might have a second chance.
“Because, me? I had a thing for Raine. I could admit it. She was gorgeous and sexy, and the night we spent together was burned into my brain, no matter how long ago it had happened.”
In some ways Neal and Raine change places - his steadfast care for Raine and Amber, contrasting with Raine’s fearful volatility as she realises that her happiness might depend on embracing chaos.
A storm in Detroit traps Neal and Raine together, the wild weather a parallel to their joining. Written with Julie Kriss’s signature quiet eroticism, their rediscovery of each other is by turns tender, funny, honest and deeply emotional. Not to mention very hot.
“If you can’t say the truth when you’re naked in bed with someone, then when can you say it?”
Neal and Raine’s second-chance is set against the The Road King’s tour, as the band, with characteristic nonchalance, play music their way. Callie and Denver have a chapter, and the pairings of the next books get an airing. I enjoyed a shout-out to Julie Kriss’s Filthy Rich series, as the identity, although not the purpose, of the mysterious backer, is discovered.
Julie Kriss is a favourite author of mine, she writes with a subtle elegance, which is, perhaps, at odds with the current fashions in romance. Neal and Raine’s book is a very grown-up romance - everyone has responsibilities; people to care for; homes and careers to nurture. Old enough to know that love is dangerous and family, by blood and choice, might be more important than anything else.
This is a lovely book about growing up, but not giving up your dreams or your passion.
If Duet was a smoky jazz note on a sultry night. Riff is a growling bass chord on a sunny afternoon. If you want to hear the whole song, you’ll need to buy a ticket to The Road Kings.
I received an ARC of this book, but I bought a copy as well.
June 13, 2022
I loved this one! And I was also delighted when I realized that this one happens at the same time as Duet. So we read Neal and Raine’s story but also get glimpses of Denver and Callie’s story. Now, while reading, I looked closely at Stone and Axel because I just know they’re next. There are already little tidbits that sign where their stories will head to.
Fourteen years ago, Neil and Raine had a one night stand after one of the Road King’s shows. The product of that one night stand was Amber, now thirteen years old. Raine is married to another guy, so their interactions have been mostly polite and friendly, regarding their daughter. But now, Raine is getting divorced, and instead of feeling destroyed, she’s relieved and enjoying in her new freedom. Part of her joy is that she can now pursue finding herself and finding what makes her happy. Apparently, the husband Marcus was a killjoy!
Neil and Raine are now navigating a new relation where they have more contact. Feelings that had been dormant for many years are flourishing but also their different personalities are having a new clash. Where Neil loves music and chaos, Raine loves order and discipline. Both love Amber and want her happiness above all. I immediately voted for embracing the chaos!
I loved their story and loved them both! Neil is very easygoing, he loves with his whole heart and he had been loving Raine from afar, but always respecting her choices. I loved when he always told her that she never had to apologize for anything, that the blame is on him. He’s a complete gentleman!
As we already read in Duet, the group had a chance for a ten-week tour and they decided to do it. Neal’s motivation was for Amber’s college fund. Since the Road Kings only played in small venues, they weren’t rich by any standards and in the ten years they had been broken up, Neal has worked doing music for other artists. He made do, but certainly didn’t make big money. Like he said in one instance, he can’t live without music.
This story was like a calm lake, without storms, where Neal and Raine have a second chance to pursue that brilliant spark they once had and lost, because Neal didn’t want to stop his career in music, and Raine didn’t want to wait. Now he’s older and wiser and has other priorities. It was funny to read how their tour is now programmed for older rock stars who can’t take the rush and bustle of regular rock tours. I loved reading about their shows, their brilliant music and how it evolves and changes through the days, the interactions of friends who got together again after years apart, and made perfect music, their “stupid soccer” games, and how Callie and Raine are integrated into their cosmos. It was a truly entertaining and delightful story, I love the whole group!
Fourteen years ago, Neil and Raine had a one night stand after one of the Road King’s shows. The product of that one night stand was Amber, now thirteen years old. Raine is married to another guy, so their interactions have been mostly polite and friendly, regarding their daughter. But now, Raine is getting divorced, and instead of feeling destroyed, she’s relieved and enjoying in her new freedom. Part of her joy is that she can now pursue finding herself and finding what makes her happy. Apparently, the husband Marcus was a killjoy!
Neil and Raine are now navigating a new relation where they have more contact. Feelings that had been dormant for many years are flourishing but also their different personalities are having a new clash. Where Neil loves music and chaos, Raine loves order and discipline. Both love Amber and want her happiness above all. I immediately voted for embracing the chaos!
I loved their story and loved them both! Neil is very easygoing, he loves with his whole heart and he had been loving Raine from afar, but always respecting her choices. I loved when he always told her that she never had to apologize for anything, that the blame is on him. He’s a complete gentleman!
As we already read in Duet, the group had a chance for a ten-week tour and they decided to do it. Neal’s motivation was for Amber’s college fund. Since the Road Kings only played in small venues, they weren’t rich by any standards and in the ten years they had been broken up, Neal has worked doing music for other artists. He made do, but certainly didn’t make big money. Like he said in one instance, he can’t live without music.
This story was like a calm lake, without storms, where Neal and Raine have a second chance to pursue that brilliant spark they once had and lost, because Neal didn’t want to stop his career in music, and Raine didn’t want to wait. Now he’s older and wiser and has other priorities. It was funny to read how their tour is now programmed for older rock stars who can’t take the rush and bustle of regular rock tours. I loved reading about their shows, their brilliant music and how it evolves and changes through the days, the interactions of friends who got together again after years apart, and made perfect music, their “stupid soccer” games, and how Callie and Raine are integrated into their cosmos. It was a truly entertaining and delightful story, I love the whole group!
Read
June 7, 2022✔Contemporary
✔Rockstar romance
✔Second chance
✔Single mother
✔Friends to lovers
✔A hot bassist and slightly displeased, sullen, brooding hero who is dealing with a lot and carries a weight of the world on his shoulders
✔A vulnerable, strong, sassy real estate heroine who has been through so much
✔A thirteen year old who hasn’t dealt completely with situation
✔Rekindling an old flame
✔Heartfelt /swoony
✔Page turner
✔Fast paced
✔Off – the- charts chemistry
✔Emotional roller-coaster
✔Beautiful love story
Riff is the second book in Road Kings series by Julie Kriss. It can be read as a standalone even though we get the glimpses of them in the first book Duet. This was such heartfelt, passionate, fun, emotional, sweet book and an enjoyable read. It’s not only about second chances but character driven, healing romance, knowing yourself, your worth, maturing and being willing to take risks again. I couldn’t help but be captivated by the amazingly written story and a raw plot that was skillfully intertwined and told. This book evokes every single emotion. The writing is riveting, engaging and invigorating. The storyline is brilliant, well-paced, well-written, gripping, compelling and somewhat steamy with the characters that are amazing, raw, real, dealing with real life problems, feelings, demons and judgment.
Neal and Raine are just two lost, wounded souls afraid to open up for different reasons. They were incredibly beautiful, at times heartbreaking and amazing together while pushing boundaries and each other’s buttons. The pace of the story added to their romance, plot and them figuring out place in life and new circumstances of situation. Their love story is layered, fast paced, real, heartbreaking, emotional with depth and an edge. I was moved by them and their story. Their connection was effortless, their chemistry off the charts. I think that they fall hard and fast for each other but I love the way their story develops. They both had demons they needed to confront. I was rooting for them from the moment I first met them. I felt the anticipation and their build up. They have ups and downs but against all odds they made it and overcame the past. The ending was beautiful even though it felt like it ended quickly.
So well-written, so enjoyable, so intense / entertaining with amazing characters, banter, second chance and romance. I inhaled the pages and didn’t want it to end. Cannot wait for Rhythm. Highly recommend it.
✔Rockstar romance
✔Second chance
✔Single mother
✔Friends to lovers
✔A hot bassist and slightly displeased, sullen, brooding hero who is dealing with a lot and carries a weight of the world on his shoulders
✔A vulnerable, strong, sassy real estate heroine who has been through so much
✔A thirteen year old who hasn’t dealt completely with situation
✔Rekindling an old flame
✔Heartfelt /swoony
✔Page turner
✔Fast paced
✔Off – the- charts chemistry
✔Emotional roller-coaster
✔Beautiful love story
Riff is the second book in Road Kings series by Julie Kriss. It can be read as a standalone even though we get the glimpses of them in the first book Duet. This was such heartfelt, passionate, fun, emotional, sweet book and an enjoyable read. It’s not only about second chances but character driven, healing romance, knowing yourself, your worth, maturing and being willing to take risks again. I couldn’t help but be captivated by the amazingly written story and a raw plot that was skillfully intertwined and told. This book evokes every single emotion. The writing is riveting, engaging and invigorating. The storyline is brilliant, well-paced, well-written, gripping, compelling and somewhat steamy with the characters that are amazing, raw, real, dealing with real life problems, feelings, demons and judgment.
Neal and Raine are just two lost, wounded souls afraid to open up for different reasons. They were incredibly beautiful, at times heartbreaking and amazing together while pushing boundaries and each other’s buttons. The pace of the story added to their romance, plot and them figuring out place in life and new circumstances of situation. Their love story is layered, fast paced, real, heartbreaking, emotional with depth and an edge. I was moved by them and their story. Their connection was effortless, their chemistry off the charts. I think that they fall hard and fast for each other but I love the way their story develops. They both had demons they needed to confront. I was rooting for them from the moment I first met them. I felt the anticipation and their build up. They have ups and downs but against all odds they made it and overcame the past. The ending was beautiful even though it felt like it ended quickly.
So well-written, so enjoyable, so intense / entertaining with amazing characters, banter, second chance and romance. I inhaled the pages and didn’t want it to end. Cannot wait for Rhythm. Highly recommend it.
June 3, 2022
Riff by Julie Kriss was a heartfelt, swoony second chance single mom rockstar romance that I fell in in love with. I loved everything about Raine and Neal's love story and getting to immerse myself back in the rockstar world of the Road Kings! Julie gave us glimpses of Neal and Raine in Duet, so I was happy that in Riff we get their journey to HEA. After hooking up while on tour when Raine and Neal were younger, Raine became pregnant with their daughter Amber. Raine married someone else but continued to let Amber spend time with Neal. However, years later Raine is divorced and that small flame she always carried for Neal, starts to burn a whole lot brighter! I loved her conflicted, caring spirit, and her determination to do what was best for her daughter, but at the same time finally, give in to her true feelings for Neal. (Total swoon!) Neal is completely dreamy with his devotion and dedication to Amber, plus his magnetic attraction to Raine!
Overall, I loved this book! If you are a fan of rockstar romances with a hot hunky bassist, a real estate agent single mom who wants and deserves so much more, a teenage daughter on a mission, traveling with the Road Kings, giving into temptation, second chances, hot bonding steamy times, and a HEA that will play to your heart in all the right places, then you will love Neal and Raine's story! I always look forward to more from Julie Kriss.
Overall, I loved this book! If you are a fan of rockstar romances with a hot hunky bassist, a real estate agent single mom who wants and deserves so much more, a teenage daughter on a mission, traveling with the Road Kings, giving into temptation, second chances, hot bonding steamy times, and a HEA that will play to your heart in all the right places, then you will love Neal and Raine's story! I always look forward to more from Julie Kriss.
May 2, 2025
Riff delivers a second chance romance that feels raw, real, and completely earned. Neal Watts has been quietly loving Raine—the mother of his daughter—for thirteen long years. Their relationship has always been built on friendship and co-parenting, but now that Raine is divorced, the lines between them start to blur in the best (and steamiest) ways.
Julie Kriss does a fantastic job showing the inner turmoil of both characters—the push and pull between duty, desire, and dreams. Neal's loyalty and restraint are both heartbreaking and swoon-worthy, and once he and Raine finally give in? The chemistry is absolutely explosive.
This isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about timing, trust, and taking risks. The backdrop of the Road Kings’ reunion tour adds another layer of depth, making the series feel authentic and lived-in. Neal and Raine’s honesty and emotional maturity made their love story even sweeter.
Riff is a slow burn with all the feels, and it proves again why the Road Kings series is such a gem. I can’t wait to see which band member falls next!
Julie Kriss does a fantastic job showing the inner turmoil of both characters—the push and pull between duty, desire, and dreams. Neal's loyalty and restraint are both heartbreaking and swoon-worthy, and once he and Raine finally give in? The chemistry is absolutely explosive.
This isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about timing, trust, and taking risks. The backdrop of the Road Kings’ reunion tour adds another layer of depth, making the series feel authentic and lived-in. Neal and Raine’s honesty and emotional maturity made their love story even sweeter.
Riff is a slow burn with all the feels, and it proves again why the Road Kings series is such a gem. I can’t wait to see which band member falls next!
June 9, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy to leave an honest review of this book. I have read a lot of Julie Kriss' works and really like her writing style and her characters. This is the second book in the series and you will absolutely fall in love with the characters in the band.
This book follows Neal, the band bassist, and Raine, the mother of his daughter. Raine and Neal have a rocky history; Raine got pregnant on the band's first tour from one night with Neal. They were both young and not ready for anything more than that. Raine married someone else by the time Neal stopped touring the first time. Now that Raine got divorced, Neal is ready for her to be his other half. Except now the band is going on tour again and Raine is not ok with that. Tours involve drugs, alcohol and groupies and she doesn't know if she can trust Neal.
This is a second chance romance with a lot of obstacles to them being together. It's a fun, fast read and very enjoyable.
This book follows Neal, the band bassist, and Raine, the mother of his daughter. Raine and Neal have a rocky history; Raine got pregnant on the band's first tour from one night with Neal. They were both young and not ready for anything more than that. Raine married someone else by the time Neal stopped touring the first time. Now that Raine got divorced, Neal is ready for her to be his other half. Except now the band is going on tour again and Raine is not ok with that. Tours involve drugs, alcohol and groupies and she doesn't know if she can trust Neal.
This is a second chance romance with a lot of obstacles to them being together. It's a fun, fast read and very enjoyable.
July 22, 2022
Second chance
This is the second book in the Road Kings series and I cannot wait for the next. Neal and Raine had one night together which resulted in them having a daughter, Neal was a bassist in the band the Road Kings and constantly touring until the band broke up five years ago, now he is a quite guy who does studio work and spends the rest of his time with his daughter. Raine moved on, married another man and co-parents her daughter Amber with Neal, but now she is getting divorced and everything is changing. Neal and Raine have a chance to be what they never really were, a real couple, but Neal and the band have just agreed to a ten week reunion tour. This is a great series so far and I am looking forward to the next book and to finding out more about their mysterious backer.
This is the second book in the Road Kings series and I cannot wait for the next. Neal and Raine had one night together which resulted in them having a daughter, Neal was a bassist in the band the Road Kings and constantly touring until the band broke up five years ago, now he is a quite guy who does studio work and spends the rest of his time with his daughter. Raine moved on, married another man and co-parents her daughter Amber with Neal, but now she is getting divorced and everything is changing. Neal and Raine have a chance to be what they never really were, a real couple, but Neal and the band have just agreed to a ten week reunion tour. This is a great series so far and I am looking forward to the next book and to finding out more about their mysterious backer.
January 23, 2023
Really enjoying these Road Kings
Better overall than Denver and Callie’s book. More cohesive. Not as draggy.
Good story. Good h.
The ex husband. What a d-canoe. Goodness.
Both Neal and Raine want the same thing. Both hesitate in deference to their daughter and her feelings if they can’t last.
Some reviewers are whiny that Neal wasn’t much of a father to Amber at the beginning of her life. Well, 1-his job was touring; 2-Raine married someone else almost immediately (such a bad decision); 3-Raine insisted, insisted that she was the one in control and making all of Amber’s decisions. So, what was he to do? He never reneged on his support payments and he established visitation as soon as he was off the road.
Now on to Axel’s book. What are his demons? What are Brit’s?
Better overall than Denver and Callie’s book. More cohesive. Not as draggy.
Good story. Good h.
The ex husband. What a d-canoe. Goodness.
Both Neal and Raine want the same thing. Both hesitate in deference to their daughter and her feelings if they can’t last.
Some reviewers are whiny that Neal wasn’t much of a father to Amber at the beginning of her life. Well, 1-his job was touring; 2-Raine married someone else almost immediately (such a bad decision); 3-Raine insisted, insisted that she was the one in control and making all of Amber’s decisions. So, what was he to do? He never reneged on his support payments and he established visitation as soon as he was off the road.
Now on to Axel’s book. What are his demons? What are Brit’s?
July 23, 2022
Whoa. What just happened?
Ok, even if rockstar romances ain't your thing, these books check all the boxes. Angsty, but not those "man this beeotch is whiny" stuff that a lot of authors seem to run toward when they run out of ways to make us revisit nail biting. Funny, yet deep characters who have flaws, but know who they are, and what they want, make this series a sold-out show at Madison Sq Garden.
This is one of those book series that leaves ya sorta 'series-stoned' after you get thru it. Two books so far, and I'm pretty damn psyched for the next one.
Helpful tip:
Before y'all jump in, leave yourself sticky notes so you remember to bathe, do chores, pay bills, go to work...yeah, it's like that.
Ok, even if rockstar romances ain't your thing, these books check all the boxes. Angsty, but not those "man this beeotch is whiny" stuff that a lot of authors seem to run toward when they run out of ways to make us revisit nail biting. Funny, yet deep characters who have flaws, but know who they are, and what they want, make this series a sold-out show at Madison Sq Garden.
This is one of those book series that leaves ya sorta 'series-stoned' after you get thru it. Two books so far, and I'm pretty damn psyched for the next one.
Helpful tip:
Before y'all jump in, leave yourself sticky notes so you remember to bathe, do chores, pay bills, go to work...yeah, it's like that.
November 11, 2022
Loving the Road Kings and the women that steal their heart. This is Neal the Bassist and Raine's story. A one-night stand after a show leads Neal and Raine having a beautiful daughter. Neal goes back on the road and leads that rocker lifestyle while Raine does the parenting side. It leads to many hard feelings and regrets but now 13 years later the muddy waters begin to clear. They have remained friends for those 13 years and now they are each free to explore this new version them. I loved how this story was intertwined with the first book. Get ready to hit the road with the Road Kings. Neal and Raine are emotional, have chemistry, and may just surprise one another on this new adventure!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
~~Michele McMullen ~~
July 8, 2022
I am loving the Road Kings series! Neal and Raine had been raising their daughter, the result of a one night stand, apart for 13 years. When Raine's husband leaves her, she allows herself to give in to the feelings that have been under the surface all those years. When they finally begin to give in to their attraction, sparks fly!
I loved seeing Denver and Callie again and the rest of the band members - I can't to read Axel and Stone's books!
I loved seeing Denver and Callie again and the rest of the band members - I can't to read Axel and Stone's books!
February 20, 2025
It was great, until it wasn't.
I was really rooting for Neal and Raine, but it was so ... meh.
The random chapters for Denver and Callie had more of a detailed, romantic scene than the supposed main characters of this book.
Their ending was very lack lustre.
Too much page time was invested in the band that I found myself really not caring about.
Not sure I care enough at this point to continue the series.
I was really rooting for Neal and Raine, but it was so ... meh.
The random chapters for Denver and Callie had more of a detailed, romantic scene than the supposed main characters of this book.
Their ending was very lack lustre.
Too much page time was invested in the band that I found myself really not caring about.
Not sure I care enough at this point to continue the series.
June 14, 2022
enjoyable story
I really am enjoying this series. Likeable rock players and the women who love them. I was concerned at the start of this book because it progressed to the next couple, but the story of the first couple continues. Well worth reading. I look forward to the next in the series.
I really am enjoying this series. Likeable rock players and the women who love them. I was concerned at the start of this book because it progressed to the next couple, but the story of the first couple continues. Well worth reading. I look forward to the next in the series.
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