Revved Up

by J.J. Harper

Sometimes love comes at the wrong time.
One phone call turns all River's dreams into reality. He grabs the opportunity to move to a new city and run Revved Up, a shelter for LGBTQ+ kids. Just like the one that saved him over ten years ago.
One letter dashes Joss's plans for the future. Instead of finishing his degree, he's without a home, without money, but he's determined to honor his mother's last request and search for two men—his brothers.
After nearly nine months of hitching his way across states, Joss reaches the city that might be a turning point. He finds a hostel that may offer a shower, a hot meal, perhaps even a bed. All he needs to do is build up the courage to step inside.
Their first meeting is charged with an electricity neither knew existed. River won't admit he's drawn to the worn-out young man, though. His job is too important. Joss ignores the attraction between them. First he has to face the men who can either embrace him or send him back on the road.
A month later sparks fly again. This time in anger rather than desire.
"Can we go somewhere to talk? Please."
"I'm sorry, but I can't. My boss is your brother-in-law. I won't jeopardize my job. I have too much at stake, too much to risk."
Their attraction grows into more, but does love stand a chance?
Revved Up is a story of love after loss, featuring two men with heaps of baggage, the strength to fight for what's right, and a newfound family of brothers by blood, and by choice.
It follows and completes the De'ath of You series. Although Revved Up can be read as a standalone, an understanding of the main characters from the previous books will enhance the story.
Suitable for readers aged 18 and over.
Check inside for TW

Genres: M M Romance

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2023

About the author

Hiding behind a quiet unassuming facade J J reads and writes hot sexy stories. Stories of men loving men as well as women loving men.
What would the neighbors think!!

As long as the men are hot alpha's and the women are strong in their own right then they have a place in J J's books.

JJ also has a kinkier side and writes under the name of AG Silver. So, make sure you look out for those books too.

Catch her on:
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/findingme.se...
Twitter
https://twitter.com/jessjhoney



Sign up for a newsletter and receive teasers and upcoming releases :
http://eepurl.com/bSKDrL

Reviews

[Tracy Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

GAH… The angst… I cried why to much. So emotional and heart wrenching, but then there was also a new family full of love and a very nice distinguished older man to fall for, swoon… It was great to read more and get updated on other characters from the previous books, I loved as well as the men, but I loved Joss and River too along with their story. To read what Joss went through it’s heartbreaking but he gets to be happy again, it just takes awhile and River had hard times too but that was awhile ago and he runs Revved Up to help others andJoss is one of them. It’s a beautiful heartbreaking story that gets heartwarming and steamy and all the feels. So Good!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phone call is about to change his life and he jumps at it. He was helped by a LGBTQ+ kids so when he is asked to help a group by the same type of help. Meanwhile one is about to end up needed as much help as they can get. Will he take them under his wings? What if it turns to something else? Would that affect his job? See just what is going to happen

[Beate Dorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual JJ delivers more than you expect. Revved up is the last part in The De‘ath of you series and it’s a great ending.

River and Joss land in the same city and in their first meet the sprinkles fly. But there are several reasons whist can’t work with the both together but also a lot more why it should work.

Follow the both in a wonderful and steamy romance to find their HEA. You‘ll love it as I do.

I had the luck to get an ARC to read.

[Katie Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

revved up was such a beautiful sweet and emotional journey and river and joss just stole my heart from beginning to end

the story intrigued me and kept me hooked and not wanting the story to end

I shed a fair few tears but also my heart felt so full it felt like it was going to burst

iam really going to miss river joss and the rest of the gang from the dea'th of you series the characters the storyline will always have a big place in my heart

[Lesetiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revved up is the last installment in The De'ath of you series, but for me it was the first. I love JJ Harper's wonderful writing style.
The story is emotional and heartbreaking. Joss has been through quite a bit in his life, but better times are coming. River runs the Revved Up and I liked him a lot and he too has a dark past.
Joss and River meet in a town that is new to Joss. Joss is looking for a place to stay, which he finds with River and sprinkles fly as the two meet for the first time. The question arises, can it work with these two? There are many reasons for it, but there are also reasons against it.
I was quickly captivated by this entertaining story. And now I'm very curious about the prequel volumes.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good to be Back in This Universe

What a treat to have another book in the De’ath of You series, a series I read about 6 years ago and can still remember it so clearly and the effect it had on me.

We first met River in book 4 when Griff offered him the job of managing the new centre he was opening for young homeless youths. River had a difficult life and was thrown out by his parents at 15 when he told them he was gay. After living rough he found himself at Griff’s first homeless shelter and impressed Griff with his nurturing nature. The shelter paid for him to attend college and qualify as a councillor and he became the assistant manager so when Griff decided to open a second shelter River was his first choice to set it up and run it.

Joss had never known his father, it was always just him and his mother but when she became ill Joss quit college and went home to look after her. Before she died she gave him a letter and pleaded with him to find the brothers he didn’t know he had. It turned out that his father was a Senator, who was not only homophobic but imprisoned for attempted murder but he had been paying Joss’ mother for his upkeep and the house he had lived in all his life. When his mother died he was grief stricken and homeless.

When he is at rock bottom, broken, River finds him.

The chemistry these two have is sizzling but there are obstacles they need to overcome. River’s boss turns out to be Joss’ brother-in-law and Joss was a vulnerable young person at the shelter when they met. River loves his job and won’t do anything to put it in jeopardy but there is a HEA and the relationship blossoms into something beautiful.

If you have read Reunion and The De’ath of You series you will be thrilled to know that all the wonderful characters from those books feature in this book and it was so good to catch up with their lives. They are still one big happy noisy and chosen family and I loved it.

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book of the De’ath of You series, and I highly recommend reading the series in order. River runs Revved Up, a shelter for LGBT+ youth. After a devastating loss and months of travel in search of his brothers, Joss finds himself at Revved Up. Joss is older than the youth but is in no less need of the shelter and a safe place for healing. There is a strong mutual attraction between the two as they work to move on from their troubled pasts.

There was a lot going on in this book, but once I got into the story, I realized it was very riveting and well-written. The MC’s were so beautiful with their perfection imperfections and watching them, Joss especially, having to overcome their pasts was very moving and beautiful to witness. I liked the instant attraction the MC’s had for each other, but they let it develop before acting on it, which I really liked. This was a very emotional story, and I am so glad they got the chance to build something really special together. I highly recommend this book.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

River and Joss ❤️
4 Stars ⭐️

✅Sweet and emotional
✅Found family
✅First times
✅drawn to one another at first sight


This one may come off as insta love but it doesn't ruin the message of this story, nor did it make it any less of a beautiful connection between 2 men that have seen some of the ugly life has to offer. From the moment they meet River and Joss were immediately struck by one another but the circumstances in which Joss ends up there also take him away from River.... however, after 1 kiss both men cannot forget about one another. A chance meet puts them together again after some inner turmoil and some help from family these two begin to build the sweetest relationship built on love and trust ❤️ it also has the sweetest epilogues ever....Gah!!! It's everything that I could of hoped that these two would find for their future together. I would most definitely recommend this book.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

River was saved as a teenager when he moved into an LGBTQ shelter. Now he has the opportunity to be in charge of one...to repay all the advantages he's been given. He loves his job; helping others and giving them a chance at a new, better life. He can't afford to lose it...monetarily or mentally.

Joss has lost his mom, his home and his chance at college. Now he's hiking across country to 'look up' two brothers he never knew about. He's almost out of money when River convinces him to spend the night at the shelter he's running.

Neither young man has had the best luck with trusting others. Now they have to start over while fighting their attraction to each other. Neither dares to take too many chances...with their jobs, their hearts and their relationships.

Opening themselves and risking everything will be the toughest thing they'll ever have to do.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to confess to not having read all of the books in this series but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this book at all. I quickly connected with both River and Joss and couldn’t wait to see the outcome of this book. The only book that I hadn’t reread was Griff and Corrie’s story. My heart absolutely broke for what Joss was going through but he had no way of knowing how the De‘eath of You team/family sticks together. That is definitely what this story is about: finding your family, whether it is all blood or not. River can’t deny the connection that instantly forms between him and Joss even though he initially tries to once he finds out who Joss is. Once they both commit to each other though, there is no going back! I really enjoyed reading this but I am not surprised. I haven’t been let down by a JJ Harper book yet!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Revved Up’ completes the De'ath of You series. It could be read as a standalone but why when the storyline is too good to miss out on the earlier books and fully understand the side characters.

This is Joss and River’s story. It’s a beautifully written love story that I couldn’t put down, and I’ve already read it twice. There’s lots of steamy chemistry, attitude and both had personal stories that left me in tears.

From the moment they meet these characters are drawn to each other but as quick as it almost starts it is shutdown. Can they find away to be together without conflicts with family, work and the future.

Troy, book 1 in this series, was the first JJ Harper read, a one of my favourites, although I loved them all. Revved Up is now high on the favourite list. I can’t resist a good love story.

[Meredith (SweetReadsandTreats) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was immediately intrigued when I read the description for Revved Up. Two men whose paths cross and sparks fly. The way River wouldn’t give up on Joss was both a credit to his character and so endearing. You can’t help but love his nurturing side. Joss is a man trying to find his new path in life and I loved how he found family when he needed it most. That family is full of characters for sure and I can’t wait to read their stories too.

River was saved by the Revved Up shelter, and when given the opportunity to manage his own branch, jumped at the chance to make his dreams come true. Joss loses everything with the death of his mother, but learns he may have half brothers out there. With nothing more than a backpack left to him and his mother’s dying wish, he travels across the country to find his brothers. Life has been hard for Joss and when he stumbles on the Revved Up shelter, he thinks he may have found the lifeline he needed. Sparks fly when these two men meet, but Joss disappears one night. A month later, everything has changed and River doesn’t know if he can cross lines to meet Joss on the other side.

I loved the thread of hope that ran through the whole story. Each man lost it all, and then found his place. But when Joss reconnects with his brothers, it puts up a barrier between them. I adored how things weren’t easy for these two to find their HEA, but the obstacles weren’t unsurpassable either. The story also didn’t rely on the miscommunication trope to split them up. I also thought the best part was the intervention the brothers had to get Joss and River in the same space to reconnect. My only issue with the story were the few moments where the dialogue had a written feel. Otherwise the story had excellent pacing and was so darn sweet. I was so intrigued by the world JJ built that I am going to go back to the beginning and get all the brother’s stories.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5⭐️
Loved River and Joss! This was beautifully written, with well developed and endearing main characters, and a really well done found family vibe. I loved Revved Up, the youth shelter River runs, the work they do there added depth to the story and brought lots of interesting characters to the plot. I loved the connection between River and Joss and how it grows from kind of instant attraction to something much deeper. It’s an excellent romance and I loved how of the author used the last chapters to give snapshots of the life River and Joss build for themselves over the years. A really lovely way to end this excellent romance. Highly recommended!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revved up by J.J. Harper is an emotional book and it had me wiping tears and laughing. Joss came across the country on his own with little or no money. He is looking for his brothers and ends up at the one place that is connected to them. He meets River and there is instant chemistry between them. River runs the shelter that helps anyone that needs a place to stay. It has always been his dream job. He doesn't Joss is the brother of his boss and when he finds out he decides not to pursue a relationship with him. The book is witty, romantic, very emotional, and sweet and the Tanner steals the show. Joss isn't looking for a handout and wants to make it on his own and it's sweet how the brothers and their families accept him. Overall, it's a great book and series.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heart string puller! With fortunate circumstances, River gets to run a shelter, Revved Up, for LGBTQIA+ kids that do good and serve a worthy Community. Josh, experiences a tragic downturn in his circumstances and goes on a quest to fulfil his Mom's request. He traverses the country looking for his 2 brothers. When they meet, they are drawn to each other but they drag some heavy baggage. Can they set the baggage down and fill their hearts and fulfill their goals? Absolutely delightful men with painful circumstances. Can they find their peace? Can they meet their goals? Great story. Good flow, great characters, satisfying emotional shakes and hugs. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. Excellent cover art!

[patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the De'ath Of You series a long time ago when it first came out, but when I found out that this book was coming, I went back and re-read the whole series again and fell in love with all the characters for the second time. These books are hard to read at times but so worth it in the end. This is a short novel compared to the other books but doesn't take away from the story at all. We have Joss who finds out that he has siblings and starts his journey to find them. And we have River who runs the homeless shelter Revved Up. It was awesome catching up on all the previous characters and seeing them thriving with their loved ones. I loved Joss and River and thought they were perfect for each other. They had amazing chemistry and were totally swoon-worthy.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

River runs a program for kids not wanted due to being gay. It took him years to get this position only aftr being a product of the shelter.

Joss didn't have it so easy. He is is so young. He was on the right track, two years into college until his mom got cancer and passed.
He unfortunately finds out he has nothing once she passes. No home, money or skills. He's living in abandoned buildings. Until River sees him and brings him to the shelter.
Fortunately his mom left him a letter telling him about his birth father he never knew and two successful (very giving) brothers.

The book is powerful in both blood and found families as well as some abuses kids may go through and the intense power of a good resource center/home.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* It’s a thought evoking read with a strong theme that is tender and sweet. It’s focused around a centre for kids who are in need of help and acceptance. Joss stumbles across the centre and meets River. The connection is instant, they both know they have found their one, it’s not that easy though as other factors get in the way. It’s well written, has great characters and some lovely moments. For me something was missing to get the 5th star but I’m not even sure what that something is…I think the power was off between the 2 MC’s, I think Joss having his mini breakdowns/strops just made me feel he was too young for River, I don’t know, just a few small things that didn’t feel perfect for me but it’s still a really good read. Maybe I just want too much!
One person found this helpful

[Denise Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down.
After Joss's mum does he finds a letter to go find his brother . Nine months later he's outside Revved Up a shelter for LGBTQ. He goes in hoping for a bed and food for the night but finds River.
River runs the shelter, and works for Joss's brother.
The chemistry is off the charts between them . But then Joss leaves the next day , saying he would return but doesn't.
After Joss is welcomed into the family,he stays with them . Going back to the center for a Galla Joss sees River, but River won't allow anything to happen between them as it may loose him his job.
A lot happens , it so good. How life can change.
Highly recommended. Can be read as a stand-alone

[Thrilled Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could have been perfect, the story line is so intriguing. However, the constant confusion about who is speaking is difficult. While the sex scenes are very steamy, I keep losing the thread of the conversation. Then, there's confusion about the setting-- the guy that owns Revved Up is a retired Moto GP rider, which means it is set in the U.K. However, there are random references that lead you to believe it is set in the U.S. Finally, the MCs seem to have a personality disorder, because they keep changing who they are, or at least parts of their personalities. I think this book could do with some solid editing.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS SO GREAT!!!

WOW!!! What a heartwarming GREAT story. River is doing so well with the Revved Up shelter. Helping the downtrodden teens find a better life is what keeps him going. Joss is older than the usual youth, but River can't help but worry about him. Joss comes with a broken past and a mission. These men know they can't walk away from each other. This is a touching story that proves sometimes a change in direction is all it takes. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable end of a series which can certainly work as a standalone (I've only read Reunion previously and didn't get lost in the characters). River and Joss fit well together and it was beautiful that they were able to help homeless children. The first chapters of Joss's experiences with homelessness didn't feel very high in angst for me. His problems were solved a bit too easily by meeting his rich family. Still a very good read.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart was totally broken for Joss. So much loss and uncertainty. River is good people, and I am so glad Joss found him. I do not actually want to give much away because all the emotions and the need to read on are better experienced not knowing everything that is going to happen. This was a take your heart apart and then put it back together journey. The age gap, hurt comfort and found family made this such a touching read. I adored River and Joss and needed them open up and become one!

[Mandy Tunstill · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW..... Simply brilliant couldn't put this down was hooked from the start amazing end to the dea'th of you series all these guys are something truly special a family of love and affection River and Joss together are so beautiful and sweet from their first meeting you can feel the connection and chemistry between them it sizzles of the page it's emotional and touching but will leave your heart full of love for this amazing family recommend so much. ❤️

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this series and while it can be read as a stand-alone it is more enjoyable as a series. There are multiple characters from the other stories that pop up but this is mainly River and Joss’s story and what a great story. So much emotion and so many different feelings. I really enjoyed this one.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a feel-good story. It's not all sunshine and light, some sensitive topics discussed on page, so do read the TWs. River and Joss are kismet. And you've got to love Joss's brothers, they are hilarious. Both River and Joss have sad backstories which makes their HEA so lovely. Another great read from J.J.

I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revved Up will leave you with all the feels.
This is a sweet, emotional love story that I very much enjoyed reading.
The story intrigued me and kept me hooked and not wanting the story to end.
I quickly connected with both River and Joss and couldn’t wait to see the outcome of this book.
The book is witty, romantic, very emotional, and sweet.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revved Up is the fifth in the De’ath of You series. I hadn’t read any of the others but did not feel lost at all. Loved Joss and River. Both had past baggage to resolve, but undeniable chemistry. The found family element was strong in this and felt sooo freakin realistic! Such a fantastic story, well written with pacing that hooked me!

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of Joss looking for his brothers but what drew me in was the glimpses we get of River and his management of the LGBTQ+ shelter and his background with a similar one. The difference in the two characters jobs/job prospects made for some real tension and their journey to their HEA is not easy but makes for wonderful, emotional reading.

[Leanne Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic from the very start I couldn't put it down, I'm sad to see the series end but it went out beautifully. River and Joss are a perfect couple, from the very first meeting you can clearly see the chemistry between the pair and then as the book went on you saw it turn into a out of this world love.