lissajean7's review
I enjoyed the story a lot. The sex scenes are more graphic than I enjoy reading.
crottink's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this one by Devney! I listened to it on audio, and highly recommend! The narrators were fantastic as always.
This one will give your heart a little tug. I am a sucker for second chance romances and this one pulled me right into their story. Graham is a single dad who is gruff but so loving. Quinn is a free spirit who keeps to herself. These two have the forever kind of connection.
There were a lot of relationships mended in this one that will just put you at peace. I enjoyed all of their close knit family moments.
The epilogue was so darn cute.
Read if you like
đ„ Second Chance
đ„ Small Town
đ„ Single Dad
đ„ Rockstar
This one will give your heart a little tug. I am a sucker for second chance romances and this one pulled me right into their story. Graham is a single dad who is gruff but so loving. Quinn is a free spirit who keeps to herself. These two have the forever kind of connection.
There were a lot of relationships mended in this one that will just put you at peace. I enjoyed all of their close knit family moments.
The epilogue was so darn cute.
Read if you like
đ„ Second Chance
đ„ Small Town
đ„ Single Dad
đ„ Rockstar
inessasbooks's review
4.0
4.5/5 stars
SOBBED like a damn baby from the beginning of the book to the endâŠidk what made me so emotional with this,
It wasnât necessarily earth shattering, but putting my own self in her shoes and just thinking about all that was said to her and what happens just had me crying badly at 2 amâŠ
This second chance, single father romance hit me in the chest and left me with a smile on my face and tears streaming,
It was so good and so painful, yet so rewarding when everything came to a perfect wrapped package in the end, I could just feel the emotions of hurt and betrayal, of slight regret and hope,
It was all so good and left me glad I got no sleep from this book!
I really recommend it,
And if anyoneâs worried about OW drama with him having a child (donât worry the mothers not in the picture the MMC doesnât and never loved her and she doesnât come back
SOBBED like a damn baby from the beginning of the book to the endâŠidk what made me so emotional with this,
It wasnât necessarily earth shattering, but putting my own self in her shoes and just thinking about all that was said to her and what happens just had me crying badly at 2 amâŠ
This second chance, single father romance hit me in the chest and left me with a smile on my face and tears streaming,
It was so good and so painful, yet so rewarding when everything came to a perfect wrapped package in the end, I could just feel the emotions of hurt and betrayal, of slight regret and hope,
It was all so good and left me glad I got no sleep from this book!
I really recommend it,
And if anyoneâs worried about OW drama with him having a child (donât worry the mothers not in the picture the MMC doesnât and never loved her and she doesnât come back
kfriend's review against another edition
5.0
Devney Perry never disappoints- but even so, Rifts and Refains was a surprise treat. Iâm pretty convinced that Devney can take any trope and give it her magical touch- the captivating, sincere, emotional, and intimate storytelling that makes her books so emotionally resonant, and thoughtful and profound.
This novel is about rifts- the distance between people, the loss and pain that comes with estrangement, being alienated not only from loved ones and your home but also from your former self. Quinn, the sassy and edgy drummer of our central cast, the band Hush Notes, is a jaded loner. She hasnât seen her family in almost a decade- but the death of her Nan, the only family member that she has not removed from her life, has passed, leaving her no choice but to go home to Montana for the first time since she left everyone behind to pursue her rockstar dream. But this means facing those that lovingly but misguidedly attempted to control her, those that judged her- her pastor father, her mother, her siblings, even the nieces and nephews sheâs never met. And that means facing the childhood sweetheart that she left behind- the causality of her cutting the strings from her former life. The man still hurt and angry about their end.
The rift between this family is deep- and no break is one-sided. Everyone has wronged and been wronged, and the passage of time and Quinnâs alienation has only deepened wounds and amplified anger and pain. Some are bitter, some are remorseful, and all are conflicted-because no one is the same. Emotions are high, love is complicated, and Quinn still feels on the outside. Only now, she wants to stay there. But a week at home can change everything-including her confused and regretful feelings about her ex, Graham. Can they mend what has been broken? And what if the rift isnât just with your family- but with parts of yourself- with your former identity? Can you reclaim any of your former self while also owning who you are in this moment? For Quinn and Graham that is their journey- repairing what is broken between them but also repairing the tiny breaks theyâve made in themselves over time.
Devey is such a moving writer- she has a gift in creating stories that are both accessible and emotionally complex. In part because she writes characters who are real- who are relatable and dynamic. In part because she so beautifully captures the emotional range of this story by focusing on those characters- the moments that matter to them, their connections with others. And that makes us FEEL it. We feel Quinnâs loneliness, her alienation and sadness, her familyâs hesitancy and remorse, the longing and emotional tension between her and Graham. This story PULLS on your heart- because it is unapologetically intimate. This is a rockstar story, yet every moment in this story is quiet and personal. You feel such a profound connection to both the characters and the place- like you are smelling the Montana air or hearing the clicking of the ivory keys as Quinn composes. We are immersed in the emotional labyrinth of this family paralyzed by their own breaking, drowning in past pain and unresolved conflict, all while saying goodbye to the one person who kept them all connected.
Finding that connection- without their glue- that is this journey. Repairing the rifts. Finding the refrains, though forgiveness and love. But even that has a double meaning. On one hand, this is about finding your way back to someone youâve lost, and also back to your full self. Replaying a melody that was once beautiful but that got lost, one that now has more meaning and surer notes, because youâre deeper into the song. And to do that, you have to refrain in a different way, too- refrain from falling into old patterns, refrain from falling into the traps that lead to the pain. For our entire cast of characters, it is hard and emotional, but restorative, to find their way home, with each other and with themselves. But the journey is magical, a beautiful and rewarding ballad- an emotional song full of hope and healing.
Series Note:
For those wondering, this can be read as a standalone. I did not read the first book, mostly because I did not realize it was a series since each book is by a different author- and it did not influence my enjoyment at all. That said, I suspect book one left us with some serious questions about Quinn, and the little taste I got of Jonas in this book has me one- clicking book one. I look forward to seeing just what Nixonâs story is all about.
This novel is about rifts- the distance between people, the loss and pain that comes with estrangement, being alienated not only from loved ones and your home but also from your former self. Quinn, the sassy and edgy drummer of our central cast, the band Hush Notes, is a jaded loner. She hasnât seen her family in almost a decade- but the death of her Nan, the only family member that she has not removed from her life, has passed, leaving her no choice but to go home to Montana for the first time since she left everyone behind to pursue her rockstar dream. But this means facing those that lovingly but misguidedly attempted to control her, those that judged her- her pastor father, her mother, her siblings, even the nieces and nephews sheâs never met. And that means facing the childhood sweetheart that she left behind- the causality of her cutting the strings from her former life. The man still hurt and angry about their end.
The rift between this family is deep- and no break is one-sided. Everyone has wronged and been wronged, and the passage of time and Quinnâs alienation has only deepened wounds and amplified anger and pain. Some are bitter, some are remorseful, and all are conflicted-because no one is the same. Emotions are high, love is complicated, and Quinn still feels on the outside. Only now, she wants to stay there. But a week at home can change everything-including her confused and regretful feelings about her ex, Graham. Can they mend what has been broken? And what if the rift isnât just with your family- but with parts of yourself- with your former identity? Can you reclaim any of your former self while also owning who you are in this moment? For Quinn and Graham that is their journey- repairing what is broken between them but also repairing the tiny breaks theyâve made in themselves over time.
Devey is such a moving writer- she has a gift in creating stories that are both accessible and emotionally complex. In part because she writes characters who are real- who are relatable and dynamic. In part because she so beautifully captures the emotional range of this story by focusing on those characters- the moments that matter to them, their connections with others. And that makes us FEEL it. We feel Quinnâs loneliness, her alienation and sadness, her familyâs hesitancy and remorse, the longing and emotional tension between her and Graham. This story PULLS on your heart- because it is unapologetically intimate. This is a rockstar story, yet every moment in this story is quiet and personal. You feel such a profound connection to both the characters and the place- like you are smelling the Montana air or hearing the clicking of the ivory keys as Quinn composes. We are immersed in the emotional labyrinth of this family paralyzed by their own breaking, drowning in past pain and unresolved conflict, all while saying goodbye to the one person who kept them all connected.
Finding that connection- without their glue- that is this journey. Repairing the rifts. Finding the refrains, though forgiveness and love. But even that has a double meaning. On one hand, this is about finding your way back to someone youâve lost, and also back to your full self. Replaying a melody that was once beautiful but that got lost, one that now has more meaning and surer notes, because youâre deeper into the song. And to do that, you have to refrain in a different way, too- refrain from falling into old patterns, refrain from falling into the traps that lead to the pain. For our entire cast of characters, it is hard and emotional, but restorative, to find their way home, with each other and with themselves. But the journey is magical, a beautiful and rewarding ballad- an emotional song full of hope and healing.
Series Note:
For those wondering, this can be read as a standalone. I did not read the first book, mostly because I did not realize it was a series since each book is by a different author- and it did not influence my enjoyment at all. That said, I suspect book one left us with some serious questions about Quinn, and the little taste I got of Jonas in this book has me one- clicking book one. I look forward to seeing just what Nixonâs story is all about.
kfriend's review
4.0
Devney Perry never disappoints- but even so, Rifts and Refains was a surprise treat. Iâm pretty convinced that Devney can take any trope and give it her magical touch- the captivating, sincere, emotional, and intimate storytelling that makes her books so emotionally resonant, and thoughtful and profound.
This novel is about rifts- the distance between people, the loss and pain that comes with estrangement, being alienated not only from loved ones and your home but also from your former self. Quinn, the sassy and edgy drummer of our central cast, the band Hush Notes, is a jaded loner. She hasnât seen her family in almost a decade- but the death of her Nan, the only family member that she has not removed from her life, has passed, leaving her no choice but to go home to Montana for the first time since she left everyone behind to pursue her rockstar dream. But this means facing those that lovingly but misguidedly attempted to control her, those that judged her- her pastor father, her mother, her siblings, even the nieces and nephews sheâs never met. And that means facing the childhood sweetheart that she left behind- the causality of her cutting the strings from her former life. The man still hurt and angry about their end.
The rift between this family is deep- and no break is one-sided. Everyone has wronged and been wronged, and the passage of time and Quinnâs alienation has only deepened wounds and amplified anger and pain. Some are bitter, some are remorseful, and all are conflicted-because no one is the same. Emotions are high, love is complicated, and Quinn still feels on the outside. Only now, she wants to stay there. But a week at home can change everything-including her confused and regretful feelings about her ex, Graham. Can they mend what has been broken? And what if the rift isnât just with your family- but with parts of yourself- with your former identity? Can you reclaim any of your former self while also owning who you are in this moment? For Quinn and Graham that is their journey- repairing what is broken between them but also repairing the tiny breaks theyâve made in themselves over time.
Devey is such a moving writer- she has a gift in creating stories that are both accessible and emotionally complex. In part because she writes characters who are real- who are relatable and dynamic. In part because she so beautifully captures the emotional range of this story by focusing on those characters- the moments that matter to them, their connections with others. And that makes us FEEL it. We feel Quinnâs loneliness, her alienation and sadness, her familyâs hesitancy and remorse, the longing and emotional tension between her and Graham. This story PULLS on your heart- because it is unapologetically intimate. This is a rockstar story, yet every moment in this story is quiet and personal. You feel such a profound connection to both the characters and the place- like you are smelling the Montana air or hearing the clicking of the ivory keys as Quinn composes. We are immersed in the emotional labyrinth of this family paralyzed by their own breaking, drowning in past pain and unresolved conflict, all while saying goodbye to the one person who kept them all connected.
Finding that connection- without their glue- that is this journey. Repairing the rifts. Finding the refrains, though forgiveness and love. But even that has a double meaning. On one hand, this is about finding your way back to someone youâve lost, and also back to your full self. Replaying a melody that was once beautiful but that got lost, one that now has more meaning and surer notes, because youâre deeper into the song. And to do that, you have to refrain in a different way, too- refrain from falling into old patterns, refrain from falling into the traps that lead to the pain. For our entire cast of characters, it is hard and emotional, but restorative, to find their way home, with each other and with themselves. But the journey is magical, a beautiful and rewarding ballad- an emotional song full of hope and healing.
Series Note:
For those wondering, this can be read as a standalone. I did not read the first book, mostly because I did not realize it was a series since each book is by a different author- and it did not influence my enjoyment at all. That said, I suspect book one left us with some serious questions about Quinn, and the little taste I got of Jonas in this book has me one- clicking book one. I look forward to seeing just what Nixonâs story is all about.
This novel is about rifts- the distance between people, the loss and pain that comes with estrangement, being alienated not only from loved ones and your home but also from your former self. Quinn, the sassy and edgy drummer of our central cast, the band Hush Notes, is a jaded loner. She hasnât seen her family in almost a decade- but the death of her Nan, the only family member that she has not removed from her life, has passed, leaving her no choice but to go home to Montana for the first time since she left everyone behind to pursue her rockstar dream. But this means facing those that lovingly but misguidedly attempted to control her, those that judged her- her pastor father, her mother, her siblings, even the nieces and nephews sheâs never met. And that means facing the childhood sweetheart that she left behind- the causality of her cutting the strings from her former life. The man still hurt and angry about their end.
The rift between this family is deep- and no break is one-sided. Everyone has wronged and been wronged, and the passage of time and Quinnâs alienation has only deepened wounds and amplified anger and pain. Some are bitter, some are remorseful, and all are conflicted-because no one is the same. Emotions are high, love is complicated, and Quinn still feels on the outside. Only now, she wants to stay there. But a week at home can change everything-including her confused and regretful feelings about her ex, Graham. Can they mend what has been broken? And what if the rift isnât just with your family- but with parts of yourself- with your former identity? Can you reclaim any of your former self while also owning who you are in this moment? For Quinn and Graham that is their journey- repairing what is broken between them but also repairing the tiny breaks theyâve made in themselves over time.
Devey is such a moving writer- she has a gift in creating stories that are both accessible and emotionally complex. In part because she writes characters who are real- who are relatable and dynamic. In part because she so beautifully captures the emotional range of this story by focusing on those characters- the moments that matter to them, their connections with others. And that makes us FEEL it. We feel Quinnâs loneliness, her alienation and sadness, her familyâs hesitancy and remorse, the longing and emotional tension between her and Graham. This story PULLS on your heart- because it is unapologetically intimate. This is a rockstar story, yet every moment in this story is quiet and personal. You feel such a profound connection to both the characters and the place- like you are smelling the Montana air or hearing the clicking of the ivory keys as Quinn composes. We are immersed in the emotional labyrinth of this family paralyzed by their own breaking, drowning in past pain and unresolved conflict, all while saying goodbye to the one person who kept them all connected.
Finding that connection- without their glue- that is this journey. Repairing the rifts. Finding the refrains, though forgiveness and love. But even that has a double meaning. On one hand, this is about finding your way back to someone youâve lost, and also back to your full self. Replaying a melody that was once beautiful but that got lost, one that now has more meaning and surer notes, because youâre deeper into the song. And to do that, you have to refrain in a different way, too- refrain from falling into old patterns, refrain from falling into the traps that lead to the pain. For our entire cast of characters, it is hard and emotional, but restorative, to find their way home, with each other and with themselves. But the journey is magical, a beautiful and rewarding ballad- an emotional song full of hope and healing.
Series Note:
For those wondering, this can be read as a standalone. I did not read the first book, mostly because I did not realize it was a series since each book is by a different author- and it did not influence my enjoyment at all. That said, I suspect book one left us with some serious questions about Quinn, and the little taste I got of Jonas in this book has me one- clicking book one. I look forward to seeing just what Nixonâs story is all about.
rrumble37's review
4.0
I love this series. Quinn was so much more than I expected. We know her as the bad ass drummer chick, but when she goes back home she sees more than one thing from her past. Her first love is there, and sheâs not sure how to deal with it. Her band mates are her family, but itâs not the same as what a first love knows. Opening up herself again is scary but can she allow herself to feel again and embrace things sheâs hidden from her closest friends?
libraryinthecountry's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
melanievg's review
5.0
I loved Quinn. Her heart was so beautiful and Graham.. he was like a grumpy cat in the beginning but when he finally opened his heart to her... he became sweet.
And Colin. God, that kid was amazing. So open minded to everything and sweet.
The last chapter made me smile cause Quinn got what she wanted.
I wish I could read another book with Quinn and Graham.
And Colin. God, that kid was amazing. So open minded to everything and sweet.
The last chapter made me smile cause Quinn got what she wanted.
I wish I could read another book with Quinn and Graham.
pagesinkedinshadows's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This as so emotional!Â
It was harder than Jonasâ book, Quinn was hard to connect with, I didnât really like her through most of the story (partially because of book 1) but I tried to give her some grace, as she is dealing with a big loss.Â
I loved Graham from the start. There was a lot of angst and tension, and plotting from some family members, but these two when they finally connect they explode.Â
It was harder than Jonasâ book, Quinn was hard to connect with, I didnât really like her through most of the story (partially because of book 1) but I tried to give her some grace, as she is dealing with a big loss.Â
I loved Graham from the start. There was a lot of angst and tension, and plotting from some family members, but these two when they finally connect they explode.Â
toastedbagel's review
3.0
Everything feels conveniently resolved. I couldn't see the supposed change and regret from her father, especially when Quinn was always the one who sought him out instead of the other way round.
I liked Quinn - determined and courageous in doing right by herself even if at the cost of her family and even Graham. Graham was cute, not a particularly distinct character.
Also, how is it that they've spent nine years pining over each other only to simultaneously reach an epiphany only at the end of the book? The resolution was very quick considering how stretched out the dilemma was.
Overall a quick read with a mediocre romance. I really enjoyed Nixon here and I'm looking forward to his story!
I liked Quinn - determined and courageous in doing right by herself even if at the cost of her family and even Graham. Graham was cute, not a particularly distinct character.
Also, how is it that they've spent nine years pining over each other only to simultaneously reach an epiphany only at the end of the book? The resolution was very quick considering how stretched out the dilemma was.
Overall a quick read with a mediocre romance. I really enjoyed Nixon here and I'm looking forward to his story!