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meggiemine's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Eating disorder
Minor: Suicide attempt and Toxic relationship
ravenk28's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Listening to the audiobook while reading this just made it ten times better. I absolutely loved Greg’s portrayal of the characters emotions.
This book was really good. It was well paced and as always with Roan’s books it discussed the topics of mental illness and how someone can live with it perfectly. Roan also managed to talk about topics relating to anxiety and depression which are, in my opinion, often overlooked.
Faron and Jude’s story was one of those you just couldn’t help but root for. They were constantly communicating their issues throughout their relationship even if it wasn’t always verbal. And I feel in love with each characters individual story. I just wish there was a few extra chapters at the end.
This book was just that good for because biasedly I can’t help but love Roan writing style.
This book was really good. It was well paced and as always with Roan’s books it discussed the topics of mental illness and how someone can live with it perfectly. Roan also managed to talk about topics relating to anxiety and depression which are, in my opinion, often overlooked.
Faron and Jude’s story was one of those you just couldn’t help but root for. They were constantly communicating their issues throughout their relationship even if it wasn’t always verbal. And I feel in love with each characters individual story. I just wish there was a few extra chapters at the end.
This book was just that good for because biasedly I can’t help but love Roan writing style.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt and Mental illness
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, Eating disorder, and Emotional abuse
bookemrocko's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hanlikefawn's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
So lovely! Possibly my favorite of the whole series.
shelw93's review against another edition
2.0
DNF: blah, too intense, no foundation so it came off kinda creepy
Add on: I did the audio book so maybe that’s what was creepy. Idk it just felt so cheesy. Not for me
Add on: I did the audio book so maybe that’s what was creepy. Idk it just felt so cheesy. Not for me
faithd's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
Okay, so I put this on my TBR for...reasons (I'll explain below)....but I ending up loving it for completely different reasons.
Invitation to the Blues is a story about Jude, a piano prodigy with pretty severe depression and anxiety who's trying to figure out his life after being hospitalized for a suicide attempt and losing his job in the Boston symphony orchestra as a result. The book is completely from Jude's POV and it's one of the best depictions of depression I think I've ever read. I also love that Jude is a bit older than most mmcs (he's 36).
The love interest is Faron, a painter and tattoo artist who looks like a model and is really good at communication and listening and just loving Jude the way he needs to be loved. Their story gave me all the feels. It's low on plot but heavy on romance with a big emphasis on hurt/comfort.
Another thing I loved about Faron and Jude is that they are both artists, and they relate to each other in very artsy ways (I know that sounds super vague but I don't know how else to put it) and it's beautiful.
Also, the author is local in my city (Philly), and the book takes place in Philly, and I am a dork and loved all the Philly references! This was one of the reasons I put this on my TBR, the other reason was because I heard there was a hot masturbation scene...and...there is...and....it's very hot. Speaking of, all of the sex scenes are incredibly hot, but also very well done, building very naturally from the characters wants and needs.
It was almost 5 stars, but I felt like I personally wanted a little more angst and/or conflict (there is some...but not much). But anyways, if you are looking for something that's just more of a feel good read - this is the one. I loved the writing style too!
TW: suicide attempt (off page)
Okay, so I put this on my TBR for...reasons (I'll explain below)....but I ending up loving it for completely different reasons.
Invitation to the Blues is a story about Jude, a piano prodigy with pretty severe depression and anxiety who's trying to figure out his life after being hospitalized for a suicide attempt and losing his job in the Boston symphony orchestra as a result. The book is completely from Jude's POV and it's one of the best depictions of depression I think I've ever read. I also love that Jude is a bit older than most mmcs (he's 36).
The love interest is Faron, a painter and tattoo artist who looks like a model and is really good at communication and listening and just loving Jude the way he needs to be loved. Their story gave me all the feels. It's low on plot but heavy on romance with a big emphasis on hurt/comfort.
Another thing I loved about Faron and Jude is that they are both artists, and they relate to each other in very artsy ways (I know that sounds super vague but I don't know how else to put it) and it's beautiful.
Also, the author is local in my city (Philly), and the book takes place in Philly, and I am a dork and loved all the Philly references! This was one of the reasons I put this on my TBR, the other reason was because I heard there was a hot masturbation scene...and...there is...and....it's very hot. Speaking of, all of the sex scenes are incredibly hot, but also very well done, building very naturally from the characters wants and needs.
It was almost 5 stars, but I felt like I personally wanted a little more angst and/or conflict (there is some...but not much). But anyways, if you are looking for something that's just more of a feel good read - this is the one. I loved the writing style too!
TW: suicide attempt (off page)
layla87's review
4.0
4.5 stars
Love love love this book.
The mental health rep was accurate and done tastefuly.
Both characters were nuanced and lovable.
Their chemistry was off the charts.
Their sex scenes were emotional and hot.
A near perfect book with a perfect narration from Greg Boudreaux.
Love love love this book.
The mental health rep was accurate and done tastefuly.
Both characters were nuanced and lovable.
Their chemistry was off the charts.
Their sex scenes were emotional and hot.
A near perfect book with a perfect narration from Greg Boudreaux.
jen286's review
5.0
I read Small Change a while ago and I didn't really remember Jude since it has been so long. I just remember I was super excited to read his story. When I finally picked up Invitation to the Blues...oh, Jude and Faron are so wonderful together. I loved this story so so much. Really love is not strong enough for what I felt while reading this book.
I loved reading Jude's story. It is not often that I see a book with someone with mental illness that gets such a happy ending. Because they deserve it too. I wanted everything for him, and it would be so hard to have to sit back and just see him go through everything and not really be able to do anything to help. But you do it because you love them. Jude has depression. Like serious, life-altering depression and anxiety and it is really difficult. He has been in a really bad relationship for a long time and he doesn't really think he deserves better. He can't be what other people would want, he knows that, so he won't be happy ever. He is used to seeing that hurt and helplessness on his families face which just makes him feel worse. His ex was also horrible and cut him down even more and so he is not in the best of spots. He also has some really sensitive senses. Like he loves music, but it hurts to hear people play poorly. Or when something is happening and music is playing if it is not on the same beat, if it does not go together, it is painful for him. And touch is also sensitive at times and forget about food. He can't stomach eating most things because of smell or taste or texture. I was so glad the author told us his story as I loved him, faults and all. He was wonderful and it really made me think of how I could help. There was one moment where Jude gets a note from someone saying sorry I never spoke up about your ex and the horrible things he did, it wasn't right the things he would say about you and that simple acknowledgment that it wasn't just in Jude's head meant a lot. Jude thought on some level that maybe it wasn't that bad, maybe he was making more of it than it was because no one ever said anything. It is not easy being in a situation like that on the outside and knowing what to do to help your friend. I was talking with a friend who got out of the relationship like this about another friend who is living with a guy who has sooooo many red flags and I try and be there for her and let her know it is not right without being super harsh and pushing her away. My friend was saying that she really needs that as when she was married she thought she was a horrible person for not being able to deal with her now ex because no one ever said anything. It was so timely that I was reading this book after just talking to my friend about this. I loved that that was in there because it is a small thing, but can mean a lot to someone who needs to hear it.
Then Faron. Oh, Faron. He is so sweet and kind and wonderful and just there for Jude however Jude needs. He doesn't pressure Jude, he makes sure everything is okay and that he knows he is not leaving even if Jude can't be connected at the moment. He is perfect for Jude and I loved him. To find someone so tuned into what you think and feel and need and want and be able to give you that and them to you in return? It is amazing. Everyone could be so lucky. I loved how these two were both super artistic, Jude with music Faron with paints, and the way they talked about it. How Faron saw things and could make the most mundane thing beautiful and special. How Jude heard music in everything. How he sings through life while Faron dances. They were beautiful and I am so happy I got to know them. Their relationship won't be easy, but the right things aren't always. I loved these two so so much.
I loved reading Jude's story. It is not often that I see a book with someone with mental illness that gets such a happy ending. Because they deserve it too. I wanted everything for him, and it would be so hard to have to sit back and just see him go through everything and not really be able to do anything to help. But you do it because you love them. Jude has depression. Like serious, life-altering depression and anxiety and it is really difficult. He has been in a really bad relationship for a long time and he doesn't really think he deserves better. He can't be what other people would want, he knows that, so he won't be happy ever. He is used to seeing that hurt and helplessness on his families face which just makes him feel worse. His ex was also horrible and cut him down even more and so he is not in the best of spots. He also has some really sensitive senses. Like he loves music, but it hurts to hear people play poorly. Or when something is happening and music is playing if it is not on the same beat, if it does not go together, it is painful for him. And touch is also sensitive at times and forget about food. He can't stomach eating most things because of smell or taste or texture. I was so glad the author told us his story as I loved him, faults and all. He was wonderful and it really made me think of how I could help. There was one moment where Jude gets a note from someone saying sorry I never spoke up about your ex and the horrible things he did, it wasn't right the things he would say about you and that simple acknowledgment that it wasn't just in Jude's head meant a lot. Jude thought on some level that maybe it wasn't that bad, maybe he was making more of it than it was because no one ever said anything. It is not easy being in a situation like that on the outside and knowing what to do to help your friend. I was talking with a friend who got out of the relationship like this about another friend who is living with a guy who has sooooo many red flags and I try and be there for her and let her know it is not right without being super harsh and pushing her away. My friend was saying that she really needs that as when she was married she thought she was a horrible person for not being able to deal with her now ex because no one ever said anything. It was so timely that I was reading this book after just talking to my friend about this. I loved that that was in there because it is a small thing, but can mean a lot to someone who needs to hear it.
Then Faron. Oh, Faron. He is so sweet and kind and wonderful and just there for Jude however Jude needs. He doesn't pressure Jude, he makes sure everything is okay and that he knows he is not leaving even if Jude can't be connected at the moment. He is perfect for Jude and I loved him. To find someone so tuned into what you think and feel and need and want and be able to give you that and them to you in return? It is amazing. Everyone could be so lucky. I loved how these two were both super artistic, Jude with music Faron with paints, and the way they talked about it. How Faron saw things and could make the most mundane thing beautiful and special. How Jude heard music in everything. How he sings through life while Faron dances. They were beautiful and I am so happy I got to know them. Their relationship won't be easy, but the right things aren't always. I loved these two so so much.
writtenechoes's review
4.0
”I cried because somehow I had landed somewhere I wanted to be and I realized perhaps it was the first time I’d wanted to be somewhere. I cried because I finally knew what it felt like to love someone more than I hated myself.”
I hate how much I saw myself in Jude. I loved him and hated him and isn’t that just… kinda funny? It was tiring at times having the entire book from his pov bc he’s so sad and miserable and thinks everyone is unbearably weighted down by his existence. Which, I understand. His slow friendship with Faron to more was beautiful. Two artists speaking different languages but meeting at the middle with love. It was beautiful. But Faron at times felt almost … too perfect? Despite that, this story felt oddly important to me. The balance of anxiety and depression being a part of you and just learning to go through life. And Faron not loving Jude in spite of it but alongside it.
I also very much appreciate showing how depression medications and depression affect libido. Sometimes the want to be intimate is there but the body cannot read the signals. And some partners can be cruel about it but Faron was perfect (still almost too perfect!).
Will I ever reread this? Probably not. It hit a little too close to home. But it was lovely and typical Roan.
I hate how much I saw myself in Jude. I loved him and hated him and isn’t that just… kinda funny? It was tiring at times having the entire book from his pov bc he’s so sad and miserable and thinks everyone is unbearably weighted down by his existence. Which, I understand. His slow friendship with Faron to more was beautiful. Two artists speaking different languages but meeting at the middle with love. It was beautiful. But Faron at times felt almost … too perfect? Despite that, this story felt oddly important to me. The balance of anxiety and depression being a part of you and just learning to go through life. And Faron not loving Jude in spite of it but alongside it.
I also very much appreciate showing how depression medications and depression affect libido. Sometimes the want to be intimate is there but the body cannot read the signals. And some partners can be cruel about it but Faron was perfect (still almost too perfect!).
Will I ever reread this? Probably not. It hit a little too close to home. But it was lovely and typical Roan.
indiekay's review
4.0
I really liked this whole series and I enjoyed this book, but I also don't have any big feelings about this one way or the other.
Great depression representation!
Great depression representation!