Invitation to the Blues

Written by Roan Parrish

Narrated by Greg Boudreaux

Eight months ago Jude Lucen fled his partner, his career, and a hospital in Boston after a suicide attempt. Now back in Philadelphia, he feels like a complete failure. Piano has always been his passion and his only escape. Without it, he has nothing. Well, nothing except a pathetic crush on the most gorgeous man he's ever seen.

Faron Locklear came to Philly looking for a fresh start and has thrown himself into tattooing at Small Change. He's only met Jude a few times, but something about the red-haired man with the haunted eyes calls to him. Faron is blown away by Jude's talent. What he isn't expecting is the electricity he feels the first time they kiss-and the way Jude's needs in bed speak directly to his own deepest desires.

Jude and Faron fall fast and hard, but Jude has spent a lifetime learning that he can't be what the people he loves need. So when the opportunity arises to renew his career in Boston, he thinks he has to choose: music, or Faron? Only by taking a huge risk-and finally believing he's worthy of love just as he is-can he have the chance for both.

Contains mature themes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Jun 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9781977346674

Roan Parrish

Roan Parrish lives in Philadelphia, where she’s gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.When not writing, she can be found cutting her friends’ hair,meandering through the city while listening to torch songs andmelodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires,winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may ormay not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the windowin a fit of pique.

Reviews for Invitation to the Blues

[Harrison Setzler · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Had to stop after 1 hour in. Totally not worth going past that.

[Amy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm about half way through this book and felt I had to write a review already. The author has a real insight into how mental health feels and affects your whole life and the lives of everyone around. The description of Judes thoughts and feelings is beautifully written. On that basis alone, I loved that book.

[carol420 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have tried to read everything that I can find that was written by Roan Parrish. This one had been rather evasive but all of a sudden, I found it in paperback at a yard sale. It's an emotional tale...as often her stories are...about accepting yourself, even when the person you are is imperfect and you may not like that person very much. Thankfully I have no personal experience with depression, but I thought that Roan Parrish wrote about Jude's experience so well that the reader had no problem understanding the spiraling nature of depression and anxiety and how unpredictable and sometimes unexpected, the triggers can be. The story follows Jude Lucen and Faron Locklear's friendship and then attraction that eventually turns into a very meaningful connection. Jude fights it at first because by experience he has reason to believe that his depression is a burden to anyone that would or could possibly love him. Faron shows Jude that he is someone who understands him even when Jude can’t find his words. Faron is someone that makes him feel calm, even when his anxieties wage a war inside his head.... when he feels ugly and unlovable. Those are the times that Faron uses his artist skills to show Jude how beautiful he sees him. Faron shows Jude that he loves all parts of him, the good and the bad, because all those parts are what makes him who he is. A sweet and touching love story. I loved the way Faran summed it up...“I don’t want you out of generosity, or because I’m some kind of angel or savior. I want you because something inside you vibrates just right with something inside of me.”