Riot Street

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Title: Riot Street
Author: Tyler King
Publication date: 04/30/2017
Publisher: Forever Yours
Kindle Unlimited: No
Cliffhanger: No
Rating: 5 out of 5
 
Amazon blurb
Sometimes, getting in too deep is the only way to survive . . .
As darkly charismatic as he is unpredictable, Ethan Ash knows me better than I know myself. He's spent years unraveling the family scandal I've tried desperately to escape. I once thought that made us adversaries. Now he's the closest ally I have left.
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Ethan's both the chaos around me and the deep, calm center where I feel safe.

People warn me about him, tell me he's dangerous. Don't fall for him. But it's too late. Because I can't tell where my addiction ends . . . and his obsession begins.

My Review
Riot Street is one of those reads that really kicks the crap out of the romance stigma. There’s nothing fluffy here. Every page, every word, every bit of dialogue, has a meaning and purpose in the overall story. With that in mind, I invite all critics of the romance genre to read this book. My guess is they’ll be singing a different tune by the time they’re done.
 
The plot of Riot Street is complex and unique, but what really shines for me are the characters. Ethan and Avery are engaging and flawed and just so...real that as you read, you’ll start to feel like you really know them. And the slow-burn romance between Ethan and Avery is so exceptionally executed that you can’t help but root for them as a couple.
 
I won’t give anything away plotwise, but at the beginning of the story, it’s easy to see Avery as a character who needs guidance to overcome her past and learn how to live a productive, happy life. That’s not the case at all. Avery is a survivor who can flourish in any setting. She really only lacked confidence in her ability to remain strong in the face of setbacks and difficulties. Yes, Ethan helps her with that. But by the end of the story, Ethan needs Avery’s strength more than she needs his. I LOVED that role reversal, and it was really just another of many examples of this author and this story crushing the romance stigma.  
 
Tyler King’s writing style is also fresh and super unique. It’s crisp and well-paced, clever and witty, emotive and descriptive without being overwrought and angsty.   
 
Long-story-short: Riot Street is totally compelling, a perfect blend of swoony and emotional moments, witty dialogue, and beautifully complex characters. This one goes straight to the keeper shelf.   
 
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
     
Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
Crushes it! No rehab needed. This one is clean and sober.  
 
Other reading suggestions
Read The Debt by Tyler King. It’s just as brilliant and complex as Riot Street.

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