This is the note Riley wrote to Vanessa on the plane on the way to Texas. 

Vanessa,

I searched “Modern rock love songs,” (on my iPhone, which I risked pissing you off that I used it for something other than calls and music, but I figured I’d be honest and take the punishment.) and most are kind of depressing, more about being apart/after break up songs or I-want-you-back songs.  Some really resonated with me, for obvious reasons.  I hope you still listen to them, unless this trip works.

So… this was harder than I thought it would be.  Unless I went back to the 80s with all those hair bands doing the standard-issue power ballads, you were right.  There really aren’t that many positive rock love songs, and yes, most of the ones that are positive are slow, sappy, or a combination of both.  But I found a few that I think you might like.  I’m not sure. You’ll probably say you don’t like them just because it’d be too much like admitting you were wrong.  But I’m still gonna try. 

I’ll list the positive songs first:

 R U Mine – Arctic Monkeys.  This one is really perfect from me to you, but it’s not really about love, it’s more a lusty song.  It still fits.

You’re Mine – Disturbed.  I don’t like the idea of thinking of one person belonging to another, but it fits.

The Reason – Hoobastank.  It’s more an apology song, and it’s cliché and a bit sappy.

Lost in You – Three Days Grace.  Perfect song, and it’s a Vanessa-approved artist.

You and Me – Lifehouse.  This one is a stretch, I know.  It’s cliché and sappy, and it’s a bit before the era of rock you like, but whatever, I’m keeping it.

I’ll Follow You – Shinedown.  It’s slow, but it’s really good.  It kind of plays like those 80s power ballads I mentioned before, but I think the 80s hair bands rocked, so…

Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol. Yeah, you won’t say this is rock, but it is.  And it is super slow, but it’s beautiful.  Listen to the lyrics.

Always – Killswitch Engage.  I figured with a band name like that, you’d like them.  I love the song, and you probably will, too, because it sounds angsty and dark, just like you like.

The Best is Yet to Come – Red.  Sweet lyrics.  It’s not exactly like your style, but listen to it.

No Matter What – Papa Roach.  It’s Papa Roach, one of your favorites, and they did a love song.  In fact, they have several, but we’ll listen to them together.  This is the only one that fits right now.

Far Away – Nickleback.  You’re probably going to make fun of me, but I never understood all the Nickleback hate spread by everyone.  I like the band.  I unapologetically love this perfect song.

Iris – The Goo Goo Dolls.  Yeah, yeah, it’s from before your time period, but c’mon, you gotta agree it’s a great song.  It might be cliché to you, but it’s perfect.

Now the depressing songs, ones I will probably listen to on repeat if this doesn’t work out like I want:

Here Without You – Three Doors Down

Broken – Seether

The Last Day on Earth – Marilyn Manson.  You’re right, he is a lyrical genius.

Thinking About You – Puddle of Mudd

Blurry – Also by Puddle of Mudd

Schism – Tool.  I think it might be to another man, and it’s a bit dark, but I love that it fits.

Without You – My Darkest Days

Interstate Love Song – Stone Temple Pilots.  (I heard you listen to them, so don’t say you don’t like them)

With You – Linkin Park.  This one is my personal favorite.

I really hope we can listen to the list together, but if for some reason I am on that plane heading back to California without you…

I want at least a possibility for a second chance with you – no, make that a first chance.  We never really had the first chance.  I just want a chance to love you properly.  To show you that I really do love you.  With all my heart.  You are perfect for me, and I’m sorry someone who is no longer in my life made you feel any less than that.

Love,

Riley

I hope you enjoyed my debut novel, Riled Up.  Please be so kind as to leave a review on both Amazon and Goodreads. 

Stay tuned for Etta and Nathaniel’s book, Batter Up, to be released later this year.  The UP series will be interconnected with crossover characters, but each can be read as a standalone.