Ann Marie Frohoff

Let's break this down into more digestible pieces....

SKID OUT - #0.5 - A pretty good start to the series...we get to know Aly and Jake from their own points of view as well as each others, while catching a glimpse of what might be around the corner. Think girl/guy next door, life long friendship taking a turn for something more...and some rock n roll.

FIRST KISS - #1 - So, much more growing up happens in this first full length book of the series. From young love to beyond full on jealousy, unrequited crushes to misconstrued actions, broken hearts to broken faces, and yet the spark ignited still lingers. Even when they've both hit rock bottom in their own ways, even when everyone else is against them, scheming, lying, and what not...love still remains. But is it worth it?

FEVER PITCH - #1.5 - So, Aly and Jake have reunited (sorta) with no awkwardness (kinda) and a happily-ever-after looming on the horizon (ugh...rain check?). This story is full on Aly's point of view and we can see how she's thought things out, but is letting love truly be blind. Not sure about Jake at this point; seems to have really fallen into the trappings of rockstardom, despite his moments of sweetness. Definitely a wait and see game, no matter who you're rooting for...

BROKEN NOTES - #2 - Aly and Jake have done a lot of growing up this time around as time marches forward waiting for no man or woman, but some things never change, like this caustic thing their relationship has turned into. Way too much drama even for rock stars...though my heart did stumble over Dump's story arc.

HIGHER OCTAVE - #2.5 - So, we've flashed forward...Jake is clean again, going solo, interested somewhat in a woman, but still determined to win Aly back. Aly is moving forward with Nathan, graduating college, and still tempted by Jake but seemingly not as much as he might be. Past sh*t is about to hit the fan and the mysterious Mr Todd makes an appearance. Think the lady from Devil Wears Prada with possible mob connections...

LOVE AMPLIFIED - #3 - The drama rolls on with a surprise thanks Sienna, a lady friend of interest for Jake, a potential marriage to someone other than Jake for Aly...and an ending tied up with them all in the tangle. It's been quite a ride and the final scenes leave us with just as much feedback as the rest of the rocking and rolling tale...

Overall, it was a roller coaster ride that didn't let a moment slip by as we followed Jake and Aly from pubescent meetings to full on affairs. Seriously, it's pretty much EIGHT YEARS covered in six books, leaving you no doubt as to what these two were or weren't up to. Though I've discovered I'm only a binge reader in certain cases (not this one, eek!), it doesn't mean you aren't,....or that you wouldn't actually put a virtual bookmark in it to sample other worlds in between...and so, I say if you're a fan of Young Adult, New Adult, or just blame rock star romance, CHECK OUT THE HEAVY INFLUENCE SERIES for your next pick!


***copy received for review… (more)