Louder Than Love

Love & Steel #1

by Jessica Topper

In this powerful debut novel, a young librarian grieves the loss of her husband...and discovers a love that defies classification.

It's been over three years since a train accident made a widow of Katrina Lewis, sending her and her young daughter Abbey back to the suburban town of her youth...the only place that still makes sense. Lauder Lake is the perfect place to hide and heal.

Recluse rocker Adrian "Digger" Graves survived the implosion of his music career, but his muse has long lain dormant. Until Kat hires him to play at her library—not on the basis of his hard rock credentials but rather, because of the obscure kids' TV jingle he wrote years ago. In a case of mistaken identity, Adrian stumbles into the lives of Kat and her comically lovable daughter.

Using tattoos as a timeline, Adrian unfurls his life for Kat. But as the courtship intensifies, it's unclear whose past looms larger: the widow's or the rocker's. Will their demons ever rest, or will they break these soul mates apart?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Music, New Adult, Musicians, Adult

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2013

About the author

Rock. Write. Repeat.

Jessica Topper broke the rock romance mold with her 2013 debut novel LOUDER THAN LOVE. Her follow-up romantic comedy, DICTATORSHIP OF THE DRESS, was named one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2015.

After working almost two decades in the music industry, Jessica hung up her touring boots in order to concentrate on her writing. She lives in Western New York with two cats who love to walk across her keyboard, a teenage writer girl and a husband who wishes to remain anonymous. You can visit her at www.jessicatopper.com.

Jessica is the author of two series:

LOVE & STEEL
(Louder Than Love, Deeper Than Dreams, Softer Than Steel – NEW EDITIONS COMING SOON)

MUCH “I DO” ABOUT NOTHING
(Dictatorship of the Dress – January 2015, Courtship of the Cake – June 2015) from Berkley/Penguin RandomHouse.

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 I-want-an-Adrian-of-my-own stars. Reread August 2015, review edited August 7, 2015





First read (and reviewed) in January 2014

I sometimes have regrets in my life. However, all the little things, good or bad, and all my decisions, whether they were thoughtful or a bit mindless, are part of my life. You can't turn back time. Thus, whenever you have regrets in your life, think it over because at that time it was exactly what you wanted or needed and led you to where you stand today. Long story short, when Adrian is reminiscing about his life and feels conflicted and disconcerted when he thinks about his previous choices, you can also feel how much he values this second chance at a new life and love. LTL brought out all kinds of intense feels and I'll never get tired of rereading this book. I can see why Jessica Topper said that LTL is the book of her heart. I didn't write this story but, as a reader, it became a highly treasured and cherished part of my heart as well.

Adrian is one of the most charismatic and intriguing fictional characters I had the pleasure of meeting in my world of romance books. He has left many deep and soul-searching foot prints, not only on the sandy beach of Lauder Lake, but also deep down in my heart. I guess what I'm trying to say is this is a declaration of love to a book I cherish tremendously and specifically to a fictional hero I adore and love to pieces. I will admit the story starts off really slow but somewhere along the way Adrian cast a spell over me and refused to let go. Well, that's the magic of the written word, isn't it? I am in awe of the author's voice and prowess as a writer and can hardly wait to get my eager fingers on Rick's story Softer Than Steel.



Katrina lost her husband in a tragic train wreck when she was thirty. Trying to escape her demons, she leaves New York with her little daughter Abbey and goes back to her childhood home in Lauder Lake. Now, four years later, her friends can't wait for her to date again. When Katrina hires (unknowingly) recluse rock star Adrian "Digger" Graves to play at Lauder Lake Public Library in front of a bunch of kids, she feels attracted to a man for the first time since Pete's death. For fun, Adrian wrote a song for a kids' TV serial years ago, and Kat's daughter Abbey is a huge fan of Maxwell MacGillikitty. The story takes it from there.

The third photo is absolute rapture. The realization of her eleven-month-old world spinning, with its methodical ups and downs and Daddy safe next to her, has brought a gleeful, gummy smile to her face. Cheeks wide, eyes shining, and the hint of two bottom front teeth at her gum line about to break through. Pete is absolved, vindicated, rewarded. Grinning point-blank at me as I manage to capture, unknowingly, our little unit's final experience of jumping into the great unknown together. The photos speak volumes, yet they say nothing. The moment, like the ride, was too short.

This book took me by surprise and I never thought I'd say this but I loved Louder Than Love very much! Granted, Adrian is a smoker and he isn't a flawless human being, yet I fell head over heels in love with him nonetheless. I gotta tell you that man is to die for and every positive feeling built up inside me deserves to burst out, and I really, really want to spread some love for this amazing novel. In my book, this story had so many fascinating ingredients to qualify for a five-star read. Easily. I could even overlook my minor quibbles (you can scroll down to check them out). In any event, if you can get past the slow beginning and you don't mind reading a story that isn't solely focused on the main characters, then you might end up enjoying LTL.



Louder Than Love is all kinds of amazingly beautiful, romantic, endearing and sweet. And I really mean the very good kind of sweet. No cheese, no sugar. The kind of beauty that infuses your heart where you want to lock it away for a long time, so you can get lost in fond memories whenever you go back to that special place for a visit.



Let me reminisce how everything began. I remember that the cover peaked my interest. However, when I saw that several readers shelved this book as new adult, my interest shriveled like a balloon. Another one of those? Really? I took notice of Karia's comment who told me it's not NA at all. Well, and then I just put it on my TBR pile and thought it would gather some dust until I was ready to remove it from my to-read shelf again. But then my friend Kelly picked it up recently, loved it and encouraged me to give it a try. After reading Louder Than Love I can tell you that anyone who's going to shelf it as NA couldn't be more wrong. Louder Than Love is a beautiful, intimate and moving story about love, loss, pain and a thoughtful and deep second chance at love between two mature adults. It is also about chasing ghosts, keeping them at bay and ultimately dealing and conquering them; making peace with your past, remembering good and bad times and be ready and willing to let your life be flooded by new ones. Hopefully only the good ones...



For a debut I must say I'm completely and utterly impressed because Jess writes with an incredibly thoughtful, refined and mature hand. The characters are complex, yet they astonished me in their modesty. I will admit that the plot itself is nothing I hadn't seen before. However, what made everything so intriguing is the author's voice, her candid writing and the loving as well as realistic way she portrayed her main protagonists. Adrian is so far away from the clichéd, conceited rocker caveman alpha-hole that I fell for him instantly. I even forgave him in a heartbeat for coming to the library gig half-drunk.

"You are drunk."
"And you"--he popped two of the curiously strong mints into his mouth--"are beautiful."
"Jesus Christ."
"I'll sober up soon…and hopefully, you will still be beautiful."

As a matter of fact, Adrian sobered up quickly and delivered a wonderful performance and captured the kids' attention straightaway. Besides, we should cut him some slack because poor Adrian was so scared. It was his first live gig since forever and he needed to get his nerves under control. Coming out of hiding and performing live again after such a long time was a huge step for him. Talk about making peace with your past. Don't let his faux-pas put you off because Adrian is not a drunk at all and smoking was a rather light vice considering his ugly past. I will happily admit that I have a huge weakness for mature heroes in general and for a heavy metal hero with a heart of gold in particular. Adrian is 41, not very tall, heavily tattooed with longish, shaggy dark blond hair interspersed with gray, sexy sideburns and an even sexier goatee. Oh my, count me in stat! If I had to describe him in four words then I'd choose strong, vulnerable, humble and sexy.

I’m by no stretch of the imagination an expert when it comes to English accents. Yet I could hear Adrian when he was talking in his British accent. And I could see him sitting on the steps waiting for Kat, smiling at her when she arrived. Whatever he did and felt, I was right there with him. I just know what engages my heart and Jess did a fine job bringing the characters to life, especially Adrian because he was deeply authentic as was Kat, BTW.



I'm not sure what I expected but I assure you it wasn't that at all. I'm still reeling in the aftermath of what I just read and I can't decide what "label" I should pin on Adrian's chest. He's not a straight alpha and while there are beta qualities in him, I'd say he's probably a gamma hero. He's a wonderful character and all his skills, strengths and flaws blend into a perfect and very attractive mix that I appreciated tremendously. Adrian was perfect in his perfectly flawed and vulnerable personality which, by the way, made him very human and interesting and rendered him unforgettable.

The interaction between Adrian and Kat's almost five-year-old daughter was beyond fantastic and let me end up in a puddle of sugary goo at his feet. As a matter of fact, Adrian did a marvelous job at firing up his adult metal fans as well as capturing the hearts of his very young audience in public libraries. He transformed easily from tattooed badass rocker to a demure and unobtrusive performer who sang songs for kiddies and could wow them in an instant with his sincere and endearing personality. Perfect. Kudos to the author for making the clever loophole possible. I totally dug that! How smart and apt was that? In spite of the missing epilogue, the final 10% were pure magic. And don't get me started on the more than perfect title. There were so many, many amazing and emotional moments to discover and treasure throughout the entire story.

The sex scenes are not overly explicit. Still, they are very sexy in a rather understated and intimate way that appealed very much to me and complemented the beauty of the story.

Louder Than Love provided a very eclectic cast of secondary characters. Everyone should raise their hands in the air who loved Jim. I sure as heck are among those readers and wouldn't mind reading his story one day.

Minor quibbles
I'm allergic to giggling. Yet I'll admit that Kat didn't do it all the time. So thanks for small favors. Also, I would have preferred for Kat to talk about her ghosts with Adrian so much sooner. On the other hand, I get where the author took the story and I can see why she waited so long.

"It's one thing to ruminate, but another to enunciate."

Like I mentioned already, the beginning was slow, really slow. And I wasn't quite happy that I had to wait until the 15% mark to meet Adrian for the first time. In the end, however, it was so worth the wait.
While the ending was lovely, I missed an epilogue. Honestly, I'd love to read a novella showing us the three of them happily together six or twelve months down the road. Will Abbey get a little brother or sister one day? Come on, let a girl dream, will you? Imagine, this would be the icing on the rocker cake. Future headbanger included. The beautiful novella Deeper Than Dreams will be released on August 18th 2015.

Our breath and movements flowed evenly, measured, in unison. He brought his torso up to meet mine as he heaved, hands grasping at my bra straps, my curls, anything tangible to keep him from floating into the ether. I witnessed his face speak a thousand words as his lips just uttered one: my name again. He was all at once demonic, blissful, tortured, humble, and at peace.

I absolutely loved the musical stroll down memory lane when Jess interspersed more than a couple of popular bands of the 80s in the plot, and I couldn't put the book down when Adrian talked about his glorious yet painful and partially wrecked past. Geez, what great vibes flew right off the pages when Adrian showed his expertise as a musician (the gigs were STELLAR!), composer but also as a flawed human being?! All in all a superb debut about a recluse rock star who redeemed himself completely and was so worthy of a second chance at life and love, and a likable heroine who overcame the loss of the love of her life to find a new one. And then let's not forget the sweet and endearing Abbey who went to Mad Hatter (Manhattan) to brighten Adrian's life and unapologetically conquered his twenty-six hundred square feet of Manhattan sky. Sometimes jumping into the great unknown can be very rewarding and made me yearn for more.

No worries, I really got more in the form of a deliciously wonderful cherry on top of the mouth-watering icing. Adrian and Kat's novella Deeper Than Dreams was everything I could have hoped for and enthralled me from start to finish, thanks to many romantic moments. Everyone who loved LTL should not hesitate to pick up Deeper Than Dreams and indulge in quality time of unforgettable bliss.



…also the ugly.


Recommended read.
Every reader who enjoyed How to Kill a Rock Star should give this book a try. I know I can't compare these two stories because there's no doubt about it, they are different. Louder Than Love, however, is much more romantic than HtKaRS and so worth a shot. I believe that other rock star stories simply pale compared to these two books.

"You are the best thing to happen to me, bar none. You, Abbey…all of this. You both walked into my life and…I never knew what I wanted until you did."

As for me, Adrian is a source of inspiration and I'd like to conclude my review with the following words…


Time

Time will lead me in your arms
Luv, where have you been all my life
Hurt and comfort paved our destiny's path

Clear water gently lapping at my feet
Chasing away the muddy darkness
Of my shackled recollections
Initializing a process of purification
And making peace with my past

Lyrics in reference of my impetuous life
Shivering across our skin
Sealed with fervent, intense kisses
Smoothly breathing my feelings
Hopes laid out over your body
Gazing deeply into each other's eyes
Nurturing the rhythm of our hearts
Incessantly beating in time

A battle of our fears and
Relentless ghosts brought
To their knees because in time

I said…
Easy Tiger…

We will make it last

Infusing love and transcending each other's past




P.S.
A thank-you goes to my wonderful friend, Maida, who not only buddy read LTL with me but also fell hard for Adrian! No worries, we can share him--he doesn't mind. <333 xoxox

[Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I really, really liked it. Had marked it To Read way back in September but must have forgotten about it until I saw a review by Lkay. Jumped right in and spent the balance of my Amazon Gift Card and I can tell you it was well worth it. Characters are a little older…



Katrina has been widowed for over three years. She moved back to her Hometown as she could not bear to live in Manhattan where Pete and herself had lived and loved. She is a stay at home Mom to Abbey - love how they picked her name.

Accidents can be apologized for;
smoothed over;
explained away.
A wreck is different.
A wreck … does just that.
It damages beyond control.

Her daughter is obsessed with a cartoon character Maxwell MacGillikitty, Feline Private Eye - brought me back to the days when my now 17 year old could not get enough of the Teletubbies!! Tinky Winky, Dipsy, LaLa; Po ….. He will be off to college in September, where does the time go?

This was the best I could do, as poor Maxwell really is a fictional character.



WhatifWhatifWhatif


Kat is volunteer at the local Library and the idea comes to her to invite the singer who wrote the cartoon’s jingle and songs to play and perform for the kids. He is not performing any more and she has a bit of a hard time trying to get hold of him…. I loved his first email back to her when she suggested this to him … I knew then I would like him.

There is something inherently cool about a guy walking down the street with a guitar case in one hand and a cigarette in the other …

Cover might suggest Rock n' Roll/Hot Chick story. Nope, nothing like that. Well it does deal with his Rock n’ Roll lifestyle, the groupies, the drugs… it is so much more than that.



They both had demons to overcome before they get their HEA - it is tough going. This wasn’t sugarcoated - Kat didn’t STOP loving her husband and suddenly fall at the feet of a fallen rock star.

I think most of you know I LOVE my music. I am a concert whore - I don’t even want to think about how much concert tickets for THE BOSS cost for a family of four to see him THREE times last summer…. Ouch. Was never really into the Heavy Metal/Punk/Mod music but anything else, yes please. Have 5 concerts already lined up for this year. It helps to have teenagers who can educate you on new bands on the block.

This is one of those reviews that I could


Would only hold one thing against him, he is a Chelsea fan – I am a Manchester United fan….


Adrian is British. I loved that she got all his mannerisms and language RIGHT, well at least I think she did. I work with a lot of Brits and could find no fault with anything - "I’ve had it for yonks" - love it - do any of you non-UK folks say that?




Her friends were great. I know about living in a foreign country where you leave your school friends - it is hard but she had a great support group.



"Guys don’t care about that, They could be on their deathbeds and still have boners."

"Where is he? Think he sleeps in the buff?"




Loved Abbey, she was a cute, adorable child but she had her moments, as most children do… and some of the stuff she said…

"Thats Mommy’s happy drink", Abbey pointed to the squat, bubble glass bottle of tequila…

HE DISROBED A HALF FULL BOTTLE OF CANADIAN WHISKEY FROM ITS PURPLE FELT BAG ..

That one sent shivers down my spine…. remind me to tell you some day of the guests that were not really invited and stayed for nearly 2 weeks! They were Canadian and he brought a bottle of that stuff with him … and we don’t even drink whiskey, not Canadian anyhow, give us a bottle of Jameson any day. Next time you say to someone “Sure, you are more than welcome to stay with us, if ever you are around …” Beware!!

Oh, I better shut up soon….

Adrian’s tongue still tasted of Irish butter, the decadent and smooth Kerrygold that Liz always used in the shop as he kissed me into bliss

I mentioned that she got her "Britishness" correct, well you know cranky pants me when things "irish" are not done right…. she did it right. She got her "síne fadas" correct when she mentioned the Tír na nÓg pub …
I would love to have heard Marissa’s prononciation of Tír na nÓg - I am sure it sounded nothing like how it is pronounced…. then again, who am I to judge. You should hear my French pronunciations!

"I certainly hoped the place he was referring to was in the borough of Manhatten and not Kilkenny"

= saw Bruce in Kilkenny in July!!


Just going through sentences and quotes I highlighted there…. would love to add more but then you would spend more time reading this review and not reading THIS BOOK.



Just go for it, I really hope this author has more books in the pipeline…. maybe about Kevin, Katrina's brother?

Stunning debut novel by Ms Topper – Hats off to you matey or should that be "Caps" (for sale)" off to you matey!

…. and I think it was Kelly who mentioned how nice it was to read about MATURE characters. yes, indeed, for those of us over the age of 30, ahem!, it is nice to read about an older couple.


ROCK n’ ROLL NEVER DIES….

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one, a deeply emotional love story about two unlikely people. A reclusive musician and a widow with a young daughter, Adrian and Katrina have both suffered, and as a result have stopped really living, they just go through the motions. Until they are brought together by a jingle from a kids TV show. Kat's daughter Abbey is a huge fan of Maxwell MacGillikitty, Feline Private Eye and when the opportunity arises, she reaches out to the man behind the music, asking him to come perform for the children at the library where she volunteers.

"You are drunk."
"And you"- he popped two of the curiously strong mints into his mouth- "are beautiful."
"Jesus Christ."
"I'll sober up soon... and hopefully, you will still be beautiful."

There is a spark between these two, but they both have issues to overcome. I felt the progression of their relationship was very honest, and realistic. I adored the characters, and yes, Louder Than Love has a slower pace, but I can honestly say, I loved it, it was a steady, emotional story that made my heart happy.

"You've got all this... this love -- no, it's louder thank love. It's passion and beauty built up inside that deserves to burst out."


It's Christmas time, and lucky me, Jennifer gifted me this one! Thank you, darling!

[~IreneOust~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another example how one should NEVER rely on GR ratings when choosing a book ... 3.95 stars average?? For this??? While other crap 'stuff' out there rakes in 4.5 + ??? Really??? OK, to each their own but that pretty much proves my point.

I know it's only January 22nd but this is the first book to land on my "TOP TEN READS OF 2014" shelf, folks! Yep, it's that good! I know it's only my opinion but this is my review and I'll praise if I want to!

I am not going to recap the plot because there is no point in doing so - you have either read the book so you know what it's about or you are about to read it so there is no need to spoil it for you. What I am going to do is list my likes and dislikes so here goes ...

What I LOVED :

☠ The writing.

Jessica Topper, you've got a fan for life! You know how the characters in this book play TOD and one of the questions is “If you could choose anyone, living or dead, to meet and have lunch with, who would you choose and why?”? If that question was directed at me, my answer would be "Jessica Topper". Because I would love to pick your brain about who/what inspired the characters/events in this book and I would LOVE to know if there are more projects to come from you in a near future!

☠ Abbey with an E.

I don't think there is a child character that's been written to date that can top Abbey's cuteness. I am in love with her and that's all there is to it!

☠ Kat's friends.

I love how nobody was perfect. From body to relationship issues, thanks for keeping it real, Jessica!

☠ Grant.

Because every book needs a douchebag and he made a perfect one!

☠ Kev.

One of my favorite parts in this book was him meeting Adrian.

☠ Music references.

As a child of the 80s, I LOVED [and could relate to] that!

☠ The story.

Perfection! From start to finish. I loved how we got to know each character so well, how we hurt with them, laughed with them and even loved with them ... did anyone else get goose bumps at the scene near the end when Adrian sings the song he wrote to Kat??

☠ Pete.

I loved how he was integrated to be a part of this story.

And last but certainly not least ...

☠ Adrian & Kat

These two went straight onto my "favorite couple award" shelf. Flawed yet perfect in every way duo!


Things that didn't quite work for me :




Final thoughts : if you are looking for a book that is fast paced sex, drugs and rock'n'roll type of story, you may want to avoid this one. However, if you are in the mood for a well written story about love, friendship, second chances and starting over, give this one a shot! I promise you won't regret it!


Cheerio!!






January 19, 2014


Thanks to Mo's & Lkay's awesome reviews of this title, we are Buddy Reading it in HERE starting Monday, January 20, 2014 as part of Canary Room 101 'member's choice' Challenge Buddy Read.


Till Monday, my friends ...

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 but I wish I could give it 10 beautiful stars

"You've got all this...this love - no, it's louder than love. It's passion and beauty built up inside you that deserves to burst out."


So if you're anything like me, you probably took a look at that book cover and synopsis and thought you'd be getting an angst filled NA story with a somewhat shy and mousy heroine and a tatted and tortured hero, right? Well you, my friend, couldn't be further from the truth because this book was not that at all. It was so much more. It was a beautiful, lovely, emotional, and captivating story of love lost and learning to move on again. It was in a word, wonderful.

I'll be honest, this is not my typical read. But I am so glad that I misjudged that cover and read it, because I would have missed out on an amazing book and a fantastic new author. This is NOT a New Adult novel. I'm not really sure why that genre even appears by this book. This is a contemporary romance with grown and mature MCs.

3 years ago Katrina Lewis lost her husband in a devastating train accident, leaving her a widow and a single mother to her young daughter Abbey.

Seeking solace sends her to the one place that still makes sense to her, her childhood home in Lauder Lake.

When a character and song behind her daughter's beloved cartoon leads Kat to the idea of inviting the singer of the jingle to perform at the library she works in, her life takes a surprising turn. Through a case of mistaken identity, she meets recluse rocker Adrian.

I can't help it, this is the image that burned itself into my mind when I read about Adrian. Just give him lighter hair and blue eyes, and yup!

To say that I loved Jessica Topper's writing would be a gross understatement. I adored the realism with which she portrayed both of these characters. Kat and Adrian were written in such an endearing and pragmatic way, it was hard not to fall in love with them. The way their relationship developed was lovely and realistic. There was no insta-lust, insta-love, insta-anything.

Do you believe in love at first sight?"
"Hmmm, no. I don't. I believe love involves the commitment of many senses, as well as your head and your heart, so I wouldn't just rely on my eyesight."

Jessica managed to write a love story for Kat and Adrian without taking away any of Kat's love for her husband that passed away. It wasn't downplayed at all. Kat loved her husband and grieved his loss every day. Yet you can completely understand what makes her fall for Adrian.

When I first read the blurb and saw Kat was a librarian, I imagined yet another somewhat awkward, slightly geeky, introverted heroine. She was not that at all.

I wasn't sheltered. I was orderly.

She was such an endearing heroine, you can't help but immediately like her.

Adrian was just amazing. He has battled a multitude of demons in his life, drugs being one of the biggest. Yet the way he is with Kat is not at all what you might expect. He was tender and romantic, but it didn't seem contrived or fake. It was just perfect.

That's not to say that this book didn't have it's level of steam. It did. But it was written in this understated way that it never took away from the romance.


There was no unnecessary angst thrown into the mix. I honestly can't think of anything I didn't like in this book. It was so refreshing to read about 2 grown and mature MCs without any unnecessary drama thrown in to take away from their story.

Kat was an amazing heroine. Your heart broke for her and what she went through. Her pain wasn't sugar coated or glossed over. I particularly loved the way that her relationship with her daughter was written. I know I've said it a multitude of times already in my review, but it was so real, you feel everything right along with her. She had her good moments and her bad moments and I found myself tearing up reading about her struggles.

Kat's daughter Abbey was the perfect addition to the characters. She was the third character that rounded out the book. I particularly loved the way Adrian was with her. Their relationship was adorable; the way Adrian fell in love with her as much as he did with Kat.

I really cannot write enough praise for this book. It's a must read. A wonderful, romantic story about a second chance at love. I can't recommend it enough.

**ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

For more reviews visit

[Jx PinkLady Reviews ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Amazon US * Amazon UK *

LOUDER THAN LOVE is a story with oodles of charm and personality, the kind of story that completely whisked me away to another world with its poignancy, beauty, witty moments, charm and romance. It’s about the what-ifs in life, sadness, grief, new beginnings, living, trust and LOVE. It explores the variety of love that life has to offer, the abundance of love and its capacity to be an emotion that just keeps on giving.

This book wowed me with its slow moving detail that unfurls layer after layer of truth and emotion, and in all honesty, it cannot be told in any other way. The heroines devastating history necessitates a delicate telling and thoughtful character development. There's much detail.... but even the mundane action drives the story forward, even if it's simply in terms of the nuance of emotion that's laced throughout, which to many, myself included, is the most important aspect of any story. Jessica Toppers ability to write devastating feelings alongside new possibilities is quite wonderful.

Kat has experienced devastating loss and this story begins four years after at a time when her life begins to move positively forward. She's witty, intelligent, personable, pragmatic and philosophical. The observations of the small things that affect her character and the poignancy of her thoughts in the aftermath of her loss touched my heart deeply and moved me to tears very early on in the story telling. We learn more about her husband as the story progresses. Their love juxtaposed against her learning to move on is so moving. Making the most of one’s life is a testament to the loves that have left us and this book showcases this in picture perfect detail and I basked in the exquisite beauty of it. The heroine's strength to open her heart to new love is captivating, engaging and highly satisfying. Her young daughter, Abby is gorgeous and such a lovely, integral part of the story. She's the catalyst that brings our Adrian, our hero, centre stage and allows him to shine.

I got the book flutters and laughed all at the same time when I first heard Adrian, he’s adorably British and perfectly so to my Brit ears with his self-deprecating charm and wit, showcased wonderfully in the scenes he shares with both Liz and Abbey. He's completely swoon-worthy and, of course, his scenes with Abbey made me melt into a puddle of goo. He’s a quite mysterious to begin with but all becomes clear and super gorgeous throughout the read. His tortured history, both physical and emotional rivals any success he's ever felt.


Their chemistry sizzles from the start, I felt their natural and easy connection light up the pages with warmth, its clear they both have their demons to tame. I followed the protagonists through a dichotomy of events, that are at times turbulent, but nothing wonderful is every straight forward in our fictional world. I spent my LOUDER THAN LOVE journey happily bursting with feeling and emotion. I read very much with my heart leading the way and this story completely enveloped my reading senses crushing my heart and giving me hope all in the same breath.

The supporting cast all add to the feel of the story as a whole, they each have their place, none are overplayed and add to this story in terms of supporting the protagonists and showcasing their personalities.

It's true, I've read this book a year after many fans but I feel my tribute to such a wonderful story can only come from cleansing my thoughts in the form of a review and hopefully sparking the interest of new readers because LOUDER THAN LOVE is everything I love in my reading matter. EVERYTHING. And I highly recommend it to ALL romance lovers who crave their stories laced with depth, emotion and poignancy, and the SEXY reclusive rocker cast as our hero is simply the icing on the scrumptious cake.

**Note this story is a STANDALONE told from the Heroine’s perspective. DEEPER THAN DREAMS, a novella continuing their love story is now available.
My review thoughts for DEEPER THAN DREAMS

**SOFTER THAN STEEL, a second STANDALONE story is due for release: September 15th 2015

(Graphics to follow!)

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 - 5 Stars

”Don’t try to retrace steps. We’ll find new ones.”



I just loved this one too pieces!! This story isn’t the same old young girl falling for the famous rock star instead it’s of a widow falling for the recluse rock legend and where the road takes them and how they fit together.

”I’m trying to figure out where you fit into the order.” Was there a place for reclusive rock stars? For a heavy metal hero with a heart of gold? “You,” I kissed each temple, then nose tip and chin. “You are glorious chaos.”

Kat and Adrian were very well written and realistic and I just loved little Abbey. Their slow ascend to love was fantastic and very enjoyable. Kat learns to let go of her past and love again while Adrian learns to let go of his demons and accept his worthiness of Kat and Abbey's love.

”Too many ghosts, Kat. I can’t com(pete).”

The story was a bit slow paced but does have just the right amount of steam, as the focus was the growth of these two wonderful characters. I loved that the Adrian and Kat were mature. Their journey with the added music element made for one great read.

”You’ve got the key to my heart,” he said. “And then Abbey stole the whole blasted thing.”

[Catarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 Loud Stars

Kat lost her husband four years ago, when their daughter, Abbey, wasn’t even one year old. She decides to leave city with her and move back to her hometown, where she volunteers in the local library. Abbey is addicted to one cartoon about a detective cat, Maxwell MacGillikitty, and Kat decides to hire the guy who wrote the generic song to do a presentation in the library.
Enters Adrian, a former rock star with a dark past that now stays hidden from the public. He and Kat immediately hit it off, but both of them are still recovering from their past. And sometimes those ghosts are the hardest to let go.



Let me star by telling that for a debut novel, not only was this book amazingly written but also with a refreshing take on the “rock-star-good-girl” line. The characters were real, the story were also real and I loved how any aspect in this book was sugar-coated. Neither the hero “addictions” , nor the heroine love for her late husband. She didn’t stop loving him in the moment she first saw Adrian and I really liked how that relationship progressed. So, if you’re in need of a great romantic story, this book is definitely a good choice.



Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Characters Development: This was never the type of characters I would go for on the first place. Slightly older than I use to read (he was in his forties) and with a lot of baggage and both with sons and previous loves. But they were so real, with qualities and flaws and real lives that was impossible not to fall in love with them and with their everyday struggles. Both of them together were delightful to see and I really love Abbey. She was a sweet kid.
Steam: Meh.
Sensible Subjects: Death. Drugs. Alcohol.
Love Triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
HEA: Yes.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Real, Life-Affirming, Maxwell MacGillikitty Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free-2014 Review
Every day we go about our "business"... we go to work, take our children to school... we kiss our loved ones hello and goodbye ... and then repeat the same process. This can be our lives. If we are lucky. But there are times when things do not go the way we have planned... or thought...or hoped. There are times when in an instant everything we held dear is taken away without warning... and then the real challenge is how do we go on, manage to regain some sort of life and be able to embrace what was.....yet be open to what may come...

Louder Than Love by Jessica Topper addresses these thoughts as well as many others in such a beautiful way... I could not put this book down. Once I started it was not until 3:32 AM did I finish. I was drawn to it through amazing reviews written here on GR by Lkay and Mo among others. Please for the complete breakdown of the story, do yourself a favor and read them.
Here is LKay's https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Here is Mo's https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

We meet a woman, Katrina, who is rebuilding her life. She had the off-center perfection of life...which was of a certain time; meeting in college her guy, Pete...the innocent and open way it took place... both growing together, forming ideas of what is important; places to see.... things to experience. They love, marry, develop careers never losing sight of what is important...staying true to each other. They experience the joy of creation and dream of all they will do with this amazing gift named Abbey after the Beatles album, Abbey Road.

Life continues with the change from 2 to now 3... days, weeks, months fly by .... and then that never planned event happens... what we as humans deny every day... that we are mortal ... and really in many was have no control over anything...

Her husband goes on a regular normal train ride out of Grand Central Station in NYC to Washington DC to interview some representative of some country for his paper. The day is very warm, 94 degrees and the track gets a "Sun Kink", a buckle which at a too high speed derails the train and her beautiful man, husband, and father of their precious gift is gone...in an instant, lives are wrecked and the remains of those lives left behind are in question.

NYC becomes too much... every place a flashback... so Katrina takes Abbey back to her home, Lauder Lake, to recover, nest, and hopefully make it through. With the help of her family, friends, and time... Katrina goes through all of the stages of grieving and coping to come to a place where she has emerged.... to being able to cope without breaking down as she used to. Pete is there in her heart, he is loved, and Abbey at 4 1/2 knows of her daddy... he is in the stars looking and watching over her.

The major turning point for these two is when Katrina decides to track down the musician who sings the theme song to Abbey's TV obsession...Maxwell MacGillikitty, Feline Private Eye... a cartoon show on PBS for a children's program at the library where she volunteers. As a qualified librarian, she used her research skills; tracked down Adrian Graves, and asked if he would come and perform for the children. After some curious back and forth emails, a deal was struck and the date confirmed.

When Adrian Graves arrives at the library, a little late, a little drunk, and a whole lot engaging... Katrina is shaken... she had been moving to a more in touch place... four years had passed... and she was reemerging and finding herself again. The support of her childhood girlfriends had been instrumental in her recovery, encouraging her it was time to start living ... so when Adrian started singing and interacting with the children ... she seemed to open herself up a bit. He was not the usual; he sang Beatles, Morrison, and others rock songs which lent themselves to children...he was British with a wicked, sly sense humor and listened and answered all of Abbey's questions about her hero, Maxwell MacGillikitty as if they were the most important and serious. He was a huge success.

Adrian Graves turns out to be a person Katrina is drawn to... flutters happen between the two of them, a connection, and through many situations... things develop. Their relationship needs to be experienced fully as it is something to see how caring he is with Abbey and Katrina, who he calls Kat.

There is a peeling of layers...we learn slowly about him; there is much to take in. He talks of his past marriage, his poor relationship with his daughter, and of times gone by. They connect and their want for each other is powerful. Kat gives a little about her life; during all of it, there is love and respect for Pete by Adrian. Yet timing is everything and whether things are revealed or shared quickly enough can make all the difference.

This story was complete. I learned all I needed about Adrian and Kat. I was given fully formed people not only with the main characters but with all of the friends and family. I was able to feel like I was part of this closely-knit group. I also fell hard, face plant to palm for Abbey... precious, smart, sweet, and normal Abbey. There was not one false note in any of these characters or settings.

Again, take a moment if you wish and read some of the other amazing reviews posted about this book... I knew a little about the story but primarily went in blind and it was a beautiful experience from the very first page. I highly recommend this and will be actively pursuing this author to please give us more.

Louder Than Love (Love & Steel, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Softer Than Steel (Love & Steel, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

And when last were you left with that feeling of…..

”YOU’RE DONE WITH THE BOOK,
BUT THE STORY KEEPS PLAYING
IN YOUR HEAD”

Louder Than Love by Jessica Topper was one of those such books!!!!

I was riveted, unable to put it down…..I just never wanted to get to the last page…..at all!!!

This was my first book by this author and lucky for me….discovered her after reading a review by one of my very very GR’s friend, Baba (merci….). I know if she writes an awesome review – that’s a book I am going to love as well!!!! And what an added bonus…..a story about a rock star….I was beyond sold on it!!!!

But wait, this is not your everyday rock star love story!! It’s a beautiful, gentle, emotional and uplifting story of two wounded people, who have experienced loss and heartache in their lives and have been given a second chance to finding love and happiness again.

Katrina (Kat) Lewis has returned home with her little daughter, Abbey, after the sudden death of her husband. She’s trying hard to deal with her loss and with getting her life back together. She takes each day as it comes….

She organizes for a singer to take part in the local library do…..she’s never heard of Adrian Graves but she loves his voice…after all those hours listening to her daughter’s kiddies stories cd’s.

Adrian is not exactly what his image projects….singer of kiddies songs…no he’s actually a burnt-out British rockstar from a very famous 80’s band, who after hitting rock bottom, is now living a life away from the madness of stardom, in NYC.

Despite a slow start, building up gently as we see them getting to know each other, spending time together, visiting friends, taking Abbey on outings, lazy days in her hometown and the hustle and bustle of New York….I loved the way the story was paced…..it gave you an insight into the characters and their lives, making them feel so real….these are people that could be your friends…that you could spend time with. I could relate so much with their everyday lives!!

I loved the chemistry between Kat and Adrian – sweet, sexy, gentle, romantic, sensual …..

and seeing them trying to deal with their pasts and not being able to open up to each other was quite emotional.

Realizing that what they felt for each other was something deep and real…….and that if you close yourself off, you may not have that chance again at finding love again….
The dialogue, especially between Kat & Adrian is truly wonderful…..it feels real, it feels true…it’s emotion, it’s feelings…..more than beautiful.

The ending is not without some surprises….but what an incredibly moving and enthralling story.

I am amazed to discover that this is Jessica Topper’s debut novel – she has written a truly emotional and powerful story that has touched me in so many ways.

And hey…..I went to a rock concert, did some head banging…screamed and shouted..….Adrian “Digger” Graves……


Please do yourself a favor…..Read this book!!!! You will be so glad you did!!!

[Georgia ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Live & Love Stars

"You 've got all this... this love -- no, it's louder thank love. It's passion and beauty built up inside that deserves to burst out."



As in life, so in love there might not be do-overs or start again's but if you believe, if you endure and you are willing to take a wee bit of risk with your heart, there are second chances. To move on is not to forget. It signifies that you came to terms with your life. You are willing to live again comfortable with the memories and accepting that the heart hasn't got a limit in its ability to love. Maybe not more but differently. Maturely and unlimited.



Katrina is a young widow. She lost her husband in a train wreck and she is left alone with a young daughter. She lives and breathes for her Abbey, her bunch of loyal friends and the memories of her husband. Her whole life will change when she tracks down the singer of her daughter's favourite show Maxwell MacGillikitty, Feline Private Eye (please let me add that I wish this show was real!!!) and she meets the man that will change her world and will teach her that sometimes it's OK to let your ghosts rest.

"For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it,s always ourselves we find in the sea."



Adrian is a man of secrets and past mistakes that haunt him. Once a god, now he lives with the knowledge of his failure to handle his life. An ex-addict, an artist but underneath the tough tattooed exterior a man, living with his demons.



Tormented but at the same time an optimistic soul, used to fight and smile. And see the beauty in trivial everyday things. A kid's show, a smile, two green eyes, Beatles' songs, New York.

"It's easy to live with your eyes closed... And misunderstand what you see."



Simple and emotional this book blindsided me and stole a little piece of my heart. A story about the power of everyday things, grief and fame. Of how we re-invent ourselves and choose to live again. Realistic and heartwarming, it surprised me. The price of living under the spotlight, how we deal with death and new beginnings when we have finally made peace with our past.

I didn't expect to like this book so much. The kind of slow beginning lulled me into a false state of boredom, but somewhere between Abbey Road and Mad Hatter I was sold. I wished for an epilogue but I choose to hope for a second book (even one for Abbey) because Tree and her Digger, scarred, tattooed and perfect, certainly deserve it...

[Maida (Medley of Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: 5 (x infinity) I Want an Adrian of My Own HEARTS!!! :D <3

“You’ve got all this...this love—no, it’s louder than love. It’s passion and beauty built up inside you that deserves to burst out,” I whispered against his mouth as we came up for air.

Louder Than Love is a stunningly beautiful and decidedly more mature romance, the love story between two wounded individuals – a grieving widow with child and a washed-up, recovering addict rockstar – subjecting us to a tempest of emotions despite its fairly standard plot formula and in the act symphonizing something extraordinary with its seemingly ordinary unraveling. This story is second chances and healing, pain and loss, passion and pleasure, reaching out with invisible fingers to wrap our hearts in an unyielding grip as it delivers a tale of love and hope, but before that one of incandescent heartache. Ms. Topper is a maestro of prose making it work effortlessly, ensuring we’re so wholly invested in Kat and Adrian’s story that we can do nothing but submit to its tender melody as it finds a perpetual home in our minds and its poignancy engraves itself in our souls.

“In my mind, it will forever be a wreck, not an accident. Accidents can be apologized for, smoothed over, explained away. A wreck is different. A wreck...does just that. It damages beyond repair.”

Katrina is a woman of unmatched strength, teetering on a tightrope between grief of losing her husband, Pete, in a tragic accident three years prior, and putting up a collected front for her daughter, Abbey. When we meet Kat, we’re not privy to the details of her pain, but our emotional connection deepens as her story unfolds in a bittersweet, intimate portrayal of flashbacks, tears springing to our eyes time and again as we relive the memories of her lost first love. While she’s still grieving, she also doesn’t cower from the possibility of a new love interest, and in the midst tries to open up to Adrian about her past as their relationship shifts and changes into what quickly becomes a very important part of her life. Seeing her wage a war with her inner turmoil is equally heartbreaking and nerve-wrecking, keeping our hearts in our throats as we wait for her to finally have a second chance at happiness.

“I have never been loved...” I heard his voice catch. “...like I have been loved by you,” he continued, his voice scratchy yet gentle, like a cat’s tongue, deliberate and patient, slicking over the same spot. “And I have never loved like I love you. You’ve got to know this. My silly drunk girl.”

Adrian is a captivatingly complex character, his humorous British slang and sexy accent winning our hearts easily, yet leaving us intrigued as to what demons he hides beneath his easy-going personality. He’s endearingly quirky and blunt, boldly announcing his attraction to Kat from the moment he meets her. Though just as we become accustomed to his jovial atmosphere, our feet are kicked out from beneath us as Adrian reveals his painful past in a stunningly elegant portrait of the art tattooed on his body. Remarkably, instead of drowning in his self-pity, we find a man who makes no excuses for his mistakes and is honest and open about his past with Kat. Still, it’s clear to us he is a man in pain, so much feeling communicated by his very presence, and we feel the full weight of his love, his struggle and his pain as he begins his life anew with Kat and Abbey by his side settle heavily into our bones.

He brought his torso up to meet mine as he heaved, hands grasping at my bra straps, my curls, anything tangible to keep him from floating into the ether. I witnessed his face speak a thousand words as his lips just uttered one: my name again. He was all at once demonic, blissful, tortured, humble, and at peace.

The two of them together are the epitome of sweet, sensual and romantic, and given the genuine delicacy of their relationship, one of heart-aching time gone by and new beginnings, the time we get to spend with them as they share in their emotional vulnerability and physical intimacy is nothing short of breathtaking. Though a slight bump derails their relationship near the end, Kat and Adrian’s story is a stunning one, the intensity of it stemming not from misguided conflict, but rather from moments of all-consuming passion and songful love.

“Give me my East Coast mama any day.” His lips pressed the words against the curve of my throat, making me smile.

A mere review can never adequately describe Louder Than Love, words a parody of the intricate craftsmanship of an emotionally charged tale captured between its covers. Ms. Topper is more than a storyteller, her characters far more embodied than fictional characters could ever be, her atmospheric descriptions of a bustling New York to the serenity of Lauder Lake springing to life in a vivid replica, and the music taking us where words cannot. This tale holds us softly but also with a brute strength as it painfully reminds us that life–even in fiction–is rarely fair, leaving indelible marks on the soft flesh of our hearts. Despite the pain, we revel in the emotional lashes, our hurts showing us that regardless of the uncertainty and vitriol of our world, real, sweep-me-off-my-feet romance does exist, and that do-overs do happen—usually when we least expect it.

“Don’t try to retrace steps. We’ll find new ones.”

Highly Recommended!

P.S. A HUGE Thank you to my beautiful friend Baba for introducing me to this beautiful story and bringing me into the lives of Kat and Adrian. A million hugs and kisses!! :D xoxoxoxo



Posted: August 25, 2015

[♥Sharon♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many reasons why I truly enjoyed reading Louder Than Love. If I had to write them down, the first reason would have to be that I loved that the main characters were older. They had lived a little. In both their lives they have been given good things and then had them taken away. Both not truly living a fulfilling life. Both needing a catalyst to bring happiness and love back to them.



What started out like any other day for Katrina would only end with her whole life coming crashing down on her. An event that takes place has left Kat's life broken into a million pieces. Kat found a way to cope and to make as happy of a life she can for her and her daughter Abbey. She had her mom, dad, brother and friends that have helped her make her new life but it isn't until she meets Adrian does she experience feelings and emotions that had been buried deep within herself.

Adrian had been a famous hard rock musician who had what you would call everything in life. The fame, the fortune, beautiful women and all the other accolades that his life afforded for. But for what price? Being a famous musician had cost him too much. His marriage. His daughter. His chance at a normal life.

I just loved how Kat and Adrian were brought together. It was such a fun and sweet moment. The fact that the "catalyst" to bring them together would be Kat's daughter Abbey, at an event at a library no less was just perfect! :) The fact that they ended up in a hospital after their first kiss was just too funny....well you know what I mean!

Kat and Adrian feelings slowly simmer which made their intimate moments perfect. The sex scenes were not as descriptive as I usually prefer but it really didn't matter. The way they were written fit the story perfectly. The train rides, their dates in Manhattan and the times that they spent with Abbey are precious. Their simple moments together at home or the little things that Adrian would say or do for Abbey just made me love them as a couple just that much more.

But as their feelings for each other deepen they will both have to look back into their past. For both of them it is painful. Adrian's past cannot be change but will Kat be able to let go of hers and move on to the next step before it is too late?

Louder Than Love was such a great read. Kat, Adrian and Abbey were just lovely together. Kat's friends were great too. Marissa was a hoot! When she would say "kiss my big fat lily-white ass" made me laugh. Liz was a lot of fun too. I am definitely going to use one of her comments again. It cracked me up when she referred to the other friends as "yapping yentas". I just found that so funny. lol I also loved all the British Lingo, the poetry and all the musical references. For me, all these things together just made this a great story.

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. It’s been about a month now and I can’t stop going back to it. I’ve read quite a few books since, even books I loved but this one is just stuck there. I can’t get it out of my head. I’ve thought about this story and these characters so much that it’s almost sad. Needless to say, I’m very attached to it.

Louder Than Love is told by Katrina (aka Tree or Kat) who is a fantastic narrator for this story. I really loved her! It’s been over three years since her husband, Pete died in a tragic accident leaving her a single mother to their infant daughter. Now at four years old, Abbey’s obsessive love of a crazy cartoon cat, Maxwell MacGillikitty, Feline Private Eye might be just the thing to credit bringing love back into Kat’s life.

I guess I’m not a very spiritual person. I don’t think things always “happen for a reason,” everything must be “God’s way,” or (and this is one of Karen’s favorites) “He only gives you what you can handle.” I simply believe, and I am sorry to sound crude about it, that shit happens. Period.
Sometimes you are the pigeon.
Sometimes you are the statue.

After the death of her husband, Kat and her daughter moved from Manhattan back to her hometown, just a train ride away, to Lauder Lake. There she volunteers at the local library. She decides to get in contact with the man who sings the theme song to her daughter’s favorite show to do a performance for the children’s music program.

Enter Adrian Graves. He’s a reclusive, ex rocker who has been out of the public eye for well over a decade. Oh man, do I love this Brit! Right from the start Adrian stole my heart. He’s cheeky and soulful and just such a unique character. Kat and him have a very interesting first meeting, which turns into a hilariously awkward first date(?). I loved every second of how things began with them.

“If we hurry, you can make the 6:35.” I was suddenly very aware of the intimate quarters once again and had trouble finding the ignition with my key.
“I’d rather kiss you and take the 6:55.”

Kat and Adrian’s romance unfolds at a unique pace. It’s very adult. I know that probably doesn’t make a lot of sense, but it just felt easy. There isn’t a bunch of annoying back and forth. It just kind of happens and they figure it out as they go. There aren’t big angsty talks of ‘what are we doing?’ or labels, they just enjoy their time together.

“I’m trying to figure out where you fit into the order.” Was there a place for reclusive rock stars? For a heavy metal hero with a heart of gold? “You,” I kissed each temple, then nose tip and chin. “You are glorious chaos.”

Although these characters are mature for the most part, they aren’t without their issues. Adrian has a very wild past and some inner demons that continue to haunt him. And Kat, even though she’s in a pretty good place, still has hesitations and guilt about moving forward without the man (Pete) who she expected to be by her side until the end.

We had spent so much time slaying Adrian’s demons, it never occurred to me that mine could be even bigger, kept under wraps.
…
“Don’t try to retrace steps. We’ll find new ones…”

Adrian is not a typical leading man. I think that’s why I loved him so damn much. He has his problems, but OMG he has such a HUGE heart and so much charm! Some of the things he would say had me swooning like crazy! He fell next to me on the futon and curled his body against mine. “I have never been loved . . .” His words poured over me, warming every part , as I lazily kissed up the inky paws on his forearm and wrapped it around my shoulder. I heard his voice catch. “. . . like I have been loved by you,” he continued, his voice scratchy yet gentle, like a cat’s tongue, deliberate and patient, slicking over the same spot. “And I have never loved like I love you. You’ve got to know this. My silly drunk girl.” There is some drama and it broke my heart at times, but it’s not overly angst filled, I could understand both characters actions and motivations and I never stopped rooting for them to be together.

Too many ghosts, Kat. I can’t com(pete).

These two shouldn’t work. A widowed thirty-something and washed-up British rock star. But they just felt so right together. Their interactions were so genuine and entertaining. They have this chemistry and playfulness that was completely infectious. And then there was Abbey… she complimented their relationship so beautifully and I really enjoyed the time Adrian spent getting to know her. Kids can bug me in books sometimes, but that definitely wasn’t the case here.

“You are the best thing to happen to me, bar none. You, Abbey . . . all of this. You both walked into my life and . . . I never knew what I wanted until you did.”

Louder Than Love is so well written. I am actually still surprised when I think about this being a debut novel. It reads very smoothly and the only issue I had initially was that at times it felt a bit slow. Then I sat back and thought about it and I feel like the pacing fits this story. The characters are very well developed and complex (amazing and hilarious secondary characters as well!). It all felt very thought out, but then there was this quirky feel to it as well. In one moment it’s all soulful and poetic with music references and beautiful lyrics, then it’s silly and lighthearted. I just really enjoyed the layers to the story (the music, Kat’s friends and family, the cartoon cat) beyond Kat and Adrian’s romance.

“You’ve got all this . . . this love— no, it’s louder than love. It’s passion and beauty built up inside you that deserves to burst out,” I whispered against his mouth as we came up for air.

This book gave me all the feels. It definitely touched me on an emotional level, yet it made me laugh and had just the right amount of steam too. It really made me think and has proved to be an unforgettable read for me. It’s simple, yet complex. Understated, but with so much personality. I absolutely loved it!

[Kelly| Just Another Horror Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a week of thinking about this amazing book I'm changing my rating from four to five stars


This debut novel totally blew me away. I expected it to be another angsty, alpha male rocker romance, but that's not at all what this book is. It's a book about a second chance at life and at love. I can't stress how much I enjoyed Ms. Topper's writing. Her words flowed so easily, so beautifully, especially for a debut.

One of my favorite quotes:

"You've got this...this love-no, it's louder than love. It's passion and beauty built up inside you that deserves to burst out.”


I loved the MC's in this book: Katrina, a widow of four years, Adrian, an ex-rocker from the '80's and Katrina's daughter, Abbey. Abbey played a big part in bringing Kat and Adrian together. The way Adrian was with Abbey totally melted my heart. I really liked the secondary characters as well, especially Kat's friends and Adrian's ex-bandmates.

I highly recommend this book. It has everything that a good romance should have and then some!


*I'd like to thank Jessica Topper for writing such a beautiful love story about mature characters. I wish there were more books out there like yours.*

[Kim Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I am notorious for going in blind. There is nothing that I hate more than spoilers ... so with this book, as with most other books: I did not read the synopsis ... I did not read most reviews ... I did not peek at any conversations ... All I knew was that most of my GR friends loved this book.

Now I know why!

There are a ton of fab reviews out there. If you're curious about this book - go read one of them. The only thing I want to say is THANK YOU. Thank you to the author for creating such a heartfelt, deep and emotionally gripping story. And thank you to all my GR peeps who told me that I just HAD to read this book.

I am grateful for having the experience of Kat, Adrian, and Abbey ... and even that crazy Maxwell MacGillikitty.

"There are all different kinds of love."

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kind of bump into this book after reading How to Kill a Rock Star by Tiffanie Debartolo. That book is amazing by the way. There are some similarities between these two as both the heroes are rockers and the writing is rather soulful, but the overall tone of the book is much different. Louder Than Love is a sweet and tender love story between a widow and a recluse ex-rocker.

Katrina, a widow with a four year old daughter, Abbey had moved back to her hometown Lauder Lake since her husband, Pete passing. She had a bunch of old time friends to keep her company and act as her moral support. I love Marrissa and Rob, Leanne, Karen and Liz's bagels. They seems like bunch of characters out from an episode of Desperate Housewives. Each have a story of their own in regards to their domestic life.

"I guess I'm not a very spiritual person. I don't think things always 'happen for a reason', everything must be 'God's way', or 'He only gives you what you can handle'. I simply believe, and I am sorry to sound crude about it, that shit happens. Period."

Adrian Graves is a washed up rocker who had been living a recluse life on his own for the past fifteen years. When a suburb librarian happen to email him to invite him to play for a children's program, he think she's off her rocker. Little did he know that Kat's daughter is a big fan of his Maxwell MacGillikitty’s theme song, a little gig he did years ago.

Although sometimes Kat still mourns for her husband and that kinda breaks my heart, but her relationship with Adrian is fun to read. Is a rare chance for me to actually read about mature couples.

Abbey is a such a bundle of joy to read. She is obsess with Maxwell MacGillikitty cartoon and subsequent strike up a close relationship with Adrian as well. Adrian has his own estrange daughter all grown up in London (oh, did I mention he is British?).

Adrian had been hiding from his ugly past and didn't dare face his demons. When Kat and Abbey came into his life, he finally found his motivation and want to be a better person. Slowly, he started to open up himself to Kat and told a mesmerizing tale of his past. Some might think he sounds whiny, well most rocker does when they talk about the fame, drug, sex and the subsequent downfall. But I find myself wanting to hear his story and know about the real Adrian Graves.

"And I have never loved like I love you. You've got to know this. My silly drunk girl."

The progression of their romance feels very realistic and not those with off the charts hotness overblown.

For most part of the book, is all about Kat wanting to discover about Adrian and to know about the man behind his rocker's image. But in the end, is Kat willing to finally put her husband's shadow behind and fully accept Adrian into her heart.

"I tried to make peace with the fact I was competing with a ghost. I tried to be there for you, but you refused to be pried open."

This is a heart warming romance about second chance at love about two people who had lost so much in their life, but finally found peace within each other. I often like to emphasize this, there is no angst or unnecessary drama. This is a standalone with a HEA. I would have kill for an epilogue, though.

"You were like a sun kink. Blinding and bright, hot. Threw me right off course, but it was right where I needed and wanted to be."

[Dee Montoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****5 Rock n' Roll Stars*****

I haven't loved a Rock Star book this much since reading The Mighty Storm. Fantastic writing, well develop characters and the story was passionate and almost lyrical. I devoured this book in just one day. Reading it made me so, so happy!




Kat is single mom who moves back to her hometown in hopes to start over and heal her broken heart, after loosing her husband in a terrible train accident. She lives for her daughter Abbey, the two of them have an amazing relationship that means everything to her. She is a volunteer for the town's library, and is in charge of organizing a special event for kids, so Kat being the great researcher she is, hunts down and finds Adrian Graves who's the singer and songwriter for the theme song of the cartoon show Abbey and all kids are currently obsessed about.

Adrian wasn't expecting a hot-young librarian and Kat wasn't expecting a sexy, British rocker; so after the show he asks her to go on a date than ends up in the ER; brilliant!!!

Both these characters have very painful pasts that they need to purge out of their systems before they can really move on and be truly happy. Their love story is full of music, poetry and was absolutely heartwarming at every turn.

Every character in this book was so endearing but aside from Kat and Adrian being my favorites, her daughter Abbey was so adorable that my heart would melt for her very time.



I absolutely would recommend this book to everybody, this author ignited so many emotions in me with her beautiful writing and I encourage you to read this book and fall in love with lyrics that will leave you daydreaming for days and days...

Louder Than Love Playlist:
*In my Life by The Beatles
*I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers
*Mercury by Sleeping at Last
*We will Rock You by Queen

[Katy Loves Romance ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of story that cut deep into your soul, one that may have taken me a little longer to get into but one that was worth the wait, it starts slow but really is written so beautifully and exquisitely well that you can't help to fall for the story, the characters, and the slow development of it.




So what's it about?


This is about a woman who had everything, she had a husband that she adored, loved and cherished every day and they together made Abbey, but one day Pete was taken away from kat and Abbeys life and Kat's world changed instantly!!!!!


Here she finds herself surviving day to day for her daughter, by working for her local library and filling her time with work, friends and all things that involve a four year old little girl.


She needs a musician to come and sing and entertain the children at her local library where he gets in contact Adrian an old musician who is reluctantly at first but comes to sing for them. This is where Adrian meets Kat and he thinks she's beautiful and well where their relationship starts.



I'm not going to go into anymore about the plot of the story because I'd give away too much but what I will say is really what I loved and adored about this story was how patient Adrian was towards Kat taking his time to get to know her, to enable Kat to include Abbey into their relationship, to take a day at a time this was slow built and to be honest it did take me a while to get into it, but please bear with it it's like an old fashioned love story in that Adrian romances Kat takes her out, goes for coffee, talks about his past, his memories, his life, and bit by bit your getting an idea of what kind of character he is, their relationship I slow but worth the wait.




Kat is broken inside, working out how to move forward without her husband in the picture anyway, finding a way to let go and move forward, this definitely a big key to why Adrian took his time with her, but Adrian has his demons to get over too and that's what kat has to work out for herself is she willing to take the chance?



What I really adored is how Pete was very much still included in their life even if he wasn't there in person he still took a huge role in Abbeys life as a dad and was right next to Kat in the decisions she made, he wasn't excluded and this is why I felt this was a much more maturer book, in the kind of small actions and thoughts they had and did.


Abbey with an E


What an adorable little girl, I love reading about family and kids. She was the cutest and not only cute but the way the author put her centre stage as part of Kat and Adrian's relationship brought a tear to my eyes plenty of times, not only that but I loved the way Adrian took to Abbey and vis-versa straight away. No more words needed you'll see.


The music was centre stage in this book, I love music and to me reading and music work alongside each other, other than that this book brought back lots of memories from my childhood.



And lastly the writing wow it was descriptive, poetic, exquisite, and music to my soul...



I know I took all week to read this but that was not because it bored me but just because I wanted to enjoy it and well my home life has been manic this week...


Seriously read it guys..


And a big thank you to Irene and ALL the Canaries for a Bloody good BR..... until next time...

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louder Than Love was a tender and emotional story. Something I wasn’t quite expecting but I loved it even so. Plus, ex-rocker with a British accent?! Sign me up!

Kat lost her husband four years ago in a train accident, and hasn’t completely healed. She was in that blissful, mindless, overwhelming time in a marriage when it’s new, and with a brand new wonder: a baby. Plans, dreams, and the future came crashing down in that day and she went back to her hometown to survive on autopilot. Nothing like a new baby girl to keep you going, though, and Abbey, the little ball of energy, masquerading as her daughter, does just that.

While organizing PBS’s Maxwell MacGillikitty’s theme song singer (her daughter’s favorite cartoon) for a library event, she meets Adrian Graves, the singer/songwriter and they instantly have a connection. Little does Kat know that Adrian was the guitarist of the utterly famous heavy metal band, Corroded Corpse, and has his own sad story to tell. They both fall fast and hard for each other, and Adrian is enamored with little Abbey, as well. Soon they’re spending all kinds of time together, both drawn intensely to each to other. Will their past be too much for their present to bear? We shall find out.

This story was a bit different than I was expecting, especially looking at the cover. I was thinking a HOT sordid romance between the sweet innocent librarian and the worldly, wicked rocker. This was more of an emotional and real romance. Kat was a grown up woman with a daughter and real life responsibilities, and yet weighed down by a life lost. While Adrian was a rocker, he is one that is haunted by his days of debauchery and loss of friendships. Each of their past pain forms a knowing bond, an understanding between the two that not many others could have. There was a quiet intensity to their connection, but it was intense all the same. I was riveted to each page as a life that felt normal and real played out in front of me, and I was rooting for these two to get the happy ending they both deserved after so much tragedy. Kat and Adrian’s romance was soft, intense, and lovely:

“Now then, luv…I’m happy you arrived prepared, but I’m in no hurry…I plan on enjoying you at a leisurely pace.”*

the only time we didn’t listen to music was when we made love—frequently, intensely, and with every nerve alive focused on each other.*

Louder Than Love left me dreamily high and happy. It was a story of two unlikely people finding love and healing. Such a sweet and touching romance!

A copy was provided by Berkley/Intermix Penguin through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

*Quotes taken from an uncorrected proof and may change in the final copy.

[~ Becs ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just a sublime, fairly understated yet no less powerful for that, beautiful second chance love story. It's exquisitely written with characters to know and love almost instantly, a great secondary cast and a wholly compelling story. It's very sad and yet also incredibly uplifting.

As the blurb states, Kat is a widow raising her young daughter alone in the small town of Lauder Lake having left behind the hustle and bustle of New York when she lost her husband in a devastating accident. She hires reclusive rocker Adrian ‘Digger’ Graves to play in her library and they share a beautiful connection.

Kat’s grief was very well handled – it was almost palpable. The first few pages of the book deal with the loss of her husband and it was a real sucker punch – I was completely enthralled and could hardly breathe and, yes, the author had me ugly crying at this point. Kat’s grief and unwillingness to move on from the past will make her budding romance with Adrian difficult. He is incredibly patient with her but he also has his own demons to deal with and there’s plenty of troubled times ahead for this pair.


This was so well done – I very much enjoyed the author’s voice. Her style is engaging and captivating and sucked me in right from the very beginning. I instantly identified with all the characters and felt every emotion with them. It’s full of emotional depth, plenty of time is given to tell the story, it never feels rushed – it’s a deeply satisfying read.

4.5 stars

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[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 5 out of 5]

02/08/2015 -- Re-read

I liked this one as much or maybe a bit more the second time I read it. Jilly Boo and I did a buddy of this or I may not have had the courage to read it again. She commented to me that I'm an emotional reader. I am. This kind of book is my weakness.

Each of us has baggage -- some more than others. Sometimes I think I invented Samsonite I have so much of it. This book is all about the beauty of 2nd chances. Not just for oneself, but for those you love more than life.

It is also about how quickly life can change. It can change for the better or the worse, just that quickly so make of it what you can while you can.

This book makes me reflect. It reminds me to be hopeful every day. I'll read anything Jessica Topper writes. I'm just not sure how you top a book like this though.

Happy Reading .. again and again.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
08/11/2013 -- First Read

Overall Rating = 10 Stars [I wish this silly system would let me award more than 5 Stars]
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 5 / 3 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 5 Stars
Character Development = 5 Stars
Story Appreciation = 5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars [ARC and not sure how much it will be when released September 13 -- but worth whatever it is!]

This book is probably my favorite so far this year. For me, it had everything I look for. It is unique, it pulls deep emotion from the reader and it is complex enough to keep you interested and thinking long after you finish it. It wasn't what I expected at all.

A few things I especially liked:
1 -- Number one for me has to be the amazing voice of this author. It will all branch from here. She created incredibly simple, but complex characters. In them, she answers the question .. "where do old rock stars go?" I've always thought that to write the music and play the tune, takes a talent like none other. But, after they no longer "top the charts", what do they do with this incredible talent? I may not particularly like the song, but can always appreciate the sensitivity, the single moment given a voice and the courage to put yourself out there for others to hear. She gives these thoughts of mine a story - like she was in my head.

2 -- Grief is the most complex emotion. We can feel this in small doses and huge, all encompassing, can't move or go another day doses. The journey Tree took as she navigated her grief was well told. Believable. A similar journey was taken by Adrian, but for a more self imposed reason. They had to find their new purpose. All paths led me to you ... How many times have we thought this of another heard in song? This is that story.

3 -- Relationships are complex. Even those we think simple, are complex. They are strong, but each can be crumbled easily with enough impetus. Love is the glue. Love is demonstrated in many ways. She gives us examples of this throughout this story.

4 -- Not what I expected at all. I thought I'd be reading "another one of those new adult books; one just like another with the names changed to protect ...". I was so terribly wrong. This book was just amazing. I think those who are into all the new adult and want the normal simple read they usually present, will be disappointed. Those who want more and can appreciate a unique story that pulls the emotion from the reader, will be most pleasantly surprised. I loved this book. LOVED IT!!

Were there things I thought could be better:
1 -- Well, nothing is perfect. I wasn't hot on the cover. It attracted me, but I think it gives the reader a feeling this will be "another New Adult" read and they may be disappointed in this book. This book is much more. It is the story of relationships, the evolution of grief, the journey to reinvent yourself or re-purpose ones' self. Much more than the normal New Adult story [or most of those in that category that I've read]. If you don't expect such eloquence, and want a simpler read, you may not like this one as much as I did. I'm always on the look out for something different. I had no idea I'd find it here when I started.

2 -- There were a few moments where this was a slower go. You weren't quite sure what was going on or what to expect and you may get a bit lost. It all works out in the end. I say this as probably one of the least patient readers around. Most people will be okay, but if you are similar to me, this may be something you'll note too. Please be patient. This one is just beautiful if you stay with it. The slow doesn't last long at all. The prose are so worth your effort.

I can't say enough good about this book. It is absolutely amazing. I read tons of books. I think I'm at 200 so far this year. This is my BEST Book of the Year so far and I've not said that yet in 2013. It made me cry, it made me empathize, it made me wonder and to think. Where are the "old Rock Stars?" Could any of them had a story like? God, I hope so. I hope it works out for them like it did for Adrian. I believe in awarding the effort and talent.

Happy Reading!

DEEP thanks to the author and PENGUIN GROUP Berkley,NAL / Signet Romance, DAW -- for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jess-i-ca · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ROCK- stars

I will admit this book seemed quite slow in the beginning and I almost gave up on it. I'm not sure if I wasn't in the right mindset or had too many distractions but I'm glad I stuck through it. The last half of this book was just great in my opinion. This book isn't just a fluff read, its a deep emotional journey that a couple takes to get past their demons and wind up together. If you are looking for a smut book this is not one. They have sex but its not detailed. If you are looking for a book about a journey of two people coming together then this is the book for you.

Katrina aka Tree, aka Kat, is a widowed single mother to Abbey. Her husband, Pete, tragically died in a train accident.



"Pete was my world. No matter where we were, when I was with him, I was home. Everything synced; everything made sense. Together we created this life, this great, great, life. And just when I thought it couldn't possibly be more perfect, we created life. Abbey."

Abbey is a cute little girl and was named after Abbey road since her parents had a huge love of music.



Katrina meets Adrian aka Digger when she books him to play at the library since he created the music of Abbey's favorite PBS cartoon, Maxwell MacGillikitty. Adrian shows up drunk to Tree's surprise but still manages to pull off a great performance.



Abbey is somewhat of the glue that brings them together.

"Maybe she was the vehicle. Without Abbey's love of that fantastical cat, could any of this exist?
Without Abbey.
Without Pete's love, there would be no Abbey.
Without Pete.

Do things really happen for a reason?"

Abbey does bring them together but obviously they have a spark between the two of them. And man, that first kiss was breath stopping....



Get it? Ok bad joke...



They begin a relationship but they have many obstacles in the way. Tree is very vague about Pete and Adrian neglects to mention his former Rock n Roll lifestyle which included lots of drugs. Of course this all eventually comes out.



"We were gods...but no one has the right to be that almighty. To think nothing and nobody could stop us. That was our fatal flaw."

After some heartbreak and misunderstanding we do luckily get to see a HEA between these two.



“You are the best thing to happen to me, bar none. You, Abbey...all of this. You both walked into my life and...I never knew what I wanted until you did.”


With regard to Katrina's friends



With regard to Grant:




Also my only complaint is I kinda wish he wouldn't have went back to music since he seemed to hate the publicity and stuff dealing with his fame. I mean I'm glad the way the book ended and I loved her surprising Kev and all that but I felt like he hated his fame and didn't like being in the public eye and this shoved him right back in there.

[MelissaB · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 3.5 stars **

This book felt more like chick lit with a romance because it focused mainly on the heroine's journey. One of the good things about this book was the way you felt drawn into the heroine's life and all the mundane details (sometimes too many mundane details). There is an interesting story here but the author meandered too much as she told it, I felt like it could have been pared down some because some parts were too slow. The story overall is slow moving. There were some emotional parts as you see the heroine dealing with her grief from losing her husband (four years before the current story but the book skipped around kind of confusingly between past and present). The relationship between the heroine and her daughter was well-drawn and felt realistic. I wish we could have seen more detail and sparks between the heroine and hero, I felt like those parts seemed cut off sometimes. The hero is a former heavy metal rocker and there is a cute scene at the end in regards to that (no spoilers). I wish there was an epilogue because it felt kind of cut off as they still live in different cities.

So my final thoughts: cute, slow moving story about a woman who falls in love with an ex-rocker (but has no idea who he is at first) while raising her young daughter and working through her feelings of moving on from the death of her husband four years ago. She and the hero both have baggage that is dealt with over the story. The story kind of meanders at times but was still nice overall.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful!

4.5 stars

This book has been on my tbr forever, and I’m so glad I finally got around to reading it. The story of a grieving widow and a washed-up rock star had me gripped from start to finish, and I was completely lost in their absolutely beautiful love story.

Three years ago, Katrina lost her husband in a tragic accident. With her life and her dreams shattered, and with an infant to care for, she returned to the safety of her home town and to her circle of girlfriends who gave her the support she so badly needed. I loved Kat. She’s been through a lot, but she is strong and she has persevered through it all, coping the best she can in her life as a single mother to an adorably precocious 4 year old. She’s created a good life for her and her daughter, her intelligence and sense of humour shines, even in the bad times, and her down-to-earth nature is both realistic and relatable.

I guess I'm not a very spiritual person. I don't think things always 'happen for a reason,' everything must be 'God's way,' or … 'He only gives you what you can handle'. I simply believe, and I'm sorry to sound crude about it, that shit happens. Period.
Sometimes you are the pigeon.
Sometimes you are the statue.

As a volunteer at the town library, Kat organises a children’s concert with the singer who performs the theme song to her daughter’s favourite TV show, and that is how she meets Adrian Graves. What she doesn’t know is that Adrian used to be known as ‘Digger Graves’, the lead guitarist for a hugely successful 80s heavy metal band. Adrian’s past is pure ‘sex, drugs and rock & roll’ and it ended up destroying his life and leaving him isolated from his friends and family. Since recovering from his downfall he has lived a reclusive life, but Kat’s offer intrigued him and has brought him out of hiding for the first time in a long time.

Kat finds Adrian a bit rough around the edges (especially as he shows up half drunk), but his show is a huge success and when he asks her out to dinner afterwards, she is charmed enough by the sexy Brit to accept, and with easy conversation and gentle flirting, something starts to develop.

“If we hurry, you can make the 6:35.” …
“I’d rather kiss you and take the 6:55.”

Things progress very quickly from there, and I was honestly surprised at how fast it started moving, but I definitely appreciated that neither of them wanted to mess around with what was happening between them. They like each other, they act on it, and from the very beginning they share a beautiful and emotional connection.

“It’s been a long time since…”
“I know. It’s been another lifetime,” he agreed. “Don’t try to retrace steps. We’ll find new ones.”

I love that despite all they have both been through, they are willing to embrace everything that is happening between them, and for the most part it’s all so functional! Even when Adrian’s secret is revealed it provides a bit of angst, but it’s good angst, and only serves to bring them closer together. And I don’t know whether it is because Adrian is an older character or because he is an artist and therefore poetic, but even though he is somewhat lost he seems incredibly in touch with his feelings, and the way he expresses himself to Kat is absolutely beautiful!

“I went to hell and back and found myself … I sprouted wings and I carried myself far away and started a new life … But until you and Abbey came along, I wasn’t really living it. I know that now.”

And the romance is sensationally swoony! It’s well-paced and realistic and I love that we get so see each little moment – the significant and even the not-so-significant - as they spend time together and get to know each other. I loved every minute of it! Yes, there’s some steamy time, but the focus is definitely on the emotional aspects of their love story, and it’s gorgeous!

“I have never been loved … like I have been loved by you… And I have never loved like I love you.”

But their demons continue to plague them. Kat isn’t over the death of her husband, and Adrian’s past mistakes continue to haunt him. And though they love each other fiercely, sometimes it takes more than love to make a relationship work. It’s an intensely emotional and sometimes heartbreaking ride as Kat and Adrian fight to move on and claim their well-deserved HEA.

This is such a special book. Kat and Adrian are wonderfully complex characters, I loved them both so much and I could empathise with everything they were feeling. I thought that Kat’s daughter Abbey was a fantastic, and realistic, addition to the story, I loved the relationship that she had with both of them, and anything that involved Adrian and Abbey together had me grinning like an idiot. The story is beautifully told, and the romance between Kat and Adrian is totally captivating. Their love story isn’t always easy, but is absolutely worth it, and the ending of this book left me with a huge smile on my face and hugging my kindle in dreamy bliss.

“You’ve got all this…this love – no, it’s louder than love. It’s passion and beauty built up inside you that deserves to burst out.”

I really loved Topper’s writing, and I’m so impressed that this is her debut novel. The incredible detail that she puts into her story draws you into Katrina’s life, her relationships with her daughter and her friends, and with everything that happens with Adrian, and sucks you right into the story, knowing exactly how she is feeling, and you feel it right along with her. I happily lost myself in this book, and look forward to carrying on with the series.

I loved it – 4.5 stars.

[It's just me Shelly B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying what I like....

*loved the characters
*loved the back stories from Adrian and Kat
*loved the artsy feel of the book in general
*loved the writing and the flow



What left me wanting more...

*the pace is slow although it does pick some after 50%
*interaction....I needed more between Adrain and Kat
*we get a lot of the past but I needed more of the present
*i like conflict, yes this is a me thing, but I needed a tad more due to both of their past I thought there would be more push and pull with these two.



What I think overall....

*great solid read
*most of my issues are a "me" thing
*it was sweet and the side characters were fun and real
*i guess if I had to classify it would say, "it's cute and sweet"
*i love tortured rock stars so I did love reading about Adrian's past


Glad I read this book it remotely reminded me of another book I read and LOVED, so in reminiscing "Over and Out!"

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Back to Rockstar hunk team forever ... ADRIAN





- We know what we are but know not what we may be –

Wonderful, beautiful, fantastic writing, well develop characters and the story was so passionate and emotional …



A story about grief, loss, torn emotions, new beginnings and second changes!! Katrina and her daughter Abbey and Adrian, journey is a love story full of music!
The story started a little bit slow, but as the story went on is so worth it, along the road we find out more about each character and their demons. I liked that both Tree and Adrian had some real life baggage. The longing and the heart ache that both characters felt, and the unsure if they truly deserve to be loved again a feel real story of healing and building a relationship.




LOVED all the music / places references,I was enthralled with this book from the beginning, so happy I read it!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS!!!!! SENSATIONAL!!!!!



This was just the type of book I’ve been looking for!!!

It is a second chance at love romance for a very unlikely couple. Two people who are so far apart in their lives that only a twisted fate could be responsible for bringing them together. These two people had both struggled to overcome cruel twists of fate that irrevocably changed their lives. Leaving each of them surviving, but completely unfulfilled. Neither was expecting that same act of karma would suddenly shine their way with something good... and yet it did…

Katrina Lewis was a librarian…. and a widow… both by age 29. Holding two prerequisites for a guaranteed win in the game of “Old Maid.” Add a child to the mix, and she was almost never getting laid again. But honestly, this was the least of her worries. She just wanted to heal, to be a good mother to her beautiful daughter, and to enjoy the life she’s made with her friends and family. Love just wasn’t going to be in the picture. But she wasn’t complaining.



And life had just started getting better. She could get up everyday and almost not think about him…almost. But her friends were ready, they’d been ready to get her back out there, to thrust her back into a life with the living and the loving. She just didn’t know if she was.

It was a job at the library, that she was working on. She was organizing a function for the children's department. She needed to find an entertainer, someone to hire for an hour long function to keep the kid’s interest and foster participation. This wasn’t an easy task. She wanted to avoid the cliché…the balloon blowing clown. It was her daughter who gave her the idea.



Abbey, her 4 year old daughter was watching her favorite TV cartoon and singing along with the lyrics to the theme song. When suddenly she thought… a musician… that musician, the one who wrote that song… sure she could find him… she was a research professional after all.

And she found him…



There is something inherently cool about a guy walking down the street with a guitar case in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

Adrian Graves was a musician. But for all intents and purposes he was retired. Whether or not by choice, probably not, but retired nonetheless. He was a Brit, but now living in Manhattan. After receiving this bizarre email from a suburban librarian to perform for a children’s event at her library, he was baffled and not the least bit interested. But he just couldn’t believe that someone actually sought him out for this purpose, and after swapping a few emails, he reluctantly agreed to do it.



This is how it happened… how they met. It was awkward, it was completely unconventional, and it was most definitely fate.

The story is told from Tree’s, yes Tree’s, POV. And I have to admit that upon hearing that name in the first chapter I was ready to put the book down. I mean, who would name a kid that? But I soon realized that it was her nickname for Katrina. THANK GOD. Of course I liked Adrian’s nick name better, Kat but I got over it. And I liked her. A LOT!!! She was a pretty cool chick who had been through a lot of heartache. She was a good mother. And she was moving on with her life, dealing privately with her pain, and embracing her friends who were determined to find happiness for her.

“Don’t try to retrace steps. We’ll find new ones."

Adrian was seven years her senior, and had overcome, or maybe I should say survived a tumultuous life prior to their meeting. His background is a mystery to her… at least at first. But will quickly unfold before her eyes. I won’t elaborate here, as to avoid spoilers but let’s just say it was a little more complicated than writing theme songs for children’s cartoons.

The romance was quick and the chemistry electric. But the skeletons were many and they were lurking, and they both knew it.

“You’ll feed me grapes and read me poetry?” I whispered as we hugged long and tight. “Darlin’, I’ll grow the grapes for you  .  .  . and write the poetry.”

I loved everything about this story. I was drawn in from the very beginning and didn’t want to put it down. It was very romantic, sad at times, and really funny at others. I mean her friend Marissa was a loon!!! Kept me laughing throughout the book. The sex scenes were very well done… classy even. And I loved how Tree kept her girls close, and kept her daughter’s well being in the forefront.

Just so you know, it is not all butterflies and unicorns for our happy couple. In fact quite the opposite. There was even a time when I thought it just might not happen for them. But that is all I will say. I’m sure you will work out that I was “happy” at the end… by my rating alone.

Stand-alone book too… how refreshing!!!!

I highly recommend it.

5 ROCK SOLID STARS!!!!

[KatLynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louder Than Love gives the story of a young widow battling the ghost from her past. Here you'll also meet her adorable four year old daughter and the remarkable ex-metal rock star whose gentle spirit opens the path to healing.

Love, Loss, and Rock-N-Roll - Both Katrina and Adrian are very familiar with heartache and the loss of dreams from the past...


Their beginning all started with four year old Abbey's love of a mystical cat...Maxwell MacGillikitty.



Katrina hires Adrian to perform for the children's program at the local library. She only knows him by the kiddie songs her daughter adores. She hasn't a clue that his past is wrapped around stardom....



Neither Kat nor Adrian are expecting love, yet the moment they meet the chemistry surge is felt. Kat is still dealing from the horrific pain of losing her husband. She’s come through those months of existing, yet still can’t seem to move forward. Adrian’s past has left him skeptical. His feelings have been bottled up for so long and he’s not sure if he’s capable of being loved or opening himself up again.

… “I have never been loved…” His words poured over me, warming every part, as I lazily kissed up the inky paws on his forearm and wrapped it around my shoulder. I heard his voice catch… “like I have been loved by you,” he continued, his voice scratchy yet gentle….”



As the many layers of Adrian are revealed, he became even more lovable. He's a mature, talented musician who is now more than willing to take a chance with Katrina.

He’s great with the adorable Abbey...spelled with an "e" for Abbey Road. I have one of those in my family too and named for the same road:)



A beautiful message is given conveying the importance of making peace with a past that’s shattered your world while holding on to the beauty of another chance at love. Adrian's gentle patience is a lovely thing to witness.



Louder Than Love is a beautiful, emotional and at times gripping love story. It deals with past mistakes, grief, and opening your heart to experience all life has to offer. The simplicity of this story is deceiving and nothing like I expected. I loved it!

... “You’ve got all this…this love – no, it’s louder than love. It’s passion and beauty built up inside you that deserves to burst out,” I whispered against his mouth as we came up for air...”



A well written, compelling debut with a great cast of secondary characters. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you Karia for the rec:)!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOUDER THAN LOVE IS FINALLY COMING TO PAPERBACK!

One of the most repeated questions I've had from readers over the years was "When will this book be available in print?" I am thrilled to share the news that the wait is over on December 8, 2020!



It's the same heartfelt story of "love, loss and rock & roll" but with a bold new cover, and it's hitting stores in ebook AND trade paperback.