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Back-Up #2

Front & Center

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Jack was a rock star on the way to fame. Leila was following her dream and joining his band as a back-up singer. An insane attraction sparked between them that they couldn’t deny. Attraction quickly led to so much more. They ignored all the warnings and fell in love.

When the couple embark on their tour, they couldn’t be more excited to travel the country hand in hand on the way to stardom. The road ahead is filled with miles and miles of possibilities. Along with their band, Devil’s Lair, they feel nothing could stop them.

An angry ex-band-mate, a pregnant ex-girlfriend, and never-ending Internet gossip all attempt to wreak havoc on their developing relationship. New love does not mix well with stress, pressure and guilt. Together they face each and every challenge, stubbornly fighting for what they have. Will their determination be enough?

Warning: This book is meant for mature readers who are 18+. It contains explicit language, and graphic sexual content.

ebook

First published February 12, 2014

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About the author

A.M. Madden

42 books2,460 followers
A USA Today bestselling, award-winning author, A. M. Madden is also a Jersey girl whose addiction to romance started at twelve after reading Judy Blume’s Forever.

As a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, she truly believes that true love knows no bounds.

In her books, she aspires to write fun, sexy, realistic love stories that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. She creates realistic characters and believes there’s no better compliment than when readers feel they know the characters personally.

When not writing, she’s busy being a wife to her soul mate, and a mother to two boys who she believes are the most handsome men on earth. She loves to cook, hates to bake, and dreams about living at the beach someday.


AWARDS:
2016 eLit Gold Medalist - Best Romance Ebook - The Shortstop
2016 IPPY Silver Medalist - Best Romance Ebook - The Shortstop
2018 Book Excellence Finalist - Finding Mr. Wrong (co-written with Joanne Schwehm).
2019 Book Excellence Finalist - Scoring Mr. Romeo (co-written with Joanne Schwehm).

Sign up for A. M. Madden’s newsletter at www.ammadden.com to get up-to-date information on new releases, cover reveals, and exclusive excerpts.


website - www.ammadden.com
Facebook - A.M. Madden, Author
Twitter - @ammadden1
Instagram - ammadden1
Email - am.madden@aol.com

A.M. Madden is represented by Stephanie Phillips / SBR Media Agency.

Copyright © A.M. Madden, Author, All rights reserved.

A.M. Madden is a Goodreads Author and can be contacted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or at am.madden@aol.com

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5 stars
2,445 (45%)
4 stars
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3 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 428 reviews
Profile Image for Kathleen.
691 reviews89 followers
February 18, 2014
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance

Story Rating ~ 5 HUGE STARS!
Hero Rating ~ 5 HOT JACK ROCKING STARS!
Heroine Rating ~ 5 LEILA LISCIOUS STARS!
Romance Rating ~ 5 BIG SIGH WORTHY STARS!
Heat Level ~ 4 SCORCHING STARS!
ENDING ~ 5 SPECACULAR HAPPY STARS! Epilogue included.
Overall Rating ~ 5 GIGANTIC STARS!

Front & Center takes off where Back-Up left off. I LOVED Back-Up, book one in this series, so much that I could hardly wait to get my hands on Front & Center. What surprised me most about Front & Center was how much this book made me FEEL. Have you ever read a book that makes your heart throb and your eyes water up? Front & Center did that to me!!

Once again A.M Madden took me on a rocking ride with Jack, Leila, and all their friends and family. The story line reads as a very realistic rock romance that takes you behind the scenes as to what really goes on with rock stars and rock bands. The story had many twists and turns and I was TOTALLY INVESTED in the story line. This book had it all, a fantastic story line, characters that were so genuine and I felt like they were actually my friends. We also got some fun scenes with the band on the bus. The banter the band shared was hysterical and had me laughing at many of the scenes. I can’t help but mention the concert scenes, they we very authentic and had me wishing I was there with them. What I also felt that was so outstanding, was that A.M Madden had Jack write an original love song and sang his heart out on stage just for Leila. Then to add the icing on the cake, there were a few evil people that teamed up to hurt and break Leila and Jack apart. This part of the book truly had me at the edge of my seat and took this book to another level.

Jack and Leila were PERFECT for each other and I LOVED their honesty. The dialogue between them SCREAMED…I LOVE YOU! The love these two had for one another leapt off of the pages and into my heart. What I also felt was the trust these two had, they ALWAYS had each other’s back, no matter what the circumstances were. For those of you who love their reads to be steamy, you will definitely get plenty of heat, lots of it. Jack and Leila had a very hard time keeping their hands to themselves. What was so wonderful about these scenes is they were all done in such a way that I could really FEEL THE LOVE. All these things combined had me giving the romance rating 5 BIG SIGH WORTHY STARS!

In the end, there is a spectacular epilogue and it left me completely happy with the way things went for Leila and Jack. But, it also left me wondering about many of the other characters and what their future’s hold. Good thing there is one more book going to be released and I’m happy to say that we will NOT have too long of a wait for Encore, book three of the Back-Up series which will conclude Jack, Leila and all their friend’s stories. For me, Encore will be a MUST read as soon as I get my hands on the book.

Overall I have to say that while I loved Back-Up, Front & Center BLEW ME AWAY! I HIGHLY recommend this series to EVERYONE!! If you don’t give this series a try, I feel you are REALLY missing out on one heck of a Rocking Ride!!

Special note, you must read this series in order:
Back-Up (Back-Up #1)
Front & Center (Back-Up #2)
Encore (Back-Up #3) (coming soon)

*This book was kindly gifted to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Natasha.
201 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2015
3-3.5 front & center stars!

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So this seriously pains me because I had such high hopes for this book and I absolutely loved book number 1.

For me this book just really dragged and made me roll my eyes at times. I loved Jack and Leila as a couple but in this book I honestly thought Leila deserved better than him sometimes. He puts her through so much and I seriously feel like Leila is silly at times, she just takes all the shit without questions. Although I find her admirable and strong in a way as I would never be able to handle it but her love never wavers.

I never thought I would say this but I think there was just too much sex in this book!

One thing is that this book really makes you feel. The sorrow, depression, happiness and heartache these two go through you feel. It is an emotional roller coaster.

Overall it was okay and this book had some good aspects. The Ending was beautiful and although it didn't meet my expectations I still felt the love between these two.
Profile Image for Rachel Hill.
853 reviews36 followers
August 9, 2016
I received an ARC for an honest review. If you haven't read Back-Up book 1, please stop and read that book first.
It's so great to once again be surrounded by the wonderful characters that AM Madden has dreamt up and brought to life for our pleasure. If its possible, the chemistry between Jack and Leila has gotten hotter! And for a part of a chapter I even thought that yeah, Hunter could be mine! And Trey, he actually talks and you see glimpses of his personality, not just the hot, dark rocker persona! YUMMO
I loved the drama with Jessa and Danny. It was perfectly executed. Am Madden didn't just continually come across with the same drama scenes over and over, it actually evolved instead of just revisiting the same conversation over and over. I love all the description and passion that goes into this whole series. The writing seems effortless and flows so smoothly. I love the way AM Madden tells he story. The hotness factor is really there, along with all the compassion and love the characters feel for one another. If you haven't read Back-Up yet, get it, read it, and then make sure to put Front & Center at the top of your TBR!

"Jack, just kiss me." She pants breathily
I lower my head, closing the distance, I swear I felt a tingle from the connection. So strong is my draw to her. So powerful, that after all the kisses we've shared, and all the caresses I've bestowed, and all the times I've sunk deep into her proclaiming my love, it still always feels like the first time.

SIGH******
LOVE******
5 STARS, RIGHTLY DESERVED!
Profile Image for Jessica Fay.
114 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2014
(I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)

I have to start off this F&C is book two of the Back-Up Series. If you have not read Back-Up yet, what are you waiting for?! This may contain spoilers off book one so if you have not read, you are warned.

Front & Center starts off right where we left off, which is something I personally love. Jack, Leila and the rest of Devil’s Lair are off on their first tour and the fans are loving them! Jack and Leila are so madly in love it’s sickening to the rest of the band, but secretly they all couldn’t be happier that these two have found each other. Devil’s Lair is on fire, climbing the charts, scheduling extra tour stops, nothing will stop them.

Jack’s ex-girlfriend, Jessa plays the perfect villain again in this book. Claiming to be pregnant with Jack’s baby, is throwing a major wrench into this young relationship. Lei is doing everything she can to keep her jealousy and anger at bay while comforting Jack of possibly being the father of this baby. Yet, something isn’t settling right for Lei, she can sense that Jessa is up to something.

Leila is petrified to announce her and Jack’s relationship, worried they fans will hate her or think she is sleeping her way into the band. Turns out though, she worried for nothing! The majority of the fans love the idea of them together! Until Jessa leaks her pregnancy that it…

This book had so many twists in the plot my heart was racing with every page. I don’t want to give too much away but you will not be disappointed! While I am an avid fan of A.M. Madden and fell completely in love with Jack and Leila in Back-Up this book completely surpassed anything I could have imagined. This is A.M.’s debut series, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!! If F&C is any indication, Encore is going to be amazing!!!

HIGHLY recommend this book and if you have not read Back-Up yet, you need too! This is not your ordinary rocker book, the connection between Jack and Leila jump off the page, and there is A LOT of that happening because he can’t keep his hands off of her. I think I can even see a spin off happening with some of the other band members.. Maybe I can plant that idea in A.M.s mind *wink wink* This is a Must Read 5 Stars!!
Profile Image for Karen Hrdlicka.
1,340 reviews27 followers
June 26, 2014
After reading Back Up, was prepared for the sequel to be just a continuation of the Devil's Lair story. I was wrong. Ms. Madden adds depth to her characters in the follow up to her debut novel. The layers she has added to her story and her characters makes Front and Center an even better read than Back Up. This is not your formula HEA. The plot takes the reader through some interesting twists and misdirects them on a couple of occasions, much to my delight. Jack and Leila are front and center in this story, but the lives of their friends and family intertwine in very interesting ways. I love a book where the woman is not the victim, but the hero. Leila is as smart as she is beautiful. She loves Jack and goes to great lengths to have his back. Jack is a victim of his past, though he doesn't deserve the heartache. Together with their inner circle, they are able to overcome many obstacles. If you are looking for spoilers you will find none here. The writing is crisp and powerful. The emotions and dialogue are real, and the sex is HOT! I look forward to more stories from Ms. Madden. She is a refreshing voice in the indie author world.
Profile Image for Radd Reader.
1,002 reviews603 followers
April 25, 2019
Jack & Leila, singers in the rock band Devil's Lair. Told from dual POV. Must read Book 1. Apparently there are more books after this one for these two characters, but this book wraps up all the issues from Book 1 and ends with a nice HEA.

If you liked book 1, I think you would like this book. I gave Book 1 a 2 star rating, so this book was a slight improvement for me. I still had some issues with the book being too wordy and descriptive, but the humdrum from the last book was replaced by some drama in this book. It was enough to keep the story moving along a bit, but I still got mired down in the amount of words and skipped a lot of pages.

I did have a couple issues with this book.
1. There was way, way, way, too much sex. I don’t think I have ever said that in any other book, so I’m not a prude who doesn’t like sex scenes. But dang, these two were always horny and going at it several times in each chapter. If tons of sex is your thing you might like this book, but a lot of it is repetitive so it became overdone and lackluster for me and this was a big reason I skipped pages.

2. I had a major issue with Jack's actions after the “break up “. There is definitely a trigger here. . Leila immediately takes him back and brushes if off like it’s no big deal and then clues him in to her plan. This whole aspect of the story irritated me and I almost just shut the book and stopped there.

Sometimes the characters still seemed a bit immature to me. The other woman issue and the former band member's threats brought some drama to the book. In the end, I felt the former band member plot was resolved pretty quickly and was somewhat anti-climactic.

Like the first book, it felt like there was some overly descriptive sections or filler and at 351 pages it was really long and could have benefited from some editing. Lots of people loved this book, so it could be that the author's writing style is just not my thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lynsey A.
1,971 reviews
August 5, 2016
Absolutely wonderful book! Full review to come on Monday.

Thanks to the author for allowing me to read this beta for an honest review.

I was very lucky to get an advanced copy of the second book in A.M. Madden's Back-Up Series. I thoroughly enjoyed Back-Up, the first book in the series but Front & Center is my favorite.

This book begins exactly where Back-Up ends, with Jack, Leila and the rest of Devil's Lair beginning their nationwide tour. As in the first book we get differing POV's and I really think this adds so much to the story. While I enjoy reading just one POV, seeing things from both the hero and the heroine adds to the overall enjoyment of the book. This book is an emotional ride and keeps the reader entertained from the first page to the last.

There is such emotion in this story and even a scene that may tear out the reader's heart for a bit. As a reader I could feel the love that Jack and Leila have for one another. The love scenes were well written, very sexy and quite hot.

Reading a book where the hero and heroine are together and loving throughout the entire book or most of the book is one of my favorite things to read, when it is done well. A.M. Madden certainly does this well. There is enough going on in this story with Jessa, the ex-girlfriend and Danny, the ex band mate, to keep the story line interesting and not just focused on the lovers.

I think readers who enjoyed Back-Up will certainly love Front & Center. If you loved reading of Jack and Leila's story in the first book, don't miss this second installment. I don't want to give anything away about the story but you'll love the concert in Boston. :)

ETA: I've been meaning to add this to my review since I read the actual released book because this is an issue for some people.
Profile Image for Miranda Elaine.
582 reviews25 followers
January 22, 2014
Front and Center is the follow up novel to A.M. Madden's debut Back Up. It begins right where Back Up ended and continues to tell the story of the rock group Devil's Lair and the love affair between the lead singer Jack Lair and the back up singer Leila Marino using alternating point of views. This book was deliciously sexy and an easy read. I had a hard time putting it down and my house and kids suffered for it.


Jack Lair and Leila Marino are in love and on tour, what could possibly be wrong with that? Enter in a scorned ex-band mate, a pregnant ex girlfriend and the fact that they have to keep their relationship a secret from everyone but the band due to internet gossip. Jack and Leila have a lot going against them but they have a strong love for each other that can hopefully hold them together.

I loved this book. I really enjoy the alternating point of views since you get a more well rounded picture of what is going on. I was instantly pulled into this story with seeing how sweet Jack was with Leila and the book only got better and better. This series is really great and I will definitely be recommending it to all my friends!

Oh and btw I was given a copy of this book to read for and honest review!

Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
February 8, 2014
***Front & Center is book #2 in A.M. Madden's awesome Rock Star Romance series, Back-Up. This is not a standalone and must be read in order.***

Rock Star Romances are always a favorite of mine. Why? do you say...well, there is always a gorgeous, sexy lead singer with dimples that make you swoon. THAT, should be reason enough, right? There is also the strong female lead who chases away the hero's demons, AND we can't forget about the hysterical, yummy band mates that you just want to hang with, have a beer with, and hope it leads to more...hehe! Front & Center has all that and more. It's filled with intense, passionate love scenes, plot twists, and engaging characters. With Front & Center you will experience heartbreak, gut-wrenching, emotional heartbreak that will have your stomach in knots.

"Leila, I love you so much that it's sometimes hard for me to breathe. You have changed my life. You have altered every cell in my body. You own me, completely. By simply staring into my eyes, you can bring me to my knees."

See...I told you it was intense! God, what I would give to have a beautiful, sex on a stick Rock Star say that to me. Total *swoon* moment! As you know at the end of book #1 we were left reeling after a person from Jack's past dropped a bombshell on him. I'm pretty sure I stopped and stared for a good 5 minutes after I finished Back-Up. Front & Center picks right back up with the aftermath of the shocking news. Chaos ensues, lives are threatened, love and loyalty is tested.

"You have been a royal pain in the ass." ....."But you are my royal pain the the ass."

For being a huge fan of "dual POVs," it worked really well in this story. There is just so much going on in each of their heads, I just would have felt cheated if it was done any other way. Another great thing about Front & Center is the fact that it encompasses the secondary characters in the story. In this series you get so involved in all of the characters lives, it's just fantastic that we dive more in to their pasts, relationships, and even struggles. You can think of it as getting more stories for the price of one.

So to sum up, rock star romances rock hard, Jack Lair has a smile that will make you melt, and A.M. Madden is a fantastic author that has made a huge fan out of me! If you enjoy reading about a sexy rock star that rocks hard, loves harder, and screws like a rabbit, well look no further, because the Back-Up series is just right for you!

"Thank you."
"For rocking your world?"
"For loving me."

*ARC provided by the author*
Profile Image for Lindsay.
242 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2014
A M Madden has once again rocked my socks off. Their story hits a cord with each page turned. I smiled, laughed, cried and gasped through the book. It is an amazing story of love, success, heartbreak and fear of losing the one that has stolen your heart.
The story of Jack And Leila continue with them on tour and gaining more success at each stop. Unfortunately Jessa and Daniel have big plans that can derail their success and the love between Jack and Leila. Will Jack lose the only women to ever tame the playboy rock star?

This story truly touched my soul in a number of ways, and may possibly be the only stories that I will ever reread again. What an amazingly poignant love story.
Profile Image for Shirley Short.
1 review
January 17, 2014
I was sent this book for a honest review, and honestly I LOVED IT just as much as book # 1. I can not wait for book 3. I have dumped Jack Carter as my book boyfriend and have replaced him with Jack Lair.
Profile Image for Geri Reads.
1,232 reviews2,136 followers
Read
December 31, 2014
4.5-5 Jack Lair Stars!

Full review to come on the release date. :)

ARC provided by A.M. Madden in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ji.
252 reviews
July 2, 2014
3 to 4 Stars... Couldn't decide...


Jack


Leila



I found myself eye rolling and gagging throughout the book. It was just too sweet and and I probably got cavities! I really do love books where the bad boy is a romantic at heart. Jack was honestly over the limit. I was sick of the amount of I LOVE YOUs and fucking in the book. I mean... YES if I had a man like Jack, I would probably do him 24/7, but Jack and Leila were honestly having sex 95% of this book! I would honestly rename this book SEX WITH JACK AND LEILA: ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE.



DESPITE all the humping and cheesy I LOVE YOUs, there were some parts of the book I did like.
I honestly thought Leila was the stronger character in this book. I did doubt her because she was having insecurities, but she was a CHAMP!!! She really did care for Jack. She was smarter than I thought!

I also loved Hunter and Trey. I want a book about them. I would totally read it!!!!

I know there's a third book to this, but I might put it on hold. I don't think I can handle more of Jack and Leila.
Those two shouldn't be in a band. They could probably be rich selling sex tapes!
They should just be holed up in their apartment forever and ever and ever and ever!

Profile Image for L.L. Collins.
Author 21 books905 followers
February 9, 2014
I received an ARC for an honest review. This is Book #2 and Back-Up needs to be read before this book. This book picks up right where the first one left off, and I was waiting NOT so patiently for this book after she rocked it in book 1. There are spoilers in this review for the first book, Back-Up, so stop here if you haven't read that and go one-click it.

A.M. has rocked the house again. In Back-Up, I was waiting (not so patiently, but BOY did she build that tension) for their hot relationship to begin. In Front & Center, you will NOT be left hanging! Whew, is this book HOT!!! Leila and Jack have an all consuming relationship that takes over their lives. Good thing for them, their life is each other for a few months on a tour bus.

The relationship with the band is funny and engaging in the story. It keeps things light when some things aren't so light.

Leila and Jack aren't without their problems--- but I won't get into spoilers. I wanted to smack Leila for awhile until I realized what she was doing. You will go through all the emotions in this book-- happy, laughing, angry, and sad. Not to mention of course, fanning yourself because it's so hot.

So get your one-click finger ready to buy this one (buy the first one NOW) when it comes out February 18th.
27 reviews
January 20, 2014
I was given a copy of Front & Center by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Front & Center is A.m. Madden's follow-up to her debut novel, Back-Up. I must say I loved Back-Up but I LOVED Front & Center! Nothing makes me happier than to discover that the sequel outdoes the debut. Jack and Leila are in love and on tour and when I say in love I mean panty melting in love. Their banter and their relationship is sexy and playful until an ex-girlfriend steps in along with another smarmy character and things suddenly turn very serious. There was just enough angst and mystery in Front & Center to satisfy me totally. The Devil's Lair band mates and Leila's former band members from Cliffhangers prove to be excellent secondary characters and add just the right amount of humor with their sexy selves. I'm thinking possible spin-off series here! The epilogue had me sighing, swooning, and yes clenching. If you haven't read Back-Up, please do yourself a favor, get it, and then be ready for Front & Center on February 18. I promise you will love both of them! Congratulations A.m.! I am now officially stalking you!
Profile Image for Feyre.
1,420 reviews134 followers
December 16, 2018
Manchmal ist Liebe nicht genug.

2,25 Sterne
Hängt noch hinter dem ersten Teil zurück. Schade um eine Geschichte mit Potential, aber Jack und Leila sind einfach nur schlimm. Zwischendurch habe ich kurz darüber nachgedacht, das Buch abzubrechen, aber ihr wisst ja, das kann ich nicht gut. Also habe ich mich bis zum Ende durchgewuselt. Es war nicht das schlechteste Buch, dass ich je gelesen habe, aber ich war unheimlich angenervt von den Charakteren, bin mehrfach über einen Schreibstil gestolpert, der mich einfach nicht zu fesseln vermochte.
Allerdings muss ich erwähnen, dass beide Bände dieser Reihe eine tolle Playlist haben. Der Song, der extra für die Reihe geschrieben wurde (Reason I Am), ist echt grauenvoll und wenn das Jack sein soll... verstehe ich das Ganze noch weniger xD
Profile Image for Linda.
945 reviews
October 9, 2015
2.75 stars.

Regrettably, this one missed the mark for me. The writing was improved compared to the first book, which I appreciated. But the editing still needed some work- especially with the dialogue. I had difficulty at times knowing who was speaking.

Then there was Jack. Jack was a great character in the first book. In this book he was too good to be true. Literally. He was just too perfect. Unbelievably so. The romance was way over the top as well. And there was way too much sex.

I liked the overall story line but felt like it got lost in the pages of this book. Even the suspenseful parts didn't really come across as such.

I did like one of this author's recent works (Stone Walls) and will consider trying her more recent work in the future.
Profile Image for Kat DM.
321 reviews33 followers
March 7, 2014
A.M. Madden

When I was done with Back-Up, I couldn't wait for the book 2. I was given an ARC of Front & Center and I could not put it down.
A.M. Madden has become one of my favorite authors. This book is more romantic than the first but of course I love them both.
The continuation to JACK and LEILA's story... There's a lot of ups and downs like Jack getting his girlfriend pregnant, from what the
ex-girlfriend says. Jack has become a victim because of his past indiscretion before Leila but who deserves a heartache like this?


These are my favorite quotes...

"She came into my life and flipped it upside down.
She completely altered who I am as a person.
She wreaked havoc in my world.
And I love her."

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos Front & Center

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos

The writing just felt so real and it was very emotional. The sex was hot and steamy(fanning myself). I am looking forward to book 3, 4, and many more.
Profile Image for Melissa.
166 reviews8 followers
February 8, 2014
Front & Center by A.M. Madden
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Is there a fan in here? And I don’t mean a fan of music, I mean someone please turn on the A.C! Holy rock star hotness! I forgot how much I missed Jack & Leila. This is the second book in this series so if you have been hiding underneath a rock (not to be confused with hiding underneath a smoking hot rock star) and not read Back-Up yet, then don’t read this review. This book picks up where Back-Up left off; the band is about to head off on tour across the country, just after Jack’s ex Jessa drops a huge bombshell. Jessa tells Jack that she is pregnant and the baby could be his. Jessa is exactly the conniving, drama queen that you would think, the character that you love to hate. Leila is hurt but agrees to stand by Jack and see what happens following a paternity test. This isn’t even the tip of the iceberg on the drama, why not take one angry ex girlfriend, and raise one ex band member who is really angry. Angry to the point of wanting to harm anyone close to Jack, and won’t stop until he has succeeded.
A.M. Madden tells a fun story of a band on tour, who wouldn’t want to shack up with a hot lead singer? Speaking of hot, I think Jack got better in this book. The scenes with Leila and Jack are by far hotter than in Back-Up, while reading while in the line at the grocery store I had to look around to make sure the elderly lady behind couldn’t see what I was reading! This book tops the last in the suspense and drama department as well as several heartbreaking twists and turns. Fans will be happy with the HEA and non-cliffhanger ending. This isn’t the last of Devil’s Lair either, the author has promised us one more book in this series to follow up with the characters.
This novel is geared toward anyone that loves a good romance and hot rock stars! Warning: This book is meant for mature readers who are 18+. It contains explicit language, and graphic sexual content.
Thank you to A.M Madden for an amazing follow up to her debut novel. I have been counting the days to the release of this book and she didn’t disappoint. I can’t wait to read more from this author and the rest of the series.

Profile Image for Gloria Elena.
597 reviews31 followers
January 18, 2014
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Hot, steamy and so romantic! If you are looking for a scorching hot, feel good, rock-star romance, then this book is it! I seriously LOVED this book! It was so engaging!

Front and Center is the second book in a series, and in order to fully get the gist of it, you have to read the first book, Back-up, as it lays the groundwork for this story.

Here is the skinny on this book:
1. The story picks-up shortly where the first book left off. Jack and Leila are on tour and they are slowly starting to make a name for themselves and for their band, Devil’s Lair. They are in love and in lust, but things are not all rosy in their world as there are forces against them; primarily an ex band mate who wants revenge and an ex- pregnant girlfriend who wants Jack back. (Man, did I want to bitch slap her so bad, she was so conniving.)

2. The sex scenes between Leila and Jack are scorching and steamy. Like Wow! There were a few scenes where I wanted to fan myself, I was like phew, and oh yeah! LOL.

3. TOTALLY LOVED JACK!! I loved Jack and Leila, however, Jack, sigh, he melted my panties. He was totally hot, sexy, so romantic and so protective of Leila. Leila was his world and damn, did this man show it! (DAMN IT, I want a JACK!!)

4. This book has a few angst filled moments, moments were I wanted to bitch slap Leila, for not having enough faith in her relationship with Jack; and Jessa, Jack’s pregnant ex for interfering, man did I wanted to hurt her for causing trouble!!

5. Great story with really engaging and likeable characters. LOVED IT!! What I loved most is the romance; this book was so romantic it pulled on my heart heartstrings.

Overall this is a very enjoyable read (trust me on this, I had this huge grin at the end of this book!). Best of all, it has not cliffy and it ends on a high note. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

Kudos to the author for writing such and engaging and loveable book!
Profile Image for Jade.
13 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2014
I was given a copy of Front & Center by the author in exchange for a review.

Front & Center is the second book of the Back-Up series. I loved Back-Up and I didn't think Front & Centre could top it, but to my suprise it was even better! You just get to know the characters more as the relationship between Jack and Lelia develops. From the first chapter has you gritting your teeth in supsence, as the ex-girlfriend comes into play as well as other shady characters. There is plenty of mystery in this book, and the humor that all the
characters bring is just brilliant.
A.M Madden has done an exellent job with the this follow up novel and I cannot wait until the third enstallment gets published, I need another Jack and Lelia fix!
Hopefully she might do a spin off series so we can find out what happens to the rest of devil lair or the cliffhangers.
Profile Image for Kathy Coopmans.
Author 77 books2,690 followers
January 17, 2014
I am beyond impressed with this book. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review and let me tell you all that I could not be more honest in saying that I am beyond impressed.
This book had me on the edge of my bed a few times and my claws came out wanting to go all kinds of crazy on Jessa.
There are several areas in the book where my jaw hit the floor and I had to look at my husband to see if he would pick my jaw up off the floor for me.
A.m. Madden is absolutely brilliant and I love the way she writes. She definitely has it going on and has been gifted with more talent then I could EVER say.
Pick up your copy of Back-Up her first book in this series and then put Front and Center at the top of your TBR list and purchase this beautiful story when it comes out and you will be all over this beautiful story and Author just like I am.

Kathy Coopmans
Panty Dropping Book Blog
Profile Image for Jac K.
2,517 reviews486 followers
October 30, 2019
Doesn’t really get better...

As I stated in my last review I was SUPER annoyed that I had to read this book.

It’s starts exactly where the other one left off (overlaps a partial chapter) The pace of this book is slow and boring, and it’s even longer than the last. Basically Jack and Leila are struggling balancing their new relationship with a pregnant ex, psycho ex band mate and fans. (All within the summary so no spoilers) I continued to skim through numerous pages filled with non pertinent information.

I had a few issues

The entire paternity issue was so idiot and unrealistic that I couldn’t stand it. It was such a lazy way to try to stir up drama.

The break up section was again unrealistic and stupid from many POV’s. L’s from her ridiculous plan, and J for his actions. Stupid...stupid...stupid
4 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2014
Praise to AM Madden! Having read the first book, to say I was excited for book two is an understatement! I was left wondering where the author could take it next, but I was not disappointed! This book has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, just when you think you've read it all, something else happens to send you into disbelief. It's action packed from the start, full of romance, adventure, mystery and intrigue! I'm left wanting more...much, much more! This book is for any woman who wants to spice up her evenings...so go on, take Jack Lair to bed...it'll be a night you'll never forget!
Profile Image for Ms. MiLo.
148 reviews
February 6, 2014
She's done it again!!!! People if you haven't read Back-Up, what are you waiting for?! The 2nd installment of the Back-Up is just as good as the first... I've completely fallen inlove with Jack Lair and over and over again! LOL.. I mean seriously! This should be on everyone's TBR!!!

A.M. Madden, I am in awe... You've done it again!!!! I look forward to reading the final book though I'm sad that it will come to an end, does it really have to???

Side note:
ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!! XOXO
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
December 18, 2018
I think it was too long....needed a bit of editing. Still , if you liked the characters in book one then you'll be satisfied.
Profile Image for Jo.
795 reviews96 followers
February 14, 2014
This book is due for release on February 18th, 2014.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

After the way that Back-Up ended I was ecstatic to have an ARC sat waiting for me! You need to read Back-Up before going on to Front & Center. Spoilers included in this review from the first book.

Yay, the Devil’s Lair gang are back! This time, along with some more unsavoury characters in the form of Danny and Jessa (pah, just typing their names leaves a nasty taste in my mouth!!)

But, to override that there is more of Jack and Leila – the new hottest couple in rockdom!

The story picks up where it was left off at the end of Back-Up and the tour is underway. Jack and Leila are together and very much in love.

She came into my life and flipped it upside down. She completely altered who I am as a person. She wreaked havoc in my world. And I love her.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to his beauty. My brain turns to mush, my heart pounds, my skin warms, and my nerves tingle at the sight of him. This man controls every part of me.


After a shaky start, the couple are in full swing and the fans are loving it, the members of the band are happy and performing well together. They are also gaining popularity and fame along the way.
But, with over 300 pages to go, you just know things aren't going to be peachy for long.

That’s where the previously mentioned unsavoury characters come in. Danny used to the bassist for Devil’s Lair before Jack and the others fired him and found a replacement in Trey. Now that the band are getting noticed and a larger fan base means Danny feels short changed and wants to get revenge on the man who made his demise possible – Jack. Jessa was Jack’s high school girlfriend who came looking for him from time to time for a possible romantic reconnection. This time she pops up though, she is pregnant. And the child is Jack’s! *shock* Something dodgy definitely going on there!

Leila is handling things regarding the “news” early on in their relationship the best way she knows how. Sometimes shutting Jack out and dealing with things in her own way. But she always has his back regardless of how it makes her feel.

Jack is as loving and attentive towards Lei as ever and you can see he has no doubts about his love for her and where he wants their
relationship to go.

She came into my life and flipped it upside down. She completely altered who I am as a person. She wreaked havoc in my world. And I love her.


There are still PLENTY of hot and steamy scenes that will leave you fanning yourself and wishing to Google Devil’s Lair’s tour dates!

AM Madden has written a beautiful sequel jam packed with love, laughter and downright sexiness. I’m adoring all characters (with the exception of Jessa and Danny, of course) and wish that some of them get their own stories – particularly Evan and Trey.

There is a happy ending which you desperately need after all of the low points in the book which include utter heartbreak and breathtaking sheer horror!

I am looking forward to Encore and hope to receive another ARC for it, simply because I am too impatient!

Thank you AM, a marvellous job well done and another top book done!

5 well deserved stars!

“The ONLY Mrs JH Lair <3”
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,299 reviews1,781 followers
February 24, 2014
Favorite Quotes:

"We sway to the music wordlessly. There isn't a reason to talk. We both know what the other is thinking. We both know what the other is feeling. We are two halves of one heart. As we cling to each other, I catalog the feel of her in my arms. I want to commit to memory the way her body fits up perfectly against mine. The way her hair feels like silk against my cheek. The way her skin feels against my fingers as I grip her waist beneath her shirt. The way the gold flecks in her eyes glisten when she looks up at me through unshed tears." …

"Words cannot begin to describe the connection I feel towards her. There isn't one single suitable word. The closest I can come up with is severe, consuming, crushing, and maybe fierce? But even combined, they are still lacking." …

"Leila, I love you so much that it's sometimes hard for me to breathe. You have changed my life. You have altered every cell in my body. You completely own me. By simply staring into my eyes, you can bring me to my knees. I want you to know, I will do everything in my power to make you happy. I will laugh with you, I will cry with you, I will keep you safe. I will remind you how much I love you every day for the rest of our lives."

My Review:

Holy mother of hotness! I am ruined! This book is so hot - it is incendiary. I feel lucky my tablet didn't melt - either from the sparks generated by the marvelous and scintillating words, or the heat from my hot little hands from gripping it so tightly. Once I started reading, I never wanted to put it down - but must admit to frequently needing to catch my breath and get a drink of cool water, and ummm… occasionally change my clothes. My - oh - my! This got my heart racing faster than a stair climber on a steep incline. I wonder if I could possibly replace my gym workouts with reading A.M. Madden books?

I must have been living under a rock at the time, but I had not read the first of the series entitled Back-Up, before I picked up this book to review. That did not prove to be a problem as although it might have been a bit easier to start off, this book was able to stand on it's own as the continuing connections were generally well explained. I am astounded to think this is only her second book - it was flawless. But be warned - this is adult material - not for anyone under 18, hmm, maybe we should make that no one under 21, or 25? The male lead (Jack Lair) is a rock star in every sense of the word - and has an apparently unquenchable libido. I imagine any male would feel inadequate reading this story… If Jack Lair were a real person, I imagine he would be in a constant state of dehydration.

The story has lots and lots and lots of sex, hot sex, but sweet hot sex as they are deeply and profoundly in love with each other, which makes it all right doesn't it? There is also humor, conflict, rock and roll, and drama. At one point Jack asks something about when did his life became a soap opera ;) No spoilers here - I don't do that. Buy the book; buy all the books, I see there is one more currently in the works. Buy them all and get extra sets for your girlfriends - then you can sit together, sip wine, and fan yourselves as you read and swoon over Jack. That is what I plan to do anyway ;)
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