Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Madness

Rate this book
In the highly anticipated second book of the Chaos Fuel Duet, bassist Dakota Benally navigates the chaos of rock stardom while grappling with the weight of his past. Still haunted by the loss of his wife, Dakota's world shifts when he meets Lauren, a resilient single mother working at a diner near the band's recording studio.

As their paths intertwine, Dakota and Lauren find themselves drawn to each other, recognizing a shared understanding of love, loss, and the struggle to move forward. But with the demands of Dakota's career and Lauren's own personal battles, their budding connection is put to the test.

Madness explores the complexities of second chances, the courage to confront one's demons, and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. Dakota and Lauren's story is a poignant reminder that, even in the face of adversity, hope can be found in the most unexpected places.

Will Dakota and Lauren's newfound love be enough to weather the storm, or will the madness of their lives ultimately tear them apart? Find out in this emotionally charged tale of redemption, forgiveness, and the strength of the human spirit.

Content This book contains mentions of loss of a loved one, drug addiction, and recovery.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2024

37 people are currently reading
28 people want to read

About the author

Amy Booker

21 books91 followers
Amy Booker is a full-time author and former musician now living her passion of writing complex contemporary romances that immerse readers into the realities—both beautiful and gritty—of life on stage and behind the scenes. Most feature rockstars, while some venture into the glitz of Vegas.

With over a dozen novels under her belt, Amy draws from her own experience to pen authentic plots and multidimensional characters. Never one to shy away from tough topics, her books tackle real situations with emotional depth.

When she's not crafting her next book, you can find Amy embarking on thrilling travels, getting lost in audiobooks, catching Arsenal matches, or tuning into the Critical Role D&D show. She shares her home with rescue pup Gunner and has an adult son with special needs who fills her days with both challenges and immense love.

Stay up-to-date with Amy’s latest heartfelt releases on www.amybookerauthor.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
59 (59%)
4 stars
28 (28%)
3 stars
9 (9%)
2 stars
3 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for CriSsStina.
368 reviews
August 6, 2024
4.5 ⭐️

I just couldn't wait to read Dakotas' book, and it definitely delivered. I loved Dakota and Lauren's story of battling addiction, grief, loneliness, and everything in between.

Life wasn't easy for any of them, but they found each other when they didn't expect and navigated together everything that fate threw at them. They had quite a few ups and downs, but I loved how they managed to succeed and be happy 🥹🥰.

If I recall correctly from the first book, he should be around 27/28 year-old. Hence, my small issue with the cover 🫣😅 the cover is quite nice and fits the characters' description, but the chosen model looks way too young. 👀

This was a sweet story with some spice intertwined into their journey. It was more driven on them creating a life together while fixing their issues, especially his addictions and their past trauma.

I liked the writing style. The book read easily. Love the name of the chapters! It fited perfectly with the content of the book.

Can't wait to read the next books.

🤍 it could work as a standalone read, but I recommend reading Mayhem before this one.

What to expect
- rockstar romance
- second chance romance, for both of them
- single mom
- widower
- spicy but not overdone
- emotional
- no OP drama
- TW for addictions
- HEA, epilogue a few years later


.
.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

.
.

"Crazy, right? I can perform in front of thousands, but the thought of walking in there, seeing you... it terrified me."
"Why?" I ask, genuinely curious.
He stops walking, turning to face me. His eyes meet mine, and I'm struck by their intensity. "Because you make me feel... real. Not like some stupid fucking rockstar, or some screwed-up addict, but just... me. And that's both amazing and terrifying."

🥹🥰



"I have a girlfriend, Lauren. And her son, Roman. They're... they're everything to me. And I want to be the man they deserve. The man I know I can be when I'm sober."

🥹🥹🤍🖤
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,086 reviews209 followers
August 7, 2024
This is one I’ve been eagerly anticipating. Rock star romance, single parent, and second chance? Yes, please, sign me up. Dakota and Lauren's story was everything I expected and more.

Both Dakota and Lauren are no stranger to loss. When he meets her at the diner where she works, Dakota recognizes something in Lauren that he's personally familiar with. And on top of still reeling from the loss of his wife, Dakota has other demons he fights.

I really enjoyed this second romance in the Chaos Fuel series. We got to reacquaint with some old friends as we watched two wounded souls lay the past to rest and take a chance with each other. While this was more wordy than I prefer, I loved these two characters and felt their angtsy emotions right along with them. Heart wrenching and hopeful, this is a great addition to a compelling series.
Profile Image for Mandy Foley.
433 reviews
August 9, 2024
Omg, so much emotion while reading this book, Amy has done it again, Dakota and Lauren’s story is epic, filled with love, loss, second chances and an amazing depth of vulnerability, you feel the hope and pain as deeply as the characters do, I couldn’t put this book down, loved it 💜💜
253 reviews
August 8, 2024
#LaurenAndDakota #Grief #Loss2Addiction

Madness: A Rockstar Romance (Chaos Fuel Book 2) by Amy Booker is her best book. Madness is about Dakota, the band’s new bassist, and Lauren, a waitress at a diner he is attracted to. Both have experienced the loss of a partner through death. Dakota’s wife, Chole, died of an overdose, and Lauren’s partner and the father of her baby, also a musician, died of a drug overdose. Dakota has demons he battles with alcohol and drugs to help numb his grief. After being clean for three years, he slips when overcome with the grief of losing his wife. After a magazine interview, Dakota meets Lauren, whom he feels drawn towards. Lauren is a struggling single mom with a three-year-old who is trying to work and go to college to become a registered nurse. Lauren and Dakota become friends over late-night coffee chats in a cafe after Lauren gets off work. In the weeks before Chaos Fuel’s upcoming three-month tour, Lauren and Dakota begin to have feelings for each other. After Dakota leaves for his tour and Lauren begins her college classes, their relationship unravels.
Dakota decides he wants to return to the party scene despite his promises to Lauren to remain sober. Lauren doesn’t want to deal with another rockstar addict as her son Roman deserves stability and a good dad example. Undercurrents of their past are gaining on Lauren and Dakota in a way neither could have dreamed possible. Will this destroy them both? Can Dakota turn his life around, or will he spiral into the drain of addiction and drugs? Despite their past and insecurities, will they still have a chance for a HEA? I loved Madness by Amy Booker, who also is a talented lyrist when one reads the songs she pens for her books. Beautiful songs I hear in my head.
707 reviews
August 13, 2024
What a conclusion to the Chaos Fuel Duet. Dakota and Lauren are two young people in a city of millions, fighting their own personal battles of addiction, single parenthood, low income, grief and loneliness. When they meet, their souls recognise each other’s pain and they are drawn to each other.
Riding the high of new love, new feelings and hope, they both embark on a new journey, separately, with promises of support and communication. But can love conquer all?
Lauren and Dakota have a heartbreaking past but with each other they found peace and the sense of home. This book shows the pain addiction inflicts not only on the addict but also on those around them. It also shows the power of friendship and found family.
Profile Image for Doris.
3,641 reviews138 followers
September 14, 2024
Fantastic Rock Romance

This is the second book in the Chaos Fuel series and it just as outstanding as the first, Mayhem. The emotions that this author draws out of me was above and beyond. It is about second chances and dealing with a traumatic past. Rock star lives never seem to be easy and when Dakota lost his wife and then was selected to be the new bassist for Chaos Fuel, he had so much to deal with.

Lauren is a single mom who is a waitress with her own issues. Together they go through ups and downs that left me wondering how these two/three could ever find there HEA. This author pulled it off and has left me wanting for more. I can’t wait to read more from Ms. Booker.
Profile Image for Jessica  Hanson.
80 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2024
Madness is book 2 in the Chaos Fuel series and is the story of Dakota and Lauren. It’s a story of kindred spirits and second chances. Dakota and Lauren start their journey right before a tour starts and it tests both the limits of Dakota’s sobriety and their relationship. Lauren not only has herself to think of, but also her son. An unexpected visit brings some things to light that connects Dakota and Lauren even more. This is a must read to gain more insight into the Chaos Fuel world!!
1,551 reviews14 followers
August 7, 2024
I loved this story about how Dakota met Lauren and the ensuing and heartening topic of grief, addiction and redemption. I loved how bravery can come in many forms.
I thought the romance between the two, was super sweet. Even though both had been in relationships before, they were so nervous about being hurt again. Their reasons were valid and felt real.
Amy has a real knack for writing beautiful stories and this is one of her best.
177 reviews
August 10, 2024
Addiction is an illness, one that is fought by many - one day at a time. Amy’s books give an insight into the real struggles her characters face, but it mirrors real life in so many ways. However, with hope, love and understanding her characters find strength - something we should all strive for.

“It’s scary and exhilarating all at once. But for the first time in years, I find myself excited about the possibilities the future might hold.”


Madness covers all of these things - another fabulous book, thank you Amy Booker, Author
Profile Image for Renee Hughes.
373 reviews12 followers
August 10, 2024
I’ve been waiting this next book in the series! It’s fantastic! Very emotional and gritty, but so steamy and tender. Tough topics written brilliantly by an excellent writer. For me, the pages came alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of everyday madness. As much as I love all the steam and hotness, this is really about two people trying to find peace. I loved the self discovery. Great read!.

Profile Image for Majan.
297 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2024
So the cover grabbed me, but the story kept me. I inhaled this one. I liked the perseverance of the couple and the willingness to try when the going got tough. It's a sweet story. Very tame in the steam department, but I suspected it going in.

This was a quick read but still nicely paced and developed. Dakota and Lauren are a couple that you root for.
10 reviews
May 8, 2025
once again, couldn’t put this book down!

Love your style of writing! I feel like I know the characters personally. You are a fantastic author. Love the Chaos Fuel books, can’t wait for more…
625 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2024
Madness: A Rockstar Romance (Chaos Fuel Book 2) by Amy Booker is her best book. Madness is about Dakota, the band’s new bassist, and Lauren, a waitress at a diner he is attracted to. Both have experienced the loss of a partner through death. Dakota’s wife, Chole, died of an overdose, and Lauren’s partner and the father of her baby, also a musician, died of a drug overdose. Dakota has demons he battles with alcohol and drugs to help numb his grief. After being clean for three years, he slips when overcome with the grief of losing his wife. After a magazine interview, Dakota meets Lauren, whom he feels drawn towards. Lauren is a struggling single mom with a three-year-old who is trying to work and go to college to become a registered nurse. Lauren and Dakota become friends over late-night coffee chats in a cafe after Lauren gets off work. In the weeks before Chaos Fuel’s upcoming three-month tour, Lauren and Dakota begin to have feelings for each other. After Dakota leaves for his tour and Lauren begins her college classes, their relationship unravels.
Dakota decides he wants to return to the party scene despite his promises to Lauren to remain sober. Lauren doesn’t want to deal with another rockstar addict as her son Roman deserves stability and a good dad example. Undercurrents of their past are gaining on Lauren and Dakota in a way neither could have dreamed possible. Will this destroy them both? Can Dakota turn his life around, or will he spiral into the drain of addiction and drugs? Despite their past and insecurities, will they still have a chance for a HEA? I loved Madness by Amy Booker, who also is a talented lyrist when one reads the songs she pens for her books. Beautiful songs I hear in my head.
Profile Image for Maddy Matos.
953 reviews9 followers
August 18, 2024
Chaos Fuel is the band
Dakota is feeling great, still grieving the loss of his wife. He had turned to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain, now clean and sober he’s started to look forward to the tour. He and his band, Chaos Fuel are ready. When he meets Lauren at the diner she works at, he’s serious drawn to her. So they start dating even though he’s leaving soon and will be away three months. Lauren and Dakota share the tragedy that they both lost their significant other. Dakota lost his wife and Lauren lost her boyfriend, who was her son’s dad. There’s so much in common with those two deaths. Lauren is a good person, works hard, and started nursing school, while raising her son. I love the connection of these two, I was disappointed when he fell off the wagon and failed miserably with Lauren, I really didn’t see him unraveling on the very first night of their tour like he did. Anyway, things are revealed that I guess were not unexpected and Dakota makes a major comeback, with fabulous ending. I loved the book, it’s a fast paced story and I couldn’t put it down. I’m giving this book five stars and highly recommend it. Also if you haven’t read book one of this series you definitely should.




Profile Image for BeaC.
381 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2024
This is the second book in the Chaos Fuel series and even when it can be read as a standalone I highly suggest you start with the first book in the series.

I really was looking forward to Dakota's story because I was so intrigued about him when reading the first book in the series, a tormented Rockstar with a sad past.

In this book we find Dakota finding a random waitress in a rando diner. Lauren is a single mom of a 3 years old boy with a lot more in common with Dakota's past than they both realize at the beginning.

The storyline is heartwarming and the characters are amazing, however I struggle with the timeline in this book, they meet before he goes on tour with the band and within 3 weeks he and Laurent cemented a relationship even with her son that we didn't really get a glance of but later on, when he is on tour, we find out about many interactions between him and Roman (Lauren's boy) which leads us to think their relationship was way longer than we first thought.

Dakota is a recovering addict who struggles with his demons and a Rockstar touring gets exposed to many temptations down the road. Lauren already had to deal with an addict before, and she doesn't know if she is willing to go through the same issues again, for her mental health and Roman's.

The story feels rushed and it's quite predictable, I wanted more of Dakota that's for sure, but overall is a good read.
Profile Image for Terry.
1,507 reviews
August 8, 2024
4 ½ Stars for this heart-wrenching story!

My heart broke for Dakota and Lauren ... they both suffered unfathomable loss that can break a person. Lauren is a strong woman trying her best for her family, even thought her heart was broken. After a year with the band, Dakota still wasn't sure about his rock star status and didn't feel he was on solid ground. I love how this author isn't shy writing about sensitive topics and doesn't sugarcoat situations. This is a great addition to the series and I can't wait for the next book!

Dakota is the new base player in the rock band Chaos Fuel. One day after practice the band goes to a dinner close by and Dakota takes an interest in the waitress. He hasn't been interested in anyone since he lost his wife three years ago to an overdose. Lauren is the single mother of a three year old and works in a diner to make ends meet. She wants to be a nurse so she can have a better life with her son. But there's something in Dakota's eyes that makes her heart flutter. Will Dakota and Lauren be able to sustain a new relationship with Dakota on tour and with the limited free time Lauren has?

I received an early copy courtesy of the author.
Profile Image for Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour).
1,092 reviews8 followers
August 7, 2024
Gorgeous read! Emotionally heavy, it has all the dark, dirty, crack your heart in two, drowning and despair of addiction that is equally and beautifully balanced by hope, love, and the work that goes along with getting to other side, fully embracing sobriety, and finding peace with a past that’s never as pretty as you remember. It’s rockstar, single mom, the ones left behind to pick up the pieces, heartbreak and healing, resonating with those familiar with the cycle and absolutely phenomenal.

Depth, so much depth in this book, the characters, just the whole read. Definitely a heavier plot but Amy Booker does a great job of weaving a story that has all that heaviness tempered with the awkwardness of new love, the cuteness and swoon of falling, and the weight that’s lifted as you reach the end and the HEA is worth every single second.
1,542 reviews
October 3, 2024
Madness is the second story in the Chaos Fuel series. Dakota is the bassist for his rock band, Chaos Fuel, and Lauren is a single mom to her son, Roman, and she works at the diner where they meet over coffee and chat almost every day. As their paths continue to intertwine, Dakota and Lauren find themselves drawn to each other, recognizing a shared understanding of love, loss, and the struggle to move forward. But with the demands of Dakota's career and Lauren's own personal battles, their budding connection is put to the test. They start to have feelings for one another and they begin to date, knowing full well that his band is leaving soon and will be gone for three months. While on tour, almost right away, Dakota falls off the wagon and Lauren is heartbroken. Dakota needs to pull himself together and take his sobriety seriously.
2 reviews
August 22, 2024
It starts out with Dakota waking from night that he doesn't remember. He is I mourning over his wife. He decides to get sober. Soon he buys a bottle of alcohol, but doesn't drink it. He meets Lauren and finds out he boyfriend died three years ago. The same night. They start dating falling in love. They promise to call, text,video call. While on tour he falls and starts drinking again. He finds out that his wife was not who he thought she was.
The book seem to gloss over his addiction and her acceptance of her issue with her previous boyfriend addiction. I think she forgave Dakota to easily. I would have like to see more of the negative effects of addiction in the story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,933 reviews9 followers
September 5, 2024
This is the second book of the Chaos Fuel duet and I highly recommend reading Mayhem first so you can understand the band’s dynamics and the struggles they’ve already faced.
Please read the warnings, this story contains drug and alcohol abuse, death of loved ones and recovery.
Dakota and Lauren’s story is full emotion, heartaches and redemption. The chemistry between them is strong and they share very similar loss, but their relationship is put to the test when he goes on tour.
Ms Booker creates the best ‘broken’ rock star characters, she has them navigate a multitude of tough issues but eventually brings out the best in them so they can find love and happiness.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aspen G.
1,709 reviews5 followers
October 14, 2024
Madness is a dynamite read! Emotional, heartfelt, and so worth it. Addressing addiction, stress, and constant change, this novel handles difficult subjects with clarity, reality, and hard-won truths. The sub-plots were fascinating and woven beautifully into Lauren and Dakota’s love story. Lauren is such a breathtakingly beautiful person both inside and out who stays true to herself and focused on raising Roman. Dakota is equally brave in the face of difficult circumstances, and while neither of them are perfect, they are perfect for each other. This is not an easy read by any means, but their story is timeless and amazing. I loved it!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,102 reviews9 followers
September 15, 2024
Amy Booker is a maestro: weaving emotions into music, hope into second chances, and sadness into an amazing future. Dakota and Lauren face their struggles every day with mixed results, but the possibilities become exponentially greater when they are together. I love the honesty, the energy, and the love that exists for them, especially when they falter. The strength to be aware, to be responsible, and to learn to love yourself is quite remarkable! I felt their growth, their fears, and their love for each other: it was heart wrenchingly beautiful and real! A really special experience and just what I needed!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carina Hales.
476 reviews11 followers
August 10, 2024
This was a really sweet story about 2 people who have suffered in their past and now finding a deep connection together. Both Dakota and Lauren had suffered and surprisingly at the same time with similar stories.

This book was about fighting addiction and moving forward from grief and finding yourself again. The story flowed beautifully and you couldn’t help but feel connected to both lead characters and rooting for them to find their HEA.

A really good read written well and with such well rounded and well written characters you couldn’t help but love.
1,368 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2024
wow

Wow, just wow! Lauren and Dakota made my heart sing! They each had such losses in their life and dealt with them in different ways. Dakota worked hard to overcome his alcoholism, it was a rocky road. Lauren faced tragedy of her own, With the death of her son’s father. When they met, they had no idea how much of those losses they had in common. Lauren had Roman to think of when it came to their relationship. Dakota stepped up to help her through and to make their relationship stronger. Hope there will be more from this series.
Profile Image for J.
4,091 reviews21 followers
September 13, 2024
This is book 2 in Booker's Chaos Fuel series and I couldn't wait for this one! Booker delivers time and time again and this book did not disappoint. Booker had our main characters Dakota and Lauren break my heart and put it back together again in this second chance romance full of love and loss. Well written with a smooth storyline that is captivating from start to finish. A beautiful and painful journey to a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,142 reviews17 followers
September 20, 2024
I loved every bit of this read, even the crazy drama. This is the second in the Chaos Fuel rock star series features band members of the band. Such an incredible read! I love the characters! This one is about Lauren and Dakota, the bassist for the band. This one finds two wounded individuals, healing from their pasts and finding a second chance. It is an emotional and heartwarming story. I love this story and can't wait for more.
1,738 reviews10 followers
October 7, 2024
Dakota & Lauren
4.5 stars
Heartbreaking, raw, gritty, honest and passionate all wrapped up into this book. Both of them suffered loss due to addiction and are still rebuilding three years later when they cross paths whilst both are at crossroads. Dakota has been quietly settling into the band but feeling like an imposter & outsider in many ways and Lauren faced a gauntlett of emotions, as did I as a reader.
Profile Image for Emily.
142 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2025
Another Great Story

I found Amy’s first book for this series and fell in love with the characters. This second book, Dakota and Lauren, it’s just as incredible.

Dakota and Lauren find each other and through eerie and unexpected circumstances find a secret that could tear them apart.

The story is gripping, touching, and real.

Loving rockstar romances, thus one continues to fill the bill.

I highly recommend this book.
68 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2024
Amy booker captured so many truths and emotions while depicting a story of addiction from both the addicted and the loved ones around them. As someone who is on a mission of sobriety and self discipline I truly appreciated this story. I look forward for o reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
860 reviews4 followers
September 15, 2024
This is book 2 of Chaos Fuel and a standalone story of Dakota and Lauren, who have both lost someone to a drug overdose. Dakota is dealing with his addiction and Lauren dealing with both the lose of her boyfriend but also Dakota's addiction. This story does have a happy ever after.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.