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The Sound of Us #1
Remember Us This Way: A Contemporary Rockstar Romance
They are idols to millions worldwide. I hear their names whispered in the hallways and blasted through the radio. Their faces are never far from the television screen, tormenting me with images of what I gave up.
To everyone else, they're unattainable rock stars, the music gods who make up The Sound of Us. But to me? They'll always be the boys I lost.
I broke all our hearts when I refused to follow them to LA, convinced I would only bring them down. Years later, after I’ve succumbed to a monster and my life has become something out of a nightmare, they are back.
I'm no longer the girl they left behind. But what if I’ve become the woman they can’t forget?
Book one of the Sound of Us series
To everyone else, they're unattainable rock stars, the music gods who make up The Sound of Us. But to me? They'll always be the boys I lost.
I broke all our hearts when I refused to follow them to LA, convinced I would only bring them down. Years later, after I’ve succumbed to a monster and my life has become something out of a nightmare, they are back.
I'm no longer the girl they left behind. But what if I’ve become the woman they can’t forget?
Book one of the Sound of Us series
Audible Audio
Published November 19, 2020
1473 people are currently reading
4841 people want to read
About the author
C.R. Jane
96 books5,227 followersI'm a wife, mother, and author! Writing has always been a passion for me, and publishing my first series is a dream come true. I drink too much caffeine, never sleep, and my imagination is always churning out ideas. Eva and her men have been in my head for awhile, and I'm so glad to finally take you with me on this journey!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
August 28, 2024
This was not the rockstar romance I thought it would be... The insta-love and the way the relationships progressed just ruined it for me. I don’t think it was believable. Buy a girl dinner first, get to know her and then decide if she is (or isn’t) a total psychopath.
The plot switches between the past (high school) and the present (5 years in the future). The high school scenes all centre around the 3 MMC being totally obsessed with the FMC. This was due to the fact that she was pretty and they wanted to “f**k her”. Love is not dead 🫥 Except for them constantly fawning over her nothing more happens before they leave to become rockstars.
I preferred the ‘present’ chapters, as she was older and the tone of the writing felt more mature. Less cheesy. In this timeline, the FMC was married and in a DV relationship.
I understand the necessity of providing a backstory, but I don’t think dedicated chapters were needed. When the focus was on her present-day actions I found it so much more interesting.
Due to certain circumstances, the FMC hadn’t seen the MMCs for 5 years and things were left on bad terms. So please tell me why one of the men was making out with her in a cupboard 10 seconds after seeing her. There was no time for any sort of climatic moment or tension because the insta-love was clouding their vision and making them stupid😶🌫️
I am all for possession and obsession romances, but these guys are mostly sappy and cheesy. I mean after 5 years both parties had separately decided that they missed each other, very coincidental. So Ariana decides to go to their concert after winning backstage passes (she then proceeds to just cry A LOT) and the band decide it's time to win her back, so they plan a show in hopes of seeing her.
I think if the relationship weren't immediate and they liked her for more than her looks, I would have enjoyed it more. I think the DV storyline should have been explored more, not so much in reading about the abuse, but more so her feelings and impact on her life. I think this was a time to show her as resilient or powerful or frustrated or withdrawn. Just something more, she just seemed a little 2D.
Dnf at 75%
The plot switches between the past (high school) and the present (5 years in the future). The high school scenes all centre around the 3 MMC being totally obsessed with the FMC. This was due to the fact that she was pretty and they wanted to “f**k her”. Love is not dead 🫥 Except for them constantly fawning over her nothing more happens before they leave to become rockstars.
I preferred the ‘present’ chapters, as she was older and the tone of the writing felt more mature. Less cheesy. In this timeline, the FMC was married and in a DV relationship.
I understand the necessity of providing a backstory, but I don’t think dedicated chapters were needed. When the focus was on her present-day actions I found it so much more interesting.
Due to certain circumstances, the FMC hadn’t seen the MMCs for 5 years and things were left on bad terms. So please tell me why one of the men was making out with her in a cupboard 10 seconds after seeing her. There was no time for any sort of climatic moment or tension because the insta-love was clouding their vision and making them stupid😶🌫️
I am all for possession and obsession romances, but these guys are mostly sappy and cheesy. I mean after 5 years both parties had separately decided that they missed each other, very coincidental. So Ariana decides to go to their concert after winning backstage passes (she then proceeds to just cry A LOT) and the band decide it's time to win her back, so they plan a show in hopes of seeing her.
I think if the relationship weren't immediate and they liked her for more than her looks, I would have enjoyed it more. I think the DV storyline should have been explored more, not so much in reading about the abuse, but more so her feelings and impact on her life. I think this was a time to show her as resilient or powerful or frustrated or withdrawn. Just something more, she just seemed a little 2D.
Dnf at 75%
September 4, 2019
I rarely read contemporary romance, but the synopsis of this one seemed interesting. And I found I enjoyed myself.
Was it sappy? Yep
Was it over the top dramatic? Yep
Was there every single cliche and trope there could ever be? Yep
Did I enjoy myself while crying like the cry baby I am? Oh yeah.
On to book two!
Was it sappy? Yep
Was it over the top dramatic? Yep
Was there every single cliche and trope there could ever be? Yep
Did I enjoy myself while crying like the cry baby I am? Oh yeah.
On to book two!
January 6, 2020
This is a very slow burn book and not a "reverse harem" in any stretch of the imagination. 1 girl who captures the attention of the "3" I don't know why, other than she's gorgeous. There's very little character development, she's poor, they are rich, they all have home issues. The book goes back and forth from Present time to Then, which seemed to me to just drag this book into a trilogy.
Not interested enough to continue.
SPOILERS BELOW:
A couple of eye rolling issues:
Ariana is married into the wealthiest family in her town, her husband is very abusive and at the end of book 1 she has a knock-down drag out fight with him, but shows up at one of the boy's houses and there is NO mention of her state - her ex almost broke her ankle - she was slapped, thrown to the ground hits the ex with a lamp, tries to stab him, finally chokes him with a lamp cord and other than asking if she can stay upon arrival--- nothing??????????? - This is my issue with the book - not enough - book ends in a cliffhanger which isn't a bad thing on it's own
Also Jesse tells her that he always wanted to sing and be in a band from the time when he was 5 years old and heard Nirvana's Just Like Teen Spirit, which his dad helped him learn to sing over and over and over again - I was well past my 20's when that song came out and still till this day can't understand half the words - but hey Kudos to Jesse who mastered it at 5 yrs old
My other issue - the book ends at 90% on my kindle while you wade through snippets of this Author's other books
Not interested enough to continue.
SPOILERS BELOW:
A couple of eye rolling issues:
Ariana is married into the wealthiest family in her town, her husband is very abusive and at the end of book 1 she has a knock-down drag out fight with him, but shows up at one of the boy's houses and there is NO mention of her state - her ex almost broke her ankle - she was slapped, thrown to the ground hits the ex with a lamp, tries to stab him, finally chokes him with a lamp cord and other than asking if she can stay upon arrival--- nothing??????????? - This is my issue with the book - not enough - book ends in a cliffhanger which isn't a bad thing on it's own
Also Jesse tells her that he always wanted to sing and be in a band from the time when he was 5 years old and heard Nirvana's Just Like Teen Spirit, which his dad helped him learn to sing over and over and over again - I was well past my 20's when that song came out and still till this day can't understand half the words - but hey Kudos to Jesse who mastered it at 5 yrs old
My other issue - the book ends at 90% on my kindle while you wade through snippets of this Author's other books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
June 5, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/5/2020)! 🎁
December 15, 2022
Okay, I’m just going to write one review for all three of these books because it should have just been one long book with the way it was written.
To start off, this was my first dive into the Reverse Harem/Why Choose? genre of romance, and it was a very shallow dive compared to everything I have been seeing blowing up on Booktok, and I think I’m okay with the shallow end? I liked that they were in individual relationships with Ari and that they didn’t ever mix it up with each other. It felt much more ‘realistic’? Idk if that’s the right wording.
The premise was very interesting, and how they found each other and managed to be what they each needed for one another was a unique perspective.
The writing is definitely fan fic level and in desperate need of an edit, but I enjoyed it in general. Definitely had a LOT of needless outside drama, but whatever.
For those wanting more juicy details:
🎸 there is lots of 🔥🔥🔥 in this book, but it’s all confined to each of their individual relationships
🎸I liked how they addressed the structure of how a set-up like this would work because I have never been able to wrap my head around a RH relationship.
🎸after reading this, I think I would try another RH, but I think I want to stay in the shallow end. 😅
To start off, this was my first dive into the Reverse Harem/Why Choose? genre of romance, and it was a very shallow dive compared to everything I have been seeing blowing up on Booktok, and I think I’m okay with the shallow end? I liked that they were in individual relationships with Ari and that they didn’t ever mix it up with each other. It felt much more ‘realistic’? Idk if that’s the right wording.
The premise was very interesting, and how they found each other and managed to be what they each needed for one another was a unique perspective.
The writing is definitely fan fic level and in desperate need of an edit, but I enjoyed it in general. Definitely had a LOT of needless outside drama, but whatever.
For those wanting more juicy details:
🎸 there is lots of 🔥🔥🔥 in this book, but it’s all confined to each of their individual relationships
🎸I liked how they addressed the structure of how a set-up like this would work because I have never been able to wrap my head around a RH relationship.
🎸after reading this, I think I would try another RH, but I think I want to stay in the shallow end. 😅
December 15, 2019
this was cliché and typical and i absolutely, totally loved it.
the characters were cute, the storyline was fun and the ending was a cliffhanger! on to the next book ;)
(i found this book in the free Reverse Harem Advent Calendar, thank you to the author for putting the first chapter in there!)
the characters were cute, the storyline was fun and the ending was a cliffhanger! on to the next book ;)
(i found this book in the free Reverse Harem Advent Calendar, thank you to the author for putting the first chapter in there!)
December 6, 2022
4.5 ⭐️- Did I eat this book TF up? ABSOLUTELY and I loved every second of it!
One girl, Arianna, who let the 3 loves of her life go so they could be rockstars. Now Jesse, Tanner, and Jensen are back after 5 years and they still want her. One big problem: she’s in an abusive marriage, and as she tries to get away she must fight for her life. This does end on a cliffhanger and what a cliff hanger it is…
One girl, Arianna, who let the 3 loves of her life go so they could be rockstars. Now Jesse, Tanner, and Jensen are back after 5 years and they still want her. One big problem: she’s in an abusive marriage, and as she tries to get away she must fight for her life. This does end on a cliffhanger and what a cliff hanger it is…
March 29, 2020
March 26, 2020 Review (5 Stars)-
I loved my reread of this book. All of the emotions I had from my first read came rushing back and I went through the emotional roller coaster of this book all over again. I even shed a few tears. These four just have my heart wrapped around them so much and I won’t accept anything less than them living happily ever after.
April 30, 2019 Review (5 Stars)-
SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It grabbed me from the very first line and would not let go! I ate the story up and I didn't want it to end! The book just flew by and was over before I knew it! I loved everything in it, from the characters, to the structure (then and now chapters), to the plot, to the romance, and everything in between! I just can't get enough!
Arianna- I like Arianna as a character, but I need MORE. What made her choose not to go to L.A.? Why doesn't she feel worthy of the guys? WHAT HAPPENED?! I need answers!!!!
The Guys- Where can I get one? Hmm??? I love them all SO much and I know that their personalities have only barely been revealed. They all break and warm my heart in different ways and I just want more!!
Gentry- I HATE HIM SO MUCH!! THERE ARE NO WORDS FOR THIS LEVEL OF HATE. ARIANNA SHOULD HAVE KILLED HIM AND HE NEEDS TO ROT IN HELL.
I know this review was a little short, but I am so eager to jump into the next book that these were the only legible thoughts that I could write into words. A lot of my feelings towards this book are just me screaming... That cliffhanger has left me reeling and I need to the next book ASAP.
I loved my reread of this book. All of the emotions I had from my first read came rushing back and I went through the emotional roller coaster of this book all over again. I even shed a few tears. These four just have my heart wrapped around them so much and I won’t accept anything less than them living happily ever after.
April 30, 2019 Review (5 Stars)-
SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It grabbed me from the very first line and would not let go! I ate the story up and I didn't want it to end! The book just flew by and was over before I knew it! I loved everything in it, from the characters, to the structure (then and now chapters), to the plot, to the romance, and everything in between! I just can't get enough!
Arianna- I like Arianna as a character, but I need MORE. What made her choose not to go to L.A.? Why doesn't she feel worthy of the guys? WHAT HAPPENED?! I need answers!!!!
The Guys- Where can I get one? Hmm??? I love them all SO much and I know that their personalities have only barely been revealed. They all break and warm my heart in different ways and I just want more!!
Gentry- I HATE HIM SO MUCH!! THERE ARE NO WORDS FOR THIS LEVEL OF HATE. ARIANNA SHOULD HAVE KILLED HIM AND HE NEEDS TO ROT IN HELL.
I know this review was a little short, but I am so eager to jump into the next book that these were the only legible thoughts that I could write into words. A lot of my feelings towards this book are just me screaming... That cliffhanger has left me reeling and I need to the next book ASAP.
December 7, 2020
Pages: 258
My rating (stars): 4
Read other books from this author in the future: yes
In the first book of The Sound of US series you get introduced to Ariana and her husband Gentry and to the Jesse, Jensen and Tanner. The main story line is the life of Ari, Jesse, Jensen and Tanner. The Now is told as well as the past (Then). In the first book this chapters alternate. The guys are Rockstars at this point of the story but this is more how they do their living in this book it’s not a too big topic.
Basically this book is a emotional rollercoaster. The guy come from rich but broken homes and the girl is broken, because her parents are drug addicts but there is only brief mentions of the parent.
I liked the characters and even if there is instant attraction between the four teenagers, in this book you only get adult action at the end of the book.
My rating (stars): 4
Read other books from this author in the future: yes
In the first book of The Sound of US series you get introduced to Ariana and her husband Gentry and to the Jesse, Jensen and Tanner. The main story line is the life of Ari, Jesse, Jensen and Tanner. The Now is told as well as the past (Then). In the first book this chapters alternate. The guys are Rockstars at this point of the story but this is more how they do their living in this book it’s not a too big topic.
Basically this book is a emotional rollercoaster. The guy come from rich but broken homes and the girl is broken, because her parents are drug addicts but there is only brief mentions of the parent.
I liked the characters and even if there is instant attraction between the four teenagers, in this book you only get adult action at the end of the book.
October 17, 2022
I’m honestly not sure I can finish this series. Have these books ever been to an editor?
I’ve made it through 2 books where I’m not 100% sure why 3 dudes are in love with Ariana on sight, to remaining hung up on her 5 years later. I’m also not sure what’s to love about Jensen. I’m 50/50 on Tanner. I think I need more on who all these people are to understand this love triangle that they all seem okay with?
But I’ve hit the most poorly edited sex scene. Jesse removed Ari’s panties 3 times in the span of 1 page. He ripped off silk ones. Then less than half a page later, the panties return to be wrenched to the side. Then TWO SENTENCES LATER they return, only to become lace and be ripped off yet again.
I’ve made it through 2 books where I’m not 100% sure why 3 dudes are in love with Ariana on sight, to remaining hung up on her 5 years later. I’m also not sure what’s to love about Jensen. I’m 50/50 on Tanner. I think I need more on who all these people are to understand this love triangle that they all seem okay with?
But I’ve hit the most poorly edited sex scene. Jesse removed Ari’s panties 3 times in the span of 1 page. He ripped off silk ones. Then less than half a page later, the panties return to be wrenched to the side. Then TWO SENTENCES LATER they return, only to become lace and be ripped off yet again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2020
Ms. C.R. Jane have a knack for writing stuff that just hits me right in the feels. This is not your typical surface level stuff, which just focuses on monetary differences in peoples lives, or the struggle of being from the wrong side of the track. Nuh-uhh!
This is a heartfelt and gut wrenching story about what it's like going through life thinking of yourself in a different way, and not seeing how you may be making someone else's life brighter. If you don't see yourself clearly, know and understand you're not damaged or unlovable - and that no matter what mistakes you've made in life, you deserve to be treated as a human.
Lordy, the feelings in this one is real, y'all!
This is a heartfelt and gut wrenching story about what it's like going through life thinking of yourself in a different way, and not seeing how you may be making someone else's life brighter. If you don't see yourself clearly, know and understand you're not damaged or unlovable - and that no matter what mistakes you've made in life, you deserve to be treated as a human.
Lordy, the feelings in this one is real, y'all!
August 23, 2025
Possible Spoilers*
So, yes the premise is what sparked my interest in this book. Unfortunately, the writing and actual story progression is just.. bad.
Choppy writing, with some grammar mistakes, that really irritate me (There, Their, They're, for example, which set me off every time) but I could have looked past that.
The actual story progression is awful as well.
For context:(Spoilers ahead) I can get behind, and even enjoy a weak FMC, but she has to actually have some substance, especially more than just "She's soooooo beautiful".
There was next to no fleshing out, of any of the characters. The author has the FMC state several times "There's nothing interesting about me." and she's RIGHT. This FMC has no personality.
The attraction between the mains is literally based just on looks. When the author has a chance to dive into details and actually give the relationships a backstory, she fades to black and reappears a year in the future instead. However, differently than the alternating past, present chapters, also which I could have dealt with if they weren't so dang choppy.
Literally a year is gone, where supposedly these characters developed non spicy relationships that are never actually clarified. Once again, I tried to look past that, even though it was severely disappointing. Would have been fine with no spice , heck the FMC was still technically underage during the flashbacks, so yeah, fine.
However, I can't look past what happened when the MCs finally reunite after five years, and supposed burning anger and hatred from the MMCs. Insta love? Insta Spice? No actual discussion, and no accountability for what happened in the last five years? The FMC immediately jumps into bed with one MC, who notices signs of abuse, which gave the FMC the perfect lead in to, you know admit she was married? And to an abusive a-hole? Nope. She decided to screw one of her supposed loves the first time instead. That I can't get behind. These characters aren't teenagers anymore. They're adults, and crappy ones that don't communicate.
DNF for me, although I tried, and gave it more of my time than I should have.
So, yes the premise is what sparked my interest in this book. Unfortunately, the writing and actual story progression is just.. bad.
Choppy writing, with some grammar mistakes, that really irritate me (There, Their, They're, for example, which set me off every time) but I could have looked past that.
The actual story progression is awful as well.
For context:(Spoilers ahead) I can get behind, and even enjoy a weak FMC, but she has to actually have some substance, especially more than just "She's soooooo beautiful".
There was next to no fleshing out, of any of the characters. The author has the FMC state several times "There's nothing interesting about me." and she's RIGHT. This FMC has no personality.
The attraction between the mains is literally based just on looks. When the author has a chance to dive into details and actually give the relationships a backstory, she fades to black and reappears a year in the future instead. However, differently than the alternating past, present chapters, also which I could have dealt with if they weren't so dang choppy.
Literally a year is gone, where supposedly these characters developed non spicy relationships that are never actually clarified. Once again, I tried to look past that, even though it was severely disappointing. Would have been fine with no spice , heck the FMC was still technically underage during the flashbacks, so yeah, fine.
However, I can't look past what happened when the MCs finally reunite after five years, and supposed burning anger and hatred from the MMCs. Insta love? Insta Spice? No actual discussion, and no accountability for what happened in the last five years? The FMC immediately jumps into bed with one MC, who notices signs of abuse, which gave the FMC the perfect lead in to, you know admit she was married? And to an abusive a-hole? Nope. She decided to screw one of her supposed loves the first time instead. That I can't get behind. These characters aren't teenagers anymore. They're adults, and crappy ones that don't communicate.
DNF for me, although I tried, and gave it more of my time than I should have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2019
What an ending
What a ride this book is. We get this whole then and now thing going on where the story unfolds in small bursts that keep you questioning wondering what happens plus what will. There is some dark stuff going on during both that will have rooting for things to go ally go her way though I think we need more books for that. All of this leads to the lovely cliff hanger that will make you wish book two was out now. In depth characters in a rockstar world. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
What a ride this book is. We get this whole then and now thing going on where the story unfolds in small bursts that keep you questioning wondering what happens plus what will. There is some dark stuff going on during both that will have rooting for things to go ally go her way though I think we need more books for that. All of this leads to the lovely cliff hanger that will make you wish book two was out now. In depth characters in a rockstar world. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
January 31, 2020
Don't know why it took me so long to come across this series. I couldn't put this book down, headed straight onto book 2 - absolutely gripping.
February 23, 2024
Rating 4 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Spice Level 2/5🌶️ 🌶️
Check TW/CW contains DA, cheating, and addiction, and more.
Words cannot express how much I want to destroy GENTRY, that privilege motherducker. UGH, he needs to be buried. PERIOD!
I was completely hooked by the prologue, and now I'm so stressed and completely upset. WHY DID THEY SEPARATE and get married to him?! Now I need to read the next book also oof that cliffhanger bro!
It was beautifully written not gonna lie. If you are a person that loves them sad bitch hours, then definitely, you'd eat this shit up. Cause these are definitely broken characters and the only way they can heal is for them to be together. So much sigh.
🎸 Angsty romance
🎸 Why choose
🎸 Rockstar
🎸 Second chance Romance
Spice Level 2/5🌶️ 🌶️
Check TW/CW contains DA, cheating, and addiction, and more.
Words cannot express how much I want to destroy GENTRY, that privilege motherducker. UGH, he needs to be buried. PERIOD!
I was completely hooked by the prologue, and now I'm so stressed and completely upset. WHY DID THEY SEPARATE and get married to him?! Now I need to read the next book also oof that cliffhanger bro!
It was beautifully written not gonna lie. If you are a person that loves them sad bitch hours, then definitely, you'd eat this shit up. Cause these are definitely broken characters and the only way they can heal is for them to be together. So much sigh.
🎸 Angsty romance
🎸 Why choose
🎸 Rockstar
🎸 Second chance Romance
June 6, 2024
That album was torture in its finest form for me. Partly because I had lost them, but also partly because every one of those songs was about me.
(Jesse's Book)
O.M.G. My heart is breaking for Ariana and her loves...Jesse, Tanner and Jensen.
C.R. Jane doesn't know how to write a bad book.
(Jesse's Book)
O.M.G. My heart is breaking for Ariana and her loves...Jesse, Tanner and Jensen.
C.R. Jane doesn't know how to write a bad book.
August 8, 2021
I have a slight obsession with rockstar romances, ngl.
This story toggles back and forth between past and present. Ariana’s present is an abusive marriage and her past are three boys (turned rockstars) that love her, that she left behind.
Sweet and sad, and a some anger thrown in! Loved it.
This story toggles back and forth between past and present. Ariana’s present is an abusive marriage and her past are three boys (turned rockstars) that love her, that she left behind.
Sweet and sad, and a some anger thrown in! Loved it.
November 30, 2021
5/5 stars
UGHHH (why do I always l start my reviews like this?) I absolutely LOVED this book!!! I can’t WAIT to read the next book, and that’s saying something! I absolutely loved the group, her, the storyline, how it was written. There might just be like one thing that bothered me throughout the book.
Ugh I’m sorry I LOVE the like rockstar famous aspect of this book! I don’t know why it just is so satisfying.
I also LOVE how the book was written and like formatted in a way. How it went from present to past. It was written well because it would go from the present to the past and I would just want to keep reading what was happening in the present and it was the same after the chapter from the past (if that makes any sense...) it had just managed to keep me hooked and entertained throughout the whole book! And it was only like 150ish pages!! I got to the end and was like WHAT!! It can’t end like this!!! I am just going to immediately start reading the next book.
I can’t wait to watch her get closer to the guys again, and try to win them over. She also stood up to her “husband” and he deserved SO much more! I was so proud of her!! I need to see how she responds to how the end ended!! I just can’t wait!!!
Now the one thing that bothered me, is that when Ari was with Jesse, HOW DID HE NOT SEE HER BRUISES UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING! Even then! He didn’t really do anything!! And he let her go back! Even though she said she handled it, ALWAYS BE VIGILANT!!!
I also love the like your aspect and then writing songs for her... IT JUST PUKLS AT MY HEART STRINGS!!
And then at the beginning when she was going to see them again after 5 years, my heart was literally about to beat OUT OF MY CHEST. I felt like I was there and about to go through that! I was just immersed, and I felt their pain and emotions...
Ok, I’m going to stop rambling, and I’m gonna start reading. Like ASAP...
UGHHH (why do I always l start my reviews like this?) I absolutely LOVED this book!!! I can’t WAIT to read the next book, and that’s saying something! I absolutely loved the group, her, the storyline, how it was written. There might just be like one thing that bothered me throughout the book.
Ugh I’m sorry I LOVE the like rockstar famous aspect of this book! I don’t know why it just is so satisfying.
I also LOVE how the book was written and like formatted in a way. How it went from present to past. It was written well because it would go from the present to the past and I would just want to keep reading what was happening in the present and it was the same after the chapter from the past (if that makes any sense...) it had just managed to keep me hooked and entertained throughout the whole book! And it was only like 150ish pages!! I got to the end and was like WHAT!! It can’t end like this!!! I am just going to immediately start reading the next book.
I can’t wait to watch her get closer to the guys again, and try to win them over. She also stood up to her “husband” and he deserved SO much more! I was so proud of her!! I need to see how she responds to how the end ended!! I just can’t wait!!!
Now the one thing that bothered me, is that when Ari was with Jesse, HOW DID HE NOT SEE HER BRUISES UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING! Even then! He didn’t really do anything!! And he let her go back! Even though she said she handled it, ALWAYS BE VIGILANT!!!
I also love the like your aspect and then writing songs for her... IT JUST PUKLS AT MY HEART STRINGS!!
And then at the beginning when she was going to see them again after 5 years, my heart was literally about to beat OUT OF MY CHEST. I felt like I was there and about to go through that! I was just immersed, and I felt their pain and emotions...
Ok, I’m going to stop rambling, and I’m gonna start reading. Like ASAP...
January 10, 2021
This is like 3.5 stars rounded up for me. It was an emotional ride, which i was really in the mood for. I didn’t love that half the book went flip flopping from then and now, and then it was like she goes on a date with one of them in the then part, and in the next then part it’s been a year, and we have no idea how any of their relationships have developed.
I know in the authors note she said it’ll be like each of them have a book, so i hope we get more answers. I really wish she had told them about her husband right away, but i guess that leads us into book two. I feel really bad for her, but i also don’t feel like she has much of a personality. I hope we see more of that in book 2.
Also, SPOILER:
I don’t understand how she had a big, physical fight with Gentry and then shows up to Jesse’s house, with a bad ankle, and there are no scars???? She’s not bruised??? He had his hands around her neck again, and Jesse didn’t notice anything????
And before this, when he did notice the first bruises, he didn’t push? Like? I would want to know. And Ari mentioned before that no one has ever helped her escape him and his family, like girl, tell him!!!! He needs to know right now.
I know in the authors note she said it’ll be like each of them have a book, so i hope we get more answers. I really wish she had told them about her husband right away, but i guess that leads us into book two. I feel really bad for her, but i also don’t feel like she has much of a personality. I hope we see more of that in book 2.
Also, SPOILER:
I don’t understand how she had a big, physical fight with Gentry and then shows up to Jesse’s house, with a bad ankle, and there are no scars???? She’s not bruised??? He had his hands around her neck again, and Jesse didn’t notice anything????
And before this, when he did notice the first bruises, he didn’t push? Like? I would want to know. And Ari mentioned before that no one has ever helped her escape him and his family, like girl, tell him!!!! He needs to know right now.
May 12, 2025
Well, what can I say, by the end of this series I had cried quite a bit, but seeing the hea for Ari and her boys was so worth it! I wasn’t sure what to expect as I’d seen some reviews mentioning it was based in High school, but it actually wasn’t, Ari would look back on her time when she first met the boys in high school and about their time together. It was character building that showed the broken pieces of their worlds. So, you will see now and then chapters. It’s dual pov which I love. The books do have some dark issues for both Ariana and each of the boys. So, for this reason you may want to check triggers. The story is a love story of 4 souls of a found family. The drama follows their lives into rockstars and so much they have to overcome to see their hea. I enjoyed the story. Though it is RH, I didn’t find it to be overly spicy. I find most of this authors books to be a bit milder, but it’s still there. I’d probably give it 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️. You will need to read all three books in order.
February 1, 2019
Much potential, just not quite there
I love RH romance novels. Just love the dynamics. I also have enjoyed this author's work. There was so much potential but the results left me filling underwhelmed and meh. I liked yet hated the constant time jumps. As soon as a part picked up momentum and you were trying to get invested, it flipped to the present or past. Ugh I understand he draw to keep your readers invested, but it was frustrating because I couldn't connect with any one character long enough. It just fell flat and the suspense of why she broke up with them keeps being dangled over our heads. So much of the past is jumbled up - we briefly read that she had been with them for some time. But dialogue-wise it was like a week of interaction that we got with Ari, Jesse, Jenson, and Tanner. You got little connection with any of the characters- well maybe Jesse.
Ari, the FMC is just too meek acting for me and then doesn't woman up and admit her circumstances in the present. Also the budding relationship was a but too intense for teens- maybe young twenties. I wanted to shake them all. It read like a short story how fast the time warps went. Ugh, I might torture myself to see what happens after her secret gets out, because that cliffhanger was brutal!!! Really sucked and had me wanting to throw my kindle.
Oh and sorry minor SPOILER:
How is it that Ari gets into a all out abusive fight with Gentry and Jesse didn't immediately notice her cuts, bruises or a limp? I mean he was trying to kill her... that leaves marks... no comment, just hi I missed you... she wasn't even winded or grimacing- just like alls good for a paragraph then book over!!!!! Ugh no, C.R. Jane, your other novels read much more smoothly than this.
I love RH romance novels. Just love the dynamics. I also have enjoyed this author's work. There was so much potential but the results left me filling underwhelmed and meh. I liked yet hated the constant time jumps. As soon as a part picked up momentum and you were trying to get invested, it flipped to the present or past. Ugh I understand he draw to keep your readers invested, but it was frustrating because I couldn't connect with any one character long enough. It just fell flat and the suspense of why she broke up with them keeps being dangled over our heads. So much of the past is jumbled up - we briefly read that she had been with them for some time. But dialogue-wise it was like a week of interaction that we got with Ari, Jesse, Jenson, and Tanner. You got little connection with any of the characters- well maybe Jesse.
Ari, the FMC is just too meek acting for me and then doesn't woman up and admit her circumstances in the present. Also the budding relationship was a but too intense for teens- maybe young twenties. I wanted to shake them all. It read like a short story how fast the time warps went. Ugh, I might torture myself to see what happens after her secret gets out, because that cliffhanger was brutal!!! Really sucked and had me wanting to throw my kindle.
Oh and sorry minor SPOILER:
How is it that Ari gets into a all out abusive fight with Gentry and Jesse didn't immediately notice her cuts, bruises or a limp? I mean he was trying to kill her... that leaves marks... no comment, just hi I missed you... she wasn't even winded or grimacing- just like alls good for a paragraph then book over!!!!! Ugh no, C.R. Jane, your other novels read much more smoothly than this.
March 21, 2023
This was a great story, but I hate flashbacks. It's just a thing I have. My OCD self needs chronological order to my stories. There were some gaps in the details but I really I really liked it. Loved Jesse. Obsessively read for 24 hrs to get thru the 3 books.
March 22, 2021
Love this
I really enjoyed this. I liked how it flopped between 'then' and 'now' exploring the characters history in comparison to their present. Great story
I really enjoyed this. I liked how it flopped between 'then' and 'now' exploring the characters history in comparison to their present. Great story
March 4, 2022
VIVO POR Y PARA ESTOS LIBROS MAMARRACHOS DIOS JENSEN TODA
April 21, 2022
Oh this series is gonna wreck me.
January 25, 2019
3,5*
Gaaahh i fucking knew it, the chliffhanger at the end... cr Jane always does that😭
Gaaahh i fucking knew it, the chliffhanger at the end... cr Jane always does that😭
July 11, 2022
C’était surprenant
March 3, 2019
I really like the idea of this story, but unfortunately it fell short for me.
Firstly, the book cover is really misleading and doesn't reflect that this is a reverse harem book.
Secondly, I didn't really connect with any of the characters. There was constant changing from 'now' to 'then', but by the end I still didn't really have a good idea of just who these characters were and what made them tick; and whether I actually liked them or not.
There's also a lot of unanswered questions that i'm not sure would be answered in the next book, as it mentioned each of the 3 guys would get a book. So now it seems the story will be dragged out for 4 books... Oh and this one ends on a cliffhangar.
Firstly, the book cover is really misleading and doesn't reflect that this is a reverse harem book.
Secondly, I didn't really connect with any of the characters. There was constant changing from 'now' to 'then', but by the end I still didn't really have a good idea of just who these characters were and what made them tick; and whether I actually liked them or not.
There's also a lot of unanswered questions that i'm not sure would be answered in the next book, as it mentioned each of the 3 guys would get a book. So now it seems the story will be dragged out for 4 books... Oh and this one ends on a cliffhangar.
March 16, 2021
Ehhhh.... Good bits, but could have been better
My favorite thing about this book was the way it artfully moved back and forth between the past and present. That was really well done, and other authors should take note.
However.... this book also had some issues that made the overall story kind of a slog.
My main problem is that I never really felt why these people were so crazy about one another. Ari is a doormat throughout the entire story, (I think there was a little growth there and you will probably see her come into her own -hopefully- in the next book). I didn’t really understand how three teenage boys, (who were already getting laid on the regular), would be so instantly smitten with a girl they’ve just met that they’d share her as a quasi-girlfriend and not have sex with her, (or anyone else), for a year and a half. Ari didn’t really have much of a personality that we got to see, and I just never got to the point where I felt like their obsession was justified. I kept waiting for the flashback that would give me that “ah ha!” moment of understanding, but it never came. I wish some of the repetitive make-out scenes, (soooooo many looong make-out scenes), could have been exchanged for more character building scenes and conversations. The tidbits of character building conversations we did get were very very good, which made the scarcity of them extra frustrating. - As it was it felt like they were just gaga over her because she was so beautiful, which felt shallow.
I had a hard time tracking which guy was which. Two of them have J names and when we were introduced to the guys their descriptions are kind of peppered through different chapters, they also behaved and talked pretty similarly. I didn’t really get a handle on who was who until almost the very end of the book. I think this problem could have been solved if the guys had more definitive roles in the band (the rotating positions thing was weird), and character traits (the leader, the clown, the aloof one, etc.).
I didn’t like or understand how/why the guys immediately dumped the girls they were with in the beginning and started treating them badly when Ari came along. It didn’t really make sense and seemed like a red flag rather than something attractive. - This could have been a cool story element if the girls had been bullying Ari and the guys found out or they somehow saved her from getting beat up.... but instead their treatment of the other girls just seemed uncalled for and gross. I didn’t like how Ari described other girls that she didn’t know/had never met as trashy. And I really didn’t like the guys slut shaming that one girl, Regan(?), for sleeping with multiple guys when they were kind of starting a group thing with Ari. - Also, who snorts cocaine and then immediately falls asleep? No one. No one, that’s who.
Lastly, there were some editing and continuity problems as well, (mainly at the tail end of the book). Their, they’re, there mistakes, and chord instead of cord - are just two things that I can remember. Instances where characters are making out sitting in a chair, but suddenly they’re standing but it was never mentioned that they had moved. The weapon in the big action scene changes back and forth between a gun and a knife (that was kind of a biggie).
All that being said, I’m still interested in reading the next books in the series. I’m hoping some of my issues with this book will be resolved in the next ones and that we get to see Ari grow into her own.
My favorite thing about this book was the way it artfully moved back and forth between the past and present. That was really well done, and other authors should take note.
However.... this book also had some issues that made the overall story kind of a slog.
My main problem is that I never really felt why these people were so crazy about one another. Ari is a doormat throughout the entire story, (I think there was a little growth there and you will probably see her come into her own -hopefully- in the next book). I didn’t really understand how three teenage boys, (who were already getting laid on the regular), would be so instantly smitten with a girl they’ve just met that they’d share her as a quasi-girlfriend and not have sex with her, (or anyone else), for a year and a half. Ari didn’t really have much of a personality that we got to see, and I just never got to the point where I felt like their obsession was justified. I kept waiting for the flashback that would give me that “ah ha!” moment of understanding, but it never came. I wish some of the repetitive make-out scenes, (soooooo many looong make-out scenes), could have been exchanged for more character building scenes and conversations. The tidbits of character building conversations we did get were very very good, which made the scarcity of them extra frustrating. - As it was it felt like they were just gaga over her because she was so beautiful, which felt shallow.
I had a hard time tracking which guy was which. Two of them have J names and when we were introduced to the guys their descriptions are kind of peppered through different chapters, they also behaved and talked pretty similarly. I didn’t really get a handle on who was who until almost the very end of the book. I think this problem could have been solved if the guys had more definitive roles in the band (the rotating positions thing was weird), and character traits (the leader, the clown, the aloof one, etc.).
I didn’t like or understand how/why the guys immediately dumped the girls they were with in the beginning and started treating them badly when Ari came along. It didn’t really make sense and seemed like a red flag rather than something attractive. - This could have been a cool story element if the girls had been bullying Ari and the guys found out or they somehow saved her from getting beat up.... but instead their treatment of the other girls just seemed uncalled for and gross. I didn’t like how Ari described other girls that she didn’t know/had never met as trashy. And I really didn’t like the guys slut shaming that one girl, Regan(?), for sleeping with multiple guys when they were kind of starting a group thing with Ari. - Also, who snorts cocaine and then immediately falls asleep? No one. No one, that’s who.
Lastly, there were some editing and continuity problems as well, (mainly at the tail end of the book). Their, they’re, there mistakes, and chord instead of cord - are just two things that I can remember. Instances where characters are making out sitting in a chair, but suddenly they’re standing but it was never mentioned that they had moved. The weapon in the big action scene changes back and forth between a gun and a knife (that was kind of a biggie).
All that being said, I’m still interested in reading the next books in the series. I’m hoping some of my issues with this book will be resolved in the next ones and that we get to see Ari grow into her own.
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