Leila Marino’s biggest dream is to become a rock star. A lucky opportunity has her auditioning with an up & coming rock band named Devil’s Lair. The band hires Leila as their back-up singer, signing her up for months in the studio and touring on the road with the sexy bunch.
Jack is the quintessential rock star…gorgeous…sexy…a walking orgasm. Jack Lair is the lead singer of Devil’s Lair and his dreams are becoming reality as his band climbs the ladder of success. He’s living the perfect life, and enjoying every minute of it.
With a steady stream of sexual conquests that satisfies his raging libido, he thinks he has all he needs in life…until Leila enters it. The series takes you on their journey, as well as their band mates and friends.
The Back-Up Series is a true love story, rock star style.
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.
Book 1 – Back Up (Buddy Read with Michelle-Goodreads)
I liked some of the author's catchy lingo but I'm appalled and bugged by the lack of contractions used by the author. It gives the dialogue such a stilted feeling throughout.
The repetition in the text when switching from Leila's POV to Jack's POV is a big waste of a reader's time and I find it annoying and unappealing. It's rather like cut and paste -- nothing to move the story forward - reader's might as well take a look out the back window.
Also, the copy I read from was riddled with editing errors of the most common kind and easily could have been corrected with not much effort.
One place in the text, the lead character leaves her car overnight at the bar where she's had a little too much to drink. Then the next morning (and on the very next page of text), she jumps in said car parked at her apartment. Suffice to say, the author loses track of herself.
There's a LOT of sex! And it's that repetitious page-filler variety. I get the need to show Jack as the self-proclaimed "sexaholic." But at this rate, poor "Jack, Jr." is going to fall off. In my opinion, both Jack and Leila spend far too much time performing oral sex on one another and not nearly enough time discussing the real issues plaguing their relationship. It borders on overload with far too little solid relationship building in my opinion. With that being said, it seemed to take forever to get to the real meat of story (no pun intended).
I did enjoy and like most of the characters (both lead and secondary) -- they are a funny, talented and quite entertaining group, but maybe a little too dramatic at times for my taste.
Book 2 – FRONT AND CENTER
The second book was better as far as editing goes. Still, the story just lacks meaningful emotion. Way too much repetitive sexcapades again, when there definitely needs to be more emphasis placed on relationship building. Angst and misunderstandings are found at every turn. Retaliation against Jack for choices he’s made in the past becomes dangerous and Leila is caught in the middle. The gang is back for more rock-n-roll on the road. The pairs are starting to identify themselves and there are plenty of romantic antics taking place.
I probably would rate this installment a little higher than the first one – just because of the writing (which includes the use of contractions in dialogue this go-round) and editing improvements.
Book 3 - ENCORE
The Lair band continues with its skyrocketing success coming off its second tour, including Cliffhangers this time as their front band. The match-ups are almost complete with Trey being a stubborn and secretive last hold-out. Book Three gave readers a little more personal side of each member and not so much on the road touring. There isn’t near the angst to contend and there’s lots of happy occasions and happy moments. Kind of a mixed bag thrown helter-skelter throughout the storyline.
Once again, lots of lazy editing errors riddling the pages. Sad – but true, because they could so easily have been corrected.
Reading the rave reviews for this series grabbed hold of me and definitely sent me to the one-click button. However, after reading the three-book series, I admit to being totally disappointed. I held on to the end hoping to no avail for better – I’m too cheap to waste the money and not finish. Although my interest is piqued to know what secrets Trey is holding so tightly, I don’t think I’m curious enough to tackle another book in this series. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to find a spoiler that will satisfy my curiosity.
I started reading this series a little bit after the first book came out and I've never regretted it. I think that's one of my favorite series ever and you can clearly see how the author grows in her writing during the three books. As I think each book deserves it's review I will write my review this way :)
Back-up
I read a review of the book on one of the blogs I am following and I got interested in the plot so I decided to check it out. It definitely didn't disappoint :) I love Rock & Roll romance and I just fell in love with the main characters. Leila and Jack are so different and at the same time somehow so similar to each other. Their connection is undeniable and they cannot stay away from each other no matter what. They are brought together because of their love of music but they stay together because of their love for each other.
Jack Lair is the ultimate bad boy rock star. A different groupie every night, heavy partying and tours. That all changes the moment he meets Leila Marino and he falls in love with her voice.
Leila is beautiful and extremely talented. She can put you on your knees with her voice but she has a tender heart and she is faithful to the people she loves.
Jack and Leila have to go through quite a few bumps on the road but their love makes them stronger and they support each other no matter what.
It was also quite interesting to get to know the people around Leila and Jack: their friends, their families, their band mates. All the character fell so real that most of the time I felt like they are real people and friends of mine.
Front & Center
I thought that the first book was good. I read this one for less than a day. I went to bed at nearly 5:00 am because I couldn't stop reading. I simply had to finish it.
I loved the story, the suspense, the romance... pretty much everything. The way Jack and Leila develop their relationship is so real that I felt like I know them, like they are my friends. There were parts at which I was laughing so hard, I couldn't stop for at least 10 minutes straight (OMG, Trey and the fake website or Evan and his mother). And there were parts that brought tears to my eyes (the hell Jack went through because of Jessa and after that the whole scene with the "incident").
I definitely recommend this book and even if you weren't impressed with the first book in the series I think you would like this one.
Encore
I fell in love with the characters and especially with Jack and Leila from the first moment I started reading Back-up. And I continued falling deeper and deeper for them during Front & Center. But this third book in the series is my favorite.
Encore has everything. It can make you laugh, it can make you cry, it can melt your panties and it can make you angry or frustrated. It can make you experience each emotion the characters feel. It is written from 4 different POVs (Jack and Leila's of course and in addition 2 more :) ). It allowed me to get to know the rest of the band members and characters from the series better and to enjoy the book even more. I loved seeing all the characters finding their happily ever afters... Except one... and I cannot wait to read that story. I know it is going to be intriguing and heartbreaking.
In a few words I loved and thoroughly enjoyed this book. For those of you who read Back-up and Front & Center, you can really see how much A.M. Madden grown as an author in this third book from the series and I think everybody will enjoy reading Encore :)
So, that's my reviews of the series. For me the books are great and I definitely recommend them to all readers who love a great Rock$Roll romance and even to those of you who don't!!!!! I am absolutely sure that everyone will find something they like in these books and fall in love with the characters the way I did :)
Back-Up I love A Story About Rock Star's I love how its in the POV of Leila and Jack. This was a amazing story about a womans Dream to sing to be in a rock band her dreams are coming true when she is offered a spot in a band as a back up singer. Jack the Lead singer loving how his band climbs the ladder of success. Both Fall hard for each other and fast. I wont Ruin this book for anyone but its worth the READ! dont think about it just get it and start right away it will leave you wanting more! its sweet and sexy. Leila is determined to see her dreams come true her voice is just the perfect to back up for Jack.
Front & Center OMG another amazing book by A.M. Madden the first book hooked me! This book made me love the characters even more! Jack and Leila are amazing together! The stress of whats going on in their relationship only makes them stronger! i love the more details that put into the other characters as well i am a sucker for rocker books! they are hot and Madden really nailed it again!
Must read do not miss out on this but make sure you read Back-Up first! Jessa and Daniel try to get in between Jack and Leila's success and love. Will it work will he lose the woman he loves????? I really wanted to run both Jessa and Daniel over just saying!
I wont get into much more of a the story i will never ruin a good book by adding spoilers but trust me everyone this is a must read!!!
Encore loved! okay so i do not want to ruin this Beautifu book! This is a book that helps tie up some lose ends. You get serveral point of views and i loved that about this book. It was awesome to read about the what happened next what everyone was up to. Must read and dont hate me for not giving much away in this review but i feel like y need to read it and i will not post spoilers that will ruin this for other readers. Jack and Leigh much love and a awesome ending!
I just finished this trilogy-holy moly how I loved these books!! I felt like I knew the band members of Devil's Lair and The Cliff Hangers-how could you not after 3 well written, hot, in depth stories!! I need more!!!
I'm so sad I didn't discover this rocking, sexy series from A.M.Madden sooner! But now that I have, I'm addicted to the saga of the hot rockers in both bands depicted in this 5 book series. The twists, turns, angst, music, romance and sex jump off the pages. I'd definitely recommend the Back-up Series as a must read.
Are you ready for a Rocker Story to knock you off your feet. Well The Back Up Series is your read. I totally love getting to know Jack, Leila and the gang. Their all have their Ups and Downs but in the end it was all worth it. Love having them in a Box Series.
This series so far is super. The lack of 5 stars is only because I feel that Leila's story should have been much less in 3 and it should have centered way more around Lori and Evan...I can't wait to start Encore and find out more about Trey.
This book was freaking amazing! Right from the start you get pulled into this whole new world. These characters, make you feel exactly what they are describing. In the rock and roll industry there are many who scratch and claw their way up, just as our leads do in Back Up. Through our leads we get to experience every high and low of their lives, all the benefits and rewards, and the prices you have to pay. If you are considering this new read, stop considering and just go for it! You will fall for this brand new world and you won't want to leave! Can't wait for the next one!
Front & Center
So, we just thought Back-Up was an emotional roller coaster that was hot as hell! Well, wait until you get your hands on this one! Jack and Leila are probably the most real characters I've read. I love the design of their entire story. The supporting characters are just as important to this book and just as fun to read about. Front & Center is full of anticipation, love, lust, drama, and scandals. Front & Center is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing all the way through! Did I mention this book was HOT? Leila and Jack just have this chemistry about them that makes them irresistible.
The way A.M. Madden has laid out this tale is remarkable! This series keeps you wanting more and dying for the next book. Really the only thing I can think of that could be considered a negative about the Back-Up series is that there won't be enough. If you are debating on this series, just read the rest of the reviews. I don't think there is anything anyone could not love about these books!
Encore
Wow! What else do you say to the perfect ending of a trilogy?
We have already been blown away by the gambit of emotions by books 1 and 2, right? Then how did it just happen again? Madden has perfected emotional writing in Encore!
Leila and Jack Lair are the perfect rock star couple. Everyone wants them or wants to be them. Make no mistake though, this couple has been through the trials of hell to make it where they are.
Up for tour again, they couldn't be more excited. This time around they know what to expect, they're prepared, and they are stoked to go. On this tour they have their own opening act, one close to them.
With having been through stalkers, kidnapping, over zealous fans, and their own insecurities, what could stop them? Never tempt fate with questions like this, because she'll see them as challenges. Jack, Leila and the whole crew are really in for it this time. Will everyone see their happy endings?
I have been thrilled to be along for the journey of the Back-Up series. These books are seductive, thrilling, funny, and emotional. With amazing writing and an awesome plot line, you can't lose when you join the groupies of the Devil's Lair.
In book 1, Back Up, it is the story of lead singer/woman lover Jack Lair and Leila Marino who has always wanted to be a rock star. When the two first meet its attraction at full force. Throughout the story the two struggle to keep it a "friends" only situation. I don't give spoilers away, but let me tell you this book keeps you wanting more. The characters are well written and each have their own interesting story. This book is great and I can not wait to read the rest of the series.
Front and Center book 2 in the Back Up Series starts off where Back Up leaves us. This book is filled with challenges for Jack and Lelia. Their relationship is for sure put to the test. With an angry ex band mate, an ex pregnant girlfriend, and the trashy tabloids with their rumors Jack and Lelia struggle to keep it all together. Will the challenges keep them together or tear them apart forever? That's where you need to read to find out! This book is jammed packed with emotion, suspense, and HOT, HOT, HOT bedroom and not bedroom scenes. Can't wait to read more of this series!!!
Encore is the third book in The Back Up Series. It continues right where book two, Front and Center leaves off. The three books in this series flow flawlessly and keeps the readers attention from beginning to end. The characters are all like family with one another, you get to read and feel how the characters emotions are, and you fall in love with each character. These characters are amazing. I really like how A.M. Madden gives you glimpse/chapters of most of the characters and in their own relationships and what is going on around them, while always focusing on Jack and Leila. The characters all have their own struggles and everyday situations but they all intertwine with all the other characters because they are so close. This series is an amazing one. I can not wait for book four, Backstage, with Trey.
As I continued my binge reading for the 2015 Cleveland author event, I stumbled across the Back Up Series Box Set by A.M. Madden. My co-blogger Nikki highly recommended the series so of course I had to read it! I've not read much in the rocker romance genre so I wasn't sure what to expect. Within the pages of these 3 books, I found myself sucked into the rocker sex God world.
Then Back Up series strummed a chord to my heart. This twisted and crazy musical thrill ride romance story kept me reading through the night and even at work the next day. You feel the tension between Jack and Leila from the very first page. Love doesn't come easy for these two characters after both being burned from a previous relationship. Leila is a very likeable female lead. Getting a chance at her shot to make it big, she's cautious of Jack's advances. Her career means everything to her and she doesn't want to muddy the waters by starting off with a romance scandal. She doesn't just jump into bed with him and I loved that about her.
Jack is a rocker bad boy. His band, Devil's Lair is gaining in popularity. Knowing they needed something to top their competition they decide to add a female back up singer. Leila instantly stuns him the moment she steps into the studio. She has it all in terms of the look and the voice. His heart along with his other brain goes into overdrive. He wants her, but can't or shouldn't have her. His resolve is about to be tested when they embark on their tour together. Close quarters, spending months together and their building attraction is going to kill him if he doesn't do something about it soon.
AM Madden, you have rocked my literary soul. This book series changed my mind about rocker novels. If Devil's Lair was a real band, I'd be fan girling just as much as I will when I meet you tomorrow!!!
this book is one that was so hard to put down! I found myself thinking about it even when I wasn't reading. Back-up is now one of my favorite reads and I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Great job A.M Madden!!!!
Front & Center....
Utterly an amazing book!! I felt every emotion while reading this. I can honestly say that this is by far my most favorite series!!! Jack and Leila are the couple people would kill to be. This is a must read and I promise you will not be disappointed!
Encore....
I don't know how to begin writing this review! There are very few authors that can make me experience so many emotions in a single book. Let me just say that A.m Madden just rocked my word yet again! Encore took my breath away! I went from laughing, to crying, to smiling like a goofy teenager in love! If by some really crazy strange reason you aren't totally in love with Jack Lair (impossible) after finishing the first two books in the Back up Series, then I know you will be drooling by the end of Encore! Jack is still my dream guy! I could go on and on about how wonderful Encore is! It just breaks my heart that this is the end of Jack and Leila's story. I'm going to miss them! All the members of Devils Lair and the Cliffhangers have become so near and dear to my heart and actually feel like real family and friends of mine. Ok to sum this up....Encore is a must read and definitely worth way more than 5 stars! If you haven't read Back-up yet then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??!!!!! You will not be disappointed! A.m Madden thank you again for being such an amazing author and sharing these wonderful characters with us! I'll forever be a fan!
This is an amazing series. In each of these books: Back-Up, Front & Center, and Encore you find out a little more about the band Devil's Lair, what they've lived through, and what they've sacrificed to become the super band they are.
Back-Up: This is the beginning, your first taste of Devil's Lair, Jack, Trey, Hunter, Scott, Leila, Evan, and the rest of Cliffhangers. This story follows Jack and Leila as they learn to love and face adversities in that love. Awesome writing and amazing characters.
Front & Center: Jack and Leila's love story continues, the challenges and threats they have to get through continue as well. We also see other relationships begin and end in this book. The strength and level of commitment in the face of adversity is epic. Everyone needs the kind of support these characters have for one another.
Encore: The third installment of Jack and Leila's love story. Along the way most of the members of Devil's Lair and Cliffhangers have found the ones they love. This book lets us watch that love unfold and strengthen. This is the happy, feel good part of the story.
I loved this series so far!!! The story is easy to follow and well written.I loved how A.M. Madden brought all the characters together not just the main characters Jack and Leila. It starts with Leila, the back-up singer for the band Cliffhangers being noticed and leaving to join upcoming band Devil's Lair as their back-up singer. Right place at the right time!!! Leila is smart, sassy nervous and shy when joining the new band, lead singer Jack befriends her, but he is the typical alpha-rocker bad boy MAN-WHORE! I still love him!!! They meet and chemistry and sparks fly= romantic love story! Read the book to find out what CCDS means!!! They fall in love Jack changes his man-whore ways, together they overcome lots of issues. This series of books has many romantic relationships throughout, there is humor, suspense and a few surprises. i found this series highly addictive and very enjoyable!!! My 1st time reading A.M. Madden's books looking forward to reading more of her books!!!Hopefully a 4th book!!
She's just a 25-year-old "normal girl from New Jersey", and she has no idea how her life is about to change!! Leila's journey is a wonderful tale of friendships, love, and intrigue with a hard-rocking soundtrack blasting in the background! Jack is everyone's favorite rocker: hot, sexy, and dreamy, truly one-night stand worthy; and Leila is about to literally rock his world.
A. M. Madden takes us on a wild ride, touring the country with Devil's Lair just as they are hitting the big time; giving us a little insight into the day to day trials of touring all interwoven with a love story that'll make you weak in the knees! All of the characters are wonderfully written, like friends you just haven't met yet, and you can't help but cheer as they find their way through both the tour and what life hands them.
I'm giving this book 4.5STARS for the overall experience that it brought laughter for me.
I won't sit here and write out what the negative or the positive side is to this story but all the characters, not one that I didn't like actually pulled this story together. Each book shares alternate POV's and I like that. I like how they feel and most of all the last book really leaves you knowing that its over but wait there is one more and that story really needs to be told. Trey is definitely that dark mysterious character that you'd want to know.
The Back-Up Series is a book about drama, friends, loves, ex-es, trusts, parents, in-laws, marriages and babies that you won't want to miss.
When it started out, I thought there was too much going on, too many people to keep straight but as it progressed I became more and more involved and I wanted more and more of them. The third book was kind of slow but at the same time, I'm glad it gave me more time with these characters and a glimpse into their happily ever afters. While Jack and Leila are the main characters, the secondary characters each have their time to shine, which I liked about this book compared to other rocker romances. I think the real exciting thing is that there is a book 4 and it is Trey's story. I couldn't be more excited about this.
I loved each and every book in this series. They kept me engaged and wanting more. Jack Lair is perfection...rock star God, sexy, flawed, but he loves like no other. Leila...you can't help but love her. She is real and I want to be her friend. I adore each secondary character and what they bring to the story. Jack and Leila's story wasn't easy but it wasn't full of angst and I was thrilled to enjoy the good times. Encore is like a never ending epilogue and I was addicted to each word.
I love this series. It's a rock star romance( which is one of my favs to read ). Jack Lair is a bad boy, sexy rock god, a Leila is a small town girl who ends up becoming a back up singer for Jack's band. I read all three books in three days, I couldn't put it down. The story line is great and kept my interest, the characters were down to earth and realistic. I loved the emotional journey the author took me on. I can't wait to read Trey's story next!!!
A friend gifted me each of the books in the series. I had them for awhile and now I don't understand why I took so long to read the. She was correct in telling me that I needed to read them. Don't wait around to read these. You will be hooked and they just keep getting better and better the more you read. There are twist and turns that have you yelling, crying, laughing and smiling. Looking forward to more books from this author.
Oh my goodness I love A.M. Madden! The Back-Up Series is just awesome and I truly love how it's a boxset now. This takes some time to read since it is a box set and full length novels so make sure you have a lot of time to read because you'll want to read them all in one setting.
There's nothing more than I loved than reading about rock n' roll with hot sex. I love how the chatacters play off each other in the books. I just recommend all the way around <3
This is a must read series. I read them all as individual books and this is an amazing series. The series chronicles the relationship of Jack and Leila. It shows how they met their ups and downs. How others try and interfere with not only their relationship but their lives in general. This also show the fighting thy did to hold the relationship together. If you have not read this series pick up your copy today. I would highly recommend it.
What else is there to say? What possible words can I say that would surmise all the emotions I felt reading this wonderful series? I have Trey and then Devils Lair to finish but I just need to say the writing is beyond awesome, the story and characters blow me away each time I read another installment, and I've loved this group of rockers (and their family and friends) from start to finish! My star and hotness rating for ALL the books in the series!
When I started book 1 I was a little hesitant because we only seen how much of a manwhore Jack was... There was a little angst and some drama that I did not care for! Anyways I read all 3 books and although a little repetitive I enjoyed the overall series.
The secondary cast was great and I enjoyed their little side story's...
I love a rock star series and this is definitely up there with the best. Jack is the ultimate bad boy rocker until he meets Leila, then we get to follow their journey into love and fame. The other band members are great characters and I love how they all interact with each other and the fact we get to follow their journeys too is an added bonus. Can't wait to read Treys story.
This series was simply brilliant - an outstanding effort from a new author. A. M. Madden, your characters are alive & you juggled so many throughout the 3 books, it was impressive. Can't wait to read the next book about Trey & then your new themes.
I like the characters but these books are just tooo long. I skimmed about half of the second book and was bored out of my mind- so I will be skipping the 3rd and 4th book entirely
Great rock star series, the connection & love between Jack & Leila was pretty quick & intense at times. I loved all the other characters too. If your into insta love & rock stars this is totes for you!!!
I loved this series .... I seriously can not get enough of Jack... no matter what part you were at you fell more and more for him.... I also like through out the whole series you were engaged with all the characters