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Canciones de amor americanas
Jake Brenner está gozando demasiado de su libertad como para enamorarse, o eso es lo que él dice. Además, está muy ocupado con su banda, los Hijos Pródigos, para ir en busca de romance. Su reticencia no tiene nada que ver con su embarazoso amor platónico por Chris, el líder vocal de la banda y antiguo mejor amigo. Pero eso fue antes de que el enigmático vagabundo, Parker McAvoy, se uniera a la banda como el nuevo guitarrista principal.
Jake niega su atracción hacia el dulce y torpe Parker, hasta que le es imposible ignorar la necesidad de hacer algo al respecto. El problema es que Parker lo sabe todo acerca de sus hábitos libertinos, ah, y por supuesto, no es gay. O por lo menos eso es lo que Jake piensa hasta que una serie de eventos relacionados, le proporciona una nueva perspectiva alentadora. ¿Podrá convencer a Parker de pasar por alto su pasado colorido para darle una oportunidad? ¿O esta canción de amor se desvanecerá incluso antes de que comience?
Jake niega su atracción hacia el dulce y torpe Parker, hasta que le es imposible ignorar la necesidad de hacer algo al respecto. El problema es que Parker lo sabe todo acerca de sus hábitos libertinos, ah, y por supuesto, no es gay. O por lo menos eso es lo que Jake piensa hasta que una serie de eventos relacionados, le proporciona una nueva perspectiva alentadora. ¿Podrá convencer a Parker de pasar por alto su pasado colorido para darle una oportunidad? ¿O esta canción de amor se desvanecerá incluso antes de que comience?
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2010
31 people are currently reading
2298 people want to read
About the author
Ashlyn Kane
33 books516 followersAshlyn Kane is a thirtysomething writer, editor, procrastinator, and dog mom. She likes cheese, puns, and hockey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
June 23, 2013
Though rock and roll books are not my thing, this book had me hooked from the beginning!
Okay, let me get my frustrations out of the way before I try to review this book! I stayed up last night until 3 am (!!!) waiting for a particular scene that I just knew had to be coming but.... NO! Ashlyn Kane left me hanging! I almost threw my kindle against the bed frame and woke up my husband to scream . ::Grumble grumble:: I guess I am the only depraved one outraged by this because no one else commented about this injustice in any of the reviews that I read on this book...
Now, onto the rest of the review. I'm not exactly sure why I like this book so much. Jake has to be one of the densest characters I have seen in forever! How he does not catch on to Parker's attraction to him and the reason why Parker is so anti-sexual is beyond me. However, I was charmed by this book and I liked the tease of the sloooow build.
Some of the best parts of this book were Jake's adorable blog entries. They are funny and sweet and totally endearing. I wish there was a little bit more of that humor in the rest of the book as well. I also liked the lack of angst in this one. It was a nice change of pace for me. And who could resist Parker, aka sexy nerd, aka my favorite type! What can I say, I love a blushing boy wearing glasses!
Overall, this book was a sweet, lovely, sexy (but not sexy enough- see spoiler!!), summer read. A must for those who like rocker romances.
Okay, let me get my frustrations out of the way before I try to review this book! I stayed up last night until 3 am (!!!) waiting for a particular scene that I just knew had to be coming but.... NO! Ashlyn Kane left me hanging! I almost threw my kindle against the bed frame and woke up my husband to scream . ::Grumble grumble:: I guess I am the only depraved one outraged by this because no one else commented about this injustice in any of the reviews that I read on this book...
Now, onto the rest of the review. I'm not exactly sure why I like this book so much. Jake has to be one of the densest characters I have seen in forever! How he does not catch on to Parker's attraction to him and the reason why Parker is so anti-sexual is beyond me. However, I was charmed by this book and I liked the tease of the sloooow build.
Some of the best parts of this book were Jake's adorable blog entries. They are funny and sweet and totally endearing. I wish there was a little bit more of that humor in the rest of the book as well. I also liked the lack of angst in this one. It was a nice change of pace for me. And who could resist Parker, aka sexy nerd, aka my favorite type! What can I say, I love a blushing boy wearing glasses!
Overall, this book was a sweet, lovely, sexy (but not sexy enough- see spoiler!!), summer read. A must for those who like rocker romances.
March 3, 2014
Charming, and occasionally very, very sweet.
While I found it to be a little hampered by a couple of unfortunate executive decisions—your narrator can't be both omniscient and unreliable, for example—empirical evidence suggests most who don't spend all day thinking about how to tell amazing stories won't even notice.
Mostly this turns out to be a nicely-drawn romance with much to recommend it.
Parker is adorable, even when he's irritating, and I found myself only infrequently wanting to throttle Jake for his pathological inability to grasp what is plainly obvious to all and sundry.
Definitely a fun read.
Zero ululations, I'm afraid—but a great many smiles.
While I found it to be a little hampered by a couple of unfortunate executive decisions—your narrator can't be both omniscient and unreliable, for example—empirical evidence suggests most who don't spend all day thinking about how to tell amazing stories won't even notice.
Mostly this turns out to be a nicely-drawn romance with much to recommend it.
Parker is adorable, even when he's irritating, and I found myself only infrequently wanting to throttle Jake for his pathological inability to grasp what is plainly obvious to all and sundry.
Definitely a fun read.
Zero ululations, I'm afraid—but a great many smiles.
February 21, 2013
3.5 Stars...*sigh* me-likey-a-lot...
Awwwwwwwww…
Yup, it’s one of those. So sweet. So freaking adorable.
I don’t usually love romance books about musicians. I think I have a hard time trusting that they’d be good in relationships with all the other opportunities surrounding them. But, it’s hard not to find yourself rooting for Wayward Sons (I can’t get Kansas out of my head…I’m a classic rock nerd) and especially for Jake and Parker.
First, I HEART PARKER. He’s such a doll. Ridiculously gifted, shy yet witty and sarcastic and funny, inexperienced, but knows what he wants. I adore him.
Second, I HEART JAKE. Confident and outgoing…gets along with everyone and finds himself protective of sweet Parker.
Third, I HEART PARKER AND JAKE. Ugh. So CUTE these two! Friends to boyfriends to lovers. Their progression was slow but satisfying. I want to group hug them!
I found all the secondary characters insignificant and I had little investment in their storylines. Also, it took a LONG time to get to where we all wanted it to go…though the writing made it fun and entertaining along the way.
Good times…
March 2, 2013
This one just hit the spot for me. I loved the narrator, despite his cluelessness and initially slutty ways. The other characters were great too. There was no deep angst, just the story of some realistically young guys figuring out what they wanted and how to get it, in the demanding environment of launching an up-and-coming rock band.
ETA: On a reread, this is still a nice easy read with sweetness that's not saccharine, a misunderstanding that makes me want to hug the clueless MC instead of smack him, and a couple of moments with enough emotion to cause a little heartache. Still 5 stars. I liked the depiction of the band in this one. They seemed genuine and believable and imperfect. The narrator's voice (3rd person with some 1st person blog posts) has a light touch of self-deprecating humor I enjoyed. And there are just a couple of sex scenes, which are both hot and very sweet. This is a great comfort-reread choice and I'm glad I picked it up after the angsty book I just finished.
ETA: On a reread, this is still a nice easy read with sweetness that's not saccharine, a misunderstanding that makes me want to hug the clueless MC instead of smack him, and a couple of moments with enough emotion to cause a little heartache. Still 5 stars. I liked the depiction of the band in this one. They seemed genuine and believable and imperfect. The narrator's voice (3rd person with some 1st person blog posts) has a light touch of self-deprecating humor I enjoyed. And there are just a couple of sex scenes, which are both hot and very sweet. This is a great comfort-reread choice and I'm glad I picked it up after the angsty book I just finished.
December 15, 2013
2 stars. DNF at 40 %.
But only when it comes to books. My attention span is not that bad. :)
It's safe to say that I don't get what the fuss is all about. Maybe I've read a different book? Honestly, I can't even muster up enough energy to review American Love Songs. All I will say is that this story and its characters bored me to tears. I will always compare every rock band book to How to Kill a Rock Star and so far no other (rock band) story could measure up to that awesome book.
Sorry...
But only when it comes to books. My attention span is not that bad. :)
It's safe to say that I don't get what the fuss is all about. Maybe I've read a different book? Honestly, I can't even muster up enough energy to review American Love Songs. All I will say is that this story and its characters bored me to tears. I will always compare every rock band book to How to Kill a Rock Star and so far no other (rock band) story could measure up to that awesome book.
Sorry...
February 2, 2013
I. Loved. This. Book.
November 24, 2013
So you know that book you have sitting in ye old TBR pile and you keep meaning to get to it and then you finally remember "Oh I should read it", then you do and then you feel like WTF I have been sleeping on this?!!
That's this book, okay?
This is my brain:
Exploding with love for this book!!!
I'm not a newbie to M/M nor rock star M/M but this author did an excellent job building Parker and Jake's work and personal relationship. I have yet to read a M/M romance (I have with a few M/F romances but I'm not letting them steal this book's shine) written like this one so cool with blogs, texts, magazine articles...genius, truly. Jake, who we follow from when he first met his best friends and future band mates till present time, is one hilarious narrator. The book follows The Wayward Sons, Jake and his best friend's alt-rock band (who I kind of wish were real cause I would buy their album like yesterday) looking for a lead guitarist. The group finds this in Parker. And might I add how Parker is introduced is hilarious.
Listen, this book is not one huge M/M smut fest, so if you are looking for hot man/man action starting on page 2 first paragraph one, this book isn't for you (though there are some truly sexy moments in the last quarter of this book). This book has substance and is truly rich with thought (I felt like I knew Jake) and characterization yumminess! Even if a character did something that you might not like, you could clearly understand why they reacted that way. (I'm not spoiling this book for a minute). After reading "American Love Songs", I want to kiss Parker, flash Chris, do yoga with Jimmy and hug Jake. (Can you tell I heart this book?) I don't hate a single character. The ending was great. Also the way the book is set up like a musical score? Excellent! Kudos to you, Ms. Chase for the way you presented this story.
So if you like ROMANCE that happens to contain M/M and humor, come read this book and cheer on the Wayward Sons along with me.
That's this book, okay?
This is my brain:
Exploding with love for this book!!!
I'm not a newbie to M/M nor rock star M/M but this author did an excellent job building Parker and Jake's work and personal relationship. I have yet to read a M/M romance (I have with a few M/F romances but I'm not letting them steal this book's shine) written like this one so cool with blogs, texts, magazine articles...genius, truly. Jake, who we follow from when he first met his best friends and future band mates till present time, is one hilarious narrator. The book follows The Wayward Sons, Jake and his best friend's alt-rock band (who I kind of wish were real cause I would buy their album like yesterday) looking for a lead guitarist. The group finds this in Parker. And might I add how Parker is introduced is hilarious.
Listen, this book is not one huge M/M smut fest, so if you are looking for hot man/man action starting on page 2 first paragraph one, this book isn't for you (though there are some truly sexy moments in the last quarter of this book). This book has substance and is truly rich with thought (I felt like I knew Jake) and characterization yumminess! Even if a character did something that you might not like, you could clearly understand why they reacted that way. (I'm not spoiling this book for a minute). After reading "American Love Songs", I want to kiss Parker, flash Chris, do yoga with Jimmy and hug Jake. (Can you tell I heart this book?) I don't hate a single character. The ending was great. Also the way the book is set up like a musical score? Excellent! Kudos to you, Ms. Chase for the way you presented this story.
So if you like ROMANCE that happens to contain M/M and humor, come read this book and cheer on the Wayward Sons along with me.
June 29, 2013
I must have overlooked this book about fifty times when sifting through my TBR pile. Mentally discarding it with a flippant wave of the hand thinking: pfft … silly rock star book - why did I even buy this? I know it’s not my thing, not anymore. So don’t ask me why I decided to read it. I just did.
Now here’s the part where I say: I could have smacked myself repeatedly with a rubber hose for not reading it up ages ago. Gah … when will I learn to stop being so darn picky.
American Love Songs is just so lovable and easy: there’s no angst, no major dramas, no overworked plot. It’s just adorable, wholesome, feel-good comfort reading.
Jake’s narration is a fun absorbing account of his life on the road, the bands success, their rise to fame, his significant intriguing relationship with Parker, his flings, his failure to see what’s right in front of him, and most importantly and finally - eventually - his love for Parker.
I adored Jake; he’s such a natural down-to-earth character, so uncomplicated, so painfully oblivious and so perfectly imperfect. Ms Kane balanced him quite nicely I think.
Jake and Parker are not portrayed as stereotypical rock stars and I liked that a lot. The author leaves that role for the other two band members to fill; bringing their own charm and flair to the story, even some the girls where okay. But just like Jake … I loved Parker. He was my focus and my favourite.
It’s not often I fall in love with a guy who blushes like a pretty Victorian virgin. But I couldn’t resist Parkers vulnerabilities, secrecies, intelligence, unbelievable talent, awkwardness, and awesome tattoo (I’m shallow okay) All that he is results in me doodling little pink hearts with our initials all over my arm, my desk, my company invoices – everything! Yes, I’ve become a teenager once more and it’s just awesome.
Just a heads up before I love and leave you. There’s a few cheesy eye roll moments, some editing hiccups, and a major squee moment involving Elton John. None of this was enough to relieve my achy grin though. Oh, and don’t worry if the story starts to feel like a YA cousin due to the off page sex. Trust me, it’s not and it’s really worth the wait, oh-me-oh-my is it ever!
Have fun and … no, I won’t say it.
Ah hell! Yes I will.
... Rock & Roll!!
Now here’s the part where I say: I could have smacked myself repeatedly with a rubber hose for not reading it up ages ago. Gah … when will I learn to stop being so darn picky.
American Love Songs is just so lovable and easy: there’s no angst, no major dramas, no overworked plot. It’s just adorable, wholesome, feel-good comfort reading.
Jake’s narration is a fun absorbing account of his life on the road, the bands success, their rise to fame, his significant intriguing relationship with Parker, his flings, his failure to see what’s right in front of him, and most importantly and finally - eventually - his love for Parker.
I adored Jake; he’s such a natural down-to-earth character, so uncomplicated, so painfully oblivious and so perfectly imperfect. Ms Kane balanced him quite nicely I think.
Jake and Parker are not portrayed as stereotypical rock stars and I liked that a lot. The author leaves that role for the other two band members to fill; bringing their own charm and flair to the story, even some the girls where okay. But just like Jake … I loved Parker. He was my focus and my favourite.
It’s not often I fall in love with a guy who blushes like a pretty Victorian virgin. But I couldn’t resist Parkers vulnerabilities, secrecies, intelligence, unbelievable talent, awkwardness, and awesome tattoo (I’m shallow okay) All that he is results in me doodling little pink hearts with our initials all over my arm, my desk, my company invoices – everything! Yes, I’ve become a teenager once more and it’s just awesome.
Just a heads up before I love and leave you. There’s a few cheesy eye roll moments, some editing hiccups, and a major squee moment involving Elton John. None of this was enough to relieve my achy grin though. Oh, and don’t worry if the story starts to feel like a YA cousin due to the off page sex. Trust me, it’s not and it’s really worth the wait, oh-me-oh-my is it ever!
Have fun and … no, I won’t say it.
Ah hell! Yes I will.
... Rock & Roll!!
November 18, 2016
Un libro sobre una banda de rock que no es muy al uso, la historia de Parker y Jake está íntimamente ligada al ascenso de su banda de rock, pero no nos vamos a encontrar con drogas, angst y un interminable número de escenas de sexo, al contrario. Quitando que la música tiene su protagonismo, el resto es una historia de amor "normal", con unos protagonistas "normales", con mucho slow burn, y toda llena de detalles. Quizás he encontrado algunos problemas con la forma de escribir de la autora, pero no le ha quitado encanto.
Dulce y adorable.
Dulce y adorable.
November 2, 2017
El caso es que lo de los grupos de rock me pirra, y hasta este no había leído ninguno que mereciera la pena. (Por cierto, se aceptan recomendaciones)
Un slow burn muy bien llevado con momentos muy tiernos entre los protagonistas, aunque hubiera querido que fueran más y con algo más de intesidad. Nos enteramos de todo a través de Jake, y Parker se queda un poco en la sombra. (Ay, Parker, por ti estaría como una fan desatada en primera fila, vamos, que ríete del vídeo aquel de las fans locas de Take That en Barajas xDDD)
Una monada de libro con dos protas adorables que además se sale un poco de lo habitual.
Un slow burn muy bien llevado con momentos muy tiernos entre los protagonistas, aunque hubiera querido que fueran más y con algo más de intesidad. Nos enteramos de todo a través de Jake, y Parker se queda un poco en la sombra. (Ay, Parker, por ti estaría como una fan desatada en primera fila, vamos, que ríete del vídeo aquel de las fans locas de Take That en Barajas xDDD)
Una monada de libro con dos protas adorables que además se sale un poco de lo habitual.
January 2, 2011
Info: The story uses 3rd person POV but the main narrator is Jake, and the story comes from his side.
Plus points :
+ This is not a story about romance but more of a "journey" of the band from the small-band who did cover songs to popular band; and most notably of that Jake Brenner. I always enjoy reading about that sort of thing ... maybe because I love entertainment (movies, music, you name it) and this type of story is pretty much epic, you know?
+ Such an interesting concept of using blog (and post-scripts!) as part of the whole story. Jake keeps a blog about Wayward Sons and I can imagine following the blog because it's funny, quirky, and not faking it, you know?
+ Great additional characters, apart from the band member. We have Jake and Parker's sister, the tour manager, and recording studio manager.
Minus Points
+ There isn't enough romance between Jake and Parker. First kiss doesn't come until almost half of the book -- and even so, they're not really be anywhere near becoming lovers until the very end. (WARNING: love-making happens in the last pages, so don't hold your breath). While I enjoy the journey, I miss the romance too
+ Since the story is taking from Jake's side, I do not know much about what the other characters are thinking outside the interaction with Jake. In fact, even by the end of the book, Parker is still a bit mysterious to me. Oh, and he doesn't feel like he's older than Jake somehow (even if it is stated that he's 4 years older)
+ I cannot connect deeply with the characters; I don't know why. There is something missing ... even if I like reading about them.
Plus points :
+ This is not a story about romance but more of a "journey" of the band from the small-band who did cover songs to popular band; and most notably of that Jake Brenner. I always enjoy reading about that sort of thing ... maybe because I love entertainment (movies, music, you name it) and this type of story is pretty much epic, you know?
+ Such an interesting concept of using blog (and post-scripts!) as part of the whole story. Jake keeps a blog about Wayward Sons and I can imagine following the blog because it's funny, quirky, and not faking it, you know?
+ Great additional characters, apart from the band member. We have Jake and Parker's sister, the tour manager, and recording studio manager.
Minus Points
+ There isn't enough romance between Jake and Parker. First kiss doesn't come until almost half of the book -- and even so, they're not really be anywhere near becoming lovers until the very end. (WARNING: love-making happens in the last pages, so don't hold your breath). While I enjoy the journey, I miss the romance too
+ Since the story is taking from Jake's side, I do not know much about what the other characters are thinking outside the interaction with Jake. In fact, even by the end of the book, Parker is still a bit mysterious to me. Oh, and he doesn't feel like he's older than Jake somehow (even if it is stated that he's 4 years older)
+ I cannot connect deeply with the characters; I don't know why. There is something missing ... even if I like reading about them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2025
This book is all good vibes, low-angst tender moments, hilarious blog posts, and one adorable very oblivious MC.
July 13, 2011
This book was fun, funny, touching, rollicking, thoughtful and generally awesome. Jake, the central protagonist was an adorable, clueless boy-slut (I've got a fondness for those sometimes) and Parker was an aDORKable musical genius who managed to fit into Jake's goofy, irritating testosterone-overloaded alt rock band with a sweet aplomb--and a lot of help from Jake. I loved that the other members of the band were douchey and high and, when it came right down to it at the end, truly decent people, good boys who took the fame thing and ran with it and grew up when they really needed to.
The dialog was quirky and awesome, and I love the interspersing of blogs, texting, and media releases to tell the story. I also love that the relationship didn't progress until it was damned good and ready to. I really loved that it was a tribute band FROM Kansas, and that Jake gave props to Springsteen--that right there made him my new favorite hero. All in all, flawless and wonderful.
The dialog was quirky and awesome, and I love the interspersing of blogs, texting, and media releases to tell the story. I also love that the relationship didn't progress until it was damned good and ready to. I really loved that it was a tribute band FROM Kansas, and that Jake gave props to Springsteen--that right there made him my new favorite hero. All in all, flawless and wonderful.
September 28, 2013
I listened to this one on Audible and Sean Crisden as a narrator is awesome!
The whole time I pictured Jake Bass playing Jake and it upped the hot factor of this story up exponentially. Parker is such a great character, you just want to hug him and never stop.
Lots of music "stuff" going on, which was obviously a huge part of their lives and relationship. The sexual tension between Jake and Parker was so good and you have to be very patient (as did Jake) for the payoff, but I promise you, it is worth it.
The whole time I pictured Jake Bass playing Jake and it upped the hot factor of this story up exponentially. Parker is such a great character, you just want to hug him and never stop.
Lots of music "stuff" going on, which was obviously a huge part of their lives and relationship. The sexual tension between Jake and Parker was so good and you have to be very patient (as did Jake) for the payoff, but I promise you, it is worth it.
November 8, 2020
Rereading of an oldie but goodie.
April 6, 2011
Why I loved this - Well, isn't it obvious? I'm a rock n' roll girl who likes boys doing each other!
But seriously, when you combine an amazing author with a good story and funny characters you usually get a good book. Add some great music into the mix,surprising innocence and a journey of a lifetime, and you're introduced with a masterpiece.
I loved both Jake and Parker even though the romance part only comes into the picture in the last third of the book. Up until then you have the story of 'how it all started'. It might have been boring, but the author's style actually makes you sit down and pay attention. The guys are fun to read about, their journey mostly a classic story. There is no angst or misunderstandings of any kind. I appreciated that. Not having to bite my nails and curse the characters.
Overall I had fun reading it, more than a few laughs and it is a book I recommend.
But seriously, when you combine an amazing author with a good story and funny characters you usually get a good book. Add some great music into the mix,surprising innocence and a journey of a lifetime, and you're introduced with a masterpiece.
I loved both Jake and Parker even though the romance part only comes into the picture in the last third of the book. Up until then you have the story of 'how it all started'. It might have been boring, but the author's style actually makes you sit down and pay attention. The guys are fun to read about, their journey mostly a classic story. There is no angst or misunderstandings of any kind. I appreciated that. Not having to bite my nails and curse the characters.
Overall I had fun reading it, more than a few laughs and it is a book I recommend.
November 10, 2013
This was a sweet story about two boys that found fame, fortune and eventually each other. Jake and Parker were so adorable together. This was a very slow burn. Very slow. Almost too slow but the story was engaging enough to hold my interest so I didn’t mind it all that much. Jake’s voice was perfect. It was well paced and smartly written. Jake was oblivious to his and Parker’s feelings for most of the story which made the angst level pretty low. A nice comfort read for a Sunday afternoon.
June 9, 2012
This was good. I wanted to like it more but some parts of it didn't quite work for me.
I loved the whole Rock 'n Roll aspect. This was a fresh take for me and the first MM novel with this kind of content that I've read so I really got into that part of it.
Jake's blogs. Awesome. This book is worth it just to read those blogs. So much fun.
What didn't work as much for me.
Parker who I loved in the beginning and really came across as a strong, mysterious, interesting character just seem to get younger emotionally the more the story moved on. So much so that he almost seemed to become a different person.
Maybe this was more coming of age than what I'm used to reading. I wasn't expecting the relative youth of the characters which was early twenties so while it's interesting to read about them finding their places in the world I also kind of wanted to smack them up the head for their douchey behaviour.
Still, it's a very readable book with likeable characters if light on the characterization.
I loved the whole Rock 'n Roll aspect. This was a fresh take for me and the first MM novel with this kind of content that I've read so I really got into that part of it.
Jake's blogs. Awesome. This book is worth it just to read those blogs. So much fun.
What didn't work as much for me.
Parker who I loved in the beginning and really came across as a strong, mysterious, interesting character just seem to get younger emotionally the more the story moved on. So much so that he almost seemed to become a different person.
Maybe this was more coming of age than what I'm used to reading. I wasn't expecting the relative youth of the characters which was early twenties so while it's interesting to read about them finding their places in the world I also kind of wanted to smack them up the head for their douchey behaviour.
Still, it's a very readable book with likeable characters if light on the characterization.
January 6, 2011
I smiled the whole time I read this. Jake is my favorite kind of character, the one who learns something about himself and then is strong enough to put his feelings on the line. I just love him and while I liked Parker too, Jake is the heart and soul of the book. I will read this one again.
April 27, 2013
4.25
This was entertaining, fun, sweet and touching. I enjoyed the ride and even came to appreciate Sean Crisden's narration :-)
Really lovely and a great story.
This was entertaining, fun, sweet and touching. I enjoyed the ride and even came to appreciate Sean Crisden's narration :-)
Really lovely and a great story.
January 16, 2013
~~~
No spoilers
This should reflect a strong 3.5 stars.
I found this very enjoyable, romantic and easy to read.
I read this book like a rock star groupie, I couldn't stop being clingy. I found myself hoping and cheering for Jake and Parker's evolving relationship AND for the success of the band.
"On his more honest days, Jake would admit--even if only to himself--that he was kind of infatuated with Parker".
There wasn't too much angst or conflict. No real tragedy. There were a couple high's in the story which raised the emotional energy but overall it was a fairly level read, emotionally. Compared to other books I've read recently, which had me an emotional wreck, I was surprised to find a book that was so easy on my soul could keep me interested in the story and characters.
The only real let down would be that I wanted more of Parker's thoughts and perspective. He's a terribly interesting character and I wanted to see things from his viewpoint more.
I appreciated the two sisters' character's and how the boys seemed to confide in them. There wasn't a negative character in the whole book, so again, I'm surprised that I was so gripped.
Oh, I should also mention the humorous aspect of Jake's perspective, it was truly what kept this book flowing. Well done.
"Jake really wished his dick came with an "off" switch...".
~~~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
No spoilers
This should reflect a strong 3.5 stars.
I found this very enjoyable, romantic and easy to read.
I read this book like a rock star groupie, I couldn't stop being clingy. I found myself hoping and cheering for Jake and Parker's evolving relationship AND for the success of the band.
"On his more honest days, Jake would admit--even if only to himself--that he was kind of infatuated with Parker".
There wasn't too much angst or conflict. No real tragedy. There were a couple high's in the story which raised the emotional energy but overall it was a fairly level read, emotionally. Compared to other books I've read recently, which had me an emotional wreck, I was surprised to find a book that was so easy on my soul could keep me interested in the story and characters.
The only real let down would be that I wanted more of Parker's thoughts and perspective. He's a terribly interesting character and I wanted to see things from his viewpoint more.
I appreciated the two sisters' character's and how the boys seemed to confide in them. There wasn't a negative character in the whole book, so again, I'm surprised that I was so gripped.
Oh, I should also mention the humorous aspect of Jake's perspective, it was truly what kept this book flowing. Well done.
"Jake really wished his dick came with an "off" switch...".
~~~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
July 19, 2013
American Love Songs grabbed me by the emotional balls and refused to let go. It squeezed my heart with tons of sweetness and made me “Awwww” out loud.
I loved Jake. He captivated me with his narration and made me giggle. I loved Parker because he was so fucking adorkable. I loved the footnotes, and the different writing devices the author used.
Love, love, love.
I loved this book so much my eyes have morphed into hearts.
The only downside is that I was really sad to reach the last page. It’s one of those books that leaves me a little miserable to part ways with the characters. I even shed one of those dramatic lonesome tears.
This book was adorable, fun, and sweet.
4 Stars
I loved Jake. He captivated me with his narration and made me giggle. I loved Parker because he was so fucking adorkable. I loved the footnotes, and the different writing devices the author used.
Love, love, love.
I loved this book so much my eyes have morphed into hearts.
The only downside is that I was really sad to reach the last page. It’s one of those books that leaves me a little miserable to part ways with the characters. I even shed one of those dramatic lonesome tears.
This book was adorable, fun, and sweet.
4 Stars
June 23, 2013
This book was highly entertaining, cute, laugh-out-loud funny and simply great! Jake, the narrator had such a refreshingly straightforward voice, both in the parts that are written in blog form and in the narrative passages. I adored his character, so thickheaded and good-natured, child-like and childish at the same time, and of course, I also loved Parker, who was vulnerable and strong and a genius. The other characters were well-defined and recognizable too, and I very much loved to watch them rise from bar backroom gigs to stadium-worthy stars.
Some scenes were just too good - Elton John? seriously? , others had me going awwwwwwwww (Parker stoned...)
This is a feelgood read if there ever was one and a fine, heartwarming lovestory. Highly recommended.
Some scenes were just too good - Elton John? seriously? , others had me going awwwwwwwww (Parker stoned...)
This is a feelgood read if there ever was one and a fine, heartwarming lovestory. Highly recommended.
June 28, 2012
3.5 stars.
It tickled my fancy, Parker is so damn cute, shy and talented. Jake is assured and candid, I adored them. I liked what little sex there was, hot and sweet, very romantic.
It tickled my fancy, Parker is so damn cute, shy and talented. Jake is assured and candid, I adored them. I liked what little sex there was, hot and sweet, very romantic.
September 27, 2025
✰ 1 star ✰
I have a newfound appreciation for authors who actually put in the effort to include lyrics in their band romances; even if they seem more like poetry, at least there is some basis of conviction to the character's portrayal that doesn't simply rest upon just stating that their American Love Songs are good—real, understated, not trite and overdramatic, not cheesy and over-the-top. Also, just the right amount of sexy, without ever giving me a glimpse into it.
Which is pretty much the description of this read, itself. 🙄
“Maybe Parker wasn't talking about it much, but that didn't mean Jake wasn't listening.”
Jake and Parker were two characters whose dynamic never leapt off the page or stage and into my heart. 🙅🏻♀️ I could say it reads like fanfiction, but what does that even mean? Well, for starters, there is no real desire to expand upon the relationships or provide depth to the story. We get two other band members, Chris, Jake's bff who has an affinity for sleeping around, and Jimmy, the laid-back tone-deaf drummer.
They're just background music to a romance that had me first cringing with how on their band blog run by Jake, he expressed the need for their newly appointed bandmate to get laid. Who does that???? 🤦🏻♀️ In 2010 or in 2025???? I felt so creeped out by that, and even if it served as a diving board for readers and co to insinuate that it was actually him professing his own innate desire to get into his pants, I didn't like it one bit. 🙎🏻♀️
“I wish that I was someone else, I wish I could control myself. I wish I had the courage to believe.”
Not to mention how fairy-tale-esque their whole journey as 'rock stars' was. Everything was told to us rather than shown to us through various blog posts and meta interviews; which also saved the author time to even delve into character details. 😒 which, fair, was clever, but I mean... one glaring annoyance was when Parker arrived with his guitar and he mentioned it belonged to his brother, thus jake feeling that there was a story behind it... I don't think we even got a mention again of his brother! So was it just forgotten or ignored??? 🧐
I feel like what the author only intended to really drive the narrative was their romance; and once Parker and Jake shared one steamy make-out followed by an oddly abrupt confrontation regarding Parker's past, the story became just focused on the progression of the slow steady rumble tumble of their sex life. Which, fine, is fine, but whatever fazzle they shared, fizzled away. 😑
I get the author tried to be different with the footnotes, but they were a bit distracting. The writing tried to be cute, but it felt too corny and cringe at times. Maybe it was just too sweet for my angsty self! It was just so airy in depth (some would say light-hearted, but that's too kind a word) - almost as wayward as their band, Wayward Sons. 🤷🏻♀️ With great difficulty, I struggled to even find some notable quotes to highlight. Everything felt so predictable, I stopped reading midway, and it took a great deal of effort to resume again. I was not bored, I was simply disinterested. 🥱
“I'm sorry if it's not the grand romance you were expecting, but apparently we are just two ordinary guys who couldn't or wouldn't get a clue.”
I have a newfound appreciation for authors who actually put in the effort to include lyrics in their band romances; even if they seem more like poetry, at least there is some basis of conviction to the character's portrayal that doesn't simply rest upon just stating that their American Love Songs are good—real, understated, not trite and overdramatic, not cheesy and over-the-top. Also, just the right amount of sexy, without ever giving me a glimpse into it.
Which is pretty much the description of this read, itself. 🙄
“Maybe Parker wasn't talking about it much, but that didn't mean Jake wasn't listening.”
Jake and Parker were two characters whose dynamic never leapt off the page or stage and into my heart. 🙅🏻♀️ I could say it reads like fanfiction, but what does that even mean? Well, for starters, there is no real desire to expand upon the relationships or provide depth to the story. We get two other band members, Chris, Jake's bff who has an affinity for sleeping around, and Jimmy, the laid-back tone-deaf drummer.
They're just background music to a romance that had me first cringing with how on their band blog run by Jake, he expressed the need for their newly appointed bandmate to get laid. Who does that???? 🤦🏻♀️ In 2010 or in 2025???? I felt so creeped out by that, and even if it served as a diving board for readers and co to insinuate that it was actually him professing his own innate desire to get into his pants, I didn't like it one bit. 🙎🏻♀️
“I wish that I was someone else, I wish I could control myself. I wish I had the courage to believe.”
Not to mention how fairy-tale-esque their whole journey as 'rock stars' was. Everything was told to us rather than shown to us through various blog posts and meta interviews; which also saved the author time to even delve into character details. 😒 which, fair, was clever, but I mean... one glaring annoyance was when Parker arrived with his guitar and he mentioned it belonged to his brother, thus jake feeling that there was a story behind it... I don't think we even got a mention again of his brother! So was it just forgotten or ignored??? 🧐
I feel like what the author only intended to really drive the narrative was their romance; and once Parker and Jake shared one steamy make-out followed by an oddly abrupt confrontation regarding Parker's past, the story became just focused on the progression of the slow steady rumble tumble of their sex life. Which, fine, is fine, but whatever fazzle they shared, fizzled away. 😑
I get the author tried to be different with the footnotes, but they were a bit distracting. The writing tried to be cute, but it felt too corny and cringe at times. Maybe it was just too sweet for my angsty self! It was just so airy in depth (some would say light-hearted, but that's too kind a word) - almost as wayward as their band, Wayward Sons. 🤷🏻♀️ With great difficulty, I struggled to even find some notable quotes to highlight. Everything felt so predictable, I stopped reading midway, and it took a great deal of effort to resume again. I was not bored, I was simply disinterested. 🥱
November 8, 2015
BR with Karlijn and Elsbeth
2.5 stars
I have no idea what happened here. I was under the impression this re-read was going to be good. I gave the book 4 stars the first time I read it. Had to be good, right?
Not so much the second time. I was pretty bored and wanted more romance than this book provided. When I was halfway through I just started skimming.
Jake and his band need a new guitarist and when Parker walks up to them to ask directions but ends up auditioning, the problem is solved.
Jake and Parker become roommates and close friends. Then their band gets signed by a major record company and they become famous pretty fast.
Jake has never kept the fact he is gay a secret, but he doesn’t know if Parker is gay, so he doesn’t know what to do with his attraction to his shy friend.
Where I first thought Jake was funny, I now found him quite annoying. And the angst was a bit too artificial for my taste.
Parker turns Jake down because he feels Jake is not sincere and pretty much a slut. I never felt that way so it came as a bit of a surprise to me that this was what was keeping these two apart. And the fact that Jake had to prove himself to Parker didn’t sit well with me.
All the smexy times are at the end. By that time I wasn't that interested anymore...
Overall, a disappointment.
2.5 stars
I have no idea what happened here. I was under the impression this re-read was going to be good. I gave the book 4 stars the first time I read it. Had to be good, right?
Not so much the second time. I was pretty bored and wanted more romance than this book provided. When I was halfway through I just started skimming.
Jake and his band need a new guitarist and when Parker walks up to them to ask directions but ends up auditioning, the problem is solved.
Jake and Parker become roommates and close friends. Then their band gets signed by a major record company and they become famous pretty fast.
Jake has never kept the fact he is gay a secret, but he doesn’t know if Parker is gay, so he doesn’t know what to do with his attraction to his shy friend.
Where I first thought Jake was funny, I now found him quite annoying. And the angst was a bit too artificial for my taste.
Parker turns Jake down because he feels Jake is not sincere and pretty much a slut. I never felt that way so it came as a bit of a surprise to me that this was what was keeping these two apart. And the fact that Jake had to prove himself to Parker didn’t sit well with me.
All the smexy times are at the end. By that time I wasn't that interested anymore...
Overall, a disappointment.
December 3, 2017
I was looking for something fun and upbeat to read while I'm waiting for Psycop 7, and so I decided to re-read this one. And I'm so happy to see that my original feelings about the book haven't changed a whit. It's still a feel-good, fun, happy read that I fell in love with all over again. I love Jake's character. He reminds me of an overgrown puppy who is just full of energy and love and happiness. It's awesome.
Original review:
I loved this story. Jake and Parker were great. And I loved the whole blog thing, that was too funny. This is definitely a story I'm going to read over and over again, simply for the fun factor.
Original review:
I loved this story. Jake and Parker were great. And I loved the whole blog thing, that was too funny. This is definitely a story I'm going to read over and over again, simply for the fun factor.
August 31, 2012
Audiobook
April 8, 2025
*update April 2025*
I was doing a re-read on audio and I just don’t know what happened, but with still 3 hrs to go, I dnf’ed 😱 I mean, read my original review below, how does that even justify a dnf?! Was it the narrator? Has my taste in books changed THAT much?! I love Ashlyn Kane’s co-written hockey romances, so it can’t be the writing.
I probably won’t be able to find out, but I had been listening to this book for way too long now and I just didn’t care. For now, I’ll leave my original rating, because obviously I loved this book 5 years ago.
*original review*
This could have been a 5 star read, but the ending left me quite a bit unsatisfied. Oh, it’s a happy one, but I feel like there should have been an epilogue.
For Jake to tell Parker that he loved him was obviously something huge for Parker. He couldn’t deal with that until he was ready, until he trusted Jake enough not to break his heart. But we don’t get to witness the moment Jake told him. It’s not on page. And I kind of thought that it should have been.
Also, the sex part. I agree with Heather’s review on that. It meant a lot for Parker to be able to allow himself to enjoy it, but we don’t get to watch him trying for the ultimate, meaning bottoming for Jake.
But...so far the negative.
I enjoyed this book a whole lot. I liked the writing, I loved Jake! I loved his blogs, I loved his unfiltered mouth. (Though in real life I usually don’t like that on people, but I discovered that it does something to me in the fantasy world of books). Jake was a great character and so was Parker, who was vulnerable but yet a lot stronger than he thought himself to be. I liked to watch their friendship develop and to see Parker getting more confidence in songwriting, singing and just being on stage in general. The story is told from Jake’s POV, though we do have a blog or 2 written by Parker.
There’s really no angst in this story, just sweet cluelessness!
The secondary characters were great too. Allanna was a great addition to the guys, and though Chris sometimes really acted like an asshole, underneath he was just a guy who wanted to sing, perform a good show and be famous.
All in all, a recommended read. It’s certainly one of the better books written about rockstars. This was the first book I read about this author, but I will certainly be looking out for more.
I was doing a re-read on audio and I just don’t know what happened, but with still 3 hrs to go, I dnf’ed 😱 I mean, read my original review below, how does that even justify a dnf?! Was it the narrator? Has my taste in books changed THAT much?! I love Ashlyn Kane’s co-written hockey romances, so it can’t be the writing.
I probably won’t be able to find out, but I had been listening to this book for way too long now and I just didn’t care. For now, I’ll leave my original rating, because obviously I loved this book 5 years ago.
*original review*
This could have been a 5 star read, but the ending left me quite a bit unsatisfied. Oh, it’s a happy one, but I feel like there should have been an epilogue.
For Jake to tell Parker that he loved him was obviously something huge for Parker. He couldn’t deal with that until he was ready, until he trusted Jake enough not to break his heart. But we don’t get to witness the moment Jake told him. It’s not on page. And I kind of thought that it should have been.
Also, the sex part. I agree with Heather’s review on that. It meant a lot for Parker to be able to allow himself to enjoy it, but we don’t get to watch him trying for the ultimate, meaning bottoming for Jake.
But...so far the negative.
I enjoyed this book a whole lot. I liked the writing, I loved Jake! I loved his blogs, I loved his unfiltered mouth. (Though in real life I usually don’t like that on people, but I discovered that it does something to me in the fantasy world of books). Jake was a great character and so was Parker, who was vulnerable but yet a lot stronger than he thought himself to be. I liked to watch their friendship develop and to see Parker getting more confidence in songwriting, singing and just being on stage in general. The story is told from Jake’s POV, though we do have a blog or 2 written by Parker.
There’s really no angst in this story, just sweet cluelessness!
The secondary characters were great too. Allanna was a great addition to the guys, and though Chris sometimes really acted like an asshole, underneath he was just a guy who wanted to sing, perform a good show and be famous.
All in all, a recommended read. It’s certainly one of the better books written about rockstars. This was the first book I read about this author, but I will certainly be looking out for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2011
I knew immediately upon reading the blurb that I wanted to read this story. I absolutely love Cinderella types of stories, where a commoner falls for a famous or successful person. Whether they be royals or movie stars, sports stars or musicians, this type of story captivates me because it relies on two fantasies that almost everyone entertains: (1), fame, riches, or success (it is embarrassing how many times I fantasize about winning the lottery); or (2), that a man who could have anyone would choose me. Its a heady thing to fall into just one of these categories, but into two? This story plays off of both of those fantasies, but the difference with American Love Songs is that they take the journey to get there together. From what I can recall, many of these types of stories always start the narrative off sometime later in the story and show the evolution of their rise to fame in flashbacks. But here we get to know the characters long before they become famous. They are normal guys who have flaws and we get to travel the same road they do as each piece of success and fame settles into place. By the time they are superstars, I felt like I had made the same choices and sacrifices as they did — a fifth member of the band.
This wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the amazing writing in this novel. The quality of description and prose in American Love Songs is rare. The writing is very sensory. There were many times that I felt dialogue wasn’t necessary because Ashlyn Kane described the characters’ body language and the emotion betrayed on their faces so well. She utilized all of the human senses to show Jake’s feelings for Parker, but most especially in creating mystery around Parker’s demeanor (which is austere to say the least)...
For the full review, visit Reviews by Jessewave.
This wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the amazing writing in this novel. The quality of description and prose in American Love Songs is rare. The writing is very sensory. There were many times that I felt dialogue wasn’t necessary because Ashlyn Kane described the characters’ body language and the emotion betrayed on their faces so well. She utilized all of the human senses to show Jake’s feelings for Parker, but most especially in creating mystery around Parker’s demeanor (which is austere to say the least)...
For the full review, visit Reviews by Jessewave.
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