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More Than An Encore: The Crooked Souls Trilogy - Book One
Not yet published
Expected 6 Jun 26Five years ago, rockstar Jay Wyler walked out of Ava Davenport's life. She spent every day since becoming someone who didn't need him: a successful ER doctor, fiercely independent, and completely over it.
Or so she thought--until the night Jay's twin brother collapses onstage and she finds Jay at her hospital, barely holding himself together. One night unravels five years of distance. And the songs he wrote for her while they were apart make it very hard to pretend she ever stopped caring.
Jay has spent a year clawing back from rock bottom. He's managed to stay sober, but between panic attacks, a demanding band, a family in crisis, and the weight of a life lived too loudly, his stability is crumbling. Still, Ava holds him through it. That's what she'd always done.
But then she finds the empty bottle and realizes she's lived this before. She knows how this story ends.
This time, she has to decide if loving him is worth losing herself again. And Jay has to decide if the man he's becoming is someone who deserves to stay.
Set against Nashville's gritty alternative music scene, More Than An Encore is a raw, emotionally charged romance about loving someone through mental illness and addiction--and learning that saving them might mean letting go.
Book one in The Crooked Souls Trilogy.
Or so she thought--until the night Jay's twin brother collapses onstage and she finds Jay at her hospital, barely holding himself together. One night unravels five years of distance. And the songs he wrote for her while they were apart make it very hard to pretend she ever stopped caring.
Jay has spent a year clawing back from rock bottom. He's managed to stay sober, but between panic attacks, a demanding band, a family in crisis, and the weight of a life lived too loudly, his stability is crumbling. Still, Ava holds him through it. That's what she'd always done.
But then she finds the empty bottle and realizes she's lived this before. She knows how this story ends.
This time, she has to decide if loving him is worth losing herself again. And Jay has to decide if the man he's becoming is someone who deserves to stay.
Set against Nashville's gritty alternative music scene, More Than An Encore is a raw, emotionally charged romance about loving someone through mental illness and addiction--and learning that saving them might mean letting go.
Book one in The Crooked Souls Trilogy.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 6, 2026
About the author
Jessa Hart
2 books10 followersI write messy love stories with jaded rockstars, emotional wreckage, and just enough angst to make you text your ex (don’t). I’ve always been obsessed with words and emotionally complex characters. My stories blend swoony romance with backstage drama, bad decisions, and the kind of love that feels like sitting alone in your car, crying to a 2000s emo playlist.
When I’m not writing, I work as a librarian, edit part-time, and proudly hold the title of The Emo Historian™. I live in Nashville, TN with my husband, toddler, and three cats, surviving on caffeine and nostalgia.
I believe every good story needs a little heartbreak and someone worth staying for after the encore.
When I’m not writing, I work as a librarian, edit part-time, and proudly hold the title of The Emo Historian™. I live in Nashville, TN with my husband, toddler, and three cats, surviving on caffeine and nostalgia.
I believe every good story needs a little heartbreak and someone worth staying for after the encore.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 17, 2026
ARC Review: I couldn’t put the book down. Reading about Jay and Ava’s story - wanting to know what happens next. Love them! And looking forward to the other books in this series. And my love for Nashville and music! Great book!
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April 24, 2026ARC Review- Absolutely loved this book! Was an easy read that kept the interest alive!
It's been awhile since I've dived head first into a romance, but this second chance romance genre might have me hooked, and I cant wait for books 2 and 3 of this Trilogy.
The back and forth between past and present really made Jay and Ava's story feel real, and gives the reader an easy to follow along with backstory. The second chance at an intense love- you could feel the emotion through each character through every page.
This book touches on some tough subjects- Mental health, addiction, domestic and child abuse, etc, but it was so sensitively written and not just thrown out there for the drama. It was very carefully written, and eloquently depicted real-life struggles.
It's been awhile since I've dived head first into a romance, but this second chance romance genre might have me hooked, and I cant wait for books 2 and 3 of this Trilogy.
The back and forth between past and present really made Jay and Ava's story feel real, and gives the reader an easy to follow along with backstory. The second chance at an intense love- you could feel the emotion through each character through every page.
This book touches on some tough subjects- Mental health, addiction, domestic and child abuse, etc, but it was so sensitively written and not just thrown out there for the drama. It was very carefully written, and eloquently depicted real-life struggles.
April 4, 2026
ARC Review:
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ 1.5 🌶️
This was a great read. Second chance romance is becoming one of my favorite sub genres!
Jay and Ava are the epitome of “it’s always been you.” But his mental health struggles make him push her away. 5 years later he finds her again in one of his darkest moments. Their story is one of love, loss, and they truly have to go through a lot to get their HEA! I am also really excited for the rest of the trilogy, seeing all the siblings get their HEA after all they’ve been through will be so fun! 🥰
This book has some hard topics: addiction, abuse, anxiety, overdoses, alcoholism, PTSD, depression, etc. please check your triggers before reading!
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ 1.5 🌶️
This was a great read. Second chance romance is becoming one of my favorite sub genres!
Jay and Ava are the epitome of “it’s always been you.” But his mental health struggles make him push her away. 5 years later he finds her again in one of his darkest moments. Their story is one of love, loss, and they truly have to go through a lot to get their HEA! I am also really excited for the rest of the trilogy, seeing all the siblings get their HEA after all they’ve been through will be so fun! 🥰
This book has some hard topics: addiction, abuse, anxiety, overdoses, alcoholism, PTSD, depression, etc. please check your triggers before reading!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so much more than a rockstar romance. It was raw, haunting, and devastatingly beautiful in a way that settled deep in my chest and refused to let go. There were multiple moments where I found myself physically clutching my heart as it ached for these characters and everything they were carrying. I wanted to wrap almost every single one of them in a hug… and then there were a couple of characters who absolutely deserved to be launched into hell. They know exactly who they are. 👀
What struck me most was how authentically this story portrayed healing and sobriety. It never tried to romanticize recovery or make it feel easy. It showed the ugly, messy, exhausting reality of it all. All the setbacks, the fear, the guilt, the constant choice to keep going even when it hurts. The story handled the lifelong struggle of sobriety with so much care and honesty, emphasizing that recovery is never linear and love alone cannot magically fix someone.
But what this book did so beautifully was show that healing beside someone, having people willing to stand in the wreckage with you, can make the road feel a little less impossible to walk.
This was not a “happy” book in the traditional sense, but honestly, that’s part of what made it so impactful. It hurt in all the right ways. And despite all the heartbreak woven through these pages, the ending left me with such a powerful sense of hope. Hope for these characters, hope for what’s to come, and excitement for where the rest of this trilogy is headed. I already know this story is going to stay with me for a very long time.
What struck me most was how authentically this story portrayed healing and sobriety. It never tried to romanticize recovery or make it feel easy. It showed the ugly, messy, exhausting reality of it all. All the setbacks, the fear, the guilt, the constant choice to keep going even when it hurts. The story handled the lifelong struggle of sobriety with so much care and honesty, emphasizing that recovery is never linear and love alone cannot magically fix someone.
But what this book did so beautifully was show that healing beside someone, having people willing to stand in the wreckage with you, can make the road feel a little less impossible to walk.
This was not a “happy” book in the traditional sense, but honestly, that’s part of what made it so impactful. It hurt in all the right ways. And despite all the heartbreak woven through these pages, the ending left me with such a powerful sense of hope. Hope for these characters, hope for what’s to come, and excitement for where the rest of this trilogy is headed. I already know this story is going to stay with me for a very long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It's been awhile since I read a book that actually made me cry. I'm talking real tears, but this book did just that. (in a good way!!)
The plot was driven and pact full of moments that had me flipping the next page hungry for more. It tackled tough subjects with ease and grace. Had me deep in my feelings. As someone who shares a lot of similar issues with the main character Jay, I felt deeply moved with how his issues were handled.
Speaking of Jay, he had me pulling at my hair in frustration one moment, then laughing, then crying and finally just wanting to give him a hug. He is a complex character that I relate to more than I should. I just love the dude, but sometimes I wanted to smack him in the back of the head. (or flick him behind the ear!)
Ava was strong and brave. I loved how firm she was in her thought process. She is a pro at reading between the lines. I applaud how she was written as a strong female, but with a softness that made her able to put up with Jay's problems. I adored her!
Overall this story moved me. It was an emotional roller coaster, and at times I was heart broken, but by the end I was happy with the outcome.
Highly recommend this story to anyone who loves drama, pain, and healing.
10/10 would recommend.
The plot was driven and pact full of moments that had me flipping the next page hungry for more. It tackled tough subjects with ease and grace. Had me deep in my feelings. As someone who shares a lot of similar issues with the main character Jay, I felt deeply moved with how his issues were handled.
Speaking of Jay, he had me pulling at my hair in frustration one moment, then laughing, then crying and finally just wanting to give him a hug. He is a complex character that I relate to more than I should. I just love the dude, but sometimes I wanted to smack him in the back of the head. (or flick him behind the ear!)
Ava was strong and brave. I loved how firm she was in her thought process. She is a pro at reading between the lines. I applaud how she was written as a strong female, but with a softness that made her able to put up with Jay's problems. I adored her!
Overall this story moved me. It was an emotional roller coaster, and at times I was heart broken, but by the end I was happy with the outcome.
Highly recommend this story to anyone who loves drama, pain, and healing.
10/10 would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Reader:
This book took me on an emotional trip I didn’t even know I needed. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a story that made me feel so deeply connected to its characters. I laughed, I cried, and there were definitely moments when I wanted to throw hands on their behalf. That’s how real these people felt to me.
Jessa does a phenomenal job bringing her characters, their relationships, and the themes of the story to life in a way that feels honest and relatable. The imagery is so vivid and accurate that it’s easy to picture every scene — especially if you’re from Nashville. The city isn’t just a backdrop; it’s woven into the emotional fabric of the story.
What resonated with me most was how authentically she portrays mental health. As someone who has navigated the complexities of panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, seeing those experiences reflected on the page felt raw, real, and deeply validating. She doesn’t sensationalize it or gloss over it — she writes it the way it feels.
This book took me through sadness, anxiety, joy, and hope at exactly the right time. It reminded me how powerful storytelling can be when it’s honest and human. I truly enjoyed this read, and I can’t wait to see how the trilogy progresses!
This book took me on an emotional trip I didn’t even know I needed. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a story that made me feel so deeply connected to its characters. I laughed, I cried, and there were definitely moments when I wanted to throw hands on their behalf. That’s how real these people felt to me.
Jessa does a phenomenal job bringing her characters, their relationships, and the themes of the story to life in a way that feels honest and relatable. The imagery is so vivid and accurate that it’s easy to picture every scene — especially if you’re from Nashville. The city isn’t just a backdrop; it’s woven into the emotional fabric of the story.
What resonated with me most was how authentically she portrays mental health. As someone who has navigated the complexities of panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, seeing those experiences reflected on the page felt raw, real, and deeply validating. She doesn’t sensationalize it or gloss over it — she writes it the way it feels.
This book took me through sadness, anxiety, joy, and hope at exactly the right time. It reminded me how powerful storytelling can be when it’s honest and human. I truly enjoyed this read, and I can’t wait to see how the trilogy progresses!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege and pleasure of reading this advanced copy via Book Funnel and the lovely author herself. This is not my usual go-to genre, but when I heard the premise of the book and its nostalgic pull towards my own emo roots, my interest was absolutely peaked. From the opening chapter, I was absolutely invested in this story; it is both compelling and readable. I loved the story of Jay and Ava and found them to be relatable, realistic, and actually likable characters. Their story tugged on heartstrings that I frankly thought didn't exist and incorporated a lot of real-to-life challenges that people face without being a trauma encyclopedia (which I feel a lot of stories fall victim to these days). I cheered them both on as individuals and as a couple. Jessa Hart created a story that I believe will speak to a lot of people and give you all the feels. Definitely give it a try, even if it isn't your usual genre of choice, as its a well-written, strong story that packs a lot of emotional depth.
Thank you again to Jessa Hart for the privilege of being an early reader! I can't wait for more from the Wylers.
Thank you again to Jessa Hart for the privilege of being an early reader! I can't wait for more from the Wylers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First and foremost, thank you Jessa for trusting me with your book baby, “More Than an Encore”, and the amazing opportunity to ARC your first book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 🌶️.5
"To making it."
Such a beautiful theme for a deep and emotionally raw book. You carefully crafted a story about the highs and lows embedded in the human experience. Jay and Ava's second-chance romance felt like watching a movie about your favorite characters, where you rooted for their love one moment and ached with heartbreak the next. The emotional roller coaster was real, but in the best way! There are some heavy topics, but they were treated with care and sensitivity.
I was not only whisked away into a fictional tale but also pulled in deep on a personal level. I felt like I knew each of these characters as if they were real, and very much wanted to punch a few in their imaginary faces (you know what you did!).
It's hard to believe that this is your first published book because you have certainly set the stage for a deep and dark series — I can't wait for book 2!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 🌶️.5
"To making it."
Such a beautiful theme for a deep and emotionally raw book. You carefully crafted a story about the highs and lows embedded in the human experience. Jay and Ava's second-chance romance felt like watching a movie about your favorite characters, where you rooted for their love one moment and ached with heartbreak the next. The emotional roller coaster was real, but in the best way! There are some heavy topics, but they were treated with care and sensitivity.
I was not only whisked away into a fictional tale but also pulled in deep on a personal level. I felt like I knew each of these characters as if they were real, and very much wanted to punch a few in their imaginary faces (you know what you did!).
It's hard to believe that this is your first published book because you have certainly set the stage for a deep and dark series — I can't wait for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely love a good romantic drama, and being a Nashville native, who grew up listening to all kinds of music, this book really hit home for me in the best possible way. From page one I was drawn into the messy and relatable world of Jay and Ava, and could not put this book down.
I loved all of the sprinkles of Nashville lore and nostalgia throughout and all of the IYKYK innuendos.
What I Loved:
Themes: Romance, Drama, and Crisis are well balanced
Pacing: Wonderful and keeps you on the edge wanting more
Writing Style: Engaging and Suitable for all adult age groups
Reader Recommendation:
Definitely for Late Teen to Adult Readers
Have a box of tissues ready and there are emotionally tough chapters.
Overall a wonderful book to read, looking forward to the next two books in the series.
I loved all of the sprinkles of Nashville lore and nostalgia throughout and all of the IYKYK innuendos.
What I Loved:
Themes: Romance, Drama, and Crisis are well balanced
Pacing: Wonderful and keeps you on the edge wanting more
Writing Style: Engaging and Suitable for all adult age groups
Reader Recommendation:
Definitely for Late Teen to Adult Readers
Have a box of tissues ready and there are emotionally tough chapters.
Overall a wonderful book to read, looking forward to the next two books in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a seat of my pants read! I received this copy as an ARC from the author. She has put a lot of musical knowledge into this book and it flows so well.
This story starts off with so much trauma and angst that I was genuinely worried it wouldn't be a HEA with all the drama these characters were dealing with. I loved the main characters and their personal journeys. I loved that this was music-themed and took place in Nashville, but wasn't country music. That was refreshing and I thought it gave the city some great representation of diversity. I think anyone who likes modern and very realistic problems will relate to this book and enjoy the path that Jay and Ava take as individuals, partners, and with their families.
I think it should have had the recipes for roti and meatloaf included at the end! Great debut from an author who loves music and put her heart into these pages.
This story starts off with so much trauma and angst that I was genuinely worried it wouldn't be a HEA with all the drama these characters were dealing with. I loved the main characters and their personal journeys. I loved that this was music-themed and took place in Nashville, but wasn't country music. That was refreshing and I thought it gave the city some great representation of diversity. I think anyone who likes modern and very realistic problems will relate to this book and enjoy the path that Jay and Ava take as individuals, partners, and with their families.
I think it should have had the recipes for roti and meatloaf included at the end! Great debut from an author who loves music and put her heart into these pages.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Jessa Hart for the ARC copy of this books!
This debut by Jessa Hart is everything a pop punk emo girlie could want. The characters are relatable. Their struggles grounded in reality and things I think we can all relate to in some way. I laughed, I cried, and often said "Oh, Jay! What are you doing?!"
If you're a Nashville native you'll love the details and local setting. Even the side characters wind their way into your heart with their stories and personalities. I am so excited to see which member of the Wyler siblings gets to tell their story in book 2!
This is not a Hallmark movie book,(but its got a HEA) this is a raw and touching second change romance full of found family and healing.
This debut by Jessa Hart is everything a pop punk emo girlie could want. The characters are relatable. Their struggles grounded in reality and things I think we can all relate to in some way. I laughed, I cried, and often said "Oh, Jay! What are you doing?!"
If you're a Nashville native you'll love the details and local setting. Even the side characters wind their way into your heart with their stories and personalities. I am so excited to see which member of the Wyler siblings gets to tell their story in book 2!
This is not a Hallmark movie book,(but its got a HEA) this is a raw and touching second change romance full of found family and healing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced Reader Copy provided by the author. Thanks, Jessa!
A second-chance romance meant for the elder emos! Jay Wyler is a rockstar dreamboy that had my “I can fix him!” alarm going off immediately, and I was invested in his and Ava’s relationship from the start. My favorite romances are ones that expand beyond the main relationship, and this debut novel does just that by tactfully exploring themes of addiction, generational trauma, family dynamics, and what it means to show up for yourself and the people you love. This made me ache in the best way!
Bonus points for: cross-stitching, journal entries, birthday cards, a cat, Nashville written by a Nashville Native, it’s-always-been-you.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
A second-chance romance meant for the elder emos! Jay Wyler is a rockstar dreamboy that had my “I can fix him!” alarm going off immediately, and I was invested in his and Ava’s relationship from the start. My favorite romances are ones that expand beyond the main relationship, and this debut novel does just that by tactfully exploring themes of addiction, generational trauma, family dynamics, and what it means to show up for yourself and the people you love. This made me ache in the best way!
Bonus points for: cross-stitching, journal entries, birthday cards, a cat, Nashville written by a Nashville Native, it’s-always-been-you.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely LOVE THIS book. It exceeded my expectations. Jessa Hart is a fantastic writer - revealing the BARE-NAKED truth about trauma, substance abuse, and loving someone trying to dig themselves out of the trenches. (read with caution)
I loved Jay & Ava. Their second chance at love, the yearning, and the chemistry that seeps from the pages. At times I wanted to just shake Jay and tell him to wake the heck up!
Our FMC Ava is a saint! She is strong, smart, and resilient. It was really great to see her evolve and heal throughout the book.
I definitely found myself crying a few times, very emotional and raw. Getting that kind of emotional reaction from a book is a huge plus for me. I would recommend More Than An Encore for sure.
I loved Jay & Ava. Their second chance at love, the yearning, and the chemistry that seeps from the pages. At times I wanted to just shake Jay and tell him to wake the heck up!
Our FMC Ava is a saint! She is strong, smart, and resilient. It was really great to see her evolve and heal throughout the book.
I definitely found myself crying a few times, very emotional and raw. Getting that kind of emotional reaction from a book is a huge plus for me. I would recommend More Than An Encore for sure.
April 12, 2026
I just finished this debut novel and WOW—I am absolutely blown away. I had the chance to read it as an advanced reader copy, and I feel so lucky to have experienced it early.
This second-chance romance had all the feels in the best way possible. The emotional depth, the tension, the way the past and present were woven together… I couldn’t put it down.
The characters felt so real and raw. You can truly feel the author’s heart on every page.
If you love stories about love, growth, and finding your way back home—this one is a must-read. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.
This second-chance romance had all the feels in the best way possible. The emotional depth, the tension, the way the past and present were woven together… I couldn’t put it down.
The characters felt so real and raw. You can truly feel the author’s heart on every page.
If you love stories about love, growth, and finding your way back home—this one is a must-read. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Being from Nashville and loving the punk scene, this was a fun read! The characters have a deep rooted past which is so sweet to peel back slowly. Their past was so interwoven that reconnecting years later just seems flawless. I love how they know each other but everything has changed and they are no longer the kids they once were. It has a lot of Nashville nods but outside of the touristy Broadway scenes which, again are refreshing. There's a lot of heart in this book and I was so excited to read this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
I loved how the story moves between past and present — it made the relationship feel deeper and more emotional because we actually get to see their history unfold. It added so much weight to what’s happening in the present.
I also appreciated how sensitively addiction was handled. It felt honest and thoughtful, not just added for drama.
Overall, a heartfelt second-chance romance with real emotional depth. Thank you to Jessa Hart and her team for the advanced copy.
I loved how the story moves between past and present — it made the relationship feel deeper and more emotional because we actually get to see their history unfold. It added so much weight to what’s happening in the present.
I also appreciated how sensitively addiction was handled. It felt honest and thoughtful, not just added for drama.
Overall, a heartfelt second-chance romance with real emotional depth. Thank you to Jessa Hart and her team for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is such a raw, real book written with clear intentions of these characters. From addiction, scorned love, and longing, this book perfectly depicts real emotions and struggles. One of my favorite parts is the depiction of Nashville, Tennessee that gives readers a glimpse into a different side of a buzzing town. I highly recommend reading!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such a great read. The characters grab you immediately and you want to yell at them and hug them at the same time. The story moves at a great pace and you find yourself getting immersed in their narrative. Highly recommend for those who want a little escape from the daily grind or a good vacation read. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was very excited to read this book from a local indie author as I also live near Nashville. She did not disappoint. I could feel the emotions of the characters coming through the pages and yelled out loud at Jay, the male main character, several times when he was about to make bad decisions. I'm looking forward to reading book two already.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review (thank you!)
This was such a well-rounded read! Consistent pacing, lovable / hateable / love-to-be-hateable characters, hard topics that are addressed in ways that don't feel stereotypical, and believable second-chance romance. In short: the story feels REAL. I am really looking forward to more of this world.
This was such a well-rounded read! Consistent pacing, lovable / hateable / love-to-be-hateable characters, hard topics that are addressed in ways that don't feel stereotypical, and believable second-chance romance. In short: the story feels REAL. I am really looking forward to more of this world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a second-chance romance, especially a rockstar one. Jay and Ava’s story is complicated but beautiful, you understand how much they love each other and root for their happy ending. This book deals with tough issues but I think they did it so well. Definitely recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC REVIEW**
This is a beautiful story of two people who got a second chance at love. It is based in my hometown which made it that much more relatable. A beautiful story of over coming an addiction and not becoming your past.
This is a beautiful story of two people who got a second chance at love. It is based in my hometown which made it that much more relatable. A beautiful story of over coming an addiction and not becoming your past.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story was amazing. True Nashville roots and music city chaos. I enjoyed seeing Jay go through the struggles he did and how he found his way back to Ava. I look forward to Ari and Mira’s stories to come
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book so much - even as it tore my heart out!
I love a second chance romance and this delivered 🤌😍
I cannot wait to read the other books in the series!
I love a second chance romance and this delivered 🤌😍
I cannot wait to read the other books in the series!
May 10, 2026
ARC review: thank you to the author for sending me an ARC!
A great second chance love story for anyone who loves the rock/alternative music scene and Nashville.
A great second chance love story for anyone who loves the rock/alternative music scene and Nashville.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews