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Rock Bottom #1

Outrageous

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The South Side is like an incurable cancer, destroying the lives of everyone it touches. For Brooke, the nightmare is over, and she uses her experience of survival to help those still living it. Those like Liam. He’s the smartest high schooler she’s ever met, and gets under her skin in the most delicious way. She’s the bravest woman he knows, and he’s amazed she cares about his future and the fate of his band. Their attraction is undeniable, but it’s also forbidden. She took an oath not to sleep with those she’s promised to protect. But when the King of South Side tangles with Liam and his bandmates, she’s forced to make a choice. One that could cost her everything.

236 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2018

45 people are currently reading
112 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Ann

43 books752 followers
Jennifer Ann is an award-winning author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense with darkly complex plots. An avid fan of the beach, a good book, and Dave Grohl, she enjoys spending her free time with her favorite people and biggest fans--her husband and children.

Jennifer also writes thriller/mysteries as Quinn Avery.

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5 stars
26 (38%)
4 stars
22 (32%)
3 stars
13 (19%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
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5 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦.
662 reviews2,789 followers
March 2, 2018
3.5 stars
➦My first book by this author and boy, can Jennifer Ann write. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style and everything seems to flow well in the story. I don't really know why I was convinced that this was going to be a rockstar romance... (may be because they seem to be everywhere these days?) Other than the fact that the hero is in a band, there wasn't much in here revolving around music. Which isn't a bad thing, just pointing it out.

➦I won't be babbling on for a long time, because, honestly?


➦And lately I've been so MIA from GR that I don't even think anyone reads my reviews anymore lol.


➦Fair enough, but here goes anyway. If you like forbidden romances then you might enjoy this story. A social case worker for a heroine and a troubled teen for a hero. There's a bit of an age gap, about 6 years by my estimation. (*tries very hard to remember*, this was 10 books ago lol) The forbidden aspect was pretty well done, the sexual chemistry was high.

➦There was a bit of a soggy middle here for me, the story has lost a bit of momentum by the half way mark, but, thankfully picked back up, and I was able to plow through it to the end. I will definitely be on the lookout for other books by this author in the future.


➦You're welcome.

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Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews129 followers
Want to read
November 15, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/15/2018)!💝

Blurb:
The South Side is like an incurable cancer, destroying the lives of everyone it touches.

For Brooke, the nightmare is over, and she uses her experience of survival to help those still living it.

Those like Liam.

He’s the smartest high schooler she’s ever met, and gets under her skin in the most delicious way.

She’s the bravest woman he knows, and he’s amazed she cares about his future and the fate of his band.

Their attraction is undeniable, but it’s also forbidden. She took an oath not to sleep with those she’s promised to protect.

But when the King of South Side tangles with Liam and his bandmates, she’s forced to make a choice.

One that could cost her everything.
Profile Image for Doris.
3,648 reviews138 followers
April 20, 2018
Wow!! This book took you places that were dark but yet filled with promise to a better future. Brooke came from the South Side and suffered brutality just as many do who come from here. She was determined to help others from the South Side so she became a social worker which led her to meeting Liam/Rook and oh, boy was he a force to be reckoned with. He was days away from turning 18 but he was years in advance both physically and mentally. She knew that her job would be on the line if she allowed anything to happen between her and Rook.

The one bright spot in his life was the band he had formed with his South Side “brothers”. All they had were each other. They were all trying to stay one step ahead of the law and the worst of the worst from where they lived.

This book was a page turner that had you lusting after Rook (along with Brooke), pulled your heartstrings, and sickened you with all that goes on in the South Side. This is a definite read and one that has you longing to get your hands on Notorious which is the second book in this series.

Profile Image for LaDonna.
510 reviews19 followers
March 23, 2018
5 Gritty Electrified Guitars for Outrageous

There is no denying that this read is dark - brutally so at times. Brooke and Rook have both lived through things no child should ever have to accept. Brooke has escaped, gotten her degree in social work, and come back to help kids that have grown up as she did. Rook is days from turning 18 when his father's abuse becomes life or death, and he becomes one of Brooke's cases. His situation with his father would be enough, but the friends who have become family to him all have their own crosses to bear, and the burden is immeasurable. But there is an undeniable strength in all of them. A light that perhaps shouldn't be there. Chemistry that blossoms in hauntingly beautiful ways.

I absolutely could not put this one down, and it will take considerably longer to actually let it go.

There are rockstar elements in this one, and I will review it as such for the blogs, but I can't say that the band is the main focus. I honestly hope we see more of it in the future, not just because of my personal rockstar obsession, but because I believe, as those closest to him, that Rook needs the music to soothe his savage soul.

Technically, this ends on a cliffhanger, and we are promised more books in this series, but it is not enough of an "OMG" type cliffhanger to discourage anyone from reading this now. Yes, I will definitely be first in line for the next book, but it won't be a "how could she keep me waiting this long?" type angst. Trust me, there is more than enough angst within these pages, beautifully set off by that elusive emotion of hope.

Highly recommended to everyone who can handle some darkness in the path of light.
Profile Image for Life on Readpeat.
1,480 reviews105 followers
March 30, 2018
* Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot *
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Jennifer Ann never seizes to amaze me with her brilliantly captivating and one of a kind writing style. This story will take readers on an emotional rollercoaster that will grip their hearts right from the very beginning and hold on tight until the very end.

Outrageous is Liam and Brooke's story and it is perhaps one of the best stories I have ever read from Jennifer Ann (although every book I've read from her has been absolutely incredible) because it's unlike anything I have ever read before. This story had a lot of heart, soul and undeniable passion that bled from the pages. My heart melted as I devoured page after page. I honestly didn't know if I was going to make it through without letting a few tears fall because of the intensity of this story. Sure this story may seem a bit controversial to some (what's a few years age difference really?), but the only complaint I have is that I want the next book NOW because I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series has to hold. The ROCK BOTTOM series will surely be heating up my kindle in the upcoming months!
Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,160 reviews44 followers
February 24, 2018
**ARC graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

A great beginning by Jennifer Ann in her new Rock Bottom series with Outrageous. A romantic suspense that keeps you on your toes from beginning to end; a rollercoaster whirl of emotions that will take you on a powerful ride!

Jennifer Ann leaves no amount of detail out in Outrageous. Her attention to material in her development in characters, scenario and story line was powerful and exhilarating. Only proving that she can write enticing novels.

We follow Liam and Brooke in their daunting tale in and out of The South Side. 17 year old and mere days away from his 18th birthday, Liam is the epitome of what a young adult goes through in the streets of the South Side hood. Coming from an abusive home, fate lands him in the hands of 23 year old Brooke, a social worker who knows what life is like in the hell-hole. These two come together in a taboo like fashion to figure out how to survive under the scrutiny of King Marty’s rule.

Outrageous tells the tale of what it’s like to grow up in a horrible, dark situation but letting light shine in the shadows. Jennifer wonderfully illustrates that you are not the product of your environment, you can make your future whatever you desire.

As a new author for me, I am pleasantly surprised at the magnitude this book pulled me in and I can’t wait to see what Jennifer Ann has in store for us with the rest of the series she has set forth. This is a 4 Star book for me and I recommend this book for anyone who likes to be on the edge of your seat with a captivating novel.

**Review by Allyson, Late Night reviewer for Up All Night w/ Books**
Profile Image for Jennifer .
699 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2018
I wasn't sure what to expect from an author I'd never read before, but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Outrageous is the beginning of a new series that has me curious to see where these characters will go next. Liam is 17 ,days away from his 18th birthday. And the product of an abusive home. He and his friends are all in the same boat. Just trying to stay alive in a neighborhood not known for survival. The South Side. Growing up in South Side Brooke has done all she can to make it out of there. Now 23, she's the social worker assigned to Liam after one beating too many from his father. But Liam isn't your typical 17 year old and Brooke's not sure what to make of him. Getting involved wasn't the plan for either of them. But when your in the South Side, plans change. Quickly. I can't wait to see what else changes for them and the rest of the crew! They'll all pull at your heartstrings!
461 reviews5 followers
February 19, 2018
Outrageous is the first book in Jennifer Ann's new series and it does not disappoint in the least, and is also definitely different than her usual novels, but by no means is this a bad thing. It just proves that she can write different genres and do it well. I would call it a dark, romantic suspense novel. But that may just be me. I can't recommend this book enough! I wasn't sure what to expect but I was completely blown away by how great her writing is and how engrossed I got in the story of Liam and Brooke. I read this book in three days and it usually takes me a week to read an average length book. There really isn't a cliff hanger, but it's left open for the next book in the series, which I can't wait to get my hands on!
Profile Image for Misty Sulouff.
199 reviews13 followers
February 22, 2018
I feel privileged to have gotten a chance to read this story. As heartbreaking as it was at times, there was alot of parts that made me smile. I enjoyed this story as it was real, life isn't always easy. Brooke got away from her past and likes being able to help others like her.
Liam is one of those minors she is trying to get on the right path. Little did either know that the day they met would change both their lives, whether they wanted it to or not. I didn't want to stop reading their story. I so cannot wait to read more of Jennifer Ann's books. I would recommend this story ❤
Profile Image for Dory Wonders-smathers.
11 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2018
This book provided me with a delicious escape, with an engrossing story and two tormented characters that broke their stereotypes and it made for a wonderful story. I didn't want to like Liam, but oh boy I did. Thank you for sharing!
Profile Image for Kate_mrs539.
377 reviews8 followers
February 23, 2018
I LOVE this new series by Jennifer Ann. My only complaint is that now I have to wait for the rest of this series. *sad face*

If you are familiar at all with Jennifer Ann's writing you will be used to her romance writing and the famed Kendall Family. The Rock Bottom series gets a little more gritty, a little bit naughtier and shows a whole new side to Jennifer Ann's writing that I think people everywhere will LOVE!

Liam and his friends live in the South Side, a dangerous to most kind of neighborhood. Brooke used to...made it out...and then made it her life's mission to help kids like herself. What Brooke didn't expect was to get so wrapped up in her latest case.

This is a taboo kind of story, complete with lots of lovin' and loads of danger. Expect to have your heartrate up and your heartstrings yanked on!

All of the characters are pretty fantastic and you definitely get a feel for the group dynamic and how much they all care for one another. It really made me excited for the other books and to be able to see where the other guys' stories will lead this series!

This story is listed as a prequel, but I have to say, you are getting a FULL story here! I was pulled in and still haven't gotten out! I want MORE!! *Insert Veruca Salt singing and dancing here*

CANNOT WAIT FOR THE REST OF THIS STORY!!! <---UNDERSTATEMENT!

I am giving Outrageous 5 well deserved stars!

Review by Corrie H for Lamplight Review and Promotion
**I was given an ARC for an honest review
Profile Image for April.
237 reviews
February 25, 2018
I received a free ARC for my honest review. I really enjoyed this book. Brooke and Liam are the two main characters in the story and they both come from the South Side. They both experience rough up bringings and it shapes who they are. This story has to do with a five year age gap in relationship and how they deal with it and also the environment in which they live. The main reason I didn’t give this book five stars was that I personally do not like the fact that Brooke was a social worker who is 23 and started feeling sexually attracted to her 17 year old client but didn’t dismiss herself sooner from his case. I understand it’s just a book and fiction but still it made it a little hard for me to read. I love everything else in this book but that scenario/situation wasn’t one I liked even in a fiction book. It’s just one that’s being seen too often in teachers and social workers in real life. The story is great other than that.
Profile Image for Natasha Carrere.
259 reviews14 followers
February 25, 2018
Very well written book! I am having mixed feelings about the content of the book though. And because of this is why I can’t rate it higher than a 4 and that’s generous. Jennifer Ann is a new author to me so I’m not sure what her other books are like but I found an issue with Liam not being 18 when him and Brooke first got together and also that she was his Social Worker to begin with. I found I couldn’t get pass that to really love the entire book.

On that note ... if you took away the two things I was having an issue with I enjoyed the storyline after those points were dealt with. There is quite a bit going on that leaves you turning the pages to find out what happens next. The love and dedication that Brooke has for Liam shows that love has no bounds.

This ended on a cliffhanger and I’d like to be able to read the next one that comes out to see what happens.
Profile Image for Micki Fredricks.
Author 7 books218 followers
March 6, 2018
This book hooked me from page one!

Jennifer Ann's writing style flows so easily you'll find yourself lost in the world she created and wanting more! Brooke and Liam's love story jumps from the pages and grips your heart. Such a great book and the perfect start to what I'm sure will be another amazing series by this author!
Profile Image for Kathi.
242 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2018
This book was pretty good, I kept turning page after page to see what was going to happen.
Profile Image for Claire M.
188 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2018
Love can happen anywhere

After growing up in The South Side Brooke gets out, gets her degree in social work so she can go back and help others like her.
Liam is literally days away from his 18th birthday when his father decides to beat the crap out of him again. When Liam stands upto him it leads to events that mean Liam is now under the care of the social work.
There is an instant attraction when the meet but can they get over the age gap between them?
This is an emotional read at times but stays true to the series title. I really like the fact that you're not waiting on some rich person to come in and solve all the problems it's just normal people figuring it out for themselves.
Profile Image for HG7.
524 reviews
June 4, 2018
This story had some heart wrenching moments as the characters try to rise above the desperate and often treacherous lives they must live growing up in the worst of neighborhoods with pathetic excuses for parents. They are good kids with rough exteriors, hardened by their circumstances. The situation gets awkward when the a social worker crosses the line with a kid she is assigned to protect. He was days away from 18, and she was only a few years older... But still, a kinda weird plotline for a couple. They did have chemistry, but it was just not the right kind of "forbidden" love you want to route for, is it? Besides all that, the characters were well developed and you felt their desperate need to do and be better while protecting each other from all the awful shit around them. It gets hairy when one friend is framed and the other refuses to see the truth.

Not sure why this book got wrapped in the rock genre, cause although there is some music involved, it was not the central theme.
Profile Image for Polly Barreto.
768 reviews11 followers
March 6, 2018
Boy can Jennifer Ann write a story!

This is a great taboo story about Brooke Emerson, a 23 year old social worker and Liam Rooker, a 17 year old with a ton of problems and the chemistry that sparks when she is assigned to his case.

Liam and Brooke both come from the South Side. Brooke has climbed her way out and is determined to help others do the same. Liam is still fighting his was though his abusive home life and the streets, doing what he needs to do to survive another day.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat with all ofthe happenings of the South Side and the notorious King Marty lurking around.

This book does end on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the next book that comes out to see how this series continues!
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews38 followers
December 17, 2018
I really wanted to love this book I had read and heard such great things about it but for me it just fell flat. The taboo subject stayed on my mind and I really wanted a reason to accept it. I mean guys get away with shagging an 18 year old and they are usually way older that 23 when they do it. After working with foster kids I get it, well more like understand it. The relationship wasn't the only thing. This author had a great idea, the blurb draws you in, but unfortunately the execution didn't quite do it for me. There is a lot of stuff going on and it's good stuff but then it changes to explaining and justifying and then it's off again leaving you too many places to drift off. It's not a bad story it just didn't work for me as well as it did for others.
Profile Image for Lori R..
1,411 reviews71 followers
March 6, 2018
Wowzers! What a start for this series! I cannot wait for more.

This well-written story has everything I love in a good novella. Suspenseful, nail-biting moments kept me turning those pages and the sexy times had me fanning myself. A lot.

A bit taboo, but damn... so good. The chemistry between Brooke & Liam was seriously smokin’ hot! He was quite the alpha and she was a badass heroine who can handle her own.

If you need a quick, suspenseful, and sexy read that’s full of action, I recommend this one!
Profile Image for Amy.
625 reviews
July 18, 2018
I didn't feel into it at all after the first chapter and put it down for a few weeks. But when I picked it back up all of a sudden I couldn't put it down; I flew thru to Chapter 9, where I got stuck again. I don't read other books until I finish one I stared so I came back to it a month later to finish it up. I liked the taboo relationship throughout the book, however the middle of the book on I felt like there was a lot of just explaining. Overall I liked this book, but not enough to be excited for more in the series.
Profile Image for Aubrey Parr.
Author 12 books73 followers
April 17, 2018
The "South Side" world that Jennifer Ann created sucked me in from the start! I was completely invested in all of the characters and their stories. The fact that this is a prequel to a new series makes it even better. I cannot wait to find out what happens next. I couldn't put it down. This is definitely the start to another great series by Jennifer Ann
Profile Image for Stephanie D. Parker.
322 reviews2 followers
March 26, 2019
Outrageously good!!!

This book is Outstanding!! I couldn't seem to put it down to get to bed at a descent time. You will end one chapter to just have to read the next and so on. Love the depth of the story and the characters were awesome! This is one not to miss and I will definitely read the next book.
1,164 reviews6 followers
May 9, 2021
Liam & Brooke

I absolutely loved the story of Liam and Brooke. Both grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and they have an age gap, Brooke being older. They meet after Brooke is assigned to Liam as his social worker. Things aren't exactly easy for them but they stick together even when things are crumbling around them.
Profile Image for Megan Asmus.
230 reviews8 followers
March 22, 2018
From the 1st page to the last this book has EVERYTHING!! The title says it all "Outrageously" amazing!!! This book didn't disappoint a bit!! Can't wait to read more of this series!!! The worst part is going to be the wait!!! I need more and need it NOW!!
Profile Image for Cara Schultz.
40 reviews
March 20, 2025
Short, steamy read perfect for spring break! I'm not normally a huge fan of "instalove" but the similarities of Brooke and Liam's backgrounds made it make sense. Would have loved a little more detail in the spicy scenes.

Will definitely be picking up book 2!
Profile Image for Melissa Ledet.
2,145 reviews13 followers
March 23, 2018
Hot

A great read. Love Brooke and Rook. Love all the twist and turns that keep you flipping the pages. Can't wait to re more on the other characters that appear in the book.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,506 reviews13 followers
August 7, 2018
Since I read everything Rock Star related, I want to warn my fellow genre junkies, this is very light to non existent on the Rock Star part. But what it did deliver was a very suspenseful, dark story about a 17 yr old juvie, his 23 yr old Social Worker and the ability of Jennifer Ann to make it work. The book covers five years, with most of it during year one - there is violence, despair, hot sex and hope, at least until the very end. Good thing Book 2 is out already so I will be diving in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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