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Atomic Love: A Heavy Metal Memoir
Dark. Terrifying. Compelling.
Los Angeles, 1986. Jenny Stone, a blossoming art student, is lured into the L.A. underground by a blue-haired, goth street artist with a purse full of drugs and a not-so-lucky rabbit’s foot. Lost, she lands at the feet of a charismatic rock star, Evan Reed. Not a Sunset glam rocker, Evan is the lead singer of rock n’ roll’s loudest, angriest band, embodying the dark side of the “The Strip.” Handsome, charming, and enthralled with the young artist, he wants her paintings—then he wants her.
A dangerous cocktail of narcissistic love bombing and manipulation keeps her in his orbit. His demons and need for control threaten every aspect of their lives together. There were warnings, one red flag after another. Yet, Jenny is pulled into money, fame, and excess. Will she survive or succumb to the violence that surrounds her? Atomic Love is Sharp Objects meets heavy metal memoir and will appeal to fans of Gone Girl and Caroline Kepnes's You .
Los Angeles, 1986. Jenny Stone, a blossoming art student, is lured into the L.A. underground by a blue-haired, goth street artist with a purse full of drugs and a not-so-lucky rabbit’s foot. Lost, she lands at the feet of a charismatic rock star, Evan Reed. Not a Sunset glam rocker, Evan is the lead singer of rock n’ roll’s loudest, angriest band, embodying the dark side of the “The Strip.” Handsome, charming, and enthralled with the young artist, he wants her paintings—then he wants her.
A dangerous cocktail of narcissistic love bombing and manipulation keeps her in his orbit. His demons and need for control threaten every aspect of their lives together. There were warnings, one red flag after another. Yet, Jenny is pulled into money, fame, and excess. Will she survive or succumb to the violence that surrounds her? Atomic Love is Sharp Objects meets heavy metal memoir and will appeal to fans of Gone Girl and Caroline Kepnes's You .
- GenresHorror
415 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2019
100 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 10, 2023
Am I traumatized? Yes. Was this book addicting ? Yes. Was it a great read? YES.
October 29, 2024
A visceral view into the lust-filled temptation and destruction of the 80s rock & roll lifestyle while simultaneously presenting the aching and explosive truths of an intensely abusive relationship. It’s an unrelenting look into the reality of how women were treated in the rock scene (and still are).
This is a book that weighs heavy and covers a lot of very difficult topics. As always, I heavily stress the importance of checking content warnings 🖤
That being said, Atomic Love is a book that delivers raw, gripping emotion and I could not put it down. It is beautiful and compelling in the most painful, tragic way. Jessie Rose writes in a way that captivates you and has you feeling everything alongside the main character; from the love to the betrayals to the fear.
This is a book that weighs heavy and covers a lot of very difficult topics. As always, I heavily stress the importance of checking content warnings 🖤
That being said, Atomic Love is a book that delivers raw, gripping emotion and I could not put it down. It is beautiful and compelling in the most painful, tragic way. Jessie Rose writes in a way that captivates you and has you feeling everything alongside the main character; from the love to the betrayals to the fear.
November 10, 2021
Raw and Heartbreaking
Atomic Love is a dark and raw look into domestic violence. It broke my heart and made me cry multiple times, but I loved every second of it. It felt real and represented some of the real biases and injustices that a woman in this situation might face. If you have no triggers and love a good, dark read, check this one out. If you do have triggers I suggest you read the content warnings before checking this out.
Atomic Love is a dark and raw look into domestic violence. It broke my heart and made me cry multiple times, but I loved every second of it. It felt real and represented some of the real biases and injustices that a woman in this situation might face. If you have no triggers and love a good, dark read, check this one out. If you do have triggers I suggest you read the content warnings before checking this out.
November 12, 2021
Beautiful in the most tragic way
I really loved this book, from start to finish. I didn’t want to put it down. It was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. As someone who has been through similar in more than one way, I found myself among the pages of ‘Atomic Love’. Raised in a home with an abusive father, then had kids with a man just like him. This is a must read. First time reading a book by Jessie Rose, but it won’t be the last.
I really loved this book, from start to finish. I didn’t want to put it down. It was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. As someone who has been through similar in more than one way, I found myself among the pages of ‘Atomic Love’. Raised in a home with an abusive father, then had kids with a man just like him. This is a must read. First time reading a book by Jessie Rose, but it won’t be the last.
November 8, 2021
I loved this book. Once I started, I didn’t put it down. One of those books that will stick with you for a long time. Jessie Grady knocked it outta the park, I can’t believe it’s her first novel! Gen Xers especially will lose themselves in this book. It’s heartbreaking, gut wrenching, frustrating, and will leave you longing for happy ending you know can’t possibly happen.
January 28, 2021
Brutal and Heartbreaking
This novel...it is 2am and I'm trying to catch my breath and put my heart back together. It's rough, gritty, and sadly it rings true. Amazing story!!!!!
This novel...it is 2am and I'm trying to catch my breath and put my heart back together. It's rough, gritty, and sadly it rings true. Amazing story!!!!!
June 25, 2025
This book was so good. One of my favorite reads of this year already. It was very toxic, but very good. It shows you what people can go through and still come out better on the other side it’s
February 13, 2020
At the beginning of this book, author Jessie Rose gives the reader a page of trigger warnings. If you consider that a spoiler, there is enough notice at the top of the page to allow you to proceed without foreknowledge of what you're getting yourself into. You should know, however, that this content warning means business. Inside this book, you're going to come across just about every objectionable thing you could imagine.
If there are certain themes and happenings you don't like to read about, there's a fair chance this book might not be for you, but if you like books in the Ketchum tradition that aren't afraid to go there, then I can't recommend this highly enough.
Atomic Love doesn't fit traditionally into the horror genre, but I recently heard an episode of This is Horror where Bob Pastorella posited that horror fiction is less about what scares you and more about what scares the characters. With this sentiment in mind, the story at hand is positively terrifying.
Our main character is Jenny Stone, an artist who manages to catch the eye of the biggest rock star of the 1980's. What follows is a detailed description of approximately ten years of their relationship. Reed, the rockstar in question, is a bad dude. The author pulls from what is unquestionably a vast knowledge of 1980's figures and their legendary exploits to craft an amalgamation that embodies the decade and genre, but goes a step further. Maybe a few steps.
As a reader, it would be very easy to chalk many of the things that happened throughout the story up to exaggeration and an extreme view of potential true life events. What got under my skin the most, is the extreme plausibility of everything that happens here. Reed is a sociopath, no question, but he's also a prime example of the way things can go when someone is unchecked because of celebrity, and when society at large does not respect women or take them seriously.
Jenny is by no means a perfect character, but just like the recent True Crime, by Samantha Kolesnik, we see a character make choices that we wouldn't condone or understand, and have to simply realize that we may not be able to comprehend what they've been through.
The results of these deep character studies left me broken and feeling all the feels a number of times. Seriously, I can't even count how many different parts of this 409 page book hurt to get through. Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but I can't pinpoint another book that went 400 pages and managed to hit me so hard the entire time.
At the risk of repeating myself, if you think you can take the heat, this book needs to find its way into your kitchen. Just don't say I didn't warn you.
I received a copy of this book from the author for review consideration.
If there are certain themes and happenings you don't like to read about, there's a fair chance this book might not be for you, but if you like books in the Ketchum tradition that aren't afraid to go there, then I can't recommend this highly enough.
Atomic Love doesn't fit traditionally into the horror genre, but I recently heard an episode of This is Horror where Bob Pastorella posited that horror fiction is less about what scares you and more about what scares the characters. With this sentiment in mind, the story at hand is positively terrifying.
Our main character is Jenny Stone, an artist who manages to catch the eye of the biggest rock star of the 1980's. What follows is a detailed description of approximately ten years of their relationship. Reed, the rockstar in question, is a bad dude. The author pulls from what is unquestionably a vast knowledge of 1980's figures and their legendary exploits to craft an amalgamation that embodies the decade and genre, but goes a step further. Maybe a few steps.
As a reader, it would be very easy to chalk many of the things that happened throughout the story up to exaggeration and an extreme view of potential true life events. What got under my skin the most, is the extreme plausibility of everything that happens here. Reed is a sociopath, no question, but he's also a prime example of the way things can go when someone is unchecked because of celebrity, and when society at large does not respect women or take them seriously.
Jenny is by no means a perfect character, but just like the recent True Crime, by Samantha Kolesnik, we see a character make choices that we wouldn't condone or understand, and have to simply realize that we may not be able to comprehend what they've been through.
The results of these deep character studies left me broken and feeling all the feels a number of times. Seriously, I can't even count how many different parts of this 409 page book hurt to get through. Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but I can't pinpoint another book that went 400 pages and managed to hit me so hard the entire time.
At the risk of repeating myself, if you think you can take the heat, this book needs to find its way into your kitchen. Just don't say I didn't warn you.
I received a copy of this book from the author for review consideration.
August 15, 2023
Holy Shit! I am definitely still processing this book and will be for a while.
I have so many thoughts and feelings about this book.
This story is addictive, heartbreaking and absolutely BRUTAL!
Jenny is an unknown artist who moves to LA in the mid-1980s and secretly starts dating Reed, a popular heavy metal rock star. At first, Jenny is captivated by Reed having him all to herself without the hassles of his rock star persona making trouble. Soon their relationship is discovered, and Jenny is thrown into the limelight with all the fame, money, lavish lifestyle, and abuse. The story of Jenny and Reed is a story of severe mental and physical abuse that goes on for years.
I felt so many emotions while reading this book. After each heartbreaking chapter, I thought this must be the lowest point in the story but there was always something worse coming. I was extremely pissed off at so many people because there were numerous people covering up the abuse from the band promoters and managers to the psychologists and judges.
The author did a fantastic job highlighting the cycle of abuse and how the system protects the abuser instead of the victims. I also grew up in this era and while it was great to read the name drops of some bands, it also made me think back about some of the stories and rumors that would go around and wonder how much abuse was covered up…and still it.
I highly recommend this book, but it might be a trigger for some people because of the mental and physical abuse, drug use, rape, and death of children.
I have so many thoughts and feelings about this book.
This story is addictive, heartbreaking and absolutely BRUTAL!
Jenny is an unknown artist who moves to LA in the mid-1980s and secretly starts dating Reed, a popular heavy metal rock star. At first, Jenny is captivated by Reed having him all to herself without the hassles of his rock star persona making trouble. Soon their relationship is discovered, and Jenny is thrown into the limelight with all the fame, money, lavish lifestyle, and abuse. The story of Jenny and Reed is a story of severe mental and physical abuse that goes on for years.
I felt so many emotions while reading this book. After each heartbreaking chapter, I thought this must be the lowest point in the story but there was always something worse coming. I was extremely pissed off at so many people because there were numerous people covering up the abuse from the band promoters and managers to the psychologists and judges.
The author did a fantastic job highlighting the cycle of abuse and how the system protects the abuser instead of the victims. I also grew up in this era and while it was great to read the name drops of some bands, it also made me think back about some of the stories and rumors that would go around and wonder how much abuse was covered up…and still it.
I highly recommend this book, but it might be a trigger for some people because of the mental and physical abuse, drug use, rape, and death of children.
June 8, 2023
the ugly of the rock star life
This was a hard read. The abuse this character goes through is horrific. I was wondering why I continued.
In the author notes it states that this author loves music and lists bands she listens to. She also says she read the books that I have read. The musicians bios, ex wife and groupie tell alls. She was right on the money when she said most of these books were in the men’s narrative. This book tells the ugly side of rock musicians. I’m not sure that most musicians were like this character but I’m sure the women never came out on top. She notes specifically the book The Dirt and how women were treated, it was bragged about and Netflix made a movie!
This was a hard read. The abuse this character goes through is horrific. I was wondering why I continued.
In the author notes it states that this author loves music and lists bands she listens to. She also says she read the books that I have read. The musicians bios, ex wife and groupie tell alls. She was right on the money when she said most of these books were in the men’s narrative. This book tells the ugly side of rock musicians. I’m not sure that most musicians were like this character but I’m sure the women never came out on top. She notes specifically the book The Dirt and how women were treated, it was bragged about and Netflix made a movie!
February 13, 2021
A FASCINATING BOOK!
Wow! This book is quite a ride. Visceral and graphic, a book that starts as love story, turning to a dark one that deals with mental health, obsession, and domestic violence, it begs the question, do we give or have we given our favorite Rock Stars a pass because of our love for them?
Wow! This book is quite a ride. Visceral and graphic, a book that starts as love story, turning to a dark one that deals with mental health, obsession, and domestic violence, it begs the question, do we give or have we given our favorite Rock Stars a pass because of our love for them?
March 19, 2024
My sister had read this book 2x and listen to it once so of course I had to add it my TBR. The first thing I noticed about this book, was the little number of reviews. I was hesitant to start it as I knew it had all the triggers so tread carefully. I have never read a book so dark, so scary, so riveting. So much that I had to put it down for almost a month before finishing it. The words in the title kept me going: memoir!
A story about a heavy metal rock legend in the 80’s and his love for Jenny, drugs, alcohol, groupies, and all the gas lighting!
This book needs more reads and more reviews!
A story about a heavy metal rock legend in the 80’s and his love for Jenny, drugs, alcohol, groupies, and all the gas lighting!
This book needs more reads and more reviews!
January 22, 2025
This book was like a car crash you couldn't look away from. A lot of triggers, but a very good story. I couldn't put this book down. This is not a love story, this book is toxic, and I loved every second of it.
December 9, 2025
I got this book at a local book fair, and the author warned me it was emotionally damaging. She was not wrong. This book was a rollercoaster.
November 7, 2021
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞...𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭, 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐳𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠����𝐨𝐝, 𝐛𝐚𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭--𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. 𝐈𝐟 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞, 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯���� 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭.
If you loved the 80s music scene, this book is for you. If you love reading those "bad boy" memoirs from Nikki Sixx, Sebastian Bach, Billy Idol, and other musicians who dominated that time period, this book is for you. If you read memoirs from the women who loved those men, such as Bobbie Brown, Jenna Jameson, or Roxana Shirazi, this book is for you. If you have ever been physically, mentally, or emotionally harmed by a man, this is absolutely the book for you. Expect the standard trigger warnings along with rape, suicidal ideation, abortion, drug abuse, and gaslighting. I am a survivor of domestic abuse, and if you are as well and fear the content, I can tell you that reading Jenny's story was part of the healing that I still undergo each day.
I was completely enamored with the music scene when I was a teenager. I had a good idea of what went on backstage, and the anthem from that time period could have very well been "Nothin' But a Good Time" by Poison. There was no #MeToo movement; it was just living in the moment with the volume turned all the way up.
It wasn't until I was much older that I began to give some thought to how women were treated by the music industry. All of the music videos featured them dressed in next to nothing, and I remember reading the National Enquirer article about the explosive fight Tommy Lee and Heather Locklear had on their honeymoon. When THE DIRT by Motley Crue came out, I eagerly tore into it only to be disappointed and disgusted by my teenage idols for their deplorable treatment of women.
It's 1986 in Los Angeles, California, and Jenny is a promising art student with unlimited potential until her path crosses with Evan Reed's, a charismatic rock god of the Sunset Strip. Jenny is soon sucked up in whirlwind of drugs and fast living while Evan spirals out of control. Like most real accounts of domestic abuse, the transgressions begin slowly, always followed by tears, flowers, and apologies.
In her notes at the end of the book, the author states that ATOMIC LOVE is "both a tribute to the music I love and acknowledgement that sometimes the things we love are toxic. In the #MeToo era, I think it's time to stop glossing over these stories--even in fiction--and question why we've been so slow to hold our music heroes accountable. But more importantly, how do we get it to stop?"
I am so glad I "met" the author in a Facebook group we're both in as I had not heard of her book before. ATOMIC LOVE is available for free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. Highly recommended!
If you loved the 80s music scene, this book is for you. If you love reading those "bad boy" memoirs from Nikki Sixx, Sebastian Bach, Billy Idol, and other musicians who dominated that time period, this book is for you. If you read memoirs from the women who loved those men, such as Bobbie Brown, Jenna Jameson, or Roxana Shirazi, this book is for you. If you have ever been physically, mentally, or emotionally harmed by a man, this is absolutely the book for you. Expect the standard trigger warnings along with rape, suicidal ideation, abortion, drug abuse, and gaslighting. I am a survivor of domestic abuse, and if you are as well and fear the content, I can tell you that reading Jenny's story was part of the healing that I still undergo each day.
I was completely enamored with the music scene when I was a teenager. I had a good idea of what went on backstage, and the anthem from that time period could have very well been "Nothin' But a Good Time" by Poison. There was no #MeToo movement; it was just living in the moment with the volume turned all the way up.
It wasn't until I was much older that I began to give some thought to how women were treated by the music industry. All of the music videos featured them dressed in next to nothing, and I remember reading the National Enquirer article about the explosive fight Tommy Lee and Heather Locklear had on their honeymoon. When THE DIRT by Motley Crue came out, I eagerly tore into it only to be disappointed and disgusted by my teenage idols for their deplorable treatment of women.
It's 1986 in Los Angeles, California, and Jenny is a promising art student with unlimited potential until her path crosses with Evan Reed's, a charismatic rock god of the Sunset Strip. Jenny is soon sucked up in whirlwind of drugs and fast living while Evan spirals out of control. Like most real accounts of domestic abuse, the transgressions begin slowly, always followed by tears, flowers, and apologies.
In her notes at the end of the book, the author states that ATOMIC LOVE is "both a tribute to the music I love and acknowledgement that sometimes the things we love are toxic. In the #MeToo era, I think it's time to stop glossing over these stories--even in fiction--and question why we've been so slow to hold our music heroes accountable. But more importantly, how do we get it to stop?"
I am so glad I "met" the author in a Facebook group we're both in as I had not heard of her book before. ATOMIC LOVE is available for free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. Highly recommended!
March 23, 2024
This book is addicting, propulsive, traumatizing and heartbreaking.
Jenny is a young, promising artist when she meets Reed, frontman for a heavy metal band. It's the 80s, and we are swept into the rock star lifestyle - drugs, sex, money. Little red flags start to pop up for us readers (because we know what is going to happen), but Jenny falls in love with Reed and into an incredibly abusive relationship.
I didn't know a book could hit so many lows and keep going. Rose captures the cycle of abuse, and we feel all the feels, even for the flawed characters. This book is well-written and will stay with me for a very long time.
Believe the 5 star reviews on this one.
Jenny is a young, promising artist when she meets Reed, frontman for a heavy metal band. It's the 80s, and we are swept into the rock star lifestyle - drugs, sex, money. Little red flags start to pop up for us readers (because we know what is going to happen), but Jenny falls in love with Reed and into an incredibly abusive relationship.
I didn't know a book could hit so many lows and keep going. Rose captures the cycle of abuse, and we feel all the feels, even for the flawed characters. This book is well-written and will stay with me for a very long time.
Believe the 5 star reviews on this one.
March 12, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! Some parts were very graphic, so if you're sensitive to certain things like spousal abuse, having a miscarriage or losing a child, you might not want to read it. This is one of my favorite books I've ever read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2021
Amazing and brutal. Jenny is a character many people can identify with and parts of this book will rip your heart out. I highly recommend this book!
December 24, 2023
This book was traumatizing yet incredible.
February 27, 2025
"No second chances. Get out. Get help. Don't wait until it's too late. You're worth so much more than what you realize. And things that seem too good to be true---- always are."
R A T I N G: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
TW/CW::
- Mental Health Struggles
- Dissociation
- PTSD
- Trauma
- Extreme Violence
- Rape/Sexual Assault
- Miscarriage
- Suicidal Ideation/Attempt
- HEAVY drug use + FORCED drug use
- Abuse: Verbal, Financial, Emotional, Physical, Sexual, Psychological
- Death of Child(ren)
- Murder/Attempted Murder
This was my first Jessie Rose book and I am still trying to emotionally recover.
Honestly, I'm not even sure how I came to find this book. I think it popped up as a sponsored ad in my FB newsfeed for Amazon and I completely Usain Bolt'd straight to Amazon and bought it.
I don't regret my decision in the slightest.
I am a book annotator, even when I read on Kindle, and when I tell you my copy looks like a fucking coloring book and is chocked full of notes, commentary and the like, I am not kidding.
I could not stop highlighting, notating, crying, screaming and the like.
This book was/is raw and visceral; dark and disturbing; emotionally heartbreaking; just brutal on your soul.
This is NOT a love story.
Was love involved at one point in time? Maybe, but Atomic Love does an amazing job of diving in, head first, to show that love is not always enough.
You can't love someone into healing.
You can't love someone into seeking treatment + therapy.
You can't love someone into treating you right.
You can't love someone enough into not being abusive.
Sometimes love isn't enough and toxic is toxic.
A lot of times we hear stories of domestic violence and we go, "why didn't she just leave?" or "that could NEVER happen to me!", but the thing is it could happen to you.
It could happen to me.
It could happen to anyone.
And getting out isn't so cut and dry or black and white.
It isn't as easy as we think it is to just pack a bag and walk out the door to leave; and the abuse doesn't stop just because the relationship ended and someone left.
This book did an amazing job of showing that.
Like Jenny + her therapist said in the book (and I'm going to direct quote and intermingle/paraphrase different parts together here):
This book does end in a HEA, but not before walking through literal hell to the point of almost death.
It will be a book at sits with my soul until I leave this world and it easily one of my top favorite books I've ever read.
I 17364758790858878% / 10 recommend it, but I don't recommend it lightly. Be mindful of the TW/CW as your mental health matters!
R A T I N G: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
TW/CW::
- Mental Health Struggles
- Dissociation
- PTSD
- Trauma
- Extreme Violence
- Rape/Sexual Assault
- Miscarriage
- Suicidal Ideation/Attempt
- HEAVY drug use + FORCED drug use
- Abuse: Verbal, Financial, Emotional, Physical, Sexual, Psychological
- Death of Child(ren)
- Murder/Attempted Murder
This was my first Jessie Rose book and I am still trying to emotionally recover.
Honestly, I'm not even sure how I came to find this book. I think it popped up as a sponsored ad in my FB newsfeed for Amazon and I completely Usain Bolt'd straight to Amazon and bought it.
I don't regret my decision in the slightest.
I am a book annotator, even when I read on Kindle, and when I tell you my copy looks like a fucking coloring book and is chocked full of notes, commentary and the like, I am not kidding.
I could not stop highlighting, notating, crying, screaming and the like.
This book was/is raw and visceral; dark and disturbing; emotionally heartbreaking; just brutal on your soul.
This is NOT a love story.
Was love involved at one point in time? Maybe, but Atomic Love does an amazing job of diving in, head first, to show that love is not always enough.
You can't love someone into healing.
You can't love someone into seeking treatment + therapy.
You can't love someone into treating you right.
You can't love someone enough into not being abusive.
Sometimes love isn't enough and toxic is toxic.
A lot of times we hear stories of domestic violence and we go, "why didn't she just leave?" or "that could NEVER happen to me!", but the thing is it could happen to you.
It could happen to me.
It could happen to anyone.
And getting out isn't so cut and dry or black and white.
It isn't as easy as we think it is to just pack a bag and walk out the door to leave; and the abuse doesn't stop just because the relationship ended and someone left.
This book did an amazing job of showing that.
Like Jenny + her therapist said in the book (and I'm going to direct quote and intermingle/paraphrase different parts together here):
"You get sucked into it. You get trapped. You need money to stay in, you need money to get out.... Abusers isolate you. That's what they do. You know better but you fall for it time and time again. You're manipulated to the point you're not yourself anymore. Your thoughts aren't yours, the criticism, the voice in your head ---- it's not you anymore; it's the abuser. When you've suffered abuse for so long, the attention, intense sex and emotions, are like drugs. You think you will never fall for it again, then you relapse. Abuse victims experience something called abuse amnesia--- he's been so violent that the moment he shows you a sliver of kindness, it's like the storm clouds have parted. Your brain absorbs this fake sunshine and you forget how bad it was. You're not crazy. You're not stupid, selfish, or unworthy of love. But you have to cut him out of your life. Before it's too late."
This book does end in a HEA, but not before walking through literal hell to the point of almost death.
It will be a book at sits with my soul until I leave this world and it easily one of my top favorite books I've ever read.
I 17364758790858878% / 10 recommend it, but I don't recommend it lightly. Be mindful of the TW/CW as your mental health matters!
June 6, 2024
4/5 I had the privilege of meeting Jessie Rose at a local book fair. I saw a few other people carrying copies of Atomic Love and the dayglow neon pink skull immediately caught my attention. My wife and I spoke with Jessie for a few moments and I decided I’d like to give Atomic Love a shot. I’m glad I did.
Atomic Love is a horror novel because it is filled with horror and atrocity but it’s definitely hard to define for me as one particular genre. Part thriller and part coming of age tale Atomic Love feels like a horrible amalgamation of A Child Called It and a Nicholas Sparks novel. A faux memoir of an abused wife of a psychopath rockstar. Its atrocities feel all too real. Particularly with its lead Jennifer. She makes terrible decisions at every turn and makes you want to scream. Sadly it seems nowadays like everyone knows an abuse victim whom people feel constantly made the wrong decisions and kept themselves in situations they should have long escaped from. It’s easy to think this of Jennifer too not knowing the psychology of it all.
Not a fun novel but a gripping one if you can stomach the trauma. Not overly graphic in its descriptive violence but very easy to imagine and empathize.
I look forward to checking out more of Jessie Rose’s work in the future.
Atomic Love is a horror novel because it is filled with horror and atrocity but it’s definitely hard to define for me as one particular genre. Part thriller and part coming of age tale Atomic Love feels like a horrible amalgamation of A Child Called It and a Nicholas Sparks novel. A faux memoir of an abused wife of a psychopath rockstar. Its atrocities feel all too real. Particularly with its lead Jennifer. She makes terrible decisions at every turn and makes you want to scream. Sadly it seems nowadays like everyone knows an abuse victim whom people feel constantly made the wrong decisions and kept themselves in situations they should have long escaped from. It’s easy to think this of Jennifer too not knowing the psychology of it all.
Not a fun novel but a gripping one if you can stomach the trauma. Not overly graphic in its descriptive violence but very easy to imagine and empathize.
I look forward to checking out more of Jessie Rose’s work in the future.
February 26, 2023
I was given the chance to listen to this book through the Books of Horror Facebook group. So, I was expecting it to be Horror. However, as I listened, I kept thinking, "This isn't horror". Then, once I had finished the book, I realized that it was a lot like a true crime book and those are definitely horrific!
This is a well-written and deeply disturbing book about a young woman who becomes involved with a famous rock star. But, instead of the fairytale life Jenny thought she would have, she finds herself in a years long nightmare. Both of the characters are deeply flawed (and not very likeable most of the time), but the story drew me in like a bad wreck on the highway. You know you aren't going to like what you see, but you can't look away.
If you have triggers, please pay attention to the author's warnings a the beginning of the book. I found myself having to take a break at times because the book was so intense. And, it is also full of fairly descriptive bedroom activities as well, so be warned.
All in all, even though it wasn't what I was expecting, it was a great book and I'm glad that I read it. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.
This is a well-written and deeply disturbing book about a young woman who becomes involved with a famous rock star. But, instead of the fairytale life Jenny thought she would have, she finds herself in a years long nightmare. Both of the characters are deeply flawed (and not very likeable most of the time), but the story drew me in like a bad wreck on the highway. You know you aren't going to like what you see, but you can't look away.
If you have triggers, please pay attention to the author's warnings a the beginning of the book. I found myself having to take a break at times because the book was so intense. And, it is also full of fairly descriptive bedroom activities as well, so be warned.
All in all, even though it wasn't what I was expecting, it was a great book and I'm glad that I read it. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.
January 30, 2025
*Contains spoilers *
It's been DAYS since I finished this book, and no matter what I do, I can't get it out of my head. This is not an easy read due to its extreme graphic content, but I didn't want to stop reading it. I hung on every word. I loved the way the aurhor made me question whether this was a REAL story or not. It rivals Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones and the Six IMO.
Though the entire book is amazing, again, IMO the most memorable part for me that stood out was the photo/art exhibit. The way the interviewer described going into the FMC art studio was a 360 degree nightmare. When everyone started showing up, and all the guests were speechless, I finally believed NOW they seen up close his battle scars. They finally saw, HER.
The part where she took her diamond ring, %$00k in cash and jewels and drove to good ol Mexico to get wasted on his dime. I know it's fictional, but this book is heavy. If you or anyone you know is in an abusive situation, GET HELP. DO NOT WAIT.
It's been DAYS since I finished this book, and no matter what I do, I can't get it out of my head. This is not an easy read due to its extreme graphic content, but I didn't want to stop reading it. I hung on every word. I loved the way the aurhor made me question whether this was a REAL story or not. It rivals Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones and the Six IMO.
Though the entire book is amazing, again, IMO the most memorable part for me that stood out was the photo/art exhibit. The way the interviewer described going into the FMC art studio was a 360 degree nightmare. When everyone started showing up, and all the guests were speechless, I finally believed NOW they seen up close his battle scars. They finally saw, HER.
The part where she took her diamond ring, %$00k in cash and jewels and drove to good ol Mexico to get wasted on his dime. I know it's fictional, but this book is heavy. If you or anyone you know is in an abusive situation, GET HELP. DO NOT WAIT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2021
This was brutal. 😞
"With violence and abuse, there’s no second chance. I had cared more about saving him than taking care of myself."
" It’s hard to explain, when someone manipulates you to the point that you’re not yourself anymore."
I'm almost worried that portions of this book would be considered "torture porn". The main character suffers an incredible amount of pain. Repeatedly. Toxic scenarios. That being said, I couldn't put this book down. The story itself grabbed me and held on tight.
I would advise you to pay much attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. I'm very fortunate to have never been in a physically abusive situation, but parts of this book definitely triggered my past experiences of being a victim of emotional and verbal abuse.
Having said alllllll that... I still strongly rate this one a four, very heavy stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"With violence and abuse, there’s no second chance. I had cared more about saving him than taking care of myself."
" It’s hard to explain, when someone manipulates you to the point that you’re not yourself anymore."
I'm almost worried that portions of this book would be considered "torture porn". The main character suffers an incredible amount of pain. Repeatedly. Toxic scenarios. That being said, I couldn't put this book down. The story itself grabbed me and held on tight.
I would advise you to pay much attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. I'm very fortunate to have never been in a physically abusive situation, but parts of this book definitely triggered my past experiences of being a victim of emotional and verbal abuse.
Having said alllllll that... I still strongly rate this one a four, very heavy stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 21, 2024
Eye-Opening Exploration of Love and Obsession
This book takes readers on a difficult journey through love, mental health, obsession, and domestic violence. The author effectively captures the complexities and hardships of unhealthy relationships. The well-developed characters' struggles and pain are made clear and relatable. Atomic Love courageously portrays the mental effects of abuse, inspiring discussions about power dynamics and control.
This book takes readers on a difficult journey through love, mental health, obsession, and domestic violence. The author effectively captures the complexities and hardships of unhealthy relationships. The well-developed characters' struggles and pain are made clear and relatable. Atomic Love courageously portrays the mental effects of abuse, inspiring discussions about power dynamics and control.
August 17, 2024
Man this was a WILD ride! I didn’t really know what to expect going into this book but it definitely delivered. It was dark and twisted and, well, super rock & roll in the best and worst ways.
Do tread lightly if you pick this up. There is a note at the beginning for content warnings but know this is a HEAVY book.
Do tread lightly if you pick this up. There is a note at the beginning for content warnings but know this is a HEAVY book.
February 7, 2025
OMG! What did I just read! This book is so traumatising and addictive at the same time. I wanted to stop reading but found that I couldn’t as I wanted to know how Jenny’s tragedy finished. So many triggers warnings in this book the author has even listed them at the beginning.
Would I recommend it, definitely, just bear in mind the trigger warnings. Will defo look out other books by this author.
Would I recommend it, definitely, just bear in mind the trigger warnings. Will defo look out other books by this author.
September 13, 2024
Such a roller coaster of emotions. When you think you have been through the worst the author smacks you with more. So real and raw and scary that so many women go through situations so similar to Jenni’s. This is a MUST READ!!
January 25, 2025
whew!! Now this was a read
Whew. This book was really good. I took my sweet ole time with this one . Man that msn was crazy. I can't understand why she put up with that. The hotel scene had my heart hurting
Whew. This book was really good. I took my sweet ole time with this one . Man that msn was crazy. I can't understand why she put up with that. The hotel scene had my heart hurting
February 23, 2025
wow!
Well written and heartbreaking. Reed and Jenny were always toxic. Everytime Jenny tried to walk away, Reed pulled her in. I found it very sad and believable because domestic violence is real and occurs in too many lives. Reed was an absolute monster.
Well written and heartbreaking. Reed and Jenny were always toxic. Everytime Jenny tried to walk away, Reed pulled her in. I found it very sad and believable because domestic violence is real and occurs in too many lives. Reed was an absolute monster.
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