Reverb

Trojan #2

by S.M. West

From foster care to true love—then I lost her.
I never expected a second chance with her…not in this lifetime.


They think I have it all: bad boy rock star, rags to riches success story, darling of the tabloids.


But the truth is, I died at eighteen.
Lost the only thing I ever wanted.
Her.


Now I’m at rock bottom, even music isn’t enough…
Until, out of nowhere, she shows up.
A crash cart to my near-still heart.


And like me, Eva only wants one thing—for us to be together.


But even as our hearts beat strong and steady with the hope of our future, some second chances arrive too late.


From USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author S.M. West comes an angsty, forbidden romance. Awarded NYC Big Book Award 2023 Distinguished Favorite in Romance.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary, Music, Friends To Lovers, Audiobook

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2020

About the author

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author, S.M. West, writes sexy, angsty stories about brave hearts and wild love, including, more times than not, heart-pumping twists and turns.

Apart from her infinite love of books, she’s a self-professed wine, chocolate, and travel junkie. When not writing or hanging with her family, she’s usually talking to her characters (in her head) or planning her next adventure!

She currently lives near Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two smart and sassy daughters.

Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
Griffin - Best Thriller
Smash - Best Romance

Global eBook Awards
Griffin - Gold, Romantic Suspense
Scoring the Player - Silver, Romance

Global Book Award
Griffin - Silver, Romantic Suspense

NYC Big Book Award
Reverb - Distinguished Favorite, Romance

Finalist National Indie Excellence Awards
Griffin


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Reviews

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

All-consuming Heartbreak Finds Its Way Back

4.5 stars - When I started this, I had zero clues about the book. I frequently fly blind, so that's nothing new, but I did not expect what I listened to. The story that Suzanne wove is lined with lies, betrayal, heartbreak, devastation, love, forgiveness, understanding, and so much more. Let's get into it.

Oh, how my heart breaks for these two. 💔💔 Eva and Jared were torn apart at a point in their young lives where the loss of first love like it occurred was all-consuming. Teenage angst led to blackened, broken adult hearts.

When the truth comes to light? Yeah, things turn upside down for those who lied and kept silent about the truth, while Jared and Eva do everything they can to make up for lost time. It's hot and sweet but there's more to it. It's not all rainbows and unicorns as they face some of the harsh realities of what they went through and how they coped in the years they were apart but it is a beautiful story at the end. I loved how they were open and honest about the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all. They didn't sit around braiding each others hair and spill all of the details immediately. They had to work up the courage for some subjects but they did face them. While not perfect, the ending is as it should have been.

I didn't read book 1 of this series and I think that's fine. There are crossover characters, and likely some of the events, but I didn't feel lost. This book stands on its own.

💖💔💥💛 💖💔💥💛 💖💔💥💛 💖💔💥💛 💖💔💥💛

Now, the narrators, Jacob Morgan and Carmen Vine, were great to listen to. I enjoyed what they brought to the characters as they blew life into them.

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars

[S.M. West]

Grab your copy:

Amazon ➜ https://geni.us/reverbSMW
Apple ➜ https://apple.co/33pvSEP
Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/ReverbBN
Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/reverbkobo

[Red Hot Romance Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review *

She’s my soul. She’s my song. I’ll never walk away from her.

This was the first time I have read S.M. West. This was book two in the Trojan Series and while it was not necessary to read book one, I wish I had read that book first so I could see the relationship between Silas and Jared. I also think we have gotten to see a little bit more of Jared at his lowest.

First, what Eva’s family did to them was horrible. I know her dad did not like him, but he took it to another level. It annoyed me that she let them control her. Even when she was “fighting back” she was so calm about it and just went with them because it was easier. I wanted to smack her. Do not even get me started with her sister. She was the worst out of all of them. To go along with it and then what happened with Jared, that was the ultimate betrayal.

One thing I found strange was that Jared was famous and would come to her city to play concerts and yet she never heard of the band. I understand she tried to stay away from music but it seemed far-fetched that he could be in this internationally successful band, all over the media and she never once saw his picture. Just proved how oblivious she was.

I truly felt for Jared and Eva. I could not imagine being in love with someone and losing them before they even had a chance to live their lives together. I could not imagine how it felt for both of them after all those years. They both carried unimaginable guilt. The moment they first saw each other had me emotional.

S.M. West did a great job with this book. Minus one thing that seemed unreal to me it was a great story and kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt so many emotions from start to finish. After everything they had gone through, I was thrilled to see them get the HEA they deserved.

[Sarah Gulyas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was amazing! This was one of the most emotional books I've read this year. I'm more of rom-com girl, I don't do sappy emotions. This book gutted me.

Jared and Eva have been through so much, together and apart. I can't imagine how hard it was for them.

Absolutely amazing!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this series and is Jared and Eva’s story. These two were neighbours and as teenagers were in love, until one fateful night changes everything. Now 13-years later they meet up again, which results in everyone around them conspiring against them. This is a beautifully written tale which is an emotional roller coaster, and filled with angst, secrets, twists, betrayal, anger, and is a poignant 2nd chance love story. I was hooked throughout this riveting and addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author, whose work I recommend for all.

[Theresa Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story. It starts in the past and jumps to the present. This is a love story that begins with the characters as teenagers and jumps to 13 years later. It is touching and heart strings are pulled and you wonder how these two can possibly make it together. I received an advanced copy from booksprout and I'm giving my honest and voluntary review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Trojan Series and it is Jared and Eva's story and omg what a story it is, Jared and Eva have a lot of history and now they meet again after many years. There are twists and turns along with secrets, betrayal, hope, love, anger and a second chance. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the first page and you have to keep reading to see what would happen next and you are not disappointed. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I can't wait to read more as it was so well written and definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Reverb was a heartbreaking and breathtaking tale of two people that are destined for each other. Jared and Eva meet when they are in high school and are instantly drawn to each other although Jared does his best to fight the attraction. When tragedy tears them apart, can they find their way back to each other?

“The only dream I ever had was her.”

Honestly, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to read a book about Jared after meeting him in Clutch, but S.M. West does a fantastic job of showing us why Jared had behaved the way he did. He was a broken man who had lost his heart and his will for living. Underneath that hardened shell was a gentle man who loves completely and forever. It was beautiful. Jared’s journey of redemption and self-discovery was not easy and he fought tooth and nail for his future. His love for Eva was a thing of beauty and it made him want to be a better man.

“I love you more than I love anyone else. You are life to me. My air, my heartbeat, my everything.”

Eva was such a kind and gentle soul and she loved fiercely. While she wasn’t afraid to fight for Jared, she also wanted to please her family. She was betrayed in the worst ways, but she was able to push through the pain and emerge even stronger on the other side.

“Everything has a before and after. Most moments are inconsequential and, in a blink, forgotten. Yet some claim you forever.”

These two did not have an easy road and had so many obstacles thrown at them, but their love never wavered. The depth of the betrayal they faced and the strength of their devotion was humbling.

Reverb was an incredibly rich and emotional story that will shatter your heart and then put it back together again. Jared and Eva are wonderfully complex characters who are able to survive and overcome every hurdle that is thrown in their way. They are truly meant to be. Don’t miss this fascinating story.

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared and Eva walk through so much unbelievable stuff. The feelings that came out of me...love, hope, fear, anger, torment, the unbelievable-ness of those close to them, hurt, heart and after all that the power of 2nd chances.

Scenes are so well described that you feel as though you are riding alongside with all the pain and happiness. Very well told. Will definitely pull your heart and will need a few tissues. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love me a good second chance romance. Jared and Eva have a special relationship. When he moved next door, she changed him in a good way and when something happened to change that he reverted back to his old self. So much darkness in the light and was captivated by their storyline. You get all the feels with this story and pull at your heartstrings. Amazing read and I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book.

[Kim Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every SM West book I read is better than the last. Her words are gripping, bringing her characters and emotion to life. I read this book in one sitting with my eyes glued to the page and heart in my throat.
Fantastic!

[Canadian Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reverb is a story of chance, loss, heartache, betrayal, second chances and above all never ending love.

Jared was a foster kid trying to stay clean and peruse his love of music. Eva was the sweet innocent girl next door that no matter how hard Jared tried to push her away she would never quit on believing in him. Their friendship grew and bloomed into love. Days before Jared's eighteenth birthday their lives and love were ripped from them in the blink of an eye. Thirteen years later, to the shock of both Jared and Eva, they find out that neither died like they were led to believe.

Reverb is an emotionally raw rollercoaster ride that had me happy, angry, sad and full of hope. Jared and Eva's road to their HEA is very bumpy and nothing short of a miracle. Even after everything that they have endured through the accident and all of the deceit and betrayal, their chemistry and love is as strong as a magnet to metal. The only issue that I had with the book was I felt that the teenage years part seemed to drag and felt like it just kept repeating. I am looking forward to more from the Trojan bandmates.

"A love like ours thrives even when it shouldn't. Even when the darkness and drought plot its demise. Worth every tear, every opposition, every demon." ~ Jared, Reverb by S.M. West

   *arc generously provided in exchange for my honest review*

*Trigger Warnings ~ alcohol/drug addiction, child abuse*

                      
            

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate, kismet, destiny, call it by whatever name you choose. Do you believe? Have you seen it at work? I’m not sure we'll fully understand the hand it plays in our lives until we get to the end and have a look in hindsight, but if ever two people were fated to be together, it's Jared and Eva. And holy carp, there are some forces in their lives doing everything they can to change Jared and Eva's destiny.

When they first met, Eva was the girl next door who never met a question she wasn’t compelled to ask and more annoying to Jared than anything else. Still, she provided a distraction from his pathetic life of being unwanted and facing disappointment after disappointment, and it wasn’t long until she became very important to him. They were young and in love, and so darn adorable together. Until one fateful night when everything changed.

Oh my heart, y’all, gird your own and hold on tight for an emotional, angsty, delicious ride! I’ve read some tortured heroes lately, but dang if Jared didn’t shatter my heart into jagged shards. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and not let go until he believed he was a good and deserving man, but Eva managed it quite nicely. These two have everything conspiring against them, and somehow they not only survive but thrive, both so much stronger for everything they overcome.

If you’re not a rock star romance lover, never fear, because that’s simply the backdrop now that the band has retired and gone their separate ways. While there's mention of the outrageous lifestyle that often accompanies a rock star, there are none of the messy details. In spite of all the struggles and challenges, Jared and Eva's love is true and unsullied.

Second chance romance is one of my all-time favorite tropes, and this second chance is epic! Through twist after turn and roadblock after obstacle, their love survives and sees them through. It's heart-wrenching and devastating, but triumphant and glorious, and you definitely won’t want to miss this compelling, evocative, superb second chance!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books this year for sure...

Reverb is the second installment in the Trojan series and I simply couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I've been dying to get the deets on Jared's past for quite awhile and it was everything I ever hoped it would be. Honestly I think this is probably my second favourite book by her and I couldn't have loved it more. The angst and heartache in this story is palpable and I'm not ashamed to say I cried once or twice which almost never happens to me while reading. So definitely get ready for an emotional ride once you jump in but it's completely worth the tears because this book is a second-chance romance for the ages.

After being introduced to Jared's moody, self-absorbed, destructive character in Clutch I was desperate to find out what caused him to become so cynical and hard-exteriored. He always seemed to be the antagonist in his own story, always blocking his own way. In Reverb we get to learn about his upbringing, or lack thereof, and how the personal losses in his formative years destroyed his sense of self worth but ultimately positively influenced his musical abilities. It would take a truly incredible woman to break through his bull and extract the heart underneath.

Enter Eva who experiences much loss herself but whose heart always belonged to the lost boy next door if she could just show him how worthy he is of that love. Where life and circumstance once forced them apart, is it ever possible to start anew?? You'll just have to find out for yourself.

SM West is an incredible author able to deliver a heartwarming story that truly resonates with readers. While this is a standalone novel, I highly recommend reading the preceding book in the series in order to catch all the breadcrumbs of previous stories within this one.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of a review.

[Suzaan Jansen van Rensburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jared was an orphan, I and out of foster homes. Eva was a sweet girl, raised by strict but loving parents. They met the day he moved in with his new foster parents who were her neighbours. Always on the brink of giving in and running with a wild crowd she would not let him ignore her and they became friends. He was her salvation after her mom's unexpected death and slowly the friendship morphed into love. Her dad was not a fan of him but she would not let him deter her from seeing Jared. Then one night while they were driving home from a party they were in an accident, leaving Eva seriously injured. Whisked away to her family in Spain to recuperate she was told that Jared died in the accident, same as he was told about her. Their worlds fell apart and they had to pick up the pieces and figure out a life without each other. Nine years later Eva went back to America and seeing a picture on the cover of a magazine realized that Jared was still alive. And learned of the betrayal of her father and sister. This is like a second chance on life but what will she find when she sees Jared face to face? Will she still love the man he became? Will they find their way back together? This is a story of first, last and forever love; a story of learning to live with loss,of forgiveness and then also of hope. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Kiss me like time doesn't exist."

5 emotional Stars! What a crazy, emotional ride this book was!

Eva is such a kind sweet girl who loves hard but has had such a rough life after she was betrayed. Jared is the love of her life but due to complications they can't be together... But when these two meet up again, it's a twisted, complicated story that will break your heart...

S.M. West definitely knows what she's doing with this book! I was intrigued with Jared from the first book, but after reading this one, I can officially say I'm obsessed with him. This book will take you on quite an emotional journey. I'm obsessed with this series, and I can't wait for more!

[Deborah Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva was a sweet and happy freshman in high school. She has a happy family life and an over protective father. She meets Jared, the new foster kid, first day he moved in next door with the Garcia family. Jared wants nothing to do with Eva because she is too good for him and he is a loner. He loves music and playing with his band of high school students. Eva continues to talk and follow Jared until she breaks down all of his walls. Her father does not like Jared for his daughter and he tries to forbid her from seeing him. Jared and Eva become close and are in love. After a tragedy they are seperated by her family. She moved to Spain from her hometown 10 years before and all of a sudden she feels a pull to go back home. She is sitting in her plane seat and pulls out a copy of the Rolling Stone magazine and sees Jared on the cover with his bandmates. Her whole world tilts on an axis. She cannot believe that she was lied to by her family for the past 10 years. She goes and sees Jared and they try to pick up where they left off. Can they get past the changes that 10 years have brought them? Can they get past all the lies? HEA ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Comfy Couch Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked this book up I was not expecting to find this heartbreaking story inside, so have your tissues at the ready.

Eva is part of a loving family until it all goes wrong. Jared is a foster child in the system with no one to love him, and he is unable to love back because everyone leaves him. Somehow Eva manages to get under his skin until they are best friends and more, but her father does not approve and so does the unthinkable to keep them apart.

The hurt and pain that both Eva and Jared go through will break your heart. Their story continues with unbelievable twists and turns that you never see coming, and you cannot believe how evil a family could be against one of their own. This story will have you totally enthralled and unable to put it down as it goes from one shocking part to the next.

I have not read S. M. West before and I am happy to have discovered such an amazing writer with this book. It is so much more than a second chance rocker romance, it is gritty and raw and will make you go through all the emotions. After devouring this book I am going back to read the first one in the series, and will continue on to the rest as they are published. If you are looking for something that is real look no further.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.75 ⭐️’s because I’m petty like that, but let me explain. The storyline itself is off the hook!!! So, so, SO good!!! However!!!! I felt so disconnected from both characters, it was wild. I wanted to believe in their connection, I really did, but I failed to feel it. The transition from different parts of their lives to others was abrupt, and, in all honesty, a little annoying. The first almost half of the book takes place in the past where we learn how the characters met as kids, and how their initial friendship turned into love before tragedy struck. Now it’s thirteen years later, and they reconnect. There was some emotion there, but I felt that there wasn’t enough of it given the circumstances. The girl became slightly annoying in how she allowed others to manipulate her while telling them that she knew they were doing it. It was just weird, that whole part. And I got no closure on her setting them straight at the end either. It was very anticlimactic in a way. I kept on waiting for her to get insanely mad, for them to grovel a little, especially the sister (OMG the sister!!!), but there was none of that. Then I kept on waiting for him to go wild and want to destroy these people too for what they’d done. But nothing. Crickets. I mean, he got a little mad and yelled once or twice, but, eh, it didn’t rock my world.
With all that being said, I’d definitely recommend you read book 1, Clutch, before you get to this one. There’s a lot of useful information there and it will help you feel a little more connected to the story here.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. This is my own opinion and was not influenced by anyone.

I found my new favorite couple, Eva and Jared. This story is crafted well. At first I wasn't sure about the timeline but I caught on quickly. We follow this couple along 15 years. I got to know them well. This story is such a sweet romance but along with the sweet comes the sour. Reverb had my emotions all over the place. I laughed, cried, worried and stressed but wouldn't change a thing.

The chemistry between Jared and Eva is off the charts. We knew it was love before they did. When the world was beating them down, they found what they needed in each other.

Reverb is book two in the series by S.M. West. Each book highlights a different member of the band Trojan. I can't wait to read about the others. The characters interconnect and it helps to read in order but it isn't necessary. This book does not disappoint.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reverb is a second chance story at it's finest, and I couldn't get enough. It started out with Jared & Eva as teenagers, but things took a turn, and it was 13 years before they saw each other again but he knows deep down that she's the one who got away. Now they're face to face again, and cue up all the emotions since they are fated to be together, though it seems like they have the world against them, but true love tends to win once people get their hands off fate's course. Jared thinks he doesn't deserve her, while she isn't afraid to help him with his tortured soul self. I'm having a hard time trying to simultaneously not give anything away while making the book look good but I'm not sure that I'm really doing a good job, so know this, Reverb is a story with hit after hit, twist after twist, and yet, they just get stronger so just read it because it's totally worth all emotional torture at the end of the day! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I previously read this beautiful and well written story on Kindle and jumped at the chance to listen to the audio version. I thought Jared and Eva's story was heart moving before, but hearing the characters emotions spoken out loud made my heart ache even more and I become so engrossed in the story that I forgot everything around me. It felt like I was right there witnessing what was happening and I found myself just sat there listening to the story instead of working like I should've been. Reverb is the perfect book for audio and is something that I wish I could experience all over again. Listening to Reverb has made me fall in love with audio books even more and I've already jumped into listening to and losing myself in Smash, which is book 3 of the series

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love second chance stories. And what I liked about Reverb is that it wasn’t centered around Jared being a rockstar. Jared and Eva met when he moved next door to her during high school. Jared has had a difficult life. But Eva brings light to his life. Until something happens (don’t want to spoil it) and the darkness returns. I could not put this book down, I was hooked from the beginning and needed to know what was going to happen next. I felt the author did an amazing job with the depth of the characters. And the emotion they feel. I felt it all sad, angst, angry and happy. And I love that they got their hea.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reverb
By S.M. West
Main Characters: Eva and Jared
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Eva and Jared became friends when they were in their very early teens. This book was a rollercoaster of feels. They loved each other at an early age until the unthinkable happened and Eva didn't care about anything anymore. The love, angst, twists, and turns made for a really wonderful book. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jillian Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book totally blew my mind!! Reverb is all about second chances, first love and unbreakable bonds. I absolutely loved Eva and Jarad. Their journey to a happy ending was an emotional rollercoaster. The secrets and betrayal were heartbreaking and unthinkable. I love how this book spanned over time. We first meet Eva and Jarad as teens and then years later when things just explode in all the best and worst ways! SM West did an amazing job telling this story and engaging readers!!

[AmyLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a beautiful, emotional read. You get so many feels; love, angst, anger, hope, torment, fear. It has such an emotional hold on you. You can't help but to root for and fall in love with Jared and Eva. I love a good second chance romance story, and this one is absolutely heart-wrenchingly beautiful. I was captivated from the beginning. I was not at all disappointed by where this story took us. What a great book.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written second chance romance with a heartbreaking story line. The author brings strong ,well developed characters and brings the story to life with her perfectly painted scenes. It's an emotional story that had me glued to the pages with all the ups and downs and obstacles they face on the way toward love and happiness. I loved and highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Julia E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reverb Was an interesting intense emotional roller coaster heartwarming romance story with entertaining characters

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Claypot_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jared and Eva’s story is definitely not an easy one. It’s raw, it’s full of emotion and it put my heart through the ringer. I have to say I loved their connection and the ending was just perfect.

I received an arc of this book.

[Mindy Diegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story!!! Story of how childhood love doesn't always end the way you expect but they meet again years later. I could not put this story down!! Can't wait to read the other guy's books.