Jamison Black. Lead singer for the band Maxim, and my first love. He broke my heart to follow his dream. Now, six years after the heartbreak, he is my job. I’ve worked hard for this internship and to get close to him again, but it doesn’t take long to realize we can’t be anything more than friends. Not when Maxim is so close to the success they’ve been chasing all this time.
Jamison
I never knew how much I missed Vance Martin until I saw him in the last place I expected. He is my heart. Always has been, always will be. I’m his client, and he’s determined to keep me in the friend zone. A place I refuse to stay. I might have left my heart behind six years ago, but I won’t let him go again.
Jamison is the first book in the Maxim series. A MM Rockstar, best friends to lovers, second chance romance with two stubborn main characters, a too observant, witty and flamboyant interfering coworker, entertaining bandmates and friends, and a fake girlfriend who has forgotten her love isn’t real.
*For CW please see author’s note in the front matter*
3.5 stars. I enjoyed reading this story. For my pleasure, it was a bit too dramatic and there were circumstances I really didn’t like. I don’t like ‘forced commitments’ coming from management/bosses, because it looks good on you, so you look straight… ugh. I almost stopped reading, I can’t handle these things well, sorry not sorry. End rant, lol.
I did finish the story because it was captivating and entertainingly written. I loved the tension between Jamison and Vance, the hurt comfort was palpable, Vance suffered because he sacrificed himself, he wanted fame for Jamison and the band Maxim, it was all dramatic and palpable. Thank goodness in the end everything worked out well.
I have so many questions Enquiring minds and all that
" I want it all. Your mornings and your nights. The smiles and the tears. I want to share your secrets in the dark and shine with you in the spotlight"
Jamison is our rising star Doing what's best to get himself and his band to the top. This means placing everything and everyone on the back burner that isn't directly related to its success (Something a few of us are guilty of) Now it seems he has a second chance Can he follow his heart without destroying his career and that of his bandmates? Or will it all be for naught?
Vance has lived his life for his one true love - Jamison I think that was the only thing I disliked in this story - I loved Vance and I was so happy when he realized what he wanted He is smarter than he thinks
This is the first in the series and lays down all kinds of breadcrumb trails for future releases We have a bit of a twisted mystery that is unveiled along the way and some light angst We get to know who's who What's up What might be going down
I want more deets on psycho girl - what happened to her? Ohhh and the little twist - definitely hoping we get more there as well
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the first book in a new rockstar romance series (one of my favourite genres) and I will be on the look out for future releases. There is inevitably a high level of world building in the book, which I am sure would smooth out in future.
Most definitely a book set behind the scenes of the rock world, reminding us about the hassle of bus journeys and lack of privacy when considering dating on a band tour. In this case with it being between two people who really should know better due to their roles - I did feel that Vance's internship was somewhat forced upon him, so he had some innocence in the decision, but how it played forward could have been better handled, that's for sure! The usual disapproval from management, the fake girlfriend etc all combined to raise the angst levels a little, but there was no really painful drama, which was refreshing. Jamison also clearly did genuinely regret his decisions, and know what he wanted going forward.
A fun setting for a second chance romance, it will be interesting to see what future installments bring and how we see this relationship develop in the background.
Jamie and Van’s story drew me in from the very first page. The storyline was interesting and I really liked both Jamie and Van.
The story was well-written and flowed well and Jamie and Van had great chemistry. They were sweet together and you couldn’t help but root for them to finally get a happy ending.
I really enjoyed the majority of the story, well, until near the end. I thought the author drew things out too far and by the end, I was ready to grab ahold to Van and shake the stubbornness out of him. I despise when characters leave for what they feel is best for the other character and refuse to listen to their wishes. I find this plot device extremely irritating, but that’s just my personal preference.
Still, this was a fast and easy read, that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next . The members of both bands were intriguing and I’m looking forward to more in this series. Very recommendable!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
A.N. Waugh has created a world that is going to suck you in and leave you wanting more. Jamison is the first book in this lower angst series. Vance knows that he shouldn’t still want more with Jamison but just seeing him and being close to him he tries to resist. While Jamison keeps trying to do everything that the label wants him to do including a fake girlfriend. There are a few twists and turns in this book that I didn’t expect but loved all of it. This is going to be one of those series that you are going to want to binge read when its complete to make sure you have all the details.
“I want the same thing I've always wanted, Jamie. Something I can never have. Not fully. I want you. And not just your body. I want it all. Your mornings and your nights. The smiles and the tears. I want to share your secrets in the dark and shine with you in the spotlight. I want everything you are, Jamie, and I want to give you everything I am. I want the impossible."
This story certainly throws you into the angst of second chances quickly, Jamison and Vance’ reunion happens at a very upbeat pace which carries you through the story like a breeze.
I did find myself frustrated at times, but looking at both characters POV, you can feel empathy for both of them a. You certainly don’t know where you are from one page to the next in how you feel about the couple and the decisions they make. It’s a bumpy road to HEA, especially with all that being a celebrity entails and that is captured really well.
Jamison and Vance do have a very deep and sweet connection which does show, there is also an underlying innocent naivety with them, especially with Vance that’s quite endearing as to how they progress forward, which makes the story what it is. The bottom line though is that they belong together, they are each others anchors, and it feels good as a reader to make it to the other end of their story.
I so, so wanted to enjoy this more – was really excited about it too.
I wanted to punch both Jamie and Vance for the entire first half of the book - especially so with Vance – he was weak for Jamie from the beginning and that just continued throughout the book – even though Jamie left him years ago – with only a note.
I would have been happy to see some real character growth for Vance when he finally left Jamie – but here again, he did it for Jamie and Maxim and not himself.
With Jamie, he seemed to be constantly letting himself get talked into situations that leave him… unfulfilled?
I was really happy when he finally broke free of that and did everything he could to win Vance back.
The concept of this story was really good – I just wish the characters would have had more depth.
Musicians, they’re such a messy bunch, and surrounded but so many conniving and controlling people. So much drama!!
This is an entertaining read, that has a lot going on. An old love returns, while a fake girlfriend clings on. Bandmates who seem to have a lot of issues. Music execs who want to control their lives. Oh ya, one’s still in the closet.
You certainly have to have a strong bond and some intense love in order to want to make a relationship work through all that. Somehow they do and it’s very comforting and sweet.
I liked that this was more about the relationships, rather than them being rockstars. Though it seems we'll be getting a bunch more stardom drama in the rest of the series.
This was so good! Jamison and Vance had been together in the past but when they reconnected it seemed natural and like they were meant to be together. Super sweet with each other but very hot smexy times. Lots of angst and low key drama to make it interesting!
Considering this was a rockstar romance, it was interesting that we didn't have a lot of discussion of performances or rehearsals, just bus travel and hotels. Also, this book seemed to hint at more couples that would come from this series so I'll have my eyes out for the new books as they're released! I need to know what's going on with Alex!
At first glance, you might think this is your typical rock band story. But it’s really more than that, and certainly isn’t typical. It’s written well enough that the tension and heartbreak come through strongly. The characters are vividly depicted- easy to love or truly despise! I like that there are more behind-the-scene parts than on stage ones, the small moments that are always such a big part of any story. Can’t wait for the next book!
Jamison was such a well written best friends to lovers second chance Romance between Jamison lead singer of the band Maxim and Vance who tries to keep professional distance from Jamison. The chemistry between Jamison and Vance is something neither can ignore. This was a sweet, steamy and emotional hurt/comfort romance with lots of drama and interfering characters but in the end these two had me swooning over them.
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
This is the first book in a new series. It doesn't end with a cliffhanger for Jamison and Vance. I liked the dual POV. I was able to connect more to each guy better that way. There were times I wanted to shake both Jamison and Vance. This is your typical rockstar who left his heart behind love story. The road to happiness was bumpy but they finally got there and you couldn't be happier. I'm excited to see what the next book in the series has to offer and I hope we get a glimpse of Jamison and Vance again.
This is one of the most romantic stories I've read! Oh so I just want to sigh at Jamison and Vance's love story. Of course, sometimes I wanted to strangle Jamison but that feeling went away when he got wisened up!
JAMISON is the first book in the Maxim series and we are introduced to the guys in the band. This story (obviously) focuses on Jamison and I can't wait to read about the other guys too.
Six years ago, Jamison left love behind because he was told it would hold back his dream. He, and the rest of the guys, worked hard to make Maxim a hit and now, their dream is within their grasp. Vance is one left behind, courtesy of a Dear John letter. He followed his heart and got a degree in PR, ending in the same town as Jamison. Vance makes no bones about the fact he has always loved Jami, and Jami loves him back. But, sometimes, love just isn't enough.
Out of the two characters, I liked Jami a bit more than Vance. He took advice from people in the business and lost his way a bit, but once he found it again, he went for it. Vance was full of martyr complex, choosing his career because of Jami, but then making choices and decisions that affect both of them without talking about it.
Most of the story takes place on tour but not a lot is mentioned about performances, apart from the one at the end. Also, Marcy seemed to be heading somewhere but then disappeared, although she was mentioned in the epilogue by one of the other band members, so maybe she will reappear in future books.
On the whole, this was a quick and easy read with no real surprises, just a question of 'when'. I look forward to reading more in this series and seeing the pairings hinted at here. Definitely recommended by me. ** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! Jun 3, 2022
Check out our full post for JAMISON on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆ JAMISON is the first book in the Men of Maxim series.
Jamison Black is the lead singer of Maxim. They are an up and coming band. They have to follow the plan that was laid out for them. That includes Jamison keeping his sexuality secret from the public. The record company thinks it will change the sell ability of the band, if the thousands of screaming female fans find out he's gay. He is involved in a fake relationship to keep up appearances for the public. When a new PR firm is hired to keep the band's fires to a minimum, Jamison isn't expected to be face to face with the man he walked away from to follow his dreams.
Vance has done everything he could to put him in this position to be able to work for Maxim and be closer to his friend and man he loved, Jamison. Vance wants nothing more than to be with Jamison, but seeing how it could affect Maxim and everything Jamison has worked for, he begrudgingly puts Jamison in the friend zone.
Unexpected twists and turns have them putting everything on the line for each other. I was pulled into this read immediately and was rooting for them on every page. The connection they have is ultimately unbreakable.
This is a new-to-me author and I can't wait to read more. With the hints of what's to come, I'm excited for the next book in this series!
Ruthie – ☆☆☆ This is the first book in a new rock star romance series (one of my favourite genres) and I will be on the lookout for future releases. There is inevitably a high level of world building in the book, which I am sure would smooth out in future.
Most definitely a book set behind the scenes of the rock world, reminding us about the hassle of bus journeys and lack of privacy when considering dating on a band tour. In this case, with it being between two people who really should know better due to their roles – I did feel that Vance's internship was somewhat forced upon him, so he had some innocence in the decision, but how it played forward could have been better handled, that's for sure! The usual disapproval from management, the fake girlfriend, etc., all combined to raise the angst levels a little, but there was no really painful drama, which was refreshing. Jamison also clearly did genuinely regret his decisions, and knew what he wanted going forward.
A fun setting for a second-chance romance, it will be interesting to see what future installments bring and how we see this relationship develop in the background.
Angie – ☆☆☆ This is the first book in a new series. It doesn't end with a cliffhanger for Jamison and Vance. I liked the dual points of view. I was able to connect more to each guy better that way. There were times I wanted to shake both Jamison and Vance. This is your typical rock star who left his heart behind love story. The road to happiness was bumpy but they finally got there, and you couldn't be happier. I'm excited to see what the next book in the series has to offer and I hope we get a glimpse of Jamison and Vance again.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 3.5 hearts Years ago, Vance and Jamison parted ways via a Dear John letter. Reunited, memories of old passions reignite. But Jamison has a public face, a fake girlfriend to adhere to, and Vance won’t be a dirty little secret. Love isn’t the issue; it’s the ruined lives it could cause. Jamison is the first story in the Men Of Maxim (Maxim being the band's name) series. Each novel revolves around a different couple and their hopeful HEA. Former high school sweethearts Jamison and Vance are the first installment. This is a sweet story for anyone who has a penchant for friends-to-lovers stories, and I’m sure that many will enjoy it. The story is told in the first person via Vance and Jamison, with chapters named with their respective viewpoint. I’m sure editors will find some technicalities awry, but for the most part, it is decent. Worldbuilding is limited as there is only so much one can do to describe a tour bus or hotel. And although Jamison is the lead singer in a band, his journey with Vance is the focus, not the concerts – which, to be honest, I was a touch disappointed with the lack of musical inclusion. If one features a band on tour, why not have at least one full-blown, heart thumping, adrenaline-fueled experience to see why this man’s career has meant so much. There are smidgens of music, but not much. Jamison and Vance are adorable, and their self-control around one another is sketchy at best. The wider cast varies in personality from the quiet voice of reason, the hot-head and the fake girlfriend put in place by a manipulative record company. Shout out here to Klaus, the lead PR person - a scene-stealer whose presence I hope will appear again. The tale flows well, is very readable, and, in many ways, probably deserves higher markings than above average, from me – especially as my heart missed a few beats. But, other than one delightful twist that started then stopped and I hope continues as a lesser arc in future books, it is a variation on a well-trodden theme. I can’t give marks for paths not yet trodden, only for what I already have. It’s almost a book of two halves. Imagine fickle weather – during the first half, you’ve seen the forecast, but outside it’s nice, if not a little breezy. Then, you see the clouds in the distance, and before you know it, it’s thunder and lightning. Jamison will appeal to many fans of this trope. One message that comes out is - live your life for you, not for someone else - as ultimately you will be dissatisfied and miserable, which is a lovely message worth noting. This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes.
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
JAMISON is the first book in the Men of Maxim series.
Jamison Black is the lead singer of Maxim. They are an up and coming band. They have to follow the plan that was laid out for them. That includes Jamison keeping his sexuality secret from the public. The record company thinks it will change the sell ability of the band, if the thousands of screaming female fans find out he's gay. He is involved in a fake relationship to keep up appearances for the public. When a new PR firm is hired to keep the band's fires to a minimum Jamison isn't expected to be face to face with the man he walked away from to follow his dreams.
Vance has done everything he could to put him in this position to be able to work for Maxim and be closer to his friend and man he loved, Jamison. Vance wants nothing more than to be with Jamison but seeing how it could effect Maxim and everything Jamison has worked for, he begrudgingly puts Jamison in the friend zone.
Unexpected twists and turns have them putting everything on the line for each other. I was pulled into this read immediately and was rooting for them on every page. The connection they have is ultimately unbreakable.
This is a new to me author and I can't wait to read more. With the hints of what's to come I'm excited for the next book in this series!
3,5 A rockstar romance is not usually one of my prefered tripes but I have to come out of my reading confort zone once in a while and I read this book. I almost put the book aside from near the start. I do not ever like ' straight for the outside for a career' plots. I deceided to read on but to me all the cliches where there: Hooking up with an old flame on the downlow, keeping up appearances with a fake girlfriend, no longer with benefits and the obligatory propsal for an engagement who turns 'b*tch' oh and ofcourse not finding the time to tell about said proposal to the flame and the reconcilliation at the end.
The book revolves around Jamison (pan) bandmember for an up and coming band and Vance (gay) a PR intern fir the band whilst on tour. They have a history. I also did bot appreciate all hints of other members, e.g. Reirdan nd Alex being in secret hook ups or relationships with persons who are supposed to be there for them and keep an eye out for their well being. I presume these are set ups for the next in the series.
The positive I found in this book is that for me the story has a good flow and cadence. And I like that one of the mc's is a pan sexual charcter.
This is just one opinion and I am sure there are plenty people around who love rockstar mm romance with earlier mentioned tropes, but for me it is a no.
I was supplied with an arc through mmromancereviewed.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3.5 stars A quick easy read with likable characters. Childhood friends to lovers, second chance at love. Rockstar MM romance. A little angsty. Jamison is the book one in the Men of Maxim series. We are introduced to an interesting mix of characters in this second chance rock star romance. Jamison and the men of Maxim are on the edge of superstardom. They have to be on their best behavior. Everyone has a role to play. Jamison is playing along. He has the groupies, dating a Hollywood starlet. Living the rock star life. One of the other band members, Alex is not conforming. A new PR group is assigned and must travel with them. Among them is Jamie’s first love, Vance. Jamie and Vance gave up their relationship years ago so that The guys could make a go of the rock life. Jamie had to hide his sexuality. He was okay into Vance showed up. Now that Vance is back, they find it impossible to stay apart. Secret meetings, secret kisses, secret love. A little frustrated with the hiding . The relationship between Vance and Jamie was sweet. The love was real and they try to be supportive of each other and the sacrifices that come with hiding their relationship. Most are great but there are a few that want to keep them apart. Jamie and Vance have to make their way through perceptions, fame, fake relationships, and manipulation to get their HEA.
Not your typical RockStar romance. This one is all about second and third chances. Jamison left Vance years ago with a Dear Vance letter on his pillow. Everyone encouraged him, from his band mates to his record label, to leave the love of his life behind because it was a guy. Now on the verge of success he no longer is willing to play the straight guy. Vance didn’t wallow after being left behind. He went to college and groomed himself to be on a PR team, with one goal in mind…to get near the love of his life. Once these two reunite it’s a bumpy tour bus ride for everyone!
The world building was great. Characters were realistic to a point. The fake girlfriend and the angry band mate needed more grit and angst inducing moments with follow through. The plots tended to fizzle out instead of end with a crescendo. The villains didn’t really get their moment in the sun and therefore in the future won’t require redemption which makes them very one dimensional.
Not a horrible read and I’ll probably want to read future installments of this series just to see what happens with the multitude of storylines hinted at or the characters that intrigued me.
I love music, and I also love a good second chance romance, so when Jamison came up for review, I was all for it.
Jamison Black is on his way to becoming a bonafide rock star. Now, I’m not sure if it’s pop rock, hard rock, heavy metal, or another genre, since that was never specified, but his band Maxim is gearing up to tour with big-timers Twisted. Maxim is also having problems with the guitarist, and to further groom Maxim for the big-time, poor ol’ Jamison has to engage in a fake relationship with a Hollywood starlet for better brand exposure and publicity.
Vance Martin is an intern for a major publicity firm, and he’s hand-picked to go on tour with Maxim to ensure the band receives major exposure and keep the guys in line since a few aren’t following the rules. He’s aware he’ll be meeting face-to-face the man who dumped him in his youth with a Dear John letter. Still, devoted Vance wants only what’s best for Jamison.
Jamison is a fantastic Rockstar MM romance. Jamison is the lead singer of the band Maxim. Vance has joined the PR team for the band. He was also Vance’s first love but the band’s manager didn’t think it would be good PR so they split up. Six years later they are reunited, and feelings are still there. This story hooked me from the first sentence and didn’t let me go very easily! Jamie and Vance still clearly love each other but there are forces at work that don’t want them together. There’s not a lot about the band actually on stage, but there is quite a but of interaction with the band mates. Most of their friends are fantastic support but there also is those characters you will despise and that makes the story stronger! Overall, this is a fantastic story, well written. Highly recommend.
What can I say? I read this in one night so that speaks for itself. Jamison left Vance for a career as a famous rockstar after winning a band competition. 6 years later Vance is back as a PR intern assigned to Maxim the band Jamison fronts.
This book is so well written each chapter pulls you in and leaves you needing the next chapter…hense I couldn’t put it down. Every character is intriguing, from Maxim, Tainted the band they headline for, and all the PR group. Just so many people to love or hate. The romance is one of the sweetest, best second Chance I’ve read in a while. Plus let me tell you… there is so many twists it may give you whiplash. If you like Rockstar romance, second Chance, coming out, and an all over great mm romance with lots of heat… this is definitely for you! Now bring on the next one!
I love second chance romances, and Jamison and Vance have the kind of chemistry and connection that makes it easy to want them to end up together. For that to happen, however, there are a fair number of obstacles to weather– some perhaps more contrived and drawn out than others. For the most part, theirs is an easy narrative to be drawn into: there’s the glamor (and gritty reality) of rock stardom: fame, image, and all the moving pieces behind facade make for an interesting backdrop and there’s a fair amount of world building, enough that future books set in this world will have, I think, some solid groundwork you build on. While at times I found some of the characters’ choices frustrating, Vance and Jamison are both really likeable and deserve their HEA.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Jamison is in a band and currently for PR purposes is dating a hot up and coming actress named Marcy. Jamison is you typical to hot to handle with long hair and ice-blue eyes.
Vance is currently an intern for a PR team for musicians. When management lets them know, they will be heading a team to represent Twisted records. He goes to the bar later that night to try to mingle with his new manager only to come face to face with a blast from his past.
Little do they know things are going to get complicated and fast. Between old flames, lust, contracts and the band, they will have to fight to be happy. Will love win? Or Will they choose fame?
I loved this story, not only for the story but for showing how being famous and your career can depend on how other people perceive you and how they feel you should live your life.
This book has so many likable characters its hard to pick just one. As far as Jamison and Vance I love their characters equally, I love their back story and how they got to this place in time. As far as other characters I'm totally in love with Klaus I want to be his best friend and cheer him on, I just love him too much. Marcy she keeps you on your toes wondering what will happen next. When it comes to Jamison strap in your going for a ride, you will be laughing, cheering, yelling (perfectly balanced) of emotions. Then you get pushed over the edge with a twist. This book is written in a way you can picture the scene as though your there with the characters. This book is a fun book to read with a good storyline. I highly recommend this book.
It's always hard to tell which way I will go when it's books like this. I wanted to love it, really, and I did like parts of it. Unfortunately, I found myself getting annoyed with the mc's. They both were a bit of a mess in my opinion. Vance leaving and his whole self-sacrificing drama, even ignoring what Jamison was saying and wanting, was frustrating. Jamison not taking charge of his life, not talking to his friends/band mates, and making stupid decisions was frustrating. I did try giving a certain amount of leeway for the fact that they were still young, in their early 20's. When it was just them, and if you forgot the situation they were in, they were beautiful together.
This was a very captivating, emotional and entertaining story that had me hooked right from the start. Jamison and Vance have this undeniable connection that keeps pulling them together. Their chemistry oozed off the pages but there was a lot they needed to work through first. I really liked Jamison and Vance together and they had me cheering them on, hoping that they would get their happy ending.
This was a really well written rockstar love story that pulled on my heartstrings, kept a smile on my face (most of the time) and made me fall in love with two angsty men. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommend.
I love a good rockstar/second chance romance and this one nicely fits the bill. Jamison has made some choices in his life in order to get recognition for his band and when presented with the chance to make things right with Vance he dives right in. These two still have a lot to learn about clear communication with each other and with others and that makes their situation more complicated that it needs to be at times, but they do finally learn. There are some great supportive friends and bandmates that are great candidates for getting an HEA as the series progresses and there are some folks in this one that make great villains and seriously complicate our MCs lives.