Jaded

by A.P. Watson

Since that day, I’ve lived unapologetically. But my lifestyle is just a ruse to distract myself from everything I try to forget. Money, booze, and women are always within reach. Being a successful musician means I want for nothing, and I take advantage of that fact too. When all the emotions I’ve buried deep inside begin to take a toll on my creativity, I can’t help but succumb to every desire and whim, and behaving selfishly seems to come so easy to me these days.
For the most part, I haven’t dwelled on my faults, but after meeting the woman hired to be my new assistant, I can’t keep up the fake façade I’ve adopted. Dylan tears down every one of my walls with ease because being selfless seems to be as natural to her as breathing. I should keep my personal and professional lives separate, yet that small voice deep inside, the one I’ve ignored for so long, is screaming that I won’t get hurt again. Instead, it’s begging me to seek salvation within the comfort of her arms.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2022

About the author

A.P. Watson grew up in the small town of Estill Springs, Tennessee. Living in a rural area allowed her imagination to run wild, and she began making up stories in her head at a young age. Being an avid reader furthered her love for storytelling. Her favorite books to read have almost always been heavily doused in romance, but she continues to enjoy a variety of authors—from Jane Austen and Charlaine Harris to Ayn Rand and Edgar Allan Poe. Finding herself immersed in unfamiliar worlds only inspired her to put pen to paper, and eventually, her love for reading transformed her into a writer.

While her reading preferences have no limits, she tends to write stories in the realms of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her stories are the culmination of her passions, combining her love for art, history, dance, and medicine. As she grows as a writer, A.P. would like to branch out into other genres while maintaining a central romantic theme.

When she isn’t reading or writing, A.P. spends the majority of her time dancing. She has been an avid pole dancer for several years and has performed in major cities all over the South. She is constantly enraptured by the athleticism, grace, and beauty of the sport and always looks forward to choreographing her next routine. A.P. has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Tennessee State University, and in 2019, she obtained a Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration from the same university. She has worked as a critical care nurse for over eight years and loves to incorporate her medical knowledge and experience into her writing. Her goal as an FNP is to combine her love for aesthetics and skincare by becoming certified to administer Botox and dermal fillers. She currently resides in Johnson City, Tennessee, with her adorable rescue pup, Elle.

Reviews

[Savannah Weed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING!!!! It’s probably one of my favorites. I was actually sad to see it end. The twists and turns kept it interesting. My favorite, was watching Cash’s character transition. Add in Roane’s spunky outspoken character and it’s a home run in my opinion!!!.

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

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cash is doing his best to get past his broken heart by women & booze, and since he's a rock star, those things are at his fingertips. His life takes a turn when he gets a new assistant named Dylan, a truly beautiful woman inside & out so she's just what the doctor ordered. Dylan is a single mother who also has a past that she's not quite over, so maybe just maybe this is the perfect thing for them both. Dylan starts tearing down all his walls to find the true man beneath, and things really take a turn. See, despite them not just jumping into things instantly, they have all kinds of chemistry that won't be denied forever. Jaded is easy to get fully invested in so it was easy for me to finish it in one sitting because frankly, I needed to see how it all panned out. You'll have to hit those one click buttons to find out for yourselves since I'll never tell. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaded was pleasant surprise. It's the first book in a long while that kept me up reading way past my bedtime. It involves Cash and Dylan. Cash is a musician who spends his days trying to finish his album and trying to forget his past. Dylan is a single mom with a secret who takes a job as Cash's assistant hoping for a better life for her and her son Roane.

As I said, this one was a pleasant surprise. I was sucked in from the beginning. The chemistry between Cash and Dylan was really strong. I enjoyed watching them become friends and rooted for that friendship to turn into love. They both had a lot to work through, but their friendship was exactly what each of them needed. I loved watching Cash's relationship with Roane as well. I won't spoil anything because there are a few surprises. I do highly recommend this one!

[Happyscribe · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers but this is a sweet, good-hearted story that rolls along to a rockstar soundtrack. So many things to like about this book - Dylan is a really awesome character who you LIKE - like want to be her friend like - and Dylan, hey rock stars are hot right? Anyway this is a pearl of a book - grab a copy and enjoy a snuggly afternoon with it!.

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

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cash and Dylan

Dylan is a rock star mending a broken heart the way most rock stars do…drinking and women. That all changes when Dylan walks into his life as his new assistant. She’s just what he needed. Dylan is a sweet woman who is also a single mother. They both have a past and are in need of healing to get to their HEA.

I’m looking forward to more from this author.

[DC · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Life is nothing but a compliation of moments"

Former sports bar waitress and single mom, Dylan Manning becomes the personal assistant for rock star Cash Donovan. She's just trying to make ends meet, he has writer's block. They help each other overcome painful pasts and learn to love in this HEA.

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

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first person point of view of the story. This is a deal breaker for me. I really loved Cash, he was a wounded soul and I loved reading his point of view it was heartbreaking.

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

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read by A.P. Watson and let me tell you I will definitely be reading more. The love story of Cash and Dylan was so adorable and sweet. It is honestly the type of love I want for myself. I love how their relationship grew in the book and the dynamics of Cash, Dylan and Roane. If you love stories with a happy ending with some meat to it, you will love this book!.

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

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaded by A.P. Watson is a good, and enjoyable slow burn enemies to lovers single mother rock star romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

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

[Natalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

rtc

[Anij · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The moment our lips touched, something shifted.”

This is a great slow burn romance. I loved the chemistry between Cash and Dylan. Watching them fall in love was very enjoyable and satisfying. Dylan was a fantastic, strong heroine, the perfect woman to bring life and enjoyment back into the life of jaded rockstar Cash. Perfect name for the book, too.

This is the author’s first rockstar romance and I really hope she writes many more.

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

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rock Star and Single Parent , A.P Watson has taken two of my very favorite tropes to read In roamed and entwined them in a storyline that is guaranteed to hook you from start to finish . This is actually the first book I have read by this author and I can say with 100% certainty it will not be my last . From the moment I met both Cash and and Dylan’s characters I found myself so very taken with both . Cash is your typical rockstar , he wants for nothing , he’s extremely wealthy and he pretty much gets any woman he wants . Dylan is a single mom who is trying to make ends meet and desperately needs to find a Job . She ends up getting hired as Cash’s assistant and from that moment on neither of their lives will be the same both Cash and Dylan have some things from their pasts that they are dealing with so their journey is not all hearts and flowers, they have many obstacles and ups and downs to work through. One thing is undeniable though and that is the connection they share from the moment they meet , sparks fly from the get go . Could it be that what they both needed all along was each other . Drama , witty banter , second chances , heartbreak, heartfelt moments , angst, love , friendships, family , intrigue humor , fun , sexy , emotional rollercoaster, unexpected surprises. Jaded has it all and more .

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cash is a successful rockstar and musician, who wants for nothing, with all the money, alcohol, and women that he wants. Dylan is a sweet single mum, who is trying to make ends meet, and she is hired as Cash’s new assistant. Both characters have pasts which they need to heal and move on from. This is a well written story which a tad drama, emotions, healing, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future, and I recommend this talented authors’ work.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favourite genre rockstars, bands etc and this is Cash’s and Dylan’s story, it’s about a rockstar who suffers from a broken heart so to try and quiet the heartache he overindulges in booze and women until he meets his new assistant Dylan. Fantastic story I loved it and the characters and of course with rockstars there’s always drama and plenty of 🔥 sizzling passion and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Avery Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a solid, well-written contemporary romance with depth beyond the surface. Dylan’s lifestyle fame, excess, avoidance is portrayed honestly, without glamorizing his emotional damage. What stood out most was the balance between personal struggle and romantic development. The assistant character brings a grounding presence that challenges Dylan without trying to “fix” him, which I appreciated.

[Owen Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love emotionally guarded men who pretend they’re fine while quietly falling apart, this book is for you. Dylan is deeply flawed, painfully self-aware, and yet still resistant to change, which made his journey feel authentic. The romance isn’t flashy or overly dramatic; it’s built on tension, restraint, and emotional honesty. I loved how the author explored the idea of salvation not as rescue, but as choosing to be vulnerable.

[Grant Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.P. Watson did a great job creating a character-driven story that focuses on emotional growth rather than just romance beats. Dylan’s voice is consistent and reflective, making it easy to understand why he keeps people at arm’s length. The dynamic between him and his assistant is subtle but powerful, built on trust and emotional contrast. I appreciated that the book doesn’t rush healing change comes slowly, imperfectly.

[Chuck Schrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaded completely surprised me. I expected a moody rockstar romance, but what I got was a raw, emotionally layered story about self-destruction, vulnerability, and the quiet hope of redemption. Dylan isn’t an easy character to love and that’s exactly what makes him compelling. His flaws feel real, his internal conflict believable, and his emotional walls painfully familiar.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read from this author, and I was pleasantly surprised with it. The characters are fairly likable, the world-building is good, and the story idea is not new but is well exploited.

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

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaded is the kind of book as a romance fan, I crave for. To feel the heat get hotter as the burn went slow. It was so hard to do anything else when I wanted to be in this world.

Thr emotions made this story very real. I received an arc for an honest and voluntary review.

[Jordan Tarver · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️ i picked this book randomly for my ABC challenge and it was entertaining thought it was cliche and too quick for my liking. I liked the kid but everything was very fast and not smooth in my opinion.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Cash & Dylan's book. It was an intriguing read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Cynthia Villarreal Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has got it all!

Cute, Sexy, Romantic, all rolled into this Single Mom/Rockstar romance.
Cash is a Rockstar with everything that goes on the imagination. Dylan, single mom, trying to make ends meet, finds luck in becoming an Assistant to this famous musician.
Cute the drama, the very cute kid, and a house on the beach, it's the recipe for a great romance.

[Shirley Rentzel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not really bad

This book wasn't really bad, just so boring I thought I'd fall asleep reading it. Honestly it was so boring so couldn't make myself care about anyone in the book. Like boring? This books for you. Shirley

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful love story

A beautiful love story that flowed enchantingly. You will become caught up in the story and be cheering their love on as you read.