Down to You by Jayne Frost

​NEW ADULT ROMANCE

Publication date: 09/04/2018
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No

Hey, look, y’all: this is a new adult rock star romance that I didn’t hate! Go figure! They do exist! I feel kind of like someone just proved the existence of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and delicious low fat doughnuts. In other words, it’s kind of a miracle. (Not "husband who picks up his own socks" amazing, but still.)

Tori and Logan are both a little broken. Tori is physically and emotionally damaged by the bus crash that killed her husband and best friend, and Logan is damaged by his childhood. Together, they make no sense...and yet, somehow they still fit. (I don’t mean like THAT! Get your minds out of the gutter, people!) Together, all their broken pieces somehow mesh together and form a mostly functional couple. It’s kind of beautiful, really.

Logan is, in some ways, your typical romance novel rock star. He’s insanely gorgeous, super charismatic, has been a manwhore in the past, and is incredibly talented. What made Logan more than tolerable for me was: a) When he was with Tori, he didn’t screw around. His focus was on her, not groupies, b) He wasn’t an over-possessive a-hole. He gave Tori space when she needed it, and I really appreciated that.

Tori is a survivor, and I ADORE heroines who are survivors. She’s broken, but not beaten. She’s in pain, but never gives in. She embarks on a tour to honor her dead friend and husband, even when being back on the road is emotional and physical torture for her. Her strength is nothing short of inspiring. (And the concert she puts on in the end? It was described so beautifully that I might have teared up a little. And I DON’T cry, people.)

The chemistry between Logan and Tori is pretty intense. Sex scenes are suitably steamy, to the point that I think lovers of romance and romantic erotica would both be satisfied.

I also really liked the fact that Tori was the bigger star in this power couple. Logan took a back seat to her professionally, and it never seemed to bother him in any way. That was a refreshing change from the typical rockstar-meets-wide-eyed-innocent-nobody stories out there.

So, why not a 5-star rating you ask? Well...there was A LOT going on this book. The relationship between Tori and Logan was great, but there was also an industry lawsuit subplot, a bunch of Tori and Logan’s friends and bandmates, a past connection between Tori and Logan that comes to light, a subplot about Tori’s adopted sister and a jail-bird mother who all of a sudden wants to reclaim her parental rights, a long-lost father with Alzheimer’s, a recovering addict sister, Logan’s learning disability, and a bit of unrequited love from one of Tori’s friends. Yeesh. I’m tired just typing all that out. It was a bit much. I think a bunch of that stuff could have been eliminated and the book would’ve been stronger for it.

But minor gripes notwithstanding, I think it needs to be said that I’m exceptionally hard on new adult romances, and rock star romances alike. So, the fact that I actually liked this one is HUGE.                 
 
Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
It’s stigma free. No rehab needed!

Other reading suggestions
I’ll probably check out the rest of the series. And for other recommendations, check out these lists... ​

10 Incredible rock star romances that will having you begging for an encore​

Top 11 romance heroines with surprising inner strength​

11 New adult romances even grumpy old readers can get excited about​

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