I've heard a lot about this author, but haven't had a chance to read anything by them. I really enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more.

3.75 stars-- SHOCK JOCK by A. M. Madden is a stand alone, contemporary, adult story line focusing on radio shock jock and sex therapist Dr. Vaughn Lair, and his life-long friend and PA Haven Castell. SHOCK JOCK is a companion story line to the author’s BACK UP rock star series focusing on the rock band Devil’s Lair, and Vaughn’s cousin Jack Lair.

Told from first person point of view (Vaughn Lair) SHOCK JOCK follows the friends to lovers relationship between sex therapist and radio shock jock Dr. Vaughn Lair, and his PA Haven Castell. Leaving LA for the Big Apple, Vaughn feels like a fish out of water but his one saving grace is his best friend and PA Haven Castell. With his fledgling NYC satellite radio series slow to reach the same numbers as his gig in LA Vaughn struggles to move forward including his lacklustre personal life that is all but non-existent. Enter Haven Castell, Vaughn’s best friend and PA, and the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the slow building friends to lovers romance between our leading couple and the fall-out when Vaughn discovers that Haven has been keeping a secret that is about to rock his world.

Vaughn Lair knows success but he struggles as the new kid on the block in NYC. When a caller begins to entice our hero into revealing the skeletons in his own closet, Vaughn’s numbers begin to rise, along with his popularity with the New York ladies. Haven Castell has loved Vaughn Lair all of her life but must settle for second place behind Vaughn’s career and the copious number of women in and out of his life. But Haven isn’t willing to be second best forever, but once revealed, their relationship could very well falter before it has had a chance to begin.

We are introduced to Vaughn’s cousin Lizzy and her husband Evan; Vaughn’s on air assistants Daryl and Natalie, and from the author’s BACK-UP series there is a cameo appearance by Jack Lair (another of Vaughn’s cousins) and Leila Marino.

The world building focuses on the on-air personalities and callers ala shock jock style Howard Stern and his assistant Robin Quivers. Vaughn is a sex-therapist that relishes the dirtier questions and comments, the better.

SHOCK JOCK is a story of friendship, family, secrets and love. The premise is entertaining; the romance is a fated, slow burn of emotions and denial; the characters are realistic and animated. SHOCK JOCK is a delightful and playful story that will make you swoon.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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If you read A.M. Madden’s Back-Up series, then you will enjoy Shock Jock!

I find A.M. Madden’s writing to be hit or miss. That being said, because I enjoyed her Back-Up series, I knew that I needed Dr. Vaughn Lair in my life! I am so glad I read it! The “King of Romance” stole my heart.

Dr. Vaughn Lair is a DJ on the radio who’s show centers around sex. He has no issue talking about love making and just plain out f*cking. He makes no apologies for the things that he says.

“… this is Dr. Vaughn Lair. Remember to f*ck with all of your heart, and f*ck like your life depends on it.”
~ A.M. Madden, Shock Jock

Vaughn’s radio show moves cities and with that move comes his best friend, Haven Castell.

If you haven’t figured out yet, Shock Jock is a friends-to-lovers storyline. I loved Vaughn & Haven together as friends and as lovers. They were the perfect mix for each other.

“There are two things that drive me… a challenge, and sex.”
~ A.M. Madden, Shock Jock

This book renewed my faith in A.M. Madden’s writing. I can’t wait to see what she brings us in 2018!

#TheKingOfRomance #TheLoveLair #GalaxyBall

t's a known fact that AM Madden's Back Up series is one of my all time favorites and I was thrilled to get to revisit some of my favorite characters in Shock Jock. But, oh man, did I adore Vaughn Lair all on his dirty-talking, sexy AF own.

I knew I would be engrossed in reading Shock Jock, so I had to plan a span of time to ignore the world and read. I finally had that chance yesterday and the roof could have blown off my house and I wouldn't have cared as long as my kindle remained in my hand.

I loved Vaughn and Haven's story. Loved their best friends-to-lovers romance, and that it was a bit of a slow burn to get there. Their romance was easy, fresh, fun and hella sexy. I loved Vaughn's radio persona, I loved how he spoke "no holds barred" about love and sex. I loved how Haven was intertwined in his life and he into hers.

I pretty much just loved it all . . . seriously . . . get reading.

Vaughan is the newest hot sensation on satellite radio and has just moved from California to New York to start his new show. He has a PHD in psychology and is a the country's sexiest sex therapist. He likes to create controversy and shock his viewers with his unconventional show. He spends all his time working hard trying to make his new show a success.

Vaughan is also an unorganized mess and Haven Castell, his assistant and best friend from college, keeps his life organized. They have a great relationship and Haven keeps Vaughan grounded with her honesty. Over time, their relationship changes and they see each other through new eyes. This story is told from Vaughan's POV. It is a fast paced, upbeat, fun story full of snappy dialogue and entertaining characters.

Shock Jock is a unique, fun and scorching hot friends-to-lovers romance and should not be missed. Vaughn and Haven’s relationship is captivating as it suddenly changes and slowly evolves, and Vaugh is a simply irresistible and sexy hero. He’s utterly endearing as he grapples with his new feelings for Haven and his new life in New York. Their attraction is intense and delicious adding the perfect amount of heat, and Shock Jock is full of sharp wit, heartening moments and wicked, flirty banter.

The ‘King of Romance’ The ‘SEXpert’ The ‘Erotic Shock Jock’ ‘The Man with a Plan’

These monikers all apply to Vaughn Lair and illustrate how much his listeners/fans love his radio show, seeking his guidance and male perspective when it comes to love, sex, and relationships.

But it’s clear after one unexpected ‘On Air’ phone call that Vaughn might not know how to take his own advice, which puts him into a rather uncomfortable position - one where the teacher must become the student and hopefully learn a few new lessons when it comes to the female sex and a certain best friend whose feelings for him are way more than friendly.

I adore the male perspective, and as A.M. Madden allows readers inside Vaughn’s head and makes them privy to all of his sexual knowledge due to his profession as well as the uncertainty he experiences as he tries to figure out who ‘Apple’ is and what his newfound feelings for Haven mean for their friendship and if their sexual chemistry can turn into something lasting despite Vaughn’s confusion and ill-ease when it comes to practicing what he preaches.

Vaughn Lair is one interesting hero; he doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to his advice about sex and he doesn’t care if his ideas may be a bit on the crude side because nothing is off-limits when it comes to providing his listeners with practical and valid guidance.

Even after finishing Shock Jock, I’m still not sure how I feel about the way Vaughn approaches his more than friends’ relationship with Haven. It’s clear than she’s not his consolation prize but it’s also difficult to ascertain what she truly means to him when he’s so messed up with the ‘Apple situation’ and blindsided by his unexpected need for Haven’s heart and body. It’s not that the feelings are one-sided; it’s just that the situation is a bit off-kilter because of the extenuating circumstances that surround them and the damage that could occur if things go wrong.

Vaughn’s profession definitely lends itself to knowing how to manipulate a woman’s every curve when it comes to delivering pleasure and that very idea is showcased each and every time Haven and Vaughn are intimate and as the story continues, Vaughn proves just how good he is at his job, even if things turn sideways not only in his professional but his personal life as well for a good portion of the book.

I really enjoyed being introduced to another Lair and while Jack will always be my favorite, Vaughn is definitely one heck of a runner-up.

4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

I wasn’t sure what was going to happen but I really enjoyed it. With this story I can’t go into to many details because it can ruin different things that happen in the story. Told from only Vaughn’s POV I loved being able to connect with him in a deeper way. All the secondary characters rocked this story. From the ones he works with to his family, I really found my self drawn into the story. I laughed a lot while reading it.

Being a radio personality, Vaughn was pretty unique. He was sexy, unorganized, and a no filter type of man. I loved his best friend Haven. She was a great character and perfect for him. I know it’s vague but I don’t want to ruin anything or the impact of the story. I will say it’s a friends to lovers books that has steam, light drama and a whole lot of humor. I plan to go back and read the Back Up series by this author to meet some of these awesome secondary characters. 4 Stars because while I love that we get his POV throughout the whole book. I would have liked some of Havens POV, especially during certain parts of the story. #2OCCJD

3.5 For Once He's Shocked Stars
* * *1/2 Spoiler Free
This has a smart and interesting concept. Take a Radio Talk Guy with the flavor of Howard Stern and a very best female friend who has been there from the beginning of his career. They both were friends from college. The trust level and real bond never wavered. Now this Radio Star has the opportunity to really make to the top in NYC. He leaves Los Angeles and the main rock in his life, Haven, his best pal and personal assistant goes with him.

It is there Vaughn feels like a fish out of water...He should be fine. He has the degree cred and Therapy Skills which have brought him all of his career success. The surprise is that Haven is the one who has taken to the city and is blossoming...she is staring to feel more like herself.

Through a number of situations... radio call ins which makes our DJ a bit off center...and Haven feeling more and more comfortable in her own skin...A kiss between these long time besties happens...

And from there...We Are Off to The Romance Races...

This is done in the Male POV and has its own unique flavor.

A gifted copy was provided by EverAfter Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.

So much fun!! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the story, and everything in between!
Vaughn and Haven are just fabulous. I love their mixture of fun, friendship, vulnerability, and stupidity. They just really click so well.
The writing is great and I'll definitely check out the books linked to Shock Jock!

Great story with a lot of twists and turns to keep your interest until the end.It was a little bit slow at the beginning for my taste but once it starts keeping up I enjoyed it more.

I loved Vaughn Lair! Oh his sex advice was intense, it's show I would listen to. Haven and Vaughn have been closer then best friends for over ten years. They are the opposite in temperament and lifestyles, which makes them the perfect match. Shock Jock tells the tell of best friends to lovers from the guys POV. It was sexy being inside the mind of Vaughn. Their nicknames for each other Perv and Mooner were so cute.

“There’s a reason actions speak louder than words, because sometimes words get us into trouble. They’re misunderstood, assumed, or they simply aren’t enough to properly communicate with.”
Sex Therapist Vaughn Lair’s star is on the rise; already known for his famous radio talk show he’s about to go even bigger. He packs his bags and moves from Sunny California to Ice Cold NYC. Not only does his star get bigger but his life keeps considerably more complicated.
Vaughn’s new gig isn’t exciting him the way he thought it would; the challenge doesn’t seem to be there, until the call that changes it all. Mysterious “Apple” calls in to his show, she tells Vaughn they’ve met a time or two but she won’t reveal who she is. Each night Vaughn hopes Apple will call into his show, on the night that she does, she just leaves him more confused and curious than the last call. To add to the stress of finding out whom Apple is; Vaughn’s relationship with his best friend Haven (who also happens to be his assistant) takes a turn. Vaughn’s used to being the one to give the advice but now he finds himself on the other side of the therapist’s chair.
This book started off rather slow for me. I immediately liked the characters, but the story moved slowly in the beginning. When it picked up, it took off and I was totally engrossed. I think what I enjoyed more than anything was this being told from a male POV. I liked how, even though Vaughn was a therapist he didn’t’ hesitate to admit when he needed guidance himself.
After an impromptu kiss, Vaughn and Haven realize (or finally admit) that there is more to their relationship and decide to try it as a couple. These two take us up, down, around, back and forth as they navigate this new dynamic in their lives. This is done with a nice dose of humor. What really got me was Haven questioning Vaughn’s need to have her in his life vs his wanting her in his life. It actually had me stopping to think “Hmmm, is he really in love with her or does he just love her by default for all she does for him.”
As much as I liked the story there was a point where I felt like the storyline was being dragged out a bit and it took me some time to finally finish it but I liked it enough to give it four stars.

When I first came across Shock Jock, I fell in love with the synopsis. I was really intrigued by it and loved the fact that this story was told from the male point of view. There is nothing I love more than getting to see a romance through the eyes of a man and I think this author did a wonderful job staying in the male point of view.

When I started reading this book, I was absolutely hooked. I loved Vaughn and his radio show. I loved his attitude and the advice that he would give to his callers. I thought he was an overall fun guy and was looking forward to getting to know his story.

However, things went downhill for me pretty quickly. I am going to be 100% honest with you and tell you that I didn’t realize at all that Haven was going to be Vaughn’s love interest. I don’t know how I could have missed that, but I really didn’t see it coming. Like I got that they were best friends and that Vaughn relied heavily on Haven, but I never felt romantic vibes from either of them, so it really threw me off. Like maybe I could believe these two could be friends with benefits to pass the time, but never anything romantic. Sadly, their romance d idn’t make sense or work for me.

And I hated, hated, hated their pet names for each other! I love, love, love a good pet name, but come on, Mooner & Perv….It just turned me off…And maybe that’s just me, and that’s totally ok.

I will say that even though the overall romance between Vaughn and Haven didn’t work for me, Vaughn and Haven did have some excellent sexual chemistry. Sexually, these two had chemistry for days and burned up the pages together.

So, overall, I thought this book was ok. For me, I thought it started out really great and then just kinda fell flat. For me, this is a case of hit for some and a miss for others.

I found this book very slow and not what I expected. I thought shock jock would be funny. It was kind of boring and I skimmed most of it

I couldn't make it past the first few chapters and had to skim ahead. I knew who Vaughn would end up from the first page she was introduced because his internal monologue immediately turned into "she's not like other girls. She's so low-maintenance. She's beautiful and doesn't even know it!". I didn't read very much of this book, but I read enough to know I'm not the right audience. I've read some trashy romance novels in my day, but this one was just awful.