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  Other Titles By Anne Mercier

  Rockstar Series

  Falling Down (Book #1)

  Blush (Book #2)

  A Very Xander Christmas (Book #2.5, Free short story)

  COPYRIGHT

  Amplify

  Copyright ©2015 Anne Mercier

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are products of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental.

  Cover Design: Anne Mercier

  Cover Images: DepositPhotos.

  Editor: Nicole at Proof Before You Publish.

  Interior Formatting by Cassy Roop of Pink Ink Designs

  Rockstar Character Chart: Janelle Schindler at Bookaholic Promotions

  Rockstar Logo: Pamela Cunningham

  A Very Xander Christmas (Rockstar #2.5) ©2014 Anne Mercier

  Mistaken Identity ©2014 TC Matson

  Slick ©2015 Kristi Pelton

  Empty Promises ©2015 Elle Brooks

  Gable ©2015 Harper Bentley

  Never Let You Go ©2015 Jessica Gibson

  Wherever You Will Go ©2014 Stephanie Smith

  The use of actors, artists, and song titles and lyrics throughout this book are done so for storytelling purposes and should in no way be seen as advertisement. Trademark names are used in an editorial fashion with no intention of infringement of the respective owner's trademark.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or if it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to the seller and please purchase your own copy.

  PERSONAL NOTE: The only pirates I like are Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Morgan which means I'd appreciate if you'd keep my books to yourself. Pirating shows a clear lack of respect for the author—me. I'd rather not meet you on bad terms, so let's not do that, let's not meet that way. Let's meet at a signing or conference instead, or let's go have a cup of coffee or a drink. Thank you for respecting the time and effort put into each book. I appreciate it very much.

  Hi Everyone,

  Thank you for your continued support of the Rockstar series. You all are seriously amazing. I didn't expect the series to take off like it has, not at all. I wasn't prepared, but I'm getting there. 

  While Falling Down and Blush are light-hearted with very little—if any—drama and angst, I thought I should let you know that Amplify has some of both. Neither Sera nor Cage have had an easy life and we learn so much about them and what makes them who they are in this book. I didn't have a favorite book boyfriend from this series—until now. I absolutely love Cage and I hope you will too. He not only stole Sera's heart, but he stole mine as well.

  For those who've asked, yes! Each character will get their own story. This means I'll be writing this series for years as there are so many. At the end of this book you'll find tentative* publishing dates for 2015 and 2016 as well as a link to my website where you can find other information such as signings and how to purchase signed paperback copies. Also part of the reason why the dates and titles are subject to change is the fact that the characters seem to have taken on a life of their own and demand, without notice, more of their voices be heard. Such is the case with Jesse and Lucy and I imagine Sera and Cage will do so as well. *All dates are subject to change without notice.

  Also, I wanted you all to know that the books will not be available for preorder until maybe around the September/October time frame. I would like to get far enough ahead in the publishing schedule that I don't have to worry about Amazon's preorder clauses (which suck). After that, the books should be available for preorder. Until then, I'll have them out on the release dates listed unless otherwise specified. If there are any changes to the publishing or signing schedules, those changes will be announced in my newsletter and you can sign up for that here.

  There's been some unhappiness expressed with the way the books end and this saddens me. I feel like I need to explain how this series works for those who don't quite understand and are getting frustrated. Hopefully this will help clear up any confusion.

  First, I have to point out that this is a series and that means that the series thread of the books will be told throughout many books. If I tried to pack the entire series overlay into one book, it would end up being longer than all of the Harry Potter books put together.

  I'll use this crocheting analogy... Imagine a crocheted blanket as the Rockstar series. Each row is a book. The links holding each row (book) together is the overall series thread. While each couple will get their own book (row) and each book (row) will be unique in overall feel due to the personalities of the hero and heroine, part of the series thread will also be woven into that book and then will continue on into the next book, and the next, and the next tying it all in a pretty little bow until the series ends.

  I really hope this helps explain things. If there are any other questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected] at any time. I'd love to hear from you!

  Hugs and love,

  Anne xoxo

  P.S. You're all welcome to join the Rockstar group on Facebook. We talk about the rockstars, book boyfriends, books, and anything and everything. I hope to see you there!

  Hugs and love,

  Anne xoxo

  P.S. You're all welcome to join the Rockstar group on Facebook. We talk about the rockstars, book boyfriends, books, and anything and everything. I hope to see you there!

  Spotify - YouTube

  Undone by Hailey Reinhart

  Safe and Sound by Julia Sheer

  I Can’t Not Love You by Every Avenue

  Where I Stood by Missy Higgins

  You by The Pretty Reckless

  It’s Not Just Me by Rascal Flatts

  Get Through This by Art of Dying

  A Beautiful Lie by Thirty Seconds To Mars

  Break Stuff by Limp Bizkit

  Twisted Transistor by Korn

  What I Did For Love by David Guetta feat. Emeli Sandé

  Bring On The Rain by Jo Dee Messina

  Raining On Sunday by Keith Urban

  Anywhere but here by Safetysuit

  Beautiful Disaster by Jon McLaughlin

  Glass by Thompson Square

  Zzyzx Rd. by Stone Sour

  Come Wake Me Up by Rascal Flatts

  Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been by Relient K

  Edge of Desire by John Mayer

  Bad Intentions by Niykee Heaton

  Unlike Any Other by Delta Rae

  She Is Love by Parachute

  Broken by Seether feat. Amy Lee

  Titanium by David Guetta feat. Sia

  Bed of Lies by Nicki Minaj, Skylar Grey

  Runaway Baby by Bruno Mars

  Wherever You Will Go by The Calling

  Won’t Go Home Without You by Maroon 5

  Human by Christina Perri

  Wasted by Carrie Underwood

  Heartbreak Warfare by John Mayer

  Don’t Fight It by Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry

  Push by Matchbox Twenty

  True Love by P!nk

  Breathe by Michelle Branch

  Tired of You by The Exies

  Make You Miss Me by Sam Hunt

  I Won’t Let You Go b
y James Morrison

  Making Memories of Us by Keith Urban

  Sugar by Maroon 5

  Little Things by One Direction

  Loveliest Thing by James Reunion

  All of Me by Jason Chen and Madilyn Bailey

  Because of You by 98 Degrees

  All In by Lifehouse

  Never Stop by Safetysuit

  I Knew I Loved You by Savage Garden

  This Means War by Avenged Sevenfold

  Head Games by Foreigner

  I Found In You by Sarah Darling

  Suspicious Minds by Elvis

  Celebration by Kool & The Gang

  What I Like About You by The Romantics

  P.Y.T. by Michael Jackson

  Walk This Way by Aerosmith & RUN-DMC

  Stuck With You by Huey Lewis & The News

  Brass Bed by Josh Gracin

  Gravity by John Mayer

  Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding

  Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Lady Antebellum

  Welcome To The Jungle by Guns N’ Roses

  Bodies by Drowning Pool

  Click Click Boom by Saliva

  Next To Me by Emeli Sandé

  Now and Forever by Richard Marx

  Wanted by Hunter Hayes

  I Found In You by Sarah Darling

  To my mom for teaching me about the love of music.

  From the nights when we were little and listened to the Bee Gees and Tom Jones to road trips with the 50s and 60s oldies. I remember vinyl records, 8-tracks, and cassette tapes of artists ranging from Elvis and Alabama to Olivia Newton-John, Rod Stewart, and Elton John. I remember doing aerobics to fun music and our "cleaning Saturdays" with whatever music fit the bill for that day roaring from the stereo speakers.

  Mom, you helped shape my love of such a diverse range of music and for that I will always be grateful.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Prologue-Sera

  Chapter One-Sera

  Chapter Two-Cage

  Chapter Three-Sera

  Chapter Four –Sera

  Chapter Five-Cage

  Chapter Six-Sera

  Chapter Seven-Cage/Sera/Cage

  Chapter Eight-Sera

  Chapter Nine-Sera

  Chapter Ten-Cage

  Chapter Eleven-Sera

  Chapter Twelve-Cage

  Chapter Thirteen-Sera

  Chapter Fourteen-Cage

  Chapter Fifteen-Sera

  Chapter Sixteen-Cage

  Chapter Seventeen-Sera

  Chapter Eighteen-Cage

  Chapter Nineteen-Lucy/Jesse/Lucy

  Chapter Twenty-Sera

  Chapter Twenty-One-Cage

  Chapter Twenty-Two-Sera

  Chapter Twenty-Three-Sera

  Chapter Twenty-Four-Sera

  Chapter Twenty-Five-Cage

  Acknowledgements

  2015 Publishing & Travel Schedule

  Contact Anne

  Amplify By-The-Book Playlist

  Amplify Playlist

  A Very Xander Christmas (Rockstar #2.5)

  Mistaken Identity-TC Matson

  Slick – Kristi Pelton

  Empty Promises – Elle Brooks

  Gable – Harper Bentley

  Wherever You Will Go – Stephanie Smith

  Never Let Me Go – Jessica Gibson

  ***

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Author Note

  Rockstar Character Chart

  Dedication

  Sera

  Undone by Hailey Reinhart

  Safe and Sound by Julia Sheer

  I’M SINGING ALONG to the radio with Lucy, happy and laughing, as we head back from vacation with her family when we pull up to the gates at my house. Now, as a ten-year-old girl, I normally wouldn’t admit this, but I missed my mom and dad. They are my best friends and the fact that they spoil me might be why.

  I’m excited to see them. It’s been ten days. We had a great time in Florida at Disney World and Epcot and all that. The teacup ride made me sick, though. Joey, Lucy’s brother and my annoying cousin, made fun of me for the rest of the day until Lucy socked him one when her parents weren’t looking.

  I had the most fun when we made our way down to Miami and stayed with Grandpa Giovanni. We swam and ate and played until we couldn’t anymore. I was almost sad to go. Almost.

  I run up to the front door while Uncle Anthony and Aunt Regina are still getting out of the car. I throw the door open and run inside.

  "Mama! Daddy!" I run to the great room where they usually are and it’s empty. Hmm. I pout a minute. Maybe they’re out on the terrace working today. They do that sometimes.

  "Mommy?" I call out.

  I open the side doors and notice papers on the ground. I frown. That’s not like them at all. They never make a mess with their work and important papers. I look at the table and see the half-full glass of iced tea, the ice barely melted. They must be out here somewhere. My heart kicks up in happiness and anticipation. I can’t wait to hug my mommy.

  I walk out further.

  "Mama! Daddy!" I call out once more. I step down the stairs and walk toward the pool. They’re not swimming, but I see mommy’s shoe lying on the walkway beside the pool. Maybe they’re changing for a swim. Eww, maybe they’re doing it.

  I call out louder for them and see my mommy’s other shoe. I head toward the pool house and knock on the door, just in case they are doing it. Gross.

  "Mommy? Daddy?" I slowly turn the knob and push the door open.

  I step inside and I can’t process what I’m seeing. Mommy and daddy and so much blood. So much blood.

  "Mommy!" I run over to her and I see the hole in her forehead with a stream of blood running down the side of her face and more gushing out of her throat.

  Who would hurt my mommy? Why would they do this?

  Someone’s screaming and later on I’ll learn it’s me.

  I turn to my daddy who has matching wounds.

  I burst into sobs. They’re lying side by side, their hands joined.

  "No! No, no, no!" I cry, holding their joined hands, kneeling in a pool of their blood—thick, rich, and still warm. I hold their hands to my chest and rock back and forth, sobbing. When I can’t hold myself up, I fall and curl up between them.

  I don’t know how long I’m there, but by the time Anthony and Regina find me, I’m covered in blood as I hold their hands, resting my head on my mommy’s chest.

  "Mommy, mommy, mommy," I cry. I want my mommy.

  I see Uncle Anthony out of the corner of my eye telling Aunt Regina something I can’t hear. I can’t stop calling for my mommy, hoping this is all a bad dream and I’ll wake up and she’ll be laughing her bubbly laugh while she and daddy joke on the terrace while they work.

  "Sera, bella, you must come with me now," Uncle Anthony tells me.

  I can’t respond. I just keep calling for mommy and daddy when Anthony picks me up, murmuring softly as I reach out for mommy one last time.

  There are a lot of people here now, men in uniforms. They’re too late. We’re all too late. Maybe if I hadn’t been gone, this wouldn’t have happened. I wasn’t here for mommy and daddy when they needed me. I could have hidden and dialed 911 like they taught me to.

  I’m so sorry, mommy and daddy. I should have been here. I could have saved you from the bad people. I’m sorry.

  "I want my mommy," I tell Uncle Anthony through my sobs.

  "I know, baby girl. I know."

  Those are the only words I speak for nearly three months: Mommy, daddy, or I want my mommy and daddy. Blood and bullet holes, throats sliced with rivers of blood are what I see in my dreams, my nightmares, in my daymares. Are there such things as daymares? Maybe I invented them.

  "Mia bambina, don’t cry," mommy tells me in her lavender silky flowing gown like nothing I’ve ever seen her wear before.

  "Mommy!" I cry out and she hugs me. My daddy hugs me from behind.

  "Where did you go? Who hurt
you, mommy?"

  "My little one," daddy whispers, "your mommy and I are in heaven now but we are with you always."

  "No! You’re not there. I want you and mommy to come back with me. I want to play games and watch movies. I want to hug you. I just want you with me," I sob.

  "Oh God," mommy whispers as she cries and wipes my tears. "I know this is hard, but you need to be strong, Serafina. If we could come back, we would be there, you know this. But we can’t."

  I shake my head in denial as tears flow down my cheeks.

  "So stubborn," she says with a soft smile. "My baby, you are stronger than you know and you will have Uncle Anthony and Aunt Regina to take care of you now." She presses a finger to my lips when I try to interrupt. "I know it won’t be the same, Sera, but you must move forward. You must pull yourself out of this darkness and let them help you. You must live."

  "I don’t want to, mommy. I want to stay with you and daddy."

  "Little one, it can’t be done. If there was a way, I would be with you in a heartbeat. Since we can’t, you have to lean on those who can. You must live. You can grieve, but you must live as well. Can you do that for me, Serafina? Can you live?" daddy asks.

  I tuck my chin to my chest. "I don’t know," I whisper.

  "Can you try, little one?" daddy asks.

  I look up into his brown eyes, so deep and dark like the richest chocolate, they shimmer with tears. Daddy never cries.

  I know they need this from me but I don’t know if I can.

  "I can try," I sob.

  My daddy tightens his hold on me, hugging me tight, as my mommy smoothes down my hair.

  "My heart hurts, daddy," I wail.

  "I know, baby. I know. It will hurt less as time goes on."

  I shake my head.

  "It will. I promise you."

  "Daddy!" I wail.

  "Oh my baby girl, you’re going to be okay. You’re a Russo through-and-through. Nothing can keep Russos down for long."

  "But, daddy, our name is Manzini."

  He frowns and nods. "But you must embrace the Russo side of you and be strong. Do good. Be all I know you can be, Serafina."

  I frown as I cry. "I’ll try."

  He wipes my tears and smiles a shaky smile. "That is all I can ask."