From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series…
When the girl of your dreams is kind of a nightmare.
As head of security to Stage Dive, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Sam Knowles has plenty of experience dealing with trouble. But spoilt brat Martha Nicholson just might be the worst thing he’s ever encountered. The beautiful troublemaker claims to have reformed, but Sam knows better than to think with what’s in his pants. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to make his heart fall into line.
Martha’s had her sights on the seriously built bodyguard for years. Quiet and conservative, he’s not even remotely her type. So why the hell can’t she get him out of her mind? There’s more to her than the Louboutin wearing party-girl of previous years, however. Maybe it’s time to let him in on that fact and deal with this thing between them.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
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BFF K’s Review of Strong – A Stage Dive Novella
I thought the series was over. I have already mourned the loss of these characters and stories. So, finding out there would be a Stage Dive Novella was like believing someone is dead and then seeing them come back to life! And what a re-birth it was. Not only is Strong the a new story in the series, but it’s the ultimate redemption of an evil and detested female character.
I didn’t think it could be done. I wasn’t sure that Martha could be redeemed after her meddling in David and Ev’s relationship, the tricks she played on the band and it’s members. But, I actually felt empathy for Martha. I wish that this had been a full-length novel instead of a novella, because I think that she could have been an even more richly developed character and her issues could have been fleshed out in so much more detail.
I love Sam! He’s such a great guy with the patience of a saint. Martha has a b*&#$y exterior and questionable past. But, Sam can look past those issues and he sees the good in her that others may not. He is a champion for her. He wants her to be the best version of herself and helps her to become that. He advocates for her and makes her a priority. I think those are the things Martha had been looking for all along.
AND, there’s a liberal dose of Mal, my favorite Stage Dive man, sprinkled throughout the book! It was like catching up with long lost friends and getting up to speed on what they’ve been doing and how their families are growing.
Now I’m even more sad that Stage Dive has come to another end. But, this time I’m hopeful that Kylie Scott will open that world up again in the future. Until then, I’m thinking a series re-read is definitely in order!
**Note, I mentioned that I wish this was a full-length novel and I really do. But, this is still a great story. It was always intended to be a novella and I knew going into it that it wouldn’t have the level of detail I craved. I still think it’s a great story! It’s like ordering a piece of pie, asking for a smaller piece and loving every bite, just wishing there was more when you’re all done!
An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.
Excerpt from Strong – A Stage Dive Novella
“Ooh, busted,” said Lizzy. “The bodyguard caught you looking.”
“Shut it.” I inched my chin up a bit, trying not to frown because frowning gave you lines. “Sam and I have known each other for years and nothing has ever happened. You’re completely wrong about this.”
“Am I?”
“Yes, there’s nothing between us.”
“So that’s why you were staring at him?”
I chose not to answer that. “And you know he prefers to be called executive protection officer instead of bodyguard.”
At this, Lizzy burst out giggling, a malicious glee in her eyes. No wonder I liked my sister-in-law these days.
Ben shot us both an irritated glance. We both ignored it.
Of course, I’d known Sam would probably be here. Rock stars going out in public could be a delicate thing. People had a tendency to get overexcited. And while one person wanting an autograph wasn’t a problem, twenty or thirty of them suddenly swarming definitely could be. Having once been part of the entourage, I’d seen it happen to Ben and his fellow Stage Dive band members enough times to be wary. And you couldn’t get by with ordinary security. Rock stars needed protection from their over-zealous fans, but on the other hand they didn’t want the fans roughed up or hurt in any way. It required a delicate balance: control, experience, and a whole gamut of scary physical skills. Hence Sam.
Still, Portland seemed generally less crazy than the good old days back in LA. All of the guys seemed calmer and more settled away from the constant craziness of the party scene. Not to mention the effect of all of the wives/partners and various offspring. The biggest rock band in the world had officially been domesticated.
It was kind of cute. Or sad. I don’t know.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to stir you,” she lied. “What do you think of your brother’s new musical bromance?”
On the small stage set up in the corner of the room, a young man wailed his heart out while playing an acoustic guitar. Much angst about a girl who only called him after midnight. Trust a rockster to turn a simple booty call into a heartbreaking ballad. The song was damn good though. He had talent. If only I hadn’t had my fill of the type when I was younger. The kid looked to be in his early to mid-twenties. Lanky with lots of tattoos. Your typical rock ’n roll Prince Charming. Gag. These days my type ran more toward…actually, what I needed or wanted in a male was a total mystery.
And my gaze did not stray back to Sam. That did not happen.
About the Author
Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/
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