Blog Review: Strong (Stage Dive #4.5) by Kylie Scott

Strong
Stage Dive # 4.5

By:
Kylie Scott

Publisher:
Evil Eye Concepts

Published:
September 25, 2018

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Goodreads

Source: Purchased

Book Synopsis:

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.**

Stage Dive Series:

My Review

My Review

My Review

My Review

My Thoughts:

Strong was a short little novella that took place in the Stage Dive world.  It was a little slow, unlike its predecessors, and wasn't of the same caliber as the full length books in the series.  Nevertheless, I enjoyed being reunited with many of my favorite characters.  I just wasn't ready to say goodbye to David, Ev, Mal, Anne, Jimmy, Lena, Ben and Lizzy.

This story revolves around, Martha Nicholson, Ben's sister.  She's been a villain in the series, as she was David's first love ands serious girlfriend, who broke his heart when she cheated on him with his brother Jimmy.  She also had caused problems in her brother Ben's and Lizzy's relationship.  Now she has reformed, and moved from New York to Portland to take care of her nephew Gibson; while her sister-in-law, Lizzy goes back to college.

Sam has been the head of security for Stage Dive from the beginning of the group's music career.  He's seen something good in Martha from the beginning, despite her many flaws; he's been very attracted to her and in love with her.  Like a match to a flame, Martha and Sam being in close proximity on a daily basis, lights the fire for there desires, and there are many explosions!!!

Strong was a good novella, if you are missing the Stage Dive world and all of the beloved characters within the series.  Kylie Scott delivers her signature romance and passion-infused read!

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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 & 2018, 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. 

Contact her at info@kyliescott.com or: PO Box 13, Fernvale QLD 4306 Australia

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Blog Review: Lick (Stage Dive #1) by Kylie Scott

Lick
Stage Dive #1

By:
Kylie Scott

Published:
Oct. 11, 2013

Publisher:
St. Martin's

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Source:
Purchased

Book Summary:

Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this. 

Evelyn Thomas's plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man in her room, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened. 

One thing is certain, being married to one of the hottest rock stars on the planet is sure to be a wild ride.

Stage Dive Series:

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My Review

My Thoughts:

I read Lead, the third book in the Stage Dive Series, and loved it!  So I decided to read the whole series.  Lick, is the first book about the "Stage Dive" rockstars.  It is about guitarist, David, and his leading lady, Evelyn "Ev."  It is told soley from Ev's point of view.  She wakes up the next morning in Vegas with a wicked hangover, and a gorgeous man laying next to her.  She quickly discovers that the man is her husband!  That's right, she drank so much that she doesn't remember her night with David, let alone marrying him.  David is really upset when he learns that Ev doesn't remember their night together.  It meant a lot to him, and he remembers everything.

David tells her that they can do a quick annulment of the marriage, and Ev quickly agrees.  However, when she returns to her home in Portland, she finds herself swamped by the paparazzi.  David is none other than the famous David Ferris, an extremely well-know and wealthy rockstar.  David sends one of his bodyguard 's to see if Ev would like to come to his mansion in L.A. for a couple days to get everything squared away with the annulment, and wait for the paparazzi to die down.  Ev quickly agrees, because she doesn't want to burden her friends and family as she tries to hide out.

Thus we get the beginning of our love story.  Lick was the perfect combination of sweet and sexy.  I enjoyed watching these two get swept away in one another as they fell head over heels in love.  David and Ev had their challenges to contend with.  David had abandonment and trust issue's that caused problems in their relationship.  Plus, in my opinion he really needed to learn how to communicate.  Ev had to deal with groupies, an ex-girlfriend that was horrible, as well as everything that came with being married to a rockstar.

I really loved David and Ev's love story.  It was full of tender touching moments, swoons, and sweetness.  I loved how much David adored Ev, and how she was a strong leading lady.  She was very giving and sweet, but she also stood up for herself. She was very young, so we saw her come more in to her own as the story progressed.

Purchase At:

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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 & 2018, 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. 

Contact her at info@kyliescott.com or: PO Box 13, Fernvale QLD 4306 Australia

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Book Review: Crashed Out (Made in Jersey #1) by Tessa Bailey

Crashed Out
Made in Jersey #1

By: 
Tessa Bailey

Published:
Dec. 7, 2015

Publisher:
Entangled Brazen

Source:
eARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review

GR's Summary:

Sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint... 

His inspiration. His torment. And his temptation...

Jasmine Taveras is the reason Sarge Purcell grabbed his six-string and bailed the hell out of New Jersey four years ago. She's the fuel for every song he's ever written-each one laced with bitter, hard-edged, hungry lust. Now, with his hugely successful band is on temporary hiatus, Sarge is determined to prove to Jasmine that this "kid" turned into every inch the man she's always needed... 

Men are slim pickings for a single factory girl in Hook, New Jersey...until tall, broad-shouldered hotness walks-or rather storms-into Jasmine's life. Sarge's return shouldn't affect her this way. He's her best friend's much younger kid brother, and the kind of rough, gritty, sexiness Jasmine has no right to taste for herself. Even if he lets her. 

But lust is a blinding, insatiable force. And when it crashes, it will take both Sarge and Jasmine down with it.... 

Made in Jersey Series:

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Lindy's Thoughts:

Crashed Out is the first book in Tessa Bailey's new series, Made in Jersey.  If the first book is any indication of how the rest of the series will hold up, romance readers are in for a treasure trove of mouth-watering "Yum!"  This story did many crazy things to me.  It had my blood heating, was goose bump inducing, and quite the turn on.

Sarge Parcell.  Sigh... Swoon... This man is all kinds of sexy.  Since a tween, Sarge has had eyes for Jasmine Taveras (his older sister, River's, best friend.)  Unfortunately for him, Jasmine viewed him for many years with sweet, adorable, brotherly love.  So Sarge takes off at the young age of eighteen, makes it as the lead singer in his band, "Old News," and uses his unrequited feelings of love for Jasmine, as a source of inspiration for his song writing.

When the band decides to take a break for the holidays, and contemplate the next step in their career, Sarge decides to return to Hook, New Jersey.  He hasn't seen his sister River in four years, nor has he met his three year old niece, Marcy.  When Sarge see's Jasmine, he is frustrated to realize that his feelings for her have not lessened.  He plans to make her see him for the man he is, and not the young boy that he once was.

When Jasmine first lays eyes on Sarge, she doesn't immediately recognize him.  He is much taller, bigger, more muscular, and has matured in to a gorgeous man.  However, how can Jasmine be with a man seven years younger than her?  Especially, because she is a factory worker stuck in Hook, while he a star that will be moving on soon enough....

Crashed Out was such a page turner!  I read this book in record time; literally in one sitting, with minor breaks.  Sarge brought the "feels."  He won me over right away.  As I saw how devoted he was to Jasmine, and his determination in making her his, I couldn't help but melt for him.  Plus, he really loved his sister and was so sweet with his niece.  

Jasmine's way of thinking is what brought all of the obstacles between her and Sarge.  She had feelings of insecurity when it came to her job, the fact that she was seven years older than Sarge, and that she didn't want to upset her best friend.  While I understood her reservations, I wanted her to realize her worth, and not sell herself short.

The passion between Sarge and Jasmine was palpable, and I can't remember when I've read a steamier or sexier romance than Crashed Out!  It really was one heck of a hot rollercoaster ride!!!  

Rating:

I give, Crashed Out, by Tessa Bailey, 5 Blood Pounding, Mouth Watering, Swoon Inducing, Full of Heart-Melting Filled Stars!  You don't want to miss out on Ms. Bailey's newest release!!!  It is the epitome of everything that makes me love her books, and you will love it too.  

Mikki's Review:

I have been waiting forever for Crashed Out!!! It was one of my most anticipated reads in 2015 and Tessa Bailey delivers every single time! She is the reason I love to read and escape to fiction land. Every one of her books has brought me joy and an unforgettable reading journey. Her characters are like my friends and I revisit them when I'm in a book funk or when I just want to ''hang out'' with the coolest people in book town.

Crashed Out is the first installment in a hot new series. Made in Jersey is Tessa Bailey fifth series (Yay!!) and let me tell you ... It is promising to be an extremely hot one! Crashed Out started with a bang and it exceeded all of my expectations. Jasmine and Sarge are crazy hot together! If you think that you might not like this story because the heroine is older than the hero, think again! Tessa Bailey has written a story that will grab you from the very beginning and it won't let you go. You will have a book hangover that can only be cured by reading this book again and again and again!

Jasmine has no clue that she is the reason that sent Sarge running four years ago. For her, he's her best friend's younger brother that left New Jersey to go after his dreams. When he comes back to town, the last thing she expects is to come face-to-face with a grown-up Sarge that sets her body on fire. Wanting him is forbidden, but their attraction is undeniable. Will Jasmine be able to let go of her fears and give Sarge a chance?

When it comes to dirty talk and hot steamy scenes Tessa Bailey is the queen! Don't even get me started on the sheet scorcher that is Crashed Out. OMG!! Jasmine and Sarge have such an intense chemistry that you won't be able to resist them! I got butterflies in my stomach and the tingle effect was ON!!! *Fans Self*

I really liked how the author wrote Jasmine and Sarge's story because it felt real. This couple had some ups and downs that they had to overcome. It was mostly due to Jasmine's insecurities about her job, her life decisions and the relationship that she wanted with Sarge. She had to take make a few decisions along the way and I am so happy that she listened to her heart. Sarge was determined to win his girl and he would stop at nothing to have her in his life. He's such a wonderful character that will melt your heart! Prepare for some major swoon attacks! 

I could not have asked for a better book to start this series. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. The next book will be about Sarge's sister, River, which is also Jasmine's best friend. I really liked how we got to read about her story in Crashed Out. It got me curious and I can't wait to see what is going to happen when Vaughn walks back into her life. Gah!!!! Is it April yet??

Rating:

I give Crashed Out, by Tessa Bailey, 5 forbidden, passionate, exciting, tantalizing, Jasmine and Sarge will rock your world stars!

Purchase At:

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About Tessa Bailey: 

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days. 

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention. 

She now lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband of seven years and three-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

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Book Review: Hard to Let Go (Hard Ink #4) by Laura Kaye

Hard to Let Go
Hard Ink #4

By:
Laura Kaye

Release Date:
June 30, 2015

Publisher:
Avon Books

Source:
eARC from publisher for a honest review

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Goodreads

GR's Summary:

Five dishonored soldiers. 
Former Special Forces. 
One last mission. 
These are the men of Hard Ink. 

Beckett Murda hates to dwell on the past. But his investigation into the ambush that killed half his Special Forces team and ended his Army career gives him little choice. Just when his team learns how powerful their enemies are, hard-ass Beckett encounters the biggest complication yet—seductive, feisty Katherine Rixey. 

A tough, stubborn prosecutor, Kat visits her brothers’ Hard Ink Tattoo following a bad break-up—and finds herself staring down the barrel of a stranger’s gun. Beckett is hard-bodied and sexy as hell, but he’s also the most infuriating man ever. Worse, Kat’s brothers are at war with criminals her office is investigating. When Kat joins the fight, she lands straight in Beckett’s sights—and his arms. Not to mention their enemies’ crosshairs. 

Now Beckett and Kat must set aside their differences to work together, because the only thing sweeter than justice is finding love and never letting go

Hard Ink Series:

Add this Series to Goodreads Here

My Thoughts:

Hard to Let Go was a spectacular story!  My only advice to readers would be to read this story in sequential order.  I came in to this book feeling a little lost and confused, but eventually caught on.  There are a lot of characters, as well as a complex plot.

Nick Rixey, Derek "Marz" DiMarzio, Shane McCallan, Edward "Easy" Canrell, and Beckett Murda, were dishonorably discharged from the Special Forces. While they were in Afghanistan, an ambush killed their commander, and six other members of their team.   After they barely made it out alive, they were charged with dereliction of duty and forced to sign nondisclosure agreements.  These men end up banding together to  clear their names, and end up learning about a sinister and complex conspiracy in the process.

Each story in this series focuses on a different team member of the special forces (except for Hard to Be Good, which is Jeremy (Nick's younger brother's story), a love match, and the unraveling of the conspiracy.  In Hard to Let Go, we get Beckett Murda, and Katherine "Kat" Rixey's story.  Kat is Nick and Jeremy's younger sister.  She leaves her home to seek refuge with her brothers (from an ex-stalker boyfriend,) and ends up with more than she bargained for, as she is thrust in the middle of danger and their ongoing investigation. While living with her brothers, their significant others, and the rest of the dishonored soldiers, she gets to know Beckett.  These two run hot and cold with one another.  They bicker, but share a sizzling attraction.  Beckett's never cared enough about a woman to want a relationship.  Will Kat be the one that changes his mind?

Hard to Let Go was told from the dual perspectives of Kat and Beckett.  This made me feel close to these characters, understand them, and made me connect with them on a deeper level.  Kat was a strong, independent, and fierce leading lady!  She was loyal and loving to her brothers, Nick, and Jeremy, and wanted to help them in any way that she could. Yet, she also had a soft and vulnerable side to her.  Needless to say, I loved Kat's character.  Beckett was wonderful as well.  He carried wounds from emotional aand physical abuse that he was forced to endure as a child.  He was numb inside, had trouble with feeling, and did't understand what love was or feel worthy of it.  Kat helped heal him, as did the love and loyalty that he got from his peers.  Their connection was emotional, and their chemistry combustible!

The plot of the story was very fast-paced.  This book was pretty lengthy, but there was never a dull moment.  It was full of surprises, revelations, crazy plot twists, action, suspense, romance, humor, and friendship.  Even though I now know how everything ended, I am going back to read the previous books in the series.  That's how fantastic the characters, romance, and plot were.  

My Rating:

The secondary characters added a lot of depth and entertainment to the story as well.  My favorite's were Marz, due to how caring and compassionate he was, as well as Jeremy, who added humor to the story.  Fans of Passionate and Addicting Romantic Suspense, need to pick up this series!  I give, Hard to Let Go, by Laura Kaye, 4 Sizzling Sexiness, Dangerous Conspiracy, Action Packed Suspense, Special Friendships Filled Stars!    

Book Teasers:

Purchase At:

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Google Play | Kobo | HarperCollins

About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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