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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
4.25 stars
A few months ago I did a review of the first three books in the Stage Dive romance series that focuses on a Maroon 5-esque band and the four bandmates' love lives. I was a fan of the first book, was disappointed by the second, but for the most part enjoyed the third. I have to say, if I had to have one of the books be the one I devoted a full review to I'm glad it's this one because it is my favorite of the series.
Somehow I never expected to like Lizzy and Ben as much as I did. Lizzy is Anne's younger sister and given how crazy Anne and Mal's book drove me I guess I thought Lizzy might do the same. While Lizzy was young, she's still in college, and kind of naive in ways that drove me a little batty, for the most part I was surprised at how much I liked her and what a strong character she was. Ben always came across as the silent brooding type so I never quite got a feel for him. Honestly I didn't get that much more of a feel for him in this book, but from from what we got to see through Lizzy's eyes I really liked.
I also thought the pregnancy story line would drive me crazy. Lizzy is a bright girl with a big future and after a one-night stand with her rockstar crush she's pregnant and totally devoted to having the baby? I guess I question if she would immediately be so attached to the idea of having a baby (there isn't any religious or family pressure at play here), but somehow, again, it worked. Maybe I'm just getting older and the idea of having kids is seeming somewhat more normal to me, but I thought pregnant Lizzy was adorable. It was also really sweet how devoted Lizzy was to the baby and how protective she was over the baby, even from Ben. It was nice to see a strong female character that wasn't about keeping the baby or having a baby to get a man, but keeping the man in her life if he was going to be good for her baby.
In a series like this one there's also the added bonus of being able to catch up with the earlier couples. Even though Anne and Mal drove me crazy it was nice to see them again and catch up with the rest of the guys, especially Lena and Jimmy. Also, the fact that in this book they were on tour rather than in California or Portland like the other books helped keep it fresh. Traveling to different cities, staying in hotels, seeing groupies and interview, and concerts up close really gave this book a different, but obviously not too different feel and, especially by the fourth book in the series, that was really nice to see.
It's a little weird that I haven't talked at all about the romance. This is a romance, but in the end it was more about Lizzy finding herself and becoming a mom. That said, the romance was pretty nice. Lizzy and Ben start out as friends and actually remain friends, with a healthy dose of sexual tension, for most of the book. This was much more of a friends-to-lovers story than any of the others in the series and since I'm a fan of those I really appreciated that. It also had its sexier moments which, like the other books in the series were well done and steamy.
Bottom Line: If you are thinking of giving the Stage Dive series a read I would definitely recommend it. And even if you aren't thinking about reading the Stage Dive series I would still consider picking up Deep. Not only is this book a sweet and sexy romance, it also has a strong, feisty main character who's having a baby for all the right reasons and on her way to being a great mom.
I received an electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!). All opinions are my own.
This review first appeared on my blog.
A few months ago I did a review of the first three books in the Stage Dive romance series that focuses on a Maroon 5-esque band and the four bandmates' love lives. I was a fan of the first book, was disappointed by the second, but for the most part enjoyed the third. I have to say, if I had to have one of the books be the one I devoted a full review to I'm glad it's this one because it is my favorite of the series.
Somehow I never expected to like Lizzy and Ben as much as I did. Lizzy is Anne's younger sister and given how crazy Anne and Mal's book drove me I guess I thought Lizzy might do the same. While Lizzy was young, she's still in college, and kind of naive in ways that drove me a little batty, for the most part I was surprised at how much I liked her and what a strong character she was. Ben always came across as the silent brooding type so I never quite got a feel for him. Honestly I didn't get that much more of a feel for him in this book, but from from what we got to see through Lizzy's eyes I really liked.
I also thought the pregnancy story line would drive me crazy. Lizzy is a bright girl with a big future and after a one-night stand with her rockstar crush she's pregnant and totally devoted to having the baby? I guess I question if she would immediately be so attached to the idea of having a baby (there isn't any religious or family pressure at play here), but somehow, again, it worked. Maybe I'm just getting older and the idea of having kids is seeming somewhat more normal to me, but I thought pregnant Lizzy was adorable. It was also really sweet how devoted Lizzy was to the baby and how protective she was over the baby, even from Ben. It was nice to see a strong female character that wasn't about keeping the baby or having a baby to get a man, but keeping the man in her life if he was going to be good for her baby.
In a series like this one there's also the added bonus of being able to catch up with the earlier couples. Even though Anne and Mal drove me crazy it was nice to see them again and catch up with the rest of the guys, especially Lena and Jimmy. Also, the fact that in this book they were on tour rather than in California or Portland like the other books helped keep it fresh. Traveling to different cities, staying in hotels, seeing groupies and interview, and concerts up close really gave this book a different, but obviously not too different feel and, especially by the fourth book in the series, that was really nice to see.
It's a little weird that I haven't talked at all about the romance. This is a romance, but in the end it was more about Lizzy finding herself and becoming a mom. That said, the romance was pretty nice. Lizzy and Ben start out as friends and actually remain friends, with a healthy dose of sexual tension, for most of the book. This was much more of a friends-to-lovers story than any of the others in the series and since I'm a fan of those I really appreciated that. It also had its sexier moments which, like the other books in the series were well done and steamy.
Bottom Line: If you are thinking of giving the Stage Dive series a read I would definitely recommend it. And even if you aren't thinking about reading the Stage Dive series I would still consider picking up Deep. Not only is this book a sweet and sexy romance, it also has a strong, feisty main character who's having a baby for all the right reasons and on her way to being a great mom.
I received an electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!). All opinions are my own.
This review first appeared on my blog.
I have been waiting for this one since we first saw Lizzy and Ben interact in the second book, and their chemistry here is just lovely. I did not see the plot coming, but it definitely adds to the overall secret romance factor. I like how the book explores how their unexpected pregnancy would impact all of the other members of their honorary band family, especially her sister and her brother-in-law. We see them deal with their anger in different ways and work through their trust issues, not just in terms of the band but in terms of them being a family. I found that it made the book more complicated and I loved it.
The hardest part of this book for me was that Ben is such a jerk for so much of it. He does mention that he just needs to catch up with the news, but he keeps falling short. It was troubling and I can see many readers being turned off by that. I found it realistic considering their history and I knew it would work out just fine because it's a romance, but it also could come across as red flags. I also like how wonderfully unlikable Martha still is in this book. I had actually forgotten about her as a character until I was reminded here and I found her ability to screw everything up to be delightful.
I loved Vaughan and I was so excited to find out that he's the main lead in the Dive Bar series! I will be adding that to my list.
Tropes: m/f; super hot rock star strong silent type male meets bubbly forward college student female; semi slow burn--there's a scene early on and then A LOT of sexual tension while we wait; crude language and sexy goodness; suitemate for part of it which means ROOMMATES--oh my god they're roommates; friends to lovers to complicated; I-want-you-but-don't-know-how-to-do-relationships drama; unexpected pregnancy and then working on their relationship since they're going to be parents; she's his bandmate's little sister-in-law--off limits romance; falling in attraction through texting.
Heat rating: HOT—sex scenes throughout with explicit language, which adds to the overall story and relationship.
The hardest part of this book for me was that Ben is such a jerk for so much of it. He does mention that he just needs to catch up with the news, but he keeps falling short. It was troubling and I can see many readers being turned off by that. I found it realistic considering their history and I knew it would work out just fine because it's a romance, but it also could come across as red flags. I also like how wonderfully unlikable Martha still is in this book. I had actually forgotten about her as a character until I was reminded here and I found her ability to screw everything up to be delightful.
I loved Vaughan and I was so excited to find out that he's the main lead in the Dive Bar series! I will be adding that to my list.
Tropes: m/f; super hot rock star strong silent type male meets bubbly forward college student female; semi slow burn--there's a scene early on and then A LOT of sexual tension while we wait; crude language and sexy goodness; suitemate for part of it which means ROOMMATES--oh my god they're roommates; friends to lovers to complicated; I-want-you-but-don't-know-how-to-do-relationships drama; unexpected pregnancy and then working on their relationship since they're going to be parents; she's his bandmate's little sister-in-law--off limits romance; falling in attraction through texting.
Heat rating: HOT—sex scenes throughout with explicit language, which adds to the overall story and relationship.
Look for review on Romance @ Random closer to release date.
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books.
This is the fourth book in the Stage Dive series and each one is a stand-alone and centers on a different member in the Stage Dive band. This story is about Ben the bass guitarist and the only single guy in the group. Ben knows he should stay away from Liz, but he finds it impossible to resist her. After spending a wild night together in Vegas, Liz discovers she is pregnant and this story is about how Ben and Liz deal with their upcoming parenthood.
Liz is busy working towards her degree in psychology and is upset when she learns she is pregnant. She is much younger than Ben and sweet and naïve. She is disappointed when she sees Ben’s reaction to the pregnancy and she realizes the only support he will give her is monetary, not the emotional support she requires. Liz has to grow up quickly and make difficult decisions for her baby’s future.
Ben loves living his rock star lifestyle and is not interested in a relationship. Although Ben likes Liz, his plans have never included marriage or kids. When he learns he is going to be a father, he doesn’t know how to handle it and he hurts Liz with his brutal honesty. Ben only cares about music and he doesn’t want anything or anyone to get in the way of what he loves. I didn’t like Ben in the beginning and couldn’t understand what Liz saw in him, although he does redeem himself in the end. He continually hurts Liz and the reader doesn’t always understand Ben’s motives. I also felt sorry for Ben. He is clueless and everyone gives him a hard time, especially the guys in the band. This is an engaging, emotional and funny story featuring a famous and sexy rock star.This book was reviewed by a member of the review staff at Cocktails and Books. The name of the reviewer can be found under the post categories.
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Review: Deep (Stage Dive #4) by Kylie Scott Published by: Pan Macmillan (1st July 2015)
ISBN: 978-1743517758
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
Ben Nicholson is the only man that has ever made ordinary girl Lizzy Rollins feel both completely safe and crazy with desire. The problem is, Ben is the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive, and, no matter how much Lizzy may wish otherwise, he's only looking for a good time. Besides, Lizzy doesn't stand a chance - not unless she can get him to see beyond the fact that she's his bandmate's little sister.When Lizzy finds herself in trouble in Las Vegas, Ben is there to bail her out. But after one big mistake, the two quickly learn that what happens in Vegas, doesn't always stay there. Now Lizzy and Ben are connected in the deepest way possible...but will it lead to something more?
Review:
Having read and enjoyed Lick, the first book in this series about rock band Stage Dive, I was really looking forward to getting stuck into this rock star romance, and it doesn't disappoint. With the obligatory will they-won't they romance and plenty of steamy action, Deep is sure to please fans of this genre.
The lead characters are interesting and they're backed up by a plethora of supporting roles, resulting in a riotous romp around the globe!
I received a review copy of Deep from the publisher, via NetGalley, in return for an honest review.
ISBN: 978-1743517758
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
Ben Nicholson is the only man that has ever made ordinary girl Lizzy Rollins feel both completely safe and crazy with desire. The problem is, Ben is the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive, and, no matter how much Lizzy may wish otherwise, he's only looking for a good time. Besides, Lizzy doesn't stand a chance - not unless she can get him to see beyond the fact that she's his bandmate's little sister.When Lizzy finds herself in trouble in Las Vegas, Ben is there to bail her out. But after one big mistake, the two quickly learn that what happens in Vegas, doesn't always stay there. Now Lizzy and Ben are connected in the deepest way possible...but will it lead to something more?
Review:
Having read and enjoyed Lick, the first book in this series about rock band Stage Dive, I was really looking forward to getting stuck into this rock star romance, and it doesn't disappoint. With the obligatory will they-won't they romance and plenty of steamy action, Deep is sure to please fans of this genre.
The lead characters are interesting and they're backed up by a plethora of supporting roles, resulting in a riotous romp around the globe!
I received a review copy of Deep from the publisher, via NetGalley, in return for an honest review.
I like this story better out of all the others cause Ben is less of a red flag to me
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There are many reasons why the usually sane and responsible Lizzy Rollins and Ben Nicholson (bass player from Stage Dive) would never work as a couple. He’s older, wiser and – with groupies throwing themselves at him every night – surely more experienced. He embraces the nomadic lifestyle of being a rockstar whereas she is determined to stay in the one place until she finishes college. Add that to the fact that the band doesn’t see her as anything other than a little sister and any chance of a relationship between them seems doomed. But one night in Vegas changes everything and leaves their lives intrinsically linked forever.
I was so excited to read Deep, the fourth and final book in Kylie Scott’s award winning Stage Dive series. We’ve met Lizzy and Ben before in the previous books of the series and their relationship was hinted out in such a way which just made readers crave their story. The chatty college student and the enigmatic bass player? If anyone could make it work, it’s Kylie Scott. And boy does she deliver.
What I love most about this Deep (and this series as a whole) is the characters. They’re a great combination of down to earth with the rockstar experience thrown in. Lizzy is a strong, smart young woman who tries to do the right thing whilst at the same time strives to get her heart what it wants – or more specifically who. Her relationship with Ben is complicated and messy yet their attraction plain to see. The banter between the two of them is cheeky and playful with their chemistry palpable and their more intimate scenes being sensual and erotic.
I’m not someone who usually enjoys stories with a pregnant leading lady (this isn’t a spoiler – we find this out on the very first page) yet I loved how Lizzy, Ben and the rest of the Stage Dive entourage handled the unplanned baby surprise. The morning sickness, swollen ankles and hormones don’t get in the way of a good story but rather it add an extra element of urgency and drama to Lizzy and Ben’s story. Whilst this is a romance, Lizzy’s pragmatism and commitment to doing the right thing for everyone even when it risks her relationship with Ben was admirable.
Mal, Jimmy, David and their significant others all make an appearance in Deep and it was a pleasure to see how their relationships are doing now since their individual novels. I also liked how Ben and Lizzy’s situation impacted on their own lives and relationships. There are also a few new characters who bring a little drama and some old ones reappearing at that most inconvenient times.
If you enjoyed the previous books in the Stage Dive series – you will adore Ben and Lizzy’s story. Deep is fun and romantic with times of drama and emotional turmoil too. There is a sense of these characters being real people despite the rock star fantasy they are all living. It’s sexy, romantic and one of those books you won’t want to put down – I recommend Deep to anyone who enjoys well-written and entertaining romances with down to earth high flying rockstars.
I was so excited to read Deep, the fourth and final book in Kylie Scott’s award winning Stage Dive series. We’ve met Lizzy and Ben before in the previous books of the series and their relationship was hinted out in such a way which just made readers crave their story. The chatty college student and the enigmatic bass player? If anyone could make it work, it’s Kylie Scott. And boy does she deliver.
What I love most about this Deep (and this series as a whole) is the characters. They’re a great combination of down to earth with the rockstar experience thrown in. Lizzy is a strong, smart young woman who tries to do the right thing whilst at the same time strives to get her heart what it wants – or more specifically who. Her relationship with Ben is complicated and messy yet their attraction plain to see. The banter between the two of them is cheeky and playful with their chemistry palpable and their more intimate scenes being sensual and erotic.
I’m not someone who usually enjoys stories with a pregnant leading lady (this isn’t a spoiler – we find this out on the very first page) yet I loved how Lizzy, Ben and the rest of the Stage Dive entourage handled the unplanned baby surprise. The morning sickness, swollen ankles and hormones don’t get in the way of a good story but rather it add an extra element of urgency and drama to Lizzy and Ben’s story. Whilst this is a romance, Lizzy’s pragmatism and commitment to doing the right thing for everyone even when it risks her relationship with Ben was admirable.
Mal, Jimmy, David and their significant others all make an appearance in Deep and it was a pleasure to see how their relationships are doing now since their individual novels. I also liked how Ben and Lizzy’s situation impacted on their own lives and relationships. There are also a few new characters who bring a little drama and some old ones reappearing at that most inconvenient times.
If you enjoyed the previous books in the Stage Dive series – you will adore Ben and Lizzy’s story. Deep is fun and romantic with times of drama and emotional turmoil too. There is a sense of these characters being real people despite the rock star fantasy they are all living. It’s sexy, romantic and one of those books you won’t want to put down – I recommend Deep to anyone who enjoys well-written and entertaining romances with down to earth high flying rockstars.
Okay she was a bit stalkery at first but they got there
So I liked that this didn't happen overnight. I mean yeah Lizzie is kind of obsessed with Ben from the moment she meets him and overly emotional about their interactions before things finally worked out for them, but the part I liked was the fact that it took so long to work because that's what makes it seem possible. Granted not many readers are going to ever encounter an actual rock star to get knocked up by but at least its not instalove which to me is a lot less believable than an HEA with a celebrity. Ben spent a lot of the book being a jerk but Lizzie spent a lot of the book showing her age which was made worse by everyone treating her like a small child. That said I did enjoy the book and it's characters and I'm sorry that this series seems to have come to an end because I'd love to read more about these people.
So I liked that this didn't happen overnight. I mean yeah Lizzie is kind of obsessed with Ben from the moment she meets him and overly emotional about their interactions before things finally worked out for them, but the part I liked was the fact that it took so long to work because that's what makes it seem possible. Granted not many readers are going to ever encounter an actual rock star to get knocked up by but at least its not instalove which to me is a lot less believable than an HEA with a celebrity. Ben spent a lot of the book being a jerk but Lizzie spent a lot of the book showing her age which was made worse by everyone treating her like a small child. That said I did enjoy the book and it's characters and I'm sorry that this series seems to have come to an end because I'd love to read more about these people.