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Stage Dive #4.5
Strong
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.
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.
114 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2018
426 people are currently reading
3344 people want to read
About the author
Kylie Scott
62 books17k followersKylie is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-selling, Audie Award winning Romance author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 505 reviews
September 23, 2018
4 stars!!!
I love Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive series, so when I saw there was a new novella coming out, I was more than a little excited to read it! When I saw it was Martha’s story, I had mixed feelings. Martha is a character you kind of loved to hate and hated to love in these books. Either way, I was still excited to get to it. And I'm pleased to say I found myself really enjoying it!
Martha is David’s ex and Ben’s sister, so she’s a big part of the Stage Dive family. She has made mistakes in her past, but I feel like she genuinely has changed. She is still herself, but she regrets things she’s done in her past. Her love interest is Sam, the head of Stage Dive security. Sam is a big old teddy bear. I loved him! He and Martha together seemed like an unlikely couple, but they made sense. And their chemistry was off the charts!
After reading this novella, I want to go back and read some of my favorite books in this series. I miss these characters! They are so much fun. This novella was a fast read, but it was full of heat and heart. Definitely one I’d recommend for all fans of the Stage Dive series!
I love Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive series, so when I saw there was a new novella coming out, I was more than a little excited to read it! When I saw it was Martha’s story, I had mixed feelings. Martha is a character you kind of loved to hate and hated to love in these books. Either way, I was still excited to get to it. And I'm pleased to say I found myself really enjoying it!
Martha is David’s ex and Ben’s sister, so she’s a big part of the Stage Dive family. She has made mistakes in her past, but I feel like she genuinely has changed. She is still herself, but she regrets things she’s done in her past. Her love interest is Sam, the head of Stage Dive security. Sam is a big old teddy bear. I loved him! He and Martha together seemed like an unlikely couple, but they made sense. And their chemistry was off the charts!
After reading this novella, I want to go back and read some of my favorite books in this series. I miss these characters! They are so much fun. This novella was a fast read, but it was full of heat and heart. Definitely one I’d recommend for all fans of the Stage Dive series!
“You’re so beautiful, Martha. Every part of you. I want you to feel cherished.”
September 26, 2018
Quick, cute, and sweet.
This book is a fast read but one to add to the StageDive pile for this author.
Sam Knowles the strong body guard for the Stage Dive Group somewhere along the line in the many years he’s known Martha Nicholson, fell deeply in love with her. So when he finally makes his move it’s a fast moving romance that sweeps us off our feet.
This story is told all in the Heroine POV. I wish we could have gotten more of Sam’s view. I would have felt more connected to him. But he’s impossible not to love.
Definitely a nice fast sweet read. Can be read as a stand-alone
This book is a fast read but one to add to the StageDive pile for this author.
Sam Knowles the strong body guard for the Stage Dive Group somewhere along the line in the many years he’s known Martha Nicholson, fell deeply in love with her. So when he finally makes his move it’s a fast moving romance that sweeps us off our feet.
This story is told all in the Heroine POV. I wish we could have gotten more of Sam’s view. I would have felt more connected to him. But he’s impossible not to love.
Definitely a nice fast sweet read. Can be read as a stand-alone
November 20, 2018
★4.5★
Strong is a novella featured in the 1001 Dark Nights. As we return to the Stage Dive world, we finally get a glimpse into the heart of Martha. Martha is one character that we all love to hate and yet, she somehow redeems herself. Martha shows a tender side that we never knew could possibly exist when she allows herself to find happiness with Sam (Stage Dive's head of security). It takes Martha a while to trust Sam and allow him in but once their connection is forged sparks fly and neither will ever be the same again.
Overall, this steamy novella offers a sweet read with passion and tender romance. It was quite a treat to be back with the band and all of their antics! I never thought I'd be a Martha fan and yet, somehow Kylie Scott made me a believer. I am a huge fan of this series and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a steamy rock romance!
🏴☠️ Read for September Shhurrender week on Shh... 🏴☠️
https://t.co/VZO3uH5qmu
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
“You never used to be nervous around me.”
Strong is a novella featured in the 1001 Dark Nights. As we return to the Stage Dive world, we finally get a glimpse into the heart of Martha. Martha is one character that we all love to hate and yet, she somehow redeems herself. Martha shows a tender side that we never knew could possibly exist when she allows herself to find happiness with Sam (Stage Dive's head of security). It takes Martha a while to trust Sam and allow him in but once their connection is forged sparks fly and neither will ever be the same again.
Overall, this steamy novella offers a sweet read with passion and tender romance. It was quite a treat to be back with the band and all of their antics! I never thought I'd be a Martha fan and yet, somehow Kylie Scott made me a believer. I am a huge fan of this series and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a steamy rock romance!
🏴☠️ Read for September Shhurrender week on Shh... 🏴☠️
https://t.co/VZO3uH5qmu
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
October 1, 2019
3.5 Stars
March 4, 2020
It's good to be back...
I absolutely LOVED catching up with the Stage Dive gang, and to be honest, I think Kylie Scott did me a favour by making it Novella length. We'll blame it on my SHOCKING memory, but I struggled to even remember Martha. With the little bits of info I was given in Strong, I kind of pieced together what had happened previously. By having it novella length, mixed with my bad memory, I think it helped me get to know Martha without having to get past her previous mistakes.
It's amazing what you will do when you feel threatened. For Martha, she pushes people away before they even contemplate giving her the nudge. She's a wee bit prickly at the best of times, put her in a corner, she turns into a porcupine with PMS. But, there's one person who has been watching silently from the corner. He's always been there watching her back and waiting for her shield to lower a little. When Martha finally explains why she's back visiting from New York, that man in the corner comes out from the dark and nothing will be the same again.
Seriously, this is a quick trip from lust to love, but I kind of had no problem with it. Sure, I would have liked a bit more of everything, but I got enough to satisfy. The connection between Martha and Sam jumps off the pages and I loved seeing Martha taking some of the control. Sam, while not appearing like a man who follows orders, knows that their relationship will be stronger giving Martha some of the power. These two are HOT!!
Plenty of reconnecting with friends, seeing them thrive in their HEA's, and watching their families grow. Mal is still a CRACK UP!! I loved that they still like being together and having fun outside their music.
Glad I got the chance to catch up with the Stage Dive gang but a little sad that this might be my last glimpse of them. I wouldn't be averse to Adam maybe getting a story...hint, hint, nudge, nudge...
I absolutely LOVED catching up with the Stage Dive gang, and to be honest, I think Kylie Scott did me a favour by making it Novella length. We'll blame it on my SHOCKING memory, but I struggled to even remember Martha. With the little bits of info I was given in Strong, I kind of pieced together what had happened previously. By having it novella length, mixed with my bad memory, I think it helped me get to know Martha without having to get past her previous mistakes.
It's amazing what you will do when you feel threatened. For Martha, she pushes people away before they even contemplate giving her the nudge. She's a wee bit prickly at the best of times, put her in a corner, she turns into a porcupine with PMS. But, there's one person who has been watching silently from the corner. He's always been there watching her back and waiting for her shield to lower a little. When Martha finally explains why she's back visiting from New York, that man in the corner comes out from the dark and nothing will be the same again.
Seriously, this is a quick trip from lust to love, but I kind of had no problem with it. Sure, I would have liked a bit more of everything, but I got enough to satisfy. The connection between Martha and Sam jumps off the pages and I loved seeing Martha taking some of the control. Sam, while not appearing like a man who follows orders, knows that their relationship will be stronger giving Martha some of the power. These two are HOT!!
Plenty of reconnecting with friends, seeing them thrive in their HEA's, and watching their families grow. Mal is still a CRACK UP!! I loved that they still like being together and having fun outside their music.
Glad I got the chance to catch up with the Stage Dive gang but a little sad that this might be my last glimpse of them. I wouldn't be averse to Adam maybe getting a story...hint, hint, nudge, nudge...
September 23, 2018
I love reading about rockbands, it's actually one of my favorite genres and the more famous they are the better. So it shouldn't be a surprise that the "Stage Dive" series is one of my all time favorites. Especially "Lead" ... I have a major Jimmy crush going on and so I re-read his book all the time !!
When I found out this little novella was gonna be about Martha and Sam, I was very curious to see how the author was gonna pull this off. Martha hasn't exactly been a favorite in the "Stage Dive" series. She's Ben's sister and David's ex girlfriend.
Martha has come back to help Ben and his little family. I am happy to say that she totally redeemed herself in my eyes and really....doesn't everyone deserve a second chance ??
I think Saam and Martha were pretty awesome together. Sam has had feelings for Martha for a very very long time. No that she is back, the sexual tension between them is through the roof ;)
These two were a perfect ,atch and I am glad they both found their HEA... I also very much enjoyed visiting with the Stage Dive crew again...Makes me want to do another re-read !! It was sweet, funny and HOT ...
Highly recommended to all Stage Dive fans ;)
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
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October 5, 2018
This is a short but sweet Stagedive story...
This is one of my all-time favorite romance series, so this little novella was like the cherry on top of my Stagedive Sundae... but no worries if you have not read the series yet this book will work as a standalone... it will be the appetizer to your Stagedive meal, because believe me you will want to continue with the series after reading this! It was so much fun revisiting the band... and even though this is Sam and Martha’s story we still got a fair dose of the boys and their significant others.... Sam is the band’s long time Head of security and Martha is Ben’s sister and David’s ex and the Stagedive villain.... it’s a short book so the romance moves quickly, although it has been years in the making... these two have a lot of chemistry so there is plenty of sizzle and steam in this book...
The perfect afternoon pick me up, a short story filled with fun and fire 🔥
*** A huge thank you to Kylie Scott for my copy of this book ***
This is one of my all-time favorite romance series, so this little novella was like the cherry on top of my Stagedive Sundae... but no worries if you have not read the series yet this book will work as a standalone... it will be the appetizer to your Stagedive meal, because believe me you will want to continue with the series after reading this! It was so much fun revisiting the band... and even though this is Sam and Martha’s story we still got a fair dose of the boys and their significant others.... Sam is the band’s long time Head of security and Martha is Ben’s sister and David’s ex and the Stagedive villain.... it’s a short book so the romance moves quickly, although it has been years in the making... these two have a lot of chemistry so there is plenty of sizzle and steam in this book...
The perfect afternoon pick me up, a short story filled with fun and fire 🔥
*** A huge thank you to Kylie Scott for my copy of this book ***
November 5, 2018
4 'Gibson Thunderbird' stars
Ok, so I was never a fan of Martha, 'cause duh, she was annoying as hell. But Sam and her being together... why not 😄 I've loved Sam since the first book ❥ I had a hard time believing that Martha would actually redeem herself here, but yes, she was almost adorable. And Sam was, of course, sexy as hell. However, it was Gibson Thunderbird aka Gibby, that completely stole the show. (He's Lizzy and Ben's two-year-old son.) This little dude is a rock star. Seriously, even Mal's comments pale in comparison to the Gibby's hilarious awesomeness.
Ok, so I was never a fan of Martha, 'cause duh, she was annoying as hell. But Sam and her being together... why not 😄 I've loved Sam since the first book ❥ I had a hard time believing that Martha would actually redeem herself here, but yes, she was almost adorable. And Sam was, of course, sexy as hell. However, it was Gibson Thunderbird aka Gibby, that completely stole the show. (He's Lizzy and Ben's two-year-old son.) This little dude is a rock star. Seriously, even Mal's comments pale in comparison to the Gibby's hilarious awesomeness.
February 26, 2019
Strong era una lectura que me tenia un poco dividida, por un lado queria leer mas de este maravilloso grupo que es el Stage Dive, pero por otro lado no estaba segura de que la historia de Martha fuera a gustarme debido a su forma de ser y lo que conocemos de ella en las partes anteriores, pero por suerte la autora supo hacer un trabajo grandioso y consiguio que yo tolerara a Martha.
El mejor aspecto de esta novela es que volvemos a encontrarnos con estos personajes, me encanto volver a leer sobre ellos, saber que habia sucedido en su vida durante estos años y verlos a cada uno de ellos establecidos con sus propias familias.
Sam y Martha no seran la pareja mas memorable o romantica que encontraras, en mi opinion a su historia le falta un desarrollo mas profundo y le sobra rapidez, pero a grandes rasgos me parecio una pareja agradable con la que pase un buen momento.
En fin, Strong es una lectura amena, con pocas paginas y que te encantara si eres fan de esta saga.
3 Estrellas!
October 9, 2018
Strong was a Stage Dive Novella by Kylie Scott. I loved the Stage Dive series. Frankly, I loved all of Scott’s series to date.
Strong was a follow up to Martha, Ben’s sister and the lead Security for Stage Dive, Sam. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like this one since Martha had done some horrific things in book one, Lick, in order to keep David and Evelyn apart. However, it was good to clear the air, especially since Ben was such a great guy and family was important to him.
With that said, Strong was my least favorite in the series. Although well written, it was hard for me to relate to the characters. For me, she was such a villain previously that I would have liked to have seen her development. As expected in a novella, Scott got straight to the point without filling in too many details. As such, I was craving more.
Otherwise, it was lighthearted, a quick read and enjoyable. It also set the stage for the newest musician Adam. Hopefully we’ll see his story soon.
Strong was a follow up to Martha, Ben’s sister and the lead Security for Stage Dive, Sam. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like this one since Martha had done some horrific things in book one, Lick, in order to keep David and Evelyn apart. However, it was good to clear the air, especially since Ben was such a great guy and family was important to him.
With that said, Strong was my least favorite in the series. Although well written, it was hard for me to relate to the characters. For me, she was such a villain previously that I would have liked to have seen her development. As expected in a novella, Scott got straight to the point without filling in too many details. As such, I was craving more.
Otherwise, it was lighthearted, a quick read and enjoyable. It also set the stage for the newest musician Adam. Hopefully we’ll see his story soon.
September 26, 2018
4.5 STARS!
I absolutely LOVE Kylie Scott's Stage Dive series, so when I found out there was a novella coming out and it was about Martha, I had to have it!!! You see, I have a hate/love relationship with Martha ever since Lick, but everyone deserves a second chance and Martha has redeemed herself y'all! I enjoyed this mini slice of heaven so much 😍.
If you haven't read the Stage Dive series then I don't know what you're waiting for. Do it, you won't regret it. Martha use to be David's ex and she's Ben's sister. As you can imagine, book 1 was messy, but oh so yummy!
Martha has left the East Coast and comes back home to be with her brother Ben and his family. Watching her squirm and seeing her try to fight her attraction towards Sam, had me living!! #sigh. I loved the dynamic of their relationship. Sam pacified Martha and was protective. He's just a big teddy bear. She felt safe in his arms, but still maintained control. It was wonderful to see them fall for each other!
This book just made me realize how much I missed this series and these characters! Watching how far they've come and seeing them together like the tight knit family they are, made me teary eyed 😢. This novella was a fast read and such a tease. I'm a sucker for them and I wanted more!! Thank you, Kylie for bringing us back!! 😍
*AN ARC WAS KINDLY PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.*
I absolutely LOVE Kylie Scott's Stage Dive series, so when I found out there was a novella coming out and it was about Martha, I had to have it!!! You see, I have a hate/love relationship with Martha ever since Lick, but everyone deserves a second chance and Martha has redeemed herself y'all! I enjoyed this mini slice of heaven so much 😍.
If you haven't read the Stage Dive series then I don't know what you're waiting for. Do it, you won't regret it. Martha use to be David's ex and she's Ben's sister. As you can imagine, book 1 was messy, but oh so yummy!
Martha has left the East Coast and comes back home to be with her brother Ben and his family. Watching her squirm and seeing her try to fight her attraction towards Sam, had me living!! #sigh. I loved the dynamic of their relationship. Sam pacified Martha and was protective. He's just a big teddy bear. She felt safe in his arms, but still maintained control. It was wonderful to see them fall for each other!
This book just made me realize how much I missed this series and these characters! Watching how far they've come and seeing them together like the tight knit family they are, made me teary eyed 😢. This novella was a fast read and such a tease. I'm a sucker for them and I wanted more!! Thank you, Kylie for bringing us back!! 😍
*AN ARC WAS KINDLY PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.*
September 25, 2018
We all remember Martha from the Stage Dive series. She's Ben's sister and Davie's ex and she caused a lot of trouble in the books. And now she's back in Portland to be the baby sitter for Ben and Lizzie's 2-year old son Gib while Lizzie goes back to college. She tries hard to not be the b*tch she used to be. But life has not been the best buddy to her these last years. She's been lonely. She missed the whole gang. Especially Sam. The band's bodyguard. Aka Executive Protection Officer.
Sam has been in love with Martha for a decade, but she never noticed him like that...
But she does now. How could she not. All those muscles and that ex Navy SEAL hotness...
═══════════════════
Aww, that was adorable.
Finally back in the Stage Dive World!
Oh Mal - how I missed you!!!!! He's the best thing about any and all Stage Dive books - sorry other guys and girls, but Mal is the greatest. Idiot. Mostly. But still - I just adore him.
But Sam is amazing too. He's just so secure in his love for Martha - he knows it will all happen one day ... she just might take a little longer to get there ...
But it's a cute and funny and very sexy little journey for the reader to witness.
Especially all the Mal moments!
I really enjoyed this little novella. It was a bit short and a bit too insta - even though it took them a decade to get together. But it was great to be back in that world again for an hour!
Will we get Adam/Aaron's book one day??????
♡
♡
♡
♡
October 12, 2020
2,5 leggere di protagonisti che non hai mai sopportato è sempre rischioso, mettici poi che dovrebbe riscattarsi ai tuoi occhi in 100 pagine e il disastro è servito. Sam è passato dal dare del lei a Martha al "amore mio" in un capitolo. Salvo solo Mal degli stage per qualche momento carino, il resto no.
October 26, 2020
This series has always been one of my favorites and I am not sure how I missed that there was this novella about Sam, the head of Stage Dive’s security. I always liked him but I’m sure like most people I didn’t like Martha. She was a troublemaker and self-centered. I wouldn’t say that I am a fan of her or anything now, but after this story I’m finding her to be okay.
Sam is so patient with Martha on top of him being sexy and mature.
Getting to experience a two year old Gibson (Gibby), who is the son of Ben & Lizzy, was a real treat and the inner action with the other Stage Dive members and their spouses was also a bunch of fun. I mean REALLY, ANY book with Mal in it is a fun time for sure!!
Sam is so patient with Martha on top of him being sexy and mature.
Getting to experience a two year old Gibson (Gibby), who is the son of Ben & Lizzy, was a real treat and the inner action with the other Stage Dive members and their spouses was also a bunch of fun. I mean REALLY, ANY book with Mal in it is a fun time for sure!!
December 27, 2019
4 to 4 1/2 stars
April 17, 2021
3 STARS ⭐
This 8 chapter + epilogue novella is technically a standalone and supposed to give readers an intro to the Stage Dive world. However, to understand the group dynamic and backstory of some the characters present, I recommend reading the series first! Anyways, the novella is told only from Martha Nicholson (main heroine) POV.
🎧 Format: audiobook listen. This audiobook is 3 hrs and can be listen to in one sitting. Lastly, it was narrated by Andi Arndt which she is one of my favorite narrators so as always I enjoyed the narration!
BRIEF STORY PLOT
Martha has always been the villain of the group as the role she played to try to break up Dave and Ev but she is trying to make amends and be there for her nephew while back home. But things take a turn when Sam finally makes his move to make Martha his. Sam has his work cut out for him because Martha has high walls to break and baggage that she tries so hard to lead on that doesn't bother her. In the end, after 10 long years of wanting Martha, Sam gets the girl he always liked. . . finally, the timing is right.
This novella includes. . .
OVERALL~
It was a ehh, okay book!
➟ Steam factor: medium. The author tried to build into the story that this attraction was always there but it feel more like instant-lust to insta-love than anything.
➟ Recommend: Yes.
➟ Secondary Characters: LOVED. Mal makes this novella, enough said. Oh, Marty you don't stand a chance of not being ribbed out unless of course Sam threatens bodily harm again haha. 😂 😂 😂
➟ Character Development: alright. For a novella, it was not terrible but I felt that to understand Martha you need to know her past involvement in the previous full length novels. Lastly, I felt that Martha and Sam's relationship moved veeerrrryyy quick, too quick even for a novella.
Stage Dive Series
Books focused on Stage Dive band members
#1 Lick ➳ TBR
#2 Play ➳ 4 stars
#3 Lead ➳ 4 stars
#4 Deep ➳ 3 stars
#4.8 The Rhythm Method: A Stage Dive Novella ➳ TBR
↳ This novella will focus on Dave & Ev
Novellas set in the Stage Dive world
#4.5 Strong ➳ 3 stars
#4.6 Closer ➳ 3 stars
#4.7 Love Song ➳ 3.5 stars
This 8 chapter + epilogue novella is technically a standalone and supposed to give readers an intro to the Stage Dive world. However, to understand the group dynamic and backstory of some the characters present, I recommend reading the series first! Anyways, the novella is told only from Martha Nicholson (main heroine) POV.
🎧 Format: audiobook listen. This audiobook is 3 hrs and can be listen to in one sitting. Lastly, it was narrated by Andi Arndt which she is one of my favorite narrators so as always I enjoyed the narration!
BRIEF STORY PLOT
Martha has always been the villain of the group as the role she played to try to break up Dave and Ev but she is trying to make amends and be there for her nephew while back home. But things take a turn when Sam finally makes his move to make Martha his. Sam has his work cut out for him because Martha has high walls to break and baggage that she tries so hard to lead on that doesn't bother her. In the end, after 10 long years of wanting Martha, Sam gets the girl he always liked. . . finally, the timing is right.
This novella includes. . .
✓ a hot security guard & strong-willed heroine
✓ a closer look at the dynamic between Martha & the Stage Dive band members. You do see the growth among the group since all the drama
✓ foreshadowing to other standalone books set in this world
OVERALL~
It was a ehh, okay book!
➟ Steam factor: medium. The author tried to build into the story that this attraction was always there but it feel more like instant-lust to insta-love than anything.
➟ Recommend: Yes.
➟ Secondary Characters: LOVED. Mal makes this novella, enough said. Oh, Marty you don't stand a chance of not being ribbed out unless of course Sam threatens bodily harm again haha. 😂 😂 😂
➟ Character Development: alright. For a novella, it was not terrible but I felt that to understand Martha you need to know her past involvement in the previous full length novels. Lastly, I felt that Martha and Sam's relationship moved veeerrrryyy quick, too quick even for a novella.
Stage Dive Series
Books focused on Stage Dive band members
#1 Lick ➳ TBR
#2 Play ➳ 4 stars
#3 Lead ➳ 4 stars
#4 Deep ➳ 3 stars
#4.8 The Rhythm Method: A Stage Dive Novella ➳ TBR
↳ This novella will focus on Dave & Ev
Novellas set in the Stage Dive world
#4.5 Strong ➳ 3 stars
#4.6 Closer ➳ 3 stars
#4.7 Love Song ➳ 3.5 stars
September 25, 2018
I am a diehard fan of Kylie Scott's Stage Dive series and could not wait for this story! Martha and Sam were absolutely delicious. They were fun, sexy and absolutely on fire. I loved their banter and their connection and this quick and hot novella!
If anyone was to ask me which Rockstar series is my favorite, without a doubt I would say this author's Stage Dive series. OMG the banter and comraderie between the band and the wives was absolutely amazing. I love how Martha comes home to regroup and find herself after a traumatic incident away and in the process she finds what she truly has been missing: a genuine connection with friends and family and a man that had been waiting for her for a decade!
I thought this story was a fun, quick love story with a lot of heart. It was fantastic to be back in that world and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
***
Oh man, reading Strong felt like I was attending a family reunion! Well, considering the Stage Dive crew are like brothers and their wives fit right along with them, I’m not surprised that I felt this way.
But I was surprised about the fun dynamic between Sam and Martha. It seems that they’ve been having a bit of an unrequited romance for the past ten years. Each totally hot for the other, but neither doing a damn thing about it!
It was so fun watching them get over themselves—and their hangups—to finally get together. I loved how Sam made Martha a better person just by being him, and I really liked to see Martha grow up and mature and finally realize that she’s better than her past behaviors.
Strong was a fun, quick and dirty read and such a nice catch up with some of my favorite characters! ~ Missy, 4 stars
If anyone was to ask me which Rockstar series is my favorite, without a doubt I would say this author's Stage Dive series. OMG the banter and comraderie between the band and the wives was absolutely amazing. I love how Martha comes home to regroup and find herself after a traumatic incident away and in the process she finds what she truly has been missing: a genuine connection with friends and family and a man that had been waiting for her for a decade!
I thought this story was a fun, quick love story with a lot of heart. It was fantastic to be back in that world and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
***
Oh man, reading Strong felt like I was attending a family reunion! Well, considering the Stage Dive crew are like brothers and their wives fit right along with them, I’m not surprised that I felt this way.
But I was surprised about the fun dynamic between Sam and Martha. It seems that they’ve been having a bit of an unrequited romance for the past ten years. Each totally hot for the other, but neither doing a damn thing about it!
It was so fun watching them get over themselves—and their hangups—to finally get together. I loved how Sam made Martha a better person just by being him, and I really liked to see Martha grow up and mature and finally realize that she’s better than her past behaviors.
Strong was a fun, quick and dirty read and such a nice catch up with some of my favorite characters! ~ Missy, 4 stars
September 28, 2018
Not what I expected, both in a good and bad way. Full review to come...
April 22, 2019
3 Estrellitas y siendo generosa, porque la historia es sólo un relato corto, y realmente del guardaespaldas ha habido más bien poquito y ha dejado con ganas de más.
Desde el principio ya sabía que mucho no disfrutaría del relato por la protagonista; Martha, la hermana malvada de Ben que estuvo con David e hizo de todo para separarlo de Evelyn. Lo siento mucho, pero las malas pécoras secundarias nunca me han gustado, y para ser protagonistas mucho deben redimirse, en un solo relato eso no se consigue.
El protagonista es Sam, el jefe de seguridad del grupo de rock Stage Dive, ése chico de todo y para todo que seguía a todos lados a los miembros del grupo. En su relato conocemos la verdadera fachada de Sam, al parecer siempre estuvo enamorado de Martha, pero nunca dijo nada por respeto a ella y al resto del grupo, fue la chica de David y quería darle tiempo para recuperarse de la ruptura.
¿Qué pasa en éste relato? En el libro de Ben, Martha desapareció temporalmente y se fue a Nueva York, tras una mala experiencia y sentirse sola ha vuelto a Portland. Mientras piensa qué hacer con su nueva vida, se encarga de ser la niñera de su sobrino, Gib. Y aquí es donde nuestro guardaespaldas entrará en acción, pues de repente Martha se da cuenta de la existencia de él y de lo mucho que le atrae.
Pero si tengo que ser sincera, el romance me ha sabido a poco. Para tener tan pocas páginas, la autora podría haberlo desarrollado más, pero ha sido todo muy rápido y superficial. Con el personaje de Martha no he simpatizado, lo dije más arriba, no me cayó bien antes, ni me ha caído bien ahora, porque no la he conocido lo suficiente, ni me he creído sus disculpas; quizás si hubiese sido una novela en vez de un relato corto, podría haberme gustado más. En cambio a Sam siento que no lo he conocido realmente. Siempre he dicho que es un error muy serio que una novela romántica esté narrada en primera persona, sobre todo si sólo conoces el punto de vista de la protagonista, porque si lo que deberías hacer es enamorarte del protagonista, en éstas novelas (salvo si es Mal), no consigues conocerlos realmente.
El punto fuerte de ésta novelilla son las escenas en las que interactúan todos los Stage Dive con nuestros protagonistas ¿Qué puedo decir de Mal? Sigue siendo el alma de la fiesta, quien anima todo, y por supuesto quien hace que ésta serie merezca la pena. Lo bueno también de éste epílogo de saga, es ver cómo les ha ido a las parejas de los libros anteriores. Y pese a lo mucho que critico los libros escritos en primera persona, me gusta mucho cómo escribe Kylie Scott y espero no tardar mucho en leer otros libros suyos.
Desde el principio ya sabía que mucho no disfrutaría del relato por la protagonista; Martha, la hermana malvada de Ben que estuvo con David e hizo de todo para separarlo de Evelyn. Lo siento mucho, pero las malas pécoras secundarias nunca me han gustado, y para ser protagonistas mucho deben redimirse, en un solo relato eso no se consigue.
El protagonista es Sam, el jefe de seguridad del grupo de rock Stage Dive, ése chico de todo y para todo que seguía a todos lados a los miembros del grupo. En su relato conocemos la verdadera fachada de Sam, al parecer siempre estuvo enamorado de Martha, pero nunca dijo nada por respeto a ella y al resto del grupo, fue la chica de David y quería darle tiempo para recuperarse de la ruptura.
¿Qué pasa en éste relato? En el libro de Ben, Martha desapareció temporalmente y se fue a Nueva York, tras una mala experiencia y sentirse sola ha vuelto a Portland. Mientras piensa qué hacer con su nueva vida, se encarga de ser la niñera de su sobrino, Gib. Y aquí es donde nuestro guardaespaldas entrará en acción, pues de repente Martha se da cuenta de la existencia de él y de lo mucho que le atrae.
Pero si tengo que ser sincera, el romance me ha sabido a poco. Para tener tan pocas páginas, la autora podría haberlo desarrollado más, pero ha sido todo muy rápido y superficial. Con el personaje de Martha no he simpatizado, lo dije más arriba, no me cayó bien antes, ni me ha caído bien ahora, porque no la he conocido lo suficiente, ni me he creído sus disculpas; quizás si hubiese sido una novela en vez de un relato corto, podría haberme gustado más. En cambio a Sam siento que no lo he conocido realmente. Siempre he dicho que es un error muy serio que una novela romántica esté narrada en primera persona, sobre todo si sólo conoces el punto de vista de la protagonista, porque si lo que deberías hacer es enamorarte del protagonista, en éstas novelas (salvo si es Mal), no consigues conocerlos realmente.
El punto fuerte de ésta novelilla son las escenas en las que interactúan todos los Stage Dive con nuestros protagonistas ¿Qué puedo decir de Mal? Sigue siendo el alma de la fiesta, quien anima todo, y por supuesto quien hace que ésta serie merezca la pena. Lo bueno también de éste epílogo de saga, es ver cómo les ha ido a las parejas de los libros anteriores. Y pese a lo mucho que critico los libros escritos en primera persona, me gusta mucho cómo escribe Kylie Scott y espero no tardar mucho en leer otros libros suyos.
September 16, 2018
I just can’t get enough of the Stage Dive family and this little peek back into their lives was a delicious serving! This is very much Sam & Martha’s story but intermingled are all the other characters I’ve come to know and love.
Martha is Ben’s sister and has come to stay with him and Lizzie to help care for her nephew Gibson. She has a bit of history with David and caused a few issues between him and his wife Ev but that was so many years ago that it shouldn’t be too awkward spending time with the band again right?
The guy she can’t seem to stop thinking about these days is Sam Knowles, the band’s head of security. He is not her usual type but there is something about this solid, quiet man that piques her interest. As much as Sam doesn’t want to think about Martha, he can’t seem to take his eyes off her, in fact he’s had them on her for years.
‘Considering I’ve been waiting for you for almost a decade, I think I’ve got a pretty good understanding of what goes on in that gorgeous head of yours.’
Lizzie seems hell bent on getting these two together and after a bit of sneaking around they are thrust together to face their attraction towards each other. Lizzie isn’t the only one poking them, Mal can’t stop talking about ‘Marty’ hooking up with Sam and he injects his own little brand of Mal-sisms that had me laughing out loud throughout this story.
I loved coming together of Martha & Sam, it wasn’t a fairy tale story but one that was ten years in the making and perfect for them. This is a novella in size but it felt like full length novel, I loved this and want more!
Martha is Ben’s sister and has come to stay with him and Lizzie to help care for her nephew Gibson. She has a bit of history with David and caused a few issues between him and his wife Ev but that was so many years ago that it shouldn’t be too awkward spending time with the band again right?
The guy she can’t seem to stop thinking about these days is Sam Knowles, the band’s head of security. He is not her usual type but there is something about this solid, quiet man that piques her interest. As much as Sam doesn’t want to think about Martha, he can’t seem to take his eyes off her, in fact he’s had them on her for years.
‘Considering I’ve been waiting for you for almost a decade, I think I’ve got a pretty good understanding of what goes on in that gorgeous head of yours.’
Lizzie seems hell bent on getting these two together and after a bit of sneaking around they are thrust together to face their attraction towards each other. Lizzie isn’t the only one poking them, Mal can’t stop talking about ‘Marty’ hooking up with Sam and he injects his own little brand of Mal-sisms that had me laughing out loud throughout this story.
I loved coming together of Martha & Sam, it wasn’t a fairy tale story but one that was ten years in the making and perfect for them. This is a novella in size but it felt like full length novel, I loved this and want more!
September 24, 2018
Title: Strong (Stage Dive #4.5, 1001 Dark Nights)
Author: Kylie Scott
~An ARC Was Kindly Provided In Exchange For An Honest Review~
The Stage Dive Series... The OG... The reason I fell in love with rocker contemporary romance! The Gang is back!!!! David, Jimmy, Mal and Ben are back with their significant other....
I admit I was a little apprehensive about reading Martha's story...after all, she did leave a bad taste in our mouth after the tantrums and epic drama-rama she tends to pull whenever she was around the group... BUT...I just had to read it too. I mean come on, Sam... The every faithful, the ever confident, the ever loyal Sam was to be the love interest for the Queen B aka Bratty Martha?! I was eager to read the magic of Kylie Scott's writing.
I will say this, everyone needs a Sam Knowles in their life. He is the calm to the storm, the shoulder to lean on...the complete opposite of Martha. I am really surprised by Martha in this book. I guess age does make one wiser because Martha ... I honestly felt bad for her in this book ...which is saying a lot. Behind all that catty, spoilt, bratty exterior...Martha is a little insecure, a little lost yet at the same time she is a force to be reckoned with. Martha is a shrewd business woman, has a wicked sense of fashion and what do you know... a shit ton of patience.
Sam and Martha make the most unlikely pair at first glance but somehow they really go well together. She is the wildness that Sam needs in his life and likewise he is the calm she needs in her ever present drama filled life. hahaha
I really enjoyed reading this beauty of a novella. Fast paced with just the right amount of love, angst and epic cameos by secondary characters. Strong is a must read by everyone especially all you Kylie Scott fans out there.
For an excerpt, click link below
www.jemimajamir.com
January 9, 2020
Oh so good to be back with these guys! It's been awhile, but I quickly caught up and enjoyed Sam & Marty's story immensely. Novellas often leave me wishing for more story, but I'm happy to report that Strong feels complete in every way. A fantastic addition to this series.
December 11, 2018
OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH
I mean, I hate Martha, but SAM SAM SAM SAM SAM!!!!!!!
I mean, I hate Martha, but SAM SAM SAM SAM SAM!!!!!!!
September 30, 2018
***3,5 "But... anyway!!!" stars***
I am so happy that after all these years i met again the "Stage Dive" bunch!!!
A bunch that at that time, i had love very much!!!
Yep, this sweet and fast novel wasn't about them, but they had a big part in there...
This story was about Martha, Ben's sister and evil David's ex and Sam, the head of security of "Stage Dive" band...
Martha was a little bitch and she had a thing for Sam, even though that she didn't want to accept it. She was too independent to show weakness... And even though she was running away from something and she was needing her friends and family close, she was too proud to actually ask for their help.
Sam from the other hand knew her more than she knew herself and he was in love with her forever... He was just binding his time for the right moment to come and as it seems the right time is now!!!!
So, what will happen with them???
Well,i enjoyed this story... As i told you above, i loved that we saw all the bunch for once again!!!
What felt a little bit too ruched for me was the romance between Sam and Martha. Yep, i know that there was sentiment between them for a long time and i really enjoyed the foreplay (It was kind of sexy!!!), it still felt too rushed, especially from Sam's side!!!
I also think that the way he was talking to her in their private moment was too... cheesy, i think!!!
Overall, it was a nice, quick funny and sexy reading!!!
I am so happy that after all these years i met again the "Stage Dive" bunch!!!
A bunch that at that time, i had love very much!!!
Yep, this sweet and fast novel wasn't about them, but they had a big part in there...
This story was about Martha, Ben's sister and evil David's ex and Sam, the head of security of "Stage Dive" band...
Martha was a little bitch and she had a thing for Sam, even though that she didn't want to accept it. She was too independent to show weakness... And even though she was running away from something and she was needing her friends and family close, she was too proud to actually ask for their help.
Sam from the other hand knew her more than she knew herself and he was in love with her forever... He was just binding his time for the right moment to come and as it seems the right time is now!!!!
So, what will happen with them???
Well,i enjoyed this story... As i told you above, i loved that we saw all the bunch for once again!!!
What felt a little bit too ruched for me was the romance between Sam and Martha. Yep, i know that there was sentiment between them for a long time and i really enjoyed the foreplay (It was kind of sexy!!!), it still felt too rushed, especially from Sam's side!!!
I also think that the way he was talking to her in their private moment was too... cheesy, i think!!!
Overall, it was a nice, quick funny and sexy reading!!!
September 27, 2018
I was so excited Kylie Scott was writing this novella and diving back into this series (see what I did there LOL), and I wanted to love it and while there were elements of Strong I really enjoyed, sadly I just could not get into the romance aspect of this book. I’ll admit I can carry a grudge and I have a big one, no scratch that a HUGE one against the heroine in this book and while I loved the hero, his insta-love with a stark raving lunatic b*tch was just too much for me to accept. That all being said, I loved being back with the band, their significant others and their offspring and I was excited about their new prodigy, but I just wanted a better romance.
Throughout the Stage Dive series of books Martha Nicholson proved time and time again that while an organized and capable assistant at the beginning of the series she was also a vindictive shrew and she raised her ugly head more than once. While Ms. Scott did her best to make her somewhat sympathetic and show a softer side of her, I’m not as forgiving as the characters in this book and I just never bought it. I also for the life of me can’t understand what a good man and Stage Dive’s executive protection officer, Sam Knowles, saw in her but apparently he saw something that kept him hopeful for going on 10 years and despite his reasoning for waiting, I still question it. The sexual chemistry was there between them and those scenes where scorching hot, but I never felt their heads and hearts connecting; it just all seemed too rushed and in all honesty one sided for the majority of the book. So needless to say, I had a hard time buying their relationship.
What I did love is we see a lot of the Stage Dive guys and even though they too interested and invested on what is going on with Sam and Martha especially my crazy Mal, I enjoyed being in their presence again way more than I could have imagined. The chemistry between these guys and the love they have for their spouses and children shone through.
While a bit disjointed and despite my disappointment in the romance part of Strong, I still found much to enjoy in it. One thing is for certain, being is the Stage Dive world once again is never a bad thing.
September 29, 2018
I didn't care for this at all. The romance didn't work for me and I wasn't feeling the characters. Honestly, I don't find Mal's lack of a filter cute at all instead it is irritating. The band members seem to live in each other's pockets. Also I vaguely remember the h being the antagonist in the first book I think.
November 22, 2018
It was ok, but nothing compared to the other Stage Dive books.
February 2, 2021
An enjoyable read. I did not like Martha in the other books so wasn't sure if I would be able to enjoy this book or not glad I gave this book a chance.
October 12, 2018
Quick(ish) Review
Strong by Kylie Scott 3*
It’s good for those have read the series and want that last little taste of their HEAs, because those are my favorite scenes, no doubt. Getting to hang out with the Stage Dive again was a blast and exactly as I’d expect. If you’ve come just for the new romance though, it was ….not my favorite. As much as I’d wanted to get into There’s little there to entice and it wraps up in a way that didn’t excite, it just felt like an afterthought.
**ARC provided by author via Inkslinger PR for review**
For more reviews, visit
September 9, 2019
Well, that was interesting... I admit to never being a fan of Martha, even now after reading the book but I loved Sam! I was really glad to see a book about him because he’s in every book of the series. He was funny, mysterious and interesting and to see how he was about Martha and to lay claim like that, was awesome! He’s amazing, I laughed a lot with his scenes, and even more when Mal was in the scenes, he’s just the absolute best!
Anyway, this is one of the best series ever! Loved and can’t wait to get my hands on the paperbacks. 💕
Anyway, this is one of the best series ever! Loved and can’t wait to get my hands on the paperbacks. 💕
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