Synopsis for Strong (from Goodreads):
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.**
Other books in the series:
Series: Stage Dive
There is a spin-off series called Dive Bar
Author: Kylie Scott
# of Books: 4 (Lick, Play, Lead, Deep)
There is a novella, #4.5 Strong
Book Order: Connected
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Rockstar, Music
Heat Rating: Hot
Point of View: First Person, Single
Publication Dates: October 2013 – March 2015
Source & Format: InkSlinger PR–eARC
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
When I finished the last book in the Stage Dive Series (Deep), I needed to know immediately if Martha was getting her own book. So I was really excited when I saw that something was in the works for Martha and Sam! I had so many questions and I couldn’t wait to see if they would fall in love.
The Plot:
I found that the first half of this book was dedicated to getting to know Martha, which was a good thing. If you have any experience at all with the Stage Dive Series, you probably have a less than favourable impression of Martha. But that’s why I love stories like these because you get to see that character in another–hopefully more positive–light. And that’s what this story succeeded in doing. My thoughts on Martha definitely evolved by the end of this novella.
The latter half of the novel is more about Martha and Sam navigating their budding relationship and I found was where the story really grabbed my attention. They have an interesting relationship and I enjoyed the banter between them.
Of course, I always want more out of a novella but I’m more than satisfied with how Martha’s story is delivered in this instalment.
The Characters:
Like I said above Martha was a character I didn’t necessarily like but she won me over by the end. She had some great character development and it was nice seeing her grow as a person and leave that nasty persona she had behind.
The Romance:
I would have liked to have seen these two interact a little more at the start (they seemed to jump into their relationship) but given the length of the story I understand. I really do like these two as a pair–they balance each other out and even if it wasn’t said outright, I got why they were drawn to each other.
Can it be read as a Standalone?
For sure! While I think you might get more out of Martha and Sam’s relationship by getting some of the context Deep (Stage Dive #4) provides, this novella would serve as a great introduction to the Stage Dive world and will leave you more than curious about the other characters.
Rating for Strong: 3/5
I love it when a character surprises you and that’s exactly what this novella did for me!
Read if You Like: quick romances, rockstars
Avoid if You: dislike contemporary romances
- Mayhem by Jamie Shaw (Mayhem Series #1)
- Gone for You by Jayne Frost (Sixth Street Bands #1)
Kylie Scott
Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/
Author Links: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website | Goodreads
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Oh my god this sounds so fun. I love a stern but confused man.
It’s a fun scenario that’s for sure!