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allingoodtime's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
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
4.5
A few weeks ago, while compiling my list of new releases, I came across a book that looked interesting but was the second of a series. After some looking around I learned the author, Kylie Scott, also had another series that sounded interesting. I put a hold on the first book of both series and decided whichever came available first I’d read. Well, I got this book from the library a few weeks ago and it’s sat on my end table waiting to be read. I had other books from the library from authors I already know and trust so this one kept going to the bottom of the pile. As much as I love real books, I cannot read them in bed anymore. My Kindle has spoiled me (and my husband who hates the noise of turning pages and the glare of a book light while he’s trying to sleep), what can I say?
Finally, days before it’s due back at the library, I pick the book up. All I can think is…what the heck took me so long?!? I love this book! It’s funny and sweet and sexy and gritty and real. (I say real in the sense of emotions, not the actual circumstances.) I now realize that, although this is the first of a series, the series itself is a bit of an offshoot of the author’s Stage Dive series. Believe me, it doesn’t matter. In no way did I feel as if I was missing something.
The pluck and courage Lydia has when faced with her almost in-laws, even while inside she’s in turmoil, instantly won me over. The care and, let’s face it, understanding that Vaughn showed Lydia was just the thing to make me swoon over him. Sometimes Vaughn could speak before thinking, but every time he would realize his mistake and realize how he was coming across and make amends. It helped that Lydia didn’t let him get away with it when he got too much into his own head.
There was a time or two toward the beginning when I had a hard time keeping some of the peripheral characters straight in my mind. Once I “met” them all that was no longer a problem though. I loved them all and especially hope to see more from Nell and Pat.
This is truly going to sound strange to many of you, but it always bugs me when characters are getting undressed and nobody thinks about odors or sweat. Let me explain. You’re reading a story and the heroine has been on her feet for hours with no socks on due to the outfit she’s wearing and the next thing you know, the hero is kneeling at her feet taking her shoes off and sometimes even kissing her toes. My first thought is, those feet CANNOT smell good right now. We all know it’s true. But the heroine never has any hesitation on that front. Until now. I loved that Lydia thought of that as Vaughn was undressing her. Sure, we all worry about how we look naked. But don’t we all also worry about if our feet are sweaty and smelly? I think so. And I appreciate an author admitting this.
So, in case you can’t tell, I really enjoyed this book. Once again, I got to experience a new-to-me author who blew me away.
Update after reading audiobook version 7/25/24:
As I mentioned in my original review, this was my first Kylie Scott read. It has stuck with me over the 7 years since I first read it. She writes such great characters. When I originally read this book I didn't know Mal from Stage Dive yet. I loved seeing him in this story now that I know him. So fun! I am so happy I revisited the Dive Bar and cannot wait to re-read the rest of the series. There are little things I forgot and cannot remember how certain things will play out.
Finally, days before it’s due back at the library, I pick the book up. All I can think is…what the heck took me so long?!? I love this book! It’s funny and sweet and sexy and gritty and real. (I say real in the sense of emotions, not the actual circumstances.) I now realize that, although this is the first of a series, the series itself is a bit of an offshoot of the author’s Stage Dive series. Believe me, it doesn’t matter. In no way did I feel as if I was missing something.
The pluck and courage Lydia has when faced with her almost in-laws, even while inside she’s in turmoil, instantly won me over. The care and, let’s face it, understanding that Vaughn showed Lydia was just the thing to make me swoon over him. Sometimes Vaughn could speak before thinking, but every time he would realize his mistake and realize how he was coming across and make amends. It helped that Lydia didn’t let him get away with it when he got too much into his own head.
There was a time or two toward the beginning when I had a hard time keeping some of the peripheral characters straight in my mind. Once I “met” them all that was no longer a problem though. I loved them all and especially hope to see more from Nell and Pat.
This is truly going to sound strange to many of you, but it always bugs me when characters are getting undressed and nobody thinks about odors or sweat. Let me explain. You’re reading a story and the heroine has been on her feet for hours with no socks on due to the outfit she’s wearing and the next thing you know, the hero is kneeling at her feet taking her shoes off and sometimes even kissing her toes. My first thought is, those feet CANNOT smell good right now. We all know it’s true. But the heroine never has any hesitation on that front. Until now. I loved that Lydia thought of that as Vaughn was undressing her. Sure, we all worry about how we look naked. But don’t we all also worry about if our feet are sweaty and smelly? I think so. And I appreciate an author admitting this.
So, in case you can’t tell, I really enjoyed this book. Once again, I got to experience a new-to-me author who blew me away.
Update after reading audiobook version 7/25/24:
As I mentioned in my original review, this was my first Kylie Scott read. It has stuck with me over the 7 years since I first read it. She writes such great characters. When I originally read this book I didn't know Mal from Stage Dive yet. I loved seeing him in this story now that I know him. So fun! I am so happy I revisited the Dive Bar and cannot wait to re-read the rest of the series. There are little things I forgot and cannot remember how certain things will play out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Fatphobia
the_disreputable_dog's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
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
5.0
I really enjoyed this book, and am most upset only about the fact that I have to wait ten weeks for the next one from my library lololol. I really like Kylie Scott's books, and they seem like they always have a good mix of drama and happiness. I do wish there had been more revenge though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Outing, Alcohol, and Classism
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Violence, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cancer, Homophobia, Blood, Grief, Stalking, and Car accident
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