A review by caitlinemccann
Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning

adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This could have been a three-star read because it's FINE but not fantastic, but what pushes it down are the dated elements sprinkled about throughout the book. ex: an early overuse of some offensive language, its questionable leveraging of a bisexual side character, and misuse of BDSM. All of which is stuck in the mid-2010s when the book was published. 

Backstage Pass also struggles with a bunch of premises that are fun and original but only half-baked--a professor of human sexuality meets a rockstar at a hotel bar; she gets a grant to study the psychology of groupies; he hears new riffs when they have sex; there's a stalker ex. These plot points had flashes of brilliance but then would get dropped fairly quickly. 

I also wasn't a fan of the relationship. The heat was there and fun to read (barring some of the questionable elements I mentioned above), but there is no way their relationship is healthy and lasting. It was a struggle to believe in the happily ever after, which is always disappointing when that happens. There was still something compelling about Backstage Pass and I could see myself trying another book in the series out of curiosity, but I wouldn't hold out much hope for it. 
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