The Object of Your Affections by Falguni Kothari

* * * * *

Two best friends rewrite the rules of friendship, love and family…and change everything they thought they knew about motherhood

Paris Kahn Fraser has it all—a successful career as an assistant district attorney, a beautiful home in New York City, and a handsome, passionate husband who chose her over having a family of his own. Neal’s dream of fatherhood might have been the only shadow in their otherwise happy life…until Paris’s best friend comes to town.

Naira Dalmia never thought she’d be a widow before thirty. Left reeling in the aftermath of her husband’s death, all she wants is to start over. She trades Mumbai for New York, and rigid family expectations for the open acceptance of her best friend. After all, there isn’t anything she and Paris wouldn’t do for each other.

But when Paris asks Naira to be their surrogate, they’ll learn if their friendship has what it takes to defy society, their families and even their own biology as these two best friends embark on a journey that will change their lives forever.

Wry, daring and utterly absorbing, The Object of Your Affections is an unforgettable story about two women challenging the norms…and the magic that happens when we choose to forge our own path. 

Source: audiobook borrowed from Hoopla


Paris and Naira couldn't be more different from each other and I spent almost the entire time wondering how these two could be friends. Paris is a dominant character with an iron will and one track mind that plows through anything in her way, and that can include people sometimes. She's so hardcore and ambitious you'd think she has a stone heart. The only person who can turn her to mush (sort of) is her husband, Neal. Neal is the only other thing in her life that consumes her besides her career. She's so in love with him that sometimes it feels like it borders on obsession. Naira, on the other hand is softer, more approachable. She's that person who'll put others ahead of herself and never want to impose on anyone even if she's in need of help. Floundering after her husband's death, she returns to New York hoping to reunite with Paris and have some of Paris' no-nonsense attitude give her a kick in the behind to straighten up her life. When Paris broaches the idea of being a surrogate for her and Neal ... suffice it to say it's not what Naira had expected.

The book incites so many feelings. I had the most confusing time with Paris. One moment I admired her strength and the next I'd get so annoyed about her ambivalence towards motherhood. She doesn't want to be a mother, or carry a child but wants to give this to Neal knowing he truly wants children. She sees it as a compromise yet she complained the entire time or would be jealous that it was taking attention away from her. So is it a compromise if it's done begrudgingly? That's what I kept asking myself. Yet as much as she irritated me in those moments I did find her backstory interesting which goes a long way in explaining what made Paris who she is today. And she is protective of the people she loves, including Naira whose backstory is equally interesting but also tragic. She went through her own tumultuous ordeal during the time that she and Paris were estranged. Her husband died amidst speculation about his business dealings and finances and now Naira carries that burden. I was desperate for her to confide in Paris sooner rather than later but though Naira is quieter and more introspective, she refuses to have other people fix her problems. Their friendship is fascinating and confounding. Throw in Neal and it's seriously nuts. He's such a saint about things that half the time I couldn't believe he was real. 

I long to have a serious discussion with someone about this novel, to dissect everything and honestly, laugh and cry over how much it has affected me. Paris is truly one of the most complex characters I've come across and I think that's one of the reasons why this novel is a hit with me because she challenged my views. And the Paris-Neal-Naira triangle tested my concept of a family - what makes a family, how people become a family, how they create a family that works for them. 

By the way, I also have to give a huge shout out to the narrators. Between the excellent writing and the narrating there are certain scenes that are so vivid in my mind, one of them towards the end of the story: a lively and penultimate scene that comes to a screeching halt. I froze in that moment along with the characters and that scene has stuck ever since. Kothari has delivered a profoundly authentic story here. This trio defies tradition and that's what makes The Object of Your Affections a compelling, addictive read. 

~ Bel

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

* * * *

From Jennifer Weiner, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Who Do You Love and In Her Shoes, comes a smart, thoughtful, and timely exploration of two sisters’ lives from the 1950s to the present as they struggle to find their places—and be true to themselves—in a rapidly evolving world. Mrs. Everything is an ambitious, richly textured journey through history—and herstory—as these two sisters navigate a changing America over the course of their lives.

Do we change or does the world change us?

Jo and Bethie Kaufman were born into a world full of promise.

Growing up in 1950s Detroit, they live in a perfect “Dick and Jane” house, where their roles in the family are clearly defined. Jo is the tomboy, the bookish rebel with a passion to make the world more fair; Bethie is the pretty, feminine good girl, a would-be star who enjoys the power her beauty confers and dreams of a traditional life.

But the truth ends up looking different from what the girls imagined. Jo and Bethie survive traumas and tragedies. As their lives unfold against the background of free love and Vietnam, Woodstock and women’s lib, Bethie becomes an adventure-loving wild child who dives headlong into the counterculture and is up for anything (except settling down). Meanwhile, Jo becomes a proper young mother in Connecticut, a witness to the changing world instead of a participant. Neither woman inhabits the world she dreams of, nor has a life that feels authentic or brings her joy. Is it too late for the women to finally stake a claim on happily ever after?

In her most ambitious novel yet, Jennifer Weiner tells a story of two sisters who, with their different dreams and different paths, offer answers to the question: How should a woman be in the world? 

Source: advance e-galley provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

When I started reading Mrs. Everything I had no proper idea what the premise was other than it was about sisters and I'm always interested in how family dynamics play out.

Jo has always felt different and apart from her mother and sister. Even as a child she felt uncomfortable in her own skin. She wasn't the traditional beauty and certainly didn't behave like a young lady was expected to. Her sister, Bethie fulfilled that role nicely being the more conventionally pretty girl who listened to their mother. The differences between the sisters are stark and set them up for their eventual stories as adults. It may not have been an idyllic life but it was a decent life with both parents who did love their children. Their lives are changed irrevocably when their father passes away suddenly and the three women are left to continue on their own. Their mother sort of checks out mentally and this where Jo, after o many years of rebellion, steps up to help around the house. By this time certain other events take place that impact them significantly, altering the trajectory of their lives. 

You're seeing the sisters' entire lives unfold before your eyes and the toughest part about reading Mrs. Everything is that it's incredibly emotional with unsavory incidents that happen intermittently throughout. What's interesting is how initially it's kind of assumed that the girls are headed down a preordained path based on their personalities - Jo the stubborn and independent one, and Bethie the popular girl. However, by the time they're in their late teens, they flip-flop. Later on Jo, who had never had any interest in being married or being with a man for that matter, marries and raises a family. She plays house but once again isn't comfortable in her own skin knowing she has shut away all her true desires. Bethie, wants nothing to do with settling down and embraces her life of freedom and free love. Both sisters bear the consequences of their decisions and at times lack of action. Their separate journeys took them to places that they couldn't have imagined for themselves but then, every so often life throws them for a loop and certain things or people come along and turn things around. It's the changes and how they adapt, or don't, that make this story both heartbreaking and page-turning.

Mrs. Everything isn't a light read and traumatic things happen (content warning listed below). Though depressing at times it's also a story about resilience, reconciliation and faith. This is my first time reading Jennifer Weiner and boy, oh boy, is she a brilliant writer! She had me in tears by the time I was done, not only because of everything Jo and Beth had been through, but because they made it through all of the muck, eventually making it back to each other for a second chance at sisterhood and friendship. Mrs. Everything is a powerful and moving story that will spark fascinating conversations though I also recognize that it's not for everyone. If you're going to read it, pick a good spot and make sure you have a warm drink and tissues at the ready.

~ Bel

JENNIFER WEINER

Jennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over twenty books, including Good in Bed, The Littlest Bigfoot, and her memoir Hungry Heart: Adventures in Life, Love, and Writing. A graduate of Princeton University and contributor to the New York Times Opinion section, Jennifer lives with her family in Philadelphia. Visit her online at JenniferWeiner.com.

Follow Jennifer online

Twitter      I     Instagram      I     Facebook      I     Website

ORDER YOUR COPY!

Print

Amazon     I     Barnes & Noble     Books-a-Million     I     IndieBound

eBook

Amazon's Kindle Store     I     Apple iBookstore      I     Barnes & Noble

Books-a-Million     I     Google Play     I     Kobo

Audio

Amazon      I     BN

Content Warning

-

- 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- death of a parent, homophobia, eating disorder, sexual assault, rape, unwanted pregnancy, abortion, cheating, drug use, cancer

Then Came You (Laws of Attraction #3) by Kate Meader

* * * * 

Content warning listed at bottom of review

In the courtroom, they’re rivals. In the bedroom, they’re . . . divorced. But could the road trip from hell lead to a second chance at love?

Aubrey Gates is the hottest divorce lawyer in Chicago, a barb-tongued stiletto with legs that go on for miles. When her cool gray eyes meet mine across the battlefield, I want her like I’ve never wanted anyone or anything. Then I remember who she is: the woman who brought me to my knees. The woman who destroyed my faith in relationships.

The woman I used to call . . . wife.

And she needs a favor from me, Grant Lincoln.

It seems my ex forgot to mention the demise of our marriage to her dear old grammie, and now we’re both expected to attend her ninetieth birthday party. In Boston. And because it isn’t already awkward enough, Aubrey and I are driving there together from Chicago. That’s more than a thousand miles of tension, heartbreak, and barely concealed lust.

A little piece of paper might say we’re over, but this road trip is the true test. I intend to get my wife back . . . and I won’t stop until “I do.”

Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review



Aubrey and Grant have been divorced for some time and they're still not used to it. There's familiarity that always seems to pull them together but stops just short of reconciliation. With so much unresolved anger and hurt they'd have to sort through before they can even move forward again and possibly have a genuine friendship much less a second crack at marriage. All this matters because they seriously do still love each other. They're also both divorce lawyers who work in close proximity, and they have mutual friends so there's no avoiding each other physically as they have avoided each other emotionally during their failed marriage. In the previous books, their friends speculated about the pair's breakup but no one knew what truly transpired because Aubrey and Grant chose to keep that to themselves. The reason for their separation is heartbreaking and what happened surrounding it is just as sad. It's not exactly a twist that Meader introduces but rather she took whatever assumptions we were going with and gave us something else instead. 

The drive to Aubrey's parents' on the East Coast gives them ample time in the car to talk. Their easy banter, nostalgia and jokes would make you think all was right with the world. Yes, things get physical because lust was never really lacking between them. The emotional intimacy is trickier and that's what needs to be addressed. Meader turned things around by having Aubrey be tight-lipped, steadfastly against confiding in anyone and refusing to discuss her feelings, whereas Grant is the one who's desperate to seek advice and to hash things out. When they do finally unleash on each other, reopening those wounds that are still raw, it gets ugly before any healing or forgiveness can begin.

This is a far more sensitive read that unfortunately, a lot of people are familiar with, and Meader, I think, handled it delicately by offering a reminder that everyone processes their sorrow in their own way and time. You know, I liked both Down with Love and Illegally Yours but Then Came You got me right in the gut. As my heart sank and was wrung out through the shocking truths and brutal pain, I held on to the thought that things would right themselves. The bright spot is that this is a second chance romance with an eventual happily ever after.

~ Bel




Content Warning: divorce, miscarriage, dysfunctional family, pregnancy, marriage counseling

Her Best Friend's Secret by Anna Mansell

* * * * *

She deserves the truth. But it will ruin her life. What would you do? 

Emily was meant to be the girl who escaped their small Cornish town. She was going to be the success story. But it didn’t work out the way she’d dreamed it would. And now she’s back home. With a secret that’s even bigger than her failure. 

Emily thinks she can just hide away. But then she runs in to Lolly, her one-time best friend from school, who spontaneously suggests a small reunion with their once close-knit group of friends. Jess and Amanda still live nearby, though none of the four women have spoken in years now. 

But after so much time, everyone’s lives have changed. Nothing is as easy as it was in their schooldays. And everyone’s got secrets. One of which is big enough to ruin not just the fragile friendships, but one woman’s whole life… 

Full of truths about friendship, marriage, and the relationships that define us, Her Best Friend’s Secret is a powerful, relatable and emotionally gripping novel for fans of Jojo Moyes, Diane Chamberlain, and The Silent Wife. 

Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review


Emily, Lolly, Amanda and Jess were the best of friends back in the day having shared some memorable and significant moments with each other. When Emily abruptly moved away it put an end to that. The group's dynamic seemed to change overnight and the remaining three began to grow apart as well. 

They're all in their forties now and at different points in their lives. Emily went on to enjoy acting success in America, Lolly became a physical therapist and is married with kids, Amanda who works two jobs is divorced and semi-estranged from her daughter, and Jess has forged a successful career in advertising and continues to enjoy her singleton life. Emily running in to Lolly on her return home is the catalyst that brings the four friends together again. Interestingly, all four are apprehensive about meeting up. After all these years, what could they possibly have in common anymore? However, they all come around when they recall the fondness they had for one another and that maybe they could do with some girl time. 

This was my favourite aspect of the novel - their reunion! As soon as they were in the same room it was like all that time and distance didn't matter. Getting reacquainted is a bit awkward at first but that bond they built as teenagers is as strong as ever. Behind the smiles they're all dealing with the demands of life and personal situations that feel too big to take on without the support of the girls. As troubling as their own problems are, one of them holds a big secret that could crush the other friend. Which brings me to the most standout part of the story: each of these women are strong in their own unique way. When they find the other in trouble, they come to each other's aid without hesitation or judgment. I loved that Mansell allowed Emily, Lolly, Amanda and Jess to embrace themselves as they are. I'd say out of all the characters I was most surprised by how much I liked Amanda. I think in my younger days I would've judged her the hardest, and this is the advantage of being older and wiser, I guess, because I'm learning to abide by the motto of to each her own. Don't get me wrong, I liked all of them but Amanda astonished me because she owns every decision she has ever made about her life and owes no one apologies for how she's finding happiness. I was rather fascinated by her. 

I'd previously read Mansell's How to Mend a Broken Heart and admired how she captured her characters' emotions in it. She's done the same thing with Her Best Friend's Secret. It takes a few chapters to set up the pieces but it's thoroughly delightful once it gets underway, even though I knew that Mansell would crush me shortly. And she did. It didn't lessen the blow even when I suspected what was about to come. I was so invested in this story, in these four women, in their friendship. I'm happy to say that Mansell does give each of them their well-deserved and fitting HEA. Female friendships are a tricky thing to write. It's hard to find heroines who feel well-rounded and don't succumb to one stereotype or another. Women are complex and when an author can capture that with sincerity and allow them their strengths and flaws, and celebrate their uniqueness, I'm all for it!

~ Bel

*Please see labels below for content warning and/or potential triggers.

Chaser by Kylie Scott Release Day Promo & Review

Given his well-earned bad boy reputation, Eric is having a tough time scoring.. When single Jean moves to town, she seems heaven sent by the sex gods. Only problem is, she not only wants nothing to do with him, but it turns out that she's pregnant.

Starting over in a small town, Jean is determined to turn her wild lifestyle around and be the kind of mother she always wished she'd had. Since local bar owner and all round hottie, Eric Collins, is now determined to steer clear of her pregnant self, it should be easy. When she goes into labour during a snow storm and her car slides on some ice, it's Eric who comes to the rescue.

There seems to be a bond between them now, but is it enough? And can Eric give up his manwhore ways to be the man Jean needs? 

About the Author

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Todays best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romane 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 horrow 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.kyliescott.com/

Links:

FACEBOOK I FACEBOOK FAN GROUP   I   TWITTER I INSTAGRAM   I   GOODREADS

Review

* * * *

Do you know how long I've been waiting for Chaser? A long time for sure! The time I spent waiting only made the trip back into the Dive Bar world that much sweeter. It was established previously in Twist how much of a player Eric is and it didn't look like he was in any hurry to change what was working for him. In walks Jean who knocks him sideways. He does the usual flirting but none of that will make a difference because ... she's pregnant! It feels like the world's cruelest joke that this really cool woman would be off limits in the ultimate way. Worse still is everyone's belief that he has and always will be a selfish womanizer. The amount of grief he's been receiving lately from his friends has him rethinking his lifestyle and now he's motivated to prove every single one of them wrong. He can be friends with a woman and not hit on her - he'll show them! With sex out of the equation Eric finds himself in one of the strangest but most fulfilling friendships that he has ever had.

I'd describe Eric as Mal-lite. Funny and at times childish but without the need to be the center of attention. (By the way, I love Mal but this was the first thought that came to my mind.) Eric's quite charming in his self-reflection and he had me chuckling at some of his observations especially when he was confused by his new behaviour. The change in his attitude from the beginning to the end is astonishing, even to his close circle of friends. A lot of the credit goes to Jean who while not completely immune to him also doesn't lead him on during the early days of their friendship. She's a steadying force and because she's new to the group, and doesn't have any previous history them, she has the distinct advantage to see Eric differently. That's the lightbulb moment that struck me: sometimes when you're so close to the situation or have dealt repeatedly with the same behaviour, you just kind of shut off and accept that things will never change. That's where his friends were at with him but not Jean. She saw the effort he was making and she encouraged his self-improvement, and I love them both all the more for it. When things do heat up between them they're both adults about it. These two with their subtle flirting and their growing bond make them my favourite couple of this series.

Kylie Scott is one of my absolute favourites. (I may have mentioned before that she ruined me for most other rockstar romances.) The unconventional romance along with her signature humour and witty dialogue makes Chaser a blast to read and you should definitely add it to your reading list!

~ Bel

The Goal (Off-Campus #4) by Elle Kennedy

* * * *

She’s good at achieving her goals…

College senior Sabrina James has her whole future planned out: graduate from college, kick butt in law school, and land a high-paying job at a cutthroat firm. Her path to escaping her shameful past certainly doesn’t include a gorgeous hockey player who believes in love at first sight. One night of sizzling heat and surprising tenderness is all she’s willing to give John Tucker, but sometimes, one night is all it takes for your entire life to change.

But the game just got a whole lot more complicated

Tucker believes being a team player is as important as being the star. On the ice, he’s fine staying out of the spotlight, but when it comes to becoming a daddy at the age of twenty-two, he refuses to be a bench warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the soon-to-be mother of his child is beautiful, whip-smart, and keeps him on his toes. The problem is, Sabrina’s heart is locked up tight, and the fiery brunette is too stubborn to accept his help. If he wants a life with the woman of his dreams, he’ll have to convince her that some goals can only be made with an assist.

Source: e-galley provided by the author in exchange for an honest review



We were left with a doozy of a cliffhanger at the end of, The Score, when Tucker announced out of the blue to his friends that he was going to be a daddy. And then we all had to pick up our collective jaws off the floor when we found out who the baby mama was. Yeah, Elle Kennedy was a big meanie for doing that to us but we know that she always comes through and holy cow, what a story!

In The Goal, we rewind back to where it all started between Tucker and Sabrina. Yes, THAT Sabrina! The much-despised nemesis of his good friend and teammate, Dean. Tucker is the quiet one amongst his friends and not as much of a player but he certainly notices Sabrina one night. She is out at the urging of her friends so she can actually relax and have fun for a change. Below the bitchy exterior which she doesn't mind fronting, is a hard-working, ambitious young woman whose goal is to get into Harvard Law School. Her busy schedule between classes and her jobs don't leave her with much leisure time. Her primary focus is to be able to sustain and support herself. Her background serves as a good reminder that judging someone on the surface never gives you the entire picture. If anything, I admire Sabrina's grit. And so does Tucker. He likes her drive and her independence, and gets a glimpse of the real person she allows few people to see. They have what they think is a one-night stand that becomes a sort of friendship-with-benefits situation. Then, bam - they're having a baby! Nevermind that Sabrina is still conflicted about her feelings for Tucker. He's fully aware of her boundaries and doesn't want to scare her away so he follows her cues, even though he badly wants to jump in and help. Therein lies their problem - they haven't been together long enough to understand each other or to even speak freely about what they want. 

While there are funny lines and moments including a reference to a ridiculously hilarious scene in The Score, The Goal feels much more mature as they're forced to grow up sooner than expected. The prospect of being young parents as they're approaching graduation is such an overwhelming undertaking. The tension is worsened by the fact that they're not sure what the other is thinking half the time. There are moments during the pregnancy when they're learning what lies ahead that are giggle-worthy but overall, the weight of their responsibility is always there. I've had kids and though I've never been to law school, I have friends and family who have, and knowing what they endured that first year alone, had me feeling the stress on Tucker and Sabrina's behalf!

I love stories where we're allowed to delve deeper into someone's personality to learn what makes them tick. I especially like the ones where we're surprised by a character we thought we knew. Learning how strong Sabrina is and has always been was one of the great joys of reading The Goal. And we all know we also read these books because of the guys in it, and Tucker will not disappoint you. He is a decent guy who adores his woman and is always willing to give. Garrett, Logan, Dean - they're great but Tucker is sexy as hell and is THE forever guy. More impressive is that it doesn't take an unexpected pregnancy for him to become that. It's in his nature. So ladies, get ready to fall hard!

~ Bel

Starting Over by Sue Moorcroft

* * *

New home, new friends, new love. Can starting over be that simple?

Tess Riddell reckons her beloved Freelander is more reliable than any man - especially her ex -fiancé, Olly Gray. She’s moving on from her old life and into the perfect cottage in the country.

Miles Rattenbury’s passions? Old cars and new women! Romance? He's into fun rather than commitment. 

When Tess crashes the Freelander into his breakdown truck, they find that they’re nearly neighbours – yet worlds apart. Despite her overprotective parents and a suddenly attentive Olly, she discovers the joys of village life and even forms an unlikely friendship with Miles. Then, just as their relationship develops into something deeper, an old flame comes looking for him...

Is their love strong enough to overcome the past? Or will it take more than either of them is prepared to give?


I have read a few books recently with strong female characters looking to overcome some horrendous event in the past. Each one is different in personality and it's fascinating to see how each one deals with the hand they've been dealt.

Tess is moving into a new cottage after breaking up with her ex. She makes quite the impression when she literally runs her car into the back of Miles' truck and needs him to tow her car to his garage so that it can be fixed. Not the best way to meet new people. Miles, known as Ratty to his friends, isn't impressed with Tess' curt behaviour during this encounter. They do wind up running into each other on various occasions through her new neighbours and so have to endure each other's company. They do eventually get closer but it takes a while to get there. Tess' previous relationship was a disaster that left her utterly shaken. Her healing has been slow; she's had no real support from her family so her new life in the country has been refreshing. This bizarre thing she has going with Ratty will do for now especially since he's not for any kind of commitment whatsoever.

I adored the English countryside setting; it looked so cozy and picturesque in my mind. The writing took a bit of getting used to at first. Moorcroft's style is different from what I've typically read in the past so I had to get a few pages in before I found its rhythm. There were a few references that I missed only because of a lack of familiarity, but it certainly didn't hinder my overall enjoyment of the novel. The pacing of the story which spans a couple of years is perfect allowing for the characters to develop in their own time. The romance between Tess and Ratty is a slow build which is kind of a rare thing in romances lately, and I preferred it mainly because after what Tess went through previously, she needed to go at her comfort level. It's heady stuff resulting from her nasty relationship/breakup with her ex-fiancé. That storyline is complicated and emotional, and on the flip side even provides some absurd moments in the present. Speaking of absurd, Tess' new friends and family are all wacky which makes them all lovable, except maybe the parents who are a bit clueless and meddlesome.

Starting Over is the first book I've read by British publisher, Choc Lit and the first by Sue Moorcroft. Reading it had me feeling as if I was transported to the English countryside and living in a quaint cottage surrounded by a loving and well-meaning group of friends. It's the perfect choice if you we want to see a heroine who's been through the wringer find that happily ever after!

~ Bel

Deep (Stage Dive #4) by Kylie Scott

* * * *

Don't miss a beat with the fourth and final novel in the USA Today bestselling Stage Dive series from Kylie Scott.

Positive. With two little lines on a pregnancy test, everything in Lizzy Rollins' ordinary life is about to change forever. And all because of one big mistake in Vegas with Ben Nicholson, the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive. So what if Ben's the only man she's ever met who can make her feel completely safe, cherished, and out of control with desire at the same time? Lizzy knows the gorgeous rock star isn't looking for anything more permanent than a good time, no matter how much she wishes differently.

Ben knows Lizzy is off limits. Completely and utterly. She's his best friend's little sister now, and no matter how hot the chemistry is between them, no matter how sweet and sexy she is, he's not going to go there. But when Ben is forced to keep the one girl he's always had a weakness for out of trouble in Sin City, he quickly learns that what happens in Vegas, doesn't always stay there. Now he and Lizzie are connected in the deepest way possible...but will it lead to a connection of the heart?

I’m a little late in reviewing Deep because I’ve been in total denial about this being the last in the excellent Stage dive series. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it was an excruciating wait for this book. This series about some mischievous but lovable rockers captured my heart as well as that of many others.

Deep has a much more grown up feel to it thanks in part to the other three Stage Dive members – Dave, Mal and Jimmy – being happily taken and/or married. That left quiet and reliable Ben as the sole troublemaker. Ben isn’t one though. He is so about the music and as the rest of the band starts having lives beyond their day job, Ben indulges his passion for music by immersing himself in it whenever an opportunity presents itself. He has never been one to settle down or have relationships. The band and the music are his thing. Then along comes Lizzy to knock his carefully constructed world down.

Lizzy is Anne’s younger sister. Anne is married to Mal, clown king of Stage Dive. Both of these facts mean that Lizzy is a no-go zone. Unfortunately, Lizzy and Ben's attraction cannot be easily diminished though Ben refuses to overstep his bounds. Lizzy takes matters into her own hands since Ben won’t. Through playful texts, which were some of my favourite moments from the book, Lizzy pursues Ben and lets him know exactly what she has on her mind. Ben tries to keep Lizzy at a distance but it’s useless. The further he tries to distance from her, the stronger the pull is towards her.  Liked I said, I enjoyed their texts because they are entertaining and we finally get to see Ben, who up until now has been the subdued, reserved guy in the background. The texts also make sense of a certain funny scene in Lead. (Yeah, I’m not giving that away.)

The bigger part of the book is what happens after their one night stand – Lizzy gets pregnant and then all hell breaks loose within the band and between Lizzy and Ben whose fractured relationship seems beyond salvaging. Ben wants to do right by her but he’s so out of his depth here that he ends up making a few fumbles. Lizzy in turn is a hormonal mess. Not only is she wrestling with what this pregnancy means but she’s constantly horny and being around Ben doesn’t help. She still loves him but he’s too hesitant to make that commitment. Their gradual movement towards a friendly compromise is funny and sweet.

I have my opinion as to which in the series is my favourite but I’ll tell you now as far as the women of Stage Dive go, Lizzy is right up there. Kylie Scott has written another fabulous heroine. Lizzy may be the youngest but she knows what she wants. And she’s freaking hilarious! This poor girl with her raging hormones had me laughing so hard.

Stage Dive has been a great series that's introduced us to strong women and rockers with colourful personalities. Watching this band grow into a big family has been one of the best pleasures I’ve had. They started out as wild and self-centered men who each ended up finding the loves of their lives. Kylie Scott, you are a goddess and I worship you even if you have single-handedly ruined other rock romances for me, and I cannot wait until the Dive Bar series comes out!

~ Bel