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 … 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.
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I love Stage Dive Series! I fell in love with each and every member, and now Kylie Scott is writing for 1001 Dark Nights! Yay! It feels so good to come across the boys (and ladies again – oh yes, pun intended). Now Sam and Martha is going to have their HEA, if Sam knows how to handle the strong-willed, and opinionated Martha.
After all the work, and all those relationship mishaps along the way, their roads are about to meet half-way. Are they ready for each other?
This book was load of laugh. It was funny seeing Sam seemed so helpless with Martha, and yet, you just know how much he adored her, and her, him in Martha’s own weird way. But I loved them both. I like how Sam is dedicated to his work, and how Martha is good in hers as well. I loved her personality, even though sometimes it may come out really strong and too-independent. She can handle everything, even the scary Sam. Yes, our big-ole bodyguard turns into a p**sy when Martha is concerned. Nevertheless, he can hold his own and never backs down when it comes to her.
This book is short and sweet, somewhat a sexy bedtime read in a cold lonely night.
Love the Stage Dive Series. This one is just a better addition to the group. Lots of fun, as expected, from the guys, the best is when the kids are around. Ben’s sister Martha has sure caused her share of trouble for Davie and the guys. She actually made you not like her much in the previous books. But she seriously redeems herself here. She finally gets the guy she has been crushing on for years!!
Wonderful characters, emotions and laughs. This series is amazing!
I feel like I need to use a standard disclaimer when it comes to 1001 Dark Nights novellas at this point: “If you’re curious about an author or series and are not sure if you want to commit, read a 1001 Dark Nights novella and you’ll be sold!” (or something like that). I’ve read (and loved) Kylie Scott before, but this was my first foray into her Stage Dive world and I’m hooked! I have to know more about Martha and her evil ways – I don’t even think seeing her get her HEA will spoil it for me. I also think it will be really cool to go back and read the series from the beginning to see if there are traces of Sam’s feelings towards her in the previous books. Strong was another reminder as to why I find May-December romances so appealing (not just in books, but irl too as long as we’re talking a reasonable age difference and comparable maturity levels). Sam is EXACTLY what Martha needs to mellow her out and encourage her to be more than she thinks she’s capable of being. It’s really very sweet. And hella sexy! 4 out of 5 wine glasses.
I loved Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive series and when I saw that she was writing Sam and Martha’s story, even though it’s a novella, I knew I had to read it! If you haven’t read Stage Dive series, let me tell you, you’re missing out!
Honestly, I was excited to read about Sam, but I was still holding a grudge against Martha (Yes, David is my absolute favorite) so I was a little afraid that Martha’s personality would ruin this story for me. That wasn’t the case at all, I’m actually a little surprised about how much I enjoyed it. Sam is GOLD! Intense, smart, manipulative, strong, sweet, sexy, he’s irresistible! Martha is not the most likable heroine, she’s definitely different after a few years but she still is herself. She’s still catty, impulsive and prickly, however she did soften her act and she tried to make a few amends. Sam has had feelings for Martha forever and now Martha’s back with her brother, taking care of her nephew and Sam is just biding his time… Martha is hugely attracted to the quiet, intense bodyguard that sees right through her act and this red hot burning attraction is getting harder and harder to ignore…
Sam and Martha are opposites but they complement each other perfectly, I loved their amazing chemistry, the moments we get with David and Ev, Mal and Anne, Jimmy and Lena, Ben and Lizzy and their son Gibson, the hilarious moments between Gibson and Martha are also amazing and I really loved Sam’s straightforwardness.
Strong is a great addition to this series and it made me wish for a, very possible, spin-off.
‘Strong’ features the crew from the ‘Stage Dive’ series focusing on Martha Nicholson who was basically a villain in the series. Martha is the sister of bass player Ben and “ex” to lead guitarist David Ferris. She returns to the West coast in need of a job and some family love. They offer her a job as a nanny to Ben’s son, little Gibby, until she gets situated.
“Fair to say I no longer recognized myself or my life. But I needed a job.”
“The biggest rock band in the world had officially been domesticated. ”
Her exit in previous books was not a good one. Martha is “strong” although she doesn’t feel it. She is also sarcastic and so funny! She craves control and doubts her worth.
Sam Knowles has been Stage Dive’s security for a long time. He has watched Martha for years. He has seen all of her ups and downs. The attraction between Sam and Martha has always been there, but it was below the surface. Now that they are around each other things just explode between them.
Kylie Scott gives us a super-hot and sexy story with lots of laughs. I loved catching up with the Stage Dive crew. The banter between all of the characters is so witty and funny! And the heat between Sam and Martha is scorching! Such an enjoyable read! Makes me want to go back and read the series again!
“You might look pretty as a picture, but you’re a natural bully and a thug. Always have been, always will be.”
We are also introduced to a new character, Adam, who is an up-and-coming artist and has caught Stage Dive’s attention. Could there be a new series brewing? Definitely something I would LOVE to read!
4 stars
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I never knew how much I missed the Stage Dive crew until I read Strong. This series is definitely one of my favorites and Strong was a great reminder of how much I loved them all. And it made me want to do a re-read, ASAP! Of course, I loved this book but my only gripes were that it was way too short for my liking and I wanted more romance between Sam and Martha. It wasn’t quite enough for me to be completely hooked into their story. AND, Martha … well if you’re familiar with this series, she doesn’t rank high with many. So it took some time to come around to her.
Sammmmm, I’ve always loved the Stage Dive bodyguard and was eager to get his story. He’s a man that knows exactly what he wants and time did nothing to hinder that. And his eyes were set on Martha. I loved how he just sees everything, which probably makes him a great bodyguard, but he constantly has a great read on Martha. It was pretty obvious that they probably had a bit of unrequited love for each other and just decided to wait ten years to do something about it.
Strong turned out to be a quick and sweet read. I loved watching Sam barrel towards Martha and doing what he can to make her, his. Even with my hang-ups about Martha, she redeemed herself in the end. Even though this was a novella, I’d still be elated if Kylie Scott decided to just add more and make it a full-length novel 😉
I was excited to get my hands on this book. I love Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive series so getting a little extra story was awesome. I love the 1001 Dark Night books. It’s gives you a little inside of different authors books whether you’ve read them or not.
I am a total sap for books about rock stars and stuff so I knew I’d enjoy this book.
I was never a fan of Martha in Kylie’s Stage Dive series. She always stirred up crap and just was never a fan. I was surprised to read that Martha was getting a little novella. Martha is back in Portland doing a babysitting gig for her brothers kid. But Sam, Sam, Sam. Mmmmm Sam. I don’t want to go far into this review with any details but if you love little Rockstar series then read Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive series… Play & Lick were my favorite and this little novella was pretty good to. We need MORE from this series Kylie..
*arc provided for my honest review*
Who knew I would love Martha & Sam!? I mean, I loved Sam from the first moment he showed up on the page, lo those many years ago. But Martha? I wasn’t sure about her. And hen, at the end of Lick, she sort of became this redeemable character that I hoped we’d see again. As the series progressed & she wasn’t involved, I sort of gave up hope. Then Kylie Scott gives us THIS delicious story.
This story was charming, funny, lively, sexy and sweet! I was so happy to see Martha & Sam get their HEA, and to catch up w/ our guys & gals of Stage Dive. And Adam. *grin* Two thumbs up & lots of heart eyes!!! : )
Love Strong
Strong is a perfect segue into the Stage Dive World. I was seamlessly transported back into a series that I read and devoured and loved! If you have never read this series, Strong can be read as a standalone. However, for a more encompassed reading experience I highly recommend reading the other books in the series first.
I loved the fire that burned between Martha and Sam. They are both stubborn, intelligent, and determined individuals. Some of their greatest moments come in the form of great banter and sarcasm. The push and pull between them is sexy and sweet. Ms. Scott did a stellar job of redeeming Martha through realistic character growth. I was endeared to both Sam and Martha. Sam’s pursuit of and devotion to Martha is truly romantic. Martha’s strength is showcased in her willingness to be vulnerable and open to the possibility of love. If you’re looking for a fun, sexy read then look no further! My only complaint is that I wish this was a full length novel. I would have loved to visit the Stage Dive realm a bit longer.
If you haven’t read Kylie Scott’s brilliant Stage Dive Series then this is a great introduction to it in this novella. Its short but certainly packs a punch with all the heat and romance.
This is Marth and Sam’s story. Martha is Ben from Stage Dive’s sister and has been a big part of the band family. Sam is the bands bodyguard and has been in love with Martha for years. Hes been patiently waiting for her to be ready for what he’s offering.
This novella is told from Martha’s POV but I would have love to have read it from Sam’s too, know what he was thinking and feeling.
This Novella has made me want to go back and read the rest of the series again.
3 stars. Strong is a novella addition to the Stage Dive series and is Martha’s story. Martha is David’s ex and Ben’s sister. This novella focuses on Martha’s romance with Sam, who is a longtime bodyguard of the band. Martha has been living in NY for years. She finds herself at loose ends so she moves back home and is living with Jimmy and his family. A romance blossoms between her and Sam, who has secretly had feelings for her for years.
This was an ok book for me. I was weary about reading Martha’s story because she was such a witch in previous books. She is slightly improved here, but I still didn’t completely love her character. I was able to empathize with her a little bit, though. Sam was okay to me. He was very proper speaking with not much personality. I didn’t feel much chemistry between them either. This novella was pretty short and not much to it. It felt like just a series of scenes.
Overall, though, this was a quick, easy read. While I didn’t totally love it, it was still not a bad book and kept me entertained. I still love this series and this author and look forward to more from her in the future!
Quel plaisir de retrouver des personnages que j’ai adoré découvrir au fil des tomes et quel plaisir de retrouver ce groupe. Car oui Strong se focalise certes sur Martha et Sam mais on y retrouve David et Eve, Mal et Anne, Jimmy et Lena mais aussi Ben et Lizzy. Je vous avoue que dans un premier temps j’avais oublié qui était Martha et quel rôle elle jouait dans cette saga mais très vite j’ai retrouvé la peste qui avait mis son grain de sel dans l’histoire entre David et Eve . Elle est donc un peu détestable car sa froideur cache en fait sa souffrance . Elle revient donc au sein du groupe pour jouer un rôle peu engageant. En effet, Lizzy et Ben ( qui je vous le rappelle est le frère de Martha) ont demandé à notre héroïne de s’occuper de leur petit Gibson et même cet enfant assez agité n’a pas l’air d’apprécier Martha à sa juste valeur. Cette dernière va donc être assez fermée dans un premier temps et sa carapace sera très dure à percer. Elle va se faire “titiller” par Mal en autre mais comme on dit “Qui aime bien châtie bien”.
Sam Knowles est le fameux garde du corps qui tient à distance les fans du groupe un peu trop zélé. Il est toujours dans le contrôle et sa patience est vraiment incroyable et admirable. Il ne s’énerve jamais et ne perd jamais son sang froid que ce soit face aux fans mais aussi dans sa vie privée. Il est le candidat parfait pour tempérer le côté sanguin de la jeune femme car il sait que s’énerver avec elle ne pourrait aboutir à rien du tout. Il garde aussi son calme quand Mal décide de se la jouer mutin ou quand il se moque un peu trop d’elle. Il apprécie la jeune femme et si sur le papier , ils n’ont rien à faire ensemble, dans la réalité , c’est une tout autre histoire. J’ai beaucoup aimé le calme qui se dégage de ce personnage car malgré les apparences, il sait maîtriser l’indomptable Martha. Il aime la taquiner et la remettre à sa place mais sans jamais la faire souffrir. Il a peut être trouvé la bonne méthode pour se faire une place dans sa vie et nous en serons les témoins privilégiés.
Bref, si vous avez adoré comme moi la saga Stage Dive, je vous recommande de lire cette nouvelle qui est vraiment un bonus tout à fait adorable. On en redemande car j’ai adoré revoir Mal et Jimmy, mes deux héros préférés de la saga. Kylie Scott a même réussi à me faire apprécier Ben que je n’aimais pas dans le tome qui lui était consacré. L’histoire de Martha et Sam est certes courte à lire mais on passe un super moment à compter les points et à imaginer qui en sortira gagnant.
1,001 Dark Nights and Kylie Scott have brought us back to the Stage Dive world and I couldn’t be happier. If you haven’t read the Stage Dive Series no worries because this can be read as a standalone but I will warn you that once you read it you will want to know more about the band members and how they each got their HEAs.
It’s been a while since I have read the Stage Dive Series so at first I couldn’t remember Martha and then all of a sudden it came rushing back to me, Martha is Ben’s sister and David’s ex, and holy cow was this was a nice change from the way Marty use to act. Sam was great and it was nice to see him finally get what he wanted….Martha. It feels as if this relationship was ten years in the making and it was great, the chemistry was on fire and even though this was a novella sized story you don’t feel as if it was rushed at all.
I really enjoyed spending time with all of the band members but Mal will always be my favorite, I absolutely love him and his jokes. This was a nice little glimpse into their world to see what has been going on with the band and what is happening with each of the couples. If you are new to the Stage Dive series why not jump in and see what you have been missing I promise you wont be disappointed. Happy Reading!!!
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book**
4 stars for – Strong – book 4.5 in the Stage Dive series / book 88 in the 1001 Dark Nights series. I know everyone is telling you that this book is a stand-alone and it is but for the love of God do yourself a favor and read the entire Stage Dive series it truly is one of the best “rockstar romances” out there and if you don’t fall in love with Mal Ericson then there may be something wrong…
Martha Nicholson has decided to move back to the west coast to spend more time with her brother and his family. Having finally been forgiven for all her misdeeds over the years makes it easier for her to spend time around his band mates and their families but she still doesn’t know if she wants to make the move permanent or not. Seeing all the guys married and starting families makes her yearn for one of her own but she fears that ship sailed long ago.
Sam has been in love with Martha for years and has had to sit back literally and figuratively to wait for her to come to him, as she has lived in New York while he was in California working with her brother’s band. While he knew a conflict of interest existed he would never leave the band unprotected so in a way it was good that it took her so long to finally decide exactly who and what she wanted since once they start there is no going back for Sam!
Once again Mal stole every scene he was in and made me want to read the whole series all over again. While I absolutely loathed Martha in the original series I was glad to see she found her way to redemption in this book. While I do admit this one was a bit short, it was packed with a lot of love, laughs and even some kink too. Definitely one I would recommend.
I received a copy for review purposes.
Strong has made it to the top of my list for reads this year. Kylie Scott had me laughing and fanning myself from the heat between this couple. I was so happy that all of the Stage Dive family was included in the story. Especially Mal (swoon).
Throughout the series Martha has been a character I loved to hate. This journey with the band has had all of the members growing up and maturing and Martha is no different. She has come home to find herself and so much more.
I am so ridiculously happy to get this chance to go back into the world with my favorite Stage Dive series characters. I loved it from the very beginning until the very end! I’m pretty sure I read the whole thing with a smile on my face. Actually I’d been waiting for Sam and Martha’s story since Ben’s book, Deep. When I found out the author was writing it for one of the 1001 Dark Nights series, I am pretty sure that I did a little happy dance. Of course as soon as my Mal showed up and started talking, I couldn’t contain my laughter as I read. There was one part where even Mal was telling someone else to stop talking. In a situation that normally someone would have to tell him to stop talking, or Anne would have to distract him somehow, he actually was the one to figure it out. Of course since it was David who Martha was with in the past, it makes sense. I love that Lizzy got to show her mischievous side with Martha, and do some matchmaking for her with Sam. Getting to know Sam better was also great. At first I kind of felt like Sam was being really bossy, but then I just kind of remembered how he was in the other books, and realized it was just his personality and it all fit.
We got our usual sexy scenes, in Scott’s usual steamy writing. But we got our characters we loved and laughed with as well. I guess I have to say that I will read anything Kylie Scott writes and love it probably. Definitely grab this one to read, especially if you’re a fan of the Stage Dive series.
It was so AMAZING being back in Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive series; I adore these rockers, their women, and their shenanigans, especially from a certain drummer;) So, anytime I can reconnect with Mal, David and the rest of the band in their world, I call it a good day. But, I can’t even begin to express the trepidation I felt when I saw that villainess, Martha Nicholson, was going to be the female lead in STRONG. Fans of this series know exactly why she’s enemy number one when it comes to the drama she caused for David and Evie and her theatrics and spoiled brat attitude definitely didn’t win her any points with me.
I’ll admit…going into STRONG, it was difficult not to already be biased when it came to Martha and her desire for Sam. I never felt like she was genuinely sorry for her past words and actions, but I did my best to stifle my preconceived notions of her as I dove into her story, and while I can’t say that I truly like Martha, what I can say is that she proves herself to be better than her past self without seeming fake and I appreciate that she was able to make amends in small ways and learn to accept her role/position as a member of the Stage Dive family.
What’s not to love about security guard, Sam Knowles?! The reason I find Sam so damn amazing is because despite who Martha was in the past and the reprehensible things she said and did, Sam saw the real her – the one hidden behind her bitchy exterior and bad behavior – and, I have to say, I loved witnessing Sam stronghold Martha and tame her mouth when necessary. It’s not that he was putting her in her place; it’s just that she needed a nudge here and there, and it was about time he was the one who gave it to her!
The title for Martha and Sam’s story is quite poignant; it resonates multiple meanings throughout the course of the story line…the strength of their feelings for each other…Sam’s physical strength…their strong personalities…the bond they end up forming…all of these ideas depict two people who have been around each other for over a decade but are only now strong enough to take a chance…to risk it all to be together.
Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive series is one of my absolute favorite collections of rocker romances. I loved catching up with the entire cast and crew, and I can’t get enough of Mal’s antics and the love and devotion of this badass rockers to their wives and their families. I might just need to do a reread now and rediscover why this series and these characters made such an impression on me!
4.5 Poison Apples
The boys are back! It was so fun to be in the world of the Stage Dive series again!! This novella features a short but sweet story of how the band’s bodyguard, Sam, finally gets the girl! We’ve met Martha before and the last time we saw her, her claws were out. This Martha felt a little different, a little more mature and Sam was perfect for her. Overall a great short story about a great couple!
Sam *sigh* he’s been biding his time for Martha and when she comes home he makes his move. It’s been 10 years and he’s done waiting.
Martha is very much in your face kind of person, she hasn’t always made the best decisions but she’s older now and hopefully more mature.
Martha and Sam are definitely burning the sheets up in this novella. Loved seeing the whole band and their families. Mal of course will have you laughing out loud like every time he makes an appearance in a book.
I would have loved to see more of Sam and Martha’s back story in this novella. It was pretty fast paced between these two but it was a fun and hot read!!
Now don’t judge me….but I’m a Kylie Scott fan that hasn’t finished the Stage Dive series at this moment. GASP SHOCK AWE. Now that that’s out of your system…let me introduce you to a quick and sexyyyyy novella from Scott and 1001 Dark Nights. Martha seems to have Stage Dive history that I’m missing out on so I feel like this little novella is a mini-redemption for her. She’s a troublemaker who’s lived the lavish life but seems to feel a bit empty when it comes to personal connection. Home with her brother and his band (and all their little wives and kiddos) she sees snippets of the life she could’ve had. Amidst the longing, in walks their bodyguard, Sam. He’s tough and sweet, but he also seems to have a thing for Martha, despite her ice princess ways.
Whoo lordy say hello to your newest naughty dream. Sam is H-O-T. He’s a rough and gruff silver fox with a smooth tongue for Martha. Sam’s lusted over her for ten years and he’s done waiting. She seems to be home with her family for good so now he has to make his move. He’s planned it down to a T…but he wasn’t fully prepared for the chaos that is Martha. SHE wants to take charge of how they go. So despite what everyone thinks, Sam lets her bulldoze over him in the best ways. Filled with sweet and sexy, this new novella is a great taste of the Kylie Scott world!