I like the Stage Dive series! This is my second and they are both 4-star outings. Mal and Anne were swoony. He was such an ass at the beginning I did not think I would end up loving him, but I did. I liked that the book addressed economic disparities and the impact of unexpressed grief but was still fun and sexy.

Portland is a fun place to set these books though I don't think the author knows a lot about Portland. She name-drops things that are guidebook things where locals rarely tread. It is like talking about Paris and mentioning the Champs Elysee or setting things in NYC and having the destination be Magnolia Bakery. And the city is not described in a way that looks or feels anything like the city actually looks and feels. I am no Portland expert but even having been there perhaps a half dozen times even I felt that. Not a big deal but noticeable. Also, and I have said this before, Kylie Scott is a good storyteller with a good sense of humor but she does not trouble herself to be very realistic or to perfect her prose. I am generally okay with it but it keeps this from being 5-star for me. ( )

This one is up there with my all time favorites! I just LOVED this book and "Lick" too! I was laughing so much last night while reading this that my husband asked what was going on. I had to give him a short description of Mal and his crazy personality. Life will never be boring for Anne. Kylie Scott.....you are one of my new favorite authors!!! Why oh why couldn't this book have been twice as long as it was. I want to read it again....right now. I will, however, wait just a bit to get the most enjoyment. No awful cliffy's either! I can't wait for the next book...I hope it's out soon! PLEASE! I love some rock star romance. ( )

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2 Stars

Unfortunately, this follow-up to Lick is very disappointing. Mal's character in book #1 was particularly appealing, and yet his own story is actually disastrous mainly due to his overblown manic personality as well as the heroine's doormat tendencies.

While the basic premise involving an arranged relationship between Stage Dive drummer, Mal Ericson, and Ev's former neighbor, Anne Rollins, has potential, Mal's obnoxious and stalkerish behavior is unacceptable. Anne is not much better. She allows every person in her life from her roommate, to her boss, to her younger sister, to Mal walk all over her. She has zero backbone and this does not improve as the story progresses.

Mal and Anne's romance is also lackluster. To begin with, Anne has a crush on her manwhore boss, who views her as nothing more than a back-up plan when his latest flame is unavailable. The fact that she envisions them marrying one day does not contribute to her relationship with Mal, and his jealousy is childish and irritating.

The real highlight of the book are Mal's parents and the intriguing hints at a love-hate romance between Jimmy and his babysitter, Lena.

Overall, not a good sequel, but Jimmy's book is next so I'm willing to give it a go. ( )

Full Review on my blog!

Ahhh!!

Mal is one hell of a character

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The Lick Series vol. 2
Molto bello anche il secondo libro di questa serie.
Mal Ericson, batterista degli Stage Dive, famoso anche per la sua verve incontenibile, ha bisogno di trovare una ragazza che lo aiuti a dare una nuova immagine di sé, più sobria e matura, e Anne Rollins, da lui soprannominata Zucca, sembra proprio fare al caso suo. Lei infatti sta passando un periodo problematico e ha bisogno di soldi e, anche se è ben cosciente che potrebbe uscirne con il cuore spezzato, decide di accettare l'inconsueta proposta.
Un libro simpatico e molto divertente ma, al tempo stesso, anche dolce e romantico con personaggi che prendono il cuore a cominciare proprio da Mal che, con la sua personalità travolgente e trascinante, mi ha fatto divertire moltissimo.
Un'altra storia perfetta per sognare a occhi aperti ma che al tempo stesso affronta anche argomenti difficili e duri.
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