Lead (Stage Dive #3) by Kylie Scott

Lead

MrsLeif's Review:

Lena Morrissey is getting fired when she meets Jimmy for the first time.

Jimmy needs a sobriety companion. He's out of rehab but he's not out the woods yet. Thanks to Mal's intervention, Lena gets hired.

Jimmy Ferris is used to getting whatever he wants but Lena speaks her mind and she makes Jimmy listen to her. This might be because he's used to people being scared of him or just agreeing with him because he's a star.

Most of the time they disagree and quarrel but also a friendship begins. When Lena discovers she has feelings for Jimmy, she's not sure what the right thing to do is.  

Jimmy keeps his feelings in check. He doesn't like relationships, he doesn't like to be touched. Mushy feelings terrify him but in order to keep Lena, he must open up or loose her. 

Lead is another winner for Mrs Scott.  The Stage Dive series has become one of my favorite rock star romances. All the guys have become like a family. I'm happy David and Mal are so in love and moving on.  Mal's lines were the funniest in this book just like in Play.

I’m going to tell you what I told Killer at puppy training today when he tried to mount a teacup poodle he’d only just met. If she means something to you, you gotta do the woo, son. You can’t just be trying to stick it in.”

Jimmy, hmmmm - let's talk about him.
He gave me a big case of whiplash. I either wanted to kill him, scream at him or hug him and protect him. He had feelings for Lena but he kept on fighting his attraction and how much he did care for her.
He was so broken that everything he did to Lena was forgiven in my eyes.

He was such a dichotomy of good and evil, beautiful and bad.

Lena, she was outspoken, smart, funny and very real. I felt bad when Jimmy kept on hurting her but I applaud her honesty. I was rooting for her to break down Jimmy's walls.
Next is Ben and we are privy to his girl. I hope she gives him a run for his money after his careless comment.

“What are you doing now?”

“What people do at tables.” Strong hands held my legs apart. “Eating.”

4/5 Fangs

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MrsAlcide's Review:

Jimmy Ferris is the lead singer of Stage Dive.   After his addiction to drugs, alcohol, and women left him in trouble, his PR thought it was best to hire a live-in sobriety companion to keep him on track.  

Jimmy is definitely not an easy guy to get along with, but Lena has no problem dealing with his mood swings and bad attitude. Slowly they develop a friendship and Lena realizes she wants more.  Events from Jimmy’s past keep him from becoming truly close to anyone, so Lena decides it’s best to hire a new sober companion and quit before things get out of control.  Jimmy tells her to get over her “crush” and keep her job.  Lena just isn’t sure that is possible.

“I know all about addictions and wanting things that aren’t good for you, Lena.  End of the day, it’s up to you to decide whether to take control and fight it or not.”

“Jimmy Ferris as an illegal, dangerous, controlled substance.  Funnily enough, I could see it.  The man affected me on all the levels no matter how much I tried to resist, damn it. ”

I read this book in one sitting and I absolutely loved this story.  It is definitely my new favorite Stage Dive book.  From the first few pages I was cracking up, then the next chapter had my crying!  

Lena was awesome and held her ground with Jimmy.  She was such a strong female character and it was refreshing to read about someone so strong willed.  The banter between the two had my smiling throughout the whole story.  And of course ever scene Mal was in had my giggling like a little kid.  

It was really well written and effortless to read.  I will recommend this series over and over again.  I can’t wait for the next book in this series!!!

4.5/5 Fangs

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MrsNorthman's Review:

This has been my favorite Stage Dive book so far!

Jimmy Ferris is the lead singer of Stage Dive and Dave's older brother. Of course, he's gorgeous and has an amazing voice, but there's one problem. He's extremely moody to the point of being an asshole. It's hard to be around him most of the time.

He's been through rehab and now he's focused on trying to stay clean to keep the band together. It's decided the best way to ensure his sobriety is with a sober companion. That's where Lena comes in. Mal convinces her to take the job as a 24 hour live-in sober companion for Jimmy. She's different. She has a backbone and won't put up with Jimmy's crap. Instead, she gives it right back to him.

Things are rocky at first, but Lena gets to see a side of Jimmy that no one else ever has and she starts having feelings for him. Honestly, who wouldn't? That's when she decides maybe it's best for her to find a replacement. When she confesses her feelings, Jimmy pretty much laughs in her face and convinces her to stay. It's really cute how he comes up with ways for her to get over him and stick around.

"But the thing is, sometimes, when you're not being a jerk, I like you so much it hurts. I like the way your true self comes out when you think no one else is looking."

There was no doubt in my mind going into this book that I would fall for Jimmy. I have a thing for moody guys with a big heart. Add lead singer on top of that and I'm swooning. Lena was such a strong heroine and I found that refreshing. Kudos to her for standing up to Jimmy and being straightforward about her feelings. The banter between Jimmy and Lena was cute and the progression of their story was perfect. It wasn't rushed or over the top. It just felt natural.

4/5 Fangs
*Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*