Lick

May 15, 2014

Evelyn Thomas has always stayed on the straight and narrow: getting good grades, avoiding boys, and pursuing architecture for her father's sake. But she plans to change all that for one wild night in Vegas--her 21st birthday. What she doesn't plan on is waking up on the bathroom floor with a splitting headache and a massive ring on her finger, courtesy of rock star David Ferris, her new husband. Highs and lows (and lots of sex) abound as the two try to navigate their nuptials away from annulment and toward marital bliss. Scott (Flesh; Skin) has crafted a thoroughly entertaining erotic romance in this first book in her "Stage Dive" series, with endearing, interesting characters both primary and secondary. "Ev" is a delightfully relatable protagonist, with pluck, neuroses, and a fantastic sense of dark humor; her chemistry with the sarcastic albeit sensitive rocker David is tangible from the start. The novel moves at a steady pace that is realistic without trudging, although things don't start getting steamy until halfway through. Those seeking more immediate, explicit gratification might do well to look elsewhere--the LJ 3/15/14 column, for a start! The action that does take place is hot and sweet, perfectly embodying the novel's overall tone. VERDICT Scott has gotten off to a strong start with this fun, sexy story that also introduces plenty of intriguing characters for sequels (Play is scheduled for August; Lead, November). Libraries that circulate erotica and erotic romance should definitely consider.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 6, 2014
Kylie Scott is a USA Today bestselling romance author who lives in Queensland. I mention this because her latest book is firmly set in the US—Las Vegas, LA and Portland. After Evelyn’s debauched 21st birthday she wakes to find herself married to one of the hottest rock stars in the world. This is the story of the ‘hangover’ and how Evelyn navigates the strange-yet-exciting new world she finds herself in, and the tension between her down-to-earth self and the allure of the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Lick is very much old-school romantic fiction. There are a few nods in the direction of erotic fiction—a hot, successful alpha male and a lovely girl trying to get her head around attracting this great guy—but with none of the kinky stuff. If well-marketed, this book will appeal to younger audiences of mass-market romantic fiction. It is a fun, easy read, the characters are likable, and there isn’t too much wasted description around brand-name clothes or cars. Lick is the first book in the ‘Stage Dive’ series, with further titles centred around other members of a fictional rock band.

Rachel Wilson is a Melbourne-based media academic and former bookseller