Closer (Stage Dive #4.6)

Part of the Stage Dive universe, this can easily be read as a standalone, but with the whole Stage Dive crew making appearances, youll get a little something extra out of it if youre up to date on the series.

I adore this author and the Stage Dive books, so its not too surprising that I love this latest story. Mae is exactly the strong and smart a$$ (if occasionally vulnerable) heroine that I love, while Ziggy is perfect as the swoony, sexy, ex Marine who plays the literal hero. I always welcome the chance to touch base with the band members and their families (and laugh at Mal!), while band protege Adam and new character Bon (Ziggys brother) both get appearances as well.

A fast, engaging read (I read it through in one sitting), with great characters, and plenty of laughs, plus suspense, feels, and yes, a little heat, this is a nice intro for newbies and a fun addition to the series for existing fans. Keeping my fingers crossed that well get stories for Adam and Bon at some point, lol. 5 stars

I’ve read a few BBW (I think it’s Big Beautiful Woman…but don’t quote me) stories in my time and I found Closer one of my favourites. It can be hard to get the confidence, healthiness and sassyness in the heroine, just right. Mae is confident…and a little klutzy. She is healthy mostly with a personal trainer she works out regularly with…but loves her sweet treats. Mae is a sassy mix of fancy schmancy on the catwalk, and daggy and comfy at home. She says what she’s thinking but is thoughtful to others feelings. Where Kylie Scott got this character body positive right, is that Mae is not defined by her size.

Now, saying all of this, Closer is not centred on a BBW successfully snagging a hot guy. Being a short story, I would say the threat to Mae is the major focus of the storyline, wit the romance playing second fiddle. Mae has an unwanted stalker and Ziggy is assigned to protect her. There is an underlying zing between the characters but it’s not really known until near the end if it’s mutual.

I really enjoyed reading Closer and loved catching up with the Stage Dive gang. With this romance only being short, I found myself a little disappointed that we don’t get a lot of time “seeing” Mae and Ziggy together. I would have loved a little bit of Ziggy’s inner thoughts and feelings as he was a little too successful with his stoic and professional facade.

If you’re looking for a Stage Dive fix, love Kylie Scott’s heroines like I do, and just want a quick read, I highly recommend giving Closer a try.

FINAL DECISION: I really enjoyed this one with opposites attract. The story was tense with the stalker on the loose, but it also increased the tension between these two as they are stuck together. I loved Mae and Ziggy!

THE STORY: Mae Cooper, plus-sized model, ends up with a bodyguard when she receives a threatening package from a stalker. Ziggy Thayer considers himself a consummate professional until he finds that Mae shatters his non-plussed demeanor.

OPINION: I adored Mae. Sometimes reading one character’s thoughts can be too much, but I loved the quirky way she thought and how positive she was about her curvy self. Because we are reading Mae’s thoughts, it is a little difficult to get to know Ziggy, but his actions are clear. But I ended up absolutely loving the quiet steady man. They are a great match with the differences in their personalities.

The story is a sexy little treat. The pacing of the story worked really well. The characters get to spend a condensed amount of time together because of the stalker threat and so there is definite heat between these two. The sex scene was romantic and sexy and really funny. I thought it was a perfect culmination of these two.

As a fan of the Stage Dive series, I love the chance to get to reacquaint myself with some favorites while getting to meet those around them.

I also really loved that we get to see the Stage Dive crew with some updates on everyone and, of course, I loved seeing Mal.

WORTH MENTIONING: This is a novella and it is told from Mae’s point of view in the first person.

CONNECTED BOOKS: CLOSER is book 4.6 of the Stage Dive series. Although appearances are made by characters in the Stage Dive series, the romance here is self-contained and it is not necessary to have read any other book in the series. This book operates as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

Closer was a Stage Dive Novella by Kylie Scott.

It had been awhile so I didnt recognize the main characters but then quickly remembered that Ziggy worked for the security company owned by Sam (Strong, book four) and did all the security detail for the band, Stage Dive. He was ex-military and all business.

Mae was a friend to to Lena (Lead, book three) and lived in the same building as the Stage Dive members. Mae was a successful model and owner of her own lingerie line. She had just received multiple threats and let Stage Dive convince her to hire a body guard until the investigation was complete. Enter Ziggy.

The plot was sweet and sexy and told in a single POV, Mae. Scott added a little suspense and Stage Dive camaraderie for extra dimension and depth. All in all, it was a quick and enjoyable read.

Since I discovered that 1001 Dark Nights was revisiting the Stage Dive series I have been impatiently awaiting Closer. Had I known what a fabulous treat this would be then I would have been even more anticipatory.
The story focuses on Mae, a model, neighbour of David and Ev and recipient of some rather ghastly mail. Enter Ziggy, one of Sam’s close protection workers and a definite addition to my favourite book boyfriends list. Ok, Mal still holds the top spot of the Stage Dive world but Ziggy is a definite contender for his crown. Mae was a delight and her interactions with the Stage Dive family were fantastic.
The chemistry between Mae and Ziggy sizzles. Mae is genuinely likeable and Ziggy is a total swoonster.

It would make me so happy if this were the start of a series focused on Sam’s team. This is definitely a 5 star read for me and easily one of my top reads this year.

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member