Review: I LOVE THIS SERIES!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 25, 2014
I absolutely love when I read an author and I feel an immediate connection with her work and that was the case when I read Kylie Scott's Lick way back last year.  I was completely enthralled with her fictional band Stage Dive and its wild yet somehow loveable members.  So it came as no surprised that from the minute Play opened, I was once again drawn in and immersed into the crazy world this author created and by the time this book ended I was convinced this author it amazingly talented. Play is one of those books that reminds us it doesn't matter who you are, how much money you have, or what you do, bad things happen to good people.  It's up to you to make the most of your time on earth and live your life to the fullest and that describes hero Mal Ericson perfectly.After reading the first book I didn't think I could love Stage Dive's drummer Mal anymore than I already did, but I'm now head over heels in love with this man.  That's not to say he doesn't have his faults because he does, but there is something so pure about this man's heart and his almost overwhelming exuberance that makes him so special.  I honestly don't know when I've laughed more over the stuff that comes out of this man's mouth.  He's over the top most of the time yet I'm so drawn to him, but when he goes to that dark place the only things that seem to sooth him is booze which is not good for him, playing his drums, and "his" Anne.When Anne Rollins attends a party with her next door neighbors after a horrendous day little does she know her life is about to change forever.  She certainly doesn't expect to come home from work the next day to find she has a new roommate by the name of Mal who happens to be a drummer for the band Stage Dive.  Already smitten with him due to an adolescent crush when Mal asks for her help she agrees because he's helping her out of a jam and while she knows she needs to protect her heart she's quite sure it's already in for a beating.As I sit here writing this review I keep giggling because I'm reminded of all the outlandish and crazy things that Mal does throughout this book.  At one point in this book he's described as a puppy who doesn't know his own strength and that pretty well describes him.  He has the uncanny ability to make you smile, laugh, squirm, and scream sometimes all at the same time.  At the heart of it though, he's hiding some personal pain that is taking its toll on him and it's more than he can handle on his own but he refuses to share it with anyone.  I really feel for Anne because she wants to be there for Mal but he's not ready to let someone in.Together these two were fun to watch.  I know Anne was confused a good part of this book because while Mal insisted he only wanted friendship he kept crossing the line and it really did a number on her.  Once Mal convinces her he wants more she's quickly on board and while things are good Mal's secret soon throws their relationship into a tailspin that quickly gets out of control.  It was very difficult to see the pain both of them went through as Mal has to come to terms with what's happening in his life and Anne has to let him go in order for him to see what they have is real.I absolutely loved Play and the minute I finished it I wanted to read it again just to make sure I didn't miss anything.  With each book in this series, I become way more attached to the characters and more enamored with author Kylie Scott.  I'm already anticipating Lead and July cannot get here fast enough!Review copy provided for an honest review.