LEAD is Book three in Kylie Scott's Stage Dive series. LEAD could work as a stand-alone novel, but reading the previous books in the series will give the reader some perspective on the main characters. After reading the first book in this series, I didn't think I'd be interested in reading a book about Jimmy Ferris. In that book, he was the consummate self-indulgent, arrogant, debauched rocker. However, as the series goes on, you find that a lot of his earlier bad behavior was because of substances he was using to dull his emotional pain. In LEAD, Jimmy's true character is revealed now that he has successfully gone through rehab.

LEAD has one of the most unusual setups for a romance that I've ever read. Not only do Jimmy and Lena start out living together (her as his personal assistant) before becoming romantically involved, but pretty early on, it's revealed that Lena has developed romantic feelings for Jimmy. What's interesting is Jimmy's reaction to that reveal. I think Kylie Scott's decision to keep the story told from only Lena's point-of-view makes this a quirkier story. Right from the start, Jimmy acts as though he wants to only remain friends and actively tries to find another object of affection for Lena. For me, Kylie Scott is successful at making Jimmy's behavior amusing and charming -- even when he obviously doesn't know what he's doing.

Kylie Scott's ability to create complex characters really shines through in LEAD. Even though this story isn't told from Jimmy's perspective, there is enough in the story to see the layers of his personality and the things that have molded his personality. Likewise, Lena is an equally complex character. Outwardly, she seems to project a very tough-as-nails persona, but she lets Jimmy see a lot of her hidden vulnerabilities. I like the evolution their relationship takes throughout LEAD. There is plenty of sexiness, but a lot of emotional intimacy as well throughout the story. Kylie Scott does a great job of balancing the lighter moments along with the emotionally powerful ones.

LEAD is the kind of character-driven story that I love. Kylie Scott makes you laugh one minute, then tied up in knots the next. LEAD will satisfy readers who like a hot romance to go along with a well-written story, and characters you will care about. I look forward to the next installment in this Stage Dive series.