Backstage Pass (Sinners on Tour, #1)

by Olivia Cunning

[Berls]

This review appeared first at Fantasy is More Fun.

**This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.**

Backstage Pass was exactly what I want in an erotic romance! I don't read much erotica, but when I do I want a solid story and complex characters to tie all the steaminess together. Backstage Pass delivered all that, with only one minor irritation for me (knocking it to four stars).

Myrna was really a great character to read. She's full of contrasts. She wears a suit, with garters. She has a PhD, in human sexuality. She gives lectures at conferences, using guitar rifs from rock bands. She doesn't drink, but she'll hang at the bar with a rock band. Myrna is complex and I loved discovering her layers.

Then you've got Brian. Master Sinclair, lead guitarist of The Sinners. He's your hopeless romantic, stuck in the life of a rock star. Not that they can't be hopeless romantics, just that the lifestyle - with the groupies and fan girls can make it hard to find anything real. And Brian wants that.

What I liked about Backstage Pass was the way we get thrust into this rock star world but aren't drowned by the stereotypes. I mean there is drinking and lots of crazy, hot sex (erotica remember!). But there's also distinct personalities, friendships, and struggles. I loved the engagement with a fantasy - I mean who doesn't dream of hot sex with their favorite rock star/movie star ? - but also the reality that kinda smacks you in the face. Life on the road, no privacy, driving all night, etc.

Here's the one thing that bothered me. Myrna was burned by a past relationship, badly. And that added a great dimension and complication to the story. But goodness gracious, I got tired of the way she kept lying to herself about how she felt about Brian. It didn't match the strong, confident woman. I believed it to an extent, because even the strongest person can be deeply scarred by emotional abuse. So it wasn't a deal breaker at all, it just irked me at times.

Oh and the narration was fantastic! Justine O. Keef did a great job with all the voices - male and female alike. The only thing that could have made the audio better in my opinion, would have been actually hearing some of the music - but I think that's an unrealistic want ;)

If you're looking for a steamy read with a good story to propel you between scenes, Backstage Pass is a must read.