Tag Archives: Piper Vaughn

Book Review: The Luckiest (Lucky Moon #2) – Piper Vaughn, M.J. O’Shea

Posted on March 28, 2015 | Leave a comment

The Luckiest MoonThis one was an okay follow up for Moonlight Becomes You. It  focuses on Shane Ventura’s brother – Nick Ventura. Yup, he’s the a-hole brother of Shane who’s jealous of his brother’s love life so he succumb to his usual vices and ends up crashing into a department store leading him into a rehabilitation center.

There he meets the openly gay nutritionist Luka Novak. The soft spoken Luka is the type of gay man that Nick usually sneered at. [Just a note, in the blurb it says Luka was flamboyant and effeminate but reading the book – I really didn’t get that vibe. NOT AT ALL]. What started out as a nutrition consultation turns into a friendship and when Nick was released from the rehab, he started to pursue Luka until the other guy finally gave in.

But Nick’s not ready to come out and is more concern with his reputation. Given an ultimatum by Luka, will he do the right thing or will he be left alone as always?

I honestly wanted to bitchslap Nick every time he messed up with Luka. I mean, how many more chances is Luka willing to give for him to change? If I were Luka, I would’ve let him suffer more. He’s really such a dick and doesn’t deserve the third and fourth chances even. In the end, I’m still not convinced with Nick’s sincerity but I’m still happy that somehow, Luka was able to worm its way into his life and perhaps help him change for the better. I still loved the writing though although I’m really not a fan of Nick but as usual, Piper and M.J. does not know how not to deliver! Bravo!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published March 27th 2012 by Loose Id

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Book Review: Moonlight Becomes You (Lucky Moon #1) – Piper Vaughn, M.J. O’Shea

Posted on March 27, 2015 | Leave a comment

Moonlight Becomes YouThis is a story of redemption, forgiveness and second chance at love. I loved the history between this couple and their young love was obviously a bittersweet one.

Eleven years ago, Shane Ventura made the biggest mistake of his life when he was pressured by his record label to kick his best friend Jesse Seider out of their band, Luck. Guilt-ridden until now, he still can’t fill that gaping hole Jesse left behind despite the success they’ve accomplished.

When he meets Kayden Berlin, the front man of  Britain’s hottest band Moonlight – instant attraction ensues but for whatever reason, Kayden keeps on pushing him away.  Until one night, secrets from Kayden have been revealed that left Shane yet again with another broken heart.

The story actually has a fairly simple plot. The ugly guy got kick out from the band, he made himself better. He changed his name and looks and got successful and voila! Instant revenge from hell! But it’s not easy to hurt a person who wronged you especially if that person is the same person you used to love or still in love with.

The whole revenge thing from Kayden would have been better if he made Shane grovel more for his affection. I loved the turnaround he did on his looks and I wonder why it took so long for him to plot his comeback into Shane’s life.

Anyhoo, the story was wonderful as usual – if you’ve enjoyed reading the authors’ collaboration in the One Thing series, you’d definitely enjoy this one as well.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published August 9th 2011 by Loose Id

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Book Review: Hook, Line, & Sinker (Hard Hats #2) – Piper Vaughn

Posted on March 12, 2015 | Leave a comment

Hard Hats 2BLURB: When they were teens, Castor McCormick was the bane of Blake Kowalski’s existence. Their mutual animosity led to summers filled with rivalry. Now, nearly two decades later, Cas is moving back into the neighborhood to live in his grandmother’s old house. Blake tells himself he isn’t interested in seeing how snarky little Cas grew up, but when his mother dupes him into visiting his former nemesis, he finds out “pretty” can evolve into “sexy as hell” on the right man.

 Cas didn’t think he wanted to see Blake again. No one has ever pushed his buttons like the arrogant boy he remembers from their youth. Turns out, the adult version of Blake still gets him hot under the collar—and everywhere else. With Blake on leave from work to nurse an injured leg and Cas taking time to move and unpack, they form a tentative friendship that turns into a sexual affair neither man can deny. But when Cas’s job sends him out of state to deal with a difficult client, their new relationship will be tested, and if they fail, Blake’s broken leg might not be the only thing to end up scarred.

***

I loved this better than the first book mainly because Blake’s character’s so compatible with Cas. I loved that they have a share history together and have been pining secretly from each other! Hah!

The series isn’t particularly that memorable but it has its moments. I loved the fact that there’s not much sex in it and somehow, the author deemed it necessary to put more conflict about trust and all. That’s okay I guess, it was an okay read and a better follow up to the series. Will I buy the next one? Yes.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published November 19th 2014 by Dreamspinner Press

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Book Review: Wood, Screws, & Nails (Hard Hats #1) – Piper Vaughn, Kade Boehme

Posted on March 12, 2015 | Leave a comment

Hard Hats 1BLURB: Aaron Costa’s summer was all planned. Despite having to remodel the family lake house, it would be a vacation of sorts, and he had every intention of enjoying it—until the friend who was supposed to help him got injured and left him in a lurch. He decides to take the opportunity to bond with his son and hires Julian and his roommate, Malachi, to assist.

As a broke college student, Malachi could use the money, and spending the summer with Aaron for eye candy sounds like a dream. “Look but don’t touch” becomes his motto. But when Julian starts flaking on his responsibilities and Malachi and Aaron are forced to spend long hours alone together, their mutual attraction is impossible to resist.

Aaron can’t fight the temptation sexy Malachi presents. But more than their age difference stands in their way, not the least of which is Aaron’s semi-closeted status and the fact that he’s never openly discussed his sexuality with his son. He has no idea how Julian will react when he learns his father is not only gay, he’s also dating his best friend.

***

I’m a fan of Piper and Kade and I loved it when my favorite authors collaborate to produce a good story. Although this book I find leaning more towards Piper’s writing style. There’s the usual flare for light conflict and the too detailed sex scenes. There was an age gap which by the way reminds me of Thomas Elkin series – remember Tom who’s dating his son’s bff? Anyways, the story was fine but I didn’t feel that much chemistry between Malachi and Aaron. There’s just something off about their relationship and financially, obviously they’re not equal but disregarding that – their connection isn’t that transparent without the words being said. Overall, this was a good start for the series and I’m pretty sure that the next one will be way better than this.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published April 23rd 2014 by Dreamspinner Press (first published April 22nd 2014)

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Book Review: One True Thing – Piper Vaughn & M.J. O’Shea

Posted on December 2, 2014 | Leave a comment

One True Thing[Book 2 of One Thing Series]

We met Dustin Davis in One Small Thing as Rue’s bestfriend and now that Rue’s all in love with Eric and his daughter Alice, Dustin was left to wonder when his prince charming will swept him off his feet. Then he meets Archer Kyriakides whom he thought was the one when he initially saw the guy but something’s telling him that there was off about their budding romance – until he meets Archer’s identical twin Asher.

 Asher Kyriakides dreams of snapping fashion shots but he’s stuck with a job he hates and with an irresponsible twin brother. He’s got the shock of his life when he saw that he’s playboy twin is dating the cute blond he initially saw and can’t seem to forget. When things goes wrong with Archer and Dustin, the latter took comfort from Asher and that’s when feelings started to bloom between them – but now without his wicked twin getting in the way of their relationship.

I really loved the first book of this series. Rue and Eric are just so adorable and the combo of Piper Vaugh and M.J. O’Shea is just something that has magic in it. This time though, I didn’t quite see that magic from One Small Thing. Dustin’s character came off a bit whiny with very low self-esteem. Of course, I’ve known that he’s got trust issue with the guys he was dating especially after his tumultuous experience with his previous ex but like in the first book, Dustin didn’t deliver the charm. The same could be said about Asher’s character. It was a bit trying hard and his character was even less charming than Dustin. Don’t get me wrong though, I still enjoyed the book but the predictability of it all and my apathy towards the MCs just dampen that enjoyment for me. It’ll still be good for you to try reading it out guys!

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Wanting – Piper Vaughn

Posted on November 30, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

Free short fiction. Written for the M/M Romance Group’s “Hot Summer Days” anthology.

Jonah Beckett has been in love with his older brother’s best friend, Laurie, since he was thirteen-years-old. When his boyfriend, Dirk, breaks up with him for refusing to put out, Jonah uses his heartbreak over the situation as an excuse to ask Laurie to teach him all about sex before he starts college in the fall. Problem is, he made Dirk up, and Jonah has no idea what will happen when Laurie finally finds out the truth. Via Goodreads

Reading this makes me feel like watching an episode of “Dawson’s Creek”. I loved the relaxed vibe of the story. And c’mon what is more beautiful that young love? I just have some issues about the lack of stronger conflict. It’s there but it wasn’t really felt – know what I mean? But yeah, this shortie is still a very good effort from the author J

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: One Small Thing – Piper Vaugn & M.J. O’Shea

Posted on November 20, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

At first, I thought this is one of those books that I’d hate so much but it was actually surprisingly good! The MC’s (Rue & Erik) here are just uber-adorable! Rue is the sexy bar tender that had a sexperiment with some girl and after nine months, he’s got Alice to take care of! Erik on the other hand is a sci-fi writer who really doesn’t like socializing at all. He’s got his own cocoon and is suffering from OCD and anxiety disorder. Due to unavoidable circumstances, they somehow collided with each other that led to a rather unexpected twist of fate. The question is if they can leave all their issues behind to build a new life as a family?

First, I have to commend the editing of this book! It’s perfect! It’s fast paced without getting the feel of it being rushed. The alternating point of views from both MC’s is also great. I’m also glad that the “coming out” part of this book was perfectly presented by the authors. It’s just all so adorable especially with Erik’s character. You see, I’m down with any characters who love Star Wars! Haha. Dorky characters rules!!!!

I’m glad that I came upon this book. It’s fresh, well written and has a superb story to boot!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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