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Heartsville
Bookmarked
To save his bookstore from closing, Mark Werner realizes it’s going to take a miracle—like getting reclusive, best-selling author Shepherd Knight to agree to appear for a signing.
After their disastrous last encounter, Mark doesn’t hold up much hope Shepherd will agree. Shepherd’s never made a single public appearance. In fact, Mark wouldn’t even know what he looks like had he not accidentally discovered the sexy stranger he’d been flirting with for months, aka “Tall-Dark-and-Grumpy,” was also his fanboy obsession.
But desperate times call for desperate measures. If Mark can convince Shepherd, it’ll be a major coup in the book world and might just save Bookmarked from sinking. Too bad Shepherd won’t reply to his e-mails. Yet Mark didn’t earn the reputation of having a “sunshine-and-rainbow-fart” personality for nothing. He’ll do whatever it takes to get his man… and hopefully not make a fool of himself in the process.
After their disastrous last encounter, Mark doesn’t hold up much hope Shepherd will agree. Shepherd’s never made a single public appearance. In fact, Mark wouldn’t even know what he looks like had he not accidentally discovered the sexy stranger he’d been flirting with for months, aka “Tall-Dark-and-Grumpy,” was also his fanboy obsession.
But desperate times call for desperate measures. If Mark can convince Shepherd, it’ll be a major coup in the book world and might just save Bookmarked from sinking. Too bad Shepherd won’t reply to his e-mails. Yet Mark didn’t earn the reputation of having a “sunshine-and-rainbow-fart” personality for nothing. He’ll do whatever it takes to get his man… and hopefully not make a fool of himself in the process.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2015
About the author
Piper Vaughn
43 books1,153 followersPiper Vaughn is a romance author and lifelong fan of the genre. Since writing their first love story at age eleven, they’ve known writing in some form was exactly what they wanted to do. A reader to the core, Piper loves nothing more than getting lost in a great book.
Piper is of Puerto Rican descent and grew up in a diverse neighborhood in Chicago. They love putting faces and characters of every ethnicity in their stories, making their fictional worlds as colorful as the real one. Above all, Piper believes there’s no one way to have an HEA, and every person deserves to see themselves reflected on the page.
Sign up for Piper's newsletter: https://www.pipervaughn.com/newsletter
Piper is of Puerto Rican descent and grew up in a diverse neighborhood in Chicago. They love putting faces and characters of every ethnicity in their stories, making their fictional worlds as colorful as the real one. Above all, Piper believes there’s no one way to have an HEA, and every person deserves to see themselves reflected on the page.
Sign up for Piper's newsletter: https://www.pipervaughn.com/newsletter
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
January 2, 2020
The Story
See the blurb.
Mark
Cute. I loved him… How could I not?
Shepherd
Gruff and gorgeous.
The Romance
Quick, uncomplicated, and delicious.
Secondary characters
Awesome.
Plot
Engaging and smooth.
Recommended?
Oh, yes!
See the blurb.
Mark
Cute. I loved him… How could I not?
Shepherd
Gruff and gorgeous.
The Romance
Quick, uncomplicated, and delicious.
Secondary characters
Awesome.
Plot
Engaging and smooth.
Recommended?
Oh, yes!
November 4, 2015
Super sweet......with just enough spice to keep me satisfied!
This one made me smile, big time!
This one made me smile, big time!
October 21, 2015
~3.5~
Mark & Shepherd's story
This series screams Flufftastic Goodness!
I read Bookmarked first, although all the novellas, which take place between early fall and Christmas time, are standalones and can be read in any order.
The characters flit in and out of each other's lives, but there are no spoilers. I like that there is such a strong sense of community and friendship in this imaginary town!
Heartsville is a Gayborhood afterall!
Piper's books always deliver on the warm and cozy, and this one is no exception.
The romance between Mark, bookstore owner, and Shepherd, reclusive sic-fi writer, is off to a rocky start. And it's all Shepherd's fault. He's a complete asshole and makes Mark feel like shit just for asking questions.
But Mark stands his ground, and soon the two men form a tentative friendship that turns to something deeper ... and sexier.
This story includes some tender interactions between Mark and Shep, as well as Mark and his dad Bruno, and has enough steam to make me happy.
The MCs aren't particularly complex, and the ending is a HFN, but this story is insanely cute and sweet—a fun, enjoyable read!
Mark & Shepherd's story
This series screams Flufftastic Goodness!
I read Bookmarked first, although all the novellas, which take place between early fall and Christmas time, are standalones and can be read in any order.
The characters flit in and out of each other's lives, but there are no spoilers. I like that there is such a strong sense of community and friendship in this imaginary town!
Heartsville is a Gayborhood afterall!
Piper's books always deliver on the warm and cozy, and this one is no exception.
The romance between Mark, bookstore owner, and Shepherd, reclusive sic-fi writer, is off to a rocky start. And it's all Shepherd's fault. He's a complete asshole and makes Mark feel like shit just for asking questions.
But Mark stands his ground, and soon the two men form a tentative friendship that turns to something deeper ... and sexier.
This story includes some tender interactions between Mark and Shep, as well as Mark and his dad Bruno, and has enough steam to make me happy.
The MCs aren't particularly complex, and the ending is a HFN, but this story is insanely cute and sweet—a fun, enjoyable read!
January 2, 2023
*** 3.75 Stars ***
The first in a series of standalone books with intermingling characters, Bookmarked introduces readers to the fictional and extremely LGBT-friendly town of Heartsville, Illinois. With a few words (and helped along by Natasha Snow’s cover art), I found myself transported to a quaint little town where independently owned stores with old-fashioned signs line the downtown streets, and people are friendly enough to hold doors for each other and smile at total strangers just to see them smile in return.
Sorta like this:
Only with more of this:
And this:
Bookmarked is Mark and Shep’s story. I wouldn’t exactly classify it as enemies-to-lovers, but let’s just say that the earliest interactions between the struggling bookstore owner and the best-selling author who masks his social anxiety by pretending to be a standoffish a-hole don’t exactly inspire love at first sight.
Well, between the characters, that is. Personally, I found it impossible not to love Mark. The man’s smart, good-natured, close with his family and friends, and tenacious. Plus, he runs a bookstore. I can practically hear a choir of angels singing the Hallelujah Chorus in the background when I say those words, can’t you? And lucky for Shep, I’ve always had a soft spot for the gruff ones (especially when their bark really is worse than their bite).
Due in large part to Mark’s tenacity, these two eventually get a do-over and thankfully, things go a lot more smoothly the second time around. And by that I mean there were apologies and then bookstore hand jobs.
*pauses to fully appreciate the bookstore hand jobs*
The rest was pure, fluffy, feel-good reading combined with a playfully naughty streak that kept things interesting, so it’s no wonder Piper Vaughn continues to be one of my Top 5 Most Read Authors. Bookmarked is just the latest example of why I love their work so much.
I may not have a charming collection of knit sweaters and puppets, but after reading this story I think it’s safe to say:
An ARC of this story was generously provided by the author in return for an honest review.
The first in a series of standalone books with intermingling characters, Bookmarked introduces readers to the fictional and extremely LGBT-friendly town of Heartsville, Illinois. With a few words (and helped along by Natasha Snow’s cover art), I found myself transported to a quaint little town where independently owned stores with old-fashioned signs line the downtown streets, and people are friendly enough to hold doors for each other and smile at total strangers just to see them smile in return.
Sorta like this:
Only with more of this:
And this:
Bookmarked is Mark and Shep’s story. I wouldn’t exactly classify it as enemies-to-lovers, but let’s just say that the earliest interactions between the struggling bookstore owner and the best-selling author who masks his social anxiety by pretending to be a standoffish a-hole don’t exactly inspire love at first sight.
Well, between the characters, that is. Personally, I found it impossible not to love Mark. The man’s smart, good-natured, close with his family and friends, and tenacious. Plus, he runs a bookstore. I can practically hear a choir of angels singing the Hallelujah Chorus in the background when I say those words, can’t you? And lucky for Shep, I’ve always had a soft spot for the gruff ones (especially when their bark really is worse than their bite).
Due in large part to Mark’s tenacity, these two eventually get a do-over and thankfully, things go a lot more smoothly the second time around. And by that I mean there were apologies and then bookstore hand jobs.
*pauses to fully appreciate the bookstore hand jobs*
The rest was pure, fluffy, feel-good reading combined with a playfully naughty streak that kept things interesting, so it’s no wonder Piper Vaughn continues to be one of my Top 5 Most Read Authors. Bookmarked is just the latest example of why I love their work so much.
I may not have a charming collection of knit sweaters and puppets, but after reading this story I think it’s safe to say:
An ARC of this story was generously provided by the author in return for an honest review.
November 13, 2015
Mark Werner's bookstore is sinking. He tries to save it from closing by convincing his favorite best-selling author Shepherd Knight to make an appearance at a signing. The thing is, Shepherd doesn't do public appearances and he won't reply to the e-mails Mark send him. However, after a heated exchange of words between the two of them, Shepard might have changed his mind about coming to Bookmarked and helping his fan who gushed all over him during their first encounter.
It's a fun and sweet enemies to lovers read with hot library sexy times. I can't wait to read more stories from the gayborhood!
October 26, 2015
Welcome to the Heartsville gayborhood!!!
Full of pretty, sexy, naughty, smart and funny boys!
I'm very excited about this new project . Heartsville is an LGBT friendly town and each book of this series features a different couple of its residents.
This is the story of Mark, owner of Bookmarked , the local bookstore, and Shepherd, a local bestselling author with anxiety issues.
Their last encounter was disastrous. Mark went on full fanboy mode when he realised who the sexy stranger in his bookstore was, and Shepherd went on full asshole mode.
But Mark needs to save his bookstore from sinking and having Shepherd participating in some of the author events he's planning, would help a lot.
Eventually,Shepherd’s attitude changes and his previous behaviour starts making sense.
This story has all the things that we love. Books, men and hot lovemaking. Can it get any better than this? Yes it can! Because...hot man lovemaking IN A BOOKSTORE! All in one!
This is an angst- free, feel good story and Piper Vaughn's writing never dissapoints. Great start to a promising series. Can't wait to read the next.
*Review crossposted on Gay Book Reviews.*
June 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
Um, I - like many of you - probably can't resist a romance about a nerdy bookstore owner. To make it even better, said nerdy bookstore owner wears glasses. Yep. I'm being a bit superficial.
Anyhoo, Mark and Shepherd may have started off on the wrong foot but once their misunderstandings are cleared up, it's pretty much smooth sailing for these two. Throw in some very nice, hot "interactions" and you've got a simple, enjoyable and sexy fluff read. You couldn't ask for more except for it to be of course, longer. Good thing there's 4 more books to this loosely connected series!!
Um, I - like many of you - probably can't resist a romance about a nerdy bookstore owner. To make it even better, said nerdy bookstore owner wears glasses. Yep. I'm being a bit superficial.
Anyhoo, Mark and Shepherd may have started off on the wrong foot but once their misunderstandings are cleared up, it's pretty much smooth sailing for these two. Throw in some very nice, hot "interactions" and you've got a simple, enjoyable and sexy fluff read. You couldn't ask for more except for it to be of course, longer. Good thing there's 4 more books to this loosely connected series!!
October 3, 2015
This is going to be a quickie review because it's a quickie book and I don't want to give away too much- so straight to the point...
Bookmarked by Piper Vaughn is a delicious little enemies to lovers story that takes place in a Heartsville, Il gayborhood. Mark's bookstore is in danger of closing down and he must ask a beloved author for his help in order to save it. Unfortunately said author, Shepherd, is not eager to help after having had a disastrous encounter with Mark.
This book had all the elements I love in a story: great characters, humor, steam, a bit of heartbreak, and just an overall feel good vibe. Also, despite it being only 77 pages long I felt like I got a complete story. My only complaint would be I was a bit sad I didn't get to read it.
Overall, this was a solid little story and one I definitely recommend! It's the perfect book to get lost to on a lazy weekend day.
P.S. There's more stories to come from the gayborhood! ;)
**ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review.
**This review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
http://reviewsbyjessewave.com/2015/10...
November 17, 2015
Super cute. Just the kind of book I needed to help with the Monday blues.
I loved Mark and his book store Bookmarked. His enthusiasm and determination to save a place he truly loved was inspiring.
I even kind of liked Shep. His attitude set for the perfect groveling story line and I was excited for it.
Perfect level of cute, drama and steam.
This book touched on others living in the town and I look forward to meeting them and reading their stories. If they are anything like this one I will be a happy girl.
I loved Mark and his book store Bookmarked. His enthusiasm and determination to save a place he truly loved was inspiring.
I even kind of liked Shep. His attitude set for the perfect groveling story line and I was excited for it.
Perfect level of cute, drama and steam.
This book touched on others living in the town and I look forward to meeting them and reading their stories. If they are anything like this one I will be a happy girl.
July 15, 2017
3 Stars
Mark Werner is the proprietor of Heartsville’s beloved bookstore, Bookmarked . Unfortunately, Mark’s business is falling on hard times, so in an effort to boost sales and customer interest, he seeks out Heartsville’s locally-based internationally-bestselling author, Shepherd Knight, to ask if he would help out by doing a signing at the store.
Regardless of Mark and Shepherd’s obvious mutual attraction, their initial interactions don’t go well, mainly because Shepherd is quite a recluse and an all-around moody bastard. Luckily for Shepherd, Mark is a super sweet and forgiving guy, allowing Shepherd the opportunity to explain his gruff behaviour and plead his case in order to secure a date with Mark post book signing.
The getting-to-know-you portion of the story is on the light side, understandably due to story length, but the feels are present and the sexy times are heated.
Sunshine-and-rainbow-fart-Mark was a charming guy, winning extra awesome points for not only owning a bookstore, but for quoting Captain Planet with geeky grace and wearing a bow-tie like a champ. I had less of a connection to Shepherd, but the overwhelming sweetness of the story more than made up for it. I also really enjoyed the introductions of characters from the other four Heartsville stories, which I’m now eagerly looking forward to reading.
Mark Werner is the proprietor of Heartsville’s beloved bookstore, Bookmarked . Unfortunately, Mark’s business is falling on hard times, so in an effort to boost sales and customer interest, he seeks out Heartsville’s locally-based internationally-bestselling author, Shepherd Knight, to ask if he would help out by doing a signing at the store.
Regardless of Mark and Shepherd’s obvious mutual attraction, their initial interactions don’t go well, mainly because Shepherd is quite a recluse and an all-around moody bastard. Luckily for Shepherd, Mark is a super sweet and forgiving guy, allowing Shepherd the opportunity to explain his gruff behaviour and plead his case in order to secure a date with Mark post book signing.
The getting-to-know-you portion of the story is on the light side, understandably due to story length, but the feels are present and the sexy times are heated.
Sunshine-and-rainbow-fart-Mark was a charming guy, winning extra awesome points for not only owning a bookstore, but for quoting Captain Planet with geeky grace and wearing a bow-tie like a champ. I had less of a connection to Shepherd, but the overwhelming sweetness of the story more than made up for it. I also really enjoyed the introductions of characters from the other four Heartsville stories, which I’m now eagerly looking forward to reading.
November 18, 2015
This was the first book in the series that I read and I loved it! A nerdy bookstore owner in glasses? Yes please! I loved that Mark fanboy'd all over Shepherd. Who here hasn't done that once or twice (or a million times)? Sexy, funny and heartfelt, this was a winner all around. Though I do have to say, poor Stephen King. I'll never look at one of his books the same way again. Heh, all I kept thinking with that scene was, 'don't break the spine or crease the pages!'
Mini review of this and all the other stories in the series can be found at www.boymeetsboyreviews.com
July 24, 2017
***4 Stars***
This was a sweet and quick story that hit all the spots. An indie bookstore owner and reclusive author gave me just what I needed when my reading time was limited. It made me smile, it had just the right amount of steam...and it made me curious about the other inhabitants of Heartsville.
February 17, 2017
3.5 stars
I liked it, just didn't love it like I expected.
I liked it, just didn't love it like I expected.
October 26, 2015
Bookmarked
is the first of a series of novella written by five authors. While all of the can be read as stand-alone (and at this moment, all of them are sold in only $0.99, yes, for a LIMITED time) but I thought starting with this one would give me a 'vibe' of what Heartsville was all about. The main couple here were Mark Werner, owner of the local's bookstore, Bookmarked, and Shepherd Knight, a reclusive author whom also Mark's favorite author-crush.
As always with Vaughn's stories, it had cozy feel to it. However, I must admit that I didn't feel the romance between Mark and Shepherd. Shepherd indeed came as a bit rude in the beginning, although he then later had a good reason for it. That wasn't my problem. The problem was that I thought the relationship switched on a little bit too fast for my liking. Especially because, well, Shepherd said that he wasn't good with strangers. Plus he was still a bit of a mysterious guy to me. I didn't feel him.
Mark was a little bit easier for me to connect because he was the main narrator. I liked his optimistic deposition. It was clear that he put his heart into the book store and how could I not love somebody like that? In fact, I felt a little guilty when Mark said the book store was struggling because most people were buying things online nowadays. Although in my defense, since I live in Indonesia, in order for me to get my M/M romance fix, I must buy things online *lol*.
Okay, back to the story -- I guess I even felt the relationship between Mark and his friend, Adam, or Mark and his father, Bruno, to be more deeply affecting me rather than him and Shepherd. His friendship with Adam was wonderful and his relationship with his father was tender and loving. I found myself caring more about those rather than Mark and Shepherd.
And urgh, the sex scenes. No, the sex scenes were NOT a winning point to make me love Mark and Shepherd more. I just cringed my nose and smirked when I read this line (“Gonna eat you out,” Shep whispered. “Lick you open for my cock.”). Urgh. NOT sexy. But then again, most sex scenes just annoy the hell out of me, so count that part as "me-not-the-book" situation.
It was a nice read though -- and I didn't dislike it; I am pretty much intrigued with other stories in this series. I just wish I love Mark and Shepherd more than I did...
As always with Vaughn's stories, it had cozy feel to it. However, I must admit that I didn't feel the romance between Mark and Shepherd. Shepherd indeed came as a bit rude in the beginning, although he then later had a good reason for it. That wasn't my problem. The problem was that I thought the relationship switched on a little bit too fast for my liking. Especially because, well, Shepherd said that he wasn't good with strangers. Plus he was still a bit of a mysterious guy to me. I didn't feel him.
Mark was a little bit easier for me to connect because he was the main narrator. I liked his optimistic deposition. It was clear that he put his heart into the book store and how could I not love somebody like that? In fact, I felt a little guilty when Mark said the book store was struggling because most people were buying things online nowadays. Although in my defense, since I live in Indonesia, in order for me to get my M/M romance fix, I must buy things online *lol*.
Okay, back to the story -- I guess I even felt the relationship between Mark and his friend, Adam, or Mark and his father, Bruno, to be more deeply affecting me rather than him and Shepherd. His friendship with Adam was wonderful and his relationship with his father was tender and loving. I found myself caring more about those rather than Mark and Shepherd.
And urgh, the sex scenes. No, the sex scenes were NOT a winning point to make me love Mark and Shepherd more. I just cringed my nose and smirked when I read this line (“Gonna eat you out,” Shep whispered. “Lick you open for my cock.”). Urgh. NOT sexy. But then again, most sex scenes just annoy the hell out of me, so count that part as "me-not-the-book" situation.
It was a nice read though -- and I didn't dislike it; I am pretty much intrigued with other stories in this series. I just wish I love Mark and Shepherd more than I did...
October 1, 2015
4.5 Stars for this contemporary M/M romance novella.
Mark is the owner of an indie bookstore, Bookmarked, teetering on the brink of insolvency and is desperate to increase sales. He plans to host a series of author events, to bring people into the store, and he's sure if he can convince a local bestselling author to participate he'll have a chance at keeping the doors open longer. Trouble is, Sheppard Knight is a total recluse. He's never done a signing--or an author event.
Mark reaches out, and is promptly rebuffed by Sheppard. Just as he had been when he identified the attractive, but quiet, man who spent hours writing in a nook at the back of Bookmarked. This time, Mark lets Sheppard have it for his rudeness, which sparks a change of heart. It turns out Shep has serious anxiety issues, and that's why he's shied away from public appearances.
Mark and Shep begin to build a rapport over shared confidences, and it's almost more than Mark could hope for--his original interest in Shep is returned. Most heartily, I might add.
This is a delicious little story. Maybe I'm prejudiced. Full disclosure: I'm a bibliophile. I love EVERYTHING about books. I'm 99% sure I conceived a child because of OUTLANDER (the book, not the TV show). So, the idea of two fit men getting it on in a bookstore is *shockingly* totally arousing. #SorryNotSorry
There's a wee bit of homophobia, and the chance for a recalcitrant teen to make amends. And an indie bookstore gets saved! Yay!
I'm excited to spend more time in the "gayborhood" of Heartsville, Illinois. Somebody, get me a pop!
Mark is the owner of an indie bookstore, Bookmarked, teetering on the brink of insolvency and is desperate to increase sales. He plans to host a series of author events, to bring people into the store, and he's sure if he can convince a local bestselling author to participate he'll have a chance at keeping the doors open longer. Trouble is, Sheppard Knight is a total recluse. He's never done a signing--or an author event.
Mark reaches out, and is promptly rebuffed by Sheppard. Just as he had been when he identified the attractive, but quiet, man who spent hours writing in a nook at the back of Bookmarked. This time, Mark lets Sheppard have it for his rudeness, which sparks a change of heart. It turns out Shep has serious anxiety issues, and that's why he's shied away from public appearances.
Mark and Shep begin to build a rapport over shared confidences, and it's almost more than Mark could hope for--his original interest in Shep is returned. Most heartily, I might add.
This is a delicious little story. Maybe I'm prejudiced. Full disclosure: I'm a bibliophile. I love EVERYTHING about books. I'm 99% sure I conceived a child because of OUTLANDER (the book, not the TV show). So, the idea of two fit men getting it on in a bookstore is *shockingly* totally arousing. #SorryNotSorry
There's a wee bit of homophobia, and the chance for a recalcitrant teen to make amends. And an indie bookstore gets saved! Yay!
I'm excited to spend more time in the "gayborhood" of Heartsville, Illinois. Somebody, get me a pop!
November 20, 2015
A romance between a bookstore owner with a heart of gold and a reclusive author??? Yes please? Sign me up twice!
I had a soft spot for this story before I even started. What one of us can’t relate to the absolute and complete immersion into being a fangirl/guy for our favorite authors? Mark’s bookstore is struggling and he’s starting to feel a little bit of desperation. Problem is the author that he wants to come in for a signing is incredibly reclusive and Mark feels he’s made an ass of himself in front of them man before so it may be hopeless. But, again, desperate, so he gives it a shot. While Shepherd comes across as an arrogant bastard at first, the two work through the awkward and it turns out Shepherd isn’t what he seems at first and I ended up loving his character. Mark was a perfect balance for Shepherd and I loved reading how he boosted Shepherd, giving him the confidence to come out of his shell and embrace life with Mark. Pay special attention to the scene in Mark’s office before a book signing. Damn, I do love a scene that can be both filthy and romantic at the same time. And I can’t forget, kudos to Mark’s dad, he was an amazing character.
I had a soft spot for this story before I even started. What one of us can’t relate to the absolute and complete immersion into being a fangirl/guy for our favorite authors? Mark’s bookstore is struggling and he’s starting to feel a little bit of desperation. Problem is the author that he wants to come in for a signing is incredibly reclusive and Mark feels he’s made an ass of himself in front of them man before so it may be hopeless. But, again, desperate, so he gives it a shot. While Shepherd comes across as an arrogant bastard at first, the two work through the awkward and it turns out Shepherd isn’t what he seems at first and I ended up loving his character. Mark was a perfect balance for Shepherd and I loved reading how he boosted Shepherd, giving him the confidence to come out of his shell and embrace life with Mark. Pay special attention to the scene in Mark’s office before a book signing. Damn, I do love a scene that can be both filthy and romantic at the same time. And I can’t forget, kudos to Mark’s dad, he was an amazing character.
October 30, 2015
That was really cute! I enjoyed it and can't wait to meet the rest of the boys from Heartsville :)
February 5, 2016
3.5 stars rounded up
A romance about the owner of a bookstore and a writer?
This was the fluffy no-angst read I needed! It doesn't happen very much more than the blurb tells us. But since it's only 82 pages it's enough for me. - OK, there could have been a bit more happening. Though it doesn't have to!
Yeah, IMO they got it on a tad bit too fast - though they gave the word bookporn a new meaning to me!
Thanks to my Secret Santa Marcie! You're awesome, chica!
A romance about the owner of a bookstore and a writer?
This was the fluffy no-angst read I needed! It doesn't happen very much more than the blurb tells us. But since it's only 82 pages it's enough for me. - OK, there could have been a bit more happening. Though it doesn't have to!
Yeah, IMO they got it on a tad bit too fast - though they gave the word bookporn a new meaning to me!
Not only had he [Mark] screwed around in his bookstore, which was unprecedented, he'd come while sniffing a Stephen King novel [...]
All Mark knew was there couldn't be many guys out there who'd gotten off to the scent of Pet Sematary. Somehow, he didn't think Stephen King would appreciate getting that in a fan letter.
Thanks to my Secret Santa Marcie! You're awesome, chica!
February 4, 2017
Fluffy and sexy. Shep is a gentleman in the street and a freak in the bed with a splash of social anxiety and a dash of uncontrollable nervousness that causes diarrhea of the mouth. Mark wants him for more than one reason and when he needs him even after two unfortunate encounters Shep comes through. They say what they feel, no bullshit, and get together. The relationship develops nicely and they slot into each other's lives effortlessly. They tackle obstacles together and quickly become a team. It was great to read a story that was just easy.
This is a super sweet and sexy read with no angst. It's a short read that manages pack a punch in a short amount of time. I liked it a lot.
This is a super sweet and sexy read with no angst. It's a short read that manages pack a punch in a short amount of time. I liked it a lot.
November 13, 2015
Not really my favorite from this author. Maybe it was due to the length, but I didn't really connect. I do like the idea of a series around the "gayborhood", so I'm sure I'll read more of the series.
March 10, 2016
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Mark and Shepherd met a year and a half ago at Mark’s bookstore, Bookmarked, and it was a bad first meeting. They both reacted poorly. When Mark realized the guy he was admiring from afar was his favorite author, he gushed like a fanboy. Shepherd, in a panic, was very rude, and told him to get lost. Then never came back to the store again.
Now Mark is desperate to save his store, so he swallows his pride and asks Shepherd to do a book signing at the store. He thinks getting a big name author to the store will draw enough interest to keep the store open.
At first Shepherd isn’t interested. But he goes about it in such a rude manner, that Mark lashes out. And Shepherd apologizes for his horrible behavior and agrees to the book signing.
This is a turning point in Shepherd’s rude behavior. It turns out that Shepherd’s problem was a bit of social anxiety. He was attracted to Mark and didn’t know how to handle it. His first ever book signing is the stepping stone he needed to come out of his shell.
It’s a huge success for both men. It helps Shepherd to slowly step out into the limelight. And it helps draw more attention to the store for Mark.
I liked these guys, after I got over Shepherd’s attitude. I still didn’t love him, because even with his issues, I felt his bad attitude was a bit over the top but he did redeem himself by overcoming his fears of being in the public eye to help Mark. There were at times it seemed that Mark liked Shepherd only because of his status as Mark’s favorite author, and I kept having to remind myself that he liked him before he knew who he was.
Overall, this was a fun little book. I like the small “gayborhood” community and look forward to reading more books in this series.
My favorite quote: “Brittany, Shepherd’s PR rep/personal assistant, was short, blonde, and wore enough pink to make Elle Woods jealous.”
Note: This review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
Mark and Shepherd met a year and a half ago at Mark’s bookstore, Bookmarked, and it was a bad first meeting. They both reacted poorly. When Mark realized the guy he was admiring from afar was his favorite author, he gushed like a fanboy. Shepherd, in a panic, was very rude, and told him to get lost. Then never came back to the store again.
Now Mark is desperate to save his store, so he swallows his pride and asks Shepherd to do a book signing at the store. He thinks getting a big name author to the store will draw enough interest to keep the store open.
At first Shepherd isn’t interested. But he goes about it in such a rude manner, that Mark lashes out. And Shepherd apologizes for his horrible behavior and agrees to the book signing.
This is a turning point in Shepherd’s rude behavior. It turns out that Shepherd’s problem was a bit of social anxiety. He was attracted to Mark and didn’t know how to handle it. His first ever book signing is the stepping stone he needed to come out of his shell.
It’s a huge success for both men. It helps Shepherd to slowly step out into the limelight. And it helps draw more attention to the store for Mark.
I liked these guys, after I got over Shepherd’s attitude. I still didn’t love him, because even with his issues, I felt his bad attitude was a bit over the top but he did redeem himself by overcoming his fears of being in the public eye to help Mark. There were at times it seemed that Mark liked Shepherd only because of his status as Mark’s favorite author, and I kept having to remind myself that he liked him before he knew who he was.
Overall, this was a fun little book. I like the small “gayborhood” community and look forward to reading more books in this series.
My favorite quote: “Brittany, Shepherd’s PR rep/personal assistant, was short, blonde, and wore enough pink to make Elle Woods jealous.”
Note: This review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
November 13, 2015
This series of five books was a pure delight to read. I've read (and loved) work by Nico Jaye, Piper Vaughn and JH Knight before, but Jayden Brookes and Cate Ashwood were new to me. I'm going to review the series as a whole, although each book is standalone and could be read that way.
What can I say? I LOVED the gayborhood. It is a series of pure delight. Easy to read, sweet without being sugary and just a teeny tiny bit of angst to add a bit of bite. This series is the pyjamas, slippers, hot chocolate combo of the book world. Pure comfort. The kind that leaves you snug and happy. I adored all of the couples and their stories and would be really hard pressed to choose a favourite!
Milo Hart of Bloom Box had a soft spot in my heart. His generosity of time and spirit warmed me and made me grin.Cate Ashwood is definitely an author I need to check out.
I loved the rocky Horror references in Unscripted, but mostly in this book I adored the brand of smuff (smut+fluff) that Nico Jaye has made her own.
What bibliophile can resist a bookshop setting? Not this one, I love stories set in book shops and a reclusive novelist. PERFECT. Piper Vaughn write romance from the soul and I love it!
Adam and Brandon in Clique, by Jayden Brookes, were adorable. Nearly as adorable as Brandon's dogs...
And JH Knight told a tale of fear and forgiveness that was just beautiful. They were all beautiful. They were exactly the kind of stories you expect them to be when you look at the gorgeous covers.
Lastly I want to say how much I loved the interaction of characters between books. Though each book focused on one couple, there are cameos from the other stories. Though subtly done so that each book can be read completely independently.
A wonderful, happy series. I cannot wait for more from Heartsville.
Review previously at bmbr.
A copy of this story was given in exchange for an honest review.
What can I say? I LOVED the gayborhood. It is a series of pure delight. Easy to read, sweet without being sugary and just a teeny tiny bit of angst to add a bit of bite. This series is the pyjamas, slippers, hot chocolate combo of the book world. Pure comfort. The kind that leaves you snug and happy. I adored all of the couples and their stories and would be really hard pressed to choose a favourite!
Milo Hart of Bloom Box had a soft spot in my heart. His generosity of time and spirit warmed me and made me grin.Cate Ashwood is definitely an author I need to check out.
I loved the rocky Horror references in Unscripted, but mostly in this book I adored the brand of smuff (smut+fluff) that Nico Jaye has made her own.
What bibliophile can resist a bookshop setting? Not this one, I love stories set in book shops and a reclusive novelist. PERFECT. Piper Vaughn write romance from the soul and I love it!
Adam and Brandon in Clique, by Jayden Brookes, were adorable. Nearly as adorable as Brandon's dogs...
And JH Knight told a tale of fear and forgiveness that was just beautiful. They were all beautiful. They were exactly the kind of stories you expect them to be when you look at the gorgeous covers.
Lastly I want to say how much I loved the interaction of characters between books. Though each book focused on one couple, there are cameos from the other stories. Though subtly done so that each book can be read completely independently.
A wonderful, happy series. I cannot wait for more from Heartsville.
Review previously at bmbr.
A copy of this story was given in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2015
3.5 stars
Loved the book store theme and thought the romance was pretty cute. Didn't completely feel the attraction between Mark and Shep though.
Loved the book store theme and thought the romance was pretty cute. Didn't completely feel the attraction between Mark and Shep though.
March 5, 2016
***** Another wonderful tale in the Heartsville ("gayborhood") series. *****
Each story can stand alone, and each is by a different author, but connected through the series ! Amazing characters, heartwarming plots, and with super sexy men, these are worthwhile.
Here we have Book Shop owner, ever positive, "rainbow-fart", sweet Mark
struggling to make his business flourish. If he could get Sheppard,
a famous author, to the book signing, he'd be thrilled, but the man is always rude to him. We'll find out why. We have a hateful teen, an apology, a beginning to a relationship, a hate crime, and another apology. Sheppard and Mark are well suited for one another, understanding, and sizzle up the nearest surface wherever they are. Heartwarming and maybe tearful, this story will draw your interest like a magnet.
I liked Piper Vaughn's Christmas Elf story, and this one is a terrific tale also.
(Plus there is good advice for any author in Sheppard's speech.)
Highly recommended. ENJOY !!!
=============================
Each story can stand alone, and each is by a different author, but connected through the series ! Amazing characters, heartwarming plots, and with super sexy men, these are worthwhile.
Here we have Book Shop owner, ever positive, "rainbow-fart", sweet Mark
struggling to make his business flourish. If he could get Sheppard,
a famous author, to the book signing, he'd be thrilled, but the man is always rude to him. We'll find out why. We have a hateful teen, an apology, a beginning to a relationship, a hate crime, and another apology. Sheppard and Mark are well suited for one another, understanding, and sizzle up the nearest surface wherever they are. Heartwarming and maybe tearful, this story will draw your interest like a magnet.
I liked Piper Vaughn's Christmas Elf story, and this one is a terrific tale also.
(Plus there is good advice for any author in Sheppard's speech.)
Highly recommended. ENJOY !!!
=============================
November 7, 2015
4.5 stars... Short and sweet! I really enjoyed it!
June 3, 2020
Sweet novella set in gay Heartsville, IL. I loved the fact that the two main characters didn’t have a fight and break up just before the book ended. Good for you Piper Vaughn. Highly recommended for a feel good read.
June 4, 2023
Very enjoyable! I do usually like Piper Vaughn's writing, and Bookmarked is sweet and funny, and just a very nice romance. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series :).
October 27, 2015
2.5 stars
It's cute and cozy and sweet and fluffy but apart from that there's not much going on.
The writing is good but the whole thing felt rushed to me.
I loved the premise of the book, I was really looking forward to the book shop setting but I was disappointed. It was, dare I say it, a bit boring...
There isn't much character development and it felt a bit mundane.
I didn't feel the attraction between Shep and Mark, for me they lacked chemistry.
I didn't actively dislike it but I certainly didn't love it, it left me feeling a bit meh.
It's cute and cozy and sweet and fluffy but apart from that there's not much going on.
The writing is good but the whole thing felt rushed to me.
I loved the premise of the book, I was really looking forward to the book shop setting but I was disappointed. It was, dare I say it, a bit boring...
There isn't much character development and it felt a bit mundane.
I didn't feel the attraction between Shep and Mark, for me they lacked chemistry.
I didn't actively dislike it but I certainly didn't love it, it left me feeling a bit meh.
August 9, 2021
BOOKMARKED was a cute read about two guys who don't start on the best foot with each other. As a bonus, this is definitely a grumpy and sunshine pairing and once Mark and Shep start to get to know each other, they're really sweet together. I was impressed how much Piper Vaughn fit in this novella because it felt like a really full story.
Content Warning: Shepherd has social anxiety; on page panic attack
Content Warning: Shepherd has social anxiety; on page panic attack
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