Reviewed by Roberta
TITLE: Hook, Line, & Sinker
SERIES: Hard Hats: Book Two
AUTHOR: Piper Vaughn
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 192 Pages
BLURB:
Hard Hats: Book Two
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.
REVIEW:
I had read the first book in this series and I really liked it. I was really excited to hear that there was to be another book in the series. I grabbed the chance to review this book and I have to say, that I was really excited when it came into my hot little hands.
Blake Kowalski is the 37- year old man who through a silly accident, got hurt and was unable to work the summer with his boss, Aaron. He’s staying with his mother as he can’t handle the stairs at his apartment. Blake is this really great guy who has this one demon that he’s never had to work through, yet he’s about to. Blake is pure Alpha in his life, especially in the bedroom. He’s never found the person who completes him in and out of the bedroom. Blake is this wonderful blend of bossy, possessive, and generally very hard-headed guy, but I really liked him. I liked that he had some issues and that he needs some work in that area, but again…I really felt for him.
Castor McCormick has moved into his Grandmother’s home and is finally after 10 years of traveling, finally getting a home base. Castor wants so badly to have a home and someone to come home to. Castor has this job that means that he’s got to be in charge at all times and yet, he has this wonderful submissive side that craves someone who can truly dominate him in the bedroom. He’s a strong, kind and laid back kind of guy who you’d want to be your friend. Castor is such a great character. I really liked him. I did have an issue with the way he handled the big issue at the end of the story…the way that he handled that really made me think of a petulant child, but he made up for it.
The chemistry between these two characters is just wonderful. They were complex and very well rounded. I liked that it wasn’t just them, there were friends and family that they spent time with. I liked that they had history. They were young boys/men who couldn’t find a way to get along and now…it seems that they more than get along. They are moving on to this wonderful relationship, as long as they find their way through some issues. They start by being friends and move towards a relationship. I really like how they came to care about each other and how they made the decision to commit to each other. I liked that they had past differences as well as insecurity to deal with. Just like real life.
Now, I won’t lie…this book had some SCORCHING HOT SEX!! I had to put it down as I was at work and didn’t think it appropriate to be fanning myself. There was a fair bit of dirty talk that was just…WOW!! You Go, Blake!!! I loved how their needs seemed to flow so naturally together. These two together was just really HOT! These guys will make you need a cold drink or three.
I really liked the writing in this story. I liked that the characters just drew you in. I loved the alternating POV’s. I liked getting their feelings about what was going on during the story. I feel that this was such a wonderful balance of fast paced romance and flawed characters with a well-written story. This story was fast paced, sweet and very sexy. This is one book that you won’t regret purchasing and enjoying time and time again.
Piper has written a really great book that will engage you from the first moment until the very last. I wanted these characters to find their way. I rooted for them. I loved seeing Aaron and Mal for a quick moment. I really liked Gavin and hope his and Riley’s story is next. There’s a story there and I for one can’t wait!!
RATING: 
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I loved, loved, loved this book!! I’ve never read any by this author that I haven’t liked.