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.

Review

This is quick romance set in a wonderful neighborhood so you get the pleasure of a small town, circle of friends romance with recurring characters.

I love the bookstore setting and the romance had some intersting turns. I wanted the heroes to be a bit more complex and detailed than they are but it is a nice read.

***Possible spoilers***

The first book was a great read. It’s fun, it’s quick, and it’s light. Same goes for this one as well. It may help reading them in order, as it would be nice to know who’s who and how were they introduced in the book.

What I love the most about these particular series is Booktown itself. It’s such a quaint little place and it’s written up so nicely it makes you feel like you want to visit this place yourself. The characters themselves give the setting a nice tone even though they’re a little more than just cookie cutter characters. Tricia is likable and her staff are always nice to read through. Angelica can get on your nerves like any sibling would. However when it’s all said and done they add to the quaint setting.

The mystery itself was good. Although the crime is done ‘off stage’ things that happen to Tricia are a little more graphic than what I’m used to seeing in cozy mysteries. Which is not a bad thing. You’d have to wonder though, if it’s like this in every book, Tricia is in for a lot of surprises. There’s a mild twist in it but not enough to wow the reader.

I don’t like what’s going on between Tricia and Russ. In fact I don’t really see the appeal in Russ at all. He’s not that great, he doesn’t have much of a personality and what’s happening between him and Tricia isn’t really fireworks either. I’m not expecting something incredibly romantic between the two of them. But, some chemistry would be nice at this point. There’s nothing like that between them.

Overall, it’s still good for a fast quick read. Cozy mystery lovers would enjoy this one. I’m a sucker for the recipes in the back as well.

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.

Bookmarked - Piper Vaughn

*** 3 okay stars ***

What happens in this story is basically what it says in the blurb. I actually think the blurb gives away too much for the story to be real interesting. There was one small plot twist that the blurb doesn't mentions, but that plot twist was so unnecessary, that it could have been left out. It just cause some mild drama.  I think the story fell a bit flat, to be honest, since there was no surprises. It was a straight forward okay read. 

Thumbs up for the book store owner and the author getting it on among the book shelves in the store, though.

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Mark sucked in a shaky breath, a deep shiver racking him at the scent of the paper and ink from the books he rested on.
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Did someone say book porn? This is not erotica, though, but a fluffy romance.

where the hurt, pain, broken hearts, loneliness and cries for help are.” ~ Steve Bertie

Mark Werner, of 'Bookmarked' by Piper Vaughn, sometimes forgets that it isn't as easy for some people to put themselves out there as it is for him. By nature, Mark usually is a happy guy who finds pleasure in sharing the books he loves with others. When his enthusiasm alienates one of his patrons, who just happens to be a popular author named Shepherd Knight, he deeply regrets it, especially when Shepherd stops coming to his shop. Mark is embarrassed and decides to respect Shepherd’s privacy; but uncomfortable or not, Mark desperately needs Shepherd's help. His bookstore, Bookmarked, is failing and he's afraid he will lose it altogether if he doesn't come up with something spectacular to draw attention to his store.

Mark loves books and has always wanted his own bookstore. 'Bookmarked' is his dream embodied. He works many long hours and sacrifices a lot to keep it running and the thought of losing it breaks his heart. Even though he has little hope of success, he emails Shepherd Knight with a request to do a book signing. When Mark doesn't even receive an acknowledgment of his message, he starts to think of the author as the rudest person around, with absolutely no social redeeming graces, particularly courtesy. Not to be deterred, Mark looks up his number and calls him. Needless to say, Mark's call is not well received, but at least he tries. Shepherd is extremely rude to him and, with nothing to lose, Mark loses his temper tells him exactly what he thinks of Shepherd's attitude and hangs up on him. Imagine his surprise when Mark receives an email from none other than Shepherd Knight himself, apologizing and accepting his invitation to be part of the program.

Mark doesn't quite know what to expect on the day of the signing, but he is hoping for the best. Shepherd arrives with his personal assistant, Brittany, but he certainly doesn't look happy to be there. Brittany is insistent on keeping the proceedings under strict control, which includes no readings by Shepherd. Mark notices Shepherd seems to be 'off' and asks if he is okay. Brittany answers for him adamantly saying that he is perfect and things are going to be great, but Mark isn't convinced. Mark watches him during the signing and checks up on him periodically, Mark realizes Shepherd is 'sweating bullets' and seems extremely uncomfortable. This behavior makes Mark reconsider his first opinion of Shepherd as rude and he wonders if there's a lot more to Shepherd's behavior than is apparent.

This is the first book in what appears to be a delightful series. Heartsville is a wonderful gay-friendly community whose residents work together to make it a better place. Mark is absolutely adorable and I admire his enthusiasm and determination. His father, Bruno, is a great character as well; knowing him shows where Mark gets his positive attitude. There are lots of great stories to come and I can hardly wait. If you enjoy spirited book lovers, supportive families and friends, and grumpy, but talented authors, you may like this story. I know I did! Thanks, Piper, for introducing me to the good people of Heartsville.