Hook, Line, & Sinker

I'm a recent convert to this 'Hard Hats' series, so I was excited to jump into book two, 'Hook, Line, & Sinker'. \"Convert\" might not be the best word. I mean, it's not as if someone had to convince me to read anything by Piper Vaughn. I adored book one, and I was eager to delve into this one, mainly because I knew the writing would keep me interested, and the short introduction I had to Blake in the previous book let me see a guy I was fairly certain I was going to really like. Win-win, right?
What's the saying about there being a thin line between love and hate? As teenagers, Blake and Cas, despised each other, although a lot of that hid their newfound knowledge of wanting the other. Meeting again, after almost twenty years, the lust is off the charts, which comes as no surprise to either of them. The fact that they become friends, and then delve into a relationship with ties to deeper emotions, does surprise them. Doesn't stop them, though. *grins* It's amazing how quickly your \"frenemy\" from childhood can become your lover. And yeah, the two of them together are enough to practically start fires. Of course, the true test will be if they can handle Cas being out of state for two months, on a job, and only coming home on the weekends. Do they have what it takes to make this a forever thing?
A wonderful book, which I enjoyed even more than the previous. I'm really hoping there will be more in this series, especially, since I can see book three about Gavin and Riley. You know, just a suggestion. I loved Blake and Cas! Thank you, Piper, it's incredible.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

Blake is a construction contractor and an impetuous man in his late 30s. A broken leg has him sidelined from work and staying back in his mom's ranch home as he can't quite manage the stairs to his three-flat condo in Chicago with the cast and crutches. While recuperating, Blake's mom attempts to catch Blake up on all the neighborhood gossip. Turns out, the neighbor across the street has moved, selling her home to her grandson, Castor. Like Blake, Castor is gay. And, Blake cares not a whit, because Cas was a prissy, one-upper when they were kids and time has likely only made that worse....
Castor is a qualified professional, traveling the country to help upgrade Human Resources software and training new clients on its use and implementation. And, he's sick of it. Well, he's sick of traveling. He's anxious to settle down--and buying his Gram's outdated house is that first step. He's also been promoted, which means less travel. Yay! He's an active gay man, with good friends and some casual sex partners, but finding his childhood nemesis, Blake, on his doorstep, ready to add more than a coat of paint to the avocado green-era kitchen, isn't the beginning of his new settled life...or so he thinks.
See, Blake was told Cas wanted help refurbing his fixer-upper. And Cas? Well, he wasn't told anything. Polish mother plus Irish Grandmother. Can you hear the scheming? LET THE MATCHMAKING BEGIN!
These guys are really fun together. Their youth relationship still holds sway, for a bit. But, then they decide to just start over. And, they are smoking hot together. Neither expects to find love, but who can deny the fire between them. Besides, they do share some hobbies--like fishing, and watching baseball. They are fit, virile men, living across the street from each other, albeit temporarily, and they exploit the short commute from bed to bed with zeal. (Double Yay!)
When Cas decides to have a full remodel on his house, they are comfortable enough in what has developed between them to co-habitate Blake's Wrigleyville condo, now that Blake's cast is gone and he's back to work. In fact, these guys are looking forward to a \"trial run\" of living together. Their chemistry has been great and well, they recognize that each could be THE ONE! for the other.
Then, Cas's job comes crashing down. He's got to satisfy an irate client by rebuilding a whole HR platform, onsite. In Colorado. It's supposed to take 4 weeks. And he can come home for weekends. But, the weeks stretch on and job is only getting more complicated. Four weeks turns into six, and then eight, and then.... With absence stressing their fledgling relationship, can Cas and Blake make it work?
It's a real romance, with solid characters and fun and flirty scenes. The smexytimes? OMG. Off the scale. Blake has to learn to get over his insecurity about infidelity, and Cas has to learn work/life balance--neither of which is easy for these men. I really enjoyed watching them step out of their boundaries. And I'm glad they were able to connect, and reconnect--even if it wasn't easy. For all the \"first love\" stories out there, I do appreciate the effort of writing about mature men finding happiness. They have a lot of self-constructed hurdles to leap, which makes for a satisfying read.
This book brought back some characters from the first book in this series--WOOD SCREWS AND NAILS--which was really fun, and introduced us to charming new characters who will undoubtedly carry the next book. I received this book from the author; this is my honest review. I can't wait to get her next release. /fangirl ;)

I think the title of this book is completely appropriate for the story.

Blake and Castor couldn't find a way to be friends while growing up, but as adults they were perfect for each other.
Blake needed someone who will be there for him and Castor found the person who could be a match for his desires.
Oh ! Let me tell you ... Blake's mom and Castor's grandmother interference ... Priceless !
Recommend you to read this book.

Castor McCormick made Blake Kowalski’s summers a nightmare, but they say time heals all wounds. In Piper Vaughn's world, time leads to smokin' hot sexual chemistry.
I loved the lighthearted introduction Piper gives readers to the main characters and their initial interactions had me laughing so hard I almost cried.
As the story progresses, what starts out as a whole lot of lust between Cas and Blake develops the potential for love and, like all relationships, that transition is where the heart of the story lies.
Caring and commitment bring them closer but insecurities from their past, personality differences, and expectations arise that challenge the foundation of their romance. While there continue to be moments of lightheartedness, Piper really delves deeply into what makes each character tick, and reveals the whole spectrum of their emotions.
I loved that HOOK, LINE, & SINKER is a perfect balance of reality and romance. The main characters are written as flawed human beings, but at the same time their moments of brilliance and combined chemistry reach out to readers and grab their attention. A well written and fast paced stand alone story, I would highly recommend HOOK, LINE, & SINKER to readers looking for a book that offers a unique spin on the much loved \"frenemy\" plot line.
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews

There was never a doubt that I would love this story. I'm a long time fan of this author, and Blake and Cas's story perfectly illustrates once again why I'm a fan. Her characters are charismatic, multi-dimensional, flawed and fabulous. While this book is technically book two, (the first story, Wood, Screws, & Nails... another fantastic read. *fans self* Two words--Pool Table) HL&S can be read as a standalone.
Okay, what did I like about this story. Everything! Blake's all grouchy, wounded and impatient, but a big softy with his mom. Oy, this grumbly bear had me right from the start. Cas has been focused on his career, but he's ready to experience more of life beyond business meetings and hookups. Both characters are genuine and down to earth with real concerns and goals. Their dialogue is witty, funny and sexy beyond belief. ZOMGurd! And boy-howdy are there ever some scorching hawt mutterings to go along with the off the charts nookie scenes.
Now that I've shared what I liked about the story, lemme tell you what I LOVED. The connection-tension-attraction between Blake and Cas... *Kermit flails* You had me at Frenemies. Gah. Their history from childhood led to brilliant dialogue and mental chattering that had me alternating between howling with laughter, and squirming in my seat. But the story is much more than a sexy snarkfest. The challenges they both face, alone and in coming together, were logical (cannot stress this point enough), and really added to my enjoyment of the story. As always, I know I can count on this author to deliver lots of delicious emotions. Those belly-tug-heart-squeeze moments that have you breathing deep to ease the sting of imminent tears. So. Damn. Good.
What do I want next? I have a list... 1. Gavin, 2. Gavin, 3. Gavin...