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Three Strikes
Jeremy Saitou is on his third and final strike. His manager, Shawn, would love nothing more than to send him packing. Shawn hates everything about the guy, especially Jeremy’s insolent mouth. Sure, Jeremy is exactly Shawn’s type—hot, pierced, and tattooed—but no one else has ever annoyed Shawn more. So when Jeremy offers Shawn the use of his body in exchange for one last chance to save his job, Shawn immediately shuts him down, even as everything in him screams for him to say yes and finally put Jeremy in his place.
As a manager, Shawn can’t in good conscience accept Jeremy’s offer, but he does grant Jeremy the same chance he would any other employee—one last week to get his act together and prove his dedication to his job and the company.
The very last thing Shawn expects is for Jeremy to start pursuing him in the days that follow. Now it’s impossible to separate the lies from the truth. Is Jeremy really interested… or is he just doing everything in his power to make sure he still has a job at the end of the week?
Previously published in “Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies.” Storm Moon Press, April 2013.
As a manager, Shawn can’t in good conscience accept Jeremy’s offer, but he does grant Jeremy the same chance he would any other employee—one last week to get his act together and prove his dedication to his job and the company.
The very last thing Shawn expects is for Jeremy to start pursuing him in the days that follow. Now it’s impossible to separate the lies from the truth. Is Jeremy really interested… or is he just doing everything in his power to make sure he still has a job at the end of the week?
Previously published in “Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies.” Storm Moon Press, April 2013.
23 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2014
17 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Piper Vaughn
46 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
dnf
July 31, 2014I'm not rating this one because I know it's work-gripes that's causing the nails on a blackboard effect it has.
Jeremy Saitou is arrogant, swaggers about the office in tight clothes, is rude to customers (horrid customers but still..), propositions his boss to keep his job. He gets three strikes AND then a second chance.
Customers can be the worst, but someone would have the stress of clearing up Jeremy's messes and likely not be thought any more of for it. (-*-Rant Averted-*-)
I'm not in the frame of mind where I can read about someone getting away with posturing at work. If Jeremy cared about his job he should have behaved better, I don't want to see him get another chance and/or a porn plot I want to see him kicked out the door! That door hitting his arse on the way out would be more satisfying than the hottest smut!
But this is a freebie and I understand from those not in a work-rant mood that the smut is hot. Oh, and Jeremy has tattoos.
Jeremy Saitou is arrogant, swaggers about the office in tight clothes, is rude to customers (horrid customers but still..), propositions his boss to keep his job. He gets three strikes AND then a second chance.
Customers can be the worst, but someone would have the stress of clearing up Jeremy's messes and likely not be thought any more of for it. (-*-Rant Averted-*-)
I'm not in the frame of mind where I can read about someone getting away with posturing at work. If Jeremy cared about his job he should have behaved better, I don't want to see him get another chance and/or a porn plot I want to see him kicked out the door! That door hitting his arse on the way out would be more satisfying than the hottest smut!
But this is a freebie and I understand from those not in a work-rant mood that the smut is hot. Oh, and Jeremy has tattoos.
Read
March 8, 2018Well-written, very short story which I picked up free. A pretty good snapshot of Jeremy. Curious as to what's behind that insolent attitude and actions--was he naturally a loose cannon or was it a ploy to get the attention? A quick read with some heat.
November 21, 2021
Short MM contemporary romance novella. Main characters are Shawn and Jeremy. Told from Shawns POV. Shawn is the floor manager and gives Jeremy his 3 strikes warning about his call centre job. Jeremy talks Shawn into another week. They meet in the work gym.
July 30, 2014
Really enjoyable short story about a guy who can't quite keep his attitude in check at work and the manager who gives him one last chance :) Fun story and maybe someday we might get more????
November 22, 2014
3 stars - it's free too
Very short but enjoyable little snippet. Jeremy sounds like a naughty young man and we all like those! Plus it's free everywhere.
Very short but enjoyable little snippet. Jeremy sounds like a naughty young man and we all like those! Plus it's free everywhere.
August 29, 2016
2.5 Stars
I love this author and this was sexy, but way too short to really form that much of an opinion.
I love this author and this was sexy, but way too short to really form that much of an opinion.
September 17, 2014
Insolent.
The first word of this story describes Jeremy according to Shawn. Shawn does not think Jeremy cares about the call center where he works. Shawn is his supervisor. Shawn doesn't think too much of Jeremy or does he think too much about Jeremy? This story is told from Shawn's POV.
The ink, his posture, the tight shirt and even tighter pants, his studded black belt and scuffed up boots - it all lent to his general air of complete and utter cockiness. You could count on less than one finger the amount of fucks Jeremy gave about the call center or his job.
Jeremy has committed his third infraction and could be fired. Shawn as his supervisor had to decide Jeremy's fate.
In a way, it was a pity. There was one thing I would miss aobut him: the sight of his ass in those skin tight pants every day. Not a very managerial thought, I know, but it truly was a sight to behold. Round, pert, delectable. I wouldn't have minded exploring it for an hour or two. But, God, no other person had ever annoyed me more. He got under my skin, a virus spreading through my bloodstream, an itch I'd never be able to scratch. It drove me crazy.
What well Shawn the supervisor do? A good story about two MCs that I would enjoy visiting again.
I must admit to a personal irritant. I hate Sean spelled Shawn. I like the traditional spelling. No offense to all of you Shawns out there.
The first word of this story describes Jeremy according to Shawn. Shawn does not think Jeremy cares about the call center where he works. Shawn is his supervisor. Shawn doesn't think too much of Jeremy or does he think too much about Jeremy? This story is told from Shawn's POV.
The ink, his posture, the tight shirt and even tighter pants, his studded black belt and scuffed up boots - it all lent to his general air of complete and utter cockiness. You could count on less than one finger the amount of fucks Jeremy gave about the call center or his job.
Jeremy has committed his third infraction and could be fired. Shawn as his supervisor had to decide Jeremy's fate.
In a way, it was a pity. There was one thing I would miss aobut him: the sight of his ass in those skin tight pants every day. Not a very managerial thought, I know, but it truly was a sight to behold. Round, pert, delectable. I wouldn't have minded exploring it for an hour or two. But, God, no other person had ever annoyed me more. He got under my skin, a virus spreading through my bloodstream, an itch I'd never be able to scratch. It drove me crazy.
What well Shawn the supervisor do? A good story about two MCs that I would enjoy visiting again.
I must admit to a personal irritant. I hate Sean spelled Shawn. I like the traditional spelling. No offense to all of you Shawns out there.
August 3, 2015
★★★☆☆ ~ 3 Stars
I must have been taken in by the tatts since I didn't realize this was only 23! pages! so as soon as it starts getting interesting, Bam, it's over. Even if it was free!
Anyway, it was ok, first read by author and I know have more from her that are longer.
I must have been taken in by the tatts since I didn't realize this was only 23! pages! so as soon as it starts getting interesting, Bam, it's over. Even if it was free!
Anyway, it was ok, first read by author and I know have more from her that are longer.
July 22, 2014
This was a wonderful short story by Piper Vaughn. It took a lot for the manager to not strangle the kid, but it was all for a good cause.
August 27, 2014
Woohoo! That was a whole lot of fun. Quick snippet but definitely worth reading.
Thank you for the free story, Piper Vaughn!
Thank you for the free story, Piper Vaughn!
July 29, 2014
More than just porn. It makes a nice intro into a real book.
November 22, 2014
cute short. :)
August 28, 2014
Fun and sexy, but I definitely needed more. I made the mistake of reading this before work, so of course I was distracted thinking about it the first hour or so of my shift. Worth it, though.
January 16, 2015
sexy characters, wonderful story, talented writer. :)
November 12, 2017
Did I just jump into the middle of a story? It really felt like I was missing a bunch of chapters, you know the ones that tell you about the MCs. I needed more than just what they looked like.
This was way too short for me to get excited about the MCs and there short interlude and that's too bad because I did see potential for a good story.
This was way too short for me to get excited about the MCs and there short interlude and that's too bad because I did see potential for a good story.
August 17, 2020
This was an interesting (but maybe too short?) take on the old 'forbidden office romance' schtick. I really liked how the prim-and-proper boss man was very into tatted-up bad boy, but heavy is the head that wears the crown, er, manager nameplate? It was short but good. Nice job Piper xo.
January 30, 2018
This needed to be longer, Jeremy's true self needed more fleshing out. 2.5
August 31, 2022
A very interesting and enjoyable read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2022
Pretty sure I downloaded this when I was looking for some hot short stories. Not a whole lot to this except Jeremy being in trouble at work, his boss Shawn lusting after him and them hooking up. It wasn't bad, I find myself wanting more story than this. It's got a great cover though.
April 30, 2016
Basically, this book is mediocre. It was too short for the writer to go into any detail about the characters, Jeremy Saitou and Shawn. It wasn't amazingly written and it isn't a book that I would go out of my way to read again.
From what little we're told about Shawn is that he is a manager at a phone centre, likes to work out after his shift, aims to stay professional at work and expects his employees to be the same. I didn't fall in love with him like I do with basically every character from any book, this is because I didn't connect with him in any way as the writer doesn't tell us about his hobbies/interests except from work and the gym. He was just a hot body with no personality.
Jeremy Saitou is described as insolent in the very first line of the book. We also know nothing about him apart from the fact that he has issues with authority and is unable to keep his temper under control when dealing with angry customers causing him be warned three times. The third time is his last strike. This forces Shawn to attempt to fire Jeremy but his plans are foiled when Jeremy explains that he needs the job as he needs the money and will do anything to keep it. ANYTHING. Wink, wink... Nudge, nudge.
After the proposition Shawn has to think about whether having sex with Jeremy is ethical or not.
To me it seemed awfully to close to prostitution on Jeremy's part. It didn't seem like a romance at all- it was more of a short, erotic story.
From what little we're told about Shawn is that he is a manager at a phone centre, likes to work out after his shift, aims to stay professional at work and expects his employees to be the same. I didn't fall in love with him like I do with basically every character from any book, this is because I didn't connect with him in any way as the writer doesn't tell us about his hobbies/interests except from work and the gym. He was just a hot body with no personality.
Jeremy Saitou is described as insolent in the very first line of the book. We also know nothing about him apart from the fact that he has issues with authority and is unable to keep his temper under control when dealing with angry customers causing him be warned three times. The third time is his last strike. This forces Shawn to attempt to fire Jeremy but his plans are foiled when Jeremy explains that he needs the job as he needs the money and will do anything to keep it. ANYTHING. Wink, wink... Nudge, nudge.
After the proposition Shawn has to think about whether having sex with Jeremy is ethical or not.
To me it seemed awfully to close to prostitution on Jeremy's part. It didn't seem like a romance at all- it was more of a short, erotic story.
September 2, 2015
Jeremy probably hasn't taken his job as seriously as he could have and has hit his third strike as far as his manager, Shawn, is concerned. But as much as Shawn isn't keen on Jeremy's job performance, he clearly has an attraction for the man he doesn't seem willing to admit. But Shawn is still surprised when Jeremy offers himself up as a trade-off in order to keep his job. Shawn, being ethical, has to decline, but is willing to give Jeremy the same last chance he would give any other employee. But was Jeremy's offer simply to keep his job? Is this all just some ruse to get under Shawn's skin? Or is there maybe something there for Jeremy, too, that he just never expressed before.
This is a short and fast-paced story. It moves quickly, and I found it to be very engaging. There's obviously some complexity here in terms of Shawn's decision-making and trying to sort out just exactly what Jeremy is up to. But despite the pace, none of that is really glossed over and it seems authentic. I definitely would have like to know more about these two and how things develop after the end of the story.
This is a short and fast-paced story. It moves quickly, and I found it to be very engaging. There's obviously some complexity here in terms of Shawn's decision-making and trying to sort out just exactly what Jeremy is up to. But despite the pace, none of that is really glossed over and it seems authentic. I definitely would have like to know more about these two and how things develop after the end of the story.
May 7, 2015
I was so excited to get a free read from Piper Vaughn, seeing as how I loved "Wanting" so much. While still enjoyable, this book did not have the ability to evoke the same level affection of from me as "Wanting" did so easily. This read did not have the storyline or character development that I enjoy. Granted, this was a short story, but I've seen many examples where a lot of heat and heart can be infused into a handful of pages...
The main character in this story is fixated on a troublesome employee who works in the department he supervises. The employee has a chip on his shoulder and a bad attitude. The supervisor attempts to control his visceral and emotional reactions to the attractive young man, which seem to vascillate between lust and distain. The young distraction lacks charm but manages to be sexy in a provocative way. The story also ended too abruptly for me, just when I was starting to get invested in the two characters, wondering what dynamic they would find that would make them work as a couple.
While I would recommend this book, I would definitely read "Wanting" as a better example of a quality M/M romance penned by the same author.
The main character in this story is fixated on a troublesome employee who works in the department he supervises. The employee has a chip on his shoulder and a bad attitude. The supervisor attempts to control his visceral and emotional reactions to the attractive young man, which seem to vascillate between lust and distain. The young distraction lacks charm but manages to be sexy in a provocative way. The story also ended too abruptly for me, just when I was starting to get invested in the two characters, wondering what dynamic they would find that would make them work as a couple.
While I would recommend this book, I would definitely read "Wanting" as a better example of a quality M/M romance penned by the same author.
August 4, 2014
Nice quick read. Not a lot of depth, which is to be expected. Could've done without the "He's using me." "No, he wants me." "Wait he really was using me." "Oh no he wasn't." back and forth. Once was fine, twice in a row was pushing it. But both characters are really very likable. And I enjoyed them both enough to wish it was expanded. I want to know more. What happens at their job? Do they make it work? I WANNA KNOW!
April 10, 2016
Definitely liked this little short story. Seduction is always fun. Never seen a Prince Albert piercing so that was interesting to imagine lol. Sort of wished they'd gone all the way in the story, but that's okay. Jeremy was an interesting character t figure out. I liked him a lot. His relationship dynamic with Shaun is tilting throughout this and it's interesting. Makes me wonder if they could actually make something work long term.
July 25, 2016
Jeremy is on his last strike at work and is called into the floor manager's office to be fired. Jeremy offers Shawn his body for another chance but is turned down. He pleads for another chance and Shawn gives him one since he would give it to anyone else. Jeremy is given five days to prove he's reformed on the job which he does. However Jeremy also uses those days to seduce Shawn because he honestly wants him.
December 30, 2016
Normally I like this author very much, but this story just didn't give me anything. I got not enough background to get curious, not enough information or emotion to get involved with the MC's. I'm not even sure I liked them. This short one was just that, short, - not bad, but in no way memorable, moving or exiting for me... :(
It started and the MC's first discription(s) and snarky conversation seemed promising, but... the rest just didn't deliver any of that...
It started and the MC's first discription(s) and snarky conversation seemed promising, but... the rest just didn't deliver any of that...
September 8, 2014
There really is not much to rate
characters seen ok but it didn't go into anything deeper in the personality. all we really know is how Jeremy looks and that he has an attitude, oh and they want each other. That's not much to go on at all but I believe this is the beginning to series so I will continue to read to see where they go together.
characters seen ok but it didn't go into anything deeper in the personality. all we really know is how Jeremy looks and that he has an attitude, oh and they want each other. That's not much to go on at all but I believe this is the beginning to series so I will continue to read to see where they go together.
July 28, 2014
I liked this one
Three Strikes is a short story about second chances and finding the truth of what lies beneath.
It's also entertaining, sexy, and the characters are as real as the people readers see at work everyday!
Well worth spending your lunch time lost in a book. :)
Three Strikes is a short story about second chances and finding the truth of what lies beneath.
It's also entertaining, sexy, and the characters are as real as the people readers see at work everyday!
Well worth spending your lunch time lost in a book. :)
October 19, 2014
Should probably give this one four stars, because it's free, but I'm going with three, because it felt more like a prelude to the actual story and left me wanting more.
Other than that, well written with solid characters. WIth some added length, I wouldn't have minded paying for this.
Other than that, well written with solid characters. WIth some added length, I wouldn't have minded paying for this.
August 28, 2015
Free on Amazon, but not worth the time, IMO. I like this author and the writing was decent, but it was entirely too short, the set-up was a bit uncomfortable, and I just didn't care at all about the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews