Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Lovesongs #3

Shine Forever

Rate this book
Dai gave up everything when he ran away with his cousin, traded a life of wealth, power, and security to create their band and live the way they want. The one thing he refuses to do is hide; he's worked way too hard, and given up way too much, to pretend to be something he's not.

Cooper never anticipated he would trade rodeo fame for country music stardom. But the secret he had to keep for his own safety is now a secret he has to keep to protect his band. The one thing he can never do is make his sexuality public; he's sacrificed far too much to risk it all by airing personal matters.

But when a chance meeting turns into a passionate night that neither can forget, a tenuous relationship neither wants to let go, someone is going to have to break the rules...

147 pages, ebook

First published March 10, 2015

18 people are currently reading
211 people want to read

About the author

Megan Derr

284 books2,948 followers
Megan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.

meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
56 (19%)
4 stars
135 (48%)
3 stars
68 (24%)
2 stars
18 (6%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Sophie's Reading Corner .
890 reviews413 followers
March 18, 2015
**2.5-3 Stars**

Dai is a famous gay rockstar with crazy multi coloured hairstyles and clothes. He's a member of the band 'Forever and a Dai' and loves to read books in his free time.

Cooper used to be a bullrider, but after an accident, he was forced to quit. After a friend's approach, he joins 'Shine the Moon', playing the fiddle. No one knows that this cowboy is actually not interested in the female population.

Shine Forever is an erotic love story about a rockstar and a cowboy. A cowboy who wants to keep this a secret, since no one knows. Dai isn't usually up for guys, who are still in the closet, but he's ready to make an exception for this hot man.

I can't say I loved this story. I liked the first parts, got bored around the middle and enjoyed more the last parts of this book. So I guess it was not bad, but not my personal favorite as well. I need to clarify that there was a huge turn off for me, that might affected my opinion. One of the MCs was wearing lacy panties and that's of course respectable and anyone can do as he/she wishes in their lives, but if I'm being honest, I didn't enjoy having that picture on my mind. I'm not against m/m, since I love reading them, yes they turn me on, as crazy as that sounds, but it was my first time coming across with 'manties' and it was a shocker for me.

Overall it was an okay read and maybe, if you don't mind the issue that I addressed, you will enjoy this more than I did. :)


Arc kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rosa, really.
583 reviews327 followers
March 11, 2015

First things first.

MANTIES ALERT! MANTIES ALERT! MANTIES ALERT!



Okay, now that that's out of the way....

Shine Forever is a sweet, light, uncomplicated read that many people will enjoy. Unfortunately, it didn't do much for me.

There's nothing really wrong with it. MCs Dai (pronounced "Day") and Cooper were first introduced in Love You Like a Romance Novel where they'd been a couple for 5 years. (This book takes place prior to that one.) Dai is the openly gay lead singer in the rock band Forever and a Dai, while Cooper is the closeted fiddle player in the country band Shine the Moon. They appear to be total opposites but they're both shy bookworms who greatly enjoy Dai's predilection for manties and leather skirts.

Nothing much else happens--Dai and Cooper meet, they fuck, they miss each other because they're both on the road. Then they meet again, fuck and miss each other. They never argue, there are no Big Misunderstanding and any cross words are resolved within seconds. The characters don't even experience much inner angst. It's nice. They're both nice. And sweet. And I was bored. (Even the manties didn't do much for me--and we never got to see the leather skirt scene.) Around 60% a slight plot starts to emerge--the "will Cooper be outed?" stuff that was promised in the blurb. But even that is easily resolved--so easily I'm not sure why it was even necessary.

But like I said---it's a sweet, fluffy read that many will enjoy. I just need something with a skosh more conflict.

2.5 stars

**Copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Chris, the Dalek King.
1,168 reviews154 followers
May 4, 2016
I was so happy to hear that this book was being written, because ever since I read Love You Like a Romance Novel, I’ve been dying to know about Dai and Cooper and their ‘secret’ relationship. While this is the third book in the series, chronologically it happens between books one and two, and hints (wonderful, gloriously hilarious hints) about what has happened (or will happen) in the other books, I do believe that this can be read as a stand-alone novel. That being said, I am desperate to go back and reread Love You Like a Romance Novel now, because Jet and Jason are some of my favorite characters in this series.

Cooper has had a ‘crush’ on Dai for a while now-–though it was the crush of someone who doesn’t believe they will ever meet the rock-star they are crushing on-–but he never expected the short rocker, with ever changing hair, to return the feeling. Little did he know that Dai was smitten from the first time he heard Cooper’s voice. But Dai is famously out and proud, and Cooper is in the closet to almost everyone he knows. Which is alright for a one-night-stand, but a bit of a challenge for a relationship between two men who are constantly in the public eye. Not that a relationship based on texts and the occasional phone call, is likely to succeed, anyways. But as their feelings grow into something more powerful, and their secret gets harder to hide, they might have to choose between what they are to each other, and what they want the world to see.

This was oh so very good. I really liked the romance that these guys had, and it was a blast seeing some of the characters from previous books in more depth. And I really really loved all the hints about Jet and Jason. God, that was good.

Dai and Cooper are both great characters. Usually I’m not one for stories about rock stars, but this series is definitely one of my exceptions. I love Dai’s constantly changing hair and his penchant for indulging in fancy underwear. And I absolutely adore Cooper’s reaction to said underwear. Because of the way their lives work they are not always in the same place at the same time, so you could totally tell that when they were, they tried to make every second count. Even if some of those seconds were only filled with sleeping beside each other. Maybe it was because of those moments that I bought their relationship. If it was constant sex, and no emotional connection, then I can’t help but feel that they would have easily broken under the pressure of so much time apart.

Despite the long gaps in time between when the MCs get to see each other, I really liked how this book handled their relationship. Mostly because those gaps felt realistic. These were two men on strict touring schedules that didn’t exactly coincide, and being together was something they had to work for, not something that just happened. Usually, I have a hard time with the long gaps in the story, I get the feeling that I’m missing out on a lot of the relationship, and it makes it harder for me to buy the romance, but here you could tell when the space and time lost was wearing on their relationship, and I liked that. Would I have loved to see more of them? Absolutely, but I just want more story altogether, because I really liked these characters.

This was a great addition to the series (and hopefully not the last). And with all the Jet/Jason going on in this, I will no doubt be pulling out my copy of book two relatively soon. This book was hot, and sweet, and seemed to take a realistic look at the type of relationship you can expect when dating a rock/country star. It was a lot of fun to read. I really do recommend it.

4.5 stars


This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
 photo 11014879_970988406253334_3984928259579074216_n_zpsm8c6semk.jpg
Profile Image for Didi.
1,535 reviews86 followers
April 10, 2015
2.75 stars

"Be careful what you wish for"

The expression applied to me (and come to think of it, to Cooper as well) as I was curious on Dai/Cooper story when I read Love You Like a Romance Novel. The author certainly delivered... only I don't like it as much as the previous book.

Now I don't say it's bad. Well, editing issue aside, it's entertaining enough. Picture a closeted country music star (a tall hunk in cowboy outfit and drawl) had been secretly drooling over an out and proud rock-band vocalist. When Cooper actually met Dai in person, it was like a wet dream come true. What both didn't expect was the mutual attraction lasted long beyond their imagination; with all the long distance secret affair that came with it.

The plot was promising, but due to said long distance secret relationship, we didn't get to follow Dai/Cooper's progress from merely a hook-up to exclusive relationship. And each time they actually had time to meet, it filled with sex scenes. Thus I didn't really get their strong connection, it felt only like lust.

Instead of enjoying these two's story, I found myself looking for hints of Jet/Jason's instead. Yes, they made appearance here, being Dai's band-mate/entertainment lawyer and family, and I know I should've been satisfied with their story in LYLARN, but STILL...

So, as a follow up story, this appeased my curiosity about Dai and Cooper love story. That's all there is.
Profile Image for *Nan*.
846 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2015
3.5 stars

This story proves that opposites attract. Take one ex rodeo rider, turned country singer and add a rock star that constantly changes his hair color and wears lace and satin lingerie and you have a really enjoyable story.
You would never thing Cooper and Dai would work together and yet they do. This was a light enjoyable read that in addition to telling Cooper and Dai's story gives you hints of a relationship between jet and Jason so now I have to go back and read the previous books in the series because I forget what happened in book 2.
Profile Image for AliciaJ.
1,333 reviews113 followers
April 13, 2018
It's been a while since I read the first book in this series, so it was pretty awesome to dive back into this series and reacquaint myself with these characters. I adore rock star romances. Dai and Coop were great characters and I loved their story. My only little glitch was the editing errors that popped up every now and then. Misspelled words and character name mix-ups were a bit annoying, but not enough to really detract from my enjoyment of the story. This was a really cute series overall.
Profile Image for Ajumi.
174 reviews19 followers
December 30, 2023
4.5 stars

"Shine Forever" is the story of two musicians, Dai and Cooper. Dai is the lead vocalist of the band "Forever and a Dai" and wears colourful hair colours, lipstick and panties. But his behavior is not at all over the top, he just doesn't care about etiquettes like "it's for women". He loves books but can also spend hours haggling with Jet about their songtexts.

Cooper is the fiddler of the country band "Shine the moon", which he started as a temporary replacement after he got injured riding bulls (rodeo). He is in the closet because he doesn't want to damage his band's career, but even his band mates (exept Henry) do not know about his sexuality.

When the two bands meet, Dai and Cooper are immediately attracted to each other and spend the night together. But it does not stay at that and while getting to know each other better, they start a relationship.

This book isn't without complications for their relationship (mostly because Cooper is still in the closet), it is not good all the time, but overall, it was a very sweet story. The emotions of the characters were realistic and displayed wonderfully, you were sucked in and you could understand and comprehend their actions and thoughts. Although there were many sex scenes, they always fit in the situation and the story was not cut too short. The side characters are also very interesting and lovable, especially Jason and Jet and they are one part of what makes this novel so sweet.

I would definitely recommend this for everybody who likes a sweet and very well written romance with music stars and a good balance between an interesting storyline and passionate encounters.

Note: This book was kindly provided by Less Than Three Press in exchange for an honest review.

Review on my Blog
Profile Image for Taya:).
499 reviews45 followers
March 31, 2015
I really wasn't feeling this book. They spent more time hooking up then getting to know each other. Everything always lead back to them getting it in or thinking about getting it in. The whole man wearing panties does nothing for me. Then you spring the "I love you's" in there and that when I was really done. This book was just meh addition to this series for me. (2.5 stars)
Profile Image for Lily.
1,172 reviews11 followers
June 15, 2015
2.5 stars. A nice read, yet neither the characters nor the plot grabbed my attention in a significant way.
Profile Image for Rissa.
2,282 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2021
I thought I had read other books in this series, clearly I have not. That needs to be remedied.

I like Dai and Cooper!!!!

I need to read the other books because there is something about Jet, Jason, and Jake. Maybe not all together, maybe separately, but something for each of those three. Also, Cassidy and Malcolm? They were introduced for a hot minute and disappeared so I want to know them, too. LOL

Will definitely continue on with the other books. This author makes me happy (there were a few editing errors but eh - it could have been caught but it didn't deter my enjoyment all that much).
Profile Image for Emilye.
1,552 reviews7 followers
October 23, 2023
Anime, Anyone?

Lovesongs2

I know it says “3” but seriously? They write “Love You Like A Romance Novel” in this one!

David “Dai” Kristopherson is used to standing out in a crowd - he’s a rockstar, and his cousin, Jet, keeps them in the spotlight. But Dai wasn’t prepared for the instant attraction for Cooper, a closeted fiddle player with a country band , called Shine The Moon.

When the reality Cooper is better than the fantasy Cooper Dai has been using for satisfaction, then its all about protecting Coop’s reputation. Can you feel where this is going?

Don’t worry. That doesn’t happen!

But getting to the HEA does take some fast dodgem car action. Totally worth it!
Profile Image for Terri.
2,893 reviews58 followers
July 2, 2025
This one's ultimately close enough to four stars that I don't mind rounding up. It has some issues, but I ended up enjoying it.

When I started reading, I hadn't realized that this romance and the previous one are nearly co-current; in book 2 it seemed to be already established. So that was confusing. Also, the first twenty percent of this one needed a better edit to reduce some confusion. Or, I didn't have a very good impression of Dai from book 2, so it took time to resolve book 2 Dai with book 3 Dai. The romance is fast, but sweet, and the kerfuffle is enough plot to satisfy.

On to book 4. :)
Profile Image for Annika.
1,374 reviews94 followers
June 29, 2017
2,5 stars

I enjoyed this book a lot more than the previous one. I still feel like there is something missing though, the writing is too rough and the plot really needs some work. An ok read but nothing that will stay with me and nothing that would've been missed out on if not read.
Profile Image for Rozarka.
461 reviews14 followers
September 15, 2021
Not my kind of story. Too little plot and I didn't care much about the characters.
Profile Image for ReviewerLarissa.
713 reviews31 followers
March 8, 2015
4.5 stars. Review copy received through Netgalley

According to the author, Shine Forever was not a story she thought she’d write. I for one am very glad she did. While it did not have the shine Missing Butterfly had, it was a fantastic read and a great addition to the series.

Shine Forever is a contemporary romance between a rock singer with some fetishes up his sleeve and a not so conservative country singer with a secret. While a romance with a character in the closet or a romance set on the music world is nothing new, the plot, the characters and some twists and turns are a refreshing wind. Shine Forever has none of the glamorous perfectly hot rockers or singers, but alternative, flawed characters and one with a wicked fetish for underwear.

There are quite a few gay romance stories set in the music world, but for Shine Forever is the characters that make the story. Dai and Cooper have their story to tell and they do so in style and with their own voice. The reader is part of the story, there are few parts of the story that are told – with the exception of some back story – and I like that. Quite a few romance stories have a tendency to tell a lot of the background/parts/history etc to get to the point where they want to be.

I liked how we got to know Cooper and Dai, how they met and started their romance and how it developed. At the end of the story, there is still a bit to tell, which we know from Jet’s story. So we know Dai and Cooper’s story is not quite finished. For me it was good to know that it doesn’t have that perfect fits all, happy ever after ending. It makes the story more believable. No worries, there is no open ending or anything, but it fits with Jet’s story. In fact, Shine Forever should probably have been place before Love you like a Romance Novel.

Find the full review on BookWinked
685 reviews19 followers
May 4, 2015
Ok, I have to admit I was confused and I’ve not looked it up. But I’m guessing this book is part of series? And I’ve jumped right into it?
Overall I it was a likable story, once I figured out who everyone was. It was a nice story line, closet case, finds love in another band. Doesn’t tell anyone, people find out and think he’s joining that band. Instead they are meeting up around the world and going at it, like bunnies. Cooper was a likable guy, down home and Dai off the charts gay. Interesting match, but it worked. The secondary was likable as well, as you got to know them towards the end. Although, I have to say, I didn’t feel any lasting connection with any of them. The time frame also confused me and kept me from loving this story, I got the five year jump. But after that we were all over the place, meeting not meeting but no real since of how long apart, where are we? Or at least I didn’t get one. Couple of others things just didn’t work for me either.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviews
Profile Image for Deeze.
1,802 reviews286 followers
March 12, 2025
While I loved getting Dais full story I can't help but think this should of been read before Jets story.

I adored Cooper and Dai together. Talk about sweet couple, they were adorable. This one was a little heavy on the sex side considering the author, but still plenty of story to even it out.

I'm going to miss these guys.

ETA So much fun with these guys.

ETA As above
Profile Image for Brandilyn.
1,126 reviews50 followers
January 10, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®

If you have not read the first two installments in The Missing Butterfly series by Megan Derr, you can still enjoy the latest Shine Forever. However, to fully understand some of the innuendo and allusions made throughout, you should probably read book 2, Love You Like a Romance Novel.

http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...

Profile Image for Trace.
121 reviews9 followers
June 27, 2015
I'm cleaning up my TBR/read lists for the scavenger hunt so this is based on some slightly fuzzy memories!

And my slightly fuzzy memory of this is that it was really boring and I only finished it because it was part of a challenge.
Profile Image for Jane (PS).
2,784 reviews101 followers
August 31, 2019
After the MCs got together in the beginning, the pace of the story really slowed. Things started to move a bit by the second half and became interesting, but its a shame the slow bit couldn't be skipped :(
Profile Image for T.M. Smith.
Author 28 books316 followers
October 11, 2015
This one just didn't work for me. Not sure if it was because it was a departure from Derr's norm, the fact that I haven't read the first 2 books in the series, or the manties.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.