Moonstruck

Lucky Moon #3

by Piper Vaughn, M.J. O'Shea

Surya Patel is the drummer for the massively popular band, Moonlight. When his label suggests a collaboration with Luck, the band Moonlight toured with the year before, he should be all for it. Except for one thing—he slept with Luck's manager during the tour, and then bolted in the dead of night. He's regretted it ever since, but he knows being around Emmanuel will only lead to disaster. Unfortunately for Surya, the person the label sends to sweet talk him into joining the collaboration is none other than Em himself.

Emmanuel Cortez has spent months trying to forget about the hottest night of his life—the night he slept with Surya. It's been a year, but not even the death of his beloved grandmother and the subsequent drama with his family could keep the memories away. Now it's time to be professional. His job is to convince Surya to collaborate with Luck, nothing more, but a day spent together leads to yet another passionate night. This time Em is the one to leave.

But unexpectedly Surya has a change of heart. He isn't satisfied with just one night anymore. He wants forever.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Musicians, Music, Contemporary Romance, LGBT

200 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2012

About the author

Piper 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

Reviews

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

I have great love for this series. Moonlight Becomes You was one of my first 5-star M/M reads EVER, way back in 2012. *dreamy sigh* I have the fondest memories of that book. I also 5-starred The Luckiest and my review for that one is just a pile mushy, gushing fawning.

I hesitated to try this one because of the mixed reviews, but when I found out that this book was being re-released I jumped at the chance to give it a go.

I really wanted to love it, and I liked parts of it a great deal, but I grew tired of the same back and forth discussions. These guys lived in their heads SO much, going back and forth and with pros and cons. There are also miscommunications, though most aren't a big deal, but combined with one of my greatest pet peeves (the I'm breaking up with you for no reason because I know what's best for you), it all added up.

Surya and Em were each nicely developed and I liked them as a couple, but I got a little tired of their actions. I got frustrated with them, Em especially. I thought that Em's issues with his family also seemed like an afterthought to just stir up more drama in the story.

Though I'm dwelling a bit on the negatives, I really did like this story, overall. The way that Piper Vaughn and M.J. O'Shea write as a duo is extremely appealing to me. They just write in a way that I find to be extremely entertaining and accessible. I adore the language of their books, and I always find their stuff to be easy reads.

What can I say? I wish I could 5-star this to make it a trifecta of awesomeness for the series, but no can do. An entertaining story but not quite at the same level as the first two.

**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review**

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.35 stars

I have to agree with some of the reviews -- while this book is good, and I like to (FINALLY!) read Surya and Em's stories, but the story suffers from being a sequel for the amazing book #2, that is Nick and Luka's story...

There are too many internal monologues, obsessing about yearning, feeling, the rights and wrongs of being together. Not to mention the part where Em walks out of Surya's life, because he thinks it's the best, and he doesn't want to be the one ruining Surya's relationship with his family and he doesn't want Surya to resent him for it. Like Nick says, it's a douche move, and personally, that kind of plot is a bit banal.

Plus, I feel like I'm missing some sort of background story between the two of them. Yes, there's that scene (sort of flashback) about the first time Surya and Em doing it in Barcelona, but I miss the 'path' of going there, you know?

It's rather different with the previous two couples. Shane and Jesse had history. Nick and Luka had intense interaction. In that sense, Surya and Em lack of something that can pull me into their story. Also, the part with Em's 'war' with his family? It feels like an afterthought, mention here, mention there, but the resolution is very quick. I kinda want Surya to be involved there just to give a nuance to the story in overall.

So, banal angst and lack of 'punch' makes this one a downer after book #2. At least Surya and Em are cute. AND, I'm in favor for Surya who, instead of feeling afraid of his family finding out about him dating a man, doesn't back down when Em tells him that he doesn't really want their relationship to be a secret. That gets a plus point for me. I still love this partnership's writing, though.

PS: I won this title for free after a Twitter giveaway by Piper Vaughn. However, that fact doesn't influence this opinion in anyway...

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars.

Surya is the drummer for the band Moonlight. When his label suggests a collaboration with Luck, the band Moonlight toured with the year before, he isn't thrilled about it. He slept with Luck's manager Emmanuel during the tour, and then bolted in the dead of night. Unfortunately for Surya, the person the label sends to talk him into joining the collaboration is none other than Em himself.

Emmanuel has spent months trying to forget about the night with Surya. It's been a year, but nothing can keep the memories away. Now it's time to be professional. His job is to convince Surya to collaborate with Luck, but a day spent together leads to yet another passionate night....

Out of the three books this one is my least favorite, but it's still a good read. The story is nice paced, with lots of soul-searching, but it lacks the humor and the drama of the previous books.

I enjoyed the presence of my favorite two couples of the series. Jesse and Shane, Nick and Luca are too cute together. Love them to bits!

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good but unfortunately, it was my least favorite of the bunch.
I liked Em. I liked Surya. But I never really connected with either of them. I'm not really sure why? Maybe it was how they hurt one another, intentionally or not, when I didn't catch their initial sparks first? Or perhaps it was because the drama outweighed the romance?
The family crap was hard. I hope they got all of the bullshit out of the way first and they have many years of happiness to make up for it.

I think I enjoyed tagging along for sneak peeks at the other lovebird couples more than anything.

So sad that this series is over, I would love to see them all again.

*3.5 secondary-stole-the-show stars*

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I don't know if it's just been too long since I read the first two books of the series or if I have just been blessed by my recent reads being so good, but I felt like there was a lot of "telling" here rather than "showing." No, not every conversation needs to be detailed, but there were too many scenes described as what amounts to "they went here and talked about this and that." I think expanding at least 2 or 3 of those would have greatly enhanced the story-telling...especially the ones where Surya and Em were attempting to be friends. We know from the text that Em already thought he was in love with Surya after they spent so much time together on the road but Surya's feelings were more sex-based; he was attracted to Em, conflicted by it, concerned how his family would react were they to find out he was Bi...but the "love" seemed to progress from those reunion interactions - from the trips to the movies, the restaurants, the walks together. I would have liked to have seen the emotion unfold from that and why.

Also, one too many Convenient Misunderstandings. I'm not sure how much the story benefited by having Em walk away from Surya (who then spirals out of control temporarily). It felt like unnecessary drama that could have been avoided.

But still, I liked the bones of the tale...and I always appreciate it when there are few to no lyric excerpts (which usually read like bad poetry in other books).

[Susan65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I thought I knew how this one was gonna play out, it changed. That's a good thing as I like to be surprised. Nothing too hard core or overly angsty, but there were some difficulties for both Em and Sur to have to overcome. Family can really suck and both of these guys had to deal with some awful family issues. Fortunately they have some great friends to keep them straight.

Out of the three books so far, this is my least favorite, but it is still very good and a worthy read. It's gonna be extremely difficult to top Nicky and Luka's book.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was probably my least favorite of the Lucky Moon series. Too much miscommunication. Too much family drama. But I enjoyed the series as a whole and I'm glad I read it through to the end. It was good seeing the Ventura brothers again.

[Ro · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no secret that I love the Moonstruck guys. I wish I had read this one before Nick’s story, because it’s so hard to top how much I loved Nick and Luka. That being said, I loved this one as well. It’s a little bit awkward for the guys, in that Surya and Em knew each other before, hooked up and moved on. Or did they?

Surya is the drummer for Moonlight, Em is the manager of Luck. Now they need to work together, be professional and pretend that it never happened. As if!

I do wish we had gotten to see more of what happened the first time they are together. It is touched on but it would have been nice to see exactly why they stayed so hung up on each other. Other than the fact they are both fabulous, that is.

Both men have family issues. Em has a lot going on with his family, greedy jerks that they are. It puts so much stress on him. Surya’s family is waiting for him to let them arrange a marriage with a “nice Indian girl from a good family”. Ouch. They have to work together, so they decide to try the friends thing and it’s fairly difficult and uncomfortable. They fight the feelings between them for as long as they can (and longer than they want to) but eventually have to give into the explosiveness of it.

I loved getting to see the other guys, Nick and Luka, Shane and Jesse. Shane and Jesse in particular are the models that Surya is envious of. It’s what he wants with Em. As they muddle through, an unexpected visit from Surya’s family, who come towing an attractive, available woman for Surya, begins a destructive slide to their relationship.

Okay, I know Em’s actions after this may not have been the greatest but after sitting through the diatribe and hatefulness that Surya’s mother hurls out, I couldn’t blame him so much. What I did blame him for was his actions to Surya after, when Surya really did his best to make things right. I loved that Nick gets to be the one to point out to Em that it was “something I would’ve done before. Take off before shit gets rough.” You know you screwed up when Nick says it’s stupid. Surya has his douche moment as well (especially the girl) but the two of them are hurting and so wanting to lash out.

I loved the ending to this, romantic and sweet and very them.

[Elizabetta · Rating 3 out of 5]

How can you not love Surya Patel?



the first half...

Surya Patel had always been an intriguing character (ok, I have a thing for drummers) and he finally gets his story with Emmanuel. I love that this is a mixed-race couple with complicated family issues even though Surya’s very traditional parents don’t come off well at all.

It’s true, compared with the punch of Nick and Luka’s story nothing much seems to happen in this follow-up. It is quite a change of pace. Still, this had a very strong four stars from me in the first half where the authors craftily show how two friends can come together in an oft-times crazy public life and find an oasis in each other. When they do get together, we get a sweet, gentle, slowly unfurling love story. Surya is unsure, vulnerable and so hot for Em and they dance a delicate (and sometimes infuriating) cat and mouse tango stringing out the UST.

the second half...

Unfortunately the angst goes on for far too long and the second half of the book drags with what seems forced tension due to non-communication, mis-understanding and fretful uncertainty. There are lots of could have/should haves.

The rock band takes a back seat but we still get some glimpses of the other guys and what they’re up to. Bad boys are now happily coupled, getting older, getting happier. It happens. It could have helped the story for me if we’d had more drama around the band and actual music-making. That might have given it a well needed kick. In the end it’s two stars off for a weak second half of over-worked sulking. I still love Surya, call dibs.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I really liked this but it just didn't quite reach the exceptionally high standards of the previous two Lucky Moon books. I adore this series and pretty much everything else that MJ and Piper have written, so my rating has absolutely no reflection on them both as authors. Their writing is always perfect. The Luckiest (book 2 of this series) is one of my absolute favourite comfort reads, with Nick and Luka being one of my all time favourite couples. For that very reason, I feel a little terrible for rating this one at 3 stars, but it just didn't quite meet my hopes and expectations.

Despite that, I did still enjoy reading this. Em and Surya were a cute couple, even if they drove me mad a couple of times. The only real issues they faced where ones of their own making and the bulk of the drama towards the end was heartbreaking but also really frustrating because it would have been so easy to clear up. Em acted like a dick, then Surya acted like a dick, then they both acted like dicks, and so on. But obviously, I was pleased that they got their happy ending. I do love me a HEA ;)

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes life sucks and you just need a good book.

I found myself in that position this weekend - life stress was at the highest it'd been in years and I just wanted a little sweet, sexy escapism. When I flipped open my Kindle and saw Moonstruck staring me in the face, I just KNEW that this was the book that was going to take me away for a little while and leave me with a smile on my face. And, boy did it ever deliver!

After watching it develop in the background of the first two books in this series, I was instantly drawn into Surya & Em's story. They were both just so dang perfect for each other and I couldn't help but root for them to get their HEA. Maybe this story didn't have the drama that The Luckiest or Moonlight Becomes You had, but it was perfect in its own slightly quieter way. Strong characters, a good build towards the conflict, and a satisfying conclusion.

I love this series. In fact, I pretty much love every O'Shea/Vaughn collab in existence. If you haven't read this series yet -- DO IT!!

[Bitchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love everything these authors put out, but this one was just kinda ho-hum for me. I felt my attention wandering, and I just didn't like some of the things the characters did. I liked Em a LOT, he was so cute, but he pissed me off, the way he lost patience with Surya so quickly about coming out to his family, and what he did later on. I think I'm also losing patience with the whole judgy family dynamic, so that worked against this book for me too.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series. And while I liked these two guys together this was the weakest of the series to me. The tension felt a little manufactured, with the reactions of both guys overblown to create tension rather than being an honest way of dealing with things. And in one of my own particular pet peeves, the ending felt a little rushed as well. Still I enjoyed getting back with all these guys and as a conclusion to the series it was pretty good.

Surya and Em have had sparks flying between them since they first met when Surya's band Moonlight met with the band Em managed Luck. All of the inner history between the two bands has finally worked itself out, but the secret Surya and Em have been keeping has tension remaining. Surya is refusing to participate in a collaboration between the two bands though no one can figure out why. But Em knows. Barcelona. Throwing these two together again is going to have sparks flying.

Again I say I like these two together. The dynamic between them was really great. The cultural background for Surya, his families reaction to things makes sense, but how Surya and Em handled things didn't really work for me. Their friendship made their reactions seem off base instead of talking.

Still I really enjoyed this series. It was entertaining and sexy. All to the fun. :)

[Ely · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, I did. I love that these authors are very diverse with their characters and portray them as real and not stereotypically ethnic. Em and Surya are cute together. They start out as friends and build from there but I just felt that all the problems they encounter were basically their own bullshit. Idk why I didn't love this book as much as I LOVE Luka and Nicky's story. I did enjoy Luka/Nicky cameos in this book. The writing is good, there is no doubt that these two authors work very well together and the characterization works but there was something missing for me. All in all, this book is a good read and a good addition/ending to this series.

[Nichole (DirrtyH)]

Abandoned at 53%.

I am, and will continue to be, a Piper/MJ fangirl. But unfortunately I have to follow my heart here, and this book was just Boring.
The characters are blah, and there is no plot. Just two non-interesting people who decide they can't be together for no apparent reason, and then arbitrarily decide that they should be together, and then there's mushy sex, and then... well, that's all. Sorry. The second book of this series is five stars, one of my faves in the genre, with fantastic dynamic characters. You win some, you lose some. Oh well.

[Rhys Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sur and Em's story rocked. No pun intended.

This story was vastly different from Nick's which dealt a lot more with personal growth. Instead, this was more a tale of Sur's becoming empowered to break away from a cultural restriction and risking everything to have Em in his life.

At times, heart-breaking, it still was a comfortable, loving story.

I personally love Sur. He's a great character. Drummers get hardly any respect. *grins*

[Arzu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

[Otila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice and easy read. Not as good as the first two but a sweet love story nonetheless. I liked it.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione in ANTEPRIMA
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"E gli piacque davvero. Molto più di quanto avesse mai immaginato. Ciò che era cominciato come un pranzo riconciliante si era trasformato nel massimo del divertimento che Em avesse mai provato da anni. Andarono al cinema, parlarono davanti a un caffè, visitarono New York nel modo che solo uno del luogo poteva fare. E fu bello. Certo, la tensione era ancora lì. Almeno Em la percepiva ed era piuttosto sicuro che anche Surya la sentisse. Di tanto in tanto, quando Surya buttava il braccio sulle spalle di Em o lo urtava per catturare la sua attenzione, il battito cardiaco di Em accelerava, lo stomaco si rivoltava, e doveva ripetersi per la milionesima volta che lui e Surya erano solo amici, e andava bene così. E andava bene. Quasi sempre. Gli piaceva avere qualcuno con cui parlare. Non che non avesse avuto Jesse prima, ma Jesse adesso stava con Shane. E, beh, non voleva disturbare. Perciò doveva ammetterlo: era bello avere un vero e proprio amico, e non solo uno conosciuto in un bar – perché di quelli ne aveva a tonnellate – ma qualcuno che voleva davvero essere parte della sua vita, ascoltare del suo dramma familiare, ridere con lui per le cose più stupide. Fatta eccezione per la parte in cui erano andati a letto insieme e che probabilmente avrebbero ripetuto se entrambi, o almeno Em, non avessero deciso che fosse una pessima idea, l’intera situazione era innocua. Dolce. E lui la adorava."
.
Surya ha sempre mentito a se stesso, tranne nell’unica notte passata fra le braccia di Emmanuel, il manager dei Luck, dove per la prima volta ha potuto lasciarsi andare alle emozioni. La mattina dopo, però, ha avuto paura e se n’è andato senza una parola. Ora, dopo mesi, la collaborazione fra le loro due band riporta nella sua vita Em. L’intensità della loro attrazione non è cambiata e ancora una volta non possono impedirsi di ritrovarsi l’uno nelle braccia dell’altro, passando insieme un’altra notte infuocata. Tuttavia, questa volta, mentre Surya è intenzionato a esplorare quello che c’è fra di loro, è Emmanuel che se ne va, fingendo che fra loro ci sia stato solo un attimo di sbandamento senza importanza.

Lavorare insieme, tenendo nascosto ciò che è accaduto, crea imbarazzo a entrambi, cosa che viene notata dai componendi delle due band, che li conoscono bene. Per questo, di comune accordo, decidono di fare un tentativo per dimenticare e ritornare amici, uscendo insieme in modo del tutto platonico, e imparando a conoscersi davvero. Frequentarsi, celando i loro desideri più profondi, riesce solo in parte e finalmente arriva il momento della verità. Tutto sembra andare per la prima volta nella direzione giusta, sono felici, sereni, ma ben presto dovranno fare i conti con l’avidità umana e con una famiglia tradizionalista che non può accettare un amore come il loro, che verrà messo a dura prova.

Surya ama la sua famiglia e questo è forse il suo problema più grande, perché ha sempre saputo di ingannarla. È tremendo sapere che l’amore ha un prezzo, che la reputazione vale più dell’affetto che provi per un figlio, avere la convinzione che non saranno in grado di accettarti, e non importa quanto tu possa essere in grado di cavartela, è un dolore terribile. Per questo si è sempre nascosto. Emmanuel, al contrario. non ha mai fatto nulla per nascondere le sue inclinazioni, e l’unico familiare che gli è sempre stato vicino è stata la nonna, che lo ha amato moltissimo e che lui ha accudito fino alla fine. Ma neanche Em ha pace ora che zie e cugini non gli danno tregua. Da tempo sa di provare qualcosa per Surya, ma il ritrovarsi da solo, la mattina dopo, senza una parola di spiegazione, l’ha ferito profondamente. Il permettersi solo un rapporto platonico di amicizia gli fa credere di poter tenere il suo cuore al sicuro ed evitare, così, di essere nuovamente ferito. Ma non riesce a resistere ai sentimenti che Surya non tenta più di nascondere. Eppure, dopo aver tanto penato, sarà proprio lui a fare lo sbaglio più grande, rischiando di perdere tutto. Il loro sarebbe un rapporto bellissimo se non tenessero nascoste le paure più profonde e si fidassero di più di ciò che sentono, ma dovranno imparare nel modo più duro a essere sinceri.

Questa è una storia d’amore romantica, che ha scene di sesso appassionato e nello stesso tempo molto dolci. Per Surya, infatti, Em è il primo uomo, e la loro prima volta è piena di tenero imbarazzo.

La scrittura delle autrici è molto bella, ed è stato davvero meraviglioso rivedere le coppie dei libri precedenti e assistere alle loro manifestazioni di affetto, scoprendoli ancora felici e innamorati. Sono personaggi non solo legati da storie d’amore, ma anche da un’amicizia profonda, che unisce i componenti delle due band e che ha permesso loro di arrivare al successo, superando dolori e problemi, sempre pronti ad aiutarsi e impicciarsi delle vite altrui. Anche qui non lesineranno aiuto e consigli, tentando di dare una mano ai loro amici a risolvere i loro problemi.

Con questo libro finisce una serie che ho adorato, scritta benissimo e piena di personaggi carismatici che rimangono nel cuore. E forse è proprio questa l’unica pecca di questo libro piacevolissimo: Surya ed Emmanuel sono dei bei personaggi, molto ben caratterizzati, ma non hanno l’intensità e la sofferenza di Nick o il rimpianto e l’amarezza di Shane, che li hanno resi così speciali nel mio cuore. Ragion per cui vengono penalizzati, ma questo non toglie che sia una lettura davvero bella e interessante, e una serie che vi consiglio di non perdere.
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Lucia63 - per RFS

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler Ahead This was book three in the "Lucky Moon Series" Emmanuel "Em" Cortez is the manager for Luck the band that Shane and Nick are in a year ago he had a one night stand with Jesse's band met Moonlight's drummer Surya Patel and it was the hottest night of both of there lives and when morning comes he panics and leaves without saying a word. Surya Patel comes from a strict Indian family and although they love Jesse they are homophobic and he knows that they will disown him if they knew that he is attracted to other men. When Sur refuses to sign on to do album with Luck because he will have to face Em he goes to see him in London and one thing leads to another and they hook up again only this time Em leaves and goes back to New York. Em was hurt when Sur Left the first time they hooked up he is been in love with Sur for awhile so when he goes to London he knows that Sur isn't looking for a relationship so he leaves and although he feels bad his heart is trying to keep it light and about sex. This was a good book these two become friends when Sur comes to work on the album although each one wants more from the other Em who doesn't want his heart broken and Sur goes along with it to be close to him. The sex scenes are hot Em is wild and impatient in bed for Sur Em is the first male that he has had sex with. Em whose family is giving him hell his cousin's think he took advantage of his grandmother when she was sick because she left everything to him and they are suing him. As these two continue to build a relationship Sur parents show up with a woman for him to marry if he pays them hush money I could stand his mother and Em couldn't face the fake they were talking about him like he was nothing and he panics and leaves Sur. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling like the rest of the book in this series. I think this was the last book in the series and if not I am looking forward to the next book. If you like reading M/M with rock stars than I recommend that you read this series.

[Caroline Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE

The boys from Moonlight are back and this time it is the quieter Surya Patel, the bands drummer that is in the spotlight.

A night of passion with Emmanuel Cortez the manager of Luck should have been long forgotten but Surya can’t get the other man out of his mind. A second night together and Emmanuel leaves the next morning as though he doesn’t have a care in the world but the reality is he’s trying to protect his heart. Emmanuel has fallen hard for Surya but is sure there is no future for them so escapes fast to lick his wounds.

Forced to work together in New York as the two bands work on a collaboration sees the two men agreeing to be friends after a few awkward meetings. For a while it works but the chemistry between them keeps building until it eventually pops and they fall back into bed albeit with the agreement that neither of them runs this time. Slated as a bromance by the press they are careful to keep their true feelings behind closed doors but before long Emmanuel is struggling to keep his feelings hidden.

In a brave move Surya throws caution to the wind and doesn’t hide their relationship when out in public. This causes huge problems with his family, who he failed to talk to, and pretty soon it all goes downhill. Emmanuel is also having family problems and for a new couple they are dealing with a lot of stress.

This was probably my least favourite of the series but only because it didn’t have such strong, strung out and drama filled MC’s as the first two books instead we get two men who desperately want each other but have to be brave enough to leave behind traditions and expectations to be with each other. Family have a lot to answer for!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. While it didn’t quite pack the emotional punch of the first two books in the series, I was engaged and involved from the start.

Surya is a great character. He’s a talented musician, a good friend and for American authors, a pretty believable Englishman. He feels a little old to allow himself to be dictated to by his parents but the authors develop his British-Indian cultural background well, creating honest and believable conflict between Surya and his family.

Emmanuel was never as fully developed. When the angst settles, I like him as a partner for Surya but I never felt like I really knew him. His family drama is told to readers but we never get to see him interact with his family. Oddly, we also see very little of him as a manager in this book. The attraction between partners in the first two books was incredibly powerful, but without fully developing Em’s character, I didn’t have the same reaction to these two.

I also felt like I needed more of Em and Surya’s backstory to fully believe in their connection. I actually requested the previous books in the series after reading this one, certain that the earlier encounter the authors kept referencing must have been explained in a previous story. It isn’t. Em and Surya are peripheral characters until Moonstruck.

So - I liked this without loving it. Piper Vaughn and MJ O’Shae are an amazing writing team and while this might not be a favourite, it is a high-angst rockstar romance well worth reading.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reads.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would have been a three except the last part pissed me off. Most of the book was a standard romance without much to make it stand out. Em and Surya have good chemistry and it was nice to see them bond together as friends instead of just a bunch of sex. Then the last 30% the book took a nose dive for me. It was pretty obvious from the beginning that Surya coming out to his family was going to be the little angsty drama for the end. What just pissed me off was Em leaving Surya in the middle of the family mess after pushing for Surya to come out. Instant hate for the MC. There was no redemption here for me. Followed by Em caving to his family made me dislike him even more. Band-aid fix left me with no good feelings since none of the problems were really resolved.

[Nic]

3.5 stars

The excitement level did not match the earlier books, especially #2 The Luckiest which is the highlight of the series. However it is still an enjoyable story.

Surya falls for Em and, although happy for their relationship to be known among friends, struggles to come out to his very traditional family. Em has his own family issues to deal with. There is lots of wasted time and heartbreak caused by lack of communication (if only these guys would speak to each other!)

The story is steadily paced, with lots of soul-searching, but lacks the humour and drama of the earlier books but still a nice read.

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story of Em and Surya. I liked how they came together but I have to admit being annoyed with Em's reaction to Surya's parents. I know every story could use a little "drama" to give it depth but I was annoyed by this drama. Em pledges he is there with Surya for the long haul but then bails at the first sign of trouble. OK, maybe I can understand his concern. But then Surya calls and calls and calls...and then when Em realizes he was an ass and calls him back, Surya decides he doesn't want to talk. Ugh. But at least it worked out. Overall, I love the series and I love these two authors so it gets 4 stars from me.

[DaisyGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Wow. Another winner in what has now become one of my all-time favorite m/m series. Seriously.

Now, I know a lot of my GR buddies that have read this series have been the least impressed with book 3. I, however, happily beg to differ. I really enjoyed Surya and Em. I was riveted to their story. I loved their characters. And, I read everything in one sitting. I was pissed at Em for abandoning Surya just when he needed him most but, at the same time, I loved that Em made amends for it.

Bottom line: I don't want this series to end!

[Pjm12 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to slip back into the familiar world of the rock bands, Luck and Moonlight. Two background characters from the first book get their turn in the spotlight.

Em and Suraya work as a sweet couple. They are clearly obsessed with each other, and need to work through the obstacles thrown at them.

Fairly light, but the chemistry between this pair kept me reading.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute story and not too angsty. A bit but not overwhelmingly so. Em works for the record label and Surya's the drummer. They've flirted and finally gotten together but Surya's in the closet and wants to stay there. Trouble in paradise with the family but it all works out...of course. My favorite is still #2.

[Sheryl C. Nash]

*EEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKK* The 3rd book in the Lucky Moon series.... I LOVE THIS SERIES.... LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! CAN'T WAIT for this book from my FAV m/m authors; M.J. and Piper!!!!! YAY!!!!

[Neko · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I really liked this book. Just a few things, not worth mentioning really, but things that PERSONALLY Irked me or annoyed me in one way or another that made me lower one star... but I LOVED IT~~~ It was a wonderful addition to this series... ahh~~ Loved, loved~