I really wanted to love this book as it had all the pieces that I would normally love, but I found the characters to be overly annoying and winey.

Overall, Nikko and Jake was an okay read for me. The premise sucked me in and I found that the character's and writing was decent enough and a good story was told.

For the sake of keeping the tabloids busy, retiring rockstar, Niko, grabs a public smooth from country music star, Jake; believing the scandal of kissing a straight guy will distract while Niko rescues custody of his niece and nephew from his abusive drunk of a brother. What he didn't count on was Jake kissing him back. What begins as a ruse for the press may become something more if Jake and Niko are willing to take a chance.

About halfway through this, I really wondered what was taking so long because it seemed obvious the main pair had caught some feels. But the last half didn't drag out the 'will they/won't they' theme in a way that bores the reader. In fact, the main conflict between Niko and Jake isn't their feelings. I won't spoil it but it was an angle I appreciated the book addressing since it felt more in line with the main characters personalities and fit the story. A sweet story with a surprisingly natural progression! If you like m/m romance centering around music, this ain't half bad. 3.8 out of 5.

Brilliant read with all the things I enjoy in a book with a brilliant storyline and characters and I will look forward to reading more from you from this author thank you for my arc

This is a cute story between two older men who are in the middle of a transitory period in both of their music careers. Nikko is in the middle of taking custody of his nephew and niece. Though we only see them in one scene of the book, they are heavily present throughout the narrative (honestly, I would have loved to see more of them both, but I have a huge weakness for kids in romance novels). Jake is tired of being seen as nothing but a hick country singer.

One of the things I loved about this was that, although the story got to their attraction to each other really quickly, it wasn't a case of instalove because they had each known each other in the music business for years. As Nikko points out late in the book, this also means that they both have realistic expectations for the demands of music careers and are able to be on the same page with each other.

What Nikko doesn't know at the start of this book is that Jake is bisexual and out to test his flirting skills. All Nikko is looking for is someone he can hook up with for a distraction to the media while he's in the final stages of getting legal custody arrangements signed and sorted. Jake is more than happy to go along with this and, more, enter into a fake relationship for the duration.

Of course, there's nothing fake about it for either one of them, as is the trope.

I had a lot of fun getting through this quick read.

Two for the Show is the fourth book in the Lovesongs. I have not read the first three books in the series (though now I want to) and I was able to follow the story perfectly well, though I think my enjoyment of this book would have been enhanced if I had read the other books in a series too.

I have read and enjoyed other Megan Derr books which is why I requested this one on NetGalley and I wasn't let down at all. This book was an easy, enjoyable read and I found myself rooting for the characters and their romance all the way through. This is a fake dating book which has a slightly unusual reason for the fake dating, but I liked it all the same. The reason behind the fake dating was unique and completely understandable (to protect his niece and nephew, Nikko has to create a scandal to keep the media eye off them) and you can completely understand why Jake went along with it (something which is a little hard sometimes in this kind of fake dating stories).

The characters were interesting and fun to read about and I felt they had real chemistry between the two of them. All their scenes together were great and I really appreciated seeing the slow development of their relationship. Other people from previous books in the series showed up and it makes me wish I had managed to read the others in the series first, but we were given a brief introduction to everyone all the same so I got along fine.

I liked the plotlines of Nikko trying to get custody of his brother's kids (though I would have liked to see more of Nikko and the kids together since it felt like they only had a couple of scenes together) and Jake wondering what he was going to do now he was leaving the band. I wasn't such a fan of how Jake's story concluded, I think because of how easy it was for him to get there and how unsurprising it all was, but overall, the subplots and the main plot worked well together.

Four stars!

4 Stars!

Nikko needs to keep the media's attention on him and away from his niece and nephew, who he wants to take away from his jerk of his brother who's been abusing them. The very straight Jake Hallow seems to be the perfect way to do so, so Nikko kisses him when they see each other at a bar crawling with media people. What Nikko didn't expect was for Jake to kiss him back instead.

Jake has recently realized he's bisexual, but he never expected feeling like he did after Nikko kisses him. When Nikko comes clean about his motives, Jake decides to help him, swallowing his disappointment that Nikko isn't as attracted to him as Jake is or is he?

I really liked Nikko and Jake, they were both kind and nice and worked great together, despite the age gap, although I guess the 12-year gap at 32 and 44 isn't really as noticeable as when one of the MCs is in his 20's. I did want to slap some sense into the two of them, repeatedly, I might add, because it took them so long to grow a pair and talk to each other about their expectations or how they felt about the other. *weary sigh* They had this unbelievable chemistry, hot sex scenes and would try to be there for the other and then refuse to voice what they were feeling until the end? Ugh. *headdesk*

Another thing that kind of bugged me was how insensitive Nikko was at a point where he hurt Jake's feelings. I really expected him to reach out to Jake, and I was disappointed when it was Jake who ended up calling, or rather texting, first.

Anyway, other than those issues that are more personal pet peeves than anything else, the book was really good, entertaining, hot, with some angst going on and a great cast of characters. Even if I haven't read the first 3 books in the series, I'm intrigued enough to want to check them out when I have some free time. Very recommendable!

***Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley by Less Than Three Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

Two for the Show is the 4th book in the series and I haven't read the previous books. Although it can be read as a stand alone I think you'd get more enjoyment if you've read the past books. There were a few characters/situations that kept being referenced that I just didn't understand because apparently they happened in prior books. Still I enjoyed Nikko and Jake and I loved the premise of the book. I did think the miscommunication went on a bit long and I felt like this ended in a HFN because there was just too much change/uncertainty for their future. <spoiler>I have to admit I didn't find Jake becoming the front man for a rock band at age 44 believable</spoiler> I enjoyed this enough that I'd read more from Megan Derr and I'd be interested in reading the previous books in the series.

I like Megan Derr's writing, and this book had a great premise, star musician characters and a sweet 'fake romance." This is the fourth in the series (is the series Lovesongs or Missing Butterfly?) and the first that I have read. Some of the other characters are obviously from earlier books in the series, but having started with the fourth, I missed a lot of the back story and relationship building (for example, between Dai and Nikko).

I liked the novella length, perfect for a quick enjoyable read.

3.5 stars.

I haven’t read any of the previous Lovesongs books, but as a big fan of Megan Derr, I was intrigued enough to want to read this anyway. It does standalone fairly well, although I was initially confused as to who belonged to which band and just what the whole Dai and Jet stuff was all about. However, I muddled through because those are only side issues to the main story between Nikko and Jake.

I really enjoyed this, mostly because I loved both Nikko and Jake. They are so good together, their chemistry is hot and it was easy to see how a longer term relationship would work out. I also loved that Jake was working things out late in life and how calm he was about it all. Both he and Nikko are great characters and immensely likeable.

However, as much as I enjoyed everything and found it a quick, easy read, I’ll also admit some of it was pretty far-fetched and didn’t always make much sense. Like all the conflict that comes up between the two of them. Then again, it’s so obvious right from the start that these two are perfect for each other that any attempt to part them for dramatic reasons was going to feel flimsy. I would have liked to have seen more of the kids Nikko was doing this all for, and perhaps a little more behind Jake’s discovery of his bisexuality. I would also have really, really appreciated some explanation for the whole friends/enemy thing between Nikko, Dai and Jet. I mean, I could understand why someone might get irritated with Jet, but there was clearly more to it, so it might have been nice to have known why. I know this is the fourth in the series, but still.

Overall, though, this was fun and fluffy in the best possible way, and I look forward to catching up with the rest of the series soon.

Unfortunately I had to DNF this story it was just too uninteresting to hold my interest

Two for the Show by Megan Derr is book four in her Lovesongs series. This is the first book I’ve read from the author, and I really enjoyed the banter though I didn’t feel the book followed through on the premise.

Nikko Starr wants custody of his brother’s kids, and he’s ready to give up his Rockstar lifestyle to do it. To keep his brother’s (and the media’s) scent off Nikko’s intentions, Nikko decides he needs a media distraction. In walks the perfect one. Straight country singer, Jake Hallow.

Only Jake might not be as straight as Nikko assumed.

I really liked both of these characters. Nikko’s got a big heart, and his main goal is to protect his brother’s children from his lowlife brother. Nikko's got determination and grit to spare! Jake is such a sweetheart, too. He’s older and retiring from the stage as a country singer. He’s thrown for a huge loop when Nikko waltzes up in a bar and kisses him. And then proposes a fake relationship to boot.

The attraction is fierce from the get-go. I think Jake stole the show for me. The story really turned into his story—finding his next move later in life and understanding what (and who) he wants. Gettin’ a little deep with a hot-as-hell and bold-as-brass Rockstar sure doesn't hurt either.

There’s plenty here that kept me riveted to the pages. However, I didn’t really understand the need for a "distraction.” Or, moreover, why Nikko didn’t just reveal he was leaving his rockband if he needed one. The premise overall just felt a little flimsy to me. It didn’t help that little page time is devoted to Nikko’s trying to obtain custody. Instead, that whole plot line was glossed over. The actual kids themselves only show up once and briefly, at that.

But I still very much enjoyed what was here too. It’s low-angst with just enough sizzle. The secondary characters have me interested in reading their stories. All of the characters were fleshed out just enough that I left this delightful world quite satisfied! A good story that will keep me looking into this author’s work.

3 stars.

This is book # 4 in the Lovesongs series also known as The Missing Butterfly Series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. Be aware that it may contain spoilers. For reader enjoyment and understanding, I recommend reading in order.

Nikko has a family crisis he must see to. He was told by his lawyer to create a scandal so the paparazzi won't find out the personal. Nikko gets his chance with a kiss to what he believes is a man beyond his reach.

Jake is shocked but pleased to be the quarry of a man such as Nikko. Then to find out it is only pretend.... well he might as well go along. Why waste the chance with a man he is seriously attracted to?

This story just grabbed me from the get go. Emotional, sexy, and the heat! Oh this story has more than enough to keep you turning the pages. I loved the banter between the characters. The recurring ones from past books add the perfect snark.


***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley and its publishers.

Two for the Show, Megan Derr.

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: LGBTQIA, Romance

This is book four in a series. Its billed as a stand alone so I requested although I hadn't read the others.
I did follow the story just about OK but there were so many little snippets and incidences that I think if I'd read earlier books I would have enjoyed this one more. 

Still, I hadn't, came in cold so to speak and never really felt that I connected with either the characters or the story line. I liked both Nikko and Jake but didn't really feel anything more between them that a spark of lust, it didn't have that must-be-together feel that I love in romance reads. 
Its an OK read for me, not great but not bad, just one that because I didn't feel "into" the story it was a rush to just finish and pout it away.
I didn't really understand the logic about creating a scandal, did see it would be a distraction but in the circumstances it would have created more eyes on Nikko and his world and I didn't think that would have been a good idea given what he's trying to do.

Like I said I think if I'd read earlier books, knew more about the overall story and characters I'd have got far more from this. As it is, its a short read, just 1903 kindle locations - I'd guess that's about 125 pages or so, and there simply isn't the space to let me get to know the people and understand the whole story well enough. 

Stars: 2.5/3. Its an ok read coming in cold to the series, and if I'd read other books I think I would have rated this far higher. 

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

2.5 - 3 Sweet but sorry to say a bit flat for me. An important matter didn't get much attention.
The way of writing was not bad, only I couldn't connect with the mc's and the story

I liked this story. I don't read a whole lot of M/M romances but I do enjoy them every once in a while. The cover of this book really grabbed my attention when I first saw it and after reading the description, I knew that I wanted to give it a try. This book is the fourth book in a series but it can easily be read as a stand alone novel. This was a quick read that really had me excited to see the characters make things work.

I liked the characters in this book quite a bit. Nikko and Jake were so good together and I liked the chemistry that they shared. They were very different from each other but seemed to really compliment the other. They are both at a spot in their lives where a lot of things are changing but in very different ways. Nikko is headed out of the spotlight to focus on family while Jake is trying to figure out what project he will pursue next.

I did wish that there would have been a bit more of this pair together. We do see Nikko and Jake spending time together in the book but they also spend time apart. It just felt like they were apart for the wrong reasons and a conversation could have cleared a lot up. I would have liked to see a bit more resolution to the story. These two have a lot to work out with the kids, Jake's new role, and trying to be a couple and I would have liked to see a bit of that. It almost felt more like a happily for now instead of the happily ever after I was hoping for.

I would recommend this book to others. It was a nice quick read with great characters. There were a few points in the story that the writing felt a bit awkward to me but there were no major concerns. I would read more from Megan Derr in the future and would be interested in reading some of the earlier books in this series.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from Less Than Three Press via NetGalley.

Cute story with likeable characters. I liked both Niko and Jake a lot and they had a lot of chemistry. Unfortunately the book only scratched the surface of the story this could have been. For one, the whole book is very short. I was also hoping to see a family growing but we ever only got to meet the kids once and Jake didn't get to meet them at all. The situation with Nikko's brother felt very unresolved as well. 

As it is, Two for the Show feels like half a book. We leave the characters in a good place but their story didn't feel finished.