It starts with a love song… not get distracted by past…or the sexy older songwriter I can’t get out of my head.
Gray-
I’ve never met anyone like Justin. He’s fiery, passionate, and smart. A powerful voice for a new generation. But other than an unforgettable one-night stand and a love of music, we have nothing in common. He’s much too young for me. There’s no denying the spark between us. Teaming up with him for a new project should cure this infatuation. After all, writing a love song is the ultimate test for anyone who doesn’t believe in happily ever after. It will either send him running or encourage us both to wipe the slate clean and start over…from zero.
Starting From Zero is a MM, bisexual, age-gap romance…rock and roll style where the key to success begins with a love song. Each book in the Starting From series can be read as a stand-alone.
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The fine art of conversation. In my opinion, it makes or breaks a book. In Starting from Zero, Lane Hayes shows she has more than mastered this art.
I’m sure you know what I mean: conversation between characters is either authentic, raw, and catchy, or it is trying like hell to be these things. And the conversation between Gray and Justin is what snagged me. Justin, in particular, caught my author’s admiration and reader’s fascination. He is snarky without being stereotypical. He is funny without inspiring even a single eye roll. (No eye rolls—but definitely some laugh out loud moments.) He is completely unpredictable, but he doesn’t frustrate me. I mean, I get him. Justin is a truly gritty and charismatic character. I loved him. I wanted more of him. Bonus points for his mega-hotness.
Gray was also unique. Burly and strong (and also hot), but still nerdy. What a yummy paradox. And he’s wise and patient and, yes, often the initiator of those inspired conversations I mentioned. A gentle soul to—Justin’s blazing intensity. A perfect age-gap, opposites attract match.
Okay, back to those engaging conversations… Some of them really made me think. In particular, about the concept of love—what it really is and how it is shared and who can share it. Yes, I write romance novels, and I found myself pondering the notion of love.
I will return for more of the STARTING FROM series. As I met each character in Starting from Zero, I wondered—is he gonna be the next man I meet in this series? I found myself hoping that Hayes would flesh out their hang-ups and dreams and fears as she did with Justin and Gray. Because Lane Hayes does it so well using the tool of genuine and intriguing dialogue.
Highly recommended.
Age Gap
Off the charts HEAT
Romance
Beautiful relationship development
Banter galore
Gray and Justin were fabulous! I loved these two, their connection, their complete respect for each other. The stars aligned when they met on a random Wednesday night. I felt their energy as they spent more time together. Their dates were simple, they fell into each of so easily. Yes, with any good love story there are bumps in the road, but these two were the real deal. Great start to this series, next up Starting From Scratch
Loved this book. I’ll be returning for more from this author!
I am fairly new to Lane Hayes’ book as I have only read a handful of them but what I do know going into them now is that I will find a compelling story with two likable characters as well as interesting secondary characters and that is exactly what I found in Starting from Zero.
I had been introduced to Justin in a previous book, Out in the Offense, where his brother Rory gets his HEA but now I really got to know him better and I have to say I quite like the guy. He hasn’t had it easy being the go between with his mother and his brother for the last couple of years as well as the very public breakup of his band, but once he meet Gray things get a bit easier for him.
Gray is great! I really liked that the eighteen year age difference wasn’t a hangup for him and he never acted as if he had to be a parent to Justin. Gray had a few challenges of his own but nothing was soooo terrible. Was there angst, yes of course there was but nothing over the top.
So here’s the thing, while I LOOOOOVED the story I just didn’t connect with Gray and Justin. This was an enjoyable read with two very likable guys but I didn’t feel the pull, the chemistry, the fire, that I like to feel, if I had felt that a bit more I would have rated this higher. Would I recommend this book, heck yes the story line was great and who knows maybe you’ll connect with Justin and Gray more than I did. Happy Reading!!!
Justin is an interesting character with some unique challenges. I could definitely relate to his squirrelly brain!
I think the author did a good job of building a relationship between the two main characters, and I am looking forward to listening to the rest of the character’s stories.
The narrator did a nice job of creating distinct voices for the characters. I only had one or two quick moments of uncertainty as to who was thinking/speaking, but it didn’t distract from the story.
Overall, an enjoyable listen that left me interested in the next book.
Bands are comprised of creative minds and passionate personalities.
When disgruntled ex band members turn up the heat, new strategies come into play to save two bands…and two lovers…and their futures.
Social media becomes a tool and the paparazzi milk the drama for all its’ worth.
A fun romance with lots of angst and loving!
Enjoyed the book very much!
Lane Hayes has done it again – I am so happy with this first installment in her new series! I love the age gap, the calm and the storm finding happiness together — you won’t be disappointed!
-just re-read, can I please give 6 stars?
After a disastrous break up with his old band mates, Justin is trying to make it big with his new band Zero, but the drama and angst follow him everywhere he goes and falling in love was never part of the plan. Can Justin and Gray make their relationship work when the band needs to be a priority? And what happens when lines get crossed and secrets are revealed? With characters the reader cannot help but fall in love with and a storyline that I did not want to put down this was a great read. I look forward to reading more in the series.
There aren’t a lot of stories that I will read from start to finish in one sitting, but this book is one of them. When you meet Justin, you get a sense of his frenetic energy and his self-esteem issues, but as soon as he meets Gray, everything changes. He’s more confident, he knows what he wants and dictates the night and the rules to Gray, who is older than he is. But one night together isn’t enough and although both men yearn for the other, it’s not until intervention from another that brings these two back in each other’s lives a bit more permanently this time.
I loved each word of this book. There are parts of this book that will break your heart because although Justin is talented and a good friend, brother, and son, he doesn’t see himself that way. There is one scene in particular, when he shows us he doesn’t truly believe in his self-worth, where your heart goes out to the character. And although Gray is older, he understands why his past relationships have failed and when he realizes Justin is worth it, he finally goes after what he wants.
This is a wonderful story that I couldn’t put down. It’s worth the read, and several re-reads to be honest. The book will make you smile and root for Gray and Justin!!
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 4
Wow, just wow!!
I loved this struggling rock star story and am so glad Rory’s brother Justin got his own happy ending and we got a few bonus glimpses of Rory and Christian!!
This story is unique and dynamic in its delivery and I enjoyed every moment. As ever Lane’s words flow off the page and weave around you to draw you into this story and the lives of Justin and Gray. I loved Gray as a character and feel like he was a wonderful carer and was a great match for Justin. I loved Justin musical and personal integrity throughout the story and his struggles. The ups and downs of this book and the premise of not believing in love is well challenged and of course, works out in the end. These characters play well together and while the ‘friendly’ interference was frustrating I’m glad there was no maliciousness there.
I also loved Charlie!!! I really hope he gets his own story – he has to have one, he’s too good not to know more about
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again Lane is exceptionally talented at getting into the head of her bi characters and generating stories that are so real, truthful, poignant, perceptive and relevant that she could be writing true stories. Sometimes when I read her stories it feels like she’s read my mind, fears, and worries and put them on the page. She creates stories that give me (as a bi/queer person) hope for the future world and the world my son is growing up in. Love is love and we should be celebrating it, not shaming it! I love your stories Lane and hope you keep creating this magic!!!
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I’ve read most of this author’s works and every time I know I’m in for a treat. Starting from Zero is loosely connected to the Out in College series but is also a standalone and the first in the new Starting From series. I loved the characters in this May-December romance and really enjoyed seeing their story play out.
Miss Hayes excels at delivering what I consider “easy angst” and Starting from Zero is a great example. There are plenty of roadblocks to Gray and Justin finding their rhythm together, and though this wasn’t as light or much of a feel-good romance compared to some of the author’s other works, the conflicts and bumps the men endured never felt heart wrenching or overly dramatic. Instead, readers got to witness a relatively new talent, frontman and songwriter Justin (brother to Rory from Out in the Offense) find himself, rebuild his band, and discover a loving, understanding partner in Gray. I really liked the way this romance steadily progressed and enjoyed seeing all the different emotions come into play as the men’s feelings for one another deepened. Although the romance and Justin’s burgeoning career were center stage in Starting from Zero, Miss Hayes also developed the men’s individual personalities complete with thorough backstories, letting me truly feel connected to Justin and Gray and invested in their happy ending. The well-rounded plot and characters were further enhanced by the easy pace, engaging dialogue, and flowing writing style, making Starting from Zero an enjoyable read I’d recommend.
*Reviewed for Alpha Book Club*
When Justin and Gray meet I could “see” the sparks!
All the outside noise from some characters who shall remain nameless since they are not that nice, was silenced due to just how great Gray and Justin’s romance took over all my attention. They needed to start out like they do, they needed to grow as they did. The way they became who they become was brilliantly written. Some things I saw coming, some I didn’t.
I don’t want to give things away because this needs to be experienced first hand.
I will say this however…dang! These two men, together, alone? Just..DANG!!!
Anyone reading this review, trust me when I say….you will LOVE these two. You will LOVE their story. You will NEED a fan @ certain parts.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy for my honest review of the book.
I’m always a sucker for a book with a musician in it, let alone two. This May/December romance is an easy read with hot sex and sweet love.
Justin has a lot on his plate right now. Yet he meets someone interesting that he wants to spend time with. He figures he can do that for himself. Little does he know this path will lead to so much more.
Gray just wants to enjoy his time with his new guy. He has no idea he will be sucked in by his best friend and a possible scheme by his Godson. Either way, he will make time for the new man in his life. So they can possibly find more…….
This was a great start for a new series. The characters feel very compelling and seriously dedicated to their music. Both have found themselves in a new situation. I like that it feels very real and sincere right from the start. The sexy times are also quite hot!
***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
Justin is twenty-six and a beautiful wild flower, his head full of anxiety and great lyrics. A passionate man taking breath therapy instead of medication. After his band Gypsy Coma falls apart, he is broke and looking for a new gear.
Gray is forty-four, an established composer and songwriter. A warm, emotional and sexy man with a humble personality.
When they meet for the first time at a bar, they have a hot, steamy night and separate without further plans. But destiny has other plans.
In short, this story is about two men who are supposed to compose a song together for a movie.
But ha! there is so much story to tell and there are so many emotions involved. They have several ideas to get good inspiration for writing the best love song ever.
Working together is going great and they are more and more attracted to each other.
The only hiccup in the relationship could be if work, business, contracts, friends, and exes aren’t compatible or just big in the way, and yes, they got in the way, big!!
This was a beautiful story in many ways, the way of the writing, the plot, the environments, all the emotions, the romance, the immensely engaging and heartwarming characters, I can go on and on.
The description of the scenery was awesome, I could easily picture the view from the big windows of the exclusive estate.
Imagine their chemistry: when two musicians are in a room full of exclusive instruments and thousands of albums and they only have eyes for the other. Gosh I was swept away by this!!
Their unbiased honesty was utterly romantic.
Beautifully layered personalities are unwrapped before our eyes. Complicated minds and insecurities are covered by witty comments and a big mouth. There are a lot of humorous comments, between captivating conversations, putting just the right air at moments.
Gray and Justin were intense and sensual together they both were equally likable.
Their lovemaking was as beautiful as their songs! And gosh were they beautiful!!
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
Edited to add my comments on the audiobook.
If you follow my reviews at all (thanks if you do) then I’m going to sound like a broken record. I reviewed Starting From Zero as an eBook when it first released. It was a great read but now Michael Pauley’s audio performance makes it even better. He does so many great voices in this one and when it comes to the sexy time – look out – hot as fire!
The following is my original review of the ebook:
Fantastic start to a new series!
I’m a relative newcomer to Lane Hayes books. I started with her Out in College series (3 books long so far) and loved all of them. Now comes her new Starting From series which is a spin-off from the Out in College series. No worries if you haven’t read that series; Starting from Zero stands alone and is a complete story with an HEA.
The book is told in first person POV, alternating between Justin and Gray. Justin is an aspiring rock star with many problems. Gray is 18 years older than Justin but something just clicks for them. It starts off as an anonymous one-off but circumstances bring them together again and a relationship develops.
This story had a lot of secret keeping going on and that caused a fair amount of angst in some of the characters. I loved Gray, a successful, wealthy, older man who doesn’t flaunt what he has. He started from humble beginnings and hasn’t forgotten that. Justin was a bit all over the place. He has ADHD and that makes it hard for him to focus. He’s determined to help his new band make it big and won’t let anything stop him from making it so. He’s not intimidated by Gray’s wealth.
I really felt the connection between Gray and Justin and their sexy time together was WOW! The story made me smile in places, cringe in a couple and had all kind of feels going on. There are several intriguing secondary characters in Starting from Zero and I hope they get books of their own. I was particularly taken with Gray’s former lover, Sebastian. He comes off as quite a jerk but I think he can be redeemed and would love to read his story.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me via IndiGo Marketing but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
I’m in love with Justin and Gray. I haven’t read a Lane Hayes book in way too long, and couldn’t put this one down. Justin is a vibrant character who practically leaps off the page, melody to Gray’s solid bass line. Read this book!
I loved this May/December, strangers to lovers romance so much. Justin is a struggling young artist who’s life seems to be filled with chaos. When he meets a stranger while at a gig he jumps in with both feet. What was supposed to be a one night only turns into so much more.
Gray is an older, successful songwriter who is settled in his life but lonely. When he has the chance to see Justin again he goes for it.
I loved the evolution of these two men. The growth that each man undergoes brings them so many difficult choices to make. Should they trust in each other and their feelings or just assume it’s a passing fancy.
Both men have family and friends who offer opinions not asked for. While these two have some issues with communication they also share their deepest desires with each other. I loved watching Justin and Gray get their HEA!
OH.MY.GOD!!! This book is fucking fantabulous! First chapter in and I knew I was going to love this book. I couldn’t put it down. There’s something magical about this book. I’m probably not making any sense and if you can’t already see it, I love this book.
“When he opened his eyes and smiled, I knew I was fucked.”
Justin and Gray are stunning together. Justin thinks it’s lust at first sight but he was a goner from the beginning. I loved Charlie, Gray’s godson. Infact I loved all the secondary characters.
“I want to feel your skin, touch your hair. I want to see you smile and know that you’re there. I want you to be my forever”
Rockstar
May/December
Amazing Chemistry
One of my Fav reads
“He was a puzzle I wanted to put together, a song I wanted to write and listen to over and over.”
This is the first book in the series and I’m looking forward to read more. First book from this author and I’ll definitely check out the rest of her titles.
“In an artistic sense, he wasn’t inspiration for a song;he was the silence in between the words.”
*ARC provided by the author via Indigo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest review