Starting from Zero

Starting From Series, Book 1

De: Lane Hayes

Narrado por: Michael Dean

Justin Cuevas is going through a rough patch. A broken relationship, a scandal, and the demise of his band have shaken the aspiring rock star’s confidence. Working two jobs and sleeping on his friend’s sofa isn’t ideal, but Justin isn’t ready to give up yet. With a little luck, he’s hoping to re-launch his music career in LA with his new band, Zero. The key is to stay focused, and not get distracted by his past...or the sexy songwriter he can’t get out of his head.

Gray Robertson has written dozens of hits and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. But he’s never met anyone like Justin. The younger man is fiery, passionate, and smart. A powerful voice for a new generation. Other than an unforgettable one-night stand and a passion for music, the two men have nothing in common. Or do they? Justin knows the out-of-the-blue challenge to write a quintessential love song is a huge opportunity. And it’s the ultimate test for someone who’s doesn’t believe in happily ever after. When sparks fly, Justin and Gray realize they have a shot something special if they start from zero together. Maybe even love.

©2019 Lane Hayes (P)2019 Lane Hayes

Enjoyable May/December romance

Starting from Zero is a May/December rockstar romance. Its two main characters are brought together to collaborate on a love song for an upcoming movie. Justin is a talented songwriter and struggling musician who wants to make it to the big time. Gray is the older songwriter already with a successful career behind him. Their first encounter is a sizzling hook-up, which follows a romantic ‘date’ overlooking the city from a rooftop bar. They click from the start, but neither of them is looking for a long-term relationship. They meet again because of outside help and Justin is offered the chance of a lifetime. Or not.

A fair proportion of the story deals with the rock music industry and Justin figuring out how to involve his band in this amazing chance. He’s not entirely confident with the idea of writing a love song, but as he falls more and more for Gray, the song (and his life) slowly comes together. There’s good chemistry between these guys, with plenty of conversation and banter alongside the steamy moments. The relationship is relatively angst-free. The main conflict and angst in the story happens because of the producer and also Justin’s ex-girlfriend and previous band, who are also in with a chance of a deal with the production company. Can any of them be trusted?

I liked many of the secondary characters, including OTT Seb, who acts as the band's manager, and that we get to meet Rory and Christian from the Out in College series again. They're still together and very much in love!

Michael Pauley’s narration is enjoyable. He created distinct voices for the various characters. I wasn’t too keen on Gray’s voice at times, but overall the production is good with the right emotions being portrayed well in the various scenes. It’s not my favourite Lane Hayes story, but I definitely will listen again.

Michael and Lane are a fantastic pairing!

Starting from Zero is Lane Hayes' newest sexy, rockstar romance. I read the book first and then listened to it in audio as I do with ALL of my Lane Hayes' books because they are better enjoyed that way! I always find I miss certain things or am reminded of why I liked a chapter or character. Michael Pauly and Lane are such a fantastic pairing! I’m a huge fan of both and Michael just gives these characters a stronger voice.

This is a spin off from her Out in College series and features Rory's brother, Justin. We met him briefly in Out in the Offense and I knew his story was going to be fantastic! Justin is a struggling musician who loves music. He sings like an angel and just wants to make music. His old band is just coming off a scandal and the remaining members want to start fresh. New songs, new vibe. When Justin sees Gray he's instantly attracted to the older man. He's sexy, smart and confident. They spend one night together and it's fun, sexy and freeing. Gray can't stop thinking about Justin after their brief encounter. He's a famous songwriter and he knows talent when he hears it and Justin is it. When they have the opportunity to work together on a song, they can't refuse. Gray wants to write with Justin but he also wants to be with him. Keep the personal and the professional separate. Justin tries to resist, but the sexy older man is too tempting. They laugh together, talk, and write music. It's perfect. But too good to be true? Are there things they are keeping from each other? I loved this story! I love rockstar romance and I love Lane, so this is a match made in Heaven! Gray is so sexy, talented and smart. He knows who he is and is so confident in his skin because he's forty-four. He's lived and knows what he wants. I love that he's my age! Justin might be younger but he's smart and quick witted. Their banter is perfection with the eighties jokes and their love of music.
When they are together it's magic. They balance each other out. Sometimes fighting for love is the hardest thing there is. Overall, I laughed, cried, smiled a lot, got hot and bothered and just thoroughly enjoyed every word! Lane always delivers the perfect mix of emotion, sexy, flirty and swoonworthy characters.

excellent base story!

I really loved this book. I don't write reviews explaining the book but I will say that this book lays the groundwork with some great characters for many books to come! (fingers crossed) I want to know more about these main characters and how their future plays out as well as see the supporting cast get their story told. Thank you Lane for another great read. Need more words!!!

Loved 😍 Gray and Justin's Story

Hot 🔥 🔥 and sweet and great narration. Well worth the credit. Moving on to the next in the series.

Loved it!!

This was amazing!! So beautifully written and Michael did an amazing job!!! I loved it so much.