RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Starting From Somewhere (Starting From #4) by Lane Hayes

 

Title: Starting From Somewhere

Series: Starting From, #4

Author: Lane Hayes

Publisher: Lane Hayes

Release Date: November 20, 2020

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 31k

Genre: Romance, Bisexual, Rock star and nerd, Opposites attract, Age Gap

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The guitarist and the geek…

Bobby J-

What can I say? I’m a man of many tastes. I know what I like, and I’m not afraid to go for it. And I like the adorable geek from the bar. A lot. He’s smart and sassy…and he doesn’t seem to know or care that I’m in a hot up-and-coming band. However, I just found out he’s the new intern at Scratch Records. Uh-oh, this could get tricky.

Cody-

Confession…I’ve flubbed my mission. My quest is to research cool things and interesting people before I start my job as aerospace analyst—not fall for a rock star. My internship won’t last long if I can’t control this infatuation. Bobby J might look like a bear, but he’s fun and sweet and…oh boy, I think I’m in over my head. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing. After all, you’ve got to start somewhere.

Starting From Somewhere is a MM, bisexual romance with some rock and roll and a little nerdiness! Each book in the Starting From series can be read as a stand-alone.

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My Rating - 4 Stars!

Starting From Somewhere is a fun rocker/nerd romance. The fourth book in Lane Hayes' Starting From series, it's a great addition to the fun. 

From the start, you will enjoy these men. Cody shows up on the scene to observe, never planning to become a part of things. 

The opposites attract factor is the leading aspect of this tale. One's a rocker, one's a numbers nerd. One's an outgoing, sexual being. The other is awkward, blunt, and inexperienced. Obviously, this makes for some seriously wonderful moments as the two balance one another. 

Cody and Bobby J connect from the start. I adore the way they emotionally connect, in addition to their physical attraction. The two have so much in common and endless things to talk about despite their differences. 

I love the nerd factor involved. Cody's career and his current job are well illustrated. But it's Bobby J's inner nerd side that made my heart swell. Bobby J's background meshes easily with Cody's personality. 

This is a tale with a bucket list, as Cody has a list of things he wants to experience before he starts his real adult life. And Bobby J is just the man to help him with his list. Awww, the list. It's fantastic the way the list covers a variety of things.

Both men have their share of doubts, in addition to Cody's anxiety issues. Without intending to become so close, they discover they only feel right, and like they belong, when together. Best of all though is the way they both desire the calm and boring routine, despite Bobby J's larger than life public side.

The writing is good, with plenty of banter to keep you entertained. It's a shorter read than the author usually tackles, thus it's also less developed. But I never felt that things are missing.

Overall, Starting From Somewhere is a sweet romance. Lane Hayes delights in this low angst, opposites attract romance. She excels in combining the heat with the sweet in this one to leave us with a feel-good, tender romance. 

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Cody nodded as he pulled out his cell and typed a few notes. “Got it. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Give me one shot before I go.” I motioned for him to start talking.

“A flirting shot. Okay.” He licked his lips nervously, then shook his head. “I can’t. Everything I’m thinking is…rude.”

I barked a quick laugh. “You have my complete and undivided attention. Bring it on.”

“Um…your jeans look tight. I can’t wait for you to stand up so I can see your ass. But I’d love to see your ass out of them too.”

I bit back a grin. “Okay. That was direct and kinda hot, but do not under any circumstances try that with anyone else on planet Earth.”

“Too much?”

“A tad.” I squeezed his shoulder as I stood. “Keep practicing. It was nice to meet you, Cody.”

“You too. I’ll walk out with you. I’ve done enough research tonight.”

I nodded, then led the way to the exit, holding the door open for him. I stepped outside and gazed up at the fast-moving clouds drifting over the half-moon before turning toward my new acquaintance. Cody pulled his keys from his pocket and smiled.

“Where’d you park?” I asked.

“Over there.” He gestured at the black Mini Cooper at the far end of the lot mostly hidden in shadows.

My chivalrous side kicked in out of the blue. “I’ll walk you to your car. I’m heading that way.”

Cody beamed at me. “Thank you. Are you working early tomorrow?”

“No, why you do ask?”

“I’m making polite conversation. No flirtation whatsoever. Although I was mulling over our earlier discussion and realized you’re guilty of double standards.”

“How so?”

“Earlier you said…and I quote, ‘I’d do you.’ You added something about doing ‘it’ over a bar, a table, etcetera. Ring any bells?” He pointed his key fob at his car and gave a satisfied nod when it beeped on cue.

I squinted warily. “Yeah, but—”

“When I told you I wanted to see your posterior in your Levi’s, I was somehow out of line. The logic confuses me. Why should you be able to say what you’re thinking, and I can’t?” He came to a stop at the driver’s side of his car and crossed his arms, silently issuing a challenge of some kind.

“Now that you mention it, I suppose that does seem unfair.” I scratched my beard thoughtfully, then turned around to show off my denim-clad ass. “<em>Ta-da</em>! I present my posterior.”

Cody snickered. “Very nice.”

“Glad you approve.” I pivoted to face him and fumbled with my belt. “I guess I could show you the whole kit and caboodle…or caboose.”

“No, no. Let’s not ask for trouble.”

I raised my hands in surrender. “If you say so.”

“I do. Kiss me instead.”

“Excuse me?”

He pursed his lips, looking uncomfortable as hell. To his credit, he didn’t back down. “You heard me.”

The husky note in his voice zipped through my veins like a secret elixir. The sudden onslaught of need and desire was a powerful combo. I stepped closer, wedging myself between him and the Prius parked next to his car. I was at least four inches taller than Cody and much bigger. I could squish him like a bug. I wouldn’t. I wasn’t that kind of guy, but he didn’t know that. He should be careful around men like me.

“Why?”

“Because I might never meet anyone like you again. If I do, I might not be confident, brave, or sincere enough to tell him what I want. I feel like this might be a chance I should take. I understand if you say no. I’m not your type. I get it. I’m not sure why you talked to me at all tonight. Or why—”

I curled my fingers around the back of his neck and sealed my lips to his.

So what happened to my gentlemanly resolve to not corrupt a nerdy, adorable dude barking up the wrong tree for some sexy action? I had no fucking clue.

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Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, and 2018-2019 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.

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