Reviewed by Jay V.

TITLE: Starting from Zero

SERIES: Starting from #1

AUTHOR: Lane Hayes

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 241 Pages

RELEASE DATE: April 16, 2019

BLURB:

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

REVIEW:

Sometimes you can be your own worse enemy…

He has a feeling this gig he’s about to play is some kind of set-up, but the allure of performing with his new band goes against Justin’s better judgement and he almost steps in to rocky ground with a drama wanting to unfold in front of the audience. In the aftermath of saving himself, Justin runs in to Gray, who’s checking out the concert with a music industry friend. Justin has no idea Gray is a very accomplished musician. They end up having a magical night at a glamorous rooftop bar bearing their souls to each other almost completely anonymously. But fate and meddling friends throw them back together. Through the struggles of working on music, this almost seemingly mismatched couple learn more about each other and themselves. One is just starting his career and the other is long past the struggles of getting off the ground.  Will their differences, from different backgrounds growing up to their larger age disparity, bring them closer or pull them apart?

Being an amateur musician myself, it always makes me perk up my ears with a book that has musicians. While the story could have run along the stereotypes, Lane Hayes has crafted a well written story that is unexpected and enjoyable for all. The characters, including the surrounding ones, are delightful in their quirks.

The book is a wonderful exploration of the characters’ journeys through understanding, exploring concepts, and excepting love through the project they have of co-writing a love song. Hayes uses the novel as a venue to examine the various types of love in a thorough and thoughtful manner. Her characters practically leap off the page with their kaleidoscope of feelings, especially Justin as he tries to make sense of the life he’s living vs. the life he wants, and trying not to self-sabotage along the way. One wants to inhabit the universe these people live. Since this is the beginning of a new series, I look forward to where she takes the characters or starts anew with fresh ones that also fit the ‘starting from’ premise.

Hayes writes with a true love of music and a deep upstanding of the creative process that make this novel such an enjoyable adventure. And the lyrics of songs that are written are exquisite. Though there’s underlying drama happening throughout, this is low on the heavy external angst but has a thoughtful, internal struggle to come to terms with oneself.  Through all this, her amazing writing manages to make for an excellent read.

RATING:  

BUY LINK:

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