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Starting From Zero: An MM Age-Gap Romance Kindle Edition

4.4 out of 5 stars 942 ratings

It starts with a love song…

Justin-

Okay, so I’m going through a rough patch. My recent breakup, a scandal, and the demise of my band might have shaken my confidence…and working two jobs and sleeping on my friend’s sofa isn’t ideal either, but I’m not ready to give up. I have big plans to relaunch my music career with my new band, Zero. The key is to stay focused and 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. And other than an unforgettable one-night stand and a love of music, we have nothing in common. 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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There are 6 books in this series.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07QTCV69G
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 16, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 905 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 248 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 6 ‏ : ‎ Starting From
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 942 ratings

About the author

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Lane Hayes
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Lane Hayes lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.

She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes…romance is much more satisfying!

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate…in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
942 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this romance book for its beautiful love story and wonderful characters, with one review noting how the couple complements each other in every aspect. The book features fine art of intriguing conversation, with one customer highlighting its witty banter, while another mentions how the characters connect on a mental and emotional level. Customers describe the book as off-the-charts hot and appreciate its pacing, with one review calling it a beautiful start to the series.

29 customers mention "Story quality"29 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this romance book, finding it a fun read with an interesting plot.

"...This book is brilliant! It has a sensational plot, but it's main focus is on the two extraordinary characters themselves and their stunning..." Read more

"Interesting and intense at times. I loved the dialogue between the characters...." Read more

"...He was a breath of fresh air, bringing a lightness to a story that could have gone down a more melancholy path, as Justin and Gray navigated their..." Read more

"...What a yummy paradox. And he’s wise and patient and, yes, often the initiator of those inspired conversations I mentioned...." Read more

16 customers mention "Character development"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting how it starts right away with the main characters.

"...Justin and Gray are probably two of the best characters I have ever read about. Bearing witness to budding relationship was beautiful......" Read more

"Interesting and intense at times. I loved the dialogue between the characters...." Read more

"...a wonderful love story, endearing main characters, and a terrific crew of side characters (I'm already trying to figure out whose story comes next!)." Read more

"I love all the characters from this series...." Read more

15 customers mention "Romance"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a beautiful love story, with one customer noting how the couple complements each other in every aspect.

"...Starting from Zero is a beautiful love story. Two strangers meet and fall in love...." Read more

"...On top of being a really compelling love story, Starting from Zero was a fun read, due largely in part thanks to Charlie...." Read more

"...The sex scenes were hot too which is always a plus. Looking forward to the next book." Read more

"...Well written and I loved the MC's. They were a good match. But I found it a bit disjointed at times. Still a great read." Read more

7 customers mention "Emotional depth"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one review noting how the characters connect on a mental and emotional level, while another mentions the complete respect between them.

"...They connect on a mental and emotional level as well. Their dialogue was spot on!..." Read more

"Interesting and intense at times. I loved the dialogue between the characters...." Read more

"...They brought out all the emotions and feelings in me...." Read more

"...The drama/angst was kept to a minimum, and for the most part the characters were mature and gave each other the benefit of the doubt, which was..." Read more

6 customers mention "Humor"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, appreciating its witty banter and the fine art of intriguing conversation, with one customer noting it's snarky without being stereotypical.

"...He is snarky without being stereotypical. He is funny without inspiring even a single eye roll...." Read more

"...Justin and Gray made me feel all warm and fuzzy. I loved their witty banter and their comfortable conversations they had with each other...." Read more

"...It read like poetry and made me happy. And it made a good case for love." Read more

"...I think I’m a sucker for a good music story. Justin was a great craziness of Joy and Gray was so calm. I just loved them together!!" Read more

5 customers mention "Dialogue quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the dialogue in the book, with one noting the meaningful conversations and another praising the Michael Dean narration.

"...They connect on a mental and emotional level as well. Their dialogue was spot on!..." Read more

"...Because Lane Hayes does it so well using the tool of genuine and intriguing dialogue. Highly recommended." Read more

"...One plus I love about this story is the dialog. The characters talk. I mean hold full-on, meaningful conversations. 5/5 stars" Read more

"...That part was excellent- great pacing and dialogue...." Read more

4 customers mention "Heat level"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the heat level of the book, describing it as off the charts hot.

"...Their chemistry together was explosive and off the charts hot...." Read more

"Age gap, off the charts HEAT, romance, beautiful relationship development and banter galore! Gray and Justin were fabulous!..." Read more

"...Together they create a lot of heat!" Read more

"A good story, a happy ending but not the one you suspect, hot sex, over all I’d recommend to anyone looking for an easy read about two deep characters" Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one describing it as a beautiful start to the series.

"...Rock band character...say no more. Well written and I loved the MC's. They were a good match. But I found it a bit disjointed at times...." Read more

"Lane's start to this rocker series is the best. I actually read all the books and left the first for last...." Read more

"Another brilliant book and beautiful start to the series!..." Read more

Madly in love with these men!!
5 out of 5 stars
Madly in love with these men!!
In the beginning of the year, I made a list of the authors I wanted to read more of in 2019. Lane Hayes was at the top of my list and Starting from Zero confirms why. This book is brilliant! It has a sensational plot, but it's main focus is on the two extraordinary characters themselves and their stunning connection. Justin and Gray are probably two of the best characters I have ever read about. Bearing witness to budding relationship was beautiful... JUSTIN CUEVAS IS EXCEPTIONAL. From the moment I was introduce to him I was in awe. He is so deep and self aware with fiery, an unique personality that just draws you in. I could listen to him talk for hours. He's a struggling gifted musician. Who often gets in his own way of happiness and success. Gray Robertson is the perfect man! I loved him just as much as Justin just in a different way. He's a wickedly talented and established songwriter. He has money, prestige and fame, but prefers to be alone. Gray is contradiction. He's a complex man, who is simple. He doesn't need much to bring him happiness. I loved how humble and intense he is. He may be 18 years older then Justin, but after their chance meeting and hot hook up, both of men realize their instant connection isn't just physical. They connect on a mental and emotional level as well. Their dialogue was spot on! As the story progressed, they became so in sync their differences became insignificant. Starting from Zero is a beautiful love story. Two strangers meet and fall in love. The swirling plot surrounding them just added to their love story. The transparency between them gave me goosebumps and butterflies throughout the entire book. My only complaint.... I NEED MORE! I wanted the epilogue to keep going and never end.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    In the beginning of the year, I made a list of the authors I wanted to read more of in 2019. Lane Hayes was at the top of my list and Starting from Zero confirms why. This book is brilliant! It has a sensational plot, but it's main focus is on the two extraordinary characters themselves and their stunning connection.
    Justin and Gray are probably two of the best characters I have ever read about. Bearing witness to budding relationship was beautiful...

    JUSTIN CUEVAS IS EXCEPTIONAL. From the moment I was introduce to him I was in awe. He is so deep and self aware with fiery, an unique personality that just draws you in. I could listen to him talk for hours. He's a struggling gifted musician. Who often gets in his own way of happiness and success.

    Gray Robertson is the perfect man!
    I loved him just as much as Justin just in a different way. He's a wickedly talented and established songwriter. He has money, prestige and fame, but prefers to be alone. Gray is contradiction. He's a complex man, who is simple. He doesn't need much to bring him happiness. I loved how humble and intense he is.
    He may be 18 years older then Justin, but after their chance meeting and hot hook up, both of men realize their instant connection isn't just physical. They connect on a mental and emotional level as well. Their dialogue was spot on! As the story progressed, they became so in sync their differences became insignificant. Starting from Zero is a beautiful love story. Two strangers meet and fall in love. The swirling plot surrounding them just added to their love story. The transparency between them gave me goosebumps and butterflies throughout the entire book. My only complaint.... I NEED MORE! I wanted the epilogue to keep going and never end.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Madly in love with these men!!

    Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2019
    In the beginning of the year, I made a list of the authors I wanted to read more of in 2019. Lane Hayes was at the top of my list and Starting from Zero confirms why. This book is brilliant! It has a sensational plot, but it's main focus is on the two extraordinary characters themselves and their stunning connection.
    Justin and Gray are probably two of the best characters I have ever read about. Bearing witness to budding relationship was beautiful...

    JUSTIN CUEVAS IS EXCEPTIONAL. From the moment I was introduce to him I was in awe. He is so deep and self aware with fiery, an unique personality that just draws you in. I could listen to him talk for hours. He's a struggling gifted musician. Who often gets in his own way of happiness and success.

    Gray Robertson is the perfect man!
    I loved him just as much as Justin just in a different way. He's a wickedly talented and established songwriter. He has money, prestige and fame, but prefers to be alone. Gray is contradiction. He's a complex man, who is simple. He doesn't need much to bring him happiness. I loved how humble and intense he is.
    He may be 18 years older then Justin, but after their chance meeting and hot hook up, both of men realize their instant connection isn't just physical. They connect on a mental and emotional level as well. Their dialogue was spot on! As the story progressed, they became so in sync their differences became insignificant. Starting from Zero is a beautiful love story. Two strangers meet and fall in love. The swirling plot surrounding them just added to their love story. The transparency between them gave me goosebumps and butterflies throughout the entire book. My only complaint.... I NEED MORE! I wanted the epilogue to keep going and never end.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Interesting and intense at times. I loved the dialogue between the characters. It always feels more real in a dual POV to have that and not so much inner dialogue.

    Gray at 44 was a mature man and Justin was at 26 a younger adult male with honesty comparable to an angel.

    They were a switch couple in bed, the heat level was a bit lacking.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Justin might just be my favorite character Lane Hayes has written. From the moment he came onto the page I adored him. Although I haven't read all of her books, so I haven't yet met all of her characters, I feel pretty confident in saying it's going to take a lot to top him for me. Sorry Geordie. And, actually, Starting from Zero is quite possibly my favorite book of hers, too. Again, sorry Geordie.

    I love when an author creates two characters who are so different, but so perfect together. That's just what Ms. Hayes did with Justin and Gray. Gray is successful, wealthy, and put together, not to mention 18 years older. Justin is struggling, working 2 jobs plus trying to get his band up and running, not knowing what's next. But from that first anonymous hook-up you could just tell there was going to be something special between them. And boy, was there ever. I could not get enough of these two. They brought out all the emotions and feelings in me. As their story progress we got to see that there was much more to both Justin and Gray than what's on the surface.

    On top of being a really compelling love story, Starting from Zero was a fun read, due largely in part thanks to Charlie. He was a breath of fresh air, bringing a lightness to a story that could have gone down a more melancholy path, as Justin and Gray navigated their feelings, their jobs, their friends, and their backgrounds. This book really had it all- a wonderful love story, endearing main characters, and a terrific crew of side characters (I'm already trying to figure out whose story comes next!).
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I love all the characters from this series. And even though the main characters were unfamiliar, we got to hear from Rory a little from time to time.

    I enjoyed the flow in this book, it was very smooth and page turning. The sex scenes were hot too which is always a plus. Looking forward to the next book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    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.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Brown One
    5.0 out of 5 stars Regret leaving this on my TBR pile for so long!
    Reviewed in Canada on May 18, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This story had so much more substance than I gleaned from the blurb. Both main characters are well fleshed out and have believable backstories. There is nuance in the story and details are tidied up. It was an easy read. A good amount of heat and chemistry between the two mc’s and mild-moderate angst mostly due to the perceived imbalance of the established wealthy older Gray and Justin who’s still struggling to find his feet. I’m not always into the ‘age gap’ trope but this one felt more incidental. Certainly it was a significant element but not garishly so. I’ll be looking for the next book in this series.
  • SMorris
    4.0 out of 5 stars Starting From Zero
    Reviewed in Australia on July 4, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Gorgeous story with magnetic characters. This book gives you a look behind the scenes of a young and upcoming group, trying to navigate their way through the backstabbing world of music. I loved how Lane Hayes bought the subject of ADHD into it and how Justin managed to deal with it, his musical talent and find love. Justin and Gray have an understanding of deep emotional connections and work hard together to put them onto paper. A great read 🎶❤️🎶
  • Sunshine
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Rocking M/M Romance!
    Reviewed in Germany on October 27, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book has it all, a rocking MM romance, wonderful characters, funny moments, deep feelings and an anti hero,Justin, who mostly messes things up. until he doesn't. Thank goodness,there is Grey, the older guy, established song writer and hot guy. You'd think,the young rock musician trying to make it big with his band while sleeping on his friend's couch and seasoned professional don't have much in common beyond the music genre. And yet, after instant lust brings them together for a night, they find themselves unable to forget each other until they meet again and feelings start to run deeper. Buf lives throws several curveballs which the two master not always successfully but with much charm and a well deserved happily ever after.
  • Edga
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I had been highly anticipating this book for a while now, Justin was a character that we'd met in a previous book, and I was dying for his story to be told. I was so excited to finally dive into it. It was so definitely worth the wait!

    Justin had so much emotional baggage buried in his past, but I loved his attitude to life and his courage to meet things head on and overcome them. His integrity was amazing. Gray was just this amazing, kind soul. He and Justin fit together so well. In fact, I'd go so far to say that they're right up there amongst my favourite characters.

    It's, of course, very well written, with a great storyline and plot. It's a passionate and emotional read, which made for a very nice romance. Also, loved meeting Christian and Rory again, characters from one of Ms Hayes' previous books.

    It is written in dual POV, which I do like, giving the reader much more of the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. The epilogue was swoon worthy and there's a puppy 😍🐕

    I'm so hoping for more from this series, there were a couple of cracking secondary characters introduced in the story. Can't wait.
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Ok read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 6, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book is ok, I liked the characters and the storyline. It's and easy book for when you dont want to much angst or intrigue.

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