Striking a Chord at Randy's

Diner Days

by K.C. Carmine

Can a rocker fall for a gym bunny? Nah, no way. But what if the big, muscly guy looks sad? Well…

Moving out of his hometown gives Trent the freedom to shape his life the way he wants, out of his brother’s shadow. Running into his childhood friend is not what he expected, but exactly what he needed. Amidst the chaos of new discoveries, his closeness to Charlie unlocks his heart and mind.

With supportive family and friends, Charlie lives as his true self. His past comes stumbling into his life in the shape of a muscled, cute-as-a-cupcake guy who shakes the foundation of the walls around Charlie's heart.

The new feelings threaten to jeopardize their friendship after they just got it back.

A story of a rekindled friendship, a bi-awkening, opposites attract, and trans joy.

A standalone MM book (with a trans man) from multi-author, shared world Diner Days series.

Striking a Chord at Randy’s is a low angst M/M opposites attract romance between a trans male music lover and a lost boy about to have an awakening.

Multi-author series info: Love beyond the binary: serving up low angst trans romances at Randy’s Diner.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Transgender, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Romance, Queer

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2024

About the author

K.C. Carmine loves writing about people falling in love with a focus on characters and their (very spicy) journey to HEA. As a member of the queer community, it is important to her that her writing reflects the diversity of voices around her. While she is a lover of romance, she also enjoys horror, paranormal and mystery stories. When she’s not writing, she likes travelling, playing the guitar, video games, and reading.

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Reviews

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Randy's series so much.
Always celebrating every different sexually and every type of relationship.
At the moment I really need low-angst, so Randy's is perfect.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Striking a Chord at Randy´s is the sixth book in the multi-authored Diner Days series.

This time it's Charlie and Trent's turn, who were childhood friends before Charlie was himself. They lose touch, years later they meet again in Boston.

Trent, needing a fresh start, moves to Boston, working in a construction company, but his dream is to own an inclusive gym. One day, he walks into Randy's, meets the members of an amateur music group, is invited to a concert, when he discovers that Charlie and he knew each other in their childhood.

Charlie is a writer for a music magazine but his real passion is performing with his band. After Trent realizes that he is his childhood friend, they begin a relationship, as Trent has an awakening and they decide to explore that side of Trent's sexuality together.

They have a very nice dom/sub dynamic, Charlie always cares about Trent, both in the bedroom and out.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beefy gym bunny himbo and a transmasc rocker reconnect at a 50s-themed diner - I was not prepared for the spice and gosh dangggg was it spicy!! But also so adorable and inspiring. Overall a great read 😊

[Billy ⋆｡･☽･⋆* (semi-hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 full stars! Such a beautiful story with beautiful main characters! 🥹 Love them so much!

Thank you, K.C. Carmine for a chance to read this book for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.

I enjoyed this book a lot! Full of important messages throughout the story, and everything very well written!
I cannot have favorites, it's just not possible, both of the MCs are incredible on so many levels. This book is heartwarming, hilarious, inspiring, and so much more... All of the side-characters are amazing! From Randy's crew to Charlie's friends to Trent's sister.

Me after reading this book: I want to make dino-shaped pancakes so bad 😗!

The intimate scenes were great!! It's all very well written, their POVs completing each others. It's kinky, hot, sexy, and fun.

Definitely recommend this book if you're looking for romance with many funny moments, and well developed main characters. Definately will read it again🩷!


Trent's POV

》"Well, Charlie didn’t seem to notice; he was too busy retrieving the neon pink bands.
“Let me guess—no one would steal them?” He waved the rubber in the air as he brought it over.
“Exactly.” I grinned (...)"《 - the neon pink bands Trent used at the gym lol

》"The gasp that left me was probably the same sound I’d make if he’d gone on one knee. “It’s pink.” I poked the plastic contraption with a finger and grinned.
“So no one would steal it.” Charlie smirked, taking it out."《 - a bit of a compromising scene lol, but it's still SO funny 🤭

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[Lionelle Pmuls (That's Slump Backwards & It's What I Do) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 Horniest Lollipop (Kisses) Stars

ARC Read: 02/10/2024
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you, K.C. Carmine for this gift. 🥰

What to expect from this book? 🤔

❤️🔥 Adult MM Trans Romance 🥵💦
🌈🏳️‍⚧️👉A Trans Man & A Cis Man MCs
😚👉Childhood Friends To Lovers
🎸 Rocker x 🧁 Gym Bunny 🥞
🤌 Sized Difference
🤌 🤌 Insta-Crush/Lust
👉Opposites Attract 🧲
💪 Horny Sub, Golden Retriever Himbo 🍓🍭
&
😽🤘 Dom Vibes With Black Cat Energy 🎶
😳🗝️Treasure Chest Full Of Wonders 🤔
🥵 BDSM 🪢 SPICY 💦
🥴👉Edging 🫢 (Cock Cage)
👉Bisexual Rep & Awakening
👉Queer First Time (Please Teach Me 😗🍭)
🤏Hidden Identity For A Day
🌍 Very well written, funny, cute, goofy plot & trans joy
😌🙌 ATTENTION: This Book Is The Safest Place For Queer People To Laugh And Enjoy Themselves

Series: Diner Days #7
Cover: 4/5
Ebook: ARC
Story: 5/5

This book is funny, goofy, adorable and cute without being overly mushy.
It has Queer rep, low angst, great world-building (the diner *dreamy sigh*), lovable characters, AND it’s KINKY….very very hot indeed!!!
Urgh......it's a balm for your heart, mind, soul, body...
This is simply the perfect trans comfort queer read, the best!

🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶Q🍓u🎶o🍓t🎶e🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶

”Charlie: We’d struck a chord that first day at Randy’s and the note was still playing, growing louder. The taste of strawberry chapstick on his lips was a sweet promise of the carnal pleasures he had to offer.”

🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶

Genre/Trope: Adult/MM Trans Romance/Trans Joy/Aesthetic Romance‎/Dirty Talker‎/Trans Rep/Friends To Lovers/LGTBQIA Plus/Love Trans-M/Love M-M/‎New Authors‎/Opposites Attract‎/Sweet Tooth‎/BDSM/ARC/
Content/Trigger Warnings:moderate low self-esteem and moments of self-deprecation, mentions of mistreatment, low-key alcohol consumption and contains BDSM elements
Plot: 5/5
POV: 2

Main Characters:
5/5 –Charlie, 20s, he/him, trans, patient, kind, dom vibes, black cat energy, a badass lyricist, loves music and plays in a band called “77 Rotary Road”. 🎤🎸🎶
5/5 – Trent, nickname Cupcake, 20s, he/him, cis, himbo, gym bunny, big goof, blushing golden retriever with a newfound bratty behavior, basketball lover, adores all things strawberry and is a lollipop crusher. 🍭🍓

Charent (ship name) are just sooo cute!
What I liked most about their relationship was their communication. They understood each other like no one else and were eager to learn everything about one another after so many years apart.

Trent’s eagerness to explore the intense chemistry he felt toward Charlie and embrace this new part of himself was super caliente.
As Charlie put it “My sweet summer child, my Trent, was going through a major awakening.” 😚
Charlie is the best… so patient with Trent, and it melted my heart. 🥹
They are just sooooooo adorable together!

Ufff… this book is so spicy and kinky… perfect for Charent.
Trent is such a horny mess for Charlie, and I ENJOYED every minute of it.

What I loved most about Trent were his Kronk himbo vibes, which I found hilarious and super cute.
“The Emperor's New Groove” is one of my fav movies (it just screams queer vibes)! I think this year (2024), I’ve watched it around ten times or more with my sib!

🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶Q🍓u🎶o🍓t🎶e🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶

"Charlie: He was the home I left behind, the easy laughs, and the sunny days. But he was also a piece of my past that welcomed my present with open arms and heart.
He was too good."

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Side Characters: 5/5

Let's start with the Diner.
The Diner is a wet dream to any queer person.
The calming, relaxing (and fun) vibes during the diner scenes were chef's kiss. It's so inclusive, a true queer safe space.

All of Charlie’s friends: Hal, Laurie, Trixie and Sabrina (the last two are part of 77 Rotary Road) were super cool and awesome!
Every interaction between them had me laughing so hard.

I have to say, that first concert Charlie’s band invited Trent to was one of my favorite moments. The way Trent was completely transfixed by Charlie (pun intended? 😅) was described so well.

🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶Q🍓u🎶o🍓t🎶e🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶

"Charlie: “Hands up! FBI!!” Hal yelled as he stormed in holding Laurie’s hand. As usual, when they visited after work, he and his husband wore three-piece suits in sensible shades of gray.
“What happened?” Trent looked from us to the newcomers, raising his hands up slowly.
“Chill, I was just kidding.” Hal patted Trent’s shoulder.
“We call them the FBI because of how they dress.” Sabrina elbowed Laurie. “But we enjoy having our lawyer boys at parties. They’ll loosen their ties soon enough. This is Hal and Laurie.”
“I’m Trent.” Trent shook hands with them as they sat next to us on the sofa. “I sense a story there.”
“Oh yeah, and it’s a fun one.” Laurie said, smoothing his smartly-cut hair back."

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Humor: High Focus
Angst: Low Focus
Steam Level: 5/5
Romance: High Focus
Cheating? No
Cons:The only thing I didn't need was the specifics on the food. My favorite kinds of books are the ones that don't describe the food the characters are eating in every scene, or at least only once or twice. It's not just because I'm vegan—I respect everyone's choices—but I also don't think it's necessary to define a character's lifestyle or personality by their food preferences. That's why I don't read chef or food-related books. That being said, this one is relatively tame, besides detailed descriptions of the “traditional American breakfast”, bacon and eggs (which, for me doesn’t add much to the story).
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger? HEA
Favorite character? Trent (but also Charlie…couldn’t help myself!)
Would I read more of this author? YES
Would I recommend this series? Yes Yes Yes Yes
Will I read this again in the future? YES

This is my 1st book by K.C. Carmine.
Enjoyment: 5/5

🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶Q🍓u🎶o🍓t🎶e🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶

"Charlie: “You have uncovered my evil plan, Detective.” I waved a hand in a grandiose gesture and reveled in Trent’s joyous laughter. “So you brought coffee and snacks, but expect me to go straight to fuckeroo, my Cupcake?”."

🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶🍓🎶

sorry, not sorry for only displaying Charlie quotes 🤗


🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Diner Days Series: 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
💙1,0. Written At Randy's by Katherine McIntyre - MX trans masc & bigender MCs - 4,5 stars 💙
💖 2. Final Boy At Randy's by Loren Leigh - MM trans guy & cis guy MCs - 4 stars 💖
🤍 3. Cramming at Randy's by Alex Silver - XX genderqueer & demiboy MCs - 4 stars 🤍
💖 4. Temptation At Randy's by Emily Alter - FX trans femme & non-binary MCs - 4 stars 💖
💙 Expected on 19/10/2024:
5. Hitched At Randy's by A.E. Madsen - MM trans guy & cis guy MCs💙
💖 6. Gaming At Randy's by Duckie Mack - MM trans guy & trans guy MCs - 5 stars 💖
🤍 7. Striking a Chord At Randy's by K.C. Carmine - MM cis guy & trans guy MCs - 4,5 stars 🤍
💖 8. Composed At Randy's by Zile Elliven - MM trans guy & cis guy MCs - 5 stars 💖
💙 Expected on 07/11/2024:
8. Roleplay At Randy's by Rikki Leighton - MM trans guy & cis guy MCs💙
💖 10. Finding Home At Randy's by Abrianna Denae - MMX trans guy & trans guy & non-binary MCs💖
🤍 Expected on 31/10/2024:
11. Aftercare At Randy's by R.A. Frick - FXM trans femme & non-binary & trans masc MCs🤍


🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈P.S. There even exists a FB Group made by the authors.
Here is the link if you're interested: Diner Days Reader Group.🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

🎶🍓🎶B🍓o🎶n🍓u🎶s🍓B🎶o🍓n🎶u🍓s🎶🍓Q🎶u🍓o🎶t🍓e🎶🍓🎶

"Charlie: “How are you doing?” I poked Trent’s front bulge with the back of my hand.
He gasped, but stayed in place. “This evil device accumulates the horniness and now it’s even stronger. I need your help, Charlie.”
“What kind of help?” I crossed my arms and propped a hip against the counter.
He danced his fingers down my forearm to my hand. “Make me feel like before. Like I’m yours.”."

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!! I don't equate fiction stories to real life. It's a matter of personal taste and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect and remember that it's just a book!!

Hope this review was helpful.

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[San Lemonade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diner Days Series: All Trans Romance
Striking a Chord at Randy's by K.C. Carmine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars

My first book by K.C. Carmine and I loved it!
⬆️ ARC Read

💙💓🤍💓💙
🏳️‍⚧️ Trans Contemporary Romance With A Focus On Gender Reflection.

👉💪🏋🍭 MC: Trent ( aka Pancake Boy or aka Cupcake, only for Charlie)👉 he/him 20s, blonde hair, blue eyes, kind and sweet, he's ripped and loves working out and going to the gym, and... he is so cute when he blushes.
Needing a fresh start, away from his brother’s shadow and the small-town mindset, he moves to Boston to work at his uncle’s construction company. Lately he doesn’t feel comfortable in the gym, where it is hard to be surrounded by the stereotype of men constantly bragging about what they had done or planned to do with women.
He isn’t interested in being part of such toxic environments, and it makes him uneasy to be around that kind of energy, making him "literally" want to run away from those spaces.

👉🎼🎶🎸📝 MC: Charlie👉 he/him 20s, brown eyes, slim body, red-tipped black hair, and he likes to style it messily (punk hair) and wear smudged eyeliner when he performs, he's kind and sweet.
As a trans man, after years on testosterone, top surgery, and growing facial hair, he feels amazing and, more importantly, comfortable in his body. He loves being recognized by others as his true self.
He works at Boston Hill Mail (a tiny local paper), singer-songwriter, also a guitarist🎸 and singer 🎤 in a band, this is his true passion, performing with his band.
His crew:
🎶🎸 Sabrina: bassist and singer.
🎶🥁 Trixie: drummer and singer.
🎶🤘👏 Hal and Laurie aka Mulder and Krycek: lawyers and the band's number one groupies.

🔀 Dual First-Person POV
😍💪Gym Bunny Bisexual 🏳️‍🌈 X 🤘👅 Rocker Trans-Male 🏳️‍⚧️
👉 Bisexual Rep & 🌄 Awakening
👉 Coming Out
👆 Self Acceptance
😜🚲 Childhood Friends 🍊
❤️‍🔥 Rekindled Friendship
☺️ Friends to Lovers
🧲 Attraction At First Sight
😅 Opposites attract 🧲
🐕 Golden Retriever Sunshine x Black Cat Energy 🐈‍⬛
😅🥞🦕 Welcome Pancakes 🦖🥞
🤣 Hilarious moments

😏 Size difference (I love it)
🔥🔥🔥BDSM (🍋)
🥵 Hot Muscled Guy Gets My Blood Pumping 🌋
🥵⚡️Sexual Tension 🧨🧨
🥵 Sex On Legs
🥵 Spicy: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
👆 Hurt & Comfort

👉 Low-Angst
👉 No Cheating Happens
⚠️ Casual Alcohol Consumption
⚠️ Body Dysphoria
⚠️ Mentions Of Mistreatment
⚠️ Mentions Of Gender Affirming Care And Surgeries

👉 Found Family
👉🏳️‍⚧️ Trans Joy
👏 Solid Character Development
💯 Best Side Characters
👉 Can Be Read As A Standalone
😍 Love The Ending
😍 HEA

Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars

👉🏳️‍⚧️ 📖 This book is phenomenal, a true safe space for queer people.
A n absolutely captivating story… so sensual and wonderfully written.
It's an easy read, and I really enjoyed it!👏

🥰 The MCs are undeniably lovable, with personalities that leap off the page, making it impossible not to get attached to them.

👉 Everything started when Charlie runs into his childhood friend Trent, Trent doesn't recognize him because the Charlie he remembers wore overalls, had pigtails, and rode a pink bike. It's been over a decade since they last saw each other.
In this first encounter (by coincidence), a series of misunderstandings occurred between Trent, Charlie, and his band. Trent ends up accepting an invitation for their gig that night.
💥Trent was dazzled, especially by Charlie, who to his eyes seemed like a magical and sensual figure, as well as by the band's performance and the energy all around.
It was at the party after the show that a mix of situations and feelings arose. Mutual attraction hovered in the air between them, and the rekindling their childhood friendship, leading them to spend more time together...

👉 During this time, Trent experiences a personal awakening, and he’s not set on a label, but pansexual feels right to him. He’s definitely not straight, and he and Charlie decide to explore this side of Trent's sexuality. 😏

🔥🌡🥵 It's beautiful to see how Charlie always takes care of Trent in their dom/sub dynamic, which is wonderfully balanced both in and out of the bedroom, while maintaining a deep and genuine friendship.

💭👍With the full support of their friends and family, they are able to accomplish their goals. They are living proof of how the queer community supports each other in living their fullest lives and pursuing their dreams.

▪︎FAV QUOTES▪︎

😵‍💫 ■ "Trent: The uncanny magic of eyeliner was that it made everyone hotter, but holy shit, did it look fantastic on Charlie. The rockstar smudge accentuated his deep brown eyes that reflected the overhead lights, and his red-tipped black hair, messily styled, matched the black t-shirt and red suspenders hanging at the sides of his jeans." 🤤

🤧 ■ "Charlie: “You’re my Charlie?” His whisper was quiet.
“Yeah. I’m just living as my true self now.” Would he understand?
Tears welled in his eyes, and I panicked.
“I’m so sorry, Trent, please let me explain.” Air whooshed out of me as he crushed me to his chest. Geez, the dude could collapse my lungs if he squeezed harder. I patted his back and breathed through my nose. His citrusy cologne and the warmth of his body invoked memories of us sitting on his porch and eating oranges, then riding bikes to the park with our hands sticking to the handlebars.
The wheeze that came out of me was involuntary and Trent let go of me, holding me at arm’s length.
“I missed you. For over a decade, I wondered what happened to you. One day you told me your dad got a better job in the city, and the next thing you were gone."

🥵🛁🧼🧽🌡■ "Charlie: Trent’s eyes on my body, the scars and tattoos. The lust in his expression was the most affirming gender care I could have dreamed of.
I took Trent’s hand and put it on my chest. “You can touch me, Cupcake.”
He towered over me, so much taller and bigger, but he didn’t loom. On the contrary, he looked at me for guidance.
“Wherever I want?”
“Yes. I’ll stop you if it’s something I don’t like.”
He nodded, his gaze full of wonder as he traced his fingertips over the guitar tattoo that spanned from my shoulder to my forearm."🥵🌡🔥

😍 ■ "Charlie: Sharing my songs for the first time with someone whose opinion mattered to me was scary and intimate.
And that’s why I wanted to share it with Trent so much."
...
■ "Trent: ...It was light, like grass after rain, reminding me of our time sitting in the tent in the backyard when it was pouring. He had understood me then, accepted the chubby kid who could never get an A on any test, but could talk a mile-a-minute about some random NBA game.
He pulled away and held my face in his hands. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, the lyrics touched me on a deep level. I know you probably sing about different struggles, but your words hit me.”
“That’s what music is made for. If it resonates with you, then the meaning is as you interpreted it. It’s a bit shit that it’s true for so many people, though.”🥺

🏋🎶💪🎶🎸 👍I'm definitely going to read this again. 🎸🎶💪🎶🏋

😍 I'm looking forward to reading the following books on this series and learning more about the trans community.

😉 Thanks for reading hope this helps you out!

Diner Days Series:
1. Written At Randy’s - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
2. Final Boy At Randy’s - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
3. Cramming at Randy's - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
4. Temptation At Randy’s - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
5. Hitched At Randy’s - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
6. Gaming at Randy's - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
7. Striking A Chord At Randy’s - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
8. Composed At Randy’s - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
9. Roleplay at Randy's - Coming 15/12/2024
10. Finding Home At Randy’s - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
11. Aftercare at Randy's - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars

I received this book as a gift from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

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[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, here we are again, another great addition to the at Randys series! KC is known for their more angst and high heat writing. Well, they prove that with this book, they can write the same heat in a low angst sweet story. Just proves to show what a great collection of authors that was put together to make this series the way it was meant to shine.
Charlie & Trent were childhood best friends who needed to have time apart to Charlie could have a true fresh start at becoming his true self. When Trent moves to Boston and happens to stop in Randys, he gets the surprise of a lifetime. These two are so dang sweet for each other yet are pure fire in the bedroom. Trent may be new to the queer scene but takes to it like a duck in water with the watchful eye of Charlie. Both these men have big dreams, and the love and support of their friends and family are able to achieve those and so much more. They show us much the queer community supports one another to live their biggest lives in this beautiful story of rocker and future gym owner.

[Isaiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

To see a full review check it out here.

The world really needs more himbo submissive bottoms and trans dominant tops. Just saying.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 “Strawberry Cupcake” ⭐ Stars
A sweet MM romance where childhood besties reconnect, friends to lovers, kinky fun 😏, following dreams, Opposites Attract, Biawakening, a lil Size Difference, music & gym, acceptance, belonging & care 🥰.
I loved Trent & Charlie! Devoured my #ARC within 4hrs.

Charlie loves music & is part of a punk-rock (up & coming!) band. C's confident, protective, caring & got the hot rockstar swagger. He's a transman with great friends & fam!
Trent is a muscled himbo/gym-bro. T's such a sunshine sweetheart 🥺, a talker (#relatable) & soo adorable & sweet.

I liked to see them reconnecting, T out here stealing hearts 🥺❤️. T exploring his sexuality & kink with C was awesome to see! These 2 also helped eachother advance in their careers which I loved! Vulnerability & so cute. They thought they started as just benefits but their feelings didn't get a memo 😁.

I'd have liked to see the vers action that was just talked about 👀. The friends are great! Safewords Supremacy 🥳.

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😁😆🤭😍😤🥺😏😳😅😂🥺❤️🥵🥰🥳
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.5/5
Angst: 1.5/5
Dark: 1/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Reconnected childhood friends to Lovers) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5

[K.R. Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunshine lollipop kisses!!

Sweetness personified, dreams for filled and hearts captured! These two are too sweet. I loved their journey, the give and take, the s3xual discoveries, the honesty - it's all wonderful!
I loved that they knew each other in primary school and reconnected as transformed adults. Trent is just lovable sunshine sweetness and Charlie helps make his dreams come true. They make each other better and I loved the songs, lyrics and inclusivity throughout. Such a beautiful story!!

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Striking a Chord at Randy’s by K.C. Carmine

🩷 Rocker x Gym Bunny
🩷 Opposites Attract
🩷 Trans MC
🩷 Pansexual Awakening
🩷 Rekindled Friends to Lovers
🔥 Light Dom/Sub, Cock Cage, Sex Toys, Public Sex

This is the first book I've read in the Diner Days series and I really enjoyed it!

Charlie and Trent were so different yet somehow fit together perfectly and I loved how easily they both slipped into wanting something more after reconnecting as friends.

Trent especially was such a loveable guy, his strawberry lollipop obsession was incredibly endearing, and I loved how accepting he was of Charlie straight away. I also really loved Charlie's nickname for Trent, it was so sweet just like him!

Unfortunately the story lost a little steam for me towards the end, things felt a bit rushed and I wish we had another few chapters to truly flesh everything out.

Overall however, I really enjoyed this book. It was swoony, spicy, low angst and uplifting, and I will definitely be reading more of the books in this series!

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Humour: 🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺.5

First person dual pov 👀

CW (from author): mentions of mistreatment, mentions of gender affirming care and surgeries.

CW: mention of childhood therapy, anxiety, gender dysphoria.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie and Trent's story is so good, I love that they have a second chance at friendship after Charlie's family moved away when they were kids. There's now one rather large difference with Charlie now a man. Trent is the most accepting dland caring man, with true golden retriever vibes going on throughout the story but also, with an insatiable appetite for Charlie, which is a surprise to him as he always considered himself straight.
The two men have a great chemistry that intensifies the more time they spend together and as they explore more together. It turns out Trent is open to trying pretty much anything and marches with Charlie pretty perfectly when it comes to Dom/sub vibes.
They have a good group of people around them, those in Charlie's band and friendship group.
It's a sweet and sexy low angst romance that is so easy to enjoy from start to finish. The two men urge each other to follow their dreams, with the occasional nudging but of help to move things along.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie, a trans man runs into an old friend Trent, who doesn't realize who Charlie is, that he was a little girl when he knew him. Charlie and his band invite Trent to his concert and Trent realizes he is pan sexual, that he wants Charlie. This is one of the more sensual books I have read involving a trans person and their love is handled respectfully and openly. It's a great story with both guys pursuing their dreams and standing up for their values while maintaining a deep friendship. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Lydia R · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You're *my* Charlie?"

Oh my gosh. KC has this incredible ability to make you laugh, swoon, and cry in the same chapter, and she brought it with Striking A Chord.

Charlie and Trent are long lost friends - Charlie moved away suddenly when he was a teenager, and Trent never knew what happened to his bestie. Imagine his surprise when he walks into a diner.....

I'm so loving the Randy's universe. Everyone seems to be a gem, and I just want to go and sit in a booth for a full 24 hours and observe

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gym Bunny and The Rockstar!

Another great Diner Days book by another new to me author! Well written with lots of trust, communication, open door spice, uplifting and supportive, found family, and reconnecting as your true self! Trent and Charlie are relatable and their story was engaging and interesting from start to finish. Randy’s continues to be THE place to be although I wouldn’t mind joining Trent’s new gym!!

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A great addition to an excellent series, with low angst and scorching heat. Trent was absolutely adorable, and Charlie obviously had a great time helping him out with his pan awakening and growing interest in intimate play items and dynamics. Their communication skills were outstanding. The ending was delightful. Thanks to the authors for providing a positive series at a time when it is increasingly difficult to be trans.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Striking a Chord at Randy's is part of multi author series Diner Days. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the rest of the series. This is the story of Charlie and Trent who were friends as children and meet again at Randy's Diner. This is another wonderful low angst story with lots of sweetness. It is so nice to see that KC can do sweet low angst as well as they do other high angst stories. I loved these two as they show their true selves to each other. I look forward to reading whatever KC writes next. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Mandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood besties, Charlie and Trent reconnect years later as adults. This story was equal parts hilarious, sweet, and steamy! One of my favorites so far in this series!!

[Louise Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the series, Charlie and Trent’s story was very sweet and low-angst to match the tone of the Diner Days world. Charlie and Trent were besties before Charlie moved away and became the person he is when they pick up their friendship and move to the next level. Both are chasing their individual goals and dreams and the love and support they share is cute and added a lot to the overall story which I enjoyed.

[Roxanna Mascarenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to Randy’s Diner collection.

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st person, past tense, dual POV
Charlie Murray (26-ish), journalist for the Boston Hill Mail and guitarist for 77 Rotary Road
Trent (26), general labourer for his uncle's construction company and aspiring inclusive gym owner

This one struck a chord with me, I just devoured it! It was a perfect light, but heartwarming, reconnection of childhood friends and it hit so good. It had a great amount of story for its length, keeping the reader engaged and invested without biting off more that it could chew. I adored the meet-cute, having Charlie spy Trent across the crowded diner and approach him while protecting his identity as Trent's Charlie until he could feel secure in doing so. The hidden identity (which is my favourite trope) was masterfully incorporated here in a way that made sense and didn't drag on longer than necessary.

I adored that while they reminisced about time growing up as children together they also needed to forge a new relationship as adults. In doing so Trent was forced to reevaluate his perception of his own sexuality and while bi-awakening isn't my favourite trope and I thought it would have been something fun he could have realized about himself that Charlie would learn much like Trent learns that Charlie is trans, it was only superficially explored and wasn't a driving plot point. Instead, Trent's level of experience and naturally submissive role in the bedroom really took the front seat here and it was so perfectly done. Spicy, yet sweet, and I was gone over his need to be claimed as Charlie's, they suited each other so well.

I also really appreciated that while the bedroom activities were spicy fun the characters also took the time to get to know each other beyond it. As cheesy and silly as it is, I think two of my favourite scenes are when they take an interest in the other's interests, it's such an important part of being in a relationship and you could really feel their joy at spending time with each other. The icing on their relationship cupcake is that way they both do what they can to help make the other's dream come true, I was kicking my feet in glee near the end seeing them in action. I just love when characters work together to help each other achieve a goal or accomplish as task.

The epilogues were cute and sweet little bows to wrap everything up perfectly.

All that and the cast of secondary characters were vivacious and really rounded out the story, I'm especially loving the reappearance of other Randy's employees and regular customers. This series has been a hit with me.

I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

[Bluemoonchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]

Heartwarming and refreshingly low-angst addition to the Diner Days series, this romance reunites two childhood friends, Charlie and Trent, after a decade apart. Charlie has undergone a profound transformation - not just in terms of identity, but in embracing his truth as a trans man. The friend Trent knew as a child is still there, but he is stronger, more authentic, and more magnetic than before. On the surface, Trent is the stereotypical gym bro, but the energy and light he had as a child has dimmed. Charlie's reappearance in his life helps him realize that there's more to him than his workouts.

Trent's quick and open acceptance of his evolving feelings for Charlie is sweet - there's no existential crisis, no inner turmoil. Instead, Trent's bi-awakening is only the first step of him discovering who he really is. His willingness to break free from rigid heteronormative expectations to explore his sexuality is handled nicely, and in a way that showcases that love can be about parts not hearts.

There are tender moments, mutual respect, and easy acceptance of limits. The author does a sweet job balancing the sweet moments with the intimate explorations of a Dom/sub dynamic. The BDSM element is a relatively mild undercurrent to the narrative, but adds an interesting layer of complexity to their relationship. It's not gratuitous, not included just for the sake of adding some spice. It's written as a genuine exploration of their desires, with eager submission from Trent and amused, confident dominance from Charlie.

At it's core, this story is about more than just romance. It's about self-discovery and unlearning societal constraints. Charlie's trans identity is fully embraced without being an overwhelming focus of the story. And Trent's development is just as thorough as he ultimately breaks free from the stereotypes he's been defined by.

This is a celebration of friendship, love, and self-acceptance. If you're looking for a story with minimal drama, authentic representation, and just enough spice, you'll be charmed by this book.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75🌈

K. C. Carmine’s contemporary romance is a sexy sweet best friends to lovers romance with a twist. In a series that is centered around a Diner that is a safe haven for the LGBT community, the stories are themed on the same storylines and characters. Here Charlie, who transitioned once his family moved, is reunited with his best friend from childhood, Trent, who’s just arrived in town.

Carmine’s story has a number of big elements and emotional moments to explore. It’s been ten years since Charlie and Trent have seen each other, and the growth for each person in that time has been tremendous. Especially for Charlie. Then there’s Trent who’s recognizing that his sexuality is more fluid, pansexual than strictly drawn to one gender. There’s more. From a reunion of old friends who’ve had enormous changes in their lives to an intimate sexual relationship and love life, including a mixed everyday interactions.

It all occurs without much of the thoughtful communication you expect,especially of the exploration of important missed moments from all those years. For all the terrific characters, great aspects of the story, and even the relationship, for me, that it all came together so fast felt unreal.

It was like watching a sweet romance unfold but I never felt a connection because, imo, they were never grounded or believable. To have that would have needed more depth, layers, and time for the years apart and the growth they’ve undergone to be fully understood and explored between them.

Enjoy the story for the sweet sexy moments and romance the author intends.

Great cover!
Cover design by Cormar Covers

Diner Days series -11 books:
🔷Written at Randy's by Katherine McIntyre
🔷Final Boy at Randy's by Loren Leigh
🔷Cramming at Randy's by Alex Silver
🔷Temptation at Randy's by Emily Alter
🔷Hitched at Randy's by A. E. Madsen
🔷Gaming at Randy's by Duckie Mack
🔷Striking a Chord at Randy's by K. C. Carmine
🔷Composed at Randy’s by Zile Elliven❤️
🔷Roleplay at Randy's by Rikki Leighton
🔷Finding Home at Randy's by Abrianna Denae
🔷Aftercare at Randy's by R.A. Frick

[ash-reads-romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, I haven’t read anything this heart-warming and uplifting in a while. There are so many wonderful queer and trans people in my life and reading about a group of queer/trans friends was just so perfect??? and the plot WASN’T about their transitions or complications thereof? Like it was just them existing and finding love and achieving their goals like oh my gosh. LOVE it.

Anyway, our two mains are Charlie our transmasc, and Trent, his bestie from childhood who has wandered into his neighborhood diner. Charlie immediately befriends him and his whole band pretty much kidnaps him for their gig and after party where Trent discovers old photos of them together as kids. Charlie comes clean and you’d THINK there’d be drama cause hello TRANSITION but NO! Trent is just so happy to have his bestie back and nvm that he had some sparks ⚡️ from just seeing Charlie at the diner as a hot rocker dude.

It’s low angst as they flirt and hang out and Trent figures out really quick that he’s not straight and would like Charlie to help him explore his sexuality and things heat up (and omg do they ever) and we get some incredibly spicy and yet very sweetly intimate scenes with a nice sprinkling of D/s tones.

Both boys spend the back half of the book achieving their goals, an inclusive gym for all people for Trent the golden retriever gym bunny, and an original demo for his band for Charlie.

Spoiler alert: magic works in mysterious ways and the HEA is oh so satisfying

This story will leave you feeling so sweet and gooey inside. A comfort read for sure.

5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, feel-good read! I enjoyed every minute of this book. I loved how Trent talked about Charlie, how he loved everything about Charlie and how in awe of him he kind of was. I loved their dynamic aswell, I especially loved how needy Trent was. I also loved how Trent accepted Charlie from the get go, and how he always made him feel safe and happy. It was also great to see Trent being so open and eager, accepting himself aswell and leaning into the new experiences. I loved that they were each others biggest cheerleaders and how they helped each other.
I loved Trent's whole vibe of a golden retriever gym bunny, and he always felt like such a happy person.
I really enjoyed all of the side characters in this book and I loved all of the friendships.
I really enjoyed the fact that this book showed us that we can make things happen, we just have to believe in ourselves.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read about best friends reconnecting after a decade of silence, where one MC is a trans rocker and the other is a very enthusiastic gum bunny. The book is low-angst and has great vibes. Trent and Charlie are swoony and hot and I loved the progression of their relationship, it all felt so natural.

I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This another lovely addition to the Randy's lineup! I very much enjoyed this story featuring the adorable gym himbo Trent and the hottie rockstar Charlie! I am a sucker for childhood friends to lovers (especially when they are apart for a long time, then come together) and this hit all the right notes for me. I love their serendipitous reconnection (of course this took place at Randy's) and how that encounter and time with Charlie sparked a month-long research and introspection for Trent about his sexuality. I love that despite how insta things feel, they developed a bit slowly since they just start out with kisses before moving on to sexy times. Since they had that basis of friendship in their past, they fell comfortable with each other. While I loved both of the MCs, I think I love Trent just a bit more - he's adorable with his love of sweets/strwberry-everything and his eagerness to explore kinks and sexuality, plus...he endeared himself to me because he started catching feelings so early on. I love how they both encouraged the other to pursue their career dreams. And the nickname Cupcake? That won me over from the start. Their chemistry is undeniable and I am so glad they got their HEA.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Striking a Chord at Randy’s - Gym Bunny and Rockstar

‘The kiss was like our getting to know each other again—slow but intense, developing from innocent to passionate. He might be curious about many things, but he sure as f was an experienced kisser. Heat coiled in my abdomen as I cupped his cheek, feeling the stubble beneath my hand and on my face. Trent’s citrusy cologne was faint, but I inhaled it as I swirled my tongue over his. We’d struck a chord that first day at Randy’s and the note was still playing, growing louder.’

KC Carmine adds a musical romance to the Diner Days multi-author series, with Charlie and ‘Cupcake’s’ story.

Best friends, reconnecting over a dozen years later, find changes in themselves make them even more of a better fit. In a pan awakening, Trent realizes that his tomboy of a best friend just may be the love of his life. Rocker Charlie, several years into his trans journey, finds the very acceptance he has dreamed of with his submissive sweetheart of a best friend.

Dreams do come true for these two, who struck up a chord at Randy’s !

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of a multi-author series (Diner Days), but can be read as a standalone. Childhood bestfriends. Opposites attract. Transgender representation. Low angst. Light BDSM. Found family. Quick read. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.

Deciding to help a stranger in distress turns into a reunion between childhood friends Charlie and Trent. But the memories of their close friendship can’t compete with the current attraction between the hopeful rockstar and future gym owner.

I really appreciated that this story was low angst, and there was no hesitation between Charlie and Trent when they decided to explore beyond their newly reestablished friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed how they built their intimacy together with tons of honest communication and all the steamy interactions felt a little swoony as well. Charlie and Trent were likable and fully supportive and committed to each other, there were supportive secondary characters, and a lovely HEA. 4.5 rounded up

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

~Finished on October 3rd~~

Trent and Charlie's story is so sweet. These two men were once friends in their childhood before Charlie transitioned, and when Charlie had to move away, that was the end of their friendship.

Now many years later they have found each other once more, and are learning new things about one another.

I found both Trent and Charlie to be sweet characters, they each have gone through their own heartache and self discovery journey, but through that heartbreak and journey, they found each other. I thought the relationship between these two men developed naturally, and oh so sweetly.

I liked that they were able to pick up their friendship that they had years prior, and were able to grow and develop it further. Trent's character grew more and more as the story went on, and I love seeing how he casually accepted not only himself, but Charlie as well. Overall a great story!

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
This was another lovely low angst romance from the Diner Days series. I loved this one a lot, the amount of joy these two experience from finding each other again was my favorite. Trent and Charlie were childhood besties until Charlie moved away, so their reunion is wonderfully happy and poignant. There’s also some excellent found family vibes and I appreciate how the authors have built such a strong community of interesting personalities around Randy’s. I loved how the community shows up to support Trent in getting his new life and business in Boston on track. This is a lighter story than I usually read from KC Carmine and I loved the sweetness mixed with the steam, which is pretty amazing between Charlie and Trent. A really charming addition to the Randy’s universe.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.