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Starting From #3
Starting From Here
Listening Length: 8 hours and 23 minutes
Two bands, one goal, and a second chance....
Declan:
Everything is finally going well. I have a new band, a new label, and a debut album coming out. And then my drummer breaks his wrists. Just my luck. I need a quick replacement to record one more song, but my options are limited, and of course, the obvious candidate hates my guts. Okay, so I may have given him a few reasons over the years, but isn’t there an expiration date on holding a grudge?
Tegan:
I don’t trust Declan McNamara. Sure, he’s talented, smart, and has more sex appeal than any one person should be allowed. And yeah, he may be a rock star in the making, but beware - he’s trouble. However, our new record label’s survival may depend on a truce and extreme measures...of the fake boyfriend variety. If it’s our best shot at the big time, I’m willing to set the past aside and start over...here and now.
Starting From Here is a M/M bisexual romance rock and roll style...rival bands, fake boyfriends, and a second chance at a new love story. Each book in the Starting From series can be listened to as a stand-alone.
Two bands, one goal, and a second chance....
Declan:
Everything is finally going well. I have a new band, a new label, and a debut album coming out. And then my drummer breaks his wrists. Just my luck. I need a quick replacement to record one more song, but my options are limited, and of course, the obvious candidate hates my guts. Okay, so I may have given him a few reasons over the years, but isn’t there an expiration date on holding a grudge?
Tegan:
I don’t trust Declan McNamara. Sure, he’s talented, smart, and has more sex appeal than any one person should be allowed. And yeah, he may be a rock star in the making, but beware - he’s trouble. However, our new record label’s survival may depend on a truce and extreme measures...of the fake boyfriend variety. If it’s our best shot at the big time, I’m willing to set the past aside and start over...here and now.
Starting From Here is a M/M bisexual romance rock and roll style...rival bands, fake boyfriends, and a second chance at a new love story. Each book in the Starting From series can be listened to as a stand-alone.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 27, 2020
144 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Lane Hayes
106 books1,723 followersLane Hayes loves a good romance! She’s the bestselling author of the Out in College, Starting From, Better Than, A Kind Of, Right and Wrong, and Leaning Into Series! Lane loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). All things she can find in sunny SoCal where she lives with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
January 31, 2021
Audiobook and Story 2.75 stars
Michael Dean's narration wasn't good here. The voices were all jumbled up..
The POVs were all jumbled up too. I felt like I was listening to a single POV narration instead of Dual
POV. I kept confusing Teegan and Deacon. This was resolved towards the end at least.
The story was okay. My problem was, I was being told that Teegan and Deacon were enemies but I didn't feel it. Clearly this enemies to lovers trope is not everyone.
The sex was hot enough to keep me going.
Overall it was just eeh..
Michael Dean's narration wasn't good here. The voices were all jumbled up..
The POVs were all jumbled up too. I felt like I was listening to a single POV narration instead of Dual
POV. I kept confusing Teegan and Deacon. This was resolved towards the end at least.
The story was okay. My problem was, I was being told that Teegan and Deacon were enemies but I didn't feel it. Clearly this enemies to lovers trope is not everyone.
The sex was hot enough to keep me going.
Overall it was just eeh..
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July 10, 2024
Starting From Here is book three in the Starting From series by Lane Hayes. This is Declan and Tegan’s book! I’m reading this series as a box set and am reading them all together. So by now, I’m completely invested in this group of wonderful characters. This one is an enemies to lovers story.
Declan McNamara is twenty nine years old and is the lead singer and song writer for the group Jealousy. Tegan Monroe is twenty eight years old and is the drummer for Zero. Both bands are managed by Charlie and are signed by Scratch Records. Charlie is doing everything in his power to get both bands the publicity they need. Jealousy is about to put out their first album. Declan has one more song he wants on the album. In his opinion, it’s the most important song. But at the last minute, his drummer had an accident and broke both of his wrists. Dec needs a drummer to get his song on the album and Charlie has the great idea to get Tegan to sit in on it. Tegan is a gifted drummer but there is one problem. They can’t stand each other.
“Part of our story was over, but we were far from finished.”
Dec and Tegan started out as next door neighbors when they were kids and became inseparable. They were each other’s first kiss, their first crush. But when Declan’s family moved to another part of town, they drifted apart. But then as young adults just starting out in the music business, a manipulative woman named Xena caused a scandal that would pit them as enemies. Now, years later, they are both still holding grudges against the other. But underneath all that anger, their early bond is still there. A connection that never dimmed.
As the bands both gain popularity, they also embark on a tour together. Charlie is doing everything he can to keep the bands in a positive light but after all these years, Xena isn’t done messing with them. And Charlie has some creative ideas on how to win over her manipulations. The more time Declan and Tegan spent together, though, the more they forgot the past and started to get to know the men they were now. And the stronger their bond grew. But, both of these bands are on the verge of something big. Of surpassing any of their expectations. Is there room for anything else besides the music? Is there room for love?
I loved these two so much. I love all these guys so much. Charlie still dazzles me with his fabulousness. But with every book I read, I fall more and more for all of these wonderful guys. Since I’m reading the box set, I’m going to read Starting From Home, next. It’s a short story featuring Declan and Tegan and I can’t wait.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Declan McNamara is twenty nine years old and is the lead singer and song writer for the group Jealousy. Tegan Monroe is twenty eight years old and is the drummer for Zero. Both bands are managed by Charlie and are signed by Scratch Records. Charlie is doing everything in his power to get both bands the publicity they need. Jealousy is about to put out their first album. Declan has one more song he wants on the album. In his opinion, it’s the most important song. But at the last minute, his drummer had an accident and broke both of his wrists. Dec needs a drummer to get his song on the album and Charlie has the great idea to get Tegan to sit in on it. Tegan is a gifted drummer but there is one problem. They can’t stand each other.
“Part of our story was over, but we were far from finished.”
Dec and Tegan started out as next door neighbors when they were kids and became inseparable. They were each other’s first kiss, their first crush. But when Declan’s family moved to another part of town, they drifted apart. But then as young adults just starting out in the music business, a manipulative woman named Xena caused a scandal that would pit them as enemies. Now, years later, they are both still holding grudges against the other. But underneath all that anger, their early bond is still there. A connection that never dimmed.
As the bands both gain popularity, they also embark on a tour together. Charlie is doing everything he can to keep the bands in a positive light but after all these years, Xena isn’t done messing with them. And Charlie has some creative ideas on how to win over her manipulations. The more time Declan and Tegan spent together, though, the more they forgot the past and started to get to know the men they were now. And the stronger their bond grew. But, both of these bands are on the verge of something big. Of surpassing any of their expectations. Is there room for anything else besides the music? Is there room for love?
I loved these two so much. I love all these guys so much. Charlie still dazzles me with his fabulousness. But with every book I read, I fall more and more for all of these wonderful guys. Since I’m reading the box set, I’m going to read Starting From Home, next. It’s a short story featuring Declan and Tegan and I can’t wait.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
February 1, 2021
House cleaning first:
* I'd definitely recommend reading this series in order as much of the back story between the two MC is hashed out in first book particularly and all these folks are work colleagues, friends, band mates etc. Always in each other's business. In a good way.
* Crank up your favorite Zeppelin and enjoy.
Though this is tagged as an enemies to lovers/fake boyfriend thing to me it read more as a slow burn, getting-to-know-you again & really liking you of former childhood friends, separated by time, distance, misunderstandings, stubbornness, and that big favorite NOT TALKING. I liked it.
In her usual smooth but warm style Lane Hayes delivers two decent and charming guys who're clearly perfect for each other. I liked that once they decide to start talking again and do the smex too (though not necessarily in that order) they didn't lie to themselves about how/what they felt and that the Xena drama was external and more related to band PR issues but not something that affected them as a couple. Tegan is that adorable big guy who looks stern but has a heart of gold. He even decals all his stuff! Declan is the most charming and easy going frontman ever. He puts Justin to shame. They're clearly each other's Yin and Yang which had me scratching my head as to how they let a seeming non-issues, and to my reading, Justin's unresolved drama keep them in this fake enemies territory. I also wasn't too clear as to what happened in their early twenties? Mostly I'm thinking of sending Gray a letter suggesting he have a long talk with his boyfriend about not transferring personal drama onto others and more importantly to resolve it between the pertinent parties (Justin and Xena) and not drag in two bystanders like Tegan and Declan, casting them as friend to shield and enemy to hate. His animosity, especially after so much time has passed, makes no sense, smacks of poor character, and then it went poof in like a day. SMH. Plus friends are not around to approve of our relationships, they're there to hold our hair back when we barf after a long night of debauchery or crying over a bad boyfriend. I know these guys are artists and fittingly temperamental [ insert any rock & roll guy ever ] but I still wanted to give Justin a good shake.
Anyway ... enjoy T & Dec for their wonderful selves and shut down the other noise.
* I'd definitely recommend reading this series in order as much of the back story between the two MC is hashed out in first book particularly and all these folks are work colleagues, friends, band mates etc. Always in each other's business. In a good way.
* Crank up your favorite Zeppelin and enjoy.
Though this is tagged as an enemies to lovers/fake boyfriend thing to me it read more as a slow burn, getting-to-know-you again & really liking you of former childhood friends, separated by time, distance, misunderstandings, stubbornness, and that big favorite NOT TALKING. I liked it.
In her usual smooth but warm style Lane Hayes delivers two decent and charming guys who're clearly perfect for each other. I liked that once they decide to start talking again and do the smex too (though not necessarily in that order) they didn't lie to themselves about how/what they felt and that the Xena drama was external and more related to band PR issues but not something that affected them as a couple. Tegan is that adorable big guy who looks stern but has a heart of gold. He even decals all his stuff! Declan is the most charming and easy going frontman ever. He puts Justin to shame. They're clearly each other's Yin and Yang which had me scratching my head as to how they let a seeming non-issues, and to my reading, Justin's unresolved drama keep them in this fake enemies territory. I also wasn't too clear as to what happened in their early twenties? Mostly I'm thinking of sending Gray a letter suggesting he have a long talk with his boyfriend about not transferring personal drama onto others and more importantly to resolve it between the pertinent parties (Justin and Xena) and not drag in two bystanders like Tegan and Declan, casting them as friend to shield and enemy to hate. His animosity, especially after so much time has passed, makes no sense, smacks of poor character, and then it went poof in like a day. SMH. Plus friends are not around to approve of our relationships, they're there to hold our hair back when we barf after a long night of debauchery or crying over a bad boyfriend. I know these guys are artists and fittingly temperamental [ insert any rock & roll guy ever ] but I still wanted to give Justin a good shake.
Anyway ... enjoy T & Dec for their wonderful selves and shut down the other noise.
October 3, 2020
I don't understand what happened!
Lane Hayes used to be one of my favorite authors. Her earlier works, like the Better Than series and A Kind of series were so, so good.
But most of the books I've picked up lately have been rife with immaturity, unnecessary drama, and not much substance.
I miss Curt and Jack. I miss Matt and Aaron. I miss Seth and Paul.
Lane Hayes used to be one of my favorite authors. Her earlier works, like the Better Than series and A Kind of series were so, so good.
But most of the books I've picked up lately have been rife with immaturity, unnecessary drama, and not much substance.
I miss Curt and Jack. I miss Matt and Aaron. I miss Seth and Paul.
September 27, 2020
Definitely my favourite one so far in this excellent rock band based series from Lane.
Part second chances, part fake relationship and redemption, this narrative oozes with feelings and incandescent emotional vulnerability between Declan and Tegan.
Former best friends who were turned into 'enemies' through manipulation and bad feelings, Lane skillfully navigates their relationship development while they're on tour with their respective bands and I was rooting for them from the off.
While this book can be read as a standalone, I wouldn't recommend it because there would be some of the subtle layers missing from the previous books.
I really appreciated how both Tegan and his band mate and best friend Justin slowly realised Declan wasn't an enemy and that the drama was kept to a level which totally worked within the story.
Tegan and Declan reconnection came with loads of hot angry sex, something which Lane writes so very well.
But even from the first fraught encounter there is more there than just lust. The sense of something previous, a past that hasn't been forgotten in spite of all the efforts to do so.
I loved these two so much, I wanted them to forgive the hurts and admit that they still wanted each other but they needed to go on their own individual journey first.
When they do start that process though my heart was singing along and I was smiling throughout.
There's subtle humour laced with the feelings, the two bands mesh together into a substitute family and Tegan's own family also has an important role to play.
I loved his parents just from the small glimpses we get. Declan's mum isn't as instantly likeable but I also understood her motivations.
The Epilogue is all ends up awesome and I'm dying to find out who book four will be about (the sneak peek isn't in the ARC).
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Part second chances, part fake relationship and redemption, this narrative oozes with feelings and incandescent emotional vulnerability between Declan and Tegan.
Former best friends who were turned into 'enemies' through manipulation and bad feelings, Lane skillfully navigates their relationship development while they're on tour with their respective bands and I was rooting for them from the off.
While this book can be read as a standalone, I wouldn't recommend it because there would be some of the subtle layers missing from the previous books.
I really appreciated how both Tegan and his band mate and best friend Justin slowly realised Declan wasn't an enemy and that the drama was kept to a level which totally worked within the story.
Tegan and Declan reconnection came with loads of hot angry sex, something which Lane writes so very well.
But even from the first fraught encounter there is more there than just lust. The sense of something previous, a past that hasn't been forgotten in spite of all the efforts to do so.
I loved these two so much, I wanted them to forgive the hurts and admit that they still wanted each other but they needed to go on their own individual journey first.
When they do start that process though my heart was singing along and I was smiling throughout.
There's subtle humour laced with the feelings, the two bands mesh together into a substitute family and Tegan's own family also has an important role to play.
I loved his parents just from the small glimpses we get. Declan's mum isn't as instantly likeable but I also understood her motivations.
The Epilogue is all ends up awesome and I'm dying to find out who book four will be about (the sneak peek isn't in the ARC).
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
November 2, 2020
Declan and Tegan were fiery and explosive in more ways than one. They toggled between friends, acquaintances, and enemies before entering a weird truce, friends with benefits, fake boyfriend era that led to a love they've been destined for for years. Their road wasn't easy in the slightest, with a lot of history, misunderstandings, misconceptions, betrayal, poor decisions, and fear hindering their path to happiness, yet when they stripped all the negatives away, they fit beautifully. I loved seeing them reminisce about their childhood and families, and reveal sides of themselves the other either didn't know or had forgotten existed. They had to go through a lot of hard times with publicity, friends with grudges, family issues,, and the past coming back to haunt them, but sometimes adversity can make a relationship stronger. I loved that things weren't easily resolved with them; there was a lot of push and pull, doubts, and fear that they had to work through as they learned to trust and finally confront their past. This book will have you glued to the pages the minute you start reading, so you better clear your schedule cause nothing will get done until you read the final word. These band members and their stories keep getting better and better, and I can't wait to see what's in store for the next one.
September 30, 2020
This is definitely my favorite in this series so far.
Tegan and Declan had magnetic chemistry from the beginning - and also the enemies-to-lovers might have had a bit to do with it, as that trope is my bread and butter - although this was more like friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, but still ;)
Tegan is the drummer in Zero, and Declan is the guy who is seemingly their enemy that's been around the first two book, but now has his own band, Jealousy, that is working with Zero at the same label.
At first these two have quite the adversarial relationship, but we learn more about their relationship, like about how they were childhood best friends. They grew up right next door to each other, but when they were 12, Declan's mom moved them to orange county, and they lost touch. They were each other's first kiss with a guy when they were 15 after seeing each other for the first time in years, but they still didn't keep in touch much after that, and nothing came of it.
They had a fuck buddies thing when they were in their early twenties, but it didn't last long before they went their separate ways.
So distance, time and circumstances keep them pretty separate. But now that Zero and Jealousy are trying to work in the same space, things are slowly changing.
Especially when Jealousy's drummer gets into a surfing accident and breaks both his wrists, and Declan needs a temporary drummer to help him finish a track he wants to put on their upcoming album. Of course, Teagan does it, after some...persuading.
That sparks a renewal of their chemistry, the attraction they feel for each other. Only this time, they're more mature, and learn to put aside past hurts and get on better footing. Also they have deeper and more real conversations then they ever had before, and the falling for each other commences ;)
This third installment was so good, I couldn't put it down. I only did when sleep interfered with my reading 😜. Teagan and Declan were perfect together and just worked so well together. And seeing both Zero and Jealousy start to take off in this was fun to read. There was a little bit of drama with Xena, their former bandmate, but it didn't get too far. Justin was still weary of Declan, so he was another source of a little drama, but it doesn't get too far either, and Justin lets go of his animosity eventually.
So overall a wonderful third installment, I absolutely loved it. Highly recommend!
And the next book seems to be about Sean, Teagan's ex-boyfriend and...one of the band members, I don't know, seeing as it was in first person and the "I" was not named, so I don't know who it is. But will be interesting to find out who and to see their story. Can't wait!
Tegan and Declan had magnetic chemistry from the beginning - and also the enemies-to-lovers might have had a bit to do with it, as that trope is my bread and butter - although this was more like friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, but still ;)
Tegan is the drummer in Zero, and Declan is the guy who is seemingly their enemy that's been around the first two book, but now has his own band, Jealousy, that is working with Zero at the same label.
At first these two have quite the adversarial relationship, but we learn more about their relationship, like about how they were childhood best friends. They grew up right next door to each other, but when they were 12, Declan's mom moved them to orange county, and they lost touch. They were each other's first kiss with a guy when they were 15 after seeing each other for the first time in years, but they still didn't keep in touch much after that, and nothing came of it.
They had a fuck buddies thing when they were in their early twenties, but it didn't last long before they went their separate ways.
So distance, time and circumstances keep them pretty separate. But now that Zero and Jealousy are trying to work in the same space, things are slowly changing.
Especially when Jealousy's drummer gets into a surfing accident and breaks both his wrists, and Declan needs a temporary drummer to help him finish a track he wants to put on their upcoming album. Of course, Teagan does it, after some...persuading.
That sparks a renewal of their chemistry, the attraction they feel for each other. Only this time, they're more mature, and learn to put aside past hurts and get on better footing. Also they have deeper and more real conversations then they ever had before, and the falling for each other commences ;)
This third installment was so good, I couldn't put it down. I only did when sleep interfered with my reading 😜. Teagan and Declan were perfect together and just worked so well together. And seeing both Zero and Jealousy start to take off in this was fun to read. There was a little bit of drama with Xena, their former bandmate, but it didn't get too far. Justin was still weary of Declan, so he was another source of a little drama, but it doesn't get too far either, and Justin lets go of his animosity eventually.
So overall a wonderful third installment, I absolutely loved it. Highly recommend!
And the next book seems to be about Sean, Teagan's ex-boyfriend and...one of the band members, I don't know, seeing as it was in first person and the "I" was not named, so I don't know who it is. But will be interesting to find out who and to see their story. Can't wait!
November 5, 2020
3.5 stars
This one was sexy AF, these two were pure fire together. I loved the best friends in childhood/ennemies/fuckfriends storyline.
That being said, the drama was tiring. It was as bad as in the first book, while lacking the magic vibe that came with Gray. And why did we need to get Xena again? This author loves the crazy evil ex trope and I don’t.
Also, pretty much 100% of the problems Declan and Tegan ever had, as friends, or as lovers could have been solved by them simply talking to each other.
This one was sexy AF, these two were pure fire together. I loved the best friends in childhood/ennemies/fuckfriends storyline.
That being said, the drama was tiring. It was as bad as in the first book, while lacking the magic vibe that came with Gray. And why did we need to get Xena again? This author loves the crazy evil ex trope and I don’t.
Also, pretty much 100% of the problems Declan and Tegan ever had, as friends, or as lovers could have been solved by them simply talking to each other.
October 21, 2020
I finished this weeks ago and I don't know why I didn't review it or even just mark it as finished.
Now, I can't remember everything. The only note I made is this "Never really got the hate. Although I'm glad the girl kiss didn't come out and ruin it or that they didn't attend the banquet together I feel it is odd that it just went away."
I guess that kind of sums it up for me though. I didn't get this one. I didn't understand why these grown ups were so anti Declan when it seemed they all had a fault in what went down.
I think this was supposed to be a fake boyfriend romance and really, they didn't actually play fake boyfriends really.
It made me a little sad to think that they had grown up together and then just drifted apart.
I don't know but mostly I think I didn't like this one. and it took me forever to read and then forever to review.
Bummer. I'm a huge Lane Hayes fan.
Now, I can't remember everything. The only note I made is this "Never really got the hate. Although I'm glad the girl kiss didn't come out and ruin it or that they didn't attend the banquet together I feel it is odd that it just went away."
I guess that kind of sums it up for me though. I didn't get this one. I didn't understand why these grown ups were so anti Declan when it seemed they all had a fault in what went down.
I think this was supposed to be a fake boyfriend romance and really, they didn't actually play fake boyfriends really.
It made me a little sad to think that they had grown up together and then just drifted apart.
I don't know but mostly I think I didn't like this one. and it took me forever to read and then forever to review.
Bummer. I'm a huge Lane Hayes fan.
November 30, 2020
This one was okay.
Honestly, I didn't really get why they hated each other so much. Maybe I forgot all of that from one of the previous books.
And I kind of thought Declan was a dick.
Definitely enjoyed the second half more than the first.
Honestly, I didn't really get why they hated each other so much. Maybe I forgot all of that from one of the previous books.
And I kind of thought Declan was a dick.
Definitely enjoyed the second half more than the first.
September 27, 2020
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Stars
Starting From Here is the third installment in the Starting From series. I recommend reading in series order, not as a standalone, as not only are all the characters connected via Scratch, there is a conflict plot woven through.
In the previous two novels, the readers are taken on an angsty ride, featuring Tegan and Declan, all the way to a band that no longer exists, when both are in separate bands now yet contracted with the same record label.
In a mix of love-hate, second-chance romance, and friends-to-lovers, Tegan and Declan take readers on an angsty journey, especially when you toss in a fake boyfriend for publicity trope.
Tegan is holding a grudge over Declan leaving their previous band and going off to attempt with another member, along with the bad press that sprung up from it. To be honest, I wish I had reread the first two again, because I was still struggling to figure out why Tegan was holding a grudge when it was his actions that put it all into place. Yes, the villainess, Xena pitted them against one another, but no one forced him to mess around with Justin. So Justin and Tegan need to get off their high horses and admit their part in all of this. You can't set someone up if they aren't willing to participate in a behavior that would upset the other party. Just saying. That annoyed me to no end, in previous novels and in this one. The grudge was unfounded, the hate was unnecessary. Admit culpability, cut the true toxicity out of your life, and move on.
Declan is frustrated and hurt. He's not quite sure why Tegan hates him. Walking in on Tegan and Justin, then walking away, while keeping his mouth shut, he feels like the injured party here but is treated like a social pariah. Not only did he lose his bandmate, he lost his best friend.
I was at a loss myself. Wasn't Justin dating Xena? So even if he was set up, he was still a cheater, right? So the sanctimonious bs Justin kept laying on Declan seemed ridiculous. Who would want to be in a band with a bunch of shiftless members who would betray you at any turn, just saying. Leave that band and all the toxicity in the past and admit responsibility for its failure.
In my review of Starting from Zero, I commented on how the breakup and scandal was talked around yet such a huge focal point. Yet again, the same thing happened. Talked around yet a huge focal point of contention. So I guess rereading the first two wouldn't resolve this issue for me.
Am I correct about these events? Xena and Justin were dating, Justin and Tegan were caught fooling around by Xena and Declan. Xena and Declan broke from the group to start on something else. Xena used this to her advantage in the media. Even set up, why wouldn't they leave? Why wouldn't Xena be angry enough to smear them? Why assume Declan set it up? He wasn't dating either one of them. No one forced them to fool around. So I'm STILL confused on how Justin and Tegan blame Declan for ANY of this, and I thought that when reading the first novel.
This ongoing conflict seems to have some major flaws, while not fully explained. Tegan and Declan talked around it, sharing two or three broken sentences, and the inner monologue never explained events either, only how they each felt they were the victim. This conflict doesn't seem major enough, unless you were the one cheated on, which was Xena, who we are to see as an evil character.
As you can see Justin's nonstop warnings and animosity, maybe he ought to look back in the mirror and examine the situation. This made me feel as if all the growth Justin experienced during his novel was for nothing.
Declan was a sweet character, supportive and sensitive. He was diplomatic, even to Xena and his mother, both were overbearing and manipulative. Declan spent an entire novel trying to get his best friend back, trying to get his life on track, while being dragged back by not only his mother's unsupportive advice, Xena's coercion, but also Justin's gaslighting. Declan rolled with anything Charlie suggested, willing to take any crumbs Tegan would give him.
Deep down, I think Tegan was a strong character. I felt Justin behaved similar to Xena and Declan's mother, whispering toxicity in Tegan's ear. That's why I said Justin backslid. It was jealousy, not the worry and fear of a friend, at least that's how I perceived it.
Both men were being held back by the most important people in their lives. The sweetness of first love, the bitterness of first heartbreak, the love-hate of two hurt hearts attempting to rebuild what was previously broken. The romance was the slow-burn of friends shifting into lovers but the lust was intense.
When no one else was involved, when the guys forgot about the recent past and only lived in the present, with hope for the future, and with fondness of their childhoods, it was amazingly heartwarming and realistic.
A major con for me, women are either the worst of the worst or ready for sainthood, with no in between. Yes, I realize women like that exist in the world, and that a person can attract them due to their personality. But Declan's mom and Xena are one-dimensional.
Highly recommend to fans of the author, series, and MM Romance, particularly the rock star subgenre. I am looking forward to more in the series, whatever else the author writes next. I have a strong desire to reread the first two novels to see if my impression changes or not.
4 Stars
Starting From Here is the third installment in the Starting From series. I recommend reading in series order, not as a standalone, as not only are all the characters connected via Scratch, there is a conflict plot woven through.
In the previous two novels, the readers are taken on an angsty ride, featuring Tegan and Declan, all the way to a band that no longer exists, when both are in separate bands now yet contracted with the same record label.
In a mix of love-hate, second-chance romance, and friends-to-lovers, Tegan and Declan take readers on an angsty journey, especially when you toss in a fake boyfriend for publicity trope.
Tegan is holding a grudge over Declan leaving their previous band and going off to attempt with another member, along with the bad press that sprung up from it. To be honest, I wish I had reread the first two again, because I was still struggling to figure out why Tegan was holding a grudge when it was his actions that put it all into place. Yes, the villainess, Xena pitted them against one another, but no one forced him to mess around with Justin. So Justin and Tegan need to get off their high horses and admit their part in all of this. You can't set someone up if they aren't willing to participate in a behavior that would upset the other party. Just saying. That annoyed me to no end, in previous novels and in this one. The grudge was unfounded, the hate was unnecessary. Admit culpability, cut the true toxicity out of your life, and move on.
Declan is frustrated and hurt. He's not quite sure why Tegan hates him. Walking in on Tegan and Justin, then walking away, while keeping his mouth shut, he feels like the injured party here but is treated like a social pariah. Not only did he lose his bandmate, he lost his best friend.
I was at a loss myself. Wasn't Justin dating Xena? So even if he was set up, he was still a cheater, right? So the sanctimonious bs Justin kept laying on Declan seemed ridiculous. Who would want to be in a band with a bunch of shiftless members who would betray you at any turn, just saying. Leave that band and all the toxicity in the past and admit responsibility for its failure.
In my review of Starting from Zero, I commented on how the breakup and scandal was talked around yet such a huge focal point. Yet again, the same thing happened. Talked around yet a huge focal point of contention. So I guess rereading the first two wouldn't resolve this issue for me.
Am I correct about these events? Xena and Justin were dating, Justin and Tegan were caught fooling around by Xena and Declan. Xena and Declan broke from the group to start on something else. Xena used this to her advantage in the media. Even set up, why wouldn't they leave? Why wouldn't Xena be angry enough to smear them? Why assume Declan set it up? He wasn't dating either one of them. No one forced them to fool around. So I'm STILL confused on how Justin and Tegan blame Declan for ANY of this, and I thought that when reading the first novel.
This ongoing conflict seems to have some major flaws, while not fully explained. Tegan and Declan talked around it, sharing two or three broken sentences, and the inner monologue never explained events either, only how they each felt they were the victim. This conflict doesn't seem major enough, unless you were the one cheated on, which was Xena, who we are to see as an evil character.
As you can see Justin's nonstop warnings and animosity, maybe he ought to look back in the mirror and examine the situation. This made me feel as if all the growth Justin experienced during his novel was for nothing.
Declan was a sweet character, supportive and sensitive. He was diplomatic, even to Xena and his mother, both were overbearing and manipulative. Declan spent an entire novel trying to get his best friend back, trying to get his life on track, while being dragged back by not only his mother's unsupportive advice, Xena's coercion, but also Justin's gaslighting. Declan rolled with anything Charlie suggested, willing to take any crumbs Tegan would give him.
Deep down, I think Tegan was a strong character. I felt Justin behaved similar to Xena and Declan's mother, whispering toxicity in Tegan's ear. That's why I said Justin backslid. It was jealousy, not the worry and fear of a friend, at least that's how I perceived it.
Both men were being held back by the most important people in their lives. The sweetness of first love, the bitterness of first heartbreak, the love-hate of two hurt hearts attempting to rebuild what was previously broken. The romance was the slow-burn of friends shifting into lovers but the lust was intense.
When no one else was involved, when the guys forgot about the recent past and only lived in the present, with hope for the future, and with fondness of their childhoods, it was amazingly heartwarming and realistic.
A major con for me, women are either the worst of the worst or ready for sainthood, with no in between. Yes, I realize women like that exist in the world, and that a person can attract them due to their personality. But Declan's mom and Xena are one-dimensional.
Highly recommend to fans of the author, series, and MM Romance, particularly the rock star subgenre. I am looking forward to more in the series, whatever else the author writes next. I have a strong desire to reread the first two novels to see if my impression changes or not.
November 9, 2020
Tegan and Declan have a past, one that we have only been able to speculate about since the first book, STARTING FROM ZERO, where everything blew up between them but now we get the full story and what a story it is.
To be completely honest I wasn't sure if I would like Declan after the way he was portrayed previously but I really did like him and I loved him and Tegan together. Tegan's story really pulled at my heart strings because of everything he was currently going through with his family. Lane Hayes gives us a childhood best friends turned enemies which turns into a fake romance LOL I can keep going but in the end all that matters is that love prevails.
Read my full review along with an excerpt and GIVEAWAY here: https://bit.ly/NBReviewSFH
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
To be completely honest I wasn't sure if I would like Declan after the way he was portrayed previously but I really did like him and I loved him and Tegan together. Tegan's story really pulled at my heart strings because of everything he was currently going through with his family. Lane Hayes gives us a childhood best friends turned enemies which turns into a fake romance LOL I can keep going but in the end all that matters is that love prevails.
Read my full review along with an excerpt and GIVEAWAY here: https://bit.ly/NBReviewSFH
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
June 18, 2025
5 stars from me, my fave of this series so far, and I absolutely ADORED the epilogue. Great writing once again from Lane...I think this series is probably my favourite of all of hers that I've read, and will be added to my All-time fave series shelf at the end of book 4, Starting From Somewhere.
November 5, 2020
3.5 stars
This was my least favorite in the series so far. These two's background and dislike of each didn't really makes sense to me. The past drama was stupid and I kept waiting for some big secret to come out to explain it but it never did and I couldn't get past why they'd let a little misunderstanding become this big nonsensical drama. Them and the whole Xena thing was a super weak plot line imo.
The relationship itself was lovely. They were great together. Romantic, funny, hot as hell. I liked it a lot. I would have given the book a higher rating if not for the past nonsense.
This was my least favorite in the series so far. These two's background and dislike of each didn't really makes sense to me. The past drama was stupid and I kept waiting for some big secret to come out to explain it but it never did and I couldn't get past why they'd let a little misunderstanding become this big nonsensical drama. Them and the whole Xena thing was a super weak plot line imo.
The relationship itself was lovely. They were great together. Romantic, funny, hot as hell. I liked it a lot. I would have given the book a higher rating if not for the past nonsense.
December 6, 2020
I loved Declan, liked Tegan and I liked them together a lot... but the dramaaaaa!!!
The enemies-to-lovers trope was good but the constant bickering and infighting between the band and Xena was just too much for me. This fight is YEARS OLD and the same petty, bitchy arguments were being waged, as were mentioned in the first book and I felt like I was scrolling my Facebook feed. Ho hum.
The enemies-to-lovers trope was good but the constant bickering and infighting between the band and Xena was just too much for me. This fight is YEARS OLD and the same petty, bitchy arguments were being waged, as were mentioned in the first book and I felt like I was scrolling my Facebook feed. Ho hum.
September 29, 2020
You know, I wasn't sure if I'd like Declan (I had some preconceived notions 🙂), but I so did by the end. Starting From Here is a sweet & sexy romance that had:
-Enemies to lovers
-Friends to lovers
-Second chance
-Great relationship & character growth.
I loved getting to know the other sides of Teagan & Declan, as well, as catching up with the rest of guys.
I also love following both bands' journeys to stardom. I need to know what happens next, and who's coming next.
Lane, is too early to start asking for the next book? ;)
-Enemies to lovers
-Friends to lovers
-Second chance
-Great relationship & character growth.
I loved getting to know the other sides of Teagan & Declan, as well, as catching up with the rest of guys.
I also love following both bands' journeys to stardom. I need to know what happens next, and who's coming next.
Lane, is too early to start asking for the next book? ;)
October 2, 2020
Declan and Tegan
I enjoyed reading Declan and Tegan journey to HEA.
Starting From Here its a quick pace, heart-warming , sweet, low in angst , über steamy and hot story with medium to low drama.
Looking forward listening the audio version of it .
I enjoyed reading Declan and Tegan journey to HEA.
Starting From Here its a quick pace, heart-warming , sweet, low in angst , über steamy and hot story with medium to low drama.
Looking forward listening the audio version of it .
October 16, 2020
4 stars!
I have a confession to make - I didn't read the first two books in the series even though I like Lane Hayes' writing style a lot. I tend to do that a lot. "Out in College" is a great series. So, after skipping the start of the series, I jumped right into book #3.
Declan and Tegan have a history together, they used to be friends from an early age. Now they are definitely not. Members of two different rock bands and sharing the same label is no fun when there is a rivalry between the bands and hatred between Declan and Tegan. After Declan's band drummer broke his wrists, he is in need of a drummer. The easiest (and the most complicated) answer is Tegan. He didn't want to but agreed to help. That's when the insane chemistry unleashed.
I really liked both Declan and Tegan's characters and together they were explosive. This was a second chance romance thing, so the enemies-to-lovers trope wasn't that strong. Sure, they hated each other for some obvious reasons (actually Tegan hated Declan, not so sure about Declan hating Tegan) but after a few chapters, it was kind of a slow burn. They had to build their relationship again but having bad emotions as a base. It wasn't easy but it was meaningful.
I enjoyed reading about the two of them a lot!
I have a confession to make - I didn't read the first two books in the series even though I like Lane Hayes' writing style a lot. I tend to do that a lot. "Out in College" is a great series. So, after skipping the start of the series, I jumped right into book #3.
Declan and Tegan have a history together, they used to be friends from an early age. Now they are definitely not. Members of two different rock bands and sharing the same label is no fun when there is a rivalry between the bands and hatred between Declan and Tegan. After Declan's band drummer broke his wrists, he is in need of a drummer. The easiest (and the most complicated) answer is Tegan. He didn't want to but agreed to help. That's when the insane chemistry unleashed.
I really liked both Declan and Tegan's characters and together they were explosive. This was a second chance romance thing, so the enemies-to-lovers trope wasn't that strong. Sure, they hated each other for some obvious reasons (actually Tegan hated Declan, not so sure about Declan hating Tegan) but after a few chapters, it was kind of a slow burn. They had to build their relationship again but having bad emotions as a base. It wasn't easy but it was meaningful.
I enjoyed reading about the two of them a lot!
Read
September 29, 2020Now available.
Review and rating to come. I need to do a review today or tomorrow since this was an ARC.
**ARC provided by IndiGo Marketing and Design.
Review and rating to come. I need to do a review today or tomorrow since this was an ARC.
**ARC provided by IndiGo Marketing and Design.
September 30, 2020
This is the third book in the series and my favourite one out of all three. It is written in dual POV and can be read as a standalone but I'd recommend reading the previous books. (They're both awesome so it's not a hardship)
Declan and Tegan have scorching hot chemistry and they pulled me in feom the beginning. We have:
✔Friends to Rivals to lovers
✔Fuckbuddies
✔Fake boyfriends
✔ Funyuns 🌰
✔Rockstars 🥁🎸
Childhood friends turned 'enemies' to lovers and hot angry sex?! It is perfection!! I adored them so much and loved how both bands come together. Loved seeing both the previous couples and obviously Justin (bandmate) and Charlie (manager) have a bigger role.
Definitely recommend if you're a fan of rockbands, friends to lovers and a dash of fake relationships!
*ARC provided by the author via Indigo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Declan and Tegan have scorching hot chemistry and they pulled me in feom the beginning. We have:
✔Friends to Rivals to lovers
✔Fuckbuddies
✔Fake boyfriends
✔ Funyuns 🌰
✔Rockstars 🥁🎸
Childhood friends turned 'enemies' to lovers and hot angry sex?! It is perfection!! I adored them so much and loved how both bands come together. Loved seeing both the previous couples and obviously Justin (bandmate) and Charlie (manager) have a bigger role.
Definitely recommend if you're a fan of rockbands, friends to lovers and a dash of fake relationships!
*ARC provided by the author via Indigo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
September 29, 2020
Childhood friends to enemies come full circle in this book. Their backstory is rocky and messy. Chemistry for days though. Sometimes talking is overrated, right?!?
I fell in love with Declan. Who knew “the bad guy” was such a sweet and amazing person. Loved him!
Past characters play major parts in book 3 so I definitely recommend reading books 1&2 so you get a better sense of who all the players are. Xena, unfortunately, pops back into the storyline like a bad penny. This time she brought a writer named Petra with her wrecking ball style. Hope she gets her comeuppance soon. She deserves it the most.
We get the HEA and all is good in rock roll land.
I fell in love with Declan. Who knew “the bad guy” was such a sweet and amazing person. Loved him!
Past characters play major parts in book 3 so I definitely recommend reading books 1&2 so you get a better sense of who all the players are. Xena, unfortunately, pops back into the storyline like a bad penny. This time she brought a writer named Petra with her wrecking ball style. Hope she gets her comeuppance soon. She deserves it the most.
We get the HEA and all is good in rock roll land.
September 29, 2020
The third chapter in the Starting From series, Starting From Here could probably be read without having read the first two books, but they're wonderful reads so don't do that, just start with them so you'll fully understand why Tegan and Declan went from childhood friends to enemies to hate-sex lovers and fake boyfriends to finally lovers, and you'll know what the relationships are between other band members.
Lane Hayes paced this book perfectly, so the heat was on from the beginning but the relationship was a slow burn. There's plenty of tension throughout, and I became emotionally invested in the families, too.
I loved it!
I received an advance copy of this book.
Lane Hayes paced this book perfectly, so the heat was on from the beginning but the relationship was a slow burn. There's plenty of tension throughout, and I became emotionally invested in the families, too.
I loved it!
I received an advance copy of this book.
February 5, 2021
4 stars.
June 2, 2022
Starting From Here is the third book in the Starting From series and despite it being filled with more angst than I normally like, I did enjoy this book. The two main characters were childhood friends, reconnected as teens, and then torn apart by a band scandal so some angst was expected. That said, this was an excellent second chance, enemies to lovers, fake relationship bi-sexual/gay romance.
Declan and his newly formed band, Jealousy, need a drummer to finish out their album after their drummer broke his wrists. Short on cash and time, their joint manager, Charlie, suggests that Tegan from Zero and Declan’s ex-best childhood friend help them out. This causes quite uproar because of past shared history when their former band blew up spectacularly but in working together these two find passion both together and for the music they both love.
This wasn’t an easy romance, it was fraught with emotional landmines that they had to work through but underneath that was the close friendship, the shared memories, and deep seated love they had for one another.
I loved Declan; he was such a sweet character who didn’t really have anyone in his corner not since his mother remarried and moved him away from Tegan and Tegan’s family who were so good to him. He spun out of control a bit, figured things out, but made some mistakes that cost him the friendship he valued most in his life. While his mother wasn’t abusive, she wasn’t supportive and when you add in his toxic relationship with Xena from the original broken up band, he didn’t have a lot of positive in his life. At times I wished he’d demanded more from Tegan during this story, but it was obvious he felt bad for what had happened in the past.
Tegan was a bit of a tough nut to crack, he had a grudge against Declan since the band break-up and it didn’t help that Justin kept egging it on even after Tegan began to realize Declan wasn’t the source of all the problems. I do feel Tegan had a lot going on in his life that left him stressed and tired and often not thinking completely straight, not to mention the “relationship” with Declan was messing with his head. I did appreciate that he listened when someone older and wiser gave him advice he really needed to hear.
I’m excited to see where the author takes these two bands as this series progresses. Starting From Here was an emotional and entertaining romance, I thoroughly enjoyed.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Declan and his newly formed band, Jealousy, need a drummer to finish out their album after their drummer broke his wrists. Short on cash and time, their joint manager, Charlie, suggests that Tegan from Zero and Declan’s ex-best childhood friend help them out. This causes quite uproar because of past shared history when their former band blew up spectacularly but in working together these two find passion both together and for the music they both love.
This wasn’t an easy romance, it was fraught with emotional landmines that they had to work through but underneath that was the close friendship, the shared memories, and deep seated love they had for one another.
I loved Declan; he was such a sweet character who didn’t really have anyone in his corner not since his mother remarried and moved him away from Tegan and Tegan’s family who were so good to him. He spun out of control a bit, figured things out, but made some mistakes that cost him the friendship he valued most in his life. While his mother wasn’t abusive, she wasn’t supportive and when you add in his toxic relationship with Xena from the original broken up band, he didn’t have a lot of positive in his life. At times I wished he’d demanded more from Tegan during this story, but it was obvious he felt bad for what had happened in the past.
Tegan was a bit of a tough nut to crack, he had a grudge against Declan since the band break-up and it didn’t help that Justin kept egging it on even after Tegan began to realize Declan wasn’t the source of all the problems. I do feel Tegan had a lot going on in his life that left him stressed and tired and often not thinking completely straight, not to mention the “relationship” with Declan was messing with his head. I did appreciate that he listened when someone older and wiser gave him advice he really needed to hear.
I’m excited to see where the author takes these two bands as this series progresses. Starting From Here was an emotional and entertaining romance, I thoroughly enjoyed.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
January 12, 2022
4 Stars
I wasn’t so sure about reading this story. Although I love second chances, I’m not a huge fan of enemies-to-lovers (I like my guys to actually like each other), and let me tell you, Tegan really hated Declan.
I, on the other hand, absolutely loved Declan. He was so sweet, funny, and caring. It took me quite some time, most of the story in fact, to warm up to Tegan. He just rubbed me the wrong way, plus he was kind of a major asshat, especially to Declan. Even after reading the entire book, I’m still not quite sure what exactly happened between them that caused such a bad falling out to make Tegan and Justin hate Declan so much. It was frustrating to say the least.
Once they finally got past their hatred, and were able to stand the sight of one another, they were super hot together. And when they finally stopped fighting, I really enjoyed their interactions, both in and out of the bedroom. I loved watching them reminisce and get to know one another and become friends again.
This was a pretty angsty read. I waited, with knots in my stomach, for the other shoe to drop until almost the end of the book and for everything that was becoming good between them to implode. I’m actually tempted to re-read the story, because I feel like now, knowing what happens, that I could relax and enjoy it more.
This was an enjoyable read, albeit angsty as all get out, but it’s definitely recommendable!
**borrowed through KU**
October 7, 2020
4.5 stars
I was so excited to read a new Lane Hayes book, I wish she had books coming out monthly! I just always love the fun stories she writes. Can they be a bit over dramatic at times? Sure, but they’re easy reads that make me sigh and fall in love with love and romance.
The only thing I can really say that wasn’t the greatest about this book was if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, especially Starting From Zero, you won’t really understand the background story about what happened in the previous band, Gypsy Coma. I read the all the books and I was still fuzzy on what went down. It seemed all a bit over the top and silly and Xena really is a caricature of the evil ex-girlfriend but there needed to be drama and luckily it didn’t go overboard in this story. Justin was a bit of a hothead though and maybe that’s why I didn’t like his book as much.
Tegan and Declan are old friends/past lovers who are now enemies of a sort that are signed with the same record label with each of their groups. Enemies to lovers is my favorite so I was all about that vibe! I loved seeing them have some semi angry sex but then form a new friendship that made them realize they are meant to be together. It was sweet and romantic and I loved it!
I was so excited to read a new Lane Hayes book, I wish she had books coming out monthly! I just always love the fun stories she writes. Can they be a bit over dramatic at times? Sure, but they’re easy reads that make me sigh and fall in love with love and romance.
The only thing I can really say that wasn’t the greatest about this book was if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, especially Starting From Zero, you won’t really understand the background story about what happened in the previous band, Gypsy Coma. I read the all the books and I was still fuzzy on what went down. It seemed all a bit over the top and silly and Xena really is a caricature of the evil ex-girlfriend but there needed to be drama and luckily it didn’t go overboard in this story. Justin was a bit of a hothead though and maybe that’s why I didn’t like his book as much.
Tegan and Declan are old friends/past lovers who are now enemies of a sort that are signed with the same record label with each of their groups. Enemies to lovers is my favorite so I was all about that vibe! I loved seeing them have some semi angry sex but then form a new friendship that made them realize they are meant to be together. It was sweet and romantic and I loved it!
November 6, 2020
Emotional, explosive, endearing
I just love everything Lane writes, there's something about her style that draws me in and ties my heart in knits. She mentions within this story that Declan has "it" (and he totally does) but so does Lane! I can never seem to articulate my thoughts after I've read a story of hers as they have a way of changing you.
Dec and Tegan's story is a fantastic (& hot) enemies to lovers, second chances, best friends, fake to real romance that draws you into their world and makes you feel like their real. I became invested, I cried, I laughed and I loved and it was a heck of a ride!!!!! I loved it 🥰
I just love everything Lane writes, there's something about her style that draws me in and ties my heart in knits. She mentions within this story that Declan has "it" (and he totally does) but so does Lane! I can never seem to articulate my thoughts after I've read a story of hers as they have a way of changing you.
Dec and Tegan's story is a fantastic (& hot) enemies to lovers, second chances, best friends, fake to real romance that draws you into their world and makes you feel like their real. I became invested, I cried, I laughed and I loved and it was a heck of a ride!!!!! I loved it 🥰
November 4, 2020
This review is for the audio book. Definitely my favorite in the Starting From series. Frenemies to lovers, second chances, rock stars. What's not to like? Great narration by Michael Dean. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
October 1, 2020
I SO LOVED this two 😍
September 30, 2020
4.5 Stars
Starting From Here, the third book in the Starting From series, is another great read by Lane Hayes.
Like the previous books, this is an angsty journey for Tegan and Declan. I highly recommend re-reading the first two books, as I couldn't remember all of the details of their past.
The author perfectly combines an enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, second chance romance for one hell of a ride.
Still enemies, the two men agree to a fake relationship for promo reasons. This is a tale with anger, regret, and pain galore. There's plenty of hurt and frustration, as well as some lingering sexual tension between the men. There's continued conflict and angst throughout as well.
This is a story of trying to regain one's friendship, of begging for forgiveness and understanding. It's a tough road. Their past is complex, and I enjoy learning more about their families and their former friendship.
Their tale includes a whole lot of manipulation and interference, which is pretty much to be expected in their business. There are plenty of contributing secondary characters, with a couple of them being pure evil.
I definitely enjoy the slow burn aspect of their relationship. Their past is messy, but the lust is still there. Damn, these two ooze sexual tension.
The Starting From series is a good read for any fans of rocker romances. Starting From Here is a great addition to the series, as Lane Hayes allows the two men to rekindle their romance. I am excited to see what comes next in this series.
Starting From Here, the third book in the Starting From series, is another great read by Lane Hayes.
Like the previous books, this is an angsty journey for Tegan and Declan. I highly recommend re-reading the first two books, as I couldn't remember all of the details of their past.
The author perfectly combines an enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, second chance romance for one hell of a ride.
Still enemies, the two men agree to a fake relationship for promo reasons. This is a tale with anger, regret, and pain galore. There's plenty of hurt and frustration, as well as some lingering sexual tension between the men. There's continued conflict and angst throughout as well.
This is a story of trying to regain one's friendship, of begging for forgiveness and understanding. It's a tough road. Their past is complex, and I enjoy learning more about their families and their former friendship.
Their tale includes a whole lot of manipulation and interference, which is pretty much to be expected in their business. There are plenty of contributing secondary characters, with a couple of them being pure evil.
I definitely enjoy the slow burn aspect of their relationship. Their past is messy, but the lust is still there. Damn, these two ooze sexual tension.
The Starting From series is a good read for any fans of rocker romances. Starting From Here is a great addition to the series, as Lane Hayes allows the two men to rekindle their romance. I am excited to see what comes next in this series.
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