Audio Release Blitz, Review, and Giveaway: Starting from Scratch by Lane Hayes, performed by Michael Pauley

18 November of 2019 by ButtonsMom2003

Story: 5

Performance: 5

5.0Overall score

Such a touching story with wonderful narration.

Starting from Scratch By Lane Hayes, Narrated By Michael Pauley

Genre: Contemporary Romance, GLBTQ, MM, Bisexual

Released: November 6, 2019 (audio), October 13, 2019 (ebook)

Publisher: Self-Published

Series: Starting From, Book 2

Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins; 80,000 words

Performed by: Michael Pauley

Synopsis

Charlie Rourke is an ultra fabulous human whirlwind on a mission to launch the next biggest band in the world. However, he might have taken on more than he could handle when he signed on to manage Zero. Promoting a rock band and finding gigs shouldn’t be hard. They’re a talented group with a ton of star power. If Charlie can find the right record label, he’s sure he can help them get to the next level. The only problem is the skater boy slash bassist with a quirky sense of humor. He’s annoying and silly, and he’s exactly Charlie’s type. Except he’s straight.

Ky Baldwin isn’t afraid to switch things up. He loves a challenge as much as anyone, but Charlie doesn’t make things easy. Zero’s manager is a force of nature with a razor sharp tongue, a quick wit, and a no-nonsense attitude. Ky can’t stop thinking about him. Winning over Charlie becomes Ky’s pet project. But when the ice between them thaws, neither is prepared for the intensity of going from enemies to lovers. They’ll have to decide if they’re willing to start from scratch and take a chance on the unexpected.

Review

Reviewed by ButtonsMom2003

Such a touching story with wonderful narration.

If you follow my reviews at all (thanks if you do) then I’m going to sound like a broken record. I reviewed Starting from Scratch as an eBook when it first released in mid-October. It was a great read but now Michael Pauley’s audio performance makes it super special.

Michael’s voice for Charlie is super fantastic and made my heart melt. There were some fairly sad scenes in this story and he had all of the emotions of the characters coming through loud and clear; I just can’t say enough good things about his performance of this story.

Books that get my emotions involved are usually my favorites but it’s somewhat rare for them to get as deeply engaged when listening to the audio of a book I’ve already read. The audio of Starting from Scratch was one of the rare ones. More than once the tears started flowing while I was listening. Some were sad and some were happy tears.

Whether you listen to or read Starting from Scratch I think you will love it.

The following is my original review of the ebook:

Starting from Scratch is the second book in the Starting From series and it’s a fantastic story. You don’t really have to have read book one, Starting from Zero, first but I think you’ll enjoy this new one more if you do.

The story is told in first person, alternating between Charlie and Ky and I loved everything about it. Charlie is out and proud and he is fabulous. He dresses sharp and puts together outfits that no one else could manage to look good in but they look great on him. Lane Hayes descriptive writing style sucks me in every time and keeps me glued to my e-reader.

Ky is his own person; he doesn’t like labels. He likes who he likes, dates who he wants to date – male or female – and Charlie has captured his attention. In the beginning they have a bit of a love-hate relationship going on. That soon changes as the heat between them becomes explosive.

They keep their relationship quiet for a while but the way they look at each other starts to clue others in on their relationship. I love Charlie’s younger brother, Ollie and Ky is so good with him. Ollie is having a bit of a crisis about needing to wear glasses; he’s afraid that everyone will make fun of him because he’s not one of the cool kids. Ky used to be a professional skateboarder and he starts giving Ollie lessons and that really helps boost Ollie’s self-confidence.

I really can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s witty – the repartee between Charlie and Ky is great – and sexy (HOT!) and brought me to tears more than once; it’s absolutely my favorite kind of book to read.

I’m not sure who Lane Hayes will write about next but I can’t wait for more stories set in this world.

Story: ♥♥♥♥♥

Narration: ♥♥♥♥♥

O Factor: Scorcher

Starting From Series

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Giveaway

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About Author

Lane Hayes

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and won First Prize in the 2016 and 2017 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.

Author Links

About Narrator

Michael Pauley

Michael has well over 50 audio book titles currently available for purchase on Audible.com. He is versed in multiple styles and genres including fiction (novels and short stories) ranging from romance to science fiction to crime dramas to thrillers; business strategy books; health and wellness books; and even an occasional children’s book.

Fans of Michael’s narration are welcome to follow him on social media.

If you are interested in working with Michael to produce your next audio book, you can contact him directly at voice@michaelpauley.info

Narrator Links

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