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 on 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 the 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.

Reviews for Lane Hayes

♥ Amazon US ♥ Amazon CA ♥ Amazon UK ♥

“I know that was random, but it’s not a bad idea if you think about it. Want something to drink?” Charlie asked as he moved toward the kitchen.I grabbed his wrist before he got anywhere. “Hang on. What are you doing?”

He cocked his head curiously but didn’t pull away. “I’m being practical. If you read any further about Virgos you probably found out we’re known for being sensible. And polite. So, I’m politely asking if you’d like a beverage while sensibly suggesting that I help out with your skating lessons.”

“Okay. First up…I don’t want a fuckin’ snack and second, it’s not a skating lesson. We’re skateboarding,” I said, glowering at him.

“I’ve heard it said both ways. Skating, skateboarding. I looked it up in Urban Dictionary too, so I’m pretty sure I’m right.”

“No. There’s something in your tone that makes it all wrong. Like you’re purposely trying to sabotage this.”

Charlie opened his mouth in a perfect O. “Gasp! I wouldn’t do that!”

“Cut the crap. You’re doing it now. You don’t want to learn, and you don’t want Oliver to either. It’s a control thing. But you can’t control what you don’t fuckin’ get. So take a seat and let me teach him without you freaking out or—why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. You’re doing something weird with your eyes, though. You look spaced out.”

“Mmm. I’m trying not to swoon. You look so fierce and you’re holding my hand, Ky. You should feel my heart. It’s beating out of my chest. Seriously.” He fluttered his lashes a few times and bit his bottom lip.

I chuckled softly and stepped closer. “Are you flirting with me, Char?”

“No, it’s the other way around. You’re flirting with me. Big macho displays really get my motor running. Medium-sized ones do too. I love it when…”

Okay, so I lost myself. I tuned out the sound of his voice and concentrated on him. The mischievous glint in his eyes, the proud set of his shoulders, and the way his mouth curled at the corner. He was doing it again. Owning the moment. Taking it over. Charlie looked for weakness in any form, then slyly made adjustments before moving in for the kill. No doubt he thought I’d back down fast and run away. I wasn’t going anywhere.

I fixated on his bottom lip and inched closer. He kept talking…something about dick size or muscles…I wasn’t sure, but I liked the cadence of his voice. The teasing lilt and easy humor. I let go of his wrist, brushing his fingers before setting my hand on his hip. He went perfectly still.

Before he could ask me what the fuck I was doing, I kissed him.

It was more of a press of lips than a grand gesture. And though it might not rank as the kind of kiss that would change the world, I immediately knew it would change mine.

Everything in me went on high alert. I’d never been so in tune with a moment. The flutter of his eyelashes, the brush of his nose, and the soft sweetness of his lips against mine. Fuck, it was amazing. Like mind-blowing amazing. He tasted like cherries and smelled like sunshine mixed with something exotic.

I couldn’t be sure over the roar of my heart attempting to beat its way out of my chest, but I thought he hummed in approval, so I angled my head slightly to deepen the connection and pulled him closer. If he was anyone else, I probably would have stuck my tongue between his lips and let my hands roam all over his body. I wanted to, but I didn’t want to scare either of us. So I stayed where I was until the need for oxygen became an issue.

Then I jumped back two feet and stared at him with my eyes bugged out. “Holy fuck.”

Charlie set his fingers on his bottom lip and blinked like he was coming out of a daze. “You kissed me,” he said softly.

Starting From Series

♥ Amazon US ♥ Amazon CA ♥ Amazon UK ♥