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The Road to Rocktoberfest 2024
Missing Chord
Griffin
Music's a harsh mistress, if you want to make a living by her. Years ago, when I was on my way up, I met a man. Sparks flew, hearts leaped, you know the song. But I was chasing my dream all across America, and Lee was tied to our hometown. Hell, I was too old for him anyway, even then. So I left, and the connection we'd had withered and died, except sometimes in the lyrics I wrote. Now I'm back home and I've met him again at the lowest point in my life. He's still gorgeous and kind, but I'm battered and faded, and he can do way better.
Lee
When I was twenty, I thought the hardest thing I'd ever do was watch Griffin walk out of my life. Well, newsflash, fate always has more crap waiting for you. I've spent more nights than I want to remember wishing I'd gone with him, but life went on with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Now Griffin's back and he's a silver fox, still unfairly hot and talented. We'd be a better fit. I'm not an idealistic young student anymore. But he'll be heading off soon to concerts like Rocktoberfest. Letting myself fall for him again would mean another round of being left behind. I'm not going to do that to myself, no matter how much I want to erase the shadows from Griffin's eyes.
A second-chances, age gap, hurt-comfort musician romance.
Missing Chord is a book in the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest 2024 series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all and see what antics our bands get into next? Hot rockstars and the men who love them, what more could you ask for. Kick back, load up your kindle and enjoy the men of Rocktoberfest!
Music's a harsh mistress, if you want to make a living by her. Years ago, when I was on my way up, I met a man. Sparks flew, hearts leaped, you know the song. But I was chasing my dream all across America, and Lee was tied to our hometown. Hell, I was too old for him anyway, even then. So I left, and the connection we'd had withered and died, except sometimes in the lyrics I wrote. Now I'm back home and I've met him again at the lowest point in my life. He's still gorgeous and kind, but I'm battered and faded, and he can do way better.
Lee
When I was twenty, I thought the hardest thing I'd ever do was watch Griffin walk out of my life. Well, newsflash, fate always has more crap waiting for you. I've spent more nights than I want to remember wishing I'd gone with him, but life went on with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Now Griffin's back and he's a silver fox, still unfairly hot and talented. We'd be a better fit. I'm not an idealistic young student anymore. But he'll be heading off soon to concerts like Rocktoberfest. Letting myself fall for him again would mean another round of being left behind. I'm not going to do that to myself, no matter how much I want to erase the shadows from Griffin's eyes.
A second-chances, age gap, hurt-comfort musician romance.
Missing Chord is a book in the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest 2024 series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all and see what antics our bands get into next? Hot rockstars and the men who love them, what more could you ask for. Kick back, load up your kindle and enjoy the men of Rocktoberfest!
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2024
15 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
91 books2,729 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 9, 2024
B / 4 stars
Rock star romances aren’t books I actively seek out, but when I saw Kaje Harper had a new release coming out in the Road to Rocktoberfest series (a multi author endeavour that adds new books every October), I decided to give it a go. Missing Chord is a charming, tender and thoughtful second chance love story about two men who met at the wrong time rediscovering each other and deciding whether a second shot at love is worth taking.
When singer-songwriter Griffin Marsh returned home to Iowa to sort through his late mother’s belongings, he had no idea that his life would change so massively. He took his eye off the road for a second to look at his phone, hit another car and ran it off the road and down a bank, killing the driver. He’s a decent man who did a stupid thing, and he’s genuinely remorseful, using the bulk of his savings to set up a six-figure trust fund for the driver’s family. When the book begins, he’s being sentenced to two years’ probation and five hundred hours of community service to be undertaken at one or more long-term rehabilitation and nursing homes. After fighting through the crowd of reporters outside the courtroom he heads back to his apartment, where he does the one thing that’s always settled and calmed him; gets out his guitar and starts to play.
Former ER nurse Lee Robertson is now nursing supervisor at the Wellhaven nursing home, and while he loves his job, it’s frequently exhausting and doesn’t leave a lot of room for a personal life. Not that Lee has one of those anyway. On this particular day, he’s heading back to his office when he hears music coming from the common room and recognises the song as an oldie by Griffin Marsh. He’s momentarily transported back twenty years to the night Griffin wrote it, but continues on his way – stopping to look in a few minutes later, thinking to see an old concert of Griffin’s playing on the TV. But it’s not the television. Griffin Marsh is sitting by the piano, playing his guitar and singing for an audience of residents. When Griffin looks up – clearly shocked to see him – Lee immediately ducks out and away, wondering what on earth the Griffin Marsh is doing entertaining patients in a nursing home.
The author seeds Griffin and Lee’s backstory through the first few chapters, and we learn that they’d first met twenty years before, when Griffin, then thirty-six, had been a jobbing musician and Lee was a shy, twinkish twenty-year-old at nursing school. They’d been together for three months when Griffin finally got the big break he’d been hoping for, breaking Lee’s heart when he left him to pursue the bright lights of fame and fortune. For Griffin, it was the right decision; he didn’t exactly hit the big time, but he’s had a good, solid career for twenty years – although he never found someone he connected with on the same level as he had with Lee, who remains Griffin’s biggest regret.
Missing Chord is a quiet book and a beautifully written romance between two men who have lived very different lives and who need to work out whether there’s something still between them worth fighting for. Lee had a lot on his plate when Griffin left – his sister had just been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and his mother was struggling with guilt because it was a genetic condition – and it took Lee a long time to let go of his anger at Griffin walking away when he needed him most. In fact, seeing Griffin again brings some of it back, and I liked that Lee finally gets the chance to voice it and doesn’t shy away from telling Griffin exactly how he felt.
Lee and Griffin come off as real people with real problems and insecurities. They have a lot to work through and Lee, who has experienced a lot of loss in his life, needs to overcome his mistrust that Griffin is here to stay this time. Griffin is adamant that he’s given up touring as part of his plan to wind-down his career and focus more on writing and recording, but when his commitment to attend Rocktoberfest to open for a group he mentored means postponing something important, Lee fears it means he’s not serious about sticking around and that Griffin is once more putting his career ahead of anything else in his life.
I enjoyed watching Lee and Griffin confronting their past mistakes and working to re-build their relationship on a more solid foundation. With a strong secondary cast and realistic conflicts between the characters and the world at large, Missing Chord is a lovely and ultimately uplifting story about love, forgiveness and starting over, and I’m happy to recommend it.
Rock star romances aren’t books I actively seek out, but when I saw Kaje Harper had a new release coming out in the Road to Rocktoberfest series (a multi author endeavour that adds new books every October), I decided to give it a go. Missing Chord is a charming, tender and thoughtful second chance love story about two men who met at the wrong time rediscovering each other and deciding whether a second shot at love is worth taking.
When singer-songwriter Griffin Marsh returned home to Iowa to sort through his late mother’s belongings, he had no idea that his life would change so massively. He took his eye off the road for a second to look at his phone, hit another car and ran it off the road and down a bank, killing the driver. He’s a decent man who did a stupid thing, and he’s genuinely remorseful, using the bulk of his savings to set up a six-figure trust fund for the driver’s family. When the book begins, he’s being sentenced to two years’ probation and five hundred hours of community service to be undertaken at one or more long-term rehabilitation and nursing homes. After fighting through the crowd of reporters outside the courtroom he heads back to his apartment, where he does the one thing that’s always settled and calmed him; gets out his guitar and starts to play.
Former ER nurse Lee Robertson is now nursing supervisor at the Wellhaven nursing home, and while he loves his job, it’s frequently exhausting and doesn’t leave a lot of room for a personal life. Not that Lee has one of those anyway. On this particular day, he’s heading back to his office when he hears music coming from the common room and recognises the song as an oldie by Griffin Marsh. He’s momentarily transported back twenty years to the night Griffin wrote it, but continues on his way – stopping to look in a few minutes later, thinking to see an old concert of Griffin’s playing on the TV. But it’s not the television. Griffin Marsh is sitting by the piano, playing his guitar and singing for an audience of residents. When Griffin looks up – clearly shocked to see him – Lee immediately ducks out and away, wondering what on earth the Griffin Marsh is doing entertaining patients in a nursing home.
The author seeds Griffin and Lee’s backstory through the first few chapters, and we learn that they’d first met twenty years before, when Griffin, then thirty-six, had been a jobbing musician and Lee was a shy, twinkish twenty-year-old at nursing school. They’d been together for three months when Griffin finally got the big break he’d been hoping for, breaking Lee’s heart when he left him to pursue the bright lights of fame and fortune. For Griffin, it was the right decision; he didn’t exactly hit the big time, but he’s had a good, solid career for twenty years – although he never found someone he connected with on the same level as he had with Lee, who remains Griffin’s biggest regret.
Missing Chord is a quiet book and a beautifully written romance between two men who have lived very different lives and who need to work out whether there’s something still between them worth fighting for. Lee had a lot on his plate when Griffin left – his sister had just been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and his mother was struggling with guilt because it was a genetic condition – and it took Lee a long time to let go of his anger at Griffin walking away when he needed him most. In fact, seeing Griffin again brings some of it back, and I liked that Lee finally gets the chance to voice it and doesn’t shy away from telling Griffin exactly how he felt.
Lee and Griffin come off as real people with real problems and insecurities. They have a lot to work through and Lee, who has experienced a lot of loss in his life, needs to overcome his mistrust that Griffin is here to stay this time. Griffin is adamant that he’s given up touring as part of his plan to wind-down his career and focus more on writing and recording, but when his commitment to attend Rocktoberfest to open for a group he mentored means postponing something important, Lee fears it means he’s not serious about sticking around and that Griffin is once more putting his career ahead of anything else in his life.
I enjoyed watching Lee and Griffin confronting their past mistakes and working to re-build their relationship on a more solid foundation. With a strong secondary cast and realistic conflicts between the characters and the world at large, Missing Chord is a lovely and ultimately uplifting story about love, forgiveness and starting over, and I’m happy to recommend it.
October 15, 2024
I always love second-chance stories - and this one is a winner for me. The separation's reason felt real. The reunion felt good. The main characters were in their 40's and 50's (well, Lee is 40 while Griffin is 56). There were a lot of older characters too since Lee was working in a nursing home and Griffin's community service was there. AND there were two cats on pages as well.
I felt satisfied when I reach the ending (despite that third-act fight between Lee and Griffin)
I felt satisfied when I reach the ending (despite that third-act fight between Lee and Griffin)
Read
October 13, 2024This book brings together two men whose lives diverged drastically until circumstances threw them back together. This book deals with difficult topics, including the past death of a sibling, accidental homicide, parole, medical issues and so much more... but at the heart, it's a love story that reunites two souls after 20 years apart. It features amazing side characters, including Owen and Harvey, whose story will melt your heart... Yolanda, Kashira... and of course the kitties...
This book was a slice of life, the good, the bad and the wonderful... it truly showed us the highs and lows of life as mature men with a beautiful HEA.
This book was a slice of life, the good, the bad and the wonderful... it truly showed us the highs and lows of life as mature men with a beautiful HEA.
October 11, 2024
Another hit
I’m a huge Kaje Harper fan. I say that a lot, but it’s kind of true. Kaje has a way with words. And although her paranormal books are very successful, I discovered her through a historical and then glued myself to her contemporary and have read a good chunk of her recent books. Why am I sharing all this with you? Because I think Missing Chord might be one of her best books yet.
This isn’t an ‘action’ book. It’s not adventure or even much traveling. This book is an emotional read. Don’t be scared away – I’m not promising tears. I might’ve shed a couple, but we know I’m a sap. But this book is very self-contained. It’s Griffin, Lee, and the people immediately around them. It’s…life.
Griffin made a terrible mistake and he’s paid for that. His life revolves around restitution as best he can and community service to make up for what he did. This seems pretty simple until he crosses paths with Lee. The man he once loved. The man he left behind. The man he never forgot. That makes working together a little bit awkward. Lee’s the head nurse at the retirement home. He takes care of his patients – advocates for them in a system that isn’t always doing what’s best for them. He’s stressed, busy, and still dealing with grief from his own tragedy.
So the men meet. Lee has to decide if he’s going to forgive. Griffin has his sights on Rocktoberfest. He’s leaving again – but he swears only for this one last hurrah. He owes a favor to a friend. He needs one more performance before a huge audience. The he says he’ll settle. Lee might, appropriately have his doubts.
So will they work it out? I love age gap romances. I adore hurt/comfort romances. I’m a sucker for second chances. I also like heroes who aren’t perfect. Lee struggles with his weight – realistically. Griffin did something wrong and he’s paying for that split second error in judgement. Crap’s happened. They’re working through it. And since it’s a Kaje Harper Romance, I got my happy ending. Well done. Another great read.
I’m a huge Kaje Harper fan. I say that a lot, but it’s kind of true. Kaje has a way with words. And although her paranormal books are very successful, I discovered her through a historical and then glued myself to her contemporary and have read a good chunk of her recent books. Why am I sharing all this with you? Because I think Missing Chord might be one of her best books yet.
This isn’t an ‘action’ book. It’s not adventure or even much traveling. This book is an emotional read. Don’t be scared away – I’m not promising tears. I might’ve shed a couple, but we know I’m a sap. But this book is very self-contained. It’s Griffin, Lee, and the people immediately around them. It’s…life.
Griffin made a terrible mistake and he’s paid for that. His life revolves around restitution as best he can and community service to make up for what he did. This seems pretty simple until he crosses paths with Lee. The man he once loved. The man he left behind. The man he never forgot. That makes working together a little bit awkward. Lee’s the head nurse at the retirement home. He takes care of his patients – advocates for them in a system that isn’t always doing what’s best for them. He’s stressed, busy, and still dealing with grief from his own tragedy.
So the men meet. Lee has to decide if he’s going to forgive. Griffin has his sights on Rocktoberfest. He’s leaving again – but he swears only for this one last hurrah. He owes a favor to a friend. He needs one more performance before a huge audience. The he says he’ll settle. Lee might, appropriately have his doubts.
So will they work it out? I love age gap romances. I adore hurt/comfort romances. I’m a sucker for second chances. I also like heroes who aren’t perfect. Lee struggles with his weight – realistically. Griffin did something wrong and he’s paying for that split second error in judgement. Crap’s happened. They’re working through it. And since it’s a Kaje Harper Romance, I got my happy ending. Well done. Another great read.
October 20, 2024
Griffin is a musician, sentenced to probation and community service after driving distractedly and causing an accident that killed a woman.
His volunteering is done at a long term care facility, where he runs into his old flame Lee. Lee is in charge of the nursing staff and immediately recognizes Griffin, who left him to pursue his big break in music 20 years ago.
They talk and let go of the past, both being young and dealing with different things. While Griffin was pursuing his career, Lee was helping look after his sister, who died, and then his Mom, who hasn’t been well since.
Griff is so helpful and generous with singing to the residents in the home, and he and Lee also become friends with an elderly gay couple prevented from being in a room together because priority is given to married couples.
The two start dating and pick up where their relationship left off, but Griffin has a polyp in his throat that he’s getting looked at, worrying Lee. He decides to go ahead and play Rocktoberfest, and he and Lee argue about it. Lee attends and realizes he overreacted in his worrying, and Griffin writes him a song to express his sorrow if he loses him.
They reconcile, and with the surgery going well, await results needed on Griffin’s polyp. They’re ready to face whatever comes their way together, seeing they only have whatever precious time they have.
I liked the premise of this book, an honest man causing an accident, his investment in giving to others through his community service, and the healing both men provide each other. I loved the cats and the friends, Kashira and Pete, supporting this couple, and the older couple they support in the home.
I received this ARC for free and am glad to provide my honest review with appreciation.
His volunteering is done at a long term care facility, where he runs into his old flame Lee. Lee is in charge of the nursing staff and immediately recognizes Griffin, who left him to pursue his big break in music 20 years ago.
They talk and let go of the past, both being young and dealing with different things. While Griffin was pursuing his career, Lee was helping look after his sister, who died, and then his Mom, who hasn’t been well since.
Griff is so helpful and generous with singing to the residents in the home, and he and Lee also become friends with an elderly gay couple prevented from being in a room together because priority is given to married couples.
The two start dating and pick up where their relationship left off, but Griffin has a polyp in his throat that he’s getting looked at, worrying Lee. He decides to go ahead and play Rocktoberfest, and he and Lee argue about it. Lee attends and realizes he overreacted in his worrying, and Griffin writes him a song to express his sorrow if he loses him.
They reconcile, and with the surgery going well, await results needed on Griffin’s polyp. They’re ready to face whatever comes their way together, seeing they only have whatever precious time they have.
I liked the premise of this book, an honest man causing an accident, his investment in giving to others through his community service, and the healing both men provide each other. I loved the cats and the friends, Kashira and Pete, supporting this couple, and the older couple they support in the home.
I received this ARC for free and am glad to provide my honest review with appreciation.
October 26, 2024
This book hits you with all the feels. There's age gap, hurt/comfort and second chance all wrapped up in one awesome read. And don't forget the musical aspects and Rocktoberfest.
Griffin is our silver fox who's back in town to make up for some mistakes. He comes across Lee the man he loved and left behind years ago. Now he has to decide if he's going to leave him behind again or stay and win back what he lost.
Lee isn't a young and idealistic guy anymore. He's now a nurse {which is a big plus for this nurse :) }and he knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it. He has a lot on his plate and he has to decide if he's willing and ready to give Griffin a second chance.
These two men have a lot to work through. The love is still there but are they ready and in a place to try again? Their relationship has a lot of ups and downs but nothing worth having is easy.
This is a really good story. The world and character building is good. The chemistry between Griffin and Lee is good, sweet and hot at different times. I liked the way these two worked together and built back what they had and made it better. This is the third Rocktoberfest book from Kaje and we can always count on a really good story. This one is very realistic and had me tearing up a couple of times. Definitely recommend this book and author.
Griffin is our silver fox who's back in town to make up for some mistakes. He comes across Lee the man he loved and left behind years ago. Now he has to decide if he's going to leave him behind again or stay and win back what he lost.
Lee isn't a young and idealistic guy anymore. He's now a nurse {which is a big plus for this nurse :) }and he knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it. He has a lot on his plate and he has to decide if he's willing and ready to give Griffin a second chance.
These two men have a lot to work through. The love is still there but are they ready and in a place to try again? Their relationship has a lot of ups and downs but nothing worth having is easy.
This is a really good story. The world and character building is good. The chemistry between Griffin and Lee is good, sweet and hot at different times. I liked the way these two worked together and built back what they had and made it better. This is the third Rocktoberfest book from Kaje and we can always count on a really good story. This one is very realistic and had me tearing up a couple of times. Definitely recommend this book and author.
December 7, 2024
An "aging" (56) rock musician, Graham, returns home to deal with his mom's estate but moment's distraction changes his life forever. He rearends a car, sending it over an embackment and killing an occupant. Now he must stay in the town for two years until his parole is up and he has completed his community service hours.
Twenty years ago Lee, now 40, fell in love with Graham. Graham was waiting for his big break and when that break came Graham left and Lee couldn't follow due to his terminally ill sister. Now Graham is back in town and working community hours in the nursing home where Lee is a nurse practicioner. Neither Lee nor Graham knows how to navigate this unexpected reunion, but it's obvious there are things that need to be said.
This book has a lot of emotional moments and a good bit of melocholy. Graham's distraction ended the life of a mother of two. Lee's sister died and his mother has slipped into anxiety and is a semi-recluse. There is some commentary about how poorly many nursing care homes are run and a quick recap of how horrible the AIDS crisis was for those who lived through it. Along with that, however, is a lot of love, both romantic and friendship. Even though the book is a romance, it's also a wonderful look at how we all survive and thrive through connections with others. It's really about love and hope. Something we all need today. Recommended.
Twenty years ago Lee, now 40, fell in love with Graham. Graham was waiting for his big break and when that break came Graham left and Lee couldn't follow due to his terminally ill sister. Now Graham is back in town and working community hours in the nursing home where Lee is a nurse practicioner. Neither Lee nor Graham knows how to navigate this unexpected reunion, but it's obvious there are things that need to be said.
This book has a lot of emotional moments and a good bit of melocholy. Graham's distraction ended the life of a mother of two. Lee's sister died and his mother has slipped into anxiety and is a semi-recluse. There is some commentary about how poorly many nursing care homes are run and a quick recap of how horrible the AIDS crisis was for those who lived through it. Along with that, however, is a lot of love, both romantic and friendship. Even though the book is a romance, it's also a wonderful look at how we all survive and thrive through connections with others. It's really about love and hope. Something we all need today. Recommended.
October 28, 2024
Griffin’s story opens in the aftermath of a terrible, deadly mistake. One instant of inattention changed several lives irrevocably. This is not a lighthearted romp, it covers both the extremely serious details of how he can pick his life up and carry on, and some details of gay history that are troubling and a stark reminder of how things were, not so long ago.
Lee has carried on with his life after he and Griffin parted 20 years ago, but something has always been missing. He is living with his mother because she’s too fragile to live alone. He’s lonely, but accepts this likely is his life. And then they meet again. It takes a bit for Lee to get over his mistrust and let Griffin in, and even then it’s hard to believe Griffin will stay. However, they’ve both seen what life can dish out and that good is worth fighting hard for. The side story is a lovely tribute to a generation that bridged the time between free love, AIDS, and gay marriage, and the generosity of both Lee and Griffin makes them some of my favorite characters.
Kaje’s writing is on point and she tells a great story. She’s wrapped this one in some pretty serious matter for reflection and that does it no harm – I’m still thinking about it days after finishing the book.
Lee has carried on with his life after he and Griffin parted 20 years ago, but something has always been missing. He is living with his mother because she’s too fragile to live alone. He’s lonely, but accepts this likely is his life. And then they meet again. It takes a bit for Lee to get over his mistrust and let Griffin in, and even then it’s hard to believe Griffin will stay. However, they’ve both seen what life can dish out and that good is worth fighting hard for. The side story is a lovely tribute to a generation that bridged the time between free love, AIDS, and gay marriage, and the generosity of both Lee and Griffin makes them some of my favorite characters.
Kaje’s writing is on point and she tells a great story. She’s wrapped this one in some pretty serious matter for reflection and that does it no harm – I’m still thinking about it days after finishing the book.
November 4, 2024
I’m already a huge fan of this author, and this book reminds me why. Griffin and Lee are wonderful characters who make mistakes, and are struggling to move forward after their pasts. I love second chance romances and older MCs, and didn’t want to put this one down.
Lee and Griffin both feel very real. I liked that they didn’t just fall back into a relationship when they met again, especially as both of them had changed since then.
I also loved the backdrop of the nursing home where Lee works, and the role the older characters play in the story. Owen and Harvey are wonderful and I’d love to read how they got together. I particularly loved how they dealt with the annoying reporter who hounds Griffin for most of the story. Perfect!
Lee’s mother, Ellen, also needs a mention, as do Willow and Cinder. I loved the community/family feel of the story.
I particularly love stories set against a musical backdrop, and loved the mentions of other bands, and previous years at Rocktoberfest.
Lee and Griffin both feel very real. I liked that they didn’t just fall back into a relationship when they met again, especially as both of them had changed since then.
I also loved the backdrop of the nursing home where Lee works, and the role the older characters play in the story. Owen and Harvey are wonderful and I’d love to read how they got together. I particularly loved how they dealt with the annoying reporter who hounds Griffin for most of the story. Perfect!
Lee’s mother, Ellen, also needs a mention, as do Willow and Cinder. I loved the community/family feel of the story.
I particularly love stories set against a musical backdrop, and loved the mentions of other bands, and previous years at Rocktoberfest.
November 26, 2024
Give me a 2nd chance story, give me older-than-average MCs, and give me ANY story by Kaje Harper and I. AM. THERE. This story didn't disappoint and just added to my love of all her stories. From the moment that we meet Griffin at his sentencing trial, I was so invested in him and in Lee. Twenty years ago, they had a tough situation where Griffin had a choice to make, pulling them apart. I loved watching them navigate their way back to each other, learning to forge even stronger bonds of trust and love than what they would have had twenty years ago. Even with bumps along the way.
And with all of Kaje Harper's books, the secondary characters were equally fantastic. But I do have to call out Owen and Harvey, especially what they do to a certain paparazzi in the epilogue. That was popcorn worthy. They were a joy in both Lee and Griffin's lives and in mine.
And with all of Kaje Harper's books, the secondary characters were equally fantastic. But I do have to call out Owen and Harvey, especially what they do to a certain paparazzi in the epilogue. That was popcorn worthy. They were a joy in both Lee and Griffin's lives and in mine.
October 14, 2024
I love an age gap book and this one is a winner. Griffin and Lee both got under my skin and I was so rooting for them to have a happy ending. This book is part of the Rockoberfest Series and it is such a good addition. It is such an emotional teary, but heartwarming story of two men, one older, Griffin and Lee who met when they were younger, but Griffin had dreams to pursue in the music industry whereas Lee was a homebody. So Griffin left to pursue his dreams and lee went on with Search his life but it was a struggle with his lingering feelings for Griffin. Suddenly connected and back together after an incident, they are thrown together and Lee have to decide if you can forgive Griffin. I also love the realistic writing of Lee and his weight issue as it so resonated and hit home with me. A wonderful love story about forgiveness and starting over with your one true love to find your happy ending. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
October 22, 2024
I am a great fan of Kaje Harper. Love the way she writes. Missing Chord is a simple straight emotional book with a lot of feeling. An age gap romance.
It's about Griffin a rock star who is paying for an unintentional mistake, wrong time wrong place, retribution, fulfilling his sentence with community service and Lee, a nurse at a retirement home care, the man Griffin had loved and lost choosing music over commitment.
They have a past and meet again after twenty years, but the connection is still very strong between them. The story is purely all about life and love and commitment. The hope and lessons from the many people who cross their path.
This book has everything, second chance, hurt and comfort, romance and love, imperfections and self doubt, a little bit of angst and a happy ending.
I have read quite a few of Kaje Harper's books and almost all of them were great, but I feel this is one of her best so far.
It's about Griffin a rock star who is paying for an unintentional mistake, wrong time wrong place, retribution, fulfilling his sentence with community service and Lee, a nurse at a retirement home care, the man Griffin had loved and lost choosing music over commitment.
They have a past and meet again after twenty years, but the connection is still very strong between them. The story is purely all about life and love and commitment. The hope and lessons from the many people who cross their path.
This book has everything, second chance, hurt and comfort, romance and love, imperfections and self doubt, a little bit of angst and a happy ending.
I have read quite a few of Kaje Harper's books and almost all of them were great, but I feel this is one of her best so far.
October 30, 2024
Age gap, second chances, hurt/comfort, so many of the things I love in a romance and the added interest from being part of the Rocktoberfest series. Griffin took the chance once to go off and follow his dream of being a musician, one that paid off - until it didn't. In chasing that dream, he left Lee behind. Or rather, Lee chose to stay behind, not without many regrets over the years. Despite those regrets, Lee has built a good life for himself and he's doing important work advocating for better conditions for the residents of the retirement home. When Griffin returns a battered man trying to rebuild his life and get the chance to perform at Rocktoberfest for one more hit of that on-stage magic these two have to work through the issues from the past that are rearing their heads again and decide what they truly want and if that can include each other. I'm delighted to see older musicians in the Rocktoberfest series this year and this story is one of the best.
November 12, 2024
3.5 stars
Griffin and Lee never expect to see each other again, but as always, life has a way of throwing our expectations for a loop. Griffin ends up working in the nursing home where Lee is the nurse practitioner. Griffin struggles with his guilt and feelings of worthlessness over the unintended crime he committed, while Lee struggles with his desire to keep as much distance between himself and Griffin and his growing need to embrace him completely once again. And when it seems like history is about to repeat itself, Lee withdraws, forcing months of separation and heartache for both of them. I appreciated the innovative twist on an MC seeking redemption, and Grifgfin is a great character. But Lee made it hard to like him because, until the end, he really didn't seem to care or understand that every relationship requires communication from both sides and a willingness to compromise.
Griffin and Lee never expect to see each other again, but as always, life has a way of throwing our expectations for a loop. Griffin ends up working in the nursing home where Lee is the nurse practitioner. Griffin struggles with his guilt and feelings of worthlessness over the unintended crime he committed, while Lee struggles with his desire to keep as much distance between himself and Griffin and his growing need to embrace him completely once again. And when it seems like history is about to repeat itself, Lee withdraws, forcing months of separation and heartache for both of them. I appreciated the innovative twist on an MC seeking redemption, and Grifgfin is a great character. But Lee made it hard to like him because, until the end, he really didn't seem to care or understand that every relationship requires communication from both sides and a willingness to compromise.
October 28, 2024
Excellent second chance romance with world-weary characters.
Kaje Harper shines when she writes about broken characters and romantic longing, and Missing Chord is no exception.
Griffin and Lee each have their own emotional damage. 20 years ago they fell in love, but Griffin went off to live his music dreams and Lee stayed behind to care for his sister and family. Neither regret their choices, but both regret the lost chance at love. They're both 20 years older, 20 years different, 20 years of life experiences for the good and bad under their belts, but maybe now the time is right for that second shot at love.
Wonderful side characters - who doesn't love a cast of retirement folk? Realistic conflicts between characters and within the larger world. Just a really great book all around.
Kaje Harper shines when she writes about broken characters and romantic longing, and Missing Chord is no exception.
Griffin and Lee each have their own emotional damage. 20 years ago they fell in love, but Griffin went off to live his music dreams and Lee stayed behind to care for his sister and family. Neither regret their choices, but both regret the lost chance at love. They're both 20 years older, 20 years different, 20 years of life experiences for the good and bad under their belts, but maybe now the time is right for that second shot at love.
Wonderful side characters - who doesn't love a cast of retirement folk? Realistic conflicts between characters and within the larger world. Just a really great book all around.
October 31, 2024
Sometimes, life gets in the way. Griffin, left town, left Lee to pursue a career in music. He met with some success, he met with hard times. He left Lee physically, but he carried him in his heart and many times in his music. Lee, lived through life that wasn't all fairy tale. When Griff returned, Lee realized he was still found Griff attractive. Life has changed for both men. Griff is working through some things as well as taking care of family matters, working through his music and his renewal with Lee. Lee is preparing for when Griff leaves again and he tries to protect his heart. This story has a feeling of real life with both men working through some human problems. The pace is good and gives us time to wrap ourselves around what the men are going through. Nicely done. Nice cover art. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2024
Wow, so well-written. Kaje really knows how to write a can't-put-it-down story.
This is a 2nd chance romance between an aging rock star and a nurse. They met 20 years ago, fell in love, but the timing wasn't right (Griffin was off to make his mark with his music, and Lee wasn't in a position to follow him due to family issues). Now that Griffin's back (& stuck in town due to a terrible mistake he made & the community service/parole he's gotten as a consequence), he runs across Lee again (working in a local nursing home) & they reconnect.
This is not a light read - it's full of serious subjects, handled really well. It's also a road to Rocktoberfest novel, so it centers around the music.
This is a 2nd chance romance between an aging rock star and a nurse. They met 20 years ago, fell in love, but the timing wasn't right (Griffin was off to make his mark with his music, and Lee wasn't in a position to follow him due to family issues). Now that Griffin's back (& stuck in town due to a terrible mistake he made & the community service/parole he's gotten as a consequence), he runs across Lee again (working in a local nursing home) & they reconnect.
This is not a light read - it's full of serious subjects, handled really well. It's also a road to Rocktoberfest novel, so it centers around the music.
October 30, 2024
These two men still felt a lot for one another despite the time they spent apart. Griffin left town to pursue his music career and he has made mistakes along the way. One of them was to believe that he and Lee were done. When Griffin returns and is working on making up for some of his mistakes he has to decide if he will take this second chance to be with Lee, who he still loves. Lee sees his silver fox return and he still wants him. Lee is now a nurse and although there is an age gap they are both tested by time and life. There is definitely love but there is also a need to work through past issues and to work on making the present what they want it to be. It was gratifying to read them doing just that. Well done!
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2024
DEEP JOURNEY
ROAD TO ROCKTOBERFEST Is REMARKABLE. KAJE HARPER has written a moving Book about a well respected Star who is aging out of the spotlight of his youth. Griffin has been on the road for many years. Lending a hand to the young up and coming youth. Lee is the man he left behind when his music became his full focus. Lee built a life in the wake of his heartbreak. These two want to continue on being older and wiser. Life has taught them many lessons throughout the years. Now is their time to find the love and happiness they've been searching for. This is a BEAUTIFUL story that makes you look hard at what one second can change in your life. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THE ROAD TO ROCKTOBERFEST SERIES!!!!!!
ROAD TO ROCKTOBERFEST Is REMARKABLE. KAJE HARPER has written a moving Book about a well respected Star who is aging out of the spotlight of his youth. Griffin has been on the road for many years. Lending a hand to the young up and coming youth. Lee is the man he left behind when his music became his full focus. Lee built a life in the wake of his heartbreak. These two want to continue on being older and wiser. Life has taught them many lessons throughout the years. Now is their time to find the love and happiness they've been searching for. This is a BEAUTIFUL story that makes you look hard at what one second can change in your life. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THE ROAD TO ROCKTOBERFEST SERIES!!!!!!
October 13, 2024
Kaje Harper knows how to write. That may sound obvious, but it's the sort of thing that you can tell within the first paragraph, sometimes the first sentence, of a novel. She creates characters who seem like real people; her settings and dialogue make sense. This story was a pleasure to read from start to finish. I feel as if it might have been a touch more effective if we'd gotten to see/learn about more of the in-between of these men's lives (what happened during the years they were apart), but on the whole, I simply sat back and enjoyed the show.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for a complimentary copy of this book.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for a complimentary copy of this book.
April 28, 2025
This has a smooth sort of vibe that plays out slowly but nicely. Griffin finds himself is some considerable trouble after causing the death of another driver in a traffic accident. Though he is not jailed, he does have to serve probation and community service. He was on his way home when this happens to deal with his mom's estate. His community service is to be done at a nursing facility and he meets an old flame who works there. He abruptly left Lee some 20 years ago to pursue a music career. The book sort of meanders as the men get reacquainted while they are dealing with their respective lives. Good writing. A little uneven but still engaging and realistic. Enjoyed.
October 23, 2024
I love the way the stories in this series interconnect, and this author always delivers a poignant and realistic story. I'm thrilled that there are older main characters who have seen a bit of life yet maintain that connection they formed so many years ago. Watching them find a way to get past their previous painful parting as well as cope with the current challenges and guilt for a tragic accident is enthralling as usual. Can't wait to see what other delicious tales are in store from Ms. Harper.
October 27, 2024
Kaje Harper is for me one of the best author the genre has to offer. It doesn't matter what she writes, of paranormal, historical or contemporary, I'm always glued to the pages. The same happened with this book. Twenty years ago Griff and Lee had been each others "right person, wrong time". And in the meantime life happened - good and bad.
Now they meet again and this time it might work - if......
This is an emotional book without being sappy, a book about hurt, loss, mistakes as well as wins, achievements, love - a book about navigating life.
A wonderful book.
Now they meet again and this time it might work - if......
This is an emotional book without being sappy, a book about hurt, loss, mistakes as well as wins, achievements, love - a book about navigating life.
A wonderful book.
October 29, 2024
This book feels more substantial than others I’ve read in the Oktoberfest series. The two main characters are complex and imperfect. The regret that permeates the beginning of this second-chance romance really made me want the two men to get back together, but the author doesn’t resolve that too quickly.
The nursing home makes an unusual backdrop, but the cast of characters there are so interesting, even the ones with small parts. I also like that we see a lot of Lee working, rather than simply learning that he is a caring head nurse.
The nursing home makes an unusual backdrop, but the cast of characters there are so interesting, even the ones with small parts. I also like that we see a lot of Lee working, rather than simply learning that he is a caring head nurse.
November 8, 2024
Griffin and Lee ❤️
4 Stars ⭐️
I should have know that Kaje Harper would show up with an amazing and emotional second chance love story in this multi author series. I'm going to be vague with this review because it's a must read book so here goes: 20 years apart and life goes on, the good, the bad and the ugly but if you get that chance with a long lost love, hold onto it and never let go ❤️. I 100% recommend this book, it was fantastic.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4 Stars ⭐️
I should have know that Kaje Harper would show up with an amazing and emotional second chance love story in this multi author series. I'm going to be vague with this review because it's a must read book so here goes: 20 years apart and life goes on, the good, the bad and the ugly but if you get that chance with a long lost love, hold onto it and never let go ❤️. I 100% recommend this book, it was fantastic.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
October 15, 2024
I felt like I was along for the real life up and down journey with these two. Can you imagine getting a second so many years later? Griffin is the older one and he has made mistakes. He is back now at least temporarily and seeing Lee again brings it all back. I loved the real feel of awkwardness and discomfort after all the time between them at first. All I am going to say is that I needed Lee to get his man so I could not stop reading to see what choices would be made.
October 25, 2024
Like most of Harper’s books this more plot heavy and I’m always here for that. The look into the 80’s aids pandemic, nursing homes and the medical field in general was so appreciated. I also appreciated the realistic look at older musicians and nodules and what that could be.
Second chance is always good and these two were a right couple-wrong time but their HEA was amazing and I loved the love these 2 had.
Second chance is always good and these two were a right couple-wrong time but their HEA was amazing and I loved the love these 2 had.
October 28, 2024
Missing Chord by Kaje Harper is a book in the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest 2024 series. I am a big fan of this author and really enjoyed this story.
I love second chance love stories and this one gave me all the happy feels. Add in that they are both older MC's and I'm sold.
I liked the way these two worked together and built back what they had and made it better. Loved seeing them get their long due HEA.
I love second chance love stories and this one gave me all the happy feels. Add in that they are both older MC's and I'm sold.
I liked the way these two worked together and built back what they had and made it better. Loved seeing them get their long due HEA.
December 2, 2024
3* Drags a bit, but decent writing, if not the most exciting read.
This wasn't a hit for me, despite the older lead - I've forgotten his name already - being my age, and me thinking I could relate in a way. I liked the care home and patients parts, but couldn't really see the leads rekindling their relationship. The 'non-sizeism' talk was off-putting and the mention of man breasts/boobs and cupping them was eughhh.
Glad this was a KU title.
This wasn't a hit for me, despite the older lead - I've forgotten his name already - being my age, and me thinking I could relate in a way. I liked the care home and patients parts, but couldn't really see the leads rekindling their relationship. The 'non-sizeism' talk was off-putting and the mention of man breasts/boobs and cupping them was eughhh.
Glad this was a KU title.
October 15, 2024
Second chance romance with a twist. Lee let Griffin walk away 20 years earlier, now due to a momentary distraction Griffin walks back in. Well written story which left me pondering where it was going although I knew a HEA would occur somehow. Death is present due to the story’s setting but it’s dealt with respectfully. Great side characters especially Harvey and Owen.
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