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Rustic #1
Rustic Melody
Can a boy from the country and a guy from the city ever make it work?
Adam Chambers has never seen eye-to-eye with his father and is reluctant to take over the family’s property-development company. To clear his head and work out what he wants to do with the rest of his life, Adam leaves his responsibilities in the city and heads out to see the country.
He isn’t much closer to deciding what to do with his life when he arrives at one of Australia’s largest events, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and meets Joey Callaway.
Since Joey’s father’s tragic death left Joey the family’s debt-ridden pub, Joey has struggled, desperate to turn the business around and give his mum the life she deserves. A break away from the pressures of running the pub is just what he needs, and a hook-up with Adam is the perfect way to forget about his troubles.
The one-night stand might just be an opening act. If Adam and Joey can follow the music in their hearts, perhaps they can heal each other and create a melody that will last a lifetime.
Adam Chambers has never seen eye-to-eye with his father and is reluctant to take over the family’s property-development company. To clear his head and work out what he wants to do with the rest of his life, Adam leaves his responsibilities in the city and heads out to see the country.
He isn’t much closer to deciding what to do with his life when he arrives at one of Australia’s largest events, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and meets Joey Callaway.
Since Joey’s father’s tragic death left Joey the family’s debt-ridden pub, Joey has struggled, desperate to turn the business around and give his mum the life she deserves. A break away from the pressures of running the pub is just what he needs, and a hook-up with Adam is the perfect way to forget about his troubles.
The one-night stand might just be an opening act. If Adam and Joey can follow the music in their hearts, perhaps they can heal each other and create a melody that will last a lifetime.
174 pages, ebook
First published January 26, 2016
107 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Nic Starr
44 books367 followersNic Starr lives in Australia where she tries to squeeze as much into her busy life as possible. Balancing the demands of a corporate career with raising a family and writing can be challenging but she wouldn’t give it up for the world.
Always a reader, the lure of m/m romance was strong and she devoured hundreds of wonderful m/m romance books before eventually realising she had some stories of her own that needed to be told!
When not writing or reading, she loves to spend time with her family–an understanding husband and two beautiful daughters–and is often found indulging in her love of cooking and planning her dream home in the country.
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Always a reader, the lure of m/m romance was strong and she devoured hundreds of wonderful m/m romance books before eventually realising she had some stories of her own that needed to be told!
When not writing or reading, she loves to spend time with her family–an understanding husband and two beautiful daughters–and is often found indulging in her love of cooking and planning her dream home in the country.
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February 4, 2020
3.5 stars. Rustic Melody is a sweet, low-angst story set in Australia about two young men, Adam (23) and Joey (21), each searching for what direction their lives will take. Their paths meet at the famed Tamworth Country Music Festival (the second biggest country music festival in the world, after Nashville, and where Keith Urban’s career was launched) in New South Wales. Because accommodations are scarce, Joey offers to share his room with Adam, hoping his gaydar is still operational, despite it getting little use in Armisdale, a small town with few gay men. Adam is charmed by Joey’s open and honest nature, as well as his lean and tightly muscled body, and they find their one-night stand turning into something more. When Joey has to leave the festival early to return home due to a minor family mishap, Adam soon finds his way to Armidale, and Joey.
It was refreshing to read a M/M romance without angst and/or miscommunication being important plot points. Adam and Joey connect fairly quickly, with each needing to resolve their issues with family in order to be together. The sex scenes, while not sizzling, are alternately tender and pretty darn hot! I felt the book slowed down a bit too much in the middle with some “touristy” activities that seemed more like filler rather than necessary to the plot, and the ending came about in a bit of a hurry. But these are minor complaints – if you are looking for a sweet read – look no farther!
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
It was refreshing to read a M/M romance without angst and/or miscommunication being important plot points. Adam and Joey connect fairly quickly, with each needing to resolve their issues with family in order to be together. The sex scenes, while not sizzling, are alternately tender and pretty darn hot! I felt the book slowed down a bit too much in the middle with some “touristy” activities that seemed more like filler rather than necessary to the plot, and the ending came about in a bit of a hurry. But these are minor complaints – if you are looking for a sweet read – look no farther!
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
March 10, 2019
Heartwarming, easy going, sweet, low-angst Aussie romance… loved the Aussie slang!!!….just what I needed after the book I’ve read before.
Loved Joey and Adam… and Joey’s mom Marion. What a wonderful woman!
All in all, a very enjoyable, well written story and I look forward to reading the next book.
Recommended!
Loved Joey and Adam… and Joey’s mom Marion. What a wonderful woman!
All in all, a very enjoyable, well written story and I look forward to reading the next book.
Recommended!
January 7, 2016
Now and again I find a book that turns me into a big puddle of goo......this is one such book. Joey and Adam are completely adorable and their story is just lovely!
Rustic Melody is a simple, straightforward, but by no means ordinary love story. Beautifully real, superbly written characters, angst free, low drama, high romance. It is sweet and tender, sexy and heartwarming; and the love between these two young men oozes off the page. The way they spoke to each other, touched one another, just the looks they shared......I did lots of sighing reading this book. Feel good, heart melting romance with a capital R!
Reviewed for Divinemagazine.net
Rustic Melody is a simple, straightforward, but by no means ordinary love story. Beautifully real, superbly written characters, angst free, low drama, high romance. It is sweet and tender, sexy and heartwarming; and the love between these two young men oozes off the page. The way they spoke to each other, touched one another, just the looks they shared......I did lots of sighing reading this book. Feel good, heart melting romance with a capital R!
Reviewed for Divinemagazine.net
April 5, 2016
Easygoing, next to no angst, heartwarming and sweet story set in Australia. Recommended as a perfect pick-me-up book if you need one, or something light and sweet after a heavy angst read.
January 21, 2016
4.5 Stars
**copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Adam has been traveling for a few months. He went to college and got his business degree, but the last thing he wants is to work for his father. But he isn't sure what he wants to do, so he's been traveling. Trying to find himself and what he wants to do with his life. Along the way he attends a country music festival in Tamworth. There he meets Joey.
Joey is a 21 year old that runs a small pub and hotel with his mother. He works seven days a week. He is worn out and dragged down. The business isn't doing well and he isn't sure how to get it back in the black. When his mother forces him to take a vacation and go to the country music festival, he attends it reluctantly.
This was a sweet story. These two young men were both extremely likable. I loved the story. It was a little slow in places, but still a well written story. Joey and Adam were an amazing couple. They had an awesome chemistry and the sex was steamy.
Extremely enjoyable and highly recommended. Can't wait for book 2!!
**copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Adam has been traveling for a few months. He went to college and got his business degree, but the last thing he wants is to work for his father. But he isn't sure what he wants to do, so he's been traveling. Trying to find himself and what he wants to do with his life. Along the way he attends a country music festival in Tamworth. There he meets Joey.
Joey is a 21 year old that runs a small pub and hotel with his mother. He works seven days a week. He is worn out and dragged down. The business isn't doing well and he isn't sure how to get it back in the black. When his mother forces him to take a vacation and go to the country music festival, he attends it reluctantly.
This was a sweet story. These two young men were both extremely likable. I loved the story. It was a little slow in places, but still a well written story. Joey and Adam were an amazing couple. They had an awesome chemistry and the sex was steamy.
Extremely enjoyable and highly recommended. Can't wait for book 2!!
April 15, 2016
This was a slow, nice and easy low-angst read. I felt the loneliness of Joey's situation weigh me down a bit during the story, but whenever Adam and Joey were together, all was well.
This is a perfect read for folks who love a wholesome love story, but still want the good sex. You get both of them here.
Recommended!
This is a perfect read for folks who love a wholesome love story, but still want the good sex. You get both of them here.
Recommended!
December 27, 2018
Very sweet, super low angst, meandering, “I’m trying to find myself but I found you” story. And lest that sound milquetoast, there is also a perfect amount of heat. Set in Australia, so fans of NR Walker and Renae Kaye books might also enjoy this one.
February 26, 2016
Title:Rustic Melody
Author: Nic Starr
Series: Rustic Series, Book #1
Publisher:
Release Date: January 26, 2016
Genre(s): M/M Romance
Page Count: 174
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
“A smattering of freckles dusted across his nose and decorated his cheekbones. Joey’s lips were plump and pink, but the stubble gracing his jaw added masculinity. Adam thought again how attracted he was to Joey’s clean-cut good looks.”
5 musical stars! Beautiful and fun and that’s just the characters….
Adam’s relationship with his father has never been easy and he’s supposed to take over his family’s property development company, but he’s not looking forward to it. Needing a breather, he leaves life in the city and decides to go out to the country to explore. Still debating what he wants to do with his life, he runs into the Tamworth Country Music Festival. While there he meets the gorgeous Joey Callaway. Joey too is looking for a break from his family’s pub that is slowly eating them alive financially. When Joey and Adam meet, sparks fly and they are both excited to relieve some stress with each other, even if that means a one night stand. Both are dealing with family problems and have more in common than they realize, maybe even having feelings for each other? Can these two figure out what they each want and make it work together? Or will it just be a one time thing?
I was engrossed in this book the second I started reading it! I ate it up in one sitting and I was so sad when it was over. The dynamic relationship between Adam and Joey was fun and beyond sexy. I loved the witty banter between each other and all the commonalities they have. This is the first book I’ve read by Nic Starr, but I will say I’ll be reading more from this author in the future!! Including the rest of this series!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author: Nic Starr
Series: Rustic Series, Book #1
Publisher:
Release Date: January 26, 2016
Genre(s): M/M Romance
Page Count: 174
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Adam Chambers has never seen eye-to-eye with his father and is reluctant to take over the family’s property-development company. To clear his head and work out what he wants to do with the rest of his life, Adam leaves his responsibilities in the city and heads out to see the country.
He isn’t much closer to deciding what to do with his life when he arrives at one of Australia’s largest events, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and meets Joey Callaway.
Since Joey’s father’s tragic death left Joey the family’s debt-ridden pub, Joey has struggled, desperate to turn the business around and give his mum the life she deserves. A break away from the pressures of running the pub is just what he needs, and a hook-up with Adam is the perfect way to forget about his troubles.
The one-night stand might just be an opening act. If Adam and Joey can follow the music in their hearts, perhaps they can heal each other and create a melody that will last a lifetime.
“A smattering of freckles dusted across his nose and decorated his cheekbones. Joey’s lips were plump and pink, but the stubble gracing his jaw added masculinity. Adam thought again how attracted he was to Joey’s clean-cut good looks.”
5 musical stars! Beautiful and fun and that’s just the characters….
Adam’s relationship with his father has never been easy and he’s supposed to take over his family’s property development company, but he’s not looking forward to it. Needing a breather, he leaves life in the city and decides to go out to the country to explore. Still debating what he wants to do with his life, he runs into the Tamworth Country Music Festival. While there he meets the gorgeous Joey Callaway. Joey too is looking for a break from his family’s pub that is slowly eating them alive financially. When Joey and Adam meet, sparks fly and they are both excited to relieve some stress with each other, even if that means a one night stand. Both are dealing with family problems and have more in common than they realize, maybe even having feelings for each other? Can these two figure out what they each want and make it work together? Or will it just be a one time thing?
I was engrossed in this book the second I started reading it! I ate it up in one sitting and I was so sad when it was over. The dynamic relationship between Adam and Joey was fun and beyond sexy. I loved the witty banter between each other and all the commonalities they have. This is the first book I’ve read by Nic Starr, but I will say I’ll be reading more from this author in the future!! Including the rest of this series!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
February 26, 2016
4.5 Starrs ~ Nic Starr is a new author for me, and given how much I enjoyed Rustic Melody, this will certainly not be my last novel by this delightfully talented writer. This novel is a sweet and slow building love story between two men who both want more than their current life offers them.
Joey is torn between wanting to sell the family business and making sure his poorly sighted Mum is taken care of in a way that gives her the best quality of life. Knowing his Dad worked feverishly to set them both up with some sort of financial security and, unfortunately, failed to do so prior to his death only makes Joey more determined to see their pub business turn a profit prior to selling it. Not only that, but despite living in a Uni town, Joey has few prospects when it comes to finding a guy to fall in love with and hopefully one day share his life. Trying desperately not to feel trapped by both a barely scraping by business and a lonely existence, Joey reluctantly takes a vacation and stumbles into a sexy guitar playing man who makes him want more than just a one-night stand.
Adam has been on leave from the family business for a few months, trying to figure out exactly what he wants to do with the rest of his life. His domineering and critical father drives his business much like his life—sharp, a bit shady and like a dictatorship. Adam can abide many things, but it’s the less than above board tactics his father uses in his business dealings that leave a decided distaste in his mouth. After a few months on the road, he decides to take one last detour before returning home to check out the country music festival. Little does he know that his life is about to get both more complicated and perhaps a bit happier.
The real beauty of this sweet love story is the incredible depth of characterization that takes place over the course of the novel. Both Joey and Adam are revealed to be caring and grounded sons—the kind that cherish family and refuse to see them as a burden. Both refuse to pursue only what they want, and so it is then painfully realistic when Adam finally must leave Joey behind that he does so with such mixed emotions. Each chapter of this carefully crafted love story is filled with real emotion, and we are privy to what makes both Joey and Adam tick. I cannot begin to say how much I appreciated this when so often m/m romance novels are one-sided—with the reader only really getting to know one of the main characters to the detriment of the other. Instead, author Nic Starr takes us inside the heads of both young men and allows us to see their fears, their burdens and their worry over failing both themselves and those they love. Honest dialogue, some very sweet and hot sex, and strong female side characters who give sound advice to both men all combined to make Rustic Melody a lush story with a hard earned happy ever after.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Joey is torn between wanting to sell the family business and making sure his poorly sighted Mum is taken care of in a way that gives her the best quality of life. Knowing his Dad worked feverishly to set them both up with some sort of financial security and, unfortunately, failed to do so prior to his death only makes Joey more determined to see their pub business turn a profit prior to selling it. Not only that, but despite living in a Uni town, Joey has few prospects when it comes to finding a guy to fall in love with and hopefully one day share his life. Trying desperately not to feel trapped by both a barely scraping by business and a lonely existence, Joey reluctantly takes a vacation and stumbles into a sexy guitar playing man who makes him want more than just a one-night stand.
Adam has been on leave from the family business for a few months, trying to figure out exactly what he wants to do with the rest of his life. His domineering and critical father drives his business much like his life—sharp, a bit shady and like a dictatorship. Adam can abide many things, but it’s the less than above board tactics his father uses in his business dealings that leave a decided distaste in his mouth. After a few months on the road, he decides to take one last detour before returning home to check out the country music festival. Little does he know that his life is about to get both more complicated and perhaps a bit happier.
The real beauty of this sweet love story is the incredible depth of characterization that takes place over the course of the novel. Both Joey and Adam are revealed to be caring and grounded sons—the kind that cherish family and refuse to see them as a burden. Both refuse to pursue only what they want, and so it is then painfully realistic when Adam finally must leave Joey behind that he does so with such mixed emotions. Each chapter of this carefully crafted love story is filled with real emotion, and we are privy to what makes both Joey and Adam tick. I cannot begin to say how much I appreciated this when so often m/m romance novels are one-sided—with the reader only really getting to know one of the main characters to the detriment of the other. Instead, author Nic Starr takes us inside the heads of both young men and allows us to see their fears, their burdens and their worry over failing both themselves and those they love. Honest dialogue, some very sweet and hot sex, and strong female side characters who give sound advice to both men all combined to make Rustic Melody a lush story with a hard earned happy ever after.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
January 25, 2016
This book is a very easy going book without much conflict or angst. This makes it not the type of book I typically enjoy as much I am all for the conflict and that good ol' gut wrenching angst! However, every now and then its nice to just read a straight forward book that is sweet - this would be that book.
Our two MC are Joey and Adam and both of them are struggling with family expectations. Joey is trying to keep his father's pub alive and keep his mother living comfortable. Adam on the other hand is working in his father's property-development company. Neither of them are happy with their lives. During a rare night out at a festival they celebrate with each other and afterwards they wonder if there could be something more between them than a one-time hook up. Adam and Joey move from friends to a relationship while learning what the other expects from the other and having some pretty awesome sex along the way!
The story-line is pretty smooth and flawless, it is almost too smooth - as I mentioned I love a good conflict and when its lacking I have a bit of difficulty fully enjoying a book. The author has a good writing style and I am curious to see what becomes of this series.
Our two MC are Joey and Adam and both of them are struggling with family expectations. Joey is trying to keep his father's pub alive and keep his mother living comfortable. Adam on the other hand is working in his father's property-development company. Neither of them are happy with their lives. During a rare night out at a festival they celebrate with each other and afterwards they wonder if there could be something more between them than a one-time hook up. Adam and Joey move from friends to a relationship while learning what the other expects from the other and having some pretty awesome sex along the way!
The story-line is pretty smooth and flawless, it is almost too smooth - as I mentioned I love a good conflict and when its lacking I have a bit of difficulty fully enjoying a book. The author has a good writing style and I am curious to see what becomes of this series.
March 6, 2016
This is the first book from Nic Starr that I have read. This is the story of Joey and Adam. Both young men looking for something but not sure what. Joey runs his family pub and Adam refuses to work for his father in his company. They meet at a music festival and the chemistry is instant. They spend time together at the festival until Joey has to leave to help his mother. Adam stays awhile then decides to visit Joey in his hometown. The story builds from there. Their isnt a big misunderstanding or anything in this book. It is a straight sweet love story which I liked but feel it could have used some kind of conflict. All in all I enjoyed the story and will definitely read book 2 in this series. Reviewed by Jodi Marinich from Alpha Book Club .
January 26, 2022
Una storia dolcissima e romantica, che si sonda attraverso i giorni che passano, attraverso i sentimenti che crescono e i sogni che si vogliono fare avverare.
Due protaginisti limpidi, dalle emozioni mai celate, dagli animi puri e affini.
Uno stile giovane e fresco ed un ritmo calmo e avvolgente.
Hugs&kisses
Due protaginisti limpidi, dalle emozioni mai celate, dagli animi puri e affini.
Uno stile giovane e fresco ed un ritmo calmo e avvolgente.
Hugs&kisses
March 11, 2016
Fucking delightful
Want to read
December 26, 201812/26/18 Currently FREE via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7ONMXU/...
December 31, 2018
Lovely story likable characters
I really liked this story, which I found both believable and interesting. While at first it seemed a little slow paced it soon picked up.
I specially liked that there where no ridiculous misunderstandings or unnecessary drama, just the natural progression of the relationship with real difficulties to overcome.
I really liked this story, which I found both believable and interesting. While at first it seemed a little slow paced it soon picked up.
I specially liked that there where no ridiculous misunderstandings or unnecessary drama, just the natural progression of the relationship with real difficulties to overcome.
October 10, 2017
Sweet romance between an overworked pub owner and a young man in search of a purpose. I found the Australian colloquialisms to be annoying, but that's just me. They probably think the same of American English.
November 11, 2017
This is a character driven story about Joey and Adam, one from the country and one city slicker.
Joey is kind of a cinderfella, having to pull the family pub out of debt for his mum. Adam is wrestling with his own conscience regarding his father’s business practices. And that is it really.
Character driven is not my favourite plot device and whilst it was a fine story there wasn’t enough to keep me fully invested, so at times the over details of, say shaving, took me out of the story a bit.
So it was nice, just not enough oomph for me. Did enjoy the Aussie setting and these are always comfortable for me.
Joey is kind of a cinderfella, having to pull the family pub out of debt for his mum. Adam is wrestling with his own conscience regarding his father’s business practices. And that is it really.
Character driven is not my favourite plot device and whilst it was a fine story there wasn’t enough to keep me fully invested, so at times the over details of, say shaving, took me out of the story a bit.
So it was nice, just not enough oomph for me. Did enjoy the Aussie setting and these are always comfortable for me.
January 13, 2019
Gentle and real
Not some millionaire fantasy, nor a nightmare of vampires and dragons. This is a story with real people living real lives, with difficult decisions and necessary commitments. I wanted to kick Adam's butt several times for his indecisiveness, but his sister and grandmother do a good enough job of that. The Australian setting is realistic, not just big city glitz, though I hope to see more of the countryside and even wildlife as I explore Nic Starr's works.
Not some millionaire fantasy, nor a nightmare of vampires and dragons. This is a story with real people living real lives, with difficult decisions and necessary commitments. I wanted to kick Adam's butt several times for his indecisiveness, but his sister and grandmother do a good enough job of that. The Australian setting is realistic, not just big city glitz, though I hope to see more of the countryside and even wildlife as I explore Nic Starr's works.
April 23, 2016
“Don't let other people choose your path for you. Deep down you know the right way to go, so do the right thing and follow your heart.” ~ Unknown
Adam Chambers loves music, but country isn't particularly his first choice When he hears about a Country Music Jamboree he decides to go. Adam is on a slightly aimless journey to decide if he wants to continue working with his father's somewhat shady business, or do something more fulfilling. When he meets Joey Callaway, he begins to see why he was so drawn to the festival.
Joey is at the festival on holiday because he needs time off from his grueling job of managing a hotel and a bar. He and Adam meet up at one of the local bars, just drinking and casually talking, but having a delightful time. The sexual attraction is there, but there's something even stronger as well. It's a feeling of contentment and ease neither usually have. Adam enjoys being with Joey because he can be himself. Joey doesn't make demands or expect anything in return. Joey is honest and open; there isn't a pretentious bone in his body. It's refreshing. Joey likes Adam for the same reason; he can relax and be himself. When Joey realizes that Adam has nowhere to stay, he offers to share his room. Adam graciously accepts his generous offer and just like that they are roommates. Once they establish that they are both gay, they experience a very passionate, yet genuine experience that involves sharing more than just a bed. The Festival is exceedingly more fun with someone to share it with. Things are going very well until Joey gets a call that his mother has fallen and he leaves Adam to rush back to her. Joey's departure is so sudden, he's unsure of where to leave things with Adam so he decides the best thing to do is to be casual about it, to exchange phone numbers and invite Adam to visit Joey's town. Although Adam promises do so, Joey sadly figures he'll never see him again.
A week or so later, Joey is stunned to see Adam come through his bar door and even more surprised when Adam tells him that he's there because missed Joey so much. Joey has missed Adam too although he doesn't tell Adam just how much. As different as it is for Adam, he begins to realize he actually enjoys being in Joey's home town and he's even more sure about how much he enjoys being with Joey. Their intimacy deepens, but Joey holds on to his heart because he's convinced Adam would never want to stay with someone as boring as he is. He tries to ignore all the signs that he and Adam are perfect together and that he is in love with Adam. After some soul-searching, Adam admits, at least to himself, that he loves Joey and doesn't want to leave. However, before he can do anything about it, Adam's decision is made for him when his father has a heart attack and Adam has to leave Joey and return to Sydney.
This is an endearing love story set in Australia, giving it a more exotic feeling, at least to us not in Australia. The characters are wonderfully developed and admirable. Adam, with his conviction to live and work honestly, and Joey's 'realness' and charm, make their relationship even stronger. The secondary characters, especially Joey's mother and Adam's grandmother, are wealths of wisdom, whose advice help Adam and Joey sort out their priorities and decide what's best for themselves. If you enjoy a story with country music festivals, bars, handsome Aussie men, Aussie slang, hot sexual encounters, small towns, character growth, determination, and a happy ending, then you may like this book. Thanks, Nic, for a great story with two lovable men who are easy to admire.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Adam Chambers loves music, but country isn't particularly his first choice When he hears about a Country Music Jamboree he decides to go. Adam is on a slightly aimless journey to decide if he wants to continue working with his father's somewhat shady business, or do something more fulfilling. When he meets Joey Callaway, he begins to see why he was so drawn to the festival.
Joey is at the festival on holiday because he needs time off from his grueling job of managing a hotel and a bar. He and Adam meet up at one of the local bars, just drinking and casually talking, but having a delightful time. The sexual attraction is there, but there's something even stronger as well. It's a feeling of contentment and ease neither usually have. Adam enjoys being with Joey because he can be himself. Joey doesn't make demands or expect anything in return. Joey is honest and open; there isn't a pretentious bone in his body. It's refreshing. Joey likes Adam for the same reason; he can relax and be himself. When Joey realizes that Adam has nowhere to stay, he offers to share his room. Adam graciously accepts his generous offer and just like that they are roommates. Once they establish that they are both gay, they experience a very passionate, yet genuine experience that involves sharing more than just a bed. The Festival is exceedingly more fun with someone to share it with. Things are going very well until Joey gets a call that his mother has fallen and he leaves Adam to rush back to her. Joey's departure is so sudden, he's unsure of where to leave things with Adam so he decides the best thing to do is to be casual about it, to exchange phone numbers and invite Adam to visit Joey's town. Although Adam promises do so, Joey sadly figures he'll never see him again.
A week or so later, Joey is stunned to see Adam come through his bar door and even more surprised when Adam tells him that he's there because missed Joey so much. Joey has missed Adam too although he doesn't tell Adam just how much. As different as it is for Adam, he begins to realize he actually enjoys being in Joey's home town and he's even more sure about how much he enjoys being with Joey. Their intimacy deepens, but Joey holds on to his heart because he's convinced Adam would never want to stay with someone as boring as he is. He tries to ignore all the signs that he and Adam are perfect together and that he is in love with Adam. After some soul-searching, Adam admits, at least to himself, that he loves Joey and doesn't want to leave. However, before he can do anything about it, Adam's decision is made for him when his father has a heart attack and Adam has to leave Joey and return to Sydney.
This is an endearing love story set in Australia, giving it a more exotic feeling, at least to us not in Australia. The characters are wonderfully developed and admirable. Adam, with his conviction to live and work honestly, and Joey's 'realness' and charm, make their relationship even stronger. The secondary characters, especially Joey's mother and Adam's grandmother, are wealths of wisdom, whose advice help Adam and Joey sort out their priorities and decide what's best for themselves. If you enjoy a story with country music festivals, bars, handsome Aussie men, Aussie slang, hot sexual encounters, small towns, character growth, determination, and a happy ending, then you may like this book. Thanks, Nic, for a great story with two lovable men who are easy to admire.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 2, 2016
Title: Rustic Melody
Author: Nic Starr
Series: Rustic
Publisher: Nic Starr
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: January 26, 2016
Genre(s): Gay Male Romance. Australian Romance
Page Count: 174 pages
Heat Level: # 4 flames out of 5
Rating: # 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Adam Chambers has never seen eye-to-eye with his father and is reluctant to take over the family’s property-development company. To clear his head and work out what he wants to do with the rest of his life, Adam leaves his responsibilities in the city and heads out to see the country.
He isn’t much closer to deciding what to do with his life when he arrives at one of Australia’s largest events, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and meets Joey Callaway.
Since Joey’s father’s tragic death left Joey the family’s debt-ridden pub, Joey has struggled, desperate to turn the business around and give his mum the life she deserves. A break away from the pressures of running the pub is just what he needs, and a hook-up with Adam is the perfect way to forget about his troubles.
The one-night stand might just be an opening act. If Adam and Joey can follow the music in their hearts, perhaps they can heal each other and create a melody that will last a lifetime.
Review:
Heart warming love story set in the country of Australia. This is a relatively quick, light hearted read of a new love. Adam is traveling around Australia in the hopes of getting his act together and his priorities in order. Living up to his father’s expectations and working for the family company has been more than Adam can tolerate any longer. So now he is trying to figure out what he is going to do for the rest of his life.
Joey has been struggling to keep his family’s business afloat. Although he loves the day to day workings of the bar and restaurant, as well as taking care of the customers. The business end is driving him crazy. Taking care of the place fell into his hands after the death of his dad. Never having any formal business business training, Joey is flying by the seat of his pants, putting in long sometimes back breaking days. With the insistence of his mom, Joey takes a short holiday to a music festival a few hours away. That is where he meets Adam, and the start of the beautiful story of this book.
The plot is a very simple boy meets boy. Boy makes decisions about the rest of his life. Men start a new life together. The chemistry is a gradual building of friendship to full of passion love. The pacing is steady with a twist that eventually brings these two sexy guys together. Loved the ending, but I am a sucker for a happy ever after. Joey and Adam grow with each other each complementing one another and bringing out the best in that they can be.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY 5 Stars
PACING 5 Stars
ENDING 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT 5 Stars
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ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
February 10, 2016
I’m quite a fan of Nic Starr’s books. She’s one of the authors that I reach for when I want to be assured of little angst and a whole lot of sweet loving. I don’t always want this level of “happy” but when I need it, I know I can get it here.
Adam has spent months travelling Australia in an attempt to discover himself. He always assumed that he’d join the family business, but when he began working with his father he discovered some unethical business practices, and had to walk away. Now he has no idea what he wants to do with his business degree, but before he heads back to Sydney and his life there, he intends make some important decisions. Adam is hardly a fan of country music, but even he knows about the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and he figures he’ll head that way to buy himself some more time.
Joey, on the other hand, knows exactly what he needs to do in life, he just has no idea how to achieve it. Since his father’s death he has been running the family owned pub, a business that has always struggled to turn a profit and yet demands all (absolutely all) of Joey’s time. Joey needs to turn the pub into a profitable venture that will be attractive to buyers, so he and his mother can escape to a less exhaustive life. Heading off to the music festival certainly isn’t in his plans, but when his mother sets her mind to something, there’s not really any stopping her. Which is how he finds himself on the streets of Tamworth, watching a very attractive man busking with his guitar…(I’m referring to Adam – in case that wasn’t obvious!)
Like I said, Nic Starr’s books tend to have little to no angst, and are often light on any conflict at all. But that’s not a complaint. In fact, kudos to her for managing to keep me entertained with so little bad stuff going on. Not many authors can manage that. Instead this author’s stories tend to really focus on the characters and in this book especially, I felt a real connection to our MCs. I’ll admit, the situation was bordering on “too perfect”. Joey has a struggling business – Adam has a business degree he’s dying to flex. Joey is stuck in Armidale – Adam is currently rootless. They’d both like to own some sort of bar/café by the sea… You get what I mean, right? But again, props to the author for selling that fairytale to me. It’s a credit to her writing skill that my initial eye rolls turned into sighs of gooey contentment.
Because the majority of this book is so sweet, the sex scenes really popped for me. I enjoy nothing more that two cooing, cuddling (ok, I’m exaggerating) men to suddenly hit the bedroom and tear up the sheets. That contrast gets me every time. I love it when the sweet ones let loose their sexy sides, and that’s very much what happens with Adam and Joey.
The second book in the Rustic Series is out later this month and I’m rather keen to get my greedy little hands on a copy. So stay tuned for the next installment!
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/02/0...
Adam has spent months travelling Australia in an attempt to discover himself. He always assumed that he’d join the family business, but when he began working with his father he discovered some unethical business practices, and had to walk away. Now he has no idea what he wants to do with his business degree, but before he heads back to Sydney and his life there, he intends make some important decisions. Adam is hardly a fan of country music, but even he knows about the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and he figures he’ll head that way to buy himself some more time.
Joey, on the other hand, knows exactly what he needs to do in life, he just has no idea how to achieve it. Since his father’s death he has been running the family owned pub, a business that has always struggled to turn a profit and yet demands all (absolutely all) of Joey’s time. Joey needs to turn the pub into a profitable venture that will be attractive to buyers, so he and his mother can escape to a less exhaustive life. Heading off to the music festival certainly isn’t in his plans, but when his mother sets her mind to something, there’s not really any stopping her. Which is how he finds himself on the streets of Tamworth, watching a very attractive man busking with his guitar…(I’m referring to Adam – in case that wasn’t obvious!)
Like I said, Nic Starr’s books tend to have little to no angst, and are often light on any conflict at all. But that’s not a complaint. In fact, kudos to her for managing to keep me entertained with so little bad stuff going on. Not many authors can manage that. Instead this author’s stories tend to really focus on the characters and in this book especially, I felt a real connection to our MCs. I’ll admit, the situation was bordering on “too perfect”. Joey has a struggling business – Adam has a business degree he’s dying to flex. Joey is stuck in Armidale – Adam is currently rootless. They’d both like to own some sort of bar/café by the sea… You get what I mean, right? But again, props to the author for selling that fairytale to me. It’s a credit to her writing skill that my initial eye rolls turned into sighs of gooey contentment.
Because the majority of this book is so sweet, the sex scenes really popped for me. I enjoy nothing more that two cooing, cuddling (ok, I’m exaggerating) men to suddenly hit the bedroom and tear up the sheets. That contrast gets me every time. I love it when the sweet ones let loose their sexy sides, and that’s very much what happens with Adam and Joey.
The second book in the Rustic Series is out later this month and I’m rather keen to get my greedy little hands on a copy. So stay tuned for the next installment!
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/02/0...
October 21, 2017
Not just a fun m/m romance but a learning experience. This is an Australian story the characters and local even the author all Australian. So there was plenty of Australian slang and language usage to learn. Fortunately the author included a glossary at the beginning. What a great idea, having read that first I did not need to stop to figure out what was meant by a word I did not previously know.
I really enjoyed this book. The story was interesting and the characters very real. The sex was hot and just the right amount, it fit the story line perfectly not as if it was thrown in as filler or as an excuse to titillate. This was a real love story that you could see unfolding and cheer for both people, My first book by Nic Starr and will not be my last. Well done!
I really enjoyed this book. The story was interesting and the characters very real. The sex was hot and just the right amount, it fit the story line perfectly not as if it was thrown in as filler or as an excuse to titillate. This was a real love story that you could see unfolding and cheer for both people, My first book by Nic Starr and will not be my last. Well done!
February 26, 2016
This is a sweet story of love, acceptance, and understanding. Joey is the hardworking late-in-life son of older parents struggling to make his late father’s pub sellable to at least break even in order to help his disabled, elderly mother move and settle in comfortably with her sister in another town. Adam is the silver-spooned son, who has had his rose-colored glasses forcibly removed by his father’s less-than-ethical business practices, trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life now that he knows he most definitely does not want to work with said father. He has spent the past few months touring Australia to find himself.
Forced by his mother to take a mini-vacation, Joey meets Adam at a country music festival while Adam is busking, and when they meet later that night, friendship sparks and then sparks fly between the two men.
For all that the summary screams “daddy issues and angst,” this is actually a fairly angst-free story. Adam has a backbone and uses it, and Joey is just too practical to get worked up about how unfair life is, instead stepping up to the plate and doing what needs to be done. Both men have family wholly accepting of them (Adam’s father notwithstanding) and theirs is a relatively smooth path from friendship into love.
The plot is straightforward with just one conflict twist, and the pacing is smooth and steady. The chemistry isn’t off the charts, but instead is a sweet love that builds naturally with sexy times tender and steamy at the same time. The peripheral characters are well-constructed, each adding something to the plot without feeling flat and pre-fabricated. I appreciated that the main characters were able to communicate and not have the miscommunications and misunderstandings that so frequently occur in romance novels.
This was my first Nic Starr book, and it most certainly will not be my last! If you’re looking for a sweet, easy read with happiness and a distinct lack of drama, give this a try. It is four solid stars of loveliness!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cat from Alpha Book Club
Forced by his mother to take a mini-vacation, Joey meets Adam at a country music festival while Adam is busking, and when they meet later that night, friendship sparks and then sparks fly between the two men.
For all that the summary screams “daddy issues and angst,” this is actually a fairly angst-free story. Adam has a backbone and uses it, and Joey is just too practical to get worked up about how unfair life is, instead stepping up to the plate and doing what needs to be done. Both men have family wholly accepting of them (Adam’s father notwithstanding) and theirs is a relatively smooth path from friendship into love.
The plot is straightforward with just one conflict twist, and the pacing is smooth and steady. The chemistry isn’t off the charts, but instead is a sweet love that builds naturally with sexy times tender and steamy at the same time. The peripheral characters are well-constructed, each adding something to the plot without feeling flat and pre-fabricated. I appreciated that the main characters were able to communicate and not have the miscommunications and misunderstandings that so frequently occur in romance novels.
This was my first Nic Starr book, and it most certainly will not be my last! If you’re looking for a sweet, easy read with happiness and a distinct lack of drama, give this a try. It is four solid stars of loveliness!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cat from Alpha Book Club
March 7, 2017
Cute af and I absolutely adored Joey and Adam ❤
June 20, 2022
Deux jeunes hommes qui se croisent lors d'un festival de musique country, à Tamworth, en Australie. Deux hommes qui n'ont finalement en commun qu'un très fort attachement à la famille, même si c'est d'une façon différente.
Quand Joey, 21 ans, croise le regard d'Adam, 23 ans, il trouve que ce jeune homme qui chante au coin d'une rue, à Tamworth, est aussi sexy qu'il est talentueux.
Quand Adam aperçoit le jeune homme sexy qui lui a laissé quelques pièces quelques heures plus tôt, assis seul à une table de ce pub bondé, il se dit que c'est son jour de chance.
Une proposition d'hébergement, lancée presque sans arrières pensées, et les deux jeunes hommes se rapprochent et passent quelques jours de vacances un peu hors du temps. Mais tout à une fin, et plus rapide que prévu quand un coup de fil rappelle Joey à ses responsabilités...
Adam décide alors que son voyage va passer par Armidale, l'occasion d'aller saluer Joey. Après tout, ils se sont quittés un peu brusquement, un peu trop vite, un peu trop tôt. Et visiblement, l'accueil que lui réserve Joey lui démontre qu'il ressent la même chose. Et Adam, le citadin, habitué à l'agitation de Sydney, se sent bien dans cette petite ville, passant ses journées à aider Joey dans la gestion de son pub et ses nuits à d'autres activités avec le jeune homme. Et c'est Adam cette fois qui va avoir droit à un coup de fil qui va le forcer à devoir faire des choix...
Après N.R. Walker, Lisa Henry, Eden Finley, Renay Kaye, TJ Nichols et bien sûr Sean Kennedy (je ne parle que de mes préférés et pas forcément dans l'ordre, j'en oublie bien d'autres), je découvre la jolie plume de Nic Starr, encore un auteur australien. Même si au vu du résumé je pensais qu'il y aurait une part plus importante accordée à la country, j'ai passé un super moment à Armidale. Joey et Adam sont craquants, plutôt matures pour leur âge, avec un attachement très fort l'un à sa mère et l'autre à sa grand-mère, attachement qui les plombe un peu d'ailleurs. Mais leur rencontre va leur donner l'impulsion nécessaire pour se construire un avenir bien à eux.
Bref, une lecture douce, de jolis sentiments, deux jeunes hommes attachants, et j'ai hâte de lire d'autres romans de cet auteur.
Quand Joey, 21 ans, croise le regard d'Adam, 23 ans, il trouve que ce jeune homme qui chante au coin d'une rue, à Tamworth, est aussi sexy qu'il est talentueux.
Quand Adam aperçoit le jeune homme sexy qui lui a laissé quelques pièces quelques heures plus tôt, assis seul à une table de ce pub bondé, il se dit que c'est son jour de chance.
Une proposition d'hébergement, lancée presque sans arrières pensées, et les deux jeunes hommes se rapprochent et passent quelques jours de vacances un peu hors du temps. Mais tout à une fin, et plus rapide que prévu quand un coup de fil rappelle Joey à ses responsabilités...
Adam décide alors que son voyage va passer par Armidale, l'occasion d'aller saluer Joey. Après tout, ils se sont quittés un peu brusquement, un peu trop vite, un peu trop tôt. Et visiblement, l'accueil que lui réserve Joey lui démontre qu'il ressent la même chose. Et Adam, le citadin, habitué à l'agitation de Sydney, se sent bien dans cette petite ville, passant ses journées à aider Joey dans la gestion de son pub et ses nuits à d'autres activités avec le jeune homme. Et c'est Adam cette fois qui va avoir droit à un coup de fil qui va le forcer à devoir faire des choix...
Après N.R. Walker, Lisa Henry, Eden Finley, Renay Kaye, TJ Nichols et bien sûr Sean Kennedy (je ne parle que de mes préférés et pas forcément dans l'ordre, j'en oublie bien d'autres), je découvre la jolie plume de Nic Starr, encore un auteur australien. Même si au vu du résumé je pensais qu'il y aurait une part plus importante accordée à la country, j'ai passé un super moment à Armidale. Joey et Adam sont craquants, plutôt matures pour leur âge, avec un attachement très fort l'un à sa mère et l'autre à sa grand-mère, attachement qui les plombe un peu d'ailleurs. Mais leur rencontre va leur donner l'impulsion nécessaire pour se construire un avenir bien à eux.
Bref, une lecture douce, de jolis sentiments, deux jeunes hommes attachants, et j'ai hâte de lire d'autres romans de cet auteur.
February 26, 2016
Title:Rustic Melody
Author: Nic Starr
Series:Rustic #1
Publisher: Self Published
Reviewer: Keri Tabor
Release Date:January 26, 2016
Genre(s):M/M, Romance
Page Count: 174
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`FOUR FINDING LOVE STARS!!! *´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`
I loved Adam and Joey together. The sweet way they got to know each other, the adorable looks at each other. Their passion for the same things. Loving each other came easy, admitting it and finding a way to make it all work not as easy.
What was really awesome about this quick read was the author's ability to write dynamic characters in a short amount of time, but more over make me love them!!
The endearing way both of these young men loved their families and would endure being lonely for them was heartfelt.
I hope see this couple again! :)
Review Copy of Rustic Melody provided by the Author for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Keri from Alpha Book Club
Author: Nic Starr
Series:Rustic #1
Publisher: Self Published
Reviewer: Keri Tabor
Release Date:January 26, 2016
Genre(s):M/M, Romance
Page Count: 174
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`FOUR FINDING LOVE STARS!!! *´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`
I loved Adam and Joey together. The sweet way they got to know each other, the adorable looks at each other. Their passion for the same things. Loving each other came easy, admitting it and finding a way to make it all work not as easy.
What was really awesome about this quick read was the author's ability to write dynamic characters in a short amount of time, but more over make me love them!!
The endearing way both of these young men loved their families and would endure being lonely for them was heartfelt.
I hope see this couple again! :)
Review Copy of Rustic Melody provided by the Author for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Keri from Alpha Book Club
September 18, 2016
I originally bought this book on Amazon Australia in the hopes that it would take my mind off the previous book I read, it was true crime and very nightmarish so it kept replaying over in my mind so I needed something light and fun to get me out of that mindset, this was the perfect story to pep me back up. Considering it is only a short book at 174 pages I was completely enthralled with the characters, I fell head over heels in love with both of them and their special kind of romance. I've read plenty of trashy m/m romance before however this was really sweet, it has all the sexy love scenes that we all love but the romance and the characterization really made this book more than the average gay erotic romance.
Me being a country boy myself and having a strong interest in country music I saw a lot of myself in the character of Joey- he is stuck in a life he isn't completely fulfilled with and then along comes the charming Adam Chambers to sweep him off his feet and bring some much needed joy to his life.
It's a great little story that will bring a smile to your face and help you escape from your everyday life.
I will definitely be reading the next 2 books in the series as I thoroughly enjoyed this story... If anyone can recommend anything similar to this please let me know :)
Me being a country boy myself and having a strong interest in country music I saw a lot of myself in the character of Joey- he is stuck in a life he isn't completely fulfilled with and then along comes the charming Adam Chambers to sweep him off his feet and bring some much needed joy to his life.
It's a great little story that will bring a smile to your face and help you escape from your everyday life.
I will definitely be reading the next 2 books in the series as I thoroughly enjoyed this story... If anyone can recommend anything similar to this please let me know :)
February 1, 2016
I have always wondered what it would be like to be able to jump in your car and just drive off. Go anywhere that took your fancy. Well Adam Chambers is doing just that. He doesn't see eye to eye with his father and wants no part of the family business. Driving around, Adams hopes to come up with a plan for his life.
Joey Callaway is running his father's pub in the small town of Armidale. He is exhausting himself, keeping the pub afloat, but he has no choice if he wants to get the pub to where it can be sold. Life takes an unexpected turn, when Joey spies Adam across the pub. With the backdrop of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Joey and Adam might just find in each other what they both are looking for.
This was sweet, fun, and romantic. I enjoyed the characters immensely. Being a sucker for anything Australian, I had a great time, and it leaves the reader with a nice afterglow.
Joey Callaway is running his father's pub in the small town of Armidale. He is exhausting himself, keeping the pub afloat, but he has no choice if he wants to get the pub to where it can be sold. Life takes an unexpected turn, when Joey spies Adam across the pub. With the backdrop of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Joey and Adam might just find in each other what they both are looking for.
This was sweet, fun, and romantic. I enjoyed the characters immensely. Being a sucker for anything Australian, I had a great time, and it leaves the reader with a nice afterglow.
January 25, 2016
this is my 3rd nic starr book and i liked it almost as much as the other 2 i read. i think what i love most about her books is that while there may be a small issue or 2, they tend to be lower angst and more sweet romance which i adore! the writing is good and this is a quick, easy read.
i love both men's sense of responsibility to their families, even if it is to their own detriment. i love their easy banter and sweetness while still being hot between the sheets. and hello! - ginger alert!!
book 2 is set up for nicely at the end of this book and i hope we see more of joey and adam in book 2!
i love both men's sense of responsibility to their families, even if it is to their own detriment. i love their easy banter and sweetness while still being hot between the sheets. and hello! - ginger alert!!
book 2 is set up for nicely at the end of this book and i hope we see more of joey and adam in book 2!
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