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Runaway
Dr Nathan Powell is ready to settle down near his family, and hopefully find the man of his dreams. He returns to the small coastal town where he grew up, but while life is simpler than it was in the city, there are also complications—like patients’ reactions to an openly gay doctor. And like running into Nate’s first love, Damien, an out-and-proud local business owner who is unwilling to be any man’s dirty secret. The reunion reignites old desire even while it stirs up Nate’s guilt over the way things ended with Damien.
When Nate’s nephew runs away, Damien accompanies Nate on his mission to find the young man. The drive to Sydney, and the search of the city, gives Nate time to reconnect with Damien—and to wonder if he made the right decision years ago—when he determined a future for them was impossible. Is a fresh start realistic for two men in their forties? But before he can ponder the second chance they’ve been given, Nate must locate his nephew.
World of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the globe.
When Nate’s nephew runs away, Damien accompanies Nate on his mission to find the young man. The drive to Sydney, and the search of the city, gives Nate time to reconnect with Damien—and to wonder if he made the right decision years ago—when he determined a future for them was impossible. Is a fresh start realistic for two men in their forties? But before he can ponder the second chance they’ve been given, Nate must locate his nephew.
World of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the globe.
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2017
About the author
Nic Starr
45 books371 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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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 23, 2020
Runaway is a story of two men - both just a bit over forty - and their second chance at love. Nate and Damian were boyhood sweethearts, but Nate left to attend uni in Sydney, eventually becoming a doctor, while Damian remained and now owns a successful business. When Nate returns home to work at the small medical clinic, he wonders if perhaps he made a mistake running away. And when his nephew runs away from home, Nate and Damian go to Sydney to search for him and end up reexamining their relationship.
This is not a story of high emotions, miscommunication and angst but rather one that slowly develops as Nate realizes he needs to step up and live an authentic life not just for himself, but for his family.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
This is not a story of high emotions, miscommunication and angst but rather one that slowly develops as Nate realizes he needs to step up and live an authentic life not just for himself, but for his family.
Nate found himself reflecting on the joy and freedom of being able to express yourself, something he’d been thinking a lot about over the last few weeks especially.You can feel the spark between Nate and Damian, and the one brief sex scene fits into the gentle flow of the story. Personally I felt the story unfolded a bit too leisurely, but on the whole, this is a sweet story. 3.5 stars.
Maybe it’s time I allow myself to be free?
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
April 10, 2017
My absolute favorite trope is second chances. I love the familiarity these stories hold, without having to go too far into the past. I love that the characters know one another already. This was a well-written and enjoyable second chances love story. When Nate moves back to his small home town after one of the doctors at the local clinic retires, he's sure to run into his old flame, Damien. When he does run into him, he quickly discovers the spark is still there, but while Nate hasn't hidden his life style completely while living in the big city, now that he's back home in his small hometown, he's taken up residence in the local closet again.
With the help of his sister, Nate and Damien are thrown together again, then when Nate's nephew, Jackson, runs away to the city, Damien accompanies him on the trip to look for him.
This was a nice read. I loved Damien. Nate, well, I wanted to bat him upside the head and knock some sense into him. I understood his reasons for staying in the closet, but I wanted so badly for him to come out. I was happy to see him progress through the book and have his eyes opened.
I enjoyed this book and I loved the storyline, but I wish it either had a chapter or two more, or at least an epilogue. The ending is sweet and touching, but I was left wanting to know what the future holds for Nate and Damien. All in all, this was a sweet and entertaining read I'd recommend!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
April 13, 2017
The quarter century difference between the Prologue and Chapter 1 threw me off a bit. But the rest was good enough.
I felt bad for Nate because that one scene in his youth affected the way he was living his life for the next 25 years.
Would love to read follow-up story about the nephew, Jackson :)
I felt bad for Nate because that one scene in his youth affected the way he was living his life for the next 25 years.
Would love to read follow-up story about the nephew, Jackson :)
June 4, 2017
This was cute,but could have used another chapter or two, just to tie things up. It ended rather abruptly for me.
April 26, 2017
Runaway combines two of my favorite tropes: second chances and coming out.
Nate is a doctor who was out while attending uni and his training as a physician in Sydney, but when he returned to his hometown his worries about how his sexuality would affect his medical practice caused him to go back in the closet, except to his sister.
Damian is a business owner in the small town where he and Nate grew up. They were boyfriends, albeit somewhat secretly, as teenagers and parted ways when Nate moved away. Now that Nate is back, Damian realizes that Nate is not out. Damian is out and not willing to be anyone’s dirty little secret.
There are actually two runaways in this story. Nate is running away from who he actually is by being in the closet. The main runaway, though, is Nate’s nephew Jackson. Jackson is a gay teenager who has not yet come out but is the victim of bullying. Couple that with not wanting to continue his current course of education and the pressure is overwhelming. Jackson runs away to Sydney, frightening his mother, who asks her brother Nate to help her find him.
This is a sweet story of Nate and Damian reconnecting while Nate discovers there are worse things than just being himself, out and proud. It’s also the story of Nate admitting to Jackson that he hasn’t been a good example to Jackson. At the end it looks like everyone will be going home to start over and not hide who they are and who they love. Great story.
Nate is a doctor who was out while attending uni and his training as a physician in Sydney, but when he returned to his hometown his worries about how his sexuality would affect his medical practice caused him to go back in the closet, except to his sister.
Damian is a business owner in the small town where he and Nate grew up. They were boyfriends, albeit somewhat secretly, as teenagers and parted ways when Nate moved away. Now that Nate is back, Damian realizes that Nate is not out. Damian is out and not willing to be anyone’s dirty little secret.
There are actually two runaways in this story. Nate is running away from who he actually is by being in the closet. The main runaway, though, is Nate’s nephew Jackson. Jackson is a gay teenager who has not yet come out but is the victim of bullying. Couple that with not wanting to continue his current course of education and the pressure is overwhelming. Jackson runs away to Sydney, frightening his mother, who asks her brother Nate to help her find him.
This is a sweet story of Nate and Damian reconnecting while Nate discovers there are worse things than just being himself, out and proud. It’s also the story of Nate admitting to Jackson that he hasn’t been a good example to Jackson. At the end it looks like everyone will be going home to start over and not hide who they are and who they love. Great story.
April 12, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a very enjoyable second chance love story. Nate and Damien grew up as teenagers together, but Nate's fear of small town prejudice had him up and leave. Now many years later he is back in his home town, and inevitably they bump into each other again.
Watching on as these two men talk out their past and contemplate their future is both touching and a reminder of the issues they faced. As they reconnect as friends, they also try to work out what has caused Nate's nephew to runaway. The plot twist there works really well at bringing the story full circle.
Good thoughtful read, thank you Ms Starr
This is a very enjoyable second chance love story. Nate and Damien grew up as teenagers together, but Nate's fear of small town prejudice had him up and leave. Now many years later he is back in his home town, and inevitably they bump into each other again.
Watching on as these two men talk out their past and contemplate their future is both touching and a reminder of the issues they faced. As they reconnect as friends, they also try to work out what has caused Nate's nephew to runaway. The plot twist there works really well at bringing the story full circle.
Good thoughtful read, thank you Ms Starr
April 13, 2017
This is a quick, sweet, second chance romance that also deals with bullying and hiding sexuality.
Nate and Damien seem to be soulmates, never finding a replacement for each other. Nate is the more reserved of the two while Damien is a live life to its fullest kind of guy. They balance each other nicely. They have both emotional and sexual chemistry.
This has more of an HFN instead of an HEA. I feel like Nate’s issues weren’t fully resolved and I’d like to see how he does back home and if he and Damien continue their relationship. I’m hoping we see more of these guys.
Nate and Damien seem to be soulmates, never finding a replacement for each other. Nate is the more reserved of the two while Damien is a live life to its fullest kind of guy. They balance each other nicely. They have both emotional and sexual chemistry.
This has more of an HFN instead of an HEA. I feel like Nate’s issues weren’t fully resolved and I’d like to see how he does back home and if he and Damien continue their relationship. I’m hoping we see more of these guys.
June 20, 2017
Running away from your problems – and I am not talking about a life-threatening situation here- is never really a solution. And yet it can seem like the only way at first, especially if you’re not ready to face the issues that caused the problem in the first place. In this novella, Nathan has to confront the consequences of his past actions when he runs into the love of his life again – and it’s still tough. The question of whether he has grown and matured enough to face the truth twenty years after he ran away and be honest about who he is, is the central theme of this novel.
Nathan left the small Australian town he grew up in years ago to become a doctor in Sydney and now he has returned to settle down and find the man of his dreams. He may not have been ready to come out twenty years ago and he is still fearful of people’s reactions to an openly gay. Even though Nathan’s fear is based on a single incident (getting caught kissing Damien when they were teenagers), I can see how this has influenced his behavior. And returning to the same environment that prompted him jumping into the closet, so to speak, is anything but easy.
Damien is out and proud and refuses to be anyone’s “dirty secret”. He is slightly less complicated than Nathan and pretty Zen about most things, but it has taken some tough experiences like a breakup with a lover for him to get there. I loved how Damien stood his ground about the need to be open about their relationship if they did get back together - he is no longer prepared to hide in the closet.
A fresh start when you’re forty is not always easy – but it can be very liberating. Both Nathan and Damien had unresolved feelings for each other and I loved watching them get their second chance. They very much needed to finally deal with what happened in their past. Meeting again years later and still getting along really well, both men begin to reconsider their relationship. They are clearly still very attracted to each other, possibly still in love. It's torture for Nathan, and the incident that makes him realize it is time to come out and grow beyond where he was surprised me – in a good way. Not a boring moment in sight!
As a side note, the setting was really well described and played a major role in my enjoyment of this novella. I knew I was in Australia throughout. Nice details from the weather to the environment, the food, and details like what the characters were wearing made me remember my time living in Sydney and helped the story come alive. Another factor was the author's language - Australian words, slang, and spelling throughout. I loved that.
If you like stories with lots of depth despite their shortness, if you enjoy second chances for mature lovers, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining, interesting, and just mysterious enough to make it slightly suspenseful, then you will probably like this novella as much as I do.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Nathan left the small Australian town he grew up in years ago to become a doctor in Sydney and now he has returned to settle down and find the man of his dreams. He may not have been ready to come out twenty years ago and he is still fearful of people’s reactions to an openly gay. Even though Nathan’s fear is based on a single incident (getting caught kissing Damien when they were teenagers), I can see how this has influenced his behavior. And returning to the same environment that prompted him jumping into the closet, so to speak, is anything but easy.
Damien is out and proud and refuses to be anyone’s “dirty secret”. He is slightly less complicated than Nathan and pretty Zen about most things, but it has taken some tough experiences like a breakup with a lover for him to get there. I loved how Damien stood his ground about the need to be open about their relationship if they did get back together - he is no longer prepared to hide in the closet.
A fresh start when you’re forty is not always easy – but it can be very liberating. Both Nathan and Damien had unresolved feelings for each other and I loved watching them get their second chance. They very much needed to finally deal with what happened in their past. Meeting again years later and still getting along really well, both men begin to reconsider their relationship. They are clearly still very attracted to each other, possibly still in love. It's torture for Nathan, and the incident that makes him realize it is time to come out and grow beyond where he was surprised me – in a good way. Not a boring moment in sight!
As a side note, the setting was really well described and played a major role in my enjoyment of this novella. I knew I was in Australia throughout. Nice details from the weather to the environment, the food, and details like what the characters were wearing made me remember my time living in Sydney and helped the story come alive. Another factor was the author's language - Australian words, slang, and spelling throughout. I loved that.
If you like stories with lots of depth despite their shortness, if you enjoy second chances for mature lovers, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining, interesting, and just mysterious enough to make it slightly suspenseful, then you will probably like this novella as much as I do.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
February 3, 2018
For me the book was a clusterf***. I didn't feel like the reactions and connections were in accordance to the history of the guys or even to what had happened. And then...the end, I mean, nothing really had changed, nothing really is solved...and bam, the end. Not my book.
April 11, 2017
Full review at: https://optimummblog.wordpress.com/20...
How can I even begin to describe the way my heart feels after reading this book? I loved this story so much, and Nate and Damien even more. I need so much more of these two characters because I was in no way near ready for their story to end. I could easily read a whole series of books about these two men and their lives. It was a wonderfully beautiful second chance love story that had my head and heart seduced from the prologue. I fell completely in love more and more with each word I read.
Nate and Damien were friends/boyfriends as teenagers, their relationship was a secret to everyone who knew them, and after being caught kissing Damien in the park by one of the gardener’s, Nate decided that no one in his hometown would ever know about his sexuality. Fast forward to almost twenty years later, and Nate has recently moved back to Forster from Sydney to be closer to his sister, niece and nephew, and to settle down now that he’s in his early forties. When his sister tells him that her 17-year-old son Jackson is having a hard time, Nate offers to spend some time with him. Nate decides to take Jackson fishing, so they head to the local tackle and bait shop, where Nate unexpectedly comes face to face with Damien—who is now the owner of the shop—for the first time in almost 9 years. At first, the meeting is awkward because Nate realises that even after all the time that has passed, he’s still very attracted to Damien, but he also harbours a lot of guilt about how things ended between them. The men decide to give their friendship another go and to see where it leads, but Damien makes it clear that he is an openly gay man and will not hide in the closet for anyone. When Jackson runs away from home, Damien goes along with Nate to Sydney to try and find him. It’s on this journey that they finally get a chance to talk about the past and their regrets, but also rediscover their feelings for each other.
I know I’m going to sound like a broken record, but I cannot compliment the author enough for writing such a fantastic and heartwarming story that gave me all of the feels. It was a brilliantly thought out story of self-acceptance and following your heart. Although it was quite a short read, everything was covered, and nothing felt like it was rushed or glossed over, but as I said at the start, I want/need more. I need to see what happens next between these two amazing men and also with Jackson as he played quite a big part in the story. This book is really more of an emotional rather than physical romance. There is only one sex scene and a couple of kissing scenes, but I felt like that was completely right for the characters and the story. It didn’t need anything else to make you feel that connection to the characters and their emotions.
This book was an absolute pleasure to read, and my heart literally feels like it could burst from happiness. Highly recommended!
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
How can I even begin to describe the way my heart feels after reading this book? I loved this story so much, and Nate and Damien even more. I need so much more of these two characters because I was in no way near ready for their story to end. I could easily read a whole series of books about these two men and their lives. It was a wonderfully beautiful second chance love story that had my head and heart seduced from the prologue. I fell completely in love more and more with each word I read.
Nate and Damien were friends/boyfriends as teenagers, their relationship was a secret to everyone who knew them, and after being caught kissing Damien in the park by one of the gardener’s, Nate decided that no one in his hometown would ever know about his sexuality. Fast forward to almost twenty years later, and Nate has recently moved back to Forster from Sydney to be closer to his sister, niece and nephew, and to settle down now that he’s in his early forties. When his sister tells him that her 17-year-old son Jackson is having a hard time, Nate offers to spend some time with him. Nate decides to take Jackson fishing, so they head to the local tackle and bait shop, where Nate unexpectedly comes face to face with Damien—who is now the owner of the shop—for the first time in almost 9 years. At first, the meeting is awkward because Nate realises that even after all the time that has passed, he’s still very attracted to Damien, but he also harbours a lot of guilt about how things ended between them. The men decide to give their friendship another go and to see where it leads, but Damien makes it clear that he is an openly gay man and will not hide in the closet for anyone. When Jackson runs away from home, Damien goes along with Nate to Sydney to try and find him. It’s on this journey that they finally get a chance to talk about the past and their regrets, but also rediscover their feelings for each other.
I know I’m going to sound like a broken record, but I cannot compliment the author enough for writing such a fantastic and heartwarming story that gave me all of the feels. It was a brilliantly thought out story of self-acceptance and following your heart. Although it was quite a short read, everything was covered, and nothing felt like it was rushed or glossed over, but as I said at the start, I want/need more. I need to see what happens next between these two amazing men and also with Jackson as he played quite a big part in the story. This book is really more of an emotional rather than physical romance. There is only one sex scene and a couple of kissing scenes, but I felt like that was completely right for the characters and the story. It didn’t need anything else to make you feel that connection to the characters and their emotions.
This book was an absolute pleasure to read, and my heart literally feels like it could burst from happiness. Highly recommended!
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
April 20, 2017
I love stories about second chances, and I’ve also enjoyed every story I’ve read of Nic Starr’s so when I was offered a review copy of Runaway I said yes please. An added bonus for me was the setting of New South Wales and Sydney as it’s somewhere I’ve been, although it was years ago. I read this story in one sitting, sitting up way too late, as I couldn’t put it down.
Nate and Damien’s story starts when they are teenagers, and even then what Nate feels for Damien isn’t just physical. I really liked the description of first love, and the warmth in Nate’s heart when he thinks about Damien. It’s very sad—but realistic—how a comment can make someone second guess themselves, not just in that moment, but tainting something good for years to come. I appreciated the author showing this important moment in Nate’s life before time jumping to the present, as it brought home just how much it affected him more than just being told about it would have.
The rest of the story takes place twelve years later, and with Nate and Damien much older. I enjoy stories with older characters so this hit the mark for me with that as well. I found their second chance to be a sweet romance, and I really liked the supporting characters of Nate’s sister Trish and his nephew Jackson, and how Jackson’s story tied in with Nate’s. Although the story is in Nate’s POV, Damien’s perspective came across very clearly. I liked how he supported Nate, but made it clear what he wanted from their relationship. The sense of family is very strong in this story, and is one of its many strengths.
I also loved the descriptions of the settings in the story, and the references to all things Australian. I found the story quite visual, and I could imagine each scene clearly as I was reading. I loved the ending, and although it is a HFN, I think it finished in the right place, with hope for the future. I do hope the author revisits these characters though—I’d love to see more of them.
I’d recommend Runaway to readers who like a contemporary romance set in Australia with older characters, an interesting supporting cast, a strong sense of family, and a sweet HFN with hope for the future.
Nate and Damien’s story starts when they are teenagers, and even then what Nate feels for Damien isn’t just physical. I really liked the description of first love, and the warmth in Nate’s heart when he thinks about Damien. It’s very sad—but realistic—how a comment can make someone second guess themselves, not just in that moment, but tainting something good for years to come. I appreciated the author showing this important moment in Nate’s life before time jumping to the present, as it brought home just how much it affected him more than just being told about it would have.
The rest of the story takes place twelve years later, and with Nate and Damien much older. I enjoy stories with older characters so this hit the mark for me with that as well. I found their second chance to be a sweet romance, and I really liked the supporting characters of Nate’s sister Trish and his nephew Jackson, and how Jackson’s story tied in with Nate’s. Although the story is in Nate’s POV, Damien’s perspective came across very clearly. I liked how he supported Nate, but made it clear what he wanted from their relationship. The sense of family is very strong in this story, and is one of its many strengths.
I also loved the descriptions of the settings in the story, and the references to all things Australian. I found the story quite visual, and I could imagine each scene clearly as I was reading. I loved the ending, and although it is a HFN, I think it finished in the right place, with hope for the future. I do hope the author revisits these characters though—I’d love to see more of them.
I’d recommend Runaway to readers who like a contemporary romance set in Australia with older characters, an interesting supporting cast, a strong sense of family, and a sweet HFN with hope for the future.
April 24, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Runaway is a sweet and easy to read second-chance novella with two main characters in their forties. I think Damien reveals his maturity, but Nate not so much. Nate hides his sexuality in Forster because he is afraid of the small town narrow-mindedness and being perceived differently by his patients. I think Nic Starr does her best to bring her reader to a point of understanding with Nate, especially in Runaway‘s prologue, but I wanted Nate to be braver. However, I also think that Starr does a good job of raising the issue of sexuality for older men and a need to hide who they are because of prejudice, which is definitely thought provoking.
I really like Jackson’s character and the fact that it is he who challenges Nate. Nate is a father figure to Jackson and his secrecy has inadvertently led to Jackson’s insecurity, although Nate could not prevent the bullying Jackson has been subject to. Ironically, I think I felt more empathy for Jackson and his situation, though in truth his circumstances are very similar to Nate’s own with only age separating them.
One of the most touching scenes in Runaway is when Damien, Nate, and Jackson visit the Sydney gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Starr communicates a real feeling of togetherness amongst the three characters, and the community as a whole, and I love that Starr chose to end the novella with this sense of exhilaration.
Read Kirsty’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Runaway is a sweet and easy to read second-chance novella with two main characters in their forties. I think Damien reveals his maturity, but Nate not so much. Nate hides his sexuality in Forster because he is afraid of the small town narrow-mindedness and being perceived differently by his patients. I think Nic Starr does her best to bring her reader to a point of understanding with Nate, especially in Runaway‘s prologue, but I wanted Nate to be braver. However, I also think that Starr does a good job of raising the issue of sexuality for older men and a need to hide who they are because of prejudice, which is definitely thought provoking.
I really like Jackson’s character and the fact that it is he who challenges Nate. Nate is a father figure to Jackson and his secrecy has inadvertently led to Jackson’s insecurity, although Nate could not prevent the bullying Jackson has been subject to. Ironically, I think I felt more empathy for Jackson and his situation, though in truth his circumstances are very similar to Nate’s own with only age separating them.
One of the most touching scenes in Runaway is when Damien, Nate, and Jackson visit the Sydney gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Starr communicates a real feeling of togetherness amongst the three characters, and the community as a whole, and I love that Starr chose to end the novella with this sense of exhilaration.
Read Kirsty’s review in its entirety here.
April 12, 2017
As teenagers Nate and Damien were more than friends, but one kiss had Nate running from his friend. He was scared for the reactions of his home town if he came out. Nate made a life for himself in Sidney as a doctor, but at the age of forty he decides to come back home to be closer to his sister, niece and nephew. He meets again with Damien, who never left his hometown and became a succesfull entrepreneur.
Their attraction is still very much present after all these years and they decide to give their friendship another go. This isn’t easy as Nate still doesn’t come out for fear of damaging his career and Damien is an out and proud man.
When his nephew, Jackson, has run away after some trouble in school Nate and Damien team up to find him. During this kind of roadtrip they have the chance to get to know each other and themselves and make some life altering decisions.
Nic Starr has written a beautiful second chance story. It is not a very long read, but it has all the important elements covered and never felt rushed. It was all about the emotions rather than the physical aspects of their romance. The story didn’t need more than a few kisses to feel the growing connection between the two men. In helping Jackson Nate learned an important lesson about self-accepting and following your heart.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author
Their attraction is still very much present after all these years and they decide to give their friendship another go. This isn’t easy as Nate still doesn’t come out for fear of damaging his career and Damien is an out and proud man.
When his nephew, Jackson, has run away after some trouble in school Nate and Damien team up to find him. During this kind of roadtrip they have the chance to get to know each other and themselves and make some life altering decisions.
Nic Starr has written a beautiful second chance story. It is not a very long read, but it has all the important elements covered and never felt rushed. It was all about the emotions rather than the physical aspects of their romance. The story didn’t need more than a few kisses to feel the growing connection between the two men. In helping Jackson Nate learned an important lesson about self-accepting and following your heart.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author
May 27, 2017
Nathan and Damien were friends and first boyfriends when they were teens. Nathan moved on to Sydney to get his degree and become a Dr. Now years later he comes home to help his sister and begin his dream of having his own practice. Then he runs into Damien again. He tries to fight that attraction again until his seventeen-year-old nephew runs away and Damien accompanies him to find Jackson.
I fell in love with this story from the beginning. I Fell for both Damien and Nathan and Nathan's love for his sister and her family. There is something about the family closeness and his sister that just made my heart glow. But my favorite thing is the setting. It was like being there in Australia and on the trip to Sydney to find Jackson. I couldn't put this book down once I picked it up.
I do wish there had been another chapter or epilogue, but since it made me sit up all night to finish it I say its a winner!
I fell in love with this story from the beginning. I Fell for both Damien and Nathan and Nathan's love for his sister and her family. There is something about the family closeness and his sister that just made my heart glow. But my favorite thing is the setting. It was like being there in Australia and on the trip to Sydney to find Jackson. I couldn't put this book down once I picked it up.
I do wish there had been another chapter or epilogue, but since it made me sit up all night to finish it I say its a winner!
April 12, 2017
In this tale we meet Nate and Damien, who as young men discover they have feelings for one another. Nate had his struggles with what his being gay brought about, and for a while they part ways until Nate returns home to start a new life.
When Nate's nephew disappears, the two embark on a journey to search for him, and the connection that was always between them reignites, while questions as to where they went wrong are addressed. Set against the backdrop of some beautiful Sydney scenery, this is a story about how hiding one's true self can impact on so many. The characters were real, and the connection they shared was a beautiful combination of hot and sweet, with the promise of a bright future together for not only the two men, but young Jackson as well.
When Nate's nephew disappears, the two embark on a journey to search for him, and the connection that was always between them reignites, while questions as to where they went wrong are addressed. Set against the backdrop of some beautiful Sydney scenery, this is a story about how hiding one's true self can impact on so many. The characters were real, and the connection they shared was a beautiful combination of hot and sweet, with the promise of a bright future together for not only the two men, but young Jackson as well.
April 12, 2017
Runaway is a superb, feel good, second chance romance. It highlights the long lasting impact that negativity and ignorance can have on the people that are on the receiving end, and the effect that they can have on the lives of their family and friends, including the next generation; but it also gives us a beautiful friendship and solid family relationships. As is always the case with a beautifully written novella, I wanted more; but the well developed characters and lovely descriptive writing in this book, make it easy for me to continue their story in my head. Whilst there isn't a happy ever after as such, this tale has a very hopeful, 'they will surely make it' conclusion.
A lovely, sweet, engaging, highly recommended read!
Reviewed for divinemagazine.biz
A lovely, sweet, engaging, highly recommended read!
Reviewed for divinemagazine.biz
April 14, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.com review
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-abq
From that review: " Runaway is a short wonderful story of personal exploration and acceptance by Nic Starr. Dr. Nathan Powell had his high school first love and steps out of the closet crushed by a bigot. Years later he returns home, ready to settle into a practice and reunite with his sister and her family. But that comes with all the old feelings he still hasn't dealt with all these years and the man he never forgot..."
for all our reviews, author interviews and all things LGBTQIA books, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-abq
From that review: " Runaway is a short wonderful story of personal exploration and acceptance by Nic Starr. Dr. Nathan Powell had his high school first love and steps out of the closet crushed by a bigot. Years later he returns home, ready to settle into a practice and reunite with his sister and her family. But that comes with all the old feelings he still hasn't dealt with all these years and the man he never forgot..."
for all our reviews, author interviews and all things LGBTQIA books, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
April 14, 2017
It was a well written and easy read with wonderfully real and flawed characters where past events still shape the here and now. Wonderful description of the atmosphere of Marci Gras/Pride. I would have given 5 stars but the ending feels like there should be a follow up story so please tell me this is so.
December 20, 2017
Loved Nate and Damien finding one another again. Sweet story
June 1, 2018
Runaway is the story of Nate Powell and his first love, Damien. This is told in first person through Nate’s pov.
July 2, 2017
3.5 stars
Nice, sweet romance story. Perfect for a quick read.
Nice, sweet romance story. Perfect for a quick read.
December 22, 2019
What's not to love about Nic Starr's Second Chance romance Runaway?
I love a good Second Chance romance, and this one hits all my buttons. It is sweet, it is romantic, and it's light in angst.
Nate and Damien were secret lovers when they were young. But they parted since Nate couldn't face coming out. Now, many years later, they are reunited when Nate returns home. And eventually they go off in search of Nate's nephew together, giving them lots of time to talk.
This story deals with coming out, whatever the age may be. I love stories where a closeted man has that part of himself well developed. One fantastic line is "You can't have a proper relationship if you're hiding and not living life to the full." I can't agree with that more.
When they are talking about getting back together, Damien just can't do so, as he can't hide and pretend to just be friends again. The three years he had to do so before was too much for him. He wants a permanent relationship.
As an added bonus, the locations mentioned make me giddy with nostalgia, since I lived in Sydney for a time and am familiar with all these places. For me, this was just wonderful!!!
Thus, I highly recommend Nic Starr's Runaway as a great comfort read.
I love a good Second Chance romance, and this one hits all my buttons. It is sweet, it is romantic, and it's light in angst.
Nate and Damien were secret lovers when they were young. But they parted since Nate couldn't face coming out. Now, many years later, they are reunited when Nate returns home. And eventually they go off in search of Nate's nephew together, giving them lots of time to talk.
This story deals with coming out, whatever the age may be. I love stories where a closeted man has that part of himself well developed. One fantastic line is "You can't have a proper relationship if you're hiding and not living life to the full." I can't agree with that more.
When they are talking about getting back together, Damien just can't do so, as he can't hide and pretend to just be friends again. The three years he had to do so before was too much for him. He wants a permanent relationship.
As an added bonus, the locations mentioned make me giddy with nostalgia, since I lived in Sydney for a time and am familiar with all these places. For me, this was just wonderful!!!
Thus, I highly recommend Nic Starr's Runaway as a great comfort read.
April 16, 2017
2.5 stars
April 18, 2017
Book & Author: Runaway by Nic Starr
Rating: 3.5 stars
We all make decisions that we sometimes second guess.
Nate left years ago to pursue his career as a doctor. Leaving behind the man he had loved out of fear he always covered up as a need to achieve what he needed in his career. Damien stayed behind finding his passion in life with boats and a tackle shop.
The story didn’t have much in the way of high emotion or angst or drama. It was watching Nate step by step find his place and reconnecting with Damien, all the while admitting to himself some hard truths; especially after his nephew runs away to Sydney. Damien being the nice guy he is, goes along with him.
I liked the characters enough. Nate and Damien definitely had some chemistry between them. There were no bad things about them, and the story itself was likable as well. I wouldn’t say I was overjoyed or connected so much that I couldn’t put it down. But it was a sweetly romantic story with a low heat level that fit perfectly to the story, and it’s flow.
One thing I didn’t like was the ending. There was barely an HFN. We have no idea what it is coming next for these characters. I assume they’ll be together otherwise what was the point but for me, the ending was more about Nate and him coming out of the closet then it was showing us about where Damien and Nate are as a couple.
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
Rating: 3.5 stars
We all make decisions that we sometimes second guess.
Nate left years ago to pursue his career as a doctor. Leaving behind the man he had loved out of fear he always covered up as a need to achieve what he needed in his career. Damien stayed behind finding his passion in life with boats and a tackle shop.
The story didn’t have much in the way of high emotion or angst or drama. It was watching Nate step by step find his place and reconnecting with Damien, all the while admitting to himself some hard truths; especially after his nephew runs away to Sydney. Damien being the nice guy he is, goes along with him.
I liked the characters enough. Nate and Damien definitely had some chemistry between them. There were no bad things about them, and the story itself was likable as well. I wouldn’t say I was overjoyed or connected so much that I couldn’t put it down. But it was a sweetly romantic story with a low heat level that fit perfectly to the story, and it’s flow.
One thing I didn’t like was the ending. There was barely an HFN. We have no idea what it is coming next for these characters. I assume they’ll be together otherwise what was the point but for me, the ending was more about Nate and him coming out of the closet then it was showing us about where Damien and Nate are as a couple.
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
April 24, 2017
2.5 rounded up. I enjoyed the first half but the second half felt off. and I don't know, the ending felt unfinished and unresolved.
May 13, 2017
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews