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Castaways #2
Starting Over
Colt Matthews is trying to find his way in the world.
His friends are getting married, finding rewarding careers, and moving forward with their lives. Meanwhile, twenty-one-year-old Colt is still trying to figure out who he is and what he wants out of life. About the only thing he knows for sure is that he’s undeniably drawn to his friend Ren, despite their age difference. But what are the chances Ren feels the same way?
Renaldo Medina is trying to get his life back on track.
Ren had everything for a while: a wildly successful company, a famous boyfriend, a life most people would envy. Then it all fell apart and left him reeling, and he’s been stalled out ever since. But when he strikes up an unlikely friendship with a beautiful younger man, Ren starts to feel something he thought he’d lost forever: hope.
Can two lost men find the courage to start over, despite a 20-year age gap and an uncertain future?
Starting Over is a May-December and friends to lovers romance. It is book two in Alexa Land’s Castaways Series. All books in the series may be read as a stand-alone or enjoyed in order. It contains mature content and is intended for adult readers.
His friends are getting married, finding rewarding careers, and moving forward with their lives. Meanwhile, twenty-one-year-old Colt is still trying to figure out who he is and what he wants out of life. About the only thing he knows for sure is that he’s undeniably drawn to his friend Ren, despite their age difference. But what are the chances Ren feels the same way?
Renaldo Medina is trying to get his life back on track.
Ren had everything for a while: a wildly successful company, a famous boyfriend, a life most people would envy. Then it all fell apart and left him reeling, and he’s been stalled out ever since. But when he strikes up an unlikely friendship with a beautiful younger man, Ren starts to feel something he thought he’d lost forever: hope.
Can two lost men find the courage to start over, despite a 20-year age gap and an uncertain future?
Starting Over is a May-December and friends to lovers romance. It is book two in Alexa Land’s Castaways Series. All books in the series may be read as a stand-alone or enjoyed in order. It contains mature content and is intended for adult readers.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
128 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Land
58 books786 followersIndependent MM romance author. For more information, please visit Alexa's blog: http://alexalandwrites.blogspot.com/
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
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April 12, 20194.5 stars
I enjoyed Starting Over even more than Kindred Spirits. I feel like I've "known" Colt for so long after meeting him in Coming Home almost four years ago. It's been a difficult road and I was thrilled to see him finally come into his own and find his HEA. Although we've barely met Ren before, I quickly fell for him.
Even though Ren's 20 years older than Colt, the two have very similar issues they are dealing with. Both are at a crossroads, both are dealing with insecurities and their friendship is crucial to both of them moving forward. When a wedding invitation from Ren's ex arrives, Colt accompanies Ren for the Hollywood wedding weekend as his fake boyfriend. Colt wouldn't mind having Ren as a real boyfriend, but he'll take what he can get. Colt is actually one of the few people that gets to see the real Ren. Colt is so protective of Ren and Ren would do anything to make Colt happy; the two couldn't be more perfect for each other.
Colt's story comes full circle here and his family grows once again. I love how Alexa Land continues to have Colt dealing with the past and laying so many ghosts to rest here. This was an emotional story, but also had plenty of fun times, romance and humor. Colt and Ren have secured a place in the top of my favorite Alexa Land couples.
I enjoyed Starting Over even more than Kindred Spirits. I feel like I've "known" Colt for so long after meeting him in Coming Home almost four years ago. It's been a difficult road and I was thrilled to see him finally come into his own and find his HEA. Although we've barely met Ren before, I quickly fell for him.
Even though Ren's 20 years older than Colt, the two have very similar issues they are dealing with. Both are at a crossroads, both are dealing with insecurities and their friendship is crucial to both of them moving forward. When a wedding invitation from Ren's ex arrives, Colt accompanies Ren for the Hollywood wedding weekend as his fake boyfriend. Colt wouldn't mind having Ren as a real boyfriend, but he'll take what he can get. Colt is actually one of the few people that gets to see the real Ren. Colt is so protective of Ren and Ren would do anything to make Colt happy; the two couldn't be more perfect for each other.
Colt's story comes full circle here and his family grows once again. I love how Alexa Land continues to have Colt dealing with the past and laying so many ghosts to rest here. This was an emotional story, but also had plenty of fun times, romance and humor. Colt and Ren have secured a place in the top of my favorite Alexa Land couples.
December 16, 2020
I'm so happy Colt got his HEA 😍
April 2, 2019
Damn! Alexa Land's Starting Over, the second book in her Castaways series, is remarkable.
Omg! I am so excited for Colt to finally get his happily ever after. I loved him long ago, my heart hurt for him, and this is a long time coming. He's grow up a lot over the years, and he's ready to finally find his way in the world.
Working with Ren has been a surprising and welcomed event for Colt. The older man is smitten with Colt, as they've become best friends. I adore the way they relate to one another, despite their age difference. They just get each other, and have so much in common. Playing fake boyfriends for a wedding sets the scene for them to become more than friends.
Initially, Colt feels like his life is standing still, while other's are moving forward. I found myself so sad for him. But, with Ren, he's on his way to regaining his own dreams.
Starting Over's a beautiful tale of finding love again, and finding a future that is promising. Alexa Land perfectly spins this gem about facing one's past, and allowing one to put it in the past. It's riveting, compelling, and a welcome reunion with some of my favorite book boyfriends.
April 1, 2019
Another amazing read in the Castaway Series. I laughed , I cried & I swooned. I so can't wait for next book!
March 29, 2019
Loved it so much. Book two in the series just makes me so happy. I want to live in this world that Alexa creates. So wonderfully written. The guys are funny flawed yet human, so caring and I love that they love their family and friends unconditionally. Looking forward to book three.
May 24, 2019
I can't say how much I love this series. I had really loved Colt and Elijah when I first met then so many books ago. My heart broke when they ended things. I was hoping that they would get back together but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. I was happy for Elijah when he met Cassidy in the last book but it made it really hard to see Colt still so lonely and aimless. Of course Colt wasn't technically alone, he has such a wonderful family but becoming his own man was important access he needed to figure out things.
Ren is 20 years older than Colt but just as lonely and aimless. In terms of life experience Ren does have more than Colt, but at this point in both of their lives, they are at the same place. It made these age difference between the two fell like nothing. I'm so happy to finally have Colt's happy ending and for him and Elijah to have found the right place for each other in their lives as well.
Ren is 20 years older than Colt but just as lonely and aimless. In terms of life experience Ren does have more than Colt, but at this point in both of their lives, they are at the same place. It made these age difference between the two fell like nothing. I'm so happy to finally have Colt's happy ending and for him and Elijah to have found the right place for each other in their lives as well.
March 28, 2019
Another great add to the series. Loved it and more so for the fact that Colt finally gets his happy ending. Colt and Ren have a steady friendship that's built over the last year, when Ren needs a fake boyfriend for a wedding things start to change. We get to know more about Colt, touching back to his past in previous books and a deeper understanding on how he's struggling to find himself. Ren has his own insecurities that you can relate to, and there's more that meets the eye with him. With each chapter we fall more in love with them separately and together, mix in both of their different families adds a deeper touch and understanding. New side characters that am dying to get to know more about. Some twist and turns that surprise you in the best way. I laughed, I swooned and I can't wait for the Beck to be next.
March 29, 2019
A beautiful May/December romance.
I’ve been reading and loving Alexa Land’s novels since the first book in the Firsts and Forever series. The Castaway series is the perfect progression from that series and carries many of the same characters with it. There are crossovers and although Starting Over can be read as a stand-alone I highly recommend reading the previous novels if you haven’t already done so.
I’ve loved watching Colt grow from a confused teenager to the confident adult he has become in Starting Over. Ren is exactly what Colt needs in a partner and lover and I confess to getting a little teary reading about these two beautiful men finding their HEA together.
Another wonderful read from Alexa Land with some lovely new faces joining the family. Highly Recommended.
I’ve been reading and loving Alexa Land’s novels since the first book in the Firsts and Forever series. The Castaway series is the perfect progression from that series and carries many of the same characters with it. There are crossovers and although Starting Over can be read as a stand-alone I highly recommend reading the previous novels if you haven’t already done so.
I’ve loved watching Colt grow from a confused teenager to the confident adult he has become in Starting Over. Ren is exactly what Colt needs in a partner and lover and I confess to getting a little teary reading about these two beautiful men finding their HEA together.
Another wonderful read from Alexa Land with some lovely new faces joining the family. Highly Recommended.
March 28, 2019
Felt like catching up with old friends
Colt’s book has been a long time in the making. We first met him when he was a sixteen year old lost boy, and have watched him grow over the course of several books in Alexa Land’s Firsts and Forever series. I’m loving how this new spin off incorporates all our beloved characters that feel more like friends into it, but still feels new and exciting. Alexa never fails to deliver a great story, and this is no exception. Ren and Colt just fit, despite the age gap, they are two halves of one whole. Finding out more about both of them was a real pleasure. I can’t wait for Beck’s book, and to see what comes next for this group of found family.
Colt’s book has been a long time in the making. We first met him when he was a sixteen year old lost boy, and have watched him grow over the course of several books in Alexa Land’s Firsts and Forever series. I’m loving how this new spin off incorporates all our beloved characters that feel more like friends into it, but still feels new and exciting. Alexa never fails to deliver a great story, and this is no exception. Ren and Colt just fit, despite the age gap, they are two halves of one whole. Finding out more about both of them was a real pleasure. I can’t wait for Beck’s book, and to see what comes next for this group of found family.
April 23, 2019
Great Continuity
A. Land's new M/M story circles back to some of her best work with the Family of Choice and the Blood Brothers who's story in SF. Have held me close. The new SF. Connection of Gay alternative FAMILY in So. Cal. Centered on Catalina Island is well written, with great character development, a tight style, and a positive expression of Gay Life in its alternative forms.
Meeting new characters who's lives merge with some polished favorites of the past can give hope to the options for gay family.
Be prepared to be swept into the welcoming family of guys who love each other and have boundless room for a generous open shared life of caring and creativity. Each member struggles to find their passion in love and in life's work.
A. Land's new M/M story circles back to some of her best work with the Family of Choice and the Blood Brothers who's story in SF. Have held me close. The new SF. Connection of Gay alternative FAMILY in So. Cal. Centered on Catalina Island is well written, with great character development, a tight style, and a positive expression of Gay Life in its alternative forms.
Meeting new characters who's lives merge with some polished favorites of the past can give hope to the options for gay family.
Be prepared to be swept into the welcoming family of guys who love each other and have boundless room for a generous open shared life of caring and creativity. Each member struggles to find their passion in love and in life's work.
March 29, 2019
Didn’t realize how badly I needed Colt’s story
This series is absolutely fantastic so far. Even with many of the same characters from the Firsts and Forever series, it has a different feel, not just location. All of the emotions and humor are still there, so no worries.
Colt’s story has been a long time coming. His journey has been well documented over the years in other books. It’s wonderful that he finally gets closure, love and a bright future.
As with every Alexa Land book, I didn’t want it to end and am already looking forward to the next one.
This series is absolutely fantastic so far. Even with many of the same characters from the Firsts and Forever series, it has a different feel, not just location. All of the emotions and humor are still there, so no worries.
Colt’s story has been a long time coming. His journey has been well documented over the years in other books. It’s wonderful that he finally gets closure, love and a bright future.
As with every Alexa Land book, I didn’t want it to end and am already looking forward to the next one.
July 11, 2019
It’s just too unrealistic
The bones of the story are pretty good and the characters are fun. Like the last book though, there are just SO MANY characters. There was already a boat load of characters, we really didn’t need to drag new ones in.
The narrative gets lost in the dialogue which is all together too flowery. People don’t talk like that! It sounds like a teenage fantasy and gets annoying.
It’s really too bad because when you can get at it the basic story is good. All this crappy dialogue seems like filler and ruins the story.
The bones of the story are pretty good and the characters are fun. Like the last book though, there are just SO MANY characters. There was already a boat load of characters, we really didn’t need to drag new ones in.
The narrative gets lost in the dialogue which is all together too flowery. People don’t talk like that! It sounds like a teenage fantasy and gets annoying.
It’s really too bad because when you can get at it the basic story is good. All this crappy dialogue seems like filler and ruins the story.
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October 24, 2019This book was not bad - in a kind of cheesy, over the top way.
I didn't finish it. Not because I hated it, but I just sort of got bored in the last 50 pages or so.
I'll bring up a reoccurring issue I have with some mm romance book. Why are all the couples gay? Oh my god. Seriously, all of them, ffs. What are the chances that brothers and cousins and blah blah. Enough. There can be straight couples in a book too. Or genderqueer. Idk. Not all the couples need to be gay, including cousins etc
I didn't finish it. Not because I hated it, but I just sort of got bored in the last 50 pages or so.
I'll bring up a reoccurring issue I have with some mm romance book. Why are all the couples gay? Oh my god. Seriously, all of them, ffs. What are the chances that brothers and cousins and blah blah. Enough. There can be straight couples in a book too. Or genderqueer. Idk. Not all the couples need to be gay, including cousins etc
March 28, 2019
Friends to Lovers
Another amazing book by Alexa Land. I love how their story grew over books and lead to their own. The pacing was wonderful and I love the glimpses of old characters and where they are right now in their lives.
Getting tested with new characters and lines we want o know more about is great. I can't wait to read the next when it comes out.
Alexa Land is always a 1-click automatic buy for me.
Another amazing book by Alexa Land. I love how their story grew over books and lead to their own. The pacing was wonderful and I love the glimpses of old characters and where they are right now in their lives.
Getting tested with new characters and lines we want o know more about is great. I can't wait to read the next when it comes out.
Alexa Land is always a 1-click automatic buy for me.
March 29, 2019
Love is everything
It's no surprise to me that I loved this book. Give me anything Alexa Land writes and I will devour it. Colt's story has been one I have waited for since he was first introduced. Ren and colt are absolutely perfect for each other. Both have to face not only their past but also insecurities. They start out as friends and over a year develop a beautiful loving relationship. If you've never read Alexa Land what are you waiting for!!!
It's no surprise to me that I loved this book. Give me anything Alexa Land writes and I will devour it. Colt's story has been one I have waited for since he was first introduced. Ren and colt are absolutely perfect for each other. Both have to face not only their past but also insecurities. They start out as friends and over a year develop a beautiful loving relationship. If you've never read Alexa Land what are you waiting for!!!
March 30, 2019
Sweet and poignant!
This book was everything I could have hoped! Colt had such a special place in my heart! This series should be read in order to get the full effect of its awesomeness! Colt and Ren were a May/December friends to lovers match that was so beautifully crafted....but the closure and healing of the fractured friendship of Elijah and Colt was even better! Read the series...no more spoilers! I absolutely loved this book!
This book was everything I could have hoped! Colt had such a special place in my heart! This series should be read in order to get the full effect of its awesomeness! Colt and Ren were a May/December friends to lovers match that was so beautifully crafted....but the closure and healing of the fractured friendship of Elijah and Colt was even better! Read the series...no more spoilers! I absolutely loved this book!
April 7, 2019
So so so Good!!!
You did it again Alexa. I love this book and the story is fantastic. To follow the love grow between these two insecure people. And the people how live on this ranch. I feel like I know them. And just wish I could work there to. Because I would love to be a part of that family of people. People with the biggest hearts ever! Becks story can't come soon enough!!!
You did it again Alexa. I love this book and the story is fantastic. To follow the love grow between these two insecure people. And the people how live on this ranch. I feel like I know them. And just wish I could work there to. Because I would love to be a part of that family of people. People with the biggest hearts ever! Becks story can't come soon enough!!!
March 28, 2019
Beautiful incredible emotional
Reading colt's and ren's journey was incredible
I felt every emotion they were going though ups downs tears laughter heartbreaking and heart warming moments of was perfect
Every word was meaningful powerful moving and every word stole my heart as well as colt and ren
I can't wait to see what's next
Reading colt's and ren's journey was incredible
I felt every emotion they were going though ups downs tears laughter heartbreaking and heart warming moments of was perfect
Every word was meaningful powerful moving and every word stole my heart as well as colt and ren
I can't wait to see what's next
March 31, 2019
Another Gem from Alexa!
This was such a wonderful love story. Colt and Ren were best friends, lovers and soul mates. Their story was sweet and tender and full of Love, compassion and understanding. It was fantastic to visit with some of our friends from previous books and I am looking forward to future books with the new, extended family Alexa is building at Seahorse Ranch!
This was such a wonderful love story. Colt and Ren were best friends, lovers and soul mates. Their story was sweet and tender and full of Love, compassion and understanding. It was fantastic to visit with some of our friends from previous books and I am looking forward to future books with the new, extended family Alexa is building at Seahorse Ranch!
March 31, 2019
Brilliant
Reading Colts and Ren story was great. Even thoughtless is a 20 year she gap they compliment each other well. Ren enjoys having a youth again with Colt and Colt enjoys the stability Ren offers . Well written, funny and sad. Need to read the rest of the series. Would highly recommend x
Reading Colts and Ren story was great. Even thoughtless is a 20 year she gap they compliment each other well. Ren enjoys having a youth again with Colt and Colt enjoys the stability Ren offers . Well written, funny and sad. Need to read the rest of the series. Would highly recommend x
April 2, 2019
This book deserves ALL the stars!
I was so ready for Colt’s book! This book blew me away. The chemistry with Ren, the banter, the love. It was just perfect. I’m so happy for Colt. He truly earned this HEA and so did Ren after many false steps.
This series has been so good. Beck’s book is next and I’m SO happy we get to learn more about him.
I was so ready for Colt’s book! This book blew me away. The chemistry with Ren, the banter, the love. It was just perfect. I’m so happy for Colt. He truly earned this HEA and so did Ren after many false steps.
This series has been so good. Beck’s book is next and I’m SO happy we get to learn more about him.
April 29, 2019
As a fan of this series, I loved Ren and Colts very sweet romance. Oh, and its hot too.
I like the funny here and the heartbreak and the healing.
Great family time and a road trip and a finding a new path in forward.
They are so in love and it is lovely. Really wonderful time here.
Oh, and I can't wait until the new cast member gets his romance!
I like the funny here and the heartbreak and the healing.
Great family time and a road trip and a finding a new path in forward.
They are so in love and it is lovely. Really wonderful time here.
Oh, and I can't wait until the new cast member gets his romance!
May 28, 2019
Good Story. Interesting Characters. A Must Read.
Alexa Land does it again. She has written an amazing story. Ren and Colt are perfect for each other in their imperfections. Colt has a spirit that shines throughout the book. Visiting with some old friends from previous books was good. Meeting new brothers "wets" my appetite for more stories.
Alexa Land does it again. She has written an amazing story. Ren and Colt are perfect for each other in their imperfections. Colt has a spirit that shines throughout the book. Visiting with some old friends from previous books was good. Meeting new brothers "wets" my appetite for more stories.
June 13, 2019
Beautiful age gap romance
I just loved Colt and Ren's story. Beautifully written , May/December story. Friends to pretend boyfriends to the real thing, but not without hiccups along the way. Past issues and insecurities factor in. New discoveries... A great spin off series. So looking forward to Beck's story and what he does once a month...
I just loved Colt and Ren's story. Beautifully written , May/December story. Friends to pretend boyfriends to the real thing, but not without hiccups along the way. Past issues and insecurities factor in. New discoveries... A great spin off series. So looking forward to Beck's story and what he does once a month...
September 3, 2025
A man searching for meaning and another finding meaning in another
In book two you really get to understand where Colt started and him finding his place in the world. Ren who owns the ranch is a mysterious man that is closed off but Colt manages to melt his heart. Read the story find out how their love progresses and grows.
In book two you really get to understand where Colt started and him finding his place in the world. Ren who owns the ranch is a mysterious man that is closed off but Colt manages to melt his heart. Read the story find out how their love progresses and grows.
March 30, 2019
Love love loved it
I simply adored Ren and Colt’s story. I loved the whole friendship to fake boyfriends to real boyfriends! Most of Alexa’s books are about finding and making your own family and that is also one of the main themes of this one! Cannot recommend enough!!!
I simply adored Ren and Colt’s story. I loved the whole friendship to fake boyfriends to real boyfriends! Most of Alexa’s books are about finding and making your own family and that is also one of the main themes of this one! Cannot recommend enough!!!
March 31, 2019
Yet another amazing story from Alexa!
I have read all the books in this series and I'm so happy about finally getting to know how Colts story went since its been a few books since we got to meet him!
I loved every moment reading this book and can't wait to read the next one!
I have read all the books in this series and I'm so happy about finally getting to know how Colts story went since its been a few books since we got to meet him!
I loved every moment reading this book and can't wait to read the next one!
April 9, 2019
Still my beating heart
I lover the forever series and this one is rounding out to be just as perfect. I had my reservations about colt but he really grew up!!! This book just made me happy!!!
I lover the forever series and this one is rounding out to be just as perfect. I had my reservations about colt but he really grew up!!! This book just made me happy!!!
June 28, 2020
I liked the characters but the dialogue was unrealistic, unnatural and at times extremely cheesy. I also felt that there were things in the book that were unnessessary and if removed would have made the book shorter and less convoluted.
October 23, 2020
Tender May to September love.
A tender lover story laced with the humour that is part of all Alexa's work. I am enjoying this series but I have to say I am missing Alexa Lands greatest creation. Nana Dombrusco!
A tender lover story laced with the humour that is part of all Alexa's work. I am enjoying this series but I have to say I am missing Alexa Lands greatest creation. Nana Dombrusco!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews