Wild Card

The Road To Rocktoberfest #3

by Nic Starr

Hitting the big time in Australia isn't enough. Making it overseas, now that's on a whole other level.

Rafe Moreno, lead singer of HyperOctane, is on the brink of achieving everything he's set out to do before his thirtieth birthday. Ten years of hard work and focus is finally paying off. Not that he doesn't enjoy the rock and roll lifestyle--adoration, parties, men. What's not to like? Including a hot hook-up with his bandmate's younger brother. But the most important thing is keeping his eye on the prize at any cost.

Parker Shaw is nothing like his outgoing, super-talented rock star brother, so finding himself on a plane heading to the other side of the world to play guitar with HyperOctane is insane. Who in their right mind would want an ordinary, skinny, red-haired analyst to perform with one of the top bands from Australia?

Rafe's dream is the big time, not a relationship. The furthest thing from Parker's mind is trusting his broken heart to anyone again. But what happens on the road, stays on the road, right? Rafe and Parker embark on the rock tour of a lifetime, a tour that will bring a lot more than they expected, because love is a wild card, not something you can plan for.

Wild Card is an opposites attract, forced proximity, rock star romance.

Wild Card is the third book in the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not stay and enjoy the whole show? If you like scorching tales of hot rock stars and the men who love them, then you'll adore the untamed musicians of Rocktoberfest!

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2020

About the author

Nic 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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Reviews

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Card, the third book in the multi-author The Road to Rocktoberfest series, is a fantastic rocker romance by Nic Starr.

This one has a lot going on for it. There's friend's brother, rock band, forced proximity, opposites attract, and more. And I love it all.

Rafe and Parker think nothing of having a hookup. Rafe and Parker's brother may be in a band together, but the men don't think any problems will arise.

I love the opposite aspect of this story. Rafe's the outgoing rock star who loves the spotlight and all that it brings. On the other hand, Parker is shy and wants nothing to do with the spotlight that his own brother lives under. In addition, a former bad relationship has him running from anything couple like.

Of course, the forced proximity aspect is what sets things up for these men, as Parker temporarily takes his brother's place in the band. With the men off to play at Rocktoberfest, they will be together for a while. And they certainly wants to keep their hookups from the band.

The chemistry between the two is fabulous, and their development of their feelings is wonderful. If you like when friends with benefits start developing real feelings, you will love this book.

Wild Card is a fabulous read. Nic Starr had me hooked from the first page to the last, unable to put this sweet and tender tale down. I'm loving this series so far and am excited to see what the other authors come up with.

[Stephanie Carvalho · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It’s cute and sweet, with two MCs that you cheer for from the very beginning. Parker and Rafe couldn’t be more different from each other, and yet they fit so perfectly together. It has a good pacing, the story develops quite well and it’s very low angst. The HEA fits them really good (although I wished for a few more explanations on the story, instead of only hinted). Other than this, a really good book! I haven’t read yet the other books from the multi-author Rocktober Series, but definitely plan on! Nic Starr is a new author for me, and I’ll definitely check their backlist!

[RACHEL REED · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the multi-author series, Road to Rocktoberfest.

Rafe is nearing 30 and living the dream life of a successful Rockstar. He is surrounded by wild parties, beautiful men and people who worship the very ground he walks on.
So a casual hookup with his band member's younger brother shouldn't mean much right?

Parker is the complete opposite of his brother and his bandmates. He is shy, reserved and not at all outgoing.
He has been heartbroken in the past and isn't looking for a relationship any time soon, so a hot casual hookup with Rafe, shouldn't leave him wanting more.
Two men, who are averse to the very idea of a relationship can easily keep things casual and under wraps especially if it's only just for the duration of their tour. What could possibly go wrong?
But the heart wants what the heart wants and they are about to truly understand that love just happens. It's a wild card that surprises you when you least expect it.

This was a sweet opposites attract romance. The chemistry between Rafe and Parker was magnetic and off the charts.
I am in love with this entire series and this one definitely didn't disappoint.

If you like a hot, steamy Rockstar romance which is low on the angst and has all the feels, you will love this.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, easy to read and enjoyable story of two men from different worlds falling in love and finding their HEA. There’s minimal angst, no huge obstacles to negotiate, with lots of chemistry and steam between the two likeable main characters - Rafe and Parker.
Nic Starr has produced a lovely feel good read that’s a great way to fill in a few hours.

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to the Rocktoberfest series.

Rafe is living his best life as a rock star. Love is not exactly on the table. After ten years, the ban's goals are finally achieved. Nice when you can have all the trappings of the rock and roll life without any real commitment. Too bad life had other plans.
Parker is the opposite of his rock star brother. Not anywhere near as outgoing. Reserved in every way. He's a still nursing a broken heart and not really in the mood to have a new emotional entrapment. The one night stand he longed to put tot he side has now come to the forefront.

Rafe and Parker agreed on one thing, not looking for love or a relationship. When things decide to take a different urn, thee are too many variables. For one, the working relationship Rafe has with Parker's brother. Family is always protective, right? If anyone knows the sordid past of band mates, its other band mates.

Filling in for his brother may lead to so much more. Will these two be able to work this out or is calling it quits the best option?

**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nic Starr is one of my favourite sweet contemporary romance authors, and this story doesn’t disappoint. I loved Rafe and Parker’s story, and romance, and the added bonus of the music setting and being part of a shared world.

I love Rafe and Parker’s connection, and how Rafe takes him home, makes him tea, and they talk. It felt realistic, and I always enjoy stories where characters take the time to grow a friendship amongst the romance. The scenes where Rafe is calming Parker when he’s nervous are very sweet. I totally agree with Harvey that Parker’s ex has done a number on him, and I liked how Rafe is able to break through Parker’s self doubt and begin building him up again. I got invested in their story very quickly, and kept turning pages wanting them to have the conversation they both badly needed.

I loved the family feel and friendship between the members of the band, and how, despite different backgrounds, they’ve come together to make music.

The way in which Parker becomes part of the band’s road to Rocktoberfest was nicely done, and felt very natural. I also liked how he still stayed true to his own vision and the company he’s built at the ending of the story.

I thought this was a lovely sweet story, and would love to see more of HyperOctane.

[Cee Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`The rock star and the average guy.★*´¨✫*

As Rafe had thought: It was fast, but sometimes you just had to take that chance, make that leap of faith. Being lead singer to one of Australia's top rock band, Rafe had visions of bigger and better in his mind. And being chosen as a wild card to Rocktoberfest, was like his dream come through. But when Parker Shaw walked in, his dream took on a different reality.

Parker was there to support his brother Harvey, not to have fun, and definitely not to become involved. One bad relationship had him on tenterhooks and he'd be better to stay out of the lead singer's limelight. But the attraction was blazing, and Harvey became incapacitated leaving Parker finding himself as a part of the band and falling deeper for the rocker.

I really enjoyed the way Rafe was gentle with Parker. He really fell for him, and was willing to push for more despite Parker's hesitance. The book focused heavily on the two men, with Rocktoberfest being the sideshow which I was happy for, in this instant. The way the author wrote, the festival was still the main objective, but love took the front seat.

I am aching to see if side characters Harvey, Ravi and Bo story get a story. Their integration into this story added a touch of something more.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance between a rock star and a man who isn't a budding musician, or a wannabe rock star and a rescue mission. The characters are wonderful, the plot is low angst, with just enough tension between the music industry promoter, the fans and other musicians to make for a great read.

If you love books where there is a HEA and some fun between the sheets, you'll love this bit of Aussie humor and view of the Santa Monica Pier.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Card

Love the story and the characters are written so we'll. Being a rockstar Rafe can have anyone he wants but who he wants is Parker. Parker wants nothing to do with the rockstar life, as it makes him nervous and brings up not so good memories of his past. But can they be what each other really needs in their lives. YES!

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe is enjoying to the fullest the rock star lifestyle and he's realizing his dream of making it not just in Australia but worldwide. Parker is only subbing in the band for his brother and he has seen that lifestyle up close and wants no part of it permanently. Add in the fact, that Rafe is happy going man to man and Parker has had his heart broken so he is in no mood for a relationship. But, it's a romance, right? So when they are put together closely for the tour, sparks fly and they have to deal with the consequences of relationships with co-workers in high pressure situations, relationships with brothers of friends, both men's histories and the road to happiness is certainly not an easy path. Nic Starr has written an excellent continuation of this Roctoberfest series and this has whetted my appetite to see what the author's other books not in this series are like. If they are as good as this one, I'm hooked.

[Shana_Bobana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Card is the 3rd book in the Road To Rocktoberfest but the first one I’ve read. It’s also the first book I’ve read by Nic Starr. I really enjoyed this book and fell in love with the characters from the very beginning. Rafe is a popular rock star in Australia and looking to make it big in the USA market. Parker is the little brother of a fellow band member. He’s shy, sweet and has pretty low self esteem.

When an injury has Parker filling in for his brother in the band Rafe & him begin a holiday fling. Their relationship is so sweet and just perfect. I really enjoyed the way their chemistry was written and just how adorable they were together. This is a low angst love story that is so easy to enjoy.

I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.

[AshPenny37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd not read anything by this author before, but I really enjoyed Wild Card. It's the third in the Road To Rocktoberfest series so, of course, we've got the rock star thing going on. In this book it's Rafe Moreno, front man for Australian band HyperOctane. The band is getting ready to head to the US for a few weeks, ultimately heading to Rocktoberfest, when their lead guitarist has an accident. Up steps Parker, the guitarist's brother, to fill in for him for the US shows.

Rafe and Parker's opposites attract relationship is super sweet. It's nice to read a low angst story where the MCs are open, honest and just wonderfully supportive of each other and it's all about their growing bond rather than outside elements or influences. 

Wild Card feels to me like a comfort read...straightforward plotline, easy to like characters, not too much tension, but lots of fluffy feels...perfect for an afternoon on the sofa. I'll definitely add more of this author's books to my TBR. 4*

An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤🔥A great start and some sizzles for Rafe and Parker. What Parker thought itd only be for a week turns into more when an accident happens. The title of this book is perfect for it being the Wild Card. Written beautifully with both POVs and their thoughts. Parker has baggae but Rafe's there to help him. A great book to read and another fab book for the series too.

Rafe and the band HyperOctane was on the last of the current tour before heading to thr U.S.. Meeting Parker (Harvey's brother) they instantly sizzled together.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, fun and entertaining story with great characters and an interesting storyline. I love Parker and Rafe together and how their relationship evolves. They have a strong connection, smoking hot chemistry and are exactly what the other needs. I like how low angst this story is as well as how Parker steps in to help out when the band needs him even though he is definitely not comfortable being in the spotlight. I also really like the relationship between Parker and his brother Harvey. I hope we get to see more of these characters in the future and I look forward to reading the other books in this multi-author series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Nic]

Wild Card is only 99c until 26th September 2022! Click here to grab your copy now.

Available from Amazon and on Kindle Unlimited.

[Enirehtak Melas · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~~3.5 Stars~~~

This is the third book in a multi-author series that can read as a stand alone. It features several tropes such as Opposites Attract, Forced Proximity, Band Mates, Best Friend's Brother, and I feel like you can add more here too. It's a lot, but the author manages to balance them well within the story. The main characters, Rafe and Parker, hit off with their chemistry and hookup. Neither of them seem to think band mates hooking up is an issue because Parker is simply sitting in the band temporarily for his brother. Sure, guys. :)

I absolutely love the opposites attract trope because it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy seeing two people, who seemingly have nothing in common, find several *ahem* things in common. Rafe is the outgoing Rock Star who loves and craves the spotlight, not to mention what that celebrity status brings; however, Parker is shy and wants absolutely nothing to with that kind of spotlight. There was undeniable chemistry between the two men, and I liked that their initial friends with benefits relationship gradually shifts into something neither of the men were expecting.


This was a good read, and I did like the style of writing. My only hang up was that I kind of lost interest in some parts of the story. I can't really pin point why, but the book didn't fully grab my attention at all times.

*ARC provided by GRR and have given my honest review*

[Amy Stauffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are three books into a rockin’ fun series. I’m still enjoying the series being penned by different authors. It allows you to possibly try a new author, that perhaps you might not have stumbled on organically.

This time we have Rafe, and his band HyperOctane, ruling the stage. He’s their lead singer and is about to see the fruit of his labor come to life. His dream come true. He has dreams for his career, but zero for a relationship. When an opportunity presents itself for a NSA affair with a bandmate’s brother, how can he resist? Especially when their preference for no relationships aligns. Full steam ahead. (Record scratch) Does life ever work out exactly how you plan? Not 100% of the time, and sometimes love sneaks up on you...

This was a fun addition to the series, with very little angst. Just how I like it. It’s well written and enjoyable to read. The characters were engaging and likable.

I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this festival of bands.

***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting love story

Wild Card by Starr is the third book in the multi-author series, The Road To Rocktoberfest. Starr's story revolves around Rafe and Parker. There is a great chemistry between the characters, and a depth that makes them realistic and flawed. It's an interesting story and how it pushes these two unlikely characters together. Yes, it fits the rock and roll theme, and connection to someone that they least expect, especially when they have their own baggage and history of broken hearts. Hot and steamy, and a plot that works. This story was intriguing and kept the reader guessing. I can't wait to read the next book, and I do like how the authors were able to weave out these stories so they are related, but also can be standalone stories. This is the first book by Starr that I've read, and I look forward to reading many more stories by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.

[Tenise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rafe Moreno is the lead singer of a band from Australia called HyperOctane. They are super famous in Australia but not really known to the rest of the world. They are hoping that is all about to change as they have been invited to the United States to play at Roctoberfest in Utah.

Parker Shaw keeps to himself, is a bit insecure, loves music but would NEVER even conside performing on stage.

Rafe is quite the playboy and Parker is the complete opposite. But what happens when the 2 of them are basically forced to spend time together?

Wild Card is a cute, opposites attract, Rockstar romance. This is book 3 of 7 in a series of standalones. Each book written by a different author.

[Sarah Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nic Starr is a new author to me. I had a feeling that I would be drawn to this series as soon as it was announced. Wild Card did not disappoint, this is a low angst contemporary title that I thoroughly enjoyed. Rafe is someone who can most definitely have any man that he wants and that just happens to be Parker. While Parker has reservations about playing for the band, he does it any way. To help his brother and to help Rafe. Who knew that both men would find a HEA? Looking forward to reading more by Nic Starr.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome! It was my first time reading the author and I’ll definitely go looking for more by her. Rafe is the lead singer for HyperOctane, an up and coming band from Australia. Parker is the bands guitarist brother. When Parker’s brother is hurt, he steps in so that the band can play at Rockoberfest. These two have an instant connection and serious steamy chemistry. Loved the story!! I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Esther Alayeto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to this great multi-author series. It's a great story that proves the old adage that opposites definitely attract. Parker may not want a rockstar life but he definitely wants Rafe, a rockstar and his brother's band mate. They're total opposites and Rafe doesn't want a relationship but they are perfect together. I really enjoyed watching their relationship unfurl and I really appreciate that there is very little angst. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A behind the scenes look at the build up to and at Rock concerts. The one thing that stood out was that all the bedroom scenes were behind closed doors. Like an MM sweet romance, although I do enjoy some detail. Harvey's brother Parker stood in for him as lead guitarist for the group HyperOctane. Such a super performance and still caring from the group. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing of Nic Starr.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Card by Nic Starr is the third book in the Road to Rocktoberfest series. Rafe and Parker's lovestory is a contemporary MM romance with opposites attracting, hot rockstars and a steamy connection with a bandmate's brother.  Fun story with a touch of angst, lots of heat, and a bit of Rock. Loved it!!!!

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I liked this one. It was light and easy with no angst and no real drama, just a sweet love story with a Rock Star back drop.

TAGS
-- nice easy read -- Rock Star -- band mates brother -- no angst -- sweet -- one MC suffers anxiety -- not an overwhelming amount of concert/behind the scenes talk -- read in one sitting

[Modwena Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute story. Parker very reluctantly agrees to stand in for his rock guitarist brother at one of the biggest gigs of the band's career. Rafe is captivated by Parker and they decide to have a little fun on the road. What is supposed to be a short fling becomes so much more. I loved the really sweet and supportive relationship between the two men.

[TL Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love me some Aussies!

This was my first Nic Starr book, but it won’t be my last. The chemistry between a Rafe and Parker was instant and off the charts. Even when the price that comes along with fame entered the picture, Rafe didn’t deny him.

Absolutely loved it. I highly recommend this book to all.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Nic Starr. I found her writing excellent. I really liked the MC’s in this book. This was a softer romantic look at the other side of a rock star that not many get to see. I really enjoyed the quick easy read and I will definitely be reading another one of Nic Starr’s books.

[Lyndsay TC · Rating 5 out of 5]

A low-angst rockstar romance between rocker, Rafe and step-in guitarist Parker. While Parker had some past relationship issues, Rafe blasted through them and left both men with a happily for now ending. Pick this up for an easy and enjoyable read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great add to the series. Love this idea and with each new author the couples feel fresh and unique. Sexy rock stars meet real love in all the best ways. Can't wait to read more. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.