Genre: Contemporary
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
Get It On Amazon | Universal Buy Link
About The Book
A tired rock star and a judgemental gardener…what could possibly go wrong?
The Purple Lizards are a rock world phenomenon, but lead singer Martin’s tired of his rock-and-roll persona. He’d rather be at home with his garden. When he gets home from tour he finds his gardener has had a heart attack and Simon, his grandson, is helping him out.
Simon’s different to Fred. He talks, for a start. Martin and Fred have a perfectly functional friendship based on long silences and discussions about heritage vegetables. Simon talks about personal things as well. It makes Martin prickly.
Simon’s at a bit of a loss. He stepped up to help his grandfather whilst he was in hospital despite his misgivings about the absent Martin. But Fred clearly likes him, which is unusual for a start. Fred prefers plants to people. That he actively likes a rock star who used to smash up hotel rooms is really strange. Simon’s reserving judgement. Apparently the band have a break in their tour coming up. He’ll see whether he can work for the man once he’s spent some time with him. A tired rock star and a judgemental gardener…what could possibly go wrong?
The Review
Martin Porter, aka Marty Lizard, is tired of all the tours and his professional life. It’s been fifteen long years of moving from place to place with his band, the Purple Lizards. They had a reputation of being wild in their younger days, then they lost a band member, and with time things have changed even more.
While on tour, he overhears a conversation and records it. Their manager, Ken, is threatening Pete Heggarty of Heggarty’s Bow, the band that’s traveling with the tour.
Ken’s ridiculous contract, gambling and drug issues have come to a head, and he’s has had enough, so he fires Ken. Now he’s added another headache to his list – finding a new manager.
Luckily, there is a break before the Japan tour. Martin will get to go home to his manor in Sandiford. He misses his quiet life, gardening and the comfort of Fred Fielding. Fred has been a godsend with his knowledge of gardening, and he keeps their fruit-and-veggie operation going with the local food bank. Fred helps keep Martin grounded so he can leave the chaotic band life behind, until it’s time to tour again. Fred and his wife Moira take care of the manor while Martin is away on tour, and he couldn’t be more grateful.
When Martin returns home for the break, he heads to the greenhouse, expecting to find Fred. He’s shocked to discover a stunning young man there, and surprised that Fred is in the hospital.
Simon Fielding is Fred and Moira’s grandson, and is filling in for Fred while he recovers from a health issue. He can’t believe he is now face to face with Marty Lizard, his long time crush.
Martin has his doubts about Simon. He doesn’t know if they can have the same rapport he had with Fred. Will he be able to talk with younger Simon like he does with Fred? Can he trust Simon to do everything that Fred did, and keep the Manor running? Also, Martin worries about the attraction that is growing between them. He already has enough on his plate.
Frances Fox has created a new cozy, spicy romance with a little drama. Reluctant Rockstar blends the rock and roll world with the love of gardening. It’s well written and is a quick, easy read dealing with age differences, the employee/employer relationship, and understanding of each others’ needs. Sometimes you need to let go, and sometimes you need to be in control. I’d call this a “kink-lite” story.
I liked Simon and Martin. They’re both really down to earth characters. Even Marty, the rock star, is still a home body at heart with a love of gardening. And Simon is so sweet, and is just what Marty needs. The relationship and understanding they have with Fred and Moira Fielding is wonderful too.
Reluctant Rockstar and its series may just be my new favorite. It’s fun and entertaining, and there’s more to come with book two, Sounds Complicated.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
