Genre: Contemporary, Rock ‘n Roll
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
An oblivious roadie and a lighting designer with self-confidence issues…will they ever manage to communicate what they want?
All Dave wants is a low-stress job driving gig equipment around, loading and unloading, rinse and repeat. Then he can go home and spend what time he can with his kids, listen to music and gardening podcasts and dream about the life he’s never had. He’s known Richie for years and he’s never thought of him as more than a mate. With two ex-wives behind him, he’s never thought of himself as anything other than straight. It’s a shock when he suddenly realises he has a massive crush on a guy.
It’s more than a shock for Richie when Dave turns up at a Heggarty’s Bow gig with an empty truck instead of a van full of kit, it’s possibly career-ending. There’s no time for Richie’s usual low-key flirtation with the oblivious Dave whilst they’re sorting out how to rig the show, but there should be plenty of time to catch up with each other properly on the drive back to London. It’s not Dave’s fault the steering on the van blows out on the way home.
Thrown together overnight in a hotel, will Dave confide his attraction to Richie? Or will Richie snap first and make a move? Surely all the time they’ve spent in the van driving around the country means they’ve had plenty of time to talk. Or does it?
The Review
Dave is thirty-eight, works at a warehouse, and drives for Polychromatic, run by Graham. He loads, unloads and loads again, the gear that is needed for Heggarty’s Bow gigs. He’s quiet, a homebody with a dad-bod – at least that’s how he sees himself. He’s had two failed marriages, but still remains friends with his ex-wife Penn. He’s a good dad and takes care of his children, twin girls and oldest son Brandon, who has dyscalculia. He has his designated times with his kids, and he’s a potter in his spare time.
Richie is twenty-seven, single and has had bad luck with his relationships. He’s a roadie and lighting designer, exclusively for Heggarty’s Bow tours. He works with a good group – Nick, Marcus and Becca. He’s a great guy, and tries to stay calm and have patience, no matter what goes wrong. Evenings often find him at a night class with a photography group project, and he quotes for designs for upcoming gigs.
Dave just made a run from London for Heggarty’s Bow. Why Graham bid on a run that was so far away, he has no idea. Of course it’s the money but Dave figures that he probably wants to reap the fortune from the growing popularity of the band. Dave reaches his destination, and when Richie comes to unload the van, it’s empty. Dave is totally crushed and angry over his screw up, but most of all he fears he will loose his job. All he wanted was to finish it, get a good night’s sleep, and Skype with his kids.
Dave and Richie have been colleagues for years, and have become good friends. Although things are hectic, Richie, Dave and the crew pull it all together and get what’s needed to make the gig a success. Richie has always liked working with Dave, who he always thought was reliable, and he doesn’t blame Dave for what happened. They both find a silent respect for and comfort with one other.
When an emergency arises, Richie needs a ride home. Dave offers to take him. Richie is burned out and just wants to sleep, which isn’t a problem for Dave. He feels he can still safely get them to their destinations, at least until the van breaks down, which puts Richie and Dave in an embarrassing situation. Are they about to make a mistake and ruin a great friendship?
Fox has written an exceptionally good story in the “Reluctant Rockstar” series. I like that it’s not “insta-love.” Dave and Richie go from being colleagues to friends, and then discover what they both need.
Even though Richie seems to know what he would like, he doesn’t push Dave. He’s understanding and respects Dave’s decision, giving him time to figure out what he wants. Dave worried about where it all will lead. He’s honest with Richie about his children being his priority, and also struggles with his sexuality. I loved the little scenes with Richie that show his nurturing side, and how he debates the “Other Richie” – the banter is humorous and snarky!
The author also has me curious about the character Adz. I’m wondering if they will get their own story.
Driving In Circles overlaps a little with the second “Reluctant Rockstar” book Sounds Complicated. I recommend this book – it has all the good feels and hope for two marvelous men – it’s my favorite story of the series. I’ve enjoyed all the stories from the “Reluctant Rockstar,” though, and can’t wait to see what Frances Fox writes next.
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.
