3.5 Stars

I admit that the premise of this book might not appeal to everyone, and I’m kinda surprised myself that I chose to read this. For unknown reasons, I was apparently intrigued by how a guy, who has made some unforgivable mistakes, wins back the love of his life.

Now to put it out there, Fletch is definitely a piece of work. He knows he’s very good looking and is not shy, nor above using said looks, to skew things in his favor. However, I want to clarify that there’s not really a malicious bone in his body. Fletch is fun, spontaneous, very carefree, and at the same time, when he was with Roger, he was kind and thoughtful and they just clicked. So why the cheating?? It really is quite the conundrum, but things slowly come to light as this story unravels, and though I don’t excuse his behavior at all, I can totally see why Fletch is the type of person he was and is. When he meets up with Roger a couple years later, harsh reality smacks him in the face, making Fletch realize his mistake and just how much he wants to win Roger back.

Roger is understandably still hurt. In his ignorant bliss, his time with Fletch stands out as his happiest, but he can’t fathom ever forgiving him, let alone taking him back. Regardless, it’s a moot issue since he’s perfectly content with his boyfriend Jeff, and in comparison to Fletch, Jeff’s stable, responsible, and trustworthy. Little does poor Roger know that Jeff is far from the polished, put together person that he presents. As Fletch wheedles his way back into Roger’s life, it produces some interesting revelations, and Roger has to wonder if his planned life trajectory is really something that he wants, including what he currently has.

Was this perfect? No. At times this was quite verbose and there was an overuse of nicknames that drove me a bit bonkers… but it grew on me. <i>Fletch</i> grew on me…

I will say 99.9% of the time, cheating is a hard limit for me, but somehow Hackett made me change my mind, and I found myself actually rooting for Fletch to win. One slowly comes to see the complexity of the man with plenty of faults and baggage, who wants desperately to move beyond his origins and grab onto the one exceptional person who made him the happiest he’d ever been in his entire life. Fletch’s charm is just that - charming. One can’t not like him despite his past deplorable behavior. I think that says something about Hackett’s ability to successfully change the reader’s, and Roger’s, mind.

So, this is technically a story about redeeming a cheating cad. It’s a story about opposites attract and second chances. I implore you to not give up on the rough beginning. As things are revealed, and how Fletch and Roger slowly re-enter each other's lives more and more, this really turned into a sweet, fun, funny (sadly, no smex) romance that had me speeding on through and ultimately, cheering Fletch on to get his guy. I had my reservations, thinking I had temporary insanity choosing this trope, but as the sequel is about Roger’s dumped asshat of a boyfriend Jeff, I really don’t have any more doubts that Hackett can change my mind for that as well.

An impressive debut for a tough topic.

Going into this book I think what attracted me most was being able to see how a guy who has done some questionable things could get a second chance with the love of his life. I am a big fan of second chance romance and I was ready for Fletch to grovel and redeem himself to get Roger back.

I am a bit of hypocrite when it comes to book content because cheating is a no go for me in real life but in books, it's okay because it's fiction So while I would normally scoff at Fletch and his inability to keep it in his pants, I was able to get him as much as possible.

I liked this book. I adored watching Fletch and Roger reintroduce themselves into one another's life and Fletch is so damn charming, it's hard not to fall in love with him.

4.5 Stars

I didn’t immediately like this book. Which seems completely crazy to me now, after finishing it. But, in chapter one I was thinking, ‘What the hell is wrong with this guy?!?’ Because Fletcher Andrews is a hot mess, you guys. Like, the hottest and the messiest. BUT—by chapter three I was unashamedly head over heels for him. Fletch is gorgeous with a capital G, and ridiculously charming. He can talk his way into or out of any situation, and into literally anyone’s pants, which ended up being his downfall with his one and only boyfriend, now ex-boyfriend, Roger. Chase Taylor Hackett’s Where Do I Start begins with Fletch running into Roger at the Met two years after things ended between them, and the rest of the book is basically Fletch courting Roger (even though Roger doesn’t even realize what’s happening at first) and trying to win him back (even though Fletch doesn’t even realize that’s what he’s doing at first).

One of the things I loved best about this book was Fletch’s admiration and respect for Roger. He was clearly in love with him from the beginning, even though he screwed things up so terribly the last time, and is initially so oblivious to his feelings and his motivations for stalking Roger presently. His remorse for hurting Roger in the past is never in doubt, and he attempts to make up for it in myriad ways. He is always so mindful of Roger’s needs and feelings, and takes extreme joy in pointing out Roger’s current boyfriend Jeff’s failings and careless disregard of Roger’s feelings. Often right in front of Jeff! Which is too funny. And, the way Fletch’s attention and admiration make Roger feel so special is awesome. I loved this passage from Roger’s POV when he was remembering a special moment with Fletch…

"May I tell you how earth-shaking it is to discover that somebody likes you, genuinely likes you, thinks you’re sexy, wants to spend time with you because you are exactly who you are?
…
I’ve mentioned enough how Fletch was this Adonis—and he was—but after that night, that was so irrelevant. I was hopelessly, blissfully, bark-at-the-moon crazy in love with him because he was the most beautiful guy I had ever met—and that had absolutely nothing to do with gorgeous eyes or a handsome smile."

Fletch’s promiscuity is firmly in the past, but it takes Roger most of the book to believe it. I don’t blame him one bit for being so hesitant to let his ex back in; it was only fair that Fletch had to prove himself. And, watching him do that day after day, watching him fight for Roger, made me fall in love with him more with every chapter. Oh! And, I can’t forget his love for Roger’s dog! It may have well been Fletch’s love for Haggis—the dog, not the gross Scottish dish—that gives him the biggest shot at winning back Roger’s heart. Haggis was honestly like another main character!

And, speaking of the characters… They really were all fantastic. Even the one I’m sure every reader will love to hate, *cough* Jeff-Rey *cough*… He was a complete dickbag, sure, but I can’t deny that he was memorable. The majority of the characters were extremely well-developed and relatable. I loved Fletch [insert a billion hearty eyes emojis], obviously, and I adored Roger, but a very close runner-up for my favorite character was Roger’s best friend, Tommy. He is beyond fabulous, and I need his book in my life like yesterday. I’m so hoping that his story is in the works.

Hackett’s storytelling style is different, but in such a good way. It’s fast-paced and fun, with dialogue that is at times hilarious, and at other times very touching and insightful. There are inside jokes, and ongoing bits in the story that are fantastic, and work so well, like Fletch’s nickname for Roger, and my new favorite term, ‘f-hole.’ And, I loved the way he used the different POVs to move the story along and take us from how everything started between Fletch and Roger, to their current situation of finding their way back to each other. The narrative also jumps seamlessly from moments and dialogue that are absurdly funny, to moments that are so moving and heartfelt, like Fletch talking about his childhood, or Roger’s meeting with his dad—which was actually both touching and funny.

I truly loved reading this book, and can’t wait to read more from this author. The next book in the series just released this week, but one of the MCs is Jeff the dickbag! So, I might have to hold off for a minute. Ha! I’m still firmly on Team Fletcher, and hating Jeffrey with every fiber, so I’m not ready yet for the author to make me like him. But, I may get there yet. 😉 Subsequent books, though? I’m all in!

Loved this story, it was really well told with some great characters.

I'm super late with this review - my apologies to the author and publisher.

Where Do I Start, indeed.

Fletcher, immature and possibly a sex addict, is a serial cheater. Two years ago or so, he and his then-boyfriend Roger broke up, because Roger found out about Fletcher treating the gay scene in NYC as his personal buffet and Roger wasn't putting up with that.

Personality-wise, it was clear from the start that Fletch and Roger are two very different people - Fletch is immature, happy-go-lucky, spontaneous, whereas Roger is much more mature, set in his ways and a bit staid. Not that those are bad things, but at the time they were together, perhaps Fletch felt a bit... stifled.

Now two years have passed, Fletch is still sampling the buffet whenever he can, and Roger has a new boyfriend named Jeffrey. And Fletch just ran into Roger and might have realized what he lost.

Some folks have perhaps shied away from this book because of the cheating mentioned in the blurb - none of that happens on page, and none of it happens once Fletch decides to win Roger back.

One might think that Fletcher attempting to break up Roger and Jeffrey is selfish and speaks to his maturity level, and one would be right in as much as Fletch at first only sees his own desire to get back with Roger. But then, as I watched Fletcher grow throughout the book, I could also see that Roger, mature, staid, reliable Roger, really needed Fletcher in his life, and that the two of them, as opposite as they are, really complement each other, and bring out the best in each other.

Of course, Fletcher's scheming is not without its up and downs, and there are plenty of hurt feelings in the way at first, as well as a lack of trust, and obviously Jeffrey.

I loved Fletcher snarky inner voice, his nearly child-like optimism, and his strength of conviction - once he made up his mind that Roger was it for him, he went full on ahead with the seduction, until... well, you read this for yourself.

I rather enjoyed this tale of one very flawed almost anti-hero who grew up and became a real boy when he realized whom he had, through his own actions, hurt. Making amends isn't easy, but he didn't give up, not even when the odds of success where minimal, and when it seemed like the rest of the world was conspiring against him.

This was an excellent debut novel from a new author telling an awesome tale of an immature boy who became a man, almost on his own.

I look forward to Jeffrey's book which will come early next year. Cannot wait!

5 BIG stars and more....What a great read, it kept me in its spell The way of writing was so uplifting
It was warm, endearing, fluffy, emotional and witty.
The most lovely MC's in their own way...

The story tells from 'the here and now' and switches smoothly to what had happened and what they wished, written in the most captivating way. Both MC's will give a view from their perspective...

Fletch has a 'terrible' attitude but...you will love him...he is just so ....immature ...and more
Roger has a 'terrible' attitude but....you will love him...he is just so ....mature.... and more
Together they are perfect and so not....

Roger a lawyer and a wonderful violinist. Shy and introvert....and....with a lovely dog Haggis
Fletch, a Haggis lover, was kind, sparkling, always good humoured and not monogamous, not before, during and after his relationship with Roger....
Roger was angry when he finds out...threw Fletch out and was left devastated...

After two years they meet again....Fletch is struck and 'seen the light' and wants Roger back...
As sweet and easygoing Roger is, taking back Fletch is not an option...
Roger has a boyfriend Jeff-rey......Fletch is determined and has a creative mind...

"Was there suddenly a part of my miserable, undereducated, oversexed, juvenile-delinquent brain that was actually entertaining monogamy as a possibility?"

The constant self reflections, the clarifying thoughts were just fabulous...

"How good in bed could I possibly be that somebody would risk their life to chase me across Broadway against traffic"

Dear wise best friend Tommy realized some true things about how Roger and Fletch feel about each other and the reason why they don't say things!
I love Tommy and so hope there will be a story for him <3

And then.... some shit happened.....I cried...it broke my heart...

Fletch....o..Fletch..he is just wonderful...and flawed...and honest...yes honest...and Roger was such a fantastic flawed emotional cry guy....I loved them both hard

It's amazingly dynamic and very very lovable, not one line was boring. There were so many lines playing with... my heart...my laugh... and my (blurred) eyes
The developing was tremendously good done....it was so good!

An absolute mustread!! Highly recommended!

Kindly received an ARC from publisher through Netgalley

How can a book about cheating and infidelity be so hilariously funny? This book is without a doubt a comedy but the way that it depicts emotions and the character’s relationships is so poignant that I was alternating between laughing and wanting to cry. Fletcher belongs with Roger, but he definitely doesn’t deserve him at first. He knew that the cheating would destroy Roger’s confidence but once he realizes the mistake he made in giving up Roger, one of the only good things in his life, he thinks that he can easily win him back without ever wondering if that’s in Roger’s best interest.

You’ll want to hate Fletcher, but you won’t be able to. Like Roger, I eventually agreed that Fletch was a good guy at heart that made some major mistakes but that it doesn’t mean that he’s irredeemable. I also think he really did work hard on redeeming himself and it was so sweet to see. Roger really was the adorable puppy that Fletcher saw him as but that doesn’t mean that he didn’t have a backbone. He knew when to stand up for himself and when to risk his heart for the chance at happiness.

This book was really beautiful and so, so good. I read it in one sitting because I was completely engrossed. There’s no heat but there’s so much heart that I would suggest one clicking because you won’t regret it.

This was a huge miss for me. Exs are exs for a reason, especially exs like Fletcher.

Fletcher is creepy, jealous, invasive and has an over-inflated sense of self-worth. Roger should run the other was as fast as possible, or call the police. I can’t even describe how much I did not like this.

I can get behind the premise of someone feel truly repentant about their behavior and treatment of another human being but Fletcher just seemed to be jealous. His need to win Roger back wasn’t really out of love, he was just a jealous ass.

Roger was forgettable and spineless. Like a cardboard cut out that I’d like to throw in the trash.

This was a struggle to finish, it’s hard when there’s zero investment. I really can’t say that there was anything good about it. The writing was ok, I guess. The story and characters, though? Not good.

First of all,I absolutely love the cover.
I was expecting a cute MM romance here...don't get me wrong,I knew there was cheating involved and that doesn't bother me at all...in fact in a weird way I quite enjoy it.
BUT....I absolutely hated Fletcher.I couldn't connect to him at all,there was nothing I liked about him.Granted ,I only made it up until about 40% so maybe he got more likeable??
I really wasn't interested in finding out.

An enjoyable, pleasant read with a decent cast of characters.

4,5 stars.

This is a second chance romance, but it's more than that. It is also about human growth. Fletcher Andrews - the cool, good-looking guy - does not believe in love, or promises, or monogamy. He was in a relationship with Roger - the shy, nerdy, but also good-looking guy -, but Fletch couldn't keep it in his pants, so naturally, Roger threw him out for that. Two years later, the two meet again. Roger has never really gotten over Fletch, and Fletch finds himself feeling things he didn't think he was capable of or believed in. Easy as that, right? Well no, because Roger is not single, and neither Roger nor his boyfriend are fans of Fletch (obviously). I won't say any more than that, the rest is for you to read.

The story feels like a documentary, because it jumps between characters - not just the two MCs, but also a friend of the MC. Some of it is told in hindsight. Sometimes, it doesn't feel like we experience the story, but that it is told to us, which threw me off a bit a first. It was a slow start, and I wasn't feeling the narration, but once I got into the book, it grew on me and was really great. Because it is told to the reader by the MCs, we get a lot of inner monologue, a lot of interupted thoughts. That was really great, because it showed their personalities much better than if they were just described. The book made me laugh out loud several times (literally), it made me cry. Basically, it had it all. I subtract half a star because of the slow start, but it is very close to a five-star read.

I did enjoy this book, but I was hesitant. There'a lot of infidelity...a LOT. And while the infidelity between the main characters is in the past, I was still a little uncomfortable with it. The main theme of this story seems to be something like "you dont know what you'v got until it's gone" mixed with "love will fix everything" and with a dash of "It's okay, you can totally and obtrusively attempt to steal someone away from someone else just because you want him back. No really, that's fine. Not creepy at all." If none of those warning have turned you off yet, you probably would like this book because like I said in the beginning, I did. It was a fun read. But it does have some questionable elements, so just keep that in find.

This was such a great read!!!! Really great banter with Roger and Fletch and I loved Tommy's point of view as well. The way that orchestra was part of the story was just fantastic and of course the pup!!! This was a light, fun and worthy read. Absolutely a win for me

What could be better than a hurt/comfort story that has a dog as a main character? Exactly. I had to read this book. I was pretty impressed with the characters of this book. Fletch is a total loser. All he has going for him is his body. He has no prospects, only wants sex, and has no real drive. Pretty typical gay man character (and grindr user). His love interest, Roger, is more the type of guy I would go for and much more rare. He is intelligent, nerdy, and insecure. Exactly the type of guy that doesn't expect a relationship, because he doesn't see himself as good enough for one. They are fleshed out and feel real. They feel like guys I would meet in the real gay male world. My issue is that Fletch's character doesn't feel realistic by the end. Guys like Fletch don't just give up their wild ways. There is too much benefit to staying wild, why would they change?

Roger is by far the more interesting character. He isn't all about sleeping around, he has real hobbies, he has real drive. That is something that I wish I saw more of. I didn't like that he was such a pushover, because I wanted to protect him so badly. I was getting mad at Fletch by the end because he was just bombarding Roger in a way that I found borderline creepy. Though that is my main issue with most romance novels. The love is always portrayed in a way that can be really creepy. 

Despite my issues with Fletch (and the gay male community in general) and romance novels in general (Fletch respected no, so a lot less issues than normal), I loved this book. I look forward to the sequel, though the choice of lead character in that one makes me hesitant. There better be another cute dog!

"Where do I start?" is a romantic comedy about Fletch, who broke Roger's heart two years ago by screwing around and then, when they accidentally meet again realizes just what he lost back then and tries to make amends.

I had a lot of fun reading this, although it may be a bit too over the top for some people, or if you're in the mood for something serious. I'm also not sure I would be okay with some of the things Fletch did if it happened in real life, but it did work in the context of the story. I was wary because of the cheating, but it really is only in the past and Fletch really does change.

The alternating 1st person POV isn't my favourite, especially with the perspective of the best friend thrown in occasionally, but it worked with this story. If you're in the mood for something light and fun, this is a good choice.

Usually, I hate stories that involve cheating. I don't know what made me give this one a chance anyway but I'm glad I did. 
Where Do I Start is a quirky and fun little read that I enjoyed a lot. I really liked Roger and Fletch and a lot of the other characters. The writing was witty and fun (if somewhat a bit over the top sometimes. Prit-tee and onna conna got old really fast) and I liked how the story sometimes jumped back and forth a little. 

I'm happy how the story ended though I do have one complaint and that's how Fletch and Roger never really talked things out that happened back when. Maybe the author felt it was redundant but considering how hurt everyone was I certainly didn't think so. 

Still a very entertaining and sweet read with a pretty unique writing style. I'll definitely remember this author.