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Rocky Start #1
Rocky Start
Rose Malone’s landlord and employer has just died and now she has no idea if she has a job or if she and her daughter, Poppy, have a place to live, and that’s on top of the arrest warrant that’s been out for her for nineteen years. Then a stranger shows up and tries to throw her out. It just isn’t the week to do that. She smacks him with a reproduction of the Maltese Falcon and then somebody grabs him and throws him into the street.
Max Reddy just wants his boots. He’s walking the Appalachian trail with his dog, Maggs, trying to leave behind a life as an elite covert operative, and stopping in Rocky Start to pick up supplies, when he sees a feisty middle-aged woman get backhanded by a guy in a suit. Max throws the jerk into the street and continues on his way, determined to get his boots and get out of town, even if Feisty was pretty cute. He’s been alone on the trail a long time. Some trees are looking good to him.
Rose needs to know what’s going on, so she follows Max to the post office, no ulterior motive, honest. Except to pick his pocket to find out who he is, then he can go. But by nightfall, she’s invited him under her roof for her own protection since they're dealing with a town full of retired spies, including a suspicious sheriff, a sly-eyed moocher, a knife-wielding bakery owner, a stranger who looks like she drinks the blood of the damned, a conniving teenager, and a dog who's decided she's done with the Appalachian Trail.
And Max is starting to think his dog is right.
Rocky This could be the start of something dangerous.
From the authors who brought you Agnes and the Hitman and the Liz Danger series, a new series in a similar vein.
To be followed by
Very Nice Funerals
The Honey Pot Plot
Max Reddy just wants his boots. He’s walking the Appalachian trail with his dog, Maggs, trying to leave behind a life as an elite covert operative, and stopping in Rocky Start to pick up supplies, when he sees a feisty middle-aged woman get backhanded by a guy in a suit. Max throws the jerk into the street and continues on his way, determined to get his boots and get out of town, even if Feisty was pretty cute. He’s been alone on the trail a long time. Some trees are looking good to him.
Rose needs to know what’s going on, so she follows Max to the post office, no ulterior motive, honest. Except to pick his pocket to find out who he is, then he can go. But by nightfall, she’s invited him under her roof for her own protection since they're dealing with a town full of retired spies, including a suspicious sheriff, a sly-eyed moocher, a knife-wielding bakery owner, a stranger who looks like she drinks the blood of the damned, a conniving teenager, and a dog who's decided she's done with the Appalachian Trail.
And Max is starting to think his dog is right.
Rocky This could be the start of something dangerous.
From the authors who brought you Agnes and the Hitman and the Liz Danger series, a new series in a similar vein.
To be followed by
Very Nice Funerals
The Honey Pot Plot
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2024
919 people are currently reading
973 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Crusie
80 books7,786 followersJennifer Crusie is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of twenty-three novels, one book of literary criticism, miscellaneous articles, essays, novellas, and short stories, and the editor of three essay anthologies.
She was born in Wapakoneta, a small town in Ohio, and then went on to live in a succession of other small towns in Ohio and New Jersey until her last move to a small town in Pennsylvania. This may have had an impact on her work.
She has a BS in Art Education, an MA in literature, an MFA in fiction, and was ABD on her PhD when she started reading romances as part of her research into the differences between the ways men and women tell stories. Writing a romance sounded like more fun than writing a dissertation, so she switched to fiction and never looked back. Her collaborations with Bob Mayer have pretty much proved everything she was going to say in her dissertation anyway, so really, no need to finish that.
For more information, see JenniferCrusie.com and her blog, Argh Ink.
She was born in Wapakoneta, a small town in Ohio, and then went on to live in a succession of other small towns in Ohio and New Jersey until her last move to a small town in Pennsylvania. This may have had an impact on her work.
She has a BS in Art Education, an MA in literature, an MFA in fiction, and was ABD on her PhD when she started reading romances as part of her research into the differences between the ways men and women tell stories. Writing a romance sounded like more fun than writing a dissertation, so she switched to fiction and never looked back. Her collaborations with Bob Mayer have pretty much proved everything she was going to say in her dissertation anyway, so really, no need to finish that.
For more information, see JenniferCrusie.com and her blog, Argh Ink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
October 28, 2024
I have never, ever pre-ordered a book. But I just bought this one. Jennifer Cruise and Bob Mayer cannot write these books fast enough for me. Although it was published in July, when I started it, I discovered it was set in October and decided to wait till then to read it. There was just something off-putting about reading a book set in autumn when I'm roasting in the summer. Anyway, LOVE this book!! This team just gets better and better and I can't wait for the next book. Rose and Max both have things in their past that both want to move on from and I love how they each share some of that but don't do a True Confessions reveal. I really loved the alternating story narrators. Warning - not all plot points are resolved. I can't wait to read the next book, but 5-Star reads are rare so I'm going to wait a bit to read the next one.
Rose Malone is almost 50 and has spent her life taking care of those around her. Now it's her turn to take care of herself. What leads her to this decision is the death of her landlord and employer, Ozzie, and now she doesn't know if she will have a job or a place to live. To make matters even more uncertain there is an arrest warrant from 19 years ago hanging out there and Ozzie's brother and a son no one knew about descend on Rocky Start and try to throw Rose out. When Max shows up and throws the troublemakers out, Rose is grateful, just not right away, and more than a little intrigued by the handsome stranger.
Max Reddy is a former CIA agent who has a lot of things to work through while walking the Appalachian Trail, but a detour to Rocky Start may change his plans. All he needs is the boots he came to Rocky Start to get and he will be back on the AT. But when he sees a guy hit a woman, he just can't let that pass, so he tosses the prick into the street. Is the little lady grateful? Not right away.
Some very interesting people live in the town of Rocky Start that is half in Tennessee and half in North Carolina. As Max checks out the town and its' residents he recognizes that some of these senior citizens are former operatives and that maybe someone is pulling his chain to keep him here. He also has to resist a sexy shop keeper with a daughter who has her own reasons to keep him here, great food, a warm soft bed and his dog who really doesn't want to return to the AT. Then there is the mystery that is Ozzie and his secrets from a mission gone bad and a small fortune that went missing. It doesn't look like Max will be returning to the AT anytime soon. And, then there is Rose who has decided that Max is the main focus of her Selfish Day which may morph into Selfish week, month, year. Who knows when it will end?
Rose Malone is almost 50 and has spent her life taking care of those around her. Now it's her turn to take care of herself. What leads her to this decision is the death of her landlord and employer, Ozzie, and now she doesn't know if she will have a job or a place to live. To make matters even more uncertain there is an arrest warrant from 19 years ago hanging out there and Ozzie's brother and a son no one knew about descend on Rocky Start and try to throw Rose out. When Max shows up and throws the troublemakers out, Rose is grateful, just not right away, and more than a little intrigued by the handsome stranger.
Max Reddy is a former CIA agent who has a lot of things to work through while walking the Appalachian Trail, but a detour to Rocky Start may change his plans. All he needs is the boots he came to Rocky Start to get and he will be back on the AT. But when he sees a guy hit a woman, he just can't let that pass, so he tosses the prick into the street. Is the little lady grateful? Not right away.
Some very interesting people live in the town of Rocky Start that is half in Tennessee and half in North Carolina. As Max checks out the town and its' residents he recognizes that some of these senior citizens are former operatives and that maybe someone is pulling his chain to keep him here. He also has to resist a sexy shop keeper with a daughter who has her own reasons to keep him here, great food, a warm soft bed and his dog who really doesn't want to return to the AT. Then there is the mystery that is Ozzie and his secrets from a mission gone bad and a small fortune that went missing. It doesn't look like Max will be returning to the AT anytime soon. And, then there is Rose who has decided that Max is the main focus of her Selfish Day which may morph into Selfish week, month, year. Who knows when it will end?
July 27, 2024
4.5 stars. Loved the Liz Danger series by these authors. Couldn't wait to read this 1st book in their new series. I wasn't disappointed. It did start off a whee bit slow. I had no idea what was going on with this strange bunch of r-e-a-l-l-y quirky characters in this odd little town. Then it all clicks, and the story takes off. There's so much packed into this wild adventure: romance, action, suspense, and a town that's more than it appears to be. Loved Max and his dog Maggs. Rose and daughter Poppy are gems. The cast of highly eccentric side characters are interesting, to say the least. 😉 (No spoilers here).
Can't imagine what's next, but I'm anxiously looking forward to more adventures in the town of Rocky Start in book 2.
Can't imagine what's next, but I'm anxiously looking forward to more adventures in the town of Rocky Start in book 2.
July 22, 2024
Of course I had to read it as soon as it was released......
And of course I had a good time, and devoured it in just two days.
Think of the movie RED. Retired covert operatives living in a small town in the Smoky Mountains. What could go wrong?
When I read this intro I knew I'm going to like it. I loved the movies and the characters in this book didn't disappoint.
In the end I didn't LOVE it as much as The Liz Danger trilogy, Lavender's Blue BUT I feel like the second book is going to hook me even more....
I'm hoping the it won't take too long to be released.
And of course I had a good time, and devoured it in just two days.
Think of the movie RED. Retired covert operatives living in a small town in the Smoky Mountains. What could go wrong?
When I read this intro I knew I'm going to like it. I loved the movies and the characters in this book didn't disappoint.
In the end I didn't LOVE it as much as The Liz Danger trilogy, Lavender's Blue BUT I feel like the second book is going to hook me even more....
I'm hoping the it won't take too long to be released.
June 20, 2025
Rocky Start is the first book in the Rocky Start series by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer. The audio version is narrated by Cris Dukehart and Eric G. Dove. A small Smoky Mountains town that straddles the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina, boasts a number of players (quirky operatives retired from various branches of service) who are coming to terms with the sudden death of one of their own, Ozzie Oswald, proprietor of Oddities.
Also in the mix, single mother, Rosie Malone, hiding from the police for nineteen years, her feisty eighteen-year-old daughter, Poppy, a heretofore unknown son come to claim his birthright, a sleazy freeloading brother, and Max Reddy, an Appalachian Trail walker who just wants to collect his new boots.
That sudden death of her landlord and employer puts Rosie’s security in doubt: will she and Poppy have a home, any means of support? Who are all these people coming out of the woodwork wanting a piece of the inheritance? There are rumours of a hidden fortune, but Max certainly doesn’t want to get involved: all he wants is to get back to the AT with his dog, Maggs.
This is so much fun! A crime/spy thriller with plenty of guns, knives, tasers and body bags, a Russian spy, a bit of sexy romance, an exciting climax, the dialogue, smart and snappy, and the inner monologues dry, self-deprecating and often laugh-out-loud funny. The narrators are perfect, alternating between Rose and Max, and listeners will be pleased to know there’s more of this setting and cast in the sequels, Very Nice Funerals and The Honey Pot Plot. This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing.
Also in the mix, single mother, Rosie Malone, hiding from the police for nineteen years, her feisty eighteen-year-old daughter, Poppy, a heretofore unknown son come to claim his birthright, a sleazy freeloading brother, and Max Reddy, an Appalachian Trail walker who just wants to collect his new boots.
That sudden death of her landlord and employer puts Rosie’s security in doubt: will she and Poppy have a home, any means of support? Who are all these people coming out of the woodwork wanting a piece of the inheritance? There are rumours of a hidden fortune, but Max certainly doesn’t want to get involved: all he wants is to get back to the AT with his dog, Maggs.
This is so much fun! A crime/spy thriller with plenty of guns, knives, tasers and body bags, a Russian spy, a bit of sexy romance, an exciting climax, the dialogue, smart and snappy, and the inner monologues dry, self-deprecating and often laugh-out-loud funny. The narrators are perfect, alternating between Rose and Max, and listeners will be pleased to know there’s more of this setting and cast in the sequels, Very Nice Funerals and The Honey Pot Plot. This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing.
March 26, 2025
Well, I thought that nothing would ever be as amusing and as comforting a read as
was, but I was wrong!
This book takes the cake. What do you get when you fill a town with retired CIA specialists? And I do mean specialists! You get one of the safest towns to live in, don't you...well, as long as they like you!
And what happens to that town when the 'head' or sheriff dies? Do you sneak someone else in, or is that a bad thing?
At any rate, this was a great mystery (sort of) with some nooky stuck-in, and it looks like there may be a couple more books based in this town, hopefully with the same people!
was, but I was wrong!This book takes the cake. What do you get when you fill a town with retired CIA specialists? And I do mean specialists! You get one of the safest towns to live in, don't you...well, as long as they like you!
And what happens to that town when the 'head' or sheriff dies? Do you sneak someone else in, or is that a bad thing?
At any rate, this was a great mystery (sort of) with some nooky stuck-in, and it looks like there may be a couple more books based in this town, hopefully with the same people!
June 17, 2025
I just...don't know what I just read.
more to come
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Pre-Read Notes:
I grabbed this one because of the comparison to the movie Red, but I did not see the similarities.
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I should just learn that I am not a mystery girl, no matter how darkly sparkly they seem or how much they appeal to my Gothic side. I'm almost always disappointed when I try one. Also, I prefer one audiobook narrator to a full cast every time.
Also, there was no indication at *all* that this was a spicy book, which I do not read because that content triggers PTSD episodes for me. That's why I don't read smut or erotica anymore. This seemed like a straight up mystery with a twist of romance, but I want my money back for surprising me with that trigger.
I would say this book just isn't for me, but what I mean is, this book is mismarketed. I suggest publishers adopt the chili pepper 🌶️ rating scale from Bookstagram and indicate the heat level somewhere in the front matter.
Beyond that I thought this story was a bit messy. While there was lots of action, the plot was hard to discern. I'm still not sure what the characters were after or if they achieved their ends.
I don't really recommend this one. I was lost and, a couple times, displeased.
Thank you to the author Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer, Brilliance Publishing, and NetGalley for an advance audio arc of ROCKY START. All views are mine.
more to come
---------------------------------------------------
Pre-Read Notes:
I grabbed this one because of the comparison to the movie Red, but I did not see the similarities.
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I should just learn that I am not a mystery girl, no matter how darkly sparkly they seem or how much they appeal to my Gothic side. I'm almost always disappointed when I try one. Also, I prefer one audiobook narrator to a full cast every time.
Also, there was no indication at *all* that this was a spicy book, which I do not read because that content triggers PTSD episodes for me. That's why I don't read smut or erotica anymore. This seemed like a straight up mystery with a twist of romance, but I want my money back for surprising me with that trigger.
I would say this book just isn't for me, but what I mean is, this book is mismarketed. I suggest publishers adopt the chili pepper 🌶️ rating scale from Bookstagram and indicate the heat level somewhere in the front matter.
Beyond that I thought this story was a bit messy. While there was lots of action, the plot was hard to discern. I'm still not sure what the characters were after or if they achieved their ends.
I don't really recommend this one. I was lost and, a couple times, displeased.
Thank you to the author Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer, Brilliance Publishing, and NetGalley for an advance audio arc of ROCKY START. All views are mine.
July 27, 2025
I’ve read Jennifer Crusie for years but never one of the books she’s co-written with Bob Mayer. This was fun but I don’t think I’ll remember it or return to it as I do some of Crusie’s older books. I’ll read the next book in the series though.
June 16, 2025
Worth The Read.
This was a pleasant surprise. I saw the series while searching KU and thought, why not try it out. So glad I did. Rocky Start is a very small town that harbors some unique citizens who have each others back when things go wryly. The storyline was good and it flowed well for two authors at the helm. They seem to compliment each others work and have the same wit and it showed with the banter throughout the book. Even though this addition is centered on Rose, Poppy and Max, all the other characters were brilliant too and I’ll be heading into book two straight away.
This was a pleasant surprise. I saw the series while searching KU and thought, why not try it out. So glad I did. Rocky Start is a very small town that harbors some unique citizens who have each others back when things go wryly. The storyline was good and it flowed well for two authors at the helm. They seem to compliment each others work and have the same wit and it showed with the banter throughout the book. Even though this addition is centered on Rose, Poppy and Max, all the other characters were brilliant too and I’ll be heading into book two straight away.
August 2, 2024
Give me book 2 now!
June 27, 2025
Just got the audio versions of this series and couldn't be happier! Great book and excellent narration.
Original review:
Spies, adventure, odd characters, technically accurate weapons, just perfect. I think this series will get better with book 2 and 3. Smart, well written book with banter, great characters, quirkiness and so many twists and turns.
Rose escaped from the law 19 yrs ago, pregnant and on the run. She ended up by fate in the small town of Rocky Start. This is an odd town of mostly old people and is divided down the center, half in Tennessee, half in North Carolina She was accepted by older lady who owns the cafe and given a job and place to live by the grouchy antique store owner next door. She raised her daughter there and has been happy.
Then her landlord dies and havoc is set in motion. Rose soon finds out most of the town are retired spies and assassins. She becomes the center of attention when outsiders start coming looking for things her landlord hid from his notorious past.
Max ex-covert op/gun for hire is sent to town to pick up a new pair of boots. He is hiking the Appalachian Trail and his have worn out. Unbeknownst to him his ex-boss sent him to this town on purpose with an undisclosed mission.
Love Jennifer Crusie/Bob Mayer collaborations wish there were more books like this and can hardly wait for the rest of the series.
Original review:
Spies, adventure, odd characters, technically accurate weapons, just perfect. I think this series will get better with book 2 and 3. Smart, well written book with banter, great characters, quirkiness and so many twists and turns.
Rose escaped from the law 19 yrs ago, pregnant and on the run. She ended up by fate in the small town of Rocky Start. This is an odd town of mostly old people and is divided down the center, half in Tennessee, half in North Carolina She was accepted by older lady who owns the cafe and given a job and place to live by the grouchy antique store owner next door. She raised her daughter there and has been happy.
Then her landlord dies and havoc is set in motion. Rose soon finds out most of the town are retired spies and assassins. She becomes the center of attention when outsiders start coming looking for things her landlord hid from his notorious past.
Max ex-covert op/gun for hire is sent to town to pick up a new pair of boots. He is hiking the Appalachian Trail and his have worn out. Unbeknownst to him his ex-boss sent him to this town on purpose with an undisclosed mission.
Love Jennifer Crusie/Bob Mayer collaborations wish there were more books like this and can hardly wait for the rest of the series.
November 30, 2024
Absolutely ridiculous premise but SO fun. Jenny Crusie, I missed your voice so much.
July 24, 2025
Phenomenal audiobook, perfect story. Heroine about to turn fifty, finds love? YES please, and give us more
August 4, 2024
RED meets Mayberry RFD? Laughed my ass off! Looking forward to the next two books they say will be in this series.
July 26, 2024
I will FOREVER read anything from Jennifer Crusie that I can get my hands on. And another Crusie/Mayer team up? GIMME.
One of my comfort movies is the 2010 masterpiece, RED, because Dame Helen Mirren is an actual international treasure and watching a stunning older woman arrange flowers and effortlessly wield a semi-automatic weapon in the same breath gives my brain a happy buzz. So this book was like the best kind of mashup between one of my favourite fun films, and a Wild West showdown in a small town spinkled with mostly retired government agency spooks.
The romance was sweet, the characters were colourful, the plot was fun, and I had a fabulous time reading this book. My only complaint is that I don’t immediately have books 2 and 3 in my greedy little hands.
One of my comfort movies is the 2010 masterpiece, RED, because Dame Helen Mirren is an actual international treasure and watching a stunning older woman arrange flowers and effortlessly wield a semi-automatic weapon in the same breath gives my brain a happy buzz. So this book was like the best kind of mashup between one of my favourite fun films, and a Wild West showdown in a small town spinkled with mostly retired government agency spooks.
The romance was sweet, the characters were colourful, the plot was fun, and I had a fabulous time reading this book. My only complaint is that I don’t immediately have books 2 and 3 in my greedy little hands.
July 26, 2024
absolutely perfect
That is all. I thought I wanted to live in Bliss but now I want to live in Rocky start. This is the perfect town with perfect people. OK more seriously…the characters are beyond fantastic. The plot is a blast. The pacing is perfect. there’s a dog. There’s food. There sucks. There’s fun. Just read the damn thing.
That is all. I thought I wanted to live in Bliss but now I want to live in Rocky start. This is the perfect town with perfect people. OK more seriously…the characters are beyond fantastic. The plot is a blast. The pacing is perfect. there’s a dog. There’s food. There sucks. There’s fun. Just read the damn thing.
August 3, 2024
A wonderful new series! Jennifer Crusie always makes me happy... especially when she teams up with Bob Mayer. I'm looking forward to the next Rocky Start book!
August 23, 2024
A nice romantic thriller. A couple of middle-aged lovers, spies and their games, a small town in the middle of nowhere, ... and zombies. Sort-of. At least, zombie costumes are involved.
The pace is breathtaking, the characters interesting, and the narrative professional.
Overall: a quick and satisfying read. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
The pace is breathtaking, the characters interesting, and the narrative professional.
Overall: a quick and satisfying read. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
June 25, 2025
A fun and comical read. The first installment in the Rocky Start series delivers laughs in Cruise/Mayer style.
Rose’s landlord and employer, Ozzie, has died, and her life is uncertain as to whether she’ll have a job or a place to live for her and her daughter, Poppy.
When a stranger shows up and saves her from a man claiming to be Ozzie’s son threatening to turn her life upside down, possibly leaving her homeless, Rose is suspicious and curious about her new hero.
Rose does the only thing she can do: Picks his pocket, feeds him lasagna, and gives him a place to stay for the night.
So many fun characters and lots of surprises that keep the pages turning. A fun read!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for this Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review
Rose’s landlord and employer, Ozzie, has died, and her life is uncertain as to whether she’ll have a job or a place to live for her and her daughter, Poppy.
When a stranger shows up and saves her from a man claiming to be Ozzie’s son threatening to turn her life upside down, possibly leaving her homeless, Rose is suspicious and curious about her new hero.
Rose does the only thing she can do: Picks his pocket, feeds him lasagna, and gives him a place to stay for the night.
So many fun characters and lots of surprises that keep the pages turning. A fun read!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for this Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review
October 29, 2024
I cannot take my time reading a Jennifer Crusie book. Even ones I’ve read a million times. I pick it up and then all of a sudden I’m at the end. This book was no different. I waited until both books in the series were out so I wouldn’t be desperately waiting for the second one since I am completely aware that I’ll have both done in two days.
July 28, 2025
The suspense grabs you
OMG, the suspense in this book totally hooks you and just won’t let go! I can’t wait to dive into the next one. I’m so curious about what’s going to happen, who did what during their time in the military, and is Matt gonna stick around? I’m just super excited to read the next book!
OMG, the suspense in this book totally hooks you and just won’t let go! I can’t wait to dive into the next one. I’m so curious about what’s going to happen, who did what during their time in the military, and is Matt gonna stick around? I’m just super excited to read the next book!
August 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this comedy romance thriller! Jennifer Crusie is a favorite and I love Agnes and the Hitman. This is similar. Rose is a great, spunky 50 year old. Max is a haggard veteran. Poppy is a funny, stubborn 18 year old. The narration was great and the setting was hilarious, detailed and comforting. Big recommend.
May 19, 2025
This was enormously fun to read.
July 3, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version of the story. Reminiscent of the movie Cop Land.
Ex CIA operators reside in a tiny town off the Appalachian Trail. A current CIA Operative Max, stumbled upon this town named Rocky Start while picking up a new pair of boots his boss ordered him. Chaos ensues when it’s discovered that one of the owners purchased the town with stolen CIA funds. Wanting to find the stolen funds for themselves Max is forced to protect the town and its only non-CIA residents. Followed by a romantic entanglement with the Woman Max saves.
Had a hard time finishing this book. Just wasn’t for me. Others may find it more entertaining. It was well written, the female narration could have been better. Author left too many questions unanswered.
Ex CIA operators reside in a tiny town off the Appalachian Trail. A current CIA Operative Max, stumbled upon this town named Rocky Start while picking up a new pair of boots his boss ordered him. Chaos ensues when it’s discovered that one of the owners purchased the town with stolen CIA funds. Wanting to find the stolen funds for themselves Max is forced to protect the town and its only non-CIA residents. Followed by a romantic entanglement with the Woman Max saves.
Had a hard time finishing this book. Just wasn’t for me. Others may find it more entertaining. It was well written, the female narration could have been better. Author left too many questions unanswered.
August 17, 2025
This was fun. I plan to continue with the series.
February 8, 2025
Very predictable, but very fun!
January 15, 2025
An ok mystery romance with a little suspense - not amazing, but entertaining nonetheless
July 25, 2024
Romance! Suspense! Hold-your-breath-action! The writing wizards, Jennifer Crusie and Bob Meyer have a brand new series.
Rocky Start is a small town on the Tennessee North Carolina border a few miles from the Appalachian Trail. A small town with a lot of senior citizens . Only they’re not normal senior citizens. Rose Malone lived in this town for 19 years, running from a warrant, raising her daughter, and taking care of her boss. She has no idea that her dear friends are former players in the spy game. But dark forces are gathering and she’s about to find out.
Tall, dark and taciturn Max Reddy has one goal. To finish walking the Appalachian Trail with his dog Maggs. He’s come to Rocky start to pick up the boots his former boss mailed him. All he wants to do is get back on the trail. Except Rose, the feisty woman who whacked her assailant with a statue of the Maltese falcon and picked Max’s pocket is a lot more interesting than anyone he’s met in a very long time.
Crusie and Mayer populated Rocky Start with a number of brilliantly eccentric characters that I really loved getting to know. And the best part is there are unresolved villains out there and I know there’s going to be another book. Actually two more books, but this one stands alone as a wonderful read.
Rocky Start is a small town on the Tennessee North Carolina border a few miles from the Appalachian Trail. A small town with a lot of senior citizens . Only they’re not normal senior citizens. Rose Malone lived in this town for 19 years, running from a warrant, raising her daughter, and taking care of her boss. She has no idea that her dear friends are former players in the spy game. But dark forces are gathering and she’s about to find out.
Tall, dark and taciturn Max Reddy has one goal. To finish walking the Appalachian Trail with his dog Maggs. He’s come to Rocky start to pick up the boots his former boss mailed him. All he wants to do is get back on the trail. Except Rose, the feisty woman who whacked her assailant with a statue of the Maltese falcon and picked Max’s pocket is a lot more interesting than anyone he’s met in a very long time.
Crusie and Mayer populated Rocky Start with a number of brilliantly eccentric characters that I really loved getting to know. And the best part is there are unresolved villains out there and I know there’s going to be another book. Actually two more books, but this one stands alone as a wonderful read.
July 26, 2024
This is another collaboration with author Bob Mayer. First book of a trilogy. Funny, moving, sexy, action-packed. A deft mix of the prosaic and the fantastical.
My caveat is that although I am quite familiar with the ex-military/romance genre, at present this story felt too horrific and violent for my personal comfort. However, that’s my issue, not the fault of the writers nor of the book. YMMV.
In any event, I expect that I’ll find the fortitude to continue to read the subsequent books, as I’ve read and enjoyed the authors’ previous collaborations.
My caveat is that although I am quite familiar with the ex-military/romance genre, at present this story felt too horrific and violent for my personal comfort. However, that’s my issue, not the fault of the writers nor of the book. YMMV.
In any event, I expect that I’ll find the fortitude to continue to read the subsequent books, as I’ve read and enjoyed the authors’ previous collaborations.
July 28, 2024
Great story!
Lots of excitement, humor, some romance. I love how there are two really good authors writing this. I love getting Rose's point of view, then Max's. Rocky Start is a small town straddling the Tennessee and North Carolina state lines. Several of the inhabitants have very interesting back stories. One of these back stories has come back and is causing big trouble. I can hardly wait to read the next two books in this series.
Lots of excitement, humor, some romance. I love how there are two really good authors writing this. I love getting Rose's point of view, then Max's. Rocky Start is a small town straddling the Tennessee and North Carolina state lines. Several of the inhabitants have very interesting back stories. One of these back stories has come back and is causing big trouble. I can hardly wait to read the next two books in this series.
September 12, 2024
So much fun!
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