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Rocky Start #3.5
Rocky Road: A Rocky Start Novella
A gruff ex-operative. A hiking trail. And a dog.
Max Reddy has spent his career as a covert operative doing what he does completing missions, avoiding emotions, and treating every human interaction like a tactical operation. It's worked great—until he met Rose Malone in Rocky Start. She stole his wallet and his heart and made him almost human; but he’s still basically a well-trained robot with minimal social skills.
He’s helping her renovate the old cottage in the woods across the river from Rocky Start when days of rain combined with the remnants of a storm flood the town and they are forced to evacuate. The only roads into it are shut for weeks before they can rebuild.
Rose suggests that Max finally finish his through-hike on the Appalachian Trail. Max agrees. What could go wrong?
Between dodging someone stalking him from his former life, building fires in the rain, talking people off ledges (literal and metaphorical), and reluctantly learning that humans are more than just “mission parameters”, Max discovers that the hardest trail to navigate isn't the one under his boots—it's the one leading back to his own humanity.
Rocky Hiking the Appalachian Trail, one awkward conversation at a time.
An excerpt from Bob Mayer and Jenny Crusie's next book, Arresting Anna , is at the end.
Max Reddy has spent his career as a covert operative doing what he does completing missions, avoiding emotions, and treating every human interaction like a tactical operation. It's worked great—until he met Rose Malone in Rocky Start. She stole his wallet and his heart and made him almost human; but he’s still basically a well-trained robot with minimal social skills.
He’s helping her renovate the old cottage in the woods across the river from Rocky Start when days of rain combined with the remnants of a storm flood the town and they are forced to evacuate. The only roads into it are shut for weeks before they can rebuild.
Rose suggests that Max finally finish his through-hike on the Appalachian Trail. Max agrees. What could go wrong?
Between dodging someone stalking him from his former life, building fires in the rain, talking people off ledges (literal and metaphorical), and reluctantly learning that humans are more than just “mission parameters”, Max discovers that the hardest trail to navigate isn't the one under his boots—it's the one leading back to his own humanity.
Rocky Hiking the Appalachian Trail, one awkward conversation at a time.
An excerpt from Bob Mayer and Jenny Crusie's next book, Arresting Anna , is at the end.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2026
76 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Bob Mayer
217 books47.8k followersBesides my own interests, I read whatever my wife tells me to read-- she's a voracious reader and has wide-ranging tastes as my reviews show (she also always has the TV remote and she's always right about what to watch). I read a lot of nonfiction, mostly for research. Some of my favorite books are Lonesome Dove, Mystic River, LOTR, and an array of science fiction classics including the Foundation series. Our house is covered with books, although I finally broke down and started reading eBooks, strangely enough on my iPhone. Since I carry it pretty much everywhere, it means I always have an entire library of books with me.
I'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books. My newest series begins with New York Minute, a thriller set in New York City in 1977.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
I'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books. My newest series begins with New York Minute, a thriller set in New York City in 1977.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 19, 2026
Overjoyed over the release of this novella. Just a little bit more of Rocky Start. Max with his furry sidekick Maggs are finally finishing the trail. This time cynical Max is WAY out of his comfort zone. LOL!!! His challenge? He has to actually talk to others. He's still wary and his usual sarcastic self, but begrudgingly making an effort (baby steps).There's a lesson to be learned here.
Along the way Max encounters some interesting characters on his search for his own humanity. There are quite a few surprises and the author even had me shedding a tear once or twice. Didn't expect that. I hate to see this series come to a close, I love these characters, but if so, this was the perfect ending to a fun series.
Along the way Max encounters some interesting characters on his search for his own humanity. There are quite a few surprises and the author even had me shedding a tear once or twice. Didn't expect that. I hate to see this series come to a close, I love these characters, but if so, this was the perfect ending to a fun series.
March 18, 2026
oh my goodness
I snatched this up on release day having consumed the previous books. I have been so invested in these characters. So clearly drawn for my minds eye. This episode didn’t disappoint. I laughed, cried and had deep thoughts all the way through the book. This one was soft and gentle but very beautiful to read. So don’t expect the ‘same’ action but it’s no less riveting for it. Enjoy ! Thank you Bob.
I snatched this up on release day having consumed the previous books. I have been so invested in these characters. So clearly drawn for my minds eye. This episode didn’t disappoint. I laughed, cried and had deep thoughts all the way through the book. This one was soft and gentle but very beautiful to read. So don’t expect the ‘same’ action but it’s no less riveting for it. Enjoy ! Thank you Bob.
March 18, 2026
Fabulous read!
This is a wonderful book. Sadly, I read it in one day. I don't normally binge like this, but it was so much fun to read. This series usually has two authors - Bob Mayer and Jennifer Cruisie - so I wasn't sure how this would go. It was excellent. The story, the characters, being on the AT, and meeting so many interesting people. I love this series and all the books these 2 authors have written together. I am so hoping this series continues!!!
HIGHLY recommend!
This is a wonderful book. Sadly, I read it in one day. I don't normally binge like this, but it was so much fun to read. This series usually has two authors - Bob Mayer and Jennifer Cruisie - so I wasn't sure how this would go. It was excellent. The story, the characters, being on the AT, and meeting so many interesting people. I love this series and all the books these 2 authors have written together. I am so hoping this series continues!!!
HIGHLY recommend!
March 17, 2026
Unexpectedly moving
I’ve read all the Rocky Start books and loved them all. I was curious about this Bob Mayer standalone. It made me cry. Multiple times. I cry when people are good and kind to one another and Max is that way repeatedly. Read people. Talk to them some but listen more. This is a beautiful read.
I’ve read all the Rocky Start books and loved them all. I was curious about this Bob Mayer standalone. It made me cry. Multiple times. I cry when people are good and kind to one another and Max is that way repeatedly. Read people. Talk to them some but listen more. This is a beautiful read.
March 19, 2026
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this more than I was expecting and was glad to see more in the Rocky Start series. Surprisingly heart-warming, and I kind of enjoy reading the man's POV for a change. (Which is one reason I enjoy the Crusie/Mayer collabs so much.)
P.S. I have read Strayed's Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail and Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail. This was more fun, if short. (Yes, I know this is fiction and they were not.)
P.S. I have read Strayed's Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail and Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail. This was more fun, if short. (Yes, I know this is fiction and they were not.)
March 19, 2026
I love this short story about Max and Maggie the town floods so while everyone is waiting to get back in the town, Max decides to finish the trail. He had been on the Appalachian Trail when he stopped at the town. He takes the dog and has some adventures with people. I really enjoyed it. It was a good story and showed more of him.
I hope there’s gonna be some more because that town is funny
I hope there’s gonna be some more because that town is funny
March 19, 2026
Really Enjoyed This Book
Almost a little surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, although I’m not sure why I’m surprised.I’ve enjoyed the three in the series he wrote with Jennifer Crusie. I certainly hope there’s going to be a fifth. Looks like it with the new characters set up. Great emotional growth of Max.
Almost a little surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, although I’m not sure why I’m surprised.I’ve enjoyed the three in the series he wrote with Jennifer Crusie. I certainly hope there’s going to be a fifth. Looks like it with the new characters set up. Great emotional growth of Max.
March 19, 2026
Great story, even without Crusie
I was concerned. I’ve never read Bob Mayer before except in the cowrites with Jennifer Crusie. This was good. I don’t know if his other books without Crusie have the softness and love there was in this. I always thought they’d just be “manly man” action stories but this makes me feel I should maybe investigate some more of his writing.
I was concerned. I’ve never read Bob Mayer before except in the cowrites with Jennifer Crusie. This was good. I don’t know if his other books without Crusie have the softness and love there was in this. I always thought they’d just be “manly man” action stories but this makes me feel I should maybe investigate some more of his writing.
March 21, 2026
The Appalachian Trail was a true rocky road
Max's third attempt to finish the Appalachian Trail with the added effort to talk to people made this an adventure book with personal growth and heart. I thoroughly enjoyed the story with all its twists. I hope Mayer writes another one in this series.
Max's third attempt to finish the Appalachian Trail with the added effort to talk to people made this an adventure book with personal growth and heart. I thoroughly enjoyed the story with all its twists. I hope Mayer writes another one in this series.
March 23, 2026
Great addition to the Rocky Road Series
Loved this story! If you've read the Rocky Road books, this is a fitting continuation of Max's journey.
If you haven't read the series, but want to learn reasons why folks do it & what its like to walk a section of the Appalachian Trail, very enjoyable.
Loved this story! If you've read the Rocky Road books, this is a fitting continuation of Max's journey.
If you haven't read the series, but want to learn reasons why folks do it & what its like to walk a section of the Appalachian Trail, very enjoyable.
March 18, 2026
great series
The people felt real. The town and its mountain location, its stores, the back stories pulled you in completely. I had to wait a week for the last book and I counted the days!
The people felt real. The town and its mountain location, its stores, the back stories pulled you in completely. I had to wait a week for the last book and I counted the days!
March 19, 2026
great addition to the series
I very much enjoyed this book. Read the Rocky Start series and finish with this book. Great characters. Fun to read about Max becoming more comfortable around people. I highly recommend reading this novella.
I very much enjoyed this book. Read the Rocky Start series and finish with this book. Great characters. Fun to read about Max becoming more comfortable around people. I highly recommend reading this novella.
March 19, 2026
Max and the trail
Exciting start to this book. Interesting to read from only one perspective. Learned a lot about the AT. Wondering if there will be another in the series. Lots of typos.
Exciting start to this book. Interesting to read from only one perspective. Learned a lot about the AT. Wondering if there will be another in the series. Lots of typos.
March 19, 2026
I loved returning to the world of Rocky Start and especially seeing Max finally finish the AT. This book had tons of heart, I even teared up once or twice, but it also had the trademark snarky humor. Really a good read.
March 20, 2026
I love this series spoiler alert
Bob and Jennifer have become two of my favorite authors. Their books hit the right note of serious and fun. I want more of Rose and Max. And I need to know when Maggs comes home
Bob and Jennifer have become two of my favorite authors. Their books hit the right note of serious and fun. I want more of Rose and Max. And I need to know when Maggs comes home
March 23, 2026
Ugh
Are you kidding me?
No real interaction with the rest of the crew!
We have Max which is great but no going back to Rocky Start???
What makes this series so incredible is ALL of the characters!!!!!!!!!!
Are you kidding me?
No real interaction with the rest of the crew!
We have Max which is great but no going back to Rocky Start???
What makes this series so incredible is ALL of the characters!!!!!!!!!!
March 24, 2026
It says "novella," but it seems full-story and full-hearted. Loved this tale maybe more than the previous three.
Sad to say, this really wraps up the trilogy beautifully. I don't want it to end.
Sad to say, this really wraps up the trilogy beautifully. I don't want it to end.
March 24, 2026
Top Notch
Really enjoyed this journey, don’t give up on Maggs or Claire they are too good to lose. Some lovely and engaging moments. I am really invested in this series and its quirky characters. Recommend would be readers read the lot, though this could stand on its own.
Really enjoyed this journey, don’t give up on Maggs or Claire they are too good to lose. Some lovely and engaging moments. I am really invested in this series and its quirky characters. Recommend would be readers read the lot, though this could stand on its own.
March 17, 2026
Excellent as always
As usual, these are well written and extremely readable. They get your attention immediately and always leave you waiting anxiously for the next in the series.
As usual, these are well written and extremely readable. They get your attention immediately and always leave you waiting anxiously for the next in the series.
March 18, 2026
I loved being back on the trail again with Max and Maggs. And a rocky one it was!
March 19, 2026
This was fine. I could tell that this wasn’t written with Crusie. But it was a sweet and entertaining read.
March 19, 2026
Good Book
Bob made it thistle. There was action but also quiet inner drama. Max was heroic.
Enjoyed it throughly. Great read!
Bob made it thistle. There was action but also quiet inner drama. Max was heroic.
Enjoyed it throughly. Great read!
March 20, 2026
great walk with Max
Max finished his walk, and I felt like I took it with him, thank you for the hike! Love the characters!
Max finished his walk, and I felt like I took it with him, thank you for the hike! Love the characters!
March 20, 2026
Thank you Bob!
This novella packs a punch! An Appalachian trail conclusion that I didn't know I needed! Please read this and all the Rocky Start books!
This novella packs a punch! An Appalachian trail conclusion that I didn't know I needed! Please read this and all the Rocky Start books!
March 20, 2026
This answered a few questions I had at the end of the series. Very, very glad that he wrote it and that I read it.
March 20, 2026
Good continuation of the trilogy. Always enjoy revisiting fictional "friends" and seeing what's happening in their lives.
March 21, 2026
It's...fanciful, but I'm enjoying the series.
March 21, 2026
Typical Rocky Start
I enjoyed this episode. I say episode because enough dangling plot lines were left for another book. It recommended. Reading
I enjoyed this episode. I say episode because enough dangling plot lines were left for another book. It recommended. Reading
March 21, 2026
OMG! Tear jerker!
I loved it and I cried sooo much! I didn’t know I needed this novella but I absolutely did! Wonderful!
I loved it and I cried sooo much! I didn’t know I needed this novella but I absolutely did! Wonderful!
March 21, 2026
I’ll miss this series! Some editorial/spelling-type errors - make me crazy! Lol. Still, fun hike with Max! 3.5/5 stars. (:
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews