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Rocky Start #3.5
Rocky Road: The Appalachian Trail, A Dog, A Covert Operative and Life
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
About the author
Bob Mayer
582 books47.8k followersI'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
I also collaborate with Jennifer Crusie on our unique brand of suspense thrillers with humor.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
I also collaborate with Jennifer Crusie on our unique brand of suspense thrillers with humor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 5, 2026
I was delighted to be back in the Rocky Start world and to have a little more insight into the character of Max. He is quite an interesting character and watching him become more than an action hero was a wonderful experience. As Max hikes the final segment of the Appalachian Trail he comes across people who need his help and who also help him find something he thought he has lost as a spec-ops operative. This is a great story and I highly recommend it.
Rocky Point has been hit with a torrential storm and the town is evacuated with the road washed out. Max and Rose find themselves in Ashville and Max is at loose ends, not a good thing for a former CIA Spec-Ops guy. Rose opts to join Poppy in New York and Max opts to finish his Appalachian Trail hike. Third times the charm, right? Or maybe not. Before he takes off Rose, Jackie, Luke and Cora all challenge him to be more open to those he encounters on the Trail. That is soooo not what Max wants to do, but he does realize that their advice has some merit as he is not a people person, per say. Along the way he seems to have picked up a tail, but he isn't quite sure who or why.
The people Max encounters and their stories have a profound impact on Max, changing him in ways he never expected.
Rocky Point has been hit with a torrential storm and the town is evacuated with the road washed out. Max and Rose find themselves in Ashville and Max is at loose ends, not a good thing for a former CIA Spec-Ops guy. Rose opts to join Poppy in New York and Max opts to finish his Appalachian Trail hike. Third times the charm, right? Or maybe not. Before he takes off Rose, Jackie, Luke and Cora all challenge him to be more open to those he encounters on the Trail. That is soooo not what Max wants to do, but he does realize that their advice has some merit as he is not a people person, per say. Along the way he seems to have picked up a tail, but he isn't quite sure who or why.
The people Max encounters and their stories have a profound impact on Max, changing him in ways he never expected.
July 7, 2026
If I like an author's writing, I like their writing. 😄 At that point, there's honestly not much I wouldn't read by them.
I absolutely loved Max's novella. Following him during his weeks on the trail, seeing the people he met and the conversations he had—it all just worked for me. It was engaging, entertaining, and exactly what I was hoping for.
I'd love to get more books set in the Rocky Road world. It certainly felt like there was more story to tell, or at least that the door was left open for future installments. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because I'd happily pick up the next one.
I absolutely loved Max's novella. Following him during his weeks on the trail, seeing the people he met and the conversations he had—it all just worked for me. It was engaging, entertaining, and exactly what I was hoping for.
I'd love to get more books set in the Rocky Road world. It certainly felt like there was more story to tell, or at least that the door was left open for future installments. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because I'd happily pick up the next one.
April 10, 2026
Bob made me cry
I loved this. Got to know Max better. Missed Rose and Poppy, Pike and Coral, Marley and Reggie and the rest of Rocky Start. But seriously I loved this. And I cried. If you read this you will know when it happened.
I loved this. Got to know Max better. Missed Rose and Poppy, Pike and Coral, Marley and Reggie and the rest of Rocky Start. But seriously I loved this. And I cried. If you read this you will know when it happened.
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 25, 2026
Loved the original trilogy written with Jennifer Crusie, and really enjoyed following Max as he finished walking the trail. It was great to see him grow and change. Well done! Can I have another?
March 24, 2026
So happy to get another story from the quirky inhabitants of Rocky Start! A flood has come and isolated the town so all the inhabitants can't go back for at least a month. During this time Rose decides to go visit Poppy in New York, and Max who is at wit's end decides to finish his hike of the Appalachian trail. Love these characters, the growth, humanity and dry humor.
I read this slowly as I just didn't want it to be over! I loved the dry humor and great story. Max and dog Maggs are on the trail again and are tasked to talk to a person a day by his partner Rose (instead of AVOIDING people which is what they do). The folks he meets have stories too and some are so sad but they are all trying to keep on keeping on going forward on the trail and with life.
The writing and the human element is just a pleasure to read. Kindle unlimited it has an audio however, it's virtual voice and I am not a fan. The rest of the series was narrated by Eric Dove who is fantastic. The virtual voice was hard to distinguish one character from another and didn't do justice to the writing, so I read this book on my Kindle instead.
I read this slowly as I just didn't want it to be over! I loved the dry humor and great story. Max and dog Maggs are on the trail again and are tasked to talk to a person a day by his partner Rose (instead of AVOIDING people which is what they do). The folks he meets have stories too and some are so sad but they are all trying to keep on keeping on going forward on the trail and with life.
The writing and the human element is just a pleasure to read. Kindle unlimited it has an audio however, it's virtual voice and I am not a fan. The rest of the series was narrated by Eric Dove who is fantastic. The virtual voice was hard to distinguish one character from another and didn't do justice to the writing, so I read this book on my Kindle instead.
April 29, 2026
Not sure why all the editions think there is 228 or 226 pages.
There is 221 (which includes the expert of a different book which is 21 pages long.
I don’t know how to review this without giving it away.
All I can say is I’m so happy I read it and completely wish I didn’t at the same time. I read it in two sittings because I made myself stop.
I liked it was just max and Maggs but how it ended really bothered me. Instead of this being a closed story / series. Sooooooooo many things are out in lalaland with no answers now. And some of them make me VERY angry.
I like that we come in to the story with things not perfect. Nothing is happily ever after - but real. And max decides to hit the trail with Maggs while rose goes to New York to visit poppy.
Everyone decides to pick on max and his personality and it felt very…. Annoying. For lack of a better word. So he tries to do the trail different and talk to people and cause of that THINGS ARE DANGEROUS. And stupid choices get made. I’m just. I love love love these characters and this world but I’m SO ANNOYED at how this ended.
There is 221 (which includes the expert of a different book which is 21 pages long.
I don’t know how to review this without giving it away.
All I can say is I’m so happy I read it and completely wish I didn’t at the same time. I read it in two sittings because I made myself stop.
I liked it was just max and Maggs but how it ended really bothered me. Instead of this being a closed story / series. Sooooooooo many things are out in lalaland with no answers now. And some of them make me VERY angry.
I like that we come in to the story with things not perfect. Nothing is happily ever after - but real. And max decides to hit the trail with Maggs while rose goes to New York to visit poppy.
Everyone decides to pick on max and his personality and it felt very…. Annoying. For lack of a better word. So he tries to do the trail different and talk to people and cause of that THINGS ARE DANGEROUS. And stupid choices get made. I’m just. I love love love these characters and this world but I’m SO ANNOYED at how this ended.
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!
April 6, 2026
3.5 stars
Loved it. It started the way I expected from Mayer - non-stop action with new danger unfolding every few lines. I didn't like it very much and wasn't sure I would finish the story. Then Max got on the Appalachian Trail, and the mad action gallop stopped. The story slowed down. It turned introspective. It showed Max discovering his softer side. And I enjoyed every minute of it.
Note: You need to read the Rocky Start series first to truly appreciate this novella.
Loved it. It started the way I expected from Mayer - non-stop action with new danger unfolding every few lines. I didn't like it very much and wasn't sure I would finish the story. Then Max got on the Appalachian Trail, and the mad action gallop stopped. The story slowed down. It turned introspective. It showed Max discovering his softer side. And I enjoyed every minute of it.
Note: You need to read the Rocky Start series first to truly appreciate this novella.
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.
April 20, 2026
Subtitled “A Rocky Start Novella,” this is a “further adventures of” story (225 pages) by one of the co-authors of the very engaging and enjoyable “Ricky Start” trilogy, which I’ve reviewed here and which I recommend. In fact, the author assumes you’ve read the trilogy, so he doesn’t supply a lot in the way of background story, so this really won’t work as a standalone. (Hint, hint.)
So, Max and Rose, both in their thirties, are residents of the small, strange mountain town of Rocky, which straddles the line between Tennessee and North Carolina. Thing have settled down considerably since the events of the first three books and Max has settled in to what he hopes will be a much quieter life, and to that end, they’re fixing up a slightly shabby cottage on the other side of he river, just outside of town. So they’re concentrating on hanging sheetrock (which Max has just realized he’s been doing completely wrong, which Rose has been telling him all along) and not paying sufficient attention to the weather news. So when all the recent storms up in the high mountains cause flash floods that threaten to town, the two of them barely make it out alive, with much of the only road out washing away right behind them.
So now they’re stuck in Asheville with very few of their possessions and Max knows it’s probably going to be a couple of months before they will see government help with reconstruction. (Rocky Start has been a PTA to both states for years, so they’re very low priority.) And he knows he’ll go crazy with nothing to do in the meantime -- because Max always has to be doing something. So he sends Rose off to New York to visit friends for a while and then he packs his rucksack and hitches a ride for an old friend to complete his unfinished through-hike of he Appalachian Trail down to Georgia.
That hike was what started Max’s connection with Rocky Start back at the beginning of everything, but he’s quite a different person now. The reasons for his self-established mission -- to hike the whole trial and avoid people as much as possible along the way -- no longer pertain . . . maybe. Rose has been working all long on fixing the emotional and psychological damage Max has suffered for all of his long career as a covert operative. So she extracts a promise from him that he’s make an effort to actually talk to at least one person a day on the Trail, and not just fade back into the trees when someone approaches -- which he’s very good at. Max loves her, and he knows she’s right, so he promises to do that. And he always keeps his promises.
So that’s the setup. Completing his twice-postponed hike is going to take three weeks or so, and Max finds that actually involving himself in conversation with other people has a tendency to also involve him in their lives. Sometimes that’s a bad thing (or at least annoying), but mostly it’s good, and surprisingly satisfying. Mayer’s forthright style continues to suit his characters perfectly, the pace of the story is perfect, and the dry humor will key you smiling. And, of course, there’s that suspicious person with superior woodcraft similar to Max’s own who’s been tracking him. . . .
So, Max and Rose, both in their thirties, are residents of the small, strange mountain town of Rocky, which straddles the line between Tennessee and North Carolina. Thing have settled down considerably since the events of the first three books and Max has settled in to what he hopes will be a much quieter life, and to that end, they’re fixing up a slightly shabby cottage on the other side of he river, just outside of town. So they’re concentrating on hanging sheetrock (which Max has just realized he’s been doing completely wrong, which Rose has been telling him all along) and not paying sufficient attention to the weather news. So when all the recent storms up in the high mountains cause flash floods that threaten to town, the two of them barely make it out alive, with much of the only road out washing away right behind them.
So now they’re stuck in Asheville with very few of their possessions and Max knows it’s probably going to be a couple of months before they will see government help with reconstruction. (Rocky Start has been a PTA to both states for years, so they’re very low priority.) And he knows he’ll go crazy with nothing to do in the meantime -- because Max always has to be doing something. So he sends Rose off to New York to visit friends for a while and then he packs his rucksack and hitches a ride for an old friend to complete his unfinished through-hike of he Appalachian Trail down to Georgia.
That hike was what started Max’s connection with Rocky Start back at the beginning of everything, but he’s quite a different person now. The reasons for his self-established mission -- to hike the whole trial and avoid people as much as possible along the way -- no longer pertain . . . maybe. Rose has been working all long on fixing the emotional and psychological damage Max has suffered for all of his long career as a covert operative. So she extracts a promise from him that he’s make an effort to actually talk to at least one person a day on the Trail, and not just fade back into the trees when someone approaches -- which he’s very good at. Max loves her, and he knows she’s right, so he promises to do that. And he always keeps his promises.
So that’s the setup. Completing his twice-postponed hike is going to take three weeks or so, and Max finds that actually involving himself in conversation with other people has a tendency to also involve him in their lives. Sometimes that’s a bad thing (or at least annoying), but mostly it’s good, and surprisingly satisfying. Mayer’s forthright style continues to suit his characters perfectly, the pace of the story is perfect, and the dry humor will key you smiling. And, of course, there’s that suspicious person with superior woodcraft similar to Max’s own who’s been tracking him. . . .
May 29, 2026
A very special Rocky Start tale
First, I’ve enjoyed all of the Rocky Start books. They’re clever, funny and heartwarming. But this one broke me. It’s described as a novella but I’d say more of a shorter novel but still a full one. To understand Max and his dog Maggs, you’ll want to read the other books in the series in order. They typically bounce between narrators but this one is strictly Max’s story. On the surface we get the story of his final attempt to finish thru-hiking the AT, with wonderful descriptions of the trail and the shared experience of it with other hikers, their struggles and their motivations. But deeper, we feel changes within Max as he allows himself to be drawn into—however briefly—the lives of other people, something his former profession (professional govt assassin) has always blocked. I was not expecting the poignancy of the stories each hiker carried. Claire and her dog Boone gutted me, in the best way. It’s rare a book can wring a tear from me but this did. I hope there are more Rocky Start books to look forward to.
First, I’ve enjoyed all of the Rocky Start books. They’re clever, funny and heartwarming. But this one broke me. It’s described as a novella but I’d say more of a shorter novel but still a full one. To understand Max and his dog Maggs, you’ll want to read the other books in the series in order. They typically bounce between narrators but this one is strictly Max’s story. On the surface we get the story of his final attempt to finish thru-hiking the AT, with wonderful descriptions of the trail and the shared experience of it with other hikers, their struggles and their motivations. But deeper, we feel changes within Max as he allows himself to be drawn into—however briefly—the lives of other people, something his former profession (professional govt assassin) has always blocked. I was not expecting the poignancy of the stories each hiker carried. Claire and her dog Boone gutted me, in the best way. It’s rare a book can wring a tear from me but this did. I hope there are more Rocky Start books to look forward to.
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.)
June 6, 2026
Excellent!
This book was fantastic. However; you really need to read the first 3 books in the series to really understand the significance of this one.
When I first started the series, I was caught. In the second book, I HAD to skip ahead to make sure I could handle it. (I haven't skipped ahead since I was a teenager - 60 years ago) I left dirty dishes and unswept floors, and just surfaced to eat, sleep, and pick up my grandson from schoolin order to keep reading these books. In short, this series is something you should definitely read. Not particularly spicy, but just enough for the flow of the story.
This book was fantastic. However; you really need to read the first 3 books in the series to really understand the significance of this one.
When I first started the series, I was caught. In the second book, I HAD to skip ahead to make sure I could handle it. (I haven't skipped ahead since I was a teenager - 60 years ago) I left dirty dishes and unswept floors, and just surfaced to eat, sleep, and pick up my grandson from schoolin order to keep reading these books. In short, this series is something you should definitely read. Not particularly spicy, but just enough for the flow of the story.
March 27, 2026
A pro's book (pun intended})
It's always a pleasure to read a book written by a professional. Those of us who know groe so tired of books that screw up technical details, deal with unlikely situations in impossible ways, and purport to use information about firearms and similar things with only the cursory information picked up from reading magazines, a few trips to the range, and a passing familiarization with skills. Things like carrying a gun in the small of the back, for example.
Thank you Mr Mayer. I didn't cringe once. Please keep writing.
It's always a pleasure to read a book written by a professional. Those of us who know groe so tired of books that screw up technical details, deal with unlikely situations in impossible ways, and purport to use information about firearms and similar things with only the cursory information picked up from reading magazines, a few trips to the range, and a passing familiarization with skills. Things like carrying a gun in the small of the back, for example.
Thank you Mr Mayer. I didn't cringe once. Please keep writing.
June 16, 2026
Audible: What a joy to be back with the Rocky Start characters! Even if only for a short while. This one is with Max trying to finally finish the Appalachian Trail and all of the people he meets up with on the AT as he fulfills a promise to “talk to someone every day while on the trail”…this is not his “cup of tea”! What I am hoping is that the book definitely left room for a follow-up book. Oh, please, please, please! Need to know about Mags, Claire, Jenna, Salome & so much more! A jewel of a series!!
July 17, 2026
If you are expecting this to be a continuation of the Rocky Start series, it is. To an extent. This is very much an instrospectie journey for Max to heal himself (as much as he can) from the pyschological toll his job took on him. His goal is to finish the Appalachain Trail, but his friends and family have added an additional goal of getting out of his own head by talking to at least one person every day.
It's a little corny but it really works for Max and he saves a bunch of people along the way.
It's a little corny but it really works for Max and he saves a bunch of people along the way.
April 2, 2026
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this novella of Max back on the AT and trying to step out of his shell by talking to other hikers. Max's interactions with Claire and her son's dog, such a heartbreaking story line but Max was not going to give up on Claire. I feel invested in Claire and would like to know if she makes it Rocky Start with Mags. And Julie starting over after leaving her husband. Will she stay in Rocky Start? There are some dangling threads here that I doubt I'm alone in wanting to see them tied up. Please!
I really enjoyed this novella of Max back on the AT and trying to step out of his shell by talking to other hikers. Max's interactions with Claire and her son's dog, such a heartbreaking story line but Max was not going to give up on Claire. I feel invested in Claire and would like to know if she makes it Rocky Start with Mags. And Julie starting over after leaving her husband. Will she stay in Rocky Start? There are some dangling threads here that I doubt I'm alone in wanting to see them tied up. Please!
April 14, 2026
Bob, I absolutely love this book.
Max doing something that was contra to his training and to how he had lived his life to this point. And he did it for Rose.
I love the side stories, Tom, the Marine, Jenna, Who is in for a real different experience, Claire and Boone. I am going to miss Maggs, so I hope that Clair gets to Rock Start soon, so Maggs will have her extended pack together.
Max doing something that was contra to his training and to how he had lived his life to this point. And he did it for Rose.
I love the side stories, Tom, the Marine, Jenna, Who is in for a real different experience, Claire and Boone. I am going to miss Maggs, so I hope that Clair gets to Rock Start soon, so Maggs will have her extended pack together.
May 6, 2026
4.75 stars. Completely unexpected. I love this series and its unique cast of characters. But this one had an amazing amount of depth and emotion. Brilliant. Max is finishing his hike and is given the task/advice to finish it differently. He needs to talk with at least one person a day and try to read them and/or help them. He’s awful at it, but he tries. And in the end, he was brilliant. I loved Max’s story arc in this one.
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May 23, 2026Too Brief
I love Rocky Start and wish I could live there. I love what Jenny Cruise has opened up in Bob Mayer's writing. I love what they've written together and this too brief novella written by Bob alone. Most of all I hope there will be more stories from Rocky Start no matter what length or who writes it. Vaya con dios amigos. I will miss you. And whether or not you come back I will reread what you've already written.
I love Rocky Start and wish I could live there. I love what Jenny Cruise has opened up in Bob Mayer's writing. I love what they've written together and this too brief novella written by Bob alone. Most of all I hope there will be more stories from Rocky Start no matter what length or who writes it. Vaya con dios amigos. I will miss you. And whether or not you come back I will reread what you've already written.
June 20, 2026
I loved the Rocky Start series, and when this was announed, I was expecting a cutesy novella, a few laughs, and a nice conclusion to the series.
I never expected this much depth and complexity. I never expected Max, the surly loaner, to take a walk and single-handedly repopulate Rocky Start. This book explores how tiny kindnesses can change other people's lives for the better and I loved it!
I never expected this much depth and complexity. I never expected Max, the surly loaner, to take a walk and single-handedly repopulate Rocky Start. This book explores how tiny kindnesses can change other people's lives for the better and I loved it!
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 24, 2026
Hey Bob you made me cry. Uncool.
I loved returning to the Rocky Start universe and coming along with Max and Maggs as they finally finished the Appalachian Trail. Max learns how to people and how do to more than just survive and helps many folks out along the way, and of course it wouldn’t be a Rocky Start book without some danger. I had a great time. Lovely coda to the series.
I loved returning to the Rocky Start universe and coming along with Max and Maggs as they finally finished the Appalachian Trail. Max learns how to people and how do to more than just survive and helps many folks out along the way, and of course it wouldn’t be a Rocky Start book without some danger. I had a great time. Lovely coda to the series.
March 25, 2026
Five star Finale
Fantastic follow-up to a great series. Love everything Crusie & Mayer tackle, but this was a superb Novella by Bob. Maybe the best thing I've read by him alone. It has all the things... made me laugh, broke my heart, made me cry and left me wishing for more of Rocky Start.
Fantastic follow-up to a great series. Love everything Crusie & Mayer tackle, but this was a superb Novella by Bob. Maybe the best thing I've read by him alone. It has all the things... made me laugh, broke my heart, made me cry and left me wishing for more of Rocky Start.
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