Moment of Impact by Karen Stivali

Title: Moment of Impact

Series: Moments in Time 01

Author: Karen Stivali

Genre: Contemporary, New Adult

Length: Novella (110 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-63216-478-0

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 7^th 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Tams

Blurb: Outside Collin Fitzpatrick’s dorm room is a dangerous place. Beyond his door the students of his small, conservative college think he’s straight, as does his Catholic family who’d disown him if they learned the truth. Inside, he’s safe with his incredibly sexy roommate Tanner D’Amico. Their room makes a perfect place to hide away and fall in love. The moment they cross the line from roommates to lovers, Collin becomes caught between their heavenly passionate encounters and the hellish reality that someone might find out and destroy everything. Tanner’s not used to being so confined, and wants to show the world how much he loves Collin. But Collin’s not sure he’s ready for the impact stepping outside will make.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5855

Review: Collin Fitzpatrick was raised by a devoutly Catholic mother with some odd rules on how to keep her kids on the straight and narrow. Even away from his mom, his family and the church, Collin still feels strange expressing himself in certain ways. He never really thought about another guy in that way until he watches his roommate and best friend Tanner one night, alone in their dorm room, in the dark.

In just one night, everything changes, and while Collin knows how he feels about Tanner, he doesn’t want to share it with anyone outside the confines of their safe space in their room. Collin’s fear of what their friends and his family will think and unwillingness to acknowledge what Tanner is to him causes strife between them, and just when Collin figures out Tanner is worth it, worth whatever the outcome may be, an accident forces his hand.

I was quickly engrossed in this story, the characters were thankfully flawed and relatable. There was a lot of content, just the right balance of tension and angst, and a whole lot of passion. I especially enjoyed the awkwardness Collin displayed in the beginning. Between his upbringing and his inexperience you would expect him to fumble his way through early on, and that is exactly what he did. Stivali is a new Author for me but I was really amazed with her writing chops. She has this ability to draw you into the story and the lives of these characters, get you rooting for Collin and Tanner, hoping they learn to navigate their new found romance.

Definitely a must read… short, sexy and steamy, too short! But thankfully, the next two books are teased at the end so I know there is more to come, just not soon enough.