Title: Start Something New
Author: J. Rocci
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Short Story (24 Pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (September 18th 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: Sergeant First Class Matt Ridley adopts a new puppy and joins his HOA Board thinking it will get him out of the house more; otherwise the alternative is his well-meaning brother signing him up for online dating sites. Through HOA business, Ridley meets Brett Isaacs, a civilian Army security guard at the base where he works, who also shares his destructive dog woes. A yard planning session with beer and pizza turns into a profession of mutual attraction and a very satisfying ending as they agree to embark on something new.
Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_111&products_id=3989
Review: This is a nice story with a dash of sweet and a portion of hot thrown in there.
It starts a bit on the slow lane. Matt has forced himself into joining the HOA Board so that it gives him some reason to get out of his house more, he has a new puppy that is quite energetic, and he’s trying to be more social.
This was something that I didn’t get to understand though. Why was Matt not socializing? Was the reason his ex and their divorce (he mentioned her at some point) or was it his time in the army? It didn’t seem to be the later though as he bonds quite easily with Brett over their time there. So I failed to really see why Matt was such a recluse.
The story moves on, Matt gets to meet Brett through his HOA business, and the attraction seems instant and mutual. While the context is still a bit on the mellow side as the men get to know each other things take a good leap on the erotic scale when both men have their first date.
At some point there is some dirty talking going on. Like bedroom, dirty talking. I can’t say how much I appreciated it, nor how much a enjoyed it. I wouldn’t mind it a bit more on that account but as it was it was a pretty hot and sexy ending. It made up for the slow start and changed my entire view on this story.