Moment of Impact

Moments in Time, Book 1

By: Karen Stivali

Narrated by: Robert Neiman

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.

©2015 Karen Stivali (P)2016 Dreamspinner Press

My favorite first person narrator

What about Robert Neiman’s performance did you like?

Mr Nieman (you have spelled his name differently for this book than for the other half dozen or so books he's narrated) is my favorite narrator for stories told in the first person. He speaks with such ease, his delivery feels natural and honest, and his voice has a very appealing quality. I pretty much listen to anything he narrates.

Great start to a great series

After Collin gets caught watching his roommate, Tanner, jerk off, Collins learns that Tanner swings both ways and wouldn’t mind investigating some of the very virginal Collin’s fantasies.

They embark on a relationship of discovery but in secret until it gets to the point where Tanner wants more. Collin is so bound up by fear that he risks losing the only thing in his life making him - Tanner.

**
Now that I’ve read all the books in this series I can say that this is an excellent beginning to an excellent series. Karen Stivali is a great writer and she really flourishes with this NA – high on the angst- story.

Right from the first sentence, where Collin is spying on Tanner, she caught my attention. Tanner is adorable and the perfect boyfriend for our newly awakened gay boy, Collin.

Though Collin’s waffling got on my nerves after awhile, I felt he was well portrayed for his age and situation.

We do end on a HFN that is resolved very satisfyingly by the end – so keep with it!

All in all a great story!



Audio

Robert Nieman does an excellent job – his voice really suits Collin and the angst – OH THE ANGST! I enjoyed listening to this very much and feel it added to my experience. He doesn’t play around with different voices, but I could always tell who was speaking.

Book and narration 4.5 stars

Great romance

Brandilyn reviewed this book last year.

As Brandilyn said:

Moment of Impact is a powerful look at the fear associated with being gay among blatantly homophobic family and friends. At its core, it is a friends-to-lovers tale of coming to terms with one’s self and coming out to one’s friends and family.

I absolutely loved Collin and Tanner from the first word on the page (or word in my ear.)

The beginning of the story is a fairly cliché scene—a college guy watches his roomie jackoff—but Stivali makes it seem totally original with the use of these unique characters and their emotions. These are realistic young men not adults in kid’s bodies like some New Adult novels.

The issues the young men face concerning coming out to their families were realistically written and not overly dramatic. The side characters here were also vividly created.

Definitely worth the read or listen.

Friends to lovers!

Any additional comments?

I really enjoy coming out stories and I just love those with young, sexy college boys. Which makes Moment of Impact, the first book in Karen Stivali’s Moment in Time series, a highly sexy read as well as an emotional one. We have two very different MC’s with varied backgrounds, yet they come together so beautifully.

Collin Fitzpatrick is a sweet young man who was raised in a strict Catholic household. Having lost his father it’s just him, his mother and two brothers. Collin attends a small conservative college and has been friends with his roommate, Tanner D’Amico, for a few years. Due to his upbringing he is often overwhelmed with feelings of guilt and shame because of his attraction to men.

Tanner D’Amico is Collin’s complete opposite. He has had a more relaxed upbringing and is quite comfortable with his bisexuality.

Collin finds he has a serious crush on Tanner and it scares him. Slowly beginning to realize that he is gay, Collin is terrified of his friends and family finding out. Always assuming Tanner was straight because of his girlfriend, Wendy, Collin doesn’t realize that Tanner is crushing on him as well.

Once their mutual attraction is realized Collin and Tanner soon give in and the two begin a “behind closed doors” affair, where Collin absolutely comes alive!.

The sexy times between these two are very hot as Collin gets a wonderful introduction to “gay sex”. And although the two don’t go beyond blowjobs and kissing it’s still extremely erotic.

So afraid of being found out Collin worries about how his family will react. Especially his mother, who has a very strong presence in his life. It takes an accident for him to realize that his happiness is most important and he needs to be true to himself.

The narrator, Robert Neiman, really portrays each character brilliantly! I could feel the trepidation and worry in Collin’s voice over being found out, the hesitation. And the joy in finally feeling true happiness. At the same time Neiman conveys the warm reassurances of Tanner’s voice. The emotion is tangible and it truly makes the story come alive. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment and I certainly hope Robert Neiman will be the one to narrate.