Review: Moving in Rhythm
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 10, 2012
Mark may look the part of a sexy, alpha male but he doesn't act like it. With debilitating shyness, Mark can not function in many social settings. He lives alone with his dog and closes himself off from people. When his brother is deployed from Iraq and asks Mark to move in and take care of his pregnant wife, Mark's lonely life changes.The moment I started reading Moving in Rhythm, I was drawn into Mark's lonely world. I don't know what else to call it. Other than his dog, Belle, Mark has pretty much cut himself off from the outside world. After having unfulfilling sexual experiences in back alleys, Mark decides that he can live a celibate life. That being celibate is better than having degrading back alley sex without any contact, feelings or words. Mark wants to be in a relationship but because of his shyness, it makes it nearly impossible for him to communicate with someone he's attracted to. When Mark meets Seth, the Zumba instructor at his sister-in-law's gym, Mark is instantly attracted and rendered even more speechless. There's no way he can continue to accompany his sister-in-law to Zumba and hide his attraction to Seth.Throughout the novella, I was instantly sympathetic to Mark. We are taken on a journey of Mark's battle with his shyness and anxiety and his battle to overcome. There were plenty of times that I felt Mark's frustration at not being able to communicate with Seth and I'm sure there were a few times I wanted to yell "Just talk to him!". But if only it was that easy.I loved how Seth gradually made Mark comfortable enough to talk to him. Seth is used to dealing with skittish animals and is very patient and loving with Mark. Because most of the story is about Mark and his issues and feelings, we don't learn enough about Seth. Seth is an interesting character that I wanted more back-story.Not only is Mark extremely shy but he's also in the closet. Mark has many issues that he must confront and deal with and thankfully, he is surrounded by a loving and supportive family (even if he doesn't realize it at first).Moving in Rhythm is a sweet love story. I was engrossed from the beginning and was rooting for Mark until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and look forward to reading more from the author.