Review: 4.5 blue ribbons from Romance Junkies
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 29, 2009
After losing his partner, David, in a drowning accident two years ago Aaron has finally decided to attempt to move on - only when it comes right down to it that's much easier said than done.  He's faced with many regrets and lots of `woulda, shoulda, coulda' and could really use a new lease on life.  He knows he's not ready to embark on a new relationship and he certainly would have never thought that he'd be attracted to not one, but two men.Lovers Garrett and Dane are lifepartners who've entertained the idea of bringing a third into their relationship.  Garrett's career in law enforcement and Dane's shifts as an ER doctor means they're often working different shifts but they're happy with their lives and make the most of the time they do share.  There's no doubt that they share a strong committed relationship but they feel that adding another lover to the mix is exactly what they need.It's the Labor Day weekend and Garrett's on duty albeit a little envious of all the travelers heading to the beach.  The traffic is heavy and he's content to watch the vehicles around him as he considers the encounter he shared with Dane earlier that morning - and the residual effects he still feels.  The last thing he expects is to see a cherry red Mustang Cobra speeding through traffic recklessly or the resulting hit and run accident with a motorcyclist.  Even more stunning is the emotional reaction he feels toward the victim.  Sure it's his job to serve and protect but something about Aaron triggers a protective instinct, as well as a desire he normally only feels for Dane.Aaron's injuries are severe enough that there's no way he'll be able to cope on his own so after a few days hospital stay and a lot of teasing and tempting from Garrett and Dane he agrees to stay with him while he recovers.  There's no denying he's attracted to this couple but he doesn't want to ruin the close relationship they share either, besides, he's still reeling from his own loss.  Fortunately Garrett and Dane aren't above tempting and teasing Aaron until denying his own needs becomes unbearable.  Garrett and Dane insist that they want a permanent relationship with Aaron but will he be able to let go of his past and open his heart to a bright new future?As you can imagine, STARTING OVER by Annmarie McKenna is an emotionally charged read that really yanks at the heartstrings.  I could fully empathize with Aaron's difficulties in letting go of David and moving on with life and got a huge kick out of Garrett and Dane's not so subtle seduction techniques.  The element of BDSM in this storyline is subtle yet definitely appealing - especially since it's obvious that it's something the men all enjoy.  This story was well written and reduced me to tears at one point but still left me with a smile on my face and hope in my heart at the end.Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)