sweet and satisfying romance

This is the second book I have listened to by Gabbi Grey and it was such a different experience. I liked the author’s other audio release with it’s paranormal/magical twist, but this one felt a little more lighthearted. Though one of the characters does have an act of violence that happened to him in the past that lends a bit of somberness. Overall, though this felt really sweet and satisfying.

We meet Thomas first and there seems to be a little strain between him and his family. The reason isn’t clear immediately, though it does get explained later. He works as a production assistant and lives in Vancouver. He’s gay but not out. His one and only experience was horrific and led to the death of someone important to him. I did feel sympathy for him, but if wasn’t for the loss he suffered as a result, I didn’t think he seem to be mired in the assault that took place.

Peter is a Hollywood celebrity who was in a long term gay relationship but his equally famous partner wanted nothing to do with coming out. After his partner died, he hasn’t had any desire to come out on his own. He is a decent sort who is easy to get along with, work with and he values the advice of the production assistant, Thomas, even though their roles on set are very different.

When a friendly outing between the two, gets photographed by the media and it appears more intimate than it actually was, the two think about fake dating. Though it’s never really fake because there was definite interest between them. It’s a bit of an insta-love story, but it worked for me. Sometimes it’s nice when couples don’t have a lot of obstacles in the way of their happiness.

Michael Dean narrated this book and I thought he did an excellent job. He always delivers a reliable and enjoyable performance. The book was short and sweet, and I can’t wait to see what Gabbi Grey has to offer next.

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A quick sweet listen

This is just a pure and simple sweet romance. It did have some good characters I would like to see more of though I did have the feeling at times that there was a story that came before this but not so much that I was too distracted by it. Overall it's well written, with a great narration that made it a nice easy listen.

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Short but Sweet

This was a short listen and the story happened very quickly but was a low angst sweet read. Peter was a seasoned actor that had lived in the closet for years. Thomas was a younger production assistant also hiding in the closet but for much more personal reasons. The sparks flew from minute one and together they are blown out of the closet but not into a dramatic mess. Overall the story was just light and feel good and had the expect HEA. Best part of all was that it was read by Michael Dean who is my favourite narrator.

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An absolutely wonderful standalone short story!

Production assistant Thomas Walsh has the unique privilege of encountering action actor Peter Erickson when he accepts a role in a romance movie. The star is even more handsome in person and much kinder than he expects. Much to his surprise, the actor asks him to join him for a meal and Thomas shows him a down-to-earth experience that ends in both men sharing a taste of Thomas's ice cream cone. The flavor Thomas selects for himself is Tiger Tail, a unique blend of orange and licorice! A photo finds its way to the media and Peter takes advantage of the opportunity to come out as homosexual. Something he couldn't do when he was involved (and in love) with a closeted famous director with three failed heterosexual marriages and four children. There are many other wonderful things Peter misses out on in his closeted ten-year relationship that he is able to experience with Thomas, the love that quickly develops between the two is completely plausible. The story was fast yet smooth and totally complete with the psychoemotional growth of both characters clearly demonstrated in the narrative. Splendidly narrated by Michael Dean, this audiobook was well worth the money, time, and will be listed among my favorite short reads. Very well done, Gabbi Grey!

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Good story!!

Thomas is a PA for a film company. Peter is an actor who’s deeply closeted. When they go to a simple dinner as friends they are outed. The timing is perfect for them to come out. This was a relatively low angst story made even better with Michael Dean narrating the story! Great job!

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A super sweet romance

I’m always surprised by the different take I get when I listen to a book compared to when I read it. I’m going to start with the narration, Michael Dean is a fantastic choice for this book. He has great voices and emotes brilliantly. I truly felt the emotions of the characters as he spoke.

My thoughts when I read the book was “How sweet” and I got that from listening too, but I also felt a bit more of the anxiety of what it must be like for Thomas and Peter as closeted men. Coming out didn’t turn out to be a choice for them, however I was so impressed that they owned up to the fact that yes, they were indeed gay (even if it started out not being 100% completely honest). That they were in their particular industry was helpful I think in embracing who they are.

Thomas… man, he really has some stuff that he’s holding DEEP inside. He’s so sweet and hard working, ambitious and loyal but, yeah, his stuff definitely affects how he goes about his relationships. And by that I mean ALL of his relationships. The way he is with his mother, father and sister absolutely breaks my heart. I think that Peter went a long way in helping him start to heal.

Peter, he’s also got some heartbreaking stuff that drives him. Actors must be some of the hardest working people there are. To be successful in the craft they have to be so dedicated and Peter really is. He’s made it to the top and is working with the A-listers. When he’s blind-sided by a change in the script, he does what any actor of his caliber would do… he says bring it! It was nice to see him get to play the role even while I think it challenged him to be in a more freeing, true to life(ish) role. And there are some freeing *snickers* and challenging parts to be played for sure!

I really enjoyed watching them go from convenient but on the DL to friends to fake boyfriends to finding a once in a life time love that made me so happy for their HEA. Plus, I once again have the insane desire for orange and licorice ice cream.

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One lick of ice cream changes everything!

A fun feel good romance!
I had listened to the audible version of solstice surprise before I had realized this book was the prequel. I fell in love with these characters and couldn’t wait to listen to the audible version of this book to hear how it all started.

Both characters have something in their past that needed to be addressed. Both being an emotional situation, one was a physical violent act and both men expecting some survivor guilt. Even With such an emotional content it still was able to convey some light hearted situations.

If you love the fake boyfriend trope this is definitely one for you. Because you know the fake always becomes real. And these two characters are so cute and sweet together, they just get each other and can help heal each other.

I look forward to hearing more from this well written and developed world The author created.

In the audible version the narration is outstanding. You honestly feel like you are right there with the characters.

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Peter and Thomas

I really enjoyed this light romance. Peter and Thomas have to step out of their closets and they do it willingly for each other. Thomas opened up about his past and Peter gave him honesty and comfort. Peter was able to find the same comfort about his loss. I liked that Peter was able to be honest about his past relationship instead of trying to see it through rose-colored glasses. Thomas's family made me smile, especially his mom.

Audiobook: well done narration

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Wonderful

Loved listening to this story. The storyline was interesting and exciting. Loved the characters Thomas and Peter there adventure together was amazing with ups and downs but a solid foundation. Loved it. The narration was good.

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Sweet low angst story!

What a sweet little novella! And I always enjoy a Michael Dean narrated book. Peter's long term lover (and worst kept secret in Hollywood to everyone but him) passed away less than a year before and he is trying to figure out whatbhe wants in life. The perfect opportunity arises when someone takes a picture of him enjoying a night out with one of the PAs from the film he is working on. The rest is history. Thomas has his own secrets but the promise of more is enough to make him take a chance. A great little insta-love story.

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