Anthony

Single Dads of Gaynor Beach

De: Gabbi Grey

Narrado por: Michael Ferraiuolo

Anthony

During my seven years as a social worker in Gaynor Beach, California, delivering orphaned twins to their unsuspecting father is the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced. These babies lost their mother and they need a loving parent, but is adorable Scott Wexler up to that challenge? Transferring custody is one thing—walking away is something entirely different, especially with the stress of Christmas bearing down on Scott too.

Scott

After escaping a miserable childhood, I’ve made a fresh start in California. I’m in charge at the Gaynor Beach Public Library, I love helping people, and I'm feeling like an actual functional human being. Then social worker Anthony Rodrigues shows up on my doorstep with twins I fathered through a sperm donation, and suddenly I'm responsible for two tiny lives. Accepting help from the gorgeous social worker is a no brainer—admitting I want him to stay is going to take a lot more courage.

This 74k word gay romance is a slow burn, mid-angst, instalove with a geeky librarian, a by-the-book social worker, adorable twin-toddler terrors, and a beleaguered cat named Crumpy.

©2022 Gabbi Grey (P)2024 Gabbi Grey

slow burn romance

Listening to Anthony was like a warm hug—a heartfelt slow-burn romance that perfectly balances real-life struggles with tender, joyful moments. The narrator brings each character to life beautifully, from the dedicated social worker Anthony to the charming librarian Scott, making their journey feel genuine and deeply moving. This story has a perfect mix of humor, emotion, and a touch of holiday magic. A truly delightful listen that leaves you with all the feels!

"We need to talk..."

After finishing Hugh, which is also a story by Gabbi Grey, in this multi-authored series of books called Single Dads of Gaynor Beach, I immediately started Anthony. At the time I didn't realize that Anthony was the same Anthony in the Hugh story. I didn't like Anthony very much so I wasn't sure I'd enjoyed this book. I'm glad to say I was wrong.

First off, if you haven't read/listened to Hugh, stop and read that first, these two books really should be read in order. It would be a shame to miss out on the subtleties of these characters.

This story was another emotional read/listen. I also forgot to mention in the last review I did that Michael Ferraiuolo did a fantastic job with the narration of both of these books (Hugh and Anthony). He brought these stories to life.

Slow-burn, some angst, unexpected arrival, social worker with some personal problems, librarian with a rough childhood, hopefully these two will work through their personal issues

Family and Redemption!

I definitely went in not a fan of Anthony, but I loved how when it came down to helping out the kids his true colors of being caring showed. We get his backstory which definitely softened me up. I like the realistic journey to romance here. Anthony genuinely just wanted to help Scott, and the kids acclimate but, in the process, he became deeply attached to the new family. I enjoyed Crumpy the cat and of course Michael's narration bringing it all out vibrantly.

Great audiobook

The storyline was good. Emotional at times. Michael Ferraiuolo voice the different characters well and performed the emotional scenes perfectly. The lack of communication between Anthony and Scott gave me anxiety but that anxiety made the book better for me. I would recommend listening to Hugh first though because i accidentally switch them around and Anthony gives small spoilers for Hugh.

Anthony & Scott

I enjoyed this story a lot. I'm glad we got to see that Anthony wasn't really as bad as he seemed when we first met him in Hugh. I'm glad he and Scott got their HEA. I enjoyed the audiobook for this one with the great narration from Michael Ferraiuolo.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Parenting brings companionship, then love

When Anthony, a social worker, shows up with twins at Scott’s door, it’s a shock. The story is that Scott’s best friend used his sperm donation, unbeknownst to him, then gave up her babies to Anthony at work.

Anthony knows it’s too much for Scott and offers to help, guiding him with getting the kids settled, buying furniture for them, and feeding and diapering.

Scott really wants the kids, and doesn’t know why his friend never contacted him about taking them, but at least with Anthony, and eventually Lacey to babysit, things start to settle.

They realize it’s not the best time to start a relationship, but can’t help wanting more from each other. Meanwhile, they deal with a vet visit for the cat, a hospital visit for one baby, and Anthony’s estranged father, as well as the babies’ mother, showing up.

In all the chaos, they still manage to fall in love and form a family.

I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review in appreciation.

Not for me

I don't know how I feel about this book. I couldn't get past the premise and the relationship seemed forced. There is no way this could happen in real life and I know I should go with it. I read books with vampires, dragons, alpha/omegas, etc. with no problem. But I could let go this time.
This book just wasn't for me even if the story was well thought out and cohesive.
I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review.
angst 2/5
heat 2/5
story 3/5
POV 2

Anthony and Scott

I admit I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder with Anthony. His behavior in the book, which features Hugh and Oscar, left a bad impression. Seeing how he gave so much of himself to Scott and the twins had me changing my mind about him. Anthony and Scott open themselves up and expose their pasts to build a solid and deep relationship. I loved their devotion to each other and their babies. The ending is so hopeful that I'm crossing my fingers that Gabbi writes us a follow-up.
Highly recommended author and series

Audiobook: Excellent narrator

So good

This story is Anthony’s redemption from the earlier book with Hugo and Oscar. It was so good. He has a bias in his work as a social worker and sometimes is shows up. He can make questionable decisions that have unexpected consequences. Scott really stepped up in this story. He falls in love with those babies so fast. Neither one of these guys is perfect but this story is that much more because of it. I really enjoyed this one and Michael Ferraiuolo always does a great job.

Such a wonderful story

Anthony by Gabbi Grey
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Wow Gabbi after reading Hugh and meeting Anthony, I thought I wasn't going to be able to like him. Boy was I wrong, I think he has become one of my favorite characters ever.
I love how we get a background of what happened in Anthony’s life to make him the way he is. How he ever meant to hurt anyone. All he ever wanted was to protect and keep his clients safe. Then we have Scott the Daddy Librarian, I love Scott through the book we see how perfect Anthony and him are. Their love story is fast love, but while I was listening to Michael Ferraiuolo Narrated it didn’t feel fast. To me the whole book went with the flow. I was super excited to know this book would be narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo. I Love how he is able to modify his voice, according to the character he is reading. Gabbi this was another amazing story to listen to. Michael Ferraiuolo you are amazing!