Stanley's Christmas Redemption

By: Gabbi Grey

Narrated by: Michael Dean

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Stanley

I have life figured out—a good job, a nice car, and an ex-boyfriend whose heart I broke. But then my half-brother dies unexpectedly, and I go back to our hometown to settle his affairs. A quick trip before Christmas. Instead, I get the shock of my life. Do I face this new challenge or do what I’ve always done—run? Or will I stay and get to know the most amazing man I’ve ever met and take on a responsibility I've never dreamed of facing? This will be a holiday season like no other.

Justin

I’m a therapist who helps people deal with grief. My life is fulfilling. So what if I’ve been single for years? I have the kids I counsel and coworkers I adore. Maybe I’m tired of going home to an empty house and not looking forward to another Christmas alone. But I’m not going to be taken in by some slick city guy who can’t wait to leave town. I’m not going to upend my life just because I’ve met the man of my dreams. Right?

This is an 85,000-word opposites-attract, instalove, mid-angst gay romance novel. Previously published in the charity anthology Secret Santa: A Romance Collection, the story has quadrupled in size with more love, laughs, and a touch of Christmas magic.

©2022 Gabbi Grey (P)2022 Gabbi Grey

Heartfelt and emotional

This was such a heart-felt, contemporary, Christmas romance

Stanley and Justin were sweet together and I loved the chemistry between them.
The dynamics of their relationship was adorable.

This was such an eye listen overall.

Michael Dean performed an amazing audio delivery and narration.

This was a wholesome and enjoyable listen

Justin Bridges frustrated me

A story about imperfect men is more than acceptable. In fact, it's eminently believable, even if Stanley Powers is the more flawed of the two. He is definitely the one who needs redeeming, but between their lack of communication which resulted in repeated misunderstandings, and Justin Bridges' repeated jumping to inaccurate conclusions, sometimes despite having been assured of the contrary, the road to their HEA is bumpy and winding. And the grief that bonds Stanley to Angus, the nephew he didn't know he had until the day after he'd been told his half-brother had died and left him in charge, only adds to the heartbreaking quality of this story. Justin really frustrated me. For a counselor, he was pretty dimwitted sometimes and at other times way too entitled in his thinking. And I felt for Stanley who never, until the very end, saw any good in himself, despite what others, including the man whose heart he'd broken, told him they saw and knew he was more than his missteps. A good story overall, even with the insta-love element, and Michael Dean's performance was fine. He's growing on me.

Wonderful story

I really enjoyed this I loved angus and Stanley and Justin I thought the horse ranch for counseling was cool because I love horses and I liked the dogs I really enjoyed them helping each other through their grief and their happiness as a family towards the end

Sweet Holiday Insta-Love

So I really liked the overall story and the narration was great the only issues I had without giving anything away was some of Stanley's back story just didn't add up for me otherwise it was a little angsty but enjoyable listen. I didn't read/listen to the first and it can be a stand alone. There are other M/F stories set in this world where you will see these characters and are stories for some of the side characters we meet as well under Gabbi Powell if you enjoy that. Narration was done well

Good listen!

This book was very good—the development of the characters was very well done, I felt bonded with them after listening! The story is cute and I like the redemption for Stanley! The HEA was well earned and deserved!

A lovely story

This is what I call a palate cleanser. I usually read books with either lots of angst or lots of suspense so, now and then, I need some sweet, straightforward story to clear my head.

This book is like that, nothing too complicated, with just enough drama to avoid being overly fluffy; add to that a cute kid in need of love and comfort and you have a nice, soothing story.

The romance, too, is simple and uncomplicated and the cherry on top is an ex who, for once, isn't a psycho *laughs*

My main complaint is the narrator. Michael Dean range is very limited, his voices are all similar, and, at least for me, his narration is boring.

Other than that, this is a lovely story.

An Enjoyable Listen

I’ve enjoyed the stories I’ve read by this author, so when I saw this book pop up I was curious how Stanley was going to be redeemed. I read the previous book, so I knew about his history—from Maddox’s POV. I’m a fan of redemption stories. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this one. I’m glad I listened to it, and I would probably listen to it again, but there were some things I questioned the legitimacy about—such as his reasons for leaving Maddox. Something just didn’t sit right about his explanation but I can’t put my finger on it.

My heart hurt for Angus. I know he wasn’t the main character, but this entire story was centered around him so it’s almost like he is. He went through so much.

I would recommend listening to the previous audiobook before this one. It’s possible not to, but I think you’d understand Stanley’s situation better if you do.

I was surprised to hear technical issues with MD’s performance in this audiobook. You can tell where he cut in to fix some things and it was distracting. It was throughout the entire audiobook—not just once or twice. That’s not something I’ve seen from him before.

All in all, this is a story worth listening to. It was great getting a look into Maddox’s and Ravi’s lives and seeing what they’re up to!

stanley's redemption

Stanley didn't want kids, so he left his ex, Maddox (Ginger Snapping All The Way) in a crappy sort of way. When his brother dies, he leaves him custody of his son, Angus. Justin is Angus's counselor. He also loved the little boy that has been thru so much. I really enjoyed their story but I had a rough time liking Stanley. Michael Dean does a good job with the narration, each voice is distinct. Overall, it's a great story with great narration.

Grief and love

So, I like Staney and Justin, they are good people. The insta love is kinda extreme, but it's believable because they meet under extreme circumstances. I enjoyed their story, and the sex was hot!

Then there is the kid. One thing Gabbi Grey gets perfectly, is how parenting is not clean cut. Sometimes you don't know if what you did was right or wrong. You just have to make a choice and be open to changing your mind if it turns out to be the wrong choice. I haven't seen that so clearly portrayed in romance before, so kudos! When it comes to grief, this kids reactions are nowhere near normal. Not even kids without trauma are that easy! But then, this is fiction, so I may be too strict. It just hits a nerve because I raised two kids with trauma.

That aside, I do sincerely recommend the book. There is friendship, self discovery, mutual understanding and support, and a peak at characters from other books in the series. In short, a good time!

Awesome

Loved listening just as much as I loved reading the book. I look forward to listening to more from this author and narrator.