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Mission City #3
Sleigh Bells and Second Chances
Ryan
The moment I landed in that war zone, I knew I'd made a big mistake. I wasn't a soldier, and my good intentions almost got me killed. Being wounded and shipped back home to Canada was both a blessing and a curse. I’m safe now, but I can’t stop thinking of the men I left behind. My therapist claims Healing Horses Ranch will help heal my wounds— physical and mental—but I'm not sure how much tranquility and wholesome fresh air I can take. Until I meet a beautiful, shy man who makes moving forward seem almost possible. Can I let go of the past and reach for a future with Simeon?
Simeon
I've made peace with being different from the folks around me. I love my home in Mission City, and if anyone needs something fixed, I’m the guy they call. When the owner of the therapy ranch hires me for a big project, I’m excited to get started. I always work alone, but one of the patients keeps hanging around, and I can't bear to send him on his way. I can see how much he's hurting. If helping me helps him, that's a win for us both. As we share the work, something about that wounded man draws me deeper and deeper in. I'm no therapist, and I have my own issues, so am I a fool to be thinking about a future with a guy who's likely to leave once he's healed?
Sleigh Bells and Second Chances is a slow-burn, age-gap,hurt/comfort, mid-angst, gay romance novel with a shy handyman, a reckless former gamer, a precocious borrowed kid, and a therapy dog named Tiffany.
The moment I landed in that war zone, I knew I'd made a big mistake. I wasn't a soldier, and my good intentions almost got me killed. Being wounded and shipped back home to Canada was both a blessing and a curse. I’m safe now, but I can’t stop thinking of the men I left behind. My therapist claims Healing Horses Ranch will help heal my wounds— physical and mental—but I'm not sure how much tranquility and wholesome fresh air I can take. Until I meet a beautiful, shy man who makes moving forward seem almost possible. Can I let go of the past and reach for a future with Simeon?
Simeon
I've made peace with being different from the folks around me. I love my home in Mission City, and if anyone needs something fixed, I’m the guy they call. When the owner of the therapy ranch hires me for a big project, I’m excited to get started. I always work alone, but one of the patients keeps hanging around, and I can't bear to send him on his way. I can see how much he's hurting. If helping me helps him, that's a win for us both. As we share the work, something about that wounded man draws me deeper and deeper in. I'm no therapist, and I have my own issues, so am I a fool to be thinking about a future with a guy who's likely to leave once he's healed?
Sleigh Bells and Second Chances is a slow-burn, age-gap,hurt/comfort, mid-angst, gay romance novel with a shy handyman, a reckless former gamer, a precocious borrowed kid, and a therapy dog named Tiffany.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
About the author
Gabbi Grey
48 books229 followersGabbi lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black.
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November 4, 2024Audio: 4.5 stars for Michael Deans narration
Book: DNF @33%
This book was draaaaaaging. Already over 120 pages in and I couldn’t tell you much about the two main characters. There are a shit ton of secondary characters and idk I felt like there wasn’t too much of a connection between Simeon and Ryan.. i also was getting annoyed with Ryan’s repetitive internal monologues.. I wanted to know why the aversion to technology, and what happened to him in the war… but didn’t get anything yet, just a lot of the same things repeated.
And for Simeon, he was endearing, but like with Ryan a lot of the same internal thoughts over and over.
Overall this wasn’t the book for me… and if I find it a chore to keep reading and I’m not even at 50% i decide it’s not worth it to keep trying.
Book: DNF @33%
This book was draaaaaaging. Already over 120 pages in and I couldn’t tell you much about the two main characters. There are a shit ton of secondary characters and idk I felt like there wasn’t too much of a connection between Simeon and Ryan.. i also was getting annoyed with Ryan’s repetitive internal monologues.. I wanted to know why the aversion to technology, and what happened to him in the war… but didn’t get anything yet, just a lot of the same things repeated.
And for Simeon, he was endearing, but like with Ryan a lot of the same internal thoughts over and over.
Overall this wasn’t the book for me… and if I find it a chore to keep reading and I’m not even at 50% i decide it’s not worth it to keep trying.
November 1, 2024
This was such a sweet hurt/comfort read/listen with all the feels. This was actually my first book by this author, looking forward to reading more from her. Michael Dean did a great job narrating.
October 18, 2024
This LONG book should've definitely made me feel the connection between the MCs. They spent a lot of time together and we're getting closer all the time tho it never seemed to move away from a friendship until I blinked and Ryan asked Simeon for a kiss and a hand job about 70% in?
Theres SO MUCH information and appearances from couples/ characters from past books. Every time a side character showed up their partner was also mentioned...along with their kids and pets and friends 🙈
There are 2.5 books before this one and all of those characters are pretty frequent in here. Couples with kids and pets 😵💫
As for Simeon and Ryan? They kept noticing how attractive and beautiful the people around them were but never really focused on each other more than anyone else. Sure' Simeone wanted Ryan around and was admittedly lonely and Ryan liked Simeons company but those feelings of wanting more than friendship were missing from the story. Being around all the loved up couples you'd think it would show their pining a little bit but it was just non existent.
The steam was very low and honestly kinda awkward.
I did like Simeon's character, he was kind-hearted towards everyone, naive and oblivious to people flirting - he was a virgin who never thought he would have a lover.. because of his stutter?
I was expecting a lot of hurt / comfort and a beautiful love progression with two men finding their forever in each other but the romance was seriously lacking and Ryan's monologues got very repetitive.
Overall, not for me even tho i enjoy slow moving stories with no/ low relationship angst.
Theres SO MUCH information and appearances from couples/ characters from past books. Every time a side character showed up their partner was also mentioned...along with their kids and pets and friends 🙈
There are 2.5 books before this one and all of those characters are pretty frequent in here. Couples with kids and pets 😵💫
As for Simeon and Ryan? They kept noticing how attractive and beautiful the people around them were but never really focused on each other more than anyone else. Sure' Simeone wanted Ryan around and was admittedly lonely and Ryan liked Simeons company but those feelings of wanting more than friendship were missing from the story. Being around all the loved up couples you'd think it would show their pining a little bit but it was just non existent.
The steam was very low and honestly kinda awkward.
I did like Simeon's character, he was kind-hearted towards everyone, naive and oblivious to people flirting - he was a virgin who never thought he would have a lover.. because of his stutter?
I was expecting a lot of hurt / comfort and a beautiful love progression with two men finding their forever in each other but the romance was seriously lacking and Ryan's monologues got very repetitive.
Overall, not for me even tho i enjoy slow moving stories with no/ low relationship angst.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 7, 2024Two men with difficult pasts find solace, comfort and a spark of more with each other. With trigger warnings for PTSD, past child abuse, previous death of parents, this book deals with some deep topics while slowly building to a low angst romance between these two sweet men. I appreciated the pacing of the story and how neither man rushed into a relationship, as well as the myriad of cameos from family and friends from the Healing Horses Ranch and Mission City. I truly adored getting to know Simeon's grandparents and seeing some of the other couples from previous Mission City stories. I love how they're all set at the holidays. I also truly appreciate the role that animals play in the story and in the paths towards healing. I can't wait to see what happens next year!~
October 13, 2024
Four and a half stars
SLEIGH BELLS AND SECOND CHANCES is the third in Gabbi Grey’s Mission City series. Handyman Simeon is used to working quietly on his own. His stutter keeps him from leaping into too much, and he knows his beloved grandparents and his friends accept him as he is. When he meets Ryan, a wounded veteran of the conflict in Ukraine, he finds another person who could use a friend.
I enjoyed this low angst story with a wide and warm community that allows these people the space and support to heal and grow and thrive. A lovely story full of hope. Can’t wait to continue to visit this welcoming town.
SLEIGH BELLS AND SECOND CHANCES is the third in Gabbi Grey’s Mission City series. Handyman Simeon is used to working quietly on his own. His stutter keeps him from leaping into too much, and he knows his beloved grandparents and his friends accept him as he is. When he meets Ryan, a wounded veteran of the conflict in Ukraine, he finds another person who could use a friend.
I enjoyed this low angst story with a wide and warm community that allows these people the space and support to heal and grow and thrive. A lovely story full of hope. Can’t wait to continue to visit this welcoming town.
October 11, 2024
An early start on the holiday season with people that leave you smiling and feeling happy. This story has an obvious lack of major drama which I found refreshing not to say there isn’t a small amount but the idea of HEA all around just feels good. A sweet story that makes you feel good for which I say, thank you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2024
This was cute and adorable. I loved all of it, 4.5 stars for sure.
Ryan had been through something traumatic and was trying to survive each day.
And Simeon had isolated himself in a way that nobody ever got to close to him. Same as Ryan.
These two started as friends and it was so good. They started slow and their feelings grew and grew. It was so natural, nothing was forced. Their relationship evolved and that was that.
They both help the other and I loved that
Ryan had been through something traumatic and was trying to survive each day.
And Simeon had isolated himself in a way that nobody ever got to close to him. Same as Ryan.
These two started as friends and it was so good. They started slow and their feelings grew and grew. It was so natural, nothing was forced. Their relationship evolved and that was that.
They both help the other and I loved that
October 16, 2024
You know what I really like about Gabbi's books? I know more or less what to expect. Especially if I read a new book in an already known to me series.
Most of the times I can expect low to medium angst, a solid HEA, interwoven stories and wonderful characters. And this one fit all that. Just right for what I was craving.
This is book three in the Mission City series but I'd say it is possible to read it as a standalone. But I'm quite certain your enjoyment will be bigger if you know the other books. Not because of the MCs in the story but of all those side-characters.
Ah, it felt so good being back in Mission City.
To see Justin, Maddox, Stanley and all the other already known and loved characters again & getting to know how their life is, was wonderful and I enjoyed that aspect greatly.
They only may have been side-characters in this story but I think they all played a big part for the new couple. It did in no way take away from the new story, just the opposite, it made that story more real feeling for me and gave it more substance and depth.
Simeon and Ryan, our two MCs in this story were both 'damaged' and 'hurt' in some way. Ryan in war in the Ukraine, followed from PTSD and Simeon from uncaring parents and a stutter, which let him keep himself back from so many things.
That Simeon had grandparents that loved him dearly made me really happy. I just had the impression that he deserved people who stood by him no matter what.
Simeon was simply a sweetheart, always willing to help. He seemed like a real good guy, but someone who didn't know his own worth. That he gets to understand about that thanks to Ryan and way more friends than he ever thought he had, was so heartwarming.
Ryan...to be honest I didn't know what to think of him at the beginning but in the span of the story he opened himself up more and more and I began to warm up to him. I can say I was excited how his life turned around with Simeon at his side and that those two were able to find their HEA.
This story was not without angst and heavier topics – a lot of those were mostly off page and in the past – and yet it wasn't dark or too angsty. I found it quite perfectly done, a good balance to the somewhat heavier topic of war and injuries and PTSD.
Because of both Mcs's pasts this is a slow burn even if the attraction is there right from the start. But this fit the story very well, everything else would have been too unbelievable.
I loved how Simeon was some kind of safe, trustworthy person to Ryan and that more or less from their first meeting. He was kind to Ryan, tried to help him and be understanding. Gave him space and at the same time treated him like everyone else. I enjoyed watching them interact and develop a relationship.
Through this relationship they helped and somehow even healed each other. Aside from that both their social circle expanded through that new relationship, which was just wonderful to watch. They both deserved friends and good people and to see them find that was chef's kiss
Really, I liked the book. The MCs were well developed and likeable. Their voices were different enough to tell them apart easily which is always a major plus on my side. And like I said meeting already known characters again was like the icing on the cake.
I was well entertained and had trouble to stop reading. I wanted to know what happened next.
Definitely a recommendation from me, give it a try.
Most of the times I can expect low to medium angst, a solid HEA, interwoven stories and wonderful characters. And this one fit all that. Just right for what I was craving.
This is book three in the Mission City series but I'd say it is possible to read it as a standalone. But I'm quite certain your enjoyment will be bigger if you know the other books. Not because of the MCs in the story but of all those side-characters.
Ah, it felt so good being back in Mission City.
To see Justin, Maddox, Stanley and all the other already known and loved characters again & getting to know how their life is, was wonderful and I enjoyed that aspect greatly.
They only may have been side-characters in this story but I think they all played a big part for the new couple. It did in no way take away from the new story, just the opposite, it made that story more real feeling for me and gave it more substance and depth.
Simeon and Ryan, our two MCs in this story were both 'damaged' and 'hurt' in some way. Ryan in war in the Ukraine, followed from PTSD and Simeon from uncaring parents and a stutter, which let him keep himself back from so many things.
That Simeon had grandparents that loved him dearly made me really happy. I just had the impression that he deserved people who stood by him no matter what.
Simeon was simply a sweetheart, always willing to help. He seemed like a real good guy, but someone who didn't know his own worth. That he gets to understand about that thanks to Ryan and way more friends than he ever thought he had, was so heartwarming.
Ryan...to be honest I didn't know what to think of him at the beginning but in the span of the story he opened himself up more and more and I began to warm up to him. I can say I was excited how his life turned around with Simeon at his side and that those two were able to find their HEA.
This story was not without angst and heavier topics – a lot of those were mostly off page and in the past – and yet it wasn't dark or too angsty. I found it quite perfectly done, a good balance to the somewhat heavier topic of war and injuries and PTSD.
Because of both Mcs's pasts this is a slow burn even if the attraction is there right from the start. But this fit the story very well, everything else would have been too unbelievable.
I loved how Simeon was some kind of safe, trustworthy person to Ryan and that more or less from their first meeting. He was kind to Ryan, tried to help him and be understanding. Gave him space and at the same time treated him like everyone else. I enjoyed watching them interact and develop a relationship.
Through this relationship they helped and somehow even healed each other. Aside from that both their social circle expanded through that new relationship, which was just wonderful to watch. They both deserved friends and good people and to see them find that was chef's kiss
Really, I liked the book. The MCs were well developed and likeable. Their voices were different enough to tell them apart easily which is always a major plus on my side. And like I said meeting already known characters again was like the icing on the cake.
I was well entertained and had trouble to stop reading. I wanted to know what happened next.
Definitely a recommendation from me, give it a try.
November 5, 2024
This story has all the feels— ALL of them. It’s sweet, positive, heartwarming, and exudes hope for two fantastic main characters, both of whom have issues that tend to keep them isolated from others.
Ryan is suffering from physical and psychological wounds. He’s the only survivor of a mission sent to help the resistance in the Ukraine. He’s not officially a soldier, however, and both his physical and psychological wounds need the help his father finances for him at the Healing Horses ranch.
Simeon, a handyman currently working at the ranch, has a very pronounced stutter and though he’s self-conscious about it, others at the ranch don’t find it as annoying as Simeon thinks they do. Nevertheless, it keeps him isolated. It doesn’t stop him from being the person who helps Ryan the most, however. He offers Ryan a chance to help with projects when Ryan finds himself hanging out with the shy handyman. The two hit is off immediately, and Ryan finds that the very gentle and kind Simeon is not only respectful of his boundaries but is a man he wants to know much more about. When a snowstorm strands Ryan with Simeon, Ryan also gets to know Simeon’s grandparents, two very lovable octogenarians who virtually raised the sweet young man.
Bottom line on this one – two lonely hearts, slow burn, one a virgin, one with only a little experience. Both introverts, both sweet guys. When they slowly but surely finally got together, I couldn’t keep the smile from my face. Their Christmas holiday season is busy and includes a wedding at the ranch between two of the author’s other characters, Adam and Dean. Romantic sleigh rides and cuddly scenes left me feeling so good and so hopeful for these guys. Definitely, this is one of my favorite holiday stories ever.
And if all the goodness in these pages wasn’t enough to make this a top pick, the narration by Michael Dean was spot-on and only added to my enjoyment. The voices he gave to Ryan and to Simeon were perfect for their characters. Secondary characters like Simeon’s grandparents and the Kennedy sisters came to life as well.
This is book three in Gabbi Grey’s Mission City series but it most certainly can be read as a stand-alone. Sweet and fun cameo appearances by past characters might just drive you back to your favorite book or audiobook retailer, though, so you can read about (or listen to) Maddox and Ravi and Justin and Stanley and others in this universe for a delicious holiday treat.
Note: copy of this audio provided through GRR: Gay Romance Reviews. The review is my honest opinion.
Ryan is suffering from physical and psychological wounds. He’s the only survivor of a mission sent to help the resistance in the Ukraine. He’s not officially a soldier, however, and both his physical and psychological wounds need the help his father finances for him at the Healing Horses ranch.
Simeon, a handyman currently working at the ranch, has a very pronounced stutter and though he’s self-conscious about it, others at the ranch don’t find it as annoying as Simeon thinks they do. Nevertheless, it keeps him isolated. It doesn’t stop him from being the person who helps Ryan the most, however. He offers Ryan a chance to help with projects when Ryan finds himself hanging out with the shy handyman. The two hit is off immediately, and Ryan finds that the very gentle and kind Simeon is not only respectful of his boundaries but is a man he wants to know much more about. When a snowstorm strands Ryan with Simeon, Ryan also gets to know Simeon’s grandparents, two very lovable octogenarians who virtually raised the sweet young man.
Bottom line on this one – two lonely hearts, slow burn, one a virgin, one with only a little experience. Both introverts, both sweet guys. When they slowly but surely finally got together, I couldn’t keep the smile from my face. Their Christmas holiday season is busy and includes a wedding at the ranch between two of the author’s other characters, Adam and Dean. Romantic sleigh rides and cuddly scenes left me feeling so good and so hopeful for these guys. Definitely, this is one of my favorite holiday stories ever.
And if all the goodness in these pages wasn’t enough to make this a top pick, the narration by Michael Dean was spot-on and only added to my enjoyment. The voices he gave to Ryan and to Simeon were perfect for their characters. Secondary characters like Simeon’s grandparents and the Kennedy sisters came to life as well.
This is book three in Gabbi Grey’s Mission City series but it most certainly can be read as a stand-alone. Sweet and fun cameo appearances by past characters might just drive you back to your favorite book or audiobook retailer, though, so you can read about (or listen to) Maddox and Ravi and Justin and Stanley and others in this universe for a delicious holiday treat.
Note: copy of this audio provided through GRR: Gay Romance Reviews. The review is my honest opinion.
October 17, 2024
This is a stand alone novel in the ‘Love in Mission City’ universe. You don’t have to read the other books in the series to understand this book, but you’d be missing key characters and how the Mission City universe characters play an important part in the stories. I suggest reading them all to get the full effect that the author is trying to impart.
A few things struck me while reading this book. First, I truly believe that I’ve become a better person by reading Gabbi Grey’s stories. I’ve learned compassion and tolerance, I’ve learned empathy and have a newfound respect for the environment. I can count on this author doing their best to be sensitive to other cultures. I’ve learned fun things like Tiger Tail ice cream and the thing I learned in this book particularly is how important friends are and that they’re there even if you don’t realize.
Sometimes you start out reading a book looking for romance or drama or mystery and you wind up with a whole life lesson implanted in your brain. That happens to me a lot when reading this author.
That said... this is the best book that I’ve read this year. Let me say that again... THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I’VE READ THIS YEAR! Hands down!
Ryan and Simeon are an absolutely destined to be together forever but don’t quite realize it couple and I couldn’t love that more.
Ryan is recovering from physical and emotional trauma that he sustained during a tour in the Ukraine and doesn’t even know that he needs a friend or friends until Simeon gently insinuates himself into his life. It takes a lot of patience and hard (or not so hard) work and a sweet boy who has his own issues and a new video game for him to even ask himself if he’s deserving of friendship and then love. There’s also help from some canine friends who are very wise and unexpectedly adorkable.
Simeon is just the sweetest guy I think I’ve ever read. He also doesn’t feel deserving of friendship or love but he is drawn to Ryan and can’t stay away. They form a bond that was pure joy to watch along with Simeon’s grands, Nanny and Bops. I adore Nanny and now need a large pan of lasagna.
This was a slow burn because it had to be and it was done perfectly. Seriously, the writing in this story is phenomenal!
If reading about two broken men finding each other and their journey of healing, finding friends and love is what you like then this book will definitely be your jam.
A few things struck me while reading this book. First, I truly believe that I’ve become a better person by reading Gabbi Grey’s stories. I’ve learned compassion and tolerance, I’ve learned empathy and have a newfound respect for the environment. I can count on this author doing their best to be sensitive to other cultures. I’ve learned fun things like Tiger Tail ice cream and the thing I learned in this book particularly is how important friends are and that they’re there even if you don’t realize.
Sometimes you start out reading a book looking for romance or drama or mystery and you wind up with a whole life lesson implanted in your brain. That happens to me a lot when reading this author.
That said... this is the best book that I’ve read this year. Let me say that again... THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I’VE READ THIS YEAR! Hands down!
Ryan and Simeon are an absolutely destined to be together forever but don’t quite realize it couple and I couldn’t love that more.
Ryan is recovering from physical and emotional trauma that he sustained during a tour in the Ukraine and doesn’t even know that he needs a friend or friends until Simeon gently insinuates himself into his life. It takes a lot of patience and hard (or not so hard) work and a sweet boy who has his own issues and a new video game for him to even ask himself if he’s deserving of friendship and then love. There’s also help from some canine friends who are very wise and unexpectedly adorkable.
Simeon is just the sweetest guy I think I’ve ever read. He also doesn’t feel deserving of friendship or love but he is drawn to Ryan and can’t stay away. They form a bond that was pure joy to watch along with Simeon’s grands, Nanny and Bops. I adore Nanny and now need a large pan of lasagna.
This was a slow burn because it had to be and it was done perfectly. Seriously, the writing in this story is phenomenal!
If reading about two broken men finding each other and their journey of healing, finding friends and love is what you like then this book will definitely be your jam.
November 1, 2024
We have two beautiful, sensitive, lonely men, each challenged in their own way, feeling they don’t have much to offer others, who find their way to each other and a love they never expected. Ryan has returned from war recovering from his physical wounds and is in therapy at Helping Hands Ranch to try to recover mentally and emotionally from the death of his friends and the memories of war. He is a loner, hates technology of any kind, is an avid reader, and is closed off from others. Simeon is older than Ryan, an extremely versatile handyman, living with his ninety year old grandparents that he loves, and afflicted with a stutter which made him an object of ridicule when he was younger, and he is very self-conscious when interacting with people he doesn’t know now. The two meet unexpectedly when Ryan is having a panic attack, and Simeon is able to calm him down and act as a safe place for him. As they spend more time together, each feels an acceptance from the other, filling a need they hardly realized they had. The development of the relationship is slow, moving from working together on Simeon’s jobs, to friends, to the person that fills those missing holes in their lives. Both men are the type of quiet, caring men (when you get to know them) that others want as friends. The grandparents play a pivotal role as the relationship grows, accepting Ryan with love and without reservation, something he has never known before.
Characters from other Mission City books appear frequently, and are all a part of this growing found family who support each other. The story flows easily, just pulling the reader along for the ride as this community enfolds newcomers and established residents into the dynamic. There was a peaceful feeling with these characters and the setting, almost like sitting on your porch in the evening and watching life unfold around you. It is a low angst tale of two men making discoveries about themselves and each other, finding that missing piece that completes their personal puzzle. I adore this series and recommend any of the books for a satisfying, low stress read that leaves you giggling at times and smiling at the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Characters from other Mission City books appear frequently, and are all a part of this growing found family who support each other. The story flows easily, just pulling the reader along for the ride as this community enfolds newcomers and established residents into the dynamic. There was a peaceful feeling with these characters and the setting, almost like sitting on your porch in the evening and watching life unfold around you. It is a low angst tale of two men making discoveries about themselves and each other, finding that missing piece that completes their personal puzzle. I adore this series and recommend any of the books for a satisfying, low stress read that leaves you giggling at times and smiling at the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2024
Sleigh Bells and Second Chances is a romance but not a second chance romance. The second chance in question is for one of the main characters, Ryan, getting a second chance of a happy life that happens to include romance and love. The other main character, Simeon, gets to be included in that second chance as well. This is not a particularly Chrismassy story although Christmas happens along the way. There are weddings and there are marriage proposals enough going around to satisfy all readers but the story has a serious side in that it deals with PTSD, child abuse and uncaring parents. Most of this is historical and off page. Ryan is a war casualty and is suffering from survivor guilt and serious injuries. Simeon has a stutter and history of abuse at the hands of his father.
The story is set in Mission City, Canada, and is part of the Love in Mission City series. A lot of the action takes place around the Healing Horses Ranch. That is where Simeon meets Ryan who is having a panic attack set off by the noise made by the nail gun Simeon is using. There is an instant attraction between the two but, considering the circumstances surrounding them, they take things slowly. As they get to know each other things change for the better for both of them. One of these things is the expansion of their social circle, particularly for Ryan who has been keeping himself closed to any interaction with anyone who could hurt or judge him.There are a plethora of people coming and going, a lot of them from the earlier books in the series. They get introduced well without too much info-dumping and all contribute to the story.
It took me a while to get into the story as Ryan is not particularly someone I would warm to in the beginning but as he began to open himself up that changed for the better. The other characters are quite eccentric but all loveable. Although it was a bit repetitive at times this was a great read with a happy ending and lots of dogs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is set in Mission City, Canada, and is part of the Love in Mission City series. A lot of the action takes place around the Healing Horses Ranch. That is where Simeon meets Ryan who is having a panic attack set off by the noise made by the nail gun Simeon is using. There is an instant attraction between the two but, considering the circumstances surrounding them, they take things slowly. As they get to know each other things change for the better for both of them. One of these things is the expansion of their social circle, particularly for Ryan who has been keeping himself closed to any interaction with anyone who could hurt or judge him.There are a plethora of people coming and going, a lot of them from the earlier books in the series. They get introduced well without too much info-dumping and all contribute to the story.
It took me a while to get into the story as Ryan is not particularly someone I would warm to in the beginning but as he began to open himself up that changed for the better. The other characters are quite eccentric but all loveable. Although it was a bit repetitive at times this was a great read with a happy ending and lots of dogs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2024
An incredibly moving, heart-wrenching and heart-warming story, be prepared for some challenging moments. Ryan has come to Mission City, to Healing Horses Ranch on the recommendation of his therapist. Hopefully it will be a way for him to heal his physical and mental wounds after being sent back to Canada. He was abroad, in a war zone. There with good intentions he may have taken a step too far as he isn't a soldier but now, now there is something for him to look forward to, hope for him to hold on to.
Simeon knows he is different from all the people around him, something he has made peace with and the people around him know they can call on him when they need something fixed. It works. When he is asked to work on a big project on the ranch he is thrilled. Usually he works alone and he is quite happy with that but there seems to be one man who is always around him, who seems to be hurting, who seems to need this. Simeon is happy to support, to let the other man help. Gradually he feels drawn to the other man and soon he finds himself getting deeper and deeper but is it a good idea. The other man is only here to heal.
Both Ryan and Simeon have their own hurts, their own reasons for those hurts and their own therapy and healing journey's to go on but that doesn't mean they have to travel those journey's alone. Working together helps them both, draws them to one another. They take comfort from one another and they seem to be drawing others towards them - the supporting characters who become part of their world are brilliant and round the story out but I want you to discover them, to have the joy of the moments they bring.
There is hurt in this story, both men are hurting, but there is also comfort and hope as they find one another, as others find them. It seems that if they are willing to open themselves up to possibility good things will come and amongst the angst there is very much hope. Please give this one some time and a chance, it is a truly beautiful, heart-felt story.
Simeon knows he is different from all the people around him, something he has made peace with and the people around him know they can call on him when they need something fixed. It works. When he is asked to work on a big project on the ranch he is thrilled. Usually he works alone and he is quite happy with that but there seems to be one man who is always around him, who seems to be hurting, who seems to need this. Simeon is happy to support, to let the other man help. Gradually he feels drawn to the other man and soon he finds himself getting deeper and deeper but is it a good idea. The other man is only here to heal.
Both Ryan and Simeon have their own hurts, their own reasons for those hurts and their own therapy and healing journey's to go on but that doesn't mean they have to travel those journey's alone. Working together helps them both, draws them to one another. They take comfort from one another and they seem to be drawing others towards them - the supporting characters who become part of their world are brilliant and round the story out but I want you to discover them, to have the joy of the moments they bring.
There is hurt in this story, both men are hurting, but there is also comfort and hope as they find one another, as others find them. It seems that if they are willing to open themselves up to possibility good things will come and amongst the angst there is very much hope. Please give this one some time and a chance, it is a truly beautiful, heart-felt story.
November 2, 2024
Ryan is home after fighting in Ukraine, injured, alone, and unable to get through most days without a panic attack. He goes into a small prefab house when he needs a moment and runs into Simeon.
Simeon works around the Healing Horses ranch as a handy man, and is fixing up the prefab house. He finds Ryan and helps him calm, then they begin running into each other.
Ryan’s Dad is rich and is paying for treatment at Healing Horses, and he’s doing therapy with Justin. His fears include technology because he flew drones in the war, so he’s out of luck with many conveniences. He likes the quiet Simeon, who doesn’t talk much because of his stutter, but makes him feel understood.
Simeon lives with his grandparents since his parents died, and he doesn’t miss them because his Dad put him down for his stuttering, and his Mom didn’t protect him.
As the two talk and share their histories, they give each other understanding, support, and the freedom to be who they are. Ryan gets to know more people in town as he ventures out, and with Simeon, he attends Christmas celebrations.
Simeon brings Ryan home during a storm and he meets Nanny and Bops, two wonderful grandparents who brought Simeon into their lives and home.
The feelings grow between the two men, and they become part of the community. Ryan is able to work out his problems with his Dad and use tech again, and Simeon feels Ryan gets how important his grandparents are in his life.
This story had a lot of depth and characters with unique lives and issues to work through. I love the relationship Simeon has with his grandparents, and the sisters that run most of the town.
Ryan’s Dad doesn’t seem as horrible as he’s made out to be, so it’s good things improve between them. Also, there was no actual proposal of marriage, which was a small flaw.
Still, this was a really feel good read.
I received this ARC for free and am happy to provide my honest review with gratitude.
Simeon works around the Healing Horses ranch as a handy man, and is fixing up the prefab house. He finds Ryan and helps him calm, then they begin running into each other.
Ryan’s Dad is rich and is paying for treatment at Healing Horses, and he’s doing therapy with Justin. His fears include technology because he flew drones in the war, so he’s out of luck with many conveniences. He likes the quiet Simeon, who doesn’t talk much because of his stutter, but makes him feel understood.
Simeon lives with his grandparents since his parents died, and he doesn’t miss them because his Dad put him down for his stuttering, and his Mom didn’t protect him.
As the two talk and share their histories, they give each other understanding, support, and the freedom to be who they are. Ryan gets to know more people in town as he ventures out, and with Simeon, he attends Christmas celebrations.
Simeon brings Ryan home during a storm and he meets Nanny and Bops, two wonderful grandparents who brought Simeon into their lives and home.
The feelings grow between the two men, and they become part of the community. Ryan is able to work out his problems with his Dad and use tech again, and Simeon feels Ryan gets how important his grandparents are in his life.
This story had a lot of depth and characters with unique lives and issues to work through. I love the relationship Simeon has with his grandparents, and the sisters that run most of the town.
Ryan’s Dad doesn’t seem as horrible as he’s made out to be, so it’s good things improve between them. Also, there was no actual proposal of marriage, which was a small flaw.
Still, this was a really feel good read.
I received this ARC for free and am happy to provide my honest review with gratitude.
October 28, 2024
This review is for the audiobook.
I greatly enjoyed this emotional and heart-warming love story about two men, wounded in different ways, who find comfort, strength, and then love in each other. Ryan entered the conflict in Ukraine when he saw the suffering and injustice of it, controlling drone strikes. He returns home severely injured after an enemy strike, that killed several of his friends. He has physical wounds as well as survivor's guilt and PTSD, and he goes to Healing Horses Ranch to mend. Simeon, who lives in Mission City, has issues of his own stemming from a case of stuttering, losing his parents in an accident, and childhood ridicule. He's shy and lacks self-confidence. This is a slow-burn MM love story, as these two meet and come to know and help each other. I loved the way the story and romance developed organically and naturally to start, until a night in a snowstorm with one bed kind of jumpstarted a more physical relationship. I enjoyed the way Ryan and Simeon were both so caring and respectful toward each other. I loved all the side characters, too, especially Simeon's grandparents, the dogs, and the kids, although I will say that if you aren't familiar with the Mission City world there are a few scenes where the volume of people and couples who are introduced without their corresponding history/story may confuse you a bit. Regardless, I found the story of Ryan and Simeon to be moving and emotionally cleansing. The sweet ending was perfect and well-deserved.
The narration is excellent, although I did adjust the speed to 1.1x. Michael Dean was great at expressing Ryan's and Simeon's feelings, doubts, and emotions.
I received a free copy of the audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I greatly enjoyed this emotional and heart-warming love story about two men, wounded in different ways, who find comfort, strength, and then love in each other. Ryan entered the conflict in Ukraine when he saw the suffering and injustice of it, controlling drone strikes. He returns home severely injured after an enemy strike, that killed several of his friends. He has physical wounds as well as survivor's guilt and PTSD, and he goes to Healing Horses Ranch to mend. Simeon, who lives in Mission City, has issues of his own stemming from a case of stuttering, losing his parents in an accident, and childhood ridicule. He's shy and lacks self-confidence. This is a slow-burn MM love story, as these two meet and come to know and help each other. I loved the way the story and romance developed organically and naturally to start, until a night in a snowstorm with one bed kind of jumpstarted a more physical relationship. I enjoyed the way Ryan and Simeon were both so caring and respectful toward each other. I loved all the side characters, too, especially Simeon's grandparents, the dogs, and the kids, although I will say that if you aren't familiar with the Mission City world there are a few scenes where the volume of people and couples who are introduced without their corresponding history/story may confuse you a bit. Regardless, I found the story of Ryan and Simeon to be moving and emotionally cleansing. The sweet ending was perfect and well-deserved.
The narration is excellent, although I did adjust the speed to 1.1x. Michael Dean was great at expressing Ryan's and Simeon's feelings, doubts, and emotions.
I received a free copy of the audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
October 31, 2024
Finding Healing . . .
Simeon was adding a ceiling fan to the room when Rainbow, the day-to-day manager at Healing Horses Ranch and his boss, burst through the door and caused him to drop the fan. Her sister Kennedy was the real owner and boss, but being a psychologist kept her busy most of the time. Before Rainbow could tell him what she came there to tell him, she left to take care of one of the therapy dogs, Tiffany. So Simeon climbed down the ladder and found the broom to sweep up the mess. Rainbow returned to tell him a new patient was arriving. Her phone rang and she put Simeon’s friend Adam on speaker so he could tell them he was getting married and Simeon was invited. But Simeon hates being around crowds and noise which aggravates his stuttering problem. He knew Adam had tons of friends and Dean would invite his own friends, strangers to Simeon, so he didn’t really want to attend with so many people. Then when the new patient arrived, he started to hang around and watch Simeon work.
Ryan, who was not a soldier, found himself in a war zone. He sustains severe physical injuries and loses several friends in an attack. But his mind can’t leave what happened behind. So he arrives at Healing Horses Ranch. Somehow, finding shy Simeon working by himself gives Ryan hope that maybe he can get through his own suffering. Simeon sees Ryan’s pain, offers friendship, and lets him help with the work he is doing. Both of them have issues, but together they begin to heal. Will their compassion draw them further toward a future together? Or will Ryan leave him once his treatment is complete? Wonderful characters and people who genuinely care for others will definitely touch your heart.
Simeon was adding a ceiling fan to the room when Rainbow, the day-to-day manager at Healing Horses Ranch and his boss, burst through the door and caused him to drop the fan. Her sister Kennedy was the real owner and boss, but being a psychologist kept her busy most of the time. Before Rainbow could tell him what she came there to tell him, she left to take care of one of the therapy dogs, Tiffany. So Simeon climbed down the ladder and found the broom to sweep up the mess. Rainbow returned to tell him a new patient was arriving. Her phone rang and she put Simeon’s friend Adam on speaker so he could tell them he was getting married and Simeon was invited. But Simeon hates being around crowds and noise which aggravates his stuttering problem. He knew Adam had tons of friends and Dean would invite his own friends, strangers to Simeon, so he didn’t really want to attend with so many people. Then when the new patient arrived, he started to hang around and watch Simeon work.
Ryan, who was not a soldier, found himself in a war zone. He sustains severe physical injuries and loses several friends in an attack. But his mind can’t leave what happened behind. So he arrives at Healing Horses Ranch. Somehow, finding shy Simeon working by himself gives Ryan hope that maybe he can get through his own suffering. Simeon sees Ryan’s pain, offers friendship, and lets him help with the work he is doing. Both of them have issues, but together they begin to heal. Will their compassion draw them further toward a future together? Or will Ryan leave him once his treatment is complete? Wonderful characters and people who genuinely care for others will definitely touch your heart.
November 1, 2024
Gabbi Grey is a wonderfully talented author I've only discovered in the last year. I have enjoyed all the stories I've read immensely, but I absolutely LOVED this one. Gabbi has a way of making everything gentle, but emotional and compelling and sometimes even tragic or dramatic in a believable and compelling way; and you are absolutely engaged emotionally with the characters she's bringing to life here. She's respectful of real-life struggles and issues, and she's masterful at brining them to life in the fiction she's creating in a such a way that I feel people could learn more compassion and acceptance just from reading the stories she produces. This is no exception; and I recommend it whole-heartedly.
Personal side note: I managed to get all the way through this one without breaking down despite the grandmother being "Nanny" in this one which hit me right in the chest because I called my own grandmother Nanny. Coincidentally, my Nanny passed away a few months ago when I was also supposed to be reviewing two other books by Gabbi. When I saw the name on the page, I was sad and delighted by the sweet coincidence. I was woefully late finishing my reviews back then because of everything that happened, but Gabbi was so lovely and sweetly understanding of that as well, in real-real life. I think everyone should have her on their TBR list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Personal side note: I managed to get all the way through this one without breaking down despite the grandmother being "Nanny" in this one which hit me right in the chest because I called my own grandmother Nanny. Coincidentally, my Nanny passed away a few months ago when I was also supposed to be reviewing two other books by Gabbi. When I saw the name on the page, I was sad and delighted by the sweet coincidence. I was woefully late finishing my reviews back then because of everything that happened, but Gabbi was so lovely and sweetly understanding of that as well, in real-real life. I think everyone should have her on their TBR list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2024
Simeon has found his place in life. He has a successful business, cares for his grandparents, and has come to terms with his past. Having a disability doesn’t define him, nor does the abuse he suffered as a child. He is strong, and even though he is nearly forty and still a virgin, he has accepted that nobody will want him that way. It sucks, but he can live with it.
Ryan is trying to overcome trauma. After finding himself in a war zone where he did what was necessary, but they were terrible things. He then suffered the loss of the men he was with, he was the only survivor. The incident left him damaged both physically and psychologically.
Both men struggle. Both men are overcoming trauma. Can they do better together?
OPINION: This is a lovely story of two men who can do better as a couple than struggle on their own. The romance in this book is so slow and gentle. You can see how it slowly takes root and then grows, creating a beautiful bond between guys that need each other. There is a lot of heart in the writing. The entire book focuses on mental health care and recovery from trauma. In my opinion, it is handled with great sensitivity while showing some ugly truths. Love isn’t shown through spicy moments—there are some of those—but it’s mainly shown through actions, understanding, and kindness. I enjoyed the book and was drawn to finding out what happens next. I recommend giving it a read if you want a book filled with a simple kind of love taking you to a HEA.
Ryan is trying to overcome trauma. After finding himself in a war zone where he did what was necessary, but they were terrible things. He then suffered the loss of the men he was with, he was the only survivor. The incident left him damaged both physically and psychologically.
Both men struggle. Both men are overcoming trauma. Can they do better together?
OPINION: This is a lovely story of two men who can do better as a couple than struggle on their own. The romance in this book is so slow and gentle. You can see how it slowly takes root and then grows, creating a beautiful bond between guys that need each other. There is a lot of heart in the writing. The entire book focuses on mental health care and recovery from trauma. In my opinion, it is handled with great sensitivity while showing some ugly truths. Love isn’t shown through spicy moments—there are some of those—but it’s mainly shown through actions, understanding, and kindness. I enjoyed the book and was drawn to finding out what happens next. I recommend giving it a read if you want a book filled with a simple kind of love taking you to a HEA.
November 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and became completely emotionally invested in the characters. I loved both Simeon and Ryan. Both had their demons and pain to face. Simeon was kind but kept his distance from people due to a very strong stutter that bothers him more than [he thinks it] bothers the people around him. Ryan is suffering from PTSD, survivor's guilt, and injuries from the war. H has a strong phobia of technology that restricts some of the help he could get. His therapist sent him to a Healing Horses Ranch for both his mental and physical health.
Simeon was doing some work with a nail gun, but it set off Ryan's PTSD. I liked how compassionate and understanding he was in trying to comfort Ryan when he really needed it and talking with him to calm him down. Simeon's parents died in a freak train accident, so he lives with his elderly grandparents to help care for them and also not be lonely. Ryan's mom left when his parents divorced, so he only has his dad.
I liked how the Ryan and Simeon connected, and though Simeon always works alone, he asked Ryan if he'd like to help. I liked the way their relationship developed. I also liked the supporting characters. A beautiful story of healing and support.
I also listened to this narrated by Michael Dean who did a great job bringing these characters to life.
Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 4 stars
Story: 4 stars
Simeon was doing some work with a nail gun, but it set off Ryan's PTSD. I liked how compassionate and understanding he was in trying to comfort Ryan when he really needed it and talking with him to calm him down. Simeon's parents died in a freak train accident, so he lives with his elderly grandparents to help care for them and also not be lonely. Ryan's mom left when his parents divorced, so he only has his dad.
I liked how the Ryan and Simeon connected, and though Simeon always works alone, he asked Ryan if he'd like to help. I liked the way their relationship developed. I also liked the supporting characters. A beautiful story of healing and support.
I also listened to this narrated by Michael Dean who did a great job bringing these characters to life.
Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 4 stars
Story: 4 stars
November 6, 2024
I listened to the audiobook for "Sleigh Bells and Second Chances" and am conflicted. The narration by Michael Dean was good and was nice to listen to, but it's the story I had some struggles with.
It is a slow burn romance, except there really isn't a romantic feel between the characters. It just feel like they are really good friends and then suddenly they are together. This is something I've noticed a lot in the authors books. There is either no interest, little interest or a friendship, then BAM they are in a relationship or sleeping together. It's frustrating because the concepts, plots and characters are usually good.
I like the MCs in this book. Ryan and Simeon are good guys who compliment each other and give each other what they need, I just don't see the chemistry beyond friendship. There are so many cameos in this book too. It's overwhelming and all the details surrounding them bogs the story down and they are all not needed and don't really advance the story.
I keep reading the books by this authors because there is a lot of good there in the bones of the books. I want to like them ore than I do. There is a charm to them, a calmness to their tone and the possibility for greatness, but I think I'm finally learning that they style of writing is just not for me.
It is a slow burn romance, except there really isn't a romantic feel between the characters. It just feel like they are really good friends and then suddenly they are together. This is something I've noticed a lot in the authors books. There is either no interest, little interest or a friendship, then BAM they are in a relationship or sleeping together. It's frustrating because the concepts, plots and characters are usually good.
I like the MCs in this book. Ryan and Simeon are good guys who compliment each other and give each other what they need, I just don't see the chemistry beyond friendship. There are so many cameos in this book too. It's overwhelming and all the details surrounding them bogs the story down and they are all not needed and don't really advance the story.
I keep reading the books by this authors because there is a lot of good there in the bones of the books. I want to like them ore than I do. There is a charm to them, a calmness to their tone and the possibility for greatness, but I think I'm finally learning that they style of writing is just not for me.
October 26, 2024
The small town of Mission City is a haven for Ryan. Having gone to war in Ukraine as an independent Canadian, he’s returned with severe physical and psychological injuries. Availing himself of therapy at a ranch called Healing Horses, Ryan meets Simeon. Simeon is a local who does construction and home repair work, while living with and caring for his grandparents.
There are barriers to the two developing a relationship. Ryan’s still healing physically, and has issues with using any advanced technology – such as smart phones or even television. Simeon has a pronounced stutter, and trauma from having been verbally abused by his late father for his speech. Ryan starts showing up at Simeon’s job at the ranch, and helping in small ways.
Slowly, as he works with Simeon, Ryan’s body heals more. As he interacts more with his therapist and Simeon, and other staff at the ranch, Ryan’s mind heals. This is a lovely, slow-burn, hurt-comfort romance – with a sweet ending. I especially enjoyed the way Simeon’s grandparents support and encourage him – and Ryan – in their relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are barriers to the two developing a relationship. Ryan’s still healing physically, and has issues with using any advanced technology – such as smart phones or even television. Simeon has a pronounced stutter, and trauma from having been verbally abused by his late father for his speech. Ryan starts showing up at Simeon’s job at the ranch, and helping in small ways.
Slowly, as he works with Simeon, Ryan’s body heals more. As he interacts more with his therapist and Simeon, and other staff at the ranch, Ryan’s mind heals. This is a lovely, slow-burn, hurt-comfort romance – with a sweet ending. I especially enjoyed the way Simeon’s grandparents support and encourage him – and Ryan – in their relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2024
Simeon has a stutter he thinks people don’t want to be friends but he has a successful business remodeling anything and is in high demand. Ryan is the only one that survived of the group he was with in the Ukraine war came home badly injured, his father sent him to Healing Horses ranch because they had the best psychologicals there. Simeon was working on a prefab for them so parents had a place to stay when visiting, found Ryan having a panic attack in the bathroom Tiffany the therapy dog helped calm him. Ryan stays away from anything that is technical because of what he had done in the war. Ryan helped Simeon a little one night he does play a video game he takes it slow and is ok. He decides to set up Simeon’s new laptop he starts to panic and the little dog they rescued goes to him to keep him calm. Justin his therapist told Ryan that doing the interview he was asked to do might help him and father approved. Simeon and Ryan fall in love and Simeon’s grandparents give him a great surprise, Ryan gets a job using his degree in cybersecurity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this audiobook, and I loved the narrator! Simeon and Ryan were both so sweet. Ryan endured so much, and Simeon kept to himself so much due to his stutter. When Simeon walks in on Ryan experiencing a panic attack, he helps to calm him, and doesn’t judge. The two become fast friends, which builds into more over time. Ryan is still healing, and Simeon has never pursued anyone before. This is all new ground for both of them. Is Ryan ready? Is this the right time?
This was extremely slow burn, but I think it was the perfect pacing for these two. It was necessary for these two to build a friendship first. Ryan had been through extreme loss, coupled with trauma, and bodily injury. Over time he came out of his shell, and really opened up to Simeon. Simeon, for his part, wasn’t even looking for romance.
I loved these two together, as well as all of the side characters. While this was the third book in the series, it was the first I had listened to, but I didn’t feel like I was at a loss having not read or listened to the others. I do plan to go back and read those though, as the characters sounded interested and I want to know more!
This was extremely slow burn, but I think it was the perfect pacing for these two. It was necessary for these two to build a friendship first. Ryan had been through extreme loss, coupled with trauma, and bodily injury. Over time he came out of his shell, and really opened up to Simeon. Simeon, for his part, wasn’t even looking for romance.
I loved these two together, as well as all of the side characters. While this was the third book in the series, it was the first I had listened to, but I didn’t feel like I was at a loss having not read or listened to the others. I do plan to go back and read those though, as the characters sounded interested and I want to know more!
October 29, 2024
This is such a sweet love story!
Simeon is a shy handyman/carpenter with a bad stutter who meets a man ( Ryan)suffering from physical and emotional scars after having fought in Ukraine. Ryan left Canada to help fight for Ukraine, using his technology skills to fly drones in war zones.
After an attack that left his friends dead and him seriously injured, he's returned to Canada to begin healing both his mind and body. Now suffering from PTSD, he decides to spend time at a horse ranch, where he meets the shy, inexperienced handyman and falls in love with him.
Simeon and Ryan are perfect for each other, with each having strengths that seem to fit perfectly with the other's weaknesses.
The story focuses a lot on different types of trauma, including child abuse, neglect (both off-page/mentioned) and on-page PTSD episodes. It also doesn't revolve around sex, but rather the romance that builds between the two men. Simeon is a virgin and new to intimacy, and their sexual relationship begins much later in the story.
Simeon is a shy handyman/carpenter with a bad stutter who meets a man ( Ryan)suffering from physical and emotional scars after having fought in Ukraine. Ryan left Canada to help fight for Ukraine, using his technology skills to fly drones in war zones.
After an attack that left his friends dead and him seriously injured, he's returned to Canada to begin healing both his mind and body. Now suffering from PTSD, he decides to spend time at a horse ranch, where he meets the shy, inexperienced handyman and falls in love with him.
Simeon and Ryan are perfect for each other, with each having strengths that seem to fit perfectly with the other's weaknesses.
The story focuses a lot on different types of trauma, including child abuse, neglect (both off-page/mentioned) and on-page PTSD episodes. It also doesn't revolve around sex, but rather the romance that builds between the two men. Simeon is a virgin and new to intimacy, and their sexual relationship begins much later in the story.
November 2, 2024
3.5 stars. Gabbi Grey's books consistently supply warm fuzzy feels and this one treads a carefully balanced line managing to have plenty of emotional content and character development whilst still being low-angst. Yes, the MCs have traumas that they are working through, or with, and that low key hurt/comfort is at the heart of the book, but even more the Mission City books are about found family and a sense of community that I really enjoy. There's waaay less war, horses and Christmas vibes in the book than the blurb had me expecting, but there was also significantly more cute dogs and meddling pensioners so I still count it a win. It's a surprisingly long book, and the relationship between Ryan and Simeon, though it feels inevitable, is a real slow burn, . The audiobook is like a soothing, warm hug, read beautifully by one of my faves - Michael Dean, whose voice is just the best.
October 31, 2024
Sleigh Bells and Second Chances is a heartwarming romance that explores themes of healing and second chances. Ryan, a wounded veteran, arrives at Healing Horses Ranch unsure how to move forward with his life. His journey takes a transformative turn when he meets Simeon, the shy handyman who offers support and kindness.
The slow-burn chemistry between Ryan and Simeon is beautifully developed, making their connection both tender and genuine. Grey adds depth to the story with the inclusion of a precocious child and a lovable therapy dog named Tiffany, enriching the narrative and providing moments of lightness.
Grey’s writing balances emotional depth with sweet romance, and as Ryan learns to let go of his past, readers will find themselves rooting for their happy ending. Perfect for fans of slow-burn romances, Sleigh Bells and Second Chances is a cozy read that will warm your heart!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The slow-burn chemistry between Ryan and Simeon is beautifully developed, making their connection both tender and genuine. Grey adds depth to the story with the inclusion of a precocious child and a lovable therapy dog named Tiffany, enriching the narrative and providing moments of lightness.
Grey’s writing balances emotional depth with sweet romance, and as Ryan learns to let go of his past, readers will find themselves rooting for their happy ending. Perfect for fans of slow-burn romances, Sleigh Bells and Second Chances is a cozy read that will warm your heart!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2024
Pausing, taking a deep breath and listening, help. Ryan knew as soon as he hit the ground in the combat zone, that he made a mistake. When he was wounded, he was sent home immediately. Unfortunately, he couldn't get the men he left behind out of his mind and he suffered. Healing Horses Ranch, provides therapy for those suffering from PTSD. Simeon, considers himself a bit different than everyone else. He likes to do construction and handyman work alone, but a new guest at the ranch, Ryan likes to hang around and help. The two men inadvertently help and comfort each other on a path to healing. Nicole handles the trauma the men experience with a delicate and compassionate storyline. We, the reader are made aware of war traume and emotional abuse in ways that engage us and foster empathy. Good main and supporting characters. Nicely paced storyline and great cover art! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2024
Another wonderful story in the Mission City series. Simeon and Ryan's love is sweet and tender. There's a bit of 'one step forward, half step back' as they negotiate Simeon's stuttering and self doubt and Ryan's PTSD and physical limitations. From the first time they met, Simeon has 'seen' Ryan. He takes the relationship slow. And isn't afraid to ask his friends' advice. Worldbuilding, British Columbia in the winter, sounds awesome. The found family of the Healing Hearts ranch, the Dixon sisters and the main characters of the earlier stories are a supportive, noisy and nosy bunch. Nanny and Bops are delights and their relationship with Simeon is wonderful. There's a little bit of angst, his grandparents are in their nineties.
A quick read. Mostly fun. Some serious topics such as abusive parents and the Ukrainian war are story components. I'd highly recommend this series and this author to other readers.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
A quick read. Mostly fun. Some serious topics such as abusive parents and the Ukrainian war are story components. I'd highly recommend this series and this author to other readers.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
November 7, 2024
This is a Love in Mission City Story but I think you could read on its own as each book is different couples just set in same town...though reading them in order you know the other characters better.
This is such a good story. Both men have physical challenges.
Ryan is in Mission City going to a therapy ranch after being injured in war. He's from a wealthy family but his dad wasn't happy about him going to war. He was both physically hurt and has a bad case of PTSD.
He meets Simeon that has a stutter and social disorders too.
The romance is slow burn, sweet, and has lots of feels.
There are lots of other interesting characters ( most have had books and you will be wanting to read them!)
There are cute kids, cute animals and it's holiday!
The narration is very good. Some characters have different accents, you get the stutter and lots of emotions. It all comes through very well.
I highly recommend the audio.
This is such a good story. Both men have physical challenges.
Ryan is in Mission City going to a therapy ranch after being injured in war. He's from a wealthy family but his dad wasn't happy about him going to war. He was both physically hurt and has a bad case of PTSD.
He meets Simeon that has a stutter and social disorders too.
The romance is slow burn, sweet, and has lots of feels.
There are lots of other interesting characters ( most have had books and you will be wanting to read them!)
There are cute kids, cute animals and it's holiday!
The narration is very good. Some characters have different accents, you get the stutter and lots of emotions. It all comes through very well.
I highly recommend the audio.
November 7, 2024
This was my first book by Gabbi Grey and I really enjoyed it! Two men with challenging pasts come together, finding solace, comfort, and the hope for something more. With themes of PTSD, childhood trauma, and loss, this story delves deeply into the emotional journeys of its characters while gently building a low-angst romance between two genuinely kind souls. I appreciated the pacing—it allowed both men to take their time, letting their relationship evolve naturally.
The story is enriched by cameos from friends and family from both Healing Horses Ranch and Mission City, bringing familiar warmth and continuity. Simeon's grandparents stole the show in many scenes, adding heart and wisdom.
The role of animals was beautifully done, as they become a source of healing and connection for both characters. Their presence added a sense of comfort and calm, highlighting the profound role animals can play in emotional recovery. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next!
The story is enriched by cameos from friends and family from both Healing Horses Ranch and Mission City, bringing familiar warmth and continuity. Simeon's grandparents stole the show in many scenes, adding heart and wisdom.
The role of animals was beautifully done, as they become a source of healing and connection for both characters. Their presence added a sense of comfort and calm, highlighting the profound role animals can play in emotional recovery. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next!
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