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Sweet Anticipation
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2019 Advent Calendar collection Homemade for the Holidays.
Greg Hansen’s pregnant sister is on bed rest, so it falls to Greg to finalize the arrangements for her best friend’s bachelorette party. Little does he know he’s in for a sweet surprise. When he arrives at the bakery recommended to him, he comes face to face with the man he never should’ve let get away—Rhys Denning.
Rhys’s business is booming with the holidays approaching, so he can’t agree to cater the party without help—and that means Greg getting his hands dirty in the kitchen, where the two reconnect over sugar, spice, holiday goodies of all kinds, and even some penis-shaped baguettes! But the most satisfying treat might be the second chance they never thought they’d get.
Greg Hansen’s pregnant sister is on bed rest, so it falls to Greg to finalize the arrangements for her best friend’s bachelorette party. Little does he know he’s in for a sweet surprise. When he arrives at the bakery recommended to him, he comes face to face with the man he never should’ve let get away—Rhys Denning.
Rhys’s business is booming with the holidays approaching, so he can’t agree to cater the party without help—and that means Greg getting his hands dirty in the kitchen, where the two reconnect over sugar, spice, holiday goodies of all kinds, and even some penis-shaped baguettes! But the most satisfying treat might be the second chance they never thought they’d get.
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2019
12 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 17, 2020
I really love Andrew Grey.
"... 48 Santa-hatted, penis-shaped baguettes. ..."
I took this photo from google and it is from somewhere in Paris so now I understand what, giggle, inspired Andrew from his days in Paris.
This story was so sweet. I loved it. A story of a second chance for Gregory and Rhys.
"... 48 Santa-hatted, penis-shaped baguettes. ..."
I took this photo from google and it is from somewhere in Paris so now I understand what, giggle, inspired Andrew from his days in Paris.
This story was so sweet. I loved it. A story of a second chance for Gregory and Rhys.
December 14, 2019
This really is a very sweet story. A bachelorette party at Christmastime, the maid of honor (who is supposed to organize it all) on bedrest for her baby’s health, and her brother unexpectedly recruited to organize all the details should be excitement enough. But if you add the fact that said brother, an adorably clumsy guy named Greg, is not at all a partygoer nor a good organizer, you’ve got the ingredients for potential disaster. Except – this story is filled with surprises and some very sweet moments when Greg manages to find help from Rhys, the baker he recruits to save his reputation.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
November 30, 2019
¸.•´¸★*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.★¨*.¸¸.•`★¤Sweet treats.¤★¨*.¸¸.*ˑ˞★
So Sweet Anticipation was a sweet little read. I am very familiar with the works of Andrew Grey, cutting my teeth on his books with the Senses series.
In this short for Dreamspinner Press Christmas Anthology, college exes Greg and Rhys find their way back in each others arms when Greg was tasked with helping his older sister with her plans for a bachelorette party. Just meeting again was miracle as Greg was a man who could not bake or cook, and Rhys just happened to be a baker with skills. Together, they needed to impress not only Greg's pregnant sister, but also the entire party.
There was learning, baking and a kiss here and there. Nice book.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from Dreamspinner Press
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
(¸.★¨*.¸¸.•`★¤Sweet treats.¤★¨*.¸¸.*ˑ˞★
So Sweet Anticipation was a sweet little read. I am very familiar with the works of Andrew Grey, cutting my teeth on his books with the Senses series.
In this short for Dreamspinner Press Christmas Anthology, college exes Greg and Rhys find their way back in each others arms when Greg was tasked with helping his older sister with her plans for a bachelorette party. Just meeting again was miracle as Greg was a man who could not bake or cook, and Rhys just happened to be a baker with skills. Together, they needed to impress not only Greg's pregnant sister, but also the entire party.
There was learning, baking and a kiss here and there. Nice book.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from Dreamspinner Press
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
February 12, 2020
Just because it's so small
December 6, 2019
such a sweet story.. it was adorable and short and cute.. just a good happy feel good story. i enjoyed it and i liked the characters. they made me happy and feel good.
November 26, 2019
Sweet Anticipation by Andrew Grey
3 stars
M/M Second Chance Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Greg loves his sister and with her on bed rest due to her pregnancy, Greg is charged with making their mutual friend Cynthia's bachelorette party a hit. There's one problem... Greg knows nothing about throwing a bachelorette party.
When the bakery that his sister wanted is unavailable, Greg seeks out another one that was recommended to him. What he didn't expect was to find an ex boyfriend.
Rhys is an amazing baker. When he sees Greg again, he immediately apologizes for being young and immature in his relationship with Greg. He also agrees to help Greg pull off an amazing bachelorette party.
These two have sweet, almost YA chemistry. They make each other laugh and allow themselves to see if they can rekindle their young love relationship. This book was sweet, funny and had the added bonus of hilarious bachelorette food.
3 stars
M/M Second Chance Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Greg loves his sister and with her on bed rest due to her pregnancy, Greg is charged with making their mutual friend Cynthia's bachelorette party a hit. There's one problem... Greg knows nothing about throwing a bachelorette party.
When the bakery that his sister wanted is unavailable, Greg seeks out another one that was recommended to him. What he didn't expect was to find an ex boyfriend.
Rhys is an amazing baker. When he sees Greg again, he immediately apologizes for being young and immature in his relationship with Greg. He also agrees to help Greg pull off an amazing bachelorette party.
These two have sweet, almost YA chemistry. They make each other laugh and allow themselves to see if they can rekindle their young love relationship. This book was sweet, funny and had the added bonus of hilarious bachelorette food.
July 11, 2023
Sweet Anticipation is a story in the Dreamspinner Press 2019 Advent Calendar collection ‘Homemade for the Holidays’. This stars Greg Hansen, and Rhys Denning, a pastry chef. This is told in third person from both Rhys and Greg’s povs.
The is a fast, fluffy read with no angst, set during the holidays. Even though this is a second chance story about two men who’ve graduated college, I got a distinct YA feel to it. It had a simpler style of writing to it than is usual for this author, it was also a fade to black with kissing the most graphic it gets.
As I mentioned there’s no angst or stress in this story. The closest to stress it gets is Greg worrying he won’t be able to pull off the bachelorette party. He enlists the help of a pastry chef who was recommended to him, who also turns out to be an ex that broke up with him in college. Rhys regretted the break-up and is happy to find Greg again. They quickly get back together. Both men are nice, there isn’t much wrong with either of them except Greg’s anxiety. Rhys is kind of a mystery; we don’t find out much about him.
Sweet Anticipation fits the fluffy, holiday prompt for this collection. I give it 3 Stars.
The is a fast, fluffy read with no angst, set during the holidays. Even though this is a second chance story about two men who’ve graduated college, I got a distinct YA feel to it. It had a simpler style of writing to it than is usual for this author, it was also a fade to black with kissing the most graphic it gets.
As I mentioned there’s no angst or stress in this story. The closest to stress it gets is Greg worrying he won’t be able to pull off the bachelorette party. He enlists the help of a pastry chef who was recommended to him, who also turns out to be an ex that broke up with him in college. Rhys regretted the break-up and is happy to find Greg again. They quickly get back together. Both men are nice, there isn’t much wrong with either of them except Greg’s anxiety. Rhys is kind of a mystery; we don’t find out much about him.
Sweet Anticipation fits the fluffy, holiday prompt for this collection. I give it 3 Stars.
December 7, 2019
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Read.
Sweet Anticipation is a quick enjoyable read. Gregory and Rhys had a brief romance in college and get a second change when Gregory hires Rhys to help his prepare the food for s bachelorette party. This is easy to read fun story. I really enjoyed the time the men spent in the kitchen. Sweet Anticipation really put me in the mood to do my Christmas baking.
Sweet Anticipation is a quick enjoyable read. Gregory and Rhys had a brief romance in college and get a second change when Gregory hires Rhys to help his prepare the food for s bachelorette party. This is easy to read fun story. I really enjoyed the time the men spent in the kitchen. Sweet Anticipation really put me in the mood to do my Christmas baking.
December 10, 2019
Review to come!
January 21, 2020
Nice story, if a bit bland.
November 21, 2020
It was really sweet. I enjoyed it.
When Rhys made Gregory wash his hands in the kitchen I felt relieved. Honestly it's hard to read books about people who work as professional chefs and not act like one. The fact that Rhys had the right attitude was great.
Also I liked how calm Rhys was. You know there is nothing impossible about cooking and he had just the right attitude to teach.
It was so drama free that it truly managed to capture Christmas feeling for me.
When Rhys made Gregory wash his hands in the kitchen I felt relieved. Honestly it's hard to read books about people who work as professional chefs and not act like one. The fact that Rhys had the right attitude was great.
Also I liked how calm Rhys was. You know there is nothing impossible about cooking and he had just the right attitude to teach.
It was so drama free that it truly managed to capture Christmas feeling for me.
December 16, 2019
A brother having to follow through and put together a bachelorette party organized by his very pregnant sister. What could possibly go wrong?😉😉 Okay, maybe things don't go wrong as such but it places Greg in an awkward position that he didn't ask for but this is his sister so he jumps into the fray and soldiers on. Sweet Anticipation is a second chance story that puts Greg and his ex, Rhys, in a close working situation, will they reconnect or is it just a friendly atmosphere until the preparation is complete? You gotta read this one for yourself to find those answers but it is a Christmas novella so I think you can guess where Greg and Rhys will end up but getting there is where the fun and magic of the story exists.
Andrew Grey's 2019 holiday ditty will get you in the holiday spirit. Old lovers, family, favors, Christmas goodies, and penis-shaped baguettes(you read that right, penis-shaped baguettes) make Sweet Anticipation a fun filled holiday gem that will put a smile on your face and a laugh in your heart. Definitely a win-win all around.
Andrew Grey's 2019 holiday ditty will get you in the holiday spirit. Old lovers, family, favors, Christmas goodies, and penis-shaped baguettes(you read that right, penis-shaped baguettes) make Sweet Anticipation a fun filled holiday gem that will put a smile on your face and a laugh in your heart. Definitely a win-win all around.
December 20, 2019
The title of Andrew Grey’s 2019 Dreamspinner Press standalone Advent novella says it all. Sweet Anticipation will tantalize your sweet tooth with a second chance romance that comes along at just the right time for Greg and Rhys. A dash of humor, a sprinkle of fun, and a charismatic reconnection make it a truly satisfying and non-explicit “Hallmark-type” gay romance.
Greg Hansen and Rhys Denning’s history concluded as a “the one that got away” for both of them. Their young and naïve hearts came to this conclusion too late and each has held onto his regret. In a twist of fate, Greg is floundering to take care of a bachelorette party for his bedridden sister, and the men are bestowed with a second chance.
A dash of humor, a sprinkle of fun, and a charismatic reconnection make it a truly satisfying and non-explicit “Hallmark-type” gay romance.
A slow and cautious reconnection, past heartache, realizations of momentous mistakes, practical jokes gone awry, and one controlling sister all combine into a delightfully zany and well-paced, complete short story. With that said, I didn’t want to let these guys go. Greg and Rhys share a mutual connection that apparently needed time apart for them to truly appreciate one another.
OMG, the penis-shaped baguettes alone are enough to engross you in this holiday mashup, but combine that with the sugary sweet romance, and Greg and Rhys’ spicy reconnection, and Andrew Grey launches you into seasonal joy with Sweet Anticipation!
Greg Hansen and Rhys Denning’s history concluded as a “the one that got away” for both of them. Their young and naïve hearts came to this conclusion too late and each has held onto his regret. In a twist of fate, Greg is floundering to take care of a bachelorette party for his bedridden sister, and the men are bestowed with a second chance.
A dash of humor, a sprinkle of fun, and a charismatic reconnection make it a truly satisfying and non-explicit “Hallmark-type” gay romance.
A slow and cautious reconnection, past heartache, realizations of momentous mistakes, practical jokes gone awry, and one controlling sister all combine into a delightfully zany and well-paced, complete short story. With that said, I didn’t want to let these guys go. Greg and Rhys share a mutual connection that apparently needed time apart for them to truly appreciate one another.
OMG, the penis-shaped baguettes alone are enough to engross you in this holiday mashup, but combine that with the sugary sweet romance, and Greg and Rhys’ spicy reconnection, and Andrew Grey launches you into seasonal joy with Sweet Anticipation!
January 7, 2020
Greg and Rhys both feel they’d let the other slip away – so when a second chance comes their way neither is willing to let this opportunity pass them by.
I found this to be a funny and rather tongue-in-cheek sort of Christmassy story. I’d never even dreamed of Santa-penis-shaped baguettes, but that was most certainly an image that stayed with me – and likely will continue to do so for quite some time!
While I found Rhys’ explanation as to his and Greg’s break up a little pat – and it felt a little strange how simply and quickly it was discussed then put away virtually the moment the two men reunited – I have to admit I found it a good thing that they could begin so quickly to rebuild their relationship. I wasn’t totally sold initially on their chemistry, but they certainly worked well together and I absolutely thought their personalities were compatible and meshed very well together. I loved how the author showed this really clearly through how well they worked together in Rhys’ kitchen, even though Greg had practically no skills in that area.
With a fair bit of steam between the two men in the kitchen and a whole lot of sassy fun this story really ticked a number of boxes that I feel many readers will enjoy. Short and sumptuous, this is a great author and one I’m starting to keep an eye out for.
I found this to be a funny and rather tongue-in-cheek sort of Christmassy story. I’d never even dreamed of Santa-penis-shaped baguettes, but that was most certainly an image that stayed with me – and likely will continue to do so for quite some time!
While I found Rhys’ explanation as to his and Greg’s break up a little pat – and it felt a little strange how simply and quickly it was discussed then put away virtually the moment the two men reunited – I have to admit I found it a good thing that they could begin so quickly to rebuild their relationship. I wasn’t totally sold initially on their chemistry, but they certainly worked well together and I absolutely thought their personalities were compatible and meshed very well together. I loved how the author showed this really clearly through how well they worked together in Rhys’ kitchen, even though Greg had practically no skills in that area.
With a fair bit of steam between the two men in the kitchen and a whole lot of sassy fun this story really ticked a number of boxes that I feel many readers will enjoy. Short and sumptuous, this is a great author and one I’m starting to keep an eye out for.
December 1, 2019
Oh, how I love Andrew Grey stories… they always hit me right the feels! This one was no different!
Greg’s sister is on bed rest and she’s kind of in a bind because she’s promised her best friend that she’d plan her bachelorette party. Not impossible to do because she has most everything thought out, she just needs help with the meeting with people to get things done and such.. that’s when she recruits her brother Greg, who’s always liked Cynthia (the bestie) and he cares for his sister and the health of her unborn baby, so of course, he agrees to be the errand man.
As fate would have it, one of the errands is to a bakery that was recommended and it has him running into Ryhs, the adorably lonely baker that Greg once knew and let get away.
Unforutately, with the holiday’s coming up, Rhys couldn’t cater the bachelorette party but he is willing to do what he can…. If Greg agrees to help. And why wouldn’t he? Helping his sister AND getting to spend time with Rhys? Bonus!
I just adored these two, especially together. This one’s definitely a cute Christmas read with a sweet ending. 5 stars from me!
Greg’s sister is on bed rest and she’s kind of in a bind because she’s promised her best friend that she’d plan her bachelorette party. Not impossible to do because she has most everything thought out, she just needs help with the meeting with people to get things done and such.. that’s when she recruits her brother Greg, who’s always liked Cynthia (the bestie) and he cares for his sister and the health of her unborn baby, so of course, he agrees to be the errand man.
As fate would have it, one of the errands is to a bakery that was recommended and it has him running into Ryhs, the adorably lonely baker that Greg once knew and let get away.
Unforutately, with the holiday’s coming up, Rhys couldn’t cater the bachelorette party but he is willing to do what he can…. If Greg agrees to help. And why wouldn’t he? Helping his sister AND getting to spend time with Rhys? Bonus!
I just adored these two, especially together. This one’s definitely a cute Christmas read with a sweet ending. 5 stars from me!
January 1, 2020
3.5 Stars
The meet-cute as adults when Greg is tasked to help his super-pregnant bed-ridden sister with a bachelorette party. Rhys is a custom baker/kitchen jack of all trades and agrees to help Greg out with all the things. While the initial meeting was slightly awkward and added some good tension, Rhys is like, a full on adult, and addresses the elephant in the room. He apologizes to Greg and is incredibly compassionate and mature. Greg is all grown up about things too and it was honestly refreshing to read mature communication between two adults.
The history between the two makes an HEA very believable and I was happy that Greg got him some Rhys in his life because his sister is a lot. She loves him to death, but damn, she had me stressed out for Greg.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
The meet-cute as adults when Greg is tasked to help his super-pregnant bed-ridden sister with a bachelorette party. Rhys is a custom baker/kitchen jack of all trades and agrees to help Greg out with all the things. While the initial meeting was slightly awkward and added some good tension, Rhys is like, a full on adult, and addresses the elephant in the room. He apologizes to Greg and is incredibly compassionate and mature. Greg is all grown up about things too and it was honestly refreshing to read mature communication between two adults.
The history between the two makes an HEA very believable and I was happy that Greg got him some Rhys in his life because his sister is a lot. She loves him to death, but damn, she had me stressed out for Greg.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
December 5, 2019
I love Andrew Grey and was really excited about a fun holiday read from him and I definitely think he delivers! It may be a short, quick read, but it’s packed with feels! Gregory and Rhys are just so very adorable and easy to love and I fell hook, line and sinker for their second chance holiday story!
Last minute, Gregory is asked to help his very pregnant sister pull off a bachelorette party, she’s outlined everything he needs to do, but the problem is most of it involves food and he’s a hot mess in the kitchen. A twist of fate and Gregory finds himself asking Rhys for help. The same Rhys that dumped him when they were younger. Although Gregory finds that the connection they shared is still there, and Rhys regrets letting him go. With some baking, holiday magic, these two rekindle something very special.
It’s adorable, sweet and just a feel good fun read! I definitely recommend this if you’re looking for that special book to get you into the holiday spirit!
Last minute, Gregory is asked to help his very pregnant sister pull off a bachelorette party, she’s outlined everything he needs to do, but the problem is most of it involves food and he’s a hot mess in the kitchen. A twist of fate and Gregory finds himself asking Rhys for help. The same Rhys that dumped him when they were younger. Although Gregory finds that the connection they shared is still there, and Rhys regrets letting him go. With some baking, holiday magic, these two rekindle something very special.
It’s adorable, sweet and just a feel good fun read! I definitely recommend this if you’re looking for that special book to get you into the holiday spirit!
January 2, 2020
I absolutely loved this story. The characters are interesting and the storyline was unique, intriguing and a bit funny.
Greg is helping his pregnant sister since she is on bed rest to do the bachelorette party of their friend.
She has a very strict list of what she wants so Greg sets out but keeps running into roadblocks. number one both the caterer and bakery she booked are no longer able to cater or d the cake. He finds another bakery and is surprised to see his first love, Rhys. Rhys agrees to do it for him as long as he helps him out since it is his busy season.
This story is so much fun as Rhys and Greg reconnect, catch up and hunt for stuff on Annalise's list.
It is sweet, fun and witty with a funny twist at the end.
If you like second chances, sweet romance, holiday stories, and penis-shaped bread... You gotta read this one.
Greg is helping his pregnant sister since she is on bed rest to do the bachelorette party of their friend.
She has a very strict list of what she wants so Greg sets out but keeps running into roadblocks. number one both the caterer and bakery she booked are no longer able to cater or d the cake. He finds another bakery and is surprised to see his first love, Rhys. Rhys agrees to do it for him as long as he helps him out since it is his busy season.
This story is so much fun as Rhys and Greg reconnect, catch up and hunt for stuff on Annalise's list.
It is sweet, fun and witty with a funny twist at the end.
If you like second chances, sweet romance, holiday stories, and penis-shaped bread... You gotta read this one.
December 1, 2019
Sweet Anticipation by Andrew Grey is a short and sweet treat of a read. It is a contemporary m/m romance with a holiday-timed second chance theme. Gregory and Rhys are adorable together and their story made me smile.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
December 13, 2019
Greg is a great guy helping out his sister, and Rhys is a great guy helping Greg to become competent in the kitchen. A few laughs, some sweetness, and a definite attraction made this story really enjoyable.
December 31, 2019
This was a sweet, fun little holiday short! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
TAGS
-- Holiday/Christmas -- very sweet -- made me smile -- made me laugh -- second chance -- sigh worthy -- family -- less than 50 pages
December 5, 2019
3.75 stars
December 6, 2019
WOW... that was a lot of baking and cooking in just a few short pages, along with a couple of unexpected Christmas presents! Cute and sweet... just what a holiday story should be!
December 7, 2019
Sweet and fluffy holiday read.
December 8, 2019
(I read it after I woke up because of a horrible nightmare and couldn't go back to sleep.)
It is a sweet enjoyable story of second chances, stupid misjudgments as a 'kid' and love.
It is a sweet enjoyable story of second chances, stupid misjudgments as a 'kid' and love.
June 16, 2020
Delivers entirely what I expected - sweet and cute and romancey Christmas story!
Rhys and Gregory meet up again over a baking emergency and amid cooking and crafting, romance flourishes.
Rhys and Gregory meet up again over a baking emergency and amid cooking and crafting, romance flourishes.
February 12, 2021
A cute and sweet quick read.
December 18, 2021
3.5 stars
December 8, 2025
This was a cute, fun story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews