Solstice Surprise

One Scoop or Two #2

by Gabbi Grey

A blizzard, an urgent plea, a desperate journey, and the most important moment of their lives.

Action movie star Peter Erickson is spending the Christmas holidays ensconced with his in-laws and his new husband. In the wilds of Northern British Columbia, they are as far away from the bustle of the city as they can get.

Thomas Walsh and his famous husband are deeply in love. Although he prefers the intimacy of their city house, he's come home to face the reason he left ten years ago, and to finally tell his parents the truth.

A desperate phone call has the couple scrambling. Will they get back to Vancouver in the middle of a snowstorm in time for their solstice surprise?

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, LGBT, Christmas, Ebooks

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2021

About the author

Gabbi 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.

Reviews

[Trio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gabbi Grey’s Solstice Surprise is the sequel to Peter and Thomas’ romance, which begins in Catch a Tiger by the Tail. You definitely need to read these two in order.

It’s about a year later and Peter and Thomas are happily married. Thomas has a few issues to resolve with his family, and the couple are visiting his hometown for the holidays. Gabbi Grey paints a lovely picture of this idyllic Canadian town, and it’s nice to see the couple enjoying some time off together.

I don’t want to give away the “surprise” in this novel, but as an adopted person I really enjoy stories that center around folks who are desperately anticipating this kind of event. I have to say, Ms. Grey’s does a fantastic job with this aspect of the story. Thomas and Peter's emotions are heartfelt and genuine, and there are some very emotional scenes.

an audiobook copy of Solstice Surprise was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book left me feeling like the story wasn’t over. This book fixed that. All the unresolved issues were fixed and Peter and Thomas truly found their HEA.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Cute story that should have been much shorter. Definitely helps to have read Gabbi Grey's Catch A Tiger By the Tail, the first book in her 'One Scoop or Two' series before reading this one.

[Katherine Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Love!

Solstice Surprise: Wonderful writing and dialog. It was a very emotional and loving story about two special men who fell in love and got married. Even though Peter was older then Thomas it didn't bother either one of them and they work well in their show his careers and in their marriage. I loved all the surprises throughout and the special surprise for them towards the end of the story. It was perfect.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful continuation in the lives of Peter and Thomas. I got so much out of this short story. Following these men, who are deeply in love on their Christmas getaway was exactly what I needed. They grow and heal and secrets that have hindered lives come out and friendships develop and I feel complete after reading Solstice Surprise. Oh yeah, there’s a really big surprise and a mad-cap dash through a snowstorm to get it.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into this, I didn't realize that it was a sequel to Catch a Tiger by the Tail because this is a new author for me. This author's writing is very diverse and her story was blow-my-mind amazing! The story was an emotional roller coaster ride and I look forward to reading the whole story of how Peter and Thomas meet and fell in love!

I have a feeling that Ms. Grey will quickly become a go-to author for me!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/23/2021)! 🎁

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extended epilogue

Although this is supposed to be a standalone, I think it only works as a sequel or indeed and extended epilogue for Catch a Tiger By the Tail.
Like book 1 it covers a few days in detail and then gives us a glimpse at their future lives.
It was great to check in with Thomas and Peter again but the surprise subplot felt a little out of place. To me, something that big would have been at least hinted about since it was so close.
It was cute though and I loved the additional cast like Sarah and Codi.
The narration was good but there were patches where the voices weren't distinguishable from each other or sounded different. The narrator managed to add some drama into the story

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second piece to Catch a Tiger By it’s Tail and very sweet. I definitely recommend reading book 1 first. The characters are now 3 months married and have a surprise to announce to the family… just one they weren’t prepared for. This is definitely a story that has you rooting for kindness along the way and appreciation when you see it. It’s a perfect follow up story!

[Kim Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to me author. This is a mm romance. Main characters are Thomas and Peter an established couple. Peter is an older movie star and Thomas is a younger man working in the film industry. This story covers a family visit, some shocking news and a rush back to the city for exciting news. A quick snap shot of their lives at a snowy Christmas in Canada.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize that this was book 2 in a series. You can certainly read this is as a standalone.
Peter and Thomas go north to visit with Thomas' parents for christmas. Once there they are called back to Vancouver due to a family emergency.
I really enjoyed this book. No angst and a good story to while away a few hours.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet story of the love of family and of people coming together to help out in a time of need.

Peter and Thomas are a very sweet couple who have had a fast romance but are happily making a life with each other. Being at Thomas' parents place for Christmas is actually a big deal because Thomas has been distant from his family since his older brother died. Peter understands loss and grief from the death of his previous partner and has helped Thomas talk about his guilt, but now it is time for Thomas to talk tot he rest of the family. Talking of this past does open old wounds but it also allows a start for healing and a revelation that was needed for things to change. Then there is some further unexpected news when the couple find out they need to get back to Vancouver during a bad snowstorm to help out and be present for another big life change.

This story was a sweet continuation of an established relationship (there is a previous novella before this one as it turns out) and opens up more to the relationship with family. It goes into feeling of guilt and loss with death, and where the blame can fall in such situations. The flip around to getting back to Vancouver shows how the family is strong together as well as the help that can come in such situations. Thomas' family have put themselves out there helping others and it comes back in spades when Thomas and Peter need help, showing the couple the loving family all around. them. The only thing was it seemed to completely shift away from the problem of Thomas' feeling about what happened the night of his brother's death. It was such a sudden shift that that part of the story almost gets forgotten about, when it seemed there was possibly a bit more there to explore with the family. Overall though it was a sweet story filled with love, hope, and family bonds.

[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series, the first book being Catch a Tiger by the Tail.

I almost enjoyed this story of Peter and Thomas, and their desperate dash through the night to be at the bedside of the woman having the baby they are about to adopt. The two leads have great chemistry and are very relatable, even though Peter is a famous action movie star. The side characters are well-drawn and don’t fall into stereotypes (eg. she’s a lorry driver therefore she must be a lesbian.) The writing is good and the book is technically clean.

We don’t get a real feel for what being “a famous action movie star” actually means day to day. Peter is one, but that’s all we’re told. I’m presuming this has already been covered in Book 1. In fact, there’s a lot that seems to be missing but I’m assuming it’s already been addressed in Book 1, so to this reviewer, the book isn’t a true standalone.

I’ve also realised that insta-love isn’t my thing, if insta-love means dealing with fame, being outed, fake boyfriends and accepting one’s sexuality, together with baby adoption all within a six month time frame. I’m fully willing to accept it is just me who wants my meet-cute to swan partners for life storyline to be strung out just a little more. This super-fast romance just makes my head spin, if I’m honest. I know romances are all about escapism and fantasy, but this plot line kicks any believability out the door and stomps on it for good measure.

I wasn’t engaged enough to lure me into reading Book 1, which is a shame but that six month affair resulting in baby daddies kind of ruined it for me. Like the dodgy orange and liquorice ice cream the first book title refers to, it left me with an odd taste in my mouth.

[Christopher K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well reading them together certainly was worth it…‼️

This was the first in my @M/M Christmas🎄Steamy ❤️‍🔥HEA Marathon” where I was given an opportunity to either 📖 the characters’ back story (per se) or follow them on to another 📕.
In this case, it was a little of both. Their Christmas story, “Solstice Surprise” was where I would have been starting, but I had luckily caught sight of a “reader’s review” recommended 📖 their origin story first and they couldn’t have been more on the 💴.
I actually didn’t follow their advice first, but several 📄s in, there were enough references to things that had already taken place, I decided to go back and read them as the reviewer had suggested.
Both “Catch a Tiger by the Tail” and “Solstice Surprise” by Gabbi Grey were wonderful. The (2️⃣) MCs were so well developed and impossible to not become immediately enamored with themselves, but them as a couple. Their entire story was such a breath of fresh air, the supporting characters were all well-developed and there for a reason more than just to advance the protagonists’ storyline.
The “physical side” was both romantic and exciting, but everything about their story was all generated to not only achieve but sustain their HEA‼️
I’m looking forward to another of her “M/M 🎄❤️‍🔥 HEAs”, “Ginger Snapping All the Way”, that I will get to in I believe about (1️⃣2️⃣) more 📚… 👏👏💃💃😉‼️

[Lesetiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narrator: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Solstice Surprise is the follow-up volume to Catch a Tiger by the Tale, and the story is more fun if you listened to the previous volume.
The two are now married and are visiting Thomas's parents for Christmas. Thomas wants to finally tell his parents after so many years. what really happened back then. But while they are still there, something completely unexpected happens and so the two begin their journey home during a snowstorm.

Again, I enjoyed Gabbi Grey's easy-going writing style and it was heartwarming to see Peter and Thomas in the next phase of their relationship.
This was an entertaining and enjoyable story, especially because Peter remained down to earth despite his celebrity.

I really enjoyed the narration by Michael Dean. He reads the audiobook emotionally and dramatically and voiced the characters well. I enjoyed listening to his voice as always.

I requested a free review copy of this audiobook and this is my honest opinion.

[Michelle Labelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK, so this was better for me than the first book. There were some little nitpicky things that took me out of the story, and kind of a medium - big thing that did too.

This passage, for example:

"Bartholomew teaches first grade.” A sputter escaped Thomas. “Bartholomew? The guy who was six-three in ninth grade?"

Canadians say "grade one" or "grade nine", not "first/ninth grade". That's just one example, but as a Canadian there were a few things like this that bothered me personally, but might not have bothered others.

SPOILER
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I was also not thrilled with this random couple who were going to name their kid after Thomas' brother. It kinda came out of left field so soon in the book, with zero foreshadowing in the first book. I get that it was a plot device, but it was clumsily written/presented in the story.

Anyway, I would suggest getting this from the library or KU, but just be aware...

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5

I loved reading more about Peter and Thomas.

This is a great sequel to Catch a Tiger by the Tail but you could read it as a standalone with no problem. I loved reading more of Peter and Thomas’s story and what an emotional journey it was. While visiting Thomas’s family they get an urgent phone call that has them rushing back to Vancouver where they get a wonderful surprise on the winter solstice

Michael Dean did another great job with his performance of this audiobook and he remains on my list of favorite audiobook performers.

A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows Gabbi's book Catch a Tiger by the Tail which I also loved. Getting to see Peter and Thomas living their HEA was wonderful. Thomas still has to face his parents, sister, and his hometown filled with people who knew and loved his brother. I was impressed by the changes in how much he had grown. Instead of running or diverting attention, he addresses the past. His parents and sister's reactions were not what he expected during all those years of guilt and avoidance. Peter is his strength and comfort. When an emergency arises his family jumps into action and every person they meet on their way back shows them that there is good in the world yet. The epilogue is the shining star of the whole book.

Audiobook:

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great feel good, hallmark worthy.

The story is good, and the characters are well written, and you actually could immerse yourself into the story,

I loved how the characters acted normal even though Peter was a famous movie star. He was down to earth. The style of writing appealed to me, and I will look for more books by this author.

Well narrated, clean and clear. Michael Dean is always a joy to listen to.

Solstice Surprise
By: Gabbi Grey
Narrated by: Michael Dean
Series: Catch a Tiger by the Tail
Length: 3 hrs and 34 mins


❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚 📚📚 Story
Read at 1.35 speed on Audible

I received this audiobook for free from GRR, and my review is my opinion and an honest review.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

We get to see the sweet continuation of the two gorgeous men from Catch a Tiger By the Tale. Here they are now married and visiting Thomas's parents for Christmas. This is a touching story of Thomas opening his heart to his parents, explaining why he stayed away for all those years, with Peter's support. It's a lovely tale but I found the writing a little lacking in the intensity and passion that was in the first story. I mean no disrespect to the author, I still enjoyed it, it just didn't seem to have that punch like the first one. The emergency that sends Peter and Thomas rushing back home could be a living nightmare or a Christmas miracle. Being a Brit living in Canada it was cute to read of Tim Hortons, Husky, Mounted Police, and our damned weather.

[Michelle Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know that this book was a follow up but unlike others I've read, you didn't feel lost in the story without the first book. Having said that I will definitely be reading the first book because I absolutely loved this book.

This is a new author to me and I will be looking for more. Her style of writing is fluid and so easy to follow - no going back to check you hadn't missed something - so yes please.

For a short story it takes you on quite an emotional journey that by the time the characters get their happily ever after you feel you got one too.

Well deserved 5 stars ✨ from me.

[L.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solstice Surprise is the direct sequel to Catch A Tiger by the Tail. Peter, a movie star actor, and Thomas, a production assistant, are happily married and taking the next steps in their lives. When the unexpected happens, the two men will make a mad dash across the country to get back home for a special surprise. This book was short but sweet. I really liked seeing the next stage in Peter and Thomas’ relationship, and the Christmas journey was suspenseful but heartwarming.

The audiobook was narrated by Michael Dean who did a fantastic job. Michael voiced the characters very well, and it was easy to follow along in the story. I really enjoyed the story and audiobook.

[Laora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this story before Catch a Tiger by the tail and of course had to re-listen after that book. I liked this book the first time around when I read it and enjoyed as much when listening to it these two times. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story. And the fact that Thomas got his closure at his hometown with his parents.
This men found their HEA in the earlier book, but find even more happiness in this one.
The narration was good, but for me it did not added a lot to the original book. It was nice to listen to though.
I was given this audiobook for free to leave a review.

[Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m reviewing the audio edition. This is suppose to be an standalone but I think it is more an extra epilogue for Catch a Tiger by the Tail. I enjoyed this because I again think Michael Dean’s narration gave the characters reality and personality. Peter and Thomas have worked out some of their issues and have married. As they still address coming out issues they also make life changing decisions. Since both Catch a Tiger by the Tail and this story are short stories I feel they would have been better as one book.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this holiday story!! Has family drama, some suspenseful moments, a blizzard, a baby and a HEA! Peter and Thomas have gone to see Thomas's family for Christmas. He has feelings of guilt over his brother's death and finally tells his parents the full story of that night. Then he and Peter get a text and call that they need to get back to Vancouver. They are adopting a baby girl from Hailey, and she's been admitted to the hospital due to fainting and being dizzy. This starts their adventure trying to get there thru a blizzard. Loved the ending.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas Walsh goes home for Christmas bringing his new husband, movie star, Peter Erickson. The homecoming is bittersweet. Thomas needs to tell his family about something that happened years ago and he's afraid his family will think less of him. This was an emotional ride that was handled well by the author. Additionally, Thomas and Peter get an unexpected call so that they have to return home during a snow storm. A good story with interesting characters.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to see Peter & Thomas again. I really enjoyed them in Catch a Tiger by the Tail and wish I had known about this story sooner. It was so great to see them settled into married life and expanding their family and I was glad that Thomas now had the courage to start to rebuild his relationship with his family.

Michael Dean did a nice job narrating the story but I personally don’t like over the to voices and I felt that he did that with Thomas at times.

I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I forget how this got on my radar much less Audible wishlist, but it was. I picked it up in a recent sale, and it's... okay. Not a bad book, and more like a 3.5. Just not something that's going to stay with me terribly long, either.

It is the 2nd book in a series, and to its credit, the book is easy to understand. The relevant previous information is peppered in without feeling like an infodump.

[Zeoanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story of a couple, Peter Ericson, a movie star, and his husband, Thomas Walsh, who are stuck in a blizzard while visiting Peter's parents in BC for Christmas. A Phone call prompts them to try to get to Vancouver as fast as they can. Thanks to Peter's connections, they hit rides with different drivers. A sweet and happy read.

[Robert LaPratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angels will lighten your life. 👼

Meeting that someone special is an amazing thing something you should cherish and always remember. Having a child especially the first one will bring the toughest of men to the softest moment in his life and he knows he's there. These little angels will lighten your life. 👼