Reviewed by Scotty
TITLE: Anthony
SERIES: Single Dads of Gaynor Beach
AUTHOR: Gabbi Grey
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
PUBLISHER: Gabbi Grey
LENGTH: 7hrs and 48mins
RELEASE DATE: Sep 13, 2024
BLURB:
Anthony
During my seven years as a social worker in Gaynor Beach, California, delivering orphaned twins to their unsuspecting father is the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced. These babies lost their mother and they need a loving parent, but is adorable Scott Wexler up to that challenge? Transferring custody is one thing—walking away is something entirely different, especially with the stress of Christmas bearing down on Scott too.
Scott
After escaping a miserable childhood, I’ve made a fresh start in California. I’m in charge at the Gaynor Beach Public Library, I love helping people, and I’m feeling like an actual functional human being. Then social worker Anthony Rodrigues shows up on my doorstep with twins I fathered through a sperm donation, and suddenly I’m responsible for two tiny lives. Accepting help from the gorgeous social worker is a no brainer—admitting I want him to stay is going to take a lot more courage.
This 74k word gay romance is a slow burn, mid-angst, instalove with a geeky librarian, a by-the-book social worker, adorable twin-toddler terrors, and a beleaguered cat named Crumpy.
REVIEW:
‘Anthony’ by Gabbi Grey is the ninth book in the multi-author Single Dads of Gaynor Beach series, offering a blend of unexpected parenthood and slow-burn romance.
Grey introduces us to Anthony Rodrigues, a dedicated social worker we met in the previous novel ‘Hugh’, and Scott Wexler, a geeky librarian whose life is turned upside down when he suddenly becomes the father of twin toddlers. Anthony gets his redemption, having previously been a hindrance to Oscar and Hugh, and it’s nice to see some growth throughout this book
The story opens with a bang, thrusting immediately into the chaos of Scott’s new reality as a parent to twins. While this approach creates instant drama, it doesn’t allow you to get acquainted with the main characters before they’re neck-deep in diapers and baby bottles, and is a bit unrealistic.
The romantic aspect of the story, which should be a key element in a romance novel, often takes a backseat to the minutiae of childcare. While raising children is undoubtedly a huge part of the characters’ lives, the heavy focus on these details comes at the expense of developing the central relationship between Anthony and Scott. I didn’t really need to know about every meal they feed the babies.
That said, the romance itself feels more natural and better paced than in ‘Hugh’ (the previous book in the series). The author avoids common pitfalls like miscommunication, allowing the relationship to develop organically amidst the chaos of newfound parenthood.
The twin toddlers, Alicia and Zayden, are the most vibrant characters in the story, outshining the main characters in personality despite their inability to speak. This highlights a missed opportunity in developing Scott and Anthony’s characters more fully.
For audiobook fans, Michael Ferraiuolo’s narration is once again a highlight. His clear delivery enhances the listening experience, with Scott’s Oklahoma accent providing a welcome distinction between the main characters’ voices. His smooth tones and crisp sound are a pleasure to listen to.
In conclusion, ‘Anthony’ offers a low-angst, low-heat exploration of instant family and unexpected love. While it could do with more focus on the MCs and their emotional connection, it was still an enjoyable read.
RATING: 
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