Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Sleigh Bells and Second Chances

SERIES:  Love in Mission City

AUTHOR:  Gabbi Grey

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  259 pages

RELEASE DATE:  October 10, 2024

BLURB:  

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.

REVIEW:

Note:  This is the third book in this series and as such contains spoilers for the previous books.  It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the other books for context around the friends group that are included in this story.

The blurb really explains who Simeon and Ryan are but this story is a beautiful slow burn relationship between two men who have really been through it.  At first, Ryan is rather resistant to his therapy at Healing Horses Ranch.  He’s got a lot of issues both physical and psychological.  He’s suffered terrible injuries as a result of his going into the Ukraine war zone.  On top of his recovery requirements, he’s got some other issues that he’s dealing with from his past and his father.

Simeon is a gentle soul.  He’s had a rough early life.  He’s made a good life for himself though living with his grandparents who love and support him.  He’s been able to give back to them and help them as they are reaching an advanced age.  He’s really just a lovely man and doesn’t realize his worth – despite his supportive colleagues, friends and clients.  He immediately recognizes that Ryan has issues and needs to feel safe and cared for.  As the story moves on, they grow closer.  He includes Ryan in his work and they are able to open up to each other which is an absolute gift for both of them.

I loved seeing all of the other characters from previous books and that support and appreciate Simeon.  The care that this author has in describing the challenges of Simeon’s previous trauma and his stutter are mirrored in the exposition of Ryan’s injury, surgeries, recovery, PT and therapy at Healing Horses.  I really loved the times both on the ranch and offsite where Simeon includes Ryan and the growing circle of friends and supporters.

There is a nice balance in this story with off-page angst and the healing that is going on here.  It might be my favorite in this series – which is saying something since I’ve loved all these books.  The holiday element is a nice kickoff for my reading this year too 🙂  Recommended!

RATING:

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