Scan barcode
stephreviewsbooks's review
3.0
As with most novellas this story is fast paced and lots of emotions change within a short time frame. I wasn't fully convinced by these two MC's; it seemed like they both had more of a story to tell. It was a sweet whirlwind romance with some sexy bits. This story would fit the criteria for a Christmas snowy cabin novella.
nixbix_reads's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This delivered exactly what I expected - short, steamy, and fun. I liked Matt & Case and I loved that they were in their forties. The plot & character development through the story was better than I expected, which is always a delight. They had great chemistry together & there’s plenty of sexy time while they are snowed in at Christmas. However, there are numerous editing & proof-reading errors & after a while, it does become irritating.
kbanfield88's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
mmromancereviewed's review
5.0
An Unexpected Gift is a steamy novella that hits so many of my hot buttons - one night stand, second chance, forced proximity, bisexual awakening and holiday romance all in just over 100 pages!
I've been a fan of Harper Robson's writing since the first novel, and we see the same great character development, well thought out plot and just enough angst to keep you reading this book past your bedtime!
While it is part of the Hot Dam Homes world, it can easily be read standalone and you won't miss anything.
I've been a fan of Harper Robson's writing since the first novel, and we see the same great character development, well thought out plot and just enough angst to keep you reading this book past your bedtime!
While it is part of the Hot Dam Homes world, it can easily be read standalone and you won't miss anything.
sophiereadsstories's review
4.0
I loved that Case and Matt were an older couple, and, though they have very different personalities, both were so sweet, and as a couple, they were on fire!
Their story starts with an incredible one-night stand that stays in the minds of both men for a year, but with no contact information exchanged (not even last names), it's impossible for them to meet the man in their dreams.
Then Fate intervenes just before Christmas, and both are stranded at the same mountain cabin. They soon realize that the passion they experienced a year ago is very much alive, and their mountain stay becomes a wonderful breakaway and chance to really get to know each other.
The heat and chemistry these two have is incredible, and it was great to see how the two men allow each other to be vulnerable enough to explore each other with such passion and abandon.
I really liked the relationship Matt had with his ex-wife; it was mature and healthy, and the fact that Matt was so open about going to therapy after was a great way of normalizing therapy and showing how healthy it can be for future relationships. The struggles the two had to make it work were also very realistic and normal—two people live in different cities but want to make it work. It happens to so many people every day and it was nice to see it reflected in a romance without any unnecessary drama.
I really enjoyed this feel-good Christmas novella; it was my first [a:Harper Robson|22284469|Harper Robson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1646730554p2/22284469.jpg] book, but it definitely will not be my last.
I was given an ARC for an unbiased review
Their story starts with an incredible one-night stand that stays in the minds of both men for a year, but with no contact information exchanged (not even last names), it's impossible for them to meet the man in their dreams.
Then Fate intervenes just before Christmas, and both are stranded at the same mountain cabin. They soon realize that the passion they experienced a year ago is very much alive, and their mountain stay becomes a wonderful breakaway and chance to really get to know each other.
The heat and chemistry these two have is incredible, and it was great to see how the two men allow each other to be vulnerable enough to explore each other with such passion and abandon.
I really liked the relationship Matt had with his ex-wife; it was mature and healthy, and the fact that Matt was so open about going to therapy after
Spoiler
his bi-awakeningI really enjoyed this feel-good Christmas novella; it was my first [a:Harper Robson|22284469|Harper Robson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1646730554p2/22284469.jpg] book, but it definitely will not be my last.
I was given an ARC for an unbiased review
taylordoddridge's review
5.0
Funny story about this novella. I was in bed at 9 P.M. reading this story, while my sister was drunk off her ass in a whole other country. Keep in mind that I am 22 years old AND my sister is younger than me! I am far too young to be acting like such a grandma. And you know what the wacky thing is?? I’m convinced that I was having a better time than her because this story was so good, and I devoured it the moment I turned my kindle on. You must read it if I thought a sweet story is better than partying. But anyway, now that you all know that I am lame, onto the review.
This was such a sweet Christmas novella. I loved the premise of this story. Two men have a knock-your-socks-off hookup and one of the men sneaks out the morning after. The two men go a whole year thinking about each other, and then they happen to find themselves snowed in together at the same cabin a year later. Fate is a sneaky woman. God bless her. Ohhhh also add in the fact that one of the men thought he was straight before the previously mentioned knock-your-socks-off hookup???? It was a no-brainer that I would enjoy this story. It was spectacular.
I loved the characters in this. Case and Matt were sweethearts that needed each other desperately. While this story was short, I didn’t feel like it was rushed. Their feelings came naturally, and it was like they knew each other forever instead of the week they were stuck in the cabin together. I wish the story was longer, so I could have got more of them.
I’m always going to mention the sex. Never fear. I was pleasantly surprised with the sex in this novella. The sex in short stories are usually hit or miss. It’s a delicate balance because too much and you get tired of reading it, and too little and you’re disappointed. This was perfect. You could totally see how in tune Matt and Case were with each other from the get-go. And it was YUMMY! Honestly, it was so good. Very sweet and sexy, and I enjoyed it a lot.
This was my first read from this author, and I am definitely going to check out more of her work. If she can do this well with a little novella, I would like to see how she does with a full length book. Please read this story!! Peace, love, and sex in a hot tub xoxoxoxo.
This was such a sweet Christmas novella. I loved the premise of this story. Two men have a knock-your-socks-off hookup and one of the men sneaks out the morning after. The two men go a whole year thinking about each other, and then they happen to find themselves snowed in together at the same cabin a year later. Fate is a sneaky woman. God bless her. Ohhhh also add in the fact that one of the men thought he was straight before the previously mentioned knock-your-socks-off hookup???? It was a no-brainer that I would enjoy this story. It was spectacular.
I loved the characters in this. Case and Matt were sweethearts that needed each other desperately. While this story was short, I didn’t feel like it was rushed. Their feelings came naturally, and it was like they knew each other forever instead of the week they were stuck in the cabin together. I wish the story was longer, so I could have got more of them.
I’m always going to mention the sex. Never fear. I was pleasantly surprised with the sex in this novella. The sex in short stories are usually hit or miss. It’s a delicate balance because too much and you get tired of reading it, and too little and you’re disappointed. This was perfect. You could totally see how in tune Matt and Case were with each other from the get-go. And it was YUMMY! Honestly, it was so good. Very sweet and sexy, and I enjoyed it a lot.
This was my first read from this author, and I am definitely going to check out more of her work. If she can do this well with a little novella, I would like to see how she does with a full length book. Please read this story!! Peace, love, and sex in a hot tub xoxoxoxo.
notguilty's review
5.0
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Really enjoyed this novella. It starts with a sexy one-night stand, and then we get to find out how they find themselves together, and I love that. It’s such a fun plot. I also love that they are older, and really, how great is a bi-awakening in their 40s?
They are both fantastic guys, and watching them figure themselves out, work through their pasts, and process how to make the relationship function was super satisfying. They had an attractive maturity but were still sexy and fun. Which made for a wonderful story.
I love the swoony ending, which was sweet and romantic, and oh-so rewarding.
This will join the ranks as one of my favourite holiday romance novellas.
Really enjoyed this novella. It starts with a sexy one-night stand, and then we get to find out how they find themselves together, and I love that. It’s such a fun plot. I also love that they are older, and really, how great is a bi-awakening in their 40s?
They are both fantastic guys, and watching them figure themselves out, work through their pasts, and process how to make the relationship function was super satisfying. They had an attractive maturity but were still sexy and fun. Which made for a wonderful story.
I love the swoony ending, which was sweet and romantic, and oh-so rewarding.
This will join the ranks as one of my favourite holiday romance novellas.
More...