#BookReview – “If Only for Today” by Gabbi Grey

Blurb

Jared Langford is a happy man. The desk clerk at the Deerbourne Inn knows everyone in his cozy town in Vermont. He is accepted and loved by the community, but he’s missing someone special in his life.

Devastating news has brought journalist Xander Fortier to Willow Springs for some much-needed rest. He’s photographed every major conflict in the world for the last ten years, but being stateside has forced him to reassess the solitary life he’s been living.

Something in Xander’s gruff demeanor calls to Jared’s caring nature. Soon the men are spending time together, but Jared’s kisses might not be enough to keep Xander from leaving. Can the men find a happily ever after if they only have today?

Review

On the surface, Jared Langford is completely happy with his life. He enjoys his job as the desk clerk at the Deerbourne Inn, he’s into photography and theater, and he’s always smiling. But he’s a private person with a heart-wrenching secret that he never plans to reveal. Then he meets an enigmatic guest at the inn, and for some reason, he can’t keep his distance from the man.

Award-winning photojournalist Xander Fortier goes to Willow Springs, Vermont, to finish his autobiography and to make peace with his health diagnosis. After witnessing so much pain and tragedy during his trips around the world, the last thing he expected to find was love when he didn’t have much time left.

Jared and Xander had wonderful chemistry. They’ve both experienced pain and loss, but were still true to themselves and what they wanted out of life. They fit together perfectly.

I don’t read many gay romances, and this is the first one I’ve read that was clean (no on-page sex). Their romance was sweet and heartfelt, like a melding of souls.

Since this book is in the multi-author series, the Deerbourne Inn, there were a few characters from other books that showed up in this one. It was great seeing them again.

Even though I liked the story, I sometimes had a hard time visualizing the scenes or figuring out who was speaking. I also kept wondering why Jared didn’t bring home the pets he got the day he adopted them. Maybe the rules about pet adoption are different in Vermont than from where I live?

Anyway, for readers who love MM sweet romance, this is a fun, yet emotional book to try. I teared up a few times, so I definitely enjoyed it.

4 Stars

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