Review – Solstice Surprise by Gabbi Grey

This is an apparently standalone story, but 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.

BLURB

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?