Gibson

The Daddies of River Gorge #3

by Jacki James

Tristan Aguilar is keeping a big secret. But there’s one man he can’t hide from any longer…

“Thank you, Daddy.” Three little words uttered in a moment of weakness that have the power to undo all the years of progress Tristan has made as the mayor of River Gorge.

“Thank you, Daddy.” Three little words Gibson Carr had never dreamed he would hear come from his best friend’s gorgeous mouth.

But once the words are out there, Tristan can’t take them back or laugh them off as a joke, because Gibson isn’t having it. He’s wanted Tristan since he was old enough to know what wanting was, and he has no intention of letting fear keep them apart.

Mayor Tristan may have big plans for their small town, but Daddy Gibson has big plans for the mayor.

Come along with Gibson and Tristan as they learn how to navigate a transition from a forty-year friendship to love… all with the added pressure of an election year.

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romance, BDSM, Found Family, Westerns, Queer

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2023

Reviews

[Duffette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Vet Daddy

I've been looking forward to this book since Bear's book. I enjoy books where you get two guys who don't fit the standard mold. Everyone always assumed the confident mayor/lawyer would make a great Daddy, but he's just a boy.

Seeing their relationship go from decades long friendship to being a couple was just sweet. Gibson wasn't over the top with the Daddy lifestyle with Tris, but it nice to see him embrace all the changes as they came.

Fairly low agnst book, but sweet moments sprinkled in. Can't wait for Nash next. Wonder which pairing we're going to end up seeing.

[Mariah · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 this one lacked chemistry for me. i loooove a best friends to lovers romance, but i feel like this is the kind that tends to give that trope a bad rep.
there wasn't any real build or anticipation and so it wasn't very exciting.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gibson and Tristan’s story was a sweet transition from best friends to lovers that was brilliantly done. This author, Jacki James has managed to catch the vulnerability and the hesitation when it comes to being best friends to lovers. When they finally decided, these two took that step and changed their whole relationship dynamic for the better, A relationship that was filled with of communication and honesty.

The "Daddy" kink was fairly mild in this one. Gibson a "boys" dream "Daddy". He was very sweet and nothing but caring, especially with Tristan having so much to lose. Tristian is an attorney as well as the Mayor or River Gorge and he now has a bigot and a homophobe running against him. Tristan's plans for the small Texas town have thus far brought success and profit, but his opponent wants none of that.

I liked that Tristan wasn’t the typical "boy" especially considering his leadership position in the community as well as him being a lawyer, however it was very clear just how much peace the mindset brings him, and Gibson completely understood him and his needs.

This has been such a sweet series and what a family these guys have turned into. While these books work very well as standalones, I would recommend reading them in order to get the full background of the other couples. If you’re into sweet small-town romances and mild Daddy kink you should really give this series a try.

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 1st person
MM | friends to lovers | secret relationship | small town

There’s just something special with a long time friends to lovers romance, where the characters have had crushes on each others but never made a move, at least not until something changes…

Gibson and Tristan’s story was very spot on with that sweet and swoony transition from best friends to lovers, and I loved it! Jacki James managed to catch the vulnerability and hesitation about taking that step towards something more very well, and their whole relationship dynamic was full of communication and honesty.

The daddy kink was pretty mild in this one, and Gibson was a very sweet and caring type of Daddy. I really liked that Tristan wasn’t the typical boy though, with his leadership position in the community as well as being a lawyer, but it was clear how much peace the mindset brought him and I loved how well Gibson understood him and his needs.

I’m really enjoying this sweet series and the found family these guys have turned into! While these books technically work as standalone, I would recommend reading them in order to get the full background of the other couples.

If you’re into sweet small town romances and mild Daddy kink you should really give this series a try!

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 3 in The Daddies of River Gorge series but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. This is the story of Tristan Aguilar and Gibson Carr. Tristan is the towns mayor and an openly gay man. He is currently under stress as he now has a challenger in the mayoral race. Gibson is the large animals vet. Both have lived in town for most of their lives. They have a solid friend pool. I enjoyed that they were both mature and not just 20 somethings in this story. They have been friends for years. But they drifted apart due to schooling and careers. They both have moved back to town and plan to stay. Gibson is a Daddy and he loves caring for people. His choice of companion has always been the opposite of the one he always wanted. Tristan has lost his ability for stress relief both at work and personally. He is surrounded by happy couples and it is starting to wear on him. He thinks he knows that he is not the type his wanted daddy prefers. As with most things, add in copious amounts of alcohol and the truth will eventually get out. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I enjoyed how the two of them knew each other so well and at the same time were learning all about each other again. My only slight negative is that I thought the reasoning behind Tristan's decision making in relationship to the election felt forced. He is already an out gay man. No one has the right to know what kind of relationship it is, just that you have one. So that took me out of the story for a bit. But overall I enjoyed the book.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm starting to enjoy same age daddy/boy romances. This one was extra sweet because Gibson and Tristan were best friends. This was low angst with some heat. There were some appearances with past characters so it's good to have read their stories but not essential. Loved the characters, loved the small town and loved the romance. If you love the series so far you will definitely love this sweet daddy/boy romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars
Gibson is the third book in the Daddies of River Gorge series by Jacki James!! This is the story of Gibson and Tristan. I love their story. It's sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.

[no one · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was just bored nearly the whole time I spent reading it, to the point I would take breaks reading after almost every chapter. I feel like it was 80% of Tristan completing his mayor duties or just thinking about them, 10% of random Gibson being a vet moments, and then the remaining 10% was split up between actual moments showcasing the mc’s together, the occasional friend get together, and whatever else. The book (imo) relied too heavily on saying they (the mc’s) have been friends for forever and, because of that, the jump from them being friends to being more seemed very abrupt because we were given so little insight on them in the past. Idk, I could go more in depth with issues I took with the lack of substance I found in the book, but I can’t really be bothered. It had potential, but meh.

[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Loved this D/b story. It was a very light D/b story. Meaning you didn’t get much of the dynamic of that relationship. More of talk about what it was. I’m a sucker for a good best friends story and it was fun watching these two cross the the line of friends to more. The writing was good, I felt their emotions. The smexy was nice, and the side characters are previous books or future book couples. I do wish there was diversity. Is 2023 that shouldn’t be an issue anymore

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gibson by Jacki James is the third book in her The Daddies of River Gorge series. You may want to read the other books first as they contain characters that play an important part in this one and also describe life in the town. It is the sweet story of two men who were best friends as children, went their own ways as adults, and then found themselves back together in the town of River Gorge later in life. Tristan Aguilar is a trusted lawyer and the openly out progressive mayor of River Gorge. Between these two jobs he had little time for other pursuits, including finding a boyfriend. He is secretly a Boy but everyone thinks he is a Daddy because of his tough focus on what he needs to get done. Gibson Carr is the large animal vet in town and is a Daddy through and through. He has always had feelings for Tristan but thought, like everyone else, that he was a Daddy and he knew a relationship with him would never work out because of this. Until one night when Tristan said something to Gibson that changed his mind. He then tries many ways to discover if Tristan is indeed a Boy and when he does he is ecstatic. He has always wanted to be with Tristan and this is his chance to show him what a great Daddy he can be. Unfortunately Tristan is now facing an opponent in his reelection bid for mayor that is contesting all the things that he wants to do to improve in the town and he is afraid if it comes out that he is dating Gibson, who everyone knows is a Daddy, then that will be one more thing against him so people won’t vote for him. However, they can’t resist each other so they start dating in secret. The story continues as they build their relationship and it is very interesting when it finally comes out in a very public way. I enjoyed this book just like I have the others in the series. It gives you a good feeling of what small town life is like as well as going through the election process. Tristan takes his jobs so seriously and only wants the town to grow and be successful, even if it hurts his dating life. Gibson is a big sweetheart and puts everything into being the Daddy Tristan needs, even if it means they can’t be together in public. I liked reading about ranch life and how it is different on each of their friend’s places and also how their friends were both funny and helpful as time went on. While this is a Daddy/Boy book there isn’t any age play and it is mostly about taking care of each other with the Daddy in charge. There are also several hot love scenes. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories with low angst and best friend to lovers in a small town setting, as this one does not disappoint

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan and Gibson are so sweet together!

River Gorge is alway a wonderful place to visit, filled with amazing people who are filled with love and support for their community. Yes, there are a few people we'd all be happy to do without, but mostly it's a community that wants to be a safe place for people to live and grow in. Tristan is a big part of bringing the community together. He works so hard for his community yet seemed to think that he wasn't allowed to have the love in his life that everyone else was. He had sequestered such an important part of his life away from so many people including those closest to him. I think the worst part of that is that his fear was understandable. He grew up at a time when being gay wasn't safe and he lived in a place that can be dangerous for people who are different. Whilst River Gorge has made so many positive steps forward in respect of tolerance there were people who weren't tolerant and who had, in the recent past, been aggressive in their bigotry. What I love about this series is that it doesn't shy away from the reality that being LGBTQ or being different can make you a target, especially in small towns where people can remain very much set in the past. However, it also shows that as much as there can be bigots, there are also people who will stand behind you, who will fight to protect you and will fight to create a strong, safe community. Seeing Tristan find his HEA with Gibson was perfect. Gibson was such a good person for Tristan. Not only were they on fire together, but he understood who Tristan was at his core. He was able to provide the safe place that Tristan needed to be able to truly relax and feel free. The way he approached his and Tristan's relationship was just more evidence of how much he understood Tristan and his need to move slowly and carefully. It was exactly what I wanted and needed when I started and was such a sweet, comforting read.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this addition to the Daddies of River George series. Tristan finally gets his HEA and in a place so very close to home. He and Gibson have been best friends since school but have only ever been in the friend zone. Tristan has been too focused on his career and then being the best mayor for River Gorge.
He finds himself a little bereft, though, seeing all of these other men find their daddies when no one even knows that that is what he wants. It's amusing how the two men finally acknowledge what is possible between them and I love the take charge attitude that Gibson has, only wanting the best for Tristan but, equally, knowing that he is independent and strong when it comes to his work. He just needs that loving care and attention, knowing someone is on his side and taking away the stresses of his two jobs when away from them. They fit each other perfectly, seamlessly moving from friends to lovers and going right into their daddy and boy roles with ease.
I understand why Tristan has reservations about telling people about their relationship as Gibson had never been shy in talking about his Daddy nature and it is election season, so anything that could possibly go against him, in regards to the occasional narrow minded person in town, is what he worries about. But Tristan is beloved as mayor and all of the work he is doing for the town is appreciated by so many. Gibson is clearly proud of the man, even just as his best friend. They make an adorable couple and a wonderful addition to the ever growing group of couples in River Gorge. I can't wait to see who gets their story next.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gibson is the third book in the Daddy in River Gorge series and you will get the most out of it if it's read in order. Ideally you also should read the previous River Gorge books as well as the characters interlink.

I really like not only the friends-to-lovers trope but also that both characters are older, no age gap or twenty-somethings.

Gibson and Tristan are old friends, schoolmates, drifted apart and reunited when Tristan returned to River Gorge. Nobody knows about Tristan's preferences and so it comes as an utterly surprise when alcohol is loosing his tongue.

Gibson is a caring and kind Daddy, it takes a while for Tristan to accept that their relationship will work and he definitely underestimates the town.

There is chemistry despite the steam level on the lower side in this book. Both guys are well written and have depth you explore during the book. Obviously all of the River Gorge gang is there as well and adds to the overall completness of the story.

Negative point - the Daddy Kink is on the low side. I would have loved some more kink and overall acceptance in their relationship outside their home. But it does not take away the feeling of a sweet and fairly romantical story and like with previous stories, I want to read more.

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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I love love love a sub who has a high-powered job. There’s something so satisfying about them finding the release to really let go. And I love the juxtaposition of the two.

And this best-friends to lovers duo was everything I want from a Jacki daddies story. Tristan and Gibson are so bloody lovely together, as friends and as lovers. I can totally understand Tristan’s reluctance for the world to know his secret. As a Mayor and a lawyer people have strong beliefs of what that kind of leader should be like and a submissive is not it.

But Gibson is determined to show Tristan that they can have it all. And doesn’t that just make you swoon hard?

“I looked into his beautiful blue eyes, and I just knew everything was going to be okay. This was Gibby, and I knew him well enough to know that I could count on him.”

Full of lovely friends, sweet dates, and some really sexy times.

[Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review: Gibson by Jacki James

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️

Back to River Gorge.

This story follows Tristan and Gibson on their journey from where friendship can sometimes evolve into something else.

I have loved this series. I have read Cruz and Bear in the same anthology as this one, but also many of Jacki's books that take place in the same universe. This book did not disappoint.

The author's writing style is nothing short of captivating. James has a unique ability to paint vivid scenes with her words, immersing readers in the world she has created. The pacing is well-maintained, effortlessly transitioning between heart-pounding action sequences and quieter, introspective moments that provide insight into the characters' motivations and desires.

While Gibson undoubtedly shines, there are moments when the plot's intricacies might require closer attention. Some readers might find themselves rereading certain passages to fully grasp the nuances of the story.

Overall, loved this story.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appearances can be deceiving

I have been waiting for Gibson and Tristan's story.
I absolutely loved it.
Tristan and Gibson have been best friends for years and both have cared for each other as much more than friends but haven't been brave enough to do anything about.
Gibson is also a Daddy and he knows Tristan isn't a boy, right?
Wrong, and Tristan accidentally lets the cat out of the bag in a drunken confession.
Gibson never dreamed that Tristan was a boy because he's so very confident as River Gorge's mayor.
Tristan agrees to secretly trial dating because he's terrified that people won't vote for him or see him as a mayor if they know he lives an alternative lifestyle.
Secretly dating blows up in their face because all their friends pretty much clue in immediately in the differences between them.
I really enjoyed seeing a softer side to Tristan and how caring, nurturing and protective Gibson was with him because Tristan definitely needed it.
Tristan finally decides that he needs to live his life for himself and not worry so much about other people's opinions of him .
The chemistry between them was explosive and I really enjoyed being back in River Gorge.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I turned in his arms so I could face him while we had this conversation, but the second our eyes met, I realized there was nothing to say. We were on the same page here. I looked into his beautiful blue eyes, and I just knew everything was going to be okay. This was Gibby, and I knew him well enough to know that I could count on him.”

This story was so good! I am a fan of Jacki James anyway and have read the other books in this series, but there was just something about Tristan and Gibson that was extra special. Tristan tries so hard to lead the town of River Gorge that he hides his most secret self from the world because he doesn’t want any of the dissenters to think him weak. His oldest friend Gibson may be a Daddy but even he has no idea what Tristan really wants or needs until it accidentally slips. This story was about them realizing just how perfectly they fit together.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally get Gibson and Tristan's story! While this can be read standalone, you'll get more out of it after watching these two struggle as best friends who have underlying chemistry through the previous stories in this series and the original River Gorge books.

I truly enjoy watching them navigate the change in their relationship from best friends to lovers and Daddy/boy. This book showcases a true caring daddy role and shows us that even strong, involved men can crave the love and adoration of a daddy, allowing the stress of two demanding careers to recede and watching Gibson take care of Tristan was beautiful. This story flows wonderfully - giving us insights into their relationship and also showing us the further development of the town of River Gorge and I lapped it up! Bonus- Gibson adopts a puppy (real dog)!

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tristan Aguilar is the Mayor of River Gorge and his best friend is the Veterinarian Gibson Carr. Tristan is keeping a big secret and he can't hide it from his best friend any longer - especially because in a moment of weakness he says "Thank you Daddy" to him. Gibson has dreamed of hearing them from him and now they have been said they can't be taken back. Mayor Tristan may have big plans for their small town, but Daddy Gibson has big plans for the mayor.

I enjoyed this story with the two friends who had wanted each other for years but never taken the first step to change their friendship in case it was lost. The careful way that Gibson took care of Tristan and made sure that he had what he needed was so sweet and definitely set him up for success. Easy to read, feel and understand this was an MM story with mature content around a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I’m really loving this series, River Gorge is so full of wonderful characters. This is an excellent best friends to lovers romance, with two characters who are very easy to love. There is not a lot of drama between Gibson and Tristian but there is real emotion in their story. In particular, in Tristian’s conflict between his personal life as Gibson’s boy and his role as mayor of River Gorge. What a triumphant moment it was when he stops hiding that side of himself. I especially loved how supportive these two are with each other, their connection is deep and goes back to childhood. I absolutely love spending time in River Gorge, the plot around Tristian and his re-election as mayor was so fun and interesting. Another great read in this series!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Deb Loves to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

River Gorge is coming back to life with the help of its mayor and a lot of new blood in town. Tristan works 7 days a week as its mayor to bring the town into the 21st century, but what he really needs is someone to take care of him, even if he worries it will affect his reelection campaign.
Gibson, the local vet, is Tristan's best friend. What happens when he realizes that he really needs to be something more - that Tristan needs and secretly wants a Daddy?
All our favorite River Gorge characters help them settle into a new relationship because that's what friends do. Add in a little animal rescue and some political intrigue, and it makes for a very enjoyable read. I love this little town!

[Jess A Jaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jacki James is fast being a 1-click author me. I'm really enjoying The Daddies of River Gorge series and I'm now going back and making my way through the Men of River Gorge series as I love the cameos of those guys in the newer books.
Gibson and Tristan's story was a great read. I really enjoyed that the this was a friends-to-lovers with the besties discovering that they both had secret crushes on each other. And Tristan had another secret that not even his best friend knew - he's a boy. Tristan is the small town's mayor and he's worried what the town will think of him if they discover the true him, especially as he's fighting for re-election.
I loved how patient and supportive Gibson was with his friend and then his boy.
A great addition to the series.

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever

Later in life, best friends to lovers, Daddy/boy, small town, check, check, check, and check! I hope you’re ready to swoon because Gibson and Tristan have it all.

“He needed a Daddy. And not just any Daddy. He needed me. He just didn’t know it yet.”

I love everything about this book. From the mature characters and adult conversations to the squishy feels and the small town love, I can’t get enough of Tris and Gibson (and I adore Tristan’s nickname for him), their heartwarming romance, or of the wonderful way they understand each other. Every time I visit River Gorge, it’s like I’m greeted with a big smile, a warm hug, and the coziest of feels. I will forever love this town and its people.

[Karen Komarinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

out in the open

Tristan who is the Mayor & Attorney for his home town River Gorge is up for re-election and is stressed because he is being contested by a man who threatens to dismantle everything he and the town trust has done to not only save River Gorge but lead it to a bright future. At poker night Tristan gets really drunk and his best friend Gibson takes him home & before Tristan passes out he calls Gibson Daddy; Everyone new Gibson was a Daddy what his best friend and others had no clue Tristan was a little. Gibson was happy & hurt at the same time but was determined not to let Tristan go, could they make a secret relationship work until the election is over? You’ll just have to read & find out.

[Tracey Johns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the men and Daddies of River Gorge! Tristan & Gibson, friends for decades, still have more to learn about each other. Gibson learns he didn't really 'see' his friend lately, and Tristan learns that Gibson does not let go or give up easily when it comes to Tristan or something he is passionate about. Like Tristan. I really enjoyed the vet/rancher/animals aspects of the story, as well.
Jacki James has a smooth way of bringing back old friends & introducing new ones to keep the town, people, and stories fresh, spinning the main love story beautifully around & amidst it all. Also leaves room for more to come, Bring it on!

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Assume! So glad Tristan made his drunken confession! This was Friends to Daddy perfection. I loved that both Tristan and Gibson were both older and successful in their lives. Really the only thing truly important that was missing was that they were romantically perfect for each other. The familiarity from being friends was exactly what Tristan needed to trust his needs and desires to Gibson. Yes, Tristan is a tough high-power lawyer, but vet Gibson knows how to take care and take charge. This was a unique yet realistic dynamic and I was so happy for both of them. I also enjoyed all of the Ranch life. Keep these Daddies coming!

[Rata Robinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever what something really bad..

Tristan is the mayor and lawyer in the small town of River Gorge. He allows himself one to many drinks on a night out with friends . One of his best friends Gibson Carr decided to take pity on him an take his drunk self home before he does something stupid. Tristan drunkly calls Gibson Daddy.. Spilling his secrets that deep down this self assured man is really a boy looking for a Daddy.. Can they become more? Gibson is determined to make Tristan his .. Does years of friends ship help or harm? Can Tristan let go of his strict rules to find what he really wants in life..

[stardragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in River Gorge Texas and Tristan Aguilar is hard at work as both the only attorney and also current mayor. Not only is he running for reelection but also planning the Fall fest and trying to get more people to see what the town offers. Gibson Carr has been his friend since school days, he is also the area veterinarian. Gibson has always looked out for Tristan because back in school he was smaller than the rest of the kids. Clifton Jeffers is challenging Tristan in the mayoral election. He is also slinging around rumors. I like this series of stories and seeing how the community and friends come together with support and love.

[Michelleroebuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise!!

The last thing that Gibson expected to see when he opened his dating app was the scales of justice. They looked exactly like the one he'd seen on his best friend a few days ago, Tristan. Gibson was a daddy looking for a boy and Tristan was a boy looking for a part-time daddy. They both felt they never had a chance with each other, because Gibson didn't know Tristan was a boy and Tristan thought he wasn't the type of boy Gibson was looking for. They were both wrong and once Gibson let his feelings known that was the beginning of their journey together. CUTE COUPLE AND GREAT READ!!😍😍😍

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Mayor Tristan Aguilar is out as gay but he has been hiding something from the town and his best friend large animal veterinarian Gibson Carr. In vino veritas when Tristan, feeling sorry for himself gets drunk he lets his secret out and Gibson is going to take advantage of it and claim his boy.
Two long time friends, fear and lack of communication turn this love story into a cautionary tale for living your best life. I enjoyed watching Gibson find his happiness. I worried right along with Tristan about how the town would respond.
This book made my heart smile.