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A Nymph Solstice Romance #5
A Winter Redemption
An MM fantasy winter holiday novella.
Jarne’s world is upended when he catches his husband cheating. He flees the city and travels to the small mountain village where his brother lives. At an inn, Jarne just wants to be left alone. Then a handsome stranger with a flirty smile propositions him. Surprising himself, Jarne accepts. After all, it’s just one night. And this might be what he needs to move on.
When half-nymph Ketho meets the uptight, arrogant workaholic from the city, he thinks he’s never met anyone who needed a tupping more in their life. Ketho is more than happy to offer his services. Because whilst Ketho doesn’t do relationships, he always enjoys a tryst.
Then they meet up again. And again. And again. Still, it’s only temporary. They have no future together. Jarne must return to the city. He and Ketho are complete opposites and have nothing in common. And Ketho has vowed to never be tied to anyone ever again.
But as feelings flourish and their connection grows, will they continue to deny their true feelings for each other?
Jarne’s world is upended when he catches his husband cheating. He flees the city and travels to the small mountain village where his brother lives. At an inn, Jarne just wants to be left alone. Then a handsome stranger with a flirty smile propositions him. Surprising himself, Jarne accepts. After all, it’s just one night. And this might be what he needs to move on.
When half-nymph Ketho meets the uptight, arrogant workaholic from the city, he thinks he’s never met anyone who needed a tupping more in their life. Ketho is more than happy to offer his services. Because whilst Ketho doesn’t do relationships, he always enjoys a tryst.
Then they meet up again. And again. And again. Still, it’s only temporary. They have no future together. Jarne must return to the city. He and Ketho are complete opposites and have nothing in common. And Ketho has vowed to never be tied to anyone ever again.
But as feelings flourish and their connection grows, will they continue to deny their true feelings for each other?
Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2023
About the author
Gigi Rivers
28 books82 followersGigi spent her childhood daydreaming and living inside the imaginary worlds in her mind. As an author, she now shares these worlds with her readers.
Born and raised in Australia, she now resides in Berlin, Germany. She is mixed race, being half-Filipino and part Welsh. She is a traveller, potter, gym enthusiast, nature and animal lover, an avid consumer of stories, and now, a writer.
Gigi writes mm fantasy romance. Her debut series is A Naiad Romance.
Born and raised in Australia, she now resides in Berlin, Germany. She is mixed race, being half-Filipino and part Welsh. She is a traveller, potter, gym enthusiast, nature and animal lover, an avid consumer of stories, and now, a writer.
Gigi writes mm fantasy romance. Her debut series is A Naiad Romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 16, 2023
DNF cos i'm a hater
December 17, 2023
Jarne and Ketho's story is probably my favorite yet because of how neatly it ties up everything from the first book. Sero and Aryn's story gets closure right along with Jarne and Ketho's. We also finally meet Aryn and Jarne's terrible mother and the awful Sasha.
I really love how Gigi Rivers gave both MCs separate character arcs that complimented each other's and fed into their romantic arc so well.
I really love how Gigi Rivers gave both MCs separate character arcs that complimented each other's and fed into their romantic arc so well.
November 19, 2023
This book is returning a bit to the first one in the series, telling a story of Jarne, Aryn's brother, and Ketho, Sero's ex. Aryn and Sero are present as supporting characters. I think it's the first time in the series with a close connection to an earlier book, and it's pretty interesting.
The main characters have a great chemistry. I was really into these two being into each other. They both come from loveless childhoods, one with money and one without, and they don't really believe they'd know how to love and be loved.
Jarne is socially inept while professionally adept, and Ketho is hiding his insecurities under free spiritedness. I enjoyed their differing views and how they still appreciated each other. There was also a lot of humorous interactions between them.
I didn't find the latter half or so of the book quite as compelling as the former with the sizzling attraction, but it was still very nice and sweet, just not unputdownable.
My thanks to the author for the ARC.
The main characters have a great chemistry. I was really into these two being into each other. They both come from loveless childhoods, one with money and one without, and they don't really believe they'd know how to love and be loved.
He should have requested a bowl be brought to his room. Or he could have carried the food to his room himself. Or he could have starved.
It all seemed preferable to this inane chit-chat.
Jarne is socially inept while professionally adept, and Ketho is hiding his insecurities under free spiritedness. I enjoyed their differing views and how they still appreciated each other. There was also a lot of humorous interactions between them.
I didn't find the latter half or so of the book quite as compelling as the former with the sizzling attraction, but it was still very nice and sweet, just not unputdownable.
My thanks to the author for the ARC.
November 22, 2023
3.5 rounded up. . .
I went into this thinking there was NO WAY I was going to like Jarne and Ketho but somehow it happened. It was so heartwarming to see Jarne make friends, repairing his relationship with his brother and learning to appreciate the things that really matter in life. As for Ketho, there were times I wanted to just shake him but I think he paired nicely like Jarne.
Follows the same format as the other stories with a third act separation/break up but it’s resolved fairly quickly.
Loved the cameos with some of the previous couples in the series 🥰
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Please excuse my spelling and grammar mistakes, I never claimed to be good at writing reviews, they are just my stream of thoughts after reading a story. My ratings always reflect my enjoyment of the story. Just because it aligns or doesn’t align with my tastes does not mean it’ll be the same for you. Try reading it for yourself ! ❀
I went into this thinking there was NO WAY I was going to like Jarne and Ketho but somehow it happened. It was so heartwarming to see Jarne make friends, repairing his relationship with his brother and learning to appreciate the things that really matter in life. As for Ketho, there were times I wanted to just shake him but I think he paired nicely like Jarne.
Follows the same format as the other stories with a third act separation/break up but it’s resolved fairly quickly.
Loved the cameos with some of the previous couples in the series 🥰
━━･━━･━━･━━･
Please excuse my spelling and grammar mistakes, I never claimed to be good at writing reviews, they are just my stream of thoughts after reading a story. My ratings always reflect my enjoyment of the story. Just because it aligns or doesn’t align with my tastes does not mean it’ll be the same for you. Try reading it for yourself ! ❀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
4.5/5 This was a delightful story taking two background “antagonist” characters from the first Nymph Solstice book and giving them the chance at their own HEA. Jarne was so painfully socially awkward, it was both touching and cringeworthy watching him try to reach out and communicate with his brother. He was genuinely trying so hard but going about it so clumsily. The juxtaposition of his rigid, stand-off persona and the vulnerability underneath made him a really fun character to explore. It was lovely to see him slowly blossom and realise the value of more than work.
Ketho comes from a rough background that helped explain his behaviour; although he expresses it very differently, he’s as repressed in his own way as Jarne is. I enjoyed the whimsical details of his personality, like embellishing all his borrowed clothing. I loved watching them find a safe place where they could value love, friendship, and (found) family.
Looking forward to the next book!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Ketho comes from a rough background that helped explain his behaviour; although he expresses it very differently, he’s as repressed in his own way as Jarne is. I enjoyed the whimsical details of his personality, like embellishing all his borrowed clothing. I loved watching them find a safe place where they could value love, friendship, and (found) family.
Looking forward to the next book!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
November 22, 2023
Jarne and Ketho are now officially my favourites!
I adored these two! First, I love that we got to see Sero and Aryn again. More than that though, I loved Ketho and Jarne’s vulnerability and struggle towards finding their HEA. They were just so genuinely deserving of true affection and love. Yes, these two were not coming from great places in previous books. But that’s what I love about getting to see things from the other side; you realise that there is so much more there and you see that sometimes what comes off terribly isn’t always someone being cruel but something very different coming from a place of deep hurt. Jarne, I loved him so much. He’s so awkward and stilted. You can see how much he desperately wants to fix things or open up or interact and his attempts were sweet and heartwarming because they weren’t easy to him. He really had to work at it. That’s not to say I didn’t love a Ketho too. I loved his flair and personality which was such a good foul against Jarne’s social anxiety/struggles. I also like seeing ‘confident’ characters shown to not always be as confident as they appear from the outside. So often it’s all a front and people are much more vulnerable/insecure than they let on. Anyway, I loved hear two and I’m getting a feeling that each book this year is going to outdo the last one because my favourites are piling up!
I adored these two! First, I love that we got to see Sero and Aryn again. More than that though, I loved Ketho and Jarne’s vulnerability and struggle towards finding their HEA. They were just so genuinely deserving of true affection and love. Yes, these two were not coming from great places in previous books. But that’s what I love about getting to see things from the other side; you realise that there is so much more there and you see that sometimes what comes off terribly isn’t always someone being cruel but something very different coming from a place of deep hurt. Jarne, I loved him so much. He’s so awkward and stilted. You can see how much he desperately wants to fix things or open up or interact and his attempts were sweet and heartwarming because they weren’t easy to him. He really had to work at it. That’s not to say I didn’t love a Ketho too. I loved his flair and personality which was such a good foul against Jarne’s social anxiety/struggles. I also like seeing ‘confident’ characters shown to not always be as confident as they appear from the outside. So often it’s all a front and people are much more vulnerable/insecure than they let on. Anyway, I loved hear two and I’m getting a feeling that each book this year is going to outdo the last one because my favourites are piling up!
November 17, 2023
Jarne is a workaholic who just found his husband in a precarious position with his company's client. After he breaks things off with his now ex husband he flees to the mountains in search of his younger brother. He wants to right his wrongs, he just doesn't quite know how.
Ketho is a free spirit, he doesn't want to be tied down or live anyone just for them to use that to manipulate him. Then he meets Jarne, a stick up and prissy man who makes him feel things he doesn't want to feel.
This story was full of steam and redemption. What I enjoyed the most in this story is how Jarne kept trying to improve his behavior and learn from his mistakes. He tried to do better, to be better, which I liked. That's what gave a realistic aspect to this story.
I wasn't a big fan of Jarne's character, I'll be honest. The way he treated his brother was not pleasant, however, he realized his behavior was wrong. And with Ketho's help and guidance he learned how to be better, to treat those around him with kindness instead of being harsh.
This story itself was well done, a quick wintery romance.
Ketho is a free spirit, he doesn't want to be tied down or live anyone just for them to use that to manipulate him. Then he meets Jarne, a stick up and prissy man who makes him feel things he doesn't want to feel.
This story was full of steam and redemption. What I enjoyed the most in this story is how Jarne kept trying to improve his behavior and learn from his mistakes. He tried to do better, to be better, which I liked. That's what gave a realistic aspect to this story.
I wasn't a big fan of Jarne's character, I'll be honest. The way he treated his brother was not pleasant, however, he realized his behavior was wrong. And with Ketho's help and guidance he learned how to be better, to treat those around him with kindness instead of being harsh.
This story itself was well done, a quick wintery romance.
November 29, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I’ve been enjoying this Nymph Solstice Romance series from Gigi Rivers about winter nymphs in a small mountain village and the completely opposite men they fall in love with. The books are listed as being standalones, but I have enjoyed reading them in order and this book links back to the first book in the series, A Winter Romance, as Jarne is Aryn’s brother from that book and Ketho is Sero’s ex. There are also glimpses from of other previous MCs in this book, and I appreciated knowing their stories when they were on page.
This book, like the rest of the series, takes place during the winter Solstice. It’s easy to get transported to this snowy village and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I’ve been enjoying this Nymph Solstice Romance series from Gigi Rivers about winter nymphs in a small mountain village and the completely opposite men they fall in love with. The books are listed as being standalones, but I have enjoyed reading them in order and this book links back to the first book in the series, A Winter Romance, as Jarne is Aryn’s brother from that book and Ketho is Sero’s ex. There are also glimpses from of other previous MCs in this book, and I appreciated knowing their stories when they were on page.
This book, like the rest of the series, takes place during the winter Solstice. It’s easy to get transported to this snowy village and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
December 7, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. The MC’s had an instant connection and their chemistry was amazing. Their bedroom scenes were so spicy. Even though they were complete opposites, they fit perfectly and were truly meant to be. You could tell how much they were attracted to each other from the start and then after they met again when they allowed themselves to feel something real. It broke my heart that Ketho was reluctant to admit his true feelings for Jarne, but I was so glad when he finally took a leap of faith and took the chance at love. This is the fifth book in the Nymph Solstice series and while you can read this book as a standalone, I highly recommend reading them in order, as there are some great past characters in this book. This whole series was so well written with the sweetest romance stories. I laughed. I cried. I sighed. So totally worth reading the entire series. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2025
Now I was super interested in this one! You have the “bad” guys from the first story as the main characters. Now you certainly don’t have to read the first one to understand this one but it definitely added enjoyment because of it. Now Jarne definitely had a lot of growing to do. He is pretty arrogant and insufferable in the beginning, but I love how we have a reason why this is and that reason humanizes him. He is just very very awkward man who really hasn’t grasped what life is actually about yet. But he truly learns. Ketho, to me, isn’t really a bad guy. Him and Sero just wanted different things. So I do feel Sero’s reaction to seeing Ketho was a bit of an overreaction but I did like finding out who Ketho was as an individual too. Man he had so much trauma he was working through and it did bring me to tears a few times. I love how these two went on a steep healing journey together and how they were able to be themselves with each other. Absolutely touching.
November 22, 2023
A Winter Redemption - Filling His Heart with Love
‘He’d felt more for Ketho than he had for anyone before. And that gave him hope because perhaps he could build a life with love in it. Maybe he could make changes and be more than what he was. Perhaps there was hope that he could be someone capable of loving others and being loved.’
Jarne and Ketho unexpectedly find themselves forging a relationship without meaning to when human Jarne leaves his cheating husband and his family business to get away from his frustration and pain. What he finds is a special place with a half-nymph who makes him feel more than he ever has before.
Gigi Rivers creates another beautiful chance at love in book 5 in her wonderful A Nymph Solstice Romance series. We know several characters who live in the mountain village where the yearly Solstice Celebration is a time that miracles can occur.
‘He’d felt more for Ketho than he had for anyone before. And that gave him hope because perhaps he could build a life with love in it. Maybe he could make changes and be more than what he was. Perhaps there was hope that he could be someone capable of loving others and being loved.’
Jarne and Ketho unexpectedly find themselves forging a relationship without meaning to when human Jarne leaves his cheating husband and his family business to get away from his frustration and pain. What he finds is a special place with a half-nymph who makes him feel more than he ever has before.
Gigi Rivers creates another beautiful chance at love in book 5 in her wonderful A Nymph Solstice Romance series. We know several characters who live in the mountain village where the yearly Solstice Celebration is a time that miracles can occur.
November 20, 2023
A good story for Ketho and Jarne to find love which they both needed.
Both have baggage although different for reasons for maybe a healing and comfort theme with their pasts. Jarne had a husband who cheated on him which he was still dealing with.
Ketho’s younger years weren't a nice one with being in a children's home and on the streets leaving a trust issue.
Ketho was a drifter never staying still for long, while Jarne had a hard family he was putting up with.
The emotions made me feel for them, and some scenes had me laughing as Ketho’s humour got to me. Their first scenes together weren't exactly friendly to start but Ketho’s persistent chatter wears Jarne down.
A lot happens in this as Ketho loves the mountains, whereas Jarne worked as a perfume alchemist for his family's company in Bordertown.
Both POVs are included for an HEA but not without some dramas happening.
#ARC
Both have baggage although different for reasons for maybe a healing and comfort theme with their pasts. Jarne had a husband who cheated on him which he was still dealing with.
Ketho’s younger years weren't a nice one with being in a children's home and on the streets leaving a trust issue.
Ketho was a drifter never staying still for long, while Jarne had a hard family he was putting up with.
The emotions made me feel for them, and some scenes had me laughing as Ketho’s humour got to me. Their first scenes together weren't exactly friendly to start but Ketho’s persistent chatter wears Jarne down.
A lot happens in this as Ketho loves the mountains, whereas Jarne worked as a perfume alchemist for his family's company in Bordertown.
Both POVs are included for an HEA but not without some dramas happening.
#ARC
November 21, 2023
Jarne and Ketho’s story is one of two ostensible opposites (one is uptight, socially awkward yet professional successful, the other apparently carefree and unconcerned with anything but fun), but scratch the surface a bit and you can see the similarities– both of them have reasons to believe that love isn’t for them, and both manage to show each other, eventually, that they’re wrong there. I like the mix of humor, sweetness, and chemistry that permeates their interactions, and was rooting for them from start to finish, so all in all I’d say that this is a compelling read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 25, 2023
There's work to be done! The one time workaholic Jarne, takes off work, he catches his husband cheating and leaves to spend time with his brother. Ketho, a nymph takes it upon himself to relieve Jarne's stress and get him to relax. What starts out as a one nighter, ends up being a constant repeat performance. While they keep running into each other, they decide they need more stress relieved. At any time, is it more? Do they need to take a breath and think they can stop running now and breathe? Good story, nice development and growth. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2023
Oh dear. Here, finally, is the story of Ketho, the heartbreaker. Is he one, though?
Even if he is, then it is not intentional, since he doesn't have an ounce of malice in him. He is just as wonderful as other nymphs. Such a lonely soul with a tragic past. It just breaks one's heart to learn all that he had to go through. However, there is always a silver lining and this is a romance after all. Two such opposites are somehow perfect for each other. I have always been a fan of the misunderstood, scholarly characters and Jarne fits, just like Edwin did. He just needed the right place and the right person who would help him shine. Another sweet and warm story in this series.
Even if he is, then it is not intentional, since he doesn't have an ounce of malice in him. He is just as wonderful as other nymphs. Such a lonely soul with a tragic past. It just breaks one's heart to learn all that he had to go through. However, there is always a silver lining and this is a romance after all. Two such opposites are somehow perfect for each other. I have always been a fan of the misunderstood, scholarly characters and Jarne fits, just like Edwin did. He just needed the right place and the right person who would help him shine. Another sweet and warm story in this series.
November 21, 2023
This one is a standalone romance for Ketho and Jarne, but I believe it enhances your enjoyment if you have read the previous novellas as Sero and Aryn are close supporting characters in this story. I appreciated that Jarne was realistically jaded, even if I dislike the way he treated others in the beginning. He is both annoyed and pulled toward Ketho and his endless talking. These two had a unique dynamic and there quite a bit of banter in the beginning. I enjoyed seeing Ketho get through Jarne's jaded exterior and watching Jarne try to be a better person.
November 22, 2023
When I started this book, I wasn’t for sure if I was gonna like it because you’re two main characters have hurt a couple of the other characters from one of the first books that I really fell in love with so I was prepared to not cheer them on. But as the book goes on, not only do they make amends for the pain they caused, but they come together and learn how to not only be better people but also what love really is. By the end I had warmed up two the main characters and was rooting for them to have a HEA moment of their own.
November 23, 2023
I'm a sucker for redemption stories and this is a wonderful winter one which put me right in a holiday spirit. Jarne and Ketho meet under under circumstances conducive to a quick fling but definitely not a long term relationship but as they run into each other more and more often they begin to reevaluate the way their lives have gone and the things they've found most important. Jarne has the most to think about and the more changes to make in himself, but it's Ketho who had vowed never to be tied down again who sticks around and helps him see the light.
November 23, 2023
He has just caught his husband cheating so he leaves town and goes to a small village for a break. He just wants to be alone yet a nymph appears he thinks one night will be the job. One night turns into another, then another and more. What is going to happen? Will they find they are made for the other? How will it all go? Follow them to find out
November 23, 2023
I am totally loving this series. This is the second book I have read and boy, was this book fun. The contrast between the two main characters was beyond humorous. You really ought to give this book a try, it really was a joy. I am definitely starting on the next one. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
November 26, 2023
At first I didn't know if I liked Ketho's character, however once his story is slowly revealed he is such a good character and the perfect partner for Jarne, who slowly comes to realise (that Aussie spelling for you) his family only want him for his expertise and nothing more. I really enjoyed this story so much. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 31, 2023
The best in the series so far!
A double redemption.. when I read the blurb on this, I really didn’t know how I would feel about Jarne. I didn’t know how I would feel about Ketho either!
But their redemption stories were so lovely, and Ketho’s back story brought a little tear to my eye!
A great story!
A double redemption.. when I read the blurb on this, I really didn’t know how I would feel about Jarne. I didn’t know how I would feel about Ketho either!
But their redemption stories were so lovely, and Ketho’s back story brought a little tear to my eye!
A great story!
December 10, 2023
Sweet
I really liked this installment in the series. Both main characters had a lot of baggage but they were able to work through it by communicating. Also I really liked how Jarne worked to fix his relationship with his brother.
I really liked this installment in the series. Both main characters had a lot of baggage but they were able to work through it by communicating. Also I really liked how Jarne worked to fix his relationship with his brother.
November 21, 2023
Highly enjoyable!
I'm really loving this series! Ketho and Jarne's story is another highly enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading more in this series!
I'm really loving this series! Ketho and Jarne's story is another highly enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading more in this series!
November 23, 2023
my heart and soul has been put into these books and they won’t give it back.
this book was so good and i am just so happy for these two characters, they really deserve each other’s love and support. The side characters were as entertaining as always and I can’t wait for more from Gigi.
this book was so good and i am just so happy for these two characters, they really deserve each other’s love and support. The side characters were as entertaining as always and I can’t wait for more from Gigi.
November 23, 2023
Fantastic read. It is probably up there with my favorite in the series. It was just something about these characters that spoke to me and pulled on my heart strings. I highly recommend this book.
November 23, 2023
This was a good read & addition to the series. Took awhile for tho gas to really get going but very well written & liked everything about the book
November 30, 2023
Another Good One
I'm really loving this series! Ketho and Jarne's story is another highly enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading more in this series!
I'm really loving this series! Ketho and Jarne's story is another highly enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading more in this series!
January 3, 2024
My reading of this was touched by my dislike of Jarne so keep that in mind.
March 23, 2025
Lots of good backstory, loved it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews