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Love in Mission City
Page Against the Machine: A Mission City Gay Romance Novella
Dickens
My tranquility is shattered when a motorcycle repair shop moves in next to my bookstore. All I want is peace and quiet. What I get is gunning engines and '80s rock music. One of us has got to go, and since I was here first, it’s the hot mechanic.
SpikeI chose Mission City to set up shop because of the weekend-enthusiast riders. I’ve dreamed of owning my own shop for years, and no one is going to run me out of town. Least of all the adorable geek Bookstore Dude.
This 25k gay romance novella is a true instalove, enemies to lovers, opposites attract story with a cuddly cat named Aristotle.
My tranquility is shattered when a motorcycle repair shop moves in next to my bookstore. All I want is peace and quiet. What I get is gunning engines and '80s rock music. One of us has got to go, and since I was here first, it’s the hot mechanic.
SpikeI chose Mission City to set up shop because of the weekend-enthusiast riders. I’ve dreamed of owning my own shop for years, and no one is going to run me out of town. Least of all the adorable geek Bookstore Dude.
This 25k gay romance novella is a true instalove, enemies to lovers, opposites attract story with a cuddly cat named Aristotle.
Audible Audio
First published August 5, 2022
64 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Gabbi Grey
79 books265 followersGabbi lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
January 2, 2023
Gabbi Grey writes the best novellas! She always manages to paint an engaging picture, and Mission City, British Columbia sounds like such a charming place.
There's nice chemistry between Dickens and Spike, and it's fun to see how they overcome their differences to make a pair.
The audio version is performed by Michael Dean.
an audiobook copy of Page Against the Machine was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
There's nice chemistry between Dickens and Spike, and it's fun to see how they overcome their differences to make a pair.
The audio version is performed by Michael Dean.
an audiobook copy of Page Against the Machine was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
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August 14, 2022Although I love myself a good enemies-to-lovers story, this book was not for me.
Let me explain.
- First, it doesn't really have an enemies-to-lovers vibe. Sure, they don't like each other for a day, but then they fuck and the dislike is instantly gone. Their differences are never talked about or resolved; they're just not mentioned again.
- Everything goes way too fast. They meet, they growl, they fuck, they're in love. I wouldn't have minded if I felt engaged with the story but I didn't. I never felt a connection between them and they hardly talked with each other. There was no chemistry at all.
- It's a lot of unnecessary telling and background info, stealing away from the romance aspect. Like, I don't need to know the history of every secondary character that just passes by. And a hardly mentioned ex walking into the story in the epilogue? What was the point of that?
Now, it might just be your story, but it was a hard pass for me.
Let me explain.
- First, it doesn't really have an enemies-to-lovers vibe. Sure, they don't like each other for a day, but then they fuck and the dislike is instantly gone. Their differences are never talked about or resolved; they're just not mentioned again.
- Everything goes way too fast. They meet, they growl, they fuck, they're in love. I wouldn't have minded if I felt engaged with the story but I didn't. I never felt a connection between them and they hardly talked with each other. There was no chemistry at all.
- It's a lot of unnecessary telling and background info, stealing away from the romance aspect. Like, I don't need to know the history of every secondary character that just passes by. And a hardly mentioned ex walking into the story in the epilogue? What was the point of that?
Now, it might just be your story, but it was a hard pass for me.
August 21, 2022
A short and rather rushed story. Surprisingly enough it is contemporary insta-love, which, to be fair, it really shouldn't have been. Sorry, dear author, but you can't pull it off, not with this writing style and not if you are going with enemies-to-lovers theme. Insta-love and enemies-to-lovers just do not go together. At all. The alleged conflict was forced, the switch from enemies to lovers happened within a day, the romance was rushed and a bit jarring, the dialogues were weak, the characters were confusing and shallow. Plus, it could use some editing of minor inconsistencies. I mean, they happen and I get that, but this books is only a little over 100 pages, so they should not happen here. It could have been a cute, sweet read, but it wasn't for me. Maybe the length is the main problem, maybe the structure of the story or the trope used. Who knows. In any case, this was a miss for me.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
August 14, 2023
This is a twenty page, instalust romance with eighty pages of padding. A massive chunk of the novella is actually about how much of a Mary Sue the bookstore assistant is and the rest is an ad for Tim Hortons.
August 15, 2022
The title was the best part. This author just doesn't work for me.
February 18, 2024
DNF at 34%
There was nothing I liked about this other than the title being punny. Nothing is shown, everything is tell—and the telling is boring beyond reason. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of my brain cells lost during this reading.
Overloaded with superfluous details that I could not give a fraction of a fuck about. Like why should I carry about the exact location MC’s parents retired to?? even if they were present in the sort in any way, those details are just boring and fill up space needlessly.
Not realistic: eg there’s no way a hardware store was extensively remodeled as indicated into a motorcycle repair shop and in opening condition in less than a week—especially with movers supposedly delivery “everything” less than 3 days before opening; neighboring shop owners who share walls for both retail and living space never met until motorcycle’s opening day, time as a whole, etc.
Writing generally didn’t make sense; no transitions between ideas, no cohesion within paragraphs, not dialogue to action.
[“You’re taking the Lord’s name in vain quite a bit this morning.” Former Christian who attended the church from the moment I was born until the moment I told them I was gay. Let’s just say the Lord and I parted ways after that clusterfuck.] like there’s just no logic to this?? It’s like the only way author could bother trying to cram in exposition/background info was by making characters say things that didn’t match what they thought. The sentence structure is the real clusterfuck here
[The back of our stores faced a back alley, and I had two parking spaces. I kept my Prius in one, and Sunshine used the other when she drove to work. Spike’s parking space was filled with a beat-up pickup truck that’d seen better days. The windows facing the alley were all shut.] APPARENTLY the windows that were shut were actually the store windows, but its not until paragraphs down that we get
[Naturally we used a/c in the store.] and then it’s like oh, okay, so you’ve just never had to organize your thoughts or sentences before in a way where people can follow what you’re saying. Because if you talk about a CAR and then talk about WINDOWS ppl will think you mean CAR WINDOWS. the writing in this genuinely made me feel dumber.
Characters are unlikeable. The Girl BFF feels like an author-insert/Mary Sue (haven’t we moved past the whole [“She tucked a strand of her blue-black hair behind her ears and her pale-blue eyes shone”] kind of descriptions? Hair and eye color are so basic they can barely be considered descriptors anymore, and top of this character being the all-knowing/always correct/teeheehee-I’m-the-puppeteer bullshit it’s painfully obnoxious).
The MCs aren’t any better; the part that actually made me stop reading was [“I often held epic discussions with myself in my head, and apparently today was going to be one of those days”] bc it’s just too cringy.
The MCs also had negative chemistry together. I thought they were still at the “enemies” part but then they just fuck randomly and it’s supposed to be that they couldn’t control themselves around each other?? even not expecting much given the writing up to that point, it was possibly the least unsexy-but-was-supposed-to-be-sexy thing I’d ever read.
[“Knowing he’d fill it again quickly didn’t alleviate the feeling of loss. So much loss in my life. If this was the best way for me to connect with people, I had no problems with that. Pathetic? Maybe. But I’d take whatever I could get…
He squeezed, I panted. He twisted, I bucked. And still he continued to drill me. “Dickens, I’m coming.”…
Then, suddenly, he held himself still. I knew.
That’d been one of the hottest sexual encounters in my thirty-five years”] if that’s what a hot sexual encounter is like, I’ve never been so glad to be ace.
All the names are too much—Dickens, Spike (oh but actually he has a ✨secret and more embarrassing✨ name that I’m sure got brought up later for ✨drama✨🙄), Rainbow, Raven, Sunshine… just why. For what reason are you like this 🙄
I know there’s more issues and stupid quotes and things I had issues with, but I need to just delete this from my memory altogether now.
There was nothing I liked about this other than the title being punny. Nothing is shown, everything is tell—and the telling is boring beyond reason. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of my brain cells lost during this reading.
Overloaded with superfluous details that I could not give a fraction of a fuck about. Like why should I carry about the exact location MC’s parents retired to?? even if they were present in the sort in any way, those details are just boring and fill up space needlessly.
Not realistic: eg there’s no way a hardware store was extensively remodeled as indicated into a motorcycle repair shop and in opening condition in less than a week—especially with movers supposedly delivery “everything” less than 3 days before opening; neighboring shop owners who share walls for both retail and living space never met until motorcycle’s opening day, time as a whole, etc.
Writing generally didn’t make sense; no transitions between ideas, no cohesion within paragraphs, not dialogue to action.
[“You’re taking the Lord’s name in vain quite a bit this morning.” Former Christian who attended the church from the moment I was born until the moment I told them I was gay. Let’s just say the Lord and I parted ways after that clusterfuck.] like there’s just no logic to this?? It’s like the only way author could bother trying to cram in exposition/background info was by making characters say things that didn’t match what they thought. The sentence structure is the real clusterfuck here
[The back of our stores faced a back alley, and I had two parking spaces. I kept my Prius in one, and Sunshine used the other when she drove to work. Spike’s parking space was filled with a beat-up pickup truck that’d seen better days. The windows facing the alley were all shut.] APPARENTLY the windows that were shut were actually the store windows, but its not until paragraphs down that we get
[Naturally we used a/c in the store.] and then it’s like oh, okay, so you’ve just never had to organize your thoughts or sentences before in a way where people can follow what you’re saying. Because if you talk about a CAR and then talk about WINDOWS ppl will think you mean CAR WINDOWS. the writing in this genuinely made me feel dumber.
Characters are unlikeable. The Girl BFF feels like an author-insert/Mary Sue (haven’t we moved past the whole [“She tucked a strand of her blue-black hair behind her ears and her pale-blue eyes shone”] kind of descriptions? Hair and eye color are so basic they can barely be considered descriptors anymore, and top of this character being the all-knowing/always correct/teeheehee-I’m-the-puppeteer bullshit it’s painfully obnoxious).
The MCs aren’t any better; the part that actually made me stop reading was [“I often held epic discussions with myself in my head, and apparently today was going to be one of those days”] bc it’s just too cringy.
The MCs also had negative chemistry together. I thought they were still at the “enemies” part but then they just fuck randomly and it’s supposed to be that they couldn’t control themselves around each other?? even not expecting much given the writing up to that point, it was possibly the least unsexy-but-was-supposed-to-be-sexy thing I’d ever read.
[“Knowing he’d fill it again quickly didn’t alleviate the feeling of loss. So much loss in my life. If this was the best way for me to connect with people, I had no problems with that. Pathetic? Maybe. But I’d take whatever I could get…
He squeezed, I panted. He twisted, I bucked. And still he continued to drill me. “Dickens, I’m coming.”…
Then, suddenly, he held himself still. I knew.
That’d been one of the hottest sexual encounters in my thirty-five years”] if that’s what a hot sexual encounter is like, I’ve never been so glad to be ace.
All the names are too much—Dickens, Spike (oh but actually he has a ✨secret and more embarrassing✨ name that I’m sure got brought up later for ✨drama✨🙄), Rainbow, Raven, Sunshine… just why. For what reason are you like this 🙄
I know there’s more issues and stupid quotes and things I had issues with, but I need to just delete this from my memory altogether now.
July 19, 2023
Book Worm and Grease Monkey- MM
It true when someone in the know tells you to GO GO GO for it, pay attention. Then listen to your heart and GO.
Dickens owns and runs ‘The Owl’s Nest’ a bookstore left to him by his parents when they retired. He just loves his books and the peace and quiet to read them.
At least he did, until the Hardware store next door was turned into a Motorcycle Repair Shop. It happened when Dickens was out of town for a week buying more stock.
Next morning he jumped out of his skin at the revving noise which also scared his beloved cat, Aristotle, who was put off her food, that was crime No.1 in Dickens book. The camel’s back was proverbially broken when his brick walls shook at the loud music booming through his apartment.
Sunshine, his female staff, tried to calm him, but she was sporting a secretive smile, telling him it would be OK. When he was woken the next morning by the roar of an engine war was declared. Later, hearing the return of his neighbour, he storms next door. Not before Sunshine hands him two coffee and box of doughnuts, telling him to go talk to the guy.
When Spike, puts his bike away, he confronted by Dickens with a murderous look in his face, words were exchanged, with grunt from Dickens and Growls from Spike.
A Raging Dickens swears, “Fxxk Me”, Spike responds, “Yes Please”, so he does just that.
Not your usual neighbourliness behaviour.
This is a fairly short read, but it moves fast, just like Dickens when he’s annoyed and like Spike when he gets on his motorcycle. A matching pair?
If you have a couple hours spare, you could do worse than grab a copy of ‘Page Against the Machine’ by Gabbi Grey. I’ve read a couple of her boys and always enjoyed them. You could too.
It true when someone in the know tells you to GO GO GO for it, pay attention. Then listen to your heart and GO.
Dickens owns and runs ‘The Owl’s Nest’ a bookstore left to him by his parents when they retired. He just loves his books and the peace and quiet to read them.
At least he did, until the Hardware store next door was turned into a Motorcycle Repair Shop. It happened when Dickens was out of town for a week buying more stock.
Next morning he jumped out of his skin at the revving noise which also scared his beloved cat, Aristotle, who was put off her food, that was crime No.1 in Dickens book. The camel’s back was proverbially broken when his brick walls shook at the loud music booming through his apartment.
Sunshine, his female staff, tried to calm him, but she was sporting a secretive smile, telling him it would be OK. When he was woken the next morning by the roar of an engine war was declared. Later, hearing the return of his neighbour, he storms next door. Not before Sunshine hands him two coffee and box of doughnuts, telling him to go talk to the guy.
When Spike, puts his bike away, he confronted by Dickens with a murderous look in his face, words were exchanged, with grunt from Dickens and Growls from Spike.
A Raging Dickens swears, “Fxxk Me”, Spike responds, “Yes Please”, so he does just that.
Not your usual neighbourliness behaviour.
This is a fairly short read, but it moves fast, just like Dickens when he’s annoyed and like Spike when he gets on his motorcycle. A matching pair?
If you have a couple hours spare, you could do worse than grab a copy of ‘Page Against the Machine’ by Gabbi Grey. I’ve read a couple of her boys and always enjoyed them. You could too.
August 14, 2022
This short novella showcases a sweet, satisfying story. Dickens, who owns a bookstore, meets his new neighbor Spike, a motorcycle repair shop owner. They are like two pieces of flint who rub each other the wrong way but produce undeniable sparks. There is steamy passion and overwhelming attraction. I enjoyed their employees and friends and the tender care Dickens displays. I love a story with a happy ever after. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary opinion.
August 12, 2022
A new neighbor will bring him love
This book is amazing and I loved it! The story of Fritz and Dickens is filled with love, loud music, roaring engines and is a whole lot of fun to read. The two become neighbors when Fritz turns the hardware store next to Dickens’ bookstore into a motorcycle repair shop. Their first meeting doesn’t go so well but the chemistry between the two is off the charts and soon they are getting close. I love how the relationship develops and the characters are amazing! Throw in a cat who lives at the bookstore and you have the makings of a great story!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
This book is amazing and I loved it! The story of Fritz and Dickens is filled with love, loud music, roaring engines and is a whole lot of fun to read. The two become neighbors when Fritz turns the hardware store next to Dickens’ bookstore into a motorcycle repair shop. Their first meeting doesn’t go so well but the chemistry between the two is off the charts and soon they are getting close. I love how the relationship develops and the characters are amazing! Throw in a cat who lives at the bookstore and you have the makings of a great story!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
August 16, 2023
Very short. Read it in about 3 hours. I really wanted to hear more from the characters. Everything seemed really rushed & I was disappointed that there wasn’t another book about this couple. It felt so unrealistic that their relationship would progress as quickly as it did. The characters weren’t given any development and there were a LOT of unanswered questions about some characters’ storylines.
August 15, 2022
Dickens owned the book shop, which he inherited from his parents. Life was good , good business, great staff and a cat.
Spike buys the shop next door and turnout into a motor bike repair shop.
The noise drove Dickens mad so he went to see Spike.
Opposites attract in some cases but reading Spike and Dickens story was fun. Totally opposite but both lonely.
Enjoyable read but very rushed.
I received an advanced copy of this book from GRR for a honest review
Spike buys the shop next door and turnout into a motor bike repair shop.
The noise drove Dickens mad so he went to see Spike.
Opposites attract in some cases but reading Spike and Dickens story was fun. Totally opposite but both lonely.
Enjoyable read but very rushed.
I received an advanced copy of this book from GRR for a honest review
August 23, 2022
4.5 stars
Page Against the Machine is an adorable instalove between tow guys who couldn’t be more alike. Dickens inherited his parent’s bookstore and is a total nerd. Spike owns the motorcycle shop next door to Dicken’s bookstore. This was a great short and steamy read! Loved Spike and Dickens, totally recommend it!
Page Against the Machine is an adorable instalove between tow guys who couldn’t be more alike. Dickens inherited his parent’s bookstore and is a total nerd. Spike owns the motorcycle shop next door to Dicken’s bookstore. This was a great short and steamy read! Loved Spike and Dickens, totally recommend it!
August 22, 2022
Not for me I’m afraid loved them enemies to lovers trope but this one was far too quick. The guys went from absolutely hating each other to being in love within a few pages.
It just seemed to jump really quickly with absolutely no development 🤷🏼♀️
It just seemed to jump really quickly with absolutely no development 🤷🏼♀️
June 14, 2025
A short instalove novella between neighbors, an uptight bookstore owner and new to town mechanic/bike shop owner. This was luke warm on the enemies to lovers aspect, and a bit too short to really become invested in the pair. There's also a cameo for a previous couple that if you didn't read this standalone, you may be left a tiny bit confused.
Overall, this had "this is a book and I read it" energy. Not bad, middle of the pack, unfortunately a forgettable one.
Audio ARC provided by GRR.
Overall, this had "this is a book and I read it" energy. Not bad, middle of the pack, unfortunately a forgettable one.
Audio ARC provided by GRR.
February 17, 2024
A very simple paint-by-numbers story. Secondary and tertiary characters get too much back story for no particular reason. A story this short doesn't need every detail of every rando that crosses the street. The author even finds a way to take a jab at colonialism; which is not a bad thing, just completely out of place here. And, basically, every straight guy mentioned in this book was a piece of crap; they all have issues, but the author still felt the need to explain why. Who cares if it's not moving the plot somewhere? The best friend slash employee being technically the Oracle from the Matrix was also unnecessary. I mean she was moving the plot along but in the most Deux ex Machina style possible without being an actual out of nowhere convoluted resolution. It all seemed really contrived for a less than three hours audiobook.
Many moments baffled me because I didn't know it they were actual words spoken to another character or just POV thoughts; especially when the two MCs did the devil's tango for the first time. This books feels like a TV show where a man and a woman are in close proximity and that's enough to make them love interests. I know we're going for insta-lust here, but I was not sold on it nor in the quick change from " pound me to hell" to "I love you unconditionally."
Introducing a previous boyfriend/lover during the epilogue felt too much like forcing a universe and triggered my MCU PTSD. Yes, I know this is a series about a location, but that introduction would have made a lot more sense in the guy's own book. That made the story turn from a feeble 3 stars to a solid 2 stars.
I wasn't irrevocably bored, but I'm sure I wouldn't have finished the book if I had to sit down and put all my focus on it; this was basically the TV on (channel surfing on its own) while I'm doing chores around the house.
Many moments baffled me because I didn't know it they were actual words spoken to another character or just POV thoughts; especially when the two MCs did the devil's tango for the first time. This books feels like a TV show where a man and a woman are in close proximity and that's enough to make them love interests. I know we're going for insta-lust here, but I was not sold on it nor in the quick change from " pound me to hell" to "I love you unconditionally."
Introducing a previous boyfriend/lover during the epilogue felt too much like forcing a universe and triggered my MCU PTSD. Yes, I know this is a series about a location, but that introduction would have made a lot more sense in the guy's own book. That made the story turn from a feeble 3 stars to a solid 2 stars.
I wasn't irrevocably bored, but I'm sure I wouldn't have finished the book if I had to sit down and put all my focus on it; this was basically the TV on (channel surfing on its own) while I'm doing chores around the house.
December 24, 2024
This is actually a review for an audiobook collection that starts with this story and included several others, but, being Me, I can't figure out how to find that collection. So. I'm putting it here. This is a repost of an erased review from another platform.
Fast hot reads that deliver entertainment, romance and hope
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of these little shorts, part of a world the author has created and fleshed out with these novellas. Fast, fiery connections lead to true love in this intertwined and delightful city.
Page Against the Machine features nerdy Dickens and new business neighbor motorcycle mechanic Spike, whose roles are the opposite of everyone’s expectations. When too much noise for bookish Dickens leads to a confrontation with loud Spike leads to…a lot more…both men find what they’ve been looking for in a fun, fast & furious read.
The rest of the stories follow suit, with wonderfully complementary couples finding their Person and heading for happy ever after. Secondary characters and adorable pets add to the fun. It's just a lot of low-angst smiles.
Michael Dean’s narration brings the men to life and offers characterizing nuances and a satisfying listen. I liked him in this one (and haven't in others, but, here? All good!).
HEAs all around, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, best-friend’s brother/virgin, boss-employee—all the fun tropes, not cheating or emotional cheating, fast fun steamy connections—an entertaining listen or read when you need a quick pick me up.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the complimentary audiobook copy. This is my opinion.
Fast hot reads that deliver entertainment, romance and hope
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of these little shorts, part of a world the author has created and fleshed out with these novellas. Fast, fiery connections lead to true love in this intertwined and delightful city.
Page Against the Machine features nerdy Dickens and new business neighbor motorcycle mechanic Spike, whose roles are the opposite of everyone’s expectations. When too much noise for bookish Dickens leads to a confrontation with loud Spike leads to…a lot more…both men find what they’ve been looking for in a fun, fast & furious read.
The rest of the stories follow suit, with wonderfully complementary couples finding their Person and heading for happy ever after. Secondary characters and adorable pets add to the fun. It's just a lot of low-angst smiles.
Michael Dean’s narration brings the men to life and offers characterizing nuances and a satisfying listen. I liked him in this one (and haven't in others, but, here? All good!).
HEAs all around, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, best-friend’s brother/virgin, boss-employee—all the fun tropes, not cheating or emotional cheating, fast fun steamy connections—an entertaining listen or read when you need a quick pick me up.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the complimentary audiobook copy. This is my opinion.
August 25, 2022
4.25 stars. This story surprised me on every level.
Where I thought to meet a shy bookstore geek and a bad biker-store guy, the opposite was true.
Dickens owns the bookstore The Owl’s Nest, he has a big old cuddling cat, and a dedicated employee named Sunshine. He’s content, somewhat lonely but he loves his books and the quietness. Until…
Spike just opened his motorcycle repair shop, his big dream, he loves it already. Only there’s an annoying hot geeky neighbor who thinks he’s making too much noise.
Again, the course surprised me, in a good way, to be clear. I loved it all very much.
As the blurb said, enemies to lovers, insta love, opposites attract, it’s all there, in just a 25k novella.
I think the author did a great job, there’s even room for some hot encounters, some lovely side stories, and even more important some depth and development of the main characters. Is there anything more you can wish for from a novella?
With some friendly side characters, again there was a surprising turn, the story was complete.
The L word came maybe a bit fast, but hey, it said insta-love, so don’t mind me, it is what it is!
I adored this little romance, it had charming and super sweet characters, all written with a comfortable flow, and a good plot.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Where I thought to meet a shy bookstore geek and a bad biker-store guy, the opposite was true.
Dickens owns the bookstore The Owl’s Nest, he has a big old cuddling cat, and a dedicated employee named Sunshine. He’s content, somewhat lonely but he loves his books and the quietness. Until…
Spike just opened his motorcycle repair shop, his big dream, he loves it already. Only there’s an annoying hot geeky neighbor who thinks he’s making too much noise.
Again, the course surprised me, in a good way, to be clear. I loved it all very much.
As the blurb said, enemies to lovers, insta love, opposites attract, it’s all there, in just a 25k novella.
I think the author did a great job, there’s even room for some hot encounters, some lovely side stories, and even more important some depth and development of the main characters. Is there anything more you can wish for from a novella?
With some friendly side characters, again there was a surprising turn, the story was complete.
The L word came maybe a bit fast, but hey, it said insta-love, so don’t mind me, it is what it is!
I adored this little romance, it had charming and super sweet characters, all written with a comfortable flow, and a good plot.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
January 4, 2023
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted the audio version of this book.
This sits, I think, after book 2 in the Mission City series. I have not read or listened to them. I did not think I missed anything by not doing, however, I would like to go back and read but preferably listen to them. Not because I need to, but because I want to.
Dixon's peace and quieting shattered when a motorcycle shop opens next door. Spike is owner of said shop.
What follows is a wonderful tale of not judging a book by its cover and of falling in love at that first meeting. Even if neither will admit to it!
It's sweet and smexy. It carries a huge amount of emotion for a short book, some one hundred pages, 2 hours 43 minutes listening time. Surprised me, that did.
There is something going on with a side character though, and my interest is piqued. And that's all I'm saying about that.
Michael Dean narrates. I'm mid way through a series narrates by Dean, a much darker, deadlier series. He nails that series. Here, I wanted to see how he dealt with a much shorter and fun book.
Nailed it!! It's a different delivery, I think. It's sweet and light and Dean's voices are appropriate for Dickens and Spike and I loved the emotion Dean gets across.
Can't fault the narration, at all.
4 stars for the book
5 stars for the narration.
4.5 stars overall, rounded down.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This sits, I think, after book 2 in the Mission City series. I have not read or listened to them. I did not think I missed anything by not doing, however, I would like to go back and read but preferably listen to them. Not because I need to, but because I want to.
Dixon's peace and quieting shattered when a motorcycle shop opens next door. Spike is owner of said shop.
What follows is a wonderful tale of not judging a book by its cover and of falling in love at that first meeting. Even if neither will admit to it!
It's sweet and smexy. It carries a huge amount of emotion for a short book, some one hundred pages, 2 hours 43 minutes listening time. Surprised me, that did.
There is something going on with a side character though, and my interest is piqued. And that's all I'm saying about that.
Michael Dean narrates. I'm mid way through a series narrates by Dean, a much darker, deadlier series. He nails that series. Here, I wanted to see how he dealt with a much shorter and fun book.
Nailed it!! It's a different delivery, I think. It's sweet and light and Dean's voices are appropriate for Dickens and Spike and I loved the emotion Dean gets across.
Can't fault the narration, at all.
4 stars for the book
5 stars for the narration.
4.5 stars overall, rounded down.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
August 22, 2022
Short and entertaining M/M romance, opposites attract
If you like moderate steam but enjoy humor and passion, try this book. Dickens is the owner/operator of The Owl’s Nest book store in Mission City somewhere in Canada. He’s nerdy but really cute. His parents retired and left him to take over their “baby” along with long-time employee Sunshine who is somewhat clairvoyant or maybe just super sensitive to things and people around her. Love her character. She senses a potential connection between 27yo Dickens and their new neighbor, big, buff 35yo Spike who owns the new motorcycle repair shop. Problem is that shop is loud what with Spike revving engines and liking his music loud. Oh. My. Word. When Dickens goes over to give him a piece of his mind, things go a little sideways and Dickens gives more than anticipated, which Spike is thoroughly onboard with. Does intimacy in anger count? An almost-tragedy brings the two even closer. Keep in mind that this is a short book so we skip to the HEA by the epilogue. Still quite enjoyable.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews. After reading this novella, I now want to read “Ginger Snapping All the Way” which I already own.
If you like moderate steam but enjoy humor and passion, try this book. Dickens is the owner/operator of The Owl’s Nest book store in Mission City somewhere in Canada. He’s nerdy but really cute. His parents retired and left him to take over their “baby” along with long-time employee Sunshine who is somewhat clairvoyant or maybe just super sensitive to things and people around her. Love her character. She senses a potential connection between 27yo Dickens and their new neighbor, big, buff 35yo Spike who owns the new motorcycle repair shop. Problem is that shop is loud what with Spike revving engines and liking his music loud. Oh. My. Word. When Dickens goes over to give him a piece of his mind, things go a little sideways and Dickens gives more than anticipated, which Spike is thoroughly onboard with. Does intimacy in anger count? An almost-tragedy brings the two even closer. Keep in mind that this is a short book so we skip to the HEA by the epilogue. Still quite enjoyable.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews. After reading this novella, I now want to read “Ginger Snapping All the Way” which I already own.
August 26, 2022
What a sweet novella by Gabbi Grey! I really enjoyed this one because it’s sooo anti-stereotypical!!! The stereotype is that the smaller/thinner guy should be the bottom while the big tattooed guy should be the top. In this one it’s the other way around which makes it sooo sweet! The smaller guy is a book nerd while the bigger guy is a vehicle mechanic which is another trope that I enjoy!!! Throw in a lady who has awesome gaydar into the mix makes a great conversation between the book owner and the book cashier!!!
The story focuses on Dickens (who else!!!), the bookstore owner who got the bookstore from his parents when they decided to move to sunny Florida who has this quiet structured life. His structured life got upended by this hot tattooed mechanic named Spike who just opened an auto shop. How did that happen…whenever he would work on a motorcycle and he had to throttle it…it’d make a huge noise. Dickens felt it would unnerve his customers who likes to read books quietly. They would get on each other’s nerve but secretly the bookstore cashier could see through them and knew they were destined for each other. Were they? That’s for you to pick up the book to find out!
The story focuses on Dickens (who else!!!), the bookstore owner who got the bookstore from his parents when they decided to move to sunny Florida who has this quiet structured life. His structured life got upended by this hot tattooed mechanic named Spike who just opened an auto shop. How did that happen…whenever he would work on a motorcycle and he had to throttle it…it’d make a huge noise. Dickens felt it would unnerve his customers who likes to read books quietly. They would get on each other’s nerve but secretly the bookstore cashier could see through them and knew they were destined for each other. Were they? That’s for you to pick up the book to find out!
August 15, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4.
This truly is an instalove story, so if you like those stories you will really enjoy this book!
Dickens is the book store owner and Spike is a motorcycle mechanic. Dickens doesn’t enjoy the noise that he Spikes new shop creates but Spike thinks Dickens is just overreacting. (I agree with Spike- Lol) I enjoyed both characters and thought they were pretty good three dimensional characters for a novella. Their chemistry was great and they were pretty cute together.
I thought the opposites attract trope worked well here but I was a little disappointed that this was advertised as an enemies to lovers story. They simply did not know each other long enough to be called enemies. They only knew each other for 24 hours and had one and a half conversations before they hooked up. That’s not enmities yet, had their disagreement went on for a few months or even just a few weeks then I think you could call it enemies to lovers.
Overall I did really enjoy this book and I want to read more of the stories that take place in this world.
I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
This truly is an instalove story, so if you like those stories you will really enjoy this book!
Dickens is the book store owner and Spike is a motorcycle mechanic. Dickens doesn’t enjoy the noise that he Spikes new shop creates but Spike thinks Dickens is just overreacting. (I agree with Spike- Lol) I enjoyed both characters and thought they were pretty good three dimensional characters for a novella. Their chemistry was great and they were pretty cute together.
I thought the opposites attract trope worked well here but I was a little disappointed that this was advertised as an enemies to lovers story. They simply did not know each other long enough to be called enemies. They only knew each other for 24 hours and had one and a half conversations before they hooked up. That’s not enmities yet, had their disagreement went on for a few months or even just a few weeks then I think you could call it enemies to lovers.
Overall I did really enjoy this book and I want to read more of the stories that take place in this world.
I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
August 20, 2022
*4.25*
I love the books from this series and the men who fall in love. The books are short and sweet but still with a good story, chemistry and a well written HEA.
Page Against The Machine is a great title that fits the two men of the book, bookstore owner, Dickens, and motorcycle repair shop owner, Spike. They do not get off to the best of starts which is funny, though not for Dickens, and has an air of enemies to lovers, especially considering how their next meeting goes. They are definitely an opposites attract pair, both physically and in needs, which actually works out perfectly for them both. Spike is surprisingly emotional and I love the way in which Dickens goes about caring for him.
I know this is a shorter story and so only happens over two or three days but the emotional development was a bit too quick for me, not feeling the love as quickly as they do but still a great read, entertaining from the start and I hope we hear more from Mission City soon.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
I love the books from this series and the men who fall in love. The books are short and sweet but still with a good story, chemistry and a well written HEA.
Page Against The Machine is a great title that fits the two men of the book, bookstore owner, Dickens, and motorcycle repair shop owner, Spike. They do not get off to the best of starts which is funny, though not for Dickens, and has an air of enemies to lovers, especially considering how their next meeting goes. They are definitely an opposites attract pair, both physically and in needs, which actually works out perfectly for them both. Spike is surprisingly emotional and I love the way in which Dickens goes about caring for him.
I know this is a shorter story and so only happens over two or three days but the emotional development was a bit too quick for me, not feeling the love as quickly as they do but still a great read, entertaining from the start and I hope we hear more from Mission City soon.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
January 19, 2023
Review for the audiobook.
I loved this sweet insta-hate/insta-love story. Is that a thing? It is here for Dickens (at least at first,) He hates the mechanic and his loud music and his loud motorcycles. But then lust takes over in a very sudden, very hot way, and he can't help himself. I love it when you have characters that you totally expect to be one way (meek, bookstore owner and hot, he-man mechanic) and they turn out to be not quite what you thought. I totally understood Dickens initial reaction to the noise and disruption of his new neighbor, but I loved how things changed when they got to know each other. I loved how caring and 'mothering' Dickens became when he decided Spike needed looking after. Great characters and a fun environment. Sweet, hot, and fast.
The narration was spot-on. I love the way Michael Dean infuses the characters with life and personality. A+++
I received a free copy of this audiobook through Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I loved this sweet insta-hate/insta-love story. Is that a thing? It is here for Dickens (at least at first,) He hates the mechanic and his loud music and his loud motorcycles. But then lust takes over in a very sudden, very hot way, and he can't help himself. I love it when you have characters that you totally expect to be one way (meek, bookstore owner and hot, he-man mechanic) and they turn out to be not quite what you thought. I totally understood Dickens initial reaction to the noise and disruption of his new neighbor, but I loved how things changed when they got to know each other. I loved how caring and 'mothering' Dickens became when he decided Spike needed looking after. Great characters and a fun environment. Sweet, hot, and fast.
The narration was spot-on. I love the way Michael Dean infuses the characters with life and personality. A+++
I received a free copy of this audiobook through Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
August 16, 2022
This was one of those short, sweet books that makes me curious about the universe that it was set in. The author did a fantastic job of telling a the story of Dickens and Spike, and I'm so in love with the cute opposites attract moment they have going on here.
The whole concept of a motorcycle shop moving in next to a book store is adorable, because you know it's going to lead to confrontation, and I was really pleased with the level of steam involved in this book. If you throw in a 'you're sick and I have to take care of you' trope, you've pretty much got me hooked!
Things I loved:
-The characters. They're adorable individually and together, and I would have loved for this to be longer because I liked them so much.
-The side characters. Like, honestly. Wildly interested in this entire universe. I'm going to be checking the rest of the books later.
All and all, I really loved it. Super cute HEA, really fast read!
The whole concept of a motorcycle shop moving in next to a book store is adorable, because you know it's going to lead to confrontation, and I was really pleased with the level of steam involved in this book. If you throw in a 'you're sick and I have to take care of you' trope, you've pretty much got me hooked!
Things I loved:
-The characters. They're adorable individually and together, and I would have loved for this to be longer because I liked them so much.
-The side characters. Like, honestly. Wildly interested in this entire universe. I'm going to be checking the rest of the books later.
All and all, I really loved it. Super cute HEA, really fast read!
December 30, 2022
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is a romantic and sweet short story. I rarely say anything about a title usually, but this one fits just great. For one thing, there's Dickens, the bookstore owner, who is very stuck in his ways after all. On the other, there's Spike, a hotshot mechanic who runs a motorcycle repair shop. The two aren't too fond of each other at first, but that quickly changes and a relationship develops with a happy ending. I know it's only a short story, but for me, the two of them moved a little too fast, or rather, I think the feelings came up a little short for my liking. What was awesome was Sunshine, a great side character. Still, this was a cute book that I enjoyed.
This was also due to Michael Dean, who did a fabulous job as always. He gave each of the characters an appropriate voice, bringing the audiobook to life.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is a romantic and sweet short story. I rarely say anything about a title usually, but this one fits just great. For one thing, there's Dickens, the bookstore owner, who is very stuck in his ways after all. On the other, there's Spike, a hotshot mechanic who runs a motorcycle repair shop. The two aren't too fond of each other at first, but that quickly changes and a relationship develops with a happy ending. I know it's only a short story, but for me, the two of them moved a little too fast, or rather, I think the feelings came up a little short for my liking. What was awesome was Sunshine, a great side character. Still, this was a cute book that I enjoyed.
This was also due to Michael Dean, who did a fabulous job as always. He gave each of the characters an appropriate voice, bringing the audiobook to life.
January 3, 2023
Dickens and Spike's love story was a fun, lighthearted listen, but the storyline felt too rushed for me to fully buy into their connection. I was excited about the premise of some rival neighbors butting heads, but it didn't take more than a single argument before these men were turning their frustrations into sizzling physical chemistry. That didn't bother me, because I'm always down for some steamy hookups, but then shortly afterwards the two of them claimed to be feeling way more than I thought was warranted from their limited encounter. Yes, it was sweet that Dickens helped Spike through his heat exhaustion, but for me, calling it love after that felt premature. It didn't stop me from rooting for the two of them and wanting them to get their happy ending, but I wish they hadn't skipped over the "falling in love" part of the journey.
**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
August 16, 2022
This was cute and fluffy, tho not any real substance to it. I think it suffers from the length of the book. If we had been given 50 or so more pages to get to know Spike and Dickens better, this would of earned another star. It has the groundwork for a really good solid story, the biker mechanic and the bookworm, the juxtaposition of their roles in the relationship, and the cast of characters that follow them around (I need WAY more Sunshine content). I loved Spike and Dickens as characters, and really enjoyed them as a couple. Due to the length, though, their relationship seems so whirlwind it’s jarring. When we go from story to the epilogue it happens at such a break-neck pace I thought I missed like 3 chapters. All that said, if my only criticism of a book is that it’s too short, id say it’s a solid read! I’ll definitely be looking for more books from this author.
August 22, 2022
Started off with promise but at about near the 30% mark of the book the pacing shifted.
I get that the two main characters were supposed to have this enemies to lovers vibes, but it didn’t come off that way.
Upon their first brief introduction both men develop a sort of tension with the other for similar shallow/surface level reasons. Yet, when Dickens (apropos name by the way) confronts Spike about his music playing too loud they have this charged sexual reaction. I could not connect to this shift in pacing. It was abrupt and difficult to follow. There was a lack of fluidity in that abruptness that jarred me out of the book for a time. It became a bit of a chore to finish the story after that.
*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*
August 31, 2022
Dickens has taken over his parents book store and leads a quiet lonely life with just his cat and employees for company. While he is away for a conference, Spike buys the store next door for his motorcycle repair place. When Dickens comes back, he is very annoyed at all the noise coming from next door. He wanted to go yell at his new neighbor but his employee Sunshine talks him into taking the new neighbor coffee and donuts and asking nicely about lowering the noise level. When Dickens sees Spike it is instant hate and lust at the same time. Dickens reacts angrily to everything Spike does while Spike keeps reminding Dickens that the town and train produce similiar noises. If the middle of one heated argument, their passion explodes into an intimate encounter. That episode changes both of their feelings towards each other and they become close friends and lovers.
August 11, 2022
Catchy title, good, short and steamy😉
I love the enemy to lover trope and this short MM romance begins with agitated confrontation that morphs lightning fast into steamy connection. The characters were good, with an interesting vulnerability in the bike mechanic. I liked that the author turned stereotypes on their head and made the bookstore owner the alpha male instead of the mechanic. The physical and emotional relationship builds at warp speed, but I had no problem with that as it brought the story to a happy conclusion despite the brevity.
Enjoyed it and would gladly read more by the author.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I love the enemy to lover trope and this short MM romance begins with agitated confrontation that morphs lightning fast into steamy connection. The characters were good, with an interesting vulnerability in the bike mechanic. I liked that the author turned stereotypes on their head and made the bookstore owner the alpha male instead of the mechanic. The physical and emotional relationship builds at warp speed, but I had no problem with that as it brought the story to a happy conclusion despite the brevity.
Enjoyed it and would gladly read more by the author.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
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