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Alaskan Pebble Gifters #7
Practice for Toby: Alaskan Pebble Gifters, Book 7
Omega gentoo penguin shifters are supposed to be quiet, modest, and subservient. Felix is none of those things. Every time he mouths off to his teachers, they warn him no alpha will ever want a rebel like him.
But Felix has a plan. He found a romance novel with the secret details about what happens between an alpha and omega behind closed doors. He figures if he can become good at it before his Pebble Gifting Season, he'll be able to win over at least one alpha.
He asks his best friend Toby to practice with him. Toby is an omega too, so it's fine if they kiss or do the other things mentioned in the romance novel.
Or that's what Felix tells himself. Even when Toby's kisses are so wonderful, they make Felix dread the Pebble Gifting Season they're both practicing for.
Practice for Toby is a tender romance between two omegas who experience all their firsts together with a double pregnancy and double nesting. It's book seven in the Alaskan Pebble Gifters series, and will only make sense if you've listened to the first six books. Both main characters are over the age of eighteen.
But Felix has a plan. He found a romance novel with the secret details about what happens between an alpha and omega behind closed doors. He figures if he can become good at it before his Pebble Gifting Season, he'll be able to win over at least one alpha.
He asks his best friend Toby to practice with him. Toby is an omega too, so it's fine if they kiss or do the other things mentioned in the romance novel.
Or that's what Felix tells himself. Even when Toby's kisses are so wonderful, they make Felix dread the Pebble Gifting Season they're both practicing for.
Practice for Toby is a tender romance between two omegas who experience all their firsts together with a double pregnancy and double nesting. It's book seven in the Alaskan Pebble Gifters series, and will only make sense if you've listened to the first six books. Both main characters are over the age of eighteen.
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First published December 31, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 3, 2024
Practice for Toby is one of my favorites in this series. I love Bellows’ world building, the way she turns gender roles on their heads, the way she challenges oppressive social structures and religious doctrine and how she does it gently but fiercely while creating lovely relationship dynamics and characters.
To be completely honest, on a different day or in a different mood, I might only give Practice for Toby 4 stars, but I really appreciated the way she portrayed how extreme and oppressive religious doctrine relies on suppressing education, knowledge and opportunity for one group of people (traditional Gentoo omegas) in order to prop up the power and authority of another group of people (traditional Gentoo alphas). I ordinarily shy away from books with a heavy focus on religion because they often only scratch the surface of how extremist religious indoctrination works and how damaging it is and I end up feeling frustrated, angry or both.
But Bellows deftly handles the religious extremism in a way that’s nuanced and deep, showing its many facets and impact without being overwhelmingly depressing. Plus she manages to give her characters hope, agency and power by providing them with alternate communities of support. I can’t say for sure, but based on things she’s said and alluded to in her FB group, I suspect she draws on her own well of experience with religious intolerance and extremism and family rejection/intolerance to create a sensitive and thoughtful portrayal of these hurtful, harmful dynamics as well as the empowering dynamics of supportive community and avenues to escape these systems of oppression.
Don’t be fooled though, while the topic is heavy, Bellows manages to find wonderful balance between hurt and hope, dark and light, joy and pain, rejection and inclusion and at the core of it all, there’s very palpable love. We really see and feel the love and bonds between Toby and Felix. We witness how they grow and evolve. Not only that, we see and feel the love and bonds between Toby and Felix and their support systems and found family. It resonated deeply with my experience of the LGBTQ+ community and found family.
Finally, the nesting scenes were fantastic. They were hilarious but also really beautiful and moving. I laughed and laughed but I also got choked up and teary. They’re so poignant and sweet.
KU but I’ll buy this one outright and will get the audiobook too when/if it’s released.
Finally, if you weren’t already aware, Bellows and her wife are members of the LGBTQ+ community and Bellows uses her social media platform to thoughtfully and ardently advocate for queer and trans rights. I just love how her advocacy shows, both in her stories and on her social media.
To be completely honest, on a different day or in a different mood, I might only give Practice for Toby 4 stars, but I really appreciated the way she portrayed how extreme and oppressive religious doctrine relies on suppressing education, knowledge and opportunity for one group of people (traditional Gentoo omegas) in order to prop up the power and authority of another group of people (traditional Gentoo alphas). I ordinarily shy away from books with a heavy focus on religion because they often only scratch the surface of how extremist religious indoctrination works and how damaging it is and I end up feeling frustrated, angry or both.
But Bellows deftly handles the religious extremism in a way that’s nuanced and deep, showing its many facets and impact without being overwhelmingly depressing. Plus she manages to give her characters hope, agency and power by providing them with alternate communities of support. I can’t say for sure, but based on things she’s said and alluded to in her FB group, I suspect she draws on her own well of experience with religious intolerance and extremism and family rejection/intolerance to create a sensitive and thoughtful portrayal of these hurtful, harmful dynamics as well as the empowering dynamics of supportive community and avenues to escape these systems of oppression.
Don’t be fooled though, while the topic is heavy, Bellows manages to find wonderful balance between hurt and hope, dark and light, joy and pain, rejection and inclusion and at the core of it all, there’s very palpable love. We really see and feel the love and bonds between Toby and Felix. We witness how they grow and evolve. Not only that, we see and feel the love and bonds between Toby and Felix and their support systems and found family. It resonated deeply with my experience of the LGBTQ+ community and found family.
Finally, the nesting scenes were fantastic. They were hilarious but also really beautiful and moving. I laughed and laughed but I also got choked up and teary. They’re so poignant and sweet.
KU but I’ll buy this one outright and will get the audiobook too when/if it’s released.
Finally, if you weren’t already aware, Bellows and her wife are members of the LGBTQ+ community and Bellows uses her social media platform to thoughtfully and ardently advocate for queer and trans rights. I just love how her advocacy shows, both in her stories and on her social media.
March 28, 2024
I somehow lost track of this series but I'm glad I found it again. The series needs to be read in order as this story does rely on information learned in previous books and some of the prior characters come into play here.
I adored Toby and Felix and their best friends-to-lovers story. They don't have an easy time of it. Being Gentoo penguins and living in a closed religious community is hard on both, especially Felix who had lived outside of it at one point and knows he doesn't belong there. Toby doesn't know any differently, but he also starts to realize that maybe there is more to life than what their religion tells them.
These two risk everything to be together and there is real danger if they don't have a good plan. I was rooting for them from the first page. There is a good balance between romance, drama and fun. Their nesting is absolutely hilarious and my favorite of the series. I was disappointed that Toby's confrontation with his mother was just recounted and not shown since it was such a major upheaval in his life.
I adored Toby and Felix and their best friends-to-lovers story. They don't have an easy time of it. Being Gentoo penguins and living in a closed religious community is hard on both, especially Felix who had lived outside of it at one point and knows he doesn't belong there. Toby doesn't know any differently, but he also starts to realize that maybe there is more to life than what their religion tells them.
These two risk everything to be together and there is real danger if they don't have a good plan. I was rooting for them from the first page. There is a good balance between romance, drama and fun. Their nesting is absolutely hilarious and my favorite of the series. I was disappointed that Toby's confrontation with his mother was just recounted and not shown since it was such a major upheaval in his life.
December 27, 2024
My favorite from this series 💛
September 3, 2024
Oh yall...
This one is a bit more heavy and angsty for my taste, but I still enjoyed it.
Firstly, Toby and Felix were made for each other and are an omega/omega pairing who escaped the horrible gentoo penguin environment.
Secondly, they were beyond innocent of the real world. The oppressive way they were raised made them this way.
Thirdly, as much as I loved Eli in the last book, his uh, contribution was beyond being a nice guy.
Fourthly, the nesting was great but didn't follow and of the nesting rules that came before.
Fiftly, I loved the theme of the nest.
All in all, this one seems to be more about furthering the political/shifter rules than the main mcs love story.
This one is a bit more heavy and angsty for my taste, but I still enjoyed it.
Firstly, Toby and Felix were made for each other and are an omega/omega pairing who escaped the horrible gentoo penguin environment.
Secondly, they were beyond innocent of the real world. The oppressive way they were raised made them this way.
Thirdly, as much as I loved Eli in the last book, his uh, contribution was beyond being a nice guy.
Fourthly, the nesting was great but didn't follow and of the nesting rules that came before.
Fiftly, I loved the theme of the nest.
All in all, this one seems to be more about furthering the political/shifter rules than the main mcs love story.
November 28, 2024
I was not expecting a book deep in the cult of the Gentoo penguins but given that we got one book on the prison of the Slope already I shouldn't be so surprised. I really liked it
August 21, 2024
I enjoyed this, as I do all the books in this series.
It was an enjoyable read even though it didn't feel like the author felt like writing it. It felt like most of the book was a set up for the nesting (which was epic and hilarious) and she didn't want to tackle the painful bits.
As a reader it felt like the story was set up for certain things, and then they were slid out from under me?
I'll be reading the next one though.
It was an enjoyable read even though it didn't feel like the author felt like writing it. It felt like most of the book was a set up for the nesting (which was epic and hilarious) and she didn't want to tackle the painful bits.
As a reader it felt like the story was set up for certain things, and then they were slid out from under me?
I'll be reading the next one though.
January 3, 2024
˗ˏˋ ꒰ 𝟓/𝟓 ★ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
omg both MCs were so pure & adorable!! they were the sweetest together & so cute & gentle with each other!! tho one mc was a bit more innocent bc he was very sheltered in a cult-like community. i was so rooting for both of them, bc none of them had it easy for different reasons but they at least had each other, always!!💞
their nesting was super adorable just like them but also healing & heartwarming *sobbing in happiness & relief that they eventually got accepted by a caring found family* -- yes i absolutely love the cameos of previous characters in this series, as always😭🥰
➥ ᴍᴍ
➥ ғɪʀsᴛ-ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ, ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
𓐭 ᴏᴍᴇɢᴀᴠᴇʀsᴇ
𓐭 (ɢᴇɴᴛᴏᴏ) ᴘᴇɴɢᴜɪɴ sʜɪғᴛᴇʀs
𓐭 ᴏᴍᴇɢᴀ × ᴏᴍᴇɢᴀ
𓐭 ғᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ/sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴsʜɪᴘ
𓐭 ʙᴇsᴛɪᴇs ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs
𓐭 ʜᴜʀᴛ/ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛ
𓐭 ғɪʀsᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇs
𓐭 ᴍᴘʀᴇɢ, ᴋɴᴏᴛᴛɪɴɢ, ғɪsᴛɪɴɢ, ɴᴇsᴛɪɴɢ
𓐭 sᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʟᴏɴᴇ ɪɴ ᴀ sᴇʀɪᴇs
➽ ᴛᴡ: ᴄʜɪʟᴅ ɴᴇɢʟᴇᴄᴛ . ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ ᴏғ ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛ (ʙʏ ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ, ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀsᴛ, ᴏғғ-ᴘᴀɢᴇ) . ɢʀɪᴇғ . ᴛɪɢʜᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ - ᴄᴜʟᴛ ᴠɪʙᴇs .
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
𝒑𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆:
reading this right after (re)watching Mr Popper's Penguins...🤭💀🐧 .❅ ݁ ˖ִ ࣪𔘓₊𖥔˚
omg both MCs were so pure & adorable!! they were the sweetest together & so cute & gentle with each other!! tho one mc was a bit more innocent bc he was very sheltered in a cult-like community. i was so rooting for both of them, bc none of them had it easy for different reasons but they at least had each other, always!!💞
their nesting was super adorable just like them but also healing & heartwarming *sobbing in happiness & relief that they eventually got accepted by a caring found family* -- yes i absolutely love the cameos of previous characters in this series, as always😭🥰
➥ ᴍᴍ
➥ ғɪʀsᴛ-ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ, ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
𓐭 ᴏᴍᴇɢᴀᴠᴇʀsᴇ
𓐭 (ɢᴇɴᴛᴏᴏ) ᴘᴇɴɢᴜɪɴ sʜɪғᴛᴇʀs
𓐭 ᴏᴍᴇɢᴀ × ᴏᴍᴇɢᴀ
𓐭 ғᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ/sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴsʜɪᴘ
𓐭 ʙᴇsᴛɪᴇs ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs
𓐭 ʜᴜʀᴛ/ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛ
𓐭 ғɪʀsᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇs
𓐭 ᴍᴘʀᴇɢ, ᴋɴᴏᴛᴛɪɴɢ, ғɪsᴛɪɴɢ, ɴᴇsᴛɪɴɢ
𓐭 sᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʟᴏɴᴇ ɪɴ ᴀ sᴇʀɪᴇs
➽ ᴛᴡ: ᴄʜɪʟᴅ ɴᴇɢʟᴇᴄᴛ . ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ ᴏғ ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛ (ʙʏ ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ, ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀsᴛ, ᴏғғ-ᴘᴀɢᴇ) . ɢʀɪᴇғ . ᴛɪɢʜᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ - ᴄᴜʟᴛ ᴠɪʙᴇs .
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
𝒑𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆:
reading this right after (re)watching Mr Popper's Penguins...🤭💀🐧 .❅ ݁ ˖ִ ࣪𔘓₊𖥔˚
July 26, 2024
great
Another great instalment of the pebble shifter series and this one is soo good. I’m glad they got their HEA ending too.
Another great instalment of the pebble shifter series and this one is soo good. I’m glad they got their HEA ending too.
January 18, 2024
disappointed
I’ve always loved this series. It’s always been high steam, sweet moments, and you get to experience everything the MCs go through in great detail. This book however lacked everything. The story line was great but the steam was way low. Also there are some big moments we don’t get to experience such as the fall out with Toby’s parents. Especially his alpha mom. We are told after how upset he is. But we don’t get to know what actually happened and what he felt. It was all so rushed. It’s like the ending had to be all thrown together and we were thrown tidbits of information we missed but we’re supposed to get. I’ve reread all the books in this series because I love it so much but this one will be a non reread for me.
I’ve always loved this series. It’s always been high steam, sweet moments, and you get to experience everything the MCs go through in great detail. This book however lacked everything. The story line was great but the steam was way low. Also there are some big moments we don’t get to experience such as the fall out with Toby’s parents. Especially his alpha mom. We are told after how upset he is. But we don’t get to know what actually happened and what he felt. It was all so rushed. It’s like the ending had to be all thrown together and we were thrown tidbits of information we missed but we’re supposed to get. I’ve reread all the books in this series because I love it so much but this one will be a non reread for me.
December 31, 2023
Absolutely adorable!
I truly loved everything about this book. I loved how Toby stood by Felix even when he was scared. I loved that Felix was brave enough to come back to Toby and make things work. The nesting was just the icing on the cake. I absolutely LOVED how Toby and Felix took over the entire house and the first scene of nesting with the library carts and such…it was great!! I think this is one of the best nesting scenes…lol!! I adored how at the end Felix finally acknowledges that maybe he isn’t a screwup after all…that was just precious. Sweet, sweet, story!
I truly loved everything about this book. I loved how Toby stood by Felix even when he was scared. I loved that Felix was brave enough to come back to Toby and make things work. The nesting was just the icing on the cake. I absolutely LOVED how Toby and Felix took over the entire house and the first scene of nesting with the library carts and such…it was great!! I think this is one of the best nesting scenes…lol!! I adored how at the end Felix finally acknowledges that maybe he isn’t a screwup after all…that was just precious. Sweet, sweet, story!
February 1, 2024
OMG!!!! SO GOOD! I've mentioned it before, but Bellows is my benchmark for omega/omega romance and as always, she hit it out of the park. If you enjoyed Red Wolf Thrall, this book is kinda like if two omegas had fallen in love on the compound. Except its penguins at a conservative finishing school. The twists towards the end were SO GOOD! Just such a rich story, such a sweet love, such cute characters. Can't wait to re-read it!!!
December 29, 2023
I’ve missed spending time in this world, the characters are so endearing and the world building is so exquisitely done. Felix and Toby have such a lovely friendship, I really enjoyed the beginning chapters as we get to see how close they are. I always love learning about the different shifter cultures and how the author makes them so relatable to the contemporary world. Both Toby and Felix are Gentoo penguin Omegas preparing for Pebble Gifting Season, and attending finishing school to be ready to care for a mate. As Gentoo Omegas, they live under very strict conditions, very little is under their control. I loved how Felix uses books to rebel against the expectations of his Gentoo culture. How the library his Omega dad would secretly take him to is a revered place for him, and how he and his dad both find a kind of freedom in the books they hide away. It’s from a romance book that Felix gets his brilliant and life changing idea, that he and Toby should practice, so they can be ready to please the Alphas during Pebble Gifting Season. I loved how these two overcome so many obstacles to be together and form a new family for themselves with the help of some familiar faces. This was such beautiful way to check in with the previous couples. Felix and Toby have a special connection and this is one of the absolute sweetest books I’ve read in a very long time. I loved Felix’s bravery in trying to take control of his future and Toby’s strength in forging his new life against his parents’ wishes. The stakes feel really high which makes their story so compelling to read, I couldn’t put it down until I got to the end. This was another beautifully written romance set in the Alaskan Pebble Gifters world, with two of the loveliest main characters you’ll find, and world building that is pretty unparalleled. I loved every page.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 9, 2025
4 Stars – Awkward Adorability with a Side of Whiplash
I have devoured every single book in this series like they were spicy little shifter snacks, because honestly? I adore them. They're ridiculous and over-the-top in the best way. That said… Practice For Toby was a tougher nut to crack.
Coming off the last book—where we had a sexy and confident sex worker owning his power—we slam directly into this one, which features two 23-year-old penguin shifters who emotionally and socially feel like they just escaped an ultra conservative teen summer camp. It was whiplash, I won’t lie. I had to keep pausing to remind myself, They are adults. They are 23. This is fine. They are not children. Because wow, did it feel like reading about teenagers, and I do not like reading underage pairings. To be crystal clear: they’re not underage. The book never crosses that line. But the religious isolation angle gives them a social-emotional maturity level of… let’s call it a soft 15. So yeah, it was a bit uncomfortable.
That said, Felix and Toby have this earnest awkwardness that’s hard not to root for, even when I wanted to shake them and yell, “YOU’RE GROWN MEN. ACT LIKE IT.” The nesting, the longing, the fumbling exploration—it does eventually come together in a sweet, soft way. You just have to accept the cringe and trust the journey.
Would I read it again? Probably not. Did I enjoy it in the end? Weirdly… yes.
Bring on the next book—I’m clearly in too deep to stop now.
I have devoured every single book in this series like they were spicy little shifter snacks, because honestly? I adore them. They're ridiculous and over-the-top in the best way. That said… Practice For Toby was a tougher nut to crack.
Coming off the last book—where we had a sexy and confident sex worker owning his power—we slam directly into this one, which features two 23-year-old penguin shifters who emotionally and socially feel like they just escaped an ultra conservative teen summer camp. It was whiplash, I won’t lie. I had to keep pausing to remind myself, They are adults. They are 23. This is fine. They are not children. Because wow, did it feel like reading about teenagers, and I do not like reading underage pairings. To be crystal clear: they’re not underage. The book never crosses that line. But the religious isolation angle gives them a social-emotional maturity level of… let’s call it a soft 15. So yeah, it was a bit uncomfortable.
That said, Felix and Toby have this earnest awkwardness that’s hard not to root for, even when I wanted to shake them and yell, “YOU’RE GROWN MEN. ACT LIKE IT.” The nesting, the longing, the fumbling exploration—it does eventually come together in a sweet, soft way. You just have to accept the cringe and trust the journey.
Would I read it again? Probably not. Did I enjoy it in the end? Weirdly… yes.
Bring on the next book—I’m clearly in too deep to stop now.
March 16, 2024
If you go into this expecting a cute shifter omegaverse then maybe you might need to alter those expectations. This book has all of the swoony romance and love but deals with some really dark themes.
The deeper we go into this series the more the dark sides of these societies is getting exposed.
If you wish to go in blind then stop reading but the triggers are as follows.
This book deals with 2 people who grew up in a very strict cult. One joined later than the other but their families both force practices and religion on them. They do get out, they have to to be together, but it’s quite harrowing and one character in particular goes through a lot to adjust mentally IMO.
That said I adored this book. I’m a dark romance reader and whilst our MMCs are total sunshine’s the stuff they go through is difficult reading at times.
The love these two share is beyond fated mates level. They are best friends and both omegas (so forbidden to be together).
After finding a spicy book they decide to experiment with each other but soon discover their feelings are much much stronger than friendship.
I loved the dynamic between our MMCs and the found family trope within this.
The double pregnancy and therefore double nesting was hilarious. I love the inventiveness of these each time.
My favourite book of the series so far. Loved it.
The deeper we go into this series the more the dark sides of these societies is getting exposed.
If you wish to go in blind then stop reading but the triggers are as follows.
This book deals with 2 people who grew up in a very strict cult. One joined later than the other but their families both force practices and religion on them. They do get out, they have to to be together, but it’s quite harrowing and one character in particular goes through a lot to adjust mentally IMO.
That said I adored this book. I’m a dark romance reader and whilst our MMCs are total sunshine’s the stuff they go through is difficult reading at times.
The love these two share is beyond fated mates level. They are best friends and both omegas (so forbidden to be together).
After finding a spicy book they decide to experiment with each other but soon discover their feelings are much much stronger than friendship.
I loved the dynamic between our MMCs and the found family trope within this.
The double pregnancy and therefore double nesting was hilarious. I love the inventiveness of these each time.
My favourite book of the series so far. Loved it.
January 2, 2024
Love and found family can overcome a lot!
In a way this book was hard to read because of the religious and conservative households that the guys grow up in, but it was also very cathartic for someone like me who wrestles with religious trauma. I love the way Amy writes these stories that are so relatable and poetic and lovely even when they get quite serious.
As usual, this book was signature Amy, with lots of seriousness and tough choices, but also an incredibly sweet and romantic couple who boldly overcome obstacles and cling onto hope. I absolutely adored Toby and Felix! They’re the definition of soulmates and their love was bursting from the pages. And the way their found family came together? Chef’s kiss! These two absolutely deserve the world and for all their dreams to come true. Lewis and Todd from A Pebble for Lewis are still my favorite Amy couple, but Toby and Felix might be a close second.
The book is recommended to be read as part of the series - and I certainly do agree with that - but I actually think it could be read as a standalone too. Amy does a great job (no surprise!) at explaining things that come up and filling in the blanks with characters that pop up from previous books who play an important role in this story.
Happy reading!
In a way this book was hard to read because of the religious and conservative households that the guys grow up in, but it was also very cathartic for someone like me who wrestles with religious trauma. I love the way Amy writes these stories that are so relatable and poetic and lovely even when they get quite serious.
As usual, this book was signature Amy, with lots of seriousness and tough choices, but also an incredibly sweet and romantic couple who boldly overcome obstacles and cling onto hope. I absolutely adored Toby and Felix! They’re the definition of soulmates and their love was bursting from the pages. And the way their found family came together? Chef’s kiss! These two absolutely deserve the world and for all their dreams to come true. Lewis and Todd from A Pebble for Lewis are still my favorite Amy couple, but Toby and Felix might be a close second.
The book is recommended to be read as part of the series - and I certainly do agree with that - but I actually think it could be read as a standalone too. Amy does a great job (no surprise!) at explaining things that come up and filling in the blanks with characters that pop up from previous books who play an important role in this story.
Happy reading!
February 5, 2024
- an MM shifter romance! best friends to lovers, two omega penguin shifters!
- oh they’re both so sweet i love them
- oh my god he needs to tell Toby i want to be sick 😭
- the Gentoos are so fucked i CANNOT
- their first kiss was so sweet omg
- i hate that Toby feels so guilty 😭
- NO NOT FELIX’S DAD WORKING FOR THAT BASTARD
- this one is making me so anxious 😂😭
- i am so glad they talked about their feelings otherwise it would of been miscommunication
- it’s MENTAL that they get no sex education!! he didn’t even understand slick?! wtf?!
- their first time was so beautiful
- i am SO STRESSED that they are going to get caught
- HELLER IS HERE!!!
- OH MY GOD HE’S ALREADY BEEN SOLD
- i am so fucking stressed i just want the cute nesting now
- Felix called Eli!!! hehehehe
- i’m so glad they talked and figured it all out 🥺 they deserve all of the love
- hehehe they’re both pregnant!! this is gonna be EPIC
- they turned Eli and Max’s WHOLE house into their clue board nest and it’s the best thing
- the births were so beautiful 😭
- THIS WAS SO GOOD!!! their love was so pure and beautiful and the only reason this isn’t 5 stars is because they made me stupid stressed about getting caught
- oh they’re both so sweet i love them
- oh my god he needs to tell Toby i want to be sick 😭
- the Gentoos are so fucked i CANNOT
- their first kiss was so sweet omg
- i hate that Toby feels so guilty 😭
- NO NOT FELIX’S DAD WORKING FOR THAT BASTARD
- this one is making me so anxious 😂😭
- i am so glad they talked about their feelings otherwise it would of been miscommunication
- it’s MENTAL that they get no sex education!! he didn’t even understand slick?! wtf?!
- their first time was so beautiful
- i am SO STRESSED that they are going to get caught
- HELLER IS HERE!!!
- OH MY GOD HE’S ALREADY BEEN SOLD
- i am so fucking stressed i just want the cute nesting now
- Felix called Eli!!! hehehehe
- i’m so glad they talked and figured it all out 🥺 they deserve all of the love
- hehehe they’re both pregnant!! this is gonna be EPIC
- they turned Eli and Max’s WHOLE house into their clue board nest and it’s the best thing
- the births were so beautiful 😭
- THIS WAS SO GOOD!!! their love was so pure and beautiful and the only reason this isn’t 5 stars is because they made me stupid stressed about getting caught
January 1, 2024
I adored Toby and Felix! I think story may resonate with those who feel they've been kept in the dark or not allowed to fully express themselves. I love how Amy always gives us new perspectives into the lives of people who may come from some very different backgrounds. I was glad that this is overall a very low angst read with the main source of conflict coming from with Toby's family. These two are incredibly sweet and Toby has an Innocence about him that shines along with his strength. Felix may be a bit more worldly but that sometimes also causes him to overthink. The way these two explore their deepening feelings was very well done and had a cute wholesome feel. I absolutely adored Toby's aunt and the circle of friends she brings them to. Plus we get to see some familiar faces which is always a treat. The is probably the most creative nesting scene yet and I don't know how she keeps coming up with fun unique ones that totally fits the couple. I did think that the ending was a little abrupt but I absolutely cannot wait for Daniel's story!
January 8, 2024
"Practice for Toby" received FOUR stars.
I read the first 60% of this book like how I watch horror movies: both hands over my eyes with fingers split the barest 1/2 inch so I can peek through and know when the scary parts are over.
I love that this book did not have the scary parts I thought it would. I will definitely like my re-read better because my anxiety level will be nil and I will be able to fully enjoy Toby and Felix’s journey. I 💖 this world Amy Bellows created.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
I read the first 60% of this book like how I watch horror movies: both hands over my eyes with fingers split the barest 1/2 inch so I can peek through and know when the scary parts are over.
I love that this book did not have the scary parts I thought it would. I will definitely like my re-read better because my anxiety level will be nil and I will be able to fully enjoy Toby and Felix’s journey. I 💖 this world Amy Bellows created.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
Felix and Toby, both omega Gentoo penguins stole my heart from the start. How they strongly dared to believe, love and trust in support to find their hea together eventough it might not be the easiest.
The support from the hired hearts, familar characters from the penguin and polar bear communitiea e.a. made it an uplifting story. Despite both their pain in finding things out about about their Gentoo community and direct families. As I now start to expect, no pressure Amy, the nesting material collection and building was epic (poor Max). Egg hatching was a happening but also so intimate. Near the end of the book I appreciate that Toby his bio family ties are gently nurtured and tested.
As always I see parallels to our contemporary society and absolutely enjoy Amy her craft to make these mm shifter mpreg stories so relatable and loveable. 📚 5*
For the audiobook:
Zachary is one of those narrators who I enjoy listening very much. Pair his voice with a 5* read and I know I will be swept away for hours. 🎧 5-
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The support from the hired hearts, familar characters from the penguin and polar bear communitiea e.a. made it an uplifting story. Despite both their pain in finding things out about about their Gentoo community and direct families. As I now start to expect, no pressure Amy, the nesting material collection and building was epic (poor Max). Egg hatching was a happening but also so intimate. Near the end of the book I appreciate that Toby his bio family ties are gently nurtured and tested.
As always I see parallels to our contemporary society and absolutely enjoy Amy her craft to make these mm shifter mpreg stories so relatable and loveable. 📚 5*
For the audiobook:
Zachary is one of those narrators who I enjoy listening very much. Pair his voice with a 5* read and I know I will be swept away for hours. 🎧 5-
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 1, 2024
Say it with me now: Amy Bellows is the Queen of non-traditional A/B/O dynamics. This is a trope inversion I have always loved but it is so hard to get your hands on in traditional writing, but Bellows does it perfectly.
I have missed this world dearly and one thing that I love about Bellows’s writing is her seamless tie ins. The worlds she writes are so beautifully expressive that saying goodbye to one set of characters is only ever just a “see you later”.
The world building and characterization are truly some of the best I have ever read and it’s all tied together with a beautiful romance bow. There are few things in book world than seeing that Amy Bellows is writing a new novel.
I stumbled into Bellows writing accidentally and it was truly one of the best things to ever happen to me. I explore you to take the polar plunge as well. See you in Alaska!
Featuring :
✔️ A/B/O
✔️ non-traditional A/B/O dynamics
✔️ fun shifter types
✔️ mpreg
✔️ friends to lovers
I have missed this world dearly and one thing that I love about Bellows’s writing is her seamless tie ins. The worlds she writes are so beautifully expressive that saying goodbye to one set of characters is only ever just a “see you later”.
The world building and characterization are truly some of the best I have ever read and it’s all tied together with a beautiful romance bow. There are few things in book world than seeing that Amy Bellows is writing a new novel.
I stumbled into Bellows writing accidentally and it was truly one of the best things to ever happen to me. I explore you to take the polar plunge as well. See you in Alaska!
Featuring :
✔️ A/B/O
✔️ non-traditional A/B/O dynamics
✔️ fun shifter types
✔️ mpreg
✔️ friends to lovers
January 1, 2024
This was such a great read! Toby and Felix are Gentoo omegas that are just about to go through their Pebble Gifting season but they don’t realize what the feelings they have for each other are. They decide to practice for the first night after receiving a pebble from an alpha so they will do the right things. However, little do they know that the practice between the two of them will reveal hidden and unknown feelings in them both. There was quite a bit of conflict in their book, but in the end it was worth the hardship. I recommend reading the other books in the series before this one as characters from the other books appear and the plot will make more sense. Absolutely loved Toby and Felix, and I highly recommend their story!
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
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January 1, 2024Finally back in Anchorage with lovely omega couple
Felix and Tobys best friends to mates story is heartbreaking but also poweful and endearing. The heartbreaking part is the strict Gentoo society who is suppressing were they can and barely allow them anything. Those two form a deep connection since they were little when Felix moved next door. Their love is deep but also forces them to fight for their freedom.
As always in Amys books there is cute nesting and a reunion with the other couples and characters we love so much from the world.
This book feels deeply personal and thats part of why it is so powerful.
I couldn't put it down and read it in one go, like most of Amy Bellows books.
Felix and Tobys best friends to mates story is heartbreaking but also poweful and endearing. The heartbreaking part is the strict Gentoo society who is suppressing were they can and barely allow them anything. Those two form a deep connection since they were little when Felix moved next door. Their love is deep but also forces them to fight for their freedom.
As always in Amys books there is cute nesting and a reunion with the other couples and characters we love so much from the world.
This book feels deeply personal and thats part of why it is so powerful.
I couldn't put it down and read it in one go, like most of Amy Bellows books.
January 3, 2024
Two omegas defy tradition for love.
OMG this is one fantastic book! I love the premise of two omegas in love. Old friends appear to help them out. Their strength amidst the strictures of their society gives you hope. There is enough angst to propel the story forward. The end result is worth it. And the nesting sequence... what Toby and Felix collect is an eclectic mix that makes sense only to them. Until weapons make an appearance. Then...Clue! I nearly lost it when Felix started grabbing things at the library. That poor librarian. Never mess with a nesting omega. In this case, two nesting omegas. This is a charming story filled with love, compassion, curiosity, and, yes, lots of practicing. I loved every page. You will, too. Get. It. Now!
OMG this is one fantastic book! I love the premise of two omegas in love. Old friends appear to help them out. Their strength amidst the strictures of their society gives you hope. There is enough angst to propel the story forward. The end result is worth it. And the nesting sequence... what Toby and Felix collect is an eclectic mix that makes sense only to them. Until weapons make an appearance. Then...Clue! I nearly lost it when Felix started grabbing things at the library. That poor librarian. Never mess with a nesting omega. In this case, two nesting omegas. This is a charming story filled with love, compassion, curiosity, and, yes, lots of practicing. I loved every page. You will, too. Get. It. Now!
December 30, 2024
We're back with the shifters in Anchorage, Alaska, this time with the purity-obsessed gentoo penguins we learned about in Eli's book. Or "the penguin shifters from that cult" as some locals call them, where the omegas are chained to their alphas all their lives, whether they want to or not, with a magical necklace welded around their necks.
Felix and Toby fall in love after having been best friends since their were little. Theirs is a rare omega/omega pairing, something that is taboo among the gentoo, and combined with their fear of the forced marriages, or maybe even getting trafficked, they really, really need to get away. Thankfully Felix has a teacher that sneaks him info about a secret organisation...
Felix and Toby fall in love after having been best friends since their were little. Theirs is a rare omega/omega pairing, something that is taboo among the gentoo, and combined with their fear of the forced marriages, or maybe even getting trafficked, they really, really need to get away. Thankfully Felix has a teacher that sneaks him info about a secret organisation...
January 1, 2024
Great addition to the series!
I loved Practice for Toby by Amy Bellows. It's the seventh book in the Alaskan Pebble Gifters series. I loved Felix and Toby's story. I loved that they grew up together and were best friends and lived next door to each other. I loved that Felix is a little bit of a rebel and that Toby is more of a follow the rules kind of guy and is a little sheltered compared to Felix. And I know I say this with teach book but the author somehow makes the nesting scenes in each book so unique and epic. I think this one is my favorite so far. We'll have to see if she can top it in the last two books in the series.
I loved Practice for Toby by Amy Bellows. It's the seventh book in the Alaskan Pebble Gifters series. I loved Felix and Toby's story. I loved that they grew up together and were best friends and lived next door to each other. I loved that Felix is a little bit of a rebel and that Toby is more of a follow the rules kind of guy and is a little sheltered compared to Felix. And I know I say this with teach book but the author somehow makes the nesting scenes in each book so unique and epic. I think this one is my favorite so far. We'll have to see if she can top it in the last two books in the series.
January 1, 2024
Beautiful
I loved that Felix and Toby were such good friends before their relationship changes into something much more.
Their Gentoo culture doesn't give omegas many rights.
Felix is a rebel and gets the idea to practice with Toby for their future alphas but instead their bond grows stronger and they realize they're falling in love.
Toby especially goes through some difficulties with his family because of this but together and with the help of some familiar faces they fight for their HEA.
Once again the author has created a wonderful story and a uniquely beautiful nesting scene.
I can't wait to continue learning about more wonderful characters in this amazing series.
I loved that Felix and Toby were such good friends before their relationship changes into something much more.
Their Gentoo culture doesn't give omegas many rights.
Felix is a rebel and gets the idea to practice with Toby for their future alphas but instead their bond grows stronger and they realize they're falling in love.
Toby especially goes through some difficulties with his family because of this but together and with the help of some familiar faces they fight for their HEA.
Once again the author has created a wonderful story and a uniquely beautiful nesting scene.
I can't wait to continue learning about more wonderful characters in this amazing series.
December 19, 2024
This series was such a delight! I started the first one thinking it was a standalone, but then realized 8 other couples were just waiting for me to discover them!
These books are everything it promises and more. It's fun, flirty and super sexy. But it also has great world building, and character growth.
Throughout the series we navigate serious themes like found family, not fitting in, sex work, dysfunctional families/religion, prison and its ethicality, etc.
It's no surprise that I adored how the author explored the themes of nest/nesting. Those scenes were as adorable as they were hilarious.
Here are my favourites aka the ones I cried: A home for Ben, A mate for Lu, A nest for Eli.
These books are everything it promises and more. It's fun, flirty and super sexy. But it also has great world building, and character growth.
Throughout the series we navigate serious themes like found family, not fitting in, sex work, dysfunctional families/religion, prison and its ethicality, etc.
It's no surprise that I adored how the author explored the themes of nest/nesting. Those scenes were as adorable as they were hilarious.
Here are my favourites aka the ones I cried: A home for Ben, A mate for Lu, A nest for Eli.
December 31, 2023
I'm so glad we get another story in this universe. I absolutely loved Toby & Felix. I also enjoyed getting to see them when they were younger & how close their friendship was prior to them finally realizing their feelings for each other. Gentoo Omegas lived under some very strict rules & have really no control over what they want or can do. Instead of going to school to learn about any type of world skills, they are taught how to take care of their Alpha's and home. I loved seeing how they figure out how they can get their HEA. We also get to visit with Eli who helps our MC's. We get to see more of the going ons with the underground. I can't wait for the next book in the series, though I am saddened that there are only 2 left.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
December 31, 2023
I absolutely love this series, and this latest addition is no exception. Here, we get the story of two omegas falling in love, and the difficulties they then face. Toby and Felix are wonderful characters, and as ever with this series, the world building is incredible. I loved finding out more about the underground work going on, and I can’t wait to come back to that in the final two books of the series.
This book can’t be read without the rest of the series, but if you haven’t yet started, go and do so!
This book can’t be read without the rest of the series, but if you haven’t yet started, go and do so!
December 31, 2023
I adore this series. The difference between the types of penguin shifters and how they are raised is so well thought-out. The friendship between Toby and Felix is delightful and endearing, and the way they support each other is so heart-felt. It is wonderful to revisit so many past characters, and while this series is drawing to a close, I hope Ms Bellows knows how much her fans adore them, and has them pop up in other stories.
The nesting scene in this book is amazing, and hysterical. Likely her best written one yet!
The nesting scene in this book is amazing, and hysterical. Likely her best written one yet!
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