Carver's Craving

Love in Mission City #8

by Gabbi Grey

Carver

I drove across the continent to escape memories of death, accusations, and a crashed career. I took refuge in the small town of Mission City, British Columbia. I'm content here with my good job and two rescue dogs, until the day I bump into an old friend. Styx is an echo of the tragedy I'm trying to forget, but he's also broke and alone, and I have to invite him to stay with me. Problem is, he's gorgeous temptation personified. Can I be around Styx every day without losing my peace, or my heart?

Styx

My bandmate Baxter and I were supposed to be on a road-trip to forge a new life in Vancouver, after the death of our drummer. With my vocals and guitar and his keyboard, we hoped we might still make a living from our music. Except before we got there, Baxter vanished in Mission City, BC, leaving me stranded, low on cash, and homeless in a new town. When I run into our former roadie, Carver, on the street, it's a gift from the gods—a friendly face and a place to stay. But Carver's also the guy I crushed on for years, and I don't know if I have the strength to be just a friend, or to leave when it's time for me to go.

Carver’s Craving is an age-gap, interracial, small-town romance between a rock star chasing a dream, the man he thought he’d never see again, and the two cutest rescue dogs ever. 

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2026

About the author

Gabbi 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.

Reviews

[Books Spice N Everything Nice · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧Audiobook
🎤Narrated by: Michael Dean

Story: 4⭐️
Narration: 4⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️— Mild spice

🍆MM — Romance
📚Standalone (Book 8 in the Love in Mission City series)
✏️First person — Dual POV
🎙️Single narration

❤️Main tropes: Small town • Age gap • Mystery • Trauma

This story surprised me; it wasn’t exactly what I expected. I thought it would be a sweet and emotional slow burn, slow-paced, second chance romance, but I did not expect to be so into the mystery surrounding Baxter’s disappearance! I kinda really got into it and loved how it unfolded. It was a great addition to the love story.

Carver and Styx are great together. I really, really liked the way their relationship slowly built up and how they both worked around each other’s trauma, with love and support. Actually, all the characters had a little something that drew me to them.

Michael Dean’s narration was good. He has a deep voice that is very calming and fits this novel really well. But there were many characters, and he didn’t use many different voices, so sometimes, I was confused and had a hard time keeping track of who was talking. However, he really impressed me with the stuttering of one of the characters; it felt real and natural.

I also had a hard time following the timeline of all the past events in the story. I don’t know if it’s because I had the audio version, or because I have not read the previous books in the series, but I found myself wanting to write things down at some point to try and figure it all out. Oh, but I loved the Canadian references, like Tim Hortons, that we don’t often see in books!

The ending of the story was cute and sweet, and I really smiled when we got a hint at the next couple in the series! Now, of course, I wanna read it!

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

✨May contain spoilers✨

When it comes to Gabbi’s books, I’ve loved every read and listen because the storylines will always keep me intrigued for sure. As usual, Michael Dean does such an amazing job bringing these characters to life.

Carver and Styx have to be one of my favorites couples and I hope to see them as future cameos in her other books. From the rescue dogs to just being freaking adorable, I was so into their storyline. Carver’s dogs were just so freaking adorable.

It got really interesting when it came to Baxter and it keeps me curious to what his potential story is going to be like.

I loved watching these two lean into one another when they certainly need it. All the sweet and the comfort feelings were so worth it.

I love it when a story keeps you intrigued and Gabbi does such an amazing job to keep you on your toes. I also loved all the side characters that would pop in from time to time. When it was over, I certainly wanted more from them.

I received a copy of this audiobook and this is my honest review.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5

I loved listening to this!

Carver and Styx make a great couple. Their story is sweet and sexy. I love stories with rescue pets and Carver’s dogs are adorable. It’s awful what Baxter went through and I can’t wait to learn more in his upcoming book.

Michael Dean’s audio performance made listening to this story very enjoyable; he always does such a great job.

A review copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request. I voluntarily left a review and it was not influenced by the author or narrator.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook - very good narration. The stuttering character was impressive.
Story - while there was an explanation for Carter's reasons for the way the one night stand in the Styx novella went, I wasn't quite convinced. I really enjoyed Styx in this book, and Carver learnt a lot from him. There were several characters who could be set up for future books who were very interesting, and not the extreme use of previous characters which has happened in the odd earlier book which is keeping me invested in the series.

[Tara Baja · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC Review

Title: Carver's Craving
Author: Gabbi Grey
Series: Love in Mission City {Book 8}
Genre: MM Romance
Format: Audiobook
Length: 7h:36m
Started: 10/25/26 Ended: 10/30/26


Overall: 4/5 ⭐
Plot: 4/5 ⭐
Characters: 5 ⭐
World Building: 5 ⭐
Spice: 4.5/5 ⭐
Narrator: 3.5 ⭐
📱__ 📚__ 🎧✅


Favorite Character:
Carver's two dogs, Walter and Poppin, but I would say the latter more so! She definitely steals the show with her "eye rolls" and imaginary communication with Styx. Just listening about her and Walter, albeit they be older/sicker shelter dogs, gave me a calming feeling. I really appreciated how Gabbi always included a dog owners reality of walking, feeding and peanut butter medicine times. It reminded me of my own late senior shelter dog Cypher.


Favorite Part:
If you've read Styx's Storm beforehand, which is recommended to do as it serves as a prequel to Carver's Cravings, you know that Styx arrives to Mission City with Baxter but Baxter drives off in his van, abandoning Styx. With nowhere to go, Styx decides to stay put, see if Baxter comes back, not wanting to believe he's actually been abandoned. As he waits, he meets a bookstore owner and his husband, enjoying the friendliness of the city. To pass the time goes on an app, looking for a one night stand. He hooks up with a man in a fancy hotel, named Charles, who refuses to turn on the light. It's the best sex of Styx's life. Charles offers the room for the night and leaves. Later on, Styx hopes to find him again even though he doesn't know what he looks like. My favorite part was when Styx realized he had feelings for Carver and decided not to look for Charles anymore.


Thoughts:
Michael Dean's narration isn't my favorite, because all the characters sound very similar to each other, although I do hear him trying to differentiate each person. However, it wasn't so bad that I couldn't enjoy listening to the story. It may seem like an insta love story for Carter and Styx, but they actually have a history of knowing each other. Their friendship ended abruptly after a tragedy that affected Styx, Baxter, and Carver; the prior two being in a band together back in the day, while Carver served as their roadie. Present day Carver couldn't believe his luck in running into Styx, as they're both now in Mission City, far from TO. Now that Baxter has now seemingly abandoned Styx, it feels like fate. Carver was there to save the day and the rest, as they say is history. Or in this case, the rest of the book, which was appreciatively provided to me by Gabbi and The Gay Romance Review in reciprocity for my honest thoughts and opinions. In this case, I think this book deserves 4⭐

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a previous book, Styx’s Storm, a Love in Mission City short story, we were introduced to Styx, stranded in the small town of Mission City, British Columbia. At the end of the book, he is leaving a hotel and heading out to explore the small town, and hopefully find his missing bandmate, Baxter. That book ends there, and Carver’s Craving pretty well begins where Styx’s book ends.

Carver has lived in Mission City for over a year and is very surprised to see a young man from his past in this small town. Styx and Carver knew each other in the Toronto area where Styx was a singer in a rock band and Carver was a roadie with the band. The two have a history, both having been attracted to each other over the years, but not acknowledging it or doing anything about it. Now, it’s a shock to see his former friend, broke and stranded, so Carver offers to let Styx stay with him while he sorts things out. What starts out platonic doesn’t stay that way for long, as old attractions are back, a fellow bandmate is missing, questions remain with Carver about a tragedy from the time in Toronto, and two furry housemates help bring the two together, along with main characters from other Mission City books who keep popping up. This is definitely a romance based on history and proximity, a mystery tied to the past, traumas for both related to family, second chances, doggy kisses, and finding the person that feels like home, all set in the friendly little Canadian town of Mission City.

I am a lover of all books by Gabbi Grey, especially the ones set in Mission City. The former characters that keep showing up help tie the whole series of books together and make you feel like you could easily move to this little town and already know a good portion of the people that live there. Add to that the world building for the area just outside Vancouver BC, and north of Seattle, with landmarks to orient yourself and fit right in. Pick up this book or one of the others she has in the series and I think you’ll be hooked, too. I am anxiously awaiting Baxter and Seth’s story to find out what happened to Baxter and how he disappeared, leading to Styx and Carver finding each other again, and just stretching the connections in this little town even further.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Book Hoarder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carver’s University degree came from the drama department, but he wasn’t an actor, he loved everything backstage. A week after he graduated his mother died and he took a job as a roadie with an up and coming rock band. They were young but they were talented and being their stage manager suited him. Baxter, the keyboard player, married and divorced at age 20. She wasn’t really pregnant and she was nuts. Shortly after that, their drummer Frank died when an overhead spotlight fell and struck his head. Although Carver himself had not hung the light, his crew had and he felt responsible. As soon as the police cleared him and said it was not his fault, Carver took off, eaten up with guilt over something he did not cause but still took the life of his friend. The band fell apart and Baxter and Styx stayed in Ontario for 18 months before they headed across the country to try and make a new start in Vancouver. Before they could get there, their old van broke down in Mission City. Baxter let Styx out on a corner and said he was going to find a repair shop.
After using an app for a hook-up, Styx spent the night in the Grand Hotel room where he had just had the best night of his life. The next morning when he was walking down the street, someone called his name and it was Carver. Styx told him he could not get in touch with Baxter, and he was really worried so Carver took him home. Baxter wasn’t returning their calls or texts so Styx stayed and Carver fell in love. Styx didn’t know that Carver had always felt that way about him but the timing had never been right before.
This is one of the Love in Mission City Books by Gabbi Grey. I had read 4-5 other G. Greys, although not the Mission City series. There is a prequel short story available in Audible and Kindle called Styx’s Storm, which tells how Styx ended up in Mission City and his hook-up. It drew me in enough to want to read Carver’s Craving. And when I got to the end their was a plug for the next one which of course I need to have also when it releases in January.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Things Happen for a Reason . . .

With the death of Frank, the band's drummer, their roadie Carver relocated far away to forget the pain of death and the end of his career. He had been setting up the stage at a rock concert and spotted someone up on the catwalk who shouldn't be there. When one of the bands did a sound check and everyone was on stage, a clamp that had been tampered with allowed a light to fall which landed on the drummer. Carver felt at fault for not stopping to report the stranger. Frank's skull was crushed and his parents had the hospital withdraw life support and donate his organs. Carver's guilt for ignoring the interloper, just like everyone else had done, made him leave and end up in the small town of Mission City, British Columbia. He was finally adjusting, started feeling comfortable with his job and two rescue dogs. But then he recognized an old friend from the band walking on Main Street! Styx Smith is a reminder of the tragedy Carver wants to forget, but apparently he is also broke and alone, so Carver feels compelled to invite him to stay with him. But Styx is a gorgeous temptation he may not be able to resist.

Styx and his bandmate Baxter had been together on a road-trip to look for a new start in Vancouver after their drummer died. Having Styx do vocals and guitar, and with Baxter on keyboard, they hoped to continue their music career. But when they arrived here, Baxter unexpectedly disappeared, leaving Styx standing alone on the sidewalk in Mission City with no money, and apparently now homeless in an unfamiliar town. So he was surprised when Carver called to him, and he hopes Carver can help him find a place to stay. The only issue is that he had been attracted to Carver for years and is not sure if he can just be friends anymore. Will the two of them finally talk to each other and realize this is exactly what the two of them had wanted but chose to keep secret?

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a radio personality in the 60's-70's (yes, yes I am old as dirt) who ended his broadcast with a "and that's the rest of the story". And then he'd say his name and then "Good day". They were little snippets of a tale, and always left me with a smile.
I get that way when Gabbi Grey retells her stories from a different POV. "Carver's Craving" tells us the rest of the story of Carver and Styx. Not really. They'll pop up in other Mission City stories. (Nah, nah, Gabbi Grey.... got my fingers in my ears and can't hear you saying that MC is coming to an end).
We do get the backstory on Styx's old band. The drummer was killed by a falling spotlight. Roadie manager Carver didn't position the light, his crew did. But he still felt responsible and the guilt and sorrow brought him to Mission City. With the help of a great community of found family and two rescue doggies, he began to heal. Coincidence brought Styx to Mission City, where he was dumped, broke by the third member of the former band.
Carver takes the lost Styx to his home to regroup and heal. And the unacknowledged feelings they had for each other, blossomed.
Gabbi Grey excels at heart healing/comfort stories with finding home and family. And HEAs. Lots of slow burn, getting to know each other, falling in love, in these tales. Some angst, often past traumas. But I dare you to end a GG story without a happy smile on your face.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about Styx, a former singer in a rock band, and Carver, a former roadie for that band. Styx and Carver were attracted to each other when they were both in the band, but after one of the band members was killed, Carver ran away, and Styx was left with Baxter, the other member of the band. Baxter and Styx broke down in Mission City and Baxter left Styx to fend for himself (read Styx’s Storm – a very short story that relates to this one). Styx and Carver meet outside a bookstore and Styx has nowhere to stay so Carver offers his place to stay. Carver and Styx are two damaged people that want to be together but are scared. This is a slow burn of the two of them getting to know each other all over again and falling in love. There is also the mystery of what happened to Baxter. I will not give away the ending, but it was very satisfying, there is HEA, and we are introduced to the next two people that will have a love story in Mission City. Gabbi Grey has written many books in her fictional town of Mission City and you should read the others as the side characters mentioned in each story have all had their own love stories told in other books. You can still read this as a stand alone and not be lost though.
Story 4, Spice 2
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Likes2Explore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall 5 Stars
Narration 5 Stars
Story 4.5 Stars

Oh my goodness Michael Dean has done it again. I have enjoyed hearing him bring the Love in Mission City series to life and this is another wonderful addition.

Poppin and Walter steal the show but I am a critter lover so any cute animals will easily do that especially if they are rescue animals! I just loved how Carter was with them and then how Styx fell in place too. Honestly the dynamic between Carter and Styx was lovely. They both built each other up and were there for each other when they needed each other.

The entire community of Mission City is so kind and loving towards each other that it is a place I wish I could be.

My only slightly critical thought was that I thought the ending was a bit abrupt and felt rushed but otherwise I thought this story was beautifully written. Great World building with a wonderful cast of characters that I have fallen in love with.

I have so many questions but those will have to wait to be answered for Baxter’s story. If you do not like open ended stories than you may want to wait before reading this one until the next one is out.

The prequel Styx’s Storm is very enjoyable and will enhance your reading experience!

I received an ALC from GRR.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best installment of this series (novellas excluded) in awhile, but I really wish the ending wasn’t so rushed 😭

*I received an ALC copy of this audiobook, all opinions are my own*

Styx and his bandmate Baxter are still reeling from the tragic death of their third bandmate the year prior and have decided to head to Vancouver for a fresh start. Unfortunately their van breaks down just outside Mission City and Baxter leaves Styx behind (not cool bro) while he goes to try and get the van fixed.

Luckily Styx finds a friendly face in Mission City in their former head roadie, Carver. With basically nothing to his name, Styx goes to live with Carver while waiting for Baxter to return.

Though the romance between Styx and Carver progresses quickly on the surface, for me this worked/made sense because they’ve known each other for years (though idk if we really needed it to be from Styx being 16….like 18 would’ve been just fine). But the MCs are 23 & 37 now respectively anyways and only had crushes on each other for the last two or so years, so I’m willing to ignore that bit of awkward vibes.

We get some fun cameos from the other characters in this universe without it being too much, and the ending really sets up a potential next book well!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the Storm

This is the full-length novel follow on to Styx’s Storm. Styx and his friends Baxter and Frank had a band with lots of potential. Carver was a roadie and tech, setting up their equipment on stage and keeping the band safe – until the accident that brought a heavy piece of equipment down on Frank, killing him.

Here, Styx and Carver unexpectedly meet on the street in Mission City. Styx is stranded in town. Baxter took off to get their van repaired, with Styx’s guitars and other equipment in it. Carver is living a quiet, somewhat isolated life, working construction. He pours energy and affection into his two rescue dogs. He invites Styx to stay with him, at least until Baxter returns. Time passes… and as Styx meets neighbors and other people in Carver’s life, he starts nudging Carver to be more social. Characters from past stories appear, and a couple become part of this story as well.

All in all, this is a sweet slow burn story, with some past trauma and surprises along the way. Baxter is missing for a long time – and finding him is one of the big surprises! Enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SWEET HURT/COMFORT AGE GAP WITH MYSTERY!💕🐶🎸🏠❄️

After Styx’s Storm that explained how Styx got stranded in Mission City and met a few people before and after the best night of his life…we get Carver’s craving…

A chance meeting on a street in Mission City changes the lives of two old acquaintances-Steven Smith aka Styx 23 , vocalist and guitarist for a rock band and Carver 37 ex roadie- now a building contractor…

Styx has nowhere to go and Carver has a cabin in the mountains and here starts the wonderful slow burn journey of a budding friendship with lots of attraction (old crushes) hurt/ comfort that blossomed into a beautiful, sweet love with the help of two sweet, lovable rescue dogs who snack on vegetables and love to go outside for outings (except when it snows) and most of the couples and characters from previous books…

This is where Carver and Styx found their forever found family in Mission City and maybe Baxter too…

The mystery of Baxter’s disappearance is resolved but left open-ended for the next book, which I look forward to!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stó:lō, no lettuce!, RCMP, tiger's-tail ice cream, Sunday ham, FOMO, longer refractory time, T-R-E-A-T-S?, TP hoarder, moussaka, Save-On, Timbits

Wow, this book by Gabbi Grey is an excellent addition to the 'Love in Mission City' series. Both the MCs show their vulnerability to each other, yet they end up falling in love. I read this book slowly as I wanted to savor it. It IS a Gabbi Grey book, after all.

As with the other books in the series, all the characters are wonderful and extremely likeable. We see characters from the other books here. I loved Carver's pups, Poppin and Walter. I especially loved Davey, even if he had a very small part. He's a real chatty Cathy and seems highly enthusiastic. The college classes he teaches must be a hoot! Him meeting Carver works because of Carver's personality. I don't know if would be as entertaining if he met Styx instead. Maybe the scene would be each talking over the other and too much fun.

Carver and Styx balance each other, and make a lovely, beautiful couple. There are loose ends, and I would love to have them resolved. Other than that, I enjoyed reading this very much and earnestly recommend it.

[Ashley Tyler-Switzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the prequel, Styx Storm, we learn of a tragic event that has occurred. When we discover that Carver was part of their old crew, we realize that he has also endured trauma. However, as with any story, there’s more to it. The book delves into some profound and heavy issues. I’m delighted that these two troubled souls find each other again in a rare and meaningful way. As the story unfolds, it surprised me. I had no idea what was coming and was completely taken aback when it did. It’s incredible how an author can do that to me! Despite its emotional weight, the book is also incredibly healing. We get to experience many of the previous couples from the series in this story as well. It’s a truly remarkable book, and I highly recommend getting the audiobook version. That’s what I did, and it was absolutely perfect!

I requested a copy of the audiobook from Gay Romance Reviews, and this review is my own unbiased opinion. If you’re interested in being the first to discover all the best authors’ stories, check out the website for GRR.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the idea of these two reconnecting after so much time apart, especially with all the complicated feelings and painful memories they bring with them. Carver is trying to build a peaceful life for himself, while Styx suddenly needs somewhere to land, and having them under the same roof makes for a lovely setup for romance. The fact that Styx has carried a crush on Carver for years adds an extra layer of sweetness to their relationship.

I also loved the small-town setting and the rescue dogs, which sound like an adorable bonus! There’s a nice mix of healing, longing, and second chances here, with two men who deserve to find happiness after everything they’ve been through. A heartfelt romance about learning to let go of the past and making room for something good.

I received a free ARC and this is my honest review.

[Alex Jab · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Carver’s Craving is a low-angst, sweet little romance with likeable, well-developed characters. Styx, in particular, is very endearing. I’ll confess I mostly listened to this one in the background, and it was pleasant enough company. Michael Dean is a pro, as always, carrying me along for the ride with ease.

I will say, though, that I’m not entirely sure why Styx’s Storm, the short story covering Styx’s arrival in the city and his rendezvous with a mysterious one-night stand, wasn’t simply included as a prologue. I did listen to it beforehand, and I think my understanding of the story would have suffered without it.

There are quite a few cameos from characters whose books I haven’t read or listened to. I suspect I would have enjoyed these moments much more with the background reading, but the book works perfectly well as a standalone.

[Meli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carver + Styx
This was a slowburn between past co-workers becoming roommates in the present. While both have feelings for each other it takes time for both to open up. I didn't mind the slow burn because it gave us individual scenes of Carver and Styx getting to know one another at a deeper level. Mostly loved how Poppin and Walter helped in making Carver and Styx spend time together in the beginning. I did feel that the end was a little rushed but that's okay as I'm hoping we get more updates on them in the next book.
Carver - past roadie - current construction worker
Styx - past rocker - currently finding himself
Poppin (owner Carver) - sassy dog - barks at everyone
Walter (owner Carver) - elderly dog - loves naps

[Rhonda Boone · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Styx and Carter's story captured my attention from the first few pages and held it until the end. Their journey had damaged past for both guys, not wanting to trust their feelings or wanting to make the first moves...Styx, a singer for a past rock band, and Carver the roadie for the same band..wasn't like they wasn't familiar with one another! As they navigate the new path crossing in Mission City, bonds are formed. Loved the slow-burn, falling in love, and getting to know each other again. Great writing, wonderful characters and engaging banter. Can't wait to read about the next characters in Mission City.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

CARVER'S CRAVING is the eighth in Gabbi Grey's Love in Mission City series, set in the small warmly welcoming town of Mission City. Carver has settled there, enjoying the slower pace and the quiet peace he's found. When he sees Styx Smith crossing the street, he can't believe the up and coming rock musician is there. Styx is thrilled to see his friend and long-time crush, just when he's in a bit of a tough spot. Carver is just as thrilled to offer a helping hand.

Gabbi Grey's characters are sympathetically written and it is encouraging to see them in community with friends and family who help them discover the best for themselves and each other. A heartening read.

[Arlette R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Styx and Carver, who knew each other through Styx's band, run into each other again after a long separation and Carver's world gets turned upside down. At the time neither know they had met again more recently under disguised circumstances that get revealed later. Each has been harboring a crush for the other and the pining goes on for longer than the reader would like before they come to their senses. Their relationship seems to develop quickly, but considering how long they have know each other, it feels natural. Things aren't always smooth and their is an ongoing mystery that does get resolved in the end. The HEA is won through work and trust.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Styx, is abandoned by his band mate, Baxter in Mission City. He's left with no money and without his guitars. Carver, used to be a roadie for the band and has settled as a construction worker and dad to two adorable adopted dogs. Carver, crushed on Styx when they worked together, but left him alone because he was so much younger. They each are dragging a bit of emotional baggage which they need to put down to move forward. Their journey is sweet and fun and we get to meet a lot of residents we've read about previously. The animals are delightful and the characters are fun! Nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ingrid Jrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went in expecting a sweet MM romance, but this book gave me so much more. Styx and Carver's story is beautifully written, from their reconnection to the moment they finally surrender to their feelings. What I didn't expect was the story within the story, which hooked me enough that I started writing my own theories about Baxter.
Gabby Grey has done it again. Now I need to read the stories of all the other couples we meet in this book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Sam is humiliated and dumped by his girlfriend at the Halloween party and goes into the woods to gather his emotions (and maybe cry) only to be interrupted by a really handsome reaper who says he's there to take Sam. So Sam wants one thing before he goes and the reaper agrees. Of course it's in no way that simple, and Sam and Gray develop feelings. It's fast but not a bad thing in itself. Except what happens when Sam's time is up?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Styx's Storm' was the perfect introduction to these two 'former' friends.
The accident that separated them was a pivotal point for both of them.

When they reconnect in Mission City neither expect their mutual attraction to deepen into love.

Solving the abandonment of Styx by Baxter, the mystery surrounding the death of Frank and the cause, are such an excellent conclusion of a mystery that began in 'Styx's Storm!'

Thanks to Gabbi Grey, Michael Dean and GRR for this fantastic audio experience.

[Nichole · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I really love all the stories that come out of Mission City. Carver has been hidden away in a cabin grieving and feeling guilty for a loss of a band member. Styx's band member. Styx is also trying to find his way to a path back to "normal". The two meet for the "first time" not expecting to see one another. But their relationship grows, feelings expand, stories come out. Then add in the mystery of the lost band member. All in all, another great story from Gabbi Grey and well-done narration from Michael Dean. Look forward to more.

[Metz874 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
Friends to lovers, my favorite. The fact that they already have an established relationship makes all the difference.
The way Styx has such a positive impact on Carver,he is truly the yin to his yang. As a naturally social person he drags Carver out of his chosen state of solitude and out into society. I love watching them reconnect and find the love they both crave.
Another amazing read from Gabbi Grey, very enjoyable absolutely worth checking out.

[Akasha721 · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

We know what Carver was craving and it was Styx! Carver is a man of principals and it shows with him waiting for Styx to come of legal age. Styx fell head over hills for Carver and faith brought the two of them together on a street in Mission City. There is also a bit of mystery with Baxter. However, this has a HEA for our boys!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This was so sweet. I loved how both of these guys were dealing with Frank's loss and they were ultimately able to take comfort in that. I felt for Baxter as well and hope we get his story. I really love this small town. The way they are always willing to help each other out is beautiful. I loved seeing previous characters as side characters in this one. Most importantly the rescue dogs were amazing.