An Unexpected Gift: A Hot Dam Homes Christmas

Hot Dam Homes #2.5

by Harper Robson

Matt
Discovering you're not as straight as you thought when you're in your mid-forties is… well… interesting. But a one-night stand over a year ago turned my world upside down, and now I'm ready to explore that side of myself. But no matter who I date, no one compares to him.

Case
I'm the party guy, always down for a good time with only one rule: I don't do repeats. I knew right away, though, that one night with Matt would never be enough. But when I woke up, he was gone, and I can't get him out of my head.

When we somehow end up trapped together during the blizzard of the century, over Christmas, I'm not sure if it's a gift or a curse. Should I hold tight to the rule that’s kept my heart safe for years? Or does it mean something that we’ve found each other again after a night neither one of us could forget?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, M M Romance, Novella, Holiday, Ebooks

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2022

About the author

Harper Robson grew up dreaming of being a writer, but that didn’t work out until she was in her forties. Along the way, she worked in oil & gas marketing, software development, and spent more than a decade as a stay-home mom.

A true Pacific Northwesterner, Harper loves the rain, and when her family decided to make a big move to Southern California in 2023, she was sure she’d miss the cozy gray winters of Seattle and Vancouver. However, it turns out that a daily dose of sunshine and palm trees isn’t hard to get used to, and San Diego feels more like home all the time.

She’s mom to two teen boys and an adorable but naughty Yellow Lab. Her husband works in the tech industry, and he makes her laugh every single day.

Harper’s favorite things include getaways with her besties, the Seattle Kraken, her dogs and drinking champagne for no reason at all.

Reviews

[taylor :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny story about this novella. I was in bed at 9 P.M. reading this story, while my sister was drunk off her ass in a whole other country. Keep in mind that I am 22 years old AND my sister is younger than me! I am far too young to be acting like such a grandma. And you know what the wacky thing is?? I’m convinced that I was having a better time than her because this story was so good, and I devoured it the moment I turned my kindle on. You must read it if I thought a sweet story is better than partying. But anyway, now that you all know that I am lame, onto the review.

This was such a sweet Christmas novella. I loved the premise of this story. Two men have a knock-your-socks-off hookup and one of the men sneaks out the morning after. The two men go a whole year thinking about each other, and then they happen to find themselves snowed in together at the same cabin a year later. Fate is a sneaky woman. God bless her. Ohhhh also add in the fact that one of the men thought he was straight before the previously mentioned knock-your-socks-off hookup???? It was a no-brainer that I would enjoy this story. It was spectacular.

I loved the characters in this. Case and Matt were sweethearts that needed each other desperately. While this story was short, I didn’t feel like it was rushed. Their feelings came naturally, and it was like they knew each other forever instead of the week they were stuck in the cabin together. I wish the story was longer, so I could have got more of them.

I’m always going to mention the sex. Never fear. I was pleasantly surprised with the sex in this novella. The sex in short stories are usually hit or miss. It’s a delicate balance because too much and you get tired of reading it, and too little and you’re disappointed. This was perfect. You could totally see how in tune Matt and Case were with each other from the get-go. And it was YUMMY! Honestly, it was so good. Very sweet and sexy, and I enjoyed it a lot.

This was my first read from this author, and I am definitely going to check out more of her work. If she can do this well with a little novella, I would like to see how she does with a full length book. Please read this story!! Peace, love, and sex in a hot tub xoxoxoxo.

[Cat the bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good for a novella.

When I start reading a novella, I usually don’t hold it to the same standards that I do a full length book. You can’t have a ton of story and character development if the book is only 120ish pages long.

Considering these limitations, it’s surprisingly good: it starts 1 year prior to the actual story with a one-night-stand, where Matt, newly separated from his wife of 25 years, discovers that he’s attracted to men - one man in particular, Case, whom he meets at a hotel bar.

He bails after a hot night together, but can’t forget him - and neither can Case, who - despite his one-and-done rule - can’t get Matt out of his head, either.

One year later, as these things tend to happen, they both end up snowed in in a cottage that belongs to mutual friends, and from there, things proceed as expected in a Christmas novella.

I actually would have rated it with 5 stars if not for a few editing mistakes (and stuff like that annoys me - sorry, dear author!). For example, at the beginning Matt says he’s divorced, only to be newly separated a few pages later on (or maybe it was the other way around). Or later on, Case addresses Matt by his last name, but before that he only knew Matt by his first name? But I don’t want to be nitpicky - I enjoyed reading it, and it gave me the warm Christmas fuzzies I was looking for - if you’re looking for that, then go for it 😊

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m scared, but I realized the other night that trying to push you away isn’t going to help me, anyway. It’s too late for that. I love you, Matt. I’m completely in love with you, and it’s scary, and perfect and exciting, and I.. I just love you. I’m not going to let fear take that away from us.”

This book is everything sweet and light and magical! Case and Matthew have a chance encounter one night that lingers in both of their heads an entire year after it happened. Fate has everything to do with a little Christmas magic that brings them back together. Matthew has grown personally quite a bit over their year apart and is in a much better place and isn’t willing to let Case go. And Case has to decide if love is worth taking a risk on. Such a good book and it’s full of spicy sweetness. These characters caught my heart and wouldn’t let go!

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Really enjoyed this novella. It starts with a sexy one-night stand, and then we get to find out how they find themselves together, and I love that. It’s such a fun plot. I also love that they are older, and really, how great is a bi-awakening in their 40s?

They are both fantastic guys, and watching them figure themselves out, work through their pasts, and process how to make the relationship function was super satisfying. They had an attractive maturity but were still sexy and fun. Which made for a wonderful story.

I love the swoony ending, which was sweet and romantic, and oh-so rewarding.

This will join the ranks as one of my favourite holiday romance novellas.

[Elley Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise of this book (I'm always a sucker for a snowed in together romance!) and that Matt and Case meet while in very different places in their journeys but have a similar effect on each other. I was interested to see how they'd reconnect, and while the circumstances definitely require some major suspension of disbelief, it was really cute. I loved reading about their time snowed in at the cabin in the woods, and their chemistry is SO sweet and cute. I struggled with the eventual resolution to this one, it just seemed a bit too pat and abrupt, and the conversations both Matt and Case had with their loved ones about taking risks were kind of awkward. I was fully invested for the first two thirds of the book, and then it sort of lost in my in the last stretch.

This is book 2.5 in the Hot Dam Homes Christmas series, and can be read as a stand-alone.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.

Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter

[Toddles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hooooo buddy. She needs to go back and edit this one again. I'm not one to find many errors while reading (like 3 max per book). It's not my forte. But this is littered! Plus, and this gave me a big laugh, the back cover of the paperback print description is for book 2... not this lol!!!

I would have given it 4 stars bc the story was great but between the errors and it could have been a full novel, I landed on 3.

I love a good forced proximity scenario. But one that starts out this way was creative and unique. I loved both MCs. We had met Case very briefly in book 2 but didn't learn much about him. The setting takes place away from everyone we already know. Matt truly held my heart. He is the perfect example of an individual who knows he needs to work on himself and not shy away from it. His character development was awesome.

The spice was great! It's one thing Harper Robson knows. If only she could drew each scene out a bit more. Just like her writing style, she tends to cut to the chase without much plot or detail development.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Case picks Matt up in a bar, fresh off a divorce for Matt's first male sexual experience. After the hook up, Matt sneaks away and they accidently meet up a year later. From Harper's writing, its easy to see the fascination they have for each other and the wariness that both men have for relationships. This is an emotional novella with both guys having to work through issues but crazy about each other. Steamy times lead to more intimacy to long term feelings. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[Nicola Stevenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This delivered exactly what I expected - short, steamy, and fun. I liked Matt & Case and I loved that they were in their forties. The plot & character development through the story was better than I expected, which is always a delight. They had great chemistry together & there’s plenty of sexy time while they are snowed in at Christmas. However, there are numerous editing & proof-reading errors & after a while, it does become irritating.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly let me say I’ve got this book off gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
This is the first book I’ve read by Harper Robson and it most definitely won’t be the last I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
This is a second chance romance, the first meeting was a hook up after meeting in a hotel bar.
Matt was going through a divorce he has been with his wife for many many years they had two children but she divorced him due to him not being around. He concentrated on work. One night he was at the hotel enjoying a destress with a drink in the bar when he notices a really good looking guy at the bar. He didn’t really think much of men as Matt is straight although if he was honest with themselves he had had interest throughout his life but never acted on anything. But when that man comes over and sit with him and had a few drinks with him he cannot deny the attraction he has with Case.
Case is enjoying life. He enjoys hooking up and not repeating with the same guy. Something happened in his past that really hurt him and he decided he would never get attached to anyone. But that night at the bar he couldn’t take his eyes off the guy sat by him self. So he went over and started talking to him and they ended up back in the hotel room. Matt admits to Case that he has never been with a man before Case promises that they will take it slow and any time Matt can stop. But they have one brilliant night. But early hours Matt freaks out and quickly sneaks out of the room.
Regretted not staying, not given Case his number. But also admitted to him self that the year he had going to therapy getting through his divorce was probably the best thing for him but that didn’t mean he didn’t regret it. Case was gutted when he woke up and Matt was gone he really felt something that night but he had no way of finding him. he hadn’t been able to sleep with anybody else since that night so he decided to go on a skiing trip with friends and he was going to go back out there and start living again. But the weather was horrific he called a friend and he suggested that he stopped at his cabin until the weather passed. Matt needed time away so he went to his friends cabin to regroup. But when there’s a knock at the door he never imagined to find Case on the other side. Was this a good or bad thing??
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and had to read it in one sitting. There was just something addictive about Matt and Case. I like how they were honest with each other and talk things through. The chemistry and passion is just off the charts it is like lightning bolt. They honestly have such a strong connection. But they’re from different places they’ve got different jobs can they work through this??

I cannot wait to read another Harper Robson. Super Excited to have found this author.

[Sophie Reads Stories · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that Case and Matt were an older couple, and, though they have very different personalities, both were so sweet, and as a couple, they were on fire!

Their story starts with an incredible one-night stand that stays in the minds of both men for a year, but with no contact information exchanged (not even last names), it's impossible for them to meet the man in their dreams.
Then Fate intervenes just before Christmas, and both are stranded at the same mountain cabin. They soon realize that the passion they experienced a year ago is very much alive, and their mountain stay becomes a wonderful breakaway and chance to really get to know each other. 

The heat and chemistry these two have is incredible, and it was great to see how the two men allow each other to be vulnerable enough to explore each other with such passion and abandon. 
I really liked the relationship Matt had with his ex-wife; it was mature and healthy, and the fact that Matt was so open about going to therapy after his bi-awakening was a great way of normalizing therapy and showing how healthy it can be for future relationships. The struggles the two had to make it work were also very realistic and normal—two people live in different cities but want to make it work. It happens to so many people every day and it was nice to see it reflected in a romance without any unnecessary drama. 
 
I really enjoyed this feel-good Christmas novella; it was my first Harper Robson book, but it definitely will not be my last.

I was given an ARC for an unbiased review

[S.K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story, with both men being open to the idea that this person they met by chance could well be something new, something different.

Matt has never even considered the fact that he might be interested in men, having married his childhood sweetheart and only recently getting divorced. I liked how he didn’t freak out, how he allowed his feelings to guide him and I especially liked the way he let Case take the lead – their sex scenes were both sexy and sweet, with Case taking care of Matt so lovingly it was beautiful.

With Case’s past, I could well understand his cautiousness when it came to relationships – his experiences had taught him that life and love can be fleeting and he wanted to protect himself as much as possible Even so, when life gave him a second chance with Matt, I was really impressed with his willingness to dive right in, even whilst his brain was warning him of all the things that could go wrong.

Stuck in a luxurious cabin in the middle of a snow-storm seems like the right way to finally fall in love to me, and I appreciated the fact that the women in both of these men’s lives were prepared to tell them the whole truth, give them a bit of tough love, and a quick shove in the right direction.

This was a sweet, romantic, pleasing read for the Christmas holidays and I may keep an eye out for other stories in the Hot Dam Homes series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was an unexpected gift

Loving Case in his best friend's book, When The Walls Come Down, I was so glad he got his own story, and I loved it.
Eyes met and attraction flared instantly but talking and laughing together in the hotel bar, there was so much more than just heat between them. Matt wasn't sure of himself or the protocols of one night stands and Case was afraid of any kind of commitment or connection and gave Matt no encouragement to stay longer so when Case fell asleep and Matt leaves quickly and quietly, they each spent a year regretting their actions after that emotional and potentially life-changing encounter.
I loved how Harper has each man acknowledge that they wanted the other from the start but needed the time apart to realise how strong their feelings were, to work on themselves first (especially Matt), before they had any chance of making a relationship work when they were unexpectedly reunited.
Their time in the cabin was perfect, watching them tentatively grow very close while still holding back to protect their hearts. I like the being trapped together trope and it works well here, allowing the two men, essentially strangers, to spend time getting to know each other and realise that those emotions they felt in that hotel room were real and worth exploring.
This was definitely a lovely addition to the Hot Dam Homes series, a warm and welcome Christmas treat.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew Cartwright, a grown man in his forties, is old enough to know what he wants from life, right? Wrong! Divorcing his wife of twenty-five years because they've realized that they've grown apart and perhaps had never been in love, is disorienting enough. But to find that he's also apparently attracted to men is a blindsiding kind of discovery for him. And the way he discovers it with Case Armstrong, the sexy younger guy he meets in a bar, is mindblowing. When he runs away, it's with the certainty that they'll never meet again and he will likely outgrow this new desire. Wrong again! Their second meet-cute and the subsequent forced proximity give these two men a chance to explore the connection that they found the year before, and deepen it, and to decide that their way forward HAD to be together, despite Case's fear of committing for fear of losing someone he loves again. He makes himself vulnerable to the possibility of heartbreak because he knows Matt is worth taking that chance for. And Matt embraces his newfound bisexual awakening and the love he never had with his wife. A short but sweet read.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unexpected Gift is a lovely, snowed-in novella from the Hot Dam Homes series. Case and Matthew have one night together that leaves them both wishing they'd had more for a whole year before a snow storm and unknowing friends bring them together.
I enjoyed the connection that you can feel between these two from the moment their eyes lock across the hotel bar. Their heat ignited and gave Matthew a life changing experience. Meeting again gives them the chance to get to know each other more and decide if what they have is enough. I love the somewhat meddling family who show them both the light and pushes them towards what they already wanted. Case has some things to work through with his understandable reticence, and Matthew has done an amazing job in working on his own personal issues, open to the possibilities.
A recommended short story that is perfect for those who enjoy a romance for older men, who end up snowed in together over Christmas.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Meredith (SweetReadsandTreats) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute novella that was the perfect length to tell Matt and Case’s story. It was short, sweet, and steamy - all good things. After meeting while traveling and spending one incredible night together, these two spend the next year thinking about each other constantly but having no way to meet again. Until a snowstorm and fate bring them together again in mutual friends’ cabin where they realize the heat between them is still there and begins to grow into more.

This is the perfect book to cozy up with on a cold afternoon and enjoy cover to cover. It was sweet and steamy. The break from the time they met until the present day was the perfect plot element to give the characters time to embrace what could have been so that when they meet again, they can explore what can be. I really enjoyed it and loved how Harper didn’t try to overcomplicate things for a short story. Sometimes you have to take a leap and that’s exactly what these guys did… after a kick in the pants from their respective loved ones. This was a fun little addition to the Hot Dam Homes series!

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new attraction is acknowledged, and a new relationship is formed.

Matt is the head of a massive enterprise, and Case is a college professor. Matt is recently divorced, with adult children and a wife who is still his best friend.

The two men are at a fancy hotel and notice each other in the nearly empty bar. Case makes the move on Matt, who is open to trying something with a man. The two have a very enjoyable time together, and Matt leaves early after Case falls asleep.

Months later, the two men end up at the same mountainside cabin without knowing the other would be there. Feelings are rekindled, and they see the opportunity as something lost but not forgotten. Their passion for each other continues, and there's a happy ending.

Harper Robson pours emotion into these characters, including Matt's former wife and Case's mother. These characters help fill out our perception of the two men, especially Matt, who had been exploring his sexuality and fully awakens as bisexual through Case. This is a well-written short story that makes for an easy, one-sitting read.

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt is a mature man who realizes his attraction to men later in life. Case is an openly gay man who does not do commitments. After one night together that rocks both of their worlds, they part, but neither forget the other. So, when fate steps in and they meet again, will they decide to give it a real go?

I really liked this book. I love straight to gay/bi awakening romance, so this was right up my alley. I really do not like men who only want one-night stands, so this was blah to me. The MC’s have a great connection and I liked that Case finally decides to give love and romance a chance. I liked the forced proximity and how they actually got to know each other and that was more of what they both needed, and it made them realized that their first connection was real and that they were meant to be together. It was an incredibly moving love story once Case got out of his own way.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute romance with sweet MCs

I loved this and am glad I got to ring in the new year reading it. Matt and Case were adorable together and while they had a few bumps they were dealt with reasonably and maturely. Life can be complicated but sometimes it can be made so much easier by talking and that’s what these MCs did. I think though that the concept of taking a chance, even when your frightened, is a perfect one for New Year’s Eve. The moral of Case and Matt’s story was that sometimes you have to make the leap even when it’s scary and that lesson is something that I think is one we should all remember. The scariest things can be the most rewarding and we all deserve a chance at finding our own happiness, whatever that looks like. This was a fantastic novella with depth and warmth, despite the shorter length, that left me feeling happy and hopeful.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt and Case’s story puts an interesting spin on some familiar tropes: when former one night stand partners end up snowed in (forced proximity for the win), they have physical and emotional chemistry for days, and they get the most out of the bi-awakening, end of a “no-relationships” era, conventions as well. This is a novella, so events and feelings move quickly, but never feel quite rushed– you can see where things are supposed to go here, plot and relationship wise, but it mostly enhances, rather than detracts, from the experience of the story to have all the cards on the table. Points too, for the moments clear communication between characters who are likable enough in their own right, and who clearly also work well together.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great quick read. While this is a novella it definitely isn’t lacking for emotional impact or well developed characters. I enjoyed the writing style which really brings both Case and Matt to life. The connection between them, even when they first meet it feels very genuine and their immediate chemistry believable. An unexpected snow storm brings them back together a year after their one and only night together. I appreciated that the two MCs are older and the way they communicate was one of my favorite aspects of the book. I also loved the cameos from previous books- Dylan and Reed were a favorite read of mine in 2022. Case and Matt have a wonderfully low angst romance and a lovely happy ending. I really enjoyed this book.


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having options raises more questions. Case is a one and done man. He does not do repeats. He is relationship phobic for goodness sakes. He had a one night stand with Matt and something about that would not let him forget Matt. Matt, considered himself straight. He had a one nighter which opened his heart, mind and libido to alternate possibilities. He understood the boundaries, and left while Case was sleeping. He thought of Case often. Each in their own way, struggled with regret for what they let pass them by. They they got caught up in a weather event that provided the opportunity to spend some time together in a cabin. Do they further explore their meeting? Can they have a relationship after all? What do their feelings for each other and about each other mean? Great story. Can they? Will they? Nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Gift is a short m/m holiday standalone.
Second Chances, Bi-awakening, forced proximity (Snowed in together), steamy holiday romance read.
One of my fav's is snowed in at a cabin at Christmas and this did not disappoint. Case and Matt were absolutely on fire together and you could tell from the very start they would be great together.
After a one night stand it takes them a year to see each other again and that's by pure coincidence. They even have two of the same friends but don't know it.
I loved how these two were brought together again and their attraction and chemistry was amazing.
Matt eventually decides he can't be without Case and takes that leap.
These two were made for each other and with them being later in life it made it all the better.
love, love, loved this and can't recommend enough.

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Forever One Night Stand

I very much enjoyed this story about about a divorced 40+ year old and what happens when he feels a truly strong mutual attraction to another 40+ man at a hotel bar. This was a really entertaining storyline and the second book I read by Harper Robson in the Hot Dam Homes series. Though I haven't read it yet I own the first book in the series. I like reading about mature men especially if it's one of their first time.

The spectacular scenery and beautiful home was offset by the terrific snow storm that kept the men stuck in their location. The forced proximity made the men come to some very startling realizations about how they truly felt about each other. But there was no solution to the fact that they lived states away from each one. I highly recommend this sweet story.

[Julie Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Likeable characters—they had good chemistry, although it was very insta-love. Decent plot—I liked the forced proximity/being snowed in at Christmas. The ending seemed a bit rushed but fits their relationship I guess. Epilogue was sweet.

This story is littered with punctuation errors and missing punctuation, and definitely needed another round of editing and proofreading. There are several instances of repetition, and things like Matt unbuttoning his shirt and removing it, only for Case to unbutton Matt’s shirt again 2 paragraphs later. I nearly gave up on the story in the “one year ago” section because of this but people seemed to love the characters so I pushed through. It’s not the worst—I’ve read stories where the grammar was so bad the sentences became nonsensical—but this story definitely didn’t seem like it was quite ready to be published yet.

[Adrianna Budek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate or a higher power provides a 2nd chance

Matt and Case have a one night stand when they meet in the bar lounge of the hotel they are both staying in. Straight (newly divorced after 25 year marriage) Matt and gay Case... Because Matt, acting in shock, leaves Case sleeping soundly in his room without leaving a note, they both think they will never see each other again. Wrong! Fate, God, unknowing mutual friends, a snow storm, whatever!! ...brings them together around Christmas time at the mutual friends' cabin in the mountains and snow storms keep them there for several days. Both Matt and Case have thought of each other every day for the past year. This is a Christmas miracle for them both. Enjoy their love story.

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely sweet, cuddly, feel good read. I read this novella in one sitting and was left wanting more of these two fun men. Matt, who is discovering who he is, and Case, the party boy who finally has his heart taken were the perfect couple. Yes unrealistic that a one night hookup would wreck the minds of these two and each would be obsessed on the other and fate somehow brings them together in cabin, but who need realism when the story is this good. You will be left with that warm feeling in your heart with this one. It has low angst, and is about two men figuring out who they are, what they want, and who they love. That is all I need. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Gift is a steamy novella that hits so many of my hot buttons - one night stand, second chance, forced proximity, bisexual awakening and holiday romance all in just over 100 pages!

I've been a fan of Harper Robson's writing since the first novel, and we see the same great character development, well thought out plot and just enough angst to keep you reading this book past your bedtime!

While it is part of the Hot Dam Homes world, it can easily be read standalone and you won't miss anything.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't read any other books in the series, but that wasn't necessary. Sweet and hot holiday story that makes all the expected familiar elements (a coincidental re-meeting after a really good first-time one-night stand, a bit of angst in one's history, snowed in together) work together. There's a hot tub and a snowball fight and plenty of physical connection until the expected emotional opening up and reunion. Things move fairly quickly but for being a novella, there's still a lot of content here.

[patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all the books this author has put out and this short novella is no different. I absolutely loved it. I don't usually like to read novellas because they are too short and I have a hard time getting to know the MCs. This wonderful novella though, it packed a lot in a little package. We even get to read/witness their one night stand. I loved both MCs and thought they balanced each other out really well. We even get to catch up with Penn and Hunter from the Cruising Anthology. My only complaint wad that it wasn't long enough. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Becky A · Rating 3 out of 5]

"An Unexpected Gift" received THREE stars.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

1/2 * 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."

1/2 * 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."