Stanley’s Christmas Redemption By Gabbi Grey, Performed By Michael Dean
Genre: Contemporary Romance, GLBTQ, MM
Tropes: Single father, redemption, age-gap, Christmas
Released: May 2, 2022; ebook & audiobook
Publisher: Self-Published
Series: Reviewer note: this is a standalone but Stanley appeared in Ginger Snapping All the Way.
Length: 9 hrs 39 mins / 371 pages
Cover Design: Cate Ashwood Designs
Stanley
I have life figured out—a good job, a nice car, and an ex-boyfriend whose heart I broke. But then my half-brother dies unexpectedly, and I go back to our hometown to settle his affairs. A quick trip before Christmas. Instead, I get the shock of my life. Do I face this new challenge or do what I’ve always done—run? Or will I stay and get to know the most amazing man I’ve ever met and take on a responsibility I’ve never dreamed of facing? This will be a holiday season like no other.
Justin
I’m a therapist who helps people deal with grief. My life is fulfilling. So what if I’ve been single for years? I have the kids I counsel and co-workers I adore. Maybe I’m tired of going home to an empty house and not looking forward to another Christmas alone. But I’m not going to be taken in by some slick city guy who can’t wait to leave town. I’m not going to upend my life just because I’ve met the man of my dreams. Right?
This is an 85K, opposites-attract, insta-love, mid-angst gay romance novel. Previously published in the charity anthology Secret Santa: A Romance Collection, the story has quadrupled in size with more love, laughs, and a touch of Christmas magic.
Reviewed by ButtonsMom2003
I love when a character gets redemption!
Stanley’s Christmas Redemption is a standalone story but Stanley was a secondary character in Ginger Snapping All the Way. In Stanley’s Christmas Redemption the author does a great job of letting you know why Stanley needs redemption but reading Ginger Snapping All the Way may make it hit home even more and it’s a great book that I highly recommend.
Stanley left his ex-boyfriend and broke his heart and now he’s returned to the town where they lived together to settle his late half-brother’s affairs. He is shocked to learn that his brother named him as his son’s guardian; Stanley didn’t even know that he had a son. He meets Justin, who has been caring for Angus, Stanley’s nephew.
I can’t tell you how much I loved this story. Michael Dean’s audio performance was fantastic. He brought all of the characters to life and has easily distinguishable voices for each of them. I hadn’t read this book with my eyes before I listened to the audio so I was somewhat surprised at how much my emotions got involved. That doesn’t usually happen with an audiobook.
Stanley has no idea what to do with a child. Justin cares deeply for Angus and would love to keep him. The attraction between Stanley and Justin is pretty much instant but as they get to know each other better, and as Stanley gets to know Angus better, his viewpoint about taking custody of him begins to change.
I couldn’t stop listening to this one once I started. I wanted to get to the end but at the same time I didn’t really want it to end either. The epilogue was a perfect touch!
Story: ♥♥♥♥♥
Narration: ♥♥♥♥♥
O Factor: Scorcher

Note: Michael Dean also narrates as Michael Pauley.
Available to borrow with Kindle Unlimited.
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.
Amazon | Audible | Bookbub | Facebook Author Page | Goodreads | Instagram | Newsletter | Twitter | Website
Michael Dean
Michael has well over 50 audio book titles currently available for purchase on Audible.com. He is versed in multiple styles and genres including fiction (novels and short stories) ranging from romance to science fiction to crime dramas to thrillers; business strategy books; health and wellness books; and even an occasional children’s book.
Fans of Michael’s narration are welcome to follow him on social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and SoundCloud.
Audible (Michael Dean) | Audible (Michael Pauley) | Contact | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Goodreads | Instagram | SoundCloud | Twitter | Website | YouTube

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