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Page Against the Machine

A Mission City Gay Romance Novella

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About this listen

Dickens

My tranquility is shattered when a motorcycle repair shop moves in next to my bookstore. All I want is peace and quiet. What I get is gunning engines and '80s rock music. One of us has got to go, and since I was here first, it’s the hot mechanic.

SpikeI chose Mission City to set up shop because of the weekend-enthusiast riders. I’ve dreamed of owning my own shop for years, and no one is going to run me out of town. Least of all the adorable geek Bookstore Dude.

This 25k gay romance novella is a true instalove, enemies to lovers, opposites attract story with a cuddly cat named Aristotle.

©2022 Gabbi Grey (P)2022 Gabbi Grey Romance Feel-Good Heartfelt Geeky
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Listener received this title free

M/M
short story
instalove
Opposites attract

Story 4.5 stars
Narration 5 stars

As a Canadian reader I find it charming when I read books set in Canada. Though this depiction isn't entirely accurate IMO but I get mixing real life with creative development. Tim Hortons should pay advertising for this book lol. That aside I really enjoyed the plot from start to finish and enjoyed the world building. I loved the semi-psychic friend. This book can be read as a standalone but there is a bit of a spoiler at the end regarding the characters from The Lightkeepers Love Affair. So keep that in mind if you plan to read it.

I enjoyed both of the MCs. Dickens did come off as kind of a jerk for all of 5 mins at the very beginning that gave the book a enemies to lovers feel and I wasn't sure I would like him but they quickly changed their tune when they got a look at each other. This book was super sweet and the characters had great chemistry. There was medium steam and no angst. I loved that despite their outward appearances that they each had personalities in and out of the bedroom that were the opposite of each other and what I was expecting. Looks are deceiving.

I'm leaving off half a star because even though I dont mind fluffy, instalust/instalove books occasionally, this one felt to me abruptly rushed. It definitely could have been better developed. I do enjoy this authors other books but this one felt a little more choppy to me. It didn't flow as smooth.

The title was perfect for this combination of a nerdy bookshop owner and a motorcycle mechanic that liked to blast heavy metal and annoy each other.

I love Michael Dean. I could listen to his voice all day. He did a phenomenal job narrating this story expressing all the emotions and doing different character voices that suited each of the characters. This was such a pleasure to listen to.

Wonderful narration of this sweet short story

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Listener received this title free

Like with The Lightkeeper's Love Affair, I wish the story was longer. But unlike it, this story doesn't feel rushed. I guess the extra hour helped, but Gabbi Grey is really good at making every word count. I loved both Dickens and Spike, they were interesting, likeable and believable. More, please!

Great short story!

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Listener received this title free

Dickens and Spike's love story was a fun, lighthearted listen, but the storyline felt too rushed for me to fully buy into their connection. I was excited about the premise of some rival neighbors butting heads, but it didn't take more than a single argument before these men were turning their frustrations into sizzling physical chemistry. That didn't bother me, because I'm always down for some steamy hookups, but then shortly afterwards the two of them claimed to be feeling way more than I thought was warranted from their limited encounter. Yes, it was sweet that Dickens helped Spike through his heat exhaustion, but for me, calling it love after that felt premature. It didn't stop me from rooting for the two of them and wanting them to get their happy ending, but I wish they hadn't skipped over the "falling in love" part of the journey.

**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

Small-town guys in love

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Listener received this title free

This was wonderful! I absolutely adored it! It was sweet and super romantic and the chemistry between Dickens and Spike was explosive. I also really really really loved the hurt/comfort aspect of the the story. Those two warmed my heart. I would definitely read more about them. And Sunshine was a great side character. If you are in the mood for a short but sweet and steamy book with great characters I highly recommend this audiobook! The narrator was brilliant.

So sweet!

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Listener received this title free

I loved this story when I read it with my eyes back in August. I loved it all over again listening to Michael Dean perform the story. There are many reasons that he is one of my favorite audiobook performers. Below is a copy of my original review since I can’t add anything to it other than how much I loved Michael Dean’s performance.

Original review:
I know not everyone likes them, but I enjoy instalove stories, having known several real-life couples where it worked out well. Dickens owns a bookstore and his peace and quiet is shattered when a motorcycle repair shop moves in next door. Spike has finally opened his dream: a motorcycle shop all his own. He’s a bit surprised at Dickens’ reaction to his new venture.

I love how this story flipped the usual stereotype of the smaller guy always being the bottom. Spike is a manly man but he loves giving up control and he’s happy to be a dedicated bottom.

This story starts out with a great hate-sex scene but soon turns in another direction. When Spike needs help Dickens is right there to offer assistance and that starts off a sweet and tender relationship. I really loved this story!

A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request and my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.

Sweet with just the right amount of heat.

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