If Only for Today

Deerbourne Inn, Book 25

De: Gabbi Grey

Narrado por: Michael Ferraiuolo

Jared Langford is a happy man. The desk clerk at the Deerbourne Inn knows everyone in his cozy town in Vermont. He is accepted and loved by the community, but he's missing someone special in his life.

Devastating news has brought journalist Xander Fortier to Willow Springs for some much-needed rest. He's photographed every major conflict in the world for the last 10 years, but being stateside has forced him to reassess the solitary life he's been living.

Something in Xander's gruff demeanor calls to Jared's caring nature. Soon the men are spending time together, but Jared's kisses might not be enough to keep Xander from leaving. Can the men find a happily ever after if they only have today?

©2021 Gabbi Grey (P)2021 Gabbi Grey

Jared and Xander

Xander and Jared have the attraction but each time things start to heat up Xander pulls away. Jared respects the boundaries but Xander comes right back. I liked that they both opened up about their pain. Jared's parents impressed me but it was when he starts to see how his actions created the chasm between them that he impressed me more. Xander's realization that, while his work is worthwhile, it is Jared he wants and needs.

Audiobook: Very enjoyable narration

Great romance with good character development.

This is the third audiobook by this author I have listened to. With each book, I am more drawn in to the characters and their chemistry with each other. This book takes place in a series that revolves around The Deerbourne Inn which has many contributing authors focusing on many different couples. This is Gabbi Grey’s second in this series and it was probably as different from her first as the other novels in the series are. In the last book, there was a mystical twist with a happy ending and it was nice to see that couple appear in this book and to hear Michael Ferraiuolo’s Scottish accent again. Swoon! Since I’ve mentioned the narration, I have to say he is one of my favorites and he really brings the story to life.

So in the first book, I mentioned a mystical twist, and while I consider this book more settled in reality as we know it, I did have a moment of wonderment at the end of this book. Was there a possible miracle? Or was it human error, a medical mistake? I’m not sure, but I have jumped too far ahead. Lets start at the beginning. We start the story from Xander’s point of view as he takes in the quaint town of Willow Springs. It’s idyllic in ways but so different from the big city life and it’s conveniences that he is used to. He finds the inn locked up until Jared comes in and starts his shift in the hotel.

Jared is a real sweetie, whose past was marred by the tragic death of his sister. Misunderstandings had him feeling set apart from his family. He loves his job at the inn, acts in local plays/musicals, and has a serious photography hobby. Because of that he knows who Xander is when he checks into the inn. A world famous photojournalist who has been in war zones and poverty stricken areas to shed light on those situations and the human element affected by them. It’s fair to say that Jared is an outright fan. But as much as he enjoys his job and hobbies, there is a loneliness in Jared. He longs to find someone to share that life with.

Xander is also lonely, though some of it is self-imposed. Between his fast paced job with lots of travel and the devastating news mentioned in the blurb he lacks any relationships with emotional attachments. There is something about the friendly Jared though. Xander tries to hold himself back but he finds himself drawn in just as much as Jared does with him. In their brief acquaintance, I suppose things kind of move fast, but with both characters hesitancy it felt like it was a slow-ish build up to the two men falling for each other. They don’t know how much time they have, jobs out of the country, devastating news, and all. But they can’t stop themselves.

I really enjoyed this story. I thought Xander and Jared were sweet together, and I just really felt a lot for Jared in particular with his openness and caring spirit. I thought there was a decent amount of character growth in this somewhat short audio as well, as Jared takes a chance to mend things with his parents, and Xander learns there is more things in life for him to enjoy than what his old life provided. I am glad I picked up this audio and I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for me next.

Highly recommend

I really enjoyed this book. The story was wonderful I had a connection with the charterers. Oh my, the narrator. He was so good. Kept a good pace thru out the book. He brought the charters to life for me. He gave each charter their own individuality which I absolutely love when it comes to listening to an audio book.

"sweet"

Would I listen to it again: yes ✔
Did the story keep me engaged: yes ✔
Was I invested in the characters: yes ✔

📖 Story comment: easy pace and likeable characters - the sort of listen that is good for lazy Sunday.
It's difficult to put much in the way of character development and depth into a story that runs just over 4.5 hours, but there is a "realness and maturity" in Jared and Xander's characters that helps carry the story so I was invested in their outcome.

🎧 Narrator comment: Michael Ferraiuolo is a master narrator - he has good timing, rhythm, inflections and intonations and it's easy to distinguish the characters from each other. A thoroughly enjoyable performance and he bought the story and characters to life.

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📌 Where does it fall on my personal scale? 7
• 1 not my thing • 2 didn't like the narration • 3 didn't keep my attention • 4 was good, but once was enough • 5 enjoyed it • 6 will listen again if i'm in the mood for the narrator [4⭐] • 7 goes on the "re-listen" list [4⭐] • 8 kept me up past bed-time [4.5⭐] • 9 recommended to family/friends [4.75⭐] • 10 own it in multiple formats [5⭐] • 11 keep a copy with me at all times [5⭐]
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Fabulous Narration of Emotionally Deep Love Story

A whole lot of story and emotion is packed into this short audio book. "If Only for Today" addresses some pretty heavy topics - notably, grief and serious health issues - that are handled with care and balanced out by a whole lot of heart, sweetness and deep love between the MCs.

I genuinely liked Jared and Xander as people and a couple, and their HEA gave all the feels. It's all fairly low heat, which fits with how the story unfolds, and high on emotional connection.

This is a new-to-me author and while hurt/comfort stories with guaranteed HEAs are my jam, what really sold me on giving this audio book a listen was the narrator. Michael Ferraiuolo's smooth delivery and emotionally engaged performance here is testament as to why his narrations are go-to listens for me. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.

Wonderful

This was a great small town romance. I enjoyed the storyline it was fun and entertaining. The are interesting and flow well together. And it has a great ending. The narration was great.

Rollercoaster Romance

I enjoyed listening to Jared and Xander's story. This is a new to me author, but when I saw that Michael Ferraiuolo was the narrator, I thought I would give it a chance. I went on an emotional rollercoaster with this story. However, I wish there was some heat. Especially, after what these two went through.

Gratitude hurts more than it should

Xander and Jared what a special love.
Gabbi Grey wrote a very touching and attention grabbing story.
Michael Ferraiuolo, Outstanding!!! he tells a story better than most other male narrator's.
this story is so smooth and romantic with a tough situation thrown in.
well worth the credit and your time to listen.

Amazing!

I loved this cozy , angsty opposites attract.

The storyline was interesting and the characters were likeable, real and relatable.

The writing style was enjoyable and appealed to me.

Thr narration was absolutely brilliant and perfect

Two men who deserve a HEA

Gabbi Grey is a new to me author and I really enjoyed this book. I loved Jared from the start. He is a really sweet character. You know from the beginning that Xander is working through something. They both had secrets so it added a bit of angst to the story which I love! I liked how their relationship progressed. They really got to know each other. There were a few times that I teared up so have some tissues handy. Michael Ferraiuolo was awesome as usual.