Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Nate Roth’s latest dumb stunt has left him with a broken arm, black eye, and stitched chin—and extra trepidation about visiting his family for Hanukkah. He fears his relatives will put him through another round of criticism for his foolish choices and his nonexistent love life. Several mishaps during his short journey to his parents’ house don’t bode well. But along the way he meets impossibly gorgeous Gio DiPietro—and maybe it’s time for Nate’s risk-taking impulses to turn out well for a change.  

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2015 Advent Calendar package "Sleigh Ride".

Book Review

I could empathize with Nate in one regard. I, too, am a giant klutz and have spent my life sporting various bruises, cuts and gashes. Sigh. He seems to have way more issues than I ever did. The idiot part though, is all on Nate. Never in a million years are you going to catch me doing something stupid because a friend dared me to. Although I will admit my husband sure enjoyed watching those fools on YouTube and many of those videos made us laugh out loud.

"And although my family’s used to my ways, it’s kind of embarrassing for a thirty-year-old accounts receivable clerk to explain why he did a header over the handlebars of a trike."

I was cringing right beside Nate as he drove to his parents’ for Hanukkah. I have a Jewish mother. I knew how the conversation was going to go before Nate even got there. They'll talk about why he's wasting himself at his job, and what's wrong with him that he does stupid stuff his friends dare him to, and why is he single? They love him, they mean well, and because Nate loves them, he doesn't want to face their disappointment.

When Nate realizes he's forgotten everyone's gifts back at his apartment, it's almost too much to bear. That's when he meets Gio—gorgeous, well to do, and everything Nate is sure would never be interested in him. I mean, seriously, the man speaks five languages, is a translator, owns a dog who just needs one more win to be a champion, drives a Jag, and his parents are diplomats. Pretty sure I'd be feeling the same way Nate is, wondering why this man is talking to him. What Nate doesn't realize yet is that Gio needs to spend time with someone who knows how to have fun and doesn't take everything so seriously.

I absolutely loved this holiday story! Definitely being added to the favorites pile. The author did a great job, and I loved how Gio was able to show Nate a different view of his crazy actions, and Nate was able to share his family with a man who really needed them. Thank you, Kim!

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Short Story, 40 pages/10331 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-December-2015
Price	$1.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/grateful-by-kim-fielding-5783-b