Amy's Romance Reviews: If Only for Today (Deerbourne Inn) by Gabbi Grey

Thursday, April 15, 2021

If Only for Today (Deerbourne Inn) by Gabbi Grey

He came looking for solitude. He might leave after finding love.

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 ten 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?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

If Only for Today is a heartwrenching romance by Gabby Grey. Part of the Deerbourne Inn series, it's easily read as a standalone.

This one has all the feels. If you aren't in the mood for a tear-jerker, stay away!

Jared and Xander's romance is far from ordinary. They meet when Xander comes to spend a month at the Inn where Jared works.

Xander's job is a big part of his past. He's a famous, award winning photo journalist who works in dangerous situations. His stay starts off with a little suspense as to what he's dealing with.

The men are complete opposites, yet also share some of the same fundamental problems. Both are running from something.

Their story includes an adorable dog and cat, with a bond so beautifully strong. I can't help but to fall in love with Marshmallow and Lady, enjoying every moment of them.

The overriding theme throughout is that "Circumstances can always change..." And damn, isn't that the truth? I love how the author handles this, taking both the characters and the reader through some twists and turns, and ending with a fantastic ending for these two.

The small town setting is wonderfully established and felt throughout. Xander's attitude about the town is a perfect way to explore the feelings and charms of small town living.

If Only for Today is a great read by Gabbi Grey. This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. It's heartbreaking, it's depressing, it's funny, and it's sweet. I highly recommend it and can't wait to see what Gabbi writes next.

Xander reached for Jared’s hand resting on the table, only pulling back at the last moment. “You’re very expressive, as I’m sure you know. You hide nothing. I like that. I’m tired of artifice and people hiding their genuine feelings. My best work is when people are at their most vulnerable. When they’re raw.”

Now Jared cocked his head. “Isn’t that taking advantage?”

The other man glanced out the window.

The sun had lowered to below the trees, but the light still shimmered. It illuminated Xander’s face but also hid part of his profile in shadow. When he turned back, the expression was nothing short of haunted.

“I suppose you could say that, if you were so inclined.”

Before Jared could respond, he continued.

“There are two kinds of photographs I take. The first are the spontaneous heat-of-the-moment shots. In the midst of a battle or the immediate aftermath. The photos capturing the urgency and danger of the moment.

“Then there are the more intimate shots. Showing the toll human suffering takes. Laying bare people’s souls. Sometimes I have permission, and sometimes obtaining it is impossible. Many of those people want their pictures taken because they want the world to see their plight. To see the suffering wrought by conflict. To see the injustice and the depravity. Man’s inhumanity to man, if you want.”

Talk about raw. “Your work is amazing.” No point in hiding his awe.

“My work is necessary.”

Jared hesitated before nodding. “Doesn’t say much for the state of the world, does it?”

Xander swiped his hand as if swatting a fly. As if trying to push a memory away. “I’m a downer tonight. Sorry about that. You didn’t ask me here to opine about the state of geopolitics.”

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…and 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.