Title: The Last Gift
Author: Chrissy Munder
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Length: 48 pages
Category: Contemporary, Holiday
At a Glance: I was completely charmed by this slow-burn and delightfully sweet story.
Reviewed By: Sadonna
Blurb: College student Nick Reed works late shift at a convenience store and dreams of graduation, a job he can be proud of, and finding the man of his dreams.
But the man of his dreams is about to find him.
A change in his lab hours forces Nick to swap shifts with a coworker. But no one prepared Nick for Mr. 5:25—Aaron Hampton—a beefy blond who’s Nick’s perfect guy, but professionally and socially out of Nick’s reach. Soon Aaron becomes the highlight of Nick’s workday, and when the overly focused lawyer needs Nick’s help with holiday gifts, Nick is eager to spend time with Aaron.
They become friends, share book recommendations, and are surprised to find themselves at the same charity run. But is that all? When Aaron learns Nick is heading back to his old shift, will he find the courage to ask for one last, very special gift?
Review: Nick is working hard to finish his degree. He’s working at a convenience story and is able to swap shifts with his friend and roommate when things change with his lab and class schedule. This change in hours introduces him to Aaron, a lawyer who comes in every day at 5:25 to get his coffee.
One day, Aaron is frantic because he needs a gift for his assistant, whom he can’t seem to win over. Nick does an amazing job of picking out the right things for her, and Aaron is so grateful. They develop a friendship, and Nick comes to his aid on other occasions to help Aaron find just the right gifts when he needs them.
When they both end up at a charity run and Nick meets a colleague of Aaron’s, he thinks that this might be the end of it—because Nick’s being a bit goofy about the run, and it’s a prelude to a family holiday evening of traditions. Aaron seems to take meeting Nick’s mom in stride, and although he’s never said anything overtly, it becomes rather obvious that he is at least a little interested in Nick.
But when Nick’s schedule is about to change, and he’ll no longer be there when Aaron comes to get his morning coffee, things seem to cool off. Nick isn’t sure what’s going on with Aaron, and he’s got other issues that come up with his roommate and the future. He’s not sure he’ll ever even see Aaron again, which is the worst consequence of his changing schedule.
I was completely charmed by this slow-burn and delightfully sweet story. I’ve read several of this author’s stories in the past, and I’ve always enjoyed them. This one, I think is my favorite to date. Nick and Aaron are both lovable characters. Their subtle dance around each other is fun to watch. I liked the rather slow burn of the relationship, and the fact that Aaron was so unsure of himself. This story is sure to leave you with a warm heart and a smile.
You can buy The Last Gift here:
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