The second book in a series, Holiday Gridlock can be read solo with little issue (which is great, as I had no idea when I picked it up that it was a sequel). It's a cute story about the tensions between people in a relationship who aren't completely comfortable with not knowing what to expect. Gabe is incredibly insecure of his place in Mark's life, and of the possible differences is definition of what their relationship is. I do admit I spent a fair amount of time mentally telling Gave to just freaking talk to Mark already, but between the age difference (not generational, but enough that they are at different points in their lives) and Gabe's personal history, I could understand it. It's a sweet story.

Another short, sweet read in Gretchen Evans’ Cruised series.

Bumper to Bumper was the beginning of Mark and Gabe’s relationship. In Holiday Gridlock, they’ve fallen into a comfortable relationship. At least it’s comfortable for Gabe. Mark wants more though and the longer that Gabe stalls, the harder it is for Mark to see their relationship going in the direction he wants it to.

I liked getting to know these two better and seeing where they were headed. I also liked the additional characters in Holiday Gridlock. Family is important to both of these men. And even though they came from very different backgrounds, they still had a great support system.

Gabe was afraid of commitment, but Mark was patient. Even the most patient person has their limits though and Gabe isn’t prepared when he’s faced with the possibility of losing Mark. It’s a good thing they had that support system in place 😉

Holiday Gridlock is the second book in the Cruiser series by Gretchen Evans. I got the first book too and loved it. This one was a nice sequel although not as good as the first one.

I really enjoyed catching up with Mark and Gabe, they met up in the first book on a hook up app and just kept on going. Gabe is getting worried that things are getting too serious especially as Mark keeps hinting at him moving in and now, he’s taking him home for Christmas. Gabe is worried that it will be too much and things will go wrong if he lets Mark in. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Holiday Gridlock is a continuation of the romance begun in Evans’s previous novella, Bumper to Bumper. I thought the first story was very cute, but this one suffers a bit in comparison.

Part of what made the first book work for me was that the basics of the story—Gabe and Mark flirt through a hookup app while commuting to work, and their relationship grows from there—was both fun and something I hadn’t read before. This time, the plot is more conventional. Gabe and Mark have been dating for a while, and while Mark is ready to move in together, Gabe is commitment shy. A trip to visit Mark’s family for Christmas brings their differences to a head, and they have to figure out their future as a couple.

Outside of being less original, the story itself isn’t bad. I liked catching up with Gabe and Mark and getting to meet both of their families. Christmas is part of the story, but the author doesn’t hit you over the head with the holiday theme, which is a plus for me. The only quibble I had with the plot is that Gabe changes his mind about their relationship fairly quickly at the end, but that’s par for the course with relatively short novellas.

I’d give this a read if you liked Bumper to Bumper, but I’d start with that one if you are new to the author.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

I was so happy to see another book in this series! Gabe and Mark were intriguing in the first book... and this one just solidified their relationship. It amazes me that the author is able to pack so much characterization into such a short piece of fiction. I really felt for Gabe... his confusion over the status and longevity of his relationship was really palpable. I’ve been there and this read as authentic.

What this story lacks in length, it more than makes up for in characterization. It’s funny but I remember caring about these two characters in the first novel... and really not a lot about them is revealed during that plot. This seemed like such a natural continuation.

I loved that it was a bit of a Christmas story... and that all levels of commitment to the holiday spirit were reflected! Great continuation!

I read both books of this series in one sitting. Both Bumper to Bumper and holiday Gridlock are quick, fun, sweet and hot. I really liked Gabe and Mark and I felt like their story of finding love in the era of the hook up app was both hot and completely charming. The insecurities and struggles to communicate felt all too familiar. Both books in this duet are worth a read and I wouldn't mind reading more about what the future holds for Gabe and Mark but I will caution readers that these books are very short.