Cherish (Skins #3.6) [Harry & Joe] by Garrett Leigh

This was a sweet and endearing novella of my favorite couple in the series - Harry and Joe. Now happily married for 10 years they are contemplating the next step. It's something they both want yet unable to articulate to themselves or each other. 

I was a bit frustrated with both of them for not being able to communicate with each other. At least at first. Maybe I was being a bit harsh. Harry sort of dropped a "hot potato" into Joe's lap, accusing him of not being able to see himself, his worth and because of that not being able or ready to take the next step in their relationship but in a way Harry wasn't ready too. He was accusing Joe of something he himself was struggling with. It took both time apart to think, consider and re-consider what they have and what they COULD have before an honest conversation could be made.

Christmas Mountain by Garrett Leigh

A sweet love story between two friends who were separated due to unfortunate life circumstances. Fen and Rami have been working together, Fen as a prison officer and Rami as a social worker / probation officer. We even met the two through Dante Pope ("Salvation", the 3rd installment of the Darkest Skies series). But exactly when everything SEEMED to progress they parted ways. Rami's brother died leaving his baby boy in Rami's care and right around that time Fen was mortally injured. When Rami returned to his job after a short leave to deal with the care of his nephew he found Fen long gone. 

Two years later and Rami Stone couldn't handle it anymore. He got into the car with little Charlie and his things and drove to Christmas Mountain, where his sister Safia McCade lives with her husband and kids. He isn't sure WHAT he expected exactly. He couldn't leave Charlie behind, not after a second thought. Charlie WOULD be happy there, but will Rami be without him? He also couldn't stay as his job was too far from Safia's house, not to mention how isolated it is and this time of year SO COLD. 

Fen Hawthorne life has changed for sure. Returning to his family's property on Christmas Mountain his life is much more relaxed even if the events that happened two years ago have left their scars - physical and emotional. He is better now, but he is still missing what he could have had with a man he couldn't forget. Which is why he is more than surprised when the car stuck near his gate is no other than Rami's. 

Salvation (Darkest Skies, #3) [Dante & Sid] by Garrett Leigh

Beautiful. SO beautiful. If you've read the 1st installment you already know who Dante Pope is and you probably have zero sympathies for him. He made his brother's life – and so many others – living hell. I think Dante wants to believe in redemption but it's so hard to conceptualize with the life he lived and the decisions he made. Nothing could make it right and people doesn't really change. Yet the last two years in prison did make some sort of difference for him. It's not that he learned how to (take) care for people, but starting out with planets seems to work. This is how he finds himself, once release, working as the gardeners' help at Wilburn Manor (so far away from London and his not so far past). 

Sid Harrison doesn't WANT any help, but he needs it. For the past two years a chronic illness has wrecked his life and the person he used to be. Constant pain and various neurological disfunctions are his daily routine now, so when his boss (and sometimes friend) Benjamin Heath not so much offers him help in the form of the fresh out of prison – gorgeous looking – Dante his first reaction is – this ISN'T how he should be feeling about the guy but also, he might as well use the help offered. 

Dante and Sid simply get along. Dante is hard working and quiet and while he sees all of Sid's difficulties (better than he should maybe) he doesn't treat him like Ben and Anna (his twin sister) does – someone who needs constant chaperoning (as seems to not be able to care for himself). There's honestly and respect in Dante's eyes and appreciation too. His own feelings towards Dante hasn't changed from his initial reaction to Dante's photo (they only deepened) but acting upon it is complicated. 

Forgiven (Forgiven #1) [Mia & Luke] by Garrett Leigh

Honestly this book has been a struggle for me. I finished it for all the reasons that has nothing to do with the book itself. This book was angst galore and not in a way I appreciated. The interaction between Mia and Luke was simply IMPOSSIBLE. They were UNABLE to have any genuine conversation. I guess sex is a way of communication, and they did that well.. But with the history they shared and the troubles they were dealing with now, they needed more and they simply couldn't do it until it was (almost) too late.

Mia Amour has lived in the small town of Rushmere most of her life, but for the past few years she has been living in Paris. But now she is back, moving in with her brother Gus (her only living relative). While she loves her brother, losing their mother as well as the love of her life (even if at 17..) Luke leaving to join the military has been enough for her. But her big dreams were cut short by her manipulative husband so now, licking her wounds, she is back in town, not realizing Luke is back as well..

Luke Daley has left but not because he actually wanted to. After his father died and his mother was left to care for his younger brother (and himself) he decided to help her out financially by joining the military. That he did, but it didn't have the effect he wanted. It didn't save his younger brother - on the contrary - and it made him totally and absolutely miserable. For the past year he is back, managing his uncle's business (the one he hoped he wouldn't) with the help of his best friend Gus (Mia's younger brother). He didn't expect to stumble upon Mia and when he does everything comes back (not that anything really went away). 

Deliverance (Darkest Skies #2) [Benito & Mickey] by Garrett Leigh

While Redemption (the previous installment) was one of my absolute FAVORITE books by Garrett and I HIGHLY recommend it, this one just wasn't for me. I can't really complain about anything, I just didn't like the interaction between Benito and Mickey. If you like those kind of fighting for dominance more of aggressive sexual interactions this might really be for you. For me, it's a pass. 

I thought about giving it a fair chance and continuing a bit more but as the synopsis suggests they start with a sexual relationship which slowly becomes more, I feel like I won't be able to connect to either of them until THAT happens. 

Benito Martell got mixed up badly with a gang, he now needs to pay a lot of money he doesn't have while protecting his mother and mostly his little sister. When he stumbles upon Mickey he just wants a break.. Mickey Larwood works for Isha Hussain and Dominic Ramos - if the names sounds familiar it's because we've met them both in "Lucky" (1st and 3rd installment). It seems he has just started working for them and is doing his best to keep himself clean after recovering from a drug addiction. Meeting Benito at the bar seems too good  to be true.

Heartscape (Vino and Veritas #2) [Tanner & Jax] by Garrett Leigh

Honestly I'm not sure how to review this book. It was SO intense. I wouldn't say it was angsty or maybe it was. These two silent types were hard for me to handle for some reason. It might have been the mood I was in I just wanted them to TALK and say what's on their minds. There were times they read each other's minds and yet there wasn't enough communication and Tanner would be the first to admit it's just something he is bad at. I don't now. I loved how they DID connect through sharing space together and getting to know each other though action and motions. It was quite special. 

Tanner Reid have been living in the town of Burlington for most of his life but now he is sort of lost. A job as a bar manager from Harrison (the owner and Vino and Veritas and the MC in the 1st installment "Featherbed" by Annabeth Albert) is literally a life-saver for him. He might not know anything about wine but he's willing to learn and surprisingly enough he now loves the job and the people who work for him. When a communal house burns down close to the bar he finds himself offering a stranger a place to stay. It's not something he would expect himself to do, but there is very little he is willing to deny his best friend Eve who considering the (complicated) relationship she have had forever with his brother is family or as close as he can get anyway. 

Angels in the City by Garrett Leigh

I'm so happy I chose this book yesterday! It was such a wonderful read I read it in just one sitting! While the holidays are long gone (and I don't celebrate Christmas as it is) I have no problem reading these kind of easy reads. Though there is a bit of angst as you'd expect from Garrett, but I think far less than the usual. I'd still call it a feel good story. Loved the opposites attract and the whole vibe of two people looking for the most casual thing and finding so much more than they ever wished for. 

Jonah Gray has everything he wants in life. He is rich (and you could say famous). He has a small yet successful advertising firm which he loves with employees who simply adore him (it's easy to see why..). He lives in a beautiful apartment and generally wants for nothing. Well, his mother wants at least ONE thing more - a significant other. She'd especially appreciate him coming with a date to her annual fundraiser. Honestly he would love a distraction from one specific man.. But alas finishing his day at the office, entering the elevator, he accepts his "fate". Yet right before the doors closes a guy rushes in and from there - EVERYTHING changes. Spending less than half an hour in the elevator with said stranger Jonah finds himself inviting the guy to enjoy fancy champagne and canapés.

Sacha Ivanov didn't have anything special to do at the end of another day at the office - his new job. He lives a rather solitary life, no friends and barely a human connection at work. I'm not sure they enjoyed the fundraiser but they had GRAND time at Jonah's apartment after. Since Jonah doesn't date and Sacha doesn't do second anything there is no promise of anything more. 

The Sex Coach (Skins) by Garrett Leigh

Such a beautiful and heart felt story. I think the name kinda gives the wrong impression though Cole DOES offer to be Toby's "Sex Coach" but he was only joking, well, sort of. For me the story was mostly about finding love and feeling you deserve it. Toby and Cole both had their insecurities but when they looked at one another they saw a person worth getting to know, someone to care for and appreciate. Someone they wished, yet didn't believe, they could have. 

Toby has worked on Whisper Farm for the past 10 years. It's his home now even if everyone treats him as a kid he isn't anymore. He lives a simple life and it suits him yet he does feel a bit overwhelmed by the (gay) couples around him. Wishing he could have what they have but too scared and unsure to look for someone on his own. Which has left him a virgin at 24.

Cole Maguire is a "City Boy" but when the mother of his child decides to move to her parents' town he accepts a job as a Pilates instructor on Whisper Farm through his friend Harry (whom he used to work with in London), allowing them to have shared custody on their baby girl Ella. Cole is struggling. His insecurities in himself, at being a parent, leaves him with insomnia and anxiety. When he sees strong and capable Toby he is intrigued but he isn't exactly the talkative guy, well, both of them aren't and as Toby is attracted to Cole he feels even more unsure about how to even BE around Cole.

Redemption (Darkest Skies #1) [Luis & Paolo] by Garrett Leigh

I have no words. This book was angst galore, but the best kind. I couldn't put this book down. I only did when I absolutely HAD to. The pits of despair were open wide, but I was hoping and wishing Luis and Paolo will come out of it in one piece arms around each other. They did. It was one HELL of a ride, but it was SO worth it.

Luis Pope had very little choice in his life. His father died when he was very young and his mother couldn't have cared less about her children. Dante, his big brother, found his way in life through selling drugs and such in a gang and Luis found himself doing his brother's bidding with nothing to really look forward in life. Until the day he got arrested and realized that THIS is his way out of the life he despises. 6 years has passed and now that he is out he has no idea what to do. So much has changed and besides, who would want an ex-gang member? Wanting to warm his bones a little with a hot cup of tea he stumbles into Toni's Cafe with the job notice on the front - this HAS to mean something, right?

Paolo Cilberto's life has also been predetermined for him. Raised by his loving grandparents, now both in assisted care homes, he is running their cafe. Considering what his last few workers have said about him, it seems he's not an easy boss. Well, what can he say, he has a bit of a temper.. When Luis asks for a cup of tea and a job he offers the tea but doesn't feel desperate enough for the job. Yep, he recognized him, even if it had been years. But seeing him a few more times helps change his mind. Especially when the days aren't getting shorter or easier without any help.

The Edge of the World by Garrett Leigh

I'm not really sure how to summarize my thoughts about this book. I liked it, enjoyed both our MCs and yet I didn't LOVE it. There was something a bit too melancholy about it. These two were in a constant struggle, firstly with themselves and their bodies and secondly with gifting themselves the possibility of a friendship that might lead to so much more.

Shay Maloney is the singer in a pirate/folk-rock band "Smuggler’s Beat’s". When his manager offers him to be a part of a documentary about his roots he accepts mostly because it was easier at the time to just agree than put any thought to the matter. So when Ollie Pietruska a Freelance filmmaker currently working for Sky appears while he is on tour he doesn't know what he thinks of the whole thing, especially when it turns out he isn't making the documentary about the parents who raised Shay, but on his REAL parents and ancestors.

Falling For My Roommate by Garrett Leigh

OUTSTANDING. I couldn't have asked for more, seriously. Truth being told, I didn't know this book was coming, but once it was published, it took me a second to 1-click and a day to delve into it and finish it in one sitting. I haven't even bothered reading the synopsis hehe It's Garrett, what's more to think about? Also the name gave away one of my absolute favorite tropes - Friends to Lovers.. and that's without even knowing it's also going to be an agonizing delicious Slow Burn. I got it all. FOR SURE.

Micah have been a known soccer player before his life (and leg) shattered together with his reputation when he was outed. Scared to deal with life totally and absolutely on his he rents a room in Sam's flat. For Sam it's help he needs considering he currently works at a bar and while he loves his job it doesn't pay as well as being a celebrity.. or ex-celebrity in Micah's case.

While they form a very comfortable routine, sharing meals and spending time together, they perfect the ability to talk without talking, getting to know each other without asking. Micah isn't the talkative guy to say the least and Sam can't bring himself to ask anything so reading the newspapers from "back then" is his only glimpse into who Micah is, or rather who he used to be. The quiet, closed off guy who sits at the bar on his weekends shifts, nursing a soft drink for no reason Sam can decipher.

There is solace in the life they built together. There is also love. One that neither feels like he can express to the other without losing what they already have.

Hometown Christmas by Garrett Leigh

This was a rather sweet holiday read. I"m saying "rather" because this is Garrett, so there's has to be a little bit of angst thrown in there. Though I gotta say I was really appreciative of the way it DIDN'T create any drama, rather making the characters more human and allowing them to connect on a deeper level.

We've actually sort of met Gavin Richie before as "Wedge" in a few of Garrett's previous novels but honestly I don't remember much about him. He is ex-military, special forces, and after two years of being out and dealing with breaking his neck (!) he is managing a shelter for the homeless. It's hard yet satisfying work if only they could have enough volunteers for their shifts, especially for the kitchen..

Yani Nicolaou have had enough of working for other people, he now works for himself. He has a food cart and he manages quite well actually. His days are busy but he is happy for the new life he has built for himself. Having his best friend Bex around is also a bonus. A chance meeting with a real hunk in a coffee shop doesn't promise much until his best friend begs him to take a shift at the shelter as a cook and he realizes said hunk work at the shelter as well..

Fated Hearts (Shadow Bound #1) [Zio & Devan] by Garrett Leigh

OUTSTANDING. Sometimes giving a book ONLY 5 stars feels insufficient. I LOVED this book. Literally and actually didn't put it down - read it cover to back - in one sitting. While this was the story of Zio and Devan it was also the story of the Northern Wolf Pack of England. Trying to defend themselves from the Southern Wolf packs who put it their life task for the past 100 years to eradicate them. Being one clan, and quite small it hasn't been easy and now that Emma, their only healer, is dead their only hope lies in asking Dash - the alpha of the "Shadow Bound" an ultra strong shifter clan for help. 

The help comes in the form of Devan a strong Healer who made it his life task to "Do no harm. Give life not death". Sounds pretty noble, and it is, but it's not easy when everything and everyone around him is fighting for their lives. Coming from a peaceful place, being thrust into this conflict and even more than that to a pack who isn't sure wants him there (being a different species, even if still a shifter) isn't easy as well. That's without mentioning Zio, the guy he spent maybe 5 minutes - too long - in a club just before arriving on the pack's grounds.

Kiss Me Again by Garrett Leigh

This book was SO beautiful and raw and angsty in the best possible way. I LOVED both Ludo and Aidan and seeing them fall in love, form a family together was heart breakingly beautiful (sorry for the repetitive word ;)). While this book is an absolute stand alone, we get the littlest mention of Angelo, the MC from "Dream", just so you know.

It's been a while since I last wrote a full review or READ a whole book. When I ask myself WHY I read, the answer is quite obvious because of THIS. This is what makes me happy even if it sounds a bit f*ed up as these two went through A LOT in this book and most not that easy to deal with.. But anyhow, I"m trying to say, I read to find optimism in life even though it's fictional, I read to enjoy this endless emotion and love we rarely see (or feel) in real life. I read for the wonderful journey the characters, and we, as readers, go through all together to come in the end with a feeling of completion, of hope and love. A sort of high that makes the whole hurtful journey worth it and this one is SO worth it.

Jude (Lucky #3) [Jude & Isha] by Garrett Leigh

This one was quite an emotional and angsty ride. I wanted to slap both Jude and Isha too many times to count. While I could see them falling in love with one another it was hard seeing how much keeping their hearts as separated as possible was costing both of them. But in the end when push came to shove Isha HAD to act to keep the guy he loves.

We've met Isha Hussain in the first installment. He's Dom's best friend and ex-manager. Though he might act indifferent we've seen him first act, never ask questions later when Dom requested his help, and he was really there for him when he came out. Yet it was never something he felt sharing himself - the fact he is Bi. The only person to know is his ex-wife. She has always been his best friend but they stayed together for the wrong reasons so now it's better for both of them (and their two kids) they are divorced keeping the friendship part only. While Isha IS a good friend to the few he keeps in his circle, he doesn't really allow people to get close to him so it's no wonder once he found Jude it was EXTREMELY difficult for him to open up and later on come out to his friends about his sexuality and relationship with Jude.

Cash (Lucky, #2) [Cash & Rae] by Garrett Leigh

I gotta say that though I'm a HUGE fan of Garrett, and  I'm saying that after reading ALL of her books, this book simply wasn't for me. I had a hard time connecting with both MCs and frankly with the subject at hand. Cash and Rae have the same calling in life - saving foxes from illegal hunts. While I LOVE animals and I do NOT agree with these kind of cruel acts I also in a way see no point to "Sabing" - Sabotaging (illigal) hunts. The whole thing felt futile from beginning till end and I felt sorry for everyone involved for how useless it all felt. They DID save foxes' lives at times but mostly they got hurt and no one cared (like the authorities..) about them or their lives, on the contrary, the were hunted by them as well. This is corruption for you..

We've met Cash at Lucky's book. While Lucky and Dom have a very important play in this book it can still be read as a stand alone. Cash lives a quiet life in a house he got from his uncle after he stopped Sabing. Took quite a long time to hear the WHY of that which was extremely sad and heart breaking. So currently he's all about his job as a mechanic (together with Lucky) but besides that he doesn't' have anything else in his life. Lucky for him he has Lucky! and Dom, his "roommates".

Crossroads (Skins #4) [Angelo & Dylan] by Garrett Leigh

This short novella is a closure to the series, though it contains the POVs of Angelo and Dylan all three couples are enjoying the holidays together at Joe's (and Harry's) Farm. The feeling is more settled, certainly for Joe and Harry but also with Rhys and Jevon. Angelo and Dylan needs to find a way to make their relationship work. Staying at the farm doing physiotherapy with Harry and in general living there makes a HUGE difference on his health and so he needs to find a way to talk to Dylan and explain it to him, hoping Dylan can make a future with him somewhere near the farm..

Dylan already realized Angelo's future is entwined with his and this is NOT something that is going to change, even if he sees the great influence the farm has on Angelo's health and it's underline meaning. So it's up to him to find a way to make a life there. With a bit of help from the guys he does find a way which suits him well and will enable them to chose their own path together.

Lucky (Lucky, #1) [Lucky & Dom] by Garrett Leigh

Beautiful yet SO heart breaking. Sometimes I feel there is something somewhat masochistic about reading Garrett's books. I mean, she leaves you RAW with emotions, torn out from the inside for AN ENTIRE BOOK before she finally delivers her beautifully crafted HEA. This book is no different. Our two MCs, both for his own reasons, is at his lowest. Both living a life they hate, isolated and ashamed. Yet they are a Grindr meeting away from changing all that. It's going to take time. A LOT of it, and yet when they are both honest about what they want, what makes them happy and content, grabbing one another and never letting go becomes a necessity.

I don't bother reading synopsis of books by authors I absolutely adore and as Garrett is RIGHT THERE on my list, I actually read it after I started, just to see where this one is headed. Yet I'm not sure I agree with the description. I think everything that happened between the couple was ALREADY tipping the scale. Also we should give Lucky a break, he is a lot stronger and capable than he gets credit for.

Believe (Skins #3) [Rhys & Jevon] by Garrett Leigh

~sigh~ I'm SO disappointed. This was nothing like I expected. Naturally, ANY of Garrett's books are a must read, and though I expect a heart breaking story, I want to feel the promise of a HEA laced in between but here I was just depressed the whole while I was reading it. The alternating POVs helped, but still, Rhys was too "broken" and Jevon was doing his best, but he wasn't so sure himself if this thing between them is even possible.

Rhys Foster used to spend his days in an anonymous sex club, it used to be his THING. Sex, generally, was his thing but he is sick of it. Going to a pub to drink his sorrows he meets Jevon Campbell and somehow finds himself inviting him over to his apartment. Jevon is nothing like Rhys expected, while he is gay, it's somehow new to him. He has dated and slept with women, realized he isn't really into them but wasn't brave enough to take the leap into dating men and here comes Rhys, openly bisexual and VERY into exploring anything and everything related to sex. Put the two of them together, and Jevon is finally able to experience what he was missing, and Rhys sleeps for the first time with a guy who can actually mean something to him.

Whisper (Skins #2) [Harry & Joe] by Garrett Leigh

This was such a heartfelt story! I really enjoyed it :) It was tender and yet it was also raw in a way. I loved the scenery of the farm, I could understand how it healed both Joe and Harry just being there. I've volunteered for years in a therapeutic farm, I have so many great memories and even the memory of the peacefulness. Harry truly found THE place to sit and write his book.... everything else that happened NEEDED to happen for sure, but the setting was simply beautiful for it, even though there was a lot of "gloom" in the farm, or rather it's current state. But I'm getting ahead of myself..

Harry Foster's life, at least from his Instagram account, looks perfect. He is a successful physiotherapist, he is fully booked and he is even offered to write a book about his knowledge. But he can't seem to find the time or the right mood to actually BE writing, which is why he is offered to take the summer off and MAKE the time to write. His brother finds him a room for rent in a small town in a farm which rescues horses. The pictures looks perfect and so he finds himself living in "Whisper Farm" looking for the person he corresponded with - Emma Carter, only to find first her mother and later her grumpy big brother - Joe who runs the place.