Divine Heart

Rebel Kings MC #8

by Garrett Leigh

The bestselling Rebel Kings MC series returns with Ranger and Viktor’s long awaited love story. Expect: a damaged Russian mobster and a grouchy nomad. Hurt comfort, second chances, forced proximity. Love ain’t true if it doesn’t hurt.

Viktor

The message from my brother lies bold and bright on the screen.

This will be it.

Four words that could mean the end or the beginning. And for many years, as long as my sister was safe, I hadn’t much cared which. But as my gaze falls on the woven thread knotted at my wrist and the rough diamond of a man sleeping beside me, I realise everything has changed.

Ranger.

I want more than a hot summer with him. A handful of stolen nights. I don’t deserve him—no one does. But true to the fear I’ve carried since I met him, I can’t give him up.

We survive together, or we die.

And if we live?

I will love his divine heart forever.

Divine Heart is the eighth book in the Rebel Kings MC series. A sizzling MM love story with all the trigger warnings you’d expect from a gripping biker romance.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Found Family, Dark, Dark Romance, Forced Proximity, LGBT

452 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2024

About the author

She/Her

Bonus Material available for all books on Garrett's Patreon account. Includes short stories from Misfits, Slide, Strays, What Remains, Dream, and much more. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/garrettleigh

Facebook Fan Group, Garrett's Den... https://www.facebook.com/groups/garre...

Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British romance author and artist. Her debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and she is a 4 time LAMBDA finalist.

In 2017, she won the EPIC award in contemporary romance with her military novel, Between Ghosts, and the contemporary romance category in the Bisexual Book Awards with her novel What Remains.

Garrett is also an award winning cover designer, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Honestly I did not want this book to end, I'm just not ready to say goodbye to the Rebel Kings!! And the fact that we don't have to just yet made me do a little happy squeal at the end of reading this and seeing the afterword from Garrett Leigh. I cannot wait for Every Missing Moment Vol 2 AND The Long Goodbye: Forever Rebel. I am so attached to all of these characters and I need to read more about all of them. The fact that all of their books are in the same story universe and characters often pop up or are referred to is a pretty good consolation though!

This installment definitely felt less emotionally charged than previous ones, as the focus was mostly on the build up to the final battle that would be bringing an end to the long running storyline that runs throughout the entire series. Because we only see things from Ranger and Viktor's POVs though, there are some gaps in what actually happened with the final showdown, which I'm certain will be included in Every Missing Moment Vol 2. I'm just impatient to see what happened with Cam and Jake's deception and I want to see Alexei and Saint's reaction!!

I loved the struggle that both Viktor and Ranger had in facing up to how they truly felt about each other - each admits to themselves how they feel about the other but there's so much holding both back, plus a lot of regret and uncertainty about what the future will bring and it makes their inevitable relationship feel much more solid because they know the risks, they know what's at stake and what could be lost if something went wrong. Viktor's battle with addiction wasn't as prominent as I expected it to be, but I like how it was resolved in the storyline and that it didn't become his main personality trait - there's more to him than addiction and seeing him fight to get back to who he is had me hooked on finding out what happened next.

Ranger is very much like Saint in the way he goes through life with minimal material possessions and not feeling rooted to a place, but to a person (or people in Saint's case), but he's also mouthy and brash, compared to Saint's silence unless words are truly needed. I loved seeing him team up with Saint though - Saint Malone is by far my favourite character in this series so I am totally biased whenever he pops up in a book! I loved the bond shared between Ranger and his nan, and the way he acts like he hates everyone, especially Rubi and children 😂😂 I also loved the way Viktor got him to improve his eating habits from those of a child's dream diet of nuggets all day every day!!!! I'm craving oranges like nobody's business now.

I feel like I can't say much more without giving away what happens because each book in this series is very plot heavy, and all of the characters and their lives are weaved throughout - there's no way that you can read any of these books as a standalone because they are so intricately tied together that they just would not make sense. If you're a fan of this series already though, then you will no doubt love this one too.

*****

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Divine Heart is book eight in the Rebel Kings MC series by Garrett Leigh. This is Viktor and Ranger’s book. This will be a very hard review to write. It would be fair to say that I have been obsessed with this series, with this group of men that are more family than most blood families are. These men love big, with all of their beings! In the past, when I’m reading one of the books, I’m living in it, completely consumed. For the first time, though, I struggled a bit with this one. I loved the two men, don’t get me wrong. It’s been about seven months since I read the last book so it’s not terribly long ago. But from the first, I struggled to pick the story line back up. And it didn’t seem to flow the way the previous books did, feeling a bit disjointed at times. I’m glad I read it, I’ve been wanting their story. These two men deserved a happy ever after. And the ending was very sweet. But this will be the first time I haven’t given one of these books five stars.



We have gotten to know Ranger a bit in the previous books. He is twenty nine years old. He used to be a part of the Crows MC but when it fell apart, he became a nomad. His closest friends now are a part of the Rebel Kings and he does stay there occasionally and joins them when he is needed. But he rides alone. There is one man that has plagued Ranger’s thoughts for years and one magical night, they shared a few moments that are imprinted on his heart. But then something terrible happened after that and it completely changed the course of his life.



Viktor Petrenko, an ally of Alexei’s has also been carrying a soft spot for Ranger for quite awhile. And their time together that night is forever imprinted on his mind and heart. But then his life was changed, and not for the better. Now he is living on his farm on the island he owns, watching over his sister and her family. He is his own worst enemy. But then his life changed again when Ranger showed up on the island, saying he was there to watch over him. Their time together, though, has an expiration date. Because eventually, they will be needed when it’s time for the final battle. A battle that is needed so they can all finally live in peace.

“If I could not rid my life of all addiction, he was the one I would keep.”



Parts of this book were heart breaking, with all that Viktor endured. Both of their hearts yearned for the other. And Ranger’s devotion to protecting Viktor was astounding. There was plenty of emotion. But a lot of it was kept inside. They didn’t share it with the other. These two had to go through so much before they finally got to a good place with each other. The ending of the book was so sweet. And of course, it’s always wonderful to spend time with the other characters from previous books.



Soon, I will read Every Missing Moment: Volume Two with is a collection of deleted scenes, outtakes, prequels and character extensions for books five through eight. Then, sometime next year, the final book, Forever Rebel – The Long Goodbye, will be released, which is the final book in the series.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Mx. T *Chaotic Reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

When this series is over, I will cry.
If you've read Unholy Trinity, you know Viktor Petrenko, the Russian mercenary that helped Cam, Saint and Alexei, was left in a very rough state after Priest kidnapped him and Locke saved him. I said it in my review of that book, his struggle is one of my only triggers and, my dudes, his state of mind in this one hurt me so bad. He isn't like Alexei, he is softer in a way, less anal-retentive (sorry Lexi, luv). But he also has prior trauma that also explains his current predicament. Viktor has retired to a mansion in an island in Spain to recover, but he isn't doing that well. Thankfully, his brother Jake knows where to get the help Viktor needs. Enter Ranger, who is sent by Cam to watch over him, as apparently there are some thugs to take Viktor out. Vik and Ranger have got some previous history, that hails from their fight against the Sambini's in the North. And they DO like each other. But they also struggle with what separates them and they fight their feelings a lot. There's pining and I am all for a good pining. And there's some trauma that keeps Viktor from acknowledging his feelings, but Ranger is just so THERE for him... Ranger is grumpy and steady and FUNNY. I didn't expect the nomad to have such a poignant sense of humour and I truly appreciated it. There's a lot of hurt/comfort and I looooove that. The oranges, the club, the flying, the showers *sighs*
Garrett Leigh can do no wrong and I would read 3000000 books in this series if she just continued writing it. But, alas, that won't happen because the next book is the last and it's already breaking my heart.

Got the arc from GRR and all my opinions are my own. And I just love this fucking series forever.

[Mei ☽︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ranger and Viktor were so soft together! I loved the healing and all the cameos with everyone else!!! 🥹

Of all of the Rebel Kings couples, this book definitely was one of the most comforting in a way. That probably ahd to do with circumstances of when and where the book took place, but I just loved how much of an easy read this was. Every book in this series is easy to read for me with small everyday moments, but Garrett absolutely spoiled us rotton here.

I really wish we got another book with these two because like others, I easily could've read two books following them. And part of me wishes we got to see Viktor POV earlier. But if we did, then this book would be entirely different. 🤣So I'm happy with what we got still!

I can't believe we're winding down with this entire cast. 😭BUT THEY DESERVE IT, SO I'M NOT EVEN TRULY UPSET.

---------
I NEED THESE TWO SO BADLY KSKSKFGJEJ I can't wait 🥹

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

More stars required please.

When you hit book eight of a series you might be forgiven for wondering just how much the story can progress.

Well, let me tell you, no spoilers revealed, but OMG it progresses and then some in Rebel Heart! However, this is an entirely different type of narrative being told and, for the vast majority of it, the story is centered purely on Ranger and Viktor.

And boy is it worth it, and then some. While Folk is my absolute favourite in the whole series, I have to say Ranger goes some in this book to take over his spot. In his character, Garrett has given me one of my most beloved type of people - one who's unwavering loyalty to those he chooses as family is as hard as a diamond. Him also being a Yorkie lad from my home city of Leeds also helps some 😉

Ranger's a nomad, he counts only his Nanna Jean and his friends Folk and Decoy, as family, but after working with the enigmatic Viktor Petrenko, they spark a connection that is both electrifying and deathly frightening for both of them.

As I said earlier, no spoilers, but the pacing of this book is beautifully slow burn as Vik deals with the aftermath of his kidnapping by Priest and the Crows and all the additional traumas it brought. Gone is the battle-hardened Russian soldier, instead he's a man crumbling under the weight of his demons.

The relationship between them is intense, they know there are lines about to be crossed and decisions made that can't be stepped back from and in the outside world, Jakov is drawing all the threads into one explosive ball.

Garrett nails this one to the wall with all flags flying and colours blazing. It's definitely my second favourite book after Reluctant Renegade and I am forever glad she gave in to the (mine included) repeated requests for Ranger and Viktor's book because it's a triumph of love over adversity.

#ARC kindly received from the author via Foreword PR, I am voluntarily leaving a review

[Luce · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah nah, this was rough.

Boring. An absolute snore I'm sorry to say. Ranger and Victor weren't even reunited until we're about 32% into the book. Their relationship was rushed and under developed and again, hugely boring! And then we don't see the Rebel King's gang until around 75%, who if we're honest are the best thing about this series.

The characters and the lack of plot made this a borderline painful read.

My least favourite of the series so far!

Book Series Ranking:
1. Devil's Dance & Saint's Song - 5 stars! (Alexei, Saint & Cam) - Book 1 & 2
2. Reluctant Renegade - 5 stars! (Folk & Decoy) - Book 5
3. Eternally Blessed - 4.25 stars! (Orla, Nash & Locke) - Book 7
4. Unholy Trinity - 4 stars! (Orla, Nash & Locke) - Book 6
5. Love Thy Brother - 4 stars! (River & Rubi) - Book 4
6. Forgive Me Father - 3 stars! (Mateo & Embry) - Book 3
7. Divine Heart - 2 stars! (Victor & Ranger) - Book 8

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Viktor and Ranger! Been hanging out for these two! This was a lovely instalment to the series. The last 2 books I enjoyed the plot more than the relationship. In this I enjoyed the relationship more than the plot. It was lovely we had so much time with these two in a slightly different setting - this broke things up nicely and as much as I love the rest of the Rebel Kings MC it was nice for a little change of scenery. This had me craving fresh oranges and a man to speak Russian to me.

As usual, great character characters, fast pacing, solid plot lines, realistic portrayal of addiction and mental health and stacks of found family and softer times to counteract the rougher MC club violence.

Just saying I would love Jakov’s story🙋🏻‍♀️

So very sad to see this series come to an end, the characters feel like actual real people, but looking forward to the spinoff and Every Missing Moment outtakes.

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ranger siempre ha sido un nómada, nunca le ha gustado quedarse en un solo sitio. Viajar, se libre eso es lo que le gusta. Sin embargo, tiene a su abuela viviendo cerca de los Kings, para que estos la visiten, y de vez en cuando el también se acerca. Así que no esta acostumbrado a extrañar a nadie, hasta que conoce a Viktor. Un solo momento entre ellos lo dejo soñando con estar con él. Así que cuando su hermano lo busca para que ayude a Viktor a volver a sus pies después del trauma, Ranger no lo duda y viaja hasta él. Pero será capaz de lograr que Viktor vuelva a ser el de antes? Podrá ayudarlo a combatir sus demonios? Será que hay alguna posibilidad de que Viktor sienta lo mismo por él?

Ahora, este libro se me hizo muy pesado, porque trataba de los personajes menos definidos y menos compartidos en toda la serie. Estos dos protas, Ranger y Viktor, nunca fueron parte de ninguna trama importante, o por lo menos de nada mas que un par de momentos en que "salvaron" a todos. Así que sentí que entre en la historia sin saber nada, y se explicaba tan poco que me costo muchísimo entender donde estaban y porque. Además, la aparición de la familia de Viktor tan por encima, incluyendo a su "hermano", también me pareció muy forzada. No llegue a entender ni siquiera un poco a ninguno de los personajes. No logro trasmitirme esa angustia del drogadicto buscando su próxima dosis, ni del "amigo" que intenta que no lo haga.
En fin, me gusta la serie, pero este ha sido el libro que menos me ha gusto hasta ahora. Sin embargo, voy a leer los siguientes, esperando poder volver a entrar en este mundo y enamorarme de nuevo de los personajes.

[Bronwyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

January 2026: Even though I swore I’d skip this when I reread the series, I decided I’d listen to the audiobook while I was going through the paperbacks my hubby bought me for my birthday. I can’t say that I liked it any more than the first time I read it. The thing I was happy about was that Dan Calley FINALLY pronounced Jakov’s name correctly and it didn’t sound like he was constantly saying “jack off”. Unfortunately, there were still things I felt Garrett Leigh dropped the ball on. Things that were left unexplained or unaddressed and that bothers me.


2.5 stars: This book was not what I expected. Honestly, it felt like it took me a month to read it. It’s the first time that I’m truly disappointed with a book in this series. Most of the time I felt like I had no clue what was going on. Who was Ranger protecting Viktor from? Where they heck were they? “An island” is what we get for a while, then a fake island name. Where is it supposed to be? Apparently it’s in the Mediterranean somewhere. And how the heck did Ranger ride his motorcycle to an island?? Because that’s what it says! That he rode there!

Anywho, I accept the fact that it may be a ME problem and not the book. This was me through most of this —> 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫. So I’m sorry to say that I’m only giving this 2.5 stars. It will be rounded up simply for the fact that it’s Garrett Leigh and I really did enjoy the story after around 72%. That’s when things started to be explained to my understanding. Had it been any other author, I would have DNFed this.

I’m still looking forward to the next book and the Missing Moments extras. The next time I do a reread, I’ll probably skip this one.

[Em’sBookNook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never rushed so fast to request an ARC so thank you to GRR. This is my honest review.

This was one of my most anticipated reads this year and it didn’t disappoint. I’m fucking obsessed with this series and the characters in it.

I think after Alexei, Cam and Saint, Viktor and Ranger might be my second favourites. Ugh it was just perfection. I loved being on Satsuma Island. I loved that Ranger was from my home city of Leeds. I love Nanna Jean. I love Lida. This book could have gone on for 700 pages and I’d have lapped them up. I’ll be getting the audiobook as soon as it’s out.

When this series finally ends I’m probably going to need to join an emotional support group.

[Smutty Sully · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not a light book, the struggle with addiction is front and center. It is fun, as usual, to see all the other MCs from their series, Leigh manages to keep everyone true to their personalities, and the strong found family bonds are really what sell this series for me.

I enjoyed this book a lot more than the last two, strong finish(for character only books, add-ons and extras still coming) to the series. It was also nice to see Ranger the nomadic biker fall in love and get his HEA. Expect heavy topics and lots of UST and mutual pining.

Tags: Motorcycle club series, must be read in order, Russian mobster/British biker, loner, murder, reference to past captivity, torture, forced drug injections (which caused drug addiction), childhood abduction and forced sex work, child abandonment; scenes with descriptive drug use (consensual molly/mandy/MDMA, heroin and crack briefly [drug addiction], past forced heroin injections while in captivity), fun with languages and phrases, isolated kind of forced proximity setting, motorcycle club and mob stuff, found family

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett Leigh’s phenomenal writing brings Victor and Ranger’s love story blasting to life. Full of poignant and emotional moments as we see how everything between them began, the unbreakable bond they share and the future they can now build for themselves

I absolutely love this series and I’ve been waiting for Ranger’s story for a while. It was a heartbreaking start with the amount of pain Ranger was in at what Viktor had gone through and Viktor fighting his demons. Watching Viktor put down his arms to heal with Ranger was beautiful and necessary before the war came knocking at their door. The found family moments and the banger of a climax were spectacular. Their HEA while hard won is perfect for them.

So happy this isn’t the last book in the series though - I can never get enough. If you haven’t started the series it needs to be read in Order so don’t wait start it now and thank me later

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to hold a special place in my heart. It's gritty and grounded, but the love within these books is transcendent. I've said it before but each of romances has a fated mates feel to it, and I felt that way especially in this one. Ranger and Vik are tender and cute, healing each other with their bond.

And as always, the whole MC club family fills me with as much love as the romances. I am genuinely sad this series is wrapping up with only one novel left, but it's bittersweet. Everyone has fought so hard for their happy endings, and they all deserve the peace to come.

[Hilcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5.0.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. OMG. Viktor & Ranger absolutely have my heart.

This was definitely a softer read then the others in the series which was surprising as these were two hard men that have been complete enigmas throughout the series, but it was exactly what they needed to tell their story so beautifully. Neither knew what to do with how they felt for the other (so. much. pining.), but yet they held onto the dream of what could be and that is what ultimately gets them to slowly open up and finally allow themselves to trust, to love and to imagine a different sort of future.

Viktor is struggling to recover from the addiction inflicted by his kidnappers and, Jakov - at his wit’s end trying to help his ‘brother’ - sends Ranger to protect him from himself. The fact this book takes place in the Mediterranean away from the action is one reason for the slower flow of this story, but truly it is just how soft and sweet these two are together. Viktor soothes Ranger’s grumpy edges, while Ranger pulls Viktor out from his ruminations and shows him how to FEEL again. This is hurt/comfort done to perfection. The emotional growth between these two was slow and intense, and so real there was no way my heart wasn’t getting completely invested. There are just so many moments that stole my heart between the oranges, the helicopter, their walks around the property, using Ranger's name … and let’s not forget our beloved Rebel Kings that are always there to support those they care about completely and without question. I just loved every bit of this book from start to finish.

[Mary Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you ever read a series and think there's no way you could love a new character more than, or at least as much as, you loved the existing ones? Yeah, this is me with these books. It's not that I don't have faith in the author; it's that I hold so much love in my heart for every single character that I don't know how much more it can stretch to hold. Yet it does in each book of this series.

Ranger and Viktor are heartbreakingly beautiful together. The pain of their pasts, their tendency to want to be on their own to survive, their ability to love hard...

I frequently re-read the stories of Cam, Lexi, Saint, Rubi, River, Embry, Mateo, Folk, Decoy, Nash, Locke, and Orla because I want to feel that connection that they all share. And Ranger and Viktor fit wonderfully in the big ol' found family of the Rebel Kings, but they also fit perfectly as two halves of one soul.

I believe we have one more book coming in this series, and I'm already mourning saying goodbye.

[Agalactiae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Depuis que le tome centré sur Viktor avait été plus ou moins suggéré puis annoncé, je n'avais qu'une seule hâte, le découvrir !

Divine heart est un tome qui m'aura surprise. Le duo formé par Ranger et Viktor est vraiment atypique. Et quel plaisir de pouvoir rentrer dans la tête de Viktor ! Certes, c'est un personnage torturé, les derniers événements qu'il a vécu n'étaient pas vraiment joyeux... mais on y voit la lumière au bout du tunnel et en particulier grâce à Ranger qui réussi à le toucher dès le départ en quelque sorte. Une certaine alchimie est présente entre les deux hommes, et j'ai aimé la façon qu'a eu Garrett Leigh de nous le faire voir, de nous le démontrer. Ce fut un très joli slow burn.

Nous en savons un peu plus forcément sur la personnalité des deux hommes, aussi un peu sur leurs passés respectifs, et ce, de manière plutôt discrète.

Nous revoyons bien sûr toute la bande, pour notre plus grand plaisir ^^ Du côté du cercle de Vik, Jake est décidément un personnage que je n'arriverais jamais à cerner...

J'ai beaucoup aimé ce tome, un tome d'ailleurs très centré sur notre duo ! Je suis plus que ravie que Viktor ait eu son histoire, depuis le temps qu'on l'espérait ! Ah et puis une petite surprise nous attend à la fin héhé ^^

[Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve decided that while I enjoy the plot lines of this author’s books, I struggle with her prose. I don’t know if it’s the British slang or that she just doesn’t give me enough descriptions of what’s happening, but half the time, I can’t tell what TF is happening or what she means.
So yes, I’m happy Ranger and Vik got their HEA, but I didn’t enjoy the journey as much as I hoped.

[Tolk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it is clearly the same world as the other books in the series, this book is set a bit apart as not everything that happens takes place at the compound or in the area. So Ranger’s and Victor’s story is not as tightly intertwined with the others - yet it still ties in perfectly with the rest of the story, just as you’d expect. Victor and Ranger both deserve the happy end they finally get in this book. And the road to their HEA is not easy, just as you’d expect. It was wonderful accompanying them on their journey, through the tough times and the fun ones. And to be with them at the end.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's what I'll say.. This series needs to be read in order and does not feature true standalone books. In addition, if it's been a while since you've read other books in this series, then you probably would benefit from a reread before diving into this one. This particular story seems to have been written under the assumption that you remember every detail of all of the plots in the other 7 books. Unfortunately for me, I've been reading these essentially as they've been released, so my memory of every plot point was a little fuzzy.

If you've been following along at home, then you know that I have loved this series and I'm at the stage where I simply am not objective in my reviews for these books, because I just love being in this world so much. The found family vibes are just immaculate. This one wasn't quite a 5 star for me, but I think that's because I need to reread the entire series start to finish. I was struggling through some of this plot because I wasn't remembering key plot points and the author does not elaborate or give any kind of recap on previous storylines. She expects you to know and remember. Which is fair. My future series reread will probably bump this to a 5 star for me.

I loved Viktor and Ranger so much and their love story was beautiful to read. Much of this story felt bittersweet, both because of the actual story and because this is essentially the end of the series. I know Garrett Leigh has promised one more book, but I feel as if it will be more of one big extended epilogue type of book vs. an actual story. If that makes any sense. So, this feels like the end and I'm big sad about it.

I wouldn't mind something, even a novella, about Jakov though.. I'm just saying.

As for this book, look - it's a given that I think you should read this series, including this book. It's MM MC romance done so well and I've said it 100 times, but Garrett Leigh just absolutely kills the found family trope. Objectively do I think every book in this series is a smash hit? Not exactly, but the sum is greater than the parts and in this case all of the books have moments that make this series one that I just love.

[Ida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divine Heart by Garrett Leigh is an absolute triumph, and if you're already invested in the Rebel Kings series, this one will hit you right in the feels. By the time you reach book eight, you might wonder how much further the story can progress—but trust me, Leigh takes it to another level with Ranger and Viktor’s emotional journey.

At the heart of Divine Heart is Viktor Petrenko, who’s been through hell after his kidnapping by Priest. His mental state is raw, fragile, and it’s heartbreaking to witness as he retreats to Spain, seeking recovery but still haunted by his trauma. Enter Ranger, the grumpy, fiercely loyal nomad sent to protect Viktor. Their connection is electric, filled with slow-burn tension as they navigate their past, their demons, and their undeniable feelings for each other.

What makes this book stand out is how soft and comforting it feels compared to others in the series. Viktor and Ranger’s story is steeped in healing and tenderness, and Garrett Leigh spoils us with quiet, intimate moments that allow their relationship to unfold naturally. The cameos from other beloved characters only add to the rich, layered narrative.

The slow-burn pacing is perfection. Watching Viktor rebuild himself while Ranger stands steady beside him is incredibly satisfying. Their relationship is intense, balancing the line between vulnerability and strength, as they grapple with the consequences of crossing into something deeper.

Garrett Leigh absolutely nailed this one, blending hurt/comfort, humor, and emotional depth into a story that feels like a triumph of love over trauma. While I could have easily read another whole book about these two, I’m so grateful for the journey they took us on. As the series nears its end, Divine Heart reminds us why we fell in love with this world—and these characters—in the first place.

#ARC kindly received from GRR, and all opinions are my own.

[Bess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book, and I'm going to miss the series dearly once it is over (even though I am super excited to see whatever Garrett is cooking up next!) You absolutely need to read the other books in the series in order, but I promise it is worth it. The characters have intertwined lives, so the same person you read about in one book will probably pop up in every other one. Once you have a couple of books under your belt, you'll be delighted to see familiar faces reappear. I know this can be a pain (as someone who loves reading just one or two from a series), but you really need them all!

In this book, you get a culmination of the storyline that has been building pretty much the entire time (speaking carefully to avoid spoilers haha) but you also get to watch another lovely relationship grow. Viktor and Ranger don't have a straightforward path to happily ever after, but they make it anyway. A great book, and anyone who loves this series will eat it right up!

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

How do you get a motorcycle to ride on water to an island? Wish it had context as to where they were and how he could drive to an island. Maybe a bridge or a Chunnel? Who knows? It will forever be a mystery! Another mystery is who Ranger is protecting Viktor from? Why is Viktor in danger? I do love the ending though. I would say at about 72%. It was a longer read than the other books. It just had lots of wholes in the storyline. I do love them as a couple though. Most likely won’t read it a second time though. 💜💜💜

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always expect to love a Rebel Kings book, but Ranger and Viktor knocked me off my feet!

Ranger is the elusive nomad who joined the Kings following the battle with the Dog Crows. Impossible to pin down, he has a deep friendship with his fellow former Crows, as well as a growing fondness for the Kings’ council - though he would never admit it. We’ve also seen hints of a bond with Russian ally, Viktor, another mystery man with murky ties to Alexei. After the horrific events of the prior books, Vik is in the darkest of places. When mob boss Jakov arrives to solicit Ranger’s help, he travels to their isolated sanctuary to fight for the soul of a man he hardly knows, but can’t stop thinking about.

Garrett writes some of my favorite hurt/comfort and this is one of her best! Viktor is carrying trauma both old and new, and the way Ranger shows up for him and stubbornly refuses to let go melted my heart entirely.

It’s such a subtle dance, seeing these two scale each other’s walls and fight for their intimacy. Definitely a slow burn and with tension so exquisite, I was on the edge of my seat, dying a little every time they inched closer. And when we get there, the heat does NOT disappoint!

I was also living for every moment with the other Kings, and there were plenty. Despite Cam’s efforts, their list of enemies seems inexhaustible and our boys are once again in some high stakes battles.

This is a series that must be read in order, and one I wish would never end. Brimming with beautiful hurt/comfort, complex characters, and high heat, I recommend these books to everyone!

*I received an advanced reader copy from Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving my review*

[Ren Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The eighth instalment in the Rebel Kings series gives us nomad Ranger and Russian assassin Viktor's story.

Divine Heart is a slower paced RK book, with most of the content taking place outside of the UK and focused on the relationship between Ranger and Viktor. The last time we saw them, Viktor was in a very bad state after being tortured along with Locke by Priest, and Ranger left the Kings compound for the North once again.

Even though it's slower paced, and the action comes towards the end of the book, there is no shortage of the angst that you've seen from the series so far. Viktor is struggling BADLY following the kidnap and torture that Priest subjected him to, and is battling some pretty huge demons; he's isolated himself not even letting his family properly in, so much that Jake his brother seeks the help of the Kings, and specifically Ranger. Even though Viktor never shared the full details of his connection with him, Jake senses that Ranger is the only one that can get Viktor through what he's going through.

After a promise of a lifetime supply of Monster Munch (I mean, I can't blame for the man for this being his only condition, they are top tier crisps), Ranger makes the journey to Viktors house in Spain. The hurt/comfort in this book is incredible. Both have their own reservations about giving into their obvious feelings for each other, leading to some pretty epic pining, but when they finally do give into them, their chemistry is insane, but it's also incredibly sweet and the comfort element comes through during the spicier times as well.

And, what is a Rebel Kings book without Cam, Saint and Alexei? We don't get as much of them as we do in previous books, but what we do get is perfect. They come to the rescue, along with Jake, after Viktor is targeted by a group he previously went up against in the wars in the North of England. I loved seeing the dynamic of Jake with the Kings and really hoping that we see more of him in the final full length book Forever Rebel (I don't want to talk about this series ending yet!).

I always think that I can't love this series any more than I do, and yet with each book, Garrett pulls me in even more. And if I've eaten a satsuma every day since I finished Divine Heart, then that's between me and you (IYKYK).

*I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review*

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just absolutely wonderful!

Truly a beautiful story! Ranger and Viktor had me on the edge of my seat the whole book with their angst and longing and loving from afar. I love them so hard and I say that about all these men. I don’t think there has been a couple that I didn’t love extremely hard. The pain Viktor survived over and over again…the dream of Ranger keeping him just barely alive. The love Jake had for his brother to seek out Ranger for help. The way Viktor called Ranger “Asher”…ugh…I just wanted to highlight the whole book!

[Lisa1269 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for this story for a while and it exceeded my already ridiculous expectations. I'm going to need a minute to let this settle.

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful
Perfect
Utter perfection
Phenomenal series
These two were so beautiful
Love this

[Frida · Rating 3 out of 5]

i simply did not care about these guys