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Porth Ewan Bay #1
House of Cards
What's better than one broody tattoo artist? TWO, that's what. Hurt/comfort, friends-to-lovers, and forced proximity combine in this gorgeous second chance MM romance.
Calum Hardy’s life has unravelled. Reeling from the betrayal of a man he once loved, he boards a train heading south, with no real idea where he’s going except a world away from London.
Brix Lusmoore can hardly believe his eyes when he spots one of his oldest friends outside Truro station. He hasn’t seen Calum since he fled the capital himself four years ago, harbouring a life-changing secret. But despite the years of silence, their old bond remains, warm and true—and layered with simmering heat they’ve never forgotten.
Calum takes refuge with Brix and a job at his Porth Ewan tattoo shop. Bit by bit, he rebuilds his life, but both men carry the ghosts of the past, and it will take more than a rekindled friendship and the magic of the Cornish coast to chase them away.
*Previously published as part of the Porthkennack shared world series, these titles have been significantly reworked and re-edited, with strong links to the Rebel Kings MC universe*
Calum Hardy’s life has unravelled. Reeling from the betrayal of a man he once loved, he boards a train heading south, with no real idea where he’s going except a world away from London.
Brix Lusmoore can hardly believe his eyes when he spots one of his oldest friends outside Truro station. He hasn’t seen Calum since he fled the capital himself four years ago, harbouring a life-changing secret. But despite the years of silence, their old bond remains, warm and true—and layered with simmering heat they’ve never forgotten.
Calum takes refuge with Brix and a job at his Porth Ewan tattoo shop. Bit by bit, he rebuilds his life, but both men carry the ghosts of the past, and it will take more than a rekindled friendship and the magic of the Cornish coast to chase them away.
*Previously published as part of the Porthkennack shared world series, these titles have been significantly reworked and re-edited, with strong links to the Rebel Kings MC universe*
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2024
48 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Garrett Leigh
94 books2,401 followersShe/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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
September 2, 2025
It was one of my favourite Garrett Leigh stories in the first incarnation, and this revised version is just as gut-punchingly brutal with the biggest pay-off in a HEA.
There's very few things I love more than when Garrett writes about people who feel so real you go through their emotions with them.
The opening chapter still makes me rage so hard against Cal's so-called partner. I want to introduce him to a bit of two-by-four with a rusty nail in it.
When his actions set Cal reeling though, it unwittingly puts him back into the orbit of his former tattoo artist colleague Brix Lusmoore, a wild and deep soul from Porth Ewan, a tiny place clinging to the Cornish sea coast.
And Brix, how much do I love Brix...
Enough to want to take all his demons and bury them deep inside the caves his family uses to smuggle their dodgy DVDs and other tax-free hauls.
The narrative hasn't changed much from the original one which made up part of the Porth Kennack series from Riptide, but it does now solidify the link with the Rebel Kings series, which has referenced back to these characters.
We get a guest appearance from Rubi Matheson himself, plus an interesting link for Saint Malone and one of Brix's lost sheep tattoo artists, which made me smile a lot.
This remains one of my favourites because of the way both men fight their personal battles to reach the equilibrium they need to open up to each other.
It's slow burn for the greatest of reasons, but there's no love or emotions lost because of it. When Brix finally drops his walls, the scene is cathartic and joyous all at once.
It was a pleasure to journey back to this far-flung Cornish port and catch up with the natives and I'm eagerly waiting now to see what changes Kim & Jas' story has had when Junkyard Heart re-releases.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
There's very few things I love more than when Garrett writes about people who feel so real you go through their emotions with them.
The opening chapter still makes me rage so hard against Cal's so-called partner. I want to introduce him to a bit of two-by-four with a rusty nail in it.
When his actions set Cal reeling though, it unwittingly puts him back into the orbit of his former tattoo artist colleague Brix Lusmoore, a wild and deep soul from Porth Ewan, a tiny place clinging to the Cornish sea coast.
And Brix, how much do I love Brix...
Enough to want to take all his demons and bury them deep inside the caves his family uses to smuggle their dodgy DVDs and other tax-free hauls.
The narrative hasn't changed much from the original one which made up part of the Porth Kennack series from Riptide, but it does now solidify the link with the Rebel Kings series, which has referenced back to these characters.
We get a guest appearance from Rubi Matheson himself, plus an interesting link for Saint Malone and one of Brix's lost sheep tattoo artists, which made me smile a lot.
This remains one of my favourites because of the way both men fight their personal battles to reach the equilibrium they need to open up to each other.
It's slow burn for the greatest of reasons, but there's no love or emotions lost because of it. When Brix finally drops his walls, the scene is cathartic and joyous all at once.
It was a pleasure to journey back to this far-flung Cornish port and catch up with the natives and I'm eagerly waiting now to see what changes Kim & Jas' story has had when Junkyard Heart re-releases.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2024
Garrett Leigh has the ability to make me feel every single emotion her characters are feeling just by describing their actions and thoughts without over the top descriptions and inner dialogue, which for me is PERFECTION. This book was mainly a story about how shitty people have no qualms about fucking with the ones around them, affecting their lives in deep ways, but if you find your people, the ones that care for you and are generous and wholesome, you can heal and find a safe space in which to thrive. The themes of hurt/comfort and queer found family are some of my favourites, maybe because I've always felt a bit broken until I found my people. But first, our characters are put through the ringer.
She manages to break our hearts in the first chapter with all the bs Calum so-called boyfriend puts him through. For anyone who has suffered psychological abuse by a partner, Calum's journey will be a familiar one. He is so broken down, has so little self-esteem, that you just want to hug him and keep him safe. Luckily, Brix finds him and gives him a home. They know each other from before and while I wanted them to reconnect and tell each other all their secrets, it was reasonable for them to not do that. But it was a slow burn while Calum found his place and started trusting there's good people still in the world. And Brix needed to feel safe to open up about his issues too.
The side characters were amazing and I loved how the Rebel Kings were kinda present, especially Rubi. I appreciated my man Saint being a protector for my trans sibling Lee.
And Brix rescuing chickens had my little vegan heart doing a happy dance.
I imagine Brix and Calum being happy by the sea with their chicken and their unwanted crates of contraband in the yard forever.
She manages to break our hearts in the first chapter with all the bs Calum so-called boyfriend puts him through. For anyone who has suffered psychological abuse by a partner, Calum's journey will be a familiar one. He is so broken down, has so little self-esteem, that you just want to hug him and keep him safe. Luckily, Brix finds him and gives him a home. They know each other from before and while I wanted them to reconnect and tell each other all their secrets, it was reasonable for them to not do that. But it was a slow burn while Calum found his place and started trusting there's good people still in the world. And Brix needed to feel safe to open up about his issues too.
The side characters were amazing and I loved how the Rebel Kings were kinda present, especially Rubi. I appreciated my man Saint being a protector for my trans sibling Lee.
And Brix rescuing chickens had my little vegan heart doing a happy dance.
I imagine Brix and Calum being happy by the sea with their chicken and their unwanted crates of contraband in the yard forever.
May 6, 2024
Rating: 5
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: friends to lovers, hurt / comfort, second chance
I should have known better, it's Garrett Leigh after all, but I was not prepared for how hard this one would hit me. It was an emotional and beautiful read, and it's definitely a story that will stay with me for a long, long time.
I found so much to love in this story: their chance meeting and second chance, the hurt / comfort, learning more about their shared past, the connection to the Rebel Kings... There were also many moments where I just wanted to hug the characters and hide them away somewhere safe. There was a lot of pain in their story - but also a lot of healing and love.
It was a slow, slow burn romance, but it was perfect for these characters. Calum was quite bruised and battered when Brix found him at the beginning of the story, and Brix had his own baggage as well. The abuse Calum suffered through his ex was heartbreaking, and he felt so lost and broken down that it really hurt to read his PoV at times. The hurt / comfort was fantastic though, and it was beautiful to see them reconnect and take care of each other. I loved to see Calum slowly break down Brix's walls and getting him to open up - they were so good for each other, and it made my heart all happy to see them together.
House of Cards was a fantastic read, I love the way Garrett Leigh writes her stories and she had me hooked from the first chapter with this one. It was a heavy read, but a beautiful one at the same time and definitely worth the pain and heartbreak. A great start to a new series, and I'm really curious to see who else in Porth Ewan that will get their story told!
-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: friends to lovers, hurt / comfort, second chance
I should have known better, it's Garrett Leigh after all, but I was not prepared for how hard this one would hit me. It was an emotional and beautiful read, and it's definitely a story that will stay with me for a long, long time.
I found so much to love in this story: their chance meeting and second chance, the hurt / comfort, learning more about their shared past, the connection to the Rebel Kings... There were also many moments where I just wanted to hug the characters and hide them away somewhere safe. There was a lot of pain in their story - but also a lot of healing and love.
It was a slow, slow burn romance, but it was perfect for these characters. Calum was quite bruised and battered when Brix found him at the beginning of the story, and Brix had his own baggage as well. The abuse Calum suffered through his ex was heartbreaking, and he felt so lost and broken down that it really hurt to read his PoV at times. The hurt / comfort was fantastic though, and it was beautiful to see them reconnect and take care of each other. I loved to see Calum slowly break down Brix's walls and getting him to open up - they were so good for each other, and it made my heart all happy to see them together.
House of Cards was a fantastic read, I love the way Garrett Leigh writes her stories and she had me hooked from the first chapter with this one. It was a heavy read, but a beautiful one at the same time and definitely worth the pain and heartbreak. A great start to a new series, and I'm really curious to see who else in Porth Ewan that will get their story told!
-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 31, 2024
For all the shadows these two carry, the relationship between Brix and Calum is incredibly sweet and loving. The way they look after each other and help each other heal their hearts was so good.
I would have liked it to be a little longer though so we saw a bit more of how they were before, and also a bit more of how Calum sheds the negative voices in his head. I didn't get as emotional as I expected!
I would have liked it to be a little longer though so we saw a bit more of how they were before, and also a bit more of how Calum sheds the negative voices in his head. I didn't get as emotional as I expected!
May 1, 2024
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
I never read the original version of this story but I really love Garrett Leigh’s books and this was no exception. I loved Calum and Brix immediately and I loved the slow and steady rhythm of the story and their little live with the chickens in Porth Ewan.
This book isn’t super long and was very devourable. It has a great cast of colourful side characters that you always get from this author.
I found their friendship in the past quite disjointed from their developing relationship now. At times they imply they were best friends back then but it wasn’t really explored and I couldn’t feel their shared history.
I absolutely loved how Brix’s health issue was handled. I was so fucking happy for him at the end 😭 the book overall had a super satisfying ending and I can just picture them now with all their chickens by the sea being cute AF.
I never read the original version of this story but I really love Garrett Leigh’s books and this was no exception. I loved Calum and Brix immediately and I loved the slow and steady rhythm of the story and their little live with the chickens in Porth Ewan.
This book isn’t super long and was very devourable. It has a great cast of colourful side characters that you always get from this author.
I found their friendship in the past quite disjointed from their developing relationship now. At times they imply they were best friends back then but it wasn’t really explored and I couldn’t feel their shared history.
I absolutely loved how Brix’s health issue was handled. I was so fucking happy for him at the end 😭 the book overall had a super satisfying ending and I can just picture them now with all their chickens by the sea being cute AF.
May 3, 2024
4.5 stars. Excellent gritty double hurt/comfort. It has been some time since I read the original and I can't remember enough to figure out differences but combining part of the very enjoyable older Porthkennack series with some mentions of the Rebel Kings MC worked well for me.
May 7, 2024
It might be me being distracted lately, but I just wasn’t feeling this. It’s not that it was bad – in fact, I really appreciated the slow burn pace and low steam level – but it feels forgettable (even more so than usual for me).
3.5/5 stars, rounded down to 3.
3.5/5 stars, rounded down to 3.
May 16, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
House of Cards was originally published in 2016 as part of the Porthkennack shared world series. Leigh has now re-released and revised the story and it is no longer part of a shared world. I read the first version and had a real fondness for Brix and Calum and, of course, the chickens that Brix saves. I was intrigued to see that this book had been revised and edited and was I interested in reconnecting with Brix and Calum after so many years. The book is still set in 2016 and the author does explain the specifics a little in the note in the beginning of the book.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
House of Cards was originally published in 2016 as part of the Porthkennack shared world series. Leigh has now re-released and revised the story and it is no longer part of a shared world. I read the first version and had a real fondness for Brix and Calum and, of course, the chickens that Brix saves. I was intrigued to see that this book had been revised and edited and was I interested in reconnecting with Brix and Calum after so many years. The book is still set in 2016 and the author does explain the specifics a little in the note in the beginning of the book.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
May 7, 2024
4.5
Loved it! Calling and Brix are super sweet. Very little sexy times and low angst. Not my usual jams but Garrett Leigh seems to write everything well.
At the end, she says we can read Kim’s story, Junkyard Hearts, but maybe she’s editing or adding something to it because Amazon says it’s available in early June. Either way, I’m looking forward to it!
Loved it! Calling and Brix are super sweet. Very little sexy times and low angst. Not my usual jams but Garrett Leigh seems to write everything well.
At the end, she says we can read Kim’s story, Junkyard Hearts, but maybe she’s editing or adding something to it because Amazon says it’s available in early June. Either way, I’m looking forward to it!
June 3, 2024
The writing felt a bit disjointed, not sure if it's because the word count was increased or if due to being an early book. Either way, it did not stop me from liking it quite a lot. I wanted a bit more closure for Calum and the ex but it he was ok just moving on, I guess I will have to as well.
May 6, 2024
House Of Cards is the first book in Garrett Leigh’s Porth Ewan Bay series. Please note that this was previously published as part of the Porthkennack shared world series, and has been significantly reworked and re-edited. Here’s what you can expect from Brix and Calum:
- Third person dual point of view
- Guaranteed happily ever after
- Tattoo artists
- Hurt/comfort
- Friends to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Second chance
- HIV representation
- Mental health representation
- Angst
- Slow burn
- Strong ties to Garrett’s Rebel Kings MC series
As always, please review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings may be incomplete. Always take care of yourself while reading.
Another incredibly beautiful story from the talented Garrett Leigh! I’m still working my way through her backlist, so this was a brand new read for me. I was drawn in by the promise of strong connections to the Rebel Kings MC series (and I absolutely was not disappointed), but I stayed for the lovely story that bloomed between Brix and Calum.
This book is a study in contrasts - there’s that angsty hurt/comfort element that Garrett is so good at, while also being a slow burn romance. At the same time, there’s also a cozy element to it. I think a lot of that can be attributed to the beautiful Cornish setting the author built for us. It was stunning, and I loved the significance the sea had in regards to the story. And Calum and Brix? You’ll adore them, because I know I did! They were both characters that had experienced a lifetime of pain in too short of a time. They both had to battle their demons, and although it did take them a while to realize they could help each other do it, it was well worth the wait. Although this can be considered a slow burn romance, the story itself is just over 200 pages, so I found it to be a quicker read. As mentioned, I adored the ties to the Rebel Kings (Brix’s team does all their tattoos) and the moments with Rubi were everything I could’ve hoped for and more. And it was fun getting to know Lena a bit better, as she’s an important character in this world Garrett’s created. Combined with the tattoo artists, the mental health and HIV representation, and gorgeous Cornish setting I was hooked from the beginning until the end.
Looking forward to reading Kim’s story next! As always, if Garrett’s writing it, I’m going to be reading it.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.
- Third person dual point of view
- Guaranteed happily ever after
- Tattoo artists
- Hurt/comfort
- Friends to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Second chance
- HIV representation
- Mental health representation
- Angst
- Slow burn
- Strong ties to Garrett’s Rebel Kings MC series
As always, please review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings may be incomplete. Always take care of yourself while reading.
“I reckon the world would be a darker place without the souls that keep us warm.”
Another incredibly beautiful story from the talented Garrett Leigh! I’m still working my way through her backlist, so this was a brand new read for me. I was drawn in by the promise of strong connections to the Rebel Kings MC series (and I absolutely was not disappointed), but I stayed for the lovely story that bloomed between Brix and Calum.
This book is a study in contrasts - there’s that angsty hurt/comfort element that Garrett is so good at, while also being a slow burn romance. At the same time, there’s also a cozy element to it. I think a lot of that can be attributed to the beautiful Cornish setting the author built for us. It was stunning, and I loved the significance the sea had in regards to the story. And Calum and Brix? You’ll adore them, because I know I did! They were both characters that had experienced a lifetime of pain in too short of a time. They both had to battle their demons, and although it did take them a while to realize they could help each other do it, it was well worth the wait. Although this can be considered a slow burn romance, the story itself is just over 200 pages, so I found it to be a quicker read. As mentioned, I adored the ties to the Rebel Kings (Brix’s team does all their tattoos) and the moments with Rubi were everything I could’ve hoped for and more. And it was fun getting to know Lena a bit better, as she’s an important character in this world Garrett’s created. Combined with the tattoo artists, the mental health and HIV representation, and gorgeous Cornish setting I was hooked from the beginning until the end.
Looking forward to reading Kim’s story next! As always, if Garrett’s writing it, I’m going to be reading it.
Calum held him forever, wrapping him in warmth, and a silence that healed some of the deepest cracks in Brix’s heart.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2024
**4.5**
**Please read the trigger warnings at the start of the book**
Calum and Brix are two men in serious need of the comfort that they can offer each other, but they have to get past their own hurts first. Calum's comes from his very recent ex and how he was treated and made to feel throughout the whole of their relationship. Brix was left with something life changing by an ex and escaped to his home town in Cornwall to recover and make some semblance of a life. Calum comes to Benin that same town purely by accident after running from the evil ex and it's luck that has Brix finding him outside the train station.
Both men carry a lot of hurt and it's something that Garrett is an amazing writer of. Deep emotions, real life situations and hurts that are tough to move on from. Brix has been lucky enough to surround himself with a wonderful group of people who have each other's backs and Calum folds right in, clearly in need of healing too. It's a slow burn romance for the two men as the time needed is taken to move forward physically and mentally whilst also dealing with the day to day off life in a small port town in Cornwall. Again, it's beautifully written, the harsh landscape that can be so dangerous in the wrong circumstances but stunning on the day to day. A perfect place to recover and look forward to a possible HEA. Also, who wouldn't fall for someone who rescues battery chickens so they can live longer, happier lives?
A fantastic book from Garrett Leigh that has some guest appearances from characters in her other books but focuses on two men buried in hurt who are just the right people to help pull each other out into the Cornish sun.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
**Please read the trigger warnings at the start of the book**
Calum and Brix are two men in serious need of the comfort that they can offer each other, but they have to get past their own hurts first. Calum's comes from his very recent ex and how he was treated and made to feel throughout the whole of their relationship. Brix was left with something life changing by an ex and escaped to his home town in Cornwall to recover and make some semblance of a life. Calum comes to Benin that same town purely by accident after running from the evil ex and it's luck that has Brix finding him outside the train station.
Both men carry a lot of hurt and it's something that Garrett is an amazing writer of. Deep emotions, real life situations and hurts that are tough to move on from. Brix has been lucky enough to surround himself with a wonderful group of people who have each other's backs and Calum folds right in, clearly in need of healing too. It's a slow burn romance for the two men as the time needed is taken to move forward physically and mentally whilst also dealing with the day to day off life in a small port town in Cornwall. Again, it's beautifully written, the harsh landscape that can be so dangerous in the wrong circumstances but stunning on the day to day. A perfect place to recover and look forward to a possible HEA. Also, who wouldn't fall for someone who rescues battery chickens so they can live longer, happier lives?
A fantastic book from Garrett Leigh that has some guest appearances from characters in her other books but focuses on two men buried in hurt who are just the right people to help pull each other out into the Cornish sun.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
April 29, 2024
What’s the opposite of ordinary?” Brix kissed him again, losing his breath. Stealing Calum’s. “You.”
Beautiful, emotional, impactful story about 2 complex MCs I absolutely fell in love with.. essentially everything I love and expect from a Garrett Leigh book. I read this in one go, couldn’t put it down.
While this courageous story deals with some very heavy topics, it’s done with a light, sensitive, caring hand which made Calum and Brix’s story all the more stunning, I’m excited to read the next one set in Porth Ewan, I kind of fell in love with the town too. I also loved seeing the Rebel Kings specially my favourite, Rubi!
Expect:
* Slow burn
* Second chance
* Hurt comfort
* Forced Proximity
* Friends to lovers
* Tattooed MC
* Found family
* Small town
“I reckon the world would be a darker place without the souls that keep us warm.”
“Sometimes only the sea can hear you scream.”
“You can tell me anything, even that, and I’ll never turn away from you, I promise.”
“I want you. I’ve always wanted you. How can you not know that?” “You never told me.” “You never asked.” “Because I wanted you too . . . “ Brix mauled his bottom lip. “So badly I was afraid of it.”
Beautiful, emotional, impactful story about 2 complex MCs I absolutely fell in love with.. essentially everything I love and expect from a Garrett Leigh book. I read this in one go, couldn’t put it down.
While this courageous story deals with some very heavy topics, it’s done with a light, sensitive, caring hand which made Calum and Brix’s story all the more stunning, I’m excited to read the next one set in Porth Ewan, I kind of fell in love with the town too. I also loved seeing the Rebel Kings specially my favourite, Rubi!
Expect:
* Slow burn
* Second chance
* Hurt comfort
* Forced Proximity
* Friends to lovers
* Tattooed MC
* Found family
* Small town
“I reckon the world would be a darker place without the souls that keep us warm.”
“Sometimes only the sea can hear you scream.”
“You can tell me anything, even that, and I’ll never turn away from you, I promise.”
“I want you. I’ve always wanted you. How can you not know that?” “You never told me.” “You never asked.” “Because I wanted you too . . . “ Brix mauled his bottom lip. “So badly I was afraid of it.”
May 3, 2024
4.5 stars
This was a story full of pain, hurt and sadness, but Garrett Leigh, somehow, made it also light, hopeful and full of love.
After a nasty break up with his abusive boyfriend, Calum hops on a train and ends up in Cornwall. The man who rescues him, battered and drunk, is his former mentor and close friend Brix.
Brix offers Cal everything he needs, a house, a chook to cuddle, a job. He' also offers his friendship, even if there are some thing Brix is not ready to talk about.
He and Calum are on different paths, at different stage of their lives, but they will find their way to each other.
Very low on spice but so high on emotions, it was a very beautiful reading.
The only thing that prevented me from giving 5 full stars was the slang used by the characters, sometimes it was difficult to understand.
Absolutely recommended.
(I know, this should be totally about Cal and Brix, but how could I not mention Ruby? He's always a blast!)
I haven't read the previous edition of this book, so I don't know what changed.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
This was a story full of pain, hurt and sadness, but Garrett Leigh, somehow, made it also light, hopeful and full of love.
After a nasty break up with his abusive boyfriend, Calum hops on a train and ends up in Cornwall. The man who rescues him, battered and drunk, is his former mentor and close friend Brix.
Brix offers Cal everything he needs, a house, a chook to cuddle, a job. He' also offers his friendship, even if there are some thing Brix is not ready to talk about.
He and Calum are on different paths, at different stage of their lives, but they will find their way to each other.
Very low on spice but so high on emotions, it was a very beautiful reading.
The only thing that prevented me from giving 5 full stars was the slang used by the characters, sometimes it was difficult to understand.
Absolutely recommended.
(I know, this should be totally about Cal and Brix, but how could I not mention Ruby? He's always a blast!)
I haven't read the previous edition of this book, so I don't know what changed.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
May 6, 2024
When I first started reading, I was very interested in Calum and Brix's past and their own general life situations. I feel like the beginning of the book sets the reader up to be interested in the lives of the characters. There's enough teases and hints that it just makes you want to read more. There's a little bit of second chance romance for the two characters which is a trope I love so I was definitely curious about how that was going to happen. Unfortunately, the book was just too slow burn for me. I felt like I didn't get enough of Calum and Brix finding each other again, and their romantic journey. I also felt like at the end of the day, the reveals were a bit anti-climactic for me. There was a lot of build up, and it sort of fell flat. I did, however, appreciate the Rubi cameo of course, and I did like Brix and Calum when they were having their more serious conversations, I just had higher hopes for the speed at which their relationship progressed.
*i received an arc and this is my honest review
*i received an arc and this is my honest review
May 22, 2024
Loved this. Garrett Leigh has a way of taking damaged characters and heartbreaking situations and turning them into a surprisingly sweet read without losing any of the realism.
I adored Brix, he's a carer. People. Chickens. Cats. His larger than life family. With an evergrowing flock of saved battery hens and his family of 'misfits' that he'd collected at the tattoo shop, Calum fit right in, finding a place for himself in Brix's life, family, heart.
* found family
* friends to lovers
* small town
* second chance romance
TW: domestic abuse (mostly mental), depression, living with HIV, talk of suicidal thoughts
I adored Brix, he's a carer. People. Chickens. Cats. His larger than life family. With an evergrowing flock of saved battery hens and his family of 'misfits' that he'd collected at the tattoo shop, Calum fit right in, finding a place for himself in Brix's life, family, heart.
* found family
* friends to lovers
* small town
* second chance romance
TW: domestic abuse (mostly mental), depression, living with HIV, talk of suicidal thoughts
May 10, 2024
Calum and Brix ❤️
4.5 Stars ⭐️
✅ Slow Burn
✅ Friendship
✅ Hurt/Comfort
✅ Love ❤️
I love me some Garrett Leigh, honestly this author never ever disappoints. This read was tough, it was filled with grit, struggle and pain but it also had two men that share a sweet bond filled with support and love. Characters were well written, story was beautiful, and last but not least it also has ties to the Rebel Kings Series... enough said!!! I highly recommend.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4.5 Stars ⭐️
✅ Slow Burn
✅ Friendship
✅ Hurt/Comfort
✅ Love ❤️
I love me some Garrett Leigh, honestly this author never ever disappoints. This read was tough, it was filled with grit, struggle and pain but it also had two men that share a sweet bond filled with support and love. Characters were well written, story was beautiful, and last but not least it also has ties to the Rebel Kings Series... enough said!!! I highly recommend.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
April 29, 2024
I really enjoyed these two. The pain, the tragedy, the healing, the love, the growth was incredible.
My heart broke for these two. It really did. The things they both went through was horrible. They both helped each other heal and become the better versions of themselves.
My heart broke for these two. It really did. The things they both went through was horrible. They both helped each other heal and become the better versions of themselves.
May 9, 2024
Seriously another brilliant read by Garrett. I don't know why I am always amazed at how much the authors word building draws me in completely so that I am hooked until the end and then I just want more! This is story line is a Hurt/comfort, friends-to-lovers, second chance trope. Calum leaves London after some serious issues with his ex. He bumps into Brix outside Truro station. They haven't seen each other since Brix also fled the capital himself four years ago. Despite this their old bond remains, with the underlying heat that was always there. Calum stays with Brix and starts work at his tattoo shop which helps their bond to strengthen. With so many past issues and secrets to overcome before they can move forward they both have to learn to trust and let the past go so that they get their hea. Loved the fact we got some side characters from Rebel Kings popping in too! Highly recommend
I received an arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
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Garrett Leigh
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Cadiva
3,664 reviews · 370 followers
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May 2, 2024
It was one of my favourite Garrett Leigh stories in the first incarnation, and this revised version is just as gut-punchingly brutal with the biggest pay-off in a HEA.
There's very few things I love more than when Garrett writes about people who feel so real you go through their emotions with them.
The opening chapter still makes me rage so hard against Cal's so-called partner. I want to introduce him to a bit of two-by-four with a rust nail in it.
When his actions set Cal reeling though, it unwittingly puts him back into the orbit of his former tattoo artist colleague Brix Lusmoore, a wild and deep soul from Porth Ewan, a tiny place clinging to the Cornish sea coast.
And Brix, how much do I love Brix...
Enough to want to take all his demons and bury them deep inside the caves his family uses to smuggle their dodgy DVDs and other tax-free hauls.
The narrative hasn't changed much from the original one which made up part of the Porth Kennack series from Riptide, but it does now solidify the link with the Rebel Kings series, which has referenced back to these characters.
We get a guest appearance from Rubi Matheson himself, plus an interesting link for Saint Malone and one of Brix's lost sheep tattoo artists, which made me smile a lot.
This remains one of my favourites because of the way both men fight their personal battles to reach the equilibrium they need to open up to each other.
It's slow burn for the greatest of reasons, but there's no love or emotions lost because of it. When Brix finally drops his walls, the scene is cathartic and joyous all at once.
It was a pleasure to journey back to this far-flung Cornish port and catch up with the natives and I'm eagerly waiting now to see what changes Kim & Jas' story has had when Junkyard Heart re-releases.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leav
Garrett Leigh has the ability to make me feel every single emotion her characters are feeling just by describing their actions and thoughts without over the top descriptions and inner dialogue, which for me is PERFECTION. This book was mainly a story about how shitty people have no qualms about fucking with the ones around them, affecting their lives in deep ways, but if you find your people, the ones that care for you and are generous and wholesome, you can heal and find a safe space in which to thrive. The themes of hurt/comfort and queer found family are some of my favourites, maybe because I've always felt a bit broken until I found my people. But first, our characters are put through the ringer.
She manages to break our hearts in the first chapter with all the bs Calum so-called boyfriend puts him through. For anyone who has suffered psychological abuse by a partner, Calum's journey will be a familiar one. He is so broken down, has so little self-esteem, that you just want to hug him and keep him safe. Luckily, Brix finds him and gives him a home. They know each other from before and while I wanted them to reconnect and tell each other all their secrets, it was reasonable for them to not do that. But it was a slow burn while Calum found his place and started trusting there's good people still in the world. And Brix needed to feel safe to open up about his issues too.
The side characters were amazing and I loved how the Rebel Kings popped up!
I received an arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
18 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Profile Image for Garrett Leigh.
Garrett Leigh
93 books2,185 follo
Show more
Readers also enjoyed
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Emmy Sanders
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4.31
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Book Cover
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Briar Prescott
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Brooke Blaine
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110 ratings69 reviews
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Profile Image for Cadiva.
Cadiva
3,664 reviews · 370 followers
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May 2, 2024
It was one of my favourite Garrett Leigh stories in the first incarnation, and this revised version is just as gut-punchingly brutal with the biggest pay-off in a HEA.
There's very few things I love more than when Garrett writes about people who feel so real you go through their emotions with them.
The opening chapter still makes me rage so hard against Cal's so-called partner. I want to introduce him to a bit of two-by-four with a rust nail in it.
When his actions set Cal reeling though, it unwittingly puts him back into the orbit of his former tattoo artist colleague Brix Lusmoore, a wild and deep soul from Porth Ewan, a tiny place clinging to the Cornish sea coast.
And Brix, how much do I love Brix...
Enough to want to take all his demons and bury them deep inside the caves his family uses to smuggle their dodgy DVDs and other tax-free hauls.
The narrative hasn't changed much from the original one which made up part of the Porth Kennack series from Riptide, but it does now solidify the link with the Rebel Kings series, which has referenced back to these characters.
We get a guest appearance from Rubi Matheson himself, plus an interesting link for Saint Malone and one of Brix's lost sheep tattoo artists, which made me smile a lot.
This remains one of my favourites because of the way both men fight their personal battles to reach the equilibrium they need to open up to each other.
It's slow burn for the greatest of reasons, but there's no love or emotions lost because of it. When Brix finally drops his walls, the scene is cathartic and joyous all at once.
It was a pleasure to journey back to this far-flung Cornish port and catch up with the natives and I'm eagerly waiting now to see what changes Kim & Jas' story has had when Junkyard Heart re-releases.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leav
Garrett Leigh has the ability to make me feel every single emotion her characters are feeling just by describing their actions and thoughts without over the top descriptions and inner dialogue, which for me is PERFECTION. This book was mainly a story about how shitty people have no qualms about fucking with the ones around them, affecting their lives in deep ways, but if you find your people, the ones that care for you and are generous and wholesome, you can heal and find a safe space in which to thrive. The themes of hurt/comfort and queer found family are some of my favourites, maybe because I've always felt a bit broken until I found my people. But first, our characters are put through the ringer.
She manages to break our hearts in the first chapter with all the bs Calum so-called boyfriend puts him through. For anyone who has suffered psychological abuse by a partner, Calum's journey will be a familiar one. He is so broken down, has so little self-esteem, that you just want to hug him and keep him safe. Luckily, Brix finds him and gives him a home. They know each other from before and while I wanted them to reconnect and tell each other all their secrets, it was reasonable for them to not do that. But it was a slow burn while Calum found his place and started trusting there's good people still in the world. And Brix needed to feel safe to open up about his issues too.
The side characters were amazing and I loved how the Rebel Kings popped up!
May 9, 2024
Awesome, first book of the new series
Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews, and this is me leaving my honest review.
Well, that’s one way to open a chapter, I cannot believe how hurt I felt for Calum. when he walked into HIS flat to find HIS boyfriend with another man. And you know what that little weasel tried to o do???? put the blame on Calum, reading between the lines he had done this before, but this was it. Cal had finally hit bottom and he turned around after arguing with the little weasel and made a run for the train. Thankfully he managed to get on the train. He didn’t care where it was going. He just needed to have a fresh start. The thing is he had been running a tattoo studio that his boyfriend owned. Calum is an amazing tattoo artist and because he know he would lose his job. Loose His apartment everything was in his exes name, so he left with the only clothes on his back, finding out the Ex had cleaned out their joint bank accounts so Callum was left with very little. But his luck was about to change because he had gone to Porth Ewan Bay and was found by a friend called Brix. They know each other four years ago, and it was Cal that tattooed Brix. And was a legend, because of this in the studio. Brix likes to help. I think that’s the main feeling I got off him, Brix would give his own shirt off his back if anyone needed it, if he knew it would help you. He has his own tattoo studio and he helps save battery hens from being killed. He would go and buy them and then give them away to friends and family and take some home for himself he had a nice collection going. And then one day he saw somebody on a bench and he thought he knew who it was, but couldn’t understand why he was in Cornwall?? As he woke him up it was quick to see he had been through the wars , he quickly invite him back to his house so he can rest. And of course he wanted to see Callum smile again.
I have got to say I lost my heart in this book Calum. I just wanted to wrap up in cotton wool and keep him safe . I wanted to hurt that weasel of an ex, and then we met Brix, my heart just exploded again. I don’t wanna give away all the twists and turns, and there’s a lot going on in this little world, there little family of artists. And there’s a whopper, but please make a cuppa sit down. I know that once you start reading you will not wanna put this book down. I am so excited to read more about this amazing handmade family. A brilliant read .
Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews, and this is me leaving my honest review.
Well, that’s one way to open a chapter, I cannot believe how hurt I felt for Calum. when he walked into HIS flat to find HIS boyfriend with another man. And you know what that little weasel tried to o do???? put the blame on Calum, reading between the lines he had done this before, but this was it. Cal had finally hit bottom and he turned around after arguing with the little weasel and made a run for the train. Thankfully he managed to get on the train. He didn’t care where it was going. He just needed to have a fresh start. The thing is he had been running a tattoo studio that his boyfriend owned. Calum is an amazing tattoo artist and because he know he would lose his job. Loose His apartment everything was in his exes name, so he left with the only clothes on his back, finding out the Ex had cleaned out their joint bank accounts so Callum was left with very little. But his luck was about to change because he had gone to Porth Ewan Bay and was found by a friend called Brix. They know each other four years ago, and it was Cal that tattooed Brix. And was a legend, because of this in the studio. Brix likes to help. I think that’s the main feeling I got off him, Brix would give his own shirt off his back if anyone needed it, if he knew it would help you. He has his own tattoo studio and he helps save battery hens from being killed. He would go and buy them and then give them away to friends and family and take some home for himself he had a nice collection going. And then one day he saw somebody on a bench and he thought he knew who it was, but couldn’t understand why he was in Cornwall?? As he woke him up it was quick to see he had been through the wars , he quickly invite him back to his house so he can rest. And of course he wanted to see Callum smile again.
I have got to say I lost my heart in this book Calum. I just wanted to wrap up in cotton wool and keep him safe . I wanted to hurt that weasel of an ex, and then we met Brix, my heart just exploded again. I don’t wanna give away all the twists and turns, and there’s a lot going on in this little world, there little family of artists. And there’s a whopper, but please make a cuppa sit down. I know that once you start reading you will not wanna put this book down. I am so excited to read more about this amazing handmade family. A brilliant read .
May 8, 2024
I read the original version of this book some time ago and was very keen to see what Garrett Leigh would do with this new version.
The revised House of Cards is like something beautiful that got a bit of polish that made it shine that little bit brighter.
It follows the story of two old friends, Brix and Calum. Both tattoo artists that first met in London, then separately escape events and relationships to the Cornish town of Porth Ewan. Brix having moved there years before and Calum recently finding himself there after literally escaping a toxic relationship with his boyfriend.
Brix stumbles upon a very broken Calum at the train station and brings him into his home and trusted circle of friends and family. Then the play button is hit for the start of a wonderful slow burn romance.
This is not a long book but boy does it pack up punch. I've stated in other reviews that Garrett Leigh is so efficient in her writing, in that we get to know and feel so much for her characters and their stories, without needing to fill the pages with superfluous text.
Garrett Leigh notes that she has modernised the story while still remaining true to the era it is set in. Especially in relation to Brix's health condition.
What I loved about the modernising of this story was that it connected these characters into the Garrett Leigh universe. The Porth Ewan crew seemed to make small cameos or were indirectly mentioned in other Garrett Leigh books, but it was always very subtle. For those that are obsessed with Garrett Leigh's Rebel Kings MC series (pick me), there are plenty of little nuggets thrown in, with a cameo from Rubi and mentions of Cam, Saint and Nash.
I found myself immersed in the journey of Brix providing the care and support that Calum needs to rebuild his self esteem and life. And conversely we see Calum start to pull at the threads of Brix's life and vaulted secrets ... and geeezus it leaves you with all the feels when the secrets are shared and the two come together.
I am so pleased I re-read the new version of House of Cards. Such a wonderful story that deals with some very heavy issues, with the sensitivity that only Garrett Leigh can bring. I'm very much looking forward to re-reading the next one in this series.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for a copy of this book. This is my honest review.
The revised House of Cards is like something beautiful that got a bit of polish that made it shine that little bit brighter.
It follows the story of two old friends, Brix and Calum. Both tattoo artists that first met in London, then separately escape events and relationships to the Cornish town of Porth Ewan. Brix having moved there years before and Calum recently finding himself there after literally escaping a toxic relationship with his boyfriend.
Brix stumbles upon a very broken Calum at the train station and brings him into his home and trusted circle of friends and family. Then the play button is hit for the start of a wonderful slow burn romance.
This is not a long book but boy does it pack up punch. I've stated in other reviews that Garrett Leigh is so efficient in her writing, in that we get to know and feel so much for her characters and their stories, without needing to fill the pages with superfluous text.
Garrett Leigh notes that she has modernised the story while still remaining true to the era it is set in. Especially in relation to Brix's health condition.
What I loved about the modernising of this story was that it connected these characters into the Garrett Leigh universe. The Porth Ewan crew seemed to make small cameos or were indirectly mentioned in other Garrett Leigh books, but it was always very subtle. For those that are obsessed with Garrett Leigh's Rebel Kings MC series (pick me), there are plenty of little nuggets thrown in, with a cameo from Rubi and mentions of Cam, Saint and Nash.
I found myself immersed in the journey of Brix providing the care and support that Calum needs to rebuild his self esteem and life. And conversely we see Calum start to pull at the threads of Brix's life and vaulted secrets ... and geeezus it leaves you with all the feels when the secrets are shared and the two come together.
I am so pleased I re-read the new version of House of Cards. Such a wonderful story that deals with some very heavy issues, with the sensitivity that only Garrett Leigh can bring. I'm very much looking forward to re-reading the next one in this series.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for a copy of this book. This is my honest review.
May 5, 2024
Oh my poor aching heart! When I saw that Garrett Leigh had released another story adjacent to the Rebel Kings, it was an instant click. And I thought I knew what to expect – the Rebel Kings stories have obliterated my heart more than once.
But then along came Calum and Brix and I truly knew heartbreak. Calum was such a gentle, beautiful soul that the beginning of this story brought out so much rage in my heart, I swear if Rob had been in front of me, I’d have skinned him alive. But fear not, Brix found Calum and offered him sanctuary.
The relationship between these two was so soft and easy, the trust rebuilding slowly, whilst the love between them was obvious to everyone but them. Brix has bricked himself behind a massive wall ever since his diagnosis, only letting people in so much before he hides again. He’s doing everything right to maintain his health but he’s not really living. Until Calum comes back into his life and he see someone he could want a future with. If only he wasn’t too scared to reach out for it.
Like pretty much every other Garrett Leigh book I’ve ever read, this one grabbed me by the heart and made it very difficult to care about anything else until I’d reached the conclusion. The characters – both new and those familiar to me from the other series – were fully fleshed, amusing, aggravating and people you could well imagine spending an evening with. But front and centre, Calum and Brix were absolutely spot on. I adored these two men and as we meandered our way to their happy end, I was grinning like a lunatic whilst wiping a tear from my eye. I’m seriously pleased that this is a new series and I cannot wait for Kim’s story. An obvious five star story for me.
I received an ARC from GRR.
But then along came Calum and Brix and I truly knew heartbreak. Calum was such a gentle, beautiful soul that the beginning of this story brought out so much rage in my heart, I swear if Rob had been in front of me, I’d have skinned him alive. But fear not, Brix found Calum and offered him sanctuary.
The relationship between these two was so soft and easy, the trust rebuilding slowly, whilst the love between them was obvious to everyone but them. Brix has bricked himself behind a massive wall ever since his diagnosis, only letting people in so much before he hides again. He’s doing everything right to maintain his health but he’s not really living. Until Calum comes back into his life and he see someone he could want a future with. If only he wasn’t too scared to reach out for it.
Like pretty much every other Garrett Leigh book I’ve ever read, this one grabbed me by the heart and made it very difficult to care about anything else until I’d reached the conclusion. The characters – both new and those familiar to me from the other series – were fully fleshed, amusing, aggravating and people you could well imagine spending an evening with. But front and centre, Calum and Brix were absolutely spot on. I adored these two men and as we meandered our way to their happy end, I was grinning like a lunatic whilst wiping a tear from my eye. I’m seriously pleased that this is a new series and I cannot wait for Kim’s story. An obvious five star story for me.
I received an ARC from GRR.
May 9, 2024
I am a total sucker for a hurt-comfort story - either MM or MF or any other combination. Even knowing Garrett is an author who has mastered writing this trope, House of Cards had my emotions in a tight grip. When happenstance has their paths crossing for a second time in their lives, two men find friendship, trust, and love when life tried to break them both. As an added bonus, I adored the connection to the Rebel Kings series.
Calum and Brix were friends years ago until one day, Brix left London. When Calum discovers his partner in his bed with another man, enough is enough. He walks away from everything and gets on a train. Driving down the road past the train station, he never imagined he would find Callum sitting on a bench. Quickly realizing that this broken man is not the one he left behind in London, Brix takes him home as he’s done with many other lost people. Brix introduces Callum to his found family and slowly Callum starts to come out of his shell. But Brix is hiding secrets of his own that he’s afraid will topple his carefully constructed house of cards.
This story had me all in my feels, which is one of my favorite places to be. I’m honestly shocked I’ve yet to read this story and am glad I caught it when it was reworked and rereleased. I fell immediately in love with Brix and Callum and enjoyed every moment of their journey to an HEA. This standalone, hurt comfort, slow burn, second chance romance is a shorter and super sweet read, the perfect read for a weekend.
Calum and Brix were friends years ago until one day, Brix left London. When Calum discovers his partner in his bed with another man, enough is enough. He walks away from everything and gets on a train. Driving down the road past the train station, he never imagined he would find Callum sitting on a bench. Quickly realizing that this broken man is not the one he left behind in London, Brix takes him home as he’s done with many other lost people. Brix introduces Callum to his found family and slowly Callum starts to come out of his shell. But Brix is hiding secrets of his own that he’s afraid will topple his carefully constructed house of cards.
This story had me all in my feels, which is one of my favorite places to be. I’m honestly shocked I’ve yet to read this story and am glad I caught it when it was reworked and rereleased. I fell immediately in love with Brix and Callum and enjoyed every moment of their journey to an HEA. This standalone, hurt comfort, slow burn, second chance romance is a shorter and super sweet read, the perfect read for a weekend.
May 3, 2024
Garrett Leigh's gritty writing never fails to move me. I never thought I'd enjoy motorcycle club romance but her Rebel Kings series hooked me from the beginning. House of Cards is NOT a Rebel Kings book but there are strong ties to that world and it was fun to see some of the characters in a different setting. I'm not going to take time to restate the blurb in my own words so take a look at it and use the "Read Sample" feature to see the trigger warnings.
This was a great slow-burn romance. Both Calum and Bix have demons to fight and neither of them really wants to share what those are. The pining radiated off the pages and the secret Bix is keeping from Calum made my heart hurt for both of them.
There are some fairly angsty moments in this story but that's kind of a trade-mark of Garrett Leigh's writing and one of the things I love about reading her books. Another thing I love is how British her books are. As a US born and raised reader, I love reading books set outside of the US. Garrett's stories always challenge me to look up words that I usually assume are slang. Most of the time I can easily get the meaning while reading in context but I never mind if I need to take a minute to look things up online. The beauty of reading e-books is how easy it is to research things while reading.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
This was a great slow-burn romance. Both Calum and Bix have demons to fight and neither of them really wants to share what those are. The pining radiated off the pages and the secret Bix is keeping from Calum made my heart hurt for both of them.
There are some fairly angsty moments in this story but that's kind of a trade-mark of Garrett Leigh's writing and one of the things I love about reading her books. Another thing I love is how British her books are. As a US born and raised reader, I love reading books set outside of the US. Garrett's stories always challenge me to look up words that I usually assume are slang. Most of the time I can easily get the meaning while reading in context but I never mind if I need to take a minute to look things up online. The beauty of reading e-books is how easy it is to research things while reading.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
May 1, 2024
This is a brief and poignant story, and surprising no one, I loved it. Garrett just never misses!
Calum is a tattoo artist in an emotionally abusive relationship, living and working in London. When he reaches his breaking point with his boyfriend, Rob, he bolts with no real idea where to go. It feels like fate when he’s found on a bench in Cornwall by Brix, his former friend and mentor, for whom he’s always carried a torch. Though the men reconnect instantly, the mysterious circumstances surrounding Brix’ abrupt departure from London years ago still haunt him.
Garrett’s characters are always fully realized, unique and layered in ways that are eminently human. I loved Cal and Brix, as well as the side characters who comprise both the biological and found family of Brix. Born to a vaguely criminal clan, Brix runs a legit tattoo shop and rescues chickens as a side hobby, which could be the cutest thing ever! The clients at his shop include some familiar faces, and the Rebel Kings cameos were giving me life. The love story between Calum and Brix was lovely and soft, but still packs an emotional punch. Read this for story over spice, but any intimacy between these two was perfect. Highly recommend for fans of found family, hurt/comfort, and Garrett’s other works! Check CWs as needed.
*I received an advanced reader copy from Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving my review*
Calum is a tattoo artist in an emotionally abusive relationship, living and working in London. When he reaches his breaking point with his boyfriend, Rob, he bolts with no real idea where to go. It feels like fate when he’s found on a bench in Cornwall by Brix, his former friend and mentor, for whom he’s always carried a torch. Though the men reconnect instantly, the mysterious circumstances surrounding Brix’ abrupt departure from London years ago still haunt him.
Garrett’s characters are always fully realized, unique and layered in ways that are eminently human. I loved Cal and Brix, as well as the side characters who comprise both the biological and found family of Brix. Born to a vaguely criminal clan, Brix runs a legit tattoo shop and rescues chickens as a side hobby, which could be the cutest thing ever! The clients at his shop include some familiar faces, and the Rebel Kings cameos were giving me life. The love story between Calum and Brix was lovely and soft, but still packs an emotional punch. Read this for story over spice, but any intimacy between these two was perfect. Highly recommend for fans of found family, hurt/comfort, and Garrett’s other works! Check CWs as needed.
*I received an advanced reader copy from Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving my review*
May 5, 2024
Callum and Brix are two messed up guys that were in love in the past but they never had the gut to admit it. Until they meet again accidentally years after.
They are both struggling. Callum because he was finally able to leave his abusive relationship that took everything from him, Brix because he has this big secret eating him alive from the inside.
The hens in his garden are his escape. The people working at his tattoo studio are his family. And there is Callum, the immensely gifted tattoo artist he's still insamely attracted to. He can't fall in love, but it's too late.
And finally, or maybe, it's time to look after himself, to let the others take care of him, because he never did.
After all the messed up things they experienced, Callum and Brix become two. They heal together, Callum doing a splendid job of patience to make Brix speak up to his truth, Brix being nothing but supportive whenever Callum needs it.
In this book, @garrett_leigh did not wrote remakably well written love story, but something highly amusing despite the drama. We get chicken cuddles, cat scratches, pub quarrels and a lot of love and banter from all the people surrounding the MC's, making everyone one of the characters fitting and well appreciated.
This is a brilliant book to read, bonus points for the Rebel Kings cameos and, if you're ok with the TW, you have to dig into this book asap!
They are both struggling. Callum because he was finally able to leave his abusive relationship that took everything from him, Brix because he has this big secret eating him alive from the inside.
The hens in his garden are his escape. The people working at his tattoo studio are his family. And there is Callum, the immensely gifted tattoo artist he's still insamely attracted to. He can't fall in love, but it's too late.
And finally, or maybe, it's time to look after himself, to let the others take care of him, because he never did.
After all the messed up things they experienced, Callum and Brix become two. They heal together, Callum doing a splendid job of patience to make Brix speak up to his truth, Brix being nothing but supportive whenever Callum needs it.
In this book, @garrett_leigh did not wrote remakably well written love story, but something highly amusing despite the drama. We get chicken cuddles, cat scratches, pub quarrels and a lot of love and banter from all the people surrounding the MC's, making everyone one of the characters fitting and well appreciated.
This is a brilliant book to read, bonus points for the Rebel Kings cameos and, if you're ok with the TW, you have to dig into this book asap!
May 6, 2024
House of Cards is an updated re-release. I hadn't read the original version, but love Garrett Leigh's writing and the Rebel Kings series so was excited to read this. Although not a Rebel Kings book, it's set in the same universe and has cameos from a couple of the Kings, which I absolutely loved.
I was instantly taken in by Brix and Calum's story, it was a slow burn, fairly low angst read, but with plenty of heart.
Brix left London 10 years earlier after finding out he had HIV, leaving behind friends (including Calum) and a tattoo business. Since returning to his hometown of Porth Ewan, he has settled into his new tattoo shop with his own found family, and has taken to rescuing chickens set for the slaughterhouse.
When he finds Calum drunk and delirious on a train station bench, having escaped from an emotionally abusive ex, he takes him home, gives him a job and they reconnect as friends. Calum finds his feet in Porth Ewan with Brix and his friends, and slowly starts opening up and letting go of his insecurities from years of abuse. This is turn helps Brix open up to Cal and allow himself to lean on other people for once.
I enjoyed House of Cards a lot, and have high hopes for the next in the series coming in June.
**I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review**
I was instantly taken in by Brix and Calum's story, it was a slow burn, fairly low angst read, but with plenty of heart.
Brix left London 10 years earlier after finding out he had HIV, leaving behind friends (including Calum) and a tattoo business. Since returning to his hometown of Porth Ewan, he has settled into his new tattoo shop with his own found family, and has taken to rescuing chickens set for the slaughterhouse.
When he finds Calum drunk and delirious on a train station bench, having escaped from an emotionally abusive ex, he takes him home, gives him a job and they reconnect as friends. Calum finds his feet in Porth Ewan with Brix and his friends, and slowly starts opening up and letting go of his insecurities from years of abuse. This is turn helps Brix open up to Cal and allow himself to lean on other people for once.
I enjoyed House of Cards a lot, and have high hopes for the next in the series coming in June.
**I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review**
May 8, 2024
Calum Hardy’s life blew up when he came home to find his boyfriend in bed with another. Fleeing, he takes a train to escape and winds up in Truro, a long way from London. Brix Lusmoore spots Calum on a bench outside the station. He had not seen his good friend since he fled from London four years ago. Calum accepts the refuge Brix offered and slowly comes back to life as he takes work at Brix’s tattoo shop. The two men have both found life to be challenging and maybe together they can face their pasts.
Both Calum and Brix were broken in so many ways. Calum is trying to recover from the betrayal he experienced at his ex’s hands while Brix was betrayed as well and feels he may never recover. As they spend time together, they rekindle their friendship and maybe more. The only problem for these two is realize that love could be enough to heal them both. The story in House of Cards was incredible, where two men meet as if fate determined it. They were both so loveable that you could not help but wish for a happy ending them. The story also brings back some of our beloved Rebel Kings MC friends. This story is a winner for us from beginning to end.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and this is my unbiased review.
Both Calum and Brix were broken in so many ways. Calum is trying to recover from the betrayal he experienced at his ex’s hands while Brix was betrayed as well and feels he may never recover. As they spend time together, they rekindle their friendship and maybe more. The only problem for these two is realize that love could be enough to heal them both. The story in House of Cards was incredible, where two men meet as if fate determined it. They were both so loveable that you could not help but wish for a happy ending them. The story also brings back some of our beloved Rebel Kings MC friends. This story is a winner for us from beginning to end.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and this is my unbiased review.
May 12, 2024
I loved the first book in this series, and am now hanging out for the rest. Calum and Brix feel very real, and the setting adds another layer to the story with its scenery and inhabitants. I also enjoyed the links to, and cameos from, the Rebel Kings.
I thought the author did a great job in showing Calum’s relationship with his toxic ex. That guy is a narcissist, nasty piece of work. I loved how Kim matter-of-factly dealt with yet another phone call. I loved Calum and Brix reconnecting, and learning about what had happened during the years they’d lost contact, and their protectiveness of each other. This author writes flawed characters and the angst and raw emotion that goes with that wonderfully well.
Brix’s relationship with his family is interesting. They have quite the history. I liked that everything they’re doing isn’t always above board. I loved the chicken rescue, and Calum’s instant connection to them.
Zelda has a personality all of her own. I always enjoy MCs having cats.
Port Ewan feels like a character in its own right. I loved the small community atmosphere, and the supporting cast who totally need their own books. I’m very pleased this is the first in a series.
I thought the author did a great job in showing Calum’s relationship with his toxic ex. That guy is a narcissist, nasty piece of work. I loved how Kim matter-of-factly dealt with yet another phone call. I loved Calum and Brix reconnecting, and learning about what had happened during the years they’d lost contact, and their protectiveness of each other. This author writes flawed characters and the angst and raw emotion that goes with that wonderfully well.
Brix’s relationship with his family is interesting. They have quite the history. I liked that everything they’re doing isn’t always above board. I loved the chicken rescue, and Calum’s instant connection to them.
Zelda has a personality all of her own. I always enjoy MCs having cats.
Port Ewan feels like a character in its own right. I loved the small community atmosphere, and the supporting cast who totally need their own books. I’m very pleased this is the first in a series.
May 2, 2024
I didn't read this series when it first got released, so I'm really happy the author decided to give us another opportunity to do so.
Calum has been through the wringer with his abusive boyfriend. When he finally escapes, he does so with just the clothes he has on. He ends up in the small town of Port Ewan where his former friend and mentor Brix finds him.
Brix is a tattoo artist, owns his own shop and has the biggest heart in the world. He's also got loads of chickens, he saves them from getting put down and offers them a good life in his garden. When he finds Calum, he takes him in and gets him back on his feet.
Both men fight demons from their past, they find it hard to trust and keep things close to themselves. And while they support each other through and through, it takes them a while to open up. This is a very slow burn, but necessary in this story. When I found out the reason for Brix' reluctance to open up, my heart broke for him.
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next one in the series.
*ARC kindly received from GRR and this is my honest review.*
Calum has been through the wringer with his abusive boyfriend. When he finally escapes, he does so with just the clothes he has on. He ends up in the small town of Port Ewan where his former friend and mentor Brix finds him.
Brix is a tattoo artist, owns his own shop and has the biggest heart in the world. He's also got loads of chickens, he saves them from getting put down and offers them a good life in his garden. When he finds Calum, he takes him in and gets him back on his feet.
Both men fight demons from their past, they find it hard to trust and keep things close to themselves. And while they support each other through and through, it takes them a while to open up. This is a very slow burn, but necessary in this story. When I found out the reason for Brix' reluctance to open up, my heart broke for him.
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next one in the series.
*ARC kindly received from GRR and this is my honest review.*
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