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Forgiven #2
Unforgotten
Billy Daley hasn’t been home in years, and he likes it that way. He’s just fine on his own—he has a cash-in-hand job at a scrapyard, a half-feral cat to keep him company, and many miles between him, his hometown and all the baggage that comes with it.
Until the job goes sideways. Suddenly he’s back in Rushmere, working for none other than his brother’s best friend—a man whose kiss Billy can’t seem to forget.
Gus Amour’s memories of Billy Daley are all spiky edges, lips crushed against lips and a reckless streak that always ended in trouble. But when Billy needs a place to stay, Gus steps in. He’d do anything for the Daley family, including living, and working, side by side with a man who makes his heart beat too fast and his blood run too hot—two things he’s been running from for years.
It doesn’t take long before their easy banter, lingering touches and heated glances become a temptation too hard to resist. But falling into bed and falling in love are two different things, and love has never come easy to either Billy or Gus. Only when fate threatens to steal away their opportunity for a second chance will they realize they don’t need easy.
They just need each other.
Until the job goes sideways. Suddenly he’s back in Rushmere, working for none other than his brother’s best friend—a man whose kiss Billy can’t seem to forget.
Gus Amour’s memories of Billy Daley are all spiky edges, lips crushed against lips and a reckless streak that always ended in trouble. But when Billy needs a place to stay, Gus steps in. He’d do anything for the Daley family, including living, and working, side by side with a man who makes his heart beat too fast and his blood run too hot—two things he’s been running from for years.
It doesn’t take long before their easy banter, lingering touches and heated glances become a temptation too hard to resist. But falling into bed and falling in love are two different things, and love has never come easy to either Billy or Gus. Only when fate threatens to steal away their opportunity for a second chance will they realize they don’t need easy.
They just need each other.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2021
21 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Garrett Leigh
91 books2,416 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 94 reviews
February 19, 2021
Billy Daley left his hometown five years ago, never looking back. Even though he’s only got a job where he just barely scrapes by, he loves his independence from older brother, Luke who still sees him as the screwup kid he was and always sits in judgment. However, when he loses that dead end job and finds himself homeless with his stray cat Grey, Billy reluctantly returns to Rushmere only to be facing an even bigger challenge. Gus Amour, the brother of Luke’s live in girlfriend Mia, has agreed to let him stay at his house. Five years ago, he shared a passionate kiss with the man and both just walked away from the encounter. The thing is, neither realizes that they both have the same feelings about each other, thinking each has forgotten that moment.
While Billy was introduced in the first book, his presence was limited. I really enjoyed getting his point of view here in comparison to those impressions created by his brother, Mia and Gus. I loved Gus from Forgiven and just came to adore him even more. Where Billy is all sharp edges and honesty, Gus is that guy who just knows the right things to say and do to diffuse tense situations and bring people together in an authentic way. He is genuinely caring and thoughtful, which brought out the best in Billy. There were a lot of relationships needing repair, especially that between Billy and Luke and it was wonderful being a part of their journey to find that space. But even better was the deepening relationship between Billy and Gus, which was hampered by their reluctance to be vulnerable with each other for fear of driving the other away. There’s a very good reason for that but it’s best to discover that from the story.
I really liked the first book in this series but loved Gus & Billy’s story. The narrator seemed to get the bones of both characters, bringing them to life so vividly. They are both so genuine and the story stayed true to their natures from start to finish, even when things got difficult. I’m glad I chose the audio version because it gave me the best reading experience. There are also many steamy moments so be prepared. It’s a great story about two people I really cared about.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
While Billy was introduced in the first book, his presence was limited. I really enjoyed getting his point of view here in comparison to those impressions created by his brother, Mia and Gus. I loved Gus from Forgiven and just came to adore him even more. Where Billy is all sharp edges and honesty, Gus is that guy who just knows the right things to say and do to diffuse tense situations and bring people together in an authentic way. He is genuinely caring and thoughtful, which brought out the best in Billy. There were a lot of relationships needing repair, especially that between Billy and Luke and it was wonderful being a part of their journey to find that space. But even better was the deepening relationship between Billy and Gus, which was hampered by their reluctance to be vulnerable with each other for fear of driving the other away. There’s a very good reason for that but it’s best to discover that from the story.
I really liked the first book in this series but loved Gus & Billy’s story. The narrator seemed to get the bones of both characters, bringing them to life so vividly. They are both so genuine and the story stayed true to their natures from start to finish, even when things got difficult. I’m glad I chose the audio version because it gave me the best reading experience. There are also many steamy moments so be prepared. It’s a great story about two people I really cared about.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
March 3, 2021
I don't know what happened. All the things that make Garrett Leigh one of my top 5 authors, just didn't work here (in both books). The anger, the attitude, the confusing dialogue, the time lapses...it just became too much.
February 17, 2021
Part two of this excellent series from Garrett picks up shortly after the end of book one, however, you could read this one as a standalone and not be lost.
It would be a shame, as Forgiven was a very good second chance, teenage lovers reunited MF romance. This one though is all male and boy what a pair Gus and Billy are.
Gus is Mia's brother, Billy is Luke's and they've never been able to forget a drunken kiss they shared years before.
Before life turned them down different, but equally sad and lonely, paths and before Luke came home from the Navy to make things up with Mia.
This has all the usual Garrett Leigh hallmarks, it's rooted firmly in British life, it's raw and holds no punches back as it explores the mess people can make of their lives without really knowing why they don't stop it.
It has two men, both hurting inside, both fighting with dealing with siblings who ran away and left them behind to deal with the aftermath of a parent's death, it has emotional connectivity, unbridled lust, and it has hearts that are drawn together again and again.
There're hiccups along the way, but it also has the signature dish from any Garrett romance - hope. It brings hope that even two men who've never managed to move on, can find their happy ever after together.
I loved Billy and I loved Gus, for different reasons. Billy is spikey and hot-tempered, too quick to fly off the handle, but also capable of rescuing a stray cat and giving it a home even when he doesn't have anything for himself.
Gus is repressed, locking away his emotions, hiding himself inside no commitment Grindr hookups and his work, relying on his friendship with Luke for actual companionship, but also a ticking timebomb of feelings just waiting to explode.
The small town vibe felt familiar and realistic, the grudges left because of Billy's wayward teenage years, the inherent suspicion when he returns, the inability to let go of the past and move forward and, ultimately, the love which grows from the roots of family and familiarity, from never being able to forget that one guy who rocked your world.
The plot beats of the narrative worked for me, they drove the story onwards without feeling like they'd just been thrown in for the sake of it and I enjoyed being on the journey with Billy and Gus.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review
It would be a shame, as Forgiven was a very good second chance, teenage lovers reunited MF romance. This one though is all male and boy what a pair Gus and Billy are.
Gus is Mia's brother, Billy is Luke's and they've never been able to forget a drunken kiss they shared years before.
Before life turned them down different, but equally sad and lonely, paths and before Luke came home from the Navy to make things up with Mia.
This has all the usual Garrett Leigh hallmarks, it's rooted firmly in British life, it's raw and holds no punches back as it explores the mess people can make of their lives without really knowing why they don't stop it.
It has two men, both hurting inside, both fighting with dealing with siblings who ran away and left them behind to deal with the aftermath of a parent's death, it has emotional connectivity, unbridled lust, and it has hearts that are drawn together again and again.
There're hiccups along the way, but it also has the signature dish from any Garrett romance - hope. It brings hope that even two men who've never managed to move on, can find their happy ever after together.
I loved Billy and I loved Gus, for different reasons. Billy is spikey and hot-tempered, too quick to fly off the handle, but also capable of rescuing a stray cat and giving it a home even when he doesn't have anything for himself.
Gus is repressed, locking away his emotions, hiding himself inside no commitment Grindr hookups and his work, relying on his friendship with Luke for actual companionship, but also a ticking timebomb of feelings just waiting to explode.
The small town vibe felt familiar and realistic, the grudges left because of Billy's wayward teenage years, the inherent suspicion when he returns, the inability to let go of the past and move forward and, ultimately, the love which grows from the roots of family and familiarity, from never being able to forget that one guy who rocked your world.
The plot beats of the narrative worked for me, they drove the story onwards without feeling like they'd just been thrown in for the sake of it and I enjoyed being on the journey with Billy and Gus.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review
October 31, 2021
A heartfelt and moving hurt/comfort story, I enjoyed Garrett Leigh's Unforgotten. This is part two of Leigh's Forgiven series. Somewhere along the way I got the impression Unforgotten could be read as a standalone. I does work as a standalone, but I'm sure I'd have enjoyed it more if I'd read Forgiven first.
The first novel in the series, Forgiven, is about Luke and Mia. And while I don't read much M/F romance these days, I'm seriously tempted. There's quite a bit of information about these two characters and their relationship in Unforgotten, plus a number of great scenes involving them. The dynamic between them is intriguing, and like I say - dang, I'm tempted.
This novel is about Luke's brother Billy, and Mia's brother Gus.
These guys each have their issues. Gus is avoiding commitment and intimacy with his Grindr addiction, but he clearly wants to belong to someone. Memories of a teenage drunken kiss with Billy keep him from being interested in anybody else.
Billy's got some huge issues surrounding his brother Luke, and he rocking the whole bad boy story. He's not doing a good job of caring for himself. A serious shoulder injury, a brush with the law, a bit of drug use - not to mention he's jobless and homeless. Clearly crying out for help, and carrying a torch for his childhood crush... Gus.
I have a feeling there's a ton of info about both Gus and Billy in Forgiven, so we're missing details which would have helped me enjoy this story more. Plus the scenes in Unforgotten with Luke and Mia would be more significant if I knew them better. Of course this is my own fault and has nothing to do with Garrett Leigh's marvelous writing.
thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC copy of Unforgotten
The first novel in the series, Forgiven, is about Luke and Mia. And while I don't read much M/F romance these days, I'm seriously tempted. There's quite a bit of information about these two characters and their relationship in Unforgotten, plus a number of great scenes involving them. The dynamic between them is intriguing, and like I say - dang, I'm tempted.
This novel is about Luke's brother Billy, and Mia's brother Gus.
These guys each have their issues. Gus is avoiding commitment and intimacy with his Grindr addiction, but he clearly wants to belong to someone. Memories of a teenage drunken kiss with Billy keep him from being interested in anybody else.
Billy's got some huge issues surrounding his brother Luke, and he rocking the whole bad boy story. He's not doing a good job of caring for himself. A serious shoulder injury, a brush with the law, a bit of drug use - not to mention he's jobless and homeless. Clearly crying out for help, and carrying a torch for his childhood crush... Gus.
I have a feeling there's a ton of info about both Gus and Billy in Forgiven, so we're missing details which would have helped me enjoy this story more. Plus the scenes in Unforgotten with Luke and Mia would be more significant if I knew them better. Of course this is my own fault and has nothing to do with Garrett Leigh's marvelous writing.
thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC copy of Unforgotten
maybe
December 14, 2020Now available for ARC request on NetGalley!
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
Sounds promising. (Book 1 was M/F.)
Read
February 16, 2021OUT NOW!
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January 25, 2021
Intense and heated.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It’s been a while since I’ve read an m/m story and I’m glad I broke the streak with this one. Even though I had not read the prior book I didn’t feel lost. The author gave enough of a backstory throughout that it was easy to follow and absorb.
What I like the most about this book is the raw and rough edges of the characters. The author pulled no punches and gave you all of the gritty details of their imperfect personalities and struggles.
But what was the most compelling was the way that they had this deep connection that finally allowed them to become truthful about who they were and accept the fact that they were meant to be.
The story is an evolution of people and personalities where showing that the right connection can allow someone to relax, trust enough to be comfortable with themselves. Giving up the expectation of others lifts the weight off of your shoulders.
The author writes in a very unique manner that takes a bit getting used to. But the story told is definitely worth the effort. Unique, touching, heated and intense. A great overall story of love and acceptance.
* copy received for review consideration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It’s been a while since I’ve read an m/m story and I’m glad I broke the streak with this one. Even though I had not read the prior book I didn’t feel lost. The author gave enough of a backstory throughout that it was easy to follow and absorb.
What I like the most about this book is the raw and rough edges of the characters. The author pulled no punches and gave you all of the gritty details of their imperfect personalities and struggles.
But what was the most compelling was the way that they had this deep connection that finally allowed them to become truthful about who they were and accept the fact that they were meant to be.
The story is an evolution of people and personalities where showing that the right connection can allow someone to relax, trust enough to be comfortable with themselves. Giving up the expectation of others lifts the weight off of your shoulders.
The author writes in a very unique manner that takes a bit getting used to. But the story told is definitely worth the effort. Unique, touching, heated and intense. A great overall story of love and acceptance.
* copy received for review consideration
March 17, 2021
I've given this a B at AAR.
The first book in Garrett Leigh’s Forgiven duology tells the story of Luke Daley and Mia Amour, teenaged sweethearts whose youthful romance hit the skids after Luke took off without a word and joined the Navy in order to provide for his family following the death of his father. Luke left behind a younger brother, Billy, who has never really forgiven him for leaving as he did, and although Mia and Luke get their HEA in Forgiven, and she continues to enjoy a good relationship with her brother Gus (who is also Luke’s best friend and co-worker) Luke and his brother don’t enjoy anything like the same closeness. In fact, Billy hasn’t been back home for years, and that’s the way he intends to keep it.
Unforgotten is a direct sequel to Forgiven, and while Luke and Mia do have large parts to play in the story, the focus switches to Billy and Gus, and there’s enough detail given as to the history these four characters share to enable you to jump in here (as I did) without having read the previous book.
Billy was always a bit of a tearaway, running with a bad crowd, constantly in trouble with the police and regularly sporting the evidence of fights on his knuckles. He’s moved around a lot since he left town, never staying anywhere more than a few months and not interested in putting down roots anywhere, let alone back in Rushmere. But when he pisses off his boss at the breaker’s yard (where he also lives in a caravan on site) once too often, Billy finds himself – and the stray cat he’s adopted (or who adopted him) – both jobless and homeless, and with no other option, he gets in touch with Luke to ask for help.
Just as the Daley brothers were hit hard by their father’s death, so Mia and Gus were devastated by the death of their mother. But while Luke, Billy and Mia all ran from their grief, Gus stayed behind – and was still there when they gradually drifted back home. With no one close to him to lean on, Gus locked away his feelings and decided emotional commitment wasn’t worth the potential for hurt. So now, he buries his residual resentment beneath the calm, easy-going face he presents to the world and contents himself with a regular diet of Grindr hook-ups and no strings sex.
When Gus hears that Billy has actually reached out to Luke, he’s surprised but pleased, and offers to have Billy stay with him. It feels a bit weird though; a few years earlier, he and Billy had shared a deeply passionate kiss Gus has never been able to forget – and when Billy shows up, just as gorgeous and scowl-y and prickly as ever, Gus knows he’s in trouble.
That kiss was every bit as memorable for Billy as for Gus, but when Gus ended it and pushed him away, Billy, embarrassed, pretended to be tipsy, not realising that Gus hadn’t wanted to take advantage of him – or that Gus was scared of the intense feelings it had aroused in him. Billy is still carrying a torch for Gus, but the fact that Gus seems to be out shagging a different bloke every night is intimidating, to say the least, given Billy’s relative lack of sexual experience.
The pair settles into a routine, however, and Billy goes to work with Gus at Daley’s Roofing while Luke takes a bit of a break. They work well together and are spending more and more time together outside work, but Billy’s relationship with Luke seems to be going from bad to worse. They can never find anything to talk about, and on the rare occasions they exchange more than a few grunts, they rub each other up the wrong way.
One of the things I really liked about the book is the relationship between Billy and Luke. It’s tough going for both of them; Billy is still holding onto a shedload of resentment over what he sees as Luke’s abandonment, and Luke just doesn’t know how to handle it or the spiky, hot-tempered brother who knows just how to push his buttons. They have a lot of work to do if they’re going to be a family again – something they both need so desperately – and I loved seeing them at last start to let go of their anger and preconceptions and take baby steps towards compromise. They’re frustrating characters though; Luke clams up at the first sign of confrontation, Billy is deliberately gobby and aims to wound. I understood why Billy acts as he does – he’s got a self-destructive streak a mile wide – but he’s a difficult character to like a lot of the time.
I can’t say I liked Mia all that much (so perhaps it’s just as well I didn’t read the previous book!), but Gus is a total sweetheart and the peacemaker among the group. He’s usually got a smile and a joke for everyone and appears to have everything sorted, but in reality, he’s as much of a mess as Billy is, hiding the pain inside whereas Billy wears it on his face and in his manner.
But even though I liked Gus and Billy, I couldn’t quite get behind them as a romantic couple. I liked the relationship they built together and the way they were able to help each other to start to heal – not by trying to fix each other, but just by being there and ready to listen. But the romance feels rather under-developed; Billy and Gus think about their feelings for each other quite a lot, but then never actually say anything to one another about them. They have good chemistry and the sex scenes are nicely steamy but I couldn’t quite work out what they saw in each other.
As a fellow Brit, I always love it when I get to read familiar speech rhythms and idioms and settings, and the village/small-town vibe here is spot on. Most of all, whenever I read a Garrett Leigh book, I find myself impressed all over again with her skill at capturing the messiness of relationships – familial and romantic – and showing how badly we can mess them up sometimes without really knowing why or how we’re doing it… and then steering things back on track in a way that feels realistic and completely true to the characters.
Unforgotten is intensely readable and well-written, the characters are vibrant and three-dimensional, and their struggles and reactions are very real. I enjoyed it enough to give it a recommendation despite its flaws.
The first book in Garrett Leigh’s Forgiven duology tells the story of Luke Daley and Mia Amour, teenaged sweethearts whose youthful romance hit the skids after Luke took off without a word and joined the Navy in order to provide for his family following the death of his father. Luke left behind a younger brother, Billy, who has never really forgiven him for leaving as he did, and although Mia and Luke get their HEA in Forgiven, and she continues to enjoy a good relationship with her brother Gus (who is also Luke’s best friend and co-worker) Luke and his brother don’t enjoy anything like the same closeness. In fact, Billy hasn’t been back home for years, and that’s the way he intends to keep it.
Unforgotten is a direct sequel to Forgiven, and while Luke and Mia do have large parts to play in the story, the focus switches to Billy and Gus, and there’s enough detail given as to the history these four characters share to enable you to jump in here (as I did) without having read the previous book.
Billy was always a bit of a tearaway, running with a bad crowd, constantly in trouble with the police and regularly sporting the evidence of fights on his knuckles. He’s moved around a lot since he left town, never staying anywhere more than a few months and not interested in putting down roots anywhere, let alone back in Rushmere. But when he pisses off his boss at the breaker’s yard (where he also lives in a caravan on site) once too often, Billy finds himself – and the stray cat he’s adopted (or who adopted him) – both jobless and homeless, and with no other option, he gets in touch with Luke to ask for help.
Just as the Daley brothers were hit hard by their father’s death, so Mia and Gus were devastated by the death of their mother. But while Luke, Billy and Mia all ran from their grief, Gus stayed behind – and was still there when they gradually drifted back home. With no one close to him to lean on, Gus locked away his feelings and decided emotional commitment wasn’t worth the potential for hurt. So now, he buries his residual resentment beneath the calm, easy-going face he presents to the world and contents himself with a regular diet of Grindr hook-ups and no strings sex.
When Gus hears that Billy has actually reached out to Luke, he’s surprised but pleased, and offers to have Billy stay with him. It feels a bit weird though; a few years earlier, he and Billy had shared a deeply passionate kiss Gus has never been able to forget – and when Billy shows up, just as gorgeous and scowl-y and prickly as ever, Gus knows he’s in trouble.
That kiss was every bit as memorable for Billy as for Gus, but when Gus ended it and pushed him away, Billy, embarrassed, pretended to be tipsy, not realising that Gus hadn’t wanted to take advantage of him – or that Gus was scared of the intense feelings it had aroused in him. Billy is still carrying a torch for Gus, but the fact that Gus seems to be out shagging a different bloke every night is intimidating, to say the least, given Billy’s relative lack of sexual experience.
The pair settles into a routine, however, and Billy goes to work with Gus at Daley’s Roofing while Luke takes a bit of a break. They work well together and are spending more and more time together outside work, but Billy’s relationship with Luke seems to be going from bad to worse. They can never find anything to talk about, and on the rare occasions they exchange more than a few grunts, they rub each other up the wrong way.
One of the things I really liked about the book is the relationship between Billy and Luke. It’s tough going for both of them; Billy is still holding onto a shedload of resentment over what he sees as Luke’s abandonment, and Luke just doesn’t know how to handle it or the spiky, hot-tempered brother who knows just how to push his buttons. They have a lot of work to do if they’re going to be a family again – something they both need so desperately – and I loved seeing them at last start to let go of their anger and preconceptions and take baby steps towards compromise. They’re frustrating characters though; Luke clams up at the first sign of confrontation, Billy is deliberately gobby and aims to wound. I understood why Billy acts as he does – he’s got a self-destructive streak a mile wide – but he’s a difficult character to like a lot of the time.
I can’t say I liked Mia all that much (so perhaps it’s just as well I didn’t read the previous book!), but Gus is a total sweetheart and the peacemaker among the group. He’s usually got a smile and a joke for everyone and appears to have everything sorted, but in reality, he’s as much of a mess as Billy is, hiding the pain inside whereas Billy wears it on his face and in his manner.
But even though I liked Gus and Billy, I couldn’t quite get behind them as a romantic couple. I liked the relationship they built together and the way they were able to help each other to start to heal – not by trying to fix each other, but just by being there and ready to listen. But the romance feels rather under-developed; Billy and Gus think about their feelings for each other quite a lot, but then never actually say anything to one another about them. They have good chemistry and the sex scenes are nicely steamy but I couldn’t quite work out what they saw in each other.
As a fellow Brit, I always love it when I get to read familiar speech rhythms and idioms and settings, and the village/small-town vibe here is spot on. Most of all, whenever I read a Garrett Leigh book, I find myself impressed all over again with her skill at capturing the messiness of relationships – familial and romantic – and showing how badly we can mess them up sometimes without really knowing why or how we’re doing it… and then steering things back on track in a way that feels realistic and completely true to the characters.
Unforgotten is intensely readable and well-written, the characters are vibrant and three-dimensional, and their struggles and reactions are very real. I enjoyed it enough to give it a recommendation despite its flaws.
February 12, 2021
Billy Daley is a prickly sort. He especially can't seem to get along with his brother Luke and he's stayed away from his hometown to avoid more animosity. But when he gets himself in trouble again, he has to appeal to his brother for a place to stay. Since Mia has moved in with Luke, Mia's brother Gus has a spare room and offers it to Billy.
Gus has been living on work and Grindr for his after hours. He's buried his emotions deep, but when Billy shows he threatens to blow it all up. Memories of a kiss shared between Gus and Billy long ago won't go away, but both know that moving forward with their feelings for each other could incinerate them all.
Garrett Leigh does an amazing job of building the tension between Billy and Gus,especially their smoldering attraction for each other. Yowza. I adored Gus. He's such a great guy. He's always thinking of others -- Luke, Mia, Billy -- and silently carries a lot of his own baggage around. My heart went squishy for him when he talks about hiding his feelings because he thinks no one would care. The relationship between Billy and Gus really opens up both of their eyes into their own hangups as they are forced to choose whether they can make it work.
I really loved everything about this M/M romance from the realistic language to the emotions running throughout the story to the dramatic and potentially devastating ending. Garrett Leigh always does an amazing job with broken men, and Unforgotten is no exception.
A complementary copy was provided by the publisher. This is my honest review.
Gus has been living on work and Grindr for his after hours. He's buried his emotions deep, but when Billy shows he threatens to blow it all up. Memories of a kiss shared between Gus and Billy long ago won't go away, but both know that moving forward with their feelings for each other could incinerate them all.
Garrett Leigh does an amazing job of building the tension between Billy and Gus,especially their smoldering attraction for each other. Yowza. I adored Gus. He's such a great guy. He's always thinking of others -- Luke, Mia, Billy -- and silently carries a lot of his own baggage around. My heart went squishy for him when he talks about hiding his feelings because he thinks no one would care. The relationship between Billy and Gus really opens up both of their eyes into their own hangups as they are forced to choose whether they can make it work.
I really loved everything about this M/M romance from the realistic language to the emotions running throughout the story to the dramatic and potentially devastating ending. Garrett Leigh always does an amazing job with broken men, and Unforgotten is no exception.
A complementary copy was provided by the publisher. This is my honest review.
February 8, 2021
I loved Gus and Billy together!
Unforgotten is the second book in a duet by Garrett Leigh. It’s about Mia’s brother Gus and Luke’s brother Billy. (Mia and Gus were the MCs of book one, Forgiven.) While you can read and enjoy this book without reading Forgiven, the story will probably be more satisfying if you read that first.
This book is the kind of story that Garrett Leigh is well known for – MM, angsty, very British (lots of slang which I love because I love learning new words), and a great love story but the characters have to suffer a bit before they get their HEA.
Gus is gay and Billy is bi. They shared a kiss years ago and neither has spoken about it since, nor have they forgotten it. Billy has been gone from their hometown for years but his life hasn’t been easy and he’s returned to reconnect with his brother Luke. Gus has an extra bedroom since his sister moved in with Luke so he offered it to Billy.
I loved everything about this story. It’s pretty much a slow burn between Gus and Billy as they dance around each other while living and working together. Billy has been a bit of a dick for so long that it’s hard for him stick to his resolve to be a better person. Gus is easy going and steady – until pushed too far. Once Gus and Billy finally give up and give in the heat between them is pretty hot.
I pretty much finished this book in one sitting and now I’m looking forward to listening to the audiobook which is being performed by the fantastic Dan Calley. Both the ebook and the audiobook will be available on February 16, 2021.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley, but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Unforgotten is the second book in a duet by Garrett Leigh. It’s about Mia’s brother Gus and Luke’s brother Billy. (Mia and Gus were the MCs of book one, Forgiven.) While you can read and enjoy this book without reading Forgiven, the story will probably be more satisfying if you read that first.
This book is the kind of story that Garrett Leigh is well known for – MM, angsty, very British (lots of slang which I love because I love learning new words), and a great love story but the characters have to suffer a bit before they get their HEA.
Gus is gay and Billy is bi. They shared a kiss years ago and neither has spoken about it since, nor have they forgotten it. Billy has been gone from their hometown for years but his life hasn’t been easy and he’s returned to reconnect with his brother Luke. Gus has an extra bedroom since his sister moved in with Luke so he offered it to Billy.
I loved everything about this story. It’s pretty much a slow burn between Gus and Billy as they dance around each other while living and working together. Billy has been a bit of a dick for so long that it’s hard for him stick to his resolve to be a better person. Gus is easy going and steady – until pushed too far. Once Gus and Billy finally give up and give in the heat between them is pretty hot.
I pretty much finished this book in one sitting and now I’m looking forward to listening to the audiobook which is being performed by the fantastic Dan Calley. Both the ebook and the audiobook will be available on February 16, 2021.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley, but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
January 20, 2021
I don't think you have to read the first part of this duology, Forgiven, to pick this one up - but it will help you to understand the characters and this relationship better if you do. So, I recommend you start with the m/f story first.
Look, I want to tell you I loved this. I was mostly meh about Forgiven - lot's of sex, not a lot of character development, and a couple I was happy to see get their HEA, but I wasn't super invested in. While that book didn't really do it for me, Gus Amour - the most important secondary character in that story, did. Nice guy, great brother (to Mia Amour from Forgiven, awesome friend (to Luke Daley from Forgiven), and diligent employee (also Luke). Also hot. Also gay. Also super duper in Garrett Leigh's romantic wheelhouse. I was stoked for his story - especially since it also featured Luke's younger, slightly messed up brother Billy.
When Unforgotten kicks off, Billy's just lost his most recent total shit job (after punching a customer who kicked his cat), he's nearly broke, slightly feral (like his best friend, Grey - a half-feral cat), and homeless. Slightly drunk and with nowhere else to go, he turns to his older brother Luke for help. The relationship between Luke and Billy is a strained, hot mess - Luke left Billy as a young boy to join the Navy and help his family out - and Billy never forgave him for it. Billy ran with a rough crowd and was in and out of trouble for most of Luke's years in the military, and when Luke finally did return, Billy didn't. They've lived separate lives for so long, they can barely have a conversation without it turning into a fight. Mia isn't feeling it and instead suggests Billy stay with Gus - who conveniently lives near by and now has an empty spare room.
When Mia asks Gus to take in Billy, he's happy to help though nervous about the state of his own relationship with him. Years ago the two shared an intense and passionate kiss before Gus put an end to it - overwhelmed with the feelings Billy stirred in him and unwilling to take advantage of his younger friend. He's never forgotten the kiss or how Billy made him feel, and he's anxious to help Billy get back on his feet.
Billy gets on board with the plan quickly - living with Luke was a nightmarish prospect, and he nursed a crush on Gus since they were school kids. His life is a mess, he can't resist the attraction he feels towards Gus - who seems super into hooking up via Grindr, he's jobless and homeless, and his relationship with Luke seems to get worse with every interaction. He's determined to treat his sojourn at Gus's as something temporary, and plans to move on as soon as he gets his life back in order. Ahem.
Okay. So like I said, I was hoping to love this. I didn't. Billy is difficult to love - he is defensively nasty & I'm not in love with that personality type, and Gus is super into Billy but unwilling/unable to tell him. I just didn't see how these opposites were so attracted to each other, and that incendiary kiss so many years ago must have been something crazy amazing for them to still be thinking about it so long afterwards. I was underwhelmed with the mention of it and had a hard time buying into this pining since childhood story line. That said, I do love the friends to lovers trope and I wanted these two to have a happy ever after, so I was invested in them for that reason and it kept me turning pages long after I thought the relationship was a bit toooooooo farfetched.
The other big problem? The sex. OH NO I DIDN'T. Yep, this GL fan was not impressed with the sexy times in this story. Billy has led a wild and crazy life...but he hasn't had a ton of hook-ups or sex. What kind of wild guy is that? And Gus is a Grindr maestro? But sex with Billy is TOTALLY DIFFERENT. AWESOME. AMAZING. ETC. ETC. Great, you guys have great chemistry and you're totally into each other. Yep, good, good. But a near virgin and a hook-up king are going to have some awkward moments as they learn each other and these two...well, they never do. Come on! Great sex can happen - but let's allow for some nerves and weirdness. Please. Minds don't have to be blown from the get-go.
They pine. They flirt. They hook-up. They have regrets. Repeat & add in some cooking lessons and a near death experience. That's the relationship in nutshell.
Anywho. Normally, GL's version of relationship angst is my jam. I liked this, but I just wasn't feeling these characters or this story, and the duology is a miss for me.
Look, I want to tell you I loved this. I was mostly meh about Forgiven - lot's of sex, not a lot of character development, and a couple I was happy to see get their HEA, but I wasn't super invested in. While that book didn't really do it for me, Gus Amour - the most important secondary character in that story, did. Nice guy, great brother (to Mia Amour from Forgiven, awesome friend (to Luke Daley from Forgiven), and diligent employee (also Luke). Also hot. Also gay. Also super duper in Garrett Leigh's romantic wheelhouse. I was stoked for his story - especially since it also featured Luke's younger, slightly messed up brother Billy.
When Unforgotten kicks off, Billy's just lost his most recent total shit job (after punching a customer who kicked his cat), he's nearly broke, slightly feral (like his best friend, Grey - a half-feral cat), and homeless. Slightly drunk and with nowhere else to go, he turns to his older brother Luke for help. The relationship between Luke and Billy is a strained, hot mess - Luke left Billy as a young boy to join the Navy and help his family out - and Billy never forgave him for it. Billy ran with a rough crowd and was in and out of trouble for most of Luke's years in the military, and when Luke finally did return, Billy didn't. They've lived separate lives for so long, they can barely have a conversation without it turning into a fight. Mia isn't feeling it and instead suggests Billy stay with Gus - who conveniently lives near by and now has an empty spare room.
When Mia asks Gus to take in Billy, he's happy to help though nervous about the state of his own relationship with him. Years ago the two shared an intense and passionate kiss before Gus put an end to it - overwhelmed with the feelings Billy stirred in him and unwilling to take advantage of his younger friend. He's never forgotten the kiss or how Billy made him feel, and he's anxious to help Billy get back on his feet.
Billy gets on board with the plan quickly - living with Luke was a nightmarish prospect, and he nursed a crush on Gus since they were school kids. His life is a mess, he can't resist the attraction he feels towards Gus - who seems super into hooking up via Grindr, he's jobless and homeless, and his relationship with Luke seems to get worse with every interaction. He's determined to treat his sojourn at Gus's as something temporary, and plans to move on as soon as he gets his life back in order. Ahem.
Okay. So like I said, I was hoping to love this. I didn't. Billy is difficult to love - he is defensively nasty & I'm not in love with that personality type, and Gus is super into Billy but unwilling/unable to tell him. I just didn't see how these opposites were so attracted to each other, and that incendiary kiss so many years ago must have been something crazy amazing for them to still be thinking about it so long afterwards. I was underwhelmed with the mention of it and had a hard time buying into this pining since childhood story line. That said, I do love the friends to lovers trope and I wanted these two to have a happy ever after, so I was invested in them for that reason and it kept me turning pages long after I thought the relationship was a bit toooooooo farfetched.
The other big problem? The sex. OH NO I DIDN'T. Yep, this GL fan was not impressed with the sexy times in this story. Billy has led a wild and crazy life...but he hasn't had a ton of hook-ups or sex. What kind of wild guy is that? And Gus is a Grindr maestro? But sex with Billy is TOTALLY DIFFERENT. AWESOME. AMAZING. ETC. ETC. Great, you guys have great chemistry and you're totally into each other. Yep, good, good. But a near virgin and a hook-up king are going to have some awkward moments as they learn each other and these two...well, they never do. Come on! Great sex can happen - but let's allow for some nerves and weirdness. Please. Minds don't have to be blown from the get-go.
They pine. They flirt. They hook-up. They have regrets. Repeat & add in some cooking lessons and a near death experience. That's the relationship in nutshell.
Anywho. Normally, GL's version of relationship angst is my jam. I liked this, but I just wasn't feeling these characters or this story, and the duology is a miss for me.
February 16, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
If you are looking for a contemporary, character-driven book, Unforgotten is the one you want as Garrett Leigh stays on brand with her hard working, hard loving men. This book follows Forgiven, where Gus and Billy were introduced and which featured Gus’ sister, Mia, and Billy’s brother, Luke. Gus and Billy are present enough in that story that reading that Forgiven first would offer a richer experience here.
The chemistry between the men is dreamy. Billy comes off as distant and prickly at first glance, but he carries a lot of pain with him and really only wants someone to look at him the way Gus does. Although this book is lower on the angst comparatively, it’s not easy for these guys. They are in their own heads a lot and when they figure out what they do want, they have no idea how to ask for it.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
If you are looking for a contemporary, character-driven book, Unforgotten is the one you want as Garrett Leigh stays on brand with her hard working, hard loving men. This book follows Forgiven, where Gus and Billy were introduced and which featured Gus’ sister, Mia, and Billy’s brother, Luke. Gus and Billy are present enough in that story that reading that Forgiven first would offer a richer experience here.
The chemistry between the men is dreamy. Billy comes off as distant and prickly at first glance, but he carries a lot of pain with him and really only wants someone to look at him the way Gus does. Although this book is lower on the angst comparatively, it’s not easy for these guys. They are in their own heads a lot and when they figure out what they do want, they have no idea how to ask for it.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
February 17, 2021
Don’t touch his cat or Billy will teach you a lesson. Yep, he’s a firecracker and also homeless.
He and his cat can stay with Gus, it’s been five years since the last time, it was awkward at that time, wasted and kissing. Still, it was ages ago, long forgotten right?
Billy is a bit of a thug with a bad mouth and Gus is the soft soul, the sensitive one.
Billy has a complicated life and an even more complicated relationship with his brother.
Gus doesn’t do relationships, he picks up guys on Grindr and leaves them behind.
There is a strong attraction between Gus and Billy and it’s complicated. There is so much hurt and grief it looks like an impossible task to get closer. It felt all raw and gritty.
Even though I understand it’s a stand-alone I had moments I wished I knew more about their history. I really missed something to fully get involved in in the beginning.
I understand Luke and Mia got their own story in #1. I had trouble liking Luke and Mia.
My heart was with Billy and Gus.
Absolutely an intriguing story. I would have loved some more explanation about their past.
The writing was good and solid.
He and his cat can stay with Gus, it’s been five years since the last time, it was awkward at that time, wasted and kissing. Still, it was ages ago, long forgotten right?
Billy is a bit of a thug with a bad mouth and Gus is the soft soul, the sensitive one.
Billy has a complicated life and an even more complicated relationship with his brother.
Gus doesn’t do relationships, he picks up guys on Grindr and leaves them behind.
There is a strong attraction between Gus and Billy and it’s complicated. There is so much hurt and grief it looks like an impossible task to get closer. It felt all raw and gritty.
Even though I understand it’s a stand-alone I had moments I wished I knew more about their history. I really missed something to fully get involved in in the beginning.
I understand Luke and Mia got their own story in #1. I had trouble liking Luke and Mia.
My heart was with Billy and Gus.
Absolutely an intriguing story. I would have loved some more explanation about their past.
The writing was good and solid.
Read
January 1, 2021Categories
Contemporary Romance, Male/Male, Male/Male Romance, New Adult Romance
Miniseries
Forgiven (Book #2)
Contemporary Romance, Male/Male, Male/Male Romance, New Adult Romance
Miniseries
Forgiven (Book #2)
February 11, 2021
3.5 stars
I liked this better than the first book, Forgiven, although still not my favorite of Leigh's. Why? Because OMG these two men are quite a mess, aren't they? Billy with his spiky mood and prone to being a drama-queen, and his complex relationship with his brother, Luke. Gus with his tendency to be, well, the peace-keeper (his sister is the more temperamental one).
But I admit that well, they do work somehow because they balanced things out. Gus makes Billy willing to stay put. Billy makes Gus wanting to say what he really wants (and not just make assumption). Actually, one of my favorite scene is when Gus raises his voice and argues with Billy 😄
Although of course we still have drama when both jump to conclusions about what the other is thinking/planning. It's the old-time-trope, you know, that men don't communicate? So yeah, some of the problems here could easily be handled if they try to clarify things first. But I guess that's part of the charm for some readers? 🤷🏻♀️
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I liked this better than the first book, Forgiven, although still not my favorite of Leigh's. Why? Because OMG these two men are quite a mess, aren't they? Billy with his spiky mood and prone to being a drama-queen, and his complex relationship with his brother, Luke. Gus with his tendency to be, well, the peace-keeper (his sister is the more temperamental one).
But I admit that well, they do work somehow because they balanced things out. Gus makes Billy willing to stay put. Billy makes Gus wanting to say what he really wants (and not just make assumption). Actually, one of my favorite scene is when Gus raises his voice and argues with Billy 😄
Although of course we still have drama when both jump to conclusions about what the other is thinking/planning. It's the old-time-trope, you know, that men don't communicate? So yeah, some of the problems here could easily be handled if they try to clarify things first. But I guess that's part of the charm for some readers? 🤷🏻♀️
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
February 18, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second book in the series, and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order, as the story is ongoing, and the family dynamics are key to understanding just how things stand.
Gus was left at home holding the fort, and now as his sister, Mia and best friend, Luke Daley have returned to town, he is having to adjust to a new normal. Then to add to his disquiet, Billy Daley is not only back in town, but Gus has agreed that he can come and stay with him.
Billy hadn't spoken to Luke in years, having left town under a cloud. Just before he left, he kissed Gus, so coming back to town is not just about making amends to his brother, but dealing with some feelings for Gus which never left. We get some really gritty details of how his life has been, and as always Garrett Leigh does not sugarcoat how life really is. I really appreciate the little elements which so quickly give us a clear idea of how these people live, think and work. Life is not always kind, people do not always have much money, no pain, or easy feelings - and they do not always react as we might expect. It makes the story so much richer in my opinion.
As we get to see the four of them learn how to spend time together again, to stabilise the rules of engagement and to find common ground. It is not an easy transition, and poor Gus continues to be the one who gives up his wishes to keep peace and harmony. Billy for once, because he cares about Gus, takes some responsibility for a change, and finds that he needs to stay, he needs to have this life, and actually Gus is why.
For a gritty, but ultimately really rewarding and unconventionally romantic read, this is an excellent addition to the series.
This is the second book in the series, and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order, as the story is ongoing, and the family dynamics are key to understanding just how things stand.
Gus was left at home holding the fort, and now as his sister, Mia and best friend, Luke Daley have returned to town, he is having to adjust to a new normal. Then to add to his disquiet, Billy Daley is not only back in town, but Gus has agreed that he can come and stay with him.
Billy hadn't spoken to Luke in years, having left town under a cloud. Just before he left, he kissed Gus, so coming back to town is not just about making amends to his brother, but dealing with some feelings for Gus which never left. We get some really gritty details of how his life has been, and as always Garrett Leigh does not sugarcoat how life really is. I really appreciate the little elements which so quickly give us a clear idea of how these people live, think and work. Life is not always kind, people do not always have much money, no pain, or easy feelings - and they do not always react as we might expect. It makes the story so much richer in my opinion.
As we get to see the four of them learn how to spend time together again, to stabilise the rules of engagement and to find common ground. It is not an easy transition, and poor Gus continues to be the one who gives up his wishes to keep peace and harmony. Billy for once, because he cares about Gus, takes some responsibility for a change, and finds that he needs to stay, he needs to have this life, and actually Gus is why.
For a gritty, but ultimately really rewarding and unconventionally romantic read, this is an excellent addition to the series.
February 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this angsty, emotion filled romance between Gus and Billy, introduced first as secondary characters in Forgiven (in which Gus's sister Mia and Billy's brother Luke reunited in a second chance romance).
Billy has nowhere to go but back to his hometown where his brother lives, and Gus is happy to let Billy live in his house while he gets back on his feet. A kiss they shared several years ago still resonates in their memories, but Billy is wary of getting involved with his now roommate, and his co-worker (as he's taken a job with the family roofing business again, where Gus works with Luke).
Billy is still suffering a lot of pain from a shoulder injury and that makes him grouchy, angry and generally miserable, but when Gus comes to realize where Billy's attitude is coming from he helps Billy to see a doctor, to get some pain medication, and to realize that trusting someone isn't the end of the world. They gradually becomes friends, and the attraction between them leads to a romantic and sexual relationship. This story has plenty of drama, family issues, and a near disaster that puts things into perspective for them both as they make their way to an eventual happy ending. The well developed setting of small town England is believable and combined with true to life characters makes for a thoroughly entertaining read.
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Billy has nowhere to go but back to his hometown where his brother lives, and Gus is happy to let Billy live in his house while he gets back on his feet. A kiss they shared several years ago still resonates in their memories, but Billy is wary of getting involved with his now roommate, and his co-worker (as he's taken a job with the family roofing business again, where Gus works with Luke).
Billy is still suffering a lot of pain from a shoulder injury and that makes him grouchy, angry and generally miserable, but when Gus comes to realize where Billy's attitude is coming from he helps Billy to see a doctor, to get some pain medication, and to realize that trusting someone isn't the end of the world. They gradually becomes friends, and the attraction between them leads to a romantic and sexual relationship. This story has plenty of drama, family issues, and a near disaster that puts things into perspective for them both as they make their way to an eventual happy ending. The well developed setting of small town England is believable and combined with true to life characters makes for a thoroughly entertaining read.
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
February 19, 2021
4.5 ⭐
Ce nouveau roman de Garrett Leigh est une petite merveille !
Autant certains éléments du premier tome ne m'avaient pas vraiment ravie, autant là, j'ai adoré ma lecture du début à la fin !
Garrett Leigh a vraiment un talent fou pour nous dépeindre des personnages cabossés par la vie, des personnages qui incarnent très bien le concept de résilience. Ce sont des personnages imparfaits, normaux, qui vivent une vie relativement banale, dans un environnement tout sauf glamour. Garrett Leigh nous donne à voir des personnages souvent invisibles, des personnages parfois marginalisés, elle nous montre une réalité débarrassée de tout vernis rose paillettes. L'autre jour en voiture, je repensais à ce roman, et je suis fait la réflexion que Garrett Leigh était en quelque sorte à la littérature M/M ce que Ken Loach (un de mes réalisateurs préférés !) est au cinéma : les deux nous montrent la classe sociale ouvrière (ou approchante), nous montrent un quotidien dépourvu d'angélisme, des personnages à qui la vie ne fait pas de cadeau.
Billy et Gus ont morflé, chacun de leur côté. Au début du livre, on se miserait pas un kopek sur Billy, et pourtant ... Billy, en fait, il est comme Grey, son chat, comme un porc épic. Il grogne, crache et griffe, mais derrière toute cette façade bravache, c'est un jeune homme bon et gentil, cramé par la vie, qui ne sait plus comment faire pour avoir des relations normales.
Gus lui ... Ouhlala qu'est-ce que je l'ai aimé aussi, celui-ci ! Et qu'est-ce que j'ai aimé sa "rébellion" finale !
Leur histoire est très belle et émouvante, ils m'ont vraiment touchée tous les deux.
Ouais, j'ai vraiment été conquise par ce roman, j'ai adoré ces tranches de vie très britanniques, ces expressions typiquement british, cette plongée dans un monde rugueux, ce parfait équilibre de angst que j'aime trouver dans mes lectures (sans une souffritude et un spleen portés à l'extrême) et ça m'a donné furieusement envie de lire (ou relire) les tomes écrits par Garrett Leigh dans la série "Porthkennhak". ❤
Ce nouveau roman de Garrett Leigh est une petite merveille !
Autant certains éléments du premier tome ne m'avaient pas vraiment ravie, autant là, j'ai adoré ma lecture du début à la fin !
Garrett Leigh a vraiment un talent fou pour nous dépeindre des personnages cabossés par la vie, des personnages qui incarnent très bien le concept de résilience. Ce sont des personnages imparfaits, normaux, qui vivent une vie relativement banale, dans un environnement tout sauf glamour. Garrett Leigh nous donne à voir des personnages souvent invisibles, des personnages parfois marginalisés, elle nous montre une réalité débarrassée de tout vernis rose paillettes. L'autre jour en voiture, je repensais à ce roman, et je suis fait la réflexion que Garrett Leigh était en quelque sorte à la littérature M/M ce que Ken Loach (un de mes réalisateurs préférés !) est au cinéma : les deux nous montrent la classe sociale ouvrière (ou approchante), nous montrent un quotidien dépourvu d'angélisme, des personnages à qui la vie ne fait pas de cadeau.
Billy et Gus ont morflé, chacun de leur côté. Au début du livre, on se miserait pas un kopek sur Billy, et pourtant ... Billy, en fait, il est comme Grey, son chat, comme un porc épic. Il grogne, crache et griffe, mais derrière toute cette façade bravache, c'est un jeune homme bon et gentil, cramé par la vie, qui ne sait plus comment faire pour avoir des relations normales.
Gus lui ... Ouhlala qu'est-ce que je l'ai aimé aussi, celui-ci ! Et qu'est-ce que j'ai aimé sa "rébellion" finale !
Leur histoire est très belle et émouvante, ils m'ont vraiment touchée tous les deux.
Ouais, j'ai vraiment été conquise par ce roman, j'ai adoré ces tranches de vie très britanniques, ces expressions typiquement british, cette plongée dans un monde rugueux, ce parfait équilibre de angst que j'aime trouver dans mes lectures (sans une souffritude et un spleen portés à l'extrême) et ça m'a donné furieusement envie de lire (ou relire) les tomes écrits par Garrett Leigh dans la série "Porthkennhak". ❤
February 17, 2021
3.5 Stars!
I liked this book much better than book 1 where I didn't really care for any of the two characters(Mia. With this, I was very invested in the happiness of my MCs so much so that I wanted to shake Billy many many times while reading.
Why? Because Billy was a self proclaimed d*ck. In the first part of the book while he was still acting out, he was unnecessarily prickly and ridiculously unreasonable. Initially, he annoyed me to no end due to this but then I gradually realised that his attitude was to protect against the soft centre that he was hiding/protecting.
Gus, on the other hand was a sweetheart and a chill person. Unfortunately, he was using unsustainable measures to manage his loneliness and his laid back personality to cover any of the real emotions he felt due to past experiences.
This story was essentially about these two men finding their place in life by helping the other along right up to their HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book through its highs and lows ,even when I wanted to thump Billy for his immaturity. Lol
eARC Graciously Provided by Publisher in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased Review
I liked this book much better than book 1 where I didn't really care for any of the two characters(Mia. With this, I was very invested in the happiness of my MCs so much so that I wanted to shake Billy many many times while reading.
Why? Because Billy was a self proclaimed d*ck. In the first part of the book while he was still acting out, he was unnecessarily prickly and ridiculously unreasonable. Initially, he annoyed me to no end due to this but then I gradually realised that his attitude was to protect against the soft centre that he was hiding/protecting.
Gus, on the other hand was a sweetheart and a chill person. Unfortunately, he was using unsustainable measures to manage his loneliness and his laid back personality to cover any of the real emotions he felt due to past experiences.
This story was essentially about these two men finding their place in life by helping the other along right up to their HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book through its highs and lows ,even when I wanted to thump Billy for his immaturity. Lol
eARC Graciously Provided by Publisher in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased Review
February 16, 2021
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
I have not read the first book in this series but I honestly wasn't lost. The author gave enough back story that I was good. This book took awhile for me to get into but it was worth it. This book was rough, real and raw. I loved Billy and Gus, they both couldn't forget that one kiss. I can relate to that, I have that one thing I can't forget. These two are perfectly imperfect for each other and I enjoyed their journey. Highly recommend.
I have not read the first book in this series but I honestly wasn't lost. The author gave enough back story that I was good. This book took awhile for me to get into but it was worth it. This book was rough, real and raw. I loved Billy and Gus, they both couldn't forget that one kiss. I can relate to that, I have that one thing I can't forget. These two are perfectly imperfect for each other and I enjoyed their journey. Highly recommend.
May 13, 2023
3.25 🌟
January 26, 2021
4,5/5
Il me tardait de lire cette suite portant sur Gus et Billy, les frères respectifs de Mia et Luke.
Nous savons qu'il y a une histoire entre ces deux-là, quelque chose s'est passé des années en arrière. La distance, l’éloignement, ont fait que les deux hommes n'ont jamais eu à en discuter vraiment, ni mettre les choses à plat.
Seulement, le retour de Billy auprès de son frère et sa cohabitation avec Gus va tout changer.
Je ne sais pas par où commencer dans mon avis... La lecture de ce livre fut un vrai bonheur en fait pour moi.
L'auteur nous présente les choses telles qu'elles le sont, avec le bagage des deux hommes, la vie telle que nous la voyons tous les jours. Les non-dits, les remords, les choses qui nous bouffent.
Celle d'une sœur avec laquelle on peut être proche mais qui est partie vivre sa vie et revenue, celle d'un frère qui a perdu son frère, qui s'est cru abandonné suite à la mort d'un parent.
Toutes ces choses qui nous tombent dessus... Une cohabitation qui amènent deux hommes à repenser à un premier baiser torride, une proximité qui leur fait développer un sentiment d'amitié voir plus... Mais sans chercher à se compliquer la vie.
C'est ce que Garrett Leigh a fait dans ce livre. C'est une histoire qui va au-delà d'une simple romance entre deux hommes, même si cette romance est très belle. C'est une romance qui est juste j'ai envie de dire, sans chichi, sans ces choses qui me font papillonner normalement. Pour moi, c'est une romance hyper profonde, qui s'insinue petit à petit dans l'histoire, histoire que j'ai eu envie de relire dès la dernière ligne lue, tout simplement pour reprendre mon temps et revoir les petites choses que j'ai peut-être manqué entre Gus et Billy.
J'ai aimé Gus et Billy. J'ai été frappée en fait par leurs ressentis, leurs sentiments sur plein de choses en fait et je me suis reconnue en eux. Cette façon qu'ils ont de se cacher derrière une façade, chacun des deux à leur propre manière. Ce sont des personnages très différents, mais qui se ressemblent dans bien des façons. J'ai aimé me poser avec eux durant quelques heures, des heures durant lesquelles je me suis sentie apaisée en fait. J'ai aimé prendre mon temps avec eux tout simplement.
Je pense, je crois, que ce livre ne plaira pas forcément à tout le monde. Personnellement, j'ai accroché avec les personnages dès le début, j'ai ressenti cette connexion qui est indispensable dans ce genre de livre selon moi. J'aurais juste souhaité une fin peut-être un peu moins rapide, quelques pages supplémentaires n'auraient pas été de refus je dois dire ^^
Garrett Leigh nous offre encore une fois des personnages forts et bruts, comme elle sait le faire, elle a une telle façon de gérer et manier les émotions de Gus et Billy... Des personnages ancrés dans une réalité, celle du monde dans lequel on vit. Moi j'aime ça et ici j'ai juste adoré. Je surnote peut-être un peu, mais ce livre mérite grandement ces étoiles !
Merci Madame Leigh pour ce délicieux moment !
Il me tardait de lire cette suite portant sur Gus et Billy, les frères respectifs de Mia et Luke.
Nous savons qu'il y a une histoire entre ces deux-là, quelque chose s'est passé des années en arrière. La distance, l’éloignement, ont fait que les deux hommes n'ont jamais eu à en discuter vraiment, ni mettre les choses à plat.
Seulement, le retour de Billy auprès de son frère et sa cohabitation avec Gus va tout changer.
Je ne sais pas par où commencer dans mon avis... La lecture de ce livre fut un vrai bonheur en fait pour moi.
L'auteur nous présente les choses telles qu'elles le sont, avec le bagage des deux hommes, la vie telle que nous la voyons tous les jours. Les non-dits, les remords, les choses qui nous bouffent.
Celle d'une sœur avec laquelle on peut être proche mais qui est partie vivre sa vie et revenue, celle d'un frère qui a perdu son frère, qui s'est cru abandonné suite à la mort d'un parent.
Toutes ces choses qui nous tombent dessus... Une cohabitation qui amènent deux hommes à repenser à un premier baiser torride, une proximité qui leur fait développer un sentiment d'amitié voir plus... Mais sans chercher à se compliquer la vie.
C'est ce que Garrett Leigh a fait dans ce livre. C'est une histoire qui va au-delà d'une simple romance entre deux hommes, même si cette romance est très belle. C'est une romance qui est juste j'ai envie de dire, sans chichi, sans ces choses qui me font papillonner normalement. Pour moi, c'est une romance hyper profonde, qui s'insinue petit à petit dans l'histoire, histoire que j'ai eu envie de relire dès la dernière ligne lue, tout simplement pour reprendre mon temps et revoir les petites choses que j'ai peut-être manqué entre Gus et Billy.
J'ai aimé Gus et Billy. J'ai été frappée en fait par leurs ressentis, leurs sentiments sur plein de choses en fait et je me suis reconnue en eux. Cette façon qu'ils ont de se cacher derrière une façade, chacun des deux à leur propre manière. Ce sont des personnages très différents, mais qui se ressemblent dans bien des façons. J'ai aimé me poser avec eux durant quelques heures, des heures durant lesquelles je me suis sentie apaisée en fait. J'ai aimé prendre mon temps avec eux tout simplement.
Je pense, je crois, que ce livre ne plaira pas forcément à tout le monde. Personnellement, j'ai accroché avec les personnages dès le début, j'ai ressenti cette connexion qui est indispensable dans ce genre de livre selon moi. J'aurais juste souhaité une fin peut-être un peu moins rapide, quelques pages supplémentaires n'auraient pas été de refus je dois dire ^^
Garrett Leigh nous offre encore une fois des personnages forts et bruts, comme elle sait le faire, elle a une telle façon de gérer et manier les émotions de Gus et Billy... Des personnages ancrés dans une réalité, celle du monde dans lequel on vit. Moi j'aime ça et ici j'ai juste adoré. Je surnote peut-être un peu, mais ce livre mérite grandement ces étoiles !
Merci Madame Leigh pour ce délicieux moment !
February 24, 2021
A second chance romance, Unforgotten is book 2 in the Forgiven. I enjoyed this story, Gus and Billy were believable characters and storyline was engaging. I will read more by this author
February 17, 2021
UNFORGOTTEN is the second book in the Forgiven series, and this time, the focus is on the brothers - Luke's brother, Billy, and Mia's brother, Gus. They both had a moment in the past, and neither of them has forgotten about it. So what will happen when they start sharing a house and working together?
This is what I would call a high-angst book. There is not a page where there isn't some form of trouble, whether it's between Luke and Billy, Gus and Mia, Luke and Mia, or Billy and Gus! And, oh, for the love of god, will someone please explain how a conversation works to these people?
As with book one, I found this to be brilliantly written, but I was just unable to connect with the characters as I wanted to. Mia still annoys me. I can feel my teeth grinding whenever she is in a scene. I think there was only one where she behaved in a more compassionate way.
I feel this book was better than book one, but I still prefer other books by this author. If you are after a contemporary romance with high angst, then I can definitely recommend this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is what I would call a high-angst book. There is not a page where there isn't some form of trouble, whether it's between Luke and Billy, Gus and Mia, Luke and Mia, or Billy and Gus! And, oh, for the love of god, will someone please explain how a conversation works to these people?
As with book one, I found this to be brilliantly written, but I was just unable to connect with the characters as I wanted to. Mia still annoys me. I can feel my teeth grinding whenever she is in a scene. I think there was only one where she behaved in a more compassionate way.
I feel this book was better than book one, but I still prefer other books by this author. If you are after a contemporary romance with high angst, then I can definitely recommend this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
January 14, 2021
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Unforgotten is the second book in Garrett Leigh's Forgiven series. Even though its part of a series I feel it can be read as a stand alone and if you're a fan off m/m romances I would recommend this one.
If you read my review of book one, Forgiven, you'll know I was not pleased with it but Wow the m/m genre is obviously where Garrett Leigh knows how to shine. I loved this one, and I don't even know where to start. Not that this book doesn't fit into the vibe or setting of the series, but it's just done so well compared to book one.
"When it came to Billy. He was my kryptonite, the face that could never be faceless. If we never kissed again, he'd still be the only one I remembered."
I loved both of Unforgotten's leading men. Gus was a peacemaker , who kept his hurt and anger inside and didn't let it leak out and effect those around him. Billy, oh my precious Billy, he was a mess but against everyone always thinking the worst of him he was really trying dispite that. The man had the sweetest relationship with his cat, that alone should tell you the type of person he was inside even if it was buried under layers of hurt. Gus and Billy built a friendship while living together, a relationship that included angst and sexual tension. I looked forward to every smile Gus pulled out Billy and don't get me started on the amount of cuddling (happy sigh). I'm fixating on the sweet parts, but their journey wasn't smooth. Gus didn't want to get in too deep with his best friends brother and ruin things for their healing relationship. Billy didn't think he was deserving of Gus' love. That led to some hot and cold whiplash from Gus and as well as a few miscommunications, but through it all I was routing for them.
"I couldn't find the words to explain how much my desire for him scared me. That the race of my heart was so terrifying I didn't know what with it. Being with him brought me to life in ways that were brand new."
Like the previous book, we have two characters who don't handle their emotions in the healthiest way. Gus used the Grindr hook ups to distract himself from the thoughts in his head while Billy used fights and confrontation as a distraction. However unlike the previous book, the relationship wasn't filled with constant hateful words and anger. Unlike the last book, this also had a satisfying ending, it wasn't a big out of nowhere unbelievable drama, and it fit into the storyline.
Unforgotten is full of angst and fire but also tender moments and family. I'm glad that I gave Garrett Leigh's writing another shot because I'll be keeping an eye out for her future m/m releases and will be checking out her back list.
Unforgotten is the second book in Garrett Leigh's Forgiven series. Even though its part of a series I feel it can be read as a stand alone and if you're a fan off m/m romances I would recommend this one.
If you read my review of book one, Forgiven, you'll know I was not pleased with it but Wow the m/m genre is obviously where Garrett Leigh knows how to shine. I loved this one, and I don't even know where to start. Not that this book doesn't fit into the vibe or setting of the series, but it's just done so well compared to book one.
"When it came to Billy. He was my kryptonite, the face that could never be faceless. If we never kissed again, he'd still be the only one I remembered."
I loved both of Unforgotten's leading men. Gus was a peacemaker , who kept his hurt and anger inside and didn't let it leak out and effect those around him. Billy, oh my precious Billy, he was a mess but against everyone always thinking the worst of him he was really trying dispite that. The man had the sweetest relationship with his cat, that alone should tell you the type of person he was inside even if it was buried under layers of hurt. Gus and Billy built a friendship while living together, a relationship that included angst and sexual tension. I looked forward to every smile Gus pulled out Billy and don't get me started on the amount of cuddling (happy sigh). I'm fixating on the sweet parts, but their journey wasn't smooth. Gus didn't want to get in too deep with his best friends brother and ruin things for their healing relationship. Billy didn't think he was deserving of Gus' love. That led to some hot and cold whiplash from Gus and as well as a few miscommunications, but through it all I was routing for them.
"I couldn't find the words to explain how much my desire for him scared me. That the race of my heart was so terrifying I didn't know what with it. Being with him brought me to life in ways that were brand new."
Like the previous book, we have two characters who don't handle their emotions in the healthiest way. Gus used the Grindr hook ups to distract himself from the thoughts in his head while Billy used fights and confrontation as a distraction. However unlike the previous book, the relationship wasn't filled with constant hateful words and anger. Unlike the last book, this also had a satisfying ending, it wasn't a big out of nowhere unbelievable drama, and it fit into the storyline.
Unforgotten is full of angst and fire but also tender moments and family. I'm glad that I gave Garrett Leigh's writing another shot because I'll be keeping an eye out for her future m/m releases and will be checking out her back list.
February 12, 2021
*I received the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*
For the first book in the series (Forgiven) I was struggling between giving it 4 or 5 stars. Unforgotten? No doubt about definitely giving it all five amazing stars. The book was, like all Garrett Leigh’s books I’ve read so far, FUCKING AMAZING.
And I know I said that for the other book, and this book also has *some* angst in it…and near-death experience, but goddammit, the first book that I read by Leigh was What Remains so I have a different measure for angst in her books than I have for many, many, many other writers 😀
Luke and Mia have frequent appearances, of course, as they are the only family either of the guys have (or at least have around). I don’t think that it is necessary to read Forgiven first (and especially not if you dislike MF romance), and Unforgotten can be understood easily without it, but the lack of knowledge of Mia and Luke’s dynamic might somewhat impact the book.
I loved Gus and Billy. They are such oblivious guys in a way and Billy sure is a hell of a drama queen. But with his history, it kind of makes sense. Gus, though, is that kind of the guy who is terminally friendly, bottling up his own feelings for months, even years. And then the inevitable explosion happens.
I adored that however Billy was painted in either of the books (especially in the first one, it gave a much worse image of Billy – it made sense though as Luke barely knew his brother anymore), he was not *always* a rebel in all the things (I will not spoil what it was but it made me chuckle), and that he was such an animal lover. I mean, he had the cat, Grey, and the dog incident? AMAZING. I hated the police’s reaction because it was cruel (but I guess the law is the law), and also how the dog incident was handled by the Amour siblings. I am very vague here because I do not want to spoil it.
I wanted to smack their heads together and tell them to communicate, until a near-death experience did that for me. And I was so grateful that they finally got their shit together, and then lived happily ever after with a cat…or two.
I loved this book so much (and as said, more than Forgiven, but that might just be on me not being used to reading MF romances) and I want to yell about how much I adored it.
For the first book in the series (Forgiven) I was struggling between giving it 4 or 5 stars. Unforgotten? No doubt about definitely giving it all five amazing stars. The book was, like all Garrett Leigh’s books I’ve read so far, FUCKING AMAZING.
And I know I said that for the other book, and this book also has *some* angst in it…and near-death experience, but goddammit, the first book that I read by Leigh was What Remains so I have a different measure for angst in her books than I have for many, many, many other writers 😀
Luke and Mia have frequent appearances, of course, as they are the only family either of the guys have (or at least have around). I don’t think that it is necessary to read Forgiven first (and especially not if you dislike MF romance), and Unforgotten can be understood easily without it, but the lack of knowledge of Mia and Luke’s dynamic might somewhat impact the book.
I loved Gus and Billy. They are such oblivious guys in a way and Billy sure is a hell of a drama queen. But with his history, it kind of makes sense. Gus, though, is that kind of the guy who is terminally friendly, bottling up his own feelings for months, even years. And then the inevitable explosion happens.
I adored that however Billy was painted in either of the books (especially in the first one, it gave a much worse image of Billy – it made sense though as Luke barely knew his brother anymore), he was not *always* a rebel in all the things (I will not spoil what it was but it made me chuckle), and that he was such an animal lover. I mean, he had the cat, Grey, and the dog incident? AMAZING. I hated the police’s reaction because it was cruel (but I guess the law is the law), and also how the dog incident was handled by the Amour siblings. I am very vague here because I do not want to spoil it.
I wanted to smack their heads together and tell them to communicate, until a near-death experience did that for me. And I was so grateful that they finally got their shit together, and then lived happily ever after with a cat…or two.
I loved this book so much (and as said, more than Forgiven, but that might just be on me not being used to reading MF romances) and I want to yell about how much I adored it.
February 8, 2021
4.5 Stars
Unforgotten is a wonderful second chance romance by Garrett Leigh. Although the second book in the Forgiven series, it's easily read as a standalone, despite it's multiple issues addressed from book one.
Billy and Gus. We met them back in Forgiven, book one, but now we get their story, which is entertaining and emotional.
Both Billy and Gus are dealing with long held pain from their pasts. They have to deal with sibling issues, grief, and more. The issues with their siblings are originally developed in book one. Both men have resentment and pain over their relationships with their siblings. It's definitely a tough road ahead to get to some understanding and forgiveness.
Billy's the bad boy, who went down the wrong path and hung out with the wrong people. Now he's back in town; jobless, homeless, and looking to rebuild his life.
As for Gus, he's committed to hook ups only, holding himself back from getting hurt again. He's seriously still scarred from a drunken kiss with Billy years ago. But he agrees to help out Billy and offers him a room in his house. Cue the fun.
My favorite part of this story is Billy's struggle to get both a second chance at love and at life. It's never easy to overcome a bad past, especially in a small town. The author excels in illustrating this struggle. Billy's past still haunts him, as everyone assumes the worst of him. It's a tough thing to deal with. For all involved. I love the way this is carried out.
As for the romance, together these men just work. Complete opposites with a lot of baggage, they work well to help each other drop their walls and learn to trust. Their connection is intense and full of heat. Together, both men learn to deal with the expectations of others and to live for themselves.
I enjoy the storylines from this author in general. And this book is no different. Everything works for me. The depth of the characters, the complexity of their journey, and the characters' voices. It's all well done, making for an enjoyable read.
Unforgotten is a great story of second chances. Garrett Leigh takes these men through a whole lot of forgiveness and healing in this romance.
Unforgotten is a wonderful second chance romance by Garrett Leigh. Although the second book in the Forgiven series, it's easily read as a standalone, despite it's multiple issues addressed from book one.
Billy and Gus. We met them back in Forgiven, book one, but now we get their story, which is entertaining and emotional.
Both Billy and Gus are dealing with long held pain from their pasts. They have to deal with sibling issues, grief, and more. The issues with their siblings are originally developed in book one. Both men have resentment and pain over their relationships with their siblings. It's definitely a tough road ahead to get to some understanding and forgiveness.
Billy's the bad boy, who went down the wrong path and hung out with the wrong people. Now he's back in town; jobless, homeless, and looking to rebuild his life.
As for Gus, he's committed to hook ups only, holding himself back from getting hurt again. He's seriously still scarred from a drunken kiss with Billy years ago. But he agrees to help out Billy and offers him a room in his house. Cue the fun.
My favorite part of this story is Billy's struggle to get both a second chance at love and at life. It's never easy to overcome a bad past, especially in a small town. The author excels in illustrating this struggle. Billy's past still haunts him, as everyone assumes the worst of him. It's a tough thing to deal with. For all involved. I love the way this is carried out.
As for the romance, together these men just work. Complete opposites with a lot of baggage, they work well to help each other drop their walls and learn to trust. Their connection is intense and full of heat. Together, both men learn to deal with the expectations of others and to live for themselves.
I enjoy the storylines from this author in general. And this book is no different. Everything works for me. The depth of the characters, the complexity of their journey, and the characters' voices. It's all well done, making for an enjoyable read.
Unforgotten is a great story of second chances. Garrett Leigh takes these men through a whole lot of forgiveness and healing in this romance.
February 27, 2021
Normally I love Garrett Leigh, but this book was absolute garbage.
It started out ok and then went rapidly downhill with every new interaction the characters had.
I hated every single one of those insufferable, bland characters, none of the scenarios made any sense (a head in jury and carbon monoxide poisoning and then the character was just fine???? Make it make sense), and for once even a good friends-to-lovers-with-a-ton-of-miscommunication trope couldn’t save it.
Leigh’s usually beautiful writing was missing, and if I have to read the word “mofo” or “cos” in a book with two adult mc’s ever again I’m going to give up reading completely.
Two characters almost f***ing died and all the other characters cared about was probing into their relationship and their sex lives. It was borderline creepy every time the mc’s sister brought up his sex life and just plain uncomfortable when it was the first thing she talked about when he woke up in hospital. I’d planned on reading mia’s book next but she’s so obnoxious I don’t think I’ll bother putting myself through 300+ pages of her shitty personality.
All in all I’m tired of reading the same cookie cutter characters recycled in each of her new books with only minor adjustments to their personalties, and only different settings to set their stories apart. Don’t get me wrong I’m not expecting a romance book to have some kind of intricately complicated plot and characters that could rival those from a five-part fleshed out series, all I’m asking for is characters who aren’t all the goddamn same. Romance is character driven, and if your characters are blander than my cooking, I’m just not going to be able to justify buying the same book over and over. At this point it’s just lazy writing and I’m tired of reading it.
I am giving it a one star though because there was a cool cat.
It started out ok and then went rapidly downhill with every new interaction the characters had.
I hated every single one of those insufferable, bland characters, none of the scenarios made any sense (a head in jury and carbon monoxide poisoning and then the character was just fine???? Make it make sense), and for once even a good friends-to-lovers-with-a-ton-of-miscommunication trope couldn’t save it.
Leigh’s usually beautiful writing was missing, and if I have to read the word “mofo” or “cos” in a book with two adult mc’s ever again I’m going to give up reading completely.
Two characters almost f***ing died and all the other characters cared about was probing into their relationship and their sex lives. It was borderline creepy every time the mc’s sister brought up his sex life and just plain uncomfortable when it was the first thing she talked about when he woke up in hospital. I’d planned on reading mia’s book next but she’s so obnoxious I don’t think I’ll bother putting myself through 300+ pages of her shitty personality.
All in all I’m tired of reading the same cookie cutter characters recycled in each of her new books with only minor adjustments to their personalties, and only different settings to set their stories apart. Don’t get me wrong I’m not expecting a romance book to have some kind of intricately complicated plot and characters that could rival those from a five-part fleshed out series, all I’m asking for is characters who aren’t all the goddamn same. Romance is character driven, and if your characters are blander than my cooking, I’m just not going to be able to justify buying the same book over and over. At this point it’s just lazy writing and I’m tired of reading it.
I am giving it a one star though because there was a cool cat.
December 22, 2020
When I read the first book in the Forgiven Series by Garrett Leigh, Forgiven, I couldn't wait to get stuck into the second book in the series. We had met Gus and in a much smaller way, Billy, in that first book and I had a feeling that I was going to enjoy reading about them. I was not wrong.
Billy has had a difficult time, drifting from place to place and getting himself into all kinds of trouble. He's a damaged young man after the death of his father and feeling that his older brother Luke abandoned him. In many was Gus seems to have everything sorted, but he's experienced much of the same pain and difficulties that Gus has been faced with. Together they begin to heal and put old demons to bed.
I loved the interactions between Gus and Billy. I think that they worked particularly well as it wasn't the case that one had to fix the other, just that together they were able to deal with their own problems.
This was a great read and I really enjoyed joining this family again as they sort themselves out and fall in love. I don't know if there will be further instalments in this series or it will remain as a duet of books. Either way, it's a satisfying and enjoyable read and I'd highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Billy has had a difficult time, drifting from place to place and getting himself into all kinds of trouble. He's a damaged young man after the death of his father and feeling that his older brother Luke abandoned him. In many was Gus seems to have everything sorted, but he's experienced much of the same pain and difficulties that Gus has been faced with. Together they begin to heal and put old demons to bed.
I loved the interactions between Gus and Billy. I think that they worked particularly well as it wasn't the case that one had to fix the other, just that together they were able to deal with their own problems.
This was a great read and I really enjoyed joining this family again as they sort themselves out and fall in love. I don't know if there will be further instalments in this series or it will remain as a duet of books. Either way, it's a satisfying and enjoyable read and I'd highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 17, 2021
I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Garrett Leigh, and this was no exception. It’s wonderfully emotional, raw in places, and doesn’t pull punches. I fell in love with Billy and Gus immediately and became invested in wanting them to reach their HEA.
Billy and Gus are both layered characters. They’re dealing with grief in their own ways, and neither of them very successfully. Although Billy is the one who has been through a lot physically, and on the outside looks like he’s made a mess of his life, Gus isn’t doing much better, although he keeps everything bottled up inside, fearful that everyone, including Billy, will leave him. I wanted to sit these guys down and make them talk to each other properly in several places in the story, as the miscommunication trope kicks in and used very well to keep them apart.
I loved the way they finally figured out, or rather shoved their denial to one side, what they truly meant to each other. It’s wonderfully angsty with plenty of hurt/comfort.
The supporting cast are great, and I love that they’re all connected as family, with Gus’s sister, Mia, and Billy’s brother, Luke, playing a huge part in the storyline, as well as being a couple. I liked how the story is not only about Gus and Billy’s friendship and romance, but their slowly mending fences with the other important people in their lives. Grey, Billy’s cat, needs a mention as he’s also an integral part of the story.
The glimpse into their lives three months later is perfect.
Billy and Gus are both layered characters. They’re dealing with grief in their own ways, and neither of them very successfully. Although Billy is the one who has been through a lot physically, and on the outside looks like he’s made a mess of his life, Gus isn’t doing much better, although he keeps everything bottled up inside, fearful that everyone, including Billy, will leave him. I wanted to sit these guys down and make them talk to each other properly in several places in the story, as the miscommunication trope kicks in and used very well to keep them apart.
I loved the way they finally figured out, or rather shoved their denial to one side, what they truly meant to each other. It’s wonderfully angsty with plenty of hurt/comfort.
The supporting cast are great, and I love that they’re all connected as family, with Gus’s sister, Mia, and Billy’s brother, Luke, playing a huge part in the storyline, as well as being a couple. I liked how the story is not only about Gus and Billy’s friendship and romance, but their slowly mending fences with the other important people in their lives. Grey, Billy’s cat, needs a mention as he’s also an integral part of the story.
The glimpse into their lives three months later is perfect.
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