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Cornish pastry chef Seb Wright dreads the summer tourist season. The cash injection to his artisan fudge pantry is more than welcome, the extra work, less so. Then one summer, a shadowy Good Samaritan catches his eye. Irish Traveller Dex is bewitching, a beautiful sullen enigma who turns Seb's world upside down until he disappears in the night, vanishing like a mystical summer rain.
Twelve months later Dex is in the midst of a dark storm. A slave to his master, 'Uncle' Braden, he spends his days cleaning caravans and his nights working in Braden's other businesses. His short summer with Seb seems a lifetime ago. Lost in the savage violence of the murky underworld, he doesn't dare dream he'll ever find his way back, until one night, a brutal crime opens the door for a chance escape. A new life beckons, old faces emerge, and immersed in the heady vibe of London’s East End, new love begins to heal his fractured heart.
Twelve months later Dex is in the midst of a dark storm. A slave to his master, 'Uncle' Braden, he spends his days cleaning caravans and his nights working in Braden's other businesses. His short summer with Seb seems a lifetime ago. Lost in the savage violence of the murky underworld, he doesn't dare dream he'll ever find his way back, until one night, a brutal crime opens the door for a chance escape. A new life beckons, old faces emerge, and immersed in the heady vibe of London’s East End, new love begins to heal his fractured heart.
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First published October 27, 2014
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About the author
Garrett Leigh
94 books2,399 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 290 reviews
December 27, 2022
Ouch. Wow. Garrett must own a double-edged pen. I found myself in equal agony and bliss during this novel. It hurt. But it hurt sooo good. I knew from the start the angst was going to batter me, but I counted on past experiences with Leigh’s stories to see me through to the three-hankie end. I was not let down.
I’m going to spill a little something. If you really don’t want to know, close your eyes quick! The blurb notes a slave and a master. Please understand this is not in the bedroom or a willful BDSM choice. Our young Dex is a victim of human trafficking. *blinks* Yeah, I was stunned as well. If you look at the statistics, you’ll see they are horrifying. Too often our society turns a blind eye to this form of modern-day slavery. I’m not surprised fearless Leigh pulls this sickening crime from the shadows and into the limelight but I found myself in awe of her yet again.
Dex was sold at a tender age and has lived daily nightmares ever since. The mental anguish and torment he has suffered, along with the physical and sexual abuse should have broken him. It nearly did. He is bound with invisible chains and convinced he will never be free. He is a shell of the man he’s meant to be. But he’s not an empty shell. His heart remains intact and continues to beat, forcing him into existence even when his mind betrays him. And then one summer he meets a man and is gifted with a glimpse of another life. A life beyond his wildest fantasies. This vision of Seb will all his strength and kindness and affections satisfies a hunger he was oblivious to. Though he may not know it, Seb ignites a spark of will in Dex.
A year later, their paths cross again and this time Dex realizes fate is trying to tell him something. He wants to listen…but the question is, can he?
What's to like: I like everything about Garrett’s writing. I enjoyed visiting the quaint seaside village and then moving to London. The essence of this story lies within our two MC’s but the secondary cast is far from insignificant. And the food? Oh my! Seb in his fudge shop and then the rest of his delectable treats contributed a lovely dose of sweetness. You don’t have to be a foodie to appreciate the savvy kitchen know-how. There’s a lot of good stuff going on, but even more than that, here’s what I love….
What's to love: Sometimes I feel like a passive reader and stories gently wash over me. And then I open one of Leigh’s books and I instantly become an active reader. Her words force physical reactions from me; I hold my breath with anticipation, I flinch from the pain and I melt from the tenderness. I immerse myself completely in the story and I’m bone weary by the end. I absolutely love it when this happens. Dex and Seb owned me. I was completely at their mercy. And though I was intoxicated on feels by the end, I grieved the final pages. What I wouldn’t give for more!
Beware of: A messy read. My eyes were leaking, my nose was running and my mouth was watering. I was a straight up mess! And as I mentioned before, the abuse Dex suffers is hellacious but please don’t let this deter you from knowing and loving him. He is worth it. Ask Seb!
This book is for: If you crave an emotional angst-ridden story, this tale about a boy with a beautiful heart fighting for a chance to live and love is the very thing you need.
*4.5 stars*
Book UNfunk
I’m going to spill a little something. If you really don’t want to know, close your eyes quick! The blurb notes a slave and a master. Please understand this is not in the bedroom or a willful BDSM choice. Our young Dex is a victim of human trafficking. *blinks* Yeah, I was stunned as well. If you look at the statistics, you’ll see they are horrifying. Too often our society turns a blind eye to this form of modern-day slavery. I’m not surprised fearless Leigh pulls this sickening crime from the shadows and into the limelight but I found myself in awe of her yet again.
Dex was sold at a tender age and has lived daily nightmares ever since. The mental anguish and torment he has suffered, along with the physical and sexual abuse should have broken him. It nearly did. He is bound with invisible chains and convinced he will never be free. He is a shell of the man he’s meant to be. But he’s not an empty shell. His heart remains intact and continues to beat, forcing him into existence even when his mind betrays him. And then one summer he meets a man and is gifted with a glimpse of another life. A life beyond his wildest fantasies. This vision of Seb will all his strength and kindness and affections satisfies a hunger he was oblivious to. Though he may not know it, Seb ignites a spark of will in Dex.
A year later, their paths cross again and this time Dex realizes fate is trying to tell him something. He wants to listen…but the question is, can he?
What's to like: I like everything about Garrett’s writing. I enjoyed visiting the quaint seaside village and then moving to London. The essence of this story lies within our two MC’s but the secondary cast is far from insignificant. And the food? Oh my! Seb in his fudge shop and then the rest of his delectable treats contributed a lovely dose of sweetness. You don’t have to be a foodie to appreciate the savvy kitchen know-how. There’s a lot of good stuff going on, but even more than that, here’s what I love….
What's to love: Sometimes I feel like a passive reader and stories gently wash over me. And then I open one of Leigh’s books and I instantly become an active reader. Her words force physical reactions from me; I hold my breath with anticipation, I flinch from the pain and I melt from the tenderness. I immerse myself completely in the story and I’m bone weary by the end. I absolutely love it when this happens. Dex and Seb owned me. I was completely at their mercy. And though I was intoxicated on feels by the end, I grieved the final pages. What I wouldn’t give for more!
Beware of: A messy read. My eyes were leaking, my nose was running and my mouth was watering. I was a straight up mess! And as I mentioned before, the abuse Dex suffers is hellacious but please don’t let this deter you from knowing and loving him. He is worth it. Ask Seb!
This book is for: If you crave an emotional angst-ridden story, this tale about a boy with a beautiful heart fighting for a chance to live and love is the very thing you need.
*4.5 stars*
Book UNfunk
October 27, 2020
I liked both MCs, especially Dex, and their relationship was sweet.
What I didn't like were the things that happened to Dex while he was with Braden. I expected some kind of violence, as it is mentioned in the blurb, but this was too much for me.
Also, I wish we were shown more of how Seb's and Dex's relationship progressed, rather than just told.
What I didn't like were the things that happened to Dex while he was with Braden. I expected some kind of violence, as it is mentioned in the blurb, but this was too much for me.
Also, I wish we were shown more of how Seb's and Dex's relationship progressed, rather than just told.
November 9, 2017
**** 4.5 Stars ****
There is something about GL writing ... something that is so compelling and kind of wonderful. Reading her stories takes me to warm places and leaves me with fluttering feelings and dreamy eyes. I dare to say, and I mean no offense, that she's a female version of SH, what she writes is so earthly, real and easy to relate.
I don't know how GL does it. Her books have a heavy aura that could be depressing, but all I feel when reading them, it's comfort, a sensation of being back home after a long trip away. And I love what I feel <3
What to say about this story?
It's not the first time a book makes me realize how many things in life I take for granted.
But it's the first time I am considering freedom. Something essentially basic, yet a few of us are horribly deprived of it.
I know we could make, in a blink, a list of what we think it's the secret to happiness, but what good would they do if we were not free?
A beautiful and moving story.
There is something about GL writing ... something that is so compelling and kind of wonderful. Reading her stories takes me to warm places and leaves me with fluttering feelings and dreamy eyes. I dare to say, and I mean no offense, that she's a female version of SH, what she writes is so earthly, real and easy to relate.
I don't know how GL does it. Her books have a heavy aura that could be depressing, but all I feel when reading them, it's comfort, a sensation of being back home after a long trip away. And I love what I feel <3
What to say about this story?
It's not the first time a book makes me realize how many things in life I take for granted.
But it's the first time I am considering freedom. Something essentially basic, yet a few of us are horribly deprived of it.
I know we could make, in a blink, a list of what we think it's the secret to happiness, but what good would they do if we were not free?
A beautiful and moving story.
December 10, 2018
DNF @ 50%
I couldn't feel the MCs' connection IF there was any because so far it wasn't imo! Considering all the good reviews maybe it was just me and not the book! So don't listen to me and read it, hope you enjoy it more than me!
I couldn't feel the MCs' connection IF there was any because so far it wasn't imo! Considering all the good reviews maybe it was just me and not the book! So don't listen to me and read it, hope you enjoy it more than me!
February 11, 2025
Even the tiniest hint of hurt/comfort actually causes me to be moved to tears. The plot of this book is actually made for it. Why didn't I shed a tear?
It's really easy to make me cry. Dex is abused several times in different ways in this story. So why did I develop almost zero feeling for him?
I've been thinking about how to deal with this for two days now. Is it the book's fault? I really like the author's style and I'm sure I've had my tissues in use with stories by this author.
Am I broken? Have my eyes suddenly dried out? No, I use eye drops anyway and I read another story at the same time that made me cry, even though there wasn't really anything to cry about.
I can only blame it on Dex. He's a very strong main character who takes his life as it is. He doesn't see much point in complaining that he was sold as a slave by his parents, that he is forced into prostitution or that he is constantly beaten or starved.
Admirable. And I'm also a bit glad that he's portrayed in this way, otherwise the story might have been too heavy for me.
However, and this is unfortunately my only problem, I miss the connection and I can only explain it by the fact that Dex is the way he is.
Which is not to say he's unemotional or cold. He really is a standout character for this story. Passionate and clever. He knows how to survive, and he knows when he can be happy.
Or maybe Seb is to blame? The second main character somehow lacks depth, I think. Only at the very end do you get a better insight into his emotional world and the love he feels for Dex. Maybe that's too late for the book.
I can't get over the fact that passages like this one didn't make me cry.
He wanted to climb inside Seb and never come out, but the words weren’t there. Seb’s gaze didn’t waver… it never had, but Dex had to look away. He wasn’t worthy of the emotion in Seb’s eyes. He didn’t deserve it. ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: slavery, prostitution, beatings, starving, badly treated horses, death of a horse, murder of people, unknowingly drugged, alcohol consumption, Dex's age is unclear, he also lies about it when the MCs first meet and have sex, he's probably 18???
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
Kinks: both are vers
It's really easy to make me cry. Dex is abused several times in different ways in this story. So why did I develop almost zero feeling for him?
I've been thinking about how to deal with this for two days now. Is it the book's fault? I really like the author's style and I'm sure I've had my tissues in use with stories by this author.
Am I broken? Have my eyes suddenly dried out? No, I use eye drops anyway and I read another story at the same time that made me cry, even though there wasn't really anything to cry about.
I can only blame it on Dex. He's a very strong main character who takes his life as it is. He doesn't see much point in complaining that he was sold as a slave by his parents, that he is forced into prostitution or that he is constantly beaten or starved.
Admirable. And I'm also a bit glad that he's portrayed in this way, otherwise the story might have been too heavy for me.
However, and this is unfortunately my only problem, I miss the connection and I can only explain it by the fact that Dex is the way he is.
Which is not to say he's unemotional or cold. He really is a standout character for this story. Passionate and clever. He knows how to survive, and he knows when he can be happy.
Or maybe Seb is to blame? The second main character somehow lacks depth, I think. Only at the very end do you get a better insight into his emotional world and the love he feels for Dex. Maybe that's too late for the book.
I can't get over the fact that passages like this one didn't make me cry.
He wanted to climb inside Seb and never come out, but the words weren’t there. Seb’s gaze didn’t waver… it never had, but Dex had to look away. He wasn’t worthy of the emotion in Seb’s eyes. He didn’t deserve it. ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: slavery, prostitution, beatings, starving, badly treated horses, death of a horse, murder of people, unknowingly drugged, alcohol consumption, Dex's age is unclear, he also lies about it when the MCs first meet and have sex, he's probably 18???
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
Kinks: both are vers
November 5, 2014
5 HUGE STARS... This is without doubt her finest work to date! Just Beautiful!
It’s been twelve months since Garrett Leigh appeared on the M/M scene as a debut author, completely WOWING me with her first book Slide. She’s packed a lot into this last year and her novels are truly outstanding, there is a familiarity for me to her writing and from the very first page, this book stole my heart. This is without doubt Garrett Leigh’s finest work to date! The prose is beautiful, the words ebb and flow effortlessly and tore at my very soul, I was moved to tears by the sheer magnitude of the raw emotion contained within the pages of this book… It hurts, as in, real pain in your chest and ugly tears hurt… but, at the same time there is so much joy to be had through the experience, It’s filled with hope, understanding, compassion and… my god, the courage and strength of Dex, who throughout it all remains such a sensitive and sweet boy, prevailing, despite all he endures. This is my book, I think Garrett Leigh wrote this just for me… it’s all mine, honestly, I’m not kidding, I almost don’t want to share it’s perfection, I want to keep Seb and Dex all to myself and enjoy them over and over again. Stand with them through the bad times, fight to the death if I have to, to protect Dex and bask in the sublimeness of what can be realised when you truly have heart…
You can read the rest of my review over at Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
It’s been twelve months since Garrett Leigh appeared on the M/M scene as a debut author, completely WOWING me with her first book Slide. She’s packed a lot into this last year and her novels are truly outstanding, there is a familiarity for me to her writing and from the very first page, this book stole my heart. This is without doubt Garrett Leigh’s finest work to date! The prose is beautiful, the words ebb and flow effortlessly and tore at my very soul, I was moved to tears by the sheer magnitude of the raw emotion contained within the pages of this book… It hurts, as in, real pain in your chest and ugly tears hurt… but, at the same time there is so much joy to be had through the experience, It’s filled with hope, understanding, compassion and… my god, the courage and strength of Dex, who throughout it all remains such a sensitive and sweet boy, prevailing, despite all he endures. This is my book, I think Garrett Leigh wrote this just for me… it’s all mine, honestly, I’m not kidding, I almost don’t want to share it’s perfection, I want to keep Seb and Dex all to myself and enjoy them over and over again. Stand with them through the bad times, fight to the death if I have to, to protect Dex and bask in the sublimeness of what can be realised when you truly have heart…
You can read the rest of my review over at Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
July 16, 2015
I fell for Chicago once and now I want to revisit London, even it being that expensive and rainy!
I once told my mother my first option for my "arranged marriage" is a chef *wink, wink*.
And after reading this book I realized I was so so SO right! It's the best relationship, he cooks and I eat! She better beings searching him. I'm growing impatient!
I began this dear year with a GL's book, Slide, and now I'm going to say goodbye to it and I believe I'll find another awesome author to drool over during 365 days. Sometimes the right book is written at the right time and it becomes a little gem for me. But as gems are rare so are great books. I'd like to say "This is the best GL's novel so far" with all my heart but that would be a lie.
The style is hers, there is no doubt about it. Sometimes I get upset at her habit of skipping scenes and periods of time. A few of them they are portrayed in flashbacks a little later. But my annoyance doesn't last long. I love her writing, I feel like I could immerse in it forever. She makes me feel comfortable and cozy, like listening to a lullaby while being surrounded by a warm body. She makes me want to put myself in fetal position, that's how close she touches me with her words. I can fall in love with the writing, even when I don't like what that person is writing about. Here I love her writing and I loved the story and as long as she does it like that, I can't really complain.
Tortured heroes are her hallmark, but they never are heavy or theatrical, but true and with no affectation or pretentiousness. In the beginning I thought Seb was going to be the safe harbor and that's totally right. But I first thought Dex would be the outsider with the same dark past I've heard a hundred times before and that he would have little more to say. But I ended up liking Dex much more. They are together only once in Padstow during the summer and more than a year later they meet again and that's when the real conflicts appear.
But the period in between felt too long sometimes. I get that we need some knowledge of Dex's background and I appreciate it. I don't like not witnessing a thing at all but I think making it different would have been better, because another issue altogether is portraying every event that happens in great detail and that's tiring when in proportion it controls a big part of the book. is too much when the book is less than 200 pages. A longer book or a smaller number of pages dedicated to that part would have solved the problem easily enough. The result felt unbalanced and that's what I'm criticizing.
A little detail, I had a great surprise about Irish Gypsies. They are similar to Spanish ones about being a secluded circle with different occupations, and even rejected by society. Animals are present and misery is nothing unheard of for some of them. But I also noted some dissimilarities between both groups. I took me by surprise, I don't know why, I didn't expect that. But of course, European people are not 100% alike, either. Just saying.
In short, it was a good reading, I can't expect less with GL. I have come to a point in my life where I'd read anything she writes, even her shopping list. So there is more than enough time to better herself for me. I mean, she is awesome, but she is much better than this compelling novel. Much better. And that's a good thing to say.
And she mentions Spain several times. I think we could get on very well...
I once told my mother my first option for my "arranged marriage" is a chef *wink, wink*.
And after reading this book I realized I was so so SO right! It's the best relationship, he cooks and I eat! She better beings searching him. I'm growing impatient!
I began this dear year with a GL's book, Slide, and now I'm going to say goodbye to it and I believe I'll find another awesome author to drool over during 365 days. Sometimes the right book is written at the right time and it becomes a little gem for me. But as gems are rare so are great books. I'd like to say "This is the best GL's novel so far" with all my heart but that would be a lie.
The style is hers, there is no doubt about it. Sometimes I get upset at her habit of skipping scenes and periods of time. A few of them they are portrayed in flashbacks a little later. But my annoyance doesn't last long. I love her writing, I feel like I could immerse in it forever. She makes me feel comfortable and cozy, like listening to a lullaby while being surrounded by a warm body. She makes me want to put myself in fetal position, that's how close she touches me with her words. I can fall in love with the writing, even when I don't like what that person is writing about. Here I love her writing and I loved the story and as long as she does it like that, I can't really complain.
Tortured heroes are her hallmark, but they never are heavy or theatrical, but true and with no affectation or pretentiousness. In the beginning I thought Seb was going to be the safe harbor and that's totally right. But I first thought Dex would be the outsider with the same dark past I've heard a hundred times before and that he would have little more to say. But I ended up liking Dex much more. They are together only once in Padstow during the summer and more than a year later they meet again and that's when the real conflicts appear.
But the period in between felt too long sometimes. I get that we need some knowledge of Dex's background and I appreciate it. I don't like not witnessing a thing at all but I think making it different would have been better, because another issue altogether is portraying every event that happens in great detail and that's tiring when in proportion it controls a big part of the book. is too much when the book is less than 200 pages. A longer book or a smaller number of pages dedicated to that part would have solved the problem easily enough. The result felt unbalanced and that's what I'm criticizing.
A little detail, I had a great surprise about Irish Gypsies. They are similar to Spanish ones about being a secluded circle with different occupations, and even rejected by society. Animals are present and misery is nothing unheard of for some of them. But I also noted some dissimilarities between both groups. I took me by surprise, I don't know why, I didn't expect that. But of course, European people are not 100% alike, either. Just saying.
In short, it was a good reading, I can't expect less with GL. I have come to a point in my life where I'd read anything she writes, even her shopping list. So there is more than enough time to better herself for me. I mean, she is awesome, but she is much better than this compelling novel. Much better. And that's a good thing to say.
And she mentions Spain several times. I think we could get on very well...
August 1, 2016
Lo primero en que pienso al escribir mi opinión sobre este libro es en un WARNING, la historia es muy muy angst. Supongo que a cada uno de nosotros nos afectan unas cosas más que otras, dependiendo de nuestra experiencia personal o simplemente de nuestras emociones. Pero, la historia de un cocinero, Seb, y un chico víctima del tráfico de personas y de todo tipo de abusos, Dex, ha tenido partes que me han resultado realmente difíciles de leer. La autora no se entretiene en darnos datos morbosos o demasiado descriptivos, pero con lo que cuenta basta para que el estómago me haya dado la vuelta unas cuantas veces.
Los personajes de Garrett Leigh siempre pasan por experiencias traumáticas, sufren mucho hasta alcanzar su HEA, y esto también se cumple aquí. Es una historia no muy larga, dura, emocional, con dos POV que le dan más fuerza,y con dos ambientes, uno más sórdido y otro con un toque de esperanza. Ese ambiente más sórdido me ha recordado en ocasiones a Suki Fleet, pero mientras Suki le da a todo un tono más poético y emotivo, Garrett es mucho más directa y parca.
El desarrollo de los personajes me ha gustado bastante, Seb es sólido, dulce y fuerte, y así se muestra a lo largo de todo el libro, aunque quizás un poco plano en otros aspectos, su personaje está demasiado limitado a lo que supone para Dex, un príncipe encantado. Dex es tierno, también fuerte aunque no lo sepa, valiente, pero aun habiéndome gustado mucho encuentro un poco problemática su evolución. Dex sufre todo tipo de abusos y vejaciones y al final del libro su forma de cerrar todo y encararlo se aproxima bastante a la idea de "pene salvador", o al menos así lo he percibido yo.
En definitiva, me ha gustado, pero le he encontrado algunos peros.
April 1, 2015
5 Dreamy to the moon and back stars
For me, this book was perfection. I felt EVERYTHING in this story and cared so deeply for these characters. I wanted to hug Dex and love him forever... *sigh*
I felt for Dex so much and was deeply touched by the way Seb took care of this beautiful flawed broken man... *another deep sigh*
With this book I simply couldn't stop reading and I didn't want to. This book references dreams... for me it was like a dream too. Dream that you must not ever give up on!
Dream that is sometimes scary, sometimes sad, sometimes courageous, sometimes tender and touching and sometimes full of love.
Brilliant... Loved. To the moon and back, indeed.
Highly recommended
BR with my ladies here
"Yeah, it felt right, but it felt like a dream, and the trouble with dreams was he always woke up."
"...now it was clear Dex was the sky, and the ocean, and everything to him no one else had ever been."
For me, this book was perfection. I felt EVERYTHING in this story and cared so deeply for these characters. I wanted to hug Dex and love him forever... *sigh*
I felt for Dex so much and was deeply touched by the way Seb took care of this beautiful flawed broken man... *another deep sigh*
With this book I simply couldn't stop reading and I didn't want to. This book references dreams... for me it was like a dream too. Dream that you must not ever give up on!
Dream that is sometimes scary, sometimes sad, sometimes courageous, sometimes tender and touching and sometimes full of love.
“If that’s what you want. What do you want, Dex?” “I want to be with you.”
Brilliant... Loved. To the moon and back, indeed.
Highly recommended
BR with my ladies here
January 6, 2020
It's just the beginning of the year and I already have a book for my favourites shelf, yay go me! This was just fabulous, everything I want to read in a book that I couldn't put down.
Lots of reviews out there already so I'm keeping this short, but I will say that I loved every word, loved the characters, loved the story (even though I had to read with one eye closed at times), and even though I wanted Dex's revolting father and that hideous Braden to SUFFER and they didn't, I'm still giving this one all the stars.
And I need to mention the characters. Dex's naivety was so sweet yet broke my heart at times and Seb!!! Be still my beating heart - that man couldn't have been more perfect for Dex and I loved that for him.
Loved it!
Lots of reviews out there already so I'm keeping this short, but I will say that I loved every word, loved the characters, loved the story (even though I had to read with one eye closed at times), and even though I wanted Dex's revolting father and that hideous Braden to SUFFER and they didn't, I'm still giving this one all the stars.
And I need to mention the characters. Dex's naivety was so sweet yet broke my heart at times and Seb!!! Be still my beating heart - that man couldn't have been more perfect for Dex and I loved that for him.
Loved it!
October 26, 2020
Audio 4 Stars
Story 4 Stars
It took me a long while to feel the chemistry and connection between the MCs because the story was too short for all that it had going on. To compensate, there is a lot of telling instead of showing when it came to the relationship development.
As for the dark parts of the story...the shit was b.r.u.t.a.l...😥 Definitely approach with caution. 😬
Story 4 Stars
It took me a long while to feel the chemistry and connection between the MCs because the story was too short for all that it had going on. To compensate, there is a lot of telling instead of showing when it came to the relationship development.
As for the dark parts of the story...the shit was b.r.u.t.a.l...😥 Definitely approach with caution. 😬
November 15, 2020
Wow, that certainly packed a punch!
Dex’s story is equally horrifying and heart-warming. His suffering is truly awful, and Garrett Leigh makes sure we feel as shocked and distraught as we should be. I think for me the worst was the fatalistic, lethargic way in which Dex accepts all the abuse, relating it to his normal.
The idea that there might be something better out there doesn’t even occur to him.
Seb is wonderfully patient and sweet with him, never assuming anything, always giving Dex a choice. Through him and with him Dex learns to trust again, and that people can be kind and loving, and it is a touching story indeed.
There’s a lot of angst in this and the plot development around 80% was kind of expected. Not that that made what happens any easier.
I particularly liked how the author shows that Seb is struggling to come to terms with Dex’s past later on, and that this is an ongoing process for both men. However, I would have liked to be part of Dex's personal development in more detail. The few final chapters are all short snippets, too short imo.
All in all though this is a fabulous story, well told.
Dex’s story is equally horrifying and heart-warming. His suffering is truly awful, and Garrett Leigh makes sure we feel as shocked and distraught as we should be. I think for me the worst was the fatalistic, lethargic way in which Dex accepts all the abuse, relating it to his normal.
The idea that there might be something better out there doesn’t even occur to him.
Seb is wonderfully patient and sweet with him, never assuming anything, always giving Dex a choice. Through him and with him Dex learns to trust again, and that people can be kind and loving, and it is a touching story indeed.
There’s a lot of angst in this and the plot development around 80% was kind of expected. Not that that made what happens any easier.
I particularly liked how the author shows that Seb is struggling to come to terms with Dex’s past later on, and that this is an ongoing process for both men. However, I would have liked to be part of Dex's personal development in more detail. The few final chapters are all short snippets, too short imo.
All in all though this is a fabulous story, well told.
November 13, 2014
"Jumping" on Monday (10.11.2014) for another BR with my Girls!!
I was "heart" instantly spellbound
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wanted to read slowly to savour it, but at the same time I knew I wouldn’t be able to put it down once I started. I LOVE how Garrett Leigh’s boys have so much depth.
HEART is one of those books you are bound to remember, a beautiful story, nicely written! I really like the way the relationship between Dex and Seb is built. I am not going to keep babbling along with this review. I can’t, it’s impossible to say what I want to say without telling the story all over again. I loved Dex, my heart broke for him, until he found Sebastian (Seb) their connection … WOW, the intimate moments are so intense…WOW!
I must recognize that I suffered and feared these two would not get their HEA. But I´m very happy now!!
Lastly, I just have to mention the cover, how beautiful is that?
Thanks Garret Leigh!
5 “Just my cup of tea” Stars
I was "heart" instantly spellbound
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wanted to read slowly to savour it, but at the same time I knew I wouldn’t be able to put it down once I started. I LOVE how Garrett Leigh’s boys have so much depth.
HEART is one of those books you are bound to remember, a beautiful story, nicely written! I really like the way the relationship between Dex and Seb is built. I am not going to keep babbling along with this review. I can’t, it’s impossible to say what I want to say without telling the story all over again. I loved Dex, my heart broke for him, until he found Sebastian (Seb) their connection … WOW, the intimate moments are so intense…WOW!
I must recognize that I suffered and feared these two would not get their HEA. But I´m very happy now!!
Lastly, I just have to mention the cover, how beautiful is that?
Thanks Garret Leigh!
5 “Just my cup of tea” Stars
November 15, 2014
There are some kind of stories that really touch me... Of course that it's always wonderful to read a beautiful love story, with hot sex, breathtaking... but we get to the end wishing that that kind of love was real, or that would be amazing those hot and sexy guys cross your path one day... It's our imagination and the writer skills that take our breath away! But these stories, talk about abuse, rape, torture or sexual slavery, we know that those scenes can be true in that moment somewhere in our world! That frightening and scary truth can really break any heart!
Dex is a young man, sold by his family when he was a young boy... he is a sexual slave! He doesn't know how to be anything else... until the day that he met Seb! The man that will show him what it's like to be loved, the man that will give him the strength to fight for his freedom and for his love!
Garrett Leigh is an amazing writer! Her words are powerful and touch deep in my heart!
Another fabulousBR!!!
Dex is a young man, sold by his family when he was a young boy... he is a sexual slave! He doesn't know how to be anything else... until the day that he met Seb! The man that will show him what it's like to be loved, the man that will give him the strength to fight for his freedom and for his love!
Garrett Leigh is an amazing writer! Her words are powerful and touch deep in my heart!
Another fabulousBR!!!
November 4, 2014
3.5 Stars..
"You shape your destiny through the decisions you make."
It all began in Spring 2011, Padastow, Cornwall.
Seb. a pastry chef, who inherited artisan fudge pantry. during summer,
for Seb it's tourist season. meaning having more work that needs his attention even during long exhausting summer nights.
On a summer night where Seb is heading to his cottage, He feels like someone is stalking him. but as he turns around, He catches those beautiful irish eyes.
Dex. gorgeous,chivalrous man. unfortunately life was not so good with our Dex. leaving his country,and parents hoping to find a job with his uncle Braden.
As it turns out the "Uncle" uses Dex as his slave. bringing money one way or the other. even if it meant sale his body.
Dex's most happy moments in his whole life. is the time he spent the short summer with Seb. Dealing with the violence everyday. Made him think that he'll never will find his way back to Seb's arms.
Twelve months past. Dex still being a slave to his Uncle, working dirty jobs.
all he have left to hold on to is his time with Seb. although everyday the memories are drifting away. But one night even during the ugliest crimes. He takes the slightest chances of having a freedom. escaping to london. Dex come across with his beloved person...
The Plot was exciting, enjoyable. Although some parts were to fast.
and felt like chasing it. I had a hard time liking Seb's character.I don't know. didn't feel any connection toward him. As for Dex, I truly loved everything he said or did. I guess his character was taking the whole book.
The intimacy was not HOT, rather Sweet,delicate.
All in all. It was enjoyable book, shows you how you can take your own choices for yourself. and never underestimate the destiny..
"You shape your destiny through the decisions you make."
It all began in Spring 2011, Padastow, Cornwall.
Seb. a pastry chef, who inherited artisan fudge pantry. during summer,
for Seb it's tourist season. meaning having more work that needs his attention even during long exhausting summer nights.
On a summer night where Seb is heading to his cottage, He feels like someone is stalking him. but as he turns around, He catches those beautiful irish eyes.
Dex. gorgeous,chivalrous man. unfortunately life was not so good with our Dex. leaving his country,and parents hoping to find a job with his uncle Braden.
As it turns out the "Uncle" uses Dex as his slave. bringing money one way or the other. even if it meant sale his body.
Dex's most happy moments in his whole life. is the time he spent the short summer with Seb. Dealing with the violence everyday. Made him think that he'll never will find his way back to Seb's arms.
Twelve months past. Dex still being a slave to his Uncle, working dirty jobs.
all he have left to hold on to is his time with Seb. although everyday the memories are drifting away. But one night even during the ugliest crimes. He takes the slightest chances of having a freedom. escaping to london. Dex come across with his beloved person...
The Plot was exciting, enjoyable. Although some parts were to fast.
and felt like chasing it. I had a hard time liking Seb's character.I don't know. didn't feel any connection toward him. As for Dex, I truly loved everything he said or did. I guess his character was taking the whole book.
The intimacy was not HOT, rather Sweet,delicate.
All in all. It was enjoyable book, shows you how you can take your own choices for yourself. and never underestimate the destiny..
August 12, 2023
Heartwarming
The book started as an average hurt/comfort story, then the second quarter it went dark. And hopeless. It was actually so sad, that I considered the stop reading. I’m really glad I continued because it became a fabulous read. I loved that Dex was able to stand in his own feet and the author didn’t made the love story into a sugar daddy thing. It was an emotional read, and beautifully written. Highly recommended.
Edit: i didn’t want to include the gypsy/ Roma part in my Amazon review, I’m not sure how the algorithm works so I just left it out.
I found the story extra interesting because of the gypsy MC. I know almost nothing about the gypsies status in the UK, except that they went with the “segregation” and not the assimilation like our country ( it’s not working that well for us). I hardly recognise anything in the book that would similar as the gypsies lifestyle. Yes there is slavery ( not typical but happens), and illiteracy, but the organised crimes seemed strange to me. The lack of the strong family ties, and the religious ties. Those can be the difference between our gypsy population or it can be the freedom of the writing, still while reading I tried to put together a bigger picture of this aspect of social life. I’m curious if there is any other books- setting in EU- with gypsy characters.
The book started as an average hurt/comfort story, then the second quarter it went dark. And hopeless. It was actually so sad, that I considered the stop reading. I’m really glad I continued because it became a fabulous read. I loved that Dex was able to stand in his own feet and the author didn’t made the love story into a sugar daddy thing. It was an emotional read, and beautifully written. Highly recommended.
Edit: i didn’t want to include the gypsy/ Roma part in my Amazon review, I’m not sure how the algorithm works so I just left it out.
I found the story extra interesting because of the gypsy MC. I know almost nothing about the gypsies status in the UK, except that they went with the “segregation” and not the assimilation like our country ( it’s not working that well for us). I hardly recognise anything in the book that would similar as the gypsies lifestyle. Yes there is slavery ( not typical but happens), and illiteracy, but the organised crimes seemed strange to me. The lack of the strong family ties, and the religious ties. Those can be the difference between our gypsy population or it can be the freedom of the writing, still while reading I tried to put together a bigger picture of this aspect of social life. I’m curious if there is any other books- setting in EU- with gypsy characters.
October 18, 2020
This was my first book from this author (I know, where have I been) and I can only say WOW.
It’s a story about Irish Travellers, about human trafficking and sexual slavery. It’s a hard read. But it’s also the story of a boy who meets a kind man and falls in love. This book breaks your heart, mends it, breaks it a few more times for good measure but leaves you feeling happy. And yes, I know there is no fairytale for most boys and girls sold as slaves, but this is a romance, and it feels good to dream.
When Dex and Seb first meet, their time together is short, but they both carry it in their heart. They’ll never forget each other. Dex has to leave because he is not free. Seb doesn’t know why Dex left. When they meet again 18 months later, they slowly rebuild what they had and more.
Seb is so wonderful, kind, patient, loving. Dex is slowly healing and growing. It’s a hurt-comfort relationship, and it’s beautiful. At times I felt like Dex will never be able to open up completely and give Seb a real relationship, but we leave them happy together at the end of the book.
This is one of those books that stays with you.
It’s a story about Irish Travellers, about human trafficking and sexual slavery. It’s a hard read. But it’s also the story of a boy who meets a kind man and falls in love. This book breaks your heart, mends it, breaks it a few more times for good measure but leaves you feeling happy. And yes, I know there is no fairytale for most boys and girls sold as slaves, but this is a romance, and it feels good to dream.
When Dex and Seb first meet, their time together is short, but they both carry it in their heart. They’ll never forget each other. Dex has to leave because he is not free. Seb doesn’t know why Dex left. When they meet again 18 months later, they slowly rebuild what they had and more.
Seb is so wonderful, kind, patient, loving. Dex is slowly healing and growing. It’s a hurt-comfort relationship, and it’s beautiful. At times I felt like Dex will never be able to open up completely and give Seb a real relationship, but we leave them happy together at the end of the book.
This is one of those books that stays with you.
October 31, 2014
5 huge stars for me! I loved it. We met Seb and Dex in Gypsy Rain. That was just a glimpse into how they met and how they left things. Heart takes that story and expands it into a full-length novel. You do not need to read Gypsy Rain first. That story has been included as the first 15% of this book.
Garrett Leigh is such a talented writer. I especially love her broken and emotionally damaged characters. My heart broke for Dex and all he had been through. His family had sold him as a sex slave when he was young. He never had anyone who properly loved or took care of him. And Seb was such a great guy. So patient and understanding. So good for Dex. I loved their story!! Highly recommend.
Garrett Leigh is such a talented writer. I especially love her broken and emotionally damaged characters. My heart broke for Dex and all he had been through. His family had sold him as a sex slave when he was young. He never had anyone who properly loved or took care of him. And Seb was such a great guy. So patient and understanding. So good for Dex. I loved their story!! Highly recommend.
May 10, 2025
I loved this so much! The MCs were amazing with Dex being a shy, traumatized former sex worker who endured years of horrific abuse while Seb is a huge, gentle giant who loves to cook and his main desire in life is taking care of others. They were a wonderful couple and the story did a great job with Dex's complex character journey.
Before going any further, I want to make sure other readers are adequately warned about the intensity of Dex's trauma.
Another small note before continuing: if you're reading this because the summary's references to a Cornish pastry chef plus a fudge shop caught your interest, then please be aware that these aspects only take place in the first few chapters. In fact, I found it odd how the author started things in a coastal Cornish town with a huge focus on a small fudge shop only to move the action (and the MCs) to a London restaurant for the majority of the story.
But now onto the important part: why I loved this story so much. The main reason were the characters and not just the MCs. I loved that the author kept the cast small but highly relevant to the MCs lives. Despite them working in a restaurant, the author doesn't waste time introducing the staff who don't frequently interact with Dex. We don't even learn the restaurant's name because we don't need to, since it's not relevant to Dex and Seb's journeys or their romance. The side characters who do get introduced end up playing important roles in Dex's life, which was great.
In particular, Rick and Bernie (the husband and wife team who own the restaurant) were great. They take on a massive legal risk by employing Dex (who is technically an illegal immigrant from Ireland and has no paperwork whatsoever) and Dex has no restaurant experience when he starts but they take a chance on him anyway. I love surrogate parental figures in stories and Rick and Bernie were such perfect examples of it. From the time Dex starts working for them until the end of the story, they love him like a son and they're an essential part of his recovery.
But of course, the most important support in Dex's life was Seb. I adored this gentle giant of a man who had two loves in life: taking care of others and cooking. There's a lot of cooking in this story but what I liked was that this isn't fine dining and gourmet cooking. All of the chefs in the story focus on making delicious comfort food, ranging from homemade pizza and beef cobbler to Chelsea buns and banoffee pie. Food is such a constant thread throughout the story and I really loved that.
Seb's desire to take care of Dex was so heartwarming. It's clear from the start that he just desperately wants to help Dex in any way he can. Even though Seb doesn't know the details of the abuse Dex experienced until near the end, it's obvious that Dex had been through horrific situations and Seb is always careful about how he does things. On one hand, Dex's low self-worth and the severe neglect he'd grown up with result in him not knowing or wanting to properly take care of himself, which makes Seb want to point him in the right direction. But at the same time, it's very clear that Dex only does what Seb tells him because that's what he's been conditioned to do so Seb is careful not to abuse that and he also works hard to respect and encourage Dex's independence whenever possible. For example, I loved how Seb constantly worked hard to find the right balance between taking care of Dex and making sure he was staying healthy and happy while also encouraging Dex's independence and his own choices.
But the person who did the most work with helping Dex was Dex himself, which was great. He starts out being a withdrawn, traumatized guy who is accustomed to being abused when he expresses an opinion or tries to make his own choices. When he finds himself living with people who genuinely love him and want to take care of him, it was really great that Dex didn't suddenly leave that trauma behind him. But slowly, as he grows to trust the people in his life and he gets accustomed to the quiet, simple routine he's been allowed to create, he starts to become more comfortable and that results in him starting to blossom. In particular, it was great how the combination of him earning and getting to keep his own wages and him learning how to read and write made his confidence sky rocket. For the first time, he starts to view himself as a human being who is worthy of respect and love, somebody who is allowed to have dreams and make choices and say no when they don't want to do something. Having his personality slowly coming out was incredible and I loved the pacing of it.
There were loads of other little details I loved, such as Dex's strong love for animals and the cool ending the author came up with. I also adored how the author handled Dex's illiteracy. I loved the subtle hints along the way that slowly clued me in to Dex not being able to read and write but what I loved most was that Dex's journey to learning how to do both was an actual plotline that was developed throughout the story. Seeing his progress throughout the story, such as was amazing, especially because it included Dex and everybody else being very proud of him for the work he'd done.
I also appreciated that Seb never demanded to know the details of Dex's abuse. This is a rarity in romance novels and I really loved that choice here. Dex's abuse had been so intense that somebody like Seb would struggle immensely not to view him as just a victim if he would have known the truth earlier. Once he does find out near the end, it does change his relationship with Dex a bit but thankfully, Dex has come such a long way by then that he's able to help Seb and keep things moving in a positive direction. I also appreciated that Dex refuses to discuss the abuse with Seb (Seb had learned about it from the cops during the story climax) and Dex keeps those conversations between himself and his therapist. Dex had made a choice not to allow his past and his trauma to steer any part of his current life and it was great that Seb respected that choice.
Overall, I really loved this story. It contained so many things I loved and I adored Seb and Dex and their beautiful relationship. I can't recommend this enough.
Before going any further, I want to make sure other readers are adequately warned about the intensity of Dex's trauma.
Another small note before continuing: if you're reading this because the summary's references to a Cornish pastry chef plus a fudge shop caught your interest, then please be aware that these aspects only take place in the first few chapters. In fact, I found it odd how the author started things in a coastal Cornish town with a huge focus on a small fudge shop only to move the action (and the MCs) to a London restaurant for the majority of the story.
But now onto the important part: why I loved this story so much. The main reason were the characters and not just the MCs. I loved that the author kept the cast small but highly relevant to the MCs lives. Despite them working in a restaurant, the author doesn't waste time introducing the staff who don't frequently interact with Dex. We don't even learn the restaurant's name because we don't need to, since it's not relevant to Dex and Seb's journeys or their romance. The side characters who do get introduced end up playing important roles in Dex's life, which was great.
In particular, Rick and Bernie (the husband and wife team who own the restaurant) were great. They take on a massive legal risk by employing Dex (who is technically an illegal immigrant from Ireland and has no paperwork whatsoever) and Dex has no restaurant experience when he starts but they take a chance on him anyway. I love surrogate parental figures in stories and Rick and Bernie were such perfect examples of it. From the time Dex starts working for them until the end of the story, they love him like a son and they're an essential part of his recovery.
But of course, the most important support in Dex's life was Seb. I adored this gentle giant of a man who had two loves in life: taking care of others and cooking. There's a lot of cooking in this story but what I liked was that this isn't fine dining and gourmet cooking. All of the chefs in the story focus on making delicious comfort food, ranging from homemade pizza and beef cobbler to Chelsea buns and banoffee pie. Food is such a constant thread throughout the story and I really loved that.
Seb's desire to take care of Dex was so heartwarming. It's clear from the start that he just desperately wants to help Dex in any way he can. Even though Seb doesn't know the details of the abuse Dex experienced until near the end, it's obvious that Dex had been through horrific situations and Seb is always careful about how he does things. On one hand, Dex's low self-worth and the severe neglect he'd grown up with result in him not knowing or wanting to properly take care of himself, which makes Seb want to point him in the right direction. But at the same time, it's very clear that Dex only does what Seb tells him because that's what he's been conditioned to do so Seb is careful not to abuse that and he also works hard to respect and encourage Dex's independence whenever possible. For example, I loved how Seb constantly worked hard to find the right balance between taking care of Dex and making sure he was staying healthy and happy while also encouraging Dex's independence and his own choices.
But the person who did the most work with helping Dex was Dex himself, which was great. He starts out being a withdrawn, traumatized guy who is accustomed to being abused when he expresses an opinion or tries to make his own choices. When he finds himself living with people who genuinely love him and want to take care of him, it was really great that Dex didn't suddenly leave that trauma behind him. But slowly, as he grows to trust the people in his life and he gets accustomed to the quiet, simple routine he's been allowed to create, he starts to become more comfortable and that results in him starting to blossom. In particular, it was great how the combination of him earning and getting to keep his own wages and him learning how to read and write made his confidence sky rocket. For the first time, he starts to view himself as a human being who is worthy of respect and love, somebody who is allowed to have dreams and make choices and say no when they don't want to do something. Having his personality slowly coming out was incredible and I loved the pacing of it.
There were loads of other little details I loved, such as Dex's strong love for animals and the cool ending the author came up with. I also adored how the author handled Dex's illiteracy. I loved the subtle hints along the way that slowly clued me in to Dex not being able to read and write but what I loved most was that Dex's journey to learning how to do both was an actual plotline that was developed throughout the story. Seeing his progress throughout the story, such as was amazing, especially because it included Dex and everybody else being very proud of him for the work he'd done.
I also appreciated that Seb never demanded to know the details of Dex's abuse. This is a rarity in romance novels and I really loved that choice here. Dex's abuse had been so intense that somebody like Seb would struggle immensely not to view him as just a victim if he would have known the truth earlier. Once he does find out near the end, it does change his relationship with Dex a bit but thankfully, Dex has come such a long way by then that he's able to help Seb and keep things moving in a positive direction. I also appreciated that Dex refuses to discuss the abuse with Seb (Seb had learned about it from the cops during the story climax) and Dex keeps those conversations between himself and his therapist. Dex had made a choice not to allow his past and his trauma to steer any part of his current life and it was great that Seb respected that choice.
Overall, I really loved this story. It contained so many things I loved and I adored Seb and Dex and their beautiful relationship. I can't recommend this enough.
November 15, 2014
Loved.
4.75
This book started out as a short story called “Gypsy Rain”. That short is incorporated into the beginning as a flashback and that ended up being a good thing and bad thing because the short is the only issue I have with this read. Bad because I found the characterization of Dex there jarred with that of the Dex in the main body of the read. He seemed much harder with the words describing him caustic, insolent and sullen only emphasizing that. Good because I did really enjoy that the story was bookended with Seb’s POV. I felt the majority of it needed to be in Dex’s but I was happy to have it grounded from another perspective as well.
Despite my issue with Dex’s initial characterization I found the rest of this story near to a perfect read for me. For all I know Dex’s outer shell was harder than his inner voice so I went with that as I read about his life and struggles to make things better for himself. What a brutal upbringing. The strength of character that anyone would have to possess to come out that not completely fucked up is beyond my comprehension. I was so glad when he was able to escape and try to rebuild.
I don’t really want to give too much away because this was for me an incredibly emotional read with every reveal. The journey with Dex as he feels out his new situation and adapts as he always had was really a joy to read and so incredibly heart breaking. Seb both giving him that space but crowding him into new experiences I loved as well. There is a lot of horror that happens to Dex but that’s not what the story is about. It’s about moving beyond circumstances and finding out what makes you happy and seizing that. This was gorgeous and ugly and I was so very glad to have read it. Recommended but know here be monsters.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
4.75
This book started out as a short story called “Gypsy Rain”. That short is incorporated into the beginning as a flashback and that ended up being a good thing and bad thing because the short is the only issue I have with this read. Bad because I found the characterization of Dex there jarred with that of the Dex in the main body of the read. He seemed much harder with the words describing him caustic, insolent and sullen only emphasizing that. Good because I did really enjoy that the story was bookended with Seb’s POV. I felt the majority of it needed to be in Dex’s but I was happy to have it grounded from another perspective as well.
Despite my issue with Dex’s initial characterization I found the rest of this story near to a perfect read for me. For all I know Dex’s outer shell was harder than his inner voice so I went with that as I read about his life and struggles to make things better for himself. What a brutal upbringing. The strength of character that anyone would have to possess to come out that not completely fucked up is beyond my comprehension. I was so glad when he was able to escape and try to rebuild.
I don’t really want to give too much away because this was for me an incredibly emotional read with every reveal. The journey with Dex as he feels out his new situation and adapts as he always had was really a joy to read and so incredibly heart breaking. Seb both giving him that space but crowding him into new experiences I loved as well. There is a lot of horror that happens to Dex but that’s not what the story is about. It’s about moving beyond circumstances and finding out what makes you happy and seizing that. This was gorgeous and ugly and I was so very glad to have read it. Recommended but know here be monsters.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
April 20, 2018
Oh my sweet Lord this book is something else. Garrett Leigh has the ability to reach into your chest and rip your heart out at the lives her characters have experienced and this one is no exception.
Dex, beautiful damaged but not fully broken and Seb, who never saw the dark upbringing and the damaged man, but only ever loved the potential of what he hoped his lover could be.
My heart was in my mouth for most of this book not knowing what would come next, the horror of what was happening to Dex was never gratuitously done but only ever used to drive the story narrative.
The most shocking thing about this book was the knowledge that this thing happens every day and that child sex trafficking is not just a story plot.
The secondary characters and the setting were superbly done, and this book had a real sense of truth and authenticity to it. It felt British and at its centre was a world where love can help overcome tragedy.
Dex, beautiful damaged but not fully broken and Seb, who never saw the dark upbringing and the damaged man, but only ever loved the potential of what he hoped his lover could be.
My heart was in my mouth for most of this book not knowing what would come next, the horror of what was happening to Dex was never gratuitously done but only ever used to drive the story narrative.
The most shocking thing about this book was the knowledge that this thing happens every day and that child sex trafficking is not just a story plot.
The secondary characters and the setting were superbly done, and this book had a real sense of truth and authenticity to it. It felt British and at its centre was a world where love can help overcome tragedy.
September 6, 2016
A stunning story that had me on edge. The tale of Dex overcoming terrible abuse and Seb the beautiful man who persisted. This book touched on the lives of Travellers & gorgers - such different perspectives. I'm glad both men found peace eventually
November 30, 2020
4.25 stars
This is a beautiful classic Garrett Leigh angst-fest. It hurt so good!
Even better, it was wonderfully narrated by Dan Calley. I’d highly recommend the audiobook version.
When the two men first meet on the Cornish seaside, Seb’s not quite sure what to make of Dex. But he can’t deny that he feels a pull towards the vagrant, and he’s happy when Dex seems to respond back.
But Dex then disappears without a trace, leaving only enigmatic memories behind.
The truth about Dex is heart-wrenching. And be warned - the author doesn’t leave anything to the imagination. Readers get a front-row seat to the violence of the criminal world Dex was trapped in.
How Dex is treated and what he goes through would break anyone, and yet he keeps a core of fight in him.
And he has that brief moment of happiness with Seb to sustain him. The short summertime when Dex got a glimmer of a different life with a kind man.
When Dex eventually gets the chance to run, he goes to London. Only to end up face-to-face with Seb again.
I loved their reunion. It was awkward, but the electric pull between them was so obvious.
And even better was the friendship they slowly built. Their past and the feelings on both sides are undeniable elephants in the room, but the two men take it slow.
I really appreciated how perceptive Seb was of Dex’s boundaries. The space and care was exactly what Dex needed to gradually come out his shell.
Once they take it a step further, their relationship continues much in the same way - sometimes it’s two steps forwards and one step back, but it’s sweet and the love grows bit by bit.
Dex’s past does catch-up with him and Seb eventually, but they get through it. And their happy ever was a perfect ending, leaving no doubt that they’d build a forever home together.
If you’re looking for a complex love story that will put you through the wringer but leave your heart full, give ‘Heart’ a try!
This is a beautiful classic Garrett Leigh angst-fest. It hurt so good!
Even better, it was wonderfully narrated by Dan Calley. I’d highly recommend the audiobook version.
When the two men first meet on the Cornish seaside, Seb’s not quite sure what to make of Dex. But he can’t deny that he feels a pull towards the vagrant, and he’s happy when Dex seems to respond back.
But Dex then disappears without a trace, leaving only enigmatic memories behind.
The truth about Dex is heart-wrenching. And be warned - the author doesn’t leave anything to the imagination. Readers get a front-row seat to the violence of the criminal world Dex was trapped in.
How Dex is treated and what he goes through would break anyone, and yet he keeps a core of fight in him.
And he has that brief moment of happiness with Seb to sustain him. The short summertime when Dex got a glimmer of a different life with a kind man.
When Dex eventually gets the chance to run, he goes to London. Only to end up face-to-face with Seb again.
I loved their reunion. It was awkward, but the electric pull between them was so obvious.
And even better was the friendship they slowly built. Their past and the feelings on both sides are undeniable elephants in the room, but the two men take it slow.
I really appreciated how perceptive Seb was of Dex’s boundaries. The space and care was exactly what Dex needed to gradually come out his shell.
Once they take it a step further, their relationship continues much in the same way - sometimes it’s two steps forwards and one step back, but it’s sweet and the love grows bit by bit.
Dex’s past does catch-up with him and Seb eventually, but they get through it. And their happy ever was a perfect ending, leaving no doubt that they’d build a forever home together.
If you’re looking for a complex love story that will put you through the wringer but leave your heart full, give ‘Heart’ a try!
December 28, 2019
I am so glad this book was republished. I missed it the first time around. I love all of GL's work, but there are a few that pack a powerful punch. This is one of them.
If you want to read a romance that will make you sad and happy and grateful and mad, along with every other emotion under the sky, this one will do it.
If you want to read a romance that will make you sad and happy and grateful and mad, along with every other emotion under the sky, this one will do it.
November 3, 2014
This, this book right here is why I love the hell out of Garrett Leigh. Heart, is so full of the emotion and angst that I adore getting lost in.
I was sucked in fast to this story as we meet Seb in his POV leaving work and his first encounter with the mysterious ethereal blond boy. I loved that he fantasized about him and when he saw him again, took the chance on not only the situation but the boy - Dex. The slow burn to their brief “relationship” had me a mess. The small bits that Dex couldn’t give and all that Seb wanted to give to Dex. It is what I love about romance stories.
We get one night, one night with these men and the passion was intense. It was so emotional that when I turned the page and the switch from Seb’s POV to Dex’s POV happened, I settled in for what I knew would be one hell of a ride. I should have known from past experience that Ms. Leigh would tear my heart out this way. Le sigh.
Being in Dex’s head was heartbreaking and emotionally exhausting. Knowing why he was on the beach when he met Seb and what he has gone back to? It was difficult to read but necessary. I held my breath through each page just waiting and wishing him to do whatever he had to so he could get back to the man with dark hair and blue eyes… ugh. Did I mention the angst? I knew less than half way through this book it was going to give me a massive book hangover, I was so drunk, stupidly and wonderfully drunk on these boys.
Let me say this, Garrett Leigh knows how to write broken, lost and flawed men who tug at my heart strings. She did it with Ash and Pete and she is doing it again with Dex and Seb. I was so lost in this story I read it through a nine-hour work day. Yeah, I admit it, I was sneak reading at work when I had a ton of things that needed to be done but I couldn’t stop. I was seduced by the words and story wrapping me up so tight there was nowhere to go but with these boys on their journey.
Dex… when you left the warmth and safety of Seb and back to your Traveller ways. I didn’t know what to do. It was hard to read what you went through at the hands of Braden. How you suffered and endured and when the opportunity provided itself, you did what you had to do and left. I held my breath as you ran, as you ducked into dark places and found your way. I hurt when you went back to the only thing you knew and I wanted so much for you to have the change with Seb again.
I loved that despite all you’d been through you did what you needed to do on your own and you were amazing but when you were with Seb? Oh my dear boy, you were gorgeous.
Seb, you strong swoony and safe man. You never give up, you never gave up but knowing what you went through when and after you woke up alone that morning. Ugh. I love it when Garrett Leigh writes this way and tears my heart out. THIS book tore my heart out and I absolutely love it. I do. I can’t help myself. I just want to once again slide my finger along the bottom of my Nook to take me back to page one… to meet Seb in the harbor town of Padstow when we sees Dex for the first time. My brain, no – my heart – cannot take that this is over. I am barely done with the book and I am a mess. It’s like it’s fused with my soul and I can’t let it go. How do I move on from this?
Heart is a magical story that takes you to a dark place but brings you back to the light. The endearing and timeless love story of Seb and Dex was amazing, heart wrenching and beautiful to read. I love that the characters don’t sweep in and save one another.They work together, they listen to each other and they are partners as well as lovers and friends. Ugh. I am a rambling redheaded mess after this. I have no idea what I am saying but I want to say, read this: Just read the damn book. Mmm Kay? Thanks.
I was sucked in fast to this story as we meet Seb in his POV leaving work and his first encounter with the mysterious ethereal blond boy. I loved that he fantasized about him and when he saw him again, took the chance on not only the situation but the boy - Dex. The slow burn to their brief “relationship” had me a mess. The small bits that Dex couldn’t give and all that Seb wanted to give to Dex. It is what I love about romance stories.
We get one night, one night with these men and the passion was intense. It was so emotional that when I turned the page and the switch from Seb’s POV to Dex’s POV happened, I settled in for what I knew would be one hell of a ride. I should have known from past experience that Ms. Leigh would tear my heart out this way. Le sigh.
He’d once believed Dex was no more than a brief summer rain… a ghostlike dream that came around once in a lifetime.
Being in Dex’s head was heartbreaking and emotionally exhausting. Knowing why he was on the beach when he met Seb and what he has gone back to? It was difficult to read but necessary. I held my breath through each page just waiting and wishing him to do whatever he had to so he could get back to the man with dark hair and blue eyes… ugh. Did I mention the angst? I knew less than half way through this book it was going to give me a massive book hangover, I was so drunk, stupidly and wonderfully drunk on these boys.
Let me say this, Garrett Leigh knows how to write broken, lost and flawed men who tug at my heart strings. She did it with Ash and Pete and she is doing it again with Dex and Seb. I was so lost in this story I read it through a nine-hour work day. Yeah, I admit it, I was sneak reading at work when I had a ton of things that needed to be done but I couldn’t stop. I was seduced by the words and story wrapping me up so tight there was nowhere to go but with these boys on their journey.
Dex… when you left the warmth and safety of Seb and back to your Traveller ways. I didn’t know what to do. It was hard to read what you went through at the hands of Braden. How you suffered and endured and when the opportunity provided itself, you did what you had to do and left. I held my breath as you ran, as you ducked into dark places and found your way. I hurt when you went back to the only thing you knew and I wanted so much for you to have the change with Seb again.
I know him, because I promised I’d never forget him. Dex closed his eyes, wiling the image of Seb to come back. His memories of Seb were the most precious thing. He wondered if Seb would ever know he was the only man he’d ever chosen…
I loved that despite all you’d been through you did what you needed to do on your own and you were amazing but when you were with Seb? Oh my dear boy, you were gorgeous.
Seb, you strong swoony and safe man. You never give up, you never gave up but knowing what you went through when and after you woke up alone that morning. Ugh. I love it when Garrett Leigh writes this way and tears my heart out. THIS book tore my heart out and I absolutely love it. I do. I can’t help myself. I just want to once again slide my finger along the bottom of my Nook to take me back to page one… to meet Seb in the harbor town of Padstow when we sees Dex for the first time. My brain, no – my heart – cannot take that this is over. I am barely done with the book and I am a mess. It’s like it’s fused with my soul and I can’t let it go. How do I move on from this?
Heart is a magical story that takes you to a dark place but brings you back to the light. The endearing and timeless love story of Seb and Dex was amazing, heart wrenching and beautiful to read. I love that the characters don’t sweep in and save one another.They work together, they listen to each other and they are partners as well as lovers and friends. Ugh. I am a rambling redheaded mess after this. I have no idea what I am saying but I want to say, read this: Just read the damn book. Mmm Kay? Thanks.
November 1, 2019
Dex is a young Irish Traveller tragically used to a lifetime of sexual abuse, violence and slavery at the hands of 'Uncle' Braden and his gang. A brief encounter in Padstow during a too-short Cornish summer with Seb, a gentle and sweet-natured pastry chef, gives him a glimpse of a life lived free from fear and subjugation.
Garrett Leigh's beautiful and moving novel Heart chronicles Dex and Seb's struggle to make this new life a concrete possibility but nothing will come to them easily and without a price.
I've found this book interesting and engaging for a number of reasons. Dex and Seb are two exquisitely-crafted MCs who always remain believable and rounded even in the midst of the inescapable amount of angst that such a grim story inevitably carries along.
'What do you want, Dex?' - this apparently simple question seems to me to be at the core of the novel.
Dex is not used to assert his own opinions and desires - he's just ready to drop his head and do whatever people tell him to do. Not only that - but his difficulty of navigating the world for himself is exacerbated by the prejudice coming at him because of his ethnic origins (he's scared of entering shops or even move freely at first around Seb's flat because racist responses towards Irish Travellers are ingrained in his DNA) and by the dramatic detail of his illiteracy. Not being able to read or write makes Dex exposed to a world that is often incomprehensible and therefore terrifying. The huge effort he makes to eventually learn to read and write was for me particularly touching but also truly hopeful. Knowledge - even in its most basic forms - is power and Dex will slowly grow confidence and independence by gaining literacy and skills in the restaurant kitchen in London's Dalston district where he eventually finds himself working elbow to elbow with Seb.
In all the turmoil and insecurity marking Dex's life, Seb is a solid and unwavering port of call. The novel indeed opens and closes with chapters focusing on him instead of Dex. We are thus able to gain insight into his inner world that is not tragic or terrible like Dex's but is still marked by a degree of endearing uncertainty when it comes to Dex's feelings towards him. Leigh deftly refers to Seb's fragility with little descriptive touches focusing on his eyes and gestures. Seb is patient, not forceful, willing to let Dex decide what it is that he truly wants - his questions are probing but never pushy. The gentleness in Seb's personality makes him a character really easy to strongly root for.
Choice and self-determination may seem to us givens but this novel challenges this acquired notion. It does that by interweaving a compelling story with two wonderful central characters and by always sustaining it with a lovely sense of place - the quiet Cornish harbour towns, the lively and buzzing London's East End - and excellent prose.
Highly recommended.
Garrett Leigh's beautiful and moving novel Heart chronicles Dex and Seb's struggle to make this new life a concrete possibility but nothing will come to them easily and without a price.
I've found this book interesting and engaging for a number of reasons. Dex and Seb are two exquisitely-crafted MCs who always remain believable and rounded even in the midst of the inescapable amount of angst that such a grim story inevitably carries along.
'What do you want, Dex?' - this apparently simple question seems to me to be at the core of the novel.
Dex is not used to assert his own opinions and desires - he's just ready to drop his head and do whatever people tell him to do. Not only that - but his difficulty of navigating the world for himself is exacerbated by the prejudice coming at him because of his ethnic origins (he's scared of entering shops or even move freely at first around Seb's flat because racist responses towards Irish Travellers are ingrained in his DNA) and by the dramatic detail of his illiteracy. Not being able to read or write makes Dex exposed to a world that is often incomprehensible and therefore terrifying. The huge effort he makes to eventually learn to read and write was for me particularly touching but also truly hopeful. Knowledge - even in its most basic forms - is power and Dex will slowly grow confidence and independence by gaining literacy and skills in the restaurant kitchen in London's Dalston district where he eventually finds himself working elbow to elbow with Seb.
In all the turmoil and insecurity marking Dex's life, Seb is a solid and unwavering port of call. The novel indeed opens and closes with chapters focusing on him instead of Dex. We are thus able to gain insight into his inner world that is not tragic or terrible like Dex's but is still marked by a degree of endearing uncertainty when it comes to Dex's feelings towards him. Leigh deftly refers to Seb's fragility with little descriptive touches focusing on his eyes and gestures. Seb is patient, not forceful, willing to let Dex decide what it is that he truly wants - his questions are probing but never pushy. The gentleness in Seb's personality makes him a character really easy to strongly root for.
Choice and self-determination may seem to us givens but this novel challenges this acquired notion. It does that by interweaving a compelling story with two wonderful central characters and by always sustaining it with a lovely sense of place - the quiet Cornish harbour towns, the lively and buzzing London's East End - and excellent prose.
Highly recommended.
October 27, 2015
5 Heartbreaking Stars
So I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. I loved the whole feeling surrounding it. I LOVED Seb and Dex broke my heart. You can’t help but love him; you can’t help but love THEM.
Sometimes you just crave something “deeper” something with emotion and feel. This was my “feel” book.
This is not a rainbows and ponies book, but it’s also not going to drive you sessions with your shrink.
It makes you FEEL and it makes you ache. Life isn’t fair!!! And this story shows a UGLY side of life that we take for granted in our “normal everyday” lives.
Seb is just a normal everyday good guy. He goes through the motions of breathing but he is lonely. His love for Dex is so sweet.
Dex comes across as a very self-assured young man at first. Proud and able to look after himself even though it’s painfully clear that he lives on the streets and goes to sleep with an empty belly most nights. As the book progresses, he doesn’t morph into the complete opposite. But little cracks start showing in the walls he built around himself. The way he started letting Seb in by tiny increments made me so sad. How he tried to project the image of someone who could handle anything thrown his way... well let’s just keep it at incredibly sad. I’m not going to mention his “family” a mother who allows this to happen to her child should be shot. Repeatedly. And his dad should be tied to a tree in the Amazon, smeared with syrup and left for the ants to feast on. Being shot is to merciful for such scum. Okay okay...deep breaths... let me calm down and get my heart rate back to normal here.
If I go on about it I’ll write and book report and so I’ll say that I LOVED it, I’ll say that it was SAD, and it TOUCHED me deeply, and I would have read another book about them if there was one.
NOW, GO FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF
October 28, 2014
This book is a story that was expanded from the short story Gypsy Rain. I never got to read that one, but I am ba big fan of this author, so I looked forward to reading Heart. And I loved it! If Gypsy Rain ended when Dex left at the end of summer, I'm kind of glad I missed it. I prefer my stories to have a happy ending. Heart was wonderful and complete with a happy ending.
The POV does switch between Seb and Dex, but not often enough to be confusing at all. It was just right, in my opinion and really gave insight into the inner workings of both MC's. Without it we never would have gotten to know Dex at all.
Dex is a Traveller and in a very bad situation. He doesn't really know any different, though, and that kind of breaks my heart. He had such a sweet vulnarability to him that just pulled me in and made me want to feed and hug him. I suspect that it was that same vulnarability that drew in Seb as well.
Seb owns a gormet fudge shop in the town that Dex is in for the summer. They have an encounter one evening when Seb is walking hoime and that stayed with Seb. While they didn't actually get to know each other all that well, Dex doesn't talk about himself at all, Seb gets a feeling that Dex is a good guy and Seb wants to help Dex.
Seb befriends Dex and as much as he tries to fight his attraction to the enigmatic youn man, he can't help but want more. Dex also seems to feel that attraction, but he is serously skittish and is not about to act on it. At least not without prompting.But all good things, as they say, come to an end and one day Dex is gone.
It's after this that we get a glimps at the cards that Dex has been dealt. And it's not a winning hand. The life he leads isn't his own path at all. All of his decisions are made for him and he's forced to prostitue himself for the monetary gain of someone else. He endures quite a lot, but Dex isn't broken and eventually he escapes. And that leads him to the possibility of a better life and, unexpectedly, back to Seb.
Part of me would like to say this is where we got our HEA, but the story isn't finished and Dex has to learn to trust people and to trust himself and even then, his hell isn't over.
Garrett Leigh sure knows how to write wounded & damaged characters. There's a realism to them that I don't often see in books. Most definitely recommended.
The POV does switch between Seb and Dex, but not often enough to be confusing at all. It was just right, in my opinion and really gave insight into the inner workings of both MC's. Without it we never would have gotten to know Dex at all.
Dex is a Traveller and in a very bad situation. He doesn't really know any different, though, and that kind of breaks my heart. He had such a sweet vulnarability to him that just pulled me in and made me want to feed and hug him. I suspect that it was that same vulnarability that drew in Seb as well.
Seb owns a gormet fudge shop in the town that Dex is in for the summer. They have an encounter one evening when Seb is walking hoime and that stayed with Seb. While they didn't actually get to know each other all that well, Dex doesn't talk about himself at all, Seb gets a feeling that Dex is a good guy and Seb wants to help Dex.
Seb befriends Dex and as much as he tries to fight his attraction to the enigmatic youn man, he can't help but want more. Dex also seems to feel that attraction, but he is serously skittish and is not about to act on it. At least not without prompting.But all good things, as they say, come to an end and one day Dex is gone.
It's after this that we get a glimps at the cards that Dex has been dealt. And it's not a winning hand. The life he leads isn't his own path at all. All of his decisions are made for him and he's forced to prostitue himself for the monetary gain of someone else. He endures quite a lot, but Dex isn't broken and eventually he escapes. And that leads him to the possibility of a better life and, unexpectedly, back to Seb.
Part of me would like to say this is where we got our HEA, but the story isn't finished and Dex has to learn to trust people and to trust himself and even then, his hell isn't over.
Garrett Leigh sure knows how to write wounded & damaged characters. There's a realism to them that I don't often see in books. Most definitely recommended.
November 1, 2014
*** 3-3.5 STARS ***
April 12, 2015
Garrett Leigh will always break your heart. But, she will be cobble it back together and give you the best kind of hope for the characters you’ve fallen in love with in whichever story of hers you’re reading.
The first story of Garrett’s I ever read was Gypsy Rain. I fell for her words hard then and the bittersweet ending was perfect. Heart is the extended and contemporary version of Gypsy Rain. It really translated well to a contemporary story and the characters kept the personalities that made them so memorable in Gypsy Rain.
The beginning sucked me right in. The story of Dex and his life just plain hurt. He was a simple man living an impossibly harsh life. When he gets his chance to escape he risks everything and makes a break for it. Looking at his life though, he really had nothing to lose. His biggest regret was leaving the horses he cared for behind. He had a definite kinship with them. They were as undervalued as he was and without him their outlook was bleak. His sorrow at leaving them sums him up so well, humans have never been good to him, but the animals show him the appreciation and love he should have always received.
Fate finally smiles on Dex when he meets and starts to work for Rick and his wife in their restaurant. He’s got no past here, but he really has no clue how to live a life outside of the camp run by his “Uncle” Braden. He keeps his dead down, asks for nothing and slowly begins to settle in. Everything gets thrown out of whack when Seb shows up to be the new pastry chef at the restaurant. Seb has always been the magical memory that Dex kept tucked away, his mental escape that belonged solely to him. Having Seb back in his reality really threw Dex for a loop. Seb on the other hand, couldn’t have been happier. Dex is the man he hasn’t been able to forget since the first moment he saw him.
The middle of the book is pretty quiet. It makes sense for Dex and Seb though. Anything that would have moved more quickly would not have read well for Dex. It wouldn’t have been believable. His world is really pretty small and the life he’s living now is new to him. He spends a lot of time ‘absorbing’ his surroundings and Seb spends a lot of time introducing him to the world a little at a time. It was heartening to read Dex develop a sense of pride and value in himself. It was quiet and slow, just like the story at this point, but it worked.
It wouldn’t be a Garrett Leigh book without just one more dose of devastating heartbreak. Turns out Uncle Braden isn’t done with Dex yet and his evil wasn’t limited to just what Dex experienced. What followed was brutal, sad and frustrating as hell. Being that Dex has always lived off the grid, he wasn’t easy to find, but he had Seb who believed in him no matter what.
The aches and pains aren’t over yet though. Dex is recovering physically, but he and Seb need to find their balance again. Now it’s Seb who is having a hard time getting comfortable in his skin. He’s lost Dex twice now and has learned about his horrific life before the restaurant. It’s a tough part of this read to reconcile and Seb says it best with,
“They never talked about it. Ever. Not since Seb brought Dex home from the hospital. Dex because, well, who really knew with Dex? He didn’t talk much about anything unless he was drunk. And Seb? He didn’t know how.”
I was actually a little frustrated up until this point. How could this end if they don’t talk? But, when Seb himself admits his frustration about the same thing, it made me realize that this is just how this works for them. Anything else would have been wrong for Dex. Just because I don’t get it, doesn’t mean it’s not right for Seb and Dex. We aren’t really along for the ride as Dex heals with the help of a professional. We’re on the sidelines with Seb. It’s frustrating as hell, but there is really no better way to get into Seb’s head. In reality, he already knows too much, knowing more of Dex’s reality isn’t going to help anything.
Seb knows Dex though. He knows he can’t take away the past, but he can offer up a future for them. I loved the ending. There really wasn’t any better happy ending for both of them. The journey there was tough, but these guys earned every last bit of their happy.
The first story of Garrett’s I ever read was Gypsy Rain. I fell for her words hard then and the bittersweet ending was perfect. Heart is the extended and contemporary version of Gypsy Rain. It really translated well to a contemporary story and the characters kept the personalities that made them so memorable in Gypsy Rain.
The beginning sucked me right in. The story of Dex and his life just plain hurt. He was a simple man living an impossibly harsh life. When he gets his chance to escape he risks everything and makes a break for it. Looking at his life though, he really had nothing to lose. His biggest regret was leaving the horses he cared for behind. He had a definite kinship with them. They were as undervalued as he was and without him their outlook was bleak. His sorrow at leaving them sums him up so well, humans have never been good to him, but the animals show him the appreciation and love he should have always received.
Fate finally smiles on Dex when he meets and starts to work for Rick and his wife in their restaurant. He’s got no past here, but he really has no clue how to live a life outside of the camp run by his “Uncle” Braden. He keeps his dead down, asks for nothing and slowly begins to settle in. Everything gets thrown out of whack when Seb shows up to be the new pastry chef at the restaurant. Seb has always been the magical memory that Dex kept tucked away, his mental escape that belonged solely to him. Having Seb back in his reality really threw Dex for a loop. Seb on the other hand, couldn’t have been happier. Dex is the man he hasn’t been able to forget since the first moment he saw him.
The middle of the book is pretty quiet. It makes sense for Dex and Seb though. Anything that would have moved more quickly would not have read well for Dex. It wouldn’t have been believable. His world is really pretty small and the life he’s living now is new to him. He spends a lot of time ‘absorbing’ his surroundings and Seb spends a lot of time introducing him to the world a little at a time. It was heartening to read Dex develop a sense of pride and value in himself. It was quiet and slow, just like the story at this point, but it worked.
It wouldn’t be a Garrett Leigh book without just one more dose of devastating heartbreak. Turns out Uncle Braden isn’t done with Dex yet and his evil wasn’t limited to just what Dex experienced. What followed was brutal, sad and frustrating as hell. Being that Dex has always lived off the grid, he wasn’t easy to find, but he had Seb who believed in him no matter what.
The aches and pains aren’t over yet though. Dex is recovering physically, but he and Seb need to find their balance again. Now it’s Seb who is having a hard time getting comfortable in his skin. He’s lost Dex twice now and has learned about his horrific life before the restaurant. It’s a tough part of this read to reconcile and Seb says it best with,
“They never talked about it. Ever. Not since Seb brought Dex home from the hospital. Dex because, well, who really knew with Dex? He didn’t talk much about anything unless he was drunk. And Seb? He didn’t know how.”
I was actually a little frustrated up until this point. How could this end if they don’t talk? But, when Seb himself admits his frustration about the same thing, it made me realize that this is just how this works for them. Anything else would have been wrong for Dex. Just because I don’t get it, doesn’t mean it’s not right for Seb and Dex. We aren’t really along for the ride as Dex heals with the help of a professional. We’re on the sidelines with Seb. It’s frustrating as hell, but there is really no better way to get into Seb’s head. In reality, he already knows too much, knowing more of Dex’s reality isn’t going to help anything.
Seb knows Dex though. He knows he can’t take away the past, but he can offer up a future for them. I loved the ending. There really wasn’t any better happy ending for both of them. The journey there was tough, but these guys earned every last bit of their happy.
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