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Darkest Skies #2
Deliverance
Banished gangster Benito Martell is living on the edge. An explosive hook-up in a club gifts him the relief he craves, but nothing about his life is ever so simple. Complications abound, and before long, he’s falling for the only man who can save his family from eviction.
Recovering addict Mickey Larwood has worked hard to leave his past behind. He can’t look back, not even for the beautiful Benito, the last soul on earth he expected to steal his heart—a soul who’s knee-deep in the underworld Mickey has run hundreds of miles to escape.
Benito can deny it all he wants, but Mickey can smell trouble a mile off.
And Benito is trouble with a capital T. As his desperate lies unravel, so does the fledgling love that’s grown between them. If Benito wants deliverance from his old life and a future with Mickey, old ghosts need to die.
If they don’t kill him first.
Deliverance is an angsty standalone MM romance novel, with second chances, found family, friends-to-lovers, and buckets of hurt/comfort themed loveliness. Trigger warnings for addiction and childhood trauma.
Recovering addict Mickey Larwood has worked hard to leave his past behind. He can’t look back, not even for the beautiful Benito, the last soul on earth he expected to steal his heart—a soul who’s knee-deep in the underworld Mickey has run hundreds of miles to escape.
Benito can deny it all he wants, but Mickey can smell trouble a mile off.
And Benito is trouble with a capital T. As his desperate lies unravel, so does the fledgling love that’s grown between them. If Benito wants deliverance from his old life and a future with Mickey, old ghosts need to die.
If they don’t kill him first.
Deliverance is an angsty standalone MM romance novel, with second chances, found family, friends-to-lovers, and buckets of hurt/comfort themed loveliness. Trigger warnings for addiction and childhood trauma.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2021
116 people are currently reading
1717 people want to read
About the author
Garrett Leigh
97 books2,404 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 168 reviews
June 11, 2021
**** 4.5 Stars ****
You know the hookup trope, "let's not take this further"?
Well, that was the vibe in here in the beginning. Strong.
Boy was I tricked.
What started as a hookup quickly developed into an intense relationship.
This is GL at her best.
I just love how realistic her plots are.
The angst is solid, raw, intense and brutal.
But hey, I am not here for Walt Disney tales.
The social aspect of it was very well thought out, not only showing the street gang life in rough parts of the city but also giving us an insight through a perspective of a person who works tackling difficulties such as council housing Vs government support, helping people who are struggling to keep their home.
And on that note, much love to Mickey, what a compassionate and great professional!🏆🥇
Brilliant character development for both complex and tormented characters, not to mention smartass Gianna.
The guys are the bomb💣🎇 HOT, which balanced the heaviness of the plot well.
And holy shite, that end... so much hope, happiness and freedom.
You know the hookup trope, "let's not take this further"?
Well, that was the vibe in here in the beginning. Strong.
Boy was I tricked.
What started as a hookup quickly developed into an intense relationship.
This is GL at her best.
I just love how realistic her plots are.
The angst is solid, raw, intense and brutal.
But hey, I am not here for Walt Disney tales.
The social aspect of it was very well thought out, not only showing the street gang life in rough parts of the city but also giving us an insight through a perspective of a person who works tackling difficulties such as council housing Vs government support, helping people who are struggling to keep their home.
And on that note, much love to Mickey, what a compassionate and great professional!🏆🥇
Brilliant character development for both complex and tormented characters, not to mention smartass Gianna.
The guys are the bomb💣🎇 HOT, which balanced the heaviness of the plot well.
And holy shite, that end... so much hope, happiness and freedom.
August 9, 2021
"I love you but I don't like you...right now."
Have you ever heard that phrase? It's straightforward but complicated and an accurate oxymoron in this case. I felt this contradiction in Benito and Mickey's story.
I'm not saying Garrett has a dark side but this series certainly falls into the shadowed corner of her bookshelf.
You won't find any frills or coddling here. If you're looking for angels and saints, I'll save you the trouble and advise you to keep on moving. Do you want fluff? Sorry, you won't find any here.
But how about a mixture of despair and hope so potent that you'll feel straight down to your bones? Would you like a tale about two men so focused on ferociously battling their own demons they don't even realize they've mistakenly fallen in love?
Then hold up! But wait, is love ever a mistake? I don't think so and I'd imagine Leigh doesn't either.
More often than not, forgiveness is there if you ask for it. Benito has a hard time asking for anything let alone that. After he fell from the top he longed to be free. However, life as a road boy claims many things, including your independence. He must buy his freedom and it’s not cheap. What he wasn’t expecting was to lose things along the way that were even more valuable than drugs and cash. He’s breaking apart and every crack is deeper and wider. Mickey is a survivor. He’s acutely aware that the iron vise grip of addiction may lessen but never disappears. He escaped from the very life Benito is desperately trying to cut ties from. He can’t go back, he won’t. He built his walls for a reason. However, the hot hook-up at the club obliterated all of his barriers. Mickey likes it rough in the bedroom (or hallway, corner…wherever) and craves a release only a few have been able to give him. Benito bites back but ultimately lets Mickey take everything he needs. As it turns out, he needs it too. Suddenly, they both discover their hearts are making demands and their souls tie before their very eyes. Then nitty-gritty emotions take over and Garrett does what she does best.
When I think of deliverance, I think of strength. And I can’t think of a more fitting description for Benito and Mickey. Yes, Mickey is a survivor but Benito bears his own scars. After the death of his father, his mom remarried a monster. The only blessing he brought was the priceless gift of his sister, Gianna. Benito lives for her and his mother, even if can’t stand to be in the same room as her. And then one night Mickey catches him in his laser stare and he suddenly has one more reason to get out of bed every day. He wants to be a better man. He wants to be proud of the man in the mirror. He wants to start fresh and atone his sins. He just can’t seem to catch his footing on the slippery slope he’s been sliding on. Once he pays attention, he realizes he’s not alone and there’s more than one helping hand available. But is it too little too late now? I wish I could tell you but you’ll have to make that discovery yourself.
Beware of: Naughty meets naughty and it’s oh-so-nice. Rescuing oneself from one’s self is often the hardest battle you’ll ever fight. Gang life isn’t pretty but who we are isn’t defined by a moment or the past, you can change course at any time.
This book is for: Life is full of angst these days but if you’re willing, you will see why this is worth it. Garrett takes the sunshine away only so we can see the brilliance of the hidden stars. Trust me, they’ll take your breath away.
Book UNfunk
Have you ever heard that phrase? It's straightforward but complicated and an accurate oxymoron in this case. I felt this contradiction in Benito and Mickey's story.
I'm not saying Garrett has a dark side but this series certainly falls into the shadowed corner of her bookshelf.
You won't find any frills or coddling here. If you're looking for angels and saints, I'll save you the trouble and advise you to keep on moving. Do you want fluff? Sorry, you won't find any here.
But how about a mixture of despair and hope so potent that you'll feel straight down to your bones? Would you like a tale about two men so focused on ferociously battling their own demons they don't even realize they've mistakenly fallen in love?
Then hold up! But wait, is love ever a mistake? I don't think so and I'd imagine Leigh doesn't either.
More often than not, forgiveness is there if you ask for it. Benito has a hard time asking for anything let alone that. After he fell from the top he longed to be free. However, life as a road boy claims many things, including your independence. He must buy his freedom and it’s not cheap. What he wasn’t expecting was to lose things along the way that were even more valuable than drugs and cash. He’s breaking apart and every crack is deeper and wider. Mickey is a survivor. He’s acutely aware that the iron vise grip of addiction may lessen but never disappears. He escaped from the very life Benito is desperately trying to cut ties from. He can’t go back, he won’t. He built his walls for a reason. However, the hot hook-up at the club obliterated all of his barriers. Mickey likes it rough in the bedroom (or hallway, corner…wherever) and craves a release only a few have been able to give him. Benito bites back but ultimately lets Mickey take everything he needs. As it turns out, he needs it too. Suddenly, they both discover their hearts are making demands and their souls tie before their very eyes. Then nitty-gritty emotions take over and Garrett does what she does best.
When I think of deliverance, I think of strength. And I can’t think of a more fitting description for Benito and Mickey. Yes, Mickey is a survivor but Benito bears his own scars. After the death of his father, his mom remarried a monster. The only blessing he brought was the priceless gift of his sister, Gianna. Benito lives for her and his mother, even if can’t stand to be in the same room as her. And then one night Mickey catches him in his laser stare and he suddenly has one more reason to get out of bed every day. He wants to be a better man. He wants to be proud of the man in the mirror. He wants to start fresh and atone his sins. He just can’t seem to catch his footing on the slippery slope he’s been sliding on. Once he pays attention, he realizes he’s not alone and there’s more than one helping hand available. But is it too little too late now? I wish I could tell you but you’ll have to make that discovery yourself.
Beware of: Naughty meets naughty and it’s oh-so-nice. Rescuing oneself from one’s self is often the hardest battle you’ll ever fight. Gang life isn’t pretty but who we are isn’t defined by a moment or the past, you can change course at any time.
This book is for: Life is full of angst these days but if you’re willing, you will see why this is worth it. Garrett takes the sunshine away only so we can see the brilliance of the hidden stars. Trust me, they’ll take your breath away.
Book UNfunk
August 17, 2021
I hadn't noticed this one was out until recently, so I gave it a go and yep, like the first one I enjoyed it a lot. 🥰🥰❤
I loved the idea of bad people turning good, we need more of that in the world. And I loved it here, Benito was a mean fucker until he got fucked, so at the beginning of this story he was a mess and he was clearly desperate to gain his freedom, so the first chapters in his pov were very messy, in a good way.
And Mickey was just a good dude who has a weird kink 🤣🤣, I liked it a little bit but yeah... Anyways, he is an addict and his struggle was written really realistically to me, he always fought to not give in and a lot of the times in the book I thought he would, but he stood his ground and won.
The two of them together were fire and gasoline, they understood each other and complemented each other really well, the heat was on all the time and well, I really liked them together.
Kudos to Gianna btw!! What a wonderful, strong, no nonsense girl. Loved how badass she was at 12.
I really, really enjoyed this and can't wait for the next one! 🥰🥰❤
I loved the idea of bad people turning good, we need more of that in the world. And I loved it here, Benito was a mean fucker until he got fucked, so at the beginning of this story he was a mess and he was clearly desperate to gain his freedom, so the first chapters in his pov were very messy, in a good way.
And Mickey was just a good dude who has a weird kink 🤣🤣, I liked it a little bit but yeah... Anyways, he is an addict and his struggle was written really realistically to me, he always fought to not give in and a lot of the times in the book I thought he would, but he stood his ground and won.
The two of them together were fire and gasoline, they understood each other and complemented each other really well, the heat was on all the time and well, I really liked them together.
Kudos to Gianna btw!! What a wonderful, strong, no nonsense girl. Loved how badass she was at 12.
I really, really enjoyed this and can't wait for the next one! 🥰🥰❤
November 17, 2021
Audio - 4 stars
Story - 4 stars
Story - 4 stars
September 11, 2021
4.25 “I want to take care of my family and be a better man” stars
“Just giving you a way out.” “I don’t need one from you. Never from you. You’re my fucking world.”
Well ... Well... Well... Remember how I really enjoyed book 1 in this series? This book, I loved even more than book 1. This series just keeps getting better and better for me. I love the entire set up of this series, I love seeing ex gang members learn how to live outside of the gang atmosphere and find love, it's just so good to me.
Brief Summary
Benito gets in trouble with his gang and he has to get money (money that he doesn't have) to be able to leave the gang forever or they will hurt his family if he isn't careful. Benito go to a sex club and he meets Mickey there, they have a one night stand and meet up a couple times after that. Mickey works for an housing company and he takes care of Benito's family case and Benito's family is about to be evicted because they haven't paid their rent for a while, so they keep meeting up for that. Turns out that Mickey used to be in a gang too so they have a lot in comon. They know they cannot be together because of Mickey's job and the fact that Benito is still in a gang but they cannot ignore the attraction they feel and they fall in love.
First, I love books that are mostly focused on the main characters and we get to see them in different life situations and we get to see their lives and how they deal with certain life experiences and this was the case in this book and it really worked for me. And I love a good hard fought HEA and this certainly was, but no matter how hard fought it was, the journey was so worth it.
Second, I love the vibe of misery in books. I like when things are not going right and one of the main character is hurting. Which was Benito's case, he was scared the gang would come for him and he didn't know how to be a person outside of the gang. I liked reading about Benito's issues and how he tried to accomodate to a new life and how he had a lot of setbacks on that route. Also, Benito was wary and scared of the gang following him and hurting his family and I really enjoyed reading about that. I liked how he had issues trusting and was a little paranoid that something would happen to him, it felt realistic and made sense with the situation he was in. Also there was an air of misery surrounding Mickey too because he didn't really like himself and I also really enjoyed reading about, I mostly enjoyed Benito telling him that he's wrong and how lovely Mickey too.
Side note, I might have cried out of pain for half of this book due to how bad I felt for the characters. These guys got me so emotional and I was so invested in their story.
Third, the sex scenes in this book, I have no clue how to put words on how hot they were. They were some of the hotest sex scenes I have ever read. They were all about power and control and these guys liked to fight each other for power during sex, it was so so hot and I loved it, very much.
Fourth, Benito still did some jobs for the gang so he could get the money he needed to get out of the gang and I really enjoyed those scenes, it was lovely to read about and I really liked seeing that part of his life and his feelings during it, how he didn't want really want to do it but had to if he wanted to be free. Also I loved seeing the comparisons between Mickey who was out of the gang lifestyle and Benito who still worked in it, it was fascinating to read about how different but similar their lives were.
Fifth, I really enjoyed reading about Benito's relationship with his family. It wasn't easy and him and his mom didn't go on very well. They had a troubled relationship and it was hard for them to see eye to eye. I really enjoyed reading about it and seeing how they didn't go on the best but kept trying to do better and have a good relationship, they just didn't really know how. It was fascinating to read about because normally in books they either have a perfect family or someone is super evil and they can never fix their relationship, so I liked to see the nuances in this book and how they had a troubles relationship but didn't hate each other.
Sixth, I really enjoyed the relationship build up. I liked how it wasn't easy and they had many hurdles they had to go through before they could be together. But I like how t hey were pining for the other and still wanted each other even when it was hard for them to be together. I liked how there was rodeblocks and they couldn't be together because of outside sources but all they wanted was to be together. These two were so good together. I loved how they always took take of each other and made sure that the other felt good and had everything they need.
Seventh, Mickey was addicted to coke and he's been clean for 3 years but he still felt cravings and the temptation to do it and I really loved that part, I loved how realistic it felt and how he had to keep working to not give in.
Eight, I absolutely loved this book. Yet I had an issue with it that I just couldn’t forget and that treatened my enjoyment of the book. Mickey had a really big fear and he was very worried about it and he told Benito and Benito told him that he wasn’t doing what Mickey feared, but Benito was doing it, so he lied to Mickey. And I understand why he did it and that it was that he thought that Mickey wouldn’t want him if he knew the truth and all of this makes sense to me but I just couldn’t forgive that he lied to Mickey about something that he knew scares Mickey, even if it was justified. I prefer when my characters talk to each other and communicate, characters keeping these kind of secrets and lies is just not my preference in books. But I did like that Benito knew he was wrong and that he shouldn’t have done it, that made the entire situation much better for me and I liked how Benito groveled and apologized for it, that really helped make the situation better for me.
I really enjoyed the time I spent reading this book and i’m so excited to read the next book in this series that i’m like a kid on Christmas morning.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
“Just giving you a way out.” “I don’t need one from you. Never from you. You’re my fucking world.”
Well ... Well... Well... Remember how I really enjoyed book 1 in this series? This book, I loved even more than book 1. This series just keeps getting better and better for me. I love the entire set up of this series, I love seeing ex gang members learn how to live outside of the gang atmosphere and find love, it's just so good to me.
Brief Summary
Benito gets in trouble with his gang and he has to get money (money that he doesn't have) to be able to leave the gang forever or they will hurt his family if he isn't careful. Benito go to a sex club and he meets Mickey there, they have a one night stand and meet up a couple times after that. Mickey works for an housing company and he takes care of Benito's family case and Benito's family is about to be evicted because they haven't paid their rent for a while, so they keep meeting up for that. Turns out that Mickey used to be in a gang too so they have a lot in comon. They know they cannot be together because of Mickey's job and the fact that Benito is still in a gang but they cannot ignore the attraction they feel and they fall in love.
First, I love books that are mostly focused on the main characters and we get to see them in different life situations and we get to see their lives and how they deal with certain life experiences and this was the case in this book and it really worked for me. And I love a good hard fought HEA and this certainly was, but no matter how hard fought it was, the journey was so worth it.
Second, I love the vibe of misery in books. I like when things are not going right and one of the main character is hurting. Which was Benito's case, he was scared the gang would come for him and he didn't know how to be a person outside of the gang. I liked reading about Benito's issues and how he tried to accomodate to a new life and how he had a lot of setbacks on that route. Also, Benito was wary and scared of the gang following him and hurting his family and I really enjoyed reading about that. I liked how he had issues trusting and was a little paranoid that something would happen to him, it felt realistic and made sense with the situation he was in. Also there was an air of misery surrounding Mickey too because he didn't really like himself and I also really enjoyed reading about, I mostly enjoyed Benito telling him that he's wrong and how lovely Mickey too.
Side note, I might have cried out of pain for half of this book due to how bad I felt for the characters. These guys got me so emotional and I was so invested in their story.
Third, the sex scenes in this book, I have no clue how to put words on how hot they were. They were some of the hotest sex scenes I have ever read. They were all about power and control and these guys liked to fight each other for power during sex, it was so so hot and I loved it, very much.
Fourth, Benito still did some jobs for the gang so he could get the money he needed to get out of the gang and I really enjoyed those scenes, it was lovely to read about and I really liked seeing that part of his life and his feelings during it, how he didn't want really want to do it but had to if he wanted to be free. Also I loved seeing the comparisons between Mickey who was out of the gang lifestyle and Benito who still worked in it, it was fascinating to read about how different but similar their lives were.
Fifth, I really enjoyed reading about Benito's relationship with his family. It wasn't easy and him and his mom didn't go on very well. They had a troubled relationship and it was hard for them to see eye to eye. I really enjoyed reading about it and seeing how they didn't go on the best but kept trying to do better and have a good relationship, they just didn't really know how. It was fascinating to read about because normally in books they either have a perfect family or someone is super evil and they can never fix their relationship, so I liked to see the nuances in this book and how they had a troubles relationship but didn't hate each other.
Sixth, I really enjoyed the relationship build up. I liked how it wasn't easy and they had many hurdles they had to go through before they could be together. But I like how t hey were pining for the other and still wanted each other even when it was hard for them to be together. I liked how there was rodeblocks and they couldn't be together because of outside sources but all they wanted was to be together. These two were so good together. I loved how they always took take of each other and made sure that the other felt good and had everything they need.
Seventh, Mickey was addicted to coke and he's been clean for 3 years but he still felt cravings and the temptation to do it and I really loved that part, I loved how realistic it felt and how he had to keep working to not give in.
Eight, I absolutely loved this book. Yet I had an issue with it that I just couldn’t forget and that treatened my enjoyment of the book. Mickey had a really big fear and he was very worried about it and he told Benito and Benito told him that he wasn’t doing what Mickey feared, but Benito was doing it, so he lied to Mickey. And I understand why he did it and that it was that he thought that Mickey wouldn’t want him if he knew the truth and all of this makes sense to me but I just couldn’t forgive that he lied to Mickey about something that he knew scares Mickey, even if it was justified. I prefer when my characters talk to each other and communicate, characters keeping these kind of secrets and lies is just not my preference in books. But I did like that Benito knew he was wrong and that he shouldn’t have done it, that made the entire situation much better for me and I liked how Benito groveled and apologized for it, that really helped make the situation better for me.
I really enjoyed the time I spent reading this book and i’m so excited to read the next book in this series that i’m like a kid on Christmas morning.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
October 30, 2021
***4+ Stars***
Dark. Darker. The darkest...
... but with light filtering in.
If there's something I extremely love about Garrett Leigh's books, it's that they are different, have a realistic touch and are not some run-of-the-mill-I've-heard-it-all-before stories. The reformed-bad-boy vibe is strong here and I loved the intensity that came with it. It was a bit fairy-taley convenient at times, but I didn't care. Much.
Apparently, I haven't suffered enough yet, so on to the next!
Dark. Darker. The darkest...
... but with light filtering in.
If there's something I extremely love about Garrett Leigh's books, it's that they are different, have a realistic touch and are not some run-of-the-mill-I've-heard-it-all-before stories. The reformed-bad-boy vibe is strong here and I loved the intensity that came with it. It was a bit fairy-taley convenient at times, but I didn't care. Much.
Apparently, I haven't suffered enough yet, so on to the next!
May 23, 2021
Leigh's latest books haven't really hit the mark for me, till this one. It had all the feels without being overly angsty, a gripping plot that hooked me right from the beginning. I'm loving this more darker series of hers, Mickey and Benito get all the stars.
Loved it
Loved it
September 17, 2021
4,25 stars
Gritty. Sad. Tough. Angsty. Realistic.
This series isn’t called ‘Darkest Skies’ for nothing.
Benito and Mickey:
Hardened by their past, simple in their needs, modest in their expectations what life can offer them and straight forward in what they want. Neither man thinks he is good enough for something like happiness, like love and what they consider a ‘normal life’.
Benito: “I think I only function properly when everything is a fucking struggle.”
“This (having a normal day out) is, like, utopia for me. Like we’re in another world being regular people doing regular shit.”
Benito is not the same man we met in book 1. The fears, the desperation and depression that come with trying to cut ties with his past permanently weigh heavily on him, and his life is shrouded by that dark, relentless cloud. It felt oppressive, scary and very sad at times, but also very real.
While Mickey has managed the step away from a life of crime, he’s a recovering addict which brings its own challenges to this tough, simple and very good-hearted man. I loved Mickey. He’s achieved so much despite his past and his limitations, and yet he doesn’t feel he’s worthy of love.
Both men are expertly drawn, and I particularly enjoyed how their personalities are so well reflected in their speech and the way they express themselves.
I loved the sky-high sexual chemistry between them, the way their desires just click which leads to fabulous, explosive, very hot, rough sex. But, and that’s the even more wonderful part … I adored how their sexual relationship develops from there and simply becomes more very gradually.
Garrett Leigh does an excellent job showing the issues of each man as they try to get on with life, to be better, to care more and be ‘worthy’ of the other.
Yes, this is on the ‘dark side’, but it ends on an air of hope and happiness.
And that makes it all the better for me.
Gritty. Sad. Tough. Angsty. Realistic.
This series isn’t called ‘Darkest Skies’ for nothing.
Benito and Mickey:
Hardened by their past, simple in their needs, modest in their expectations what life can offer them and straight forward in what they want. Neither man thinks he is good enough for something like happiness, like love and what they consider a ‘normal life’.
Benito: “I think I only function properly when everything is a fucking struggle.”
“This (having a normal day out) is, like, utopia for me. Like we’re in another world being regular people doing regular shit.”
Benito is not the same man we met in book 1. The fears, the desperation and depression that come with trying to cut ties with his past permanently weigh heavily on him, and his life is shrouded by that dark, relentless cloud. It felt oppressive, scary and very sad at times, but also very real.
While Mickey has managed the step away from a life of crime, he’s a recovering addict which brings its own challenges to this tough, simple and very good-hearted man. I loved Mickey. He’s achieved so much despite his past and his limitations, and yet he doesn’t feel he’s worthy of love.
Both men are expertly drawn, and I particularly enjoyed how their personalities are so well reflected in their speech and the way they express themselves.
I loved the sky-high sexual chemistry between them, the way their desires just click which leads to fabulous, explosive, very hot, rough sex. But, and that’s the even more wonderful part … I adored how their sexual relationship develops from there and simply becomes more very gradually.
Garrett Leigh does an excellent job showing the issues of each man as they try to get on with life, to be better, to care more and be ‘worthy’ of the other.
Yes, this is on the ‘dark side’, but it ends on an air of hope and happiness.
And that makes it all the better for me.
May 19, 2021
Another powerfully gritty and brutally honest look at the complexities of falling in love with someone who isn't necessarily a good person.
Here Garrett offers up a cracking semi-redemption arc as she gives us Benito's story (he's the guy from book one who Luis' brother Dante was embroiled with) and ooooh boy is it a cracker.
Benito is not only recovering from being shanked (stabbed in London street parlance) by his number two Asa, he's also having to stay out of the city and watch over his much younger sister and his estranged mother.
An anonymous hook-up in a sex club gives him the adrenaline thrill he's been missing from being out of the gang scene and he finds himself craving more of Mickey's touch - and his company.
Mickey is a complex guy too. He's a former addict, he's also lived the street gang life in Manchester and he now works for Dom and Isha (see Garrett's fabulous Lucky series https://www.goodreads.com/series/2521... ) and the housing charity they set up.
When he hooks up with Benito he too finds something real, something that kills the cravings for coke that he lives with, but also he finds a kindred - if somewhat troubling - spirit.
And as Benito tries to go straight, while Mickey fights for the rights of his clients (who happen to include Benito's sister Gianna and his mother Rosetta in their social housing block of flats), things begin to spiral.
Benito's still hitting Asa's drug runs and selling off the product to raise the 100k he's been told will clear him of any threats, Mickey knows something's going on but he's turning a blind eye.
Like book one, the sexual compatibility between these two men is off the charts hot. Like book one, there is a heavy threat hanging over the narrative constantly because of what Benito is still doing and because of Mickey's addict past.
When reading, your heart is in your mouth half the time because it's not clear where things will go.
But, as with all Garrett books, the hope that eventually a corner will be turned, a decision will be made, and a future with a brighter outlook will open up, also carries strong.
I will say, she surprised me yet again with where the story goes. I definitely was not expecting the outcome.
But the sense of dread was palpable and I really felt every single emotion going through everyone involved.
Ultimately, though, this is a romance, and it does conclude in a manner which felt wholly in keeping with the characters and with their behavioural expectations. I also loved the wee look we get at Luis and Pablo
There's a lovely Epilogue which reinforces the changes that both men have been willing to make to fight for their ongoing relationship and a sneak peek at where book three will be going.
And that is one I absolutely cannot wait for!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Here Garrett offers up a cracking semi-redemption arc as she gives us Benito's story (he's the guy from book one who Luis' brother Dante was embroiled with) and ooooh boy is it a cracker.
Benito is not only recovering from being shanked (stabbed in London street parlance) by his number two Asa, he's also having to stay out of the city and watch over his much younger sister and his estranged mother.
An anonymous hook-up in a sex club gives him the adrenaline thrill he's been missing from being out of the gang scene and he finds himself craving more of Mickey's touch - and his company.
Mickey is a complex guy too. He's a former addict, he's also lived the street gang life in Manchester and he now works for Dom and Isha (see Garrett's fabulous Lucky series https://www.goodreads.com/series/2521... ) and the housing charity they set up.
When he hooks up with Benito he too finds something real, something that kills the cravings for coke that he lives with, but also he finds a kindred - if somewhat troubling - spirit.
And as Benito tries to go straight, while Mickey fights for the rights of his clients (who happen to include Benito's sister Gianna and his mother Rosetta in their social housing block of flats), things begin to spiral.
Benito's still hitting Asa's drug runs and selling off the product to raise the 100k he's been told will clear him of any threats, Mickey knows something's going on but he's turning a blind eye.
Like book one, the sexual compatibility between these two men is off the charts hot. Like book one, there is a heavy threat hanging over the narrative constantly because of what Benito is still doing and because of Mickey's addict past.
When reading, your heart is in your mouth half the time because it's not clear where things will go.
But, as with all Garrett books, the hope that eventually a corner will be turned, a decision will be made, and a future with a brighter outlook will open up, also carries strong.
I will say, she surprised me yet again with where the story goes. I definitely was not expecting the outcome.
But the sense of dread was palpable and I really felt every single emotion going through everyone involved.
Ultimately, though, this is a romance, and it does conclude in a manner which felt wholly in keeping with the characters and with their behavioural expectations. I also loved the wee look we get at Luis and Pablo
There's a lovely Epilogue which reinforces the changes that both men have been willing to make to fight for their ongoing relationship and a sneak peek at where book three will be going.
And that is one I absolutely cannot wait for!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
i-m-a-quitter
August 30, 2021Going to go ahead and shelve this one.
DNF @ 58%
Honestly, I think it's more me then the book. I am a huge Garrett Leigh fan, and normally her heavier, grittier reads don't bother me. But for whatever reason I just haven't been in the mood for this one.
I've tried to go back to a few times with no luck. Maybe these particular characters just didn't resonate with me? Not sure.
Maybe I'll go back at some point and try again. Maybe not.
DNF @ 58%
Honestly, I think it's more me then the book. I am a huge Garrett Leigh fan, and normally her heavier, grittier reads don't bother me. But for whatever reason I just haven't been in the mood for this one.
I've tried to go back to a few times with no luck. Maybe these particular characters just didn't resonate with me? Not sure.
Maybe I'll go back at some point and try again. Maybe not.
June 11, 2021
*3.5 stars*
I liked it a lot but I kept comparing it to the first book which I LOVED! The sex was scorching but I didn't actually feel their connection until the last 15%. I also didn't care much about the action.
Despite that, it has the trademark Garrett Leigh moody vibe and I didn't get bored, so I consider this a winner.
I liked it a lot but I kept comparing it to the first book which I LOVED! The sex was scorching but I didn't actually feel their connection until the last 15%. I also didn't care much about the action.
Despite that, it has the trademark Garrett Leigh moody vibe and I didn't get bored, so I consider this a winner.
Read
May 21, 2021OUT NOW
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3faIjvK
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/31kgQ2x
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3faIjvK
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/31kgQ2x
June 28, 2021
Benito Martell was a member of the gang in London for the past few years. Recently he had been tossed by his 'second' and thrown back to his hometown. He had to pay back 1,00,000 pounds as a bounty to save his Mom and his younger step-sister from his old gang members. Now he drives Uber and hijacks cocaine loads of his ex-gang to fund his Bounty. He still yearns for the adrenaline rush and often grapples with anxiety and panic.
Mickey Larwood is dyslexic, a recovering addict, and works as a counsellor for the Housing Authority. They both meet at a hookup place called 'freefall' and what started as an explosive hookup turns into a new lifeline for both of them.
Mickey knows there are parallels between his past and Benito's present and feels like "an addict obsessed with anything that makes him feel good" but he can't let Benito go. Benito knows keeping secrets is not the solution. Still, he can't help but hides involvement in the drug business from Mickey.
This is my first book by Garrett Leigh and I am in awe of her writing style. She made me feel so much for people born in rough ends and even for ex-gang members. The book is filled with gang-related details and slangs used in England.
If you like angst-filled hurt/comfort romances and your MCs in desperate situations, you will love this book. Not to mention the sexual chemistry was so off the chart. They were raw, intense, and sizzling hot together. Still, these two together filled my heart with hopes for gritty men with rough edges.
Mickey Larwood is dyslexic, a recovering addict, and works as a counsellor for the Housing Authority. They both meet at a hookup place called 'freefall' and what started as an explosive hookup turns into a new lifeline for both of them.
Mickey knows there are parallels between his past and Benito's present and feels like "an addict obsessed with anything that makes him feel good" but he can't let Benito go. Benito knows keeping secrets is not the solution. Still, he can't help but hides involvement in the drug business from Mickey.
This is my first book by Garrett Leigh and I am in awe of her writing style. She made me feel so much for people born in rough ends and even for ex-gang members. The book is filled with gang-related details and slangs used in England.
If you like angst-filled hurt/comfort romances and your MCs in desperate situations, you will love this book. Not to mention the sexual chemistry was so off the chart. They were raw, intense, and sizzling hot together. Still, these two together filled my heart with hopes for gritty men with rough edges.
May 24, 2021
Unputdownable
This book was great from start to finish and goes straight to my favourites for the year.
I might come back to write a more eloquent review but for now, all I can say is, if you want a story that would grip you and drag emotions from you, especially from characters you'd never have thought could make you feel anything, try this book.
I'm almost certain you won't regret it.
This book was great from start to finish and goes straight to my favourites for the year.
I might come back to write a more eloquent review but for now, all I can say is, if you want a story that would grip you and drag emotions from you, especially from characters you'd never have thought could make you feel anything, try this book.
I'm almost certain you won't regret it.
July 19, 2021
When Benito and Mickey hook up in a club, it’s complete fireworks. Both men want to go back for more.
However, what should be an easy no-strings-attached arrangement quickly becomes complicated by a personal connection the two weren’t aware of, and by their pasts.
Not to mention the emotional pull that quickly becomes more important than the physical.
First of all, let me acknowledge the obvious - Benito and Mickey are hot. Like no holds barred, aggressive, dirty hot. Lovely.
Both men also have baggage. Lots of it. And unfortunately, that baggage means that the clash was unavoidable.
It’s gritty and rough, but I thought both men were justified in their feelings and actions. It pulled the heartstrings - Mickey and Benito so clearly want things to work, but circumstances outside of their control make it tough.
Life just throws curveballs sometimes.
I loved that the common ground between the two was Benito’s family. Because while they may have been unsure about each other, they were both committed to Benito’s mother and sister.
And slowly but surely, Mickey and Benito begin chipping at the cracks. Until they just can’t stay away from each other, and become more and more entwined.
I had heart eyes.
The sh*t does inevitably - and very predictably - hit the fan. But there’s no guarantee on exactly how things will play out.
However, Mickey and Benito do make it out on the other side, and they both make amends. It’s a hard-won happy ever after, and very much so deserved.
Recommended for those who enjoyed book 1!
However, what should be an easy no-strings-attached arrangement quickly becomes complicated by a personal connection the two weren’t aware of, and by their pasts.
Not to mention the emotional pull that quickly becomes more important than the physical.
First of all, let me acknowledge the obvious - Benito and Mickey are hot. Like no holds barred, aggressive, dirty hot. Lovely.
Both men also have baggage. Lots of it. And unfortunately, that baggage means that the clash was unavoidable.
It’s gritty and rough, but I thought both men were justified in their feelings and actions. It pulled the heartstrings - Mickey and Benito so clearly want things to work, but circumstances outside of their control make it tough.
Life just throws curveballs sometimes.
I loved that the common ground between the two was Benito’s family. Because while they may have been unsure about each other, they were both committed to Benito’s mother and sister.
And slowly but surely, Mickey and Benito begin chipping at the cracks. Until they just can’t stay away from each other, and become more and more entwined.
I had heart eyes.
The sh*t does inevitably - and very predictably - hit the fan. But there’s no guarantee on exactly how things will play out.
However, Mickey and Benito do make it out on the other side, and they both make amends. It’s a hard-won happy ever after, and very much so deserved.
Recommended for those who enjoyed book 1!
May 23, 2021
4.5 stars
Garrett Leigh rarely disappoints.😌
Great story.
Garrett Leigh rarely disappoints.😌
Great story.
May 20, 2021
Deliverance left me with a book hangover, but I had an arc of Redemption to dive into immediately.
After Redemption, though, I had an even worse hangover and no next book to make it better. I must have started three other perfectly good novels only to put them down because they weren't as gritty and enthralling as Redemption, I just loved the way these men fought so hard for the HEA; fought themselves and circumstances, finally coming out on the other side.
Some of the things that happen on page may be triggering to some people, but I wouldn't change any of it. The pain, the anger, the frustration, the hope, the happiness - all of the feelings. I don't know what Garrett Leigh's experiences are with cocaine, but after having lived and loved an addict, I can tell you that Mickey was spot-on.
It was good to have Isha and Dom, but honestly, I think Mickey and Benito are my favorite Garrett Leigh couple so far. Can't wait for the next one!
After Redemption, though, I had an even worse hangover and no next book to make it better. I must have started three other perfectly good novels only to put them down because they weren't as gritty and enthralling as Redemption, I just loved the way these men fought so hard for the HEA; fought themselves and circumstances, finally coming out on the other side.
Some of the things that happen on page may be triggering to some people, but I wouldn't change any of it. The pain, the anger, the frustration, the hope, the happiness - all of the feelings. I don't know what Garrett Leigh's experiences are with cocaine, but after having lived and loved an addict, I can tell you that Mickey was spot-on.
It was good to have Isha and Dom, but honestly, I think Mickey and Benito are my favorite Garrett Leigh couple so far. Can't wait for the next one!
July 28, 2021
One of my favorite things about this series so far is that the characters are all very real men with very real problems that stem from a life of chaos, destruction and trouble. Garrett Leigh doesn't take the typical beloved character and make you fall for them; she takes the guys who have done bad things but want to change their lives for the better and makes you fall for them.
Benito Martell is barely surviving. Once a gangster and now just a man who wants to be there for his family and make good choices Benito is proof that is a lot harder than it might seem. He has a debt to pay and until that debt is paid, he has to look over his shoulder every day to make sure that his past isn't finally catching up with him. When a random hookup one-night turns into a semi friendship Benito is realizing that being alone isn't what he wants anymore. As if things aren't complicated enough, it turns out that his one-night stand is also the man responsible for making sure his mom and sister have a home.
Mickey Larwood put his past behind him three years ago and has done everything in his power to make sure it stays that way. He has his work that keeps him plenty busy, a gym membership to take up the spare time and even a club he can go to when he is feeling like he needs to relieve stress. It is one of those nights when he meets a mysterious stranger at the bar, and they relieve some stress together, but it is unlike his other hookups and Mickey knows quickly that he wants more than one night with this man.
Mickey and Benito have more in common than either man thought but with that comes its own set of problems. Mickey has been down the road that Benito is on now and it is not a pretty road. He isn't sure if he can put himself in that position again to go down a road that almost ended his life once before. Benito hasn't told Mickey the whole truth because he just wants to protect him but in doing so he is also putting a bigger weight on a fragile relationship that might just be about to shatter. Can Mickey and Benito get over the hurdles of a past life to move on with their future?
This is only my third or fourth Garrett Leigh book but with each of her stories I fall more in love with her writing. It is raw and beautiful without having the over-the-top notion that a lot of stories like these tend to have and that is so refreshing. Mickey & Benito were each other’s anchor in a way and being able to fall in love with their chaotic story was everything I hoped it would.
Benito Martell is barely surviving. Once a gangster and now just a man who wants to be there for his family and make good choices Benito is proof that is a lot harder than it might seem. He has a debt to pay and until that debt is paid, he has to look over his shoulder every day to make sure that his past isn't finally catching up with him. When a random hookup one-night turns into a semi friendship Benito is realizing that being alone isn't what he wants anymore. As if things aren't complicated enough, it turns out that his one-night stand is also the man responsible for making sure his mom and sister have a home.
Mickey Larwood put his past behind him three years ago and has done everything in his power to make sure it stays that way. He has his work that keeps him plenty busy, a gym membership to take up the spare time and even a club he can go to when he is feeling like he needs to relieve stress. It is one of those nights when he meets a mysterious stranger at the bar, and they relieve some stress together, but it is unlike his other hookups and Mickey knows quickly that he wants more than one night with this man.
Mickey and Benito have more in common than either man thought but with that comes its own set of problems. Mickey has been down the road that Benito is on now and it is not a pretty road. He isn't sure if he can put himself in that position again to go down a road that almost ended his life once before. Benito hasn't told Mickey the whole truth because he just wants to protect him but in doing so he is also putting a bigger weight on a fragile relationship that might just be about to shatter. Can Mickey and Benito get over the hurdles of a past life to move on with their future?
This is only my third or fourth Garrett Leigh book but with each of her stories I fall more in love with her writing. It is raw and beautiful without having the over-the-top notion that a lot of stories like these tend to have and that is so refreshing. Mickey & Benito were each other’s anchor in a way and being able to fall in love with their chaotic story was everything I hoped it would.
May 20, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
If you are craving the type of raw, emotional, and sensual book that Garrett Leigh creates, you will get that from Deliverance. Leigh creates a story for Mickey and Benito that makes you go all in for the bad guy. Mickey and Benito both know they are not good guys, but they are trying to be better and to do better.
As a recovering addict and former gang member, Mickey is a few steps ahead of Benito on the road to redemption and he is living a life helping others. Every day is hard as his addiction is always lingering and always ready to strike and Mickey tries to keep the fire in his veins down by hookups at a sex club. It’s there he meets Benito and from their first meeting, the air around them crackles and sparks.
Mickey and Benito are two guys with rough edges and it is great reading to see how they challenge each other in the bedroom. This is another great book and series from Leigh with men who have always embraced the darkness looking for a ray of light.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
If you are craving the type of raw, emotional, and sensual book that Garrett Leigh creates, you will get that from Deliverance. Leigh creates a story for Mickey and Benito that makes you go all in for the bad guy. Mickey and Benito both know they are not good guys, but they are trying to be better and to do better.
As a recovering addict and former gang member, Mickey is a few steps ahead of Benito on the road to redemption and he is living a life helping others. Every day is hard as his addiction is always lingering and always ready to strike and Mickey tries to keep the fire in his veins down by hookups at a sex club. It’s there he meets Benito and from their first meeting, the air around them crackles and sparks.
Mickey and Benito are two guys with rough edges and it is great reading to see how they challenge each other in the bedroom. This is another great book and series from Leigh with men who have always embraced the darkness looking for a ray of light.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
June 3, 2022
Martell took me by surprise. Unlike the previous book, he was so gentle and tame that I fell in love with him. Same with Mickey.
We learned that Dante is getting out of jail. He responded to Martell's letter in such an unexpected way that I wonder what he will do after he got out.
We learned that Dante is getting out of jail. He responded to Martell's letter in such an unexpected way that I wonder what he will do after he got out.
May 21, 2021
A wonderful angsty story; I loved it!
When I read the first book in this series, Redemption, I didn’t know it was going to be part of a series but I sure am glad it turned out to be so. Deliverance is a fantastic story in its own right and it stands alone with no problem. But if you’d like to know what happens before this story (different main characters but connected), I highly recommend reading Redemption as it’s also a fantastic story.
Benito has left his old life behind but there are still loose ends he needs to tie up. The problem is that tying them up is dangerous, not only to him but possibly to those he loves as well.
Mickey used to lead a life similar to Benito but he left it and his addiction behind three years ago. He knows that getting close to Benito is dangerous to his ongoing recovery but he can’t seem to help himself until something happens that he just can’t ignore.
This is another Garrett Leigh book that tore me up and then put me back together again. The relationship between Benito and Mickey is HOT! They meet in a club for a one-off that neither of them can forget. Then Mickey’s day life intersects with his night life in a big way and he can’t ignore how he feels about Benito.
As Benito continues to do dangerous things my heart was pounding throughout much of the story. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop but when it did it wasn’t what I was expecting. A life-threatening situation brings things to a head for Benito and Mickey and Garrett Leigh gives them a great HEA. I also loved the epilogue for the story and I hope it was a bit of a setup for the next book in the series.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
When I read the first book in this series, Redemption, I didn’t know it was going to be part of a series but I sure am glad it turned out to be so. Deliverance is a fantastic story in its own right and it stands alone with no problem. But if you’d like to know what happens before this story (different main characters but connected), I highly recommend reading Redemption as it’s also a fantastic story.
Benito has left his old life behind but there are still loose ends he needs to tie up. The problem is that tying them up is dangerous, not only to him but possibly to those he loves as well.
Mickey used to lead a life similar to Benito but he left it and his addiction behind three years ago. He knows that getting close to Benito is dangerous to his ongoing recovery but he can’t seem to help himself until something happens that he just can’t ignore.
This is another Garrett Leigh book that tore me up and then put me back together again. The relationship between Benito and Mickey is HOT! They meet in a club for a one-off that neither of them can forget. Then Mickey’s day life intersects with his night life in a big way and he can’t ignore how he feels about Benito.
As Benito continues to do dangerous things my heart was pounding throughout much of the story. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop but when it did it wasn’t what I was expecting. A life-threatening situation brings things to a head for Benito and Mickey and Garrett Leigh gives them a great HEA. I also loved the epilogue for the story and I hope it was a bit of a setup for the next book in the series.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
May 18, 2021
Wowsers. I'm always taken aback by how consuming a Garrett Leigh book is, but this one is probably the most intense yet. I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down.
Literally, read the whole thing in twelve hours with no sleep. This book is dark and angsty, and yet somehow sparklingly beautiful. How does Garrett Leigh do this? I need to know so I can bottle it and keep it forever.
Benito is broken and easy to root for, even though he's a bad man with bad past, and a wretched present. He's doing bad things, but for the right reasons, and I was devastated for him every time it didn't work out.
Mickey is EVERYTHING. What a sweetheart. Sometimes I forgot that he'd lived Benito's life already, and then he'd go all alpha male and growly and the contrast between these two alpha males who are yet so similar kept me on the edge of my seat.
This series is really special. I didn't like Benito (Martell) in the first book, and I get the feeling we weren't meant to, so his DELIVERANCE (see what I did?) in book two meant so much more. Book three is Dante's story. I cannot wait to see how Garrett Leigh manages to redeem him too, but for now, I need to flail some more about Benito and Mickey, because WOW, I loved this book so hard.
And as an ex Londoner, I really appreciated the authentic working class language. Too often, authors forget that London isn't all billionaires living in Chelsea and I love that Garrett Leigh always delivers something real for us ordinary people.
Literally, read the whole thing in twelve hours with no sleep. This book is dark and angsty, and yet somehow sparklingly beautiful. How does Garrett Leigh do this? I need to know so I can bottle it and keep it forever.
Benito is broken and easy to root for, even though he's a bad man with bad past, and a wretched present. He's doing bad things, but for the right reasons, and I was devastated for him every time it didn't work out.
Mickey is EVERYTHING. What a sweetheart. Sometimes I forgot that he'd lived Benito's life already, and then he'd go all alpha male and growly and the contrast between these two alpha males who are yet so similar kept me on the edge of my seat.
This series is really special. I didn't like Benito (Martell) in the first book, and I get the feeling we weren't meant to, so his DELIVERANCE (see what I did?) in book two meant so much more. Book three is Dante's story. I cannot wait to see how Garrett Leigh manages to redeem him too, but for now, I need to flail some more about Benito and Mickey, because WOW, I loved this book so hard.
And as an ex Londoner, I really appreciated the authentic working class language. Too often, authors forget that London isn't all billionaires living in Chelsea and I love that Garrett Leigh always delivers something real for us ordinary people.
August 14, 2021
4,5 stars.
Ah...Benito and Mickey. How hard they had to fight for their happy ever after! And yes, I'm masochistic like that. I love to watch the mc's struggle and fight a past they can't seem to escape. I love to see how they have to work hard to end up with the man they love.
I loved this one slightly less than I did the first, Redemption, but just a tiny little bit. Benito was a very unlikable person in the first book. It's due to Garrett's sublime writing that you, despite remembering him as the asshole he was, start to care for him the minute you are pulled into his story. Feeling sorry for him, even when he was the one who threatened Paolo's and Luis's happiness in book no. 1. And yes, I felt sorry for him. You get this feeling he is reeled into this gang life without a choice. Born on the wrong side of town, maybe. Victim of an abusive stepfather and a mother who chose her new husband over her son. Being forced to live on the street at a young age. What else is there to do then find a place you belong, to find a group of people that help you survive? Even if it's a group of criminals, but I wonder if you really care when it your life's turned into shit already?
Benito meets Mickey in a club and they have hot sex. And I mean REALLY HOT! Two alpha men going for it, well, voyeur me loved it. They have that type of instant connection that makes them want to see each other again, and so they hook up soon after their first encounter. Then things happen, conflicting things, both with Mickey and with Benito, and even though it causes their friendship (and more) to spiral down from there, they can't stay away from each other. And as a reader I felt that pull, that chemistry they had, the connection. Both physically and mentally. It's how Garrett Leigh makes you feel all these emotions the mc's go through; it's why I love her books so much! She puts your heart through the wringer time and time again, and that makes it all so bittersweet; the longing, knowing it's wrong, but being unable to stop yourself.
Again, this story is so realistically written, as if the author has spend a couple of days between road men. Getting to learn their language, how they behave and think. Very authentic, and another reason to love her books.
This is a second chance at love and both Benito and Mickey take it with both hands, and I am here to highly recommend this book, and this series. It can be read as a stand alone, but if I were you, I'd read the first book first. It makes the enjoyment all the better.
I received an ARC of this book by Gay Romance Readers and this is my honest review
Ah...Benito and Mickey. How hard they had to fight for their happy ever after! And yes, I'm masochistic like that. I love to watch the mc's struggle and fight a past they can't seem to escape. I love to see how they have to work hard to end up with the man they love.
I loved this one slightly less than I did the first, Redemption, but just a tiny little bit. Benito was a very unlikable person in the first book. It's due to Garrett's sublime writing that you, despite remembering him as the asshole he was, start to care for him the minute you are pulled into his story. Feeling sorry for him, even when he was the one who threatened Paolo's and Luis's happiness in book no. 1. And yes, I felt sorry for him. You get this feeling he is reeled into this gang life without a choice. Born on the wrong side of town, maybe. Victim of an abusive stepfather and a mother who chose her new husband over her son. Being forced to live on the street at a young age. What else is there to do then find a place you belong, to find a group of people that help you survive? Even if it's a group of criminals, but I wonder if you really care when it your life's turned into shit already?
Benito meets Mickey in a club and they have hot sex. And I mean REALLY HOT! Two alpha men going for it, well, voyeur me loved it. They have that type of instant connection that makes them want to see each other again, and so they hook up soon after their first encounter. Then things happen, conflicting things, both with Mickey and with Benito, and even though it causes their friendship (and more) to spiral down from there, they can't stay away from each other. And as a reader I felt that pull, that chemistry they had, the connection. Both physically and mentally. It's how Garrett Leigh makes you feel all these emotions the mc's go through; it's why I love her books so much! She puts your heart through the wringer time and time again, and that makes it all so bittersweet; the longing, knowing it's wrong, but being unable to stop yourself.
Again, this story is so realistically written, as if the author has spend a couple of days between road men. Getting to learn their language, how they behave and think. Very authentic, and another reason to love her books.
This is a second chance at love and both Benito and Mickey take it with both hands, and I am here to highly recommend this book, and this series. It can be read as a stand alone, but if I were you, I'd read the first book first. It makes the enjoyment all the better.
I received an ARC of this book by Gay Romance Readers and this is my honest review
May 25, 2021
Different
Pretty dark for Garrett Leigh. Benito is not a nice guy but it’s an interesting journey to find out if he gets better. A few things about the plot didn’t seem logical. I chalked it up to literary license but it took me out of the story too much, so didn’t make it to five stars. Still quite an engrossing read.
Pretty dark for Garrett Leigh. Benito is not a nice guy but it’s an interesting journey to find out if he gets better. A few things about the plot didn’t seem logical. I chalked it up to literary license but it took me out of the story too much, so didn’t make it to five stars. Still quite an engrossing read.
May 24, 2021
Well, it's the typical bleak/dark story from Leigh.
I don't remember Benito Martell from Redemption, but this is his book. Benito finds himself in complicated relationship when apparently the man that he hooks up with is the one who can save his family from eviction. I liked the relationship just fine, but the ending feels a bit like there's still going to be problem coming for Benito and Mickey.
PS: I remember a reviewer said that Leigh's book always starts with a hook-up. This one too. I wonder if that is a trademark or overused thing that should be dropped long time ago.
I don't remember Benito Martell from Redemption, but this is his book. Benito finds himself in complicated relationship when apparently the man that he hooks up with is the one who can save his family from eviction. I liked the relationship just fine, but the ending feels a bit like there's still going to be problem coming for Benito and Mickey.
PS: I remember a reviewer said that Leigh's book always starts with a hook-up. This one too. I wonder if that is a trademark or overused thing that should be dropped long time ago.
May 18, 2021
4,5/5
"Deliverance" est la suite de "Redemption", le premier tome de cette saga paru il y a presque un an. Cependant, même si les deux romans sont indépendants, nous retrouvons le même univers et recroisons certains personnages.
Dans "Deliverance", nous assistons à la rencontre de deux personnages vivants dans deux mondes différents, du moins en apparence. Benito aimerait sortir de ce monde dans lequel il vit, un monde brutal, sombre, dangereux, sale. Mickey a pu se sortir d'un monde similaire à celui-ci il y a plusieurs années en arrière.
Un soir dans un bar, ces deux hommes vont se croiser, passer une nuit ensemble. Mais le destin va les faire se recroiser à nouveau...
La première rencontre entre Mickey et Benito est intense, brutale, bestiale. Je ne connaissais pas les personnages, pas vraiment, mais rien que cette première scène m'a scotchée à mon fauteuil, à ma liseuse, m'a happée dans cette histoire et dans celle de ce couple.
Entre Mickey et Benito, rien ne sera facile. Aucun des deux ne veut d'une relation sérieuse, mais les choses vont faire qu'ils vont se revoir. La vie, leurs boulots, la famille... ces deux hommes sont reliés, alors qu'ils ne le devraient pas. Benito va goûter à quelque chose qu'il ne peut pas avoir et Mickey va être effrayé par la vie de Benito, l'angoisse de replonger sera bien là.
L'auteur m'a fait toucher de près ces hommes en fait. J'ai vibré et tremblé avec eux, pour eux. Comme d'habitude, ce sont des hommes écorchés par la vie, l'auteur ne ménage pas, mais elle n'en fait jamais des caisses. C'est froid, cash, juste.
J'ai aimé tout ce qui tournait autour aussi... Tout est si bien développé en fait. Que ce soit dans quoi trempe Benito, sa famille et les liens qu'il entretient avec elle notamment sa petite sœur.
Je ne peux pas dire que Benito et Mickey m'ont donné des papillons dans le ventre, nous ne sommes pas dans ce genre de romance-là mais ma poitrine s'est serrée à plusieurs reprises pour eux, on voit ce que eux ne voient pas encore...car l'alchimie, le tension entre les personnages sont présentes dès le départ et gagnent en intensité au fur et à mesure du récit.
J'ai été touchée par cette histoire et par la façon dont l'auteur l'a menée. Tout est bien dosé, comme je le disais, niveau intrigue et développement de la relation. Ce roman est juste dingue... Je ne sais pas comment Garrett Leigh fait pour retranscrire si bien cet environnement dans lequel évoluent les personnages et également leurs sentiments. Ce roman est addictif, on ne s'y ennuie pas une seule page et surtout, pas mal de retournements de situations m'ont surprise.
Garrett Leigh nous offre là, une belle histoire de reconstruction, entre deux hommes alpha qui réussissent malgré tout à trouver leur équilibre à deux.
Et puis, petite cerise sur le gâteau, ce roman m'a permis de recroiser certains personnages ! J'ai été vraiment ravie de revoir Dom et Isha de la série "Lucky". Luis et Paolo font aussi une apparition, j'ai tellement aimé ces hommes dans le premier tome, plus encore à ma relecture d'ailleurs ^^
J'ai hâte de voir ce que nous réserve l'auteur pour le troisième tome! J'adore cette série, et comme d'habitude, je suis frustrée de ne pas pouvoir écrire mieux ce que je ressens... Merci Madame Leigh pour ce moment de lecture <3
"Deliverance" est la suite de "Redemption", le premier tome de cette saga paru il y a presque un an. Cependant, même si les deux romans sont indépendants, nous retrouvons le même univers et recroisons certains personnages.
Dans "Deliverance", nous assistons à la rencontre de deux personnages vivants dans deux mondes différents, du moins en apparence. Benito aimerait sortir de ce monde dans lequel il vit, un monde brutal, sombre, dangereux, sale. Mickey a pu se sortir d'un monde similaire à celui-ci il y a plusieurs années en arrière.
Un soir dans un bar, ces deux hommes vont se croiser, passer une nuit ensemble. Mais le destin va les faire se recroiser à nouveau...
La première rencontre entre Mickey et Benito est intense, brutale, bestiale. Je ne connaissais pas les personnages, pas vraiment, mais rien que cette première scène m'a scotchée à mon fauteuil, à ma liseuse, m'a happée dans cette histoire et dans celle de ce couple.
« Stop.
- Stop what ? »
- Dissecting my soul. »..
Entre Mickey et Benito, rien ne sera facile. Aucun des deux ne veut d'une relation sérieuse, mais les choses vont faire qu'ils vont se revoir. La vie, leurs boulots, la famille... ces deux hommes sont reliés, alors qu'ils ne le devraient pas. Benito va goûter à quelque chose qu'il ne peut pas avoir et Mickey va être effrayé par la vie de Benito, l'angoisse de replonger sera bien là.
L'auteur m'a fait toucher de près ces hommes en fait. J'ai vibré et tremblé avec eux, pour eux. Comme d'habitude, ce sont des hommes écorchés par la vie, l'auteur ne ménage pas, mais elle n'en fait jamais des caisses. C'est froid, cash, juste.
J'ai aimé tout ce qui tournait autour aussi... Tout est si bien développé en fait. Que ce soit dans quoi trempe Benito, sa famille et les liens qu'il entretient avec elle notamment sa petite sœur.
Je ne peux pas dire que Benito et Mickey m'ont donné des papillons dans le ventre, nous ne sommes pas dans ce genre de romance-là mais ma poitrine s'est serrée à plusieurs reprises pour eux, on voit ce que eux ne voient pas encore...car l'alchimie, le tension entre les personnages sont présentes dès le départ et gagnent en intensité au fur et à mesure du récit.
J'ai été touchée par cette histoire et par la façon dont l'auteur l'a menée. Tout est bien dosé, comme je le disais, niveau intrigue et développement de la relation. Ce roman est juste dingue... Je ne sais pas comment Garrett Leigh fait pour retranscrire si bien cet environnement dans lequel évoluent les personnages et également leurs sentiments. Ce roman est addictif, on ne s'y ennuie pas une seule page et surtout, pas mal de retournements de situations m'ont surprise.
Garrett Leigh nous offre là, une belle histoire de reconstruction, entre deux hommes alpha qui réussissent malgré tout à trouver leur équilibre à deux.
Et puis, petite cerise sur le gâteau, ce roman m'a permis de recroiser certains personnages ! J'ai été vraiment ravie de revoir Dom et Isha de la série "Lucky". Luis et Paolo font aussi une apparition, j'ai tellement aimé ces hommes dans le premier tome, plus encore à ma relecture d'ailleurs ^^
J'ai hâte de voir ce que nous réserve l'auteur pour le troisième tome! J'adore cette série, et comme d'habitude, je suis frustrée de ne pas pouvoir écrire mieux ce que je ressens... Merci Madame Leigh pour ce moment de lecture <3
September 5, 2021
started this book and i was blown away from the start. i was expecting a badass Martell after book 2, so this was surprising. still heartbreaking and angsty.
and this side of Benito Martell was unexpected. he was so vulnerable and raw here. somehow selfish yet not selfish too. he cares so much for his sister and mother, and knowing the sacrifice he did for them, (rent, ipad and such), (risking himself and his true love for them both), made me like him.
Mickey, a tough recovering addict, i love his kind heart and how he helps out those in need. his firmness, even though it hurts, made him strong.
i love how both are so dominant together, yet they give and take and balance each other well. their chemistry was so hot, i like how they can't seem to stay away from each other. their desperation at the end was like icing on a cake, just so good.
and that much needed twist at the end, definitely a plus!
not related but somehow related: i really wanna read Asa's story! he's such an interesting character. how he's soft and kind for love, and understanding, but so cunning and scary at the same time?
and this side of Benito Martell was unexpected. he was so vulnerable and raw here. somehow selfish yet not selfish too. he cares so much for his sister and mother, and knowing the sacrifice he did for them, (rent, ipad and such), (risking himself and his true love for them both), made me like him.
Mickey, a tough recovering addict, i love his kind heart and how he helps out those in need. his firmness, even though it hurts, made him strong.
i love how both are so dominant together, yet they give and take and balance each other well. their chemistry was so hot, i like how they can't seem to stay away from each other. their desperation at the end was like icing on a cake, just so good.
and that much needed twist at the end, definitely a plus!
not related but somehow related: i really wanna read Asa's story! he's such an interesting character. how he's soft and kind for love, and understanding, but so cunning and scary at the same time?
May 14, 2021
I loved this second book in this series, probably because I love reading about the under belly of society and that hint of danger which is what clings to benito still as he hits drug runs from his old adversary Asa. Hes not irredeemable as he does things bad to do things good but enough said about that your just Have to read for yourself to conclude what I mean😀. Mickey was on the opposite side, he's out of doing anything corrupt, his darkness comes in the form of his addiction and his recovering from it. These characters were complex but they had plenty of meat for us to chew on, there was steamy moments and tense biting of the nails as I journeyed through this compelling read. The author created a world that sucked me in and showed me the darker nature but also the concept of there's always light at the end of the tunnel. Definitely a 're read. Can't wait for more😍
I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
August 30, 2021
Another great book from Garrett Leigh, my heart literally ached for Mickey and Benito, their HEA was hard fought and totally worth it. Can't wait for the next book!
Audio book: Dan Calley smashes it again with the audio, got me all emosh listening to certain scenes.
Audio book: Dan Calley smashes it again with the audio, got me all emosh listening to certain scenes.
November 4, 2023
Voto: 3.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ASTRID
Questo romanzo è il secondo volume della sere “Cieli oscuri” e segue “Redenzione”.
Il protagonista principale è Benito che, nonostante sia stato allontanato dalla sua gang, continua ad avere una vita al limite della legalità. Una sera, mentre si trova in un club, incontra Mickey con il quale condivide un passato tormentato. Infatti, l’uomo è, o meglio era, un tossicodipendente che da anni sta lottando con tutto se stesso per non ricadere nella dipendenza da cocaina. Attualmente lavora in una cooperativa per l’edilizia sociale e caso ha voluto che debba occuparsi proprio dell’eventuale sfratto della madre e della sorella di Benito. Ciò, oltre a tutte le complicanze dovute alle conseguenze del loro passato, sarà d’ostacolo per i loro nascenti sentimenti.
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ASTRID
Questo romanzo è il secondo volume della sere “Cieli oscuri” e segue “Redenzione”.
Il protagonista principale è Benito che, nonostante sia stato allontanato dalla sua gang, continua ad avere una vita al limite della legalità. Una sera, mentre si trova in un club, incontra Mickey con il quale condivide un passato tormentato. Infatti, l’uomo è, o meglio era, un tossicodipendente che da anni sta lottando con tutto se stesso per non ricadere nella dipendenza da cocaina. Attualmente lavora in una cooperativa per l’edilizia sociale e caso ha voluto che debba occuparsi proprio dell’eventuale sfratto della madre e della sorella di Benito. Ciò, oltre a tutte le complicanze dovute alle conseguenze del loro passato, sarà d’ostacolo per i loro nascenti sentimenti.
Continua sul nostro blog!
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