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Roads #2
Rare
Roads: Book 2
Sequel to Slide
Paramedic Pete Adams lived through the year from hell watching his lover, Ash, fall apart, and the precarious balance between work and home is becoming more strained. His heart is always home, with Ash, but the dark side to his job is weighing him down.
Tattoo artist Ash Fagin is recovering from a nervous breakdown triggered by revelations about his traumatic childhood. His battle with mental illness is far from over, but with Pete by his side, he's feeling good again, so good he doesn’t notice something missing until it walks right into his living room.
Ash believes he’s had enough coincidence in his life, but when a voice from the past comes looking for him, it takes the devastating injuries of the one he loves most to convince him to let a ghost become the family he never knew he wanted.
Sequel to Slide
Paramedic Pete Adams lived through the year from hell watching his lover, Ash, fall apart, and the precarious balance between work and home is becoming more strained. His heart is always home, with Ash, but the dark side to his job is weighing him down.
Tattoo artist Ash Fagin is recovering from a nervous breakdown triggered by revelations about his traumatic childhood. His battle with mental illness is far from over, but with Pete by his side, he's feeling good again, so good he doesn’t notice something missing until it walks right into his living room.
Ash believes he’s had enough coincidence in his life, but when a voice from the past comes looking for him, it takes the devastating injuries of the one he loves most to convince him to let a ghost become the family he never knew he wanted.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2014
45 people are currently reading
1342 people want to read
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 277 reviews
August 20, 2017
**** 4.5 Stars ****
I must say, I almost gave up. One of my tinny niggles (coincidences) from book #1 came back strong here and I thought that was an unnecessary drama to add into the whole lot. But I need to give it to the author, because when I realized I was back inside the story. Totally drowning in theirs hopes and fears. GL is hands down one of the best MM writes in my opinion. She is such a brilliant story teller!
The actual “Romance" stepped aside in this book. It was more like life throwing a ball at our MC's at every corner and the guys finding a way to overcome what fate was throwing at them. It made them stronger individually and as a couple.
I loved the way the story ended.
Pete and Ash came a long way. I hope book #3 not only brings us a HEA but a book full of happy moments. We bloody deserve that.
I must say, I almost gave up. One of my tinny niggles (coincidences) from book #1 came back strong here and I thought that was an unnecessary drama to add into the whole lot. But I need to give it to the author, because when I realized I was back inside the story. Totally drowning in theirs hopes and fears. GL is hands down one of the best MM writes in my opinion. She is such a brilliant story teller!
The actual “Romance" stepped aside in this book. It was more like life throwing a ball at our MC's at every corner and the guys finding a way to overcome what fate was throwing at them. It made them stronger individually and as a couple.
I loved the way the story ended.
Pete and Ash came a long way. I hope book #3 not only brings us a HEA but a book full of happy moments. We bloody deserve that.
January 30, 2020
4.5 stars
I am always a wee bit nervous reading a Garrett Leigh, because I know this author will rip your heart out, stomp on it, then hopefully put it back in. In other words, the angstometer is high. I read book 1, Slide a while ago, and fell in love with Pete and Ash, so I took the chance.
Everything is running smoothly for Pete and Ash, but then life happens. Ash is so much stronger than he was, but how is he going to react when he finds out a person from his past is much closer than expected. Pete is so busy worrying about Ash, he doesn’t realize how life is beating him down. When a horrific event happens, it will once again test their relationship.
Like I said, there is a lot of angst, but I don’t think this one is as dark as the first book. I need to get to book 3 soon, I just can’t get enough of these two.
I am always a wee bit nervous reading a Garrett Leigh, because I know this author will rip your heart out, stomp on it, then hopefully put it back in. In other words, the angstometer is high. I read book 1, Slide a while ago, and fell in love with Pete and Ash, so I took the chance.
Everything is running smoothly for Pete and Ash, but then life happens. Ash is so much stronger than he was, but how is he going to react when he finds out a person from his past is much closer than expected. Pete is so busy worrying about Ash, he doesn’t realize how life is beating him down. When a horrific event happens, it will once again test their relationship.
Like I said, there is a lot of angst, but I don’t think this one is as dark as the first book. I need to get to book 3 soon, I just can’t get enough of these two.
October 17, 2017
***4.5 Stars***
And here I thought the first book had put me through the wringer...
Compared to Slide the second half of Rare felt like tumbling in the spin cycle, but it did hurt so gooooood! ❤️
The masochistic streak seems to be strong with me, so guess what? Yep, right on to the next one...
And here I thought the first book had put me through the wringer...
Compared to Slide the second half of Rare felt like tumbling in the spin cycle, but it did hurt so gooooood! ❤️
The masochistic streak seems to be strong with me, so guess what? Yep, right on to the next one...
August 8, 2016
Ya comenté en Slide que los dos son realmente un solo libro en dos volúmenes.
El encuentro de dos hombres totalmente diferentes, Ash, un artista que arrastra todo tipo de cargas emocionales por su pasado, y Pete, paramédico, un personaje mucho más fuerte y estable al que la vida va a poner a prueba cuando encuentre a la persona de la que se va a enamorar. Son dos almas muy distintas, que se van a necesitar una a la otra, ambas con mucha fuerza, con mucho que ofrecer.
La historia a lo largo de los dos libros te rompe el corazón unas cuantas veces hasta que te lo recompone gracias a la fuerza y esperanza que aportan los dos protagonistas. La atmósfera a veces es opresiva, un libro muy urbano, la autora toca algunos puntos extremadamente desagradables, pero lo hace sin recrearse, de una forma muy elegante.
A lo largo de toda la lectura quieres coger a Ash y Pete y abrazarlos para decirles que todo saldrá bien, fundamentalmente a Ash que me ha puesto el corazón en la boca en varias ocasiones. Es un libro bien escrito, muy emocional, entretenido, que te hace pensar, con buenos MC y con muy buenos personajes secundarios.
Sin embargo, hay varios puntos en la escritura de Garret Leigh que no me termina de convencer. El ritmo que pone a los libros es bastante dinámico, pero lo hace planteando una sucensión de días y semanas que no me termina de convercer: a la semana, a las dos semanas, después de tres días, etc... Por otro lado, la trama gira en torno a una serie de casualidades, que la verdad, son poco creíbles.
Pero, en definitiva, muy recomendable, me ha dejado el corazoncito con muchas ganas de achuchar a Ash.
El encuentro de dos hombres totalmente diferentes, Ash, un artista que arrastra todo tipo de cargas emocionales por su pasado, y Pete, paramédico, un personaje mucho más fuerte y estable al que la vida va a poner a prueba cuando encuentre a la persona de la que se va a enamorar. Son dos almas muy distintas, que se van a necesitar una a la otra, ambas con mucha fuerza, con mucho que ofrecer.
La historia a lo largo de los dos libros te rompe el corazón unas cuantas veces hasta que te lo recompone gracias a la fuerza y esperanza que aportan los dos protagonistas. La atmósfera a veces es opresiva, un libro muy urbano, la autora toca algunos puntos extremadamente desagradables, pero lo hace sin recrearse, de una forma muy elegante.
A lo largo de toda la lectura quieres coger a Ash y Pete y abrazarlos para decirles que todo saldrá bien, fundamentalmente a Ash que me ha puesto el corazón en la boca en varias ocasiones. Es un libro bien escrito, muy emocional, entretenido, que te hace pensar, con buenos MC y con muy buenos personajes secundarios.
Sin embargo, hay varios puntos en la escritura de Garret Leigh que no me termina de convencer. El ritmo que pone a los libros es bastante dinámico, pero lo hace planteando una sucensión de días y semanas que no me termina de convercer: a la semana, a las dos semanas, después de tres días, etc... Por otro lado, la trama gira en torno a una serie de casualidades, que la verdad, son poco creíbles.
Pero, en definitiva, muy recomendable, me ha dejado el corazoncito con muchas ganas de achuchar a Ash.
July 12, 2015
Ash has come a long way since his breakdown in Slide and he and Pete are in a really good place. They got a new apartment, with a rooftop terrace, closer to Pete's mom and things are going so well.
The events of this book really test Ash's mental stability and the stability of he and Pete as a couple. I was floored by a couple of things that happened and we get to see just how strong Ash really is. Of course we already knew the strength he was capable of because he actually made it out of his childhood alive and he got clean and stayed that way. But in Slide, he had Pete to help bolster his own strength and take care of him after his meltdown.
In spite of how far he has come, Ash still doesn't see himself as strong, and he is tested in ways that he never thought would happen. And Pete. Wow, so much going on there, too. Family, work, tragedy... I'm rather amazed at the both of them. I was reading from the edge of my seat for about a third of the book.
I loved seeing them both grow as a couple and learn how individually strong they both are (especially Ash) and the ending was so beautiful. Amazing.
The events of this book really test Ash's mental stability and the stability of he and Pete as a couple. I was floored by a couple of things that happened and we get to see just how strong Ash really is. Of course we already knew the strength he was capable of because he actually made it out of his childhood alive and he got clean and stayed that way. But in Slide, he had Pete to help bolster his own strength and take care of him after his meltdown.
In spite of how far he has come, Ash still doesn't see himself as strong, and he is tested in ways that he never thought would happen. And Pete. Wow, so much going on there, too. Family, work, tragedy... I'm rather amazed at the both of them. I was reading from the edge of my seat for about a third of the book.
I loved seeing them both grow as a couple and learn how individually strong they both are (especially Ash) and the ending was so beautiful. Amazing.
July 20, 2018
Not a standalone : Slide has to be read first. This is the 2nd part of Pete and Ash love story : damned, Garrett Leigh loved to put Pete and Ash through the grinder and make them work hard for their happiness.
Hardship can break a relationship or reinforce love : I soooooo want the last to happen !
I couldn’t help but strongly feel for Pete and Ash and 100% dived into their love story. Full review once I finish Circle that I have already started to read : it’s that good for me and I am addicted !!
Hardship can break a relationship or reinforce love : I soooooo want the last to happen !
I couldn’t help but strongly feel for Pete and Ash and 100% dived into their love story. Full review once I finish Circle that I have already started to read : it’s that good for me and I am addicted !!
September 7, 2016
Outstanding!!!… book, cover, author… all Perfect! Garrett Leigh is an exciting, new and extremely talented author that I just can’t seem to get enough of, and I am so looking forward to seeing what delights she has in store for us this year, because if Slide, Bullet and Rare are anything to go by… we are in for a treat!
At the end of Slide, I was desperate for more from Ash and Pete, and thankfully Garrett Leigh didn’t make us wait too long for the next book in the series. In the last book we had the revelation of Ash’s sister, the sister he has never known. Because of his past, foster care, abuse and living on the streets, he finds it hard to trust and welcome people into his life, deep emotion of any kind for Ash is overwhelming. Having a sister, a family is more than he ever dreamed of but the fear of hurt and rejection, makes it difficult for him to come to terms with and his fragmented mind wants to reject it, because emotionally he feels he’s not strong enough to deal with it. Unable to express himself, Ash has always used his art as a means of communication and therapy, a conduit for the release of his fears and anxieties. In Slide we see him open up more, but still needing time to analyse his feelings before he is ready to express them in words.
At the end of Slide, I was desperate for more from Ash and Pete, and thankfully Garrett Leigh didn’t make us wait too long for the next book in the series. In the last book we had the revelation of Ash’s sister, the sister he has never known. Because of his past, foster care, abuse and living on the streets, he finds it hard to trust and welcome people into his life, deep emotion of any kind for Ash is overwhelming. Having a sister, a family is more than he ever dreamed of but the fear of hurt and rejection, makes it difficult for him to come to terms with and his fragmented mind wants to reject it, because emotionally he feels he’s not strong enough to deal with it. Unable to express himself, Ash has always used his art as a means of communication and therapy, a conduit for the release of his fears and anxieties. In Slide we see him open up more, but still needing time to analyse his feelings before he is ready to express them in words.
Something in me recognised that it took a special kind of love to do what he was doing for me.
The kind of love that could only come from a heart like his.
Garrett Leigh gets to the heart and soul of these two characters, their daily struggles, work, life, it should all seem mundane, but it’s not, far from it, and I just wanted to soak up every part of their existence. Their lives aren’t easy they both work incredibly long hours, especially Pete and being a paramedic is both physically and mentally exhausting, which is talking it’s toll on him. He still has lingering guilt over their separation and the events which transpired in Slide, but his love for Ash is his priority and in that he is unwavering, it’s all consuming and every gesture, thought, action… it’s all about Ash, it’s as though without him he would no longer be able to breath.
These two men have had all kinds of shit thrown at them and In Rare… we see Ash have to deal with his biggest challenges to date, firstly in trying to get his head around having a sister and secondly, when Pete is almost fatally injured in an accident… I cried through most of the second half of this book, so intense was the emotion I felt from Ash. His voice alone is so haunting, it has a mesmerising quality that draws you in, and you can feel all his pain, confusion and how desperately he is trying to hold it together without tumbling back into the oblivion, that place where he doesn’t have to feel. But it is his love for Pete and the strength he has drawn from him whilst he was healing that gives him the perseverance he needs and enables Ash to push forward with the hope that no matter how bad things get, Pete loves him and he loves Pete and that is what will get them through anything.
He’d taught me to be strong, to like myself… to trust myself and believe life could be better. I wanted to share that life with him. I couldn’t lose him now
This book and series, has been profound and incredibly moving, but at the same time It’s funny, there is a sense of camaraderie and their conversational banter hilarious at times, especially when Joe and Charlie are around, their night out at the gay club had me laughing out loud. These two men have a love for each other, a love that has both shattered and filled my heart to bursting but it’s not soppy and romantic, that’s not their thing and it’s not Garrett Leigh's style of writing either, instead she allows us to see into their souls and empathise with them emotionally, we have been on a journey with these two and watched them grow, it has been agonising, but also heart-warming and the epilogue at the end… well, it’s perfect.
“You have to keep loving me, and you have to trust yourself to do that. There isn’t anything else, Ash. Just you and me”
Garrett Leigh was my Debut Author of the Year for 2013, when she completely wowed me with the first book in the Roads Series, Slide, and then the novella Broken. Rare is the second book in the Roads Series and only confirms my initial impression of this author… she is AMAZING!!! …And, she has firmly cemented her place as one of my favourites. She makes me feel as though the words on the pages are written just for me, and somehow knows what it takes to reach into your heart and pull every emotion imaginable, effortlessly. When you open a book from Garrett Leigh there is an immediate affinity, I just get what she is saying, it is an easy style of writing, almost familiar and I am no longer just reading words, the voices of the characters and imagery become real… So if you haven’t read Slide yet, you need to read it NOW and I can guarantee, you will be one clicking Rare as soon as you’re done.
November 4, 2018
I owe this story a proper review but...I'm exhausted.
And it's all Leigh's fault. Ha!
I power read my way through this series and it's "extras" in a matter of days and my eyes hurt and my heart is sore.
This middle installment was brutal at times.
Regardless, I still love them.
The bones of this story is...the power shift between Ash and Pete.
They are doing well. Ash is doing well.
Then their world is flipped upside down when Pete is critically injured.
Suddenly, Ash is in the driver's seat.
Pete's recovery is rough and Garrett doesn't accept any 'mercy' pleas.
But there's only one way to go...and she takes us all the way up.
And if you haven't begun this phenomenal series yet, clear your schedule...once you start, you won't want to stop.
And it's all Leigh's fault. Ha!
I power read my way through this series and it's "extras" in a matter of days and my eyes hurt and my heart is sore.
This middle installment was brutal at times.
Regardless, I still love them.
The bones of this story is...the power shift between Ash and Pete.
They are doing well. Ash is doing well.
Then their world is flipped upside down when Pete is critically injured.
Suddenly, Ash is in the driver's seat.
Pete's recovery is rough and Garrett doesn't accept any 'mercy' pleas.
But there's only one way to go...and she takes us all the way up.
And if you haven't begun this phenomenal series yet, clear your schedule...once you start, you won't want to stop.
September 25, 2016
3.5 stars rounded up to 4!
These boys are intense!
I really loved Slide, the first installment of this series and I was looking forward to revisit Pete and Ash. They went through so much in the first book and I just wanted them to be happy. I knew that Rare wouldn’t be an easy read, that it would be difficult to see them suffer once again, but the glimpse of hope from the last book was impossible to ignore. I just had to know more.
And I can only repeat that I love Pete and Ash; they are one of the most intriguing couples out there. The dynamics between them are making their relationship unique - Pete and Ash keep on falling, but whenever they fall they find the strength to get up once more and to keep on moving. It is heartbreaking to see them suffering in the in-between, but seeing them figuring everything out in the end just makes it worth it.
I won’t go into the plot itself – there a lots and lots of reviews out there making a good job out of it, but I have to say that some aspects of the story bothered me a little. I have nothing against coincidences, but while they still felt credible in the first part of the series, I wasn’t really convinced this time. I still feel very satisfied with how the whole story was wrapped up and I feel like I can leave Ash and Pete behind with a good feeling. They will definitely stay in my memory for a long time.
These boys are intense!
I really loved Slide, the first installment of this series and I was looking forward to revisit Pete and Ash. They went through so much in the first book and I just wanted them to be happy. I knew that Rare wouldn’t be an easy read, that it would be difficult to see them suffer once again, but the glimpse of hope from the last book was impossible to ignore. I just had to know more.
And I can only repeat that I love Pete and Ash; they are one of the most intriguing couples out there. The dynamics between them are making their relationship unique - Pete and Ash keep on falling, but whenever they fall they find the strength to get up once more and to keep on moving. It is heartbreaking to see them suffering in the in-between, but seeing them figuring everything out in the end just makes it worth it.
I won’t go into the plot itself – there a lots and lots of reviews out there making a good job out of it, but I have to say that some aspects of the story bothered me a little. I have nothing against coincidences, but while they still felt credible in the first part of the series, I wasn’t really convinced this time. I still feel very satisfied with how the whole story was wrapped up and I feel like I can leave Ash and Pete behind with a good feeling. They will definitely stay in my memory for a long time.
August 6, 2019
If anything, I fell even deeper into Ash and Pete's story in this sequel. I felt like my heart was being ripped out, shred into a million tiny pieces, then magically put back together better than it was before. Wow. Just...wow.
October 23, 2017
*4,5 stars*
Whey! Garrett Leigh certainly knows how to dish out the angst.
And it is brilliant. And scary. And so well done.
Yes, there are some coincidences here as likely as winning the lottery - but that happens, too, doesn't it?!
I think the most awesome thing about Pete and Ash (and their story) is their belief in what they have together. And this...
"Strength," Pete said. "And faith. Love isn't always enough, and we've let each other down as far as trust is concerned. When things go wrong, you have to have faith that you're strong enough to pull through. We have that, even if we don't always know it, and it's what keeps us together when life gets tough."
Even when the darkest clouds throw huge shadows on their lives, this sees them through. The pull between them, the connection between two soul mates is what they can rely on, whatever.
Sigh. I love these guys. They might have just been promoted into my ten top favourite m/m couples. (of course, they have).
I can't wait what Garrett Leigh throws at them next.
Highly recommended.
Whey! Garrett Leigh certainly knows how to dish out the angst.
And it is brilliant. And scary. And so well done.
Yes, there are some coincidences here as likely as winning the lottery - but that happens, too, doesn't it?!
I think the most awesome thing about Pete and Ash (and their story) is their belief in what they have together. And this...
"Strength," Pete said. "And faith. Love isn't always enough, and we've let each other down as far as trust is concerned. When things go wrong, you have to have faith that you're strong enough to pull through. We have that, even if we don't always know it, and it's what keeps us together when life gets tough."
Even when the darkest clouds throw huge shadows on their lives, this sees them through. The pull between them, the connection between two soul mates is what they can rely on, whatever.
Sigh. I love these guys. They might have just been promoted into my ten top favourite m/m couples. (of course, they have).
I can't wait what Garrett Leigh throws at them next.
Highly recommended.
October 31, 2018
4.5 stars rounded up because this one was just that little bit more enjoyable than the first book and there are still no 1/2 stars here on GR...full review to follow soonish!
And the re-release continues...
‘Rare’ is the continuation of Ash and Pete’s story and with this installment we not only get to see how much Ash has come back from the events of ‘Slide’ but this time around it’s Ash’s turn to step up when Pete is the one in need of the extra love and support and for Ash it’s going to mean more than just being there for Pete. Once again Ash’s past comes knocking on his door only this time Ash’s priority is Pete and dealing with his past needs to take a back seat to what he feels Pete needs from him. So, while his past is still demanding his attention and there’s closure to be had for Ash it’s going to take a backseat to what’s happening in the present.
I know a lot of my friends found this one to be really emotional and it was, but I also felt that there was a positive undertone. Ash and Pete may have their struggles in the face of adversity but ultimately, they hold firm to their love and faith in each other.
Like so may people Ash is his own worst critic and this can be a way to challenge themselves to always do their best and try harder for some people because of his past at times Ash’s lack of self esteem can be debilitating but when Pete needs him the most is when we are shown how truly strong Ash can be.
I loved this role reversal. Seeing not only that Ash has the strength that Pete has always seen in him but that when it comes to the man he loves Ash is truly an equal partner. While there are challenges and conflicts at the end of them all neither man ever looses sight of what they have and how much it means to each of them.
I also loved that while Ash stepped up to be the man he needed to be it never felt easy. He had to dig down deep to find the strength not only to be there for Pete but to deal with the part of his past that came knocking on his door wanting into his life. This was such an integral part of the story and how Ash dealt with things was not only going to impact his life but that of Pete and their friends. While I loved the whole story, this part was, for me, so well handled. There wasn’t a magic solution at hand but a solution that was basically a work in progress throughout the story.
I was frequently left with that feeling of one step forward and two steps back that we all experience when we’re dealing with the bigger issues that can come up in our lives giving this story a very solid feeling of being grounded in reality despite some of the coincidences that at times were a bit much.
Finally, as much as I enjoy Ash and Pete, as a couple, having them interact with their friends and family simply added to their depth as characters and helped to keep that grounded in reality feeling that it had while reading this series.
There’s a lot of change happening throughout this story…things are constantly changing for Ash and Pete as both as a couple and as individuals while they work through life’s challenges, but as with any relationship change will happen. So really, it’s not surprising that Ash and Pete aren’t the only ones experiencing change…the changes happening are with and between Ash, Pete, their friends, family and careers.
‘Rare’ isn’t the end of the journey for these two men and can’t wait to find out what comes next in the third and final installment of Ash and Pete’s story. I have no doubt that it will involve change.
*************************
A copy of ‘Rare’ was graciously provided by ‘Signal Boost Promotions’ in exchange for an honest review.
And the re-release continues...
‘Rare’ is the continuation of Ash and Pete’s story and with this installment we not only get to see how much Ash has come back from the events of ‘Slide’ but this time around it’s Ash’s turn to step up when Pete is the one in need of the extra love and support and for Ash it’s going to mean more than just being there for Pete. Once again Ash’s past comes knocking on his door only this time Ash’s priority is Pete and dealing with his past needs to take a back seat to what he feels Pete needs from him. So, while his past is still demanding his attention and there’s closure to be had for Ash it’s going to take a backseat to what’s happening in the present.
I know a lot of my friends found this one to be really emotional and it was, but I also felt that there was a positive undertone. Ash and Pete may have their struggles in the face of adversity but ultimately, they hold firm to their love and faith in each other.
Like so may people Ash is his own worst critic and this can be a way to challenge themselves to always do their best and try harder for some people because of his past at times Ash’s lack of self esteem can be debilitating but when Pete needs him the most is when we are shown how truly strong Ash can be.
I loved this role reversal. Seeing not only that Ash has the strength that Pete has always seen in him but that when it comes to the man he loves Ash is truly an equal partner. While there are challenges and conflicts at the end of them all neither man ever looses sight of what they have and how much it means to each of them.
I also loved that while Ash stepped up to be the man he needed to be it never felt easy. He had to dig down deep to find the strength not only to be there for Pete but to deal with the part of his past that came knocking on his door wanting into his life. This was such an integral part of the story and how Ash dealt with things was not only going to impact his life but that of Pete and their friends. While I loved the whole story, this part was, for me, so well handled. There wasn’t a magic solution at hand but a solution that was basically a work in progress throughout the story.
I was frequently left with that feeling of one step forward and two steps back that we all experience when we’re dealing with the bigger issues that can come up in our lives giving this story a very solid feeling of being grounded in reality despite some of the coincidences that at times were a bit much.
Finally, as much as I enjoy Ash and Pete, as a couple, having them interact with their friends and family simply added to their depth as characters and helped to keep that grounded in reality feeling that it had while reading this series.
There’s a lot of change happening throughout this story…things are constantly changing for Ash and Pete as both as a couple and as individuals while they work through life’s challenges, but as with any relationship change will happen. So really, it’s not surprising that Ash and Pete aren’t the only ones experiencing change…the changes happening are with and between Ash, Pete, their friends, family and careers.
‘Rare’ isn’t the end of the journey for these two men and can’t wait to find out what comes next in the third and final installment of Ash and Pete’s story. I have no doubt that it will involve change.
*************************
A copy of ‘Rare’ was graciously provided by ‘Signal Boost Promotions’ in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2018
OMG Garrett Leigh, didn’t these guys go through enough already?! What a great story though, with lots of unexpected twists and more than one drama unfolding. Dual perspective is utilized once again to communicate the matters driving the plot in this volume but tilted towards Ash’s POV this time. Ellie meddles in Ash’s life a little with good intentions but subsequent results nearly backfire when Ash struggles with accepting new knowledge about a past he never knew and doesn’t remember. Pete is his support once again and it’s a good thing that when Pete is the one who needs help, Ash has more than a few people to depend on. I felt the same as in book one, that in spite of the fact Pete is not entirely at fault, his reactions at one point did not work for me, didn’t feel like they fit, although the reasons behind it made sense afterwards. I guess I wanted too much from Pete! I certainly never wanted to stop reading to see how it resolved. Darn your grasp of emotional realism Garrett!
This was of the gloomy feeling as Slide had, although I’m sorry Pete wasn’t given the same help Ash was getting with his mental state. There was more positive in all though, as Ash is now stronger than he thinks and keeps moving forward. Opening himself to new people and developing strong ties to those we’ve met before like Joe and Maggie, made for a happier read. Still, Pete’s situation was rough and there were many emotional moments for both men. It’s a fantastic complement to Slide and a moving tale of overcoming struggle. The epilogue is fabulous and sexy, since sex scenes are mostly shown as milestones that Ash and Pete reach in their still growing and shifting union. I think I’m sort of afraid to read Circle, since it doesn’t appear to be smooth sailing for our couple in the future either. Even though I utterly adored the ending for this book, I hope for even more progress and happiness in Pete and Ash’s future in the next book.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*
This was of the gloomy feeling as Slide had, although I’m sorry Pete wasn’t given the same help Ash was getting with his mental state. There was more positive in all though, as Ash is now stronger than he thinks and keeps moving forward. Opening himself to new people and developing strong ties to those we’ve met before like Joe and Maggie, made for a happier read. Still, Pete’s situation was rough and there were many emotional moments for both men. It’s a fantastic complement to Slide and a moving tale of overcoming struggle. The epilogue is fabulous and sexy, since sex scenes are mostly shown as milestones that Ash and Pete reach in their still growing and shifting union. I think I’m sort of afraid to read Circle, since it doesn’t appear to be smooth sailing for our couple in the future either. Even though I utterly adored the ending for this book, I hope for even more progress and happiness in Pete and Ash’s future in the next book.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*
June 27, 2016
I love Ash. I love Pete. And I love Michael Lesley :) He's the narrator of this audiobook. His voice is perfection. Seriously, at times I felt like I was listening to audio porn, LOL. There aren't that many books that I feel are better when listened to instead of read, but this is one of them. Garrett Leigh continues to be one of my favorite authors.
November 4, 2016
Aún estoy dudando si subir a 4,5 o no, porque el epílogo me ha gustado mucho.
Reseña completa cuando tenga un hueco.
Reseña completa cuando tenga un hueco.
January 22, 2019
4.5 exhausting stars
August 22, 2017
-4.5 stars-
I know that Garrett Leigh does some serious angst, but Pete and Ash are the most tortured of her characters. But every time, they come out of it stronger and more in love than ever.
There are some weird ass coincidencies in this book. In any other case, I would have to suspend disbelief. But Leigh is such an insanely talented storyteller, and Pete and Ash one of my favorite MM couples ever, so it didn't matter at all for me here.
I'm now ready for the final round.
"You couldn’t change the past or control your future, but you could make the most of your present. Family had many definitions. What mattered was what it meant to us, and with Ash at peace in my arms, it meant everything."
I know that Garrett Leigh does some serious angst, but Pete and Ash are the most tortured of her characters. But every time, they come out of it stronger and more in love than ever.
There are some weird ass coincidencies in this book. In any other case, I would have to suspend disbelief. But Leigh is such an insanely talented storyteller, and Pete and Ash one of my favorite MM couples ever, so it didn't matter at all for me here.
I'm now ready for the final round.
November 26, 2014
I've finished this series a week ago, but I still want to write a few words about it.
First off, it might not be everyone's kind of story, but I got attached to these boys.
Pete and Ash are both flawed characters, Ash is even more so. But I admired their strength and determination to save this special connection they have between them against all the odds. The way they both fought for their relationship was what made me love them so much.
If the main focus in the first book of the series was on Ash and his dark past, the second one is more about Pete. I have to say, after seeing what he goes through at work, I started respecting paramedics even more. The author has done a great job with that.
I also admit that despite taking some time to get used to the narrator in the first book, I actually preferred the audio version to an e-book, and enjoyed it much more here. In the end, I even thought that this narrator suited the characters perfectly.
All in all, a story was memorable to me. Pete and Ash had won my heart.
***4.7 stars***
First off, it might not be everyone's kind of story, but I got attached to these boys.
Pete and Ash are both flawed characters, Ash is even more so. But I admired their strength and determination to save this special connection they have between them against all the odds. The way they both fought for their relationship was what made me love them so much.
If the main focus in the first book of the series was on Ash and his dark past, the second one is more about Pete. I have to say, after seeing what he goes through at work, I started respecting paramedics even more. The author has done a great job with that.
I also admit that despite taking some time to get used to the narrator in the first book, I actually preferred the audio version to an e-book, and enjoyed it much more here. In the end, I even thought that this narrator suited the characters perfectly.
All in all, a story was memorable to me. Pete and Ash had won my heart.
***4.7 stars***
October 7, 2018
Full review tomorrow morning!
I need a breather after this one. Lordy but Garrett knows how to put her characters through the mill. This book, it's all about Pete and what he goes through, and it's not easy reading but the narrative is perfection.
There's a certain skill in writing about trauma, about tragedy, about mental trials and, for me anyway, Garrett Leigh does it with a finesse which is hard to beat. There's no drama porn in her work, the tribulations the characters go through are firmly rooted in reality and the ways they deal with them mirror the same.
Throughout this book though, Ash, glorious Ash, is the shining light leading you through the story as he demonstrates what Pete has always known - that he is the strong one.
I loved every bit of this book and I can't wait to now round off my Ash and Pete experience with Circle.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
I need a breather after this one. Lordy but Garrett knows how to put her characters through the mill. This book, it's all about Pete and what he goes through, and it's not easy reading but the narrative is perfection.
There's a certain skill in writing about trauma, about tragedy, about mental trials and, for me anyway, Garrett Leigh does it with a finesse which is hard to beat. There's no drama porn in her work, the tribulations the characters go through are firmly rooted in reality and the ways they deal with them mirror the same.
Throughout this book though, Ash, glorious Ash, is the shining light leading you through the story as he demonstrates what Pete has always known - that he is the strong one.
I loved every bit of this book and I can't wait to now round off my Ash and Pete experience with Circle.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
August 29, 2017
5 Golden Shimmering stars from me, but if I could give a bucketful I would.
. Garrett, your writing is so beautiful, I felt every emotion in this one, every tender caress, every hot kiss, every ounce of Ash's pain, the 'incident' in the story reduced me to tears...just loved absolutely everything about it. Shortie review cos I'm now off to read Freed, but Ash and Pete together were perfection in this one. Mean, moody and magnificent!!
I loved that finally Ash got to have some family, and yes, the coincidences were too much for Ash to take in at first, but Danni, Joe and Pete worked on him and eventually made him see sense, actually believe that Danni was his long-lost sister, and that she'd spent a large part of her life trying to find him....Danni was so ready to love and claim him as her brother. Pete was there for his man until something happened which threatened both his life and their happiness AND Joe was there to help pick up the pieces as per usual. The ending of the story was just sublime, I couldn't have wished for anything better.
My fave quotes...Ash 'I couldn't imagine a world without Pete. He was everything to me: my lover, my friend, and so much more. He'd taught me to be strong, to like myself....to trust myself and believe life could be better. I wanted to share that life with him.'
and Pete.... 'Strength and faith. Love isn't always enough, and we've let each other down as far as trust is concerned. When things go wrong, you have to have faith that you're strong enough to pull through. We have that, even if we don't always know it, and it's what keeps us together when life gets tough. You have to keep loving me, and you have to trust yourself to do that. There isn't anything else, Ash. Just you and me.'
July 16, 2015
Well,I don't know what to say... I believe I was crystal clear in my review of Slide. But I'll think of something.
April 15, 2014
4.5 Tattooed Stars, YO.
I should have known better. I should have known that my assumption that there'd be no way I could love these two more would be blown to bits. Yup, love Pete and Ash even more.
Things pretty much start in where they left off in Slide, so there was no countdown, no revving of engines, no drag racing lights giving you a moment to gear up for this story. Nope, screw that! We're diving right in!
I won't go too much into the story itself, so many reviews already speak of the intensity of the relationship between Pete and Ash. How they stumble and struggle, but then find something inside of themselves to make things work... until they don't again. Actually, something just hit me. That usual frustration that comes from when an author uses ye ol' convenient misunderstanding or non-communication in order to create tension isn't utilized at all in this story. Oh, there be frustration and misinterpretation and tension with which you could fill and Olympic-sized pool, but all of it fits the characters and aren't dragged on and on. Jussayin'.
There is a strong cast of female characters: Pete's mom Maggie (though her role is a bit smaller in this story), Danni (you know who), Ellie (Ash's arguably best friend) and Heidi (lordeh, don't get me started).
There are also strong male characters, both in friends like Mick and Joe, oh and Charlie, as well as Ellie's father, who is rather pivotal in this story. All in all, the supporting characters play equal to their importance, no one feeling overexposed or underutilized. In other words, I never found myself saying "get off the page!" or "whatever happened to so-and-so?"
The extended, very difficult parts of this story are intensely written. Each of them turned this whole thing on its head and held my own breath hostage during many a moment.
I saw one plot point coming from a mile away. It makes me think that we were meant to, that it was like waiting for the other shoe to drop or wonder what that slowly morphing, growing shadow in the sky was going to turn out to be. All you can do is wait and watch. You know it's going to be surreal, downright rank in its power to slice your heart right open. This was my experience.
Also, have I mentioned this was sexy as hell? No? Well, it is. And when that sexy gets doused in emotion, it's beautiful and gut-twisting. This can only happen when an author knows her characters down to the bone, to the molecule. It only happens when the characters know the story they want all of us to know. See what happened there? Yeah. That. To me.
The experience is like reading about the lives of real people, not fictional characters. You might think, isn't that what's supposed to happen? Yes. Does it always? No. At least not for me. Sometimes there exists a bit of breathing room between the characters and I, a place to which I can escape if things get to be too much, or if the opposite and the tether slackens but enjoyment of the story can still occur. Not here. Not with Pete and Ash. I had no choice, no bit of space, no slack in the tether. They had me and wouldn't let go.
There were a couple of plot points that were a bit hazy in their importance or resolution, but they weren't enough of anything to loosen the grip these two had on me.
All I can say is this: read this series of stories. Experience the incredibly clear, deeply emotional and very human language used to tell them. I'm pretty dern sure you'll enjoy every moment of time you get to spend with Pete and Ash.
I should have known better. I should have known that my assumption that there'd be no way I could love these two more would be blown to bits. Yup, love Pete and Ash even more.
Things pretty much start in where they left off in Slide, so there was no countdown, no revving of engines, no drag racing lights giving you a moment to gear up for this story. Nope, screw that! We're diving right in!
I won't go too much into the story itself, so many reviews already speak of the intensity of the relationship between Pete and Ash. How they stumble and struggle, but then find something inside of themselves to make things work... until they don't again. Actually, something just hit me. That usual frustration that comes from when an author uses ye ol' convenient misunderstanding or non-communication in order to create tension isn't utilized at all in this story. Oh, there be frustration and misinterpretation and tension with which you could fill and Olympic-sized pool, but all of it fits the characters and aren't dragged on and on. Jussayin'.
There is a strong cast of female characters: Pete's mom Maggie (though her role is a bit smaller in this story), Danni (you know who), Ellie (Ash's arguably best friend) and Heidi (lordeh, don't get me started).
There are also strong male characters, both in friends like Mick and Joe, oh and Charlie, as well as Ellie's father, who is rather pivotal in this story. All in all, the supporting characters play equal to their importance, no one feeling overexposed or underutilized. In other words, I never found myself saying "get off the page!" or "whatever happened to so-and-so?"
The extended, very difficult parts of this story are intensely written. Each of them turned this whole thing on its head and held my own breath hostage during many a moment.
I saw one plot point coming from a mile away. It makes me think that we were meant to, that it was like waiting for the other shoe to drop or wonder what that slowly morphing, growing shadow in the sky was going to turn out to be. All you can do is wait and watch. You know it's going to be surreal, downright rank in its power to slice your heart right open. This was my experience.
Also, have I mentioned this was sexy as hell? No? Well, it is. And when that sexy gets doused in emotion, it's beautiful and gut-twisting. This can only happen when an author knows her characters down to the bone, to the molecule. It only happens when the characters know the story they want all of us to know. See what happened there? Yeah. That. To me.
The experience is like reading about the lives of real people, not fictional characters. You might think, isn't that what's supposed to happen? Yes. Does it always? No. At least not for me. Sometimes there exists a bit of breathing room between the characters and I, a place to which I can escape if things get to be too much, or if the opposite and the tether slackens but enjoyment of the story can still occur. Not here. Not with Pete and Ash. I had no choice, no bit of space, no slack in the tether. They had me and wouldn't let go.
There were a couple of plot points that were a bit hazy in their importance or resolution, but they weren't enough of anything to loosen the grip these two had on me.
All I can say is this: read this series of stories. Experience the incredibly clear, deeply emotional and very human language used to tell them. I'm pretty dern sure you'll enjoy every moment of time you get to spend with Pete and Ash.
September 15, 2019
2019 audio review
5 stars! I love this series and the audio was amazing. I am so excited to read the 3rd installment because I never knew there would be another one. I of course hoped and it happened. Yay! Highly recommend.
2016 ebook review
Ahh, the end. Short and sweet: loved it. What's a bigger word than loved? I adored it, am obsessed with it, wish to stalk it. I want to keep Ash. Can I? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease? I am so sad this is the last in the series (so far). Can't imagine what else these two men can go through except
Highly recommend, you can't go wrong with Garrett Leigh - auto buy/read/grab/beg/borrow/steal, for me. ;)
5 stars! I love this series and the audio was amazing. I am so excited to read the 3rd installment because I never knew there would be another one. I of course hoped and it happened. Yay! Highly recommend.
2016 ebook review
Ahh, the end. Short and sweet: loved it. What's a bigger word than loved? I adored it, am obsessed with it, wish to stalk it. I want to keep Ash. Can I? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease? I am so sad this is the last in the series (so far). Can't imagine what else these two men can go through except
Highly recommend, you can't go wrong with Garrett Leigh - auto buy/read/grab/beg/borrow/steal, for me. ;)
March 13, 2018
I did the audio on the second time around.
I still absolutely ADORE the boys and I love their story. It’s beautiful.
I am a Michael Stellman fan but I have to say, all the sighing ect. grated on my nerves. I could have just listed to him reading the story without the “special effects”
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Overall book review : 5 Rare Stars
Audio book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
In the end, that’s all that mattered. Love and Faith. And Ash with Pete. Loved it!
I still absolutely ADORE the boys and I love their story. It’s beautiful.
I am a Michael Stellman fan but I have to say, all the sighing ect. grated on my nerves. I could have just listed to him reading the story without the “special effects”
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Overall book review : 5 Rare Stars
Audio book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
In the end, that’s all that mattered. Love and Faith. And Ash with Pete. Loved it!
July 13, 2015
*Currently Listening To*
I am absolutely loving these books and the audio kicks ass! I'm around chapter 7 now. I don't get much time to actually listen so it usually takes me a few days if not at least a week to finish an audio.
I am absolutely loving these books and the audio kicks ass! I'm around chapter 7 now. I don't get much time to actually listen so it usually takes me a few days if not at least a week to finish an audio.
November 28, 2024
I might just be dehydrated with the amount of rivers I cried for this.
August 22, 2017
5 stars
I love this series.
The end.
PS. I call dibs on Pete and Ash.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I love this series.
The end.
PS. I call dibs on Pete and Ash.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2017
4.5 Stars. Not a huge fan of the many cosmic coincidences in the first half, but I was totally gripped in the second half, and the ending was simply gorgeous and perfect. Happy to say that after this overdue reread, Ash and Pete easily remain one of my favorite romance couples ever.
January 24, 2014
Loved. This. Book.
Ash and Pete went through so much since beginning - and finally they are at the point where I can just sigh happily and believe in their HEA.
I've loved Ash since beginning - it's impossible not to love him. But I also loved Pete in this book...His understanding, his protectiveness, his fascination with Ash - all resonated with me. And I easily forgave his behavior after the accident - he's not some robot, after all.. he's entitled to his own freak-outs. He was under so much pressure with his work, and not-so-easy relationship with Ash, it's surprising he didn't break down sooner. Poor Pete. The whole accident also proved how much Ash had healed...he didn't fall apart, he stayed strong for Pete...I loved seeing Ash being so strong. Too often in the first book I just wanted to cuddle him and protect him from everything. Here, Ash didn't need that. Step by little step, he found himself. I'm happy.))
More Ash?
April 28, 2021
I should have read this immediately after the first one. Now, I didn't remember what happened before and who all these characters were. In the months of my life between part 1 and 2, I also fell out of love with the mc's, so this established couple didn't touch me. I missed the tension and infatuation.
Reread. This time I listened to book 1 and 2 in one go. Still two stars. I think it was just a pointless number of chapters about an established couple living their lives, and details about their friends and families.
The narration was better than book 1, because the narrator had less opportunity to fake a laugh when the text said so. He can't fake a laugh. It was cringe worthy. He was a great performer but it annoyed me he had to vocalize all the coughs, gasps, yawns, sneezes and laughs.
Reread. This time I listened to book 1 and 2 in one go. Still two stars. I think it was just a pointless number of chapters about an established couple living their lives, and details about their friends and families.
The narration was better than book 1, because the narrator had less opportunity to fake a laugh when the text said so. He can't fake a laugh. It was cringe worthy. He was a great performer but it annoyed me he had to vocalize all the coughs, gasps, yawns, sneezes and laughs.
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