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Heated Beat #1
My Mate Jack
Will Barter’s been in love with his best mate Jack for as long as he can remember. They’ve shared everything: love, life, laughs, even Will’s first kiss. But Jack’s straight, and Will’s long-buried infatuation means nothing until their last summer together draws to a close.
Then one night, everything changes, but with Will bound for university in Leeds, and Jack for his dream DJ job in Ibiza, there’s no time to explore their blurred lines. Before long all that’s left are secrets, lies, and misunderstandings.
In the months that follow, anger and hurt overshadow fifteen years of friendship, and Will must dig deep to remember Jack is his mate… his best mate, and nothing matters more than that, right?
Then one night, everything changes, but with Will bound for university in Leeds, and Jack for his dream DJ job in Ibiza, there’s no time to explore their blurred lines. Before long all that’s left are secrets, lies, and misunderstandings.
In the months that follow, anger and hurt overshadow fifteen years of friendship, and Will must dig deep to remember Jack is his mate… his best mate, and nothing matters more than that, right?
104 pages, ebook
First published December 10, 2014
59 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
About the author
Garrett Leigh
91 books2,426 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 174 reviews
August 15, 2019
4.5
How on earth have i missed this?
But when I read Sheri's review I knew I had to get it.
This one pushed all my buttons.GL at her best.There's a reason she's one of my favourite Authors and this book is definitely one of my favourites by her.
Friends to lovers is something that's written about so often and this one was pretty near perfect for me.These boys were adorable as friends and super hot as lovers. Ok there was a lot of miscommunication between them but I didn't care,in fact it kind of made the story better for me.
Best friends from a young age,one hot encounter that will have a lasting effect on them as the years go by.Just delicious!!
And of course this being GL she kept it British.So,I might be biased being British myself but I love this stuff.Will being at Leeds Uni made me smile( my daughter's studying there and I'm growing so fond of that city).Always great to read about places you've visited in books.
The sex wasn't gratuitous,perfect placement in the story and these boys had sexual chemistry in spades.
A total winner for me.
Would definitely recommend.Available on KU.
I've missed you.
I think about you all the time.
This song reminds me of you.
I remember you.
I was looking for you.
How on earth have i missed this?
But when I read Sheri's review I knew I had to get it.
This one pushed all my buttons.GL at her best.There's a reason she's one of my favourite Authors and this book is definitely one of my favourites by her.
Friends to lovers is something that's written about so often and this one was pretty near perfect for me.These boys were adorable as friends and super hot as lovers. Ok there was a lot of miscommunication between them but I didn't care,in fact it kind of made the story better for me.
Best friends from a young age,one hot encounter that will have a lasting effect on them as the years go by.Just delicious!!
And of course this being GL she kept it British.So,I might be biased being British myself but I love this stuff.Will being at Leeds Uni made me smile( my daughter's studying there and I'm growing so fond of that city).Always great to read about places you've visited in books.
The sex wasn't gratuitous,perfect placement in the story and these boys had sexual chemistry in spades.
A total winner for me.
Would definitely recommend.Available on KU.
August 10, 2019
Wow, and here I thought Fair Catch by Del Darcy was an angsty read. That book has absolutely nothing on My Mate Jack in the frustration department.
Will, who's gay, and Jack, who's never said he was anything but straight, have been best friends since they were six years old and pretty much lived in one another's pockets until the end of high school. Closer than brothers.
But the week before Will leaves for college in Leeds and Jack flies off to Ibiza for a summer DJ gig, they have sex. Full-on, bawm-chicka-wow-wow, slow, heart-felt, git your bizness all up in my ‘no-no’ *penetrative* sex. (Yes. And it was WAAAAAY hot.)
Which was amazing for them both, but quickly leads to awkwardness and neither seeing the other before their departures. And so begins the crazy angst-fest that lasts for several years afterwards.
They exchange e-mails and texts very sporadically (once every few months at times, argh) as Will works to finish up his graphic design degree in Leeds.
And during that same time, Jack's career as a DJ has really taken off, with him becoming one of the most sought-after club and festival DJ's in Ibiza and around Europe.
The sad and CRAZY FRUSTRATING part of the book is that, as the years pass, it's painfully obvious that Will and Jack miss one another desperately. But, as usual with guys, they can't open up and actually *say* what the freaking hell is on their minds.
The story line is very, very good, with a veritable smorgasbord of drama and we do get our (eventual) purging of past hurts and confessions of feelings, which (once I stopped screaming at and wanting to bitch slap these two adorable, sexy idjits) put them both on the road to living happily ever after. Together. Finally. THANK FUCK.
If I didn't get my HEA after getting so fully invested in these two, my head would have blown clean off the top of my shoulders, I shit you not.
Highly-recommended, but please remember to take your blood pressure medicine beforehand. : )
4 "Just breathe, Goddammit, just fucking breathe" stars.
November 29, 2020
4 Hearts
Not that I’ve read a lot of Garrett Leigh but this is probably one of the more easygoing books out there of hers, and it was oh so nice.
As per the blurb, Will and Jack have been BFF’s for forever and though they've shared some very huge milestone firsts regarding their sexual history, Will’s staunch belief that Jack’s straight is the biggest obstacle to these two. Toss in some no/miscommunication as well as several external factors working against them, and these two besties are unfortunately kept apart for a good bit of time.
Told in intermittent snippets over a few years, as well as through various texts and emails, I liked the evolution of this friends to lovers story. Sure, it has some mild angst with plenty of pining, doubt, and jealousy, but it was never heavy handed.
Narrated by Dan Calley, this was my first foray listening to him. Though I personally had some difficulty discerning between characters at times, the British accents and emotions were spot on, and I wouldn’t say no to future listens!
So, if you like Leigh and want lighter fare, then this oldie (originally published back in 2014) is now obviously available on audio which just might catch your fancy this time around! Highly enjoyable as Will and Jack are very likeable blokes, and despite it taking awhile to get both their heads on track, they do it with lots of sweet sexy aplomb!!
Not that I’ve read a lot of Garrett Leigh but this is probably one of the more easygoing books out there of hers, and it was oh so nice.
As per the blurb, Will and Jack have been BFF’s for forever and though they've shared some very huge milestone firsts regarding their sexual history, Will’s staunch belief that Jack’s straight is the biggest obstacle to these two. Toss in some no/miscommunication as well as several external factors working against them, and these two besties are unfortunately kept apart for a good bit of time.
Told in intermittent snippets over a few years, as well as through various texts and emails, I liked the evolution of this friends to lovers story. Sure, it has some mild angst with plenty of pining, doubt, and jealousy, but it was never heavy handed.
Narrated by Dan Calley, this was my first foray listening to him. Though I personally had some difficulty discerning between characters at times, the British accents and emotions were spot on, and I wouldn’t say no to future listens!
So, if you like Leigh and want lighter fare, then this oldie (originally published back in 2014) is now obviously available on audio which just might catch your fancy this time around! Highly enjoyable as Will and Jack are very likeable blokes, and despite it taking awhile to get both their heads on track, they do it with lots of sweet sexy aplomb!!
July 7, 2019
3 "sweet and sexy and sultry" stars !!
Umberto Eco is causing me to regress psychologically. I am finding starting his book "Foucault's Pendulum" daunting and I am avoiding reading it. I borrowed three books from my niece and am reading them instead.
The first was that horrible "Following Me" by K.A. Linde that I reviewed last week and now this sweet little novella. The third book will be "And All the Stars" by Andrea Hoste.
Let's be clear the writing style was really 2.5 stars but I gave the book a bonus half star because it got me in the heart, in the gut and in the loins. Yummy.
Garrett Leigh knows how to write a good contemporary gay romance with really sultry scenes of playful and sensual erotica.
You have two adorable blokes that are best mates since childhood. One is gay and the other is mixed up. One is academic and the other is into DJ culture. You have playfulness, kindness, affection and warmth. You have misunderstandings, hurt, ruminations and disappointment. You end up with a passionate and enduring consummated love. Hurrah!!!
I felt so adolescent reading this and cheering these young men on to true passion and love.
This book truly was a guilty pleasure and Ms. Leigh if I am feeling avoidant in future I know that I will come back to another one of your sweet romances. Cheers.
Umberto Eco is causing me to regress psychologically. I am finding starting his book "Foucault's Pendulum" daunting and I am avoiding reading it. I borrowed three books from my niece and am reading them instead.
The first was that horrible "Following Me" by K.A. Linde that I reviewed last week and now this sweet little novella. The third book will be "And All the Stars" by Andrea Hoste.
Let's be clear the writing style was really 2.5 stars but I gave the book a bonus half star because it got me in the heart, in the gut and in the loins. Yummy.
Garrett Leigh knows how to write a good contemporary gay romance with really sultry scenes of playful and sensual erotica.
You have two adorable blokes that are best mates since childhood. One is gay and the other is mixed up. One is academic and the other is into DJ culture. You have playfulness, kindness, affection and warmth. You have misunderstandings, hurt, ruminations and disappointment. You end up with a passionate and enduring consummated love. Hurrah!!!
I felt so adolescent reading this and cheering these young men on to true passion and love.
This book truly was a guilty pleasure and Ms. Leigh if I am feeling avoidant in future I know that I will come back to another one of your sweet romances. Cheers.
August 15, 2019
**** 4 Stars ****
I've started many books in the last week. I haven't given up on them yet because I can see the potential. My mind is the problem. I've been struggling to concentrate on a story lately.
So, when Judith nudged me with My Mate Jack and said it was available on KU I thought why the bloody not? It's just one more book on my pile.
I want to hug you, Jude!!!!
Thank you so much for this rec. It saved me.
This was such a smooth, easy and delightful read.
It has GL at her best, incorporating her Britishness trademark in a love story with a super original set up.
Just bear in mind this is a short read, therefore don't expect too much in terms of development. Still, I am giving it a solid four stars since I couldn't have read it fast enough. A feeling I was missing like crazy!
I've started many books in the last week. I haven't given up on them yet because I can see the potential. My mind is the problem. I've been struggling to concentrate on a story lately.
So, when Judith nudged me with My Mate Jack and said it was available on KU I thought why the bloody not? It's just one more book on my pile.
I want to hug you, Jude!!!!
Thank you so much for this rec. It saved me.
This was such a smooth, easy and delightful read.
It has GL at her best, incorporating her Britishness trademark in a love story with a super original set up.
Just bear in mind this is a short read, therefore don't expect too much in terms of development. Still, I am giving it a solid four stars since I couldn't have read it fast enough. A feeling I was missing like crazy!
August 9, 2019
Best friends to lovers is a tried and true trope that can be pulled off spectacularly or shabbily. I’m pleased to say that this was a smashing success. Will and Jack became best mates at a tender age and have held fast to each other. They experience many ‘firsts’ together, including Will’s first kiss. It’s during this cataclysmic moment when the world shifts. Will has longed for Jack, craved an intimate touch for much longer than he’d care to admit, but he kept this secret carefully guarded. He couldn’t gamble ‘them’. While their lips explore, heartbeats race and minds kick into high gear. This is it. Everything Will has wanted. It’s a game changer. Will’s desires surge to a whole new level and he knows in that exact moment, he will never love another like he loves Jack. But Jack is straight. Little did Will know he wasn’t the only one feeling the ground tremor that day. Jack felt it too.
What's to like: I really enjoyed the sneak peeks into the past. Flashbacks can be a wonderful wealth of information and it gave us a firm grip as to how Will and Jack make it to the position they are in now. They toe the line of exploration and take things past the point of no return when one gifts the other with his virginity. The crossroads after graduation is such a scary and glorious time. Their paths separate and distance takes its toll. Some friendships are only with us during a season in our lives and others stay with us forever. Angst will bombard these two and only they can control if they drift apart or not.
Between the beautiful bond between Will and Jack, the warm secondary characters and the brilliant writing, Leigh creates a stellar story. I’m still a fairly new fan but I expect to dash through her bookshelf at a steady clip. And a shout out to the fabulous new cover!
What's to love: The relationship between Jack and Will is solid and real. I felt it…I felt them. I loved how focused they were on each other, so zeroed in that the rest of their vision was out of focus. We are allowed to see the bigger picture (knowing they are destined to cross that sacred line) even when they were oblivious to it. We knew, their friends knew….even their loved ones knew. Will and Jack resist fate until it nearly splits them but then when they finally accept it, they crash together. There are no annoying habits to reveal, no awkward secrets (now), they know it all. They are each other’s past, embrace the present as one and soar into the future together. My heart is happy and full and I have no worries that they will live…happily ever after.
Beware of: Potent British influence. I am definitely drawn to authors on the other side of the pond, in fact most of my favorites reside in another country. I am addicted to picking up new slang and sayings. Garrett’s voice comes through thick and strong with heavy British charm.
This book is for: If friends to lovers is your thing, this is sure to leave you with a giddy smile and a hankering for more British boys. Psst, never fear…..there IS more!
*4 stars*
Book UNfunk
What's to like: I really enjoyed the sneak peeks into the past. Flashbacks can be a wonderful wealth of information and it gave us a firm grip as to how Will and Jack make it to the position they are in now. They toe the line of exploration and take things past the point of no return when one gifts the other with his virginity. The crossroads after graduation is such a scary and glorious time. Their paths separate and distance takes its toll. Some friendships are only with us during a season in our lives and others stay with us forever. Angst will bombard these two and only they can control if they drift apart or not.
Between the beautiful bond between Will and Jack, the warm secondary characters and the brilliant writing, Leigh creates a stellar story. I’m still a fairly new fan but I expect to dash through her bookshelf at a steady clip. And a shout out to the fabulous new cover!
What's to love: The relationship between Jack and Will is solid and real. I felt it…I felt them. I loved how focused they were on each other, so zeroed in that the rest of their vision was out of focus. We are allowed to see the bigger picture (knowing they are destined to cross that sacred line) even when they were oblivious to it. We knew, their friends knew….even their loved ones knew. Will and Jack resist fate until it nearly splits them but then when they finally accept it, they crash together. There are no annoying habits to reveal, no awkward secrets (now), they know it all. They are each other’s past, embrace the present as one and soar into the future together. My heart is happy and full and I have no worries that they will live…happily ever after.
Beware of: Potent British influence. I am definitely drawn to authors on the other side of the pond, in fact most of my favorites reside in another country. I am addicted to picking up new slang and sayings. Garrett’s voice comes through thick and strong with heavy British charm.
This book is for: If friends to lovers is your thing, this is sure to leave you with a giddy smile and a hankering for more British boys. Psst, never fear…..there IS more!
*4 stars*
Book UNfunk
December 18, 2014
3-3.5 STARS
"My Mate Jack" is a friends to lovers GFY story that fallows the two MC, Will and Jack and how their relationship progress over the years.
Will and Jack have been friends since they were 6-7 years old when Jack moved across the street. They been together since, sharing everything about each other. Jack knows that Will is gay, but he doesn’t care about his mate’s sexuality. By the time they are 15, Jack who is straight (or he pretends and knows he is) had many girlfriends, but Will is still a virgin. More than that, he never kissed or been kissed by a boy. One night, Jack offers his “services” to Will. He wants Will to practice his kissing skills on him. Will, who secretly is in love with his mate accepts and their story begins. Over the years their relationships remains strong, but it changes when Jack doesn’t want to be a virgin anymore and needs his friend “help”. You can only guess how he can help him. The boys are separated when Will goes to uni and Jack wants to pursue his dream to be a DJ and goes to Ibiza.
This was an enjoyable enough read for me, but nothing was very special. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t too great either. Despite the miscommunication between Will and Jack, I enjoyed the story. Maybe because the angst wasn’t so bad. I liked both Will and Jack and their strong bond between them. Also, their emails are great and entertaining and I enjoyed reading them. There were parts when the story was a little too rushed for my liking, but in the end I enjoyed it. The story is told from Will’s POV. His POV was OK, but I wished we have Jack’s POV too one time or two. The story has a HFN ending, so no cliffhanger, which I really liked. While I didn’t love this installment, I’m eager to read more about Will and Jack, so I’m guess I’ll continue with this series.
Overall, a nice read!
"My Mate Jack" is a friends to lovers GFY story that fallows the two MC, Will and Jack and how their relationship progress over the years.
Will and Jack have been friends since they were 6-7 years old when Jack moved across the street. They been together since, sharing everything about each other. Jack knows that Will is gay, but he doesn’t care about his mate’s sexuality. By the time they are 15, Jack who is straight (or he pretends and knows he is) had many girlfriends, but Will is still a virgin. More than that, he never kissed or been kissed by a boy. One night, Jack offers his “services” to Will. He wants Will to practice his kissing skills on him. Will, who secretly is in love with his mate accepts and their story begins. Over the years their relationships remains strong, but it changes when Jack doesn’t want to be a virgin anymore and needs his friend “help”. You can only guess how he can help him. The boys are separated when Will goes to uni and Jack wants to pursue his dream to be a DJ and goes to Ibiza.
This was an enjoyable enough read for me, but nothing was very special. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t too great either. Despite the miscommunication between Will and Jack, I enjoyed the story. Maybe because the angst wasn’t so bad. I liked both Will and Jack and their strong bond between them. Also, their emails are great and entertaining and I enjoyed reading them. There were parts when the story was a little too rushed for my liking, but in the end I enjoyed it. The story is told from Will’s POV. His POV was OK, but I wished we have Jack’s POV too one time or two. The story has a HFN ending, so no cliffhanger, which I really liked. While I didn’t love this installment, I’m eager to read more about Will and Jack, so I’m guess I’ll continue with this series.
Overall, a nice read!
August 19, 2019
I saw a couple of reviews in my feed (Judith and Jan ... thanks!) and dove into My Mate Jack as soon as I could, and I loved it!
It's a fairly fast read with perfect pacing, great characters, a fabulous friends to lovers story with the occasional flashback that the author totally worked.
4.5 stars
It's a fairly fast read with perfect pacing, great characters, a fabulous friends to lovers story with the occasional flashback that the author totally worked.
4.5 stars
February 10, 2017
Entre las tres y cuatro estrellas, una novela que no ha estado nada mal, con su punto dulce, su punto sexy y un poco de conflicto. Ofrece un rato muy agradable, con dos personajes bien dibujados y con muchísima química entre ellos, es bonito ver cómo se buscan, se aman y dudan.
Esta serie tiene bastante más calidad que la que tiene de Novellas sobre actores porno.
Esta serie tiene bastante más calidad que la que tiene de Novellas sobre actores porno.
July 2, 2016
My Mate Jack is about 2 lads, Will and Jack, who have been best mates since they were about six years old. The story is told from Will's POV (which you can probably tell from the title). Jack is the first person that Will ever came out to. As they grow up, Will's feelings for Jack become more than just feelings of friendship, but Jack is straight.
Jack, however, is also a bit adventurous and using that excuse to initiate a kiss, and later, just before Will leaves for university and Jack is about to leave to try to realize his dream, Jack initiates sex with Will. Will takes Jack at his word, though, that he's not gay and just wants to experience new things before they're both off doing other things.
I found their separation to be kind of frustrating and Jack took WAY TOO LONG to tell Will how he really felt. Will has always been in love with Jack and felt cast aside and the mixed signals Jack gave off would be confusing to anyone on the receiving end. But, they do finally get it together and that and the ending was quite satisfying.
Jack, however, is also a bit adventurous and using that excuse to initiate a kiss, and later, just before Will leaves for university and Jack is about to leave to try to realize his dream, Jack initiates sex with Will. Will takes Jack at his word, though, that he's not gay and just wants to experience new things before they're both off doing other things.
I found their separation to be kind of frustrating and Jack took WAY TOO LONG to tell Will how he really felt. Will has always been in love with Jack and felt cast aside and the mixed signals Jack gave off would be confusing to anyone on the receiving end. But, they do finally get it together and that and the ending was quite satisfying.
December 3, 2019
Loved, loved, LOVED THIS!! ❤️❤️
The tension that Leigh built up between these two best friends was AMAZING! 🔥🔥🔥 it was constant and never let up until the very end.!!
It’s Garrett Leigh, so there was angst, but it didn’t color the whole story, it only served to drive the tension higher, the need, the WANT HIGHER!!
Mates forever, one gay, one straight (or not so much, maybe he’s bi, maybe he’s curious, maybe he’s Demi, maybe he’s made to be Will’s one and only). Will has been in Love with Jack forever. Before they separate for life after secondary school, they spend one crazy night—a night neither can forget.
Time passes, feelings don’t. Yet the men change and Leigh shows this wonderfully and in such a sexy fashion!
Oh, just read the damn thing! You won’t regret it!
My rec?: see above! ❤️❤️🔥❤️🔥🔥
The tension that Leigh built up between these two best friends was AMAZING! 🔥🔥🔥 it was constant and never let up until the very end.!!
It’s Garrett Leigh, so there was angst, but it didn’t color the whole story, it only served to drive the tension higher, the need, the WANT HIGHER!!
Mates forever, one gay, one straight (or not so much, maybe he’s bi, maybe he’s curious, maybe he’s Demi, maybe he’s made to be Will’s one and only). Will has been in Love with Jack forever. Before they separate for life after secondary school, they spend one crazy night—a night neither can forget.
Time passes, feelings don’t. Yet the men change and Leigh shows this wonderfully and in such a sexy fashion!
Oh, just read the damn thing! You won’t regret it!
My rec?: see above! ❤️❤️🔥❤️🔥🔥
August 19, 2019
It's really weird reading a book that's set in a place you know well so references to Beeston and Headingley (areas of the city of Leeds) had me chuckling through this one.
It's short, a teeny bit angsty, but has a fabulous ending and a HFN which I can believe would easily become a HEA.
I liked both Will and Jack, they felt real in both their relationship development and in the final realisation that, for Jack, Will was his person.
It's short, a teeny bit angsty, but has a fabulous ending and a HFN which I can believe would easily become a HEA.
I liked both Will and Jack, they felt real in both their relationship development and in the final realisation that, for Jack, Will was his person.
August 22, 2021
This was ok.
I liked the beginning and the end, but everything inbetween not so much. I know it's realistic, but it's not what I enjoy reading about in a romance. And it's already a short story.
I liked the beginning and the end, but everything inbetween not so much. I know it's realistic, but it's not what I enjoy reading about in a romance. And it's already a short story.
August 21, 2019
Ahhh. Now that put a huge happy smile on my face!
This simply has all the necessary ingredients for a highly enjoyable book:
.) two very likeable young men
.) lots of firsts
.) some cute, some sweet, some hurt and comfort
.) and a bit of sizzle.
Garrett Leigh manages to put so much in a relatively short space.
I really loved the part when Will and Jack are young and experience some vital firsts with each other. Even then the connection between them shines through, the joy and contentment they feel when they are with each other.
When RL separates the two young men, they struggle to keep that bond going. And that is due to the lesser communication means of the time (isn’t it astonishing that mobiles weren’t around every second not so long ago!) on the one hand, but also very much because both are trying to come to terms with some uncomfortable truths:
For Jack, that he is attracted to a man when he has always defined as straight and for Will, that he has always been in love with Jack.
I found both guys super cute. Their (pre-text) e-mail communications made me smile and their story is truly heart-warming.
This simply has all the necessary ingredients for a highly enjoyable book:
.) two very likeable young men
.) lots of firsts
.) some cute, some sweet, some hurt and comfort
.) and a bit of sizzle.
Garrett Leigh manages to put so much in a relatively short space.
I really loved the part when Will and Jack are young and experience some vital firsts with each other. Even then the connection between them shines through, the joy and contentment they feel when they are with each other.
When RL separates the two young men, they struggle to keep that bond going. And that is due to the lesser communication means of the time (isn’t it astonishing that mobiles weren’t around every second not so long ago!) on the one hand, but also very much because both are trying to come to terms with some uncomfortable truths:
For Jack, that he is attracted to a man when he has always defined as straight and for Will, that he has always been in love with Jack.
I found both guys super cute. Their (pre-text) e-mail communications made me smile and their story is truly heart-warming.
November 24, 2020
review for the audio version of the Heated Beat series
Garrett Leigh’s Heated Beat series includes the novels My Mate Jack and Lucky Man. Tied together through mutual friends, the two couples in these books struggle to find their happy endings. While there is some overlap of the characters between the two novels, you can definitely enjoy these stories as standalones, but I think you’ll get more pleasure if you read them in order.
Both of these classic novels are now available in audio, beautifully performed by Dan Calley. With his warm, rugged voice, Mr. Calley captures the emotion and enhances the intimacy between the men. And when Garrett Leigh turns up the heat, my earbuds just about melted. Fans of Dan Calley know what I’m talking about!
My Mate Jack chronicles the friendship of Will and Jack. Beginning with the joyous flirtations of youth as they test their mutual attraction, to the perfect moment when these two men let down their walls and reveal what’s in their hearts. This is a beautifully written friends to lovers tale.
With a relationship spanning years, Garrett Leigh demonstrates the passing of time, as well as the physical distance between the men, through their texts, phone calls, emails, and even letters. Hampered by poor technology, Will and Jack suffer through mixed messages, which just adds to their uncertainty about how the other man truly feels. Conveying anything honestly through texts and emails, especially after partying all night, is a recipe for disaster.
The angst continues to grow as they build separate lives, reconnecting at key moments, and breaking apart again. Yes, open and honest communication right from the start would have changed everything, but both of these characters had miles of growing up to do. Plus, it sets the stage for the next novel in the series, Lucky Man.
Very different in flavor, Lucky Man is a drama with a chilling mystery and deeply complex characters. A closeted police detective and a gifted musician, suffering from mental illness, grow from a casual hook-up to deeply committed lovers with non-stop action along the way.
From the moment Danny and Finn meet, the two men have amazing chemistry, and good Lord, Garrett Leigh outdoes herself! This is some superbly hot erotica, and Dan Calley makes the most of every bit of passion in the dialogue between these two. Rough, raw, and emotional, Lucky Man is a stunning audiobook.
If you enjoyed these novels back when they were first published, or if you’re a fan of Dan Calley’s audiobook narration, I know you’re going to love listening to My Mate Jack and Lucky Man. Here’s hoping Garrett Leigh releases all of her classic novels in audio!
Garrett Leigh’s Heated Beat series includes the novels My Mate Jack and Lucky Man. Tied together through mutual friends, the two couples in these books struggle to find their happy endings. While there is some overlap of the characters between the two novels, you can definitely enjoy these stories as standalones, but I think you’ll get more pleasure if you read them in order.
Both of these classic novels are now available in audio, beautifully performed by Dan Calley. With his warm, rugged voice, Mr. Calley captures the emotion and enhances the intimacy between the men. And when Garrett Leigh turns up the heat, my earbuds just about melted. Fans of Dan Calley know what I’m talking about!
My Mate Jack chronicles the friendship of Will and Jack. Beginning with the joyous flirtations of youth as they test their mutual attraction, to the perfect moment when these two men let down their walls and reveal what’s in their hearts. This is a beautifully written friends to lovers tale.
With a relationship spanning years, Garrett Leigh demonstrates the passing of time, as well as the physical distance between the men, through their texts, phone calls, emails, and even letters. Hampered by poor technology, Will and Jack suffer through mixed messages, which just adds to their uncertainty about how the other man truly feels. Conveying anything honestly through texts and emails, especially after partying all night, is a recipe for disaster.
The angst continues to grow as they build separate lives, reconnecting at key moments, and breaking apart again. Yes, open and honest communication right from the start would have changed everything, but both of these characters had miles of growing up to do. Plus, it sets the stage for the next novel in the series, Lucky Man.
Very different in flavor, Lucky Man is a drama with a chilling mystery and deeply complex characters. A closeted police detective and a gifted musician, suffering from mental illness, grow from a casual hook-up to deeply committed lovers with non-stop action along the way.
From the moment Danny and Finn meet, the two men have amazing chemistry, and good Lord, Garrett Leigh outdoes herself! This is some superbly hot erotica, and Dan Calley makes the most of every bit of passion in the dialogue between these two. Rough, raw, and emotional, Lucky Man is a stunning audiobook.
If you enjoyed these novels back when they were first published, or if you’re a fan of Dan Calley’s audiobook narration, I know you’re going to love listening to My Mate Jack and Lucky Man. Here’s hoping Garrett Leigh releases all of her classic novels in audio!
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September 1, 2019
3.5 stars!
It was so nice to read a romance with British English vocab for a change. Refreshing!
At the start of the story, Will and Jack are in their late teens and best friends. Will is already out to Jack, who is straight. For some reason, Jack wants to experiment kissing and more with Will, all in the name of "getting experience".
The chemistry between the pair was awesome, and the smexy times hot. Once Jack moved away to Ibiza to work as a DJ, my interest in the story declined somewhat. I really liked the first half of this story a great deal, and at that point the book easily earned 4 stars. The second half was more of 3 star experience, where the miscommunication became frustratingly drawn out rather than escalating the tension.
It was so nice to read a romance with British English vocab for a change. Refreshing!
At the start of the story, Will and Jack are in their late teens and best friends. Will is already out to Jack, who is straight. For some reason, Jack wants to experiment kissing and more with Will, all in the name of "getting experience".
The chemistry between the pair was awesome, and the smexy times hot. Once Jack moved away to Ibiza to work as a DJ, my interest in the story declined somewhat. I really liked the first half of this story a great deal, and at that point the book easily earned 4 stars. The second half was more of 3 star experience, where the miscommunication became frustratingly drawn out rather than escalating the tension.
February 20, 2015
2.75
A story that didn't really engage me. I liked the characters but they didn't interact as much as I would have liked and their actions frustrated me. This was a short read so I found it was a bit choppy with the time jumps and email convos. I'll check out the second in the series to see what's the what.
A story that didn't really engage me. I liked the characters but they didn't interact as much as I would have liked and their actions frustrated me. This was a short read so I found it was a bit choppy with the time jumps and email convos. I'll check out the second in the series to see what's the what.
July 5, 2016
I've never been to Ibiza but it's amusing how people mention the island once and again in books, TV and movies. What I usually hear about Ibiza is "DJs, Paris Hilton, balconing and cruisers". I guess it's about time I go for a visit if only to change that opinion. All those British people can't be wrong when they keep coming, right? It's not as if we forced them to. Still, I have always been fond of Medieval or Imperial cities, nightlife and beaches are not that attractive to me in comparison.
Anyway, I had the feeling Garrett Leigh would drag us to Ibiza somehow, in a Woody Allen's sort of way (when Javier managed to drag Scarlett and Rebecca to Oviedo in Vicky Cristina Barcelona), because she and her British compatriot (yes, Suki Fleet) kept giving signals about it (saying more than once the character's parents are retired in Spain, and sometimes, they are more specific).
But don't get me wrong. I kept hearing any of the Baleares archipelago's island now and then, but I have never actually seen it in action, and that's why this story was innovative for me. I can seriously admit it's the first book I've read with the characters actually falling in love in Ibiza (amongst other places) and I celebrate that. I feel it as exotic as the next person, if I'm honest.
Anyway, stop babbling. First of all, I expected this book to me MUCH WORSE because of the mediocre opinions I had the chance to read from my friends. It's by no means her best book, though. What I find surprising is that, despite it's a novella, I didn't feel it short. I have complained several times about the author's fixation on writing very few pages about stories that deserve many more. But here I didn't feel it that way, I even felt this was a long book. Weird, yeah? I think it's because it's designed to cover the ups and downs through the years, since the friendship is born before the age of ten until they are over twenty. It can be included in the self of the I-have-been-in-love-with-you-since-forever-but-you-are-straight-and-we-will-be-suffering-for-a-decade-or-so-because-we-cannot-face-it-together kind of books.
Unfortunately, I couldn't form a connection with the characters as I would have liked. Most of the time I didn't even like Jack. I must say this can be due to his lack of POV, as he is the opposite of an extroverted person, even if he is apparently outgoing. Still, I've been bonded with characters whose perspective is not displayed, so in fact that is a weak argument.
Do you remember American Beauty when the blondie looks like a whore at first and little by little, she gets rid of the makeup and close to the end we find out she is a virgin and is desperate to be cherished by the one she thinks gives a damn about her? This is how Jack was for me, he is the one who is full of makeup, but things are not as they seem at first. He has an inner need but nobody gives a damn about him, and Will is not able to see it for the most part of the book. He is too focused on himself being the hopeless suitor and mourning about someone he thinks he has never had. And that's admirable because it's blatantly clear Jack only has eyes for Will. But as Lizzie's friend says in Pride and Prejudice, the movie: We are all silly when in love.
To sum up, I recommend this book but I would not recommendit to begin with this author.
December 7, 2020
This one didn’t break my heart like most of Garrett’s books but it did squeeze my heart at times and made to hard to breathe. I felt so bad for Will for most of the book, then at the end you get a real glimpse into Jack’s feelings and view is the situation and you can’t help but feel for him too after kinda thinking he was a bit of a bastard for part of the book. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
February 14, 2017
El mejor New Adult MM que he leído.
-Me ha gustado la amistad entre los personajes, su química y la manera lenta en la que se va transformando su relación (friends-to-lover, yay!).
-Me ha gustado el hecho de que Will sea abiertamente homosexual sin que eso sea su personalidad.
-Me ha gustado que Jack no se defina como hetero, gay, ni bi. El ama a Will por ser Will, no por su género. ¿Estamos acaso ante un caso de pansexualidad?
-Me ha gustado que sea una historia corta, con angst pero sin extenderse con más drama del necesario.
-Ciertamente los personajes secundarios no son mas que relleno, sobre todo la familia de Jack y los amigos de Will. Pero me gustaron los atisbos que vemos del papá de Will y su cariño arisco.
-Podría ser mejor, sí. Pero en definitiva: me ha gustado.
-Me ha gustado la amistad entre los personajes, su química y la manera lenta en la que se va transformando su relación (friends-to-lover, yay!).
-Me ha gustado el hecho de que Will sea abiertamente homosexual sin que eso sea su personalidad.
-Me ha gustado que Jack no se defina como hetero, gay, ni bi. El ama a Will por ser Will, no por su género. ¿Estamos acaso ante un caso de pansexualidad?
-Me ha gustado que sea una historia corta, con angst pero sin extenderse con más drama del necesario.
-Ciertamente los personajes secundarios no son mas que relleno, sobre todo la familia de Jack y los amigos de Will. Pero me gustaron los atisbos que vemos del papá de Will y su cariño arisco.
-Podría ser mejor, sí. Pero en definitiva: me ha gustado.
Read
December 15, 2014Anybody else getting a vibe from that blurb?
October 30, 2018
Hmm, Will and Jack have been friends since they were 6 and 7. Will is gay and Jack was the first person he told. Jack on the other hand is straight. Or is he? Because Jack asks Will to be his first, even though Jack is straight; he doesn't want to go away for his job still a virgin. I don't really care for these tropes because I don't find them believable. A straight 18 year old virgin decides the girls he knows aren't good enough to loose his virginity to, so of course he decides to do it with his gay best friend. I mean, the least he could have said was he was curious - why did he have to say he just wanted to lose his virginity?
That aside, this was ok. Far from my best Garrett Leigh read, but it was easy and quick. If you're going to read GL, don't start with this one, unless you don't like angst then maybe you should start with this one because GL is known for her angst.
Anyway, Jack decides he's maybe bi or just gay for Will, but they live happily ever after. 3 stars.
That aside, this was ok. Far from my best Garrett Leigh read, but it was easy and quick. If you're going to read GL, don't start with this one, unless you don't like angst then maybe you should start with this one because GL is known for her angst.
Anyway, Jack decides he's maybe bi or just gay for Will, but they live happily ever after. 3 stars.
December 16, 2014
....Gay for you angst, sex, misunderstanding and music. So good. Loved it very much.
October 11, 2023
I got the biggest feeling of nostalgia from this one! I figured I'm the same age as these characters so I could totally relate to their growing up. Seriously do not miss dial-up internet, landlines and shitty roaming plans that never used to work when you went abroad - if you were even lucky enough to have a Nokia or Motorola! I miss Snake...
What I also enjoyed is that I know all the places in this book, from Reading/Leeds to the nightclubs in Ibiza so it was easy to immerse myself in the story... but it definitely made me feel old too 😂
I appreciated the frustration in trying to communicate by email, post and dodgy phone calls (been there, done that!), and I think it worked well at introducing tension to the lifelong friendship that became more.
The miscommunication was also done really well, and I could feel the emotional impact from both characters, which I always love.
I was genuinely sad to end the book because I'd have loved to see what comes next for the pair.
What I also enjoyed is that I know all the places in this book, from Reading/Leeds to the nightclubs in Ibiza so it was easy to immerse myself in the story... but it definitely made me feel old too 😂
I appreciated the frustration in trying to communicate by email, post and dodgy phone calls (been there, done that!), and I think it worked well at introducing tension to the lifelong friendship that became more.
The miscommunication was also done really well, and I could feel the emotional impact from both characters, which I always love.
I was genuinely sad to end the book because I'd have loved to see what comes next for the pair.
Read
December 15, 2014I might try to finish this story by this author whose stories I have liked until now - but the problem is that too much of this story is concentrated in one of my major peeves, the use of miscommunication and misunderstandings which can easily be remedied if these so called close friends really TALK to each other and clear things up instead of just making assumptions.
There are some lovely bits and pieces, some quite charming and funny, and I do love a friends to lovers, and even more so if combined with a GFY, so take it at face value and blame it on being a grumpy, bah-humbug old woman who once or twice has swatted her sons' head for being idiotic men without any communication skills.
There are some lovely bits and pieces, some quite charming and funny, and I do love a friends to lovers, and even more so if combined with a GFY, so take it at face value and blame it on being a grumpy, bah-humbug old woman who once or twice has swatted her sons' head for being idiotic men without any communication skills.
March 17, 2015
Why did I wait so long to read this? Ugh. Childhood friends to lovers? Come on! It's one of my most favorite tropes ever!
This was adorable.
This was sexy.
This was angsty and thank fuck for that.
This was fun and funny and fan-fucking-tastic.
This was everything I didn't know I needed today.
Will and Jack.
Jack and Will.
Le Sigh. Le Unf. Le... be still my hopeless romantic heart.
Yeah, this was good. So good that in my mind I am currently dancing my redhead ass off at a rave in Ibiza.
This was adorable.
This was sexy.
This was angsty and thank fuck for that.
This was fun and funny and fan-fucking-tastic.
This was everything I didn't know I needed today.
Will and Jack.
Jack and Will.
Le Sigh. Le Unf. Le... be still my hopeless romantic heart.
Yeah, this was good. So good that in my mind I am currently dancing my redhead ass off at a rave in Ibiza.
July 10, 2018
No está mal la novella. Ellos me han caído muy bien.
March 22, 2016
Even though the characters were separated for months at a time and it played on the Big Misunderstanding/Lack of Communication tropes that I don't normally enjoy, there was something about this one I found compelling.
January 2, 2015
Review on Prism Book Alliance
The best part about this story is the friendship twixt Will and Jack. It’s grounded, sometimes complicated and definitely accepting. What surrounds them is a rather typical, no new ground broken story. Then again, I don’t always need that for a story to be enjoyable. I was pretty sure I knew what I would be getting in reading this and I was right.
It was easy to get to know Will – the story is told from his point of view – and Jack. Keeping in mind that they are rather young through part of this, their behaviors, decisions and assumptions ring true. They’re in sync most of the time. Most.
As much as this is a friends-to-lovers story, it’s more about two people who have probably been in love with each other from day one, or sometime not long after. Like many things, we often miss what’s right in front of our faces. Will and Jack’s journey is sweet, bumpy and solely theirs.
There are some supporting characters but most of them don’t get much page time. Will’s dad Ned probably gets the most and he’s worthy of it. I’ll let you discover that for yourself.
This is a story that feels complete but it probably could have been, not necessarily a longer story this time ‘round but, the stepping off point for more stories into the future. Yup, for me, Will and Jack have a lot more story to tell.
When you’re next looking for a slightly angsty, kinda dreamy yet realistic sweet treat that’ll have you sighing in contentment, pick this one and you’ll get just that. :)
Oh, and Will and Jack are yummy together. ;)
The best part about this story is the friendship twixt Will and Jack. It’s grounded, sometimes complicated and definitely accepting. What surrounds them is a rather typical, no new ground broken story. Then again, I don’t always need that for a story to be enjoyable. I was pretty sure I knew what I would be getting in reading this and I was right.
It was easy to get to know Will – the story is told from his point of view – and Jack. Keeping in mind that they are rather young through part of this, their behaviors, decisions and assumptions ring true. They’re in sync most of the time. Most.
As much as this is a friends-to-lovers story, it’s more about two people who have probably been in love with each other from day one, or sometime not long after. Like many things, we often miss what’s right in front of our faces. Will and Jack’s journey is sweet, bumpy and solely theirs.
There are some supporting characters but most of them don’t get much page time. Will’s dad Ned probably gets the most and he’s worthy of it. I’ll let you discover that for yourself.
This is a story that feels complete but it probably could have been, not necessarily a longer story this time ‘round but, the stepping off point for more stories into the future. Yup, for me, Will and Jack have a lot more story to tell.
When you’re next looking for a slightly angsty, kinda dreamy yet realistic sweet treat that’ll have you sighing in contentment, pick this one and you’ll get just that. :)
Oh, and Will and Jack are yummy together. ;)
May 23, 2015
This book was just ok. It definitely wasn't the Garrett Leigh that i'm used to. It felt rushed (even tho it spanned over a few years) and choppy. I did enjoy the e-mails a lot. That's where I feel the guys were most real...but it still didn't help me connect with them.
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