What do you think?
Rate this book
Rented Heart #1
Rented Heart
Ex-surfer-turned-businessman Liam Mallaney moved back to Holkham, Norfolk, to mourn the loss of his husband. Grief and loneliness keep him a solitary figure, and he likes it that way. There’s no room in his broken heart for anything else.
Rentboy Zac Payne left London and most of his demons behind, but he still only knows one way to make a living. When he spots Liam in a club one night, it seems he’s found his mark. But Liam proves nicer—and their connection far deeper—than he’d bargained for.
Their arrangement quickly becomes too complicated for Zac, who has other things on his mind: namely his BFF and wayward flatmate, Jamie. Zac owes Jamie the world, and even as Jamie’s drug addiction destroys all they have, Zac won’t leave him behind.
Besides, Liam knows nothing of Zac’s home life, too caught up in his own head to think much beyond the crazy heat he and Zac share. But when trouble comes to Zac’s door, putting his life in danger, Liam must set his grief and anger aside to pick up the pieces of Zac’s shattered heart and his own.
Rentboy Zac Payne left London and most of his demons behind, but he still only knows one way to make a living. When he spots Liam in a club one night, it seems he’s found his mark. But Liam proves nicer—and their connection far deeper—than he’d bargained for.
Their arrangement quickly becomes too complicated for Zac, who has other things on his mind: namely his BFF and wayward flatmate, Jamie. Zac owes Jamie the world, and even as Jamie’s drug addiction destroys all they have, Zac won’t leave him behind.
Besides, Liam knows nothing of Zac’s home life, too caught up in his own head to think much beyond the crazy heat he and Zac share. But when trouble comes to Zac’s door, putting his life in danger, Liam must set his grief and anger aside to pick up the pieces of Zac’s shattered heart and his own.
228 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2016
205 people are currently reading
1572 people want to read
About the author
Garrett Leigh
96 books2,365 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews
January 6, 2018
Ahhh, true love. It always starts out the same way.
“Oh, and by the way, it’s a hundred for the fuck . . . three if you want to stay all night.”
Okaaaaaay, so maybe not always.
In the case of Garrett Leigh's latest book, "Rented Heart," it actually begins with one financially-strapped ex-junkie, trying to pay his rent, and one graphic designer, turned reluctant-CEO, so lonely that he just wants to feel something again, other than the pain of losing his husband two years prior.
Even from the start, though, this story never felt like Zac was only Liam's hooker and Liam was only Zac's most eligible john, which was definitely refreshing.
For me, a large part of this story had to do with respect and self-worth.
Liam treats all of his employees at Sea Rave as though they are family, refusing to take shortcuts for higher profits. And he shows Zac that same respect, even after finding out that his time has a price tag associated with it.
And Zac has never known anything other than selling himself to stay alive, so he's constantly stating what he feels is the obvious. That he's a whore. Nothing more.
I loved that Liam wouldn't let him get away with that derogatory talk and never felt that his success made him a better human being simply because most others would see Zac's life as a failure.
“Where’s your ring?”All of this is bewildering, and definitely new, to Zac, who's never been asked what he wants from someone paying for his time, so Liam's caring nature quickly has Zac wanting more.
“What?”
“Your wedding ring. You’re not wearing it.”
"I took it off to come here.”
“Why? Didn’t want to wear it to spend the night with a whore?”
“Whore? When have I ever called you a whore?” Liam didn’t know why it mattered, whore was just a word like any other, but Zac’s flat tone rankled him. “You’re not a whore unless you want to be. You’re Zac, regardless of how you see me.”
Yes, the money is good and the sex is great, amazing even, but no one has made their way past Zac's protective barriers in years, not since his best friend, Jamie, so he's still fearful of getting too close to Liam, who's practically perfect.
I especially enjoyed this book, having expected it to be significantly more angst-ridden than the story that I read, like my previous reads from Leigh. She's definitely no stranger to penning drama. : )
The characters were both charming and selfless, with the only real drama in the entire story stemming from Zac's association with Jamie, who is still a hardcore heroin addict.
I seriously wanted to ship Jamie off to a two year rehab program, to make sure that he got clean. And that it actually stuck. And *maybe* to get his toxic presence away from my boys. He isn't a bad guy, but sweet baby Jesus, if anyone has ever needed a freaking intervention, it is that bitch.
I saw Jamie's unintentional actions breaking these two up coming from miles and miles away, but fortunately, the separation was fairly short-lived and our heroes straightened out "the big misunderstanding" (not of their own making) to get their HEA.
The sexy scenes were insanely hot and the touching scenes were intense as well, but the secondary characters, made up of Liam's immediately family, also played a large part in my overall enjoyment of the book.
The editing in the story was flawless, but I must admit that I did enjoy the first two-thirds of the story a wee bit more than the last part, which I'd already mentally sussed out.
Potential Trigger Alert: One thing that I would note for apprehensive potential readers is that Zac does continue to 'work,' even after he and Liam begin having sex for money, (but before any type of exclusivity was discussed,) which would normally put me off my lunch, but that strangely didn't happen in this story.
I'd definitely recommend this one, coming in at around 4.25 stars, to anyone who enjoys a nice working boy meets his rich Mr. Right tale.
------------------------------------------------
My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
December 30, 2017
4.5
Hell Yes!!
A Rent-boy theme is one of my ABSOLUTE favourite things.I swear when I see those two words I start salivating,and this is one of the best I've read and for a GL book it was particularly steamy...I didn't skim a thing,I devoured those sex scenes.
I'm very late to the party here,everyone else has pretty much said it perfectly so no detailed review but what I will say is that the story was believable.I loved how GL kept it real......she could have gone down the predictable route and stopped Zac having sex with other clients after he met Liam but she didn't and I was perfectly ok with that.....it made their connection/love in the end so much more believable.
My Zac and Liam,
LOVED IT...one of my favourite books by her for sure and I've just read the excerpt from Jamie's book and I'm drooling at the thought of it.
Thank you to Lisaj1 from the SS exchange 2017 for gifting me this,xx
Hell Yes!!
A Rent-boy theme is one of my ABSOLUTE favourite things.I swear when I see those two words I start salivating,and this is one of the best I've read and for a GL book it was particularly steamy...I didn't skim a thing,I devoured those sex scenes.
I'm very late to the party here,everyone else has pretty much said it perfectly so no detailed review but what I will say is that the story was believable.I loved how GL kept it real......she could have gone down the predictable route and stopped Zac having sex with other clients after he met Liam but she didn't and I was perfectly ok with that.....it made their connection/love in the end so much more believable.
My Zac and Liam,
LOVED IT...one of my favourite books by her for sure and I've just read the excerpt from Jamie's book and I'm drooling at the thought of it.
Thank you to Lisaj1 from the SS exchange 2017 for gifting me this,xx
September 18, 2016
~3.5~
Like other Garrett Leigh books I've read, Rented Heart left me feeling melancholy. I just want to drown my sorrows in vodka and wake up in Hawaii.
I can't fault Leigh's prose; her writing is always gorgeous, with realistic dialogue and easy flow.
I love that this book is set in England with English MCs who actually talk like they're from England, not Ohio. Cheers to authentic use of language!
Zac and Liam are complex MCs with heavy baggage. Zac has been hooking for eight years, since he left foster care at 15, and Liam is grieving the loss of his beloved husband.
Liam doesn't mean to pay for sex, but he can't resist Zac. Liam never treats Zac like a hooker, and as much as Zac pushes away the tenderness and affection, he craves Liam's touch.
My friends told me this book is low on the angst, but they lied. I don't know what you call hooking, drug addiction, death of a spouse, evil pimps, Alzheimer disease, and brutal violence, but I call them life-sucking ANGST; not melodrama, mind you, never that, just pain, despair, and loneliness.
This is NOT a feel-good story, people.
The steamy scenes between Zac and Liam were sizzling, but I could never relax into them, because Zac WAS STILL A HOOKER. I could have done without the descriptions of Zac fucking other "johns," particularly that weird scene involving a woman.
That may be real, but it's not bloody romantic, okay?
One of my main issues with this story is that Zac never actually quits hooking; he never even tries to look for another job, never asks Liam for help. I get that it's what he's always known, what he's always done; my heart broke for him, because he really believed that he was a worthless whore, but I wanted to see some momentum, something other than blind acceptance and apathy.
I also really hated Liam for jumping to conclusions about Zac and being so definitive in his judgement. He was just waiting for the other shoe to drop, and it made me angry something fierce.
The epilogue shows us a tentative HEA, but it still didn't sit well with me. Zac seemed to have no future and no real direction. I think Liam fared better and was able to move on from his grief and love another man. I was also glad that Zac's friend Jamie got the help he needed.
This story was like a gloomy, rainy day—no rainbows, no sunshine, just clouds.
Like other Garrett Leigh books I've read, Rented Heart left me feeling melancholy. I just want to drown my sorrows in vodka and wake up in Hawaii.
I can't fault Leigh's prose; her writing is always gorgeous, with realistic dialogue and easy flow.
I love that this book is set in England with English MCs who actually talk like they're from England, not Ohio. Cheers to authentic use of language!
Zac and Liam are complex MCs with heavy baggage. Zac has been hooking for eight years, since he left foster care at 15, and Liam is grieving the loss of his beloved husband.
Liam doesn't mean to pay for sex, but he can't resist Zac. Liam never treats Zac like a hooker, and as much as Zac pushes away the tenderness and affection, he craves Liam's touch.
My friends told me this book is low on the angst, but they lied. I don't know what you call hooking, drug addiction, death of a spouse, evil pimps, Alzheimer disease, and brutal violence, but I call them life-sucking ANGST; not melodrama, mind you, never that, just pain, despair, and loneliness.
This is NOT a feel-good story, people.
The steamy scenes between Zac and Liam were sizzling, but I could never relax into them, because Zac WAS STILL A HOOKER. I could have done without the descriptions of Zac fucking other "johns," particularly that weird scene involving a woman.
That may be real, but it's not bloody romantic, okay?
One of my main issues with this story is that Zac never actually quits hooking; he never even tries to look for another job, never asks Liam for help. I get that it's what he's always known, what he's always done; my heart broke for him, because he really believed that he was a worthless whore, but I wanted to see some momentum, something other than blind acceptance and apathy.
I also really hated Liam for jumping to conclusions about Zac and being so definitive in his judgement. He was just waiting for the other shoe to drop, and it made me angry something fierce.
The epilogue shows us a tentative HEA, but it still didn't sit well with me. Zac seemed to have no future and no real direction. I think Liam fared better and was able to move on from his grief and love another man. I was also glad that Zac's friend Jamie got the help he needed.
This story was like a gloomy, rainy day—no rainbows, no sunshine, just clouds.
May 25, 2023
5 Heat of the Moment Stars ⭐
Rented Heart was a flawed beauty. If you are after warm and fluffy, you won't find it here. Instead this was a lovely reminder that love comes in many forms, but sometimes there is a lot of pain before happiness. Truthfully this book was gritty, devestating in parts, yet so so gratifying. I can't put into words how it made me feel...
"I reckon you can do amazing things. You just don’t know it yet."
Zac Payne is a 23 year old rentboy. Having been kicked out of home as a teen, he has only himself to rely on. Life hasn't been kind, and as a recovering drug addict, everyday is a struggle. Especially rooming with his best mate who's a full blown junkie.
Liam Mallaney is CEO of ecological surfing brand Sea Rave. But having recently lost his husband, money and success provide little comfort. He may have blamed loneliness for sleeping with a hooker, but it doesn't justify his need to continue seeing Zac.
"You ran rings around me last time, playing me, making me fucking lose my head. I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Have you been thinking about me?"
Two broken individuals, you would think that their arrangement would be toxic. On the contrary, Liam and Zac are the perfect balm for each other's soul. And watching them navigate this messed up situation was inspiring.
"Being with you doesn’t feel like working. I’d do it for free if I could afford it."
Liam grinned. "Yeah? Well that’s nice, though I reckon there’s not much I wouldn’t pay for the privilege of spending a few hours with you."
Liam immediately sees the goodness in Zac. And everyone needs a fighting chance. But without someone in your corner, it's hopeless. However, these two men find happiness when they're together so fighting for the person you love is the only way.
My first read by Garrett Leigh was a doozy. With her distinctive British voice, characters that come to life and steamy AF sex scenes, I devoured this!
A huge thank you to Julia🖤 who put this on my radar!
Rented Heart was a flawed beauty. If you are after warm and fluffy, you won't find it here. Instead this was a lovely reminder that love comes in many forms, but sometimes there is a lot of pain before happiness. Truthfully this book was gritty, devestating in parts, yet so so gratifying. I can't put into words how it made me feel...
"I reckon you can do amazing things. You just don’t know it yet."
Zac Payne is a 23 year old rentboy. Having been kicked out of home as a teen, he has only himself to rely on. Life hasn't been kind, and as a recovering drug addict, everyday is a struggle. Especially rooming with his best mate who's a full blown junkie.
Liam Mallaney is CEO of ecological surfing brand Sea Rave. But having recently lost his husband, money and success provide little comfort. He may have blamed loneliness for sleeping with a hooker, but it doesn't justify his need to continue seeing Zac.
"You ran rings around me last time, playing me, making me fucking lose my head. I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Have you been thinking about me?"
Two broken individuals, you would think that their arrangement would be toxic. On the contrary, Liam and Zac are the perfect balm for each other's soul. And watching them navigate this messed up situation was inspiring.
"Being with you doesn’t feel like working. I’d do it for free if I could afford it."
Liam grinned. "Yeah? Well that’s nice, though I reckon there’s not much I wouldn’t pay for the privilege of spending a few hours with you."
Liam immediately sees the goodness in Zac. And everyone needs a fighting chance. But without someone in your corner, it's hopeless. However, these two men find happiness when they're together so fighting for the person you love is the only way.
My first read by Garrett Leigh was a doozy. With her distinctive British voice, characters that come to life and steamy AF sex scenes, I devoured this!
A huge thank you to Julia🖤 who put this on my radar!
September 19, 2016
Ok.
Ok.
I just love GL.
Ok?
I don’t know what to say! This book goes so smoothly there is nothing I can tell without squeezing my brains out. I’ll make an effort…
It’s not a mystery I love GL to pieces. And this book has only proved once more why that is. She’s quite a talented author, her words just pour a myriad of emotions with no apparent effort, and still, she amazes me with the characters she builds, and how well they fit together despite everything that drifts them apart.
The only thing Zac and Liam have in common is isolation. Not in the obvious sense, but isolation from emotions, loneliness while in the middle of the crowd, abandonment and hopelessness. Their lives are painted with this grey light that surrounds everything. I could feel the sky was cloudy and that it was raining cats and dogs. Constantly.
Yet there is this glance across a darkened alleyway, and something sparks.
A recognition of sorts. An acknowledgement the other one exists. Seeing each other for real, as nobody else ever did.
GL has practice with characters who make a life “out of their bodies”. We have the Blue Boy series, for once. Here we have a male prostitute, Zac, with a drug addiction he managed to overcome barely months ago after a too risky approach to the limits. Unlike his best friend, to whom he owns his life, and more.
Then we have Liam, a businessman, once surfer, with a comfortable life, a life he used to share with his husband. That was years ago, and he’s still mourning.
But one night, he meets Zac, and nothing will ever be the same.
It begins with sex and it’s sex what bonds them together, and then there is sex to chase off loneliness, and sex for comfort, and sex for love. And sex with love. It was sexy in a quiet way, no mischievous and cheeky interactions, but in a quiet and profound way that touched my heart. It’s like Zac and Liam see under the surface, and that they admit there is no need to hide their inner self under a humorous banter. They just find what they have always wanted, and they embrace it with all their being.
Their story is not meant to be lightweight.
It never got repetitive and tiresome, they just are together, and everything flows like water. As subtle as that. As simple as that.
However, their relationship is not as simple as that. Reality gets in the middle.
It’s not an epic story with great ups and downs, endless angst and heroic attitudes from men who try to escape their destiny, and fail. It’s funny because their lives are not exactly a long quiet road. Heavy shit happens.
Still, I just felt this is just a tale of two men with burdens, and that it takes a peaceful rhythm, despite all the ugliness they may find. Despite the grayness of their existence, a numb day after a numb day, they find the fulfilment and warmth they were looking for.
It’s beautiful.
I really recommend this one.
*****
More pics:
*****
Group review!
***Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
Ok.
I just love GL.
Ok?
I don’t know what to say! This book goes so smoothly there is nothing I can tell without squeezing my brains out. I’ll make an effort…
It’s not a mystery I love GL to pieces. And this book has only proved once more why that is. She’s quite a talented author, her words just pour a myriad of emotions with no apparent effort, and still, she amazes me with the characters she builds, and how well they fit together despite everything that drifts them apart.
The only thing Zac and Liam have in common is isolation. Not in the obvious sense, but isolation from emotions, loneliness while in the middle of the crowd, abandonment and hopelessness. Their lives are painted with this grey light that surrounds everything. I could feel the sky was cloudy and that it was raining cats and dogs. Constantly.
Yet there is this glance across a darkened alleyway, and something sparks.
A recognition of sorts. An acknowledgement the other one exists. Seeing each other for real, as nobody else ever did.
GL has practice with characters who make a life “out of their bodies”. We have the Blue Boy series, for once. Here we have a male prostitute, Zac, with a drug addiction he managed to overcome barely months ago after a too risky approach to the limits. Unlike his best friend, to whom he owns his life, and more.
Then we have Liam, a businessman, once surfer, with a comfortable life, a life he used to share with his husband. That was years ago, and he’s still mourning.
But one night, he meets Zac, and nothing will ever be the same.
It begins with sex and it’s sex what bonds them together, and then there is sex to chase off loneliness, and sex for comfort, and sex for love. And sex with love. It was sexy in a quiet way, no mischievous and cheeky interactions, but in a quiet and profound way that touched my heart. It’s like Zac and Liam see under the surface, and that they admit there is no need to hide their inner self under a humorous banter. They just find what they have always wanted, and they embrace it with all their being.
Their story is not meant to be lightweight.
It never got repetitive and tiresome, they just are together, and everything flows like water. As subtle as that. As simple as that.
However, their relationship is not as simple as that. Reality gets in the middle.
It’s not an epic story with great ups and downs, endless angst and heroic attitudes from men who try to escape their destiny, and fail. It’s funny because their lives are not exactly a long quiet road. Heavy shit happens.
Still, I just felt this is just a tale of two men with burdens, and that it takes a peaceful rhythm, despite all the ugliness they may find. Despite the grayness of their existence, a numb day after a numb day, they find the fulfilment and warmth they were looking for.
It’s beautiful.
I really recommend this one.
*****
More pics:
*****
Group review!
***Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
December 7, 2018
***4.5 Stars***
Gahhh... Why on God's green earth did I wait so long to read this book????????????????????????
Okay, maybe because of the rent boy theme which is usually not my go-to story, but by now I suppose Garrett Leigh could write about slot machines doing the hula-hula and I would love it. She is simply a master in making me feel all the feelz. Every. Single. Time.
This story provided once again what my inner angst-junkie craves so much, and with topics like turning tricks, drug addiction, grief and the long and painful process of valediction of a loved one suffering from dementia, angst was delivered in spades.
But leave it to the author to put my shredded little heart together again in the end by making me laugh...
... and that's what I love the most about her books!
Oops, I almost forgot!!! You might want to know that this book is steamy as hell, as in shower-scene(s) steamy... ;-)
He'd missed the warmth of another body stretched out beside him so much his bones ached with the weight of it. He'd never known loneliness could hurt.
Gahhh... Why on God's green earth did I wait so long to read this book????????????????????????
Okay, maybe because of the rent boy theme which is usually not my go-to story, but by now I suppose Garrett Leigh could write about slot machines doing the hula-hula and I would love it. She is simply a master in making me feel all the feelz. Every. Single. Time.
This story provided once again what my inner angst-junkie craves so much, and with topics like turning tricks, drug addiction, grief and the long and painful process of valediction of a loved one suffering from dementia, angst was delivered in spades.
But leave it to the author to put my shredded little heart together again in the end by making me laugh...
Liam slowed and pulled Jamie to one side. "What's his name?"
"What?"
"Zac. Is that his real name?"
"Of course it is. We're hookers, not MI5."
... and that's what I love the most about her books!
Oops, I almost forgot!!! You might want to know that this book is steamy as hell, as in shower-scene(s) steamy... ;-)
November 10, 2017
Don't feel like writing my thoughts, folks. Sorry :(
But I really liked it, so, 4 solid Stars.
I'll give you something though.
There was a shower sex scene that gave me so much inspiration!
Gonna share that with those friends who like ogling beauty as much as me.
Showerfeast/showerfest
#showerbeauty
#showerkiss
#showerlove
#showeraffection
#showershag
June 1, 2023
*4.5* Such heavy topics wrapped in a beautiful sweet love story. This has quite a few tropes that I tend to avoid, but Isabella told me to read it, so I did.
✔️Age gap 23/34
✔️Deceased husband
✔️Drug addiction
✔️Prostitute/rentboy
✔️Insta soul connection
✔️Found family
Slight spoilers in review below
Zac has been on the streets selling his body since he was 15.
Liam lost his husband two years earlier and he’s barely floating through life.
The two men meet one evening, and the story takes off from there. They have an instant connection, and not just sexually. Liam treats Zac with care and respect, which has never happened to Zac.
I really loved this story. From Liam’s father, who struggles with dementia, to his hilarious sister, who is married to his best friend, everything about this story flowed perfectly. From the personal connections, to the conversations, it rang authentic.
The love between Zac, and his best friend Jamie was heartbreaking, but felt realistic. I warn some readers that they might feel there is cheating involved in this story, but because of the premise, it didn’t feel that way to me.
The only real issue I had reading the story was that Liam and Zac never stopped wearing condoms. Even after being in a committed relationship for months!! I enjoy that point in any relationship where a couple is able to be together without protection, it just adds another layer of intimacy and vulnerability.
I would have also appreciated a bit more being said about Zac’s recovery after spending eight years on the street as a prostitute. It felt like his transition was instantaneous, when I’m sure he had to go through at least some therapy to recover mentally. But maybe that was a darker story than the author wanted to create.
✔️Age gap 23/34
✔️Deceased husband
✔️Drug addiction
✔️Prostitute/rentboy
✔️Insta soul connection
✔️Found family
Slight spoilers in review below
Zac has been on the streets selling his body since he was 15.
Liam lost his husband two years earlier and he’s barely floating through life.
The two men meet one evening, and the story takes off from there. They have an instant connection, and not just sexually. Liam treats Zac with care and respect, which has never happened to Zac.
He pressed his lips to the corner of Liam’s mouth with the barest brush of a forbidden kiss. “Thank you for treating me like I matter. I won’t forget it.”
I really loved this story. From Liam’s father, who struggles with dementia, to his hilarious sister, who is married to his best friend, everything about this story flowed perfectly. From the personal connections, to the conversations, it rang authentic.
The love between Zac, and his best friend Jamie was heartbreaking, but felt realistic. I warn some readers that they might feel there is cheating involved in this story, but because of the premise, it didn’t feel that way to me.
The only real issue I had reading the story was that Liam and Zac never stopped wearing condoms. Even after being in a committed relationship for months!! I enjoy that point in any relationship where a couple is able to be together without protection, it just adds another layer of intimacy and vulnerability.
I would have also appreciated a bit more being said about Zac’s recovery after spending eight years on the street as a prostitute. It felt like his transition was instantaneous, when I’m sure he had to go through at least some therapy to recover mentally. But maybe that was a darker story than the author wanted to create.
May 26, 2020
29th Annual Lambda Literary Award Finalist
Normally I don’t have much patience to read a book to the end if I don’t like it, but I made to my mission to finish this one. Yes, I wanted BADLY to read it to the end –that was not easy at all, believe me – for three main reasons:
Honestly, I ALWAYS try to find something positive in a book, I manage to read to the end. And normally I start my review with positive thoughts: let's talk about what I liked
Well, let's skip this point. This book has absolutely NOTHING for me to like.
So, let's talk about my rating:
A gay version of Pretty Woman, with a bit more drama and without charm of Richard Gere and Jiulia Roberts.
The story:
A hooker meets a john, they fall in love (AFTER the first encounter), have some misunderstanding-drama (AFTER the fourth time they saw each other)- that part in the book some readers will see as angsty - but don’t worry: true love will win at the end. Applause.
The characters:
Zac, a twenty-three year old attractive guy with a mental development of a ten-year-old teen, who makes a living as a hooker. Liam is a thirty four year old attractive man, with a mental development of a twelve-year-old teen - I bet that my nephew who is six year old is much more eloquent in his everyday conversation - surprise-surprise, Liam is a GEO, of course super reach, but he obscures his wealth and- as the icing on the cake - he is an extremely nice person. No kidding, really nice, his firm found a way to produce affordable clothing without killing and maiming children”. *eye-roll*
I didn’t get WHY Liam fell in love with Zac? Totally and utterly. But I wasn’t the only one here: I think they didn’t get it either. And up to the end they didn’t stop to repeat how they didn’t deserve each other. Liam because he “was probably not the most exciting john Zac saw”, and Zac, because Liam “deserved so much better than this.”
The worst, really the worst in this book was the writing.
I hate how and how often the F-word was used here, I can’t see the words JOHN and HOOKER any longer. This book is f-h-j-over-loaded. I could have counted how often they were used here, but I’m not in the mood, to waste my free time with this masterpiece any longer. Sorry.
A brief introduction to the writing:
Sex
Get a porn movie. At least they don’t talk there.
(And a smooth transition to the next issue)
The dialogues!...
It was my second and my last book by this author.
But I’m in the minority here, so don't get discouraged.
No recommendation from me.
***Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
Normally I don’t have much patience to read a book to the end if I don’t like it, but I made to my mission to finish this one. Yes, I wanted BADLY to read it to the end –that was not easy at all, believe me – for three main reasons:
1) I needed to know what the readers who enjoyed it saw in it. I couldn’t figure it out.
2) I do not rate DNF books, but this one DESERVES to be rated.
3) I assume that it will be a book that many readers will give 4-5 stars, so it doesn’t harm to hear another opinion.
Honestly, I ALWAYS try to find something positive in a book, I manage to read to the end. And normally I start my review with positive thoughts: let's talk about what I liked
Well, let's skip this point. This book has absolutely NOTHING for me to like.
So, let's talk about my rating:
A gay version of Pretty Woman, with a bit more drama and without charm of Richard Gere and Jiulia Roberts.
The story:
A hooker meets a john, they fall in love (AFTER the first encounter), have some misunderstanding-drama (AFTER the fourth time they saw each other)- that part in the book some readers will see as angsty - but don’t worry: true love will win at the end. Applause.
The characters:
Zac, a twenty-three year old attractive guy with a mental development of a ten-year-old teen, who makes a living as a hooker. Liam is a thirty four year old attractive man, with a mental development of a twelve-year-old teen - I bet that my nephew who is six year old is much more eloquent in his everyday conversation - surprise-surprise, Liam is a GEO, of course super reach, but he obscures his wealth and- as the icing on the cake - he is an extremely nice person. No kidding, really nice, his firm found a way to produce affordable clothing without killing and maiming children”. *eye-roll*
I didn’t get WHY Liam fell in love with Zac? Totally and utterly. But I wasn’t the only one here: I think they didn’t get it either. And up to the end they didn’t stop to repeat how they didn’t deserve each other. Liam because he “was probably not the most exciting john Zac saw”, and Zac, because Liam “deserved so much better than this.”
The worst, really the worst in this book was the writing.
I hate how and how often the F-word was used here, I can’t see the words JOHN and HOOKER any longer. This book is f-h-j-over-loaded. I could have counted how often they were used here, but I’m not in the mood, to waste my free time with this masterpiece any longer. Sorry.
A brief introduction to the writing:
“Fucking Jamie was comfortable and familiar. Simply touching Liam was beyond the fucking stratosphere.”
“He wanted to touch Zack’s cock, with his hands, perhaps his mouth.”
“But this wasn’t the time for weed-laced daydreams. This was Liam’s bed, they were hooker and john, and Zac had a job to do, albeit a job that made his mouth water.”
“Come for me and I’ll come for you.”
Sex
Get a porn movie. At least they don’t talk there.
(And a smooth transition to the next issue)
The dialogues!...
“Have you ever-“ Liam stopped. Was he really about to ask if Zac had ever pretended to come with him? Did he even want to know?
Zac’s hand on his face startled him. “I’ve never faked it with you. Chance would be a fine thing. You only have to look at me and I’m ready to bust.”
The bed was odd, though, and it took Zac a moment to work out why.
“Is that made of trees?”
“Yup. Made it myself.”
“Wow. That’s pretty cool.”
“I can’t believe you made this. I bet you knocked it up in an afternoon, didn’t you?”
“Two, but it really wasn’t that hard. I hacked the trees down, sanded them, then bolted them together. Nothing epic.”
“Because I don’t want to feel like a john any more than you want to feel like a hooker.”
It was my second and my last book by this author.
But I’m in the minority here, so don't get discouraged.
No recommendation from me.
***Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
October 20, 2017
"You're not a john."
"Then you'll never be my whore."
Still one my favourite books by Garrett Leigh. And now that I know that Jaimie is getting a story, I'm even more excited.
.........................................................................
I really loved this. One of the best and most realistic rentboy stories I 've read, but at the same time lower on the angst. Garrett Leigh sure knows how to write.
April 11, 2018
4.25 stars
“Client?” Zac regarded Liam through a haze of smoke. “This ain’t Pretty Woman, mate. In my world, you’re called a john.”
Yay! i popped my Garrett Leigh cherry.
I enjoyed reading this alot.
I have always been afraid of GL angst, but now i can see it becoming my new addiction.
I loved her writing style, it was really engaging and flowed nicely from page to page. The characters were very likable, the humor was so good. There was no unnecessary Drama llama.
This is the story of Zac and Liam, from the moment these two met i felt the spark and that made me want to fly through the book. I wanted to see how these two were going to make it.
The sex scenes 🤤🤤 damn they were Hot!
The shower scenes... 😋😋😋.. I couldn't resist..
WARNING OPEN AT YOU OWN RISK...
Let's just say i was left needing a cold shower after the hot shower scenes. 😍😍
Now Jamie! Jamie! the best friend.. Oh my this guy was such a mess. I wanted to shake him so hard, force him to rehab then again i wanted to hug him. Damn! God help me never to be a drug addict that shit is baaaaaad. Good thing we have his book.
That's all.
“Client?” Zac regarded Liam through a haze of smoke. “This ain’t Pretty Woman, mate. In my world, you’re called a john.”
Yay! i popped my Garrett Leigh cherry.
I enjoyed reading this alot.
I have always been afraid of GL angst, but now i can see it becoming my new addiction.
I loved her writing style, it was really engaging and flowed nicely from page to page. The characters were very likable, the humor was so good. There was no unnecessary Drama llama.
This is the story of Zac and Liam, from the moment these two met i felt the spark and that made me want to fly through the book. I wanted to see how these two were going to make it.
The sex scenes 🤤🤤 damn they were Hot!
The shower scenes... 😋😋😋.. I couldn't resist..
WARNING OPEN AT YOU OWN RISK...
Let's just say i was left needing a cold shower after the hot shower scenes. 😍😍
Now Jamie! Jamie! the best friend.. Oh my this guy was such a mess. I wanted to shake him so hard, force him to rehab then again i wanted to hug him. Damn! God help me never to be a drug addict that shit is baaaaaad. Good thing we have his book.
That's all.
October 9, 2016
It's an international unicorn gang bang review with Sheziss and Adam!
4.5 HEARTS--
Oh, but it was.
First things first, I haven't read a Garret Leigh before this, so I don't know what the standard or normal quality is. Consider this a virgin review, you dig? (Just about the only thing virgin in here. I kid. I kid.) Leigh is another author I've been meaning to read and it takes a review book to finally pop the cherry.
But the blurb was a SRAL magnet mathematics equation:
1 grieving widower (I want to lick your sweet tears)
+
1 rent boy (I swear a trombone plays every time rent boy is mentioned around me)
x
Damaged, lonely men = SRAL jackpot!
Garrett Leigh did a great job telling a story that wasn't as dark as I originally thought it would be. Instead, it was angstyish, no way minimizing real life situations. But it had the rent boy romance fairy tale effect going on here something fierce.
Zac, the 23 year old hooker reminded me a lot of this pic:
He's been through so much through his young life, and yet he still keeps going. Liam was supposed be an attractive john, wank fodder to push Zac through his dark days. From day one the two men have enough chemistry to light up the Eiffel Tower.
To read their business/sexual relationship progress into a meaningful one a great read.
Granted, the erotic part was scorching as hell.
There is a lot of sex. (It's a story featuring a sex worker, the reader is taken along to the aftermath of some johns) But I never got tired nor did I think it was too much for the story.
Zac and Liam try to deny each other but that electricity they share can't be denied for long. The way Zac would understand Liam's loneliness added nice touches to the story. Do I wish the couple spent more time together? Yes. But for some reason, it worked for them.
I liked Liam. He was white knight all the way and I was swept up in the fantasy of him, even if he was a surfer (I'm not into them, sorry surfer lovers). I really liked Zac. I liked his tenaciousness, even if I don't think he thinks he is. That spirit that overcomes drug addiction, survived a crap life in the system and streets...he's a wonderfully flawed character.
There were a very few twists that slowly unfurled toward the end, some that I did not see coming. Some parts were a little predictable: the fairy tale ending and way everything is neatly wrapped up in a bow. Jamie made for a good secondary character. I hope the author revisits and shares more info about him in his own starring book. The Brit slang and ease of tone proved the author has a deft hand with writing. The way it didn't get into heavy melodrama, instead letting the main men and their lives lead the direction of the book proved it to me. It wasn't the most remarkable rent boy romance I've ever read, (it's 2016 and rent boy has been done to death though I never tire of it). But it was a solid rent boy romance.
And a rent boy romance wearing the Pretty Woman swirl and a happy ending (no matter how much the story tries to deny it) always makes me stops in my tracks.
The story is a solid 4 Hearts. The fact that I can't seem to stop thinking about the main characters days after finishing? It deserves an extra half heart. I definitely won't wait too long to read another Garrett Leigh.
A copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
4.5 HEARTS--
"Am I your only client tonight?"
"Client?" Zac regarded Liam through a haze of smoke. "This ain't Pretty Woman, mate."
Oh, but it was.
First things first, I haven't read a Garret Leigh before this, so I don't know what the standard or normal quality is. Consider this a virgin review, you dig? (Just about the only thing virgin in here. I kid. I kid.) Leigh is another author I've been meaning to read and it takes a review book to finally pop the cherry.
But the blurb was a SRAL magnet mathematics equation:
1 grieving widower (I want to lick your sweet tears)
+
1 rent boy (I swear a trombone plays every time rent boy is mentioned around me)
x
Damaged, lonely men = SRAL jackpot!
Garrett Leigh did a great job telling a story that wasn't as dark as I originally thought it would be. Instead, it was angstyish, no way minimizing real life situations. But it had the rent boy romance fairy tale effect going on here something fierce.
Zac, the 23 year old hooker reminded me a lot of this pic:
He's been through so much through his young life, and yet he still keeps going. Liam was supposed be an attractive john, wank fodder to push Zac through his dark days. From day one the two men have enough chemistry to light up the Eiffel Tower.
To read their business/sexual relationship progress into a meaningful one a great read.
Granted, the erotic part was scorching as hell.
"Instead Zac found himself rushing to obey his gentle commands, every instinct screaming at him to make Liam happy because pleasing Liam did amazing this to Zac's heart.
That, and he had a feeling Liam was going to fuck his brains out and he couldn't bloody wait."
There is a lot of sex. (It's a story featuring a sex worker, the reader is taken along to the aftermath of some johns) But I never got tired nor did I think it was too much for the story.
Zac and Liam try to deny each other but that electricity they share can't be denied for long. The way Zac would understand Liam's loneliness added nice touches to the story. Do I wish the couple spent more time together? Yes. But for some reason, it worked for them.
I liked Liam. He was white knight all the way and I was swept up in the fantasy of him, even if he was a surfer (I'm not into them, sorry surfer lovers). I really liked Zac. I liked his tenaciousness, even if I don't think he thinks he is. That spirit that overcomes drug addiction, survived a crap life in the system and streets...he's a wonderfully flawed character.
There were a very few twists that slowly unfurled toward the end, some that I did not see coming. Some parts were a little predictable: the fairy tale ending and way everything is neatly wrapped up in a bow. Jamie made for a good secondary character. I hope the author revisits and shares more info about him in his own starring book. The Brit slang and ease of tone proved the author has a deft hand with writing. The way it didn't get into heavy melodrama, instead letting the main men and their lives lead the direction of the book proved it to me. It wasn't the most remarkable rent boy romance I've ever read, (it's 2016 and rent boy has been done to death though I never tire of it). But it was a solid rent boy romance.
And a rent boy romance wearing the Pretty Woman swirl and a happy ending (no matter how much the story tries to deny it) always makes me stops in my tracks.
The story is a solid 4 Hearts. The fact that I can't seem to stop thinking about the main characters days after finishing? It deserves an extra half heart. I definitely won't wait too long to read another Garrett Leigh.
A copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
September 3, 2016
Well, that was - without a doubt - the least angsty Garrett Leigh book I have ever read. I didn't think it was possible. Even after my friend Todd said that the angst level was low, when he read it, I still didn't quite believe it. Color. Me. Shocked.
Rented Heart is about getting a second chance at life and at love. Zac Payne is a 24 year old ex-junkie who only knows one way to make a living. He's been on his own since he was 15 and he and his friend Jamie have stuck together through everything and have always looked out for one another. Zac has never felt attraction to one of his john's before, so he certainly didn't expect this time to be any different.
Liam Mallaney is 35 and still mourning the loss of his husband, Cory, the year before. He's taken over Cory's role in the business they started, but the passion for it - and for just about everything else - has gone. Liam may still be alive, but he isn't exactly living. So when the loneliness got to be too much, and his family and friends talked him into going out, he decided he could do worse than going home with this really gorgeous younger guy.
Zac filled Liam in on what the transaction was about, pretty much right away. And there are rules. One of them was "no kissing" -- this isn't Pretty Woman, you know. Liam agreed to the terms and paid up. And then discovered that sex with Zac was a helluva lot better and more intense than he ever imagined it would be.
What I loved about Rented Heart was that Liam was such a normal and nice guy. He treated people with respect and wouldn't let Zac put himself down. Liam just didn't roll that way. He didn't know what Zac needed the money for, but he gave it willingly and generously because he hoped that Zac might be able to take a day or two for himself. And their relationship, while it was still a business transaction, evolved into a bit of a friendship.
Zac felt comfortable with Liam. He relaxed and let his guard down a bit. He didn't share much about his situation, but he never lied, or stole, or scamed when it came to Liam. He'd never had anyone really treat him like a real person before.
I saw the thing that tore them apart coming from a mile away, but the thing that brought them back together blindsided me. And I was happy when some good came from it all.
So, yeah. Surprisingly enough, Rented Heart really is low angst. It isn't exactly fluffy, though, so don't think it will be. But it won't rip your heart out and eat it in front of you, either. And I completely enjoyed Rented Heart.
---------------------------
ARC of Rented Heart was generously provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Rented Heart is about getting a second chance at life and at love. Zac Payne is a 24 year old ex-junkie who only knows one way to make a living. He's been on his own since he was 15 and he and his friend Jamie have stuck together through everything and have always looked out for one another. Zac has never felt attraction to one of his john's before, so he certainly didn't expect this time to be any different.
Liam Mallaney is 35 and still mourning the loss of his husband, Cory, the year before. He's taken over Cory's role in the business they started, but the passion for it - and for just about everything else - has gone. Liam may still be alive, but he isn't exactly living. So when the loneliness got to be too much, and his family and friends talked him into going out, he decided he could do worse than going home with this really gorgeous younger guy.
Zac filled Liam in on what the transaction was about, pretty much right away. And there are rules. One of them was "no kissing" -- this isn't Pretty Woman, you know. Liam agreed to the terms and paid up. And then discovered that sex with Zac was a helluva lot better and more intense than he ever imagined it would be.
What I loved about Rented Heart was that Liam was such a normal and nice guy. He treated people with respect and wouldn't let Zac put himself down. Liam just didn't roll that way. He didn't know what Zac needed the money for, but he gave it willingly and generously because he hoped that Zac might be able to take a day or two for himself. And their relationship, while it was still a business transaction, evolved into a bit of a friendship.
Zac felt comfortable with Liam. He relaxed and let his guard down a bit. He didn't share much about his situation, but he never lied, or stole, or scamed when it came to Liam. He'd never had anyone really treat him like a real person before.
I saw the thing that tore them apart coming from a mile away, but the thing that brought them back together blindsided me. And I was happy when some good came from it all.
So, yeah. Surprisingly enough, Rented Heart really is low angst. It isn't exactly fluffy, though, so don't think it will be. But it won't rip your heart out and eat it in front of you, either. And I completely enjoyed Rented Heart.
---------------------------
ARC of Rented Heart was generously provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2016
4.5 Stars!
I almost didn't request this book. Almost. When I first read the blurb the first thing that came to mind was
Garrett Leigh's books tend to be on the heavier, more emotional side.
Rent-boy books are also hit or miss for me. There's that added element of one of the MCs sleeping with other people. Most of the time though there's a definite distinction between the scenes with the MC and the scenes with the other "clients". As was the case here.
I think I was more bothered by Zac's relationship with his roommate and best friend, Jamie.
Liam and Zac are not a couple for most of the book, which is as to be expected. But there was so much feeling in their scenes together. And not just the sex (though that was super hot). Even when they were just together.
They are both rather broken individuals, for different reasons. It was hard not to root for them.
This was a pretty short, quick read. There's just something about GLs writing that sucks you in. I've become quite the fan.
I'm also left wondering if perhaps Jamie won't get his own book? I'm all for seeing him redeem himself a bit.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I almost didn't request this book. Almost. When I first read the blurb the first thing that came to mind was
Garrett Leigh's books tend to be on the heavier, more emotional side.
Rent-boy books are also hit or miss for me. There's that added element of one of the MCs sleeping with other people. Most of the time though there's a definite distinction between the scenes with the MC and the scenes with the other "clients". As was the case here.
I think I was more bothered by Zac's relationship with his roommate and best friend, Jamie.
Liam and Zac are not a couple for most of the book, which is as to be expected. But there was so much feeling in their scenes together. And not just the sex (though that was super hot). Even when they were just together.
They are both rather broken individuals, for different reasons. It was hard not to root for them.
This was a pretty short, quick read. There's just something about GLs writing that sucks you in. I've become quite the fan.
I'm also left wondering if perhaps Jamie won't get his own book? I'm all for seeing him redeem himself a bit.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 21, 2016
This was a fabulous story - it is stories like these that make you believe in Happily ever after and that good things do happen to people. Top 5 Reasons I loved this book: Damaged MC, Angst, Hot Sex, Romance, and Second Chances - All of these things combine to make a great story!!
Full Review to Follow - but until then if you have the chance to read this story, Do It!!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Riptide Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
Full Review to Follow - but until then if you have the chance to read this story, Do It!!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Riptide Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
November 18, 2016
3.5
Estoy muy dividida entre las tres y las cuatro estrellas. Quizás si valorase solo lo que he disfrutado el libro le daría 4, porque me ha gustado, y si lo hubiera leído hace un año se las habría dado seguro. Pero, hay varios puntos que no me han convencido, el principal de ellos es que es como un cuento de hadas, todo es muy fácil, Zac el rent boy que es salvado por un cliente rico, Liam, que a su vez es salvado de su soledad.
Cuando leí el blurb pensé que lo que me esperaba era una historia difícil, que me haría sufrir, pero que al final vendría con la recompensa de un final feliz y muchas emociones a lo largo de la lectura. No ha sido así, y normalmente esto no me molestaría, me gustan todo tipo de historias, también las dulces, pero sí me molesta, o me crea incomodidad, o no me gusta, cuando los temas que se tratan son tan complejos como la prostitución, las adicciones y la soledad. Convertir todo eso en un cuento de hadas está muy bien para quien le apetezca leer algo así, pero yo esperaba un poco más de profundidad en esos temas. Me choca muchísimo cómo Zac, el rent boy, encara su vida, todo parece demasiado fácil, me choca ese lazo que entablan con tanta rapidez, me choca esa naturalidad con la que hasta cierto punto Liam entiende su trabajo. No quiero decir con esto que buscara los detalles más desagradables y morbosos, ni tampoco conflicto, no, Suki Fleet me hace sufrir sin necesidad de ello, pero buscaba algo más real, por lo menos hasta encontrar ese final feliz.
Recomendable si buscas un cuento de hadas, los propios personajes se comparan varias veces con Pretty Woman, y realmente eso es lo que es el libro, un Pretty Woman del 2016.
Estoy muy dividida entre las tres y las cuatro estrellas. Quizás si valorase solo lo que he disfrutado el libro le daría 4, porque me ha gustado, y si lo hubiera leído hace un año se las habría dado seguro. Pero, hay varios puntos que no me han convencido, el principal de ellos es que es como un cuento de hadas, todo es muy fácil, Zac el rent boy que es salvado por un cliente rico, Liam, que a su vez es salvado de su soledad.
Cuando leí el blurb pensé que lo que me esperaba era una historia difícil, que me haría sufrir, pero que al final vendría con la recompensa de un final feliz y muchas emociones a lo largo de la lectura. No ha sido así, y normalmente esto no me molestaría, me gustan todo tipo de historias, también las dulces, pero sí me molesta, o me crea incomodidad, o no me gusta, cuando los temas que se tratan son tan complejos como la prostitución, las adicciones y la soledad. Convertir todo eso en un cuento de hadas está muy bien para quien le apetezca leer algo así, pero yo esperaba un poco más de profundidad en esos temas. Me choca muchísimo cómo Zac, el rent boy, encara su vida, todo parece demasiado fácil, me choca ese lazo que entablan con tanta rapidez, me choca esa naturalidad con la que hasta cierto punto Liam entiende su trabajo. No quiero decir con esto que buscara los detalles más desagradables y morbosos, ni tampoco conflicto, no, Suki Fleet me hace sufrir sin necesidad de ello, pero buscaba algo más real, por lo menos hasta encontrar ese final feliz.
Recomendable si buscas un cuento de hadas, los propios personajes se comparan varias veces con Pretty Woman, y realmente eso es lo que es el libro, un Pretty Woman del 2016.
Read
July 23, 2016I don't think I have words to describe how much I enjoy Garrett Leigh's writing, but hell, I'm a writer, I should give this a try. She's so freaking good you guys. SO good.
I read this book in one fell swoop, early in the morning before a road trip. I regret nothing. I really loved the characters--Zac and Liam are just so sweet together and sexy together and kind to each other. That's something that's missing from a lot of romances these days, that sweetness and kindness. I loved watching Zac pull Liam from his shell of grief, and I loved watching Liam nurture Zac. I also came to love Jamie in spite of my frustration with him at a few points in the storyline. I hope maybe Garrett has a Jamie story up her sleeves for us in the future.
I will say this: Garrett Leigh takes risks with her characters and her storylines that few authors in M/M seem willing to take, and I adore her and appreciate her so much for that. Brava, Garrett!
<3
I read this book in one fell swoop, early in the morning before a road trip. I regret nothing. I really loved the characters--Zac and Liam are just so sweet together and sexy together and kind to each other. That's something that's missing from a lot of romances these days, that sweetness and kindness. I loved watching Zac pull Liam from his shell of grief, and I loved watching Liam nurture Zac. I also came to love Jamie in spite of my frustration with him at a few points in the storyline. I hope maybe Garrett has a Jamie story up her sleeves for us in the future.
I will say this: Garrett Leigh takes risks with her characters and her storylines that few authors in M/M seem willing to take, and I adore her and appreciate her so much for that. Brava, Garrett!
<3
September 25, 2018
Phew, this book was tough, BUT I enjoyed it quite a bit.
I have read one other book by Garrett Leigh, and that one was not a hit for me, but I loved the sample of this book and took a chance.
This is the grittier, darker MM-version of Pretty Woman... Sort of.
So the rent-boy Zac takes a chance on a 'john' one night in his small town. Liam the 'john' lost his husband a year ago and have been living in grief since. Zac brings Liam home, and the chemistry between them is undeniable, but they are still rent-boy and rich man.
Zac is a recovering addict, and lives with his best friend/some-times lover Jamie, when Jamie is not out looking for the next fix.
Beware these two have on-page sex in the book, but it never felt like cheating in regards to Liam. Zac and Jamie are broken men, and they find solace and comfort in each other, when they have found it nowhere else before. Seriously their lives have been hell...
So Zac and Liam start this weird 'dance', they both cannot forget the other, but they are still a world apart -figuratively.
This book is the story of how these two seemingly different, but oh-so-similar people, get up and start living their lives.
I loved their relationship, both of them had NO clue how to approach the other as something other than hooker and 'john', but they want to, man do they want to. Also they talk and they laugh and they argue.
I loved Liam's family and how FREAKING accepting they were, that was such a nice change, in this type of story.
And the smexy times, were HOT. Liam and Zac's chemistry was spot-on, and it never took away from the story that Zac was still hooking during most of this book. It was handled really well I think, and it also helps that Liam was never condescending or trying to be a savior, and making things worse.
All in all this was a dark story, yes, but there was also so much love and hope for the future, and I freaking LOVED Zac and his strength of character! Seriously, that was wonderful.
I have read one other book by Garrett Leigh, and that one was not a hit for me, but I loved the sample of this book and took a chance.
This is the grittier, darker MM-version of Pretty Woman... Sort of.
So the rent-boy Zac takes a chance on a 'john' one night in his small town. Liam the 'john' lost his husband a year ago and have been living in grief since. Zac brings Liam home, and the chemistry between them is undeniable, but they are still rent-boy and rich man.
Zac is a recovering addict, and lives with his best friend/some-times lover Jamie, when Jamie is not out looking for the next fix.
Beware these two have on-page sex in the book, but it never felt like cheating in regards to Liam. Zac and Jamie are broken men, and they find solace and comfort in each other, when they have found it nowhere else before. Seriously their lives have been hell...
So Zac and Liam start this weird 'dance', they both cannot forget the other, but they are still a world apart -figuratively.
This book is the story of how these two seemingly different, but oh-so-similar people, get up and start living their lives.
I loved their relationship, both of them had NO clue how to approach the other as something other than hooker and 'john', but they want to, man do they want to. Also they talk and they laugh and they argue.
I loved Liam's family and how FREAKING accepting they were, that was such a nice change, in this type of story.
And the smexy times, were HOT. Liam and Zac's chemistry was spot-on, and it never took away from the story that Zac was still hooking during most of this book. It was handled really well I think, and it also helps that Liam was never condescending or trying to be a savior, and making things worse.
All in all this was a dark story, yes, but there was also so much love and hope for the future, and I freaking LOVED Zac and his strength of character! Seriously, that was wonderful.
January 2, 2021
✰ 4 Stars! ✰
"[. . .] Don’t rent your heart out for nothing when I reckon you’ve both been through enough to deserve a hell of a lot more.”
-ˏˋ Overall Thoughts + Feelings! ˎˊ-
Welp, there goes Garrett Leigh again, making me cry and shit 😭 ✨ I shouldn't have underestimated the power of a book called Rented Heart . . .that was my bad. Also once again I'm gonna blame Saint Moni for her low-key awesome review . I'm simultaneously thankful and upset cause now I'm all in my feelings 😭 ✨ what a way to start 2021
There's just something about GARRETT LEIGH's books that, when they hit the right emotional beats, they stick permanently to your soul. I'd include RENTED HEART in that category! The story of Zac and Liam was both sweet and melancholy with just enough light peeking through to keep the book from being depressing. Watching Liam truly see Zac for ZAC made me so damn happy, because DEAR LORD Zac needed a life-win.
He fumbled in his pocket and held out the roll of notes Liam had given him that morning. “You’re not a john.” Liam pushed the money back. “Then you’ll never be my whore.”
What made the story even better was that it wasn't just Liam "saving" Zac. Zac brought a much needed lightness and love to Liam's life that he hadn't experienced since his husband's death.
“And I don’t love you the way I loved Cory. It’s totally different because I love you, and it’s fucking amazing.”
All in all, this was a story of Zac realizing that he was worth it, and no matter what he chose to do with his life he was worthy of being treated with love, respect, and kindness.
🚿 ✨ Oh and also. . .those shower scenes though 🚿 ✨
"[. . .] Don’t rent your heart out for nothing when I reckon you’ve both been through enough to deserve a hell of a lot more.”
-ˏˋ Overall Thoughts + Feelings! ˎˊ-
Welp, there goes Garrett Leigh again, making me cry and shit 😭 ✨ I shouldn't have underestimated the power of a book called Rented Heart . . .that was my bad. Also once again I'm gonna blame Saint Moni for her low-key awesome review . I'm simultaneously thankful and upset cause now I'm all in my feelings 😭 ✨ what a way to start 2021
There's just something about GARRETT LEIGH's books that, when they hit the right emotional beats, they stick permanently to your soul. I'd include RENTED HEART in that category! The story of Zac and Liam was both sweet and melancholy with just enough light peeking through to keep the book from being depressing. Watching Liam truly see Zac for ZAC made me so damn happy, because DEAR LORD Zac needed a life-win.
He fumbled in his pocket and held out the roll of notes Liam had given him that morning. “You’re not a john.” Liam pushed the money back. “Then you’ll never be my whore.”
What made the story even better was that it wasn't just Liam "saving" Zac. Zac brought a much needed lightness and love to Liam's life that he hadn't experienced since his husband's death.
“And I don’t love you the way I loved Cory. It’s totally different because I love you, and it’s fucking amazing.”
All in all, this was a story of Zac realizing that he was worth it, and no matter what he chose to do with his life he was worthy of being treated with love, respect, and kindness.
🚿 ✨ Oh and also. . .those shower scenes though 🚿 ✨
Want to read
March 31, 2018Kindle freebie 3/31/18
October 27, 2018
5 'rented' stars
Review to come. Probably. If I will miraculously find some free time :)
For now, I'm just gonna say that I freaking loved this book!
(Yay! I managed to steal some time 😄)
This was my first Garrett Leigh's book and it definitely won't be my last. (I just read the second book in this series and I need more of her books like yesterday.) OMG, this book is so adorable. It's like some kind of a joke on Pretty Woman (I saw that movie way too many times) and I really like how MCs are making jokes that their situation is like in the film or more correctly NOT like in the film.
And now about Liam and Zac. I LOVE them!! Liam is a businessman. He is running a company that is making surfing boards and other surfing things. He is not this cliche asshole millionaire who thinks that treating his stuff like trash is cool or something. Well, maybe he is just not rich enough that he would feel a need to be a jerk about it. (Yes, you guess right, I'm not a fan of millionaires in romances.) Anyway, I really like Liam and his ECO company that treats his stuff like family. Can I pretty please work there? :D
And, Zac, he is a hooker and an ex-junkie. My heart totally broke for him. All that bad shit that happened to him. He deserved so much better. Especially because he thought that he is not worth it. When Liam was nice to him - it was so beautiful. They were really cute together. In the end, I was happy as a marshmallow. Seriously, I need a new shelf that I'm gonna name It-made-me-feel-like-a-marshmallow. Yeah, it's official. I'm a marshmallow now.
But don't worry, this story is not just cute and sweet. It comes with a bonus: very HOT sex. Here's a gif to help your imagination.
For now, I'm just gonna say that I freaking loved this book!
(Yay! I managed to steal some time 😄)
This was my first Garrett Leigh's book and it definitely won't be my last. (I just read the second book in this series and I need more of her books like yesterday.) OMG, this book is so adorable. It's like some kind of a joke on Pretty Woman (I saw that movie way too many times) and I really like how MCs are making jokes that their situation is like in the film or more correctly NOT like in the film.
And now about Liam and Zac. I LOVE them!! Liam is a businessman. He is running a company that is making surfing boards and other surfing things. He is not this cliche asshole millionaire who thinks that treating his stuff like trash is cool or something. Well, maybe he is just not rich enough that he would feel a need to be a jerk about it. (Yes, you guess right, I'm not a fan of millionaires in romances.) Anyway, I really like Liam and his ECO company that treats his stuff like family. Can I pretty please work there? :D
And, Zac, he is a hooker and an ex-junkie. My heart totally broke for him. All that bad shit that happened to him. He deserved so much better. Especially because he thought that he is not worth it. When Liam was nice to him - it was so beautiful. They were really cute together. In the end, I was happy as a marshmallow. Seriously, I need a new shelf that I'm gonna name It-made-me-feel-like-a-marshmallow. Yeah, it's official. I'm a marshmallow now.
But don't worry, this story is not just cute and sweet. It comes with a bonus: very HOT sex. Here's a gif to help your imagination.
January 17, 2018
Absolutely loved it.
This is intense, emotional and totally captivating from beginning to end. And it is angsty - but just on the right side of angsty (for me, anyway!). Awful stuff happens, yes, but life does that at times, and whether we sink or swim is often down to the people around us.
Zac's story ripped my heart in thousand pieces, and Garrett Leigh's masterful writing brought out every nuance of his anguish.
Liam has his own issues to resolve, and meeting Zac rattles him out of the apathy following his husband's death. He is such a gentle, genuine guy - you just have to root for him.
I do love the 'rent boy'trope and this is without any doubt one of the best I've read. I would have really liked to see how Zac and Liam developed as time went along. The epilogue is absolutely awesome, but six months on, these two are still at the very beginning of everything.
I would have been more than happy to read more about them!
Highly recommended.
Thank you, Judith, for this brilliant read!
This is intense, emotional and totally captivating from beginning to end. And it is angsty - but just on the right side of angsty (for me, anyway!). Awful stuff happens, yes, but life does that at times, and whether we sink or swim is often down to the people around us.
Zac's story ripped my heart in thousand pieces, and Garrett Leigh's masterful writing brought out every nuance of his anguish.
Liam has his own issues to resolve, and meeting Zac rattles him out of the apathy following his husband's death. He is such a gentle, genuine guy - you just have to root for him.
I do love the 'rent boy'trope and this is without any doubt one of the best I've read. I would have really liked to see how Zac and Liam developed as time went along. The epilogue is absolutely awesome, but six months on, these two are still at the very beginning of everything.
I would have been more than happy to read more about them!
Highly recommended.
Thank you, Judith, for this brilliant read!
January 7, 2021
3.5 stars
Incredibly hot and sexy rent-boy story. And also really sweet and sad.
Zac is a hooker. He lives with his best friend Jamie, who is a junkie and a hooker. Liam lost his husband a year ago and he feels lonely. He picks Zac up outside a club one night. And he keeps wanting to see him again and again after that.
I loved how their relationship developed, but it was a bit too quick and instalove for me. It seems like it took them two hookups and one date to fall deeply in love. I wanted more.
I’m really intrigued by Jamie and can’t wait to read his story, even though I kinda felt like he and Zac should have ended up together. 😂
Incredibly hot and sexy rent-boy story. And also really sweet and sad.
Zac is a hooker. He lives with his best friend Jamie, who is a junkie and a hooker. Liam lost his husband a year ago and he feels lonely. He picks Zac up outside a club one night. And he keeps wanting to see him again and again after that.
I loved how their relationship developed, but it was a bit too quick and instalove for me. It seems like it took them two hookups and one date to fall deeply in love. I wanted more.
I’m really intrigued by Jamie and can’t wait to read his story, even though I kinda felt like he and Zac should have ended up together. 😂
June 20, 2020
Audio..3.5 Stars
Story 3.5 Stars
The story was too short and a bit underdeveloped for my taste.
Story 3.5 Stars
The story was too short and a bit underdeveloped for my taste.
December 30, 2019
As Shakespeare wrote, the course of true love never did run smooth ... nor cheap, as Liam Mallaney finds out when Zac Payne invites Liam back to his flat for a shag - "Oh, and by the way, it's a hundred for the fuck ... three if you want to stay all night."
Zac is all kinds of hot - "Zac moved with a sensuous grace and the barest hint of a swagger, all signs of a man who knew he was dynamite in bed..." and Liam "with his high cheekbones, shaggy hair and broad shoulders, all wrapped up in ripped jeans and a designer T-shirt, he was the kind of dude Zac dreamed of when he went to bed alone."
But beyond these gorgeous facades are two broken lonely men. Liam mourns the loss of his husband Cory killed in an accident a year ago. And Zac? He's never had an easy life and although he conquered heroin addiction six months ago, he worries about his flatmate and best friend Jamie. "I have a friend who lives a different life to me these days. I don't like seeing him weak when he used to be so much stronger than me. Makes me feel like there's no hope for anyone."
In any other writer's hands, a background like this would be fodder for an angst-filled tale. But Garrett Leigh has created a nuanced love story between two men that is emotionally honest and free of cheap sentiment. Liam never treats Zac like a prostitute -- "Thanks for treating me like I matter, I won't forget it." -- and their relationship is at heart kind and caring (plus the sex is absolutely smokin' hot!)
The flow of this book just feels right although I disliked the Big Miscommunication near the end. Hopefully Garrett Leigh will write a story about Jamie - the poetic soul who brought such pain into Zac (and his own life) with drugs, who is now poised at the edge of a new fresh start in his life. I highly recommend "Rented Heart"!
I received an ARC of this book from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Zac is all kinds of hot - "Zac moved with a sensuous grace and the barest hint of a swagger, all signs of a man who knew he was dynamite in bed..." and Liam "with his high cheekbones, shaggy hair and broad shoulders, all wrapped up in ripped jeans and a designer T-shirt, he was the kind of dude Zac dreamed of when he went to bed alone."
But beyond these gorgeous facades are two broken lonely men. Liam mourns the loss of his husband Cory killed in an accident a year ago. And Zac? He's never had an easy life and although he conquered heroin addiction six months ago, he worries about his flatmate and best friend Jamie. "I have a friend who lives a different life to me these days. I don't like seeing him weak when he used to be so much stronger than me. Makes me feel like there's no hope for anyone."
In any other writer's hands, a background like this would be fodder for an angst-filled tale. But Garrett Leigh has created a nuanced love story between two men that is emotionally honest and free of cheap sentiment. Liam never treats Zac like a prostitute -- "Thanks for treating me like I matter, I won't forget it." -- and their relationship is at heart kind and caring (plus the sex is absolutely smokin' hot!)
The flow of this book just feels right although I disliked the Big Miscommunication near the end. Hopefully Garrett Leigh will write a story about Jamie - the poetic soul who brought such pain into Zac (and his own life) with drugs, who is now poised at the edge of a new fresh start in his life. I highly recommend "Rented Heart"!
I received an ARC of this book from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
December 2, 2018
My first Garrett Leigh read and it won't be my last because ... angst. I love the stuff!
Thanks for the rec Judith, you know me so well 😉
Thanks for the rec Judith, you know me so well 😉
June 20, 2020
'Rented Hearts' started out good for me. I was enjoying it. I can't say I was over the moon but it was sweet. Liam's lonely. He's still mourning the loss of the man he thought he'd spend the rest of his life with, but he's also still alive, still young and like any red blooded man he's got needs and that's where Zac comes into the story.
Zac's a hooker, rent boy, use whatever descriptive works for you here. He first approaches Liam outside of a club and Liam likes what Zac's offering. He's lonely and Zac's offering him some no strings attached fun...well, no strings but it turns out there's still a price to be paid after all a man's got to feed himself doesn't he? It's with little more than a moments hesitation that Liam agrees to Zac's price and conditions, after all it's just a one time deal...right? And then Liam's going back to his life and Zac gets to carry on with his. Problem is neither man can seem to stop thinking about the other.
I liked that Liam and Zac's relationship didn't change magically over night. Liam realized that he enjoyed Zac's company and so he continued the their transactions but for him...Zac was never a hooker and for Zac...Liam was never 'just another john' but it still took time for both of these men to come to terms with their feelings and to acknowledge that what they wanted from each other was a relationship that wasn't based on an exchange of money.
It took a misunderstanding and nearly losing Zac to make Liam see a live without Zac wasn't a life he wanted to live. It was somewhere during the shift in Zac and Liam's relationship that I realized their story had gone beyond just a sweet romance for me. I wanted Liam and Zac together. I needed to see Zac get his happily ever after. His life had sucked, kicked out onto the streets when he was just fifteen, forced to work as a hooker to try and support himself, his only friend Jamie a drug addict but still the only person who'd ever had his back and whom he felt he owed the world. I needed Zac to get a bit of happiness and who better to do that than Liam. Sweet, kind, lonely Liam. A man who'd known love but had it taken from him unexpectedly. A man who still had so much love to give.
I wanted a story with a fairy tale ending and while there were no fairy godmothers waving their wands here and there was a bit of predictability to some of the events leading up to the ending. I loved ever minute of it. I loved that in the end Liam had Zac to love and Zac was more than willing to love him back. Sometimes a little happily ever after really is good for the soul.
********************
An ARC of "Rented Hearts" was graciously provided by the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Zac's a hooker, rent boy, use whatever descriptive works for you here. He first approaches Liam outside of a club and Liam likes what Zac's offering. He's lonely and Zac's offering him some no strings attached fun...well, no strings but it turns out there's still a price to be paid after all a man's got to feed himself doesn't he? It's with little more than a moments hesitation that Liam agrees to Zac's price and conditions, after all it's just a one time deal...right? And then Liam's going back to his life and Zac gets to carry on with his. Problem is neither man can seem to stop thinking about the other.
I liked that Liam and Zac's relationship didn't change magically over night. Liam realized that he enjoyed Zac's company and so he continued the their transactions but for him...Zac was never a hooker and for Zac...Liam was never 'just another john' but it still took time for both of these men to come to terms with their feelings and to acknowledge that what they wanted from each other was a relationship that wasn't based on an exchange of money.
It took a misunderstanding and nearly losing Zac to make Liam see a live without Zac wasn't a life he wanted to live. It was somewhere during the shift in Zac and Liam's relationship that I realized their story had gone beyond just a sweet romance for me. I wanted Liam and Zac together. I needed to see Zac get his happily ever after. His life had sucked, kicked out onto the streets when he was just fifteen, forced to work as a hooker to try and support himself, his only friend Jamie a drug addict but still the only person who'd ever had his back and whom he felt he owed the world. I needed Zac to get a bit of happiness and who better to do that than Liam. Sweet, kind, lonely Liam. A man who'd known love but had it taken from him unexpectedly. A man who still had so much love to give.
I wanted a story with a fairy tale ending and while there were no fairy godmothers waving their wands here and there was a bit of predictability to some of the events leading up to the ending. I loved ever minute of it. I loved that in the end Liam had Zac to love and Zac was more than willing to love him back. Sometimes a little happily ever after really is good for the soul.
********************
An ARC of "Rented Hearts" was graciously provided by the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2016
**An ARC received via Netgalley for a honest review**
Outside a bar Zane and Liam have a small talk and then Zane ask Liam if he want to go home with him. When Liam confirmed Zane takes Liam's hand and start walking and said “Oh, and by the way, it’s a hundred for the fuck . . . three if you want to stay all night.”
Liam a very lonely wealthy widower and Zane an ex-addict, trying to survive, rent boy.
Their world is so different but Liam has only eyes for Zane as a human. He pays him for his company and they have fun and firework together. Bit by bit they open up each other.
Zane's life isn't easy and his addicted friend Jamie doesn't make it easier. They have a complex relationship.
When Liam thinks he discovered something out about Zane he throws Zane out of his house.
Zane has a breakdown and takes everyone who want to pay and Jamie and Zane together in one house costs almost Zane's life.
A sometimes heartbreaking sweet story about lost, addiction, misunderstanding, love and hope.
Good writing flow and sweet and gentle convincing story which make this a good read
Outside a bar Zane and Liam have a small talk and then Zane ask Liam if he want to go home with him. When Liam confirmed Zane takes Liam's hand and start walking and said “Oh, and by the way, it’s a hundred for the fuck . . . three if you want to stay all night.”
Liam a very lonely wealthy widower and Zane an ex-addict, trying to survive, rent boy.
Their world is so different but Liam has only eyes for Zane as a human. He pays him for his company and they have fun and firework together. Bit by bit they open up each other.
Zane's life isn't easy and his addicted friend Jamie doesn't make it easier. They have a complex relationship.
When Liam thinks he discovered something out about Zane he throws Zane out of his house.
Zane has a breakdown and takes everyone who want to pay and Jamie and Zane together in one house costs almost Zane's life.
A sometimes heartbreaking sweet story about lost, addiction, misunderstanding, love and hope.
Good writing flow and sweet and gentle convincing story which make this a good read
September 17, 2016
I was in the mood for a contemporary romance with some depth when I went looking for a book to read. Just look at the blurb, it sounds perfect and it was just what I needed. Rented Heart is a Cinderella story, aka a gay Pretty Woman… which is a reimaging of Cinderella. If you fancy that premise/concept then this should be right up your alley.
No two ways about it, Rented Heart is really nice writing. For me it’s an added bonus that it’s British and actually feels British. Garrett Leigh gives you love, heart and emotion, strong chemistry and heat – it’s plenty sexy. Given the premise, and a couple of tense moments, the story isn’t heavy or dark. At times there are glimpses of melancholy, but the essential tone is uplifting, there is humour, and there’s an epilogue and HEA. The characters are all fully realised, lovable, and grab your attention, never letting go, right from the beginning. Zac and Liam are an unlikely couple made likely by the quality of the writing, even more so by the conviction and determination of the author to make their story as authentic as possible within a loving and kind romance framework.
I want to read Jamie’s story now and I gather he will get one. He deserves some health, happiness and true love. I can smell a reader favourite a mile off and Jamie is that character. If you enjoy Garrett Leigh, if you like rent boy stories with passion and emotion and nice MCs, then this is a very good read. Definitely add to the I must read it pile for when it comes out. 5 Stars!
No two ways about it, Rented Heart is really nice writing. For me it’s an added bonus that it’s British and actually feels British. Garrett Leigh gives you love, heart and emotion, strong chemistry and heat – it’s plenty sexy. Given the premise, and a couple of tense moments, the story isn’t heavy or dark. At times there are glimpses of melancholy, but the essential tone is uplifting, there is humour, and there’s an epilogue and HEA. The characters are all fully realised, lovable, and grab your attention, never letting go, right from the beginning. Zac and Liam are an unlikely couple made likely by the quality of the writing, even more so by the conviction and determination of the author to make their story as authentic as possible within a loving and kind romance framework.
I want to read Jamie’s story now and I gather he will get one. He deserves some health, happiness and true love. I can smell a reader favourite a mile off and Jamie is that character. If you enjoy Garrett Leigh, if you like rent boy stories with passion and emotion and nice MCs, then this is a very good read. Definitely add to the I must read it pile for when it comes out. 5 Stars!
December 30, 2016
My first book from this author and it’s not going to be the last.
It’s not a fairy tale (even though it left an after-taste of it) and the themes are heavy. Zac is a hooker, struggling to stay clean out of drugs and to have a place to live, with a bed, and something to eat out of the cupboards, making sure the money he earns is used to pay the bills and not the drug his best-friend and roommate craves for.
One night, he picks up Liam as a “john” and this encounter will prove to be a second chance for him as well as for Liam, the lonely Liam who is lost since his husband’s death and his father’s slip into Alzheimer.
3.5 stars well earned
The characters were nicely fleshed out, there was no sugarcoating, the building of the relationship between Zac and Liam felt real and was touching to see. I was deeply moved by Zac and that’s the reason of my frustration. I wanted so much more about him : what pushed him in the streets and becoming a hooker and a junkie, his friendship with Jamie, his struggle to get clean, and I would have loved to know about his future and make sure his self-esteem was rebuilt.
After this nice reading, I’m now looking forward reading What Remains.
PS : thank you so much Liz for this present and this great opportunity for me to discover the author !!
It’s not a fairy tale (even though it left an after-taste of it) and the themes are heavy. Zac is a hooker, struggling to stay clean out of drugs and to have a place to live, with a bed, and something to eat out of the cupboards, making sure the money he earns is used to pay the bills and not the drug his best-friend and roommate craves for.
One night, he picks up Liam as a “john” and this encounter will prove to be a second chance for him as well as for Liam, the lonely Liam who is lost since his husband’s death and his father’s slip into Alzheimer.
3.5 stars well earned
The characters were nicely fleshed out, there was no sugarcoating, the building of the relationship between Zac and Liam felt real and was touching to see. I was deeply moved by Zac and that’s the reason of my frustration. I wanted so much more about him : what pushed him in the streets and becoming a hooker and a junkie, his friendship with Jamie, his struggle to get clean, and I would have loved to know about his future and make sure his self-esteem was rebuilt.
After this nice reading, I’m now looking forward reading What Remains.
PS : thank you so much Liz for this present and this great opportunity for me to discover the author !!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews