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Skins #3
Believe
Flight paramedic Rhys Foster is hooked on adrenaline. By day it’s blood and guts, by night it’s the thrill of the club. With a different face in his bed most nights, he doesn’t have time to be lonely…right?
Entertainer Jevon Campbell is a play therapist like no other—dancer, magician, acrobat, he brings it all to his global mission to help children in need laugh again. He’s on a rare home visit when he encounters enigmatic Rhys in a London bar.
Their connection is instant, but Rhys fast realises Jevon’s easy confidence doesn’t stretch as far as the bedroom. He has no idea how mesmerising he is—how beautiful—and Rhys resolves to show him.
They grow closer, but time isn’t on their side. Rhys seems unable to articulate how he feels, and with Jevon’s imminent departure from the UK hanging over them, their separate commitments could tear them apart forever.
As the days slip by, Rhys must learn to believe he’s worth the happiness Jevon is offering.
Part of a series, but can be read as a STANDALONE.
Entertainer Jevon Campbell is a play therapist like no other—dancer, magician, acrobat, he brings it all to his global mission to help children in need laugh again. He’s on a rare home visit when he encounters enigmatic Rhys in a London bar.
Their connection is instant, but Rhys fast realises Jevon’s easy confidence doesn’t stretch as far as the bedroom. He has no idea how mesmerising he is—how beautiful—and Rhys resolves to show him.
They grow closer, but time isn’t on their side. Rhys seems unable to articulate how he feels, and with Jevon’s imminent departure from the UK hanging over them, their separate commitments could tear them apart forever.
As the days slip by, Rhys must learn to believe he’s worth the happiness Jevon is offering.
Part of a series, but can be read as a STANDALONE.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2018
80 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Garrett Leigh
91 books2,416 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 140 reviews
June 12, 2018
5 Stars.....Loved it!!
Let the fangirling begin....
Book three in the hugely enjoyable Skins Series and without doubt my favourite in the series.There's nothing I didn't love about this and Rhys and Jevon are my new favourite couple from Garrett Leigh
Rhys Foster is most definitely a thrill seeker.Air paramedic by day.The stress of a demanding job finds him seeking his sexual thrills at a gay sex club.Nothing is really off limits,
-he likes being watched,
-he likes the threesomes,
-he likes the anonymous sex,
But lately the club hasn't been doing it for him and an encounter in a bar,one night,with a beautiful stranger is about to change his life.
Jevon Campbell is a Play Therapist working with children.His job takes him to different countries so he's never really put down roots anywhere.He's just coming to terms with his sexuality and is kind of testing the water when he meets Rhys in a gay bar.
-there's nothing I enjoy more than when an actual real life event is incorporated into a story.In this case it's the London Bridge Terrorist Attack of 2017.It made the story so much more real and the fact it happened in my country made it all the more impactful,
-Rhys and Jevon,what can I say? These guys are off the charts hot together.Sweet,sensual,and so damn sexy together.These are some of the best sex scenes I've read by this Author,
-I loved the inclusion of characters from previous books.Not just the two couples from the Skins Series but also Tom fromMisfits and Nero and Lenny from Strays,
-Finally,let's take a moment to appreciate Jevon and his dreadlocks! It's one of my favourite looks on a guy ...I was practically swooning every time they were mentioned!!
This was a total winner for me and I would highly recommend it.
An Arc of Believe was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
I was born needing you.I just never knew it.
Let the fangirling begin....
Book three in the hugely enjoyable Skins Series and without doubt my favourite in the series.There's nothing I didn't love about this and Rhys and Jevon are my new favourite couple from Garrett Leigh
Rhys Foster is most definitely a thrill seeker.Air paramedic by day.The stress of a demanding job finds him seeking his sexual thrills at a gay sex club.Nothing is really off limits,
-he likes being watched,
-he likes the threesomes,
-he likes the anonymous sex,
But lately the club hasn't been doing it for him and an encounter in a bar,one night,with a beautiful stranger is about to change his life.
Jevon Campbell is a Play Therapist working with children.His job takes him to different countries so he's never really put down roots anywhere.He's just coming to terms with his sexuality and is kind of testing the water when he meets Rhys in a gay bar.
-there's nothing I enjoy more than when an actual real life event is incorporated into a story.In this case it's the London Bridge Terrorist Attack of 2017.It made the story so much more real and the fact it happened in my country made it all the more impactful,
-Rhys and Jevon,what can I say? These guys are off the charts hot together.Sweet,sensual,and so damn sexy together.These are some of the best sex scenes I've read by this Author,
-I loved the inclusion of characters from previous books.Not just the two couples from the Skins Series but also Tom fromMisfits and Nero and Lenny from Strays,
-Finally,let's take a moment to appreciate Jevon and his dreadlocks! It's one of my favourite looks on a guy ...I was practically swooning every time they were mentioned!!
This was a total winner for me and I would highly recommend it.
An Arc of Believe was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
August 1, 2018
My favorite book of this series, Believe is romantic and heartbreaking.
It's filled with real-life angst and drama: the suffering of displaced children, the deplorable conditions at refugee camps, random terrorist attacks that have become all too common.
Against a backdrop of pain and sorrow, Rhys and Javon make an immediate, undeniable connection. Javon has never been with a man, but he wants it all with Rhys.
I loved Javon's kindness and intelligence. The man has made playing and laughing with children his job. He gives sick, lonely, terrified kids a chance at a few moments of happiness.
Rhys is an emo boy through and through. He wants to be happy but won't let himself be. He thinks too much, worries too much, and generally makes things harder than they need to be.
Javon and Rhys together are sexy, sensual, tender. They can't keep their hands and mouths off each other. But Javon travels to refugee camps, and Rhys can't shake the bleak future that awaits him when Javon leaves.
Jevon's cousin Efe was a gem, and I enjoyed the authentic dialogue. I wish more authors included MCs from non-European backgrounds in their stories. It makes the relationship that much richer.
The ending is a HEA, not a conventional one by any means, but the only one for these men.
IMO, this book doesn't work as a standalone. The MCs from the first two books are ever present in this story. Too much was made of Rhys's relationship with Dylan and Angelo. I wanted to bitchslap Harry. He should have talked to Rhys like two years ago.
It's filled with real-life angst and drama: the suffering of displaced children, the deplorable conditions at refugee camps, random terrorist attacks that have become all too common.
Against a backdrop of pain and sorrow, Rhys and Javon make an immediate, undeniable connection. Javon has never been with a man, but he wants it all with Rhys.
I loved Javon's kindness and intelligence. The man has made playing and laughing with children his job. He gives sick, lonely, terrified kids a chance at a few moments of happiness.
Rhys is an emo boy through and through. He wants to be happy but won't let himself be. He thinks too much, worries too much, and generally makes things harder than they need to be.
Javon and Rhys together are sexy, sensual, tender. They can't keep their hands and mouths off each other. But Javon travels to refugee camps, and Rhys can't shake the bleak future that awaits him when Javon leaves.
Jevon's cousin Efe was a gem, and I enjoyed the authentic dialogue. I wish more authors included MCs from non-European backgrounds in their stories. It makes the relationship that much richer.
The ending is a HEA, not a conventional one by any means, but the only one for these men.
IMO, this book doesn't work as a standalone. The MCs from the first two books are ever present in this story. Too much was made of Rhys's relationship with Dylan and Angelo. I wanted to bitchslap Harry. He should have talked to Rhys like two years ago.
December 4, 2018
***4 - 4.5 Stars***
Because in the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take...
Do you know that feeling? When you realize you are only riding shotgun in your own life. That what you thought made you happy is just an illusion. That you want more. That something's got to give.
Rhys Foster, air paramedic by day and party boy by night, a guy who would never say no to a quickie with some random stranger in his favorite gay sex club Lovato's, suddenly finds himself feeling discontent. Restless. Lonely. Everyone around him is in a loving relationship and all of a sudden he yearns for the same. Someone special. But growing up with a violent and abusive father who trampled all over his self-esteem and his own non-existing shyness when it comes to sexual experience - to put it mildly - makes him feel unworthy and no one in his right mind would want a relationship with him, right? With someone who is broken in some way.
Jevon Campbell, is the yin to Rhys's yang by all accounts and absolutely convinced that everyone deserves happiness in life.
Play therapist with heart and soul, out to make sick and sad kids smile, he recently came to the realization that he identifies himself more as gay than bisexual. But his Jamaican heritage doesn't make it easy for him to come out of the closet and his job that takes him for months out of the country into refugee camps all over the world, makes it even worse to act on it. And let's be honest, which sexually active man would want someone so inexperienced like him, right? Someone who has not enough to offer to make it work, who is boring and inadequate.
But what if there is suddenly the one person, someone you meet in a bar, someone whose smile somehow promises the world, someone who could be just this one special guy you've been looking for? Rhys and Jevon feel an insta-attraction towards each other and even if they are different as they come on the surface, with both guys not feeling comfortable in their own skin, they soon discover that they have more in common than they thought. Yep, if fate didn't have a finger in the pie, I don't know who else. But fate can also be a twisted little minx sometimes and there never seems to be enough time before they get torn apart again.
As much as Jevon tries to convince Rhys that he deserves to be happy, it's up to Rhys and Rhys alone to open up, believe in himself and chase his dreams. When fate intervenes once again, it could be too late for both of them, though...
Anyone who has read my reviews for the previous books in this series already knows about my fangirling about Rhys, Harry's brother, and my whining to finally get my grabby hands on his story. And my whining was totally justified. I did end up highlighting half of the book as I already suspected at the beginning of the book. Garrett Leigh definitely has a way with words that is just beautiful and she conveys and evokes emotions like no other. And by doing that, she is one of just a few in a very small exquisite circle who makes be believe in insta-love. Rhys and Jevon were totally adorbs together, there were sweet moments that just melted my heart, their chemistry virtually oozed from the pages and made me totally believe that they were both meant to be together.
Another aspect why I loved this story was the realness woven into it. The realness of terror attacks - the one in London that took place almost a year to the day, the war in Syria, refugee camps and immigration detention centers which found their way into our own reality by now. I loved how Garret Leigh dealt with the fallout of it all without sugarcoating anything. It gave me goosebumps reading about the children of war who probably suffer the most of all, but I was happy to learn that people like Jevon do exist who try to make life for them a bit easier, although it is just a drop in the ocean.
Of course we meet the other characters from the previous books again, like Harry and his lover Joe from Whisper and Angelo and Dylan from Dream, but we also got another glimpse into the life of the Urban Soul guys and into Marc's from Soul to Keep. I just love it that the author writes her stories in one big universe, so we are able to revisit some of the guys from time to time to see how they are doing.
So why not 5 stars? You remember that I only highlighted half of the book? The other half were the sex scenes. Don't get me wrong, they were hot - not always explicit, but hot nonetheless -, but for me there was a bit... too much. *gasp* I never thought I would say this one day about a book by this author. Granted, on the one hand it made sense, with regard to Rhys's very active sexual past and Jevon's need of exploring his own sexuality given his lack of experience, but for me it centered a bit too much on it, therefore the first half was a tad slow for me.
Another small niggle was that I missed a bit of more heartbreak due to Rhys's painful abusive childhood. I completely understand that this is not something you want to advertise with just everyone or peddle around and I get that he was a bit cagey and withdrawn about it, but I wish he would have opened up more about it towards Jevon. The way it was dealt with here, felt a bit brushed off, waved aside, dismissed. This is just a personal preference for the sake of satisfying my inner angst-junkie, but I wanted a bit more here.
Whisper remains my 'favorite story' in this series, but Jevon and Rhys stole my heart and they definitely earned the title of 'favorite couple'. Highly recommended!
***ARC generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!***
Reviews for Book Lovers
"You can't expect the world to accept you if you don't accept yourself."
Because in the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take...
Do you know that feeling? When you realize you are only riding shotgun in your own life. That what you thought made you happy is just an illusion. That you want more. That something's got to give.
Rhys Foster, air paramedic by day and party boy by night, a guy who would never say no to a quickie with some random stranger in his favorite gay sex club Lovato's, suddenly finds himself feeling discontent. Restless. Lonely. Everyone around him is in a loving relationship and all of a sudden he yearns for the same. Someone special. But growing up with a violent and abusive father who trampled all over his self-esteem and his own non-existing shyness when it comes to sexual experience - to put it mildly - makes him feel unworthy and no one in his right mind would want a relationship with him, right? With someone who is broken in some way.
Jevon Campbell, is the yin to Rhys's yang by all accounts and absolutely convinced that everyone deserves happiness in life.
Laughter did change the world, if only for a moment.
Play therapist with heart and soul, out to make sick and sad kids smile, he recently came to the realization that he identifies himself more as gay than bisexual. But his Jamaican heritage doesn't make it easy for him to come out of the closet and his job that takes him for months out of the country into refugee camps all over the world, makes it even worse to act on it. And let's be honest, which sexually active man would want someone so inexperienced like him, right? Someone who has not enough to offer to make it work, who is boring and inadequate.
But what if there is suddenly the one person, someone you meet in a bar, someone whose smile somehow promises the world, someone who could be just this one special guy you've been looking for? Rhys and Jevon feel an insta-attraction towards each other and even if they are different as they come on the surface, with both guys not feeling comfortable in their own skin, they soon discover that they have more in common than they thought. Yep, if fate didn't have a finger in the pie, I don't know who else. But fate can also be a twisted little minx sometimes and there never seems to be enough time before they get torn apart again.
Rhys traced lacy patterns on the back of Jevon's hand. He wanted to ask more, but at the same time, the thought of Jevon leaving the country in just eight weeks time made him feel sick. This was why he didn't do relationships. Because life always got in the way and fucked everything up, and he had no idea what to do with the ever-growing, bone-deep affection he felt every time Jevon crossed his mind. Every time they touched.
Kissed.
More.
I can't do this.
But I need him.
As much as Jevon tries to convince Rhys that he deserves to be happy, it's up to Rhys and Rhys alone to open up, believe in himself and chase his dreams. When fate intervenes once again, it could be too late for both of them, though...
Anyone who has read my reviews for the previous books in this series already knows about my fangirling about Rhys, Harry's brother, and my whining to finally get my grabby hands on his story. And my whining was totally justified. I did end up highlighting half of the book as I already suspected at the beginning of the book. Garrett Leigh definitely has a way with words that is just beautiful and she conveys and evokes emotions like no other. And by doing that, she is one of just a few in a very small exquisite circle who makes be believe in insta-love. Rhys and Jevon were totally adorbs together, there were sweet moments that just melted my heart, their chemistry virtually oozed from the pages and made me totally believe that they were both meant to be together.
Another aspect why I loved this story was the realness woven into it. The realness of terror attacks - the one in London that took place almost a year to the day, the war in Syria, refugee camps and immigration detention centers which found their way into our own reality by now. I loved how Garret Leigh dealt with the fallout of it all without sugarcoating anything. It gave me goosebumps reading about the children of war who probably suffer the most of all, but I was happy to learn that people like Jevon do exist who try to make life for them a bit easier, although it is just a drop in the ocean.
Of course we meet the other characters from the previous books again, like Harry and his lover Joe from Whisper and Angelo and Dylan from Dream, but we also got another glimpse into the life of the Urban Soul guys and into Marc's from Soul to Keep. I just love it that the author writes her stories in one big universe, so we are able to revisit some of the guys from time to time to see how they are doing.
So why not 5 stars? You remember that I only highlighted half of the book? The other half were the sex scenes. Don't get me wrong, they were hot - not always explicit, but hot nonetheless -, but for me there was a bit... too much. *gasp* I never thought I would say this one day about a book by this author. Granted, on the one hand it made sense, with regard to Rhys's very active sexual past and Jevon's need of exploring his own sexuality given his lack of experience, but for me it centered a bit too much on it, therefore the first half was a tad slow for me.
Another small niggle was that I missed a bit of more heartbreak due to Rhys's painful abusive childhood. I completely understand that this is not something you want to advertise with just everyone or peddle around and I get that he was a bit cagey and withdrawn about it, but I wish he would have opened up more about it towards Jevon. The way it was dealt with here, felt a bit brushed off, waved aside, dismissed. This is just a personal preference for the sake of satisfying my inner angst-junkie, but I wanted a bit more here.
Whisper remains my 'favorite story' in this series, but Jevon and Rhys stole my heart and they definitely earned the title of 'favorite couple'. Highly recommended!
***ARC generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!***
Reviews for Book Lovers
July 18, 2018
**** 4.5 Stars ****
****My fav in this series so far! Available on KU
Garrett Leigh writing just gets to me. It feels like coming home after a long trip. Her writing is homey/cozy, intimate, warm, real and the Britishness of it is also a plus. *praying that my husband will never read this*
but in case he does, it's a joke, darling.
On top of all that, she has a knack to establish a fast connection between the MCs, something that deserves my praise since I’m not a fan of insta-love. If any other author tries to apply the same speed when building a relationship, it most likely to be a big failure to me. However, she makes it seems effortless and the romance gets going smoothly. Therefore, despite things happening super fast in Believe, not for a single moment, did I feel the need of exercising my eye roll skills.
Now, take a moment to look at this beauty.
I know, I know, he is gorgeoooooooooous - Swoon
Jevon:
My highlights:
.) Very likable characters. How can someone resist such hot dudes, both demonstrating a strong inclination to humanism? so generous, caring and selfless... Swoon II.
.) The angst. Both men struggling for different reasons to let the romance happen. Jevon’s, because it’s his first time acting on his attraction to another male bloke. And Rhys, well, He wants this affair to happen, but he doesn’t. For some reason, he’s shit scared of falling in love. Besides, he has some self-loathing issues regarding his sexual life.
At first impression, Rhys seemed to be an easy-going kind of hook up guy, but deep down that life style is bothering him. Acceptance zero. Kudos to the angst!
And that's Rhys!: Swoon III.
I think Believe is GL at her best, flashing out REAL characters with REAL lives. A well-balanced combo of good moments in life with shitty ones, where GL show us – another special talent of her – that even with a NOT so perfect life people can still be happy.
Oh, …
Did I mention how hot were they?? *face palm*
Oh man, …
****My fav in this series so far! Available on KU
****My fav in this series so far! Available on KU
Garrett Leigh writing just gets to me. It feels like coming home after a long trip. Her writing is homey/cozy, intimate, warm, real and the Britishness of it is also a plus. *praying that my husband will never read this*
but in case he does, it's a joke, darling. On top of all that, she has a knack to establish a fast connection between the MCs, something that deserves my praise since I’m not a fan of insta-love. If any other author tries to apply the same speed when building a relationship, it most likely to be a big failure to me. However, she makes it seems effortless and the romance gets going smoothly. Therefore, despite things happening super fast in Believe, not for a single moment, did I feel the need of exercising my eye roll skills.
Now, take a moment to look at this beauty.
I know, I know, he is gorgeoooooooooous - Swoon
Jevon:
My highlights:
.) Very likable characters. How can someone resist such hot dudes, both demonstrating a strong inclination to humanism? so generous, caring and selfless... Swoon II.
.) The angst. Both men struggling for different reasons to let the romance happen. Jevon’s, because it’s his first time acting on his attraction to another male bloke. And Rhys, well, He wants this affair to happen, but he doesn’t. For some reason, he’s shit scared of falling in love. Besides, he has some self-loathing issues regarding his sexual life.
At first impression, Rhys seemed to be an easy-going kind of hook up guy, but deep down that life style is bothering him. Acceptance zero. Kudos to the angst!
And that's Rhys!: Swoon III.
I think Believe is GL at her best, flashing out REAL characters with REAL lives. A well-balanced combo of good moments in life with shitty ones, where GL show us – another special talent of her – that even with a NOT so perfect life people can still be happy.
Oh, …
Did I mention how hot were they?? *face palm*
Oh man, …
****My fav in this series so far! Available on KU
June 24, 2018
I had to sit on this story for a few days before writing my review because I was left with some mixed feelings.
Even though this couple is amazing, they fit together very well and they're hot, sadly, their story wasn't my favorite. Everything moved way too fast and I couldn't see their connection. They literally talked for 10 minutes in a bar while drunk the first time they met and somehow they were supposed to have connected in a big way.
Jevon was very inexperienced and Rhys was the complete opposite, and what started as a hook up ended up being a very tender and sweet night. Now, that's very nice to hear and all is perfect, but for the tiny detail that we're talking about two strangers here. Why would Rhys suddenly decide this particular guy was worth it? I know that he craved a deeper connection with someone, but was he really able to find it while drunk and after barely a conversation? The first night, they didn't know anything about each other other than their first names. These weren't two friends taking the next step, these were two strangers attracted to each other. I don't get where all the affection for each other came from. It was out of the blue.
The story overall covers a few months, but for most of that time Rhys and Jevon are apart. They don't have any communication, so in reality their relationship developed within a few weeks. They went from zero to sixty immediately and then just stayed there. It all happened very fast in terms of feelings. I much more prefered the easy pace of Whisper than the frantic one of this one.
We see both couples from the previous books and a lot of time is spent discussing the connection between Rhys and the MCs from the first book, Angelo and Dylan. I could have done without so much discussion about it and more page time dedicated in the developement of the relationship between the MCs of this book.
Both Rhys and Jevon are interesting characters and like to help those around them, their jobs make that pretty clear, after all. The depiction of some scenes taking place in refugee camps when Jevon went back to work was captivating, but I would have liked either more developement on that front or for it to not have been there at all. Either give me the entire story and make it an integral part of the book or don't go there at all, don't just tease me with two scenes and then nothing. However, it's an important issue of our times and I appreciated that the author decided to include it in her work.
I very much liked the positive and supportive environment that surrounded those characters, there was no homophobia and no coming out issues. Everyone was out and it was done and over with, they had their friends and those that supported them and they had those who were more reserved, but it was over.
There are mentions of characters from other books here and I always like that when it happens in books. Here, other than the other two couples of the previous books of this series, there were also some brief appearances from the "Urban Soul" guys. What struck me as weird was that every single one of the current and previous main characters seemed to be gorgeous. There was no flawed appearance for any of them and it became all the more apparent because we saw them here with only a few pages separating one guest from the next and everyone was seen through the eyes of the MC who didn't know them so we got a description of the "new guy". Jevon even made a joke to remember to ask Rhys if he knew any guys that weren't (quote) "ridiculously beautiful". Generally, Garrett Leigh likes to challenge her characters and have them carry a lot of emotional scars, so maybe that's why she gives them perfect appearances. When you see it individually in each book it doesn't show, but here there were so many characters from other books that it kind of piled up and became impossible to miss.
The cover for the books is, of course, gorgeous as always. This is supposed to be Jevon and I was glad to see the picture match his description.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. *
Even though this couple is amazing, they fit together very well and they're hot, sadly, their story wasn't my favorite. Everything moved way too fast and I couldn't see their connection. They literally talked for 10 minutes in a bar while drunk the first time they met and somehow they were supposed to have connected in a big way.
Jevon was very inexperienced and Rhys was the complete opposite, and what started as a hook up ended up being a very tender and sweet night. Now, that's very nice to hear and all is perfect, but for the tiny detail that we're talking about two strangers here. Why would Rhys suddenly decide this particular guy was worth it? I know that he craved a deeper connection with someone, but was he really able to find it while drunk and after barely a conversation? The first night, they didn't know anything about each other other than their first names. These weren't two friends taking the next step, these were two strangers attracted to each other. I don't get where all the affection for each other came from. It was out of the blue.
The story overall covers a few months, but for most of that time Rhys and Jevon are apart. They don't have any communication, so in reality their relationship developed within a few weeks. They went from zero to sixty immediately and then just stayed there. It all happened very fast in terms of feelings. I much more prefered the easy pace of Whisper than the frantic one of this one.
We see both couples from the previous books and a lot of time is spent discussing the connection between Rhys and the MCs from the first book, Angelo and Dylan. I could have done without so much discussion about it and more page time dedicated in the developement of the relationship between the MCs of this book.
Both Rhys and Jevon are interesting characters and like to help those around them, their jobs make that pretty clear, after all. The depiction of some scenes taking place in refugee camps when Jevon went back to work was captivating, but I would have liked either more developement on that front or for it to not have been there at all. Either give me the entire story and make it an integral part of the book or don't go there at all, don't just tease me with two scenes and then nothing. However, it's an important issue of our times and I appreciated that the author decided to include it in her work.
I very much liked the positive and supportive environment that surrounded those characters, there was no homophobia and no coming out issues. Everyone was out and it was done and over with, they had their friends and those that supported them and they had those who were more reserved, but it was over.
There are mentions of characters from other books here and I always like that when it happens in books. Here, other than the other two couples of the previous books of this series, there were also some brief appearances from the "Urban Soul" guys. What struck me as weird was that every single one of the current and previous main characters seemed to be gorgeous. There was no flawed appearance for any of them and it became all the more apparent because we saw them here with only a few pages separating one guest from the next and everyone was seen through the eyes of the MC who didn't know them so we got a description of the "new guy". Jevon even made a joke to remember to ask Rhys if he knew any guys that weren't (quote) "ridiculously beautiful". Generally, Garrett Leigh likes to challenge her characters and have them carry a lot of emotional scars, so maybe that's why she gives them perfect appearances. When you see it individually in each book it doesn't show, but here there were so many characters from other books that it kind of piled up and became impossible to miss.
The cover for the books is, of course, gorgeous as always. This is supposed to be Jevon and I was glad to see the picture match his description.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. *
June 18, 2018
"It’s like you don’t believe you can be happy.”
“Happy with you?”
“Happy at all.”
Phew! I’m so relieved I liked this so much. I’m a big fan of the author but Whisper, the second book in the series, wasn’t a big winner for me. Believe is the good old Garrett Leigh I know and love.
Τhere is something unique about Believe given that it is based on real-life events; the tragic 2017 London Bridge attack, and the migrant crisis with the Greek island Lesbos as its epicenter. As far as the latter is concerned, I can tell you from personal experience that Garrett Leigh doesn’t exaggerate at all about the inconceivable tragedy that takes place in the camps.
Rhys was the biggest surprise ever. We met him in Dream as Angelo and Dylan’s fuck buddy and we got another glimpse of him in Whisper as Harry’s brother. My impression of him was that he’s this super laid back guy, closed off but comfortable in his own skin, who enjoys the club scene in a very sex positive way. Wrong, wrong and WRONG.
At first I was scared it will all end up being a giant mess because I couldn't figure him out to save my life. Rhys’s character actually made me understand what the title of the series is really about.
"I have one skin for work, one for hooking up, and neither is who I really am.”
Jevon is a very unique character. It’s really hard not to like him. His insecurities resonated a lot with me and I thought he was very gifted for doing what he did for a living.
There’s plenty of steam (at least for me), sometimes graphic, sometimes not overly descriptive. Either way every sex scene was very hot and very emotional. I think these scenes were very important too, because they meant a lot to the protagonists: Jevon learnt to conquer his insecurities about sex and intimacy with a man, while Rhys experienced sex with someone he cared about for the first time.
It speaks volumes about how memorable Leigh's characters are, that I can identify each one's book after only a tiny little cameo appearance. Nice shout-out to the Urban Soul's folks.
Recommended!
August 4, 2018
Garrett Leigh has this quiet, emotional quality to her writing that I love; it just pulls me in.
I'm going to keep this short.
Believe is:
-Heartbreaking
-Sweet
-Sensual
-Hopeful
-REAL.
Can't recommend this enough.
5 Stars.
July 2, 2018
Tercer libro en la serie Skins y quizás el que más me ha gustado. Aunque me ha dejado la misma sensación que los anteriores, algunas situaciones son un tanto precipitadas, cómo surgen los sentimientos, me han faltado páginas para poder llegar a eso poco a poco y haber sentido más la relación entre los protagonistas.
Aun así, Rhys y Jevon se enamoran, y sufren, pero sobre todo disfrutan ese amor. Muy tiernos, con el trasfondo de un tema muy trágico, el mundo que tenemos con ataques terroristas, guerras, gente desplazada, seres humanos que sufren... Y entre toda esa miseria, algunos privilegiados pueden vivir una historia de amor.
Especialmente bonito poder revisitar las dos parejas protagonistas de libros anteriores.
Al final, Garrett escribe un libro y unas veces te gusta más y otras menos, pero pocas veces decepciona.
Aun así, Rhys y Jevon se enamoran, y sufren, pero sobre todo disfrutan ese amor. Muy tiernos, con el trasfondo de un tema muy trágico, el mundo que tenemos con ataques terroristas, guerras, gente desplazada, seres humanos que sufren... Y entre toda esa miseria, algunos privilegiados pueden vivir una historia de amor.
Especialmente bonito poder revisitar las dos parejas protagonistas de libros anteriores.
Al final, Garrett escribe un libro y unas veces te gusta más y otras menos, pero pocas veces decepciona.
June 11, 2018
So, you all know how highly I rate Garrett Leigh as an author so it won't be the slightest surprise to anyone that this was another 5* book for me.
But, having said that, this one is a bit different in that Garrett firmly places part of the narrative into a specific time and place - the 2017 London Bridge Terrorist Attack - and it works to stunning effect in this story about two people who are quite different on the surface but at heart both want someone to care for.
Rhys we already know, he's the "third" in Dream who plays a major role in that scene at Lovato's with Angelo and Dylan. He's Harry's brother (from Whisper) and Garrett also sneaks in further cameos and connections to her extended universe as Jevon is Efe's cousin (she's the amazing baker that Tom hires in the Urban Souls series) and Marc from Soul to Keep is the air ambulance doctor Rhys works with at the start of the story.
I love how this book weaves its way around really sensitive issues - displaced peoples' camps, the situation in Syria, the terrorist attack - but it never feels gratuitous.
These form key areas in the lives of both. Rhys is an air ambulance paramedic. Jevon has a totally cool job I've never come across before - as a play coordinator with a non-profit organisation working with kids in hospitals and the camps.
They meet in a bar and there's both an instant attraction and a sense of wariness as if both instantly recognise that the other man has the potential to bring great joy, but also inflict untold hurt if things went wrong.
Neither can resist though and I loved how Garrett worked the narrative to show Rhys slowly changing from an introverted man who struggled with the emotional intimacy of being with someone he had feelings for, to someone willing to put it all on the line for the guy he was in love with.
Jevon though, oh he's just such a wonderful man. Loving, caring, inexperienced and newly realising he's bisexual and lacking in confidence that he can keep a man happy. He was a joy to read.
Together they come to realise that sometimes you have to open yourself up to the possibility of hurt to reap the full rewards of a love which can heal them all.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
As I always say with this author, all fangirling is totally my own work and unashamedly so.
But, having said that, this one is a bit different in that Garrett firmly places part of the narrative into a specific time and place - the 2017 London Bridge Terrorist Attack - and it works to stunning effect in this story about two people who are quite different on the surface but at heart both want someone to care for.
Rhys we already know, he's the "third" in Dream who plays a major role in that scene at Lovato's with Angelo and Dylan. He's Harry's brother (from Whisper) and Garrett also sneaks in further cameos and connections to her extended universe as Jevon is Efe's cousin (she's the amazing baker that Tom hires in the Urban Souls series) and Marc from Soul to Keep is the air ambulance doctor Rhys works with at the start of the story.
I love how this book weaves its way around really sensitive issues - displaced peoples' camps, the situation in Syria, the terrorist attack - but it never feels gratuitous.
These form key areas in the lives of both. Rhys is an air ambulance paramedic. Jevon has a totally cool job I've never come across before - as a play coordinator with a non-profit organisation working with kids in hospitals and the camps.
They meet in a bar and there's both an instant attraction and a sense of wariness as if both instantly recognise that the other man has the potential to bring great joy, but also inflict untold hurt if things went wrong.
Neither can resist though and I loved how Garrett worked the narrative to show Rhys slowly changing from an introverted man who struggled with the emotional intimacy of being with someone he had feelings for, to someone willing to put it all on the line for the guy he was in love with.
Jevon though, oh he's just such a wonderful man. Loving, caring, inexperienced and newly realising he's bisexual and lacking in confidence that he can keep a man happy. He was a joy to read.
Together they come to realise that sometimes you have to open yourself up to the possibility of hurt to reap the full rewards of a love which can heal them all.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
As I always say with this author, all fangirling is totally my own work and unashamedly so.
June 29, 2018
Rhys and Jevon, sexy, sweet, hot...what more could you ask for?
We've known Rhys since book 1 so it was very nice to see him get his HEA. Jevon is a special kind of person. The kind that can bring joy to others. Rhys didn't know how badly he needed Jevon until he had him.
Jevon is discovering, a little later in life, that he is gay. He doesn't have any experience with the same sex. Rhys, on the other hand, has a lot of experience. The chemistry between the two leads them on a journey of self-discovery, both in and out of bed.
This is another great installment in the Skins series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I don't recommend it because previous characters play an integral part in each of the books.
3.5 stars
We've known Rhys since book 1 so it was very nice to see him get his HEA. Jevon is a special kind of person. The kind that can bring joy to others. Rhys didn't know how badly he needed Jevon until he had him.
Jevon is discovering, a little later in life, that he is gay. He doesn't have any experience with the same sex. Rhys, on the other hand, has a lot of experience. The chemistry between the two leads them on a journey of self-discovery, both in and out of bed.
This is another great installment in the Skins series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I don't recommend it because previous characters play an integral part in each of the books.
3.5 stars
June 20, 2018
4 stars.
Garrett Leigh is one of my auto-buy authors and has been for a while now. What can I say that hasn't been already said about her? This book was no different from what I think about a Garrett Leigh book.
I loved Rhys and Jevon together and as individual characters. Their chemistry was off the charts and that they weren't afraid to be venerable with each other really did something to me.
And oh my god I was so happy to see characters from her previous books in this. Not just from the Skins series but also Nero and Tom.
I cannot wait for Garrett to release more books if this and her previous books have been any indication.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I think sometimes we have to give life a kick to keep it moving.
Garrett Leigh is one of my auto-buy authors and has been for a while now. What can I say that hasn't been already said about her? This book was no different from what I think about a Garrett Leigh book.
I loved Rhys and Jevon together and as individual characters. Their chemistry was off the charts and that they weren't afraid to be venerable with each other really did something to me.
"I always feel like you get me, even when I can't find the words to explain myself. I've never felt that with anyone else.
And oh my god I was so happy to see characters from her previous books in this. Not just from the Skins series but also Nero and Tom.
I cannot wait for Garrett to release more books if this and her previous books have been any indication.
"You have to love yourself before you can love anyone else."
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2018
Review to come.
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ARC of Believe was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
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ARC of Believe was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2018
So much LOVE for this one.
I've read A LOT of Garrett Leigh and this one is most definitely one of my favorites.
Love how we get little tidbits of the Urban Strays here and there. And other former characters.
This one wasn't as heavy as some of GLs can get.
It was PERFECTION.
I've read A LOT of Garrett Leigh and this one is most definitely one of my favorites.
Love how we get little tidbits of the Urban Strays here and there. And other former characters.
This one wasn't as heavy as some of GLs can get.
It was PERFECTION.
July 6, 2018
I've been sitting on this review for weeks...and struggling to put my thoughts together properly. And then I saw this review and it was as if they plucked my thoughts directly from my head.
I feel exactly the same. I wanted to shout... yes, Ditto!
The only thing I could add is...I was put off by the "I love you, man" exchanges.
I can't say as if I've EVER heard that statement with romantic overtones. It was "bro" like and threw me smack dab out of the scene more than once.
Garrett is my go-to and I will continue to devour everything she pens.
I feel exactly the same. I wanted to shout... yes, Ditto!
The only thing I could add is...I was put off by the "I love you, man" exchanges.
I can't say as if I've EVER heard that statement with romantic overtones. It was "bro" like and threw me smack dab out of the scene more than once.
Garrett is my go-to and I will continue to devour everything she pens.
June 16, 2018
I’d been looking forward to Rhys’s story and it became my favorite of the series so far. Rhys appears in book one as Dylan and Angelo’s third at the sex club, in book two we find he’s Harry’s brother, who is Angelo’s therapist, but neither book defines who Rhys really is. The series name “Skins” fits him best of all. He disappears into his stoic paramedic persona then slips into his reckless party boy facade but that’s a skin he’s trying to shed as the story opens and then he meets Jevon in a local pub. Jevon is a beautiful character, devoted to a career providing play therapy for traumatized refugee children in camps around the world. He’s a Jamaican man with a loving family and a huge heart. Taking a chance and going home with Rhys clears up the confusion he’s been experiencing over his sexuality.
Rhys was so surprisingly gentle and understanding with Jevon and experiences an intense draw he’s never felt before. Jevon leaves in the night though, so it takes weeks before they find each other again, only by chance. Deciding to pursue their mutual feelings, they often become ships in the night with their busy lives. Not seeing each other frequently, deeper feelings grow slowly since Rhys also struggles with psychological scars left by a toxic parent and unstable childhood. Rhys’s massive insecurities have him doubting a future with Jevon, so he continually tries to distance himself out of self-protection. It’s a gloriously romantic, unhurried transformation, changing Rhys into a man who can believe in himself, in Jevon and the benefit of closer ties to friends and family.
I love the way Garrett intertwines the prior series characters and London backgrounds, weaving Dylan, Angelo, Harry and Joe into the story. There’s even brief glimpses of Urban Soul characters and Marc from Soul To Keep. The city settings become very relevant as the terror attack on London Bridge provides a backdrop for Rhys, Jevon and the work they both do. I could see the resolution to the couple’s pending separation early on but watching Jevon and Rhys getting there was the highlight. Both plot and subplot give this installment a lighter feel than the first two books and sweep the narrative right along. I enjoyed every moment reading this one. I would not recommend it as a stand-alone since the previous characters are such a big part of the story but I do highly recommend reading all of them!
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*
Rhys was so surprisingly gentle and understanding with Jevon and experiences an intense draw he’s never felt before. Jevon leaves in the night though, so it takes weeks before they find each other again, only by chance. Deciding to pursue their mutual feelings, they often become ships in the night with their busy lives. Not seeing each other frequently, deeper feelings grow slowly since Rhys also struggles with psychological scars left by a toxic parent and unstable childhood. Rhys’s massive insecurities have him doubting a future with Jevon, so he continually tries to distance himself out of self-protection. It’s a gloriously romantic, unhurried transformation, changing Rhys into a man who can believe in himself, in Jevon and the benefit of closer ties to friends and family.
I love the way Garrett intertwines the prior series characters and London backgrounds, weaving Dylan, Angelo, Harry and Joe into the story. There’s even brief glimpses of Urban Soul characters and Marc from Soul To Keep. The city settings become very relevant as the terror attack on London Bridge provides a backdrop for Rhys, Jevon and the work they both do. I could see the resolution to the couple’s pending separation early on but watching Jevon and Rhys getting there was the highlight. Both plot and subplot give this installment a lighter feel than the first two books and sweep the narrative right along. I enjoyed every moment reading this one. I would not recommend it as a stand-alone since the previous characters are such a big part of the story but I do highly recommend reading all of them!
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*
February 17, 2024
4.5 stars
This book covers the important topic of migrants and life in the camps and is therefore heartbreaking, but the pain isn’t overwhelming, the romance being the central part of the story.
I loved this so much. Sexy, angsty, and packed full of feelings. I loved Rhys and Jevon, and had fun reconnecting with both couples from the other books.
This book covers the important topic of migrants and life in the camps and is therefore heartbreaking, but the pain isn’t overwhelming, the romance being the central part of the story.
I loved this so much. Sexy, angsty, and packed full of feelings. I loved Rhys and Jevon, and had fun reconnecting with both couples from the other books.
August 4, 2018
This was pretty wonderful. A nice, easy read. I liked how Rhys and Jevon were with each other, right from the start. It was never going to be easy but you just knew they were meant to be.
July 1, 2018
I Absolutely enjoyed this sweet, emotional book.
This is my current favourite book in the series and knowing how much I loved Jevon & Rhys, I doubt any other couple can unseat them. They were perfect for each other with Rhys understanding Jevon’s need to discover his sexuality and Jevon understanding Rhys’ battle with his self esteem. I loved them.
As usual, the writing went well and the sexy times were pretty well done. I’ll definitely be reading more Garrett Leigh from now on (though I know her books are more on the angsty side and less on the sexy, sweet side like this was).
This is my current favourite book in the series and knowing how much I loved Jevon & Rhys, I doubt any other couple can unseat them. They were perfect for each other with Rhys understanding Jevon’s need to discover his sexuality and Jevon understanding Rhys’ battle with his self esteem. I loved them.
As usual, the writing went well and the sexy times were pretty well done. I’ll definitely be reading more Garrett Leigh from now on (though I know her books are more on the angsty side and less on the sexy, sweet side like this was).
February 5, 2022
Finally, Rhys found his HEA with Jevon!
I loved the way Garrett intertwines the prior series' characters with Dylan, Angelo, Harry and Joe into the story. There was even little tidbits of Urban Soul characters and Marc from Soul To Keep.
I loved the way Garrett intertwines the prior series' characters with Dylan, Angelo, Harry and Joe into the story. There was even little tidbits of Urban Soul characters and Marc from Soul To Keep.
July 1, 2018
Ok. Let me make this clear. I LOVE this series. I adored every book so far and sincerely hope there will be more.
Garrett Leigh is just one of the most brilliant writers in the genre. Needless to say that the 'Britishness' of her writing is the extra bonus that really does it for me! But even without that, the writing is awesome and the guys were as hot as hell.
Rhys and Jevon are absolutely fab characters.
Rhys, the self deprecating cynic who thinks that love is just a fantasy that will never happen to him, is so vulnerable when it comes to the emotional department. He is sexually experienced, but when it comes to feelings - he is a virgin.
With Jevon it's the other way round. He has no problem acknowledging his feelings but he is a virgin in everything (Oh. My. I LOVED all those firsts!) And he is slightly insecure about it all. But let me tell you - these two are seriously sizzling! And all the feels make this really worthwhile.
To top it all, both guys are in jobs I totally admire and you can't help being in awe how they do what they do every single day. Hats off to every single person who does something like that! People like that are the REAL heroes in life. And how could I not love these two guys for that!
Garrett Leigh really hits a nerve with this series. I loved meeting all the other guys from book 1 and 2., particularly Angelo. It really hurts to see how much he is struggling when his ME gets bad. But it is wonderful how all his friends look after him and make sure he is ok.
Awesome! Read it! :)
Garrett Leigh is just one of the most brilliant writers in the genre. Needless to say that the 'Britishness' of her writing is the extra bonus that really does it for me! But even without that, the writing is awesome and the guys were as hot as hell.
Rhys and Jevon are absolutely fab characters.
Rhys, the self deprecating cynic who thinks that love is just a fantasy that will never happen to him, is so vulnerable when it comes to the emotional department. He is sexually experienced, but when it comes to feelings - he is a virgin.
With Jevon it's the other way round. He has no problem acknowledging his feelings but he is a virgin in everything (Oh. My. I LOVED all those firsts!) And he is slightly insecure about it all. But let me tell you - these two are seriously sizzling! And all the feels make this really worthwhile.
To top it all, both guys are in jobs I totally admire and you can't help being in awe how they do what they do every single day. Hats off to every single person who does something like that! People like that are the REAL heroes in life. And how could I not love these two guys for that!
Garrett Leigh really hits a nerve with this series. I loved meeting all the other guys from book 1 and 2., particularly Angelo. It really hurts to see how much he is struggling when his ME gets bad. But it is wonderful how all his friends look after him and make sure he is ok.
Awesome! Read it! :)
October 7, 2020
4.5 stars rounded down. I really enjoyed all 3 of these stories but I think I actually enjoyed this one just a little bit more than the first two which is basically saying that for me the first two stories were really good and this one was really, really good. 😍
June 28, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
The last few books I have read by Garret Leigh have had a mesmerizing quality to them. Once I start, I get completely lost in them and this entire series has that feel. Believe is the third book in the Skins series and I feel it would be best enjoyed having read the first two. While Jevon is a new character, Rhys has ties to all of the other characters, including Angelo and Dylan. We also see his brother, Harry, who was featured in Whisper, and their relationship is complicated. This was an integral part of the story and I would have liked a little more here on the back story as to why the men had such a complicated relationship and then how exactly they were repairing it at the end. There are also brief cameos of other characters from other series and if you follow Garrett Leigh’s books, there are some great sightings.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
The last few books I have read by Garret Leigh have had a mesmerizing quality to them. Once I start, I get completely lost in them and this entire series has that feel. Believe is the third book in the Skins series and I feel it would be best enjoyed having read the first two. While Jevon is a new character, Rhys has ties to all of the other characters, including Angelo and Dylan. We also see his brother, Harry, who was featured in Whisper, and their relationship is complicated. This was an integral part of the story and I would have liked a little more here on the back story as to why the men had such a complicated relationship and then how exactly they were repairing it at the end. There are also brief cameos of other characters from other series and if you follow Garrett Leigh’s books, there are some great sightings.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
Read
March 16, 20224.5 stars- Another great story with wonderful characters
Believe is the third book in Miss Leigh’s Skins series, which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Though there’s carry over between books and even some Easter Eggs from the author’s other series, Believe works fine as a standalone novel. I ended up reading Whisper and Believe in quick succession, so it really struck me was how distinct each book and couple in this series is. This is definitely not one where each successive book feels like a rehashing of the previous, or even where the characters follow a predictable script and pattern. What is predictable is how quickly I am pulled into Miss Leigh’s stories. There’s and easy feel to her writing that never fails to resonate with me on some level, providing the perfect escape all while presenting characters and issues that are different and incredibly relevant.
After meeting Rhys in the first book, I was so excited to see him get his own story. I liked both Rhys and Jevon from the start and enjoyed seeing two strong, independent men come together to make a new life without giving up their individual callings. I also liked the pairing of an experienced partner with one who was just beginning to explore his queerness. While it definitely made for plenty of sexy scenes and an interesting dynamic, both of which kept me invested in the story and romance, the chemistry wasn’t quite as palpable as other couples in the series. That said, I did thoroughly enjoy Believe and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written and developed story.
*eARC received from the author. The author no influence over this review*
Believe is the third book in Miss Leigh’s Skins series, which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Though there’s carry over between books and even some Easter Eggs from the author’s other series, Believe works fine as a standalone novel. I ended up reading Whisper and Believe in quick succession, so it really struck me was how distinct each book and couple in this series is. This is definitely not one where each successive book feels like a rehashing of the previous, or even where the characters follow a predictable script and pattern. What is predictable is how quickly I am pulled into Miss Leigh’s stories. There’s and easy feel to her writing that never fails to resonate with me on some level, providing the perfect escape all while presenting characters and issues that are different and incredibly relevant.
After meeting Rhys in the first book, I was so excited to see him get his own story. I liked both Rhys and Jevon from the start and enjoyed seeing two strong, independent men come together to make a new life without giving up their individual callings. I also liked the pairing of an experienced partner with one who was just beginning to explore his queerness. While it definitely made for plenty of sexy scenes and an interesting dynamic, both of which kept me invested in the story and romance, the chemistry wasn’t quite as palpable as other couples in the series. That said, I did thoroughly enjoy Believe and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written and developed story.
*eARC received from the author. The author no influence over this review*
February 5, 2020
Temporary (?) DNF
I'll begin by saying that this isn't a bad book.
Rhys and Jevon are BAMFs who have jobs that aren't for the faint-hearted. They're both professionals at the top of their game. Their one night stand is sweeter than I'd expected as Rhys is able to be gentle and turned on by helping Rhys unwind a little.
NGL, I was having a fairly good time (even chuckled when I saw Marc--from Soul to Keep make an appearance). That is, until Chapter 4.
Context: Rhys is an Emergency Medical Technician and Jevon is a therapist who mainly works with traumatized children.
In the beginning of Chapter 4, Rhys and the rest of the emergency medical team lend assistance to a large fire that broke out at an immigration center. The majority of the injured happen to be refugee children. Once back at the hospital, Rhys and Jevon run into each other (3 months after that memorable one night stand). It turns out that Jevon is there to help with comforting the children AND translate for them since the majority of them don't speak English.
The v. next chapter has Rhys and Jevon heading over to Jevon's place. There isn't any implication that they're going to sleep together, but for me, the tonal shift from reading about injured children to 'let's get back to the romance' was too much.
Adding to that, the fact remains that interacting with & helping traumatized children is Jevon's literal job. In turn, this makes me reluctant to read a story that would include more scenes of Jevon and refugee children. It's not a theme that I like to see intermingled with romance. Particularly because child harm is a v. sensitive topic for me.
So I made the executive decision to put this book aside. :(
TL;DR: The third entry in the Skins series that had a good premise and two MCs whose romance was v. appealing. Unfortch for me, the secondary theme of refugee children (especially as it was centered around child harm) was strong enough of a deterrent to continue past the beginning of the 5th chapter. At this time, I'm unsure if I'll ever pick up this book in the future.
I'll begin by saying that this isn't a bad book.
Rhys and Jevon are BAMFs who have jobs that aren't for the faint-hearted. They're both professionals at the top of their game. Their one night stand is sweeter than I'd expected as Rhys is able to be gentle and turned on by helping Rhys unwind a little.
NGL, I was having a fairly good time (even chuckled when I saw Marc--from Soul to Keep make an appearance). That is, until Chapter 4.
Context: Rhys is an Emergency Medical Technician and Jevon is a therapist who mainly works with traumatized children.
In the beginning of Chapter 4, Rhys and the rest of the emergency medical team lend assistance to a large fire that broke out at an immigration center. The majority of the injured happen to be refugee children. Once back at the hospital, Rhys and Jevon run into each other (3 months after that memorable one night stand). It turns out that Jevon is there to help with comforting the children AND translate for them since the majority of them don't speak English.
The v. next chapter has Rhys and Jevon heading over to Jevon's place. There isn't any implication that they're going to sleep together, but for me, the tonal shift from reading about injured children to 'let's get back to the romance' was too much.
Adding to that, the fact remains that interacting with & helping traumatized children is Jevon's literal job. In turn, this makes me reluctant to read a story that would include more scenes of Jevon and refugee children. It's not a theme that I like to see intermingled with romance. Particularly because child harm is a v. sensitive topic for me.
So I made the executive decision to put this book aside. :(
TL;DR: The third entry in the Skins series that had a good premise and two MCs whose romance was v. appealing. Unfortch for me, the secondary theme of refugee children (especially as it was centered around child harm) was strong enough of a deterrent to continue past the beginning of the 5th chapter. At this time, I'm unsure if I'll ever pick up this book in the future.
June 29, 2024
Rhys made me want to bang his head against a wall - the man would hide from his own shadow if it needed an emotional link!
Jevon made me smile, he just had such a pure soul and I loved it - also loved the mention of BCH, and cheering up the kids, because that's very close to my heart.
I really loved these two together, and the decision they come to so that they can be together, but man it was stressful getting to that point. I like how they feel realistic in stuggling to talk about things, but I'm the exact opposite - it's hard to shut me up once I get started taking about what's bothering me - so I find myself shouting at them to just fucking talk to each other already 😂
Jevon made me smile, he just had such a pure soul and I loved it - also loved the mention of BCH, and cheering up the kids, because that's very close to my heart.
I really loved these two together, and the decision they come to so that they can be together, but man it was stressful getting to that point. I like how they feel realistic in stuggling to talk about things, but I'm the exact opposite - it's hard to shut me up once I get started taking about what's bothering me - so I find myself shouting at them to just fucking talk to each other already 😂
July 6, 2018
Classic Garrett Leigh story about two rather unique British-ish blokes falling in love. You can always count on colorful characters and stories with a quaint feel to them. On one side, we have Jevon, a British-Jamaican, clown play therapist who recently realized he might be gay. Jevon spends most of his time deployed at various detainment camps in war torn countries helping children cope and offer comfort. On the other, there is Rhys, the flight paramedic who has recently realized his playing the field ways have left him very lonely.
A chance “hookup” (Rhys really was trying to change his ways at this point), leaves them both realizing they share a pretty strong connection. But their jobs take them separate ways until those same jobs bring them back together. What ensues is a fabulous blossoming relationship full of steamy exploration and genuine feelings. Both realize they are experiencing new feelings and continue with a long distance relationship when Jevon must head back to work.
There was a bit of a backstory to Rhys’ childhood and his current issues where his brother were concerned that I wish had been explored a bit further. While I really enjoyed Rhys and Jevon together – there are loads of hot sex scenes – I didn’t quite feel the emotional angst I’ve come to expect from Ms. Leigh. That said, there was a lot to like about this story, and the cameos from various couples (and the throuple from Urban Soul) from previous books were a fun surprise!
Needless to say, I don’t think I will ever not enjoy a book by this author, and I’m happy to say the streak continues on. Can’t wait to see what she has in store next!
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
November 6, 2018
The third story in the Skins series, Believe focuses on Rhys. I was really excited to learn more about him because he was a regular playmate of Dylan and Angelo from book one, Dream, and if it wasn’t going to end up a polyam relationship I wanted to know him better.
Since it didn’t turn out in my favour with three in the bed full time, I will settle for Rhys finding his own man, and Jevon appears to be that man, whether Rhys knows it or not.
Since it didn’t turn out in my favour with three in the bed full time, I will settle for Rhys finding his own man, and Jevon appears to be that man, whether Rhys knows it or not.
June 28, 2018
ARC from the author
2.5 stars
Believe is the third book in Garrett Leigh’s Skins series, but don’t let that stop you from starting here if the blurb intrigues you. This book could stand just fine on it’s own. Having said that, I think it’s the weakest of the series so far - if you know me and are aware of how much I love Garrett Leigh, then you know this pains me to say - so I suggest going back to the beginning and reading the first two books. Especially if you’ve never read this author before. The writing and plot are definitely stronger in Dream and Whisper, and it will give you a better taste of how stunning her writing can be.
So, I liked Rhys and Jevon apart from each other; I even liked them together. But I feel like that initial connection was never developed; all of a sudden they were so caught up in each other and dependent on each other for happiness, and I was thrown for a loop.I think maybe there was more to this relationship in the author’s head that never made it to page, because usually I feel the connection between the two characters to the point where I can sink into it. It was absent here, and it even hindered me from connecting to either character. I won’t go on about it, because it’s the relationship that is always always always the heart of a Garrett Leigh story, and it’s usually done so well. The other issue I had was between Rhys and his brother, Harry. I wasn’t sure why they were so angry with each other about circumstances that played out in this book. They had people in common (this is not a spoiler; it came up in the last book,) and because of doctor/patient confidentiality, Harry couldn’t inform Rhys of that. The anger Rhys had felt disproportionate to the situation, particularly given that he also worked in the medical field. It felt like Rhys’ anger was written into the story for drama sake, and I couldn’t buy it.
I will say that with this series, the first two books in particular, it hit me how these people are just able to slide into each other’s lives as if it’s meant to be, and I absolutely love it. It’s as if no matter what’s going on around them - no matter how hard things are, being together, once they get there, is going to be the easy part of their lives. And on another high note, we do get to see Angelo and Dylan and Harry and Joe in this one, and I loved every moment of them!
Unfortunately, Believe just didn’t work for me. But as a fan of this author, I implore you to give her writing a go if you haven’t already. Just start at the beginning of this series.
This review was originally posted on Books & Beauty Are My Bag.
2.5 stars
Believe is the third book in Garrett Leigh’s Skins series, but don’t let that stop you from starting here if the blurb intrigues you. This book could stand just fine on it’s own. Having said that, I think it’s the weakest of the series so far - if you know me and are aware of how much I love Garrett Leigh, then you know this pains me to say - so I suggest going back to the beginning and reading the first two books. Especially if you’ve never read this author before. The writing and plot are definitely stronger in Dream and Whisper, and it will give you a better taste of how stunning her writing can be.
So, I liked Rhys and Jevon apart from each other; I even liked them together. But I feel like that initial connection was never developed; all of a sudden they were so caught up in each other and dependent on each other for happiness, and I was thrown for a loop.I think maybe there was more to this relationship in the author’s head that never made it to page, because usually I feel the connection between the two characters to the point where I can sink into it. It was absent here, and it even hindered me from connecting to either character. I won’t go on about it, because it’s the relationship that is always always always the heart of a Garrett Leigh story, and it’s usually done so well. The other issue I had was between Rhys and his brother, Harry. I wasn’t sure why they were so angry with each other about circumstances that played out in this book. They had people in common (this is not a spoiler; it came up in the last book,) and because of doctor/patient confidentiality, Harry couldn’t inform Rhys of that. The anger Rhys had felt disproportionate to the situation, particularly given that he also worked in the medical field. It felt like Rhys’ anger was written into the story for drama sake, and I couldn’t buy it.
I will say that with this series, the first two books in particular, it hit me how these people are just able to slide into each other’s lives as if it’s meant to be, and I absolutely love it. It’s as if no matter what’s going on around them - no matter how hard things are, being together, once they get there, is going to be the easy part of their lives. And on another high note, we do get to see Angelo and Dylan and Harry and Joe in this one, and I loved every moment of them!
Unfortunately, Believe just didn’t work for me. But as a fan of this author, I implore you to give her writing a go if you haven’t already. Just start at the beginning of this series.
This review was originally posted on Books & Beauty Are My Bag.
August 8, 2018
4 Stars
I absolutely adore Garrett Leigh’s stories, and while Believe wasn’t my favorite of her works, it was still enjoyable.
The flow of Rhys and Jevon’s relationship just didn’t seem as realistic as the other couples in this series have been. While the story takes place over several months, there are long stretches where Rhys and Jevon are apart and have no sort of communication, yet even without the communication their feelings for one another seem to grow and develop. The feelings that develop between Jevon and Rhys felt too rushed and it wasn’t natural or organic.
Rhys and Jevon had amazing chemistry and they fit together well. Jevon is inexperienced when it comes to being with men, so I think the pace of their sexual relationship was realistic and I loved that Rhys was patient and let Jevon go at his own pace.
Rhys is an air paramedic and Jevon works with children in refugee camps and I loved that through their respective jobs, the author manages to bring to the forefront some very important causes.
The story was enjoyable and I loved certain aspects of it, but I wish we had gotten more time with Jevon and Rhys as a couple. I loved getting to catch up with Angelo and Dylan as well as Harry and Joe. And although not my favorite, it was still a sweet, hot with just a bit of angsty added in and I’m looking forward to much more in the future.
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I absolutely adore Garrett Leigh’s stories, and while Believe wasn’t my favorite of her works, it was still enjoyable.
The flow of Rhys and Jevon’s relationship just didn’t seem as realistic as the other couples in this series have been. While the story takes place over several months, there are long stretches where Rhys and Jevon are apart and have no sort of communication, yet even without the communication their feelings for one another seem to grow and develop. The feelings that develop between Jevon and Rhys felt too rushed and it wasn’t natural or organic.
Rhys and Jevon had amazing chemistry and they fit together well. Jevon is inexperienced when it comes to being with men, so I think the pace of their sexual relationship was realistic and I loved that Rhys was patient and let Jevon go at his own pace.
Rhys is an air paramedic and Jevon works with children in refugee camps and I loved that through their respective jobs, the author manages to bring to the forefront some very important causes.
The story was enjoyable and I loved certain aspects of it, but I wish we had gotten more time with Jevon and Rhys as a couple. I loved getting to catch up with Angelo and Dylan as well as Harry and Joe. And although not my favorite, it was still a sweet, hot with just a bit of angsty added in and I’m looking forward to much more in the future.
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
July 4, 2018
3.5 stars
Can’t say the last time I read anything from Garrett Leigh that had such a low amount of angst. Which is a shame because she does angst so well! So while I don’t mind the lack of angst sometimes, I just feel as though something is missing. Like the secret sauce is missing a vital ingredient.
I did enjoy it somewhat but...just i kept getting this niggling feeling at the back of my mind whispering, “something’s missing....”
Anyways, I like both characters well enough. I just don’t feel like I know them very well. Part of it feels like we only get a small glimpse of who both these men are but we don’t really dig down to their core. Like the thing with Rhys’ dad? He was only mentioned in passing and while we understand Rhys has daddy issues, it’s left unexplored.
Gah... guess I’m left a little underwhelmed.... 😒 which then makes me want to write shitty reviews. Not a review with shitty things to say, just a review with a shitty level of content because, well....😒😒😒
Can’t say the last time I read anything from Garrett Leigh that had such a low amount of angst. Which is a shame because she does angst so well! So while I don’t mind the lack of angst sometimes, I just feel as though something is missing. Like the secret sauce is missing a vital ingredient.
I did enjoy it somewhat but...just i kept getting this niggling feeling at the back of my mind whispering, “something’s missing....”
Anyways, I like both characters well enough. I just don’t feel like I know them very well. Part of it feels like we only get a small glimpse of who both these men are but we don’t really dig down to their core. Like the thing with Rhys’ dad? He was only mentioned in passing and while we understand Rhys has daddy issues, it’s left unexplored.
Gah... guess I’m left a little underwhelmed.... 😒 which then makes me want to write shitty reviews. Not a review with shitty things to say, just a review with a shitty level of content because, well....😒😒😒
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