Robin, the recipient of a brand-new heart, knows he can’t give it to just anyone….
Robin’s been through his share of upsets recently, from heart transplant surgery to a brutal breakup. But his experiences have taught him life is short, and he’s ready to seize the day and start anew. A job at Euro Pride Tours is just the kind of adventure he’s looking for. He gets to see the world and live a little, but love isn’t on his radar screen. He isn’t sure his heart can endure that again.
Johan might’ve disappointed his family by striking out on his own, but when he meets Robin, he has no intention of letting him down. Each man is just what the other needs to feel whole again, and while Johan might not be the man Robin originally thought he was, he’s exactly what the doctor ordered to make Robin’s borrowed heart beat faster. As the tour through Germany progresses, they grow closer, but when Robin’s ex joins the tour, he could bring their blossoming love to a dramatic halt.
Ancora un'altra storia di seconde opportunità (a second chance) dopo Sweet Anticipation, dell'AC 2019, per me con Andrew Grey. Una seconda opportunità per Robin dopo aver ricevuto un nuovo cuore, da qui il titolo, e una seconda opportunità per Johan di farsi notare da Robin dato che finora Robin l'aveva sempre visto come una specie di cugino Itt per via dei capelli e barba lunghissimi. . Ma non tutto può filare liscio fin da subito con l'arrivo di, stronzo, Mason l'ex di Robin che si aggiunge alla commitiva del Tour. . Un libro bellissimo o meglio un altro libro bellissimo dalla mano di Andrew Grey. 💖
One thing that really stood out about this story was the way Grey takes a standard get-together story and makes it not-too-saccharine sweet. Robin’s history added a lot of emotional weight and a hefty amount of angst. I gathered that he had been truly devoted to Mason; they were together for five years and Robin was assuming they’d be together forever. Since that trust was irrevocably broken, it feels authentic that Robin is wary of starting another romance. Grey also did an excellent job showing how Robin is always aware of his condition and the limitations it puts on him. The reader is clearly aware of how easily Robin tires and, the setting being Europe, how many tour activities he just hands tickets to the participants and lets them hoof it all over creation. That said, I never felt like Robin felt sorry for himself with regards to his situation—with the exception of trying to keep himself from falling for Johan. All in all, I thought this made Robin a very sympathetic hero; a guy who knew his limits and was willing to sacrifice his own happiness to keep his would-be partner “safe.”
“Johan had to be the most un-German German he had ever met. As a rule, Germans tended to be somewhat reserved… well, they also tended to think that the German way was the best way to do everything, so maybe Johan was just too German for words.” — Robin
‘Borrowed Heart’ is a touching story about defining what’s really important, dealing with the past, and unexpected new beginnings. The title reminded me of “living on borrowed time” – not something that can make you happy because you have a feeling of constant dread. As serious as the theme is, there is also a lot of lighthearted fun that accompanies Robin, the main character, on his inner journey of discovery. And the setting in Germany, where Robin is a tour guide for the summer, ensures that there is external adventure as well.
Salve a tutti, Oggi vorrei parlarvi del libro “Un cuore in prestito” di Andrew Grey, un m/m pubblicato da Dreampress. Robin è sopravvissuto ad un trapianto di cuore e poi ad una separazione crudele che l’ha lasciato sfinito, ma pronto a ricominciare. Il lavoro all’Euro Pride Tour fa al caso suo, conoscerà il mondo e avrà modo di conoscere tante persone diverse. Se sul piano lavorativo ha ciò che vuole, su quello sentimentale ha deciso di perdere ogni speranza e di non credere più nell’amore. Johan, andando contro il parere della famiglia, ha deciso di accettare un lavoro all’Euro Pride Tour come autista e di costruirsi da solo il suo futuro. Sin dal primo incontro è affascinato da Robin, il ragazzo che non sorride, non riesce a toglierselo dalla testa e fa di tutto per conquistarlo durante il loro viaggio. Tappa dopo tappa il loro legame si fa più intenso. Dal passato di Robin, però, torna il suo ex e le cose per i due si faranno complicate. Tutti i libri di Andrew Grey sono un concentrato di dolcezza quasi al limite del coma iperglicemico. Questo libro non è da meno; la storia è emozionante fino all’ultima pagina, già verso il 18% del libro stavo piangendo come una fontana. Forse vi ho già detto in altre occasioni che per via del mio carattere mi lego ai personaggi con poca autostima o che hanno difficoltà con il mondo e con se stessi, motivo per cui Cucciolino Robin ha fatto subito breccia nel mio cuore. Ciò che non mi aspettavo è stato Johan, quest’uomo dall’aspetto trasandato e burbero che si rivela essere un orsacchiotto gigante, un cavaliere pronto a combattere contro i mostri di Robin, anche quelli che sono nella sua mente. "Ricordati che non devi avere paura," lo rassicurò, anche se le sue parole non bastarono a calmare i nervi scossi di Robin. "Ne hai passate tante, e se qualcuno non si rende conto di quanto coraggio hai avuto, è gente che non vale nulla." Il viaggio che accompagna i due lungo la Germania si sviluppa in maniera parallela al loro viaggio nei sentimenti e la piccola nota di mistero dà il giusto “di più” per invogliare il lettore fino alla fine. Insomma, un mix tra romanticismo, sensualità e mistero. Ciò che non mi ha convinto del tutto è la parte che riguarda il tour, che secondo me è troppo dettagliato e certe volte prevale sul resto. Allo stesso tempo quando è la coppia ad essere al centro, questa cattura tutta la mia attenzione e mi piace che la storia sia incentrata quasi esclusivamente sui sentimenti. Consiglio questa lettura agli eterni romantici e per chi ama viaggiare, perché è sicuramente un ottimo spunto per il prossimo itinerario. Voto 4
✔ Letto! Questa volta A. Grey mi porta in Germania, una cosa diversa dalle sue solite location, per me. E in un modo meraviglioso conosco questo paese e la sua storia, sarà Robin a portami in giro come guida e Johan a guidare il bus che ci porterà in giro per la Germania. Robin è un ragazzo diverso da noi che consideriamo la morte quase come un tabù, qualcosa così lontana da non pensarti neanche. Invece per lui che ha avuto un cuore in prestito come gli piace dire, sa che vivrà poco. E dopo una grossa delusione d'amore e le cose dette dal suo ex, è consapevole che il suo tempo di vita non sia lungo, e non vuole ferire qualcuno facendosi coinvolgere in una corta storia d'amore. Così prende armi e bagagli e va a vivere come vuole il tempo che gli rimane da vivere, lascia gli EUA e va in Germania sfruttando la sua doppia cittadinanza ed è lì che Johan entra nella sua vita. Johan è un dolce ragazzo tedesco, e con una famiglia amorevole. Ed è disposto a dimostrare a Robin che l'importante del tempo che ha da vivere sia come si vuole vivere, che qualcuno gli ha donato una seconda possibilità, quindi dovrà sfruttarla al meglio, senza rimpianti. Un libro molto carino, corto, leggero e romantico. Dove Robin fa da paciere e consigliere oltre che da guida. Dato che storia sia stata tra le mie materie preferite a scuola, ho adorato tutte le descrizione storiche e non mi sono per niente annoiata. Un libro alla Grey dove l'amore si trova dove meno te lo aspetti... Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Robin ist Reiseleiter und hat vor einigen Jahren eine Herztransplantation erhalten. Aus diesem Grund ist er körperlich nicht stark belastbar und kann an vielen der Aktivitäten der Reisegruppe nicht teilnehmen. Vor kurzem hat er sich von seinem Partner getrennt, da dieser ihn betrogen hat. Ausgerechnet sein Ex taucht bei der Tour als Mitreisender auf und Robin ist alles andere als begeistert. Johan arbeitet für das Reiseunternehmen als Busfahrer. Schon länger ist er an Robin interessiert, doch der bemerkt ihn nicht einmal. Das ändert sich auf dieser Fahrt, denn mit Hilfe des Besitzers des Reiseunternehmens, müssen sie sich ein Doppelzimmer teilen. Dabei kommen sich die beiden Männer näher.
Aus dem Thema hätte man sehr viel mehr machen können, denn die Idee an sich ist gut. Leider fehlt der Geschichte die nötige Spannung, auch der enthaltene Krimiplott und seine Auflösung konnte mich nicht überzeugen. Selbst dem Paar Robin und John fehlte das gewisse Etwas. Die Story liest sich eher wie ein Reisebericht. Da das Geschehen aber aus Robins Sicht erzählt wird, ist selbst der nicht sonderlich gelungen. Das liegt vor allem daran, dass Robin nicht gesund ist und sich oft ausruhen muss, anstatt an den Besichtigungen teilzunehmen. Die Mitglieder der Reisegruppe sind sympathisch dargestellt, bleiben aber im Hintergrund. Der Fokus liegt hauptsächlich auf Robin, seiner Angst davor, früh sterben zu müssen und seinen Komplexen aufgrund der Operationsnarben.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
Racconto di un viaggio fisico e di uno interiore, “Un cuore in prestito” ci porta a visitare la Germania insieme ai protagonisti, tanto che in certi punti del libro la narrazione si perde negli aspetti turistici della vicenda. Reduce da un trapianto di cuore e da una brutta rottura con il suo ex, Robin fa la guida turistica per l’Euro Pride Tour, ma aver finalmente un buon stato di salute non ha guarito il pessimismo con cui affronta la vita; porta sul corpo e nell’animo cicatrici difficili da dimenticare ed è convinto di vivere una vita in prestito, tempo rubato che non gli porta molta felicità.
Johan è l’autista del viaggio guidato e vorrebbe conquistare il cuore di Robin, deciso a strapparlo alla sua solitudine e a fargli capire di poter ancora amare, nonostante la sua ultima relazione sia naufragata in modo tremendo. Determinato e ottimista, cerca di convincere Robin che in realtà tutti ignorano quanto gli resti da vivere, ma non per questo si isolano dal mondo. I due allacciano una relazione durante il viaggio, complicata dall’inaspettata comparsa proprio dell’ex di Robin, Mason, che si unisce alla comitiva e crea di continuo problemi.
I turisti in viaggio insieme ai protagonisti sono un gruppo simpatico e multicolore, si intromettono bonariamente nella relazione che sta sbocciando e cercano di aiutare Robin e Johan, portando tocchi di ironia nella vicenda.
Come anticipavo all’inizio della recensione, le descrizioni del viaggio e dei luoghi visitati troppo spesso prendono il sopravvento, in modo quasi didattico, rallentando la narrazione e allontanandola da quello che dovrebbe esserne il fulcro, ovvero la storia d’amore tra Robin e Johan. Inoltre il piccolo giallo legato a Mason, onestamente, mi è sembrato forzato, un’aggiunta di cui la storia poteva fare a meno.
Il romanzo è leggero e comunque piacevole, e la storia d’amore possiede una certa dolcezza, ma la negatività persistente e spesso ingiustificata di Robin, unita alle digressioni turistiche, la appesantiscono troppo, impedendole di conquistare davvero fino in fondo il lettore.
Personalmente apprezzo molto Andrew Grey come autore, ha realizzato diverse serie molto belle e anche degli stand alone stupendi. Questo libro, però, nonostante sia scritto molto bene, non ha saputo prendermi più di tanto. La cosa che mi è piaciuta meno è quando l’autore, a tratti, si perde in superflue descrizioni fin troppo dettagliate della Baviera; già trovo noiose le guide turistiche quando parlano troppo, qui Robin a volte risulta decisamente soporifero. A mio parere, si è insistito troppo sugli aspetti turistici della storia a discapito della parte più romantica. Siamo infatti davanti ad un romance decisamente atipico, il che non è negativo, ma alcune cose non mi hanno del tutto convinta. Ho invece apprezzato la delicatezza dell’approccio di Johan, il non inseguire il sesso a tutti i costi e la decisione contro corrente dell’autore di non inserire scene hot e lasciare tutto all’immaginazione del lettore. Sarò all’antica, ma io mi sono un po' stancata di libri con paginate di rapporti sessuali raccontati con dovizia di particolari, ma dove poi manca quasi del tutto l’interazione dei protagonisti al di fuori della camera da letto. Robin è il protagonista di questa storia e voce narrante, assistiamo non solo al suo viaggio in Germania come accompagnatore di un gay tour, ma anche alla sua crescita personale. Il suo rapporto con Johan, l’autista che passa da essere il sosia del cugino It a figo tagliandosi solo barba e capelli, non è il solito colpo di fulmine. Con il loro avvicinarsi, Robin mette in prospettiva la sua vita, inizia a chiedersi quali siano davvero le sue opzioni e se può sperare di nuovo di essere felice. Il percorso di crescita emotiva di Robin, che conta anche il ritrovare fiducia in sé stesso, va di pari passo con l’avvicinarsi di Johan e con il riuscire ad affrontare il suo ex, Mason, unitosi a sorpresa al tour. Il tutto è condito da personaggi secondari ben delineati che arricchiscono la narrazione e una piccola parentesi “poliziesca” che aggiunge carattere alla storia. Insomma, un libro che si lascia leggere, a tratti un po' meno scorrevole, ma tutto sommato una bella lettura con cui svagarsi dal quotidiano.
Questo libro di Andrew Gray è un romanzo molto dolce, una storia di seconde chance, dato che uno dei protagonisti, Robin ha subito un trapianto di cuore. Si narra di un accompagnatore turistico, Robin per l’appunto, e dell’autista del pullman Johan. Tra i due nasce qualcosa ma il nostro Robin è ancora segnato dalla rottura con il precedente fidanzato, con il quale è stato per cinque anni. Caso vuole che proprio questo antipaticissimo ex, Mason, si aggreghi al tour in Germania che Robin sta conducendo.
Ho molto apprezzato le descrizioni relative a questo paese, come ad esempio i luoghi visitati e i cibi caratteristici, frutto di una dettagliata documentazione. Nella vicenda del nascente rapporto tra Robin e Johan, si intrecciano anche quelle degli altri protagonisti del tour. Una nota stonata è proprio l’ex, Mason, che mi è parso fin troppo sopra le righe con il suo atteggiamento. Fortunatamente Robin sembra davvero non apprezzare i tentativi di quest’ultimo.
Ne consiglio la lettura.
Per me 3,5 abbracci. Alla prossima, la vostra Aylen
I loved reading Borrowed Heart by Andrew Grey. I love reading his books, and I’m always so excited when he releases a new book, and I get to review it. I love his writing style and his attention to detail. His characters are complex with real-world problems and issues. I loved all of the little twists and turns that were in the story around Robin’s ex-boyfriend, Mason. I also loved how Robin treated his ex when he shows up on his tour as a late addition and kept putting him in his place throughout the tour instead of being his friend like Mason wanted.
I loved Robin. He starts out in the story as just a tour guide for Euro Pride Tours. It isn’t until we get a little further in the story when he’s talking to his boss that it comes out that he’s just getting over a breakup from a relationship that had lasted for five years. And he was heartbroken over the fact that he’d wasted so much of his new heart’s life on his ex since, as a heart transplant recipient, that he would only get about ten to twelve years out of it if nothing else happened health wise.
After Robin’s breakup, he wasn’t looking to fall in love, but when his bus driver, Johan, shows up, he is surprised at Johan’s appearance. He had gone from having super long unkempt hair and a mountain man of a beard to being cleanly shaven with shoulder length hair and being a total hottie. On his previous tour, Robin had totally ignored and was rude to him, but he isn’t able to do that on this tour. Now he isn’t able to keep his gaze off of him. But Robin is hesitant to do anything about his attraction because of the time limit that he has on his life and not wanting to inflict heartache on anybody else.
I also loved Johan. I loved how he transformed himself so that he would get Robin to notice him. After being his driver for one of his tours and seeing how much joy he brought to his tour group, Johan wanted Robin to notice him, and so he went about changing his appearance to make that happen and then he continued to pursue him during the tour and break down the walls that Robin had up.
I also loved the people in the tour group and how Robin was able to help the different couples with some of the issues that they were having. I also loved getting to know more about the various places that they visited during the tour and would love to one day go on a tour of Germany myself.
This was a wonderful book to read, and I can’t recommend it enough.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
How often do we forget to make the most of each day? Borrowed Heart by Andrew Grey reminds us to cherish each moment as the truly wonderful gift life is. In the emotional words of Lee Ann Womack’s, I Hope You Dance…
Robin Fuller was born with a defective heart. Enduring surgery after surgery, he ultimately receives a heart transplant, giving him clear perspective on life. His goal is to live each day to the fullest, not sit around waiting for his “borrowed” heart to give out. However, Robin is not immune to heartache.
Repulsed by his scars, Mason, Robin’s boyfriend of five years, breaks up with him effectively wasting a good portion of his remaining time. Making the most of a devastating situation, and exerting his independence, Robin moves to Germany finding work as a tour guide for Euro Pride.
Johan has a thirst for life without a care for what others think. Except maybe the perplexing tour guide who once referred to him as “‘Cousin Itt’”. Cleaning himself up and requesting another tour with the mystifying guide produces a wonderful partnership that flourishes spectacularly.
Robin and Johan’s travels teach us a bit of German history and expose us to vivid images of its countryside. We witness how a loving family interacts. We encounter regret – Robin’s regret for not seeing Johan the first time, his snap judgement and time that’s finite and not renewable.
How often do we forget to make the most of each day? ‘Borrowed Heart’ by Andrew Grey reminds us to cherish each moment as the truly wonderful gift life is
Unfortunately, Mason reappears signing up for one of Robin’s tours. It seems he has one last “screw you” to give; the guy has no shame. But Johan is having none of that.
Johan’s character, words, and action elicit Robin to “dance” remembering each day is a gift. Together they explore life and plan for the future all while loving each other. They poo-poo the grim reaper; who truly knows how long a life has left? They embark on their tours making a tremendous impact on those they touch.
Borrowed Heart is a sweet romance, but more importantly, it surrounds you with positive energy and eliminates the negative. A reminder to look to the future while dancing as often as you can.
Romanzo molto carino, non troppo leggero, sulle seconde possibilità e su quello che scegliamo di farne.
Robin ha, da sempre, problemi di salute, tanto che ha addirittura subito un trapianto di cuore. Dopo aver rotto in malo modo con il suo ex, Mason, gli sembra che tutto il mondo si sia tinto di nero, finché non rivede Johan, gran bel figliolo che farà sfumare quel non-colore in un arcobaleno.
Non sarà facile per Robin accettarsi, dopo che il suo ex gli ha fatto capire chiaro e tondo che lui non vale abbastanza e che nessuno lo accetterà con tutte le sue cicatrici. La cosa più difficile per il nostro protagonista sarà capire che quel – qui aggiungerei una parolaccia che non si può dire – di Mason, non aveva fatto altro che abbassare l’altro per sollevarsi lui.
Durante la narrazione viaggiamo insieme alla combriccola di vacanzieri in giro per la Germania, vivendo la passione per l’architettura e la cultura antica, insieme a tutti loro. Robin, guida turistica e Johan, autista del pullman, ci guideranno attraverso bellissime città e diverse camere da letto.
La sfortuna vuole che Mason decida di aggiungersi al gruppo e fare una sorpresina a Robin, che, affatto contento della situazione, dovrà tirarsi fuori da momenti imbarazzanti e altri decisamente pessimi, provocati proprio dall’ex.
Il romanzo è scorrevole e mi è piaciuto il modo in cui Robin sia il fulcro delle le storie degli altri vacanzieri. Grazie a lui, che neanche se ne accorge, gli altri iniziano a risollevarsi da situazioni pessime o di stallo, imparando, crescendo e avvicinandosi sempre di più alla felicità che tanto cercano.
Il romanzo è molto veloce da leggere, basta un pomeriggio, ma, come dicevo all’inizio, non è così leggero come si potrebbe pensare. Si trattano argomenti delicati e se ne parla senza sprofondare nei luoghi comuni, ma con cognizione di causa, cercando di far capire a noi e ai personaggi, cosa sia davvero importante.
Tra le pagine c’è una morale, una lezione da imparare e fare propria: scegliamo di vivere la nostra vita al meglio delle nostre possibilità, allontanando ciò che c’è di negativo e facendo vincere noi stessi al posto di chi ci vuole tirare per forza giù.
I love a book that features main characters that have known each other a while and something changes where they finally see the other. This was so good I couldn't stop reading.
Robin was born with a bad heart. A lifetime of surgeries and a transplant later, he's a tour guide for a small gay tourist company in Germany. After being left by Mason, his ex, five years into the relationship, he's destined to be alone. And since he figures he doesn't have much time left, he's resigned himself to that fate.
Johan takes chances. He likes to live and be happy. As the driver of the tour bus, he's watched Robin and knows he's holding himself back, but he doesn't understand his motives. So, he makes his interest known on this special tour and hopes to change both their lives for the better.
I loved Johan's lust for life. He was just so present in everything he did. All of his actions were thought out and caring. Robin was more sweet and somewhat innocent. He was the type of guy who could read a situation and add fun or reduce drama in an instant. They were a perfect match.
Their story was sweet. The romance took off, and while most of the intimate scenes were off page, Andrew Grey's writing left you with an obvious feeling of the growth of their love and relationship. It all flowed very well and was low on angst. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire story.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
This was 4.5 rating. Did for valentine day too. I loved it, bit Robin did annoy me a little with constantly thinking of his death and not having a future. I get that he's scared could die soon because the heart transplant isn't guaranteed to let him leave long life, but I wanted him live in the now and not see a ticking time clock.
Robin had a heart transplant 6 years back because of heart he was born with wasn't good. He also had lung transplant. He works for Pride Tour showing people around Germany. He's part German on his mom side and American on his dad's.
He recently had a bad break up and the ex is real skum always put him down. And the way he broke up with him I wanted to strangle him. The things he said were so cruel then having the nerve to show up on the tour was even worse but the a hole got what was coming to him with what he did.
Johan drives the bus for the tour service and he requested to be the driver and to share a room with Robin. He wants to see Robin live life instead of trying to hide away. He is perfect for Robin with how he cares for him and got him to take a chance on life again. So beautiful and loving. Showed Robin all the scares don't matter either and how to make peace.
I am a huge fan of Andrew Grey. His books have always been such a comfort for me and Borrowed Heart didn’t fail me. The blurb is a little misleading. Yes, Robin did receive a heart transplant however it was quite a few years ago. He states in the book that average life expectancy for a heart transplant recipient isn’t very long, like 10 to 12 years. His ex, Mason broke off their relationship because of this fact (supposedly). Robin moves to Germany for the summer to lick his wounds and to live his “borrowed” life to the fullest. His latest tour is being driven by Johan and the sparks fly. Like a lot of Andrew’s books, the dreaded ex shows up on the tour and is up to no go. I liked how a few of the tour members also got little side stories. While the tour travels through Germany and the surrounding area, we get to learn more about Robin and his fears. Johan spends most of the time, reassuring Robin that he’s worth being with, no matter how long they will have. My only criticism about the book is that I wanted to know more about what happened with the ex. Otherwise it was a good, sweet story!
A positively glacial slow burn that takes place in Germany. Robin is an American but is spending time as a tour guide in Germany (he has dual citizenship). He has had major surgery in the past and is cognizant of his mortality even though he is young man. His tour bus driver, Johan has worked with Robin in the past. The two men are sort of interested in each other but spend an inordinate amount of time not acting on their feelings. Much of the book is also spent on the various characters on the tour and the tour itself - where they are, what they'll see on the tour, and on and on. Frustrating as I wanted more Robin and Johan! To add to the drama, Robin's ex-boyfriend, who dumped Robin in a most humiliating fashion, joins the tour. The ex, Mason, is rather shifty so some of the book takes a turn into a mystery of what is Mason up to. Lots going on but not enough Johan and Robin. Though it took me forever to read it, I did like the two MCs, particularly Johan. Loved when he called Robin "liebling." So sweet. But was thankful when it ended!
I purchased this book in March 2019 but since I own thousands of ebooks with over a hundred being Andrew Grey books sometimes I need a poke to read a book I already own. I loved the premise of this book about someone dealing with a heart transplant. I had no other info about the book which is what I like learning the story as I go along. Allowing a trusted author to lead you through a wonderful tale. Having always wanted to visit Germany I really enjoyed the touring of various locales throughout the country. I studied German in high school and college. I even taught our German Shepherd commands in both English and German. I also learned to make delicious German pancakes. All this made me truly like my virtual visit to Germany. The two MCs have an attraction that continues to grow as the story progresses. A malicious Ex brings his villainy but Andrew Grey knows how to handle such nonsense. The hurt MC had many scars and heart problems that he was very subconscious about. Opening his heart again was hard for complex reasons. I truly enjoyed this book and plan to reread it.
I loved Robin and Johan, their romance was wonderful and heartfelt. I liked all the tour travel details, it made me want to travel to Germany and visit all the places listed in the book. My only problem with the story was subplot with Mason . He was already a douche ex, was there really a need to make him such a low-life to add drama? I thought Robin's living on borrowed time was plenty of drama on its own and it supplied all the angst needed. His joy of spending time with Johan was tangible and made every moment precious and poignant. Mr. Grey has a nice, easy-flowing writing style which is always a pleasure to read.
This was a perfect Sunday read, it had me from page one, such an enjoyable and relaxed story, I just read comfortably, only moving to get a quick lunch or refill my wine glass a few times. This is a trifecta, not only do get to read a lovely story, you also get taken on a wonderful sightseeing tour of Germany, and then, to top it off, you get some interesting history lessons, an absolutely perfect read. A truly cracking tale, adventure, romance, gorgeous locations, two of the sweetest men (and one prick), and a teensy bit of non-romance angst, just a lovely, enjoyable read, wish I could give more that a five star.
This book was so good! I fell in love with Robin right off. How could you not love a man that has had a heart transplant, lost his boyfriend of 5 years and moved to a new country? Johan has liked Robin the tour guide since the first time he drove for him. But Robin didn't notice him until he trimmed his hair and beard. Robin and Johan become friends sharing a room, then Robin's ex joins the tour. There are lots of excellent characters, the storyline is interesting with a touch of intrigue, and the romance is sweet.
Borrowed Heart by Andrew Grey is a very lovely read. The characters are very realistic and extremely likable. I loved getting to meet Robin and Johan and enjoyed their tour through Germany. I have been on several tours in Europe and can appreciate what a good tour guide Robin is and what a good tour bus driver Johan is. The scenes of the tours were very realistic. I could picture being along on the tour. The conflict in the story is well-defined and the resolution is well done. The storyline flows well and the journey was truly an enjoyable one.
This was my first Andrew Grey book and definitely won't be my last. Robin and Johan's story was full of great characters and a fast paced plot. I felt like I was on the tour in Germany since the author's descriptions of the scenery and tourist attractions were done so well. I liked how Johan encouraged Robin to enjoy life a little bit more instead of constantly worrying about his borrowed heart. The mystery of Robin's ex added a fun twist to the story.
This was one of the best stories I have read in a while! It was not only a pleasure as an overall story, but it was also educational. Having visited Germany the areas mentioned and the history given was refreshing to read. What I enjoyed even more was the great information and show of feelings incorporated as they related to living with “a borrowed heart”.
Sweet romance, not particularly hot. Liked both MCs and the little mini plots about the members of Robin's tour group. Too much evil ex-boyfriend in the picture, although I appreciated the fact that Robin didn't fall for his BS even for a moment. Not sure how I missed this author, who is apparently very prolific. Not a bad book for a 99 cent special but I wouldn't consider him a new auto-buy.
This book made me want to go on a tour of Germany. I had to stop and Google each place they stopped and it all looked amazing! Robin and Johan are really adorable and the oddball tourist group was fun. Mason’s story was strange and a little disconnected, I would have liked a little more explanation on what was going on with Mason and how long it had been happening.
this was heartwarming and touching.. it was sweet and interesting. it was sexy and i loved it.. i loved watching how everything comes together. it was such a good story and i enjoyed it. plus the writing was well done.
Andrew Grey has a beautiful, detailed way with a story. I now feel that I have toured Germany. The story has some intrigue and lots of different lives in the process of finding new love and joy. It is a wonderful story.
Tour guide Robin and bus driver Johan meet again while taking a tourist group through Germany and sparks fly. This is a charming, interesting, and sweet tale with a bit of melodrama thrown in to add spice. I liked the sensitive and informative way Robin’s heart transplant was handled. I also liked how caring Johan was with Robin’s medical issues. I enjoyed the description of the German cities and scenery, too. Overall a good read.