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The Edge of the World

Garrett Leigh (Goodreads Author)

3.97 · Rating details · 410 ratings · 111 reviews

Shay Maloney is living his dream—on tour with his pirate/folk-rock band. But you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’re from, and that’s where moody filmmaker and researcher Ollie Pietruska comes in.

The band’s management persuades Shay to let a television company film a documentary about his roots beyond his adoptive Irish family, and Ollie comes into hi ...more

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Kindle Edition, 223 pages

Published January 16th 2020 by Fox Love Press (first published July 16th 2019)

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· 410 ratings · 111 reviews

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Jan 17, 2020 Sheri rated it it was amazing

Shelves: tragically-beautiful, slow-burn, amazing-yet-tragic

Anticipation. Yeah, I've had it for months. I've been longing for this story since the blurb caught my eye nearly a year ago. Building and building and when this beauty pinged my inbox last week I was so excited I thought I might burst. But then I was struck with cold feet. What if I didn't like it? What if it missed the high notes? What if I couldn't connect? I was a ball of nerves. I know, I know, it makes no sense. But sometimes, senseless things happen, right? *happy sigh* Of course, I had n Anticipation. Yeah, I've had it for months. I've been longing for this story since the blurb caught my eye nearly a year ago. Building and building and when this beauty pinged my inbox last week I was so excited I thought I might burst. But then I was struck with cold feet. What if I didn't like it? What if it missed the high notes? What if I couldn't connect? I was a ball of nerves. I know, I know, it makes no sense. But sometimes, senseless things happen, right? *happy sigh* Of course, I had no reason to get worked up. It was spectacular and I was hooked from the beginning. I was instantly smitten with Shay and Ollie. And most of all, I loved it.

What's to like: Genealogy intrigues me. I have a partially uncharted family tree myself and have considered following the trail and discovering more about my roots. This story has certainly heightened my curiosity. Perhaps one of these days I'll fill in the missing pieces to my puzzle, just as Shay, and know the bricks that paved my path. You see Shay was adopted when he was a toddler and was loved and well cared for. However, when his mum was fighting for her final days, she suggested he agree to the documentary and discover where he came from before he was blessed with her love. In his fog of grief, he agreed and then quickly forgot. Until his manager refreshes his memory and presents him with his new travel companion for their tour. Shay leads his band of eclectic members which comprise The Smugglers Beat. They soared from playing in pubs and jammin' on grassy festival fields to a packed tour across the UK. The break is fresh and he's feeling the pressure. The lasts thing he needs is a nosy bloke fighting for space with his shadow. Or could Ollie's resounding presence soothe him in ways he never knew he needed? Hmmmm, let's see......

What's to love: As always, Garrett brings vibrant and memorable men to the pages. Exceptional writing pulls you into their lives and I couldn't wait to discover everything there was to know. It's clear Ollie is a survivor but of what exactly we don't know. Until the pieces click together and the road we're traveling suddenly becomes so much more than musical performances. Shay explores his ancestors with the assistance of Ollie's sharp skills and is surprised that he truly wishes to know where he came from. Happiness is easily caught in the now but absorbing the details of his past grant him a sense of peace he's never known. And in truth, some of the particulars may be irrelevant yet others heft a weight that shocks him. Because today is brighter and clearer with the knowledge of yesterday.
On the other hand, Ollie is faced with a different sort of yesterday. He realizes the harsh reality that accepting yesterday will break his chains, allowing him to move freely today and onto the next day. This is what resonated like a drumbeat within these pages...our past is a crucial part of us but does not completely define us. Soak it up, let it fill you, and fuel your future but remember there is always tomorrow. Their relationship began gingerly and friendship solidified before they allowed their attraction to engulf in flames. I enjoyed the family, food, and music. I loved coasting along throughout the UK with them. But most of all, I loved watching them fall so hard, they both strove to be their best self, only so they could give to the other. That is the ultimate gift anyone can give. Thank you, Garrett, for giving us Shay and Ollie...and I certainly wouldn't mind seeing them again. *wink*

Beware of: Falling in love is the last thing on Ollie's mind...or Shay's for that matter. Give them a bit of patience, if you please. Trauma does not have a definite time span and souls may take longer to heal than skin. And knowing and accepting your past can help shine a light on your future.

This book is for: Just about anyone. Standing at the edge of the world can be scary as shit but also take you on a trip to the clouds...if you've imagined a place filled with comfort food and breathtaking tunes you might want to check this out. Actually, there's no might about it. Go on...and give them all my love.

*4.5 listen-learn-love stars*

Book UNfunk ...more

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Jan 28, 2020 Bev rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle-unlimited, mm, emo-reads, hurt-comfort, bloody-loved-it, favourites, oh-the-feels, disability-or-health-issues, love-how-they-loved

When I saw the blurb I wasn't too sure about this one, folk music is not my jam and genealogy isn't really either so I'm thrilled to say I loved this book. The author nailed the subjects - they were fascinating and added to the story rather than taking away from it.

Shay and Ollie were magic together right from the very beginning, though this was slow burn .... done to perfection. I love how the author peeled back their layers to show the men they really were, though with Shay what you saw was w ...more

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Feb 15, 2020 Snjez rated it really liked it

This was such a lovely story.

At first I wasn't sure if I'd like it since I'm not that into folk music and spending weeks on a tour bus feels like a nightmare to me, but it totally worked here. I also really enjoyed the part where we learned about Shay's roots. I've always found genealogy fascinating.

Shay and Ollie were both very likeable characters. I absolutely loved the slow pace of their relationship. It was so sweet and heartwarming and felt very natural. Although both Shay and Ollie had is ...more

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Jan 14, 2020 Cadiva rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Garrett Leigh understands the human psyche and I'm so glad she went ahead and published this book independently after the whole Dreamspinner debacle (Google it, it's too complicated to summarise here).

In The Edge of the World we get two protagonists who each have complications in their lives which mean it's not an every day boy meets boy, boy falls for boy, boys stroll off into the sunset together narrative (although don't worry, there's definitely a HEA but this is set mostly in England, it rai Garrett Leigh understands the human psyche and I'm so glad she went ahead and published this book independently after the whole Dreamspinner debacle (Google it, it's too complicated to summarise here).

In The Edge of the World we get two protagonists who each have complications in their lives which mean it's not an every day boy meets boy, boy falls for boy, boys stroll off into the sunset together narrative (although don't worry, there's definitely a HEA but this is set mostly in England, it rains a lot 😉

What we get is a fascinating mix of a free spirited Shay finding out more about his past through Ollie's genealogy research while also having to deal with life on the road as a touring band and a medical condition which affects his daily life.

I loved the dynamic between the two characters, it's a slow burn romance, but there's a spark which kicks off the moment they meet and which just grows more steadily as the tour bus winds its way through the British Isles (geographic location not country!).

Ollie has his own demons and they're powerfully motivating ones, I felt so badly for him and his struggle to shut off his attraction to Shay because of what it might ultimately lead to. The exploration of his feelings about this, which I won't spoil, were superbly handled and I never felt like Shay had performed some miraculous cure which made everything alright.

The story winds its way into your heart as easily as the tour bus traverses the length and breadth of the country and there's a few shout outs to Garrett's Heated Beat Bundle series as well as ties to the excellent What Matters which were a surprise.

I love how interconnected, albeit loosely, Garrett's various series' are, it really gives a sense of place to the settings. She is a great teller of stories and by that I mean, the feelings you get when listening to elderly relatives talking about their younger days, or the emotional connections which form between people who love the same music.

It's an examination of the folk music scene, a look at the diaspora of cultures, a tribute to the love that can come from outside of a blood family and, ultimately, it's about taking a chance and joining in with living, rather than just existing on the edges.

As a PS, being a massive folk music nerd, I spotted what instrument Ollie gives Shay straight away and it really tickled me to see one in a book 😁 they make the most incredible sounds.

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review ...more

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Jan 31, 2020 Fabi rated it liked it

Shelves: kindle-unlimited, rock-star, tpam-2020-reading-challenge, mm-romance-gay-lit, published-2020

Garrett Leigh books are an auto-buy for me. However, that doesn't mean I am going to love each and every story. Some of them I'm only going to like.

I liked this one. But the only thing that took it from an okay story to one I liked was GL's signature characters. You know, the ones that feel like neighbors and friends and maybe even that second cousin.

Shay and Ollie (I love those names!) weren't hard to relate to, but their connection was a little harder to put a finger on. It's a slow burn, but ...more

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Mar 30, 2020 *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time rated it really liked it

Shelves: male-action

4.5 Stars!

Classic Garrett Leigh.

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Jan 15, 2020 Karen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mm-read, 2020-books-read

4.5 stars rounded up...full review to follow...

I don’t think a book blurb has ever hooked me quite as much as this one did....

Specifically the second sentence in the blurb which reads…”But you can’t know where you’re going to until you know where you’re from,…” you see when I was a very young girl in grade 8 I had this amazing history teacher and when one of her students expressed that they didn’t see why we had to study history she turned to him and said “how can you know where you’re going 4.5 stars rounded up...full review to follow...

I don’t think a book blurb has ever hooked me quite as much as this one did....

Specifically the second sentence in the blurb which reads…”But you can’t know where you’re going to until you know where you’re from,…” you see when I was a very young girl in grade 8 I had this amazing history teacher and when one of her students expressed that they didn’t see why we had to study history she turned to him and said “how can you know where you’re going to, when you don’t know where you came from?” Those words have stayed with me for over 40 years so when I saw them in the blurb for this story it was a very clear sign that I needed to read this story.

Shay Maloney is the lead singer for the pirate/folk rock band, Smuggler’s Beat. It’s as they begin their tour that Shay’s reminded of the commitment he made to film a documentary about his family roots…not those of his adoptive parents but those of his biological family that Shay is introduced to Ollie Pietruska, the researcher and filmmaker, who’s going to guide him through a past he never knew was his.

While Ollie and Shay are drawn to each other, Ollie’s got his own past to deal with before he can hope to build a future with anyone, much less a successful musician whose past is still a mystery to him.

Amidst the chaos and pandemonium that is the life of a band whose star is on the rise as they begin a tour that’s intended to push them over the top, Shay and Ollie struggle to get to know each other as their feelings deepen and if they could both just be in the same place a the same time things might be a little easier…but, we don’t always get what we want sometimes we just have to work with what we’re given.

I was smitten with both of these men from the very beginning. In spite of his quickly rising star Shay’s character held such a laid back, down to earth almost humble feeling that not liking him really just wasn’t an option. While Ollie seemed to be a little more reserved and shall we say crusty around the edges it wasn’t enough to cover the genuine concern and kindness that he had for others.

I loved the interaction between these two men as they got to know each other the balance of kindness and caring was equally challenged with moments of conflict and angst that held my interest solidly from beginning to end and while the secondary characters and background filled out the story nicely it was always Shay and Ollie who held my interest.

I think the part of the story that I enjoyed the most was whenever Ollie was revealing a part of Shay’s past to him. I was very much reminded of as show that I use to watch on PBS called “Finding Your Roots” and I was fascinated by this show so needless to say I was instinctively drawn to this part of the book as well and I really loved the way the author teased us with Shay’s ancestry laying a breadcrumb trail of information that randomly wandered through the past and back to the present slowly connecting pieces of a puzzle that the reader may not have even realized was there.

I may not have read all of this author’s works…yet…I still feel confident enough to say that after having read approximately 20 of her books for me if Garrett Leigh’s the author than I’m buying the book.

*************************

An ARC of “The Edge of the World” was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Jan 10, 2020 Norelle rated it really liked it

First book of 2020 :D

At this point, everyone who knows me, knows about how much i love GL books. There is maybe only 2 books of hers that i did not enjoy that much. But this one is not one of them.

I love that Garrett tries to always give characters different backgrounds and professions. I mean - i would be extremely bored if all her books would be about i don't know... army dude and coffee shop owner. Or something like that. I love that she always thinks about something different, gives her char First book of 2020 :D

At this point, everyone who knows me, knows about how much i love GL books. There is maybe only 2 books of hers that i did not enjoy that much. But this one is not one of them.

I love that Garrett tries to always give characters different backgrounds and professions. I mean - i would be extremely bored if all her books would be about i don't know... army dude and coffee shop owner. Or something like that. I love that she always thinks about something different, gives her characters different lives and are not making them all the same. It's cool.
This time, story is about a musician and genealogist. First time i read a combo like this on her books. Interesting.

Touring is your typical touring - buss, alco, sexy times, music etc. But then again - if i'm being honest, that's how i picture it too. I didn't have problem with that.

As a historian, i loved how Ollie approached his task and how he told Shay about his past. He started with old info from yeaaaars ago and then worked up to... newest info about Shay's family. For me, it was a good choice, because it somehow built Shay's character up better than if Ollie would just tell the newest info and then just some stuff about old days.

I liked both characters. They were good guys. I did not like how... fast Ollie's therapy thing happened and went on. I think it takes a long time to get over things, to start thinking different. It's a matter of months and maybe even years. Not days...
The thing i liked tho, was how Ollie(and his mother too) mentioned in few sentences, that if Ollie wants to change things... he has to do it for him. Not for Shay or because he wants to be with him. He has to do it because he wants it for himself. I think it's a very important thing to remember - if you want to change something in you, in your life, do it because you want it. Do it for you. Not to be better for someone else. I liked that there was this message. It's a detail but important one.

Alsooooo, i just can't not mention this - there is Lithuania mentioned(not just one time) in this book. Why i'm excited? Because i'm from Latvia, which is next to Lithuania and it was so cool to see a Baltic country mentioned and connected to story. Because in books it's always just France, or UK, or Sweden.... or any other big country. It was cool to see Lithuania :).

Is this the best book Garrett Leigh has ever written? For me - no. For me it's still Roads series books. I will love those forever. But in my opinion, this is pretty good book. It is written in her typical style, which i like and which is really easy and fast to read. Characters deal with real health problems which a lot of people could relate to(specially to Shay). It's also in a way a book about how interesting and important it is to know your own, personal history, where you came from etc.
I liked this. ...more

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Jan 20, 2020 Rachel rated it it was amazing

Garrett Leigh books are never going to be full of sunshine and roses, her characters are real, their lives are never pretty and their issues are ongoing but damn their HEA is well earned and you feel like it's completely real. Ollie and Shay were wonderful, their love story totally believable, I'd love to see where they are in 5 years time (hint hint Garrett). ...more

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May 29, 2020 Skirmish rated it it was ok

Shelves: lgbtq

Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2020/05/29/...
Rating: 2 Stars – it’s a struggle to finish the damn book

Thank you to Signal Boost Promotions and Audible UK for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Jan 16, 2020 Joyfully Jay rated it really liked it

Shelves: michelle

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

I seriously love getting a new book from Garrett Leigh. Her characters and dialogue are always excellent and the atmosphere is smooth and comforting, even though her characters are always struggling in some way. It is a balance that sounds impossible to achieve.

Shay is the front man for his band and his talents include singing and songwriting and playing a wide variety of instruments. He’s a musician to his core and his vibe sets the tone for his indie band. But ...more

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May 15, 2020 Caz rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, audiogals, queer-romance

I've given this a B- for narration and a B for content at AudioGals.

I’ve enjoyed the handful of books I’ve read and listened to by Garrett Leigh, who one of those authors I keep promising myself I’m going to read/listen to more of. Her latest novel, The Edge of the World, is a beautifully written slow-burn romance between two flawed but likeable characters who are drawn together when one of them embarks upon a journey into his past while the other is trying desperately to forget something of his ...more

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May 09, 2020 Annika rated it liked it

Shelves: mm, read-2020, lgbtq, romance, audio, contemporary, musician

Audiobook review

Would you like to go on tour with a pirate/folk-rock band? Look no further The Edge of the World is waiting for you. This book is a great mix of touring with Smuggler’s Beat, and exploring and discovering your roots, with an added flavour of a friends to lovers story. So join the tour with Shay and Ollie, it will change their lives in more ways they could ever imagine.

There’s one thing I know with certainty when I pick up a book by Garrett Leigh, I know that I will get flawed characters. They are never perfect; they don’t have perfect lives free of conflict or challenges. As was the case with this book too. There were the past traumas and various issues, but the one I appreciated the most was Shay’s diabetes. Ona whole, it was a minor thing, but I really like how it wasn’t just shown once as a plot device, but Leigh really showed how it impacted everyday life, the constant blood tests and monitoring. It’s something that if I have come across it before, it for sure hasn’t happened often.

This was the first time I met narrator Dan Calley, well figuratively speaking at least. Sadly our meet wasn’t as pleasant as I had hoped. I loved his accents; they really were the best part of the narration. As far as the rest of it goes, Calley’s style of narration wasn’t my personal preference. I don’t know if it was just me, but I had a hard time not only distinguishing between the characters, but also keeping focus on the story. His kid of flat deliverance made me space out and I never connected to Shay or Ollie. I had a bit of a look around and it seems that he is a bit of a hit or miss with many listeners, so do not discount him because of me and this review, give it a try and see if he might just be your next favourite narrator.

It’s no secret that the narration will affect just about everything with an audiobook. I do believe there is a solid story here, with wonderful and lovable characters. I also believe that my personal preference would have been to read the book, I think it would have made more of an impact for me.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

...more

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Feb 28, 2020 Sheryl Beesley rated it really liked it

my first Garrett Leigh book... and not my last....

what a great slow burn..... my Kindle app almost caught on fire with the looks Shay and Ollie gave each other...
and I was caught up in the genealogy of Shay's background... it would be fun to learn about your family's past and the interesting family members that came before you... ...more

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Jan 21, 2020 Gillian rated it really liked it · review of another edition

3.5 stars rounded up

While I don't think this is Garrett Leigh's best work, I did mostly enjoy this story. My main complaint is that the relationship between the two MC's didn't wow or overwhelm me with feels, something that this author has been particularly good at in previous books, and I really missed feeling that emotional connection between them. I liked them well-enough individually, I just wasn't certain their relationship was all that strong.

Having said that, I did like the premise. I pa ...more

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Jan 15, 2020 Charlotte rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mental-health, contemporary, diverse-characters, musicians, lgbtq, m-m-romance, best-lgbtq-books, my-favourite-books

I loved this novel. This is the first M/M romance I've read in a long time that I was compelled to give my highest rating. Not only is this book well-written and absolutely absorbing! It's got a fantastic cover! The premise for this book is really original... certainly nothing that I've ever read before. Shay is on tour in Ireland with his band, Smuggler's Beat, when Ollie arrives to film a documentary about Shay's family history.

The basis for the documentary is that Shay is adopted and doesn't I loved this novel. This is the first M/M romance I've read in a long time that I was compelled to give my highest rating. Not only is this book well-written and absolutely absorbing! It's got a fantastic cover! The premise for this book is really original... certainly nothing that I've ever read before. Shay is on tour in Ireland with his band, Smuggler's Beat, when Ollie arrives to film a documentary about Shay's family history.

The basis for the documentary is that Shay is adopted and doesn't know anything about his birth family. When Ollie appears on the tour bus, it's clear that he knows a lot about Shay's past. The "schtick" for the filming will be that he reveals information to Shay as they travel on tour. As the two men work together, they get to know each other. They're very different in their approaches to life... they each have their burdens. Shay is a diabetic and a bit of a loner while he's on the road. Ollie... well, he has some secrets that keep him at arm's length from Shay... until he isn't.

I loved the way Leigh wrote the two main characters in this novel. Shay is creative, reserved in some ways even though he's a brightly burning light on stage. Ollie is tortured by something that happened in his past... I won't reveal that here because I want you to read about it. He's a creative filmmaker, definitely burying himself in his work. He's drawn to Shay when he's on stage, when he's sleeping or when he's simply sitting with him. It's clear from the very beginning of the novel that he doesn't want a relationship and he certainly doesn't want one with someone like Shay.

Shay has live his entire life with the restrictions of being a diabetic...taking solace in the few hours that he can forget about it. He loves music... lives for it really. He plays multiple instruments... and one of the first things that Ollie reveals is that the musical talent may come from his ancestors.

There are some dark issues/themes in this book. Ollie's trauma is a result of an accident in his past. It's changed his entire life in more ways than one. When he meets Shay, he's unable to even consider having a relationship because of the walls he's built around himself. The two men seem to bond with each other initially over Shay's illness. Being on the road is difficult for Shay in terms of managing his health. For some reason, he is immediately comforted by Ollie's presence.

The progression of Ollie and Shay's relationship was perfectly paced. It was believable and sweet... I loved the conversations they had; they were revealing and tender. It's a beautiful romance that kept me guessing until the end.

I loved this novel and will gladly read anything else I can find by this author! ...more

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May 23, 2020 Kirstin rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shay has lead an interesting, sometimes exciting life. Especially now that he's touring with his folk band and seeing England, but it's easy to get lost when you're not even sure where you started. During the tour, Ollie is hired on to excavate Shay's past and shed some light on where he came from. No one thought that Ollie would have a past he's trying to figure out as well.

I really did love so many things about this book. As in any Garrett Leigh story, there is a certain moment from the start ...more

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Apr 18, 2020 Xan West marked it as dnf · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019-releases, disabled-central-char, composer-musician-mc, road-trip-romance

Content Warnings (view spoiler)

DNF at 59% because I can't take the self loathing anymore. It just feels like it's going to keep getting worse, and will becom ...more

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Jan 23, 2020 Isak+Even rated it liked it

Shelves: contemporary

It pains me to rate this book as a 3 star because I usually love Garrett Leigh's books. She's an autobuy for me.
I was really looking forward to this book and while it was written in Garrett's distinctive style, it lacked something. I can't pinpoint exactly what, but it did, and unfortunately it didn't work for me as much as I hoped.
It's not a bad book, not at all, but it just didn't give me the Garrett Leigh high I'm used to after finishing one of her books. ...more

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Jan 21, 2020 Victoria Loves Books rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mm-romance, best-reads-2020

Full of emotion

What’s not to love about this book? This is a beautifully written slow burn romance with tons of emotion. I loved the flawed characters... Characters that touch you in some way or another. I really connected to the story, which is not your typical rock star romance and was so captivated by Shay and Olli's story, that I read in one sitting. ...more

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Jan 22, 2020 Kim rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I love this author’s work. This is a mm contemporary story set in the UK. Musician Shay and film maker Ollie are both broken souls. They find each other and the road to love is rough. Excellent writing and story telling. This author is an auto buy for me.

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Feb 16, 2020 Alex rated it liked it

Shelves: m-m, music

2/3
Not for me. I found the story sometimes slow and in some part a little boring...didn’t feel the connection between the MC.

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May 02, 2020 Karen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-books-read, audible-completed

Here I go again to...'The Edge of the World'...

I knew when I read this book back in January of this year that if there was an audio release, I'd be revisiting Shay and Ollie as they tour around the United Kingdom. That I would be doing it at a time such as this...well, who knew certainly not I.

'The Edge of the World' is a story that truly highlights the connection between past, present and future as we follow Shay and Ollie. As Shay's band tours the country showcasing their talents. Ollie j Here I go again to...'The Edge of the World'...

I knew when I read this book back in January of this year that if there was an audio release, I'd be revisiting Shay and Ollie as they tour around the United Kingdom. That I would be doing it at a time such as this...well, who knew certainly not I.

'The Edge of the World' is a story that truly highlights the connection between past, present and future as we follow Shay and Ollie. As Shay's band tours the country showcasing their talents. Ollie joins them to take Shay on a journey through time to show him a past he never knew he had, all the while Ollie tries to ignore a past that rules his present and won't let go of him.

For as much as I loved reading the book and believe me...I loved this book. The audio book grabbed on to me even more than I'd thought possible. Partially because this was a story that simply resonated with me and partially because Dan Calley took a wonderful story and made it even better. He created the vocal imagery that the characters were lacking when I first read this one. Sometimes I can give them voices in my mind when I'm reading a story but sometimes even my imagination needs some help.

Other than the fact that I enjoyed the audiobook immensely, nothings really changed from how I felt when I wrote my original review so I'm going to borrow some words from the past (code talk for 'from my original review) to explain how I feel about Shay and Ollie...

Amidst the chaos and pandemonium that is the life of a band whose star is on the rise as they begin a tour that’s intended to push them over the top, Shay and Ollie struggle to get to know each other as their feelings deepen and if they could both just be in the same place a the same time things might be a little easier…but, we don’t always get what we want sometimes we just have to work with what we’re given.

I was smitten with both of these men from the very beginning. In spite of his quickly rising star Shay’s character held such a laid back, down to earth almost humble feeling that not liking him really just wasn’t an option. While Ollie seemed to be a little more reserved and shall we say crusty around the edges it wasn’t enough to cover the genuine concern and kindness that he had for others.

I loved the interaction between them as they got to know each other the balance of kindness and caring was equally challenged with moments of conflict and angst that held my interest solidly from beginning to end and while the secondary characters and background filled out the story nicely it was always Shay and Ollie who held my interest.

So here I am like millions of others in a self-imposed isolation and travelling not only all over this world but to other worlds, to the past, the present and sometimes even the future without ever leaving my home. Whether it's audio books, ebooks or paper books they tell wonderful stories and take us to amazing places and I plan on going to "The Edge of the World" again one day...it's a trip worth taking.

*************************

An audio book of 'The Edge of the World' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Apr 05, 2020 UltraMeital rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, lgbtq

I'm not really sure how to summarize my thoughts about this book. I liked it, enjoyed both our MCs and yet I didn't LOVE it. There was something a bit too melancholy about it. These two were in a constant struggle, firstly with themselves and their bodies and secondly with gifting themselves the possibility of a friendship that might lead to so much more.

Shay Maloney is the singer in a pirate/folk-rock band "Smuggler’s Beat’s". When his manager offers him to be a part of a documentary about his I'm not really sure how to summarize my thoughts about this book. I liked it, enjoyed both our MCs and yet I didn't LOVE it. There was something a bit too melancholy about it. These two were in a constant struggle, firstly with themselves and their bodies and secondly with gifting themselves the possibility of a friendship that might lead to so much more.

Shay Maloney is the singer in a pirate/folk-rock band "Smuggler’s Beat’s". When his manager offers him to be a part of a documentary about his roots he accepts mostly because it was easier at the time to just agree than put any thought to the matter. So when Ollie Pietruska a Freelance filmmaker currently working for Sky appears while he is on tour he doesn't know what he thinks of the whole thing, especially when it turns out he isn't making the documentary about the parents who raised Shay, but on his REAL parents and ancestors.

Shay and Ollie see something in one another from the start. There is interest there but Ollie is very "hot-cold". He wants Shay but he has too many things on his plate at the moment and besides being with a guy is not something he can even consider (after what he went through recently). What can he even offer Shay? Yet it doesn't matter because Shay wants him exactly like he is. He doesn't push, he doesn't take anything more than Ollie is offering. He is there for him. Silent yet wanting. With every conversation, every kiss, the connection between them builds and it gets harder and harder for Ollie to push Shay away, and harder for Shay to stay away and not ask, maybe even beg, for more.

While Ollie's aches are mentally on the inside, for Shay who is Diabetic the aches are physically on the outside. Shay's condition is managed, yet things doesn't always work as they should and he finds himself needing the help of others and learning to accept Ollie's help when he offers. It gives a different duality to their relationship as Ollie battles his body on the outside, and Shay battles with his mind with his need to be in the mercy of others.

Around the tour, the music, the relationship buildup there is the story of Shay's past dating before the first world war. It started quite interesting but as the story came to a close I'll be honest I was quite disappointed. It was kind of anti climatic. Though it did make a connection to another book by Garrett. There is also another mild link to a book about another musician "Lucky Man".

So what can I say? I really enjoyed the back and forth between Ollie and Shay. There was something truly beautiful in how they accepted each other, and how the duality between their life situations made them more accepting of one another. It was backwards in some ways and similar in others. Anyhow they fit perfectly and though they could never fix each other they were able to bring each other to want so much more for themselves as individuals as well as a couple.

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Jan 18, 2020 Annie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, arcs, rockstar, worth-the-reread, different-settings-wanderlust, reviewed-for-blog

I’ve so looked forward to the release of The Edge of the World for some time. Judging by the blurb, I should have inhaled it and based on how long I had anticipated reading it, I expected to do just that, but it took me a long time to fully connect with the story. In the end, I really enjoyed the story of Shay and Ollie and thought it was very unique. I’d definitely say that the latter half was my favorite part, but the slow burn of their romance was lovely as a whole.

No surprise as this is one ...more

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Jan 24, 2020 Ruthie Taylor rated it it was amazing

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This was a very enjoyable book to read - the characters, from the leads to the rest of the band are all interesting, engaging and though flawed, all decent human beings. It was refreshing not to have extreme drama in a band, but rather a real camaraderie and feeling that they all cared for each other and their wellbeing. That said, there is a good mix of dark and light and without doubt the chemistry between Shay and Ol ...more

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Jan 21, 2020 Sarah rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I was given a copy of this book to read and review for WIcked Reads.

This is the story of a journalist who falls hard for the lead singer of the band he joins on tour. As always with a Garrett Leigh book, the characters are complicated and messy and the attraction that flares between Shay and Ollie isn’t easy. I loved the music and I love the way Ollie brings Shay’s past to life. It’s a beautiful story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

This is definitely a book that needs a soundtrack and readers who w ...more

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Jan 28, 2020 Leelah🍁♋️ Orion rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, m-m-rockstar-actor-famous

4.5

I.... yeah.... I so enjoyed this book. Stayed up too late enjoying this book. It captured me from the beginning to the end enjoyed this book. The story of these two men. The way they found each other, how they were just drawn to each other was everything. The back story of both was touching, but the build up to their love took you on a freeing journey. It was so cool watching them get there.

The writing was on point, the side characters were perfect and smexy was yummy. My only complaint was ...more

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Jan 18, 2020 Athira rated it really liked it

Shelves: lgbtq, fantastic

This book was beautiful. Almost swoon worthy. I fell so connected yo Shay and Ollie. It's a delicious slowburn with dual POV.

It's not your typical rockstar romance. I loved how Shay's family history was revealed through Ollie's genealogy research. Ollie and Shay work together so well. I love the progress of their relationship. You can see them falling in love.

I was really excited to read this when I first saw the blurb and that fantastic cover. I'm glad it worked out in the end with all the shi ...more

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Jan 31, 2020 Shirley rated it it was amazing

4.5 Stars

I loved every second of this book. GL has such a knack of making you fall in love with her characters.
I loved the musical element and the small confines of the tour bus as it added to the chemistry between Shay and Ollie. The slow burn was done brilliantly and I enjoyed the slow reveal of Shay’s family history through Ollie’s documentary. I loved that Ollie grew confident enough to show Shay who he truly was underneath his façade.
Shay and Ollie were beautiful together another fanta ...more

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About Garrett Leigh

Garrett Leigh

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She/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 writer, cover artist, and book designer. Her debut novel, Slide, wo ...more