What do you think?
Rate this book
Forgiven #1
Forgiven
High school sweethearts Mia and Luke get a second chance at love in this brand-new contemporary romance from award-winning author Garrett Leigh.
When Mia Amour returns to England to open a florist shop, all she wants to do is put her lousy ex behind her and never look back. But getting a fresh start is easier said than done when her first love, the boy who once broke her teenage heart, strolls back into her life. He’s every bit as sexy as she remembers, and the urge to melt back into his arms almost makes her forget how devastated she was when he took off without a word. Almost.
Left with no choice, Luke Daley did what he had to do, leaving town to earn enough money to save his broken family, though it just about broke him, too. But now he’s back, running his uncle’s business and trying desperately to forget about Mia, the girl he left behind all those years ago. When he runs into her in town, the shock of seeing her again brings an intense rush of emotions: love, guilt…and an overwhelming urge to find out if it’s still as amazing between them as it used to be.
It doesn’t take either of them long to give in to desire and discover the fiery passion they once shared burns hotter than ever. With each new touch, each moment of forgiveness, old hurts heal and the future they’d hoped for ten years ago becomes possible again. But their fragile connection is tested by a threat neither of them saw coming—a threat that could end their second chance before it even gets started.
When Mia Amour returns to England to open a florist shop, all she wants to do is put her lousy ex behind her and never look back. But getting a fresh start is easier said than done when her first love, the boy who once broke her teenage heart, strolls back into her life. He’s every bit as sexy as she remembers, and the urge to melt back into his arms almost makes her forget how devastated she was when he took off without a word. Almost.
Left with no choice, Luke Daley did what he had to do, leaving town to earn enough money to save his broken family, though it just about broke him, too. But now he’s back, running his uncle’s business and trying desperately to forget about Mia, the girl he left behind all those years ago. When he runs into her in town, the shock of seeing her again brings an intense rush of emotions: love, guilt…and an overwhelming urge to find out if it’s still as amazing between them as it used to be.
It doesn’t take either of them long to give in to desire and discover the fiery passion they once shared burns hotter than ever. With each new touch, each moment of forgiveness, old hurts heal and the future they’d hoped for ten years ago becomes possible again. But their fragile connection is tested by a threat neither of them saw coming—a threat that could end their second chance before it even gets started.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2021
7 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Garrett Leigh
91 books2,391 followersShe/Her
Bonus Material available for all books on Garrett's Patreon account. Includes short stories from Misfits, Slide, Strays, What Remains, Dream, and much more. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/garrettleigh
Facebook Fan Group, Garrett's Den... https://www.facebook.com/groups/garre...
Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British romance author and artist. Her debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and she is a 4 time LAMBDA finalist.
In 2017, she won the EPIC award in contemporary romance with her military novel, Between Ghosts, and the contemporary romance category in the Bisexual Book Awards with her novel What Remains.
Garrett is also an award winning cover designer, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com
Bonus Material available for all books on Garrett's Patreon account. Includes short stories from Misfits, Slide, Strays, What Remains, Dream, and much more. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/garrettleigh
Facebook Fan Group, Garrett's Den... https://www.facebook.com/groups/garre...
Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British romance author and artist. Her debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and she is a 4 time LAMBDA finalist.
In 2017, she won the EPIC award in contemporary romance with her military novel, Between Ghosts, and the contemporary romance category in the Bisexual Book Awards with her novel What Remains.
Garrett is also an award winning cover designer, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 24, 2021
3 Overly Complicated Stars ⭐
This is what happens when you allow 10 years of resentment and bitterness to fester. ‘Forgiven’ had a lot of potential if circumstances were different, but this couple left a lot to be desired. And they may have gotten their forgiveness in the end, but I would have thrown in the towel when he left…
Luke Daley and Mia Amour dated on an off as teens. Except Luke enlisted in the Navy and left without notifying Mia or saying goodbye. Whatever could have eventuated was incinerated then and there.
Deep Down, I’d always hated her as much as I’d loved her, because there was no one else on earth who could make my heart pound like she did, my palms sweat, and my fingers tremble.
Fast forward to the present and Mia has returned from Paris. Now back in England, opening a florist in her hometown, she is hoping to rebuild her life. Although she was kidding herself thinking that the past would stay there.
Luke had valid reasons for leaving, but immaturity had him making rash decisions. Choices that still haunt him. With Mia back in town, he would like to make amends, but she’s not having any of it.
She’d been my anchor in sea of fucking pain. My best friend, and the love of my life. Now I couldn’t be sure if she wanted to blow me or punch me in the balls, but an ever-growing part of me didn’t care.
Right, ‘Forgiven’ wasn’t an overly complicated story, but the back and forth between these two was infuriating. It just highlighted how unhealthy their relationship was from the beginning. And it didn’t take long for them to resume their old ways. Hate Sex does not fix your woes no matter how enjoyable it may be…
I had no issue with the storyline because sometimes simplicity can shine through with the right execution. My issue laid with the heroine Mia. She presented me with my pet peeves. Whiny, demanding and unreasonable. As for Luke, bless him. Grow some balls, love. It felt that we went in circles with the issues they had. It wasn’t the best works by this author, unfortunately!
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is what happens when you allow 10 years of resentment and bitterness to fester. ‘Forgiven’ had a lot of potential if circumstances were different, but this couple left a lot to be desired. And they may have gotten their forgiveness in the end, but I would have thrown in the towel when he left…
Luke Daley and Mia Amour dated on an off as teens. Except Luke enlisted in the Navy and left without notifying Mia or saying goodbye. Whatever could have eventuated was incinerated then and there.
Deep Down, I’d always hated her as much as I’d loved her, because there was no one else on earth who could make my heart pound like she did, my palms sweat, and my fingers tremble.
Fast forward to the present and Mia has returned from Paris. Now back in England, opening a florist in her hometown, she is hoping to rebuild her life. Although she was kidding herself thinking that the past would stay there.
Luke had valid reasons for leaving, but immaturity had him making rash decisions. Choices that still haunt him. With Mia back in town, he would like to make amends, but she’s not having any of it.
She’d been my anchor in sea of fucking pain. My best friend, and the love of my life. Now I couldn’t be sure if she wanted to blow me or punch me in the balls, but an ever-growing part of me didn’t care.
Right, ‘Forgiven’ wasn’t an overly complicated story, but the back and forth between these two was infuriating. It just highlighted how unhealthy their relationship was from the beginning. And it didn’t take long for them to resume their old ways. Hate Sex does not fix your woes no matter how enjoyable it may be…
I had no issue with the storyline because sometimes simplicity can shine through with the right execution. My issue laid with the heroine Mia. She presented me with my pet peeves. Whiny, demanding and unreasonable. As for Luke, bless him. Grow some balls, love. It felt that we went in circles with the issues they had. It wasn’t the best works by this author, unfortunately!
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 24, 2021
Ten years ago, Luke Daley suddenly left his hometown for very good reasons, leaving his teenage love behind without explanation. He’s now back, running his uncle’s business. Mia Amour has just returned to home to Rushmere, England, leaving Paris and her ex-husband behind as she begins a new future running her own florist shop. She had no idea Luke was back in town and at first sight, both were thrown back to where they left off...her angry at his abandonment and him consumed with guilt and unresolved feelings.
I got a sense of both Mia and Luke very quickly, which was important because who they are with each other is something completely different, providing a vivid contrast. Their reunion thrust them back to being teenagers and all the problems that entails in terms of communication. She could be stubborn and reactive and he could be closed off, not knowing how to put his true feelings into words and be vulnerable. They had no issues relating physically but their inability to form a deeper relationship was epic. Typically, everyone around them knew the truth and fortunately they gave them the space to close the distance of those ten years and recapture what was important. It was their journey that made this special.
I loved the audio version as the narrators adeptly captured the working class dialect and embodied the characters. There are strong secondary characters, especially Mia and Luke’s brothers who happen to be the central focus of the next book. I enjoyed everything about the story as it is raw, not always reasonable and terrifically honest in its telling. And, there’s a little bit of intrigue for added flavor. It was a great listening experience and I’m happy to already be signed up for the next story.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I got a sense of both Mia and Luke very quickly, which was important because who they are with each other is something completely different, providing a vivid contrast. Their reunion thrust them back to being teenagers and all the problems that entails in terms of communication. She could be stubborn and reactive and he could be closed off, not knowing how to put his true feelings into words and be vulnerable. They had no issues relating physically but their inability to form a deeper relationship was epic. Typically, everyone around them knew the truth and fortunately they gave them the space to close the distance of those ten years and recapture what was important. It was their journey that made this special.
I loved the audio version as the narrators adeptly captured the working class dialect and embodied the characters. There are strong secondary characters, especially Mia and Luke’s brothers who happen to be the central focus of the next book. I enjoyed everything about the story as it is raw, not always reasonable and terrifically honest in its telling. And, there’s a little bit of intrigue for added flavor. It was a great listening experience and I’m happy to already be signed up for the next story.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
December 22, 2020
It's rare that I pick up a traditional romance that isn't a historical but I knew that Garrett Leigh wouldn't steer me wrong.
This is an excellent examination of how someone can find their true love, but it still gets all messed up.
It's a great second chances romance too, former teenage lovers (17+ not younger teens) reunited 10 years after one legged it without a word.
There's recriminations, there's loads of angry sex which they both try to keep emotionless and fail miserably at.
It has hurt/comfort and angst by the bucket load, but it never becomes overwrought or too dramatic.
The secondary plot also works well, it adds a sense of foreboding without ever really defining what the problem is until almost st the very end.
It also has Gus and Billy, the younger siblings of Mia and Luke, who are the subjects of book two, out in February next year.
Garrett's signature 'realness' is all over this book too, and it doesn't matter that it's an MF romance. She treats the sexual intimacy with the same care she gives to her same sex pairings.
Luke and Mia clearly have unresolved feelings and the simmer of love and care is lying at the heart of even their supposed 'it's just sex' encounters.
Once I picked it up, I didn't want to stop reading until I knew they'd be okay. The conclusion worked for me, I also felt the outcome of the side plot was completely believable too.
Now I can't wait to get my hands on the second one.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This is an excellent examination of how someone can find their true love, but it still gets all messed up.
It's a great second chances romance too, former teenage lovers (17+ not younger teens) reunited 10 years after one legged it without a word.
There's recriminations, there's loads of angry sex which they both try to keep emotionless and fail miserably at.
It has hurt/comfort and angst by the bucket load, but it never becomes overwrought or too dramatic.
The secondary plot also works well, it adds a sense of foreboding without ever really defining what the problem is until almost st the very end.
It also has Gus and Billy, the younger siblings of Mia and Luke, who are the subjects of book two, out in February next year.
Garrett's signature 'realness' is all over this book too, and it doesn't matter that it's an MF romance. She treats the sexual intimacy with the same care she gives to her same sex pairings.
Luke and Mia clearly have unresolved feelings and the simmer of love and care is lying at the heart of even their supposed 'it's just sex' encounters.
Once I picked it up, I didn't want to stop reading until I knew they'd be okay. The conclusion worked for me, I also felt the outcome of the side plot was completely believable too.
Now I can't wait to get my hands on the second one.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Read
March 24, 2021OUT NOW
Universal: https://books2read.com/u/31Ydel
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Universal: https://books2read.com/u/31Ydel
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
December 26, 2020
Forgiven
is not, in my humble opinion, a good introduction to Garrett Leigh's writing, if you never read anything of hers, and just start reading this one because it's an M/F romance published by 'mainstream' publisher rather than M/M romance that Leigh is more popular for. The story feels all over the place, for example that HUGE chunk of plot missing regarding Mia's stalker. The identity of that person is so far out the left field, this person NEVER appears on page.
But the biggest problem, for me, is the romance, or lack of it. Neither Mia or Luke come as likable characters to root for. Individually or as a couple. Mia is a VERY, VERY angry woman when this story starts -- especially related to Luke -- and I never feel that the anger is justified.
Yeah, sure, Luke left without a word (although Mia knew he joined the Navy) but considering that they were SEVENTEEN at that time, shouldn't she matured a bit? Life happens to her, right? And nursing a decade anger just isn't healthy, no? Mia feels very snappish and hating Luke so much, their first sexual encounter doesn't sit well with me. Or the next sex scenes for that matter.
Luke is no better... talk about men NOT COMMUNICATING as the main conflict *SMH*. And because their problem comes from Luke not explaining his reasons until it's too late, imagine how annoyed I am when they finally talk, it all sums up into this sentence... "We talked until dawn about everything and nothing, and by the time we fell asleep, not much had changed".
SERIOUSLY?!?! 🙄
So no, I'm not remotely impressed with their romance. It doesn't feel inspiring. It doesn't even feel like they can work it out. I don't think they're compatible or have chemistry whatsoever. It's exhausting reading about their drama, I end up skipping pages.
The only 'light at the end of the tunnel' is Mia's brother, Gus, who is probably the sanest character in this book, and I hope his story is better
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
But the biggest problem, for me, is the romance, or lack of it. Neither Mia or Luke come as likable characters to root for. Individually or as a couple. Mia is a VERY, VERY angry woman when this story starts -- especially related to Luke -- and I never feel that the anger is justified.
Yeah, sure, Luke left without a word (although Mia knew he joined the Navy) but considering that they were SEVENTEEN at that time, shouldn't she matured a bit? Life happens to her, right? And nursing a decade anger just isn't healthy, no? Mia feels very snappish and hating Luke so much, their first sexual encounter doesn't sit well with me. Or the next sex scenes for that matter.
Luke is no better... talk about men NOT COMMUNICATING as the main conflict *SMH*. And because their problem comes from Luke not explaining his reasons until it's too late, imagine how annoyed I am when they finally talk, it all sums up into this sentence... "We talked until dawn about everything and nothing, and by the time we fell asleep, not much had changed".
SERIOUSLY?!?! 🙄
So no, I'm not remotely impressed with their romance. It doesn't feel inspiring. It doesn't even feel like they can work it out. I don't think they're compatible or have chemistry whatsoever. It's exhausting reading about their drama, I end up skipping pages.
The only 'light at the end of the tunnel' is Mia's brother, Gus, who is probably the sanest character in this book, and I hope his story is better
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
January 28, 2021
"Deep down, I’d always hated her as much as I’d loved her, because there was no one else on earth who could make my heart pound like she did, my palms sweat, and my fingers tremble."
📚 Series? Yes.
📚 Genre? Contemporary Romance.
📚 Read for?
💬 Alphabet Soup Letter F
💬 Nerd Daily Prompt #23 - A New Author To You
📚 Cliffhanger? No.
⚠ Content Warnings : Stalker. Minor Character Death. Vehicular Accidents.
⚠ Book Tags : Second Chance Romance. Miscommunication as a plot device. Hurt/Comfort. Angst.
⚠ This Book In Emojis:
Thoughts:
Forgiven is my first array into the world of Garret Leigh's writing. Again, my deepest thanks to Carina Press for sending an ARC my way. I'm a sucker for angst and second chances so I knew this book would be right up my alley.
I had high expectations coming in, which made me a little sad that these expectations were not met. I was hoping for some drama and things that would make me cry. But what I got instead was characters that were a little had to appreciate, and things that would have been solved if only people decided to talk to each other.
Forgiven, the story between Mia and Luke, could have been solved if they talked to each other when they were young. In the setting of this book, where they met ten years after, I was hoping that they have matured a little, but apparently, that is an impossible thing for this hard-headed people.
The book did give a lot of steamy scenes and the author writes intimacy quite well. The author gave quite a lot of steamy scenes and if you're looking for that, then you are in for a treat!
The redeeming factor of this book is Gus, Mia's brother, who I think the second book would be about. That offers some M/M romance and I'm hoping that the next one won't have the issues I dealt with in this one. I'm rooting for Gus because he sounds so adorable so I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment!
All in all, this book had a lot of potential and it can be a great book for some readers. It was not the perfect pick for me, however, but I still think that I can give the author a thousand more chances and I would love to read the rest of their work.
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌼 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Main Character:⭐⭐☆☆☆
🌼 Significant Other: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
🌼 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Character Development:⭐⭐☆☆☆
🌼 Romance: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Unputdownability: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
☁FINAL VERDICT: 2.91/5 ☁
Much thanks to Carina Press/Carina Adores for sending me a copy for review and for inviting me to be a part of this tour. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own. Also, all quotes are taken from the ARC and may or may not appear in the final published copy.
📚 Blog ♡ Booktube ♡ Bookstagram ♡ Facebook ♡ Twitter 📚
January 26, 2021
My o My, it has been a LONG time since I've read a MF romance book but I requested this because I enjoy second chance novels and it's by Garrett Leigh so I said "Why Not give this a go?". For the most part, I liked this but it really did not go the way I thought it would.
First things first, Mia wasn't the most likeable of characters. She herself admitted to being selfish and tended to make everything about her. Fine, she felt she needed to when dealing with Luke because of their past but she was still selfish and sometimes immature to others as well. Luke wasn't any less prickly but you could tell he was making an effort to be a better person because of his past.
On the relationship front, it took a lot of unnecessary back & forth and wrangling from both of them before they sat down like adults and addressed the elephant in the room. By that time, I actually didn't care if they got back together.
My apathy towards the relationship, coupled with the fact that the pacing in this book was quite slow, there were times (especially in the first 30%), that I wanted to put it down to read something else.
However, just past about 50% of the book, the story began to flow much more freely and the subplot(which could've been handled much better) began to gain more momentum. It was also around this time that the aforementioned adult conversations began to happen which helped a bit I think.
Overall, I think this book had promise but for some reason the execution fell a bit flat. I will be reading Gus' book though. I loved his big heart and I'm definitely curious as to how he and Billy are going to work out!
**eARC Graciously Provided by Publisher via Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased Review **
First things first, Mia wasn't the most likeable of characters. She herself admitted to being selfish and tended to make everything about her. Fine, she felt she needed to when dealing with Luke because of their past but she was still selfish and sometimes immature to others as well. Luke wasn't any less prickly but you could tell he was making an effort to be a better person because of his past.
On the relationship front, it took a lot of unnecessary back & forth and wrangling from both of them before they sat down like adults and addressed the elephant in the room. By that time, I actually didn't care if they got back together.
My apathy towards the relationship, coupled with the fact that the pacing in this book was quite slow, there were times (especially in the first 30%), that I wanted to put it down to read something else.
However, just past about 50% of the book, the story began to flow much more freely and the subplot(which could've been handled much better) began to gain more momentum. It was also around this time that the aforementioned adult conversations began to happen which helped a bit I think.
Overall, I think this book had promise but for some reason the execution fell a bit flat. I will be reading Gus' book though. I loved his big heart and I'm definitely curious as to how he and Billy are going to work out!
**eARC Graciously Provided by Publisher via Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased Review **
January 26, 2021
I enjoy reading second chance romances. It’s wonderful seeing old hurts heal and love that never really died bloom into a new and better love. Well, Forgiven delivered … in a round about way with a few twists and turns. I wasn’t really sure how I felt about Mia. Maybe because she was demanding, had a weird attitude and had a strange way of showing forgiveness. But, I pushed through and started to understand where she was coming from. Luke, I felt sorry for right from the beginning. But, he was an enigma that took time to figure out. I finally cheered when the ultimatum was given and Mia either had to back away or look forward. It was time that she forgave and realized that Luke would be there and could be depended on.
So, there were some places that I had a hard time with the dialogue. It’s British. And, yes it’s a wee bit different from American. Sometimes it took a few re-reads of paragraphs for me to understand what was being said. But I finally got the hang of it and enjoyed the British sense of humor. I liked the way the characters were built. I may not have understood some of their attitudes but they played into the back-stories and characters themselves. They were all a little prickly and stubborn so they fit in together.
But, British euphemisms aside I truly enjoyed this story. It had a little mystery, a little humor, a lot of love. Characters that will make you smile and a story line that will keep you engaged.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
So, there were some places that I had a hard time with the dialogue. It’s British. And, yes it’s a wee bit different from American. Sometimes it took a few re-reads of paragraphs for me to understand what was being said. But I finally got the hang of it and enjoyed the British sense of humor. I liked the way the characters were built. I may not have understood some of their attitudes but they played into the back-stories and characters themselves. They were all a little prickly and stubborn so they fit in together.
But, British euphemisms aside I truly enjoyed this story. It had a little mystery, a little humor, a lot of love. Characters that will make you smile and a story line that will keep you engaged.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
January 20, 2021
3.5 ⭐
Garrett Leigh est une autrice que j'affectionne particulièrement pour sa patte unique lorsqu'il s'agit dangst et dans ce livre, cette souffrance des personnages, ce côté triste et rude est bien présent. Le spleen et la rage collent à la peau de Mia et Luke, ce qui donne un récit quand même assez chaotique sur le plan émotionnel. Mia est pétrie de colère et de ressentiment, et Luke est écrasé par le poids de culpabilité. Ni lui ni elle ne sont bons dans la communication, du coup, le roman réserve souvent des scènes dramatiques intenses où les héros montent très vite dans les tours (enfin ... surtout Mia).
Je dois dire que ce roman m'a paru long, je suis surprise de voir qu'au final il fait un peu plus de 200 pages. La relation est sans doute trop chaotique à mon goût, et je trouve qu'on tourne quand même pas mal en rond, car les personnages sont vraiment incapables de communiquer, ce qui est un des ressorts narratifs qui m'insupporte le plus.
L'histoire secondaire est malheureusement mal exploitée, la fin bâclée (je me suis demandée s'il ne manquait pas des pages ...), et c'est vraiment dommage, car habituellement, je trouve les romans de Garret Leigh parfaits comme ils sont.
C'est vraiment dommage car pour moi, cela donne un côté vraiment brouillon à l'ensemble.
J'ai beaucoup aimé Gus, sa relation avec Luke, avec sa soeur, bref, c'est un personnage qui m'a bien plu et je suis impatiente de lire son tome. Billy, on le voit peu, mais il a du potentiel, et là encore, je suis curieuse et pressée de lire ce que Garrett Leigh lui réserve.
Voilà un bilan mitigé donc ...
Garrett Leigh est une autrice que j'affectionne particulièrement pour sa patte unique lorsqu'il s'agit dangst et dans ce livre, cette souffrance des personnages, ce côté triste et rude est bien présent. Le spleen et la rage collent à la peau de Mia et Luke, ce qui donne un récit quand même assez chaotique sur le plan émotionnel. Mia est pétrie de colère et de ressentiment, et Luke est écrasé par le poids de culpabilité. Ni lui ni elle ne sont bons dans la communication, du coup, le roman réserve souvent des scènes dramatiques intenses où les héros montent très vite dans les tours (enfin ... surtout Mia).
Je dois dire que ce roman m'a paru long, je suis surprise de voir qu'au final il fait un peu plus de 200 pages. La relation est sans doute trop chaotique à mon goût, et je trouve qu'on tourne quand même pas mal en rond, car les personnages sont vraiment incapables de communiquer, ce qui est un des ressorts narratifs qui m'insupporte le plus.
L'histoire secondaire est malheureusement mal exploitée, la fin bâclée (je me suis demandée s'il ne manquait pas des pages ...), et c'est vraiment dommage, car habituellement, je trouve les romans de Garret Leigh parfaits comme ils sont.
C'est vraiment dommage car pour moi, cela donne un côté vraiment brouillon à l'ensemble.
J'ai beaucoup aimé Gus, sa relation avec Luke, avec sa soeur, bref, c'est un personnage qui m'a bien plu et je suis impatiente de lire son tome. Billy, on le voit peu, mais il a du potentiel, et là encore, je suis curieuse et pressée de lire ce que Garrett Leigh lui réserve.
Voilà un bilan mitigé donc ...
December 22, 2020
3,75/5
Forgiven est la première romance MF que je lis de Garrett Leigh. C'est une histoire de seconde chance, d'un amour de jeunesse perdu retrouvé.
Après une séparation, Mia retourne en Angleterre après dix ans d'absence auprès de son frère Gus et ouvre une fleuristerie. Elle ne s'attendait pas à tomber nez à nez avec son amour de jeunesse, Luke. Les deux anciens amants ne s'étaient pas quittés en très bon terme et on ne peut pas dire que les retrouvailles soient très chaleureuses.
Entre eux, c'est beaucoup de choses jamais avouées, de non-dits. Les blessures sont toujours aussi douloureuses et le désir malgré tout bien présent. C'est du sexe sans attache mais aussi brutal auquel Mia et Luke vont s'adonner, aussi brutal que leur rupture a été douloureuse. Seulement, le sexe entre eux n'a jamais été que du sexe, c'est de l'amour et ce qu'ils vont tenter de s'avouer l'un à l'autre.
J'ai aimé ces personnages ! Mia est une femme indépendante et forte qui a fait certains mauvais choix en pensant être les bons afin de tourner la page « Luke » à l'époque. Luke est un homme gentil, qui a blessé profondément Mia et s'en veut terriblement.
La tension qui règne entre les deux est intense et personnellement j'ai ressenti cet amour toujours présent entre eux.
A côté, nous avons Gus et Billy, les personnages secondaires et frères respectifs de Mia et Luke avec un fort potentiel, j'ai hâte de découvrir leur histoire dans le second tome ! J'espère que la relation entre les deux frères sera d'ailleurs plus approfondie car j'ai aimé ce qu'on a pu voir dans ce premier tome !
Alors oui, c'est rude et douloureux mais l'auteur n'en fait jamais des caisses. C'est juste la vie qui est comme ça, et il faut faire avec, avec ses bagages, avec les traumatismes encaissés de chacun, avec certains démons qui reviennent hanter. L'intrigue secondaire est pas mal aussi, je l'ai trouvé réaliste tout comme la fin de cette histoire. Et puis, les petites phrases et références en rapport avec la France sont fort agréables à lire ^^
La marque de Garrett est bel et bien là, du début à la fin et ses personnages sont traités de la même façon que dans ses MM.
Dommage que ce livre soit si court au final... j'en aurais aimé beaucoup plus !
Forgiven est la première romance MF que je lis de Garrett Leigh. C'est une histoire de seconde chance, d'un amour de jeunesse perdu retrouvé.
Après une séparation, Mia retourne en Angleterre après dix ans d'absence auprès de son frère Gus et ouvre une fleuristerie. Elle ne s'attendait pas à tomber nez à nez avec son amour de jeunesse, Luke. Les deux anciens amants ne s'étaient pas quittés en très bon terme et on ne peut pas dire que les retrouvailles soient très chaleureuses.
Entre eux, c'est beaucoup de choses jamais avouées, de non-dits. Les blessures sont toujours aussi douloureuses et le désir malgré tout bien présent. C'est du sexe sans attache mais aussi brutal auquel Mia et Luke vont s'adonner, aussi brutal que leur rupture a été douloureuse. Seulement, le sexe entre eux n'a jamais été que du sexe, c'est de l'amour et ce qu'ils vont tenter de s'avouer l'un à l'autre.
J'ai aimé ces personnages ! Mia est une femme indépendante et forte qui a fait certains mauvais choix en pensant être les bons afin de tourner la page « Luke » à l'époque. Luke est un homme gentil, qui a blessé profondément Mia et s'en veut terriblement.
La tension qui règne entre les deux est intense et personnellement j'ai ressenti cet amour toujours présent entre eux.
A côté, nous avons Gus et Billy, les personnages secondaires et frères respectifs de Mia et Luke avec un fort potentiel, j'ai hâte de découvrir leur histoire dans le second tome ! J'espère que la relation entre les deux frères sera d'ailleurs plus approfondie car j'ai aimé ce qu'on a pu voir dans ce premier tome !
Alors oui, c'est rude et douloureux mais l'auteur n'en fait jamais des caisses. C'est juste la vie qui est comme ça, et il faut faire avec, avec ses bagages, avec les traumatismes encaissés de chacun, avec certains démons qui reviennent hanter. L'intrigue secondaire est pas mal aussi, je l'ai trouvé réaliste tout comme la fin de cette histoire. Et puis, les petites phrases et références en rapport avec la France sont fort agréables à lire ^^
La marque de Garrett est bel et bien là, du début à la fin et ses personnages sont traités de la même façon que dans ses MM.
Dommage que ce livre soit si court au final... j'en aurais aimé beaucoup plus !
August 7, 2023
FORGIVEN is the first book in the Forgiven series, and we meet Luke and Mia. These two had an on-again/off-again relationship when they were younger until Luke left to join the Navy. Mia was upset and didn't forgive him... ever! She eventually left the village and moved to France. Now, she is back home for reasons explained and finds out Luke is also back in the village.
I have to say, this is not one of the best books by Garrett Leigh I have read. Although I enjoyed the storyline, especially the side story of who the stalker was, the relationship between Luke and Mia seemed just as messed up now they're adults as it was when they were teenagers. I know emotions are messy, but surely just one civil conversation wouldn't hurt?
Anyway, moving on. The story is well-written, and the pacing is smooth. I look forward to the next book in the series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 26, 2021
I have to say, this is not one of the best books by Garrett Leigh I have read. Although I enjoyed the storyline, especially the side story of who the stalker was, the relationship between Luke and Mia seemed just as messed up now they're adults as it was when they were teenagers. I know emotions are messy, but surely just one civil conversation wouldn't hurt?
Anyway, moving on. The story is well-written, and the pacing is smooth. I look forward to the next book in the series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 26, 2021
January 12, 2021
3.5 stars
Mia Armour fled England after the love of her life disappeared (he joined the Navy), and her mother died. She left behind a younger brother, Gus, and a life she was determined to forget. Unfortunately, things didn't work out quite as she hoped. She never stopped loving Luke Daley, and she married a man to keep the pain at bay. When he leaves her for another woman and bankrupts their shared Paris flower business in the process, Mia is forced to return home to pick up the pieces of her life. Again.
Unbeknownst to Mia, Luke Daley is also back in town. After a decade in the military, he's returned home to run his uncle's roofing business. He left town to save money for his family (reader, I'm still not sure I understand Luke's storyline - it's never clear how this helped anyone), leaving behind a hurt younger brother (Billy - who stars in the next book in this series), and Mia, the love of his life. His life has never been the same, and these days he works hard and spends his free time with his best friend (and co-worker) Gus, and tries to repair the damage to his relationship with Billy. He's never gotten over Mia, but knows she'll never forgive him for abandoning her.
Friends, I want to tell you this is a delicious slow burn. I can't. Instead we get a super hurt and angry Mia, a super sad and desperate for forgiveness Luke, and lots of angst. Look, it's a romance so it's not a spoiler to tell you these two never stopped loving each other. But it's a real shit show when they realize they're both going to be living in the same small town again, and that they might have to be honest with each about their past or things are gonna be hella awkward ALL THE TIME. They aren't nice to each other, their confrontations are tense and uncomfortable, and they both know in their hearts that their feelings haven't changed..even though their lives have.
Mia is nasty and mean (bitter) for much of this story, Luke takes it because he thinks he deserves it, she feels bad, he feels bad...and they decide that all that lust and horniness means it's a good idea to get off together. Ahem. Obviously the sexy times lead to 'come to jesus,' moments and things seem to be heading in a loved up direction, except some dickhead seems to be stalking Mia and messing with Luke. Say what? Yep, there's a mystery/thriller element to this one, too, and it's nicely creepy.
Like I mentioned earlier, I didn't really understand the circumstances that led to Luke's abrupt departure, and therefor, I could totally relate to Mia's feelings of abandonment. But friends? She's a hot mess, too. She doesn't talk to Luke, she hate/love fucks him and then wonders why things are so weird between them. I usually love the heat level in Leigh's books -the sex is steamy, tender, and intense. This story and these sex scenes are intense, but that's about it. I couldn't connect to these two - there isn't enough of them having intimate, soul affirming conversations and quiet moments, and tooooooo many hot, torrid sex scenes. I just didn't feel like I knew them as a couple or individuals all that well.
Which leads to my other complaint. Primary and secondary characters are underdeveloped, and while I AM HERE FOR THE GUS/BILLY LOVE FEST, I wish I knew more about all these folks.
Good, but far from Leigh's best.
Mia Armour fled England after the love of her life disappeared (he joined the Navy), and her mother died. She left behind a younger brother, Gus, and a life she was determined to forget. Unfortunately, things didn't work out quite as she hoped. She never stopped loving Luke Daley, and she married a man to keep the pain at bay. When he leaves her for another woman and bankrupts their shared Paris flower business in the process, Mia is forced to return home to pick up the pieces of her life. Again.
Unbeknownst to Mia, Luke Daley is also back in town. After a decade in the military, he's returned home to run his uncle's roofing business. He left town to save money for his family (reader, I'm still not sure I understand Luke's storyline - it's never clear how this helped anyone), leaving behind a hurt younger brother (Billy - who stars in the next book in this series), and Mia, the love of his life. His life has never been the same, and these days he works hard and spends his free time with his best friend (and co-worker) Gus, and tries to repair the damage to his relationship with Billy. He's never gotten over Mia, but knows she'll never forgive him for abandoning her.
Friends, I want to tell you this is a delicious slow burn. I can't. Instead we get a super hurt and angry Mia, a super sad and desperate for forgiveness Luke, and lots of angst. Look, it's a romance so it's not a spoiler to tell you these two never stopped loving each other. But it's a real shit show when they realize they're both going to be living in the same small town again, and that they might have to be honest with each about their past or things are gonna be hella awkward ALL THE TIME. They aren't nice to each other, their confrontations are tense and uncomfortable, and they both know in their hearts that their feelings haven't changed..even though their lives have.
Mia is nasty and mean (bitter) for much of this story, Luke takes it because he thinks he deserves it, she feels bad, he feels bad...and they decide that all that lust and horniness means it's a good idea to get off together. Ahem. Obviously the sexy times lead to 'come to jesus,' moments and things seem to be heading in a loved up direction, except some dickhead seems to be stalking Mia and messing with Luke. Say what? Yep, there's a mystery/thriller element to this one, too, and it's nicely creepy.
Like I mentioned earlier, I didn't really understand the circumstances that led to Luke's abrupt departure, and therefor, I could totally relate to Mia's feelings of abandonment. But friends? She's a hot mess, too. She doesn't talk to Luke, she hate/love fucks him and then wonders why things are so weird between them. I usually love the heat level in Leigh's books -the sex is steamy, tender, and intense. This story and these sex scenes are intense, but that's about it. I couldn't connect to these two - there isn't enough of them having intimate, soul affirming conversations and quiet moments, and tooooooo many hot, torrid sex scenes. I just didn't feel like I knew them as a couple or individuals all that well.
Which leads to my other complaint. Primary and secondary characters are underdeveloped, and while I AM HERE FOR THE GUS/BILLY LOVE FEST, I wish I knew more about all these folks.
Good, but far from Leigh's best.
January 31, 2021
Mia and Luke are both forces to be reckoned with. Whether in business or pleasure, they attack the situation with everything they've got...including their hearts, no matter HOW MUCH they'll try to deny it. When they are together, the force is multiplied by 100 and windows can be blown by the sheer force of their chemistry. Even with time having passed, and hurts lingering from their shared history, those feelings were grounded in something stronger, and despite the fact that neither wants an entanglement with the other, the heart wants what it wants.
Watching these two play cat and mouse with their hearts are humorous, frustrating, and ultimately satisfying...and I'm not being masochistic. Seeing them knock down each others walls, struggle through the awkward times, and try to find their footing was a treat. Grant it, I think both them and I could have done without the creepy stalker activity and death threats, but hey, that's part and party to getting them to where they need to be...so I say bring on the hard times; these two (if they ever really get it together!) can take on anything life throws their way!
In the end, the potential couple to be was a perfect fit, and I really liked the familial aspect with Gus and Billy. My only regret was that I wish the stalker aspect was fleshed out more instead of the instant reveal and final outcome all in one...but it did have closure, so there is there. Recommended for adult Contemporary Romance fans who like some smoke AND fire in their nightly reading...
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
Watching these two play cat and mouse with their hearts are humorous, frustrating, and ultimately satisfying...and I'm not being masochistic. Seeing them knock down each others walls, struggle through the awkward times, and try to find their footing was a treat. Grant it, I think both them and I could have done without the creepy stalker activity and death threats, but hey, that's part and party to getting them to where they need to be...so I say bring on the hard times; these two (if they ever really get it together!) can take on anything life throws their way!
In the end, the potential couple to be was a perfect fit, and I really liked the familial aspect with Gus and Billy. My only regret was that I wish the stalker aspect was fleshed out more instead of the instant reveal and final outcome all in one...but it did have closure, so there is there. Recommended for adult Contemporary Romance fans who like some smoke AND fire in their nightly reading...
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
January 13, 2021
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Forgiven is the first book in a new series by Garrett Leigh. This is my first time reading the author and I went into it with absolutely zero expectations. That being said , unfortunately this book didn't blow me away.
This is a second chance romance for the main characters Mia and Luke. The synopsis says they are highschool sweethearts but they are not the type of couple that comes to mind when I hear that label. This is not some sweet romance where your heart breaks for these characters and hope they get their HEA. These two have an unhealthy verbally abusive relationship. And from their reminiscing of the past, it wasn't any better ten years ago. They found solice in each other among the disaster but not quite what I look for in a romance. Luke boxed up tight all his feeling while Mia lets them loose with sharp words , the combination isn't pretty. While I like Luke much much more than Mia's character ,neither of them were anything to write home about. Don't get me started on the threat the synopsis eludes to that they never saw coming , don't worry you won't either becuase it was random and barely woven into the story.
Forgiven is a complicated second chance romance. My favorite character of the whole story was Gus and because of that I'll be reading the next book in the series which focus' on him.
Forgiven is the first book in a new series by Garrett Leigh. This is my first time reading the author and I went into it with absolutely zero expectations. That being said , unfortunately this book didn't blow me away.
This is a second chance romance for the main characters Mia and Luke. The synopsis says they are highschool sweethearts but they are not the type of couple that comes to mind when I hear that label. This is not some sweet romance where your heart breaks for these characters and hope they get their HEA. These two have an unhealthy verbally abusive relationship. And from their reminiscing of the past, it wasn't any better ten years ago. They found solice in each other among the disaster but not quite what I look for in a romance. Luke boxed up tight all his feeling while Mia lets them loose with sharp words , the combination isn't pretty. While I like Luke much much more than Mia's character ,neither of them were anything to write home about. Don't get me started on the threat the synopsis eludes to that they never saw coming , don't worry you won't either becuase it was random and barely woven into the story.
Forgiven is a complicated second chance romance. My favorite character of the whole story was Gus and because of that I'll be reading the next book in the series which focus' on him.
December 17, 2020
[Thanks Netgalley for the ebook. This review is my honest opinion but just another opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]
3'5 estrellitas, un pelín más tal vez, pero no para subir otra estrella más.
Solo había leído un libro de Garrett Leigh, ( Slide , que Elsa nos puso en el reto de las boas, y pensaba que esta escritora solo escribía M/M, así que me sorprendí al ver este en Netgalley. Los protagonistas, como era de esperar, están traumados de la vida, pero no tanto como yo esperaba. Tuvieron una relación de adolescentes pero acabaron separados de malas maneras y sin hablarse. Diez años después se reencuentran dentro de una maraña de rencores y de sentimientos que no han sido capaces de apaciguar pero que resurtgen cada vez que se ven.
Me da la impresión de que la escritora no ha querido hacer leña del árbol caído o asustar al lector, ya que ambos arrastran más traumas y problemas que vislumbramos pero que no se nos llegan a enseñar. El libro no llega a ser totalmente angustioso, ya que la escritora mete otro tema por ahí con un toque de suspense que hace que quita peso a la relación y hace que no llegue a ser asfixiante a la hora de leerlo.
Me he entretenido y lo he leído bastante bien, para tener mucho pensamiento no se me ha hecho nada pesado, pero me parece que se queda algo superficial. Creo que esa subtrama de suspense hace que la parte amorosa se aligere y que la parte final del libro sea menos intensa de lo que parecía que iba a ser. Me he quedado con la sensación de que el libro está rematado rápidamente.
Por cierto, tiene un personaje secundario, Gus, absolutamente maravilloso cuya historia estoy deseando leer (M/M y con pintaza, que aquí ya vemos por dónde van a ir los tiros...).
3'5 estrellitas, un pelín más tal vez, pero no para subir otra estrella más.
Solo había leído un libro de Garrett Leigh, ( Slide , que Elsa nos puso en el reto de las boas, y pensaba que esta escritora solo escribía M/M, así que me sorprendí al ver este en Netgalley. Los protagonistas, como era de esperar, están traumados de la vida, pero no tanto como yo esperaba. Tuvieron una relación de adolescentes pero acabaron separados de malas maneras y sin hablarse. Diez años después se reencuentran dentro de una maraña de rencores y de sentimientos que no han sido capaces de apaciguar pero que resurtgen cada vez que se ven.
Me da la impresión de que la escritora no ha querido hacer leña del árbol caído o asustar al lector, ya que ambos arrastran más traumas y problemas que vislumbramos pero que no se nos llegan a enseñar. El libro no llega a ser totalmente angustioso, ya que la escritora mete otro tema por ahí con un toque de suspense que hace que quita peso a la relación y hace que no llegue a ser asfixiante a la hora de leerlo.
Me he entretenido y lo he leído bastante bien, para tener mucho pensamiento no se me ha hecho nada pesado, pero me parece que se queda algo superficial. Creo que esa subtrama de suspense hace que la parte amorosa se aligere y que la parte final del libro sea menos intensa de lo que parecía que iba a ser. Me he quedado con la sensación de que el libro está rematado rápidamente.
Por cierto, tiene un personaje secundario, Gus, absolutamente maravilloso cuya historia estoy deseando leer (M/M y con pintaza, que aquí ya vemos por dónde van a ir los tiros...).
January 25, 2021
New to me author Garrett Leigh delivers a deliciously sexy romance novel that is also full of intrigue. The story center on Mia Amour who has returned to her hometown, Rushmere, England. She's dealing with a divorce and needs a fresh start. What she quickly discovers is that her first love, Luke Daley, needed one too, and after ten years away he has returned as well. While Luke and Mia spent years a part, they still have scorching chemistry, the kind that that quickly consumes them.
This is a fantastic second chance story, bolstered by well developed characters and a plot that moves quickly. Mia has moved in with her brother Gus, who happens to work for Luke. While Luke and Mia find themselves enjoying certain activities together, there is still a lot of resentment on Mia's part for how things ended, so there is a bit of a love/hate relationship building. Things heat up when it appears Mia is being stalked, and Luke finds a target on his back.
I really enjoyed these two characters and the relationships they have with their families. Leigh did a wonderful job building a world that I wanted to be immersed in. Because of that, it was a pretty quick read and I wanted to see how they would deal with a threat and how they might come out on the other side. 4.5 Stars and recommendation.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is a fantastic second chance story, bolstered by well developed characters and a plot that moves quickly. Mia has moved in with her brother Gus, who happens to work for Luke. While Luke and Mia find themselves enjoying certain activities together, there is still a lot of resentment on Mia's part for how things ended, so there is a bit of a love/hate relationship building. Things heat up when it appears Mia is being stalked, and Luke finds a target on his back.
I really enjoyed these two characters and the relationships they have with their families. Leigh did a wonderful job building a world that I wanted to be immersed in. Because of that, it was a pretty quick read and I wanted to see how they would deal with a threat and how they might come out on the other side. 4.5 Stars and recommendation.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
June 5, 2021
Honestly this book has been a struggle for me. I finished it for all the reasons that has nothing to do with the book itself. This book was angst galore and not in a way I appreciated. The interaction between Mia and Luke was simply IMPOSSIBLE. They were UNABLE to have any genuine conversation. I guess sex is a way of communication, and they did that well.. But with the history they shared and the troubles they were dealing with now, they needed more and they simply couldn't do it until it was (almost) too late.
Mia Amour has lived in the small town of Rushmere most of her life, but for the past few years she has been living in Paris. But now she is back, moving in with her brother Gus (her only living relative). While she loves her brother, losing their mother as well as the love of her life (even if at 17..) Luke leaving to join the military has been enough for her. But her big dreams were cut short by her manipulative husband so now, licking her wounds, she is back in town, not realizing Luke is back as well..
Luke Daley has left but not because he actually wanted to. After his father died and his mother was left to care for his younger brother (and himself) he decided to help her out financially by joining the military. That he did, but it didn't have the effect he wanted. It didn't save his younger brother - on the contrary - and it made him totally and absolutely miserable. For the past year he is back, managing his uncle's business (the one he hoped he wouldn't) with the help of his best friend Gus (Mia's younger brother). He didn't expect to stumble upon Mia and when he does everything comes back (not that anything really went away).
Mia is still angry at the way Luke left and he still feels horrible for how bad he hurt her. But she can't ignore her physical connection to him, especially these days when so many things is going wrong. So she almost demands they have a physical relationship. I'm not even sure how to call it. It's not friends with benefits because they aren't friends (anymore), they barely speak and when they do they fight. This is basically Mia. A VERY self centered little girl (at 27) who can't see anything but he own troubles. She was this way towards Luke but also towards her brother who has done nothing but try to help her out. I don't think it's a wonder she found herself in a destructive relationship. She was just thinking what SHE will get out of it, not even WHO the person is and the fact she doesn't even care about him. I felt no connection what-so-ever to her. I kinda feel sorry for Luke THIS is who he ends up with.
There is a bit more to this story. There is a danger to Mia (and Luke) by unknown source as well as a lot of family drama. All in all it was characters unable to articulate what they are thinking and getting the wrong impression about right around anything. They might know each other well, or they SAY they do, but they don't understand each other. Not the Amour siblings, not the Daley siblings and nothing in between. The ending, especially the mystery part, was rushed but we do get a resolve.
The next book "Unforgotten" will feature Gus Amour and Billy Daley. I don't know what to think honestly, I have a feeling it's going to be more of the same. A damaged guy who can't speak of his feelings (or wants) - Billy - with a guy who is scared of committing to anything he might lose - Gus. I think I'll take a little break and then give it a go. I hope the fact Mia isn't the MC anymore (though it seems she and Luke will have a role in this book according reviews I've read) will surely help.
I'm sorry for the tone of this review. While I liked both Luke and Gus, Mia really was a horrible person. I don't read a lot of M/F mostly because there are too many heroines I can't connect with - this was one of those. I'm usually a HUGE fan of Garrett, and LOVED the other M/F book she published a few years ago ("What Matters") maybe my reaction is also me not knowing WHAT HAPPENED? Garrett is an auto-buy for me (and she will definitely stay!).
More Reviews HERE
Mia Amour has lived in the small town of Rushmere most of her life, but for the past few years she has been living in Paris. But now she is back, moving in with her brother Gus (her only living relative). While she loves her brother, losing their mother as well as the love of her life (even if at 17..) Luke leaving to join the military has been enough for her. But her big dreams were cut short by her manipulative husband so now, licking her wounds, she is back in town, not realizing Luke is back as well..
Luke Daley has left but not because he actually wanted to. After his father died and his mother was left to care for his younger brother (and himself) he decided to help her out financially by joining the military. That he did, but it didn't have the effect he wanted. It didn't save his younger brother - on the contrary - and it made him totally and absolutely miserable. For the past year he is back, managing his uncle's business (the one he hoped he wouldn't) with the help of his best friend Gus (Mia's younger brother). He didn't expect to stumble upon Mia and when he does everything comes back (not that anything really went away).
Mia is still angry at the way Luke left and he still feels horrible for how bad he hurt her. But she can't ignore her physical connection to him, especially these days when so many things is going wrong. So she almost demands they have a physical relationship. I'm not even sure how to call it. It's not friends with benefits because they aren't friends (anymore), they barely speak and when they do they fight. This is basically Mia. A VERY self centered little girl (at 27) who can't see anything but he own troubles. She was this way towards Luke but also towards her brother who has done nothing but try to help her out. I don't think it's a wonder she found herself in a destructive relationship. She was just thinking what SHE will get out of it, not even WHO the person is and the fact she doesn't even care about him. I felt no connection what-so-ever to her. I kinda feel sorry for Luke THIS is who he ends up with.
There is a bit more to this story. There is a danger to Mia (and Luke) by unknown source as well as a lot of family drama. All in all it was characters unable to articulate what they are thinking and getting the wrong impression about right around anything. They might know each other well, or they SAY they do, but they don't understand each other. Not the Amour siblings, not the Daley siblings and nothing in between. The ending, especially the mystery part, was rushed but we do get a resolve.
The next book "Unforgotten" will feature Gus Amour and Billy Daley. I don't know what to think honestly, I have a feeling it's going to be more of the same. A damaged guy who can't speak of his feelings (or wants) - Billy - with a guy who is scared of committing to anything he might lose - Gus. I think I'll take a little break and then give it a go. I hope the fact Mia isn't the MC anymore (though it seems she and Luke will have a role in this book according reviews I've read) will surely help.
I'm sorry for the tone of this review. While I liked both Luke and Gus, Mia really was a horrible person. I don't read a lot of M/F mostly because there are too many heroines I can't connect with - this was one of those. I'm usually a HUGE fan of Garrett, and LOVED the other M/F book she published a few years ago ("What Matters") maybe my reaction is also me not knowing WHAT HAPPENED? Garrett is an auto-buy for me (and she will definitely stay!).
More Reviews HERE
January 14, 2021
Garrett Leigh is one of my fav authors, and this story didn't disappoint. Loved it <3.
February 11, 2021
4.5* rounded up
I am going to preface this by saying I very rarely read MF books. It’s just not something I focus most, because I just in general prefer queer romances. HOWEVER, this was a book by one of my all time favourite authors and that was one of the reasons I picked this book up. Additional reason was the fact that the following book is MM and I love to read all the books in the series.
But as seen from my star rating, I have enjoyed the book! It is far less angsty than what I’m used to when it comes to Leigh’s writing, but it was still the kind of the book that I could not put down until I reached the last word.
Mia was somewhat complicated character. I don’t know how else to describe her but I liked it. Luke was slightly less complicated but no less interesting. His brother’s appearance in the book was shrouded in a bit of a mystery and I am super excited to get to Unforgotten and read more of his story.
When it comes to Mia and Luke, hate sex doesn’t really make for a good relationship (at first) but it sure makes the book interesting at that point 😀 However, it is not just hate-sex, they care for each other but also pretend not to be able to stand each other… or at least Mia does, even when she shows up with a pizza for Luke. I enjoyed their dynamic somewhat. And the scene where Gus barges into the room? Hilarious.
The stalking plot was ‘interesting’ (if stalking plots can be called that, I should probably find a better phrase), and in the end, went in a very different direction than I was expecting; as was the solution. I will not spoil that but I was pleasantly surprised.
All in all, Forgiven is a pretty easy book (at least for a book written by Garrett Leigh), with a lot of scorching hot content, banter, and caring. If you enjoy MF books, explicit scenes (and some hate-sex; if you like fade-to-black, this is not for you), I would recommend this book 🙂 I am super excited to read Unforgotten too! ❤
I am going to preface this by saying I very rarely read MF books. It’s just not something I focus most, because I just in general prefer queer romances. HOWEVER, this was a book by one of my all time favourite authors and that was one of the reasons I picked this book up. Additional reason was the fact that the following book is MM and I love to read all the books in the series.
But as seen from my star rating, I have enjoyed the book! It is far less angsty than what I’m used to when it comes to Leigh’s writing, but it was still the kind of the book that I could not put down until I reached the last word.
Mia was somewhat complicated character. I don’t know how else to describe her but I liked it. Luke was slightly less complicated but no less interesting. His brother’s appearance in the book was shrouded in a bit of a mystery and I am super excited to get to Unforgotten and read more of his story.
When it comes to Mia and Luke, hate sex doesn’t really make for a good relationship (at first) but it sure makes the book interesting at that point 😀 However, it is not just hate-sex, they care for each other but also pretend not to be able to stand each other… or at least Mia does, even when she shows up with a pizza for Luke. I enjoyed their dynamic somewhat. And the scene where Gus barges into the room? Hilarious.
The stalking plot was ‘interesting’ (if stalking plots can be called that, I should probably find a better phrase), and in the end, went in a very different direction than I was expecting; as was the solution. I will not spoil that but I was pleasantly surprised.
All in all, Forgiven is a pretty easy book (at least for a book written by Garrett Leigh), with a lot of scorching hot content, banter, and caring. If you enjoy MF books, explicit scenes (and some hate-sex; if you like fade-to-black, this is not for you), I would recommend this book 🙂 I am super excited to read Unforgotten too! ❤
dnf
January 29, 2021DNF@32%
2021; Carina Press/Harlequin
I want to preface this review with, I probably could have finished this novel, but decided to DNF in order to not rate it. Forgiven was not written for someone like me in mind. I enjoy reading contemporary, historical and suspense romances but I am very finicky. I try to branch out and try new sub-genres, hence me reading Forgiven. When I read contemporary romances, and enjoy them, they are usually set in small town, have cowboys, witty rom-coms or family drama. Forgiven is set in contemporary Britain, and is about second chances with love, and reuniting with younger siblings. The pretty cover, and synopsis gave me a bit of a push to try something new. I have not read many novels in the Carina Press imprint as they are more steamy stories. I am more about the romance than the sex scenes. I am a big fan of Harlequin so I am always willing to try something new. Leigh is an engaging writer, and I think if you enjoy romances for steaminess this would be a great novel. I was more interested in the stories between Mia and Gus (her younger brother) and other family dynamics. As I did DNF at 30-ish% maybe the novel does address more of those issues. If this sounds like your kind of read, please read some other reviews by readers of this genre.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2021; Carina Press/Harlequin
I want to preface this review with, I probably could have finished this novel, but decided to DNF in order to not rate it. Forgiven was not written for someone like me in mind. I enjoy reading contemporary, historical and suspense romances but I am very finicky. I try to branch out and try new sub-genres, hence me reading Forgiven. When I read contemporary romances, and enjoy them, they are usually set in small town, have cowboys, witty rom-coms or family drama. Forgiven is set in contemporary Britain, and is about second chances with love, and reuniting with younger siblings. The pretty cover, and synopsis gave me a bit of a push to try something new. I have not read many novels in the Carina Press imprint as they are more steamy stories. I am more about the romance than the sex scenes. I am a big fan of Harlequin so I am always willing to try something new. Leigh is an engaging writer, and I think if you enjoy romances for steaminess this would be a great novel. I was more interested in the stories between Mia and Gus (her younger brother) and other family dynamics. As I did DNF at 30-ish% maybe the novel does address more of those issues. If this sounds like your kind of read, please read some other reviews by readers of this genre.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
January 25, 2021
Forgiven (Forgiven #1) by Garrett Leigh
3 stars
M/F Second chance romance
Triggers: Stalking
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Mia knows that sometimes, hoping for love can blind you to who a person truly is. After a bad divorce, she heads home to buy and open a flower shop. With help from her brother, she digs in and works hard to open her shop. When she sees her old love, she can’t help but be a little blind sided.
Luke left years ago to be able to help his family. But, in leaving, he had to leave Mia too. He knows that he didn’t do a fantastic job of leaving, but at the time, he didn’t know another way. Now that he has seen Mia again, he can’t help but feel a little frustrated with her view towards him, not to mention these strange things that have started to happen to him.
With Mia and Luke trying to figure out if their present can include a relationship from the past, they will have to navigate old hurts, family and mysterious events that will either bring them closer together or tear them further apart.
This book, for me, was a little slow. I liked how protective Luke was, but it was a lot of history and I’m sorry’s, which made it feel somewhat redundant.
I do hope that Mia’s brother gets his own book, as his life seems very fun and mysterious too.
3 stars
M/F Second chance romance
Triggers: Stalking
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Mia knows that sometimes, hoping for love can blind you to who a person truly is. After a bad divorce, she heads home to buy and open a flower shop. With help from her brother, she digs in and works hard to open her shop. When she sees her old love, she can’t help but be a little blind sided.
Luke left years ago to be able to help his family. But, in leaving, he had to leave Mia too. He knows that he didn’t do a fantastic job of leaving, but at the time, he didn’t know another way. Now that he has seen Mia again, he can’t help but feel a little frustrated with her view towards him, not to mention these strange things that have started to happen to him.
With Mia and Luke trying to figure out if their present can include a relationship from the past, they will have to navigate old hurts, family and mysterious events that will either bring them closer together or tear them further apart.
This book, for me, was a little slow. I liked how protective Luke was, but it was a lot of history and I’m sorry’s, which made it feel somewhat redundant.
I do hope that Mia’s brother gets his own book, as his life seems very fun and mysterious too.
January 25, 2021
I guess I’m just confused. I was confused when I saw the blurb for this book, I was confused while I was reading this book, and now I am confused with it after finishing this book.
Like? I do read straight m/f contemporary romances, but I just wouldn’t expect to read one from Garrett Leigh? I know she has one that she initially published under a different penname (since changed back to her main one), but I haven’t read that one. This is her first book with a traditional publisher and the first one out of the gate is a straight m/f? I would’ve been much more excited about reading this book if it had been a queer m/f romance instead. I kept hoping for it to be a queer m/f, but it was disappointingly not.
As it is, I guess the point of this book is to introduce new Harlequin readers to the author, but I wonder if I would’ve been better off skipping this one and just skipping to the second book (a m/m romance). I read this in the middle of December, which is about one month from publication, but there’s still no promo for this so I went into this book not knowing what to expect at all. All I can tell from the publisher’s website is that this book will have an audiobook release in addition to an ebook, but no physical paperbacks. So, that’s a bit disappointing since that means the m/m sequel won’t either.
Trigger warnings include mentions of emotional abuse, abandonment, mentions of parents dying from illness, mentions of drug use (secondary character), violence, hospital stays, stalking, and harassment.
This is a second chance romance with stabby heart feels. And I usually like those types of books!! But the added melodrama of the characters not communicating at all, a mystery that made no sense, the POV chances mid-chapter, and the unnecessary angst at the end just did not help.
Mia and Luke had been high school lovers, but personal tragedy wrenched them apart. Luke handled his grief by running off to join the Navy ten years ago, and that was the last they saw of each other until Mia returns home to Rushmere and quite literally bumps into him in town.
Mia’s younger brother Gus works for Luke in a roofing business around town, so it’s not like Mia can avoid Luke forever, but she certainly tries. A lot can happen in ten years and Mia now owns a flower shop she’s starting up in the town and she’s pretty sure she doesn’t want to see Luke again since he broke her heart all those years ago.
Yes, there’s angst. But it’s a lot, and it doesn’t really ever end. Mia and Luke just keep going in circles and I KNOW people are messy and contradictory, but it does get to a point where it gets really boring to read. Something this book doesn’t touch on is that Luke needs therapy because I don’t think he ever came to terms with his feelings and what happened with his dad. And Mia needs therapy too for what she went through in France. This book just seems to think their long lost love for each other will heal all their wounds, but I feel like there’s still stuff that needs to be aired out. And with what happens at the end? That HAS to be traumatizing? Both of them have to go talk to a therapist.
That said. THE ENDING. Just...what happened??? What was the point? There was some mystery leading up to the ending - like who is sending Mia weird things, what’s with the strange car following her around town, etc. But finding out who the perpetrator was?? was just so weird and out in left field. I love a good mystery book, and this was not it. I can usually forgive a bad plot if I love the characters but unfortunately this just wasn’t the case here. I just had a hard time loving either Mia or Luke.
The incident at the end and the piece that resolves it all in the epilogue? It’s overly dramatic and then tries to tie everything together in a neat bow. Also? Somehow the police are all caring and competent at their jobs. But Mia never took any threats to her life seriously enough for me. She’s a woman! Why is she not more worried that she has a jealous ex or someone else after her?? The one incident at the end also begs the question of how long should someone be on bed rest if they have broken ribs? How long before they can have sex? This book avoids thinking too hard about any of it.
And speaking about sex...it was fine. Except for all the parts where it wasn’t. Mia and Luke started out using condoms but apparently the book just forgot about them as the story went on, never to be mentioned again and the two characters never talked about forgoing condoms so what the heck. And there was one scene that jumped from them heading off to have sex, only to turn the page and it’s suddenly morning and we’re left with a flashback back to the sex scene??
There were other things in this book I wasn’t happy about, like the POVs switching mid-chapter. While, yes, the book does tell you who’s perspective you’re reading from, it’s not obvious. The name is just in italics a paragraph down and I kept thinking it was the character thinking the other character’s name in their head, not that the POV switched. And picking up this book mid-scene, I found Mia and Luke’s voices to be way too similar to distinguish between them.
Things I liked about this book is Gus and Billy, Luke’s younger brother. They’re obviously the couple in the sequel. Gus is a protective brother to Mia and confident with his sexuality while Billy is more of an enigma right now. Billy has been drinking and doing his fair share of drugs, so it’ll be interesting to see where their relationship goes in the next book. Do I think you need to read this book if you want to only read Gus and Billy’s story? I don’t think so. Not unless you just need to read books in order.
Another thing though. Mia and Gus know French but we don’t really know how they came about it. We presume their parents but it’s never mentioned. Gus just randomly speaks French in the book for no reason at all?
Personally, I find that this book as a straight m/f romance was not only just disappointing for an author who primarily writes queer books, but it was also a frustrating read where I never warmed up to the main characters.
***Thanks to the publisher for approving me for this ARC on NetGalley.***
Like? I do read straight m/f contemporary romances, but I just wouldn’t expect to read one from Garrett Leigh? I know she has one that she initially published under a different penname (since changed back to her main one), but I haven’t read that one. This is her first book with a traditional publisher and the first one out of the gate is a straight m/f? I would’ve been much more excited about reading this book if it had been a queer m/f romance instead. I kept hoping for it to be a queer m/f, but it was disappointingly not.
As it is, I guess the point of this book is to introduce new Harlequin readers to the author, but I wonder if I would’ve been better off skipping this one and just skipping to the second book (a m/m romance). I read this in the middle of December, which is about one month from publication, but there’s still no promo for this so I went into this book not knowing what to expect at all. All I can tell from the publisher’s website is that this book will have an audiobook release in addition to an ebook, but no physical paperbacks. So, that’s a bit disappointing since that means the m/m sequel won’t either.
Trigger warnings include mentions of emotional abuse, abandonment, mentions of parents dying from illness, mentions of drug use (secondary character), violence, hospital stays, stalking, and harassment.
This is a second chance romance with stabby heart feels. And I usually like those types of books!! But the added melodrama of the characters not communicating at all, a mystery that made no sense, the POV chances mid-chapter, and the unnecessary angst at the end just did not help.
Mia and Luke had been high school lovers, but personal tragedy wrenched them apart. Luke handled his grief by running off to join the Navy ten years ago, and that was the last they saw of each other until Mia returns home to Rushmere and quite literally bumps into him in town.
Mia’s younger brother Gus works for Luke in a roofing business around town, so it’s not like Mia can avoid Luke forever, but she certainly tries. A lot can happen in ten years and Mia now owns a flower shop she’s starting up in the town and she’s pretty sure she doesn’t want to see Luke again since he broke her heart all those years ago.
Yes, there’s angst. But it’s a lot, and it doesn’t really ever end. Mia and Luke just keep going in circles and I KNOW people are messy and contradictory, but it does get to a point where it gets really boring to read. Something this book doesn’t touch on is that Luke needs therapy because I don’t think he ever came to terms with his feelings and what happened with his dad. And Mia needs therapy too for what she went through in France. This book just seems to think their long lost love for each other will heal all their wounds, but I feel like there’s still stuff that needs to be aired out. And with what happens at the end? That HAS to be traumatizing? Both of them have to go talk to a therapist.
That said. THE ENDING. Just...what happened??? What was the point? There was some mystery leading up to the ending - like who is sending Mia weird things, what’s with the strange car following her around town, etc. But finding out who the perpetrator was?? was just so weird and out in left field. I love a good mystery book, and this was not it. I can usually forgive a bad plot if I love the characters but unfortunately this just wasn’t the case here. I just had a hard time loving either Mia or Luke.
The incident at the end and the piece that resolves it all in the epilogue? It’s overly dramatic and then tries to tie everything together in a neat bow. Also? Somehow the police are all caring and competent at their jobs. But Mia never took any threats to her life seriously enough for me. She’s a woman! Why is she not more worried that she has a jealous ex or someone else after her?? The one incident at the end also begs the question of how long should someone be on bed rest if they have broken ribs? How long before they can have sex? This book avoids thinking too hard about any of it.
And speaking about sex...it was fine. Except for all the parts where it wasn’t. Mia and Luke started out using condoms but apparently the book just forgot about them as the story went on, never to be mentioned again and the two characters never talked about forgoing condoms so what the heck. And there was one scene that jumped from them heading off to have sex, only to turn the page and it’s suddenly morning and we’re left with a flashback back to the sex scene??
There were other things in this book I wasn’t happy about, like the POVs switching mid-chapter. While, yes, the book does tell you who’s perspective you’re reading from, it’s not obvious. The name is just in italics a paragraph down and I kept thinking it was the character thinking the other character’s name in their head, not that the POV switched. And picking up this book mid-scene, I found Mia and Luke’s voices to be way too similar to distinguish between them.
Things I liked about this book is Gus and Billy, Luke’s younger brother. They’re obviously the couple in the sequel. Gus is a protective brother to Mia and confident with his sexuality while Billy is more of an enigma right now. Billy has been drinking and doing his fair share of drugs, so it’ll be interesting to see where their relationship goes in the next book. Do I think you need to read this book if you want to only read Gus and Billy’s story? I don’t think so. Not unless you just need to read books in order.
Another thing though. Mia and Gus know French but we don’t really know how they came about it. We presume their parents but it’s never mentioned. Gus just randomly speaks French in the book for no reason at all?
Personally, I find that this book as a straight m/f romance was not only just disappointing for an author who primarily writes queer books, but it was also a frustrating read where I never warmed up to the main characters.
***Thanks to the publisher for approving me for this ARC on NetGalley.***
not-finished
February 9, 202150 lpp un i'm out.
Galvenokārt, jo Mia ir kaitinošs, nepatīkams tēls ar atbaidošu attieksmi.
Sižets arī bija mehh. Garrett Leigh ir autore, kas man ir devusi manus mīļākos attiecību stāstus. Šis bija... vāji. CIk nu es izlasīju. Un tam pat ir maz sakara, ka šī ir f/m grāmata, nevis m/m. Vienkārši raksturi tēliem ir... vāji, kaitinoši un bez seguma. Kaut kādas ņuņņainas pagātnes drāmas par pusaudžu laiku attiecībām. Grow up! Tāds bērnudārzs no sērijas - man viņš tā besī, tā besī, negribu viņu redzēt.... davai, iešu viņam speciāli uzkasīties ar stulbām piezīmēm. Jā, es esmu tik gudra.
Es saprotu attiecības, kuras balstās tikai uz seksu. Ok. Fine. Bet pat tādās manuprāt, abi cilvēki ievēro kaut kādu cieņu viens pret otru ikdienas dzīvē, kad viņiem nav sekss. Nevis - davai, es izturēšos pret tevi atbaidoši 90% no laika, jo esmu nepieaugusi pamuļķe, kas taisa drāmas par to, kas bijis ntos gadus atpakaļ, bet tu to ignorē un nāc mani drāzt, kad es pasvilpšu. Yeah... no. Es negribu to lasīt. Īpaši, ja čalis pretī bez pašcieņas tādu attieksmi pieņem. Viņa varētu spļaut viņam sejā un viņš neko nedarītu. Tādi vīriešu tēli grāmatās mani neinteresē.
Galvenokārt, jo Mia ir kaitinošs, nepatīkams tēls ar atbaidošu attieksmi.
Sižets arī bija mehh. Garrett Leigh ir autore, kas man ir devusi manus mīļākos attiecību stāstus. Šis bija... vāji. CIk nu es izlasīju. Un tam pat ir maz sakara, ka šī ir f/m grāmata, nevis m/m. Vienkārši raksturi tēliem ir... vāji, kaitinoši un bez seguma. Kaut kādas ņuņņainas pagātnes drāmas par pusaudžu laiku attiecībām. Grow up! Tāds bērnudārzs no sērijas - man viņš tā besī, tā besī, negribu viņu redzēt.... davai, iešu viņam speciāli uzkasīties ar stulbām piezīmēm. Jā, es esmu tik gudra.
Es saprotu attiecības, kuras balstās tikai uz seksu. Ok. Fine. Bet pat tādās manuprāt, abi cilvēki ievēro kaut kādu cieņu viens pret otru ikdienas dzīvē, kad viņiem nav sekss. Nevis - davai, es izturēšos pret tevi atbaidoši 90% no laika, jo esmu nepieaugusi pamuļķe, kas taisa drāmas par to, kas bijis ntos gadus atpakaļ, bet tu to ignorē un nāc mani drāzt, kad es pasvilpšu. Yeah... no. Es negribu to lasīt. Īpaši, ja čalis pretī bez pašcieņas tādu attieksmi pieņem. Viņa varētu spļaut viņam sejā un viņš neko nedarītu. Tādi vīriešu tēli grāmatās mani neinteresē.
January 13, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a really, really good read. I have read many of Garett Leigh's books, and they all have something very special about them - and that is they are raw, real and do not hold back on being incredibly honest. When people are upset, they really are upset, sometimes they may even be upset for entirely the wrong reason, but they reveal it, and even revel in it. Not every action that a character takes is sensible, or forgivable, or rational. At times they feel almost too real. This is fiction which does not gloss over the uncomfortable, or the (almost) unforgivable; it forces us to acknowledge that love can be rediscovered, even after hurt. That there may be anger, animosity, misunderstandings, but that it takes time, effort and energy on both sides to arrive at a compromise which enables a relationship to move forward.
And that is what I always love about Leigh's books. They are not a smooth ride into the sunset. They are so much richer for the complexity of the environment around them, and the resolution of the conflict that leads to a truly meaningful ending.
So if you have not read a Garrett Leigh book before, and that sounds like the kind of writing you like, then you have a wonderful adventure ahead. This is a great place to start, as Mia and Luke's story is intense, exciting and laden with a chemistry that even they can't fight. It makes for a great read - and I am very excited that Billy and Gus are going to get their chance in the next installment!
This is a really, really good read. I have read many of Garett Leigh's books, and they all have something very special about them - and that is they are raw, real and do not hold back on being incredibly honest. When people are upset, they really are upset, sometimes they may even be upset for entirely the wrong reason, but they reveal it, and even revel in it. Not every action that a character takes is sensible, or forgivable, or rational. At times they feel almost too real. This is fiction which does not gloss over the uncomfortable, or the (almost) unforgivable; it forces us to acknowledge that love can be rediscovered, even after hurt. That there may be anger, animosity, misunderstandings, but that it takes time, effort and energy on both sides to arrive at a compromise which enables a relationship to move forward.
And that is what I always love about Leigh's books. They are not a smooth ride into the sunset. They are so much richer for the complexity of the environment around them, and the resolution of the conflict that leads to a truly meaningful ending.
So if you have not read a Garrett Leigh book before, and that sounds like the kind of writing you like, then you have a wonderful adventure ahead. This is a great place to start, as Mia and Luke's story is intense, exciting and laden with a chemistry that even they can't fight. It makes for a great read - and I am very excited that Billy and Gus are going to get their chance in the next installment!
January 23, 2021
The first book in a new series, Forgiven is a second chance romance and my introduction to this author. I like the premise of this story and most of the characters, but struggled to warm to Mia and found something missing in her relationship with Luke. I will read more and recommend other read this story as this is just my view at a point in time.
January 25, 2021
3.5 stars
Forgiven was a bit difficult for me to rate. As much as I disliked the beginning, the end made up for it. The storyline is enjoyable and rather simple to follow.
What bothered me were the main characters. Why? Well, the story starts out well and I was intrigued, but quickly Mia acts out and is very immature. She has a temper and not always for the right reasons (if that makes sense). She fights against things that are common sense at times or simply for the sake of it. As for Luke, he is the peace to her storm to the extreme. He doesn't say much and when she tries to make amends after lashing out, for example, that's when he shuts her out and/or lashes out. At first, I found them very annoying.
Now, there are things that I have enjoyed. The moment the second part of the story begins, the characters turn around and the story becomes more enjoyable. The mystery creates just what I need to push me through it. The characters have a good arc overall, but it drags not in a great way in the beginning. So I would say, I didn't enjoy the first part, but liked the second, so it's really hard for me to rate this book.
Mia's brother is probably the character I enjoyed reading about the most. Book 2 is about him, so I will read the second book.
Forgiven was a bit difficult for me to rate. As much as I disliked the beginning, the end made up for it. The storyline is enjoyable and rather simple to follow.
What bothered me were the main characters. Why? Well, the story starts out well and I was intrigued, but quickly Mia acts out and is very immature. She has a temper and not always for the right reasons (if that makes sense). She fights against things that are common sense at times or simply for the sake of it. As for Luke, he is the peace to her storm to the extreme. He doesn't say much and when she tries to make amends after lashing out, for example, that's when he shuts her out and/or lashes out. At first, I found them very annoying.
Now, there are things that I have enjoyed. The moment the second part of the story begins, the characters turn around and the story becomes more enjoyable. The mystery creates just what I need to push me through it. The characters have a good arc overall, but it drags not in a great way in the beginning. So I would say, I didn't enjoy the first part, but liked the second, so it's really hard for me to rate this book.
Mia's brother is probably the character I enjoyed reading about the most. Book 2 is about him, so I will read the second book.
January 25, 2021
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I’m usually a huge fan of Garrett Leigh’s writing, but this was painful. As a disclaimer, I do tend to avoid m/f romance - but I enjoy a good second chance romance and I love Leigh’s writing enough to overlook most things. Or - I thought I did.
Mia Amour arrives back in England after a messy divorce. She’s still grieving her mother and she’s avoided her brother, her hometown and everyone she grew up with for years. She’s a bit of a mess. As she starts a new floristry business, she is blindsided by the appearance of her first love who has also returned to town.
I really didn’t warm to Mia. She’s prickly and emotionally messy. I feel like she takes advantage of her brother and she plays emotional games with Luke. But many of Leigh’s characters are similarly messy. Leigh’s writing is at its strongest when it gets to the heart of difficult characters but I don’t feel like we ever get to properly know Mia. And honestly, there is a point when it becomes ridiculous for a grown woman to harbour debilitating resentment towards an ex-boyfriend for decisions he made as a grieving teenager.
Luke is an easier character to warm to. He feels solid and good - but I really didn’t understand why he kept running back to Mia. Luke doesn’t deserve the headgames Mia plays and I found myself losing respect for him every time he ran back to her.
Running alongside Mia and Luke’s reunion is an odd sort of stalker storyline. It’s odd because there isn’t really any escalating suspense and when it is all over, readers are still left with far too many questions about Mia’s life in France and her relationship with her ex-husband.
This feels like a very different author to the one who has written so many of my favourite stories. I don’t think the difference is totally down to the m/f romance, but I did find myself more curious about the potential relationship between Luke and Mia’s brothers than I ever was about Luke and Mia. Which probably says something about both me and the book.
I’m usually a huge fan of Garrett Leigh’s writing, but this was painful. As a disclaimer, I do tend to avoid m/f romance - but I enjoy a good second chance romance and I love Leigh’s writing enough to overlook most things. Or - I thought I did.
Mia Amour arrives back in England after a messy divorce. She’s still grieving her mother and she’s avoided her brother, her hometown and everyone she grew up with for years. She’s a bit of a mess. As she starts a new floristry business, she is blindsided by the appearance of her first love who has also returned to town.
I really didn’t warm to Mia. She’s prickly and emotionally messy. I feel like she takes advantage of her brother and she plays emotional games with Luke. But many of Leigh’s characters are similarly messy. Leigh’s writing is at its strongest when it gets to the heart of difficult characters but I don’t feel like we ever get to properly know Mia. And honestly, there is a point when it becomes ridiculous for a grown woman to harbour debilitating resentment towards an ex-boyfriend for decisions he made as a grieving teenager.
Luke is an easier character to warm to. He feels solid and good - but I really didn’t understand why he kept running back to Mia. Luke doesn’t deserve the headgames Mia plays and I found myself losing respect for him every time he ran back to her.
Running alongside Mia and Luke’s reunion is an odd sort of stalker storyline. It’s odd because there isn’t really any escalating suspense and when it is all over, readers are still left with far too many questions about Mia’s life in France and her relationship with her ex-husband.
This feels like a very different author to the one who has written so many of my favourite stories. I don’t think the difference is totally down to the m/f romance, but I did find myself more curious about the potential relationship between Luke and Mia’s brothers than I ever was about Luke and Mia. Which probably says something about both me and the book.
Read
August 18, 2022Trigger & Content Warnings:
Drug use mentioned (sc)
Hospitalisation
Death of a parent from illness recounted
Stalking
Drug use mentioned (sc)
Hospitalisation
Death of a parent from illness recounted
Stalking
September 18, 2021
This is my second book I’ve read by this author. The first was Misfits. I really enjoyed that book. So when I saw this book on Netgalley. I didn’t think twice… I requested to read it. This book I felt missed some marks for me. At times, I lost focus. It just wasn’t what I was expecting.
Things I thought should’ve been more detailed. The main one being Mia & Luke’s past relationship together. We get little bits here and there. But I think I needed a little more connection between them. It kinda felt like to me that I was jumping into their drama right from the start.
I would’ve Liked a little back story. More in their teenage years, how Mia’s life was without Luke after he left the way he did. Because I felt it would’ve helped me understand them more.
I had a hard time connecting to both characters. Especially Mia’s character. I really wasn’t feeling her. I get she was upset. But at times I felt it was too much. From what I understand, Luke and Mia had a on again/off again kind of relationship. Before Luke left… things started to get really deep between them. But they weren’t in a relationship. They hadn’t even said “I love you” to each other. But they both were in love with each other.
They both had regrets. I think if they could change some of the events from their past, it would’ve played out differently.
“Well, I’m telling you now. Leaving Rushmere was the worst thing I ever did, and I’ve been paying for it ever since.”
Luke, I felt he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was super serious. I know he felt like he had to step up for being the oldest. But I felt he went about it all the wrong way. He needed to communicate more. He held everything in. It was frustrating. But when he finally opened up. I felt like I was finally seeing him.
“The truth is I love you, always have, and I don’t know if I can live with how much I’ve hurt you.”
Mia was angry at Luke. She was also so mean to him too. How they got together didn’t really feel like a win win kinda thing. It was cold and impersonal. And it was like a flip of a switch how she stopped being mad at Luke.
The whole stalker thing in this book. Well, I have to be honest here. It felt weird. Especially who this person was. It was really random. And again. Maybe a little back story on this person. Because
I was left scratching my head going huh, what did I miss here. It didn’t flow at all. It kinda felt like it was just thrown out there.
Overall…. I just wish there was more character backstory. And maybe the drama was a little different and with different people.
I signed up for for book 2…. Blindly. I was all for Gus’s story. But I have to be honest here. Luke’s brother Billy wasn’t all that likeable. He had the same attitude Mia did in this book.
So, I’m hoping this attitude doesn’t last long in Unforgotten. I just started that book. So, fingers crossed.
*ARC Provided by HARLEQUIN - Carina Press via NetGalley*
-MichelleMisfits
Things I thought should’ve been more detailed. The main one being Mia & Luke’s past relationship together. We get little bits here and there. But I think I needed a little more connection between them. It kinda felt like to me that I was jumping into their drama right from the start.
I would’ve Liked a little back story. More in their teenage years, how Mia’s life was without Luke after he left the way he did. Because I felt it would’ve helped me understand them more.
I had a hard time connecting to both characters. Especially Mia’s character. I really wasn’t feeling her. I get she was upset. But at times I felt it was too much. From what I understand, Luke and Mia had a on again/off again kind of relationship. Before Luke left… things started to get really deep between them. But they weren’t in a relationship. They hadn’t even said “I love you” to each other. But they both were in love with each other.
They both had regrets. I think if they could change some of the events from their past, it would’ve played out differently.
“Well, I’m telling you now. Leaving Rushmere was the worst thing I ever did, and I’ve been paying for it ever since.”
Luke, I felt he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was super serious. I know he felt like he had to step up for being the oldest. But I felt he went about it all the wrong way. He needed to communicate more. He held everything in. It was frustrating. But when he finally opened up. I felt like I was finally seeing him.
“The truth is I love you, always have, and I don’t know if I can live with how much I’ve hurt you.”
Mia was angry at Luke. She was also so mean to him too. How they got together didn’t really feel like a win win kinda thing. It was cold and impersonal. And it was like a flip of a switch how she stopped being mad at Luke.
The whole stalker thing in this book. Well, I have to be honest here. It felt weird. Especially who this person was. It was really random. And again. Maybe a little back story on this person. Because
I was left scratching my head going huh, what did I miss here. It didn’t flow at all. It kinda felt like it was just thrown out there.
Overall…. I just wish there was more character backstory. And maybe the drama was a little different and with different people.
I signed up for for book 2…. Blindly. I was all for Gus’s story. But I have to be honest here. Luke’s brother Billy wasn’t all that likeable. He had the same attitude Mia did in this book.
So, I’m hoping this attitude doesn’t last long in Unforgotten. I just started that book. So, fingers crossed.
*ARC Provided by HARLEQUIN - Carina Press via NetGalley*
-MichelleMisfits
January 18, 2021
Mia Amour returns to her home town about to sign divorce papers on a marriage no one knows about. She's trying to put her life back together after running to Paris to get over her heartache and family situation years ago. But she's back now and doesn't know at first that the young man who broke her heart years ago is back in town and that her brother Gus is working for him.
Luke Daley ran away too. He left for the Navy without even a good bye to the girl he loved. He's got a bit of a communication issue, being one of those silent types who doesn't have an easy time of connecting to his own feelings.
But as soon as Mia and Luke get in each other's orbit, the sparks start flying.
This second chance romance brings it on a number of levels that I really like in Garrett Leigh's work. She knows how to show those emotions -- the ones on the surface as well as the deeper feelings that people keep hidden, and Luke and Mia have buckets of both. It's clear they need to be together -- it just takes a while for Mia to truly forgive Luke for running all those years ago. And Luke needs time to understand just what Mia needs from him.
In between figuring out their own issues, petty vandalism strikes Mia's new flower shop and a car is seen stalking them all to some potentially disastrous results. There is also a very intriguing subplot regarding Luke's brother Billy and Mia's brother Gus. I really can't wait to dig into their story which is the second book in this series.
Mia and Luke's story is unique in that these two really want their second chance but it takes a while for them to get out of their own way. Their propensity to want to argue throws some roadblocks in their way and there was quite a few times that I just wanted to throw my ereader because they were so close to making progress on their second chance.
As a US reader, I love the language in this story and feel like I'm transported to another place when reading it. I absolutely adore this about Garrett Leigh's stories and the best part of anything I've read from her in the past. There's a certain charm to her writing that pulls me in and gets me invested in the story quickly. I know I'm in for an emotional ride when I read a Garrett Leigh book, and Forgiven did not disappoint.
Forgiven is an emotional second chance love story between two people with lots of baggage to unload before they can move on, even though they have plenty of sparks in the bedroom. I enjoyed this story of love re-ignited, especially because both of the characters needed each other. There's plenty of family drama, too to add spice to the story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher. This is my honest review.
Luke Daley ran away too. He left for the Navy without even a good bye to the girl he loved. He's got a bit of a communication issue, being one of those silent types who doesn't have an easy time of connecting to his own feelings.
But as soon as Mia and Luke get in each other's orbit, the sparks start flying.
This second chance romance brings it on a number of levels that I really like in Garrett Leigh's work. She knows how to show those emotions -- the ones on the surface as well as the deeper feelings that people keep hidden, and Luke and Mia have buckets of both. It's clear they need to be together -- it just takes a while for Mia to truly forgive Luke for running all those years ago. And Luke needs time to understand just what Mia needs from him.
In between figuring out their own issues, petty vandalism strikes Mia's new flower shop and a car is seen stalking them all to some potentially disastrous results. There is also a very intriguing subplot regarding Luke's brother Billy and Mia's brother Gus. I really can't wait to dig into their story which is the second book in this series.
Mia and Luke's story is unique in that these two really want their second chance but it takes a while for them to get out of their own way. Their propensity to want to argue throws some roadblocks in their way and there was quite a few times that I just wanted to throw my ereader because they were so close to making progress on their second chance.
As a US reader, I love the language in this story and feel like I'm transported to another place when reading it. I absolutely adore this about Garrett Leigh's stories and the best part of anything I've read from her in the past. There's a certain charm to her writing that pulls me in and gets me invested in the story quickly. I know I'm in for an emotional ride when I read a Garrett Leigh book, and Forgiven did not disappoint.
Forgiven is an emotional second chance love story between two people with lots of baggage to unload before they can move on, even though they have plenty of sparks in the bedroom. I enjoyed this story of love re-ignited, especially because both of the characters needed each other. There's plenty of family drama, too to add spice to the story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher. This is my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews