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Vino & Veritas #2
Heartscape
From award-winning author Garrett Leigh comes a gorgeous new romance in the True North world! Think: great food, burly men and good times. Beards are optional but encouraged.
I’m not the obvious choice to run Burlington’s coolest wine bar—quiet, brooding, clueless about tannin content, and always one wrong turn away from another downward spiral.
But no one seems to mind that I'm a wreck. Besides me. I just focus on getting through each shift until the night a beautiful stranger appears, looking as lost and damaged as I feel.
When a mutual friend calls in a favor, the sexy newcomer winds up crashing on my couch. I don't know if it's his melodic Cornish accent, or his ocean blue eyes, or the rock-hard body with the mysterious scars, but I get the feeling whatever happened to him runs far deeper than those wounds.
Having Jax in my home makes my chest warm. Makes me shiver. Makes me want more. But I've got a pile of baggage and I don't want to be a burden on anyone let alone a man who seems to have enough demons of his own.
Our chemistry is off the charts. His arms feel like home. The last thing I want is to screw this up. Is it wrong to hope we can heal each other? Or will one of us die trying?
HEARTSCAPE is a heartfelt MM friends-to-lovers romance in the True North world, with a brooding bartender, a rugged outdoorsman, sweet angst and lots of Shipley cider. Triggers: contains mentions of depression, suicidal ideation and PTSD recovery.
I’m not the obvious choice to run Burlington’s coolest wine bar—quiet, brooding, clueless about tannin content, and always one wrong turn away from another downward spiral.
But no one seems to mind that I'm a wreck. Besides me. I just focus on getting through each shift until the night a beautiful stranger appears, looking as lost and damaged as I feel.
When a mutual friend calls in a favor, the sexy newcomer winds up crashing on my couch. I don't know if it's his melodic Cornish accent, or his ocean blue eyes, or the rock-hard body with the mysterious scars, but I get the feeling whatever happened to him runs far deeper than those wounds.
Having Jax in my home makes my chest warm. Makes me shiver. Makes me want more. But I've got a pile of baggage and I don't want to be a burden on anyone let alone a man who seems to have enough demons of his own.
Our chemistry is off the charts. His arms feel like home. The last thing I want is to screw this up. Is it wrong to hope we can heal each other? Or will one of us die trying?
HEARTSCAPE is a heartfelt MM friends-to-lovers romance in the True North world, with a brooding bartender, a rugged outdoorsman, sweet angst and lots of Shipley cider. Triggers: contains mentions of depression, suicidal ideation and PTSD recovery.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2021
About the author
Garrett Leigh
92 books2,181 followersShe/Her
Bonus Material available for all books on Garrett's Patreon account. Includes short stories from Misfits, Slide, Strays, What Remains, Dream, and much more. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/garrettleigh
Facebook Fan Group, Garrett's Den... https://www.facebook.com/groups/garre...
Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British romance author and artist. Her debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and she is a 4 time LAMBDA finalist.
In 2017, she won the EPIC award in contemporary romance with her military novel, Between Ghosts, and the contemporary romance category in the Bisexual Book Awards with her novel What Remains.
Garrett is also an award winning cover designer, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com
Bonus Material available for all books on Garrett's Patreon account. Includes short stories from Misfits, Slide, Strays, What Remains, Dream, and much more. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/garrettleigh
Facebook Fan Group, Garrett's Den... https://www.facebook.com/groups/garre...
Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British romance author and artist. Her debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and she is a 4 time LAMBDA finalist.
In 2017, she won the EPIC award in contemporary romance with her military novel, Between Ghosts, and the contemporary romance category in the Bisexual Book Awards with her novel What Remains.
Garrett is also an award winning cover designer, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 529 reviews
October 6, 2022
3.5 stars
I loved this author's book Wildfire and since Tanner and Jax are a big part of that story, I decided to go back and read theirs.
I thought it was sweet, emotional, mostly slow-paced and a bit dramatic at times. Both Tanner and Jax experienced traumas in the past, but I didn't find the story angsty, it felt more melancholy. They are definitely in a better place in Wildfire, so I'm happy about that.
The audiobook was ok. I enjoyed Michael Dean's narration more than I usually do. Not sure how accurate the accents were, but I enjoyed listening to them.
I loved this author's book Wildfire and since Tanner and Jax are a big part of that story, I decided to go back and read theirs.
I thought it was sweet, emotional, mostly slow-paced and a bit dramatic at times. Both Tanner and Jax experienced traumas in the past, but I didn't find the story angsty, it felt more melancholy. They are definitely in a better place in Wildfire, so I'm happy about that.
The audiobook was ok. I enjoyed Michael Dean's narration more than I usually do. Not sure how accurate the accents were, but I enjoyed listening to them.
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1626057011i/10717098._UX200_CR0,33,200,200_.jpg)
January 16, 2024
RATING 4.5 STARS
Heartscape by Garrett Leigh is part of the Vino and Veritas world. This was such a wonderful book. I’ve read several books now by Garrett and have come to expect the way her beautiful words affect me. This can be read as a complete stand alone.
Tanner Reid is twenty eight years old and manages the V & V wine bar. He is a tatted up, broody, quiet man who really knows nothing about wine. But he loves the job none the less and has created a well oiled machine and a close knit bunch with the other employees. He lives on top of the bar in a small apartment. When his brother’s girlfriend, Eve calls, his first reaction is to ignore the call. And maybe he should have when she wants him to do a favor and take in a man who needs a couch for the night.
Jax is twenty six years old. He is in Burlington, Vermont, on a temporary job when things took a turn for the worse and he no longer has a place to stay. His friend, Eve, says she is going to take care of it. Tanner seems none too thrilled with having a stranger in his place but when one night turns into more, neither of them seem anxious to change anything.
The pull between these two is immediate and strong. Both have secrets in their past, darkness they are trying to run from. But somehow, when they are together, both of them feel quieter, safe, like maybe they just found their home.
Once again, Garrett has written a story that pulled me in and wrapped itself around my heart. Tanner and Jax were so perfect for each other. I don’t want to say they healed each other but they gave each other the strength to move forward, to do what they needed to do to heal themselves. This is a wonderful story that squeezed my heart in the best of ways. Now it’s time to choose what will be my next read of Garrett’s!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Heartscape by Garrett Leigh is part of the Vino and Veritas world. This was such a wonderful book. I’ve read several books now by Garrett and have come to expect the way her beautiful words affect me. This can be read as a complete stand alone.
Tanner Reid is twenty eight years old and manages the V & V wine bar. He is a tatted up, broody, quiet man who really knows nothing about wine. But he loves the job none the less and has created a well oiled machine and a close knit bunch with the other employees. He lives on top of the bar in a small apartment. When his brother’s girlfriend, Eve calls, his first reaction is to ignore the call. And maybe he should have when she wants him to do a favor and take in a man who needs a couch for the night.
Jax is twenty six years old. He is in Burlington, Vermont, on a temporary job when things took a turn for the worse and he no longer has a place to stay. His friend, Eve, says she is going to take care of it. Tanner seems none too thrilled with having a stranger in his place but when one night turns into more, neither of them seem anxious to change anything.
The pull between these two is immediate and strong. Both have secrets in their past, darkness they are trying to run from. But somehow, when they are together, both of them feel quieter, safe, like maybe they just found their home.
Once again, Garrett has written a story that pulled me in and wrapped itself around my heart. Tanner and Jax were so perfect for each other. I don’t want to say they healed each other but they gave each other the strength to move forward, to do what they needed to do to heal themselves. This is a wonderful story that squeezed my heart in the best of ways. Now it’s time to choose what will be my next read of Garrett’s!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
August 15, 2021
3.5 Stars
I’m by no means a Garrett Leigh expert, but I felt this fell in line with her typical angsty MC’s with plenty of emotions and a back and forth POV. Though heavy in the personal background drama of Jax and Tanner’s pasts, this still was easy reading while they fall for each other as they cope (or not) with what haunts them daily.
Overall, I’m thankful for the very minimal relationship angst as these two slowly progress regarding their growing feelings. Though not as laid back breezy as Featherbed, this was still lite reading with a good ole punch of feels as Jax and Tanner find in the other a reason to heal and move forward together.
I’m by no means a Garrett Leigh expert, but I felt this fell in line with her typical angsty MC’s with plenty of emotions and a back and forth POV. Though heavy in the personal background drama of Jax and Tanner’s pasts, this still was easy reading while they fall for each other as they cope (or not) with what haunts them daily.
Overall, I’m thankful for the very minimal relationship angst as these two slowly progress regarding their growing feelings. Though not as laid back breezy as Featherbed, this was still lite reading with a good ole punch of feels as Jax and Tanner find in the other a reason to heal and move forward together.
February 24, 2021
If Annabeth Albert's Featherbed was the gentle and sweet romantic introduction to the Vino and Veritas setting, then Garrett Leigh's Heartscape is the one which brings all the emotional feels.
As is ever the case with her writing, Garrett manages to squeeze the reader's heart tightly with her tale of V&V bar manager Tanner and Cornish ex-surfer Jax when their paths collide unexpectedly through mutual friend Eve.
I have to say from the off, there wasn't a bit of this book that didn't have me sighing in satisfaction or have my heart pounding with tension as the two very different men find they've got a soul deep connection which makes each of them find a place to rest.
They've both suffered intense trauma in their lives, both have issues they're still dealing with (or in Tanner's case, avoiding dealing with to a lot of extent) but the comfort they find in the presence of the other, even without words, is palpable.
It constantly pulls at the heartstrings as they start to open up to each other and the UST is off the charts, as are their encounters once they both give in to the attraction which is grounded in their friendship.
However, while most of the tension arises from internal issues, the narrative also includes a very believable secondary plotline which focuses on the wilderness trails which Jax works as a videographer and which Tanner used to be a ranger at until an incident triggered a crisis.
I'm not going to go into that element of the plot as I think it works best being unfolded on the page but lets just say I was on the edge of my seat.
The payoff in the book is a completely solid romance with foundations set so deep you know this pair aren't ever going to be parted.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Hearts Eyes Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
As is ever the case with her writing, Garrett manages to squeeze the reader's heart tightly with her tale of V&V bar manager Tanner and Cornish ex-surfer Jax when their paths collide unexpectedly through mutual friend Eve.
I have to say from the off, there wasn't a bit of this book that didn't have me sighing in satisfaction or have my heart pounding with tension as the two very different men find they've got a soul deep connection which makes each of them find a place to rest.
They've both suffered intense trauma in their lives, both have issues they're still dealing with (or in Tanner's case, avoiding dealing with to a lot of extent) but the comfort they find in the presence of the other, even without words, is palpable.
It constantly pulls at the heartstrings as they start to open up to each other and the UST is off the charts, as are their encounters once they both give in to the attraction which is grounded in their friendship.
However, while most of the tension arises from internal issues, the narrative also includes a very believable secondary plotline which focuses on the wilderness trails which Jax works as a videographer and which Tanner used to be a ranger at until an incident triggered a crisis.
I'm not going to go into that element of the plot as I think it works best being unfolded on the page but lets just say I was on the edge of my seat.
The payoff in the book is a completely solid romance with foundations set so deep you know this pair aren't ever going to be parted.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Hearts Eyes Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
May 1, 2021
I am definitely the odd man out with this one. I usually love GL’s books, but this one missed the mark for me, although I did like it better than book 1. It did have the usual GL angst, but it was very vague as to why they were both struggling, unless I missed it.
Another issue I had was in the beginning, trying to distinguish who was talking and their inner monologue (and there was a lot of inner monologue). They were both grumpy and brooding, so it did take me a while to figure things out.
Besides all that, I did like the book, just not as much as I thought I would and I’ll most likely will continue with the series.
Another issue I had was in the beginning, trying to distinguish who was talking and their inner monologue (and there was a lot of inner monologue). They were both grumpy and brooding, so it did take me a while to figure things out.
Besides all that, I did like the book, just not as much as I thought I would and I’ll most likely will continue with the series.
April 7, 2021
This author and I don't mix well, but I wanted to read this book as I was curious about Tanner (he's mentioned in both books 1 and 3 of the Vino & Veritas series).
While I liked Tanner and Jax and sympathized with their plight (both were damaged in different ways, as is Leigh's MO), the story dragged for me. The MCs cycled through the same internal monologue over and over again. They were hurting and not ready for a relationship, but drawn to each other. It was all very emo.
By the halfway mark, I almost gave up. Too much of the story revolved around Tanner's brother Gabi and his sort of girlfriend Eve (who also happened to be Jax's good friend), as well as Molly, Tanner's employee.
I didn't like Eve or Molly. Eve was annoying and bossy, treating Tanner like a child versus a grownarse man (she gets on his case when he sleeps over at Jax's house, like she's his mom or something), and Molly was incompetent at her job and a doormat when it came to her shitty boyfriend.
The story picked up in the last few chapters, and the ending was a sweet, tentative HEA, but I can't say I really enjoyed the book.
While I liked Tanner and Jax and sympathized with their plight (both were damaged in different ways, as is Leigh's MO), the story dragged for me. The MCs cycled through the same internal monologue over and over again. They were hurting and not ready for a relationship, but drawn to each other. It was all very emo.
By the halfway mark, I almost gave up. Too much of the story revolved around Tanner's brother Gabi and his sort of girlfriend Eve (who also happened to be Jax's good friend), as well as Molly, Tanner's employee.
I didn't like Eve or Molly. Eve was annoying and bossy, treating Tanner like a child versus a grownarse man (she gets on his case when he sleeps over at Jax's house, like she's his mom or something), and Molly was incompetent at her job and a doormat when it came to her shitty boyfriend.
The story picked up in the last few chapters, and the ending was a sweet, tentative HEA, but I can't say I really enjoyed the book.
March 30, 2021
Audio - 4.25 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
July 23, 2021
3.5 Stars
Heartscape follows two twenty-something men, Jax and Tanner, who are dealing with their individual past traumas, when they find unexpected peace and healing in their new friendship, which soon blossoms into love in small-town Vermont.
Honest and melancholy in parts, Heartscape is a medium-angst story within this expanded, multi-author series—but it was straight-up lite-angst when compared to some of Leigh’s other emotionally charged reads, if people wish for such a comparison. It was certainly meatier in tone, content and character than Annabeth Albert’s feelgood read Featherbed (which was the first book in the Vino & Veritas series), which didn’t make much of a difference to my personal enjoyment, but may for all readers who prefer a little more depth.
I enjoyed diving deeper into new bar manager Tanner’s life and past, which we got merely surface level glances at in his brief appearances Roommate and Featherbed. This guy personified the dark, bearded and broody lumberjack type, and I had fun following his story from lonely and troubled, to lighter and in love. Equally appealing was Jax, once-a-surf-champion, typed wildlife photographer, who had survived some harrowing past traumas, both physical and mental, much like Tanner.
I liked that meeting each other and going from friends-to-lovers helped Tanner and Jax find a sense of peace and new hope in their personal lives. Love didn’t heal all wounds or erase their bad experiences, hell no—but it certainly allowed both men to begin to process their traumas on a healthier level than they may have been doing beforehand, assisted by shared experiences and unwavering mutual emotional support. Here, love didn’t magically fix their mental health issues, but it sure made the potential for a healthier and happier future worth fighting for. I loved that.
In truth, I’m still a bit befuddled over the deeper specifics of Tanner’s and Jax’s actual traumas/mental health issues, but I figured a sense of elusiveness there was purposeful? I knew enough to care about them, but perhaps not enough to understand why they felt or reacted the way they did at times. It felt a bit vague, I guess, but again, that too felt purposeful.
Overall, I enjoyed this instalment. I’m digging this LGBTQ themed line of Bowen’s expanded World of True North—which, to be fair, was probably always going to be a winner for me given the cosy Vermont setting and the rugged mountain men and sexy bearded farmer-types that seem to populate most of the books I’ve read about thus far. I’m ALWAYS here for that and I can’t wait to read more, across all four multi-author, multi-themed series.
Heartscape follows two twenty-something men, Jax and Tanner, who are dealing with their individual past traumas, when they find unexpected peace and healing in their new friendship, which soon blossoms into love in small-town Vermont.
Honest and melancholy in parts, Heartscape is a medium-angst story within this expanded, multi-author series—but it was straight-up lite-angst when compared to some of Leigh’s other emotionally charged reads, if people wish for such a comparison. It was certainly meatier in tone, content and character than Annabeth Albert’s feelgood read Featherbed (which was the first book in the Vino & Veritas series), which didn’t make much of a difference to my personal enjoyment, but may for all readers who prefer a little more depth.
I enjoyed diving deeper into new bar manager Tanner’s life and past, which we got merely surface level glances at in his brief appearances Roommate and Featherbed. This guy personified the dark, bearded and broody lumberjack type, and I had fun following his story from lonely and troubled, to lighter and in love. Equally appealing was Jax, once-a-surf-champion, typed wildlife photographer, who had survived some harrowing past traumas, both physical and mental, much like Tanner.
I liked that meeting each other and going from friends-to-lovers helped Tanner and Jax find a sense of peace and new hope in their personal lives. Love didn’t heal all wounds or erase their bad experiences, hell no—but it certainly allowed both men to begin to process their traumas on a healthier level than they may have been doing beforehand, assisted by shared experiences and unwavering mutual emotional support. Here, love didn’t magically fix their mental health issues, but it sure made the potential for a healthier and happier future worth fighting for. I loved that.
In truth, I’m still a bit befuddled over the deeper specifics of Tanner’s and Jax’s actual traumas/mental health issues, but I figured a sense of elusiveness there was purposeful? I knew enough to care about them, but perhaps not enough to understand why they felt or reacted the way they did at times. It felt a bit vague, I guess, but again, that too felt purposeful.
Overall, I enjoyed this instalment. I’m digging this LGBTQ themed line of Bowen’s expanded World of True North—which, to be fair, was probably always going to be a winner for me given the cosy Vermont setting and the rugged mountain men and sexy bearded farmer-types that seem to populate most of the books I’ve read about thus far. I’m ALWAYS here for that and I can’t wait to read more, across all four multi-author, multi-themed series.
April 11, 2021
Meh.
I was expecting serious angst from Garrett Leigh.
I didn’t get it.
I got two chipped souls.
Two hot mountain men.
Secrets (which took a long time to surface—nicely done, Garrett Leigh!)
Sex
Kinda hot
A sexy Cornish accent
I didn’t not like it, but I’ll never read this again.
It was just blah.
It was ok.
It wasn’t bad.
It was simply unmemorable even in audiobook.
My rec? It could go either way for you & I’m no mind reader.
I was expecting serious angst from Garrett Leigh.
I didn’t get it.
I got two chipped souls.
Two hot mountain men.
Secrets (which took a long time to surface—nicely done, Garrett Leigh!)
Sex
Kinda hot
A sexy Cornish accent
I didn’t not like it, but I’ll never read this again.
It was just blah.
It was ok.
It wasn’t bad.
It was simply unmemorable even in audiobook.
My rec? It could go either way for you & I’m no mind reader.
March 23, 2021
I think this was definitely an improvement from Sarina's book. And oh how it hurted to write that *sighs*. 😞😞
We meet in Vino & Veritas this time, it's the first book for me from that place because I skipped the first one but I still remember Tanner from Roommates. It was lovely to see the works of the business and the community being lovely with one another, that part gave me all the warmth feelings and melted this cold weather I'm currently in.
The romance surprised me because it was almost insta but I didn't mind it, I think that the attraction happened immediately but they did take their time on being with each other, each character had their own fears, traumas and scars to heal, so they went cautiously even though they really wanted to do the opposite. They had great chemistry and respected each other's decisions in every way so I was really happy about that. At some point I was scared that Tanner would say that Jax cured him of his trauma, but then he said this gem and all was right with the world:
"He hasn’t fixed me, and he never will, but he’s made me want to fix myself better than the Band-Aids I’ve been slapping over my heart until now"
Preach it boy!!! 🙌👐👐
Totally agree and totally loved the healing part, all the aspects that I've talked about weren't described in a deep way like some other books, but it was still nicely done and I enjoyed it a lot. Lovely story. ❤🥰
We meet in Vino & Veritas this time, it's the first book for me from that place because I skipped the first one but I still remember Tanner from Roommates. It was lovely to see the works of the business and the community being lovely with one another, that part gave me all the warmth feelings and melted this cold weather I'm currently in.
The romance surprised me because it was almost insta but I didn't mind it, I think that the attraction happened immediately but they did take their time on being with each other, each character had their own fears, traumas and scars to heal, so they went cautiously even though they really wanted to do the opposite. They had great chemistry and respected each other's decisions in every way so I was really happy about that. At some point I was scared that Tanner would say that Jax cured him of his trauma, but then he said this gem and all was right with the world:
"He hasn’t fixed me, and he never will, but he’s made me want to fix myself better than the Band-Aids I’ve been slapping over my heart until now"
Preach it boy!!! 🙌👐👐
Totally agree and totally loved the healing part, all the aspects that I've talked about weren't described in a deep way like some other books, but it was still nicely done and I enjoyed it a lot. Lovely story. ❤🥰
March 23, 2021
*** 3.5 stars ***
April 5, 2021
I was so scared going in since I knew there would be a lot more angst in this book than in Featherbed. And I don't handle angst all that well, or so I keep telling myself. Well there was no need to worry. Sure, it is as promised more angsty but it's all wrapped together in such a sweet love story between Tanner and Jax that it makes all the angst from Tanner and Jax's past traumas a lot easier to handle. They kept on growing as they got closer throughout the book. It was a joy to read. I loved this book from the very first second and didn't want it to end.
September 25, 2023
MM Romance
Hurt/Comfort Forced Proximity Slow Burn
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Audiobook Narrators: Michael Dean and Dan Calley: 4 Stars ⭐️
*This was included for free in the plus catalog with my Audible subscription.
If I’m honest, the only reason I chose to listen this one first over the 4 other free books available in this series is because I was super curious about Michael Dean. I’ve been eyeing a bunch of audiobooks with him as a narrator but couldn’t figure out if I liked him based on the sample so I didn’t even hesitate starting this when I saw his name. Both the narrators did a fantastic job with this book, Dan Calley’s accent was gorgeous and I’m so down to listen to Michael Dean again. I even used a credit on one of those books I was eyeing and it was so hot!🔥 BUT MD couldn’t pull off DC’s English accent and DC sucked at the American accent so it sometimes sounded like there were double the characters present. Thankfully I could get used to it but I’m definitely starting to prefer single narrators over having two different people.
As for this book, had I read it instead of listening to it, I’m not sure I would have liked it as much as I did. This has two rather broken people, Jax and Tanner, and it takes quite some time for them to get on the same page despite sharing a 1 bedroom apartment for a month. It’s definitely a slow burn and I’m just not sure how focused I would have stayed without the captivating voices. I felt that they had good chemistry once the physical happened because they knew each other well by then but it took so long for Tanner to open up about his past that without the theatrics I think I would have been a bit bored. However, around 70%-ish this book picked up, it was hard to put down and I really enjoyed the character growth. I also appreciated that both men got the help they needed without becoming dependent on each other and there was a real focus on each of them doing what worked for them individually before they could focus on being together. It just made their relationship feel that much stronger by the end.
Hurt/Comfort Forced Proximity Slow Burn
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Audiobook Narrators: Michael Dean and Dan Calley: 4 Stars ⭐️
*This was included for free in the plus catalog with my Audible subscription.
If I’m honest, the only reason I chose to listen this one first over the 4 other free books available in this series is because I was super curious about Michael Dean. I’ve been eyeing a bunch of audiobooks with him as a narrator but couldn’t figure out if I liked him based on the sample so I didn’t even hesitate starting this when I saw his name. Both the narrators did a fantastic job with this book, Dan Calley’s accent was gorgeous and I’m so down to listen to Michael Dean again. I even used a credit on one of those books I was eyeing and it was so hot!🔥 BUT MD couldn’t pull off DC’s English accent and DC sucked at the American accent so it sometimes sounded like there were double the characters present. Thankfully I could get used to it but I’m definitely starting to prefer single narrators over having two different people.
As for this book, had I read it instead of listening to it, I’m not sure I would have liked it as much as I did. This has two rather broken people, Jax and Tanner, and it takes quite some time for them to get on the same page despite sharing a 1 bedroom apartment for a month. It’s definitely a slow burn and I’m just not sure how focused I would have stayed without the captivating voices. I felt that they had good chemistry once the physical happened because they knew each other well by then but it took so long for Tanner to open up about his past that without the theatrics I think I would have been a bit bored. However, around 70%-ish this book picked up, it was hard to put down and I really enjoyed the character growth. I also appreciated that both men got the help they needed without becoming dependent on each other and there was a real focus on each of them doing what worked for them individually before they could focus on being together. It just made their relationship feel that much stronger by the end.
April 7, 2021
Qué monada de libro, me han gustado mucho los dos protagonistas, me han despertado mucha ternura, y tiene esa característica de los libros de Garret, emotivo, pero con una realidad que a veces es complicada.
April 10, 2021
4.5 stars
I really loved this one. I liked how their relationship progressed and I thought their story was very romantic. This was one of those books where every aspect worked for me.
I really loved this one. I liked how their relationship progressed and I thought their story was very romantic. This was one of those books where every aspect worked for me.
June 6, 2021
3.5 stars
After being disappointed by the fluff that was the first book in this series, I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue reading, but I’m glad I did. This one brought a lot more feels, with our two broken guys falling for each other.
I really liked Jax and Tanner, they were perfect together, with just the right amount of banter, hot sex and emotions. I loved the side characters, and the bar vibe, and the Vermont mountains. I don’t think I’ve ever been to Burlington and it’s only a two hour drive, this made me want to visit.
I did feel that the book was incomplete. I never quite connected with the broken guy with a dark past thing, for either one of them. I wanted more. More details? More flashbacks? More scars? It just seems that the way their issues were mentioned, they should have brought more angst and hardship, but it was all a little too smooth sailing.
After being disappointed by the fluff that was the first book in this series, I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue reading, but I’m glad I did. This one brought a lot more feels, with our two broken guys falling for each other.
I really liked Jax and Tanner, they were perfect together, with just the right amount of banter, hot sex and emotions. I loved the side characters, and the bar vibe, and the Vermont mountains. I don’t think I’ve ever been to Burlington and it’s only a two hour drive, this made me want to visit.
I did feel that the book was incomplete. I never quite connected with the broken guy with a dark past thing, for either one of them. I wanted more. More details? More flashbacks? More scars? It just seems that the way their issues were mentioned, they should have brought more angst and hardship, but it was all a little too smooth sailing.
March 28, 2021
*3.5 start*
The build up was everything, it's what Garrett Leigh excels at. The constant touching before anything sexual happens, the lingering glances....I love that shit as much as I love her stories that start from a simple hook up.
What didn't really work, thus 3.5 stars, is the dramatic, far fetched ending (at least for me). Other than that, it was good. Worth a read, for sure.
The build up was everything, it's what Garrett Leigh excels at. The constant touching before anything sexual happens, the lingering glances....I love that shit as much as I love her stories that start from a simple hook up.
What didn't really work, thus 3.5 stars, is the dramatic, far fetched ending (at least for me). Other than that, it was good. Worth a read, for sure.
Want to read
December 10, 2021Kindle freebie 12/9/21
March 22, 2021
Tanner + Jax
We already heard a bit about Tanner in the first book. He's the new bar manager in Harrison's book store slash wine bar. He doesn't have any clue about wines, but Harrison hired him as a favor for his boyfriend. Tanner's friends and family are very worried about him. We don't yet know what happened to him, but he's happy to have this job to keep busy and to not constantly have time to think...
Jax. He moved to California from England years ago and now his job as a wildlife photographer brought him to Vermont. And onto Tanner's couch, as a favor from a friend - because the hostel he was staying at kinda burned down.
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN! ☺
══════════════════
Adorable.
But also a bit sad. Both guys are suffering from PTSD - both for different reasons. And you'd think it'll be too hard or complicated to get a happily ever after for two people who have not yet healed completely for their own sake - let alone for a new relationship with another complicated person.
But of course this is a romance and we want that happy end. Those two are so adorable and cute together. It might take them a while to get there - there's a lot of healing tleft to do - but we'll have a very cider-y and sparky and exciting and fun time following them to that happy end. ☺
Great 2nd book in Sarina Bowen's 2nd series in her new True North World!
Like I always say when it comes to books in the Ture North Wolrd: I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
And I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!
Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!
HEARTSCAPE was an adorable & emotional & very sparky M/M romance! I loved reading it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Tanner & Jax - they'll be sold out in no time!
💜
💜
March 26, 2021
Heartscape was a good story that brought out all the emotion.
Tanner is the Vino and Veritas bar manager, his hardwork makes up for his complete inexperience. Jax is the new videographer of the wilderness on the mountain near Burlington. A night Tanner has to take Jax at home as a favour for a friend and between them there’s instantly a spark of attraction but they both have their demons to confront before to think about a relationship.
Tanner and Jax are both running away and hiding from their painful pasts and it was endearing to see how they slowly come out of their shells, how giving and receiving love save them from themselves and a lonely life.
I loved them both, but Tanner a little more. I’ve appreciated how his depression doesn’t magically disappear overnight but he has to go a long way before he even understands his condition.
This was the first time I’ve read something of this author and I liked the writing style, the characters, both men have the right amount of sweetness and cockines, and the plot captured me from the first chapter.
I recommend to read it if you don’t have any triggers for depression and toxic relationships.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
March 7, 2021
*** I received an eArc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.***
My overall thoughts of Heartscape can be summarized with one word: satisfactory. I found this story interesting because it tackles difficult subjects. Another positive to this story is its character development. Heartscape is a story that allows its main characters' relationship time and space to breathe and grow, but at times it was challenging to maintain an overall interest because of the slower pacing. I enjoy the small-town vibe of this series and this story did not disappoint in meeting those expectations.
I am excited for more stories set in this world and look forward to the next installment.
My overall thoughts of Heartscape can be summarized with one word: satisfactory. I found this story interesting because it tackles difficult subjects. Another positive to this story is its character development. Heartscape is a story that allows its main characters' relationship time and space to breathe and grow, but at times it was challenging to maintain an overall interest because of the slower pacing. I enjoy the small-town vibe of this series and this story did not disappoint in meeting those expectations.
I am excited for more stories set in this world and look forward to the next installment.
Read
March 24, 2021OUT NOW
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April 25, 2021
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so 4.5 stars
Earlier this year, I reviewed Sarina Bowen’s Roommate, which was the starting point for the new multi-authored True North World series, which comprises four mini-series of books set within the world created by Ms. Bowen in her True North stories. The Vino and Veritas novels are LGBTQ+ romances – mostly m/m but there are a few f/f romances, too – that revolve around the Vino and Veritas wine bar (the “Vino”) and bookshop (the “Veritas”) in the small Vermont town of Burlington.
Heartscape is – and I mean this in a good way – typical Garrett Leigh; a heartfelt, emotionally charged story featuring two damaged, lost souls just trying to get by and navigate their way through life following traumatic experiences they haven’t properly dealt with. Their romance is beautifully developed and tugs at the heartstrings in the very best way.
Tanner Reid is not, perhaps, the most obvious choice to run a wine bar. Never too far from a downward spiral, he’s a bit grumpy, a lot broody and knows next to nothing about wine, but somehow, none of that matters, and he’s making it work. It’s clear that he’s struggling with something that happened in his past, but it’s quite a while before that’s revealed to the reader; Tanner’s friends don’t push him to talk about it (because they don’t want to send him back to whatever dark place he’d found himself in a year earlier), and he avoids thinking about it – and that suits him just fine.
When a fire burns down the hostel across the street – fortunately there are no fatalities – Tanner is asked by his brother’s girlfriend if he can put up a friend of hers for the night. Although she met Jax at university in England, he’s been living in the US for a number of years now and has recently moved from California to Vermont to work as a wildlife videographer. Fortunately, most of his equipment was at the office of Wildfoot Adventures when the fire broke out, but he lost all his clothes and right now, doesn’t have the money to pay for somewhere else to stay. Tanner agrees to let Jax sleep on his couch for the night – and the next day, says he might as well stay for a bit longer; he won’t be in the way given that Tanner works in the bar until the early hours most days and Jax has to be up and out early.
Days turn into weeks, and a genuine friendship develops between the two men, a soul-deep connection that, completely unexpectedly, gives both of them a sense of peace, safety and comfort, something they’ve long needed but almost given up on finding for themselves. Both have suffered intense trauma – physical and emotional – that they find difficult to talk about, and I admit that sometimes the lack of open communication between them was a little frustrating, especially as Tanner’s continued avoidance of talking or even thinking too much about what happened to him is damaging in itself and has the potential to screw him up even further. But conversely, I really liked that they were so patient with each other, and allowed one another the space to unpack their baggage and begin to heal.
Tanner and Jax are complex, fully-rounded characters whose grumpy/sunshine characteristics complement one another perfectly. Tanner is a bit of a grouch and doesn’t find it easy to be around people, while Jax is more sociable and seems a bit more ‘together’ – but underneath, he’s working hard to rediscover his self-confidence following a relationship gone seriously wrong. I loved the way their romance grows so naturally out of their friendship, and the way the secondary plotline – which focuses on Jax’s work along the various wilderness trails in the mountains – is so skilfully woven into the main narrative.
There’s a great secondary cast, including Tanner’s brother Gabriel, and his sort-of-but-not girlfriend Eve (I’m not sure if they might feature in another book in the series – they certainly deserve a story of their own!), bartender Molly, and Jax’s boss Jerry, who all have important parts to play in the story.
The pacing is fairly leisurely, but it never feels too slow. The early interactions between Tanner and Jax are so awkward and sweet and lovely, and the romantic tension between them so palpable that I just couldn’t get enough of it. And once they give in to the attraction that’s been thrumming between them since the start and become a couple, that sense of the comfort and safety they find in one another is amplified and the foundations of their love have burrowed so deep that by the end of the book, there’s no question that these two are absolutely solid and in it for the long haul. I don’t always get that feeling at the end of every romance I read – sometimes I reach the HEA and wonder if the couple will still be together in five years – not so with Tanner and Jax.
Heartscape is a quiet book, the sort of book that creeps up on you and hits you in the feels when you least expect it, but does it in such a balanced, nuanced way that you’re smiling through the hurt. It’s a wonderful combination of dark and light, deep emotion and unexpected humour, tenderness, hope and compassion that will leave you sighing with satisfaction.
Earlier this year, I reviewed Sarina Bowen’s Roommate, which was the starting point for the new multi-authored True North World series, which comprises four mini-series of books set within the world created by Ms. Bowen in her True North stories. The Vino and Veritas novels are LGBTQ+ romances – mostly m/m but there are a few f/f romances, too – that revolve around the Vino and Veritas wine bar (the “Vino”) and bookshop (the “Veritas”) in the small Vermont town of Burlington.
Heartscape is – and I mean this in a good way – typical Garrett Leigh; a heartfelt, emotionally charged story featuring two damaged, lost souls just trying to get by and navigate their way through life following traumatic experiences they haven’t properly dealt with. Their romance is beautifully developed and tugs at the heartstrings in the very best way.
Tanner Reid is not, perhaps, the most obvious choice to run a wine bar. Never too far from a downward spiral, he’s a bit grumpy, a lot broody and knows next to nothing about wine, but somehow, none of that matters, and he’s making it work. It’s clear that he’s struggling with something that happened in his past, but it’s quite a while before that’s revealed to the reader; Tanner’s friends don’t push him to talk about it (because they don’t want to send him back to whatever dark place he’d found himself in a year earlier), and he avoids thinking about it – and that suits him just fine.
When a fire burns down the hostel across the street – fortunately there are no fatalities – Tanner is asked by his brother’s girlfriend if he can put up a friend of hers for the night. Although she met Jax at university in England, he’s been living in the US for a number of years now and has recently moved from California to Vermont to work as a wildlife videographer. Fortunately, most of his equipment was at the office of Wildfoot Adventures when the fire broke out, but he lost all his clothes and right now, doesn’t have the money to pay for somewhere else to stay. Tanner agrees to let Jax sleep on his couch for the night – and the next day, says he might as well stay for a bit longer; he won’t be in the way given that Tanner works in the bar until the early hours most days and Jax has to be up and out early.
Days turn into weeks, and a genuine friendship develops between the two men, a soul-deep connection that, completely unexpectedly, gives both of them a sense of peace, safety and comfort, something they’ve long needed but almost given up on finding for themselves. Both have suffered intense trauma – physical and emotional – that they find difficult to talk about, and I admit that sometimes the lack of open communication between them was a little frustrating, especially as Tanner’s continued avoidance of talking or even thinking too much about what happened to him is damaging in itself and has the potential to screw him up even further. But conversely, I really liked that they were so patient with each other, and allowed one another the space to unpack their baggage and begin to heal.
Tanner and Jax are complex, fully-rounded characters whose grumpy/sunshine characteristics complement one another perfectly. Tanner is a bit of a grouch and doesn’t find it easy to be around people, while Jax is more sociable and seems a bit more ‘together’ – but underneath, he’s working hard to rediscover his self-confidence following a relationship gone seriously wrong. I loved the way their romance grows so naturally out of their friendship, and the way the secondary plotline – which focuses on Jax’s work along the various wilderness trails in the mountains – is so skilfully woven into the main narrative.
There’s a great secondary cast, including Tanner’s brother Gabriel, and his sort-of-but-not girlfriend Eve (I’m not sure if they might feature in another book in the series – they certainly deserve a story of their own!), bartender Molly, and Jax’s boss Jerry, who all have important parts to play in the story.
The pacing is fairly leisurely, but it never feels too slow. The early interactions between Tanner and Jax are so awkward and sweet and lovely, and the romantic tension between them so palpable that I just couldn’t get enough of it. And once they give in to the attraction that’s been thrumming between them since the start and become a couple, that sense of the comfort and safety they find in one another is amplified and the foundations of their love have burrowed so deep that by the end of the book, there’s no question that these two are absolutely solid and in it for the long haul. I don’t always get that feeling at the end of every romance I read – sometimes I reach the HEA and wonder if the couple will still be together in five years – not so with Tanner and Jax.
Heartscape is a quiet book, the sort of book that creeps up on you and hits you in the feels when you least expect it, but does it in such a balanced, nuanced way that you’re smiling through the hurt. It’s a wonderful combination of dark and light, deep emotion and unexpected humour, tenderness, hope and compassion that will leave you sighing with satisfaction.
Read
June 1, 2021Garrett Leigh is really, really good at what she does. She has perfected her style and brand and it seems to really work for most readers. Unfortunately I think I may be burned out on it 😕
Lately it feels to me like I have the same problem with Leigh’s characters... They’re often hunky broody manly men who’ve experienced trauma, bond and communicate by magically reading each other’s moods, body language and facial expressions because they’re reticent to verbally share anything other than the most superficial thoughts but who cares that they’re holding back, they’re sensitive, thoughtful, gorgeous and muscle bound, even though neither ever spends a moment working out, and eventually after much holding back and angst, they finally open up and live happily ever after.
Leigh writes these characters really well but... I just don’t believe it. My 55 year old cynical mind doesn’t buy that such stereotypically beautiful buff manly men would simultaneously be so sensitive, intuitive and have such profound and magical insight to each other WHILE refusing to actually share their thoughts, fears and insecurities. Magical mind reading my ass.
“It bothers me that he knows I need something unspecific when I don’t have the first fucking clue what’s going on in his head. Or that maybe I do and I don’t trust myself. He doesn’t hide his emotions—he just declines to explain them.”
He sees the tense shoulders and knows exactly what’s wrong. The white knuckles on the steering wheel signal something profound and meaningful. One’s eyes shutter and the other intuits what it all means! Key dramatic music. Body language in Leigh books tells more story than actual dialogue. I’m sorry, I can’t help but roll my eyes. FFS I’ve known my daughters for the entirety of their 31 and 27 years but while I can read their body language, I can’t read their minds and it would be presumptuous for me to assume I could anyway. How am I supposed to believe people who’ve only known each other a few days or weeks can read the subtleties of each other’s minds? It’s just not credible to me.
But then Leigh does this thing I LOVE: she sends her boy/s to therapy and they work through their issues. Having spent more than 5 years in therapy, that REALLY resonates with me. I also love it because it helps destigmatize therapy. That’s especially important for men because they are statistically much less likely to seek therapy and while women more often have suicidal thoughts, men die by suicide more frequently. The problem for me is that we spend the majority of the story doing the magical mind reading thing that I hate. I wasn’t really feeling Heartscape and was low key bored and uninvested until after 70%. I almost DNF’d in frustration many, many times. With most other authors, I DEFINITELY would have quit but I knew Leigh would eventually get there so despite my ambivalence, I forged on. Thankfully, for the last 30% I got what I came for and what I expect from Leigh, solid, engaging storytelling.
I think this is only the second time I’ve reviewed a Leigh book that bored me. I tend to not review or rate the ones that bore me but because I’m starting to wonder if maybe her style just doesn’t work for me anymore, I want to keep a record for myself before I throw in the towel.
If you’re a fan of Leigh, don’t pass this one up based on my review. Same if you’re new to her. If you’re like me and this kind of character bothers or frustrates you, if you KU, maybe give it a shot. In the end, for me, the payoff wasn’t worth the frustration it took to get there and I wish I’d have passed.
No rating because the writing is strong and I already feel bad enough writing this critical review.
Lately it feels to me like I have the same problem with Leigh’s characters... They’re often hunky broody manly men who’ve experienced trauma, bond and communicate by magically reading each other’s moods, body language and facial expressions because they’re reticent to verbally share anything other than the most superficial thoughts but who cares that they’re holding back, they’re sensitive, thoughtful, gorgeous and muscle bound, even though neither ever spends a moment working out, and eventually after much holding back and angst, they finally open up and live happily ever after.
Leigh writes these characters really well but... I just don’t believe it. My 55 year old cynical mind doesn’t buy that such stereotypically beautiful buff manly men would simultaneously be so sensitive, intuitive and have such profound and magical insight to each other WHILE refusing to actually share their thoughts, fears and insecurities. Magical mind reading my ass.
“It bothers me that he knows I need something unspecific when I don’t have the first fucking clue what’s going on in his head. Or that maybe I do and I don’t trust myself. He doesn’t hide his emotions—he just declines to explain them.”
He sees the tense shoulders and knows exactly what’s wrong. The white knuckles on the steering wheel signal something profound and meaningful. One’s eyes shutter and the other intuits what it all means! Key dramatic music. Body language in Leigh books tells more story than actual dialogue. I’m sorry, I can’t help but roll my eyes. FFS I’ve known my daughters for the entirety of their 31 and 27 years but while I can read their body language, I can’t read their minds and it would be presumptuous for me to assume I could anyway. How am I supposed to believe people who’ve only known each other a few days or weeks can read the subtleties of each other’s minds? It’s just not credible to me.
But then Leigh does this thing I LOVE: she sends her boy/s to therapy and they work through their issues. Having spent more than 5 years in therapy, that REALLY resonates with me. I also love it because it helps destigmatize therapy. That’s especially important for men because they are statistically much less likely to seek therapy and while women more often have suicidal thoughts, men die by suicide more frequently. The problem for me is that we spend the majority of the story doing the magical mind reading thing that I hate. I wasn’t really feeling Heartscape and was low key bored and uninvested until after 70%. I almost DNF’d in frustration many, many times. With most other authors, I DEFINITELY would have quit but I knew Leigh would eventually get there so despite my ambivalence, I forged on. Thankfully, for the last 30% I got what I came for and what I expect from Leigh, solid, engaging storytelling.
I think this is only the second time I’ve reviewed a Leigh book that bored me. I tend to not review or rate the ones that bore me but because I’m starting to wonder if maybe her style just doesn’t work for me anymore, I want to keep a record for myself before I throw in the towel.
If you’re a fan of Leigh, don’t pass this one up based on my review. Same if you’re new to her. If you’re like me and this kind of character bothers or frustrates you, if you KU, maybe give it a shot. In the end, for me, the payoff wasn’t worth the frustration it took to get there and I wish I’d have passed.
No rating because the writing is strong and I already feel bad enough writing this critical review.
February 26, 2021
Heartscape was decidedly more serious than any of the True North World books I’ve read so far.
But it might also be my favorite.
It was broody and emotional in a way that appealed to me on a deeper level. It felt darker than the other books in this series so far, but it was laced with these unexpected moments of humor and sweetness that added a much needed bit of lightness to Jax & Tanner's story.
Gah! Tanner and Jax. My heart wrapped itself around these two broken souls, aching, racing, and fluttering for them as their story unfolded. It took a while for the demons they were battling to reveal themselves, but I loved how patient they were with each other. I loved how they allowed each other space and grace to sort through their individual baggage. I felt like this eventually allowed them to consider each other a safe space to unpack it all and heal – which was just, oof – so rewarding!
It worked for me.
I mean, it more than worked for me. It held me in thrall. It captured my heart. It kept me reading, to learn more about these fascinating, complex characters, and the way they came to love each other.
This was my first book by Garrett Leigh, and I am hooked. I was sucked in by her engaging writing, and proceeded to be held spellbound by storytelling that packed a hefty punch, without ever feeling forced or like it was too much. It was perfectly balanced, beautifully executed, and I could not get enough of it.
Heartscape was a heartfelt, sweet, sexy romance, infused with a layer of grit and angst that made the tender moments feel that much more poignant. I adored this story. I loved these characters. This was a FIVE STAR reading experience for me! I absolutely recommend it! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
But it might also be my favorite.
It was broody and emotional in a way that appealed to me on a deeper level. It felt darker than the other books in this series so far, but it was laced with these unexpected moments of humor and sweetness that added a much needed bit of lightness to Jax & Tanner's story.
Gah! Tanner and Jax. My heart wrapped itself around these two broken souls, aching, racing, and fluttering for them as their story unfolded. It took a while for the demons they were battling to reveal themselves, but I loved how patient they were with each other. I loved how they allowed each other space and grace to sort through their individual baggage. I felt like this eventually allowed them to consider each other a safe space to unpack it all and heal – which was just, oof – so rewarding!
It worked for me.
I mean, it more than worked for me. It held me in thrall. It captured my heart. It kept me reading, to learn more about these fascinating, complex characters, and the way they came to love each other.
This was my first book by Garrett Leigh, and I am hooked. I was sucked in by her engaging writing, and proceeded to be held spellbound by storytelling that packed a hefty punch, without ever feeling forced or like it was too much. It was perfectly balanced, beautifully executed, and I could not get enough of it.
Heartscape was a heartfelt, sweet, sexy romance, infused with a layer of grit and angst that made the tender moments feel that much more poignant. I adored this story. I loved these characters. This was a FIVE STAR reading experience for me! I absolutely recommend it! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
March 5, 2021
Wow. This book is worth waiting for. I've loved mostly everything I've read by Garrett Leigh over the years, but this one is just beautiful. I fell hard for Tanner from the start, and I adored Jax by the end. He's so funny with his Brit speak that I only understand because of other books by the author.
I mentioned a lack of angst in my other reviews of the series, but this wasn't a problem here. There is much heartache and pain to unravel in this book before Tanner and Jax get their happy ending, and I was on the edge of my seat until the epilogue SLAYED me.
Seriously, this is classic Garrett Leigh, but at the same time, it isn't. Maybe it's Tanner's American voice that softens her usual gritty edge, but there's something about this book that's so perfectly balanced I was crying actual tears by that killer gut punch she delivers with the last line of the book.
Ugh. I loved this so much. I'm seriously struggling to pick up another book right now. I might have to right back to the start and read this one all over again.
It's also worth noting that I'm going into these new World of True North books with expectations. I'm fully demanding to find books that are in keeping with the original MF series. Angsty and compelling, with characters I can't forget them. The first book by another author (Featherbed) didn't quite deliver, but this one absolutely does. I wouldn't say this could've been a Sarina Bowen book, because I actually think there's elements of this style of writing that Garrett Leigh does better than SB, but if you liked Zach and Lark, Jude and Sophie, and Benito and Skylar from the original series, you will LOVE Tanner and Jax.
I mentioned a lack of angst in my other reviews of the series, but this wasn't a problem here. There is much heartache and pain to unravel in this book before Tanner and Jax get their happy ending, and I was on the edge of my seat until the epilogue SLAYED me.
Seriously, this is classic Garrett Leigh, but at the same time, it isn't. Maybe it's Tanner's American voice that softens her usual gritty edge, but there's something about this book that's so perfectly balanced I was crying actual tears by that killer gut punch she delivers with the last line of the book.
Ugh. I loved this so much. I'm seriously struggling to pick up another book right now. I might have to right back to the start and read this one all over again.
It's also worth noting that I'm going into these new World of True North books with expectations. I'm fully demanding to find books that are in keeping with the original MF series. Angsty and compelling, with characters I can't forget them. The first book by another author (Featherbed) didn't quite deliver, but this one absolutely does. I wouldn't say this could've been a Sarina Bowen book, because I actually think there's elements of this style of writing that Garrett Leigh does better than SB, but if you liked Zach and Lark, Jude and Sophie, and Benito and Skylar from the original series, you will LOVE Tanner and Jax.
October 26, 2021
Garrett Leigh is a relatively new to me author who has quickly risen to a #mustread author. Her contribution to Sarina Bowen's Heart Eyes Press Vino & Veritas series is a true boon. Heartscape focuses on the staff at the Burlington, Vermont bar, Vino, and Veritas, its adjoining bookstore. In this case, bar manager Tanner. When a fire at the hostel across the street displaces new to the area Jax, he and Tanner strike up a tentative friendship, one that is filled with fun and flirty banter but also strained by the mutual attraction and scorching chemistry between them.
When Tanner extends an invite for Jax to crash on his couch, they fall into a fast friendship. They discover all the intersections of their lives, their interests, and something that feels very much like it was meant to be. They share a keen sense of reverence to nature, and both have suffered in part through their connection with the outdoors and elements. The emotional triggers run deep and the beauty of their love for each other is the way they support and lift each other up.
I'm delighted to recommend this beautiful story about community and friendship. The slow-burn romance between Tanner and Jax is both sexy and heartwarming. 5 stars.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
When Tanner extends an invite for Jax to crash on his couch, they fall into a fast friendship. They discover all the intersections of their lives, their interests, and something that feels very much like it was meant to be. They share a keen sense of reverence to nature, and both have suffered in part through their connection with the outdoors and elements. The emotional triggers run deep and the beauty of their love for each other is the way they support and lift each other up.
I'm delighted to recommend this beautiful story about community and friendship. The slow-burn romance between Tanner and Jax is both sexy and heartwarming. 5 stars.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
February 20, 2021
Fabulous!!
March 22, 2021
What I’m loving about the Vino & Veritas Series is that we are getting a series of books written by different authors in the World of Sarina Bowen’s True North Series. This book is from a new to me author, Garrett Leigh, which is another aspect I’m loving about this series I am discovering authors I haven’t had the pleasure of reading before.
Heartscape is Tanner and Jax’s story.
Tanner is the manger at Vino & Veritas, he is a bit of a loner and is very much troubled. It' takes a while before we learn about what happened in Tanner's past and why he is what many consider "broken" but since the story flows with a natural progression I would say it took the time he needed before he let Jax in and disclosed what he kept hidden from most people.
Jax is Cornish and has come to Vermont to start over yet again. Jax can't seem to catch a break, this guy has been through a lot and even now with landing a job in Vermont things don't get any easier for him because the Hostel he was staying in until he could afford to get a place has burned down. Thankfully he has a local friend that knows someone with an couch he can crash on for a while.
Tanner and Jax's relationship starts off with a favor to a mutual friend but it grows day by day. I enjoyed watching things unfold between the two of them and learning about each of their back stories, but I never felt the intense chemistry between the two of them. Yes their sexy scenes were hot but I just didn't feel the spark.
So while I enjoyed this story I didn't love it, and I know I am in the minority in this, so, as I will always say if this book looks interesting READ it and decide for yourself because you may like it more than I did.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an Excerpt Here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewH
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Heartscape is Tanner and Jax’s story.
Tanner is the manger at Vino & Veritas, he is a bit of a loner and is very much troubled. It' takes a while before we learn about what happened in Tanner's past and why he is what many consider "broken" but since the story flows with a natural progression I would say it took the time he needed before he let Jax in and disclosed what he kept hidden from most people.
Jax is Cornish and has come to Vermont to start over yet again. Jax can't seem to catch a break, this guy has been through a lot and even now with landing a job in Vermont things don't get any easier for him because the Hostel he was staying in until he could afford to get a place has burned down. Thankfully he has a local friend that knows someone with an couch he can crash on for a while.
Tanner and Jax's relationship starts off with a favor to a mutual friend but it grows day by day. I enjoyed watching things unfold between the two of them and learning about each of their back stories, but I never felt the intense chemistry between the two of them. Yes their sexy scenes were hot but I just didn't feel the spark.
So while I enjoyed this story I didn't love it, and I know I am in the minority in this, so, as I will always say if this book looks interesting READ it and decide for yourself because you may like it more than I did.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an Excerpt Here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewH
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
March 23, 2021
This author can be very hit or miss for me so I was a bit nervous about this one, but I ended up quite enjoying it!
It can definitely be read as a standalone, as the characters from the previous books were barely even mentioned at all--I found this both a good thing, as I sometimes find these interconnected series to be a little *too* interconnected to the point of distraction, and a bad thing, as in this instance, I literally didn't feel any connection at all to the first book and I'm wondering if this whole series will feel super disjointed. I didn't love the first book, so it wasn't a big deal here, but I do hope the next book (which focuses on a character one of the MCs in this books manages) will have a bit more of the characters in this book, but I digress.
Definitely a lot more substance than book one I really enjoyed the characters book individually and together. Their backstories were quite interesting and unique, and I appreciated that there was definitely some tension here from their complicated/difficult pasts, but it didn't feel like a miserable angst-fest, which is an occasional problem for this author IMO. The chemistry between the characters was great, the smut was super hot, and I generally really enjoyed the pacing and building between them, though I did find Tanner's reticence to share about his past to drag a little too long to the point of distracting annoyance. The climax was a bit on the nose, but the ending was sweet, and after the utter blandness of the first book, this one really stood out!
It can definitely be read as a standalone, as the characters from the previous books were barely even mentioned at all--I found this both a good thing, as I sometimes find these interconnected series to be a little *too* interconnected to the point of distraction, and a bad thing, as in this instance, I literally didn't feel any connection at all to the first book and I'm wondering if this whole series will feel super disjointed. I didn't love the first book, so it wasn't a big deal here, but I do hope the next book (which focuses on a character one of the MCs in this books manages) will have a bit more of the characters in this book, but I digress.
Definitely a lot more substance than book one I really enjoyed the characters book individually and together. Their backstories were quite interesting and unique, and I appreciated that there was definitely some tension here from their complicated/difficult pasts, but it didn't feel like a miserable angst-fest, which is an occasional problem for this author IMO. The chemistry between the characters was great, the smut was super hot, and I generally really enjoyed the pacing and building between them, though I did find Tanner's reticence to share about his past to drag a little too long to the point of distracting annoyance. The climax was a bit on the nose, but the ending was sweet, and after the utter blandness of the first book, this one really stood out!
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