I didn't love the first book in this series but I wanted to give this author a second chance since I really enjoy a good m/m romance story. Although I found this book to be better than the first, there was nothing about this story that blew me away. I wish I was able to connect with the main characters Billy and Gus but as much as I tried I just couldn't. I didn't feel that deep connection between them that would have me rooting for them make things work. The flow of this story was also as slow as the first. I just think this author's writing style isn't for me but although this story wasn't for me doesn't mean it won't be a hit for others. It wasn't terrible it wasn't a hit either.

I’m happy to say that Unforgotten was a much more enjoyable read for me than Forgiven.

I appreciated the dynamic between the two leads much more than in the previous book. Gus and Billy have both lost a parent to illness and felt abandoned by a sibling (Mia and Luke respectively, whose story is told in Forgiven). The pain of those events manifests in different ways in the two men, however. Billy has acted out, doing drugs and just in general getting into trouble, and as a result, his life is a complete mess. In contrast, Gus appears to have it all together, but it’s a façade. Gus buries his negative emotions instead of letting them all out messily as Billy does. And while Billy has used drugs to numb his pain, Gus uses sex to anesthetize himself, engaging in constant hookups to distract himself from his feelings.

So, Gus and Billy are each broken in their own way, but their jagged pieces fit together well. Billy needs someone who can keep him from going off the rails, and Gus needs someone who will listen if he wants to share how he feels. They both need someone who will be there for them, no matter what. It takes some effort (and a brush with death) for them to work out how to be together, but they earn their HEA in the end.

Readers who enjoy angsty romances will probably like this book. I don’t think you have to read the first one to follow the storyline, although it would flesh out the history of the characters. If like me you read Forgiven and had issues with Mia and Luke, well, the good news is they are much more tolerable in small doses. 😊

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

I didn't read book one (m\f), but I don't think I missed anything that related specifically to the two MCs of this one's story. Sure I missed some background information about how they fit in around Billy's brother Luke's and Gus's sister Mia's life stories, but it was nice to get to know them free of those contexts.

First thing to note is how damaged Billy is, and how much it shows. Second thing is that it takes some time to work how how damaged Gus is because it doesn't show. Both have had traumatic childhoods and their attraction existed and was sort of acted upon 5 years ago. When Gus invites Billy to stay with him, the UST is undeniable and makes for a very smexy read.

It does take them a while to enact on their lust, and unfortunately even longer to admit deeper feelings. Although, really, this extended angst means we can observe the subplot exploring Billy and Luke's sibling relationship in depth, and allows Gus's anxieties to surface and to be acknowledged.

Leigh's writing is again strong and authentic. Thanks for advanced copy, Carina Press and Netgalley. Book is out Feb 16. Recommended if readers like troubled boys with soft hearts find each other.

Unforgotten by Garrett Leigh is the second book in an interconnected series. This book is a sweet friends-to-lovers romance despite all the angst.

Both main characters have dealt with some rough things in their lives. When one of the characters return, they end up living in close proximity. While their coping mechanism is different, they both embark on a healing journey where love soothes invisible wounds and pushes them out of their comfort zone to become a better version of themselves.

I truly enjoyed this book much better than the first book, mostly because each character had a genuine will to grow. Their attraction slowly matures into this beautiful relationship based on trust and love rather than lust. It's a slow burn that I truly enjoyed reading.

*I received the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*

For the first book in the series (Forgiven) I was struggling between giving it 4 or 5 stars. Unforgotten? No doubt about definitely giving it all five amazing stars. The book was, like all Garrett Leigh’s books I’ve read so far, FUCKING AMAZING.

And I know I said that for the other book, and this book also has *some* angst in it…and near-death experience, but goddammit, the first book that I read by Leigh was What Remains so I have a different measure for angst in her books than I have for many, many, many other writers 😀

Luke and Mia have frequent appearances, of course, as they are the only family either of the guys have (or at least have around). I don’t think that it is necessary to read Forgiven first (and especially not if you dislike MF romance), and Unforgotten can be understood easily without it, but the lack of knowledge of Mia and Luke’s dynamic might somewhat impact the book.

I loved Gus and Billy. They are such oblivious guys in a way and Billy sure is a hell of a drama queen. But with his history, it kind of makes sense. Gus, though, is that kind of the guy who is terminally friendly, bottling up his own feelings for months, even years. And then the inevitable explosion happens.

I adored that however Billy was painted in either of the books (especially in the first one, it gave a much worse image of Billy – it made sense though as Luke barely knew his brother anymore), he was not *always* a rebel in all the things (I will not spoil what it was but it made me chuckle), and that he was such an animal lover. I mean, he had the cat, Grey, and the dog incident? AMAZING. I hated the police’s reaction because it was cruel (but I guess the law is the law), and also how the dog incident was handled by the Amour siblings. I am very vague here because I do not want to spoil it.

I wanted to smack their heads together and tell them to communicate, until a near-death experience did that for me. And I was so grateful that they finally got their shit together, and then lived happily ever after with a cat…or two.

I loved this book so much (and as said, more than Forgiven, but that might just be on me not being used to reading MF romances) and I want to yell about how much I adored it.

This is an angsty emotional mm romance about coming home and learning to overcome the past. This is the sequel to a traditional contemporary romance, but it works as a standalone.

The novel shifts between the point of view of both leads, Billy and Gus. Gus was the boy next door when they were kids. Billy is forced to come back home when he (and his adorable stray cat) have nowhere else to go. The sexual tension and emotional connection between the couple are great. I was worried it was going to be too gritty of a read for me, but they are compelling, and I was hooked.

Be prepared for angst but with a happy ending.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley in return for a fair review

A heartfelt and moving hurt/comfort story, I enjoyed Garrett Leigh's Unforgotten. This is part two of Leigh's Forgiven series. Somewhere along the way I got the impression Unforgotten could be read as a standalone. I does work as a standalone, but I'm sure I'd have enjoyed it more if I'd read Forgiven first.

The first novel in the series, Forgiven, is about Luke and Mia. And while I don't read much M/F romance these days, I'm seriously tempted. There's quite a bit of information about these two characters and their relationship in Unforgotten, plus a number of great scenes involving them. The dynamic between them is intriguing, and like I say - dang, I'm tempted.

This novel is about Luke's brother Billy, and Mia's brother Gus.

These guys each have their issues. Gus is avoiding commitment and intimacy with his Grindr addiction, but he clearly wants to belong to someone. Memories of a teenage drunken kiss with Billy keep him from being interested in anybody else.

Billy's got some huge issues surrounding his brother Luke, and he rocking the whole bad boy story. He's not doing a good job of caring for himself. A serious shoulder injury, a brush with the law, a bit of drug use - not to mention he's jobless and homeless. Clearly crying out for help, and carrying a torch for his childhood crush... Gus.

I have a feeling there's a ton of info about both Gus and Billy in Forgiven, so we're missing details which would have helped me enjoy this story more. Plus the scenes in Unforgotten with Luke and Mia would be more significant if I knew them better. Of course this is my own fault and has nothing to do with Garrett Leigh's marvelous writing.

3.5 stars

I liked this better than the first book, Forgiven, although still not my favorite of Leigh's. Why? Because OMG these two men are quite a mess, aren't they? Billy with his spiky mood and prone to being a drama-queen, and his complex relationship with his brother, Luke. Gus with his tendency to be, well, the peace-keeper (his sister is the more temperamental one).

But I admit that well, they do work somehow because they balanced things out. Gus makes Billy willing to stay put. Billy makes Gus wanting to say what he really wants (and not just make assumption). Actually, one of my favorite scene is when Gus raises his voice and argues with Billy 😄

Although of course we still have drama when both jump to conclusions about what the other is thinking/planning. It's the old-time-trope, you know, that men don't communicate? So yeah, some of the problems here could easily be handled if they try to clarify things first. But I guess that's part of the charm for some readers? 🤷🏻‍♀️


The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review.

The last thing Billy wants to do is return to Rushmere. Even though his brother lives there with his girlfriend, he still doesn't feel like there is anything there for him. One pleasant memory is on his mind though, the night he kissed Gus Amour. He has never felt the same since. Now he's about to be roommates with Gus. Will they stay that way or will Billy run like he usually does?

Thank you to Carina Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.




Male on male romance is not my thing. There were some parts of this book that I truly didn't understand. But with that aside, overall this was a very interesting love story. Billy and Gus had a moment together that neither of them has been able to forget. But their situation is complicated. Their siblings are in love with each other and have been most of their lives. Even ten years apart couldn't separate that love.

Billy is a runner and Gus is a serial "dater". Can they both put their egos and scared feelings aside to see what they could truly be?

While overall, I enjoyed the book and the story, I think this will be my first and last male/male romance.

4.5 Stars

Unforgotten is a wonderful second chance romance by Garrett Leigh. Although the second book in the Forgiven series, it's easily read as a standalone, despite it's multiple issues addressed from book one.

Billy and Gus. We met them back in Forgiven, book one, but now we get their story, which is entertaining and emotional.

Both Billy and Gus are dealing with long held pain from their pasts. They have to deal with sibling issues, grief, and more. The issues with their siblings are originally developed in book one. Both men have resentment and pain over their relationships with their siblings. It's definitely a tough road ahead to get to some understanding and forgiveness.

Billy's the bad boy, who went down the wrong path and hung out with the wrong people. Now he's back in town; jobless, homeless, and looking to rebuild his life.

As for Gus, he's committed to hook ups only, holding himself back from getting hurt again. He's seriously still scarred from a drunken kiss with Billy years ago. But he agrees to help out Billy and offers him a room in his house. Cue the fun.

My favorite part of this story is Billy's struggle to get both a second chance at love and at life. It's never easy to overcome a bad past, especially in a small town. The author excels in illustrating this struggle. Billy's past still haunts him, as everyone assumes the worst of him. It's a tough thing to deal with. For all involved. I love the way this is carried out.

As for the romance, together these men just work. Complete opposites with a lot of baggage, they work well to help each other drop their walls and learn to trust. Their connection is intense and full of heat. Together, both men learn to deal with the expectations of others and to live for themselves.

I enjoy the storylines from this author in general. And this book is no different. Everything works for me. The depth of the characters, the complexity of their journey, and the characters' voices. It's all well done, making for an enjoyable read.

Unforgotten is a great story of second chances. Garrett Leigh takes these men through a whole lot of forgiveness and healing in this romance.

I had some difficulty getting through Unforgotten. There is nothing wrong with the story or the characters; I just wasn't excited to pick it back up after I put it down.

The characters are fine, the plot is okay, the backstory is good....so, why did I have trouble?

I couldn't connect to Billy or Gus, or find a reason to root for them. It felt like they were thrown together and had to become a couple for no real reason. I didn't get the longing. I also didn't get Mia and Luke's relationship. Like Billy and Gus, they didn't seem to fit.

I'm hoping other readers have a better experience, and maybe I wasn't in the right place to appreciate the story.

I loved Gus and Billy together!

Unforgotten is the second book in a duet by Garrett Leigh. It’s about Mia’s brother Gus and Luke’s brother Billy. (Mia and Gus were the MCs of book one, Forgiven.) While you can read and enjoy this book without reading Forgiven, the story will probably be more satisfying if you read that first.

This book is the kind of story that Garrett Leigh is well known for – MM, angsty, very British (lots of slang which I love because I love learning new words), and a great love story but the characters have to suffer a bit before they get their HEA.

Gus is gay and Billy is bi. They shared a kiss years ago and neither has spoken about it since, nor have they forgotten it. Billy has been gone from their hometown for years but his life hasn’t been easy and he’s returned to reconnect with his brother Luke. Gus has an extra bedroom since his sister moved in with Luke so he offered it to Billy.

I loved everything about this story. It’s pretty much a slow burn between Gus and Billy as they dance around each other while living and working together. Billy has been a bit of a dick for so long that it’s hard for him stick to his resolve to be a better person. Gus is easy going and steady – until pushed too far. Once Gus and Billy finally give up and give in the heat between them is pretty hot.

I pretty much finished this book in one sitting and now I’m looking forward to listening to the audiobook which is being performed by the fantastic Dan Calley. Both the ebook and the audiobook will be available on February 16, 2021.

A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley, but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

Antiheroes are popular character types. Billy Daley is not exactly an antihero. He is a messed up guy who self-sabotages his life. The first few pages of this book and I felt a sense of dread. As in, I didn't want to continue the book and give it a 1 star rating. I felt badly because I requested the book and liked the previous book in this series.

Why did I have an intense dislike of Billy from the get go? Because Author Leigh presents possibly the worst side of Billy in the first scene. First impressions are lasting and my first impression of Billy is filled with disgust and loathing. His lack of self control is something that I have zero tolerance for, even if he has a good reason. For an adult to act out as rashly as he does, it is unacceptable. I could not see how this book could be redeemed.

To my surprise, Author Leigh turns it completely around in a very subtle and gentle manner so that by the end of the book, I'm rooting for Billy. It is no easy feat as pretty much all of Billy's behaviours are less than stellar and he is a little shit. Since he is at rock bottom, there is no where but up to go.

What I liked about this book is how the author shows that everyone has a story. Everyone has reason why they behave or respond in the manner they do. Even if it is a horrid behaviour, sometimes it takes patience and listening to help a person want to do better. My favourite scene is Billy's declaration of how Gus makes him want to be a better person. Gus is the most stable of everyone in this series. He is also the one who is taken advantage of and forgotten.

The interactions between Gus and Billy are at times heartbreaking and other times hilarious. As we learn more about Billy, especially his eating habits and why he eats so little, I'm torn. My understanding of Billy is deepened. I don't pity him because he isn't one to take pity, but I feel sorrow and wish someone had taken an active interest to help him in his time of need. Basically, what kind of mother abandons her sons? Still, this love story is a hard won romance with many pitfalls and realism. The darker side of life when a parent dies is explored in a way that I have not seen many authors try. Mostly because it can be too angsty. This book is right on the edge of too much angst. It is just right.

The one thing I would have preferred is a different style of monologue or thoughts from the two characters. I am not fond of bouncing back and forth between two different character's POV. Every time the switch occurred, regardless of the name in italics, I still had to try and figure out whose point of view was being stated. Sometimes I would have to remind myself who Billy was and who Gus was because their inner dialog was at times too similar. Billy - bad; Gus - good. That is unfortunately how I had to remind myself who was who throughout the entire book.

Overall, this is a romance which makes a reader think about people's personal experiences. This contemporary romance is recommended to m/m readers who like redemption and second chance themes.

Billy Daley returns home broke and with emotional baggage. Once back, Gus Amour, his brother's friend, and a guy who he had one memorable kiss with years earlier, steps in and offers Billy a place to stay. With the old memory still not faded for either men, the couple starts a new tentative friendship, one that blooms into something neither could have anticipated.

"Unforgotten" is full of personal angst and intense character dynamics. But the book offers so much more than that. There's an endearing, and at times heartbreaking, sweetness and tenderness to the characters, especially when taking tentative first steps into a relationship.

Garrett Leigh captures hurt so beautifully in the pages of "Unforgotten," and weaves a story that is an emotional and thoroughly entertaining read. The author's style is refreshing and effortless.

[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]
I liked this book more than the previous one of the series. I loved Gus in Forgiven y I felt that his relationship with Billy was going to be a rollercoster, but I couldn't be more mistaken. They both have built defenses, Billy is the bad boy than ran away from the town and from the memories but keep on getting into trouble. And Gus is the realiable one, the one that stood in town and faced what no one wanted to face. But when Billy and Gus reunited there are no hard feelings, there's only longing, desire and needing of comfort. Even in their worst moments, they are a sweet couple and with less drama that I expected. The sexual tensión is great and their love scenes very hot.
It well written but I think I need a little more passion (personal taste). Luke and Mia are pretty much the same as the first book and I still don't like them very much.
Overall it's a sweet reading with a lovely couple that have great chemistry.
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//REVIEW IN SPANISH//
Aunque es un libro independiente y no es justo comparar, he disfrutado mucho más de Unforgotten que del anterior de la serie, Forgiven.
La historia de amor de Gus y Billy es sorprendentemente dulce y, aunque tiene drama, hay mucho menos del que yo esperaba. Ya venía enamorada de Gus del libro anterior, un chico estupendo, que intenta que la vida sea lo mejor posible y con la menor cantidad de drama posible, que ya ha tenido bastante de eso. Donde su hermana es explosiva y temperamental, Gus es dulce y tranquilo pero no pa'dentrista como Luke. Billy, sin embargo, a priori es un personaje más complicado, arisco y de borderío fácil. Pensaba que esto iba a ser una constante pelea entre un Billy encabronado con el mundo y un Gus que intenta llevarlo hacia la luz, pero, aunque algo de eso hay, es muy breve. La relación entre ambos ya fue especial en su momento y su reencuentro no está lleno de amargura sino de anhelo, de ganas de disfrutarse mutuamente y de dejar caer esas barreras que, cada uno a su modo, ha ido construyendo durante años.
Aunque tiene drama y ciertos malentendidos (que ya sabéis que no es algo que disfrute especialmente), el libro se lee de modo fácil y relajado, no es una constante batalla que se transmite al lector, tal y como pasaba en el libro anterior. Lo mejor sin duda es la relación sentimental entre Gus y Billy, y el camino que ambos recorren para poder reconciliar pasado y presente.
Creo que le falta algo de pasión o de emoción, algo que haga que esa dulzura y esos sentimientos se te enganchen al corazón, pero puede que esto sea cosa mía, ya conocéis lo arisca que soy 😂. También puede ser que ese entorno lleno de gente con la vida destrozada que intenta poco a poco reconstruirla haga que me sea más incómoda la lectura pero esta, desde luego, la he disfrutado más de lo que pensaba.

3.5/5*

So I didn't love Forgiven (the first book in this series) but I really liked Gus as a character, so I was interested in reading more about him. It was lovely for him and Billy to have their time to shine! Fair warning with this book - there is a lot of swearing and intense sex scenes, but the development of this relationship is great to see.

Classic "Bad Boy with a Fuzzy Heart"
I'm a sucker for a "bad boy" who is actually a sweetheart and that's definitely what we get with Billy Daley. Although he and his brother absolutely suck at communicating (specifically with each other) Billy shows himself to be a caring guy, especially when it comes to animals. I love seeing him open up to Gus and learn how to trust someone, something that's incredibly hard for him to do.

Intense Sex Scenes
There is a slow burn between Gus and Billy, but when it ignites, stand back! Gus is the playboy of the two and definitely knows what he's doing in the bedroom, while Billy is definitely more shy. It's great to see LGBT+ characters represented and I really appreciated that Leigh doesn't shy away from giving their sex scenes the same attention that she gives cis sex scenes. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this both, but thought that Leigh did a great job showing the intimacy that comes before, during, and after sex with a partner you trust.

Favourite of the Two
While I don't normally like to compare books, I have to say that I'm so happy I decided to read Unforgotten even though I didn't particularly love Forgiven. Gus and Billy grabbed my attention right away and they felt much more real than Mia and Luke did. Although it's nice to see Mia and Luke in this book, it's really their interactions with Billy and Gus that I enjoyed more than anything between the two of them alone. The relationships seem much more genuine in this book and it was great to read!

Overall, this is a spicy romance between two men that aren't completely sure how to trust each other, even while they are incredibly attracted to the other. It's a light and easy read with characters that are easy to root for. I'd recommend this book for anyone looking for a sexy romance, an LGBT+ love story, or those who have enjoyed other Garrett Leigh novels.

(Review will be posted February 10)

After being part of the blogtour for Garrett Leigh's Forgiven, I was very happy to receive another invitation for the second book in the series: Unforgotten. As I had already met (and loved) Gus in Forgiven, I was very happy to see that he would get his happily ever after as well. And with Luke's brother, whoohoo. I usually go for the 'old fashioned' romances, but since I really liked Gus in Forgiven, I decided to give the LGBTQIA romance a try. And Garrett certainly doesn't disappoint.
We get more insight into Billy's past and his actions. And how the funny and stable Gus helps Billy get back on his feet. And we see the more vulnerable side of Gus. The story and the love blossoming between them unfolds slowly and keeps you smiling. And although both guys don't want to admit it, they are slowly gravitating towards each other. With Luke and Mia starring in the story as well, it is a funny ride.
A cute story, with second chances, drama and family ties. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Il me tardait de lire cette suite portant sur Gus et Billy, les frères respectifs de Mia et Luke.
Nous savons qu'il y a une histoire entre ces deux-là, quelque chose s'est passé des années en arrière. La distance, l’éloignement, ont fait que les deux hommes n'ont jamais eu à en discuter vraiment, ni mettre les choses à plat.
Seulement, le retour de Billy auprès de son frère et sa cohabitation avec Gus va tout changer.

Je ne sais pas par où commencer dans mon avis... La lecture de ce livre fut un vrai bonheur en fait pour moi.
L'auteur nous présente les choses telles qu'elles le sont, avec le bagage des deux hommes, la vie telle que nous la voyons tous les jours. Les non-dits, les remords, les choses qui nous bouffent.
Celle d'une sœur avec laquelle on peut être proche mais qui est partie vivre sa vie et revenue, celle d'un frère qui a perdu son frère, qui s'est cru abandonné suite à la mort d'un parent.
Toutes ces choses qui nous tombent dessus... Une cohabitation qui amènent deux hommes à repenser à un premier baiser torride, une proximité qui leur fait développer un sentiment d'amitié voir plus... Mais sans chercher à se compliquer la vie.

C'est ce que Garrett Leigh a fait dans ce livre. C'est une histoire qui va au-delà d'une simple romance entre deux hommes, même si cette romance est très belle. C'est une romance qui est juste j'ai envie de dire, sans chichi, sans ces choses qui me font papillonner normalement. Pour moi, c'est une romance hyper profonde, qui s'insinue petit à petit dans l'histoire, histoire que j'ai eu envie de relire dès la dernière ligne lue, tout simplement pour reprendre mon temps et revoir les petites choses que j'ai peut-être manqué entre Gus et Billy.

J'ai aimé Gus et Billy. J'ai été frappée en fait par leurs ressentis, leurs sentiments sur plein de choses en fait et je me suis reconnue en eux. Cette façon qu'ils ont de se cacher derrière une façade, chacun des deux à leur propre manière. Ce sont des personnages très différents, mais qui se ressemblent dans bien des façons. J'ai aimé me poser avec eux durant quelques heures, des heures durant lesquelles je me suis sentie apaisée en fait. J'ai aimé prendre mon temps avec eux tout simplement.

Je pense, je crois, que ce livre ne plaira pas forcément à tout le monde. Personnellement, j'ai accroché avec les personnages dès le début, j'ai ressenti cette connexion qui est indispensable dans ce genre de livre selon moi. J'aurais juste souhaité une fin peut-être un peu moins rapide, quelques pages supplémentaires n'auraient pas été de refus je dois dire ^^

Garrett Leigh nous offre encore une fois des personnages forts et bruts, comme elle sait le faire, elle a une telle façon de gérer et manier les émotions de Gus et Billy... Des personnages ancrés dans une réalité, celle du monde dans lequel on vit. Moi j'aime ça et ici j'ai juste adoré. Je surnote peut-être un peu, mais ce livre mérite grandement ces étoiles ^^
Merci Madame Leigh pour ce délicieux moment !

(4,5/5)

Intense and heated.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It’s been a while since I’ve read an m/m story and I’m glad I broke the streak with this one. Even though I had not read the prior book I didn’t feel lost. The author gave enough of a backstory throughout that it was easy to follow and absorb.

What I like the most about this book is the raw and rough edges of the characters. The author pulled no punches and gave you all of the gritty details of their imperfect personalities and struggles.

But what was the most compelling was the way that they had this deep connection that finally allowed them to become truthful about who they were and accept the fact that they were meant to be.

The story is an evolution of people and personalities where showing that the right connection can allow someone to relax, trust enough to be comfortable with themselves. Giving up the expectation of others lifts the weight off of your shoulders.

The author writes in a very unique manner that takes a bit getting used to. But the story told is definitely worth the effort. Unique, touching, heated and intense. A great overall story of love and acceptance.

And Now, Part 2. In the second part of this courageous series of romance books, Leigh goes from MF romance in Book 1 (Forgiven) to MM romance here, a genre she is apparently much more well known in. And given the vitriol for MF romance in so much of the MM world, I expect this book to be received better than the first book was - and at this moment, the early Goodreads reviews are at least trending slightly in that direction.

Here, we get the full-on romance of two characters first introduced in Forgiven - the brothers of both of that book's leads. And it is again a fairly standard gay/ bi romance. Fairly high degree of angst, lots of issues for both men to work through, sex scenes later in the tale given the inexperience of one of them, etc. If you like MM romance generally, this one will be another solid one for you. If you're just exploring the genre, this is a good one to try out - and maybe even read Forgiven first, if you're more comfortable in the MF romance space.

While I don't see where this series goes from here, if indeed it is to continue, I'm not opposed to coming back to this world. Leigh does a truly solid job of establishing it and allowing her characters to live mostly real lives within it, including the added tag of drama near the end of this one - which can happen to most anyone. Very much recommended.