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Garrett Leigh

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Rented Heart Kindle Edition

by Garrett Leigh (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.4 597 ratings

Book 1 of 2: Rented Heart

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LAMBDA Finalist 2017

Ex-surfer-turned-businessman Liam Mallaney moved back to Holkham, Norfolk, to mourn the loss of his husband. Grief and loneliness keep him a solitary figure, and he likes it that way. There’s no room in his broken heart for anything else.

Rentboy Zac Payne left London and most of his demons behind, but he still only knows one way to make a living. When he spots Liam in a club one night, it seems he’s found his mark. But Liam proves nicer—and their connection far deeper—than he’d bargained for. Their arrangement quickly becomes too complicated for Zac, who has other things on his mind: namely his BFF and wayward flatmate, Jamie. Zac owes Jamie the world, and even as Jamie’s drug addiction destroys all they have, Zac won’t leave him behind.

Besides, Liam knows nothing of Zac’s home life, too caught up in his own head to think much beyond the crazy heat he and Zac share. But when trouble comes to Zac’s door, putting his life in danger, Liam must set his grief and anger aside to pick up the pieces of Zac’s shattered heart and his own.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07BNM1T6J
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Fox Love Press (March 22, 2018)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 22, 2018
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 2912 KB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 222 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #150,382 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #4,722 in Gay Romance
- #6,613 in LGBTQ+ Romance (Books)
- #24,941 in Contemporary Romance (Kindle Store)

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4.4 597 ratings

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Garrett Leigh

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Bonus Material available for all books on Garrett's Patreon account. Includes short stories from Misfits, Slide, Strays, What Remains, Dream, and much more. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/garrettleigh

Facebook Fan Group, Garrett's Den... https://www.facebook.com/groups/garre...

Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer, cover artist, and book designer. Her debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and her polyamorous novel, Misfits was a finalist in the 2016 LAMBDA awards, and was again a finalist in 2017 with Rented Heart.

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.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible, all the while shouting at her menagerie of children and animals and attempting to tame her unruly and wonderful FOX.

Garrett is also an award winning cover artist, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com, and co-owns the specialist stock site moonstockphotography.com with photographer Dan Burgess.

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4.4 out of 5

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Mainely Stories

I'm left wanting much more!

Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2018

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The provocative story of a mid-30's businessman who fell into that role when his husband died suddenly in an accident and a 23-year-old rent boy. There are multiple emotional issues influencing the main characters and the primary-secondary characters including addiction, assault, death, illness, and prostitution. There is a soul-sucking journey for the main characters before there is any consideration or inkling of an upside. 4.5 stars

Liam was the graphic designer for the company, not the CEO and the role of CDI was every bit as uncomfortable for him as was his home, his neighborhood and his life following the loss of his husband. After more than a year of celibacy following the loss, Liam was strongly encouraged by family members to go out, as he had become a recluse.

That same night, recovering addict, 6-months clean, rent boy Zac is working the street near the bar and has his eye on the lonely, miserable-looking blonde hottie leaning against the wall of the only gay bar in King's Lynn, Norfolk. Thus begins the inauspicious acquaintance/relationship of 23-year-old Liam working the streets to pay his rent and the 10-year-older business owner, Zac.

Something during the first encounter, paid encounter, between Zac and Liam, seems different to both. It isn't long before Liam feels that he just wants to be with Zac and the money doesn't matter. "There's not much I wouldn't pay for the privilege of spending a few hours with you". Of course, Liam recognized that he had more money than he could spend in his lifetime. Zac shared the connection but he couldn't be so laissez-faire about money since he had a desperate financial need for life's necessities, food, and housing.

This is a story of love. The love for family, for friends, for business colleagues and especially learning self-love. The main characters inspire great empathy within the story and from the reader. Neither main character prioritizes self over others. Both have had the course of their life dramatically altered by circumstances beyond their control and each is affected by the needs of family and friends. Garrett Leigh writes intense stories of self-discovery, recovery, and redemption with characters who are resourceful, determined, caring and passionate.

I can highly recommend this story for the reader looking for an emotional journey, dealing with sensitive topics, hope, and a satisfying ending.

6 people found this helpful

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Joy-TheLazyCatLady

Great story!

Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2023

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This was the first book I have read from this author and I really liked it. The main characters were likeable and I felt their pain. I didn't like Zac's friend but he was supposed to be unlikable for most of the story. The plot was good even though it made me cringe a bit from time to time but that's to be expected since it's based on a male prostitute. I felt it was written well, although the MCs managed to fall in love in three or four encounters. The ending was rushed and wrapped up perfectly for everyone in a couple chapters. It took away from the story. I stiil liked the story and I have no trouble giving it four stars and recommending it for those people who enjoy MM romance.

2 people found this helpful

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Dilyana

I'd recommend to everyone who wants an emotional, non-mushy romance

Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2020

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(Book and audiobook review)

I'm a huge Garrett Leigh fan, my two favorite books by her being Misfits and Rented Heart. Needless to say, I was very excited when I heard that the latter will be turned into an audiobook, but since I'm picky about the way my audiobooks are narrated, I was also very nervous. So the question is: did Dan Calley do one of my all-time favorite books justice?

Before we get to that: a little bit about the book itself and why I love it so much.

Long story short: the characters.

They pop off the page, making me want to meet them in real life. Their ups and downs make me emotional, their positive relationships are something I root for, the tragedies of their pasts make me want to give them a hug.

Naturally, I imagined certain voices for each of them and while Dan didn't sound anything like what I had in mind (especially in the case of Zack's best friend - Jamie), it wasn't a bad narration. I enjoy it when someone reads aloud and surprises me with an even better version than what I'd had in mind. However, while Dan's rendition didn't come off as flat or rushed, the voices were very similar, to the point where I think I would've confused some of Liam and Zack's lines if I hadn't read the book.

I'd recommend the Rented Heart e-book or paperback to everyone who wants an emotional, non-mushy romance, and the audio version to less picky listeners.

My rating for the book: 5/5

My rating for the narration: 4/5

4 people found this helpful

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AT

4.5 stars

Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2018

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I've had this book on my TBR for a while now, but with the second in the series releasing in the next couple months, I figured there was no time like the present...and now I'm kicking myself for not reading this earlier. The story and characters pulled me right in and I had the hardest time setting it down and stop reading. Honestly, had I not started it during the work week, Rented Heat could easily be a book I read in a single sitting. The pacing was brisk and the plot driven with plenty of peaks to keep me engrossed. The characters were those that this author does so very well- broken, but with an immeasurable depth that makes you want the world for them. I loved the second chance romance element to this as well as the unlikely couple. I really loved that the reader had the chance to see how much both characters brought to each other's life, it balanced a relationship that could have easily been lopsided. The only thing that kept this from five stars is I wanted more time with them seeing them as a functional couple at the end. Overall, Rented Heart was an excellent book and left me eager for Jamie's story.

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Cee Bee

Rented Heart

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 7, 2023

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Wrenched Heart would also be an apt title for this excellent Garrett Leigh story.

Zac Payne 23 and his friend Jamie have shared many years of friendship on the streets of London as drug addicts and, in order to earn the money to feed their habit, they became hookers/rent-boys. When Zac nearly died from an overdose it was Jamie who saved his life and took him to hospital. This was a huge wake up call to Zac and he went into rehab.

He’s been clean now for 6 months, they’ve moved out of London to Norfolk, a costal town in North East of England. Both still rely on earnings as male hookers. Unfortunately Jamie is still using,big time and also selling drugs for his pimp.

Zac has regular client “johns” and even does home visits. It’s Autumn and trade has slowed after the Summer visitors leave so Zac hangs about the Gay Club and Pubs to pick up “customers”.

It was outside a Gay Club that Zac first encountered Liam Mullaney, a smartly dressed, good looking man in his mid 30’s. Agreeing a price, Zac takes Liam back to his apartment where they both enjoyed each others company.

Both men met again on different occasions in varying locations and it soon became more of than either man wanted or expected.

But all is not plain sailing. Liam is still not over the death of his husband who was killed in an accident a couple of years ago. His father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and can’t be trusted to continue living on his own. Liam is not happy in his role as CEO of his business, he wants to go back to designing, his initial role before his husband/business partner died.

Worse still, Jamie has deteriorated and is constantly high. The Drug Dealer Bosses are after him and they end up seriously injuring Zac when they can’t find Jamie. Plus, Liam throws Zac out of his house and they break up.

With Zac fighting for his life yet again in hospital and Jamie in hiding will they have to disappear again in order to survive?

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Trigger warnings here in relation to serious drug addiction, drug dealing, childhood neglect (off page).

Heart wrenching reading the stories of addiction, especially Jamie’s. BUt also hopeful that recovery is possible as in Zac’s case.

Well researched and great writing, as I have come to expect from Garrett Leigh. If you don’t have issues regarding the topics of addiction or male hookers, this is a story well worth your reading time.

Erryn Barratt

Making me whole again (an audio review)

Reviewed in Canada on October 23, 2020

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Being a rentboy and a former drug addict isn’t easy. Zac uses his body to survive, never turning down an opportunity to sell himself to make rent or buy food. He’s eking by, has a small pot of savings, and does his best to live with himself. He’s suffered and has pulled himself together. Now only if his flatmate Jamie could do the same thing. While Zac has overcome the drug addiction, Jamie is in the grips of it and that destructive spiral winds up pulling Zac into a world of hurt.

When Zac spots Liam, he sees a mark. An attractive guy who might be up for a good time. He didn’t foresee that Liam would be a great guy who wants to help Zac. Shades of Pretty Woman anyone? But it’s a classic tale for a reason – hooker with a heart of gold. My god, did I empathize with Zac. He’s doing what he has to in order to survive and here some guy shows up and offers to help him. Zac could use Liam’s money, sure, but that comes with a different price – he just might lose his heart.

I admit to sniffing a few times in this book. It hit me square in the heart. And as much as I felt I understood Zac, Liam was the character I think I was most drawn to. His loneliness. His big heart. His ailing father. Although I’ve never lost a partner in the way he did, I’ve endured that kind of loneliness. He has his dogs and his work and his family, but there’s still a gaping hole. A hole Zac can fill.

Having listened to a number of Garrett Leigh books, I’d known I would be challenged and I was. It was easy to have sympathy for Jamie who was in the throes of addiction or for Zac who faced some tough choices or Liam who wasn’t sure he could love again. I got my happy ending and have discovered there’s a second book centring on Jamie so I can’t wait to listen to that one.

Since this was an audio, I have to mention Dan Calley. He’s narrated a pile of Ms. Leigh’s books and he’s a great fit. He has a voice made for these characters and he enhanced the story, making it even better. So well done and I can’t wait to listen to the next one.

Stefani

Cinderfella you guys!

Reviewed in Brazil on June 9, 2018

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Such a heart warming story! Very cute and well written. Needs a few twiks here and there, but nothing that gets in the way of the storytelling! Will for sure take a look at his other books!

Zaza - Forum Boulevard des Passions

Un Garrett Leigh moins rude qu'à l'accoutumée

Reviewed in France on May 6, 2018

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Les romans de Garrett Leigh promettent toujours de fortes émotions, et des personnages aux vies écorchées, et celui-ci ne fera pas exception à la règle.

Le thème du 'rent boy' ne fait pas tellement partie des tropes que j'affectionne, mais il est ici bien traité, sans surenchère dramatique, même si certains passages font grincer des dents de par leur crudité la plus élémentaire (pas besoin de longues descriptions bien glauques à la Tillie Cole, quelques mots et quelques phrases suffisent).

Zac a une vie difficile, très éloignée de celle de Liam, pourtant, ils sont aussi solitaires l'un que l'autre. Leur rencontre débute certes dans ces circonstances peu communes, mais quelque chose se noue tout de suite entre eux, dès les premiers moments. C'est curieux de voir comme, en finalement peu de rencontres, ces deux hommes semblent avoir forgé une vraie relation, au-delà du 'simple' rapport client/prostitué. Liam insiste d'ailleurs à de nombreuses reprises sur le fait qu'il ne considère pas Zac comme un objet sexuel payé pour assouvir ses désirs. J'ai aimé le respect, la douceur et la tendresse dont il entoure Zac, qui a bien besoin que quelqu'un prenne soin de lui, même si pour lui difficile à comprendre et à admettre.

En parallèle de leurs rendez-vous, on suit une petite intrigue secondaire avec Zac et Jamie, son meilleur ami, le genre de garçon dont la vie tombe en lambeaux et qui vous brise le cœur tant il paraît au-delà de toute possibilité de retour à une vie ... plus saine. Jamie et son environnement seront sources de rebondissements au final peu surprenants, mais cela va rebattre les cartes et permettre aux personnages de prendre certaines choses en main.

Les scènes intimes sont très bien écrites, très chaudes et sensuelles, on sent que dans ces moments-là, Liam et Zac se livrent l'un à l'autre de toutes les manières possibles, et j'ai trouvé cela très beau !

Au final, malgré la rudesse (et la tristesse !) des thèmes abordés, je n'ai pas trouvé ce livre aussi dur que je ne l'avais imaginé, peut-être parce que Liam et Zac trouvent en l'autre paix, tendresse et réconfort, je ne sais pas ... En tout cas, c'était une belle lecture, et je suis curieuse de lire la suite !

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Jan-Hendrik Blank

The heart can't be bought but it can be rented...

Reviewed in Germany on April 16, 2018

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Garrett Leigh’s books are always a rollercoaster ride; this book is no exception and I loved how the author managed the balance between the harsh, realistic, unprettfied parts of the book with a lot of hope, second chances and a dose of emotions. :3

I also love how nearly all books have addiction or other “problems” as topic and that being an addict isn’t something the person in the book has to be doomed by it. Instead it’s a part of the person and it gives the reader a better understanding in what it means to be an addict, or to live on the streets or making money with selling the own body.

Garrett Leigh shows unapologetic how “normal” it can be, always with showing the bad sides too, but without making a show out of it; it’s more that the realistic display is what makes you shudder, which leads towards a lot of thoughts and you want to help the MCs when their life isn’t easy or happy.

I like that we see how different two character can be but hot well they fit to each other; Liam and Zac are a pair like this and I loved how generous Liam was, on the other hand how much help he needed by Zac without even knowing. It’s sweet to see Zac domestic, seeing him interacting with Liam’s dad for example but also how he cares for Jamie, his friend and MC of Soul to Keep, the second and final book in the series. 🙂

Because I mentioned Jamie: I like how we get his past in this book, how things were indicated but his full story is revealed in Soul to Keep. The both books can be read as standalone but the whole connection is meant to be with reading both books. 🙂

I enjoyed and felt a lot with Liam and Zac, my heart was bleeding, I was happy, I was sad, I was joyous. 5 out of 5 stars for this amazing, realistic, unprettifed book.

Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words

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Rented Heart Kindle Edition

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