Showing posts with label G Leigh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label G Leigh. Show all posts

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Deliverance (Darkest Skies #2) by Garrett Leigh

 


Amazon Link   - Available in KU  





Banished gangster Benito Martell is living on the edge. An explosive hook-up in a club gifts him the relief he craves, but nothing about his life is ever so simple. Complications abound, and before long, he’s falling for the only man who can save his family from eviction.

Recovering addict Mickey Larwood has worked hard to leave his past behind. He can’t look back, not even for the beautiful Benito, the last soul on earth he expected to steal his heart—a soul who’s knee-deep in the underworld Mickey has run hundreds of miles to escape.

Benito can deny it all he wants, but Mickey can smell trouble a mile off.

And Benito is trouble with a capital T. As his desperate lies unravel, so does the fledgling love that’s grown between them. If Benito wants deliverance from his old life and a future with Mickey, old ghosts need to die.

If they don’t kill him first.

Deliverance is an angsty standalone MM romance novel, with second chances, found family, friends-to-lovers, and buckets of hurt/comfort themed loveliness. Trigger warnings for addiction and childhood trauma.
 


My Rating - 4.5 Stars!


Deliverance is the second book in Garrett Leigh's Darkest Skies series. As the title suggests, this series is a tough and raw one. Each is easily read as a standalone. 

If you enjoy tough hurt/comfort romances, you will enjoy this book. If you enjoy seeing men overcome their tough pasts and circumstances, you will enjoy this book. 

Mickey and Benito's relationship is messy and complex, but also wonderful in the end. And damn, their sex scenes are sizzling. 

After hooking up, they find themselves in a complicated relationship. With a mix of business and pleasure, it isn't the easiest thing ever. 

Mickey goes above and beyond to help Benito's family. But at the same time, Mickey struggles with the life Benito's living. Running drugs and living the criminal life is something Mickey wants nothing to do with. Add in Mickey's former drug addiction, and he can't be near Benito's life. 

Of course, the angst and tension is high. The twists and turns are emotionally filled. I seriously was surprised with the storyline. The secondary characters add a lot to the tale, with Benito's sister being fabulous. 

Deliverance is powerful and well worth a read. This Garrett Leigh romance is full of chemistry and longing, while also full of the struggles between good and bad. I'm excited to see what happens next in this gritty series. 


Saturday, April 3, 2021

Redemption (Darkest Skies #1) by Garrett Leigh

 


Amazon Link   - Available in KU  ??





Reformed gangster Luis falls hard for his boss. When friendship turns to love, it’s up to Paolo to convince him second chances are worth the pain.

Luis Pope is back on the street after a six year stretch in prison, but life on the outside seems just out of reach, especially when the whole neighbourhood knows his face for all the wrong reasons.

Paolo’s temper makes it hard to keep staff, and he knows Luis’s rep all too well. But his nonno believes in redemption, and Luis isn’t the tough guy Paolo remembers. Prison has left its mark, inside and out, and all the kindness in the world can’t fix the three inch scar on Luis’s skull.

And it can’t keep ghosts locked up. Luis’s the best worker Paolo’s ever had, and Luis’s happier than he’s ever been. But his old life doesn’t want to stay in the past. Trouble comes to call, and when it makes him an offer he can’t refuse, keeping Paolo safe hurts the most.

Redemption is an angsty, standalone MM romance novel, with second chances, found family, friends-to-lovers, and buckets of hurt/comfort themed loveliness.
 



My Rating - 5 Stars!


Garrett Leigh's Redemption is a beautiful hurt/comfort romance. The first book in the Darkest Skies series, it's a fantastic start to what looks to be another amazing series by Garrett. 

Everything about this story works for me. The flawed characters are complex and lovable. The development of the relationship between Luis and Paolo is flawless. And the bond between the men is spectacular. 

There are endless layers to this storyline, as well as to the characters. The hearing issue is a brilliant addition to both Luis' character, as well as the storyline. I appreciate that one of the men is pansexual. And the theme of family is well explored.  

The danger and action is all thrilling, leaving me turning the pages as fast as possible. Luis' situation is heartbreaking, with the reader able to feel every emotion of hope, love, and hopelessness along with him. It's definitely a tough read at times. 

This is a wonderful romance full of tension and lots of heat. It's truly heartwarming, heart stopping, and heat inducing.  

The settings are so damn well explored, with the reader fully feeling they are there with the men. Hell, even when Luis is just walking down the street, I felt like I was the one walking. I felt all the fear and tension down to my bones. 

Redemption is a must read the next time you are in the mood for someone finding love while turning their life around. Garrett Leigh once again crafts a riveting story of getting a second chance at life. The title says it all, as Luis searches for his own redemption. 


Thursday, April 1, 2021

Lucky: The series, by Garrett Leigh

 





Three gritty, heartfelt bestselling novels set within the Lucky world, chock full of your favourite MM romance tropes.

Lucky: Dominic Ramos is a Premiership football player with a secret. There are no trophies for being gay in his game. Locked into his rep as the meanest defender on the pitch, keeping his secret is soul-crushing, but love has no place in his sport, even if his soft heart craves it. Meeting rent boy Lucky once was risky, twice pushes Dom’s courage to the limit. Losing Lucky seems inevitable, but his tight grip on his image counts for nothing when Lucky starts to fall.

Rent boy to lover. Hurt/comfort. Sports romance. Angst. Addiction.

Cash: Cash is a car mechanic with a secret. Head down, sleeves up, he hides from the past as much as his shattered heart, until a reluctant stumble into a Tottenham bar ends in the one night stand of his dreams. United by a cause that’s broken Cash before, Cash and Rae are drawn together. They have more in common than they ever imagined, but with Cash haunted by the past, and Rae so tangled in the present, it’s not long before love isn’t enough to keep them alive.

Friends to lovers. Romantic suspense. Angst. Hurt/comfort. Found family.

Jude: Single dad Isha has spent the last year watching his BFF get his happily-ever-after. He’s proud of Dom, but…it hurts to see him so free while Isha’s love life is still on lockdown. Only Isha’s ex-wife knows the secret that he’s kept caged for so long—that he’s queer too, and he’s lonely. For a control freak like Isha, letting Jude under his skin is an existential meltdown, but Jude’s not in the market to be anyone’s queer crisis, not when he’s facing troubles of his own. Unlocking their lives could push both men apart forever, but it might be a risk worth taking if sharing is the key to their happy future.

Friends to lovers. Single dad. Hurt comfort. Disability rep. Found family. Angst.

All three novels guarantee a happily-ever-after.




My Rating - 5 Stars!

Lucky, The Series, is a fabulous collection of three Garrett Leigh romances. 

I previously read and reviewed each book in this collection, so I have added those individual reviews below. 

Basically, this is a must read set of three powerful, memorable stories. Each book is amazing in it's own rite and you're missing out if you haven't read these yet. 

The writing is stellar, with complex characters, amazing storylines and a flawless writing style. 

If you are familiar with these stories, here's your chance to own the collection. And if you haven't yet read the Lucky series, buy this now. You won't regret it. 

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

First I must say thank you to Garrett Leigh for having created such an amazing book as Lucky.

Dom's a pro-football (soccer) player, who is living a lie, the worst kind of lie. He's a gay man pretending to be straight and it's killing him slowly. Then one night he meets Lucky during a Grinder hook-up and there's just something about the man that consumes Dom.

Lucky is a homeless student, who is just trying to survive his life on the streets. He spends some nights with his fellow pansexual friend, but also spends a lot of nights on the streets. The one thing that helps him sleep is finding solace in the drugs he takes. He is a survivor, but he's struggling and drowning in his struggles.

Dom and Lucky have an amazing, gut-wrenching, complicated relationship. One that proves that there's strength in love. Their story is raw, real, thought-provoking and powerful! It is written with heart, depth and soul.

I love these men, absolutely love them. Their bond is as powerful as can be, and they way that they each need each other and always find one another is riveting and accomplished. Their own struggles to find and accept love is breathtaking. And the complications they face are remarkably written.

With Lucky, Garrett Leigh has written an exquisite and memorable romance. I know I will be adding this to my re-read often list.

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My Rating - 5 Stars!


Cash has everything I've come to expect from a Garrett Leigh book. There's depth, fantastic characters, excellent writing and a great plot. 

I've never heard of fox hunting, or sabbing, so this aspect of the story is all new to me. That said, the author does a wonderful job of explaining what it is, as well as the dangers and corruption that's involved. It's both fascinating and upsetting, as well as informative.

Cash and Rae are so perfect together. Both are complex characters who have strong opinions. Their relationship is emotional and the chemistry is hot. Their tale consists of risks, actions, danger, and suspense, in addition to their budding relationship. 

I love Cash. It's completely riveting and had me hook, line, and sinker. And to make it even better, we get appearances by Dom and Lucky! As usual, Garrett Leigh has created a wonderful romance in which I became completely invested in every feeling and moment. 

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My Rating - 5 Stars!


Garrett Leigh's Jude gets off to a good start, with a fun meet que. In fact, it's fun that they get to know one another because of Isha's ex. 

Jude and Isha are two complex men, who slowly worked their way into my heart. By the end, I absolutely adore them together. They are both wonderful men on their own, and even better together. True to a great romance, these two men improve when together, enriching each other's lives. 

I definitely didn't love all the reptile talk, as I am easily grossed out by these animals. The author does a great job with all of it though. Jude's knowledgeable and passionate about his job. As for Isha's kids, I love how well they mesh with Jude. They naturally bond which is always fantastic in a romance involving children.

The angst is well written, as Isha struggles to combine his kids with his hook-ups. As a parent, I appreciate Isha's apprehension and enjoy this issue. Isha is definitely annoying at times with his hesitation, but it works for him. Being a well developed character, the reader can easily see how fitting these reactions are for him.

The medical issue seems to be written with a whole lot of knowledge, as well as care and heart. It flows seamlessly into the story and works well in every way. It's always interesting to read about a character with a realistic disability, and this one gave me new things to think about regarding epilepsy. 

As always, it's enjoyable to get appearances by former characters, which always endears me to a series. These other men are key parts of these characters' lives and it's fitting to have them around.

The relationship in Jude is a hard fought win, and the epilogue is amazing. Garrett Leigh has once again won over my heart with this series. It's another recommend read by me.


Thursday, March 25, 2021

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Heartscape (Vino & Veritas #2) by Garrett Leigh

 


Release Date: March 22, 2021
Purchase here: Amazon Link
Add to Goodreads here: Goodreads Link
Cover Design: Christine Coffey






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.
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My Rating - 4.5 Stars!


Heartscape is the second book in the multi-author Vino & Veritas series. This is Garrett Leigh's contribution and it's fantastic. 

Both Tanner and Jax know all about heartache. Their tale is heavy, with pain, depression, trauma, and PTSD. This is a major aspect of their journey so avoid if you're not in the mood for a serious emotional story.

Every moment of their journey is wonderfully developed and executed. I love these men, and isn't that the point. I want to hold and comfort both of them. Luckily for me, they eventually have each other to lean on.

I enjoy the pace at which everything unfolds. Their journey is perfectly satisfying and leaves me thrilled to have enjoyed the details. 

This series takes place in a small Vermont town and the author does a great job bringing the fell of this town to life. You can feel this Sarina Bowen created world completely, and I wish V&V was a read place. 

Heartscape is a riveting romance. This Garrett Leigh tale is a tough read, full of heartache and pain, but it won't disappoint. 

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Jax kisses me. In my wildest dreams I’m expecting it, but it still catches me off guard. His lips are soft, but demanding, and there’s nothing I don’t want to give him.

So I kiss him back. 

I slide my hands under his layers of winter clothing and pull him close, and we kiss and kiss and kiss as if it isn’t the first time we’ve done it. 

His lips feel like home. 

His soft touch dances along my jaw. 

I want to kiss him forever, but we run out of air.

Startled, I draw back and instantly find myself lost in Jax’s blazing stare. His gaze usually calms me—it really is like the deepest, bluest ocean. But right now, his eyes are stormy and hot. I want to dive back in headfirst, and for once what I want makes sense. 

And it’s right here. I don’t need words. I stand, cup a hand around the back of his neck, and kiss him again. Jax makes another low sound, and the fact that he’s spent the night in my bed to babysit me stops mattering. Shadows fade. Heat draws us ever closer, and it’s easy to pretend we spent all night doing this. I can’t contemplate that it has to end.

But it does end. 

Jax pulls back with a rueful smile, cheeks flushed, breathing hard. “I have to go. I promised Jerry I wouldn’t be late again.”

The mention of Jerry jars something in my brain enough to form a sentence that has nothing to do with how fast my heart is beating. “How did last night go?”

“Okay, I think.” Jax steps away. “Dude talked so much I stopped listening, but the apartment was all right. I can move in whenever I want.”

I should be happy for him. I am happy for him. He didn’t deserve to lose all his things in the hostel fire, and it sucks he had to take help from a stranger when he needed so badly to depend on himself. But I’m still dazed from his kiss. I say the first thing that comes into my head. Raw. No filter. “I’m gonna miss you.”

He gives me a soft grin. “I’ll miss you too.”

Then he leaves, and the reality that it might be the last time we do this hits me like a train. Jerry’s buddy’s apartment is probably outside of the city, closer to where Jax needs to be for his work. It isn’t a million miles away—nothing in Vermont ever is—but it’s not waking up to find Jax in my bed. It’s not drinking his weird tea together or eating dinner on the couch with him. It’s not opening my eyes every morning to feel the comforting hum of his presence.

It’s not being there to let him know, every day, that he fucking matters.

So tell him now.

I lurch from my bed and snag a T-shirt from the clean laundry pile I haven’t even thought about putting away. My shoes are by the front door. I stamp into them and fish my keys from the dish. Then I make a run for it down the stairs and out into the morning gloom.

The sidewalk is icy from the plummeting temperatures that are starting to move in from the mountains. But I’m a Vermonter; I know how to handle that shit. I dash to the parking lot where Jax is waiting for Jerry, his broad back to me as he contemplates the ground.

I grab his arm. “You don’t have to leave.”


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Monday, March 22, 2021

RELEASE BLITZ & EXCERPT - Heartscape (Vino & Veritas #2) by Garrett Leigh

  


Release Date: March 22, 2021
Purchase here: Amazon Link
Add to Goodreads here: Goodreads Link
Cover Design: Christine Coffey






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.
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Jax kisses me. In my wildest dreams I’m expecting it, but it still catches me off guard. His lips are soft, but demanding, and there’s nothing I don’t want to give him.

So I kiss him back. 

I slide my hands under his layers of winter clothing and pull him close, and we kiss and kiss and kiss as if it isn’t the first time we’ve done it. 

His lips feel like home. 

His soft touch dances along my jaw. 

I want to kiss him forever, but we run out of air.

Startled, I draw back and instantly find myself lost in Jax’s blazing stare. His gaze usually calms me—it really is like the deepest, bluest ocean. But right now, his eyes are stormy and hot. I want to dive back in headfirst, and for once what I want makes sense. 

And it’s right here. I don’t need words. I stand, cup a hand around the back of his neck, and kiss him again. Jax makes another low sound, and the fact that he’s spent the night in my bed to babysit me stops mattering. Shadows fade. Heat draws us ever closer, and it’s easy to pretend we spent all night doing this. I can’t contemplate that it has to end.

But it does end. 

Jax pulls back with a rueful smile, cheeks flushed, breathing hard. “I have to go. I promised Jerry I wouldn’t be late again.”

The mention of Jerry jars something in my brain enough to form a sentence that has nothing to do with how fast my heart is beating. “How did last night go?”

“Okay, I think.” Jax steps away. “Dude talked so much I stopped listening, but the apartment was all right. I can move in whenever I want.”

I should be happy for him. I am happy for him. He didn’t deserve to lose all his things in the hostel fire, and it sucks he had to take help from a stranger when he needed so badly to depend on himself. But I’m still dazed from his kiss. I say the first thing that comes into my head. Raw. No filter. “I’m gonna miss you.”

He gives me a soft grin. “I’ll miss you too.”

Then he leaves, and the reality that it might be the last time we do this hits me like a train. Jerry’s buddy’s apartment is probably outside of the city, closer to where Jax needs to be for his work. It isn’t a million miles away—nothing in Vermont ever is—but it’s not waking up to find Jax in my bed. It’s not drinking his weird tea together or eating dinner on the couch with him. It’s not opening my eyes every morning to feel the comforting hum of his presence.

It’s not being there to let him know, every day, that he fucking matters.

So tell him now.

I lurch from my bed and snag a T-shirt from the clean laundry pile I haven’t even thought about putting away. My shoes are by the front door. I stamp into them and fish my keys from the dish. Then I make a run for it down the stairs and out into the morning gloom.

The sidewalk is icy from the plummeting temperatures that are starting to move in from the mountains. But I’m a Vermonter; I know how to handle that shit. I dash to the parking lot where Jax is waiting for Jerry, his broad back to me as he contemplates the ground.

I grab his arm. “You don’t have to leave.”


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Monday, February 8, 2021

BLOG TOUR & REVIEW - Unforgotten (Forgiven #2) by Garrett Leigh


Title: Unforgotten

Author: Garrett Leigh 

Series: Forgiven, #2

Imprint: Carina Press 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Romantic Leads: Male/Male

On-Sale: February 16, 2021

Format: eBook

Price: $4.99 US

ISBN: 9780369700117

Goodreads

 




Billy Daley hasn’t been home in years, and he likes it that way. He’s just fine on his own—he has a cash-in-hand job at a scrapyard, a half-feral cat to keep him company, and many miles between him, his hometown and all the baggage that comes with it.


Until the job goes sideways. Suddenly he’s back in Rushmere, working for none other than his brother’s best friend—a man whose kiss Billy can’t seem to forget.


Gus Amour’s memories of Billy Daley are all spiky edges, lips crushed against lips and a reckless streak that always ended in trouble. But when Billy needs a place to stay, Gus steps in. He’d do anything for the Daley family, including living, and working, side by side with a man who makes his heart beat too fast and his blood run too hot—two things he’s been running from for years.


It doesn’t take long before their easy banter, lingering touches and heated glances become a temptation too hard to resist. But falling into bed and falling in love are two different things, and love has never come easy to either Billy or Gus. Only when fate threatens to steal away their opportunity for a second chance will they realize they don’t need easy.


They just need each other.




My Rating - 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. 




Buy Unforgotten by Garrett Leigh

Harlequin.com: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9780369700117_unforgotten.html 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Unforgotten-Forgiven-Book-Garrett-Leigh-ebook/dp/B08GSMXDDZ/ 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unforgotten-garrett-leigh/1002224728 

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/unforgotten/id1529436811 

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Garrett_Leigh_Unforgotten?id=Tq_5DwAAQBAJ 

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/unforgotten-19



 



Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer and book designer.

Garrett's 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.

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


Connect with Garrett Leigh

Website: http://www.garrettleigh.com/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5893561.Garrett_Leigh 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrettleighauthor/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Garrett_Leigh 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrett_leigh/ 


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