Redemption (Darkest Skies #1) by Garrett Leigh

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  ??

Goodreads Link

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. 

Prince of the Playhouse (Love in Laguna #3) by Tara Lain

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Is Ru’s shady past the new black?

Fashion designer Ru Maitland’s so obsessed with movie star Gray Anson, the Cosmic Joker can’t resist bringing them face-to-face at the Laguna Playhouse.

But Gray’s in the closet—to protect his billion-dollar career.
Ru’s so not.

When Ru’s dark past collides with Gray’s paparazzi-haunted present, Gray’s macho identity threatens to crumble, and Ru finds himself in jail!

Somebody better learn that the only acceptable compromise is the truth.

PRINCE OF THE PLAYHOUSE is a coming out, hidden identity, billionaire, movie star, your-past-comes-back-to-bite-you, MM romance.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Tara Lain's Prince of the Playhouse is a fabulous Hollywood romance. The third book in the Love in Laguna series, it has all the charm and love we've come to expect in this series. It can be read as a standalone, but is even more fun if you've met Ru before.

We met Ru in Knight of Ocean Avenue and his story is everything we'd expect from the out and proud fashion designer. He's over the top flamboyant and it's wonderful. His wardrobe is well illustrated and it's perfectly dazzling, just like Ru himself. 

Ru's long time favorite actor is Gray, who he ends up designing clothes for during a Parkhouse play. His adorable crush on the actor is entertaining, and it ends up that the two have some things in common. 

As much as I love and adore Ru, my heart wanted to protect Gray. I have a special spot in my heart for closeted actors. We all know the industry can be very unforgiving to gay actors. And Gray is definitely is not taking his chances with coming out. And damn it, as much as it angers me, I just can't blame the man. 

Ohhh, Ru and Gray. Yes, Ru and Gray. They're as wonderful together as you'd think. Fancy, unapologetically awesome fashion designer Ru and the the tough, macho Hollywood actor, Gray. 

Their tale is one of instant lust. It's also a messy tale that's loaded with complications. It's full of twists and turns, as things are never easy for these two men. In addition to Gray's secret sexual identification, Ru also has secrets. Ru's past is full of some major issues, and he's no longer able to ignore them. 

The writing in wonderful, keeping me fully delighted and invested throughout. The development of both the men and their story is done well. And the author includes some great secondary characters to keep things fun. As much as I'm obsessed with Shaz, it's Gray's mom who stole the show for me here. If you like wonderful moms, look no further. 

Prince of the Playhouse is an marvelous read. This Tara Lain book will perfectly entertain and charm you from start to finish. You can't go wrong with this love story between total opposites.