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Divine Heart by Garrett Leigh is an absolute triumph, and if you're already invested in the Rebel Kings series, this one will hit you right in the feels. By the time you reach book eight, you might wonder how much further the story can progress—but trust me, Leigh takes it to another level with Ranger and Viktor's emotional journey.

At the heart of Divine Heart is Viktor Petrenko, who's been through hell after his kidnapping by Priest. His mental state is raw, fragile, and it's heartbreaking to witness as he retreats to Spain, seeking recovery but still haunted by his trauma. Enter Ranger, the grumpy, fiercely loyal nomad sent to protect Viktor. Their connection is electric, filled with slow-burn tension as they navigate their past, their demons, and their undeniable feelings for each other.

What makes this book stand out is how soft and comforting it feels compared to others in the series. Viktor and Ranger's story is steeped in healing and tenderness, and Garrett Leigh spoils us with quiet, intimate moments that allow their relationship to unfold naturally. The cameos from other beloved characters only add to the rich, layered narrative.

The slow-burn pacing is perfection. Watching Viktor rebuild himself while Ranger stands steady beside him is incredibly satisfying. Their relationship is intense, balancing the line between vulnerability and strength, as they grapple with the consequences of crossing into something deeper.

Garrett Leigh absolutely nailed this one, blending hurt/comfort, humor, and emotional depth into a story that feels like a triumph of love over trauma. While I could have easily read another whole book about these two, I'm so grateful for the journey they took us on. As the series nears its end, Divine Heart reminds us why we fell in love with this world—and these characters—in the first place.

#ARC kindly received from GRR, and all opinions are my own.

First Time: Owen by Jude Steel
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5/5)
Genre: Straight-to-Gay Romance
Series: Y
MMC1: Owen
MMC2: Daniel
POV: First Person, Dual POV
Heat:

Brooks Bennett leaves his NHL career behind to return to his small hometown of Whistleport, Maine, to care for his father. There, he reconnects with his ex, Rory Blake, now an English teacher and high school hockey coach. Together, they tackle the challenge of saving the town's dilapidated ice rink, reigniting their old flame along the way. Their parents also find a second chance at happiness, adding a charming subplot to the story.

While the small-town atmosphere was vividly depicted and the community's support for the rink was heartwarming, the romance between Brooks and Rory felt a bit overshadowed by the rink project. Their relationship was sweet, but the depth of passion and pining I was hoping for was missing. The focus on the rink and its rebuilding took precedence over their personal connection, which left me wanting more from their romance.

The book had its share of funny and touching moments, and I particularly enjoyed Ziggy Knickerbocker's poetry, which added a special touch. The light angst was a nice change of pace, and I'm curious to see who the main characters will be in the next book.

“First Time: Ethan” by Jude Steel is an enthralling novella that brilliantly captures the intensity of first love and self-discovery. Ethan, an 18-year-old, finds his summer plans upended when Dr. James Hartley, his father's best friend, returns home early. Their relationship evolves from mentorship to something much deeper, marked by electric chemistry and genuine emotions.

Ethan's journey of self-realization and James's internal struggle are portrayed with depth and realism. The slow burn of their romance, filled with thoughtful and heartfelt moments, adds authenticity to their connection. The story's commitment to exploring the complexities of their relationship and the potential consequences makes it stand out in the romance genre.

Jude Steel's writing is evocative and heartfelt, making “First Time: Ethan” a beautifully written tale of love and acceptance. This novella is a must-read for fans of age gap and taboo romance, offering a perfect blend of passion and depth.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.