In What Remains by Garrett Leigh, a cruel twist of fate leaves Jodi struggling to remember the last 5 years of his life.  While Rupert, who has loved him with his whole heart for 5 years, struggles to accept that the man he once loved will never be the same again.  I received one copy of this book at no charge in exchange for my honest reviews but all opinions expressed here are my own.  This post contains affiliate links.

What Remains by Garrett Leigh

Purchase Links: Amazon

Title:   What Remains

Series:  

Author:   Garrett Leigh

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (July 4, 2016)

ISBN-13: 978-1626493988

Genre:     M/M

Length/Format: Paperback: 246 pages

Heat Rating:  3

Star Rating:  4

 

About the Author:  You can learn more about the author by checking out her website or following her on Facebook or Twitter.

 

Book Blurb:  

Web designer Jodi Peters is a solitary creature. Lunch twice a week with his ex-girlfriend-turned-BFF and the occasional messy venture to a dodgy gay bar is all the company he needs, right?

Then one night he stumbles across newly divorced firefighter Rupert O’Neil. Rupert is lost and lonely, but just about the sweetest bloke Jodi has ever known. Add in the heady current between them, and Jodi can’t help falling hard in love. He offers Rupert a home within the walls of his cosy Tottenham flat-a sanctuary to nurture their own brand of family-and for four blissful years, life is never sweeter.

Until a cruel twist of fate snatches it all away. A moment of distraction leaves Jodi fighting for a life he can’t remember and shatters Rupert’s heart. Jodi doesn’t know him-or want to. With little left of the man he adores, Rupert must cling to what remains of his shaky faith and pray that Jodi can learn to love him again.

My Review:

What Remains by Garrett Leigh is truly an emotionally moving story.  Jodi is a carefree web designer who falls in love with Rupert, a firefighter who has only just recently figured out he is gay.  There is an immediate bond between these two men and they slowly move into a deep friendship and loving partnership.  But a horrible accident leaves Jodi unable to remember the last 5 years of his life.  And Rupert, struggling but determined to stay with him, is slowly coming to realized that the Jodi he once knew and loved is gone forever.  He wonders whether he and this new version of Jodi can ever recapture what they once had.

What Remains by Garrett Leigh moves from the present day where Jodi is injured and/or recovering, to the past where he and Rupert first fell in love.  It was a wonderful way to introduce us to their relationship and history while still keeping the book in the present tense and allowing it to continue on into these men’s future.

I loved both characters.  Jodi before the accident has a wicked sense of humor and is loving and patient with Rupert.  And how can you NOT fall in love with a newly out, sexy firefighter with a little girl?  Rupert is just awesome…as a firefighter he has an innate need to protect and that comes in handy when it comes to caring for Jodi after the accident.

Jodi’s recovery plays a big part in What Remains.  Some days were good.  A lot of days were really bad.  It was a bit of an emotional roller coaster and honestly it just tugged at my heart.  I hated seeing Jodi hurt and struggling with even the simplest everyday tasks.  Rupert, bless him, was incredibly patient but not perfect either, which I appreciated.  He lost it on a few occasions and I can totally see why.

I will say I was torn about the ending.  I am not going to give anything away but you will find a happily ever after…it just won’t be PERFECT.  Part of me really wanted perfect for these guys!

Honestly, What Remains by Garrett Leigh is emotional but incredibly well written.  I was rooting for these guys to recapture what they once had.  They don’t QUITE get there but what they end up with is pretty darn awesome.

 

Other Books By Garrett Leigh

Read My Review of Misfits by Garrett Leigh