Audiobook Review: My Mate Jack (Heated Beat #1) by Garrett Leigh

Will Barter’s been in love with his best mate Jack for as long as he can remember. They’ve shared everything: love, life, laughs, even Will’s first kiss. But Jack’s straight, and Will’s long-buried infatuation means nothing until their last summer together draws to a close.

Then one night, everything changes, but with Will bound for university in Leeds, and Jack for his dream DJ job in Ibiza, there’s no time to explore their blurred lines. Before long all that’s left are secrets, lies, and misunderstandings.

In the months that follow, anger and hurt overshadow fifteen years of friendship, and Will must dig deep to remember Jack is his mate… his best mate, and nothing matters more than that, right?

 

Narrator: Dan Calley 

Listening Length: 3 Hours

Not that I’ve read a lot of Garrett Leigh but this is probably one of the more easygoing books out there of hers, and it was oh so nice.

As per the blurb, Will and Jack have been BFF’s for forever and though they've shared some very huge milestone firsts regarding their sexual history, Will’s staunch belief that Jack’s straight is the biggest obstacle to these two.  Toss in some no/miscommunication as well as several external factors working against them, and these two besties are unfortunately kept apart for a good bit of time. 

Told in intermittent snippets over a few years, as well as through various texts and emails, I liked the evolution of this friends to lovers story.  Sure, it has some mild angst with plenty of pining, doubt, and jealousy, but it was never heavy handed.

Narrated by Dan Calley, this was my first foray listening to him. Though I personally had some difficulty discerning between characters at times, the British accents and emotions were spot on, and I wouldn’t say no to future listens!

So, if you like Leigh and want lighter fare, then this oldie (originally published back in 2014) is now obviously available on audio which just might catch your fancy this time around!  Highly enjoyable as Will and Jack are very likeable blokes, and despite it taking awhile to get both their heads on track, they do it with lots of sweet sexy aplomb!!