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gillianw's review
5.0
4.5 stars
This is the HEA that Ash and Pete deserved. Those fuckers are just wonderful together. Even when things are tough, even when they don't talk when they should, you can still feel the deep love and respect they have for one another.
An absolutely gorgeous ending to a great series.
This is the HEA that Ash and Pete deserved. Those fuckers are just wonderful together. Even when things are tough, even when they don't talk when they should, you can still feel the deep love and respect they have for one another.
An absolutely gorgeous ending to a great series.
bookish_notes's review against another edition
5.0
This book is shorter than the previous books in the series, and yet, it took me maybe the longest to read it? Things have changed since we last saw Ash and Pete in Rare. They were healing and their relationship was good. Strong. They haven't really grown apart, but in the three years since the last book, Pete's mother got ill and passed away. Pete's sister Heidi shot her husband, leaving a seven-year-old he has to win from the courts. Pete's no longer a paramedic and working as an ER nurse. It's better hours, but he's still burning himself out working extra shifts.
Ash has gotten better since we last saw him. He's done really well for himself. He's a bit of a name in the art world, and makes a pretty penny off his art. He's still Ash, and doesn't like going to his own art galley showings or flying really, but mentally, he's doing a lot better. But Pete hasn't gotten better. Pete's gotten worse, mentally, since his mother died, and his general apathy to life scares Ash to death.
Pete's no longer the happy guy we once knew. Ash and Pete have been through some tough times together in the six years they've known each other, but there's something...missing between them now. Ash doesn't know how to fix it, and Pete doesn't want to face it. And since they've never been really talkative about their own feelings, Pete knows it'll take a breaking point before anything between them will change. He knows he's the problem, but it's putting a strain on their relationship.
Circle is different from the last two books. It's a bit of a road trip. Ash and Pete have really only been in Chicago the entire time they've known each other, and spur of the moment decision to leave town has them both heading out to Oregon. Their relationship is frayed at this point, and this is almost a last ditch effort, in a way, for them to piece it all back together.
Before they left Chicago, the head doctor of the ER Pete works at, Glenn, introduced Ash and Pete to a veteran named Jed. Both Glenn and Jed were in a standalone novel, Only Love, and I highly recommend reading that book for Jed's background story. Jed and Glenn are just old Army buddies, with Jed heading back home Ashton, Oregon soon after. He left an invite for Ash and Pete to visit him and his partner, Max, and Ash took that invite to heart. And this was how Ash and Pete found themselves driving across the country to live in a cabin by the lake.
We don't really get to see much of the secondary characters from the previous books as much in this one. The characters do show up at the beginning and end of the story. Otherwise, the book is mainly just Ash and Pete, and their hosts, Jed and Max. It's really nice to check-in and see how Jed and Max are doing. They're as lovely as ever, and it's wonderful to see them bond so well with Ash and Pete.
This book was sad. The news about Maggie, Pete's mother, just broke my heart by the second page. I adored his mother in the other two books, and to just lose her this way is so terribly sad. I was okay I think for the rest of the book, even with the weight of Ash and Pete's relationship hanging in the air. The ending is a tad dramatic, but the epilogue more than made up for everything. Their HEA is hard won and a very long journey of ups and downs, but the epilogue just had me weeping. The ending is poignant and sweet and everything I could have possibly hoped for. The news about Max's dog Flo, though, that really got to me. I adore Ash and Pete's endearing way of calling each other fucker even after all this time. The ending is perfect, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to close out this wonderful series.
Ash has gotten better since we last saw him. He's done really well for himself. He's a bit of a name in the art world, and makes a pretty penny off his art. He's still Ash, and doesn't like going to his own art galley showings or flying really, but mentally, he's doing a lot better. But Pete hasn't gotten better. Pete's gotten worse, mentally, since his mother died, and his general apathy to life scares Ash to death.
I didn't want to get into the fact that he didn't seem to care about much at all these days.
Pete's no longer the happy guy we once knew. Ash and Pete have been through some tough times together in the six years they've known each other, but there's something...missing between them now. Ash doesn't know how to fix it, and Pete doesn't want to face it. And since they've never been really talkative about their own feelings, Pete knows it'll take a breaking point before anything between them will change. He knows he's the problem, but it's putting a strain on their relationship.
Circle is different from the last two books. It's a bit of a road trip. Ash and Pete have really only been in Chicago the entire time they've known each other, and spur of the moment decision to leave town has them both heading out to Oregon. Their relationship is frayed at this point, and this is almost a last ditch effort, in a way, for them to piece it all back together.
Before they left Chicago, the head doctor of the ER Pete works at, Glenn, introduced Ash and Pete to a veteran named Jed. Both Glenn and Jed were in a standalone novel, Only Love, and I highly recommend reading that book for Jed's background story. Jed and Glenn are just old Army buddies, with Jed heading back home Ashton, Oregon soon after. He left an invite for Ash and Pete to visit him and his partner, Max, and Ash took that invite to heart. And this was how Ash and Pete found themselves driving across the country to live in a cabin by the lake.
We don't really get to see much of the secondary characters from the previous books as much in this one. The characters do show up at the beginning and end of the story. Otherwise, the book is mainly just Ash and Pete, and their hosts, Jed and Max. It's really nice to check-in and see how Jed and Max are doing. They're as lovely as ever, and it's wonderful to see them bond so well with Ash and Pete.
If I'd possessed an ounce of romance, I might've figured we were made for each other, but I didn't need romance to know that shit.
This book was sad. The news about Maggie, Pete's mother, just broke my heart by the second page. I adored his mother in the other two books, and to just lose her this way is so terribly sad. I was okay I think for the rest of the book, even with the weight of Ash and Pete's relationship hanging in the air. The ending is a tad dramatic, but the epilogue more than made up for everything. Their HEA is hard won and a very long journey of ups and downs, but the epilogue just had me weeping. The ending is poignant and sweet and everything I could have possibly hoped for. The news about Max's dog Flo, though, that really got to me. I adore Ash and Pete's endearing way of calling each other fucker even after all this time. The ending is perfect, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to close out this wonderful series.
sarful's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 While I really love these two guys, I don't think this third book was really needed. I think enough was laid bare in the first two books.
Having said that, I dug this book. It was heartbreaking to read about Maggie and Pete's reaction to it. But, the new characters in Max and Jed were so wonderful and quite refreshing. And the epilogue was delightful and so well done.
Having said that, I dug this book. It was heartbreaking to read about Maggie and Pete's reaction to it. But, the new characters in Max and Jed were so wonderful and quite refreshing. And the epilogue was delightful and so well done.
misty's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
anya_doesntmatter's review against another edition
5.0
Book three of the Roads Series
Just finished reading this and all I can say is wow! I Absolutely loved everything about this story. Ash and Pete’s relationship is built on love, care and respect but as this story exemplifies love can only do so much. Communication and honesty also play vital roles in helping a relationship thrive. We all know a couple like Ash and Pete. We may not be privy to all their personal details / demons ( those things we share only with our partners) but we recognize the obvious signs when a couple is losing their connection and are oblivious when one hurts the other unintentionally.
Ash and Pete were at that point in their relationship where love wouldn’t be enough and both men couldn’t pinpoint a singular moment in their relationship that brought them to this point ( except for the secrets they keep to protect one another). And of course, there’s no way these secrets could possibly play a role in eroding their relationship since neither of them are sharing these thoughts, right?
To post more would give away and possibly spoil the story which would be a grave injustice in my opinion. Garrett Leigh, put a lot of thought into this story and developing these characters. I instantly connected with them and felt their frustration and anger when dealing with various situations. This is the perfect ending to what has been an enjoyable series.
*ARC provided for review at my discretion*
karlijnmerle's review against another edition
5.0
"I love you, Fucker."
Pete and Ash are one of my favorite couples. I love them and I reread their stories quite a lot. So I jumped in the air when I saw that there would be a third book. And it was SO SO good. Like all the feels good. I cried, laughed, cried and laughed again. It was amazing to see how strong their bond was and how they survived secrets, deaths and trauma's.
Pete and Ash are one of my favorite couples. I love them and I reread their stories quite a lot. So I jumped in the air when I saw that there would be a third book. And it was SO SO good. Like all the feels good. I cried, laughed, cried and laughed again. It was amazing to see how strong their bond was and how they survived secrets, deaths and trauma's.
Spoiler
And what can I say about Jed and Max? I mean I loved their book and it was amazing to see that they were still rocking it together.the_novel_approach's review against another edition
5.0
Stunning. Absolute perfection. I just want to savor this one, and keep it with me for a bit. Maybe even immediately read it again. It’s been three and a half years since I spent time with Ash and Pete from Garret Leigh’s Roads series, but Circle quickly reminded me why I love them so damn much. I didn’t have a chance to reread Slide and Rare before reading Circle, but I wish I would have. It’s definitely not necessary…I was able to get right back into the groove with these guys, even though so much time had passed. But, I would say that if you do have a chance to revisit them, it might make reading this one even more special. Also, if you haven’t yet read Only Love, or have time to revisit it before reading Circle, I would highly suggest doing so. I soooo wish I would have reread it first. Again, it’s not strictly necessary—but, Jed and Max from Only Love play a HUGE role in this part of Pete and Ash’s story, so meeting them and knowing their story first will only enhance the reading experience here.
In the six years since Pete and Ash have been together, they’ve gone through some pretty hefty changes: gaining partial custody of Pete’s nephew, continued recovery both from Ash’s past, and Pete’s life-threatening accident, and the devastating loss of Pete’s mother, Maggie, among them. It’s the latter that’s got Ash so worried about Pete in Circle. It’s obvious to Ash that Pete is depressed—when Maggie died, a part of him died—but he’s at a loss as to how to approach Pete about it, or how to help him fix it. Whatever happens, though, he can’t just watch Pete keep going through the motions.
Early in the book, Pete and Ash both meet Jed, a vet buddy of Pete’s friend Glenn, and it turns out to be total serendipity. Pete and Ash both feel an odd sort of connection to Jed, so when Ash finds out he has a gallery show just twenty minutes from where Jed and his partner live in Oregon, he finds himself packing up some paintings in a van, and hitting the road. Thankfully, with Pete in tow, because this road trip to Oregon might be exactly what the two of them need. The way Garrett Leigh weaves this story together is breathtaking. It’s completely fortuitous that Jed and Max come into Pete and Ash’s lives when they do. It was so amazing to see them again, and to watch them enrich Ash and Pete’s relationship so much. Gahhh, it was so good, you guys. I don’t want to give anything away, obviously, but I have no doubt that every reader will find it as magical as I did.
I know the blurb, and some of what I’ve said so far, makes it all seem a bit heavy—and it is—but even though we know that Pete is in trouble, and Ash feels like they’re drowning by extension, I never felt like their relationship was truly in jeopardy or their love was ever in question. In fact, they felt more solid than ever as a couple, and I thought the story was incredibly romantic. Well, as romantic as Pete and Ash ever get, anyway. This was classic Pete…
Once again, I loved everything about this book. The cover is beyond gorgeous. The title is perfect. The supporting cast is fantastic—I love, love Danni and Joe. And, the epilogue was everything. Another brilliant must-read from Leigh, whose work I adore more with each release it seems.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
In the six years since Pete and Ash have been together, they’ve gone through some pretty hefty changes: gaining partial custody of Pete’s nephew, continued recovery both from Ash’s past, and Pete’s life-threatening accident, and the devastating loss of Pete’s mother, Maggie, among them. It’s the latter that’s got Ash so worried about Pete in Circle. It’s obvious to Ash that Pete is depressed—when Maggie died, a part of him died—but he’s at a loss as to how to approach Pete about it, or how to help him fix it. Whatever happens, though, he can’t just watch Pete keep going through the motions.
Early in the book, Pete and Ash both meet Jed, a vet buddy of Pete’s friend Glenn, and it turns out to be total serendipity. Pete and Ash both feel an odd sort of connection to Jed, so when Ash finds out he has a gallery show just twenty minutes from where Jed and his partner live in Oregon, he finds himself packing up some paintings in a van, and hitting the road. Thankfully, with Pete in tow, because this road trip to Oregon might be exactly what the two of them need. The way Garrett Leigh weaves this story together is breathtaking. It’s completely fortuitous that Jed and Max come into Pete and Ash’s lives when they do. It was so amazing to see them again, and to watch them enrich Ash and Pete’s relationship so much. Gahhh, it was so good, you guys. I don’t want to give anything away, obviously, but I have no doubt that every reader will find it as magical as I did.
I know the blurb, and some of what I’ve said so far, makes it all seem a bit heavy—and it is—but even though we know that Pete is in trouble, and Ash feels like they’re drowning by extension, I never felt like their relationship was truly in jeopardy or their love was ever in question. In fact, they felt more solid than ever as a couple, and I thought the story was incredibly romantic. Well, as romantic as Pete and Ash ever get, anyway. This was classic Pete…
If I’d possessed an ounce of romance, I might’ve figured we were made for each other, but I didn’t need romance to know that shit.
Once again, I loved everything about this book. The cover is beyond gorgeous. The title is perfect. The supporting cast is fantastic—I love, love Danni and Joe. And, the epilogue was everything. Another brilliant must-read from Leigh, whose work I adore more with each release it seems.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
steiner's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this but I felt that the series was less than the sum of its parts. I think all of the books could be edited down into one excellent book. I could also have lived without one of them ending up in hospital again.
I do think they are a unique couple and I enjoy their dynamic. I also enjoyed the writing but felt that the supporting cast was a bit sprawling and undisciplined.
I do think they are a unique couple and I enjoy their dynamic. I also enjoyed the writing but felt that the supporting cast was a bit sprawling and undisciplined.
knrt_17's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book, love this author. This is a mm contemporary story. Book 3 of the Roads series book must be read in order. This story is a catch up with Ash and Pete that was well worth the wait.