Dream

Skins Series, Book 1

By: Garrett Leigh

Narrated by: Shaun Grindell

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

When unrequited love leaves Dylan Hart sleepless and nursing his wounds, instinct draws him to the one place he's found mindless respite in the past - Lovato's. It's a place for every fantasy, where a night of insane NSA sex brings relief.

It should be a perfect escape, and for one magical night it seems that way, but then worlds collide, and reality bites when Dylan's hookup desperately needs a friend. Surely Dylan can't trust his instincts when friendship has bruised his heart so badly before?

The deck is stacked against former ballet dancer Angelo Giordano ever finding real love. At least visiting Lovato's offers respite from a life defined by illness; a glimmer of light in the dull gray of his so-called life without dance. But then he encounters Dylan, who makes his heart pound once more with purpose.

Angelo's mind is blown by this man, but the disease that ended his career won't let him bask in new love. He's drowning, and Dylan can't save him while insecurities swamp them both. The only way to make it means confronting their demons. If Dylan can turn his back on the past, and Angelo can face his uncertain future, maybe they can chase their dreams together.

Contains mature themes.

©2017 Garrett Leigh (P)2019 Tantor

You have to want it, narration is a lot.

The narration makes this book a challenge. I had to listen to chapter two a second time - I was readily confused by the lack of differentiation between to the characters. Once I became accustomed to his cadence, I was able to go with the story. Everyone just sounded somewhat gravelly, flat and rushed.

Then there’s the story. Leigh builds a busy world, yet seems content to explain the sex and the sex club and leave other elements to themselves. A very British story, I was familiar with some of the terms from British friends and travels. If you’re not familiar with a concept, let’s say for instance, a council house, don’t expect to learn it here.

Considering how central to the story that Angelo’s debt is, what what Dylan is trying to do for him it would help if what was happening was simplified or explained a bit better. Lots of acronyms are bandied about.

The relationship between the two develops nicely and are some great moments - just wait for the Dylan and the lunch rush! Things progress until the inevitable page 180 crisis that must happen in these stories. That is where I began to question the authors choices.

Without wanting to give too much away, when a crisis arises - one of the characters refuses to turn around and look the other in the eye. Had they done so, this very flimsy argument would have diffused immediately. However, romance writers often need this break to heighten emotion for the reader. Leigh’s option is sloppily done, and worse - unnecessary. The lead up to that moment already provided a perfect emotional set up and the reader could have swooned that much sooner. Slow and steady is a great option for romance writers too.

She attempts to get back on track with some success, although her decision is to introduce a lot of talking to that feels repetitive, a bit like filler. The story fully goes off the rails with another crises that seems crafted only to offer one of the MCs the opportunity to wring their hands over the state of the British government and continue the social aspect of the book.

I was set to go with three stars for all ratings, but, I do think Leigh hit some great moments that overshadow her rather clumsy attempts at social commentary and slightly ho hum ending. Perhaps reading the physical book would warm elements of the story that are left a bit flat from the narration. Regardless, I did care enough about them that I was glad to have listened. A recommendation with the understanding there is a lot of multi partner, voyeuristic sex.

Bad narration. Hot/sweet story

The narration ruined this for me unfortunately. Mr. Grindell's intonation and cadence are puzzling. He has a great voice but it goes down at the end of every sentence, like a bad news anchor. It takes you out of the story, which is actually quite well written and sweet. Yes, there is hot sex at a sex club. And yes, Angelo and Dylan are a hot couple with immediate chemistry. But the rest of the story is what grabbed me and made me keep listening despite the narration. They get to know each other and themselves, overcome or learn to deal with their respective conditions, which are actually handled very delicately and accurately. Mental and physical health are front and center, which is quite refreshing for a sexy MM romp. I would have read it rather than listened to it though.

1,000xs yes!!

Who doesn’t love a grumpy/sunshine? Who dosnt love love but get confused with affection??

Ahhh, I love this whole story. There is angst and a little heart break but the way that these boys NEED one another… 🫠🫠💓💓💕💕💕

And these boys are hot 😉🔥- 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Absolutely WRONG narrator. Ruined my experience.

The narrator was completely wrong for this book and ruined my entire experience. I couldn't even get past chapter 2.