perfect

I loved this story. Just wish it had been longer! But as usual, Dan makes it sound awesome.

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Short, but Very Sweet

My mate Jack is one of a few audiobooks that I have listened to several times since I bought it. There is something about this story of friends who become lovers that has really gotten a hold of my heart. It was only just now, after my fourth time round in the last year that I realised that I hadn’t done a review here for it.
It truly is a great story, with characters that will have you shouting out loud sometimes to get it together after a bunch of miscommunications and changes in their lives that put blocks in the way of their HEA.
The story is told from Will’s point of view. He is an out teen lad who is as close to his best friend Jack as it is possible to be with a straight boy. But Jack throws a couple of curve balls into their friendship and neither lad seems to know what to think and how to move ahead without wrecking their life long friendship.
The story is expertly told by Dan Calley, his voices for the characters felt spot on for me, as did his general narration, which was really engaging.
My only complaint as such was that this story was way too short. Not that it wasn’t a fully rounded story, it’s just that I wanted more. I think I’m a bit in love with Will and Jack.
There is a sequel to this story, but unfortunately it focuses on two new characters, relegating Will and Jack to minor side parts that if I’m honest didn’t even need to be in that story as it did very little to advance their narrative. It’s such a shame, because a follow on story with them as the MCs would have been amazing.
Since my first listen of this book Garrett Leigh has become one of my go to authors when I need to look for a new book.

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When you love your best friend

There are two Heated Beat stories and I listened to them back-to-back. This was the first one. Will has been in love with Jack forever. They’re best mates and share everything. But Jack’s straight and things will never work out, right? One night changes everything…and yet nothing…at the same time. Will heads off to university while Jack takes off for Ibiza with dreams of becoming a famous DJ. I have to admit, this wasn’t a profession I’ve given a lot of thought to, but Ms. Leigh has written a number of books centered around musicians and music, so I was able to get into the story pretty easily.

This friends-to-lovers story takes a few twists and turns. When Will goes to Ibiza there are plenty of misunderstandings and it takes a while for things to get straightened out. Eventually both men get their heads out of their tushes and figure out what’s most important to them. And yeah, Jack is definitely not as straight as Will believed.

The story is mostly told from Will’s point of view with only the final chapter in Jack’s. I am accustomed to Ms. Leigh’s uneven narration style so it didn’t surprise me. Would I have liked more of Jack? Sure. But did the story work? Sure. Finally I’ll mention Dan Calley’s narration. His voice just works with these two and I enjoyed this very much.

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Memorable!

4.5 Stars

My Mate Jack is told from Will’s POV, except the epilogue where we get Jack’s. Will’s been in love with his best mate, Jack, for almost as long as he’s known him. He’s out, at least to his father and Jack, since in the little town they come from being out and proud is unheard of.

Jack is straight, but he offers Will the chance to practice kissing with him when they’re fifteen or so. The kiss rocks both their worlds, but they don’t let it affect their friendship and just let it go, at least until they are older and Will’s about to go to Leeds to University and Jack to Ibiza to take on a DJ job, and Jack asks Will to have s*x with him, so he wouldn’t be going to Spain still being a virgin. After that, a series of misunderstandings and their hectic schedules converge to reducing a lifelong relationship to a few e-mails here and there. Will they ever be able to recapture both their friendship and their chance at a HEA?

Jack and Will were both very likable characters and despite wanting to scream at them a few times to see what they had in front of them, I just couldn't help wanting them together. They were just so perfect for one another and it was obvious from the start. 

The whole story was like going two steps forward, two steps back, but even if it was kind of annoying at times that Jack and Will couldn’t get to the point where everything was resolved and move on, without something else happening, it was nice to see that their friendship was at the forefront for both of them, no matter what. 

Dan Calley is just the perfect narrator for Garrett Leigh's books. There's something about his voice that suits the kind of characters she writes. It's gritty, yet pleasant and he always delivers a great performance.

Overall, this was such a lovely audiobook, fast-paced, sweet, and angsty. Very recommendable!

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I needed more of Jack but still loved it!

Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted the audio version of this book.

Don't you just love a friends to lovers book? With lots of misunderstandings and mix-ups along the way? Nothing else, just these two friends, one with a crush on his straight best friend? Made even better by some awesome narration??

This book right here!

Will has been in love with Jack forever, but Jack likes girls and Will doesn't. When Jack asks Will about kissing, then about having sex with men, Will allows Jack to get close. Then Jack goes to Ibiza and Will goes to uni and things are said, done, implied and the fall out is massive.

I want to be a bit picky here, cos, you know, I can, its my review but the only thing that would have made this book any better was if Jack had much more of a say. Apart from the epilogue, Jack doesn't get a say and I wanted him to, I so DESPERATELY wanted him to. I needed to know what was going through HIS mind when he kisses Jack, when they do what they do before they go their ways, and I don't get it. Had he been given a bigger say, I would be raving about this book! Oh, don't get me wrong, I LOVED this as it was but Jack? He would have been the icing on a pretty special cake.

Dan Calley narrates. Mr Calley is fast becoming a favourite. His voice carries a very British accent, and his reading voice is deep and even. His voices are amazing, and he hits the accents to a tee. He gets across all of Will's feelings about Jack. His reactions to what they do, to what comes after and to what he does when Jack fianlly, FINALLY, tells Will what he really wants. Or rather Who.

It's not a very long read/listen (108 pages/3 hours) but it packs a powerful punch. I didn't quite manage to listen to it in one go, cos that darn dayjob got in the way, but I very nearly did.

Apart from not getting enough of Jack, I cannot fault the book nor the narration so...

5 full and shiny stars for the book AND the narration.

~~same worded review will appear elsewhere~~

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