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gillianw's review
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up
While I don't think this is Garrett Leigh's best work, I did mostly enjoy this story. My main complaint is that the relationship between the two MC's didn't wow or overwhelm me with feels, something that this author has been particularly good at in previous books, and I really missed feeling that emotional connection between them. I liked them well-enough individually, I just wasn't certain their relationship was all that strong.
Having said that, I did like the premise. I particularly enjoyed the 'searching your roots' storyline, mostly because I would love to participate in one of those shows that allows you some insight into your ancestors. I also liked that this wasn't a 'rock star romance' and instead, it had one MC headlining an Irish folk band on the cusp of national success.
I'm probably being slightly more generous with my rating then the book technically deserves, but I also think Garrett Leigh was shafted by DSP (as many authors have been) and feel a certain amount of goodwill towards hardworking authors is warranted. So there.
While I don't think this is Garrett Leigh's best work, I did mostly enjoy this story. My main complaint is that the relationship between the two MC's didn't wow or overwhelm me with feels, something that this author has been particularly good at in previous books, and I really missed feeling that emotional connection between them. I liked them well-enough individually, I just wasn't certain their relationship was all that strong.
Having said that, I did like the premise. I particularly enjoyed the 'searching your roots' storyline, mostly because I would love to participate in one of those shows that allows you some insight into your ancestors. I also liked that this wasn't a 'rock star romance' and instead, it had one MC headlining an Irish folk band on the cusp of national success.
I'm probably being slightly more generous with my rating then the book technically deserves, but I also think Garrett Leigh was shafted by DSP (as many authors have been) and feel a certain amount of goodwill towards hardworking authors is warranted. So there.
hellishlyawkward's review against another edition
3.0
Sweet story. Don’t usually like stories about professional musicians, but this was fine. Pretty heavy on the nonsense talk that only makes sense between the two of them, but I mostly find that endearing. Liked both MCs, but had trouble picturing what each of them looked like at times. Almost seemed like they changed body sizes in different scenes?
mikibooks's review against another edition
Esto de querer leer cosas pendientes de mi lista de TBR no está resultando para nada. Un plomazo total.
karentje's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This was a mellow hurt/comfort story with a very promising premise, up and coming rock star falls for the reporter digging into his past while hiding secrets of his own. I had trouble connecting to the story and the MC’s though. It just wasn’t completely clear to me why exactly they fell for each other and Ollie is less than straightforward in his dealings with Shay. I understand why it’s hard for him to be open and vulnerable, but I wasn’t enamored of the mixed signals he kept sending Shay’s way. He didn’t always seem to grasp how his decisions impacted the other man. The research into Shay’s past didn’t feel very relevant to the story and though it ended in something of a shocking revelation … even that fell a little flat. An okay read, but I’ve come to expect more from this author.
Narration: Dan Calley did a great job with his performance of this story, and drew me in more than I’d have been by just reading the book. I really like the timbre of his voice, the accents and his interpretation of the characters. He made the MC’s sound very genuine and authentic.
This was a mellow hurt/comfort story with a very promising premise, up and coming rock star falls for the reporter digging into his past while hiding secrets of his own. I had trouble connecting to the story and the MC’s though. It just wasn’t completely clear to me why exactly they fell for each other and Ollie is less than straightforward in his dealings with Shay. I understand why it’s hard for him to be open and vulnerable, but I wasn’t enamored of the mixed signals he kept sending Shay’s way. He didn’t always seem to grasp how his decisions impacted the other man. The research into Shay’s past didn’t feel very relevant to the story and though it ended in something of a shocking revelation … even that fell a little flat. An okay read, but I’ve come to expect more from this author.
Narration: Dan Calley did a great job with his performance of this story, and drew me in more than I’d have been by just reading the book. I really like the timbre of his voice, the accents and his interpretation of the characters. He made the MC’s sound very genuine and authentic.
kbranfield's review
4.0
The release date for Edge of the World was pushed back about six months so I've been eager to read it and I am happy to report: so worth the wait.
Shay Maloney is on tour with his band when his managersurprises reminds him a documentary researcher will be joining them. Dismayed but knowing he has no choice but to co-operate, Shay is initially a reluctant participant in the genealogy documentary.
Researcher Ollie Pietruska already knows how Shay’s genealogy discovery ends, but he reveals the gifted musician’s family history bit by bit. He has traced Shay’s roots waaaayyyyy back into the past, and he is quite pleased at Shay’s reaction to each reveal.
While Shay is pretty much an open book, Ollie is very reserved and gives up little information about himself. Shay is surprised by his attraction to Ollie, but the researcher gives off very obvious “keep your distance” vibes. Even when their relationship evolves from professional to personal, Ollie remains very tight-lipped. There is no mistaking he has gone through a traumatic experience, but will Shay convince Ollie to trust him with his secret?
The Edge of the World is a laid-back, slow-burn romance. Much of the story takes place on Shay’s tour bus so the forced intimacy provides a good foundation for their budding relationship. There is a push/pull element to the storyline but there is a refreshing lack of angst or heavy drama. All in all, a bit of an introspective read that old and new fans of Garrett Leigh are going to love!
Shay Maloney is on tour with his band when his manager
Researcher Ollie Pietruska already knows how Shay’s genealogy discovery ends, but he reveals the gifted musician’s family history bit by bit. He has traced Shay’s roots waaaayyyyy back into the past, and he is quite pleased at Shay’s reaction to each reveal.
While Shay is pretty much an open book, Ollie is very reserved and gives up little information about himself. Shay is surprised by his attraction to Ollie, but the researcher gives off very obvious “keep your distance” vibes. Even when their relationship evolves from professional to personal, Ollie remains very tight-lipped. There is no mistaking he has gone through a traumatic experience, but will Shay convince Ollie to trust him with his secret?
The Edge of the World is a laid-back, slow-burn romance. Much of the story takes place on Shay’s tour bus so the forced intimacy provides a good foundation for their budding relationship. There is a push/pull element to the storyline but there is a refreshing lack of angst or heavy drama. All in all, a bit of an introspective read that old and new fans of Garrett Leigh are going to love!
toshi21's review
4.0
Great story about finding yourself
When I first started this book, I thought, well it’s gonna be all about Shay as a rock star.
Well, it is and it isn’t. It’s about Shay finding his family and Ollie finding the strength and courage to find himself again. It’s about two men who want so much but are scared to reach for it.
I seriously enjoyed this story. Garrett has a way of reaching you and running away with your heart.
If you like folk stars with curiosities and genealogists who are in desperate need of care and comfort, this is up your alley.
Go forth and read.
When I first started this book, I thought, well it’s gonna be all about Shay as a rock star.
Well, it is and it isn’t. It’s about Shay finding his family and Ollie finding the strength and courage to find himself again. It’s about two men who want so much but are scared to reach for it.
I seriously enjoyed this story. Garrett has a way of reaching you and running away with your heart.
If you like folk stars with curiosities and genealogists who are in desperate need of care and comfort, this is up your alley.
Go forth and read.
malex117's review
4.0
loved it 4,5stars
I enjoyed this a book a lot. It wasn’t as angsty as usual by the author, but still not a fluff read.
I enjoyed this a book a lot. It wasn’t as angsty as usual by the author, but still not a fluff read.
lost_windsock's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I wish this book was longer! I really enjoyed the plot and the characters, but I felt like it needed just a little bit more towards the end. I did really love both Shay and Ollie, and I thought their chemistry was very real and authentic feeling. Ollie's character growth was really satisfying to watch, and seeing what a softy Shay was when I was expecting him to be more of a grump was really a nice twist. Neither of them allowed the other to give them shit, and they both had a surprising amount of emotional awareness, which was also a surprising yet delightful time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Car accident, Death of parent, Sexual content, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Drug abuse
mommasaystoread's review
4.0
If you enjoy slow-burn romance, The Edge of the World certainly falls into that category. I personally prefer something a bit faster paced, not instalove, but not quite this slow either. Nevertheless, these characters pulled me in. Shay and Ollie are both adorable characters and I couldn't help but love them. I'll admit that I know next to nothing about Shay's type of music, and it was an important part of the story, but not so much that I felt overwhelmed by it. I really enjoyed the genealogy aspect as Ollie introduces Shay to his family history. So, even though the romance felt a little drawn out, there was still enough going on with these guys to keep my interest and their chemistry is good. Garrett Leigh tells the story in a way that made me want to see these two become a couple.
The only real drawback for me is that I kind of felt like the secondary characters were just disposable characters, there for nothing more than to propel the story forward. I would've liked a little bit of development, a few details to give me a sense of who these people are. Nevertheless, Ollie and Shay are great characters, and I enjoyed their journey.
This is my second listen with narrator Dan Calley, and he did a terrific job with Shay and Ollie. The way he read these guys is exactly how I'd hear them in my head. He brings the feelings in this one to life for me, and had me hooked from the beginning.
All in all, The Edge of World is a great mix of sweet and sexy with all the feels and then some, and Calley's performance just adds to the experience.
The only real drawback for me is that I kind of felt like the secondary characters were just disposable characters, there for nothing more than to propel the story forward. I would've liked a little bit of development, a few details to give me a sense of who these people are. Nevertheless, Ollie and Shay are great characters, and I enjoyed their journey.
This is my second listen with narrator Dan Calley, and he did a terrific job with Shay and Ollie. The way he read these guys is exactly how I'd hear them in my head. He brings the feelings in this one to life for me, and had me hooked from the beginning.
All in all, The Edge of World is a great mix of sweet and sexy with all the feels and then some, and Calley's performance just adds to the experience.
zelda75's review
3.0
2/3
Not for me. I found the story sometimes slow and in some part a little boring...didn’t feel the connection between the MC.
Not for me. I found the story sometimes slow and in some part a little boring...didn’t feel the connection between the MC.