Heartscape

4.5

3.5 stars. Worked a little better for me than a lot of Garrett Leigh's previous angst-fests because the MCs didn't engage in that annoying “I'm going to push you away because I'm damaged and don't deserve you” dynamic. Tanner and Jax are both struggling emotionally, but they accept that they are good for each other, even as they realize that they need to work on their own shit before they can fully be together. There's a lot of mutual pining, and they're not always willing to open up about their pasts, but there are no dreaded Big Misunderstandings or MC's nobly sacrificing themselves on the alter of angst. The book features several engaging secondary plots as well. I especially liked Tanner's struggle to develop a better relationship with his brother Gabriel, and Jax's growing confidence as a wildlife photographer and guide. I'm still not sure if I'm sold on this series (I was lukewarm on book #1, Annabeth Albert's [b:Featherbed 56340297 Featherbed (Vino & Veritas, #1) Annabeth Albert https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1609894656l/56340297.SY75.jpg 87778981]) but this one definitely made me realize there is more to Garrett Leigh than angst.