ARC Review: Kiss Me Again by Garrett Leigh

Blurb:

Tree surgeon Aidan Drummond is content with his own company. He works alone, and lives alone, and it doesn’t occur to him to want anything else until a life-changing accident lands him in hospital. Then a glimpse of the beautiful boy in the opposite bed changes everything.

Ludo Giordano is trapped on the ward with a bunch of old men. His mind plays tricks on him, keeping him awake. Then late one night, a new face brings a welcome distraction. Their unlikely friendship is addictive. And, like most things in Ludo’s life, temporary.

Back in the real world, Aidan’s monochrome existence is no longer enough. He craves the colour Ludo brought him, and when a chance meeting brings them back together, before long, they’re inseparable again.

But bliss comes with complications. Aidan is on the road to recovery, but Ludo has been unwell his entire life, and that’s not going to change. Aidan can kiss him as much as he likes, but if he can’t help Ludo when he needs him most, they don’t stand a chance.

"Kiss me again...please?"

Jewel's rating:



​If you enjoy a good slow burn and MC's that suffer the realness of life, then Kiss Me Again will be right up your tree. It sure was mine! I love Garrett Leigh's writing style and the utter Britishness of her boys.

Ludo Giordano ​​is bipolar and as much as he tries to stay in his meds, sometimes, when he's feeling well, he gets distracted or forgets and then life gets interesting. When that happens, he often ends up in the hospital because he hurts himself. It was after one such incident that Ludo finds himself sharing a room with Aidan Drummond and Aidan is someone he wants to get to know.

Aidan is a quiet, private guy. He's kind of gruff and very self deprecating. He loves his work as a tree surgeon, though. Making a sick tree well again gives his life meaning and trees are so peaceful. Aidan isn't really happy, however. He trudges through life and spends most of his free time at the pub, practicing to be an alcoholic. It's not an awesome life.


Aidan and Ludo become friends during the time they're both in the hospital, but then don't see each other for months, during which time Aidan almost loses himself entirely, until a chance encounter with Ludo gives him a reason to take stock.

Kiss Me Again is such a beautiful story full of hope and longing. There's some angst, I can't imagine reading one of Garrett Leigh's books without angst, but it was sweet too. I loved how their relationship developed, with a solid friendship transitioning into more. I loved how Aidan never treated Ludo like he was broken and how Ludo never gave up. I loved how everything felt so organic and real. And I loved watching Aidan and Ludo find their way.

Recommended.

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ARC of Kiss Me Again was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.

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