Heart Unbroken

Dean is at a point in his live where he knows change has to happen. He's drawn to Lee but knows there could be problems because of their ages. I appreciated that fact that Lee stands up for himself and let's people know what he wants. He is also strong and willing to do what is needed to care for himself to the best of his ability. The drama was really scary at times but it really played out well in this story.

Heart Unbroken by Andrew Grey reconnects us with the remarkable men who work at Trevor’s auto repair garages. We get the opportunity to learn more about the guys and their partners. This time around Lee Studer and Dean Milford’s long-time yearnings take a gamble whilst putting the challenges and hurts of their pasts aside.

Lee is almost twenty-two and Dean thirty-three, but age is just a number when the heart succumbs to its desires. With kindness and patience, Dean helps Lee realize that his blindness is a part of him and doesn’t define him. Along the way Lee learns how to S.I.N.G. (Elbow in the solar plexus, stomp the instep, punch the nose, and go for the groin) building his confidence and his independence. Boy does he ever S.I.N.G.! In return, Lee opens Dean’s eyes to the fact that not every man is like his ex, Dumbfuck Chuck.

A slow-burn unfolds as these two navigate family drama, a narcissistic ex, and minor disagreements. In the process they find themselves, along with each other. Their kind words, witty banter, truths, understanding and determination, steer them as they meet each skirmish, culminating in a climactic conclusion which they confront with honesty and bravery.

For the most part their journey is realistic and believable but lacks depth in some instances. However, their connection is life altering for both men. Their love for one another flows off the page, even when they are unwilling to believe it was real or even possible. It is their shared interest in cars that brings them together, but the reward keeps them there.

It is great to encounter new friends while catching up with old from the Hearts Entwined Series, albeit some more than others. To best enjoy Heart Unbroken, I recommend you read the series in order, but this isn’t absolutely necessary.

If you've read Andrew Grey's Hearts Entwined series, you'll know just what to expect with Heart Unbroken. This entire series is amazing.

Andrew Grey excels in his writing of characters with physical disabilities. He wonderfully explores their limitations, their abilities, and the way people treat them.

Lee's blind after losing his sight five years ago. In this intriguing world created by Andrew Grey, Lee's a mechanic. Yes, you've read that right. It is one of the most unique things I've ever read, and I love it!

Lee's wonderfully skilled and wants to be independent. His friendship with fellow mechanic Scott is impressive and inspirational. Honestly, you'll never read anything quite like it. You can read Scott's story in Heart Unheard.

When someone starts messing with Lee at work, Dean, a car restorer, is brought into his orbit, as he wants to help the man. I love this age gap in which the older Dean's been attracted to Lee for a while. He knew Lee was too young for him though. Now older, Dean's able to let his feelings be known.

Both men are struggling. Dean's struggling with his self-worth, and Lee's struggling with his lack of independence. Lee's been sheltered by his parents but wants to explore more. His relationship with Dean allows him to find the perfect mix for being careful, yet also being independent. It's beautifully written with a whole lot of heart and compassion. And with Lee's help, Dean's self-confidence has a chance to grow and heal.

My favorite line has to be "Don't let a little fear stop you from doing something you really like."

Their story includes a mystery, sabotage, an overprotective mother, and a whole lot of fun. It's a story of trust and of new experiences. Both men have been victims of rejection and insecurities, and with one another, they struggle to find the strength to risk their heart again.

Hearts Unbroken is a story of finding someone who makes you want to be better. It's a story of finding someone who's worth living for, as they see past your disability. Andrew Grey is spectacular in this latest Hearts Entwined book, and I recommend this slow burn romance to all.

This is part of the Hearts Entwined series and I do think you should read some of the others since many of the other characters, especially James and Scott are prominent in this book. This is Lee and Dean’s story.
Dean is Travis and Brent’s friend and feeling like a third wheel since they both have significant others in their lives. He has gone a bit wild since his boyfriend dumped him and feels no self-worth. He made a big purchase of a Cobra, though a once in a lifetime find it pretty much took his reserves, so now his business is low too. He has always looked at Lee the mechanic at Travis’ shop, but he is young and he feels wouldn’t want anything to do with him.
Lee lost his sight in an accident and his teacher James brought him to the shop to show him he could still use his skills. He has worked there and loves his job but is feeling like a burden on his friends and family. His mom overprotects him and he longs for a boyfriend and things a young man his age should have.
This is such a sweet story about two men that are feeling low on themselves for very different reasons. There is a good storyline there, a sweet, budding romance then the author throws in a monkey wrench (pun intended) Someone drugs Lee and there are more threats at work and home. Who is after Lee and why?
There is a lot going on and if you are already a fan of Andrew Grey you know how great his stories are and how they keep you wanting more.
If you love a big age gap, a second chance on life, men with physical challenges, car restorers, mechanics, and an allover sweet romance this is for you!

POV ~> Third-person

Two men embracing outside of a garage. A flashy old muscle car sits to the side with its hood up. This cover has an odd look; the background looks like a colored pencil sketch but the models are photo-realistic.

All Dean’s wanted was to restore cars and run a successful business doing so.
All Lee’s ever wanted was to work on cars.
This was an age-gap, differently-abled love story with a small-town feel. The lead characters were likable and together they were lovable. The chemistry was raw but sweet. The secondary characters were a mix of old and new. (For maximum reader enjoyment, I would suggest reading the series in order.)
The dialogue was smart and the interactions were believable, creating a slow-burn story with plenty of drama and some suspense on the side. There were some minor conflicts along the way that led to the climactic one, all of which were resolved quite quickly… almost too quickly on occasion. Some predictability was had. I really enjoyed the gym scenes. They really lent some humanity to the struggle and trials Lee was continually dealing with. The conclusion wrapped up well enough.
Overall, it was not a major favorite but I still enjoyed it, recommend it, and hope for more!
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Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.15 ~ Stars: 4
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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from Dreamspinner Press and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐