I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads 
 4.5 Hope-filled Stars. 
 The only book I'd read previously by this author was 'What Remains', and I found Rented Heart to have the same consistent writing style, which had me checking out Leigh's backlist. Character-development-centric, the story's focus is on the emotions felt by the characters in everyday situations, not the bells and whistles that usually hide a lacking premise beneath the bed. 
 If I had to choose one word to describe both the author and the novel- Solid. 
 The absence of shock-value writing was a breath of fresh air. The fact that all the characters maintained their personality traits and behaved in the manner in which they were created had my trust in the author growing. The mentality and maturity was consistent with the character's age, profession, education, and background. The logic and rational, human-nature-based actions and reactions will have me buying more by Garrett Leigh. 
 Liam is a lonely widower, an introvert who has closed himself off from everyone but his family and two dogs. Zac walks into his life and Liam feels a need to get close to someone for the first time in over a year, only to discover it was for pay. The struggle Liam displayed felt realistic, wondering whether Zac was in it for the money or because of Liam himself. Liam's inner monologue was definitely needed, and didn't drag the story down. It showed the reader Liam's struggle between acceptance and guilt and shame, while worrying for Zac and wishing to take care of him. 
 Zac is a hooker trying to survive, knowing that vices are what keeps him and his mate exactly where they are. A runaway from the fostercare system, Zac uses his body to pay the rent. One thing that did bother me was the fact that once Zac got clean and rented his own place, and was no longer wasting money on vices, why didn't he get a day-job while supplementing his income with his regular johns a few times a week? But the realism was the mentality Zac was stuck in, one his best friend helped anchor Zac to. Jamie, Zac's BFF and roommate, showed the darker side- the side Zac had lived six months prior. The fist of addiction strangling the will to survive out of the addict. 
 I applaud the author for not glossing over this subject matter, while also not forcing it in the reader's face. It wasn't made light, with cutesy giggling hookers, who had bad pasts but never showed any growth, I've read in the past by different authors. It was gritty and raw, realistic, but there was always an element of hope infusing the storyline. 
 Liam and Zac's palpable tension and chemistry was through the roof. As the reader, I became invested in the outcome of their relationship, wishing the best for all the characters written on the pages. Lifelike, Liam and Zac were written in a way that they felt like real people to me. 
 Recommended to MM Romance fans who enjoy a novel featuring character development. 
 I'm going to go check out Garrett Leigh's backlist now.