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The Protectors #10
Unexpected
I finally had the chance at a perfect life when I met the man I was supposed to be with. But he’s gone and chances like that don’t come along twice in one lifetime. Right?
Former president Everett Shaw had his whole life laid out for him from the time he was a child and he lived out every expectation to complete and utter perfection� until he met the one man who changed everything. With plans to leave public life behind after finishing his term in office, Everett was looking forward to a quiet life with the man of his dreams at his side. But one brutal act of violence stole that bright future away, leaving Everett struggling just to get through each day.
A decade later finds Everett nearing the age of sixty and living a shell of a life. Haunted by his loss, he finds solace in his roses and evenings sitting in front of the television. But when his estranged son is horribly injured while saving the life of another, Everett leaves everything behind in the hopes of mending the broken relationship and helping his son heal in more ways than one.
My job is to protect and there are rules that have to be followed. Even if there weren’t, I wouldn’t risk letting anyone close� not again.
Special Agent Jonathan Nash’s job is to keep the former president safe, not be his friend. Even if something about the lonely older man draws him in, he’s not about to risk what’s left of his career for anything. And it’s not like a guy like Everett Shaw would really see him anyway. Nor would he want him to, considering the ugly past Nash left behind to pursue his dream. No, he’s better off following protocol and doing his job. Let someone else deal with the broken man. It’s not his problem� it can’t be.
I learned a long time ago to live life on my terms and that sometimes you have to take that leap of faith to get what you want. But wanting two men at the same time? That’s new, even for me.
At forty-five years old, former Navy SEAL Gage Fortier has experienced success and loss in equal measure, and while his life has taken a direction he never planned, he wouldn’t have it any other way. When Reese, the young man he’s partnered with in the underground vigilante group they both work for, is injured on the job, he sees an opportunity to build on the friendship with the bitter former soldier while giving him a place to recover. But when he discovers that the young man is actually the estranged son of a former U.S. president, Gage realizes he has the chance to give both father and son so much more. There’s only one problem with his plan� how to ignore his growing attraction for the devishly handsome Everett Shaw.
And Everett’s perpetual shadow, Agent Nash.
Three men on very separate courses. Until something unexpected happens and three become one�
*TRIGGER WARNING: This book as a couple of triggers. You can check out what they are by downloading the sample or using the "Look Inside" feature and scrolling to the appropriate page. Note that reading the trigger warnings could cause spoilers.
Can be read as a standalone novel.
The Protectors series crosses over with some of my other series, so for the most enjoyment, they should be read in order, but it is not required. You can find the correct reading order at the beginning of each book. I've also bundled all my series in the correct reading order under the title of A Family Chosen: The Protectors and Barrettis.
Former president Everett Shaw had his whole life laid out for him from the time he was a child and he lived out every expectation to complete and utter perfection� until he met the one man who changed everything. With plans to leave public life behind after finishing his term in office, Everett was looking forward to a quiet life with the man of his dreams at his side. But one brutal act of violence stole that bright future away, leaving Everett struggling just to get through each day.
A decade later finds Everett nearing the age of sixty and living a shell of a life. Haunted by his loss, he finds solace in his roses and evenings sitting in front of the television. But when his estranged son is horribly injured while saving the life of another, Everett leaves everything behind in the hopes of mending the broken relationship and helping his son heal in more ways than one.
My job is to protect and there are rules that have to be followed. Even if there weren’t, I wouldn’t risk letting anyone close� not again.
Special Agent Jonathan Nash’s job is to keep the former president safe, not be his friend. Even if something about the lonely older man draws him in, he’s not about to risk what’s left of his career for anything. And it’s not like a guy like Everett Shaw would really see him anyway. Nor would he want him to, considering the ugly past Nash left behind to pursue his dream. No, he’s better off following protocol and doing his job. Let someone else deal with the broken man. It’s not his problem� it can’t be.
I learned a long time ago to live life on my terms and that sometimes you have to take that leap of faith to get what you want. But wanting two men at the same time? That’s new, even for me.
At forty-five years old, former Navy SEAL Gage Fortier has experienced success and loss in equal measure, and while his life has taken a direction he never planned, he wouldn’t have it any other way. When Reese, the young man he’s partnered with in the underground vigilante group they both work for, is injured on the job, he sees an opportunity to build on the friendship with the bitter former soldier while giving him a place to recover. But when he discovers that the young man is actually the estranged son of a former U.S. president, Gage realizes he has the chance to give both father and son so much more. There’s only one problem with his plan� how to ignore his growing attraction for the devishly handsome Everett Shaw.
And Everett’s perpetual shadow, Agent Nash.
Three men on very separate courses. Until something unexpected happens and three become one�
*TRIGGER WARNING: This book as a couple of triggers. You can check out what they are by downloading the sample or using the "Look Inside" feature and scrolling to the appropriate page. Note that reading the trigger warnings could cause spoilers.
Can be read as a standalone novel.
The Protectors series crosses over with some of my other series, so for the most enjoyment, they should be read in order, but it is not required. You can find the correct reading order at the beginning of each book. I've also bundled all my series in the correct reading order under the title of A Family Chosen: The Protectors and Barrettis.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2017
515 people are currently reading
1,011 people want to read
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November 25, 2017
It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of the ""Protectors"series. Actually I am a HUGE fan of anything Sloane Kennedy writes !! There is one thing Sloane really exceeds in though... writing MMM...No one writes MMM like Sloane does !!
![[crop output image]](https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1511599737ra/24529062.gif)
I am very picky when it comes to MMM. I don't want to feel like one of them is getting less attention, or is being left behind. I don't ever feel that way when it comes to one of Sloane's books though... Everett, Gage and Nash sparked the moment they met...
These three don't meet under the best of circumstances though... Former president Everett Shaw's son, Reese, got hurt while protecting Brody (Finding Hope). Of course Everett wants nothing more, than to be there for his son, but their relationship is very estranged. Reese doesn't want anything to do with Everett, ever since he found out the truth about his father.
I really sympathised with Reese...he is one of those characters, I felt an instant connection with. I can't wait to get my hands on his story !!!
Agent Nash has been crushing on the president for some time, but doing so while being his protection, would be wrong !! So Nash pushes his feelings and yearnings far far away, which isn't easy....Especially, when he seems to be falling for not one, but two men at the same time. He just can't stop thinking about Everett and Gage !!
Gage, has been working with Everett's son Reese for a little while. They are not really close friends, but Gage does want what's best for Reese. This includes a relationship with his father, so Gage sets out to heal father and son in more than one way...
It would be so much easier though... if he didn't feel so damn attracted to both Everett and his security shadow Nash ;)
This was another awesome, HOT and sweet story. I really enjoyed it. I do have to say though, that things between father and son were resolved a bit quickly for my liking. I just wanted to kow a bit more about Reese. Hopefully I will get my wish in his book !!
I am gonna be honest here, and say that this wasn't a very believable story. Now that's not a problem for me...since I read books to " escape" reality , but I just wanted to put it out there, for those who might have a problem with it....
Another winner from Sloane Kennedy and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one !!
My reviews are posted on
February 13, 2020
Re-read: 13.02.2020
Everett is my least favorite character. For a man who used to be the most powerful man in the world, he's pretty.... weak. And while the three characters do work together, and are quite cute, it could've actually, maybe, perhaps, worked better without Everett. I feel like, in a way, that he's... holding them back? Like he's a child that need to be protected, sheltered, instead of a lover. I struggled with... liking him. I don't like weak characters. They tend to get me annoyed.
That being said, I do still enjoy the book, though it's very far from great. It has its moments, but it's boring and long, and there is some sort of lack in the chemistry between the characters. It might be because it's M/M/M book, which is hard to have equally chemistry, depth and love between the lovers. And like I said, Everett kind a held them back. With his weakness, his refusal to tell his son the truth - which could've saved them so much problems - and he simple lacked in character/maleness for me. Actually every character lacked some sort of depth, but Everett was the worst.
The book centers around former president Everett ‘Ev� Shaw (58), Special Agent Jonathan Nash (34) who's job is to keep the former president safe and former Navy SEAL Gage Fortier (45). The story starts with Everett completely tired of life, Nash just wanting to do his job, and Everett making it harder. One, Everett doesn't want protection, two, it goes against Nash's rules to be attracted to Everett. So they stay cold towards each other. That all change when Everett's son ends up at the hospital and Everett dropping everything for his son. A son who wants nothing to do with him. Enter Gage. Kind, open and sweet Gage who just want to help a man become better, but after seeing the father-son broken relationship, he decides he needs to fix it. And also decide what to do with his growing attraction for not just Everett, but Nash as well.
Overall, it takes a lot for me to like a M/M/M book as the writing has to do it perfectly do make the trio work together in a loving relationship. Sometimes you end up shipping two out of the three and then it goes downhill from there. Though I found Nash and Gage together more interesting, than either of them with Everett, the three of the together worked quite well. It was perfectly balanced. I just found Everett a weak person from the start so I struggled to love him as a character, though I did like him. But he was my least favorite in the trio. That said, the story had its moments, but it was predictable and at times boring, but it was still cute and the relationship between the three men worked so well that the story was enjoyable. Plus, the sex was hot. Although, Everett's age made me a little uncomfortable as he's older than my dad... I tried to picture him as Clive Owen , but still...
OTHER CHARACTERS:
� Reese StarrShaw (33), the estranged son of a former U.S. president (Everett) and the bitter former soldier. Starr is Everett's wife’s maiden name and the name Reese had chosen to go by after he’d walked out of Shaw's life.
� Trauma surgeon Dr. Ronan Grisham, also the boss of a vigilante group that both Reese and Gage was in - they worked as partners? Though technically Ronan is retired from the group he’d founded.
� Charlie Fortier (7? 8?), Gage's daugther. And �....the granddaughter of a professor of Greek mythology who had a bad habit of turning his lesson plans into bedtime stories.�
� Phillipe Fortier (early seventies), Gage's dad.
� Colonel Pierce St. James, Everett's son’s commanding officer who Everett met after his son was at the hospital 13 years ago. Pierce and Everett hid their relationship for two years and ended when Pierce was killed. This is not a spoiler as it information you get in the beginning.
� William Grady was one of the Secret Service agents who’d been assigned to Everett shortly after he’d taken on the role of vice president. He’d been the only agent to transition to the team protecting him when he won the presidency eight years later.
� VincentSt. James Dorfmeyer, Everett's best friend. He had his fanatical rules about not allowing armed agents onto his property. Vincent was Pierce (Everett's lover before he had died years earlier during a brutal home invasion at Vincent’s house)'s little brother. Nathan, he's lover. Brody, Nathan’s twin, who Reese had saved; the reason he's at the hospital and this journey of a second chance at love starts.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M/M).
Series: - Series (Standalone), Book Ten.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Gage Fortier.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 3 stars.
Everett is my least favorite character. For a man who used to be the most powerful man in the world, he's pretty.... weak. And while the three characters do work together, and are quite cute, it could've actually, maybe, perhaps, worked better without Everett. I feel like, in a way, that he's... holding them back? Like he's a child that need to be protected, sheltered, instead of a lover. I struggled with... liking him. I don't like weak characters. They tend to get me annoyed.
That being said, I do still enjoy the book, though it's very far from great. It has its moments, but it's boring and long, and there is some sort of lack in the chemistry between the characters. It might be because it's M/M/M book, which is hard to have equally chemistry, depth and love between the lovers. And like I said, Everett kind a held them back. With his weakness, his refusal to tell his son the truth - which could've saved them so much problems - and he simple lacked in character/maleness for me. Actually every character lacked some sort of depth, but Everett was the worst.
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Not so bad, but not great*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
The book centers around former president Everett ‘Ev� Shaw (58), Special Agent Jonathan Nash (34) who's job is to keep the former president safe and former Navy SEAL Gage Fortier (45). The story starts with Everett completely tired of life, Nash just wanting to do his job, and Everett making it harder. One, Everett doesn't want protection, two, it goes against Nash's rules to be attracted to Everett. So they stay cold towards each other. That all change when Everett's son ends up at the hospital and Everett dropping everything for his son. A son who wants nothing to do with him. Enter Gage. Kind, open and sweet Gage who just want to help a man become better, but after seeing the father-son broken relationship, he decides he needs to fix it. And also decide what to do with his growing attraction for not just Everett, but Nash as well.
Ronan sent me a quick nod, but it wasn’t necessary. I was already reaching for Everett’s elbow. My gaze was inexplicably drawn to Gage and I felt a shiver skate over my skin when his eyes held mine.
Like he knew something he shouldn’t.
I drew Everett away from the group, but he stopped after a few feet and said, “Thank you, Gage. Call me Everett.�
“You’re welcome� Everett,� Gage said warmly, a gentle smile gracing his handsome features. I felt another shimmer of jealousy, but it was mixed with something else.
Something a lot like gratitude.
As much as I hated to admit it, Gage had known exactly what to say to get Everett to agree to leave the hospital for a while. And that look between him and Everett right before Everett had told him to call him by his first name?
I didn’t know what to make of that look.
I just knew I didn’t like it.
But I didn’t exactly hate it, either.
Overall, it takes a lot for me to like a M/M/M book as the writing has to do it perfectly do make the trio work together in a loving relationship. Sometimes you end up shipping two out of the three and then it goes downhill from there. Though I found Nash and Gage together more interesting, than either of them with Everett, the three of the together worked quite well. It was perfectly balanced. I just found Everett a weak person from the start so I struggled to love him as a character, though I did like him. But he was my least favorite in the trio. That said, the story had its moments, but it was predictable and at times boring, but it was still cute and the relationship between the three men worked so well that the story was enjoyable. Plus, the sex was hot. Although, Everett's age made me a little uncomfortable as he's older than my dad... I tried to picture him as Clive Owen , but still...
And in that moment, we truly became the family none of us had been expecting, but that we’d all needed just the same.
OTHER CHARACTERS:
� Reese Starr
� Trauma surgeon Dr. Ronan Grisham, also the boss of a vigilante group that both Reese and Gage was in - they worked as partners? Though technically Ronan is retired from the group he’d founded.
� Charlie Fortier (7? 8?), Gage's daugther. And �....the granddaughter of a professor of Greek mythology who had a bad habit of turning his lesson plans into bedtime stories.�
� Phillipe Fortier (early seventies), Gage's dad.
� Colonel Pierce St. James, Everett's son’s commanding officer who Everett met after his son was at the hospital 13 years ago. Pierce and Everett hid their relationship for two years and ended when Pierce was killed. This is not a spoiler as it information you get in the beginning.
� William Grady was one of the Secret Service agents who’d been assigned to Everett shortly after he’d taken on the role of vice president. He’d been the only agent to transition to the team protecting him when he won the presidency eight years later.
� Vincent
I laughed against Gage’s mouth and let him tug me through the door, since I knew Nash would be a while. I shot the love of my life one more glance as he and a certain lovesick mastiff trotted to catch up to the chicken, then followed the other love of my life into the house.
“You’ve got some really weird animals, Gage,� I said.
“No, I don’t, baby. We do.�
I laughed because he was exactly right.
“Yes, we do,� I murmured. “Yes, we do.�
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M/M).
Series: - Series (Standalone), Book Ten.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Gage Fortier.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 3 stars.
September 27, 2018
Unlike the title, there was nothing unexpected. It was still:
- grown men crying and sobbing
- tragic pasts
- middle aged men (in this case 34, 45 and 58 years old) with sex drives that rival that of a 20 year old
- lots of OTT drama
Enjoyable but predictable.
- grown men crying and sobbing
- tragic pasts
- middle aged men (in this case 34, 45 and 58 years old) with sex drives that rival that of a 20 year old
- lots of OTT drama
Enjoyable but predictable.
February 6, 2020
3.75 Stars!! 💕 Made me tear up a few times stars 😢😍!!! I love M/M/M romances and despite the high angst, OTT moments and improbable plot; Ms Kennedy managed to deliver another tear-jerker and yet sappy romance.. 💔😍
Everett, Nash and Gage do fall in insta-lust (as is possible only in SK's books 😉) but I did like that there was plenty of slow-burn before anything happened between them. I also liked that the relationship started together for all three of them. I'm not really fan of when there is already an existing couple with a third joining in (Although I have read a few MMM books which have handled that incredibly well💞) I also loved the family they created with Nash's father, daughter, Everett's son Reese and a whole herd of adorable animals ❤️😍.
I really liked Reese a lot and want to check his story out next 😍. He deserves an HEA as well 💝
Everett, Nash and Gage do fall in insta-lust (as is possible only in SK's books 😉) but I did like that there was plenty of slow-burn before anything happened between them. I also liked that the relationship started together for all three of them. I'm not really fan of when there is already an existing couple with a third joining in (Although I have read a few MMM books which have handled that incredibly well💞) I also loved the family they created with Nash's father, daughter, Everett's son Reese and a whole herd of adorable animals ❤️😍.
I really liked Reese a lot and want to check his story out next 😍. He deserves an HEA as well 💝
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April 22, 2021DNF
My winning streak is finally over. I can already feel the sad and depressing things coming up so I immediately bolted out of it. I want enjoyment and excitement when I read. Not this.
My winning streak is finally over. I can already feel the sad and depressing things coming up so I immediately bolted out of it. I want enjoyment and excitement when I read. Not this.
March 31, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Welp, I finished it .... go me! 👏 I'm not a menage fan and this book right here is why. Whilst I loved the characters, was so eager to see Everett get his happy and liked both Nash and Gage separately for him, the threesome just did not work FOR ME. I can't get my old tired brain around how one person can love another two totally different people in exactly the same way. Nope, no matter how hard I try I hit a brick wall with that.
There was a lot of inner monologue and a hella lot of assumptions that Everett and to a lesser extent Nash made, and that irritated me no end. I wanted to slap them upside the head and yell at them to bloody TALK TO EACH OTHER!
That said, I liked their story. Their relationship wasn't rushed and the side characters (Gage's dad, Grady, Charlie and the animals along with MY Vincent and Nate) were brilliant. So, whilst the believability of the menage didn't work for me I still liked the book, but I wanted to love it and didn't.
I'm looking forward to Reese's story, that man has demons!
Welp, I finished it .... go me! 👏 I'm not a menage fan and this book right here is why. Whilst I loved the characters, was so eager to see Everett get his happy and liked both Nash and Gage separately for him, the threesome just did not work FOR ME. I can't get my old tired brain around how one person can love another two totally different people in exactly the same way. Nope, no matter how hard I try I hit a brick wall with that.
There was a lot of inner monologue and a hella lot of assumptions that Everett and to a lesser extent Nash made, and that irritated me no end. I wanted to slap them upside the head and yell at them to bloody TALK TO EACH OTHER!
That said, I liked their story. Their relationship wasn't rushed and the side characters (Gage's dad, Grady, Charlie and the animals along with MY Vincent and Nate) were brilliant. So, whilst the believability of the menage didn't work for me I still liked the book, but I wanted to love it and didn't.
I'm looking forward to Reese's story, that man has demons!
December 16, 2017
Another fantastic menage from Sloane Kennedy
I'm a bit late to this one as I had a backlog of ARCs to read and review first but I have to say it again, there's very few authors who can pull off a menage as well as Sloane does imho.
This one's a doozy featuring as it does one ex President, one Secret Service agent and one member of Ronan's underground vigilante team.
There's drama and angsting of the highest calibre but it never reaches too much and the relationship development is given time to breathe.
When they finally do get together well let's just say I may never look at a couch arm in the same way again. It's hard to write three men and get the balance right so it feels like they are all equals but this is definitely the case here.
Each man not only brings something different to the table (and gawd that was another epic sex scene), but receives the same from the other two.
Gage and Nash are outwardly strong men, physically capable of protecting Everett but they need him to anchor them together. Each needs the support of the other to accept that what they're feeling isn't wrong.
There's the usual background criminal/villain element to the book too but in this it takes much more of a back burner to the simple growth of the relationship and the mending of broken bridges between Everett and his son Reese.
I loved the setting and the secondary characters, including the dogs and escaping chicken, and it was great getting a little glimpse back to one of my fave couples, Vincent and Nathan.
Now for Caleb's story which I'm expecting to rip my heart out!
I'm a bit late to this one as I had a backlog of ARCs to read and review first but I have to say it again, there's very few authors who can pull off a menage as well as Sloane does imho.
This one's a doozy featuring as it does one ex President, one Secret Service agent and one member of Ronan's underground vigilante team.
There's drama and angsting of the highest calibre but it never reaches too much and the relationship development is given time to breathe.
When they finally do get together well let's just say I may never look at a couch arm in the same way again. It's hard to write three men and get the balance right so it feels like they are all equals but this is definitely the case here.
Each man not only brings something different to the table (and gawd that was another epic sex scene), but receives the same from the other two.
Gage and Nash are outwardly strong men, physically capable of protecting Everett but they need him to anchor them together. Each needs the support of the other to accept that what they're feeling isn't wrong.
There's the usual background criminal/villain element to the book too but in this it takes much more of a back burner to the simple growth of the relationship and the mending of broken bridges between Everett and his son Reese.
I loved the setting and the secondary characters, including the dogs and escaping chicken, and it was great getting a little glimpse back to one of my fave couples, Vincent and Nathan.
Now for Caleb's story which I'm expecting to rip my heart out!
December 3, 2017
I like Sloane Kennedy’s writing, the sense of friendship she adds in her stories and the way she expresses the emotions coursing through her characters that never fails to appeal to me.
I’ve been following most of her series and as Sloane Kennedy more and more links all her characters, it feels nice to follow up on all these sexy guys and couples.
Even though MMM is not my usual trope, I went with this one, just because I was curious about Everett, a former US president mourning his dead lover and estranged to Reese, his son, about Nash, the bodyguard who reacted quite strongly to Everett, and of course Gage.
I was not disappointed : I liked these characters as much as the others and the chemistry and the steam were delicious. Added bonus : less action this time as the story takes place mostly at Gage’s place with a lot of guests, including Everett and Nash as well as Reese, recovering from intensive injuries.
Why only 3 stars ? Well, it’s in comparison of all the other instalments of the series. I liked this one, but not as much as some others. The past from all this men felt too manufactured for me and I didn’t really grasp the connection between Everett, Nash and Gage, despite the chemistry and the hotness.
And now, I’m ready to get to the next story : only a few more days to wait !!
I’ve been following most of her series and as Sloane Kennedy more and more links all her characters, it feels nice to follow up on all these sexy guys and couples.
Even though MMM is not my usual trope, I went with this one, just because I was curious about Everett, a former US president mourning his dead lover and estranged to Reese, his son, about Nash, the bodyguard who reacted quite strongly to Everett, and of course Gage.
I was not disappointed : I liked these characters as much as the others and the chemistry and the steam were delicious. Added bonus : less action this time as the story takes place mostly at Gage’s place with a lot of guests, including Everett and Nash as well as Reese, recovering from intensive injuries.
Why only 3 stars ? Well, it’s in comparison of all the other instalments of the series. I liked this one, but not as much as some others. The past from all this men felt too manufactured for me and I didn’t really grasp the connection between Everett, Nash and Gage, despite the chemistry and the hotness.
And now, I’m ready to get to the next story : only a few more days to wait !!
December 1, 2017
There’s something about this series - I love the loyalty, the friendship and the dogged persistence. These characters all suffer with vulnerabilities which makes then just a little more human rather than military heat seeking missiles !
Gage, Everett & Nash - what a great story ❤️ I enjoyed the link from previous books and the careful build in this story. Each character had their cross to bare and it was the slow entanglement of these that allowed each man to uncover something new and important. As always I’m looking forward to the next one.
Gage, Everett & Nash - what a great story ❤️ I enjoyed the link from previous books and the careful build in this story. Each character had their cross to bare and it was the slow entanglement of these that allowed each man to uncover something new and important. As always I’m looking forward to the next one.
March 9, 2019
I was really curious about this book. Everett's troubles with his son didn't make sense to me. I was at first angry at three people: Everett, Reese and Elanor who is Everett's deceased wife. There was so much tip toeing around the issue, so much anguish that frankly it was painful to read about. When Everett suffered so did the men who loved him: Nash and Gage. This book explores different subjects besides having MMM pairing which Ms Kennedy wrote beautifully. Childhood trauma, PTSD, attempted suicide, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, homophobia, coming out of the closet, grief, guilt, physical trauma and subsequent recovery, cheating, betrayal - all of them are expertly woven together into story of three men struggling with loneliness and loss.
Everett is former President. One would think that when person has the world at his fingertips he is happy and content. But Everett suffers every day. His fallout with his son is an ongoing painful battle in his mind while the nightmares that plague him every night are even worse - his lover haunts his dreams, and his heart is heavy. Everett more than anyone needs love in his life. Meeting with Gage ignites the spark and wakes something inside him that Everett thought was long dead.
Jonathan Nash is a consummate professional. His recent job of protecting former President is nothing short of torture. Not only it's as far away from West Wing as humanly possible but the unwanted attraction to Everett threatens his principles and his sanity. When Everett meets Gage Nash's jealousy bubbles up to the surface but his insecurities stay his hand and keep his mouth shut.
Gage is a man who always wants to help people. His life has this quiet happiness in it. He has his daughter, his father and multitude of pets to keep him company. When two very closeted men enter his orbit he thinks he shouldn't get involved but when he sees those vulnerabilities that hide behind fake smiles and stoic facade of both men, he can't help it - he wants to fix that which is not right. It all starts with an offer to help mend the rift between father and son, and soon tension is high, and three men are fighting the mutual attraction.
I liked them together. They found the things that made them tick, that made them happy or sad. They got to know each other, shared their grief and sorrow. Everett's story is tragic, no doubt about it. He suffered loss and betrayal. He needs these two men who he trusts with his darkest secrets. Jonathan's childhood is sad and lonely that ends in deception and broken dreams. He learns to let people in, and that love is not weakness. Gage's loss of his mother was horrific. He exacted his revenge, and now when his life is somewhat happy he needs love and certainty for it to be complete.
When Reese discovers their relationship he feels betrayed but when the hard truth comes out he sees that what he thought as truth was a lie. That the person he adored betrayed him the most. That the father he thought hated him will always be there for him waiting with open arms and support he so desperately needs. It all made sense in the end, and I was so mad for Everett and Reese's sake. I am glad they finally figured it out. All in all this was angsty and passionate story. All three men deserved happiness and to finally be able to openly love each other. I loved it, and highly recommend it!
Everett is former President. One would think that when person has the world at his fingertips he is happy and content. But Everett suffers every day. His fallout with his son is an ongoing painful battle in his mind while the nightmares that plague him every night are even worse - his lover haunts his dreams, and his heart is heavy. Everett more than anyone needs love in his life. Meeting with Gage ignites the spark and wakes something inside him that Everett thought was long dead.
Jonathan Nash is a consummate professional. His recent job of protecting former President is nothing short of torture. Not only it's as far away from West Wing as humanly possible but the unwanted attraction to Everett threatens his principles and his sanity. When Everett meets Gage Nash's jealousy bubbles up to the surface but his insecurities stay his hand and keep his mouth shut.
Gage is a man who always wants to help people. His life has this quiet happiness in it. He has his daughter, his father and multitude of pets to keep him company. When two very closeted men enter his orbit he thinks he shouldn't get involved but when he sees those vulnerabilities that hide behind fake smiles and stoic facade of both men, he can't help it - he wants to fix that which is not right. It all starts with an offer to help mend the rift between father and son, and soon tension is high, and three men are fighting the mutual attraction.
I liked them together. They found the things that made them tick, that made them happy or sad. They got to know each other, shared their grief and sorrow. Everett's story is tragic, no doubt about it. He suffered loss and betrayal. He needs these two men who he trusts with his darkest secrets. Jonathan's childhood is sad and lonely that ends in deception and broken dreams. He learns to let people in, and that love is not weakness. Gage's loss of his mother was horrific. He exacted his revenge, and now when his life is somewhat happy he needs love and certainty for it to be complete.
When Reese discovers their relationship he feels betrayed but when the hard truth comes out he sees that what he thought as truth was a lie. That the person he adored betrayed him the most. That the father he thought hated him will always be there for him waiting with open arms and support he so desperately needs. It all made sense in the end, and I was so mad for Everett and Reese's sake. I am glad they finally figured it out. All in all this was angsty and passionate story. All three men deserved happiness and to finally be able to openly love each other. I loved it, and highly recommend it!
January 13, 2018
Not completely unexpected!
Drama, drama and then a little more drama with Everett, Nash and Gage, continuing the story that began at the end of Vincent and Nate’s story. Reese is still in the hospital as the story begins but eventually goes to stay with Gage, his dad and daughter, and Everett and Nash in another house on the property. But it still takes almost half the book to get things rolling. Reese is still icing his dad out through much of it too.
There lots of emotions and confessions and eventually some hot three-way sex. It all moved right along and much happens to get Reese to finally talk with his father. There’s danger and bullets and lots of dogs, a chicken and a cute kid who’s precocious but fortunately not always on page. It’s the usual good time, with a wedding thrown in at one point, but not for these three. It felt a little fresher and a little less angst-filled than many others of the series. I liked it!
Drama, drama and then a little more drama with Everett, Nash and Gage, continuing the story that began at the end of Vincent and Nate’s story. Reese is still in the hospital as the story begins but eventually goes to stay with Gage, his dad and daughter, and Everett and Nash in another house on the property. But it still takes almost half the book to get things rolling. Reese is still icing his dad out through much of it too.
There lots of emotions and confessions and eventually some hot three-way sex. It all moved right along and much happens to get Reese to finally talk with his father. There’s danger and bullets and lots of dogs, a chicken and a cute kid who’s precocious but fortunately not always on page. It’s the usual good time, with a wedding thrown in at one point, but not for these three. It felt a little fresher and a little less angst-filled than many others of the series. I liked it!
January 4, 2018
**** Fantastic characters, powerful action, loving men !
This book carries all of the elements we love, and of course, Sloane Kennedy's amazing writing. Firstly we are caught up with the complicated situation that ended our last story. It's a reminder for those of us who has read the whole series. The ex president, Everett, 55, goes to his son, Reese, who is injured. Reese goes to heal at Gage's home in the mountains, and Everett plus his bodyguard, Nash, go along. Gage and Nash are about 40 yrs. old. Reese isn't talking to his Dad, but Everett won't stay away from his only son.
As the tale progresses we learn more and more about Gage, and how he got his daughter, sweet Charlie, 8. We hear Nash's abusive past, and Everett's painful life as President and Vice President, plus the life changing moments.
These three men find what they need in each other, but must sneak around. Gown ups needing grown up love. Gage's home is quite sprawling with animals and buildings. When trouble finds them, the battle is on. We get very deep characters, complicated relationships, heavy connections, expressed feelings of love and devotion, and all is bonded by the life altering events.
Beautifully written, intense and sexual, first times and steamy ménage scenes.
I'll be reading the next book. This series of books can be stand alone stories, but there is so much more to gain by reading them all. We do get a list of her series and how each falls in the line of events, which is very helpful.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
This book carries all of the elements we love, and of course, Sloane Kennedy's amazing writing. Firstly we are caught up with the complicated situation that ended our last story. It's a reminder for those of us who has read the whole series. The ex president, Everett, 55, goes to his son, Reese, who is injured. Reese goes to heal at Gage's home in the mountains, and Everett plus his bodyguard, Nash, go along. Gage and Nash are about 40 yrs. old. Reese isn't talking to his Dad, but Everett won't stay away from his only son.
As the tale progresses we learn more and more about Gage, and how he got his daughter, sweet Charlie, 8. We hear Nash's abusive past, and Everett's painful life as President and Vice President, plus the life changing moments.
These three men find what they need in each other, but must sneak around. Gown ups needing grown up love. Gage's home is quite sprawling with animals and buildings. When trouble finds them, the battle is on. We get very deep characters, complicated relationships, heavy connections, expressed feelings of love and devotion, and all is bonded by the life altering events.
Beautifully written, intense and sexual, first times and steamy ménage scenes.
I'll be reading the next book. This series of books can be stand alone stories, but there is so much more to gain by reading them all. We do get a list of her series and how each falls in the line of events, which is very helpful.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
August 14, 2018
I am loving reading again thanks to Sloane, this was my 17th Sloane Kennedy book in four months and I will continue until I have read all her fantastic books.
The Protectors is turning into one of my all time favourite series I cannot get enough of these guys. Unexpected was an emotional read my heart broke for Everett for the way that Reese was treating him.
I enjoyed the progression of the relationship between Everett, Nash and Gage even though the attraction was strong between the three of them they were confused and no one acted on this but there came a point it was either act on it or loose one man.
When they finally got together the changes is Everett and Nash was amazing Gage was the glue that held them together, these guys are my favourite threesome I have met so far by Sloane the age difference did not bother me.
I enjoyed all the family time and all the animals were cute, when Reese finally let Everett near him I was crying especially when they started talking and all the truths came out again my heart broke for Everett.
I loved catching up with Vincent as I loved the bromance between Vincent and Everett in the previous book, Vincent has changed so much and spending more time with Vincent and Nathan was wonderful and of course I loved getting more Dom Barretti.
OMG that last chapter I was a nervous wreck it came out of nowhere.
The Protectors is turning into one of my all time favourite series I cannot get enough of these guys. Unexpected was an emotional read my heart broke for Everett for the way that Reese was treating him.
I enjoyed the progression of the relationship between Everett, Nash and Gage even though the attraction was strong between the three of them they were confused and no one acted on this but there came a point it was either act on it or loose one man.
When they finally got together the changes is Everett and Nash was amazing Gage was the glue that held them together, these guys are my favourite threesome I have met so far by Sloane the age difference did not bother me.
I enjoyed all the family time and all the animals were cute, when Reese finally let Everett near him I was crying especially when they started talking and all the truths came out again my heart broke for Everett.
I loved catching up with Vincent as I loved the bromance between Vincent and Everett in the previous book, Vincent has changed so much and spending more time with Vincent and Nathan was wonderful and of course I loved getting more Dom Barretti.
OMG that last chapter I was a nervous wreck it came out of nowhere.
September 2, 2018
4.25 STARS
The only thing wrong with a Sloane Kennedy book is when it's over. I was really looking forward reading this book, and I really liked it a lot. I just didn't love it as much as the others for some reason. It was just missing something for me. Can't quite put my finger on it.😢 I still enjoyed it though.
The only thing wrong with a Sloane Kennedy book is when it's over. I was really looking forward reading this book, and I really liked it a lot. I just didn't love it as much as the others for some reason. It was just missing something for me. Can't quite put my finger on it.😢 I still enjoyed it though.
November 25, 2017
4.5 stars
This is what I crave when I seek out a ménage story. I don’t just was over the top crazy sex with barely there characters. I want roots and passion and depth. Each and every time I pick up a book front this author I know I’m getting plenty of heat but also a kick but story I can sink my teeth into. This was no different. These men were complex and flipping sexy. Gage was my fave. He was strong and sure and never wavered. Nash was the tough one. The one you wanted so badly to shake sometimes just so he would see what was right in front of him. Seriously loved this one. I can’t wait for the next.
This is what I crave when I seek out a ménage story. I don’t just was over the top crazy sex with barely there characters. I want roots and passion and depth. Each and every time I pick up a book front this author I know I’m getting plenty of heat but also a kick but story I can sink my teeth into. This was no different. These men were complex and flipping sexy. Gage was my fave. He was strong and sure and never wavered. Nash was the tough one. The one you wanted so badly to shake sometimes just so he would see what was right in front of him. Seriously loved this one. I can’t wait for the next.
December 15, 2017
Probably it is not a great idea to start a series with book number 10, because even if it is sort of a standalone, you are still going to miss a lot about the side characters, names being dropped, or hints about things that happened in the past. Still, I liked the blurb, so I started with it anyhow and not one second did I regret it!
The story was captivating and immensely interesting almost from page one.
In reality I do not see the appeal of a menage relationship, but in romance, from time to time I like to read about it and what I got here was an absolutely wonderful and convincing story about three men coming together and forming a bond and later on a relationship that offered more to each of them than a normal partnership would have.
Everett, a former US president and Nash one of his bodyguards were definitely attracted to each other, without knowing about the others sexual preferences and I especially liked the fact that it took quite some time before anything happened between them.
Gage, complemented them perfectly and really brought something new and interesting into the mix...
Then there was Everetts son, who had been wounded and was estranged from his father, which gave the story an additional interesting twist and it really kept me hooked until the very end.
The side characters, from the kids to the animals on Gages farm also added to the appeal and made this very special and beautiful.
The idea of that secret agency Everetts son worked for, which probably is a big part of this series, was a little ridiculous in my eyes, but it did not take too much space in this installment, so I was okay with it.
In the end I really was very fond of all three men and really happy how they found their HEA.
Great story, great characters, great book!
4.5 stars and an absolute highlight for me!
The story was captivating and immensely interesting almost from page one.
In reality I do not see the appeal of a menage relationship, but in romance, from time to time I like to read about it and what I got here was an absolutely wonderful and convincing story about three men coming together and forming a bond and later on a relationship that offered more to each of them than a normal partnership would have.
Everett, a former US president and Nash one of his bodyguards were definitely attracted to each other, without knowing about the others sexual preferences and I especially liked the fact that it took quite some time before anything happened between them.
Gage, complemented them perfectly and really brought something new and interesting into the mix...
Then there was Everetts son, who had been wounded and was estranged from his father, which gave the story an additional interesting twist and it really kept me hooked until the very end.
The side characters, from the kids to the animals on Gages farm also added to the appeal and made this very special and beautiful.
The idea of that secret agency Everetts son worked for, which probably is a big part of this series, was a little ridiculous in my eyes, but it did not take too much space in this installment, so I was okay with it.
In the end I really was very fond of all three men and really happy how they found their HEA.
Great story, great characters, great book!
4.5 stars and an absolute highlight for me!
November 27, 2017
RTC
*~*
*~*
October 21, 2022
3-3.5 stars
welll.. idk what to say, i feel like this kept my attention but nothing magnificent happened. I liked Nash, Gage and Everett's relationship.
idk if i want to read reese's book... his attitude towards his dad pretty shitty, but i mean they did make up but idk if it made up for his attitude..
anyways good read, but i know i will forget this book in a few days... whoops... not sorry haha
welll.. idk what to say, i feel like this kept my attention but nothing magnificent happened. I liked Nash, Gage and Everett's relationship.
idk if i want to read reese's book... his attitude towards his dad pretty shitty, but i mean they did make up but idk if it made up for his attitude..
anyways good read, but i know i will forget this book in a few days... whoops... not sorry haha
November 26, 2017
3.5 stars
This book started off and got all the way past the middle mark with really great character development and slow (maybe, just slightly a little too slow) burn. Everett was just a little too clueless and Gage was just a little too clued in and Nash just seemed to refuse to engage, but it was working for me. Then practically overnight, all of a sudden everyone is in love and settling into a secret M/M/M relationship. I was also super annoyed with the super convenient guest that showed up to solve all the misunderstandings between Everett and Reese. C'mon. Really? Not to mention how Everett met Ronan was unbelievable to me.
I was actually gearing up to write a review that said I really liked that the formula of guns and danger was not a big part of this story but then in the last few chapters, we suddenly have to have implausible violence.
IDK. I liked these characters better than the last few but I never could see Gage as a cold hearted killer or merc/vigilante for Ronan. And the super f*cked up back story for Gage was totally predictable -- not the actual events, but that he had one -- all the Protectors books have them it seems. Nobody can want revenge unless the crime is heinous and incomprehensible.
Last thing, the notes at the end of the book mention she is crossing over with the Lucy Lennox, Made Marion series, I don't know if this means they will be writing together or just sharing worlds but this does not excite me. These books and series are hard enough to keep track of, half the time I have to go back and figure out who is who, but to now throw in a whole other series with characters and worlds that I was not a fan of, just makes me wonder how much more effort I want to put into this universe.
This book started off and got all the way past the middle mark with really great character development and slow (maybe, just slightly a little too slow) burn. Everett was just a little too clueless and Gage was just a little too clued in and Nash just seemed to refuse to engage, but it was working for me. Then practically overnight, all of a sudden everyone is in love and settling into a secret M/M/M relationship. I was also super annoyed with the super convenient guest that showed up to solve all the misunderstandings between Everett and Reese. C'mon. Really? Not to mention how Everett met Ronan was unbelievable to me.
I was actually gearing up to write a review that said I really liked that the formula of guns and danger was not a big part of this story but then in the last few chapters, we suddenly have to have implausible violence.
IDK. I liked these characters better than the last few but I never could see Gage as a cold hearted killer or merc/vigilante for Ronan. And the super f*cked up back story for Gage was totally predictable -- not the actual events, but that he had one -- all the Protectors books have them it seems. Nobody can want revenge unless the crime is heinous and incomprehensible.
Last thing, the notes at the end of the book mention she is crossing over with the Lucy Lennox, Made Marion series, I don't know if this means they will be writing together or just sharing worlds but this does not excite me. These books and series are hard enough to keep track of, half the time I have to go back and figure out who is who, but to now throw in a whole other series with characters and worlds that I was not a fan of, just makes me wonder how much more effort I want to put into this universe.
January 10, 2018
I enjoy a good menage story. This just wasn't a good one! The characters were good strong men who damaged and flawed. One hundred, Thirty-two pages of three men whining and lolling around in self doubt killed the book for me. When the guys finally were on the same page, they did not come up for air. I enjoyed Gage's family quite a bit.
Read
March 7, 2019So OTT. so unbelievable. The MCs had no chemistry. Their relationship came out of left field. This is definitely not a favorite from this series.
November 27, 2017
4.5 stars.
Super hot book!! Just what I needed after reading my last story. 😂
Super hot book!! Just what I needed after reading my last story. 😂
June 11, 2020
Last ever reread June 2020
I wish I’d read my last review before this book somehow popped into my head again. I still like these characters though. Dropped to 3 stars.
Re-read September 2018
Same rating but I'm reminded why I don't usually re-read this authors series.
Original review
In a Sloane Kennedy book you always know what you're going to get. Angst ridden men who laugh, cry, protect their loved ones, and sweat a lot during their sex marathons. I'm not a huge fan of the "have a time-jump and then recap what happened" style of moving the story along, which is why this series is hit and miss for me, but I still liked these three men together and wanted to see where the story went.
I could have done without the 58 year old ex-president but, for me, it helped to picture him as John Slattery from Mad Men instead of a Pierce Brosnan lookalike. Hot. Hot. Hot.
I wish I’d read my last review before this book somehow popped into my head again. I still like these characters though. Dropped to 3 stars.
Re-read September 2018
Same rating but I'm reminded why I don't usually re-read this authors series.
Original review
In a Sloane Kennedy book you always know what you're going to get. Angst ridden men who laugh, cry, protect their loved ones, and sweat a lot during their sex marathons. I'm not a huge fan of the "have a time-jump and then recap what happened" style of moving the story along, which is why this series is hit and miss for me, but I still liked these three men together and wanted to see where the story went.
I could have done without the 58 year old ex-president but, for me, it helped to picture him as John Slattery from Mad Men instead of a Pierce Brosnan lookalike. Hot. Hot. Hot.
December 13, 2017
This threesome just didn’t work for me. I really loved the three characters: Everett the ex-United States President, Nash the “bodyguard� and Gage and old Navy SEAL. The first part was really good! I was really excited by them but somehow they started to annoy me. Gage ? Too intrusive. Everett? Always whining. A single discussion with his son. Just one. Nash? Not a bad thing to say about him but he wasn’t my favorite. I didn’t feel the sparks, the excitation of saw them together. Why 3 stars if I didn’t really enjoy this book? Because for the most of parts it was funny, some part was tough (three of them backstories), Gage’s daughter and her many animals 😍 (Happy ❤️), Gage’s father (the best!) AND my favorite couple in this series 😍 Vincent and Nate. So happy to see them. PS: Can’t wait for Reese story. I love him for the beginning. He deserves so many love. I want to hug him all time. Just to see him smile.
January 20, 2019
This entire series is like a tasty meal without any nutritional value. I enjoy them but couldn't tell you anything about them an hour after finishing them except there's hot sex and 'splosions.
November 12, 2021
This has been such an awesome, heartfelt, sexy & thrilling story!!
The glimpses I got from reading (bits) of it, I LOVE Ev, Nash & Gage!!
It's awesome seeing them & their relationship develop, other characters are great too!
The last few scenes were Full of feels & Action-packed as all Sloane's book, & that epilogue was sweet 😍. I hope Reese gets his book!
The glimpses I got from reading (bits) of it, I LOVE Ev, Nash & Gage!!
It's awesome seeing them & their relationship develop, other characters are great too!
The last few scenes were Full of feels & Action-packed as all Sloane's book, & that epilogue was sweet 😍. I hope Reese gets his book!
January 1, 2018
I love the way Slaone kennedy create a love story with lead MC’s with different personalities. They way they discover and build their lifelong bond is beautiful to read. Add in action,angst, equal amount of family crisis and support, totured souls you have-one hell a of ride. And its not everyday you get to read a good book about 3 main heroes.
So I enjoyed it so much and will read more books from this author in future.
So I enjoyed it so much and will read more books from this author in future.
June 25, 2024
3.5/5.
January 11, 2019
Nie może być inaczej ;)
December 1, 2017
I fell in love with President Shaw in the previous books as Vincent’s good friend and totally down to earth guy for a POTUS. There is a lot of back story to him that we only got tastes of, about his relationship with Vincent’s brother, his son who won’t have anything to do with him, etc. My heart broke for him in the last book when Reese again pushed Everett away when he clearly needed him most.
I had somehow not realized he would be starring in his own book this time around, but I was really excited to see that was the case when this story picked up right where the last one left off � with Everett still sticking close, but out of sight, of Reese’s bedside.
It is easy to see how much Everett has given up over his lifetime which makes the issues with Reese even more difficult to watch. His life was planned out for him, forcing him to hide his sexuality once he truly discovered it, thereby hiding the relationship and love of his life until it was too late and that love was taken from him. He carries around a tremendous amount of guilt over not fulfilling his promises to be out in the public eye, and once that horrible tragedy occurred, he no longer saw a need. He is now out of office and focusing on repairing the relationship with his son, though that is easier said than done.
Gage, was Reese’s partner when Reese was injured. He sees an opportunity to help when he offers to have Reese recover at his home where he lives with his father and daughter, and he ends up inviting Everett to stay as well. This, of course, means his security as well, which is where Nash comes in. Nash is a somewhat new detail to Everett’s security, though we also met him in the previous book when he had a bit of a clash with Vincent. It takes some doing before each of these guys realizes they are all interested in each other, let alone for them to act on it. There are various things holding them back, but they eventually give in to the pull.
While there are a number of aspects to this story that are just completely unbelievable, if you set those aside and just enjoy the ride, this is yet another super sexy story once you get past all the grief and negative things these guys have gone through (mostly Everett). It is a typical page turner that I’ve come to love and expect from Ms. Kennedy, and if you like threesomes, sexy silver foxes, and seeing them all find happiness, be sure to give this one a try. There is even the bonus of a pretty cool kid and some wonderful and funny pets to round out the edges! Oh, and we also get to see some of the other characters as well, including a happy Vincent/Nathan update! As with the others, I am already looking forward to the next installment!
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