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The Protectors #3
Retribution
Ex Special Forces soldier Michael “Hawke� Hawkins has spent every day of the last ten years waiting for the moment he would get to watch the life fade from the eyes of the men who brutally murdered his wife, but when he finally gets the break he’s been waiting for, the trail leads him to someone he wasn’t expecting.
After nearly two years of running, 24-year-old Tate Travers has become an expert at hiding…until the day a dangerous stranger shows up looking for vengeance and threatens to destroy the fragile life Tate has managed to build for himself and his five-year-old son. Except the life Tate has been struggling to hold on to started unraveling long before Hawke showed up looking for the same men Tate has been running from…his own father and older brother.
Retribution � it’s all Hawke has wanted since the day he held his wife’s hand as she took her last breath. And he won’t give that up for anything or anyone…not even the tormented young man trying to give his little boy a better life. Because Tate is the only one who can lead Hawke to the men he’s been searching for. And if it means forcing the young man to confront the past that nearly destroyed him, then so be it.
Only the last thing Hawke expects to feel is something besides the hatred that has driven him. And he definitely never expected to feel it for a man.
But when it comes down to choosing between the unwanted feelings Tate stirs in him and the revenge he’s finally close enough to taste, will Hawke be able to give up the one thing that has kept him going for a second chance at a future he gave up on ever having?
After nearly two years of running, 24-year-old Tate Travers has become an expert at hiding…until the day a dangerous stranger shows up looking for vengeance and threatens to destroy the fragile life Tate has managed to build for himself and his five-year-old son. Except the life Tate has been struggling to hold on to started unraveling long before Hawke showed up looking for the same men Tate has been running from…his own father and older brother.
Retribution � it’s all Hawke has wanted since the day he held his wife’s hand as she took her last breath. And he won’t give that up for anything or anyone…not even the tormented young man trying to give his little boy a better life. Because Tate is the only one who can lead Hawke to the men he’s been searching for. And if it means forcing the young man to confront the past that nearly destroyed him, then so be it.
Only the last thing Hawke expects to feel is something besides the hatred that has driven him. And he definitely never expected to feel it for a man.
But when it comes down to choosing between the unwanted feelings Tate stirs in him and the revenge he’s finally close enough to taste, will Hawke be able to give up the one thing that has kept him going for a second chance at a future he gave up on ever having?
270 pages, ebook
First published June 17, 2016
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1,335 people want to read
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October 13, 2018
I love this author and I just can't get enough these books. I've read a lot of them and there has only been one book so far, that I gave less than 4 stars. That was Logan and Dom's book, and since I didn't enjoy that one as much, because of the "dead wife" trope, I was a bit worried about this one as well.
I ussually don't enjoy books where I feel that a lover has to fight against a ghost. I can gladly say, that wasn't the case with this one and I really enjoyed reading it.
I also want to put a trigger warning in my review, since it wasn't mentioned in the blurb. This book deals with some things that might be hard for some people to read, like dub con/ non con. So beware ;)
Hawke has lost his pregnant wife 10 years ago, when she was brutally raped and killed. His mind has been set on revenge ever since...
Now the time has finally come to collect. He thinks he has found one of the two men responsible for his wife's death.
Turns out that the young man on the receiving end of his gun, is not the one of the perps. He is in fact the brother and son, of the the two assholes Hawke has been looking for and he's not alone....
Tate and his 5 year old son have been on the run for a couple of years. After growing up in hell, Tate finally ran away from home at age 22, taking a 3 year old Matty with him. Looking at the man pointing a gun at him....he should have run harder and faster. It soon becomes clear to Tate, that the armed man is looking for Tate's brother and father, the same men, he's been running away from.
When Tate also get's some devastating news, he can't turn down Hawke's help. In exchange for his help, Tate will help Hawke in locating his brother and father. Well....Hawke also uses a little blackmail to insure himself of Tate's help.
But what started as a means to an end, soon changes into something more....
Even though their meeting wasn't the most conventional, Tate can't stop his growing feelings of attraction towards Hawke. Hawke is having the same problem and on top of that, he's also struggeling with some feelings of guilt towards his deceased wife. He still has a promise to keep, no matter how much he's starting to feel for Tate.
Like I said, I was a bit worried about the ghost of Hawke's wife, but it was Tate, who handled things really well. I also think and felt that Hawke was ready to move on, but he couldn't until he fullfilled his promise. I understood that he felt that way. It wasn't so much that he was clinging to his wife, but more to his need for revenge.... Hawke has also never been with anyone besides his wife, so this story is also a gfy. There was very little doubt on that part from Hawke. He saw, he wanted, he took (literally). No struggle about liking a man all of a sudden.
There was one sexscene in the beginning that was a bit uncomfortable (dub con) . Thankfully they moved past that, even though it did piss me off a bit...
The question however is...will they be able to make things work, or will Hawke's need for revenge ruin them before they have even begun.
This is the third book in the"Protectors"series !!
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June 22, 2016
Sidenote:I started out my foray in to reading in the MF world and over time I found myself drifting more and more to the MM world where I am happy to be camped out for the foreseeable future.
But back in my MF days there was this one author whose books were almost like crack. They all featured these caveman hero's who instantly fell in love with the heroine. They were possessive and jealous and I ate that shit up.
That's for me in the MM world. I just can't say no to one of her books. Do they wow me? No. Are they 5 star reads? No.
But they are always consistently good. The writing, the characters, the plot. I never have to worry about eye roll inducing drama happening. Yeah, I may have to suspend some disbelief here and there. So what.
There's always some good steam, usually with a nice helping of dirty talk.
Retribution was another great addition to the series. Yeah, Hawke's inability to move on from the death of his wife had me worried. But at the same time I got it. This was definitely insta-lust if not insta-love....but I've come to expect that. And I don't really mind it here.
Matty was the star of the book. And I really liked getting to see Seth and Ronan.
Suffice it to say, if Sloane Kennedy writes it...I'll read it.
But back in my MF days there was this one author whose books were almost like crack. They all featured these caveman hero's who instantly fell in love with the heroine. They were possessive and jealous and I ate that shit up.
That's for me in the MM world. I just can't say no to one of her books. Do they wow me? No. Are they 5 star reads? No.
But they are always consistently good. The writing, the characters, the plot. I never have to worry about eye roll inducing drama happening. Yeah, I may have to suspend some disbelief here and there. So what.
There's always some good steam, usually with a nice helping of dirty talk.
Retribution was another great addition to the series. Yeah, Hawke's inability to move on from the death of his wife had me worried. But at the same time I got it. This was definitely insta-lust if not insta-love....but I've come to expect that. And I don't really mind it here.
Matty was the star of the book. And I really liked getting to see Seth and Ronan.
Suffice it to say, if Sloane Kennedy writes it...I'll read it.
October 25, 2017
Crude review coming up; no spoilers, but this is the review of the ONE scene that made me really fucking uncomfortable!
Are we not gonna talk about this??? Well, I'm gonna talk about it. It starts with this:
“I don’t want you,� he said in a gutted whisper. I couldn’t even register what he meant until he gave me just the slightest shake and again said, “I don’t want you.�
Continues with this:
More spit hit my ass a second before the broad head of Hawke’s dick suddenly shoved inside of me without warning or finesse. Pain tore through me as my body tried to accept the intrusion, but there was no time to adjust as Hawke pulled back just a little before slamming his hips forward again. Tears stung my eyes as another wave of pain went through me, but I bit into my lip to stop myself from making any kind of sound.
And this:
Despite the fact that Hawke was hurting me, I wanted him…no, needed him. I should have been physically repulsed by what was happening to me, but in truth I craved it � knowing Hawke needed me so badly.
This:
The pain began to recede somewhat as Hawke drove into me over and over, but it was when he wrapped his arm around my chest and closed his hand over the front of my shoulder that I felt my own body finally responding.
This:
Because the pleasure I’d felt just moments ago had started to wane as I realized what I’d allowed to happen. I’d let him use me…and I’d taken pleasure in it. He’d admitted that he didn’t want me, but I’d been too desperate for a connection with him to care.
This:
And when his hand reached the bruises, I dropped my eyes to watch his fingers gently skim over the discolored skin. At that point, I didn’t need to hear the apology because I felt it everywhere.
And finally this:
Because I knew what he was feeling. How many times had I been there myself? So desperate for another’s touch? To feel something besides pain?
This is dubious consent AT best and no consent at worst. When Hawke has his dick in Tate, he stops for a second, Tate, with TEARS streaming down his face gives him a small nod, Hawke continues his assault and when all is said and done Tate doesn't have an orgasm.
If Tate had been a woman, and somebody had spread her legs, spit on her twice and then pummeled his dick into her, we would have cried RAPE so fast and so loud that they would have heard us on the moon!
Especially when you take into account that Tate doesn't cum, Hawke pulls his dick out, doesn't say another word and almost does it again in the shower.
The sentence that is supposed to make this not-rape, is this 'thought' Tate has just BEFORE Hawke 'splits' him open: "My need grew to exponential proportions as he jerked the button free, dragged the zipper down and shoved my pants and underwear down in one quick move, his rough palms dragging over my skin."
Just because a guy has an erection, does not mean that he is enjoying the sex. And I did not get the feeling that Tate had the option of saying no and/or stop.
I'm... I'm... I can't with this... Because this relationship is NOT equal!
Hawke himself says it best:
Because even if Tate and Matty got what they needed out of the deal, I’d still taken Tate’s choice away. I’d terrorized him, threatened him and used his kid to get what I wanted. And then I’d reveled in the way his body had lined up perfectly with mine as I’d held him.
So yeah, I do NOT feel comfortable with this at all... Especially because Tate grew up with abuse, and we're talking both physical AND verbal.
This dude wants LOVE and FAMILY and SAFETY so so bad, and Hawke has ALL the power. He pays for Matty's treatment and he has the DNA-threat hanging over Tate...
This is not one of those 'dark', gritty stories where the 'Sadist, BDSM-master' makes the 'Slave' love him. This is supposed to be an angsty, but ultimately 'lovey-dovey' story, and I CANNOT overlook the fact that I still can't decide if it was 'con', 'dub-con' or 'non-con'.
I am so SO sad, because this was shaping up to being the best book of the series so far for me, Tate and Matty were amazing! But when I feel that much in doubt in regards to sex, it is NOT good!
Are we not gonna talk about this??? Well, I'm gonna talk about it. It starts with this:
“I don’t want you,� he said in a gutted whisper. I couldn’t even register what he meant until he gave me just the slightest shake and again said, “I don’t want you.�
Continues with this:
More spit hit my ass a second before the broad head of Hawke’s dick suddenly shoved inside of me without warning or finesse. Pain tore through me as my body tried to accept the intrusion, but there was no time to adjust as Hawke pulled back just a little before slamming his hips forward again. Tears stung my eyes as another wave of pain went through me, but I bit into my lip to stop myself from making any kind of sound.
And this:
Despite the fact that Hawke was hurting me, I wanted him…no, needed him. I should have been physically repulsed by what was happening to me, but in truth I craved it � knowing Hawke needed me so badly.
This:
The pain began to recede somewhat as Hawke drove into me over and over, but it was when he wrapped his arm around my chest and closed his hand over the front of my shoulder that I felt my own body finally responding.
This:
Because the pleasure I’d felt just moments ago had started to wane as I realized what I’d allowed to happen. I’d let him use me…and I’d taken pleasure in it. He’d admitted that he didn’t want me, but I’d been too desperate for a connection with him to care.
This:
And when his hand reached the bruises, I dropped my eyes to watch his fingers gently skim over the discolored skin. At that point, I didn’t need to hear the apology because I felt it everywhere.
And finally this:
Because I knew what he was feeling. How many times had I been there myself? So desperate for another’s touch? To feel something besides pain?
This is dubious consent AT best and no consent at worst. When Hawke has his dick in Tate, he stops for a second, Tate, with TEARS streaming down his face gives him a small nod, Hawke continues his assault and when all is said and done Tate doesn't have an orgasm.
If Tate had been a woman, and somebody had spread her legs, spit on her twice and then pummeled his dick into her, we would have cried RAPE so fast and so loud that they would have heard us on the moon!
Especially when you take into account that Tate doesn't cum, Hawke pulls his dick out, doesn't say another word and almost does it again in the shower.
The sentence that is supposed to make this not-rape, is this 'thought' Tate has just BEFORE Hawke 'splits' him open: "My need grew to exponential proportions as he jerked the button free, dragged the zipper down and shoved my pants and underwear down in one quick move, his rough palms dragging over my skin."
Just because a guy has an erection, does not mean that he is enjoying the sex. And I did not get the feeling that Tate had the option of saying no and/or stop.
I'm... I'm... I can't with this... Because this relationship is NOT equal!
Hawke himself says it best:
Because even if Tate and Matty got what they needed out of the deal, I’d still taken Tate’s choice away. I’d terrorized him, threatened him and used his kid to get what I wanted. And then I’d reveled in the way his body had lined up perfectly with mine as I’d held him.
So yeah, I do NOT feel comfortable with this at all... Especially because Tate grew up with abuse, and we're talking both physical AND verbal.
This dude wants LOVE and FAMILY and SAFETY so so bad, and Hawke has ALL the power. He pays for Matty's treatment and he has the DNA-threat hanging over Tate...
This is not one of those 'dark', gritty stories where the 'Sadist, BDSM-master' makes the 'Slave' love him. This is supposed to be an angsty, but ultimately 'lovey-dovey' story, and I CANNOT overlook the fact that I still can't decide if it was 'con', 'dub-con' or 'non-con'.
I am so SO sad, because this was shaping up to being the best book of the series so far for me, Tate and Matty were amazing! But when I feel that much in doubt in regards to sex, it is NOT good!
December 30, 2019
Bought it, read, loved it. This is the third book in the series and I can't wait for the next one. You don't have to have read the two previous books, but I would recommend that you do as not only are they brilliant stories they'll give you the whole background. Everything I've read by this writer has been worth my time. This book is no exception. I'm sure I stopped breathing at points in this story and there were definitely tears. |nything else I might say has already been said by the other 5 star reviewers so all I have left to say is........read it.
May 19, 2017
***4.5 Stars***
Favorite in the series!! Read this in practically one sitting. Could not put it down.
This series and Sloane Kennedy's writing just completely clicks with me.
It's a similar formula...MC's with traumatic/heartbreaking pasts, both trying to move on in life, whether it's through revenge or rebuilding their lives, some over the top suspense element where you'll have to let go of reality for a bit, scorching hot sex, and a quick transition to the I love you's by the end. Rinse and repeat.
And you know what? Just like my favorite shampoo and conditioner....I'm gonna keep buying it over and over and over again.
Hawke is on a mission to avenge his wife's horrifying death. He's been chasing her killers for 10 years and finally gets a lead that brings him to Tate's doorstep. However, what Hawke doesn't realize is that Tate, and his adorable scene-stealing son Matty, are on the run from the same people....Tate's father and brother.
What you get after that is an emotional, addicting and smoking hot story. Both men are trying to deal with this new turn of events while also dealing with a growing attraction to each other, along with another heartbreaking piece of news added to the mix.
I have to admit, I was scared how the whole dead wife angle would play out. Would I be able to believe that Hawke could move on? Would she be a cloud hanging over the whole book keeping me from believing the romance? Would she be a third wheel in every scene? Thankfully, the answer is no. I thought Sloane Kennedy did a great job of growing Hawke and Tate's relationship, without casting his history with his wife to the side or having her be a ghost in the room.
The push and pull was just the perfect amount of angst that I like. The emotional turmoil, the second guessing, the desire, the passion...all of it was just how I like it. Though there was one scene that had my fists clenching, but thankfully we get it in Tate's POV so it lessened the negative affect it could have had for me.
This book pulled me in from the very first page and didn't let go until I begrudgingly closed my kindle. Mav is up next and we haven't gotten much info on him yet, so I'm looking forward to seeing what secrets he's carrying around.
I haven't read anything by Sloane Kennedy outside of this series, but after three books under my belt, one thing is certain....that won't be the case for long.
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 26, 2017---SPOILERS---
I paused this book for a few days to try to reconsider my feelings about it. But nope, I still think that first sex scene between Hawke and Tate was rape. Hawke hurt Tate, he used no lube, no condom and Tate did not say he wanted it. Despite Tate eventually thinking he needed Hawke, this was not a loving scene in any way.
I don't like dubious consent at all.
DNF at 58% (I tried to read a bit more after the 38% mark, but for me it didn't get any better. I felt as if Hawke never really cared about Tate's thoughts or feelings for the entire 58% I read).
I paused this book for a few days to try to reconsider my feelings about it. But nope, I still think that first sex scene between Hawke and Tate was rape. Hawke hurt Tate, he used no lube, no condom and Tate did not say he wanted it. Despite Tate eventually thinking he needed Hawke, this was not a loving scene in any way.
I don't like dubious consent at all.
DNF at 58% (I tried to read a bit more after the 38% mark, but for me it didn't get any better. I felt as if Hawke never really cared about Tate's thoughts or feelings for the entire 58% I read).
February 24, 2019
Sorry, no. If we want to be generous, that was borderline rape and the fact that the victim rationalized it and the perpetrator felt slightly remorseful later doesn’t change it one bit.
If it wasn’t for that one scene (thanks, Line), this book could’ve been good. As it was, I couldn’t regain any interest in this “relationship� after that. I just wanted to take Tate and find him a good therapist.
The extra star is for the rest of the book without that scene, which makes me even angrier since it felt completely out of character. Nothing Hawke did or thought, before or after, fits with what he did there. I just don’t get it, but in any case it wasn’t okay.
And the fact that this book has an average rating of 4.31 worries me, but I guess a guy can’t be raped, can he? *insert heavy sarcasm*
If it wasn’t for that one scene (thanks, Line), this book could’ve been good. As it was, I couldn’t regain any interest in this “relationship� after that. I just wanted to take Tate and find him a good therapist.
The extra star is for the rest of the book without that scene, which makes me even angrier since it felt completely out of character. Nothing Hawke did or thought, before or after, fits with what he did there. I just don’t get it, but in any case it wasn’t okay.
And the fact that this book has an average rating of 4.31 worries me, but I guess a guy can’t be raped, can he? *insert heavy sarcasm*
September 10, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Not for me*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Ex Special Forces soldier Michael ‘Hawke� Hawkins (mid-thirties) is looking for his wife's rapists and murderers. This led him to Tate Travers (24) and his son Matthew ‘Matty� Travers (5). Turns out Tate was the wrong person Hawke was looking for; he's looking for Dennis ‘Buck� Buckley, Tate's father and Denny, his brother. This leads to Hawke starting to question himself and what he's doing to the strong man who only wants to protect his son. Overall, it was cute, however, nothing much happened but sex and little adorable scenes with Matty. Seriously, nothing happened until the end, which btw, was extremely predictable. Also, am I the only one who got the feeling of intense insta-love? Cause I hate insta-love and I barely felt the connection between Hawke and Tate. Not a good read for me. Though I wasn't expecting much either.
“H.�
I turned to see Hawke watching me, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. “It’s going to be okay,� he said softly and I held my breath when he reached out to gently pull my right hand free of the steering wheel that I’d been gripping so hard the skin over my knuckles had gone white.
I nodded and held my breath as he linked our fingers together. He stared at our joined hands where they were resting on the armrest and I waited for him to pull away. But he didn’t. He merely closed his eyes again and when I went to shift my hand into a more comfortable position, he tightened his grip on me, refusing to let me go.
I couldn’t help but smile.
Yeah, I was fucked. Totally and completely.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series (Can Be Read As A Standalone), Book Four.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Matthew ‘Matty� Travers.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure...maybe.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars.
August 3, 2017
Re-read on 08/2017 : Tate and Matty, especially Matty, are still my heroes. And yes, Hawke was an ass** sometimes, but he was there when it counted.
-------------------------------
I simply loved it !!
Book 3 in the Protector series, can be read as a standalone, but you get better background from the other books.
This one is about Hawke, ex-military, who lost his wife, his true love and soul mate, in brutal circumstances. He’s barely surviving his loss and lives for revenge. After ten years of quest for the murderers of his wife, he finally gets a trail in the form of Tate, the son of one of the attackers and Matty, a little boy who is everything and more for Tate.
What Hawke is not expecting is for Tate to get under his skin, to crack all the coldness and emptiness from his endless grieving and to find solace, with the help of little Matty.
It’s fast-paced, a little less insta-love than usual, but still. But it’s Sloane Kennedy and she has a knack for making it work well, very well because it’s packed of hurt, emotion, passion, comfort and friendship. And let’s not forget the sexual tension, the chemistry between Hawke and Tate and the scorching sex.
Add to that the “super heroes� factor, because yes, Hawke may be the strong ex-military there, but Tate and Matty are the super heroes and they made me shed tears.
This one is my favorite, I couldn't put it down and I can't wait for my next fix.
-------------------------------
I simply loved it !!
Book 3 in the Protector series, can be read as a standalone, but you get better background from the other books.
This one is about Hawke, ex-military, who lost his wife, his true love and soul mate, in brutal circumstances. He’s barely surviving his loss and lives for revenge. After ten years of quest for the murderers of his wife, he finally gets a trail in the form of Tate, the son of one of the attackers and Matty, a little boy who is everything and more for Tate.
What Hawke is not expecting is for Tate to get under his skin, to crack all the coldness and emptiness from his endless grieving and to find solace, with the help of little Matty.
It’s fast-paced, a little less insta-love than usual, but still. But it’s Sloane Kennedy and she has a knack for making it work well, very well because it’s packed of hurt, emotion, passion, comfort and friendship. And let’s not forget the sexual tension, the chemistry between Hawke and Tate and the scorching sex.
Add to that the “super heroes� factor, because yes, Hawke may be the strong ex-military there, but Tate and Matty are the super heroes and they made me shed tears.
This one is my favorite, I couldn't put it down and I can't wait for my next fix.
June 13, 2018
The Story: 3.75 Pants Off
Michael “Hawke”Hawkins lives for the day he catches his wife’s killers. That’s his only mission, and when he gets evidence that could finally lead him to his killers Hawke is more than ready to lay down the law. What the evidence leads to is someone he never expected. Tate Traver the link to his revenge and Hawke will be damned if he lets the man out of his sight. But Tate comes with responsibility, in the form of a son who has just been diagnosed with a serious illness. It’s time for a little manipulation and promising Tate that his son will get the best medical treatment on the condition that he takes them to the men responsible for the death of his wife, his father and brother.
Tate has been running from the very men Hawke wants him to help find but his sons health on the line at this point he’d do anything, and that includes helping the asshole who had a gun on him in front of his son but there is something about him that Tate just can’t deny. Maybe this thing between them will lead to something but Tate knows it won’t because Hawke is very much a straight man still madly in love with his life.
Thus begins a love story between a man who held another man at gunpoint in front of his son and who needs him to help catch his murdering father and brother. Tate has fallen hard for Hawke but the man has whatever left of his heart locked away tight but Tate is willing to take scraps if it means only having Hawke for just a moment.
What can I say about this except nothing really happens, just whole bunch of the same same. Like there was some heartwarming story mixed in with doom and angst but I feel like we’ve gotten the same type of feel as the previous books. With that being said I happen to like this story a lot more than the previous books. Hawke is a bit of an asshole but I liked his character and the reason for his pain is very understandable. Tate I also liked, he stepped up and took care of his son and was willing to anything at any cost to himself.
I didn’t really like the conclusion but I get it, things needed to be tied up and a lot of things explained but overall an alright entertaining book. I found this to be the least sexy of the books and it should have been hella sexy with Hawke catching his first feelings for a man but there was just some questionable shit there and the fact that Tate took that really pissed me off.
The Narration: 3.5 Pants Off
Now this was a better job from the previous book and there was no random burst of laughter from me. Still some emoting especially when Ronan came in, seriously that voice for that character is a freaking mess.
Not really a fan of his voice for Tate, he ended up sounding like a gentile southern lady. Which I wasn’t really feeling but I didn’t hate it. I feel there was a few scenes there that needed just a little bit more emotion and it wasn’t quite delivered. Also after awhile a few characters started sound exactly like each other, except for Ronan his voice will be a tattoo on my brain and will have me bursting into giggles whenever I think of it.
It was a passable job but nothing to really rave about 🤷🏽♀�
Michael “Hawke”Hawkins lives for the day he catches his wife’s killers. That’s his only mission, and when he gets evidence that could finally lead him to his killers Hawke is more than ready to lay down the law. What the evidence leads to is someone he never expected. Tate Traver the link to his revenge and Hawke will be damned if he lets the man out of his sight. But Tate comes with responsibility, in the form of a son who has just been diagnosed with a serious illness. It’s time for a little manipulation and promising Tate that his son will get the best medical treatment on the condition that he takes them to the men responsible for the death of his wife, his father and brother.
Tate has been running from the very men Hawke wants him to help find but his sons health on the line at this point he’d do anything, and that includes helping the asshole who had a gun on him in front of his son but there is something about him that Tate just can’t deny. Maybe this thing between them will lead to something but Tate knows it won’t because Hawke is very much a straight man still madly in love with his life.
Thus begins a love story between a man who held another man at gunpoint in front of his son and who needs him to help catch his murdering father and brother. Tate has fallen hard for Hawke but the man has whatever left of his heart locked away tight but Tate is willing to take scraps if it means only having Hawke for just a moment.
What can I say about this except nothing really happens, just whole bunch of the same same. Like there was some heartwarming story mixed in with doom and angst but I feel like we’ve gotten the same type of feel as the previous books. With that being said I happen to like this story a lot more than the previous books. Hawke is a bit of an asshole but I liked his character and the reason for his pain is very understandable. Tate I also liked, he stepped up and took care of his son and was willing to anything at any cost to himself.
I didn’t really like the conclusion but I get it, things needed to be tied up and a lot of things explained but overall an alright entertaining book. I found this to be the least sexy of the books and it should have been hella sexy with Hawke catching his first feelings for a man but there was just some questionable shit there and the fact that Tate took that really pissed me off.
The Narration: 3.5 Pants Off
Now this was a better job from the previous book and there was no random burst of laughter from me. Still some emoting especially when Ronan came in, seriously that voice for that character is a freaking mess.
Not really a fan of his voice for Tate, he ended up sounding like a gentile southern lady. Which I wasn’t really feeling but I didn’t hate it. I feel there was a few scenes there that needed just a little bit more emotion and it wasn’t quite delivered. Also after awhile a few characters started sound exactly like each other, except for Ronan his voice will be a tattoo on my brain and will have me bursting into giggles whenever I think of it.
It was a passable job but nothing to really rave about 🤷🏽♀�
June 17, 2016
Sloane Kennedy's books are my new addiction. Admittedly, there are OTT moments, and sometimes I really need to suspend my disbelief, but I just don't care! There's so much emotion and passion and intensity in her stories, which make me come back again and again.
Absolution is still my favorite book in the series, but this one came close.
Trigger warning:
We met Hawke in Salvation. Hawke is still grieving the loss of his wife. But while trying to avenge her death, he crosses with Tate's path, who's living a different kind of hell. And that's all I'm going to say, because I don't want to spoil the story. Just know that it's like an adventure with quite a few surprising turns.
I normally don't like kids in my books, but Matty is the star here. He stole the show and he stole my heart. He made me cry and clutch my kindle. Matty is all about superheroes, but let me tell you...he's the superhero in this book.
The grieving part is done exceptionally well. It felt genuine ant true. Hawke just can't let his dead wife go. Even when he realises he's falling for Tate. I won't lie; there was a point I thought that Hawke will never be able to give Matty what he deserves. I was wrong.
The sex is scorching, and there's dirty talk and shirts are being torn apart. Yes, they are!
Once again, this felt a little insta-lovey for me. It's not that the characters didn't have a lot of time to fall in love with each other, because they did. It's just that the transition from "I want you" to "I love you" wasn't all that smooth.
I'm very happy that this wasn't the end of the series, and that there will be another book. I read the excerpt and Mav's story sounds fantastic. I can't wait!
To the person who wrote the song and the these few lines in the beginning: your words are amazing, and they floored me.
Absolution is still my favorite book in the series, but this one came close.
Trigger warning:
We met Hawke in Salvation. Hawke is still grieving the loss of his wife. But while trying to avenge her death, he crosses with Tate's path, who's living a different kind of hell. And that's all I'm going to say, because I don't want to spoil the story. Just know that it's like an adventure with quite a few surprising turns.
I normally don't like kids in my books, but Matty is the star here. He stole the show and he stole my heart. He made me cry and clutch my kindle. Matty is all about superheroes, but let me tell you...he's the superhero in this book.
The grieving part is done exceptionally well. It felt genuine ant true. Hawke just can't let his dead wife go. Even when he realises he's falling for Tate. I won't lie; there was a point I thought that Hawke will never be able to give Matty what he deserves. I was wrong.
The sex is scorching, and there's dirty talk and shirts are being torn apart. Yes, they are!
Once again, this felt a little insta-lovey for me. It's not that the characters didn't have a lot of time to fall in love with each other, because they did. It's just that the transition from "I want you" to "I love you" wasn't all that smooth.
I'm very happy that this wasn't the end of the series, and that there will be another book. I read the excerpt and Mav's story sounds fantastic. I can't wait!
To the person who wrote the song and the these few lines in the beginning: your words are amazing, and they floored me.
September 1, 2017
I know the formula for this series is all similar with a younger man in need of protection, a grumbly, standoffish alpha protector and a dollop of suspense, but despite this I'm really enjoying these books.
I wasn't too crazy about Ronan in his book, but love how he stepped up to the plate for Matty.
I wasn't too crazy about Ronan in his book, but love how he stepped up to the plate for Matty.
February 12, 2017
4.5 stars I guess I need take a break from S.K. books because as much as I love this author and her story telling, they are all too just too similar.
June 30, 2019
3.75 stars!! 💘 😢Another heart-wrenching angsty read in the Protectors series. Hawke as portrayed in the earlier books as well as this one, is a stoic loner assassin working for Ronan's company, and his primary objective is to seek vengeance against the perpetrators who killed his wife. This book starts off strong with him following a clue to finally get this long-awaited revenge. You couldn't help but root for him to get his vengeance, but at what cost? 😟Tate and his son Matty are innocents caught in this cross-fire of retribution and you really feel for Tate, struggling to survive and still keep a positive face in front of little Matty. The beginning of the book is taut and agonizing at times and I couldn't imagine someone in Tate's shoes making from one day to another. Nevertheless, Matty's super-heroes 😍 and Tate's strength starts to thaw Hawke's cold heart. But here the story took a little controversial turn and although I have enjoyed many GFY story tropes, I wasn't prepared for such a rude awakening
The story from there is how the two start to become close and begin trusting one another. I also loved seeing Ronan and Seth play such a huge part in this story and become this family of misfits, who fit into each other's lives perfectly. 💕😍. Danger in the form of Tate's family shadows their journey and getting past Hawke's haunting past isn't easy either. 😱. Nevertheless, the two strive to find their HEA and although the ending does not solve everything, the cautiously optimistic ending is still quite satisfactory.
Altogether a great story full of angst, thrill, touching moments and sizzle (except the one thing 😳).. Highly recommended 👍👍
The story from there is how the two start to become close and begin trusting one another. I also loved seeing Ronan and Seth play such a huge part in this story and become this family of misfits, who fit into each other's lives perfectly. 💕😍. Danger in the form of Tate's family shadows their journey and getting past Hawke's haunting past isn't easy either. 😱. Nevertheless, the two strive to find their HEA and although the ending does not solve everything, the cautiously optimistic ending is still quite satisfactory.
Altogether a great story full of angst, thrill, touching moments and sizzle (except the one thing 😳).. Highly recommended 👍👍
August 10, 2017
***4.5 Stars*** for my favorite in this series so far!
Matty was definitely my superhero and stole my heart...
Although all the stories in this series seem to follow a certain pattern, I really enjoyed this one the most. Maybe because of Matty and his fate that grieved me deeply or maybe because of his penchant for the Avengers which I, umm, share... *cough*, I dunno.
Please heed the trigger warnings for the whole series, though! There is one sex scene in this book that might offend sensitive readers to whom I apparently don't belong.
Was it rough? Definitely. Was it dub con? Maybe. Did it bother me? Nope. Why? Because Tate was okay with it and admitted that he wanted it, so I was okay with it, too.
The audioversion was once again top notch. I'm more than impressed with Joel Leslie's range of character voices. Actually, at the beginning I had to check twice if it's really him because it did sound completely different from the previous books. And Matty's voice... friggin' awesome.
Matty was definitely my superhero and stole my heart...
Although all the stories in this series seem to follow a certain pattern, I really enjoyed this one the most. Maybe because of Matty and his fate that grieved me deeply or maybe because of his penchant for the Avengers which I, umm, share... *cough*, I dunno.
Please heed the trigger warnings for the whole series, though! There is one sex scene in this book that might offend sensitive readers to whom I apparently don't belong.
Was it rough? Definitely. Was it dub con? Maybe. Did it bother me? Nope. Why? Because Tate was okay with it and admitted that he wanted it, so I was okay with it, too.
The audioversion was once again top notch. I'm more than impressed with Joel Leslie's range of character voices. Actually, at the beginning I had to check twice if it's really him because it did sound completely different from the previous books. And Matty's voice... friggin' awesome.
June 27, 2020
2.5 rounded down.
Lots of sex - only positive part. But then... there seemed to be too much of it.
The whole thing was UNBELIEVABLE:
SPOILERS HEAD
1) Hawke is trying to avenge his dead wife who was raped and killed when the killers burned down their house on the night that Hawke came home from his final mission in the Special Forces. He was out celebrating with buds while she was home getting... you know
2) He's only been with her his whole life, fell in love in grade school, never looked back. Never looked or wanted another person even in the TEN years since she died. This type of celibacy I'm always a fan of, BUT when the devotion is to his DEAD WIFE while he's supposed to be falling for a new MAN, it's... a hurdle
3) Tate (whose real name is Chris) is the half-brother and son of the 2 killers who murdered Hawke's wife (by the way, I never could understand how these 2 guys targeted her and got to her but I must have skipped that part, even tho I don't think I did. So... weird unexplained phenomenon #1. Tate is "daddy" to a little boy with LEUKEMIA who is actually his half brother.
Enough drama/ melodrama/ UNBELIEVABLE plot yet????
4) No. Because more comes... we meet Hawke when he's breaking into Tate's apartment having tracked him down by half his DNA (given his relation to the 2 killers). It appears Hawke thinks Tate is one of the killers at first, and yet he has an IMMEDIATE ATTRACTION to Tate despite his dead wife whom he's been faithful to forever AND the fact Tate is a MAN!
It went downhill from there. And that was the prologue.
It's just too unbelievable for me. And the CONSTANT comparison with the dead wife just killed the "love" for me. I need to stop reading this author once and for all.
Lots of sex - only positive part. But then... there seemed to be too much of it.
The whole thing was UNBELIEVABLE:
SPOILERS HEAD
1) Hawke is trying to avenge his dead wife who was raped and killed when the killers burned down their house on the night that Hawke came home from his final mission in the Special Forces. He was out celebrating with buds while she was home getting... you know
2) He's only been with her his whole life, fell in love in grade school, never looked back. Never looked or wanted another person even in the TEN years since she died. This type of celibacy I'm always a fan of, BUT when the devotion is to his DEAD WIFE while he's supposed to be falling for a new MAN, it's... a hurdle
3) Tate (whose real name is Chris) is the half-brother and son of the 2 killers who murdered Hawke's wife (by the way, I never could understand how these 2 guys targeted her and got to her but I must have skipped that part, even tho I don't think I did. So... weird unexplained phenomenon #1. Tate is "daddy" to a little boy with LEUKEMIA who is actually his half brother.
Enough drama/ melodrama/ UNBELIEVABLE plot yet????
4) No. Because more comes... we meet Hawke when he's breaking into Tate's apartment having tracked him down by half his DNA (given his relation to the 2 killers). It appears Hawke thinks Tate is one of the killers at first, and yet he has an IMMEDIATE ATTRACTION to Tate despite his dead wife whom he's been faithful to forever AND the fact Tate is a MAN!
It went downhill from there. And that was the prologue.
It's just too unbelievable for me. And the CONSTANT comparison with the dead wife just killed the "love" for me. I need to stop reading this author once and for all.
August 26, 2016
3.5 for this episode. This was Hawke & Tate's story. An interesting twist with Hawke fueled by vengeance but after 6 years of rage suddenly decides to let it go. I know Tate was the factor but it was hard to believe Hawke could suddenly fall for a guy, say I love you and let his angst go. It was sweet but not quite believable. Matty was adorable and Ronan played a big supporting role. I don't dislike this series but I just find it a little too predictable - trauma, angst, walk away, angst, I love you, angst & then HEA...
Let's see book 4
Let's see book 4
February 2, 2017
Loved this one. But you will, at some point, really need to suspend your disbelief, for sure. Hawke is such a damaged hero, and Tate is, too. And as much as I generally don't like for there to be kids in my books, Matty wasn't just a prop. No, he was there to show both Hawke and Tate what real bravery was, and just how worth the pain life can be. Precious.
May 16, 2018
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟5 forever & ever stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow what an emotional read Retribution was for me, my heart broke for Hawke, Tate and little Matty everything that Hawke and Tate have suffered through and the fight that Matty was facing, meant while I was reading I had tears in my eyes often.
Retribution was different for me not as much suspense as the previous books in this series, this centred more on the relationship between Hawke and Tate.
Hawke I knew from the previous books and I knew his history and the horrific way he lost his wife and was wounded himself. He has been out for vengeance for ten years hunting for the two men that murdered his wife, this is how he finds Tate a case of mistaken identity.
Tate has been running for two years with his little boy Matty hoping that his father and brother never finds them, enter the scary scarred man with a gun who forces Tate to help him find his father and brother.
There is an earth shattering situation with Matty which changes everything for Tate, Hawke is there to help him with the understanding that Tate leaves with him when the time is right to find them.
Tate is gay he has only been with a couple of guys just sex, Hawke is straight there has only ever been Revay his wife. Hawke is confused when he starts to see Tate differently and Tate knows he hasn't got a chance with the straight brooding widower.
When they get physical this is new territory for them both they are both scared with the feelings they are discovering and the sex between these two is fast and rough or at times so sweet and sensual.
I loved the little family they become and having Ronan and Seth along with them made this an emotional and wonderful story and how they evolve with time and grow as a couple had me smiling.
Each book in The Protectors series has been fantastic for me. I love all the men I have been introduced to so far. They are not what I was expecting Mace, Ronan and Hawke have all surprised me when I get to know them better from their first appearance I was expecting scary bossy men not the caring, loving generous men they actually are.
I am following Sloane Kennedy's reading order so it will be a while before I can return to this series, hoping her other series will be as good as The Protectors - wish me luck.
Wow what an emotional read Retribution was for me, my heart broke for Hawke, Tate and little Matty everything that Hawke and Tate have suffered through and the fight that Matty was facing, meant while I was reading I had tears in my eyes often.
Retribution was different for me not as much suspense as the previous books in this series, this centred more on the relationship between Hawke and Tate.
Hawke I knew from the previous books and I knew his history and the horrific way he lost his wife and was wounded himself. He has been out for vengeance for ten years hunting for the two men that murdered his wife, this is how he finds Tate a case of mistaken identity.
Tate has been running for two years with his little boy Matty hoping that his father and brother never finds them, enter the scary scarred man with a gun who forces Tate to help him find his father and brother.
There is an earth shattering situation with Matty which changes everything for Tate, Hawke is there to help him with the understanding that Tate leaves with him when the time is right to find them.
Tate is gay he has only been with a couple of guys just sex, Hawke is straight there has only ever been Revay his wife. Hawke is confused when he starts to see Tate differently and Tate knows he hasn't got a chance with the straight brooding widower.
When they get physical this is new territory for them both they are both scared with the feelings they are discovering and the sex between these two is fast and rough or at times so sweet and sensual.
I loved the little family they become and having Ronan and Seth along with them made this an emotional and wonderful story and how they evolve with time and grow as a couple had me smiling.
Each book in The Protectors series has been fantastic for me. I love all the men I have been introduced to so far. They are not what I was expecting Mace, Ronan and Hawke have all surprised me when I get to know them better from their first appearance I was expecting scary bossy men not the caring, loving generous men they actually are.
I am following Sloane Kennedy's reading order so it will be a while before I can return to this series, hoping her other series will be as good as The Protectors - wish me luck.
February 18, 2019
** 4.5 stars **
I enjoyed this book almost as well the previous in the series. Hawke and Tate are both strong men with troubled past. While Tate is trying to outrun his and forget it, Hawke is ready to bring it to forefront and rip Tate's wounds open no matter the cost. The pace of this book is a bit slow but still filled with tension.
I genuinely liked Tate and Matty. I admire Tate for his courage, resilience and capacity for love. He is a wonderful father to Matty, he is compassionate and understanding. He gave his all to Hawke even when Hawke stomped all over him.
I have mixed feelings about Hawke. I understand the promises he made but the unofficial shrine he built for his wife, his obsession with her was not healthy for his mental state. Tate came into his life in just the right time. Hawke's near constant comparison between Ravey and Tate irritated a lot. That's one of the biggest reasons I hate dead lover/spouse trope. But in the end the talk Ronan and he had shed some light on his reasons as to why, so I decided that I liked his reasoning and the conclusion of the conversation more than I hated the trope.
This was story of heartbreak, forgiveness and letting go. Hawke becomes Michael again, and he is ready to build his life with Tate and Matty. Love heals old wounds in men who thought all hope was lost. Made me feel good. I recommend it!
I enjoyed this book almost as well the previous in the series. Hawke and Tate are both strong men with troubled past. While Tate is trying to outrun his and forget it, Hawke is ready to bring it to forefront and rip Tate's wounds open no matter the cost. The pace of this book is a bit slow but still filled with tension.
I genuinely liked Tate and Matty. I admire Tate for his courage, resilience and capacity for love. He is a wonderful father to Matty, he is compassionate and understanding. He gave his all to Hawke even when Hawke stomped all over him.
I have mixed feelings about Hawke. I understand the promises he made but the unofficial shrine he built for his wife, his obsession with her was not healthy for his mental state. Tate came into his life in just the right time. Hawke's near constant comparison between Ravey and Tate irritated a lot. That's one of the biggest reasons I hate dead lover/spouse trope. But in the end the talk Ronan and he had shed some light on his reasons as to why, so I decided that I liked his reasoning and the conclusion of the conversation more than I hated the trope.
This was story of heartbreak, forgiveness and letting go. Hawke becomes Michael again, and he is ready to build his life with Tate and Matty. Love heals old wounds in men who thought all hope was lost. Made me feel good. I recommend it!
November 11, 2022
Are you Ready for Retribution
“Hey Alexa, play Emotion by Daft Punk�
Playing Emotion on Amazon music
This book put me through it but I can admit that this was worth the ride. I spent half the book crying and the other half pissed off. I would like to deem that as a success. We can’t ask for much in this life but what we can hope for are great books and amazing writing.
Tate and Hawke’s story is a slow burn like you’ve never seen. When these two finally get down and dirty passions are high and tears are inevitable. This was amazing and I can’t deny how this entire series has made me feel thus far.
Happy reading everyone 🥰😍😘🥰
“Hey Alexa, play Emotion by Daft Punk�
Playing Emotion on Amazon music
This book put me through it but I can admit that this was worth the ride. I spent half the book crying and the other half pissed off. I would like to deem that as a success. We can’t ask for much in this life but what we can hope for are great books and amazing writing.
Tate and Hawke’s story is a slow burn like you’ve never seen. When these two finally get down and dirty passions are high and tears are inevitable. This was amazing and I can’t deny how this entire series has made me feel thus far.
Happy reading everyone 🥰😍😘🥰
June 30, 2016
Book Three in Sloane Kennedy's "Protectors Series" has been my favorite of the series. What would you do if you met the son of the man who killed your spouse? Well, Michael "Hawke" Hawkins is about to find out when a tip on the murderers of his wife lead him to Tate Travers, the son and brother of the two men who murdered his wife. If that isn't twisted enough it's not only Tate he meets but a little boy named Matthew who clings to Tate for security and calls Tate Dad. Now what is Hawke suppose to do he can't leave a child an orphan -- it's not the boys fault and besides his late wife would turn over in her grave if he hurt the boy. That's not even considering the feelings that Tate has stirred in his gut and lower, what the hell is going on - Hawke is straight!
Tate's life all comes crashing down when a big, grouchy, mean looking man shows up on his doorstep mentioning names he prayed he would never hear again. Thankfully after some quick talking Tate manages to convince the Stranger, Hawke, that he isn't looking to seek retribution for his wife by Tate..no he wants his brother and Father. Why is he not surprised. Tate isn't ready to even consider facing his past, he can't let his family know where he is, not if he wants to protect Matty. However, when running from Hawke doesn't shake the big guy off and Matty suddenly in need of more than Tate can provide - Tate doesn't know what's he will do. He doesn't expect Hawke to make him an offer he can't refuse. So Tate puts the love and well-being of Matty above his own life and safety and agrees to help Hawke find his brother and Dad.
As the two set off on their trip Hawke never expects to feel something for the man sitting in his truck with him, Hawke never expected to feel anything again except Hatred for the men who took his wife.
Tate, he never imagined he could feel something for someone who basically took over his life and is forcing him to face his past, but he sees beyond Hawke's surface to the broken and lonely man below and he knows his life will never be the same after meeting Hawke. Tate just hopes he can survive the after, “Hawke was going to end up breaking my heart, and I was going to let him.�
The feelings get stronger and Hawke can't deny them anymore - But when it comes down to choosing between the unwanted feelings Tate stirs in him and the revenge he’s finally close enough to taste, will Hawke be able to give up the one thing that has kept him going for a second chance at a future he gave up on ever having?
Overall, this story really was my favorite thus far if the series and I think it will be hard for Sloane to top Hawke and his brooding manliness. I loved Tate & Matty they were the perfect answer to allow Hawke to let go of the past and start living again. They helped Hawke see, living again - doesn't mean forgetting, it just means you're human. This book was the perfect mix of angst, Feelz, passion, desire, mystery, revenge, and life.
4 Stars
Tate's life all comes crashing down when a big, grouchy, mean looking man shows up on his doorstep mentioning names he prayed he would never hear again. Thankfully after some quick talking Tate manages to convince the Stranger, Hawke, that he isn't looking to seek retribution for his wife by Tate..no he wants his brother and Father. Why is he not surprised. Tate isn't ready to even consider facing his past, he can't let his family know where he is, not if he wants to protect Matty. However, when running from Hawke doesn't shake the big guy off and Matty suddenly in need of more than Tate can provide - Tate doesn't know what's he will do. He doesn't expect Hawke to make him an offer he can't refuse. So Tate puts the love and well-being of Matty above his own life and safety and agrees to help Hawke find his brother and Dad.
As the two set off on their trip Hawke never expects to feel something for the man sitting in his truck with him, Hawke never expected to feel anything again except Hatred for the men who took his wife.
Tate, he never imagined he could feel something for someone who basically took over his life and is forcing him to face his past, but he sees beyond Hawke's surface to the broken and lonely man below and he knows his life will never be the same after meeting Hawke. Tate just hopes he can survive the after, “Hawke was going to end up breaking my heart, and I was going to let him.�
The feelings get stronger and Hawke can't deny them anymore - But when it comes down to choosing between the unwanted feelings Tate stirs in him and the revenge he’s finally close enough to taste, will Hawke be able to give up the one thing that has kept him going for a second chance at a future he gave up on ever having?
Overall, this story really was my favorite thus far if the series and I think it will be hard for Sloane to top Hawke and his brooding manliness. I loved Tate & Matty they were the perfect answer to allow Hawke to let go of the past and start living again. They helped Hawke see, living again - doesn't mean forgetting, it just means you're human. This book was the perfect mix of angst, Feelz, passion, desire, mystery, revenge, and life.
4 Stars
April 16, 2021
"She's my wife, Tate."
Present tense, not past.
And in that moment, I lost a little bit of my heart to the beautiful brooding man who'd loved his wife so much that even ten years after he'd lost her, he refused to let her go.
These books are getting better and better and this completely wiped me out. I wasn't just ready for the greatness. What I admired most was how these characters struggled through out the story. Is it weird that I love characters going through heavy shit? Like my heart was in pieces most of the time and I kinda liked it. In this story, Hawke was torn between avenging his wife and completely falling for this guy named Tate and his son, Matty. A past vs present narrative. There was this one scene that should've made me feel itchy and uncomfortable but it didn't. What the hell is wrong with me honestly. My love for Hawke and Tate made me throw everything out of the window. Excited for the next one! I can't believe I have 10 more books in this series!
June 22, 2017
Re-Read - Jun 2017
Read - Sep 2016
I was soooo excited for this book, and it is definitely my favorite in the series!
Hawke and Tate were such an unbelievably lovable couple, their story went straight to my heart.
And Matty is the cutest, funniest, strongest kid ever...! I salute you..
Love that we see a lot more to Ronan and Seth, love them and their big hearts!
Epilog was Fucking perfect!
Read - Sep 2016
I was soooo excited for this book, and it is definitely my favorite in the series!
Hawke and Tate were such an unbelievably lovable couple, their story went straight to my heart.
And Matty is the cutest, funniest, strongest kid ever...! I salute you..
Love that we see a lot more to Ronan and Seth, love them and their big hearts!
Epilog was Fucking perfect!
April 10, 2019
Much improved over the first two installments. The story kept me engaged and interested. More developed characters.
The sex was rough and tumble but it felt more real to me so I went with it.
Things did not start to drop off into never never land until the last 3-4 chapters when all hell breaks loose. Formulaic and unrealistic.
When you read these back-to-back you can definitely see the pattern.
I enjoyed this reading experience so it’s all good.
*** 1/2 stars
The sex was rough and tumble but it felt more real to me so I went with it.
Things did not start to drop off into never never land until the last 3-4 chapters when all hell breaks loose. Formulaic and unrealistic.
When you read these back-to-back you can definitely see the pattern.
I enjoyed this reading experience so it’s all good.
*** 1/2 stars
Read
June 29, 2021I have such mixed emotions about this book. I contemplated hard about a DNF after the first sex scene. That was no good. It was, at best, dubious consent. It really leaned more towards non consensual to me. Somehow, I persevered. I don’t know how. I really enjoyed the rest of the book, but I kept coming back to that first time. I’m going to have to think hard on this, so no rating for now.
Reread 6/29/2021 😒
Reread 6/29/2021 😒
September 14, 2017
I picked this up because it had the "gfy" tag . As a huge lover a gfy this was a disappointment, I didn't like it, it didn't read like a gfy. Hawke was attracted to Tate and had dubious sex with him because although the author tries to make it seem like Tate was into it, it was almost borderline rape. The plot was OTT and I didn't feel any emotional connection between them to buy into their HEA.
November 3, 2016
An ok book. I liked it, but didn't love it. Why, would you wonder? GFY stories are my cuppa, and this one had a butt virgin to boot... Well, the answer is that I like the buildup, the tension, the realization that yeah, this guy that has never even thought about other guys is, in fact, hot for another man. And then the acceptance and submission to the truth.
This story practically didn't have any of that. Hawke had only been with his wife and he'd never even thought about another human being that was not her in a sexual way. But, he sees Tate and, he instantly falls in love with him... He practically doesn't question himself, his sexuality, nothing...
And Tate, he also falls almost instantly in love with this guy he met when he dragged him by the hair into his apartment and held him at gunpoint. Excuse me if I fail to see the appeal.
What I'm trying to say is that this whole story felt too insta-lovey to me. And I hate insta-love because I see it as an author's easy way out not to explain/make us see why two people are truly and desperately made for each other.
Such a shame because this book had a good story going, the plot and secondary characters were decent but the connection was too fast and furious for me to enjoy it.
Also their first time made me flinch. I cannot say more without adding a spoiler alert, but if you read the book you'll see what I mean.
On the other hand, I loved Matty and I loved their HEA ending.
Happy reading, y'all.
This story practically didn't have any of that. Hawke had only been with his wife and he'd never even thought about another human being that was not her in a sexual way. But, he sees Tate and, he instantly falls in love with him... He practically doesn't question himself, his sexuality, nothing...
And Tate, he also falls almost instantly in love with this guy he met when he dragged him by the hair into his apartment and held him at gunpoint. Excuse me if I fail to see the appeal.
What I'm trying to say is that this whole story felt too insta-lovey to me. And I hate insta-love because I see it as an author's easy way out not to explain/make us see why two people are truly and desperately made for each other.
Such a shame because this book had a good story going, the plot and secondary characters were decent but the connection was too fast and furious for me to enjoy it.
Also their first time made me flinch. I cannot say more without adding a spoiler alert, but if you read the book you'll see what I mean.
On the other hand, I loved Matty and I loved their HEA ending.
Happy reading, y'all.
August 12, 2019
Catch up in preparation for book 4
Oh Hawke and Tate how I adored them. I love this series but I'm not sure about crossing series's only because I haven't read that one,but I'm gonna give Logans need a try then I may have to edit this review. Anyway completely and utterly enjoyed this installment to the series and i can't wait for more xx �
Oh Hawke and Tate how I adored them. I love this series but I'm not sure about crossing series's only because I haven't read that one,but I'm gonna give Logans need a try then I may have to edit this review. Anyway completely and utterly enjoyed this installment to the series and i can't wait for more xx �
March 3, 2022
3.5 stars but rounding up.
This was so much better that book two!! Thank god!
But I will say their first sex scene� not my favorite but everything else in the book was good so I am not taking too many stars off.
On to book four!
This was so much better that book two!! Thank god!
But I will say their first sex scene� not my favorite but everything else in the book was good so I am not taking too many stars off.
On to book four!
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