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Finding #4
Finding Forgiveness
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B01B201Q2C
He was only there for a business deal…
A couple of days…that was all it was supposed to take for property developer Roman Blackwell to decide if the strip of land just south of Dare, Montana would be the perfect spot for his next luxury resort. He wasn’t interested in repairing his frayed relationship with his half-brother who’d moved to the small town a few months earlier and he definitely wasn’t interested in doing anything more than scratching an itch when he checked out the gay club near his hotel. But when his plans for a quick hook-up are waylaid after he steps in to save a young man being brutalized, Roman finds himself building an emotional connection he never saw coming.
One bad decision changed everything…
College student Hunter Greene has spent 18 months trying to forget the one night he gave in to temptation and made a decision to hide one lie by telling another. But the guilt of knowing he shattered another young man’s life to protect his own secret shame is slowly destroying him and he knows that soon even his spiral into a dangerous pattern of self-destructive behavior won’t be enough to keep his entire world from imploding. But the last thing he’s looking for is someone to save him.
But fate works in mysterious ways…
Forced to return to the town he grew up in, the last person Hunter expects to run into is the mysterious savior who changed everything with one soul shattering kiss. While he can’t deny his attraction to Roman, Hunter knows that he’ll never be free to act on it and once Roman discovers the terrible secret he’s hiding, it won’t matter anyway.
Because some things just can’t be forgiven…
Trigger Warning: This book does contain multiple possible triggers for some readers. Specifics can be found by utilizing the "Look Inside" feature or downloading a sample and scrolling to the page right before the table of contents. Please note that reading what triggers are included may cause spoilers.
Note: This book contains M/M sexual content and is intended for mature audiences
***This is Book 4 in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone story - no cliffhangers.***
Book 1 - Finding Home (M/M/M)
Book 2 - Finding Trust (M/M)
Book 3 - Finding Peace (M/M)
Book 4 - Finding Forgiveness (M/M)
He was only there for a business deal…
A couple of days…that was all it was supposed to take for property developer Roman Blackwell to decide if the strip of land just south of Dare, Montana would be the perfect spot for his next luxury resort. He wasn’t interested in repairing his frayed relationship with his half-brother who’d moved to the small town a few months earlier and he definitely wasn’t interested in doing anything more than scratching an itch when he checked out the gay club near his hotel. But when his plans for a quick hook-up are waylaid after he steps in to save a young man being brutalized, Roman finds himself building an emotional connection he never saw coming.
One bad decision changed everything…
College student Hunter Greene has spent 18 months trying to forget the one night he gave in to temptation and made a decision to hide one lie by telling another. But the guilt of knowing he shattered another young man’s life to protect his own secret shame is slowly destroying him and he knows that soon even his spiral into a dangerous pattern of self-destructive behavior won’t be enough to keep his entire world from imploding. But the last thing he’s looking for is someone to save him.
But fate works in mysterious ways…
Forced to return to the town he grew up in, the last person Hunter expects to run into is the mysterious savior who changed everything with one soul shattering kiss. While he can’t deny his attraction to Roman, Hunter knows that he’ll never be free to act on it and once Roman discovers the terrible secret he’s hiding, it won’t matter anyway.
Because some things just can’t be forgiven…
Trigger Warning: This book does contain multiple possible triggers for some readers. Specifics can be found by utilizing the "Look Inside" feature or downloading a sample and scrolling to the page right before the table of contents. Please note that reading what triggers are included may cause spoilers.
Note: This book contains M/M sexual content and is intended for mature audiences
***This is Book 4 in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone story - no cliffhangers.***
Book 1 - Finding Home (M/M/M)
Book 2 - Finding Trust (M/M)
Book 3 - Finding Peace (M/M)
Book 4 - Finding Forgiveness (M/M)
211 pages, ebook
First published January 24, 2016
261 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
May 1, 2016
I loved the dynamic between Hunter and Roman. Hunter was such a wounded soul until Roman found him. And Roman was in many ways the lost little boy whom no one wanted.
There was less melodrama here than in the other books I've read by this author. The beginning is brutal, and there is a tense standoff scene the end, but for the most part this story is more low key (but not easy, since it deals with the serious issues of physical abuse and self-harm).
Hunter needs to forgive himself, and Roman needs to come to terms with his past and family.
I really liked seeing Luke and Gray from book 3 again, and I loved watching Gray and Roman, who are half-brothers, mend their relationship.
Bonus points for adorable puppy Champ!
The steamy scenes were intense, and the HEA beyond perfect.
There was less melodrama here than in the other books I've read by this author. The beginning is brutal, and there is a tense standoff scene the end, but for the most part this story is more low key (but not easy, since it deals with the serious issues of physical abuse and self-harm).
Hunter needs to forgive himself, and Roman needs to come to terms with his past and family.
I really liked seeing Luke and Gray from book 3 again, and I loved watching Gray and Roman, who are half-brothers, mend their relationship.
Bonus points for adorable puppy Champ!
The steamy scenes were intense, and the HEA beyond perfect.
August 1, 2019
4.5 stars!! L❤️VED IT! Another favorite💕 in this series! I should have known that my new fav author would be able to turn two unlikable characters 😱from previous books into lovable, sweet MCs despite their baggage and past💘😍.
Although we had not met Hunter Greene, we knew him and hated him for what he did to Finn and how it impacted both him and Callan in Finding Home. But all that changed in the very first chapter when we find Hunter in a highly dangerous and self-destructive situation. 😢. Roman, not the very social or selfless person (Finding Peace) feels deeply for Hunter despite not knowing him, and steps in to save him. Fate intervenes and they meet again when Roman comes to Hunter's father's office to purchase some land for his new resort. Despite the initial awkwardness, they both feel a strong connection to each other. However, Hunter has huge personal demons that he has to battle before he can see any future with Roman😭. As for Roman; he too needs to move past his long held resentments. How apt for a book titled Finding Forgiveness to have one MC seeking forgiveness and the other who needs to forgive others and himself. 😍👏
The story is another roller-coaster of emotions; anger😬, tears😭, anxiety😳, love 😍, happiness and some 🔥hot hot 🔥passion 💖. It has everything and then some.💔💖.. all tied up in the end with a sweet and well-deserved HEA 💝. Highly recommended 👍👍
Although we had not met Hunter Greene, we knew him and hated him for what he did to Finn and how it impacted both him and Callan in Finding Home. But all that changed in the very first chapter when we find Hunter in a highly dangerous and self-destructive situation. 😢. Roman, not the very social or selfless person (Finding Peace) feels deeply for Hunter despite not knowing him, and steps in to save him. Fate intervenes and they meet again when Roman comes to Hunter's father's office to purchase some land for his new resort. Despite the initial awkwardness, they both feel a strong connection to each other. However, Hunter has huge personal demons that he has to battle before he can see any future with Roman😭. As for Roman; he too needs to move past his long held resentments. How apt for a book titled Finding Forgiveness to have one MC seeking forgiveness and the other who needs to forgive others and himself. 😍👏
The story is another roller-coaster of emotions; anger😬, tears😭, anxiety😳, love 😍, happiness and some 🔥hot hot 🔥passion 💖. It has everything and then some.💔💖.. all tied up in the end with a sweet and well-deserved HEA 💝. Highly recommended 👍👍
Read
November 18, 2016DNF 7%. No tengo ni idea de cómo será el libro y no lo voy a dar un rating aunque ganas me dan de ponerle una estrella. Tras una violación uno de los protagonistas besa y siente "lust" por el otro protagonista al que acaba de conocer, perdonad por el spoiler, pero es un absoluto NO para mi.
July 22, 2019
Re-read July 2019
I can't get enough of Sloane Kennedy's books.
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4.5 stars
I just love Sloane Kennedy's hurt/comfort. She writes traumatized characters like no one else.
Roman walks into the backroom of a bar to find a group of bikers having sex with a young man. Roman is not so sure it’s consensual since the guy is just staring ahead with a vacant look in his eyes. Roman decides to save the boy and he gets him out of there.
The boy is 19 year old Hunter, who wanted to punish himself, so he let the bikers use him. He wanted to be punished for being gay, for doing something horrible to Finn, a friend of his. He and Finn were kissing, but when they got caught Hunter told his dad it was all Finn’s fault. That Finn came onto him and that Hunter wasn’t gay. After that some very ugly stuff happened to Finn because Hunter outed him.
Hunter has not been able to forgive himself for doing this 18 months earlier. Also his dad had smacked him around his whole life, so Hunter decided he just can’t be gay. But after meeting Roman, he cannot deny his feelings anymore.
I loved these guys. Roman was a bit hard to get to know at first, but I did end up liking him. I especially liked how he took care of Hunter. I don't think anyone will be surprised if I say I loved Hunter. And felt terrible for what he went through.
Hunter was very inexperienced and had some trouble bottoming after what happened with the bikers. I liked that Roman had no problems letting Hunter top. It was nice to read about the younger, smaller guy topping the big guy.
I live for these kind of book characters. The tortured young guys who suffered some kind of trauma and the big guys protecting them. I'm so glad Sloane Kennedy keeps enabling my addiction.
I can't get enough of Sloane Kennedy's books.
-------------------
4.5 stars
I just love Sloane Kennedy's hurt/comfort. She writes traumatized characters like no one else.
Roman walks into the backroom of a bar to find a group of bikers having sex with a young man. Roman is not so sure it’s consensual since the guy is just staring ahead with a vacant look in his eyes. Roman decides to save the boy and he gets him out of there.
The boy is 19 year old Hunter, who wanted to punish himself, so he let the bikers use him. He wanted to be punished for being gay, for doing something horrible to Finn, a friend of his. He and Finn were kissing, but when they got caught Hunter told his dad it was all Finn’s fault. That Finn came onto him and that Hunter wasn’t gay. After that some very ugly stuff happened to Finn because Hunter outed him.
Hunter has not been able to forgive himself for doing this 18 months earlier. Also his dad had smacked him around his whole life, so Hunter decided he just can’t be gay. But after meeting Roman, he cannot deny his feelings anymore.
I loved these guys. Roman was a bit hard to get to know at first, but I did end up liking him. I especially liked how he took care of Hunter. I don't think anyone will be surprised if I say I loved Hunter. And felt terrible for what he went through.
Hunter was very inexperienced and had some trouble bottoming after what happened with the bikers. I liked that Roman had no problems letting Hunter top. It was nice to read about the younger, smaller guy topping the big guy.
I live for these kind of book characters. The tortured young guys who suffered some kind of trauma and the big guys protecting them. I'm so glad Sloane Kennedy keeps enabling my addiction.
March 3, 2019
***** Fabulous, walloping story in the terrific series !! ***** This is book 4 in the series, so we do see all of the previous characters, we get this last set to engage with and it is astounding !!!
( can stand alone)
Handsome, suit and tie, Roman is in Dare, MT. to buy land, and goes to a local gay bar to check it out. While there, he's led to the back room where a slim, young, man with long blonde hair is being "used". Roman changes the circumstances, and rescues Hunter. The 19 year old is in shock, and Roman cares for him back at his hotel. Roman is his champion, when no one else cared.
The intense kiss they share is devastating and meaningful. The very next morning, Roman goes to the real estate office to get his tour of the land, and it's Hunter who is to be his guide. Neither lets on they've met, and things progress from there. Hunter has been beaten repeatedly by his Dad for being gay, and is going to college, to get a degree and to get away. Roman and Hunter hit it off, and begin talking, sharing stories, revealing themselves, bonding, and both feel the attraction.
We are captivated by these strong men. They each have a back story that holds your heart. These deep feeling characters are perfect for one another, and will try to gain their ground so they can be worthy of each other. Roman is the rock that Hunter needs, and Hunter is devoted and tough in this relationship. We get action, warmth, reconnections, some violence, understanding, acceptance and of course hope for true love.
Highly recommend this magnificent tale. ENJOY !!!
===========
Triggers:
These subjects are treated beautifully with the usual respect Sloane Kennedy gives in all of her tales.
===============
( can stand alone)
Handsome, suit and tie, Roman is in Dare, MT. to buy land, and goes to a local gay bar to check it out. While there, he's led to the back room where a slim, young, man with long blonde hair is being "used". Roman changes the circumstances, and rescues Hunter. The 19 year old is in shock, and Roman cares for him back at his hotel. Roman is his champion, when no one else cared.
The intense kiss they share is devastating and meaningful. The very next morning, Roman goes to the real estate office to get his tour of the land, and it's Hunter who is to be his guide. Neither lets on they've met, and things progress from there. Hunter has been beaten repeatedly by his Dad for being gay, and is going to college, to get a degree and to get away. Roman and Hunter hit it off, and begin talking, sharing stories, revealing themselves, bonding, and both feel the attraction.
We are captivated by these strong men. They each have a back story that holds your heart. These deep feeling characters are perfect for one another, and will try to gain their ground so they can be worthy of each other. Roman is the rock that Hunter needs, and Hunter is devoted and tough in this relationship. We get action, warmth, reconnections, some violence, understanding, acceptance and of course hope for true love.
Highly recommend this magnificent tale. ENJOY !!!
===========
Triggers:
These subjects are treated beautifully with the usual respect Sloane Kennedy gives in all of her tales.
===============
April 9, 2017
Had this been my first SK book, I would have rated it 5 plus stars, but reading one SK book is like reading all of them. SK doesn't stray from her story pattern, so her books and characters are pretty predictable. As long as I'm in the mood for her stories, I enjoy them. I'll admit that I would really like to see her try something new (less crying men would be nice) because really I love her writing.
July 2, 2016
3.5 Stars
Finding Forgiveness was more my speed. Though the abuse, etc, was rather glossed over, I found I was more able to enjoy this story more than the 2 previous ones.
Hunter is the guy who accused Finn, from Finding Home of sexual assault when Hunter's dad caught them together. It was a dick move by a scared and (unknown at the time) abused boy. Hunter has felt endless guilt about it since then because Finn was, and still is, such a good guy and he did not deserve the fallout from that accusation. So Hunter punishes himself with a couple self harming techniques. He's one screwed up boy.
Roman is the half brother of Gray, from Finding Peace. His childhood was shit and he's always felt alone and abandoned. Invisible. He is successful mostly as a "fuck you" to his father and his father's wife for being so awful to him. Roman is still, in many ways, that lost little boy.
Finding Forgiveness starts out with a rather brutal scene where Hunter was a fairly willing victim of a brutal assault. Roman rescues him. When Hunter takes off in the middle of the night, Roman thought he wouldn't see the boy again, but fate has other plans and it turns out that Hunter is the son of the Mayor of Dare and also the realtor in charge of some land that Roman wants to buy.
I thought their relationship did progress too quickly. Insta-love often doesn't bother me, but it kinda did here, mostly because Hunter is so young and so screwed up. Still I enjoyed their interactions and seeing Hunter progress. He still has a long way to go, though, in my opinion. A person doesn't go from long term self harming to AOK in a blink of an eye. These things take time. But he's on the right track, I think.
There was a touch of OTT drama in Finding Forgiveness but not nearly as much as there was in the last two books, which I did appreciate. So all in all, I enjoyed this story.
Finding Forgiveness was more my speed. Though the abuse, etc, was rather glossed over, I found I was more able to enjoy this story more than the 2 previous ones.
Hunter is the guy who accused Finn, from Finding Home of sexual assault when Hunter's dad caught them together. It was a dick move by a scared and (unknown at the time) abused boy. Hunter has felt endless guilt about it since then because Finn was, and still is, such a good guy and he did not deserve the fallout from that accusation. So Hunter punishes himself with a couple self harming techniques. He's one screwed up boy.
Roman is the half brother of Gray, from Finding Peace. His childhood was shit and he's always felt alone and abandoned. Invisible. He is successful mostly as a "fuck you" to his father and his father's wife for being so awful to him. Roman is still, in many ways, that lost little boy.
Finding Forgiveness starts out with a rather brutal scene where Hunter was a fairly willing victim of a brutal assault. Roman rescues him. When Hunter takes off in the middle of the night, Roman thought he wouldn't see the boy again, but fate has other plans and it turns out that Hunter is the son of the Mayor of Dare and also the realtor in charge of some land that Roman wants to buy.
I thought their relationship did progress too quickly. Insta-love often doesn't bother me, but it kinda did here, mostly because Hunter is so young and so screwed up. Still I enjoyed their interactions and seeing Hunter progress. He still has a long way to go, though, in my opinion. A person doesn't go from long term self harming to AOK in a blink of an eye. These things take time. But he's on the right track, I think.
There was a touch of OTT drama in Finding Forgiveness but not nearly as much as there was in the last two books, which I did appreciate. So all in all, I enjoyed this story.
December 21, 2016
DNfuckingF. I'm not one to shy away from a book containing dark subject matter. I can gloss over parts of a book when I'm annoyed. But when stuff like rape feels like it's being used to play up the damsel in distress card.. Or when it's used to play up the heroics of another character who intervenes, I can't deal. It feels cheap and exploitative. Look, I get how trauma can be an important part of a story. But this just left me feeling squicky and angry. I mean, for fuck's sake, the book begins with one MC walking in on the other being gang raped, and then it's all lustful eye contact and boners two minutes later. It takes a lot for me to find fiction offensive, but alas. Here we are.
April 11, 2019
This is the fourth book in the series and I have to say that it was a bit more emotional than the previous ones, because it deals with some very sensitive subjects. Having read book 5, "Finding Hope" already, I can say that that one is still the most emotional of them all...and one of my all-time favorites. Still...this one makes a great "second best" when it comes to all the books in this series so far. I still have hope there will be more ;)
Since I've read all the books before this one, I already knew who Hunter was and what he did to Finn (book 1).
I always figured there was more to that story and when I found out what really happened and how Hunter was feeling, my heart broke for him
He's 19 years old and he's refusing to accept his gayness. Reason for this is his fucked up father who has been abusing him and treating him like shit his whole life. Hunter uses self-harm, to calm his panic, feeling pain on the outside makes the pain on the inside fade away...
When Hunter is at a gay bar, he follows a biker into a back room, he figures, if he lets himself be used by the guy, he might not feel these gay urges anymore. But what was supposed to be a one on one, turns into a gang thing and Hunter gets abused by more than just one biker. He doesn't say no or tries to stop it....he just retracts into himself...feeling numb...feeling nothing.
Roman is a developer who's in town to look a piece of land he wants to buy. He figures going out to gaybar at night is a good idea because he's been a bit tense about visiting the town his halfbrother lives in (Gray book 3). Maybe if he finds some hot guy to fuck, his stress will lessen...
He wasn't prepared to walk into a bunch of bikers abusing a young man. When he sees the empty look on the man's face, he springs into action and kicks their asses. He takes Hunter with him to his hotel room and tries to comfort him.
One kiss shared between the two of them changes everything...
These two men are both broken and lost in their own ways. One a bit more than the other. Will they be able to mend each other's broken pieces and will Hunter be able to forgive himself for what he did to Finn...
I really enjoyed this one, I felt so bad for Hunter. I know he made a mistake in the past, but I don't think he was responsible for other people's actions. He was just a kid himself and he didn't have anyone to lean on...Roman was perfect for Hunter.
He was patient and sweet and protective. I really liked the two of them together and I was very proud of how Hunter's confidence grew and how he finally stood up for himself and Finn.
This book does deal with sensitive subjects, such as non-consensual sex, self-harm, and abuse...
My reviews are posted on
February 14, 2019
***3 Stars***
First and foremost, this book comes with a trigger warning about self harm and rape/dubious consent. However, I'm not sure why the author left out the inclusion of suicide since it's not only mentioned but the scene plays out in Roman's memory. So I wanted to make sure that those sensitive to these issues have full disclosure. Also, none of these warnings are spoilers.
Okay, now on to my review.
This book started out by ripping my heart out at Hunter's self-loathing. The things he thought he deserved because of past mistakes broke my damn heart. Add in the fact that he's only 19 and still trying to please parents who in his father's case was physically and verbally abusive and in his mother's case completely neglectful...my heart was shredded.
Roman's backstory just added to my broken heart. Even though he was a successful man in his early 30's, deep down he never let go of the little boy who felt unwanted and abandoned.
However, while I was connected to Hunter and Roman individually, I just never really bought into their romance. I think the age difference was the biggest factor. Hunter felt so young to me. And because of that, Roman felt more like a savior and mentor than a true love interest.
Also, the evolution of things didn't feel natural. A kiss and handjob from the right man isn't going to miraculously make you get your life together, stand up to your parents, figure out your major at school, help you figure out financial aid, boost your self esteem, come to terms with being gay, etc. And that's basically what happened for Hunter.
So, unfortunately, as the book went on it kept losing me.
I did though really enjoy seeing Roman and Gray (his half brother, and the MC from Book 3) reconnect. And seeing how well all of the previous couples are doing was great. Also, two enthusiastic thumbs up to puppies!!
The epilogue while steamy and sweet, was overkill. Why the hell is a 19 year old getting married? He's still a freshman in college! He can't even legally drink at his damn wedding!! Ridiculous.
November 3, 2018
After reading the blurb for this one and realising who Roman's love interest was going to be I was curious how I would feel about Hunter after the lie he told made Finn and Callan's lives hell for eighteen months.
Hunter has been punishing himself since that night and the way these two meet was tough to read for the opening chapter no easing the reader in gently with this one.
Roman is Hunter's saviour taking care of him that first night but fate has a plan for these two, Roman's business brings them together again.
There is a connection between them and when Roman discovers how Hunter has been coping with his guilt there is only one person he turns to for help his big brother Gray.
Both Roman and Hunter need to deal with their painful pasts and the trauma they never confronted at the time they both tell each other every painful detail and finally make amends Roman with Gray and Hunter with Finn.
Along with all the heart to hearts they have they get physical this is all new to Hunter so Roman loves teaching Hunter new things showing him how right it is to be together.
I loved having all the guys included in this story and I love Mrs Greene she is a blast but I HATED Hunter's parents, a very enjoyable story tough at times and GO Callan I loved what he did at the end and the epilogue was cute.
Another Sloane Kennedy series completed for me this was my 26th SK book in just over 6 months.
Hunter has been punishing himself since that night and the way these two meet was tough to read for the opening chapter no easing the reader in gently with this one.
Roman is Hunter's saviour taking care of him that first night but fate has a plan for these two, Roman's business brings them together again.
There is a connection between them and when Roman discovers how Hunter has been coping with his guilt there is only one person he turns to for help his big brother Gray.
Both Roman and Hunter need to deal with their painful pasts and the trauma they never confronted at the time they both tell each other every painful detail and finally make amends Roman with Gray and Hunter with Finn.
Along with all the heart to hearts they have they get physical this is all new to Hunter so Roman loves teaching Hunter new things showing him how right it is to be together.
I loved having all the guys included in this story and I love Mrs Greene she is a blast but I HATED Hunter's parents, a very enjoyable story tough at times and GO Callan I loved what he did at the end and the epilogue was cute.
Another Sloane Kennedy series completed for me this was my 26th SK book in just over 6 months.
September 30, 2018
This was so beautiful- from angst and trauma came forgiveness and love. Hunter was only living part of a life, in fear and hiding he would self harm in a cycle of abuse and guilt. Along comes Roman with his own issues of rejection and anger, yet after meeting Hunter he becomes the protector and is able to work through some of his own problems. There’s quite a lot of angst in this book, but the resolutions are perfect... most enjoyable
May 1, 2021
I loved Hunter and Roman from the first page. They are so perfect for each other. I wouldn't call the book perfect but easily give it 4.5 stars. I felt the sensitive issues were dealt with respectfully and I loved that more information was included at the end of the book for those who need or know someone who may need help. As usual when reading a Sloane Kennedy novel, I laughed, cried, cheered the heroes, and booed the villains. Just a very satisfying read. Now on to the next. I'm glad I decided to take a chance on this author. If you haven't then you probably should too!
June 30, 2020
Ouch that opening scene is brutal. Reader beware. If you can get past that this book was very gut wrenching.
March 2, 2022
4 stars
Favorite of the series so far! Hunter and Roman are both in need of love and someone to see the true them, so glad they found each other!
Can’t wait for book 5 now!!
Favorite of the series so far! Hunter and Roman are both in need of love and someone to see the true them, so glad they found each other!
Can’t wait for book 5 now!!
October 12, 2016
Overall book rating: 4.2 Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book cover: 3 Stars
MC1: Hunter
MC2: Roman
I think out of all the books in this series was this the one who made me feel the most. My heart just broke for the pain Hunter had to cope with. I absolutely loved how Roman was with Hunter they way he talked to him and made him feel. I loved how Roman gave Hunter the courage to face all his demons.
Audio book: n/a
Book cover: 3 Stars
MC1: Hunter
MC2: Roman
I think out of all the books in this series was this the one who made me feel the most. My heart just broke for the pain Hunter had to cope with. I absolutely loved how Roman was with Hunter they way he talked to him and made him feel. I loved how Roman gave Hunter the courage to face all his demons.
June 4, 2016
Hunter and Roman are my absolute of this series. I couldn't believe it because I couldn't stand Roman he was such a jerk in the last book. I didn't have very high hopes for him but he redeemed himself big time. Hunter was and amazing character as well and I really cant say enough about them. It even had the sweetest epilogue.
January 23, 2019
4.5 stars
Great story loved it so much. Very touchy subjects so be mindful when reading.
Great story loved it so much. Very touchy subjects so be mindful when reading.
March 6, 2016
I don't know if this is the end of this series but I loved every one of these books. This one was about Hunter and Roman. Hunter is the boy Finn (from book 1) was caught kissing which ruined him in their little town and Roman is the brother of Grey (from book 3) who is kind of estranged and certainly pissed off at Grey. Roman first meets Hunter and a bar during something horrible then again the next day when he looking for land to develop. What a surprise! Anyways, Hunter is in the closet with his family but Roman is so yummy and yada yada. I just love how the villains from a previous book get to tell their stories in later books. I do believe these should be read in order just to understand who everyone is. I got weepy quite a few times and we had us some lovely smexing so all is good in my world.
May 8, 2018
4.5 stars. M/M. I really liked this book. I love getting emotionally involved with the characters in a book and it was certainly easy to do so with the young leading man in this one, Hunter. He had a terrible life, terrible parents, made a terrible mistake that almost cost an innocent man his life and his friends their livelihood. He hated himself and the town he lived in and I just so wanted him to have a better life.
Then Roman comes to town, a successful real estate developer (who has some family baggage himself) who sees Hunter being brutalized by a bunch of bikers at a gay bar. He has no idea who this kid is but drags him away from his situation, and is astounded to learn that what he was watching was, according to Hunter himself, consensual.
Roman and Hunter help each other come to grips with many things in their lives and it was a very nice read getting there.
Then Roman comes to town, a successful real estate developer (who has some family baggage himself) who sees Hunter being brutalized by a bunch of bikers at a gay bar. He has no idea who this kid is but drags him away from his situation, and is astounded to learn that what he was watching was, according to Hunter himself, consensual.
Roman and Hunter help each other come to grips with many things in their lives and it was a very nice read getting there.
March 23, 2016
True rating: 3.25 :-) ... inching toward a 3.5.
March 14, 2017
Another winner. Loved Hunter and Roman.
April 14, 2020
This would probably have gone on my top books for this series but for two things. One, there's a large age gap between the two main characters. And while I liked the two of them as a couple, they just didn't seem to really feel like a college student and older guy. They felt comparable in age. I could tell whether it was Hunter didn't feel that young or that Roman doesn't feel that old, but either way I don't love the age-gap trope as it is and in this case it just never seemed to make much sense. I would have preferred Roman's age to be a bit younger I think.
And two, well this is insta-love pure and simple. I loved the connection between the two guys, I loved how Hunter's pain and self-harm was handled. It all just felt a little rushed because of the insta-love nature of it. Hunter has been though more than most could imagine and he tortures himself over it. He can't admit he's gay let alone deal with the things that have happened to him because of his asshole of a father. The opening scene in this book is definitely worthy of a trigger warning mention. There's a big reason why I label this non-con/dubious-con. But luckily that scene is over quickly and the story moves on without living to long in it while not ignoring that it happened.
I appreciated that Roman had things he needed to deal with too not just the younger Hunter. I liked him getting to heal the relationship with his brother too. These two really do start to find a home together and with the men from previous parts of the series.
And two, well this is insta-love pure and simple. I loved the connection between the two guys, I loved how Hunter's pain and self-harm was handled. It all just felt a little rushed because of the insta-love nature of it. Hunter has been though more than most could imagine and he tortures himself over it. He can't admit he's gay let alone deal with the things that have happened to him because of his asshole of a father. The opening scene in this book is definitely worthy of a trigger warning mention. There's a big reason why I label this non-con/dubious-con. But luckily that scene is over quickly and the story moves on without living to long in it while not ignoring that it happened.
I appreciated that Roman had things he needed to deal with too not just the younger Hunter. I liked him getting to heal the relationship with his brother too. These two really do start to find a home together and with the men from previous parts of the series.
April 30, 2017
Unexpected Answers
When I realized Finding Forgiveness would feature Hunter as one of the heroes, I knew I’d be in for some fireworks. And man, were there ever. What I hadn’t expected was just how much hurt would be in this hurt/comfort story. I never foresaw what we learn about Hunter, and can say with certainty that this was one of the better books that set out to redeem a previously villainized character.
The character development really shone in this book for me, more so than even the romance. After meeting Roman in Finding Peace, I was interested to see how his story played out, specifically regarding how he’d reconnect with Gray. I wasn’t disappointed. I liked how Gray and Roman’s bond developed and slowly healed over the course of the book. It felt cautious but hopeful, and very realistic considering their history. And then there’s Hunter. I started this book not knowing how Miss Kennedy would ever explain away his actions, but she succeeded. He had valid reasons that led him to lie about Finn and his avoidance of Dare lent truth to him not knowing the full effects those accusations had. Between Hunter taking ownership of his actions, confronting his own mental health issues, and dealing with his parents, I couldn’t help but admire his strength. You could tell this character was important to the author, so when I read the author’s note at the end, I wasn’t surprised just how personal his story was and why the descriptions were so starkly honest.
As much as I liked Hunter and appreciated both men’s paths to overcoming painful pasts, I think resolving past and current conflicts and telling Hunter’s story in full detail unwittingly pushed the romance to the backburner a bit. I simply didn’t feel or believe the connection as firmly as I did in some of the other books in the series. Hunter and Roman meet in a bar when Roman steps in to help Hunter, and while there is an immediate spark, it’s not acted on much more than some kissing. Given the circumstances Roman found Hunter in and the fact that he’s in town for a brief period for a business deal as well as the age difference, the tentative start to their relationship made sense. I think I expected it to continue in that vein and let the chemistry simmer and build, but feelings developed very fast between these two. With all the other emotions flying around, their connection never really rang true or stood out for me. While I liked their interactions together, especially when Hunter’s youth and experience shone through, their individual journeys were the stars of the book rather than the romance and what really captured my attention in Finding Forgiveness.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
When I realized Finding Forgiveness would feature Hunter as one of the heroes, I knew I’d be in for some fireworks. And man, were there ever. What I hadn’t expected was just how much hurt would be in this hurt/comfort story. I never foresaw what we learn about Hunter, and can say with certainty that this was one of the better books that set out to redeem a previously villainized character.
The character development really shone in this book for me, more so than even the romance. After meeting Roman in Finding Peace, I was interested to see how his story played out, specifically regarding how he’d reconnect with Gray. I wasn’t disappointed. I liked how Gray and Roman’s bond developed and slowly healed over the course of the book. It felt cautious but hopeful, and very realistic considering their history. And then there’s Hunter. I started this book not knowing how Miss Kennedy would ever explain away his actions, but she succeeded. He had valid reasons that led him to lie about Finn and his avoidance of Dare lent truth to him not knowing the full effects those accusations had. Between Hunter taking ownership of his actions, confronting his own mental health issues, and dealing with his parents, I couldn’t help but admire his strength. You could tell this character was important to the author, so when I read the author’s note at the end, I wasn’t surprised just how personal his story was and why the descriptions were so starkly honest.
As much as I liked Hunter and appreciated both men’s paths to overcoming painful pasts, I think resolving past and current conflicts and telling Hunter’s story in full detail unwittingly pushed the romance to the backburner a bit. I simply didn’t feel or believe the connection as firmly as I did in some of the other books in the series. Hunter and Roman meet in a bar when Roman steps in to help Hunter, and while there is an immediate spark, it’s not acted on much more than some kissing. Given the circumstances Roman found Hunter in and the fact that he’s in town for a brief period for a business deal as well as the age difference, the tentative start to their relationship made sense. I think I expected it to continue in that vein and let the chemistry simmer and build, but feelings developed very fast between these two. With all the other emotions flying around, their connection never really rang true or stood out for me. While I liked their interactions together, especially when Hunter’s youth and experience shone through, their individual journeys were the stars of the book rather than the romance and what really captured my attention in Finding Forgiveness.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
January 30, 2022
DNF at 58%
At long last, I am no longer going to read this series. Why the hell I've read 3.5 books of a series I found severely wanting, I don't know, but here we are. This one was just too egregious in its flaws for me to continue, and in some ways showcases all the issues I had with the first three books but amped up.
1. Poor handling of traumatic backstories
This is a repeating problem in these books - characters have very traumatic backstories (gratuitous in my opinion) that are handled very badly. There's a lot of assault and rape for these poor dudes, and they tend to be addressed by Magic Dick Healing. This one is especially bad - the opening scene is Hunter getting dubcon gangbanged by bikers in a bar. He also has a very abusive father, and self-harm history due to all of this and what went down with Finn.
How is this handled? Well, Roman swoops in to save him in the bar, and then...they make out in his hotel room. Uh, this kid was just dubcon gang fucked, you're getting instalust and acting on it? Yikes. Then, the self-harm angle is kind of waved away by Roman saying one little thing. I know there was a mention of a real therapist, but to the point I've read they never showed up. So we have healing by dick and healing by idiot words. This backstory is too heavy to be treated in this way, hence the DNF. It's just...rude.
2. please god, may i have some commas
They are free!!
3. the writing quality
I think the writing is getting worse - clunky conversation and infosharing, robotic and wooden sex scenes (that shouldn't happen like that for Hunter given his background but I digress).
Overall, it's really point one that nuked the series for me. First, you don't need to give these characters such traumatic backstories, people can have hangups without getting assaulted. Second, if you do give them these backgrounds, you need to handle them well. Magic Dick Healing is the epitome of not handling it well.
At long last, I am no longer going to read this series. Why the hell I've read 3.5 books of a series I found severely wanting, I don't know, but here we are. This one was just too egregious in its flaws for me to continue, and in some ways showcases all the issues I had with the first three books but amped up.
1. Poor handling of traumatic backstories
This is a repeating problem in these books - characters have very traumatic backstories (gratuitous in my opinion) that are handled very badly. There's a lot of assault and rape for these poor dudes, and they tend to be addressed by Magic Dick Healing. This one is especially bad - the opening scene is Hunter getting dubcon gangbanged by bikers in a bar. He also has a very abusive father, and self-harm history due to all of this and what went down with Finn.
How is this handled? Well, Roman swoops in to save him in the bar, and then...they make out in his hotel room. Uh, this kid was just dubcon gang fucked, you're getting instalust and acting on it? Yikes. Then, the self-harm angle is kind of waved away by Roman saying one little thing. I know there was a mention of a real therapist, but to the point I've read they never showed up. So we have healing by dick and healing by idiot words. This backstory is too heavy to be treated in this way, hence the DNF. It's just...rude.
2. please god, may i have some commas
They are free!!
3. the writing quality
I think the writing is getting worse - clunky conversation and infosharing, robotic and wooden sex scenes (that shouldn't happen like that for Hunter given his background but I digress).
Overall, it's really point one that nuked the series for me. First, you don't need to give these characters such traumatic backstories, people can have hangups without getting assaulted. Second, if you do give them these backgrounds, you need to handle them well. Magic Dick Healing is the epitome of not handling it well.
February 20, 2016
Another great addition to the “finding series”. Could be read as a standalone, but you’re going to miss so much background if you do as all the MCs from the previous books are there.
The title of the book is right on spot : it’s about forgiveness for oneself and from the others.
Roman, a wealthy property developer in his thirties, is trying to get another go at a relationship with his half brother Gray and happens to have a business deal where Gray lives. He meets Hunter, a young student, completely at lost with his sexuality, hurting so much from past mistakes and also from the abuse of his father.
Whoa, what a roller coaster. It’s all about guilt, self destruction, understanding, acceptance, forgiveness, redemption, friendship. And there is a great dose of angst. And really hot moments. And a nice HEA.
Really fast paced because the book is waaayyy too short, but still well written. Insta-love, a bit sappy, but it’s from Sloane Kennedy, so she makes it work. Don’t know how she does it, but I get hooked all the times with her stories.
My only complaint : it seems it’s the end for this series.
The title of the book is right on spot : it’s about forgiveness for oneself and from the others.
Roman, a wealthy property developer in his thirties, is trying to get another go at a relationship with his half brother Gray and happens to have a business deal where Gray lives. He meets Hunter, a young student, completely at lost with his sexuality, hurting so much from past mistakes and also from the abuse of his father.
Whoa, what a roller coaster. It’s all about guilt, self destruction, understanding, acceptance, forgiveness, redemption, friendship. And there is a great dose of angst. And really hot moments. And a nice HEA.
Really fast paced because the book is waaayyy too short, but still well written. Insta-love, a bit sappy, but it’s from Sloane Kennedy, so she makes it work. Don’t know how she does it, but I get hooked all the times with her stories.
My only complaint : it seems it’s the end for this series.
May 29, 2018
This is the first book in the "finding" series that I've read, and it can be read as a standalone. There are secondary characters from previous books (I know because I've read the blurbs), but it isn't necessary to know them to understand the plot.
First of all I have to say that there are trigger warnings and if they maybe be considered spoilers by someone, I strongly recommend to read them because some scenes are pretty heavy in those contexts.
I liked this book a lot but I don't loved it. It's only my third book by this author and in my opinion this one isn't as good as the two in the pelican bay series.
It's a good story, with a lot of angst and drama but in the end we have a beautiful and earned HEA.
The characters were likeable, in particular I bounded with Hunter.
In the end.. I would recommend this one, the writing style and the story are really good and between the angst there are steamy moments and also lovely ones.
I think (maybe) I'll read the other books in the series.
First of all I have to say that there are trigger warnings and if they maybe be considered spoilers by someone, I strongly recommend to read them because some scenes are pretty heavy in those contexts.
I liked this book a lot but I don't loved it. It's only my third book by this author and in my opinion this one isn't as good as the two in the pelican bay series.
It's a good story, with a lot of angst and drama but in the end we have a beautiful and earned HEA.
The characters were likeable, in particular I bounded with Hunter.
In the end.. I would recommend this one, the writing style and the story are really good and between the angst there are steamy moments and also lovely ones.
I think (maybe) I'll read the other books in the series.
February 19, 2018
Not as interesting or entertaining as previous stories in this series, this one had so much trauma drama that it was evident it was fiction. And that's okay, but then there was OTT sex scenes and unlikely situations and I just din't get into it like some of the other Sloane Kennedy books I've devoured lately.
Also warning for those who might be triggered--there's an on-page gang rape scene early in the story, though the victim doesn't call it rape at the time. Definitely at least dub con though.
Also warning for those who might be triggered--there's an on-page gang rape scene early in the story, though the victim doesn't call it rape at the time. Definitely at least dub con though.
February 1, 2016
I m so sorry to see this series end. My first thought when Hunter"s therapist was introduced was "he so needs his own book":))). It finally happened, someone finally surpassed my love for Jax. I like all the boys but Jax was my favorite until Roman. Both Hunter and Roman are strong charactets but Roman was freaking perfect. Favorite lines "us runts gotta stick together" and " man, I rock this big brother shit!". I enjoyed this series tremendously.
March 27, 2024
4 stelle e mezzo
Tutti i romanzi della serie Finding raccontano storie non facili, ma questo volume è stato particolarmente doloroso.
I due protagonisti hanno un passato pesantissimo, che in parte avevo subodorato dai capitoli precedenti, ma che comunque mi è arrivato addosso stringendomi il cuore in una morsa.
Non voglio dirvi nulla, ma sappiate che l'autrice è stata in grado di parlare di argomenti complessi e duri, tristemente attuali, con un'empatia profonda, mettendo a nudo emozioni, azioni e percorsi psicologici che avrei voluto disperatamente non fossero veri, ma che invece sono sotto ai nostri occhi più spesso di quanto non sembri. La nota finale dell'autrice mi ha commossa, mentre la scena iniziale, nonostante avessi letto l'avviso sui contenuti sensibili e fossi preparata, mi ha lasciata senza fiato.
Roman e Hunter sono delineati con estrema grazia, anche nelle fasi più buie. Tutte le loro molteplici emozioni, nonché i viscerali sentimenti, sono descritti con cura e partecipazione.
Ritroviamo i protagonisti degli altri libri e finalmente il cerchio si chiude.
Unici due nei, molto personali, sono l'estrema velocità con cui esplode l'amore tra Hunter e Roman (che ci volete fare, sono appassionata di cotture lentissime🤦🏼♀️😂) e le numerose scene di sesso, belle e intense, ma troppe per i miei gusti.
Il ritmo narrativo è piacevolmente teso e lo stile avvincente e appassionante. La resa italiana è ben curata.
Hugs&kisses
Tutti i romanzi della serie Finding raccontano storie non facili, ma questo volume è stato particolarmente doloroso.
I due protagonisti hanno un passato pesantissimo, che in parte avevo subodorato dai capitoli precedenti, ma che comunque mi è arrivato addosso stringendomi il cuore in una morsa.
Non voglio dirvi nulla, ma sappiate che l'autrice è stata in grado di parlare di argomenti complessi e duri, tristemente attuali, con un'empatia profonda, mettendo a nudo emozioni, azioni e percorsi psicologici che avrei voluto disperatamente non fossero veri, ma che invece sono sotto ai nostri occhi più spesso di quanto non sembri. La nota finale dell'autrice mi ha commossa, mentre la scena iniziale, nonostante avessi letto l'avviso sui contenuti sensibili e fossi preparata, mi ha lasciata senza fiato.
Roman e Hunter sono delineati con estrema grazia, anche nelle fasi più buie. Tutte le loro molteplici emozioni, nonché i viscerali sentimenti, sono descritti con cura e partecipazione.
Ritroviamo i protagonisti degli altri libri e finalmente il cerchio si chiude.
Unici due nei, molto personali, sono l'estrema velocità con cui esplode l'amore tra Hunter e Roman (che ci volete fare, sono appassionata di cotture lentissime🤦🏼♀️😂) e le numerose scene di sesso, belle e intense, ma troppe per i miei gusti.
Il ritmo narrativo è piacevolmente teso e lo stile avvincente e appassionante. La resa italiana è ben curata.
Hugs&kisses
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