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Barretti Security #4
Freeing Zane
Zane doesn’t do relationships and Connor is definitely the kind of guy who does…
Criminal defense attorney Zane Devereaux is on the verge of having everything he’s worked his entire life for. He’s on track to become his firm’s youngest managing partner and he has enough money in the bank to ensure he’ll never have to be at the mercy of anyone ever again. He’s left his past exactly where it belongs and refuses to look back. And he sure as hell isn’t going to risk a repeat of his former mistakes by letting someone as sweet, sexy and endearingly vulnerable as Connor Talbot into his life. His bed maybe, but not his life.
Connor Talbot has no regrets about serving his country, even if it did cost him more then he’d imagined. Two years after an IED took his leg and left him with permanent brain damage, Connor is still struggling to put his life back together, but he’s managed to find a makeshift family in Seattle that helps ease the pain of losing his own at a young age. Unfortunately, a string of bad relationships and an abusive ex have taken their toll on Connor and he’s given up on finding the lifelong partner he’d always envisioned he’d have. But a chance encounter with a man he has absolutely nothing in common with except for an intense, white-hot chemistry has him thinking that maybe a no strings, physical relationship is exactly what’s called for.
What begins as two men meeting each other’s needs between the sheets turns into something neither one was prepared for but the wounds of the past run deep and both men will have to decide if a future together will cost them too much or if what they could have together is worth fighting for.
Note: This book contains explicit M/M content and is intended for mature audiences
Trigger Warning: This book contains references to abuse that may be disturbing for some readers.
Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. No cliffhangers.
Barretti Security Series
Book 1 - Loving Vin (M/F)
Book 2 - Redeeming Rafe (M/M)
Book 3 - Saving Ren (M/M/M)
Book 4 - Freeing Zane (M/M)
The Barretti Security Series is a spin-off of The Escort Series and some of the characters from that series appear in this one so if you want to read the books in order, start with this series:
The Escort Series
Book 1 - Gabriel's Rule (M/F) Gabe & Riley
Book 2 - Shane's Fall (M/F) Shane & Savannah
Book 3 - Logan's Need (M/M) Logan & Dom
Criminal defense attorney Zane Devereaux is on the verge of having everything he’s worked his entire life for. He’s on track to become his firm’s youngest managing partner and he has enough money in the bank to ensure he’ll never have to be at the mercy of anyone ever again. He’s left his past exactly where it belongs and refuses to look back. And he sure as hell isn’t going to risk a repeat of his former mistakes by letting someone as sweet, sexy and endearingly vulnerable as Connor Talbot into his life. His bed maybe, but not his life.
Connor Talbot has no regrets about serving his country, even if it did cost him more then he’d imagined. Two years after an IED took his leg and left him with permanent brain damage, Connor is still struggling to put his life back together, but he’s managed to find a makeshift family in Seattle that helps ease the pain of losing his own at a young age. Unfortunately, a string of bad relationships and an abusive ex have taken their toll on Connor and he’s given up on finding the lifelong partner he’d always envisioned he’d have. But a chance encounter with a man he has absolutely nothing in common with except for an intense, white-hot chemistry has him thinking that maybe a no strings, physical relationship is exactly what’s called for.
What begins as two men meeting each other’s needs between the sheets turns into something neither one was prepared for but the wounds of the past run deep and both men will have to decide if a future together will cost them too much or if what they could have together is worth fighting for.
Note: This book contains explicit M/M content and is intended for mature audiences
Trigger Warning: This book contains references to abuse that may be disturbing for some readers.
Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. No cliffhangers.
Barretti Security Series
Book 1 - Loving Vin (M/F)
Book 2 - Redeeming Rafe (M/M)
Book 3 - Saving Ren (M/M/M)
Book 4 - Freeing Zane (M/M)
The Barretti Security Series is a spin-off of The Escort Series and some of the characters from that series appear in this one so if you want to read the books in order, start with this series:
The Escort Series
Book 1 - Gabriel's Rule (M/F) Gabe & Riley
Book 2 - Shane's Fall (M/F) Shane & Savannah
Book 3 - Logan's Need (M/M) Logan & Dom
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2015
224 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
June 4, 2021
⭐ 2.5 “it was enjoyable… until it wasn’t” stars ⭐
I stubbornly refused to give up on this series by Sloane Kennedy, since I loathe leaving any series unfinished (and I'm way too stubborn for my own good).
What conclusion have I drawn from my latest attempt?
This is going to be my mantra when I look at myself in the mirror every morning now.
******************
Me and Sloane Kennedy? We have a toxic unilateral relationship (in which I dislike most of her books, but still read them). This, however, does NOT mean her books are bad or I judge anyone else who loves them.
It's just a matter of…
And my own foolishness if I'm completely honest.
But with that out of the way, let me get to the juicy bits.
WARNING: spoilers will be discussed below. Pretty heavy ones too because I just gave up and decided to make this review into a diary of my highlighted notes.
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🚨
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(By the way, I will refer to the MCs with their respective names and the first letter of those, so it hopefully gets less repetitive)
⇢ Page 1: the protagonists ( Zane and Connor ) meet. One of them already gets a boner just from talking, which is how you know this is a SK book, of course.
⇢ Page 11: Zane mocks Connor for being helpless while he was sexually assaulted in the previous book. Charming fella, right?
⇢ Page 14: my love for the MC Connor manifesting. He lost a leg while serving overseas and has brain damage, which leads to him experiencing some powerful flashbacks. Yet he is also one of the most fiercely independent and determined characters SK has written. Which I have to commend her for.
⇢ Page 17: Z calls Connor a derogatory term for disabled people. I won’t repeat it but it starts with a c and rhymes with ripple.
My reaction to Zane by that point...
He was just asking to catch hands. And legs. And a few elbows and knees too.
⇢ Page 22: Zane tells C he wants to “lean him over that bar of his and fuck him so hard and so well that the only thing he will feel is that perfect ass of his crying out to do it all over again.” This is how chapter ONE ends, by the way. I already knew I was in for a trip, y’all.
⇢ Page 29: First sex scene takes place. I reach the conclusion that the less plot and more porn there is, the more enjoyment from a SK book I can derive.
⇢ Page 58: The MCs BEEN fucking. But it’s here that Connor’s previous abusive relationship is finally addressed and SK does a pretty good job of showcasing the guilt and shame victims can experience. So kudos to her.
⇢ Page 68: I had already cried five (5) times. The angst was working for me and I was starting to have a good time. Zane’s spontaneous erections kept worsening though, and if I were him I would be consulting with a health professional. Gotta be lightheaded there, buddy.
⇢ Page 71: Z displays empathy for Connor’s situation. FINALLY.
⇢ Page 91: C’s boss is a woman named Mags who is casually described as having a wife. Nothing of consequence here, but I thought the normalization of sapphic characters was sorta dope.
⇢ Page 93: Just when I was beginning to like Zane for learning to be unproblematic, he describes how he knows there is a serious issue with sexual harassment in his law firm and he just looks the other way. He really said “but that’s not my business”, uh? Truthfully a piece of 💩💩💩
⇢ Page 134: a stalker is introduced. And yes, this is probably the 80th time SK uses a stalker as a plot device.
⇢ Page 137: the MC Connor is hospitalized and put into intensive care?! If you’re getting whiplash and thinking I skipped a few points, THINK AGAIN. That’s how outta the blue this was.
⇢ Page 141: what was shaping to be the main conflict of the novel is disposed of in a single paragraph and completely off-page. By now, I felt downright clownish for thinking this one would be the magical book I’d love out of the series.
⇢ Page 153: Zane caressing Connor snaps the later guy out of a trauma-related flashback. Which is exactly how that works. No doubt about it.
If only physicians knew of this ancestral technique.
⇢ Page 160: another sex scene happens two weeks after Connor left the hospital and had MAJOR surgery on his stomach. And they decide to have C riding Zane and doing all the work??? WHILE RECUPERATING FROM MAJOR SURGERY?
Was Zane trying to kill the guy or...?
⇢ Page 161: there are some good descriptions of cumplay. Yes, the sex scene above still doesn’t make sense. But it’s hot though.
⇢ Page 170: of course there’s more trauma, of course there’s another stalker, AND of course the protagonists are gonna keep fucking like rabbits.
⇢ Page 185: more cumplay. What is beginning to be the only part I enjoy anymore from the book. Starting to wish this was plotless erotica…
⇢ 192: One of the MCs mention he wants to “be one” with the other. Why can’t people just say fuck? Please say fuck.
⇢ Page 204: helpless kids are introduced. Again, completely out of the blue and without previous foreshadowing.
⇢ Page 227: It is pointed out that less than three months have passed. It took the MCs less than THREE WHOLE MONTHS to develop feelings, get over major relationship trauma/commitment issues, move in together, and adopt the aforementioned kids.
Can you say red flags any faster?
⇢ Page 227: literal paragraphs after that admission, the second stalker shows up and is easily disposed of. But hey, at least this time it happens on-page.
⇢ Page 235: we reach the epilogue. It abruptly skips eight years and suddenly everyone in the squad has a multitude of kids and their reunion looks like they’re showing up for church with how many people there are… (bonus points for most of the epilogue not even focusing on the main couple either and being narrated by a whole different side character)
⇢ Page 248 aka The End and me realizing I finished the whole series:
My sanity dangles from a fragile rope. I can hear people calling out for me from far away, urging me by whispering that “I need to wake up. I need to fight!”. Somewhere in the distance, my mother is weeping. I can’t feel my body anymore, but that means the pain has ceased too. My eyelids flutter, trying to fruitlessly open, and the voices continue to drift. The cold settles in, my last thoughts becoming dazed and hard to untangle.
I can form solely one phrase then, the only remaining words that make any sense at all while my conscience spirals.
It's finally over.
There’s a bittersweet smile on my face as life slips away through my fingers. When the void fully embraces me and cradles me in its arms, that’s when I reach the relaxation I’ve been hoping for. At last, I can rest.
*****************
So yeah, that’s a wrap-up, folks!! I finished the Barretti Security series and I think my masochist streak has ended. I truly thought this would be the golden goose of the series, but then the logic-defying melodrama hit and I couldn’t keep track of all the mess happening, both on and off-page.
If any of the above sounds appealing to you, however, don’t allow me to deter you, and give this one a try!
After all…
*****************
Now, considering I completed the entire series. Let me do a…
Keywords to figure out if this might be the series for you:
Drama Central. Found family trope (which I actually enjoyed). Tons of traumatic pasts. Some angst that feels superfluous, but when it does work it has you crying like a newborn babe. Steamy well-written sex scenes that are the only constant throughout the books. Versatile couples. Insta-lust, love, and family planning. Alternative title for the series: Sloane Kennedy and the case of the Perpetual Erections. Sex as a healing method (every character could be a sketchy new age guru, I swear). Stalkers. HEA’s that usually leave me feeling like a carcass of a human, but which could work for you if you end up enjoying the books!
And finally, to conclude this review …
The vibes. Although I still feel a bit accomplished for pulling through and finishing the damned thing, so there's that.
*****************
Barretti Security series by Sloane Kennedy (Full reading order for the SKLU here)
Lovin Vin — 2.5 ⭐
Redeeming Rafe — 3.3 ⭐
Saving Ren — 2.5 ⭐
Freeing Zane — 2.5 ⭐
I stubbornly refused to give up on this series by Sloane Kennedy, since I loathe leaving any series unfinished (and I'm way too stubborn for my own good).
What conclusion have I drawn from my latest attempt?
This is going to be my mantra when I look at myself in the mirror every morning now.
******************
Me and Sloane Kennedy? We have a toxic unilateral relationship (in which I dislike most of her books, but still read them). This, however, does NOT mean her books are bad or I judge anyone else who loves them.
It's just a matter of…
And my own foolishness if I'm completely honest.
But with that out of the way, let me get to the juicy bits.
WARNING: spoilers will be discussed below. Pretty heavy ones too because I just gave up and decided to make this review into a diary of my highlighted notes.
🚨
🚨
🚨
🚨
🚨
🚨
🚨
🚨
(By the way, I will refer to the MCs with their respective names and the first letter of those, so it hopefully gets less repetitive)
⇢ Page 1: the protagonists ( Zane and Connor ) meet. One of them already gets a boner just from talking, which is how you know this is a SK book, of course.
⇢ Page 11: Zane mocks Connor for being helpless while he was sexually assaulted in the previous book. Charming fella, right?
⇢ Page 14: my love for the MC Connor manifesting. He lost a leg while serving overseas and has brain damage, which leads to him experiencing some powerful flashbacks. Yet he is also one of the most fiercely independent and determined characters SK has written. Which I have to commend her for.
⇢ Page 17: Z calls Connor a derogatory term for disabled people. I won’t repeat it but it starts with a c and rhymes with ripple.
My reaction to Zane by that point...
He was just asking to catch hands. And legs. And a few elbows and knees too.
⇢ Page 22: Zane tells C he wants to “lean him over that bar of his and fuck him so hard and so well that the only thing he will feel is that perfect ass of his crying out to do it all over again.” This is how chapter ONE ends, by the way. I already knew I was in for a trip, y’all.
⇢ Page 29: First sex scene takes place. I reach the conclusion that the less plot and more porn there is, the more enjoyment from a SK book I can derive.
⇢ Page 58: The MCs BEEN fucking. But it’s here that Connor’s previous abusive relationship is finally addressed and SK does a pretty good job of showcasing the guilt and shame victims can experience. So kudos to her.
⇢ Page 68: I had already cried five (5) times. The angst was working for me and I was starting to have a good time. Zane’s spontaneous erections kept worsening though, and if I were him I would be consulting with a health professional. Gotta be lightheaded there, buddy.
⇢ Page 71: Z displays empathy for Connor’s situation. FINALLY.
⇢ Page 91: C’s boss is a woman named Mags who is casually described as having a wife. Nothing of consequence here, but I thought the normalization of sapphic characters was sorta dope.
⇢ Page 93: Just when I was beginning to like Zane for learning to be unproblematic, he describes how he knows there is a serious issue with sexual harassment in his law firm and he just looks the other way. He really said “but that’s not my business”, uh? Truthfully a piece of 💩💩💩
⇢ Page 134: a stalker is introduced. And yes, this is probably the 80th time SK uses a stalker as a plot device.
⇢ Page 137: the MC Connor is hospitalized and put into intensive care?! If you’re getting whiplash and thinking I skipped a few points, THINK AGAIN. That’s how outta the blue this was.
⇢ Page 141: what was shaping to be the main conflict of the novel is disposed of in a single paragraph and completely off-page. By now, I felt downright clownish for thinking this one would be the magical book I’d love out of the series.
⇢ Page 153: Zane caressing Connor snaps the later guy out of a trauma-related flashback. Which is exactly how that works. No doubt about it.
If only physicians knew of this ancestral technique.
⇢ Page 160: another sex scene happens two weeks after Connor left the hospital and had MAJOR surgery on his stomach. And they decide to have C riding Zane and doing all the work??? WHILE RECUPERATING FROM MAJOR SURGERY?
Was Zane trying to kill the guy or...?
⇢ Page 161: there are some good descriptions of cumplay. Yes, the sex scene above still doesn’t make sense. But it’s hot though.
⇢ Page 170: of course there’s more trauma, of course there’s another stalker, AND of course the protagonists are gonna keep fucking like rabbits.
⇢ Page 185: more cumplay. What is beginning to be the only part I enjoy anymore from the book. Starting to wish this was plotless erotica…
⇢ 192: One of the MCs mention he wants to “be one” with the other. Why can’t people just say fuck? Please say fuck.
⇢ Page 204: helpless kids are introduced. Again, completely out of the blue and without previous foreshadowing.
⇢ Page 227: It is pointed out that less than three months have passed. It took the MCs less than THREE WHOLE MONTHS to develop feelings, get over major relationship trauma/commitment issues, move in together, and adopt the aforementioned kids.
Can you say red flags any faster?
⇢ Page 227: literal paragraphs after that admission, the second stalker shows up and is easily disposed of. But hey, at least this time it happens on-page.
⇢ Page 235: we reach the epilogue. It abruptly skips eight years and suddenly everyone in the squad has a multitude of kids and their reunion looks like they’re showing up for church with how many people there are… (bonus points for most of the epilogue not even focusing on the main couple either and being narrated by a whole different side character)
⇢ Page 248 aka The End and me realizing I finished the whole series:
My sanity dangles from a fragile rope. I can hear people calling out for me from far away, urging me by whispering that “I need to wake up. I need to fight!”. Somewhere in the distance, my mother is weeping. I can’t feel my body anymore, but that means the pain has ceased too. My eyelids flutter, trying to fruitlessly open, and the voices continue to drift. The cold settles in, my last thoughts becoming dazed and hard to untangle.
I can form solely one phrase then, the only remaining words that make any sense at all while my conscience spirals.
It's finally over.
There’s a bittersweet smile on my face as life slips away through my fingers. When the void fully embraces me and cradles me in its arms, that’s when I reach the relaxation I’ve been hoping for. At last, I can rest.
*****************
So yeah, that’s a wrap-up, folks!! I finished the Barretti Security series and I think my masochist streak has ended. I truly thought this would be the golden goose of the series, but then the logic-defying melodrama hit and I couldn’t keep track of all the mess happening, both on and off-page.
If any of the above sounds appealing to you, however, don’t allow me to deter you, and give this one a try!
After all…
*****************
Now, considering I completed the entire series. Let me do a…
Keywords to figure out if this might be the series for you:
Drama Central. Found family trope (which I actually enjoyed). Tons of traumatic pasts. Some angst that feels superfluous, but when it does work it has you crying like a newborn babe. Steamy well-written sex scenes that are the only constant throughout the books. Versatile couples. Insta-lust, love, and family planning. Alternative title for the series: Sloane Kennedy and the case of the Perpetual Erections. Sex as a healing method (every character could be a sketchy new age guru, I swear). Stalkers. HEA’s that usually leave me feeling like a carcass of a human, but which could work for you if you end up enjoying the books!
And finally, to conclude this review …
The vibes. Although I still feel a bit accomplished for pulling through and finishing the damned thing, so there's that.
*****************
Barretti Security series by Sloane Kennedy (Full reading order for the SKLU here)
Lovin Vin — 2.5 ⭐
Redeeming Rafe — 3.3 ⭐
Saving Ren — 2.5 ⭐
Freeing Zane — 2.5 ⭐
November 25, 2015
4.25 Stars!
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this one! I didn't read the others in the series first, I'm a rebel like that! I felt a tad lost at the beginning but things smoothed out and I got the hang of who wasdoing who.
This was low angst in the relationship sense but in the plot sense it was almost OTT with all of the things that happened!
The sex was plentiful and HOT!
Overall, a really enjoyable and entertaining read! I'll definitely be going back and checking out some of the others in the series!
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this one! I didn't read the others in the series first, I'm a rebel like that! I felt a tad lost at the beginning but things smoothed out and I got the hang of who was
This was low angst in the relationship sense but in the plot sense it was almost OTT with all of the things that happened!
The sex was plentiful and HOT!
Overall, a really enjoyable and entertaining read! I'll definitely be going back and checking out some of the others in the series!
May 7, 2016
I like a nice slow burn. When the sex happens too quickly, in the guise of "this is just fucking, nothing more," I get bored.
Zane and Connor have great chemistry, but they deny their feelings for too damn long.
The sex is hot & dirty, the drama way (like WAY!) intense, and the HEA ... hell, get out that ladle and pour some sugar on me!
After reading the extended epilogue about the entire Barretti clan, I needed two units of rapid-acting insulin STAT.
I can get down with the sweet-n-sappy, but does everyone need 3.5 children to be happy? So many kids. And weddings. And kids.
Sweetness overdose.
Zane and Connor have great chemistry, but they deny their feelings for too damn long.
The sex is hot & dirty, the drama way (like WAY!) intense, and the HEA ... hell, get out that ladle and pour some sugar on me!
After reading the extended epilogue about the entire Barretti clan, I needed two units of rapid-acting insulin STAT.
I can get down with the sweet-n-sappy, but does everyone need 3.5 children to be happy? So many kids. And weddings. And kids.
Sweetness overdose.
June 22, 2018
Re-read june '18 .... still love these two ;)
Really enjoyed this one, just like all the other. Sweet, sexy with a very nice storyline.
Zane and Conner were awesome together and I liked that there was a bit of angst in there, but not too much.
I do have to say that Rens book is still my favorite so far, but as still have to read Logans story (escort series), so who knows.
4 stars from me ;)
Really enjoyed this one, just like all the other. Sweet, sexy with a very nice storyline.
Zane and Conner were awesome together and I liked that there was a bit of angst in there, but not too much.
I do have to say that Rens book is still my favorite so far, but as still have to read Logans story (escort series), so who knows.
4 stars from me ;)
November 20, 2015
This was so good guys! Warm fuzzies everywhere, super hot sex and an epilogue to crush all epilogues!
I'm off to read book 2 (M/M) and book 3 (M/M/M). I might even read book 1 (M/F). It was that good!
Review shortly.
I'm off to read book 2 (M/M) and book 3 (M/M/M). I might even read book 1 (M/F). It was that good!
Review shortly.
August 5, 2020
Sloane Kennedy has done it again with a great story in the wonderful series Barretti Security. Zane is an attorney working his tail off to make partner. Unfortunately it means he has no life outside of work. Zane meets Connor and his idea of no room for relationships gets thrown out. Zane looks after Connor and tries to help him even though he has his own secrets and dull life before he met Connor. They work to help each other and Barretti Security. This book is another must read as the other 3 in the series and again all the characters in books 1 2 and 3 are here also so you get to see how their lives are too. The epilogue brings this series to a full circle and I miss reading about them as this is the last book in the series.
February 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
It turned out that I enjoyed Freeing Zane more than Ithought I would based on my feelings toward the first 20%. Zane was so cold, I really didn't like him. At all. So I didn't really see what Connor saw in him. Things looked up after that, though, and Zane became a real boy. I'm so glad. He and Connor were great together and their chemistry was delicious.
Freeing Zane was a solid 4 star read, except for 2 things: the scene with . And that epilogue -- so many kids! I couldn't keep up. Glad everyone is happy and settled, but what the hell was with all the kids? Anyway....
It turned out that I enjoyed Freeing Zane more than Ithought I would based on my feelings toward the first 20%. Zane was so cold, I really didn't like him. At all. So I didn't really see what Connor saw in him. Things looked up after that, though, and Zane became a real boy. I'm so glad. He and Connor were great together and their chemistry was delicious.
Freeing Zane was a solid 4 star read, except for 2 things: the scene with . And that epilogue -- so many kids! I couldn't keep up. Glad everyone is happy and settled, but what the hell was with all the kids? Anyway....
April 18, 2024
Once again Sloan Kennedy gives us two very broken men who are each other’s perfect fit. I love the journey she takes us on with her books. I know I’m going to get all the feels, hurt/comfort, vulnerable/broken men and a huge network of family that they’ve made for themselves along with the drama and suspense.
When I first started this I was a bit taken aback by just how much of a jerk Zane was, he was downright cruel initially. But oh man, when those guards come down and the feelings start seeping through? I’m totally done for.
Loved Connor -his vulnerability, his sweet gentle soul and loved that he went after what he wanted.
When I first started this I was a bit taken aback by just how much of a jerk Zane was, he was downright cruel initially. But oh man, when those guards come down and the feelings start seeping through? I’m totally done for.
Loved Connor -his vulnerability, his sweet gentle soul and loved that he went after what he wanted.
February 12, 2020
4,5 stars
What an amazing story!! Loved it so much!! Great writing, angst AND super HOT scenes!!
What an amazing story!! Loved it so much!! Great writing, angst AND super HOT scenes!!
April 17, 2017
***4.25 Stars***
My favorite in this series!
"I'm okay, Zane. Really."
"I'm not."
This was more of a relationship focused book. Don't get me wrong, we definitely get Sloane Kennedy's signature OTT drama....it's just not what drives this story forward.
Connor was self conscious about his brain injury and partial leg amputation. His previous relationship was abusive in every way possible and has left him at an all time low emotionally.
Zane doesn't do relationships or messy emotions. Too many traumatic experiences in his childhood and a relationship that ended in the worst way possible have closed off his heart. There's no need to feel when you can just fuck.
Connor and Zane were the balm to each other's souls....that sounds overly romanticized and dramatic, but it's so true. They were the right fit for each other. Zane showed Connor how strong he truly is, while Connor showed Zane that it was okay to be vulnerable and let your guard down. I absolutely adored the way they took care of each other.
And Connor and Zane brought the heat. Like seriously....inferno!! The hurt/comfort here is everything I love about the trope.
The drama was a little head scratching in its presentation. The first big thing came out of left field, but was a setup for what you knew would be the big climactic scene towards the end. And then the inclusion of a couple more wrenches thrown into the mix felt a bit forced.
The epilogue put the biggest, reddest bow on all the couples/throuples of this series. We're talking epic HEA's. Likely fairy tale stuff. Everyone's got kids, everyone's married (if they chose to be), everyone's living the best lives ever, with the best kids ever, in the best house ever, with the best job ever and they're all one big, happy family. I love me a HEA...but there is such a thing as too much. This was too much.
I always hate the end of a series, but Sloane Kennedy's characters tend to cross over across series, so I know I'll see all of these folks again down the line.
Her addicting storytelling is something I'll never pass up because I know just what I'm getting when I pick up one of her books and it's usually just what I need.
January 6, 2025
This was book 4 and the last book in the
"Barretti Security"
series. We first met both of these characters in book 3. Connor Talbot is Jagger's best friend they met while serving in the military. Connor was hit with an IED and he lost one of his legs he also suffered a brain injury. Zane Devereaux is a Criminal defense attorney he was having a sexual relationship with Declan before he met and fell in love with Ren and Jagger. When Jagger beats up Connors ex Declan gets Zane to handle the case. This was a really good read Connor and Zane began having sex in a hotel Zane wants a sex without emotions kind of relationship but as he and Connor continue to do this they each begin to get feelings. Zane suffers from abandonment his mother left him and his father when he was six his father died when he was 13 after going to jail for a crime he didn't committ and his mother didn't want him he was also abused in foster care. Connor was also raised by relatives when his parents died in fire. Connor who also suffer a brain injury was abused and taken advantage of by his ex Jason. I felt really back for him I mean what more could this man take. I didn't really like Zane in the last book in this one we find out why he was the way he was. When Connor is hurt by his abusive stalker ex Jason who he kills Zane realizes how much Connor means to him he also see that all of Connors friends including the Barretti's care about him. This was a really good book that I liked a lot. Connor was good for Zane the day Zane quit his job they get a surprise. This book was really good with no errors in grammar or spelling.
July 11, 2019
4.5 stars!! 😍💕 L❤️VED IT! I'll be honest, I wasn't so enthused about reading this book; firstly because I'm now a little weary of all the angsty Sloane K books I've been binge-reading and need a break 😢; secondly this is the last one in the Barretti Security series but without a Barretti MC!!? 😳. Nevertheless, I was intrigued by the grayish character of Zane from the previous book and since these books are shorter than the "Protectors Series" I ventured on 🤓.. and boy was I pleasantly surprised 😍.
Zane and Connor don't waste much time in getting a "sex only" relationship going when the book starts, with all the shady trimmings of motel assignations, no-kissing rule, no cuddling/sleepovers etc . But that only lasts till their past starts unravelling and Connor's life is threatened. Zane, unable to deny his growing feelings for Connor starts to live again and Connor starts to trust again. It is however, not easy when Zane is challenged by his moral code at work and Connor with his inability to grow past his mental episodes . But the love they have for each other is never in question despite Zane not being able to say the words out loud, but he shows it in his actions.... and boy does he show it? 😉 💕🔥😍🔥. But what happens when Zane is confronted with his forgotten familial bonds? Can they survive the new burdens in life and the threat over Connor's life? Will they find their HEA? And what will their future look like?
For all this and more, this book is highly recommended👍👍. The epilogue is indeed a cherry on top 🍒 🍰 and so so sweet 😍. It totally made up for all the angst this Barretti family and their extended family put me through.. 💘😍
Zane and Connor don't waste much time in getting a "sex only" relationship going when the book starts, with all the shady trimmings of motel assignations, no-kissing rule, no cuddling/sleepovers etc . But that only lasts till their past starts unravelling and Connor's life is threatened. Zane, unable to deny his growing feelings for Connor starts to live again and Connor starts to trust again. It is however, not easy when Zane is challenged by his moral code at work and Connor with his inability to grow past his mental episodes . But the love they have for each other is never in question despite Zane not being able to say the words out loud, but he shows it in his actions.... and boy does he show it? 😉 💕🔥😍🔥. But what happens when Zane is confronted with his forgotten familial bonds? Can they survive the new burdens in life and the threat over Connor's life? Will they find their HEA? And what will their future look like?
For all this and more, this book is highly recommended👍👍. The epilogue is indeed a cherry on top 🍒 🍰 and so so sweet 😍. It totally made up for all the angst this Barretti family and their extended family put me through.. 💘😍
February 10, 2016
Oh. This book. Sweet baby jeebus, this book.
Okay. I was feeling some type a way about Zane because dude was throwing the "D" to Declan, and Nobody should be throwing the "D" to Declan except Jagger and Ren. Aight?
Aight.
So Zane is all cocky and shit and I'm like dude, this fucker gets a book? Put him on his knees! Hmmm.
Yasss. He was on his knees. Metaphorically speaking too hah.
Adored. It.
She adored it. M'kay?
Then those epillogues hit me and I'm a blubbering mess.
Damn it!
Loved.
Okay. I was feeling some type a way about Zane because dude was throwing the "D" to Declan, and Nobody should be throwing the "D" to Declan except Jagger and Ren. Aight?
Aight.
So Zane is all cocky and shit and I'm like dude, this fucker gets a book? Put him on his knees! Hmmm.
Yasss. He was on his knees. Metaphorically speaking too hah.
Adored. It.
She adored it. M'kay?
Then those epillogues hit me and I'm a blubbering mess.
Damn it!
Loved.
February 20, 2024
2.5
There was a lot wrong with this book, like so much weird shit and derogatory language. I only kept reading out of curiosity for how bad it was actually going to be.
Zane is entirely unlikeable, Connor has no personality and the plot was both convoluted yet overly simplified at the same time - I don't even know how that's possible...
Nothing in this book was believable for me. I definitely have a hit and miss relationship with Sloane Kennedy and this series has left me confused more often than not. Are there really people that live like these characters do?? So strange.
Glad to be done with the series and I think I need to add Sloane Kennedy to my do not read list going forward.
There was a lot wrong with this book, like so much weird shit and derogatory language. I only kept reading out of curiosity for how bad it was actually going to be.
Zane is entirely unlikeable, Connor has no personality and the plot was both convoluted yet overly simplified at the same time - I don't even know how that's possible...
Nothing in this book was believable for me. I definitely have a hit and miss relationship with Sloane Kennedy and this series has left me confused more often than not. Are there really people that live like these characters do?? So strange.
Glad to be done with the series and I think I need to add Sloane Kennedy to my do not read list going forward.
February 6, 2016
Freeing Zane is the final book in Baretti Security Series and I am so glad I finally had time to sit down and read it. When I read about Zane Deveraux in book 3, Saving Ren, I was curious about him. What happened to him that made him so cold and distant. Yet, he seemed jump in and help Connor without a second thought.
Connor Talbot was living a simple life. He enjoyed his job, and he loved his few friends. He didn't see what a good person he really was. He thought people viewed him as vulnerable and weak since he returned from the war with a prosthesis and brain damage. He was resigned to just find someone for sex, no emotions involved. Thinking of having a loving relationship like his parents had, was out of the question. Yet, he not only wanted Zane, he needed him.
This book surprised the hell out of me. Through the first 50%, I was pissed because I thought the story was predictable. Then the story took a completely different turn, not only in the story, but with the characters too. Definitely not what I was expecting. Well played Ms. Kennedy, well played.
** The author states this can be read as a stand alone. I honestly think you would have difficulty trying to figure out the who, what and where. I strongly suggest you read at least book 3 first Saving Ren , which would not be a hardship at all.**
Connor Talbot was living a simple life. He enjoyed his job, and he loved his few friends. He didn't see what a good person he really was. He thought people viewed him as vulnerable and weak since he returned from the war with a prosthesis and brain damage. He was resigned to just find someone for sex, no emotions involved. Thinking of having a loving relationship like his parents had, was out of the question. Yet, he not only wanted Zane, he needed him.
Physically they were as close as any two people could be, but emotionally they were the same-connected in ways they never would have been able to find on their own or with other people.
This book surprised the hell out of me. Through the first 50%, I was pissed because I thought the story was predictable. Then the story took a completely different turn, not only in the story, but with the characters too. Definitely not what I was expecting. Well played Ms. Kennedy, well played.
** The author states this can be read as a stand alone. I honestly think you would have difficulty trying to figure out the who, what and where. I strongly suggest you read at least book 3 first Saving Ren , which would not be a hardship at all.**
February 22, 2019
The last chapter of Barretti Security series is over! But what a way to go! Two men who never thought they'd find love and happiness, two men who needed someone to believe in them, two men who found understanding and acceptance, two perfectly imperfect men who tell their story.
Connor is such a sweetheart. I love his caring nature and his resilience. He is the man who takes what life dealt him and makes the best of it. He surrounds himself with people who will be there for him - Jagger and his men, Maggs and her wife. But one thing that is missing is someone to come home to. Zane is a man on a mission - never be dependent, never need anyone, don't let anyone close. When Zane and Connor meet both men feel the connection but deny it for different reasons. It takes time, hurtful words, a lot of pain, patience and a whole lot of love to make these two men see that they are perfect for each other.
Life keeps throwing curve balls, but Zane and Connor are finally ready to live and to be happy. They protect and cherish their family that suddenly grows bigger by two. Everything works out just as it should, and the ending is glorious. The families are thriving, Barretti men are happy and life could not get any better than this. I highly recommend! It made my heart happy!
Connor is such a sweetheart. I love his caring nature and his resilience. He is the man who takes what life dealt him and makes the best of it. He surrounds himself with people who will be there for him - Jagger and his men, Maggs and her wife. But one thing that is missing is someone to come home to. Zane is a man on a mission - never be dependent, never need anyone, don't let anyone close. When Zane and Connor meet both men feel the connection but deny it for different reasons. It takes time, hurtful words, a lot of pain, patience and a whole lot of love to make these two men see that they are perfect for each other.
Life keeps throwing curve balls, but Zane and Connor are finally ready to live and to be happy. They protect and cherish their family that suddenly grows bigger by two. Everything works out just as it should, and the ending is glorious. The families are thriving, Barretti men are happy and life could not get any better than this. I highly recommend! It made my heart happy!
April 26, 2016
Maybe I should rate this one higher... I'm thinking in terms of rereadability... Not sure I'll bother with this one ever again. But it was worth the read.
June 15, 2018
After I started reading Freeing Zane I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it as much as it was two strangers meeting up for sex at first but OMG how wrong was I this turned out to be a rollercoaster of emotions for everything that Connor and Zane have been through since their childhoods.
I don’t know how to put into words how much I loved Connor and Zane and their journey and THANK GOD that they found each other, they were only existing but as soon as they found the connection they started living. They grow stronger and closer the more time they spend with each other and the sex HOLY HELL these two cannot keep their hands, lips, tounges or other parts from each other.
The transformation that both Connor and Zane experience throughout the story is wonderful how two lonely men not only finding each other but the extended family they become a part of made this an amazing read for me.
I loved the epilogue between Connor and Zane and the surprise at the end was wonderful, Freeing Zane is going on my favourite shelf.
I don’t know how to put into words how much I loved Connor and Zane and their journey and THANK GOD that they found each other, they were only existing but as soon as they found the connection they started living. They grow stronger and closer the more time they spend with each other and the sex HOLY HELL these two cannot keep their hands, lips, tounges or other parts from each other.
The transformation that both Connor and Zane experience throughout the story is wonderful how two lonely men not only finding each other but the extended family they become a part of made this an amazing read for me.
I loved the epilogue between Connor and Zane and the surprise at the end was wonderful, Freeing Zane is going on my favourite shelf.
March 1, 2022
3.5-4 stars
Okay okay these last two books hit just the right spot for me.
Zane and Connor were great, there were times where this did drag but overall this was a great story! I now see that I am getting in to Sloanes backlist and I’m not even sorry about it. Haha
Okay okay these last two books hit just the right spot for me.
Zane and Connor were great, there were times where this did drag but overall this was a great story! I now see that I am getting in to Sloanes backlist and I’m not even sorry about it. Haha
January 15, 2019
***** A tough childhood for Zane and Connor's trauma in addition to his military service, are issues we see each man struggle with. Book #4 of the Barretti Security Series.
Connor, 29, ex-military, brown hair and eyes,
prosthetic leg and a TBI, has a swimmer's build and a friendly demeanor.
Zane is a Criminal Defense Attorney
with black hair and green eyes, a big strong body and a fierce, no nonsense look.
We are shown Zane and Jagger have each helped Connor with his attacks. Now, Zane wants Connor and more. We get inner thoughts and torments, dialogues and sexy times. When the men shed tears for each other, it will have every reader crying also for, our deeply hurt men, whose past won't be shed easily. Gosh, it's a hard life for some. They deserve every speck of happiness they find.
We got their individual stories of abuse and trouble, and we see how strong they have been to overcome adversity and keep moving forward.
Just when we think one tragic event clears some things up, when Zane meets his previously unknown siblings, another problem arises, just as dangerous as the first.
The sex between these guys, Conner and Zane, is magnificent. Zane accepts Connor's prosthetic leg as a natural part of him, just as Conner has not questioned Zane's hidden scars. They are dirty, wild, powerful, passionate, strong and full of energy.
Every scene is explicit, erotic and exciting. Zane is amazing with Connor.
We see violence again in the culmination. We see mending and progress. We get a great eight year later epilogue, and a Barretti Security wrap up also. I've loved every book in this crossover of different series.
Sloane Kennedy is a wonderful writer that has made these memorable characters come alive and fill us readers with enhanced knowledge, deep feelings, tears and laughs, action packed tales, and super hot sexy times. Terrific !
Highly recommend all of Sloane Kennedy's books.
ENJOY !
======
Connor, 29, ex-military, brown hair and eyes,
prosthetic leg and a TBI, has a swimmer's build and a friendly demeanor.
Zane is a Criminal Defense Attorney
with black hair and green eyes, a big strong body and a fierce, no nonsense look.
We are shown Zane and Jagger have each helped Connor with his attacks. Now, Zane wants Connor and more. We get inner thoughts and torments, dialogues and sexy times. When the men shed tears for each other, it will have every reader crying also for, our deeply hurt men, whose past won't be shed easily. Gosh, it's a hard life for some. They deserve every speck of happiness they find.
We got their individual stories of abuse and trouble, and we see how strong they have been to overcome adversity and keep moving forward.
Just when we think one tragic event clears some things up, when Zane meets his previously unknown siblings, another problem arises, just as dangerous as the first.
The sex between these guys, Conner and Zane, is magnificent. Zane accepts Connor's prosthetic leg as a natural part of him, just as Conner has not questioned Zane's hidden scars. They are dirty, wild, powerful, passionate, strong and full of energy.
Every scene is explicit, erotic and exciting. Zane is amazing with Connor.
We see violence again in the culmination. We see mending and progress. We get a great eight year later epilogue, and a Barretti Security wrap up also. I've loved every book in this crossover of different series.
Sloane Kennedy is a wonderful writer that has made these memorable characters come alive and fill us readers with enhanced knowledge, deep feelings, tears and laughs, action packed tales, and super hot sexy times. Terrific !
Highly recommend all of Sloane Kennedy's books.
ENJOY !
======
October 26, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Freeing Zane is the last book in the Barretti Security series and really works best if you have some knowledge of the world and characters it is built on. While this is Zane and Connor’s story, they have appeared in previous books and other characters from the series appear here as well.
Kennedy mostly writes darker characters that have been through trauma or have a painful past and that is always a draw for me. While this book, and this series, has some of that as well, it is not nearly as tragic or explicit as some of her other books. Connor and Zane are perfect for each other, yet they don’t realize it, or they do realize it, but don’t want to admit it.
Connor came back from service with a physical disability, as well as a brain injury. His dreams of working with young children came to a halt as he never knew when he would have an episode. Zane is somewhat of an overachiever, but mostly he’s addicted to work. He was having a great childhood with his father until fate snatched that away. His past was then filled with pain and fear and he was determined to make things better for others. But Zane has never opened his heart because people always leave him. The chemistry between the men is incredible and they know it. But it takes some work for them to pull it all together.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Freeing Zane is the last book in the Barretti Security series and really works best if you have some knowledge of the world and characters it is built on. While this is Zane and Connor’s story, they have appeared in previous books and other characters from the series appear here as well.
Kennedy mostly writes darker characters that have been through trauma or have a painful past and that is always a draw for me. While this book, and this series, has some of that as well, it is not nearly as tragic or explicit as some of her other books. Connor and Zane are perfect for each other, yet they don’t realize it, or they do realize it, but don’t want to admit it.
Connor came back from service with a physical disability, as well as a brain injury. His dreams of working with young children came to a halt as he never knew when he would have an episode. Zane is somewhat of an overachiever, but mostly he’s addicted to work. He was having a great childhood with his father until fate snatched that away. His past was then filled with pain and fear and he was determined to make things better for others. But Zane has never opened his heart because people always leave him. The chemistry between the men is incredible and they know it. But it takes some work for them to pull it all together.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
January 20, 2019
4.25 stars
I wanted to hate Zane so much BUT he saw something in Connor that made Connor see himself as worthy. And that right there made me start to like Zane. By the end of the book I was in love.
I wanted to hate Zane so much BUT he saw something in Connor that made Connor see himself as worthy. And that right there made me start to like Zane. By the end of the book I was in love.
January 20, 2018
I just loved this story! Probably 4.5 stars but I had to round it up for the outstanding epilogue that brings the whole Barretti family up-to-date with kids and future plans.
In this one Jagger's friend, Connor, and Zane, Declan's former hookup... errr... hook up. Zane keeps himself aloof and apart from all men he's with and has ever since his former boyfriend committed suicide. Even that is a secret that's his to keep.
Connor is still being stalked and persecuted by his former lover, Justin Sutter, until a disastrous encounter mid-story that leaves Connor hospitalized and Zane in emotional pieces. Zane hadn't realized just how important Connor had become to him until he nearly lost him.
The relationship moves forward from there as things begin to fall into place for the two men. There's still danger--from Justin's father, who wants Connor punished for what happened to his son-- but the danger, of course, doesn't come to a head until the story is nearly complete. Add to that, a surprise visit from two kids who seek Zane out, a major job decision, and ultimately a commitment by the two men who truly love one another, and this one was so satisfyingly lovely that I couldn't put it down.
Onward through the list of books in the order the author recommends. I love her work!
In this one Jagger's friend, Connor, and Zane, Declan's former hookup... errr... hook up. Zane keeps himself aloof and apart from all men he's with and has ever since his former boyfriend committed suicide. Even that is a secret that's his to keep.
Connor is still being stalked and persecuted by his former lover, Justin Sutter, until a disastrous encounter mid-story that leaves Connor hospitalized and Zane in emotional pieces. Zane hadn't realized just how important Connor had become to him until he nearly lost him.
The relationship moves forward from there as things begin to fall into place for the two men. There's still danger--from Justin's father, who wants Connor punished for what happened to his son-- but the danger, of course, doesn't come to a head until the story is nearly complete. Add to that, a surprise visit from two kids who seek Zane out, a major job decision, and ultimately a commitment by the two men who truly love one another, and this one was so satisfyingly lovely that I couldn't put it down.
Onward through the list of books in the order the author recommends. I love her work!
November 14, 2017
This one was really good. I love how Zane's character evolved throughout the book. Connor is the perfect match for him.
Love this series!
Love this series!
July 6, 2020
How is it even possible to love a series so much. I hate that it’s ending. Lol. Connor and Zane have got to be one of my favorite couples.
November 10, 2015
Best book in the series!
Loved Zane and Connor together, both had major damage from their pasts and weren't expecting anything from each other than sex, but things turned out so much better.
Had my doubts at the start as Zane was a dick with only one thing on his mind and it came across like he was using Connor, but the more I read and discovered about Zane I started to see him for who he really is.
Unexpected but lovely twist towards the end and fab epilogue the wrap up the series :)
One for hurt/comfort fans - recommended x
Loved Zane and Connor together, both had major damage from their pasts and weren't expecting anything from each other than sex, but things turned out so much better.
Had my doubts at the start as Zane was a dick with only one thing on his mind and it came across like he was using Connor, but the more I read and discovered about Zane I started to see him for who he really is.
Unexpected but lovely twist towards the end and fab epilogue the wrap up the series :)
One for hurt/comfort fans - recommended x
January 18, 2019
Re-read January 2019-reduced to 2.5 stars
So, you know how they say you can never go back? Sometimes that's how I feel with some of this authors books. I first picked this up 3 years ago, before I wrote reviews, and I gave it 5 stars. Today I had to force myself to finish it.
So, I may not reread and love each and every book by this author, but I do still have a few favourites I'll never give up.
So, you know how they say you can never go back? Sometimes that's how I feel with some of this authors books. I first picked this up 3 years ago, before I wrote reviews, and I gave it 5 stars. Today I had to force myself to finish it.
So, I may not reread and love each and every book by this author, but I do still have a few favourites I'll never give up.
March 27, 2019
This book is definitely my favourite in the series. I felt like the 2 mcs had amazing chemistry and the sex scenes were hot. I loved catching up with everyone in the epilogue!
December 6, 2015
3.5 stars
March 11, 2020
Really liked Zane and Conner. Conner's the first person to be able to truly break through Zane's tough outer shell. He's put up walls for so long he doesn't know the first thing about taking them down. Conner's been through so much, his injuries really make things difficult at times, but he's a good guy still wishing for more. I enjoyed his openness and his patience with what Zane is capable of giving him.
Of course there's the little bit of a thriller thrown into this one with Conner's past relationship just not willing to go away. It isn't a big part of the story, but it's just enough to keep a little tension.
Of course there's the little bit of a thriller thrown into this one with Conner's past relationship just not willing to go away. It isn't a big part of the story, but it's just enough to keep a little tension.
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