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Finding #3
Finding Peace
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B019X8ZPFE
"I knew it would be like this...like finding something I didn't know was missing." --Luke
Author Gray Hawthorne has it all and he’s on the verge of having even more. His bestselling detective novels are being turned into a movie series that will make him a household name and he’s rubbing a lot more than just elbows with Hollywood’s elite. Money, fame and good looks mean an endless supply of men, both groupies and celebrities alike, which suits Gray just fine. He’s smart enough to know that his 5 minutes in the spotlight will be just that and he plans to enjoy every moment. Until he gets the devastating news that threatens to steal everything away…
Army Ranger Luke Monroe lives and breathes the military. They’re the family he never had and a life without his brothers-in-arms is unfathomable. But the ultimate betrayal has Luke on the run and a twist of fate leads him to the small town of Dare, Montana to seek help from the foster brother who saved him once before. Only the brother he’s searching for isn’t the man he finds and he has no choice but to keep running. Until an encounter on the side of the road with a stranger changes everything.
The last thing Gray wants when he seeks refuge at his cabin in the secluded Montana mountains is company but a run-in with the mysterious and very straight Luke has Gray offering the damaged soldier a place to regroup. And since a physical relationship isn’t even on the table, Gray finds himself enjoying something he hasn’t had in a long time…a real friend.
But what happens when friendship just isn’t enough? When a man who’s only been with women begins to crave more?
With one man running from his past and the other running from his future, will finding each other be enough to bring them peace?
Note: This book contains M/M sexual content and is intended for mature audiences
***This is Book 3 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)
"I knew it would be like this...like finding something I didn't know was missing." --Luke
Author Gray Hawthorne has it all and he’s on the verge of having even more. His bestselling detective novels are being turned into a movie series that will make him a household name and he’s rubbing a lot more than just elbows with Hollywood’s elite. Money, fame and good looks mean an endless supply of men, both groupies and celebrities alike, which suits Gray just fine. He’s smart enough to know that his 5 minutes in the spotlight will be just that and he plans to enjoy every moment. Until he gets the devastating news that threatens to steal everything away…
Army Ranger Luke Monroe lives and breathes the military. They’re the family he never had and a life without his brothers-in-arms is unfathomable. But the ultimate betrayal has Luke on the run and a twist of fate leads him to the small town of Dare, Montana to seek help from the foster brother who saved him once before. Only the brother he’s searching for isn’t the man he finds and he has no choice but to keep running. Until an encounter on the side of the road with a stranger changes everything.
The last thing Gray wants when he seeks refuge at his cabin in the secluded Montana mountains is company but a run-in with the mysterious and very straight Luke has Gray offering the damaged soldier a place to regroup. And since a physical relationship isn’t even on the table, Gray finds himself enjoying something he hasn’t had in a long time…a real friend.
But what happens when friendship just isn’t enough? When a man who’s only been with women begins to crave more?
With one man running from his past and the other running from his future, will finding each other be enough to bring them peace?
Note: This book contains M/M sexual content and is intended for mature audiences
***This is Book 3 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)
218 pages, ebook
First published December 28, 2015
331 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
April 30, 2016
~3.5~
Extra half star for hot cabin sex and comfort/healing.
I'm a sucker for broken men, and both Gray and Luke carry soul scars. Luke, ex-military, is on the run. Gray, a writer whose books are being turned into blockbusters, is ill and in the midst of a blackmail scandal.
Both men are hiding secrets. Both are lonely. Both want each other with a clawing desperation.
Sloane Kennedy writes angsty book that are somehow feel-good too. I think it's because the angst skims the surface, and love cures all. There's always a rainbows & puppies HEA. And the steam ... WOWZA! I'm kind of hooked.
Extra half star for hot cabin sex and comfort/healing.
I'm a sucker for broken men, and both Gray and Luke carry soul scars. Luke, ex-military, is on the run. Gray, a writer whose books are being turned into blockbusters, is ill and in the midst of a blackmail scandal.
Both men are hiding secrets. Both are lonely. Both want each other with a clawing desperation.
Sloane Kennedy writes angsty book that are somehow feel-good too. I think it's because the angst skims the surface, and love cures all. There's always a rainbows & puppies HEA. And the steam ... WOWZA! I'm kind of hooked.
July 30, 2019
4.5 stars!! 😍💕💕 Loved it! I still have one more book to go in this series, but I think this may be my favorite. 💖Gray and Luke were just so in-sync and despite Luke having been straight all his life there was undeniable chemistry between the two from the very beginning👨❤️👨. They meet in extreme circumstances, and form a tentative friendship based on a mutual need to hide in a secluded place (paparazzi for Gray and corrupt Army-assassin for Luke😱) But a slow-burn love 💕🔥slowly grows between them due to the intensity of a race-against-time kind of situation that they are facing with Gray's scary diagnosis and Luke's inevitable capture by the authorities. Of course there are a few OTT moments due to a miscommunication, but the chemistry between the two🔥, their mutual trust and understanding is a welcome change in this otherwise angsty read😟. I liked the fact that Gray was always honest about his feelings, like when he fell for Luke or when he was hurt by Luke💔. And Luke trusted his gut and never gave up on Gray💞. All this and more made this a wonderful book and one of my favorites 💖💘. Highly recommended for one and all 👍👍
January 4, 2016
I liked this one even more than the first in the series. Easy, breezy, perfect amount of angst and comfort. My Sloane Kennedy fix has been satisfied!
April 2, 2017
Let me start out by saying that I didn't read the previous books in this series. I had no problem following the storyline so these books can be read as stand alone eventhough characters from the previous books do appear.
Gray and Luke meet under not so great circumstances. Both are also fighting different battles in their lives. For some reason they chlick and want to help one another. Gray is out and gay and Luke has always been straight. Well ....he's not so straight anymore. After a while he starts developing feelings for Gray and he just gos for it !! Eventhough this is a "gay for you" , the book doesn't actually concentrate on that part. Once Luke is convinced, that what he is feeling is a sexual attracttion for a man he really likes, he doesn't hessitate in showing him. There is no doubt, no akwardness...just acceptence and love.
But things for these two are not easy. They both have demons they have to fight.
I liked the storyline...but everything happend a bit too fast for my liking. Not only their declarations of love, but also the battles they had to fight. It was all resolved a bit too easily for my liking.
Still I enjoyed reading this and eventhough there were some serious subjectmatters, that made me a bit worried, this book was not depressing and there were some very hot scenes ;)
3,5 stars from me.
Gray and Luke meet under not so great circumstances. Both are also fighting different battles in their lives. For some reason they chlick and want to help one another. Gray is out and gay and Luke has always been straight. Well ....he's not so straight anymore. After a while he starts developing feelings for Gray and he just gos for it !! Eventhough this is a "gay for you" , the book doesn't actually concentrate on that part. Once Luke is convinced, that what he is feeling is a sexual attracttion for a man he really likes, he doesn't hessitate in showing him. There is no doubt, no akwardness...just acceptence and love.
But things for these two are not easy. They both have demons they have to fight.
I liked the storyline...but everything happend a bit too fast for my liking. Not only their declarations of love, but also the battles they had to fight. It was all resolved a bit too easily for my liking.
Still I enjoyed reading this and eventhough there were some serious subjectmatters, that made me a bit worried, this book was not depressing and there were some very hot scenes ;)
3,5 stars from me.
June 30, 2016
Meh. So far, this series has been hit, miss, and mostly miss for me. I did like this one a bit better than book 2, so there is that, but everything was so superficial - the angst, the illness, what Luke was running from... I just couldn't much engage.
The sex was super hot, for sure, but Luke took to gay sex a lot more easily and readily than I would expect for a guy who claims he's never even looked at or thought about another guy in a sexual way, much less touched another guy's dick or asshole. I didn't buy it. At all. Still, it was hot, so that does count for something.
And the bad guy? Way over the top. Like super villain OTT.
So, ya know, meh.
The sex was super hot, for sure, but Luke took to gay sex a lot more easily and readily than I would expect for a guy who claims he's never even looked at or thought about another guy in a sexual way, much less touched another guy's dick or asshole. I didn't buy it. At all. Still, it was hot, so that does count for something.
And the bad guy? Way over the top. Like super villain OTT.
So, ya know, meh.
April 19, 2018
By far the best in the series so far. Loved Luke and Gray, and especially love how Luke was there for Gray when he needed someone most.
January 24, 2020
***3.75 Stars***
Cabin in the woods + Hurt/comfort storyline = One satisfied reader
I want to start my review off by saying that I think this book should come with a few trigger warnings, one of which may be a spoiler, but I think folks should know these things going in.
1. This one is the possible spoiler. Although it's easy to figure out fairly quickly, Gray has come to his cabin to deal with an illness.
2. As part of Luke's backstory and his time serving in the Middle East, he recounts a mission where he witnessed the execution of children.
3. Animal abuse and one time injury later in the story. The animal in question makes a full recovery and lives a very happy life, but past abuse and a life-saving act is shown.
Okay, now that I got that out of the way, I wanna say that I really enjoyed this book. I'm a total sucker for a hurt/comfort storyline and add in the fact that both men were so lonely in their lives....and I was a goner with the feels.
Their relationship progressed at a natural pace, and once things took off you can absolutely see how well they fit together. I was totally invested in their romance and loved the two of them together.
However, one nitpick I do have is how easily Luke accepted his attraction to Gray. I mean, I understand that not everything has to be this big dramatic issue, but for someone who says they've never been attracted to men, he sure did go with the flow rather easily....and quickly.
Also, the big climactic drama at the end with Luke's backstory was soooooo forced and very rushed. I don't think the resolution was developed and fleshed out very well. It almost felt like "oh crap, I forgot about wrapping that up."
Same goes for Gray's issue with the production of his movie in LA. I don't think we get information about what the final outcome was about the accusations he was dealing with other than he ends up dropping out of the production of the movie.
But, as usual, I had a hard time putting this one down. Out of all the couples I've read about so far, I've been the most invested in Luke and Gray.
Next up is Roman, Gray's kind of estranged half-brother and I'm curious how this will all play out. I hope there's more brother reconnection...but I'm really curious how he'll pair with Hunter, the guy who in the first book accused Finn of assault rather than come out.
Ovearll, it seems like this series is getting better and getting some depth with each book.
April 30, 2021
I found this one a nice and easy read. The set up for the guys spending time together was pretty unrealistic but luckily I don’t read from realism and so continued on. By the time they had spent a bit of time together I was totally hooked and wanted to see where it lead.
I enjoyed that they spent time getting to know each other, it made them work as a couple. I also loved Ripley but I’m a sucker for dogs in books. I liked that Gray was the one that needed help and it was help that Luke was able to do for him and anything he was unsure if he researched to find the best alternative.
I enjoyed that they spent time getting to know each other, it made them work as a couple. I also loved Ripley but I’m a sucker for dogs in books. I liked that Gray was the one that needed help and it was help that Luke was able to do for him and anything he was unsure if he researched to find the best alternative.
June 30, 2020
Yes!! Better than the last book. I like the guaranteed HEA. Love it.
January 24, 2018
3.5 Stars
Currently, this book is by FAR the best of the series for me .
The connection between Luke and Gray was palpable. Although I had a few issues concerning how Luke's sexuality was handled and how premature his "I love you" to Gray was, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Luke's feelings were more believable for me.
Additionally, this didn't have any of the annoying character behavior, rushed endings and unnecessary drama the two previous books in this series had so it definitely made for smoother reading. I also liked how Gray didn't let Luke off the hook too easily after all the crap behaviour Luke dished out in his misguided attempts to protect Gray.
I was glad it all ended well and I felt the epilogue did the book justice in that it gave me a view on how their lives were going after all the stress they endured.
The next book in the series seems to be about the infamous Hunter Greene(who basically made Finn's life a living hell) and how he redeems himself. Here's to hoping his book goes more like this one and less than the previous books in this series.
Currently, this book is by FAR the best of the series for me .
The connection between Luke and Gray was palpable. Although I had a few issues concerning how Luke's sexuality was handled and how premature his "I love you" to Gray was, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Luke's feelings were more believable for me.
Additionally, this didn't have any of the annoying character behavior, rushed endings and unnecessary drama the two previous books in this series had so it definitely made for smoother reading. I also liked how Gray didn't let Luke off the hook too easily after all the crap behaviour Luke dished out in his misguided attempts to protect Gray.
I was glad it all ended well and I felt the epilogue did the book justice in that it gave me a view on how their lives were going after all the stress they endured.
The next book in the series seems to be about the infamous Hunter Greene(who basically made Finn's life a living hell) and how he redeems himself. Here's to hoping his book goes more like this one and less than the previous books in this series.
October 26, 2018
I have read 4 out of 5 from the Finding series so far and Finding Peace is my favourite I loved Gray and Luke together.
Gray is keeping something to himself and I had two thoughts in my mind and unfortunately one was right but it was still a shock.
Luke is in hiding for a crime he did not commit but he does not know who he can trust, he came to Dare for help from an old friend but when he sees his friend and the job he does he changes his mind.
The way these two meet is unconventional thanks to an abused dog. They form a strong bond over the next few weeks and Luke discovers Gray's secret and he is there for him.
It takes them a while to get physical but WOW they are hot together and for his first time Luke certainly isn't nervous.
I knew some drama was coming and everyone would be there for each other in the end.
I loved that there was an epilogue in this one and of course I have to read Roman's story next.
Gray is keeping something to himself and I had two thoughts in my mind and unfortunately one was right but it was still a shock.
Luke is in hiding for a crime he did not commit but he does not know who he can trust, he came to Dare for help from an old friend but when he sees his friend and the job he does he changes his mind.
The way these two meet is unconventional thanks to an abused dog. They form a strong bond over the next few weeks and Luke discovers Gray's secret and he is there for him.
It takes them a while to get physical but WOW they are hot together and for his first time Luke certainly isn't nervous.
I knew some drama was coming and everyone would be there for each other in the end.
I loved that there was an epilogue in this one and of course I have to read Roman's story next.
July 3, 2021
Ok. THIS book is an example of why this author is wildly popular. I’ll admit that I didn’t start this book with high expectations. Imagine my surprise, and delight, that I
loved
it. I couldn’t put this one down. I adored Luke. I loved how he took care of Gray before he even knew anything about him. The relationship evolved slowly compared to the other books in this series/universe. I enjoyed being able to experience the relationship growth and not just being told it happened.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reread 7/2/2021 I still liked this one quite a bit. This book changed my feelings on reading SK books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reread 7/2/2021 I still liked this one quite a bit. This book changed my feelings on reading SK books.
September 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this and was surprised that I hadn’t read it ... there was a lot of warmth in this story, something both Luke & Gray deserved. Luke was lost, hiding from his past and had no anchor point until he met Gray in a ditch ! Gray was also hiding from his family & friends, a secret he tried managing himself. A friendship began and slowly trust was built. As sparks developed Luke realized for the first time, there may actually be someone for him. A really lovely story
December 14, 2018
This was a very good shortish novel, and I enjoyed the heck out of it. I am a sucker for sick guys who eventually get better plus there was a selfish arrogant killer in the mix so that was a total win for me. I liked both MCs. They were both brooding and had past that was painful but still were very approachable and easy to relate. Plus Ripley the stray dog won a piece of my heart - such a sweetheart.
There was a fair bit of angst, couple of tears were shed, and oh so steamy intimate scenes made my evening! Ms Kennedy wrote a good one here. Although I would have liked it to be a bit longer, it introduced new characters into the mix, and I am very curious about what's going to be next. I am enjoying this series very much and I recommend this book.
There was a fair bit of angst, couple of tears were shed, and oh so steamy intimate scenes made my evening! Ms Kennedy wrote a good one here. Although I would have liked it to be a bit longer, it introduced new characters into the mix, and I am very curious about what's going to be next. I am enjoying this series very much and I recommend this book.
December 13, 2018
***** I'm love this beautiful story, the guys
and the dog... :):) *****
Be ready to break your heart open and take this in...
Wow ! This was such a satisfying read ! I loved it !
Author Gray Hawthorne is in Dare, MT at his cabin to escape the wildness of his career and L.A.. Big, strong, Army Ranger Luke Monroe is on the run, rescues an abused dog, and ends up in a ditch. Gray sees the dog and follows him, and rescues Luke. They are drawn to each other, but Luke is straight. Through the healing process, the decline in Gray's health, the many twists and turns in this complicated tale, with long talks, understanding and awareness, we watch the men fall together.
* The amazing, erotic, M/M sex is magnificent, with deeply felt emotion.*
These characters are wonderful. The story engages you and absorbs your heart. Loved It !
Looking forward to the next one in this great series. Sloane Kennedy's writing is beautiful, and we are pulled into these guys lives, with happiness and tears, too.
Highly recommend ! E N J O Y !!!
=============
and the dog... :):) *****
Be ready to break your heart open and take this in...
Wow ! This was such a satisfying read ! I loved it !
Author Gray Hawthorne is in Dare, MT at his cabin to escape the wildness of his career and L.A.. Big, strong, Army Ranger Luke Monroe is on the run, rescues an abused dog, and ends up in a ditch. Gray sees the dog and follows him, and rescues Luke. They are drawn to each other, but Luke is straight. Through the healing process, the decline in Gray's health, the many twists and turns in this complicated tale, with long talks, understanding and awareness, we watch the men fall together.
* The amazing, erotic, M/M sex is magnificent, with deeply felt emotion.*
These characters are wonderful. The story engages you and absorbs your heart. Loved It !
Looking forward to the next one in this great series. Sloane Kennedy's writing is beautiful, and we are pulled into these guys lives, with happiness and tears, too.
Highly recommend ! E N J O Y !!!
=============
October 13, 2018
3.5 stars
While I liked this, it wasn’t my favorite of Sloane Kennedy.
Gray is a famous author who has just bought a remote cabin where he will be staying for a while. He doesn’t care for the latest scandal he is involved in and is just trying to make it through the next couple of weeks.
When Gray finds a man passed out in a ditch one night, he tries to help the man. But the man is obviously ex-military because he attacks Gray when he wakes up.
Luke is running from the people in his old unit who tried to frame him for murder. When he meets the mysterious author, he decides to stick around for a while.
Gray offers Luke a place to stay when it is clear Luke has nowhere else to go.
When Gray appears to be sick, Luke tries to be there for him. But Gray doesn’t want anyone helping him. Tough luck, because Luke won’t leave him…
I found the first half to be a bit depressing. With Gray I thought things would never look up. But then they did, and there was finally some time for the romance.
I wasn’t a big fan of both men to be honest. Gray and Luke were both a bit too too closed-off to my liking. Together they made quite the broody pair.
But this was still Sloane Kennedy, and she does know how to write hurt/comfort. So overall I still enjoyed it.
While I liked this, it wasn’t my favorite of Sloane Kennedy.
Gray is a famous author who has just bought a remote cabin where he will be staying for a while. He doesn’t care for the latest scandal he is involved in and is just trying to make it through the next couple of weeks.
When Gray finds a man passed out in a ditch one night, he tries to help the man. But the man is obviously ex-military because he attacks Gray when he wakes up.
Luke is running from the people in his old unit who tried to frame him for murder. When he meets the mysterious author, he decides to stick around for a while.
Gray offers Luke a place to stay when it is clear Luke has nowhere else to go.
When Gray appears to be sick, Luke tries to be there for him. But Gray doesn’t want anyone helping him. Tough luck, because Luke won’t leave him…
I found the first half to be a bit depressing. With Gray I thought things would never look up. But then they did, and there was finally some time for the romance.
I wasn’t a big fan of both men to be honest. Gray and Luke were both a bit too too closed-off to my liking. Together they made quite the broody pair.
But this was still Sloane Kennedy, and she does know how to write hurt/comfort. So overall I still enjoyed it.
March 1, 2022
3 stars
this is definitely a me not the book situation since everyone loved this one the most and i did not.
compared to the last of the Baretti Security books that i just finished, this one fell flat to me. but i still enjoyed the writing that i stuck with it. I hope the next one is better.
now on to the next one.
this is definitely a me not the book situation since everyone loved this one the most and i did not.
compared to the last of the Baretti Security books that i just finished, this one fell flat to me. but i still enjoyed the writing that i stuck with it. I hope the next one is better.
now on to the next one.
November 4, 2025
This is my favorite of the series so far. I think because while there are numerous steamy sex scenes Kennedy spends significantly more time on Gray & Luke's stories as well as their developing relationship. I don't want to give away Gray's secret - but the way Kennedy handles it and Luke's reactions/response is heartbreaking and wonderful. While the timeline is still only a few weeks - there's definitely more to them than lust. I also found the suspense element to be much more engaging.
Roman, Gray's brother, is introduced in this book and gets his own story in Finding Forgiveness.
Updated 7/21/2020 for audio review: Michael Dean's narration is consistent with his other performances in the series. Gray & Luke have unique voices as do the secondary characters.
Notes: While Finding is it's own series, some of the Finding characters & events are interconnected with the Escort, Barretti Security, and Protectors series. Visit Sloane Kennedy's website for a list showing how several of her series tie together and different reading/listening order options. You don't always have to be familiar with the other books to enjoy them individually, but I really enjoy the entire "world" she has created. My personal preference for reading order is chronological/timing.
Roman, Gray's brother, is introduced in this book and gets his own story in Finding Forgiveness.
Updated 7/21/2020 for audio review: Michael Dean's narration is consistent with his other performances in the series. Gray & Luke have unique voices as do the secondary characters.
Notes: While Finding is it's own series, some of the Finding characters & events are interconnected with the Escort, Barretti Security, and Protectors series. Visit Sloane Kennedy's website for a list showing how several of her series tie together and different reading/listening order options. You don't always have to be familiar with the other books to enjoy them individually, but I really enjoy the entire "world" she has created. My personal preference for reading order is chronological/timing.
June 29, 2016
This book caught me by surprise!! After the second book in the series I was not expecting to be immediately intrigued by the characters. I was not expecting there to be a decent plot. I was not expecting to be kept guessing as to what was wrong with Gray. I was so sure this was gonna be a five star read until about 75% when things took a too melodramatic turn for my liking.
I learned something new from this book and I'll definitely have to google more about
The sex in the first book was hotter than in this one but I think this is my favorite of the series so far. Will the final book beat this one? I'm off to find out.
I learned something new from this book and I'll definitely have to google more about
The sex in the first book was hotter than in this one but I think this is my favorite of the series so far. Will the final book beat this one? I'm off to find out.
February 15, 2016
I just love this series. Wish I would've read book 1 first...I still need to read that one! This is more of a 4.5 stars but it had everything I love in my books so I rounded up. We had Luke, an Army Ranger on the run from the people framing him for murder and Grey, the writer who we met in the last book. These two are going through the roughest times but find each other and are friends before anything else. So sweet the way they look out for each other. Luke is a man-sex virgin and I love me some of those so extra yays for that! Some of the characters from the previous books make an appearance and I love revisiting with old friends. I cried, I giggled, there's an awesome dog and amazing sex. Perfect!
October 12, 2016
Overall book rating: 4 Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book cover: 3 Stars
MC1: Gray
MC2:Luke
This book had me in tears!!!! It was a sad, beautiful love story. Just what the Doctor ordered.
Audio book: n/a
Book cover: 3 Stars
MC1: Gray
MC2:Luke
This book had me in tears!!!! It was a sad, beautiful love story. Just what the Doctor ordered.
June 4, 2016
I loved Luke and Gray they were really cute together. It was steamy and a little sad ( well a lot sad for me). I really did enjoy this one.
April 29, 2017
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this one. It was an easy, shorter book that offered an interesting storyline, good characters, and a solid romance- perfect rainy day reading material. Finding Peace is the third book in the Finding series. While characters and some storyline arcs overlap between books, they can easily be read as standalones. Although I’ll warn you, if you start with a book later in the series, you’ll end up pulled into this world and go back to read about all the couples you meet in passing…or at least I did.
The opening chapter to Finding Peace sucked me right in, leading with characters who have a questionable background and something they are hiding from each other. I liked the pace at which the relationship developed between the men. Gray and Luke immediately feel a connection but circumstances for both keep them from pursuing more beyond a tentative friendship between two individuals who need help but have no one else to turn to. Additionally, Luke has always identified as straight and the extended timeline gave him space to sort through the feelings he has for Gray. Their chemistry and attraction went beyond lust, which is always a win for me, but lent validity to the romance, particularly on Luke’s part. In general, I found this a good gay-for-you book, a trope that can typically yield more misses than hits for me. My only hang-up was the confidence and speed with which the physical aspects of the relationship progressed once they decided to act on their feelings. At the start, the shyness and uncertainty both characters battled fit with the characters and storyline so well. But the walls came down with surprising speed and heat. So much of the plot really took the characters’ history and experiences into account, that I was disappointed when this didn’t continue along the same path. I enjoyed the slow lead-ins and building attraction, and I was hoping for more of the same between the sheets. Other than that, I really enjoyed the characters and liked how they fit together. I also really liked how the troubles both men were hiding from ended up intersecting. It brought the conflicts to a head quickly, but in a way that made sense- creating an intense, exciting climax. When I began Finding Peace, I wasn’t sure what to expect given the length of the book, but Miss Kennedy managed to pack in depth, romance, and a good storyline without it feeling rushed.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
I really enjoyed this one. It was an easy, shorter book that offered an interesting storyline, good characters, and a solid romance- perfect rainy day reading material. Finding Peace is the third book in the Finding series. While characters and some storyline arcs overlap between books, they can easily be read as standalones. Although I’ll warn you, if you start with a book later in the series, you’ll end up pulled into this world and go back to read about all the couples you meet in passing…or at least I did.
The opening chapter to Finding Peace sucked me right in, leading with characters who have a questionable background and something they are hiding from each other. I liked the pace at which the relationship developed between the men. Gray and Luke immediately feel a connection but circumstances for both keep them from pursuing more beyond a tentative friendship between two individuals who need help but have no one else to turn to. Additionally, Luke has always identified as straight and the extended timeline gave him space to sort through the feelings he has for Gray. Their chemistry and attraction went beyond lust, which is always a win for me, but lent validity to the romance, particularly on Luke’s part. In general, I found this a good gay-for-you book, a trope that can typically yield more misses than hits for me. My only hang-up was the confidence and speed with which the physical aspects of the relationship progressed once they decided to act on their feelings. At the start, the shyness and uncertainty both characters battled fit with the characters and storyline so well. But the walls came down with surprising speed and heat. So much of the plot really took the characters’ history and experiences into account, that I was disappointed when this didn’t continue along the same path. I enjoyed the slow lead-ins and building attraction, and I was hoping for more of the same between the sheets. Other than that, I really enjoyed the characters and liked how they fit together. I also really liked how the troubles both men were hiding from ended up intersecting. It brought the conflicts to a head quickly, but in a way that made sense- creating an intense, exciting climax. When I began Finding Peace, I wasn’t sure what to expect given the length of the book, but Miss Kennedy managed to pack in depth, romance, and a good storyline without it feeling rushed.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
March 24, 2020
3.5 Stars
This one felt just a little too farfetched for me. It wasn't that I didn't like Gray and Luke as a couple. I did like them. But the reasons they ended up thrown together and their logic behind not talking about what was going on with both of them were stretched thin for me. I almost call this insta-love even though technically weeks go by because of how quickly the relationship felt like it developed. We didn't get to enjoy the guys falling for each other as much as I would have liked. We kinda jumped to highlights.
I don't know, I'm not a hundred percent sure why I didn't like this one as much as some of the others in these connected series. But I'm definitely down to keep reading and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
This one felt just a little too farfetched for me. It wasn't that I didn't like Gray and Luke as a couple. I did like them. But the reasons they ended up thrown together and their logic behind not talking about what was going on with both of them were stretched thin for me. I almost call this insta-love even though technically weeks go by because of how quickly the relationship felt like it developed. We didn't get to enjoy the guys falling for each other as much as I would have liked. We kinda jumped to highlights.
I don't know, I'm not a hundred percent sure why I didn't like this one as much as some of the others in these connected series. But I'm definitely down to keep reading and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
August 15, 2017
I loved this series, and I love Luke and Gray. Gray is a seasoned writer, who has fallen prey to the lifestyle that being a well know writer. He finds himself hiding from his life as he is faced with some devastating news. Luke, shows up and they come to need each other. Each supporting the other in their own unique way. I loved the story line, the characters and the HEA.
June 6, 2019
Wow, this one good really good! Loved it to pieces. Psychological analysis and description of illness were great. Loved the MCs interactions and the thrilling situation also. Sloane Kennedy built a world that will be missed when the series will come to an end.
January 22, 2019
4.25 stars
I was touched by the relationship between Gray and Luke.
I was touched by the relationship between Gray and Luke.
September 6, 2021
Great solid read, loved both characters and the story was interesting though not something we haven’t read before. Will check other books from this author
October 5, 2016
This story was hit and miss for me. I loved Gray, but never warmed to Luke, his character didn’t ring true to me. Least of all going from ‘I’ve never been into men’ to being the aggressor during more than one sexual encounter. Don’t get me wrong, Sloane knows how to heat up the pages. However, this story is the first in the series with rimming… and when a supposedly straight character, (until he met the right man), goes through such a drastic transformation, I wasn’t buying it.
With that out of the way, Gray’s story was heartbreaking, and this might be spoiler-ish so consider yourself warned. Had I known he was battling cancer, and the first half of the book would be about how deathly ill treatment makes you, I probably wouldn’t have read the story. Cancer is a nasty bitch that has touched most of our lives in one way or another. It’s gut-wrenching to watch someone suffer through hair loss, weight loss, vomiting, etc. I’ve witnessed the effects in real life. I read to escape that crap, not to read about it. This is on me, I own it, but it still had to be said.
Then we have Luke, ex-military hiding out, but from what or whom? Of course, this all comes out in the wash, although it required some suspension of belief on my part. I liked the way Luke took care of Gray. I did not like the way he treated Gray when Luke was in the process of handing himself in. Yes, it’s explained why he did it, still doesn’t mean I agreed with Luke’s actions or liked them.
As always, since starting this series I smile whenever there’s mention of the characters from book one, a story that blew me away. Dane, love him!
I don’t know if it was due to my disconnect, or if the author’s writing style has changed, but there were many run on sentences, some as long as 50-60 words which left me gasping for breath. Or perhaps that was intentional on the authors part so the reader would hold their breath and get a feeling of suspense?
In summary this book was just ‘okay’ for me. I encourage people to read other reviews and make up their own mind if this story is for them or not. Although this is book 3 in a series, it can be read as a standalone.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review
With that out of the way, Gray’s story was heartbreaking, and this might be spoiler-ish so consider yourself warned. Had I known he was battling cancer, and the first half of the book would be about how deathly ill treatment makes you, I probably wouldn’t have read the story. Cancer is a nasty bitch that has touched most of our lives in one way or another. It’s gut-wrenching to watch someone suffer through hair loss, weight loss, vomiting, etc. I’ve witnessed the effects in real life. I read to escape that crap, not to read about it. This is on me, I own it, but it still had to be said.
Then we have Luke, ex-military hiding out, but from what or whom? Of course, this all comes out in the wash, although it required some suspension of belief on my part. I liked the way Luke took care of Gray. I did not like the way he treated Gray when Luke was in the process of handing himself in. Yes, it’s explained why he did it, still doesn’t mean I agreed with Luke’s actions or liked them.
As always, since starting this series I smile whenever there’s mention of the characters from book one, a story that blew me away. Dane, love him!
I don’t know if it was due to my disconnect, or if the author’s writing style has changed, but there were many run on sentences, some as long as 50-60 words which left me gasping for breath. Or perhaps that was intentional on the authors part so the reader would hold their breath and get a feeling of suspense?
In summary this book was just ‘okay’ for me. I encourage people to read other reviews and make up their own mind if this story is for them or not. Although this is book 3 in a series, it can be read as a standalone.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review
February 28, 2016
3rd book in the “finding” series : can be read as a standalone.
Gray, a famous author a little burnt by his celebrity status, decides to hide in Montana to fight his cancer. There, he ran into Luke, a military man hiding from a false accusation for murder. Their first encounter leads Luke to temporarily live with Gray. From there, their friendship slowly develops into something deeper, especially for Luke who is straight and they help each other dealing with their life and their family relationship.
Sloane Kennedy did it again : in a few pages, we get 2 great characters, a lot of emotion, some action, hot sex scenes.
I recommend this series and this book.
Gray, a famous author a little burnt by his celebrity status, decides to hide in Montana to fight his cancer. There, he ran into Luke, a military man hiding from a false accusation for murder. Their first encounter leads Luke to temporarily live with Gray. From there, their friendship slowly develops into something deeper, especially for Luke who is straight and they help each other dealing with their life and their family relationship.
Sloane Kennedy did it again : in a few pages, we get 2 great characters, a lot of emotion, some action, hot sex scenes.
I recommend this series and this book.
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