The Hardest Goodbyes

The McLendon Family Saga #5

by D.L. Roan

At the height of the Cold War, a soldier and a spy begin a forbidden, unlikely affair that leads to a lifetime of love and loss, triumph and tragedy. In this fifth novel of the McLendon Family Saga by USA Today bestselling author D.L. Roan, Daniel and Cade's ageless passion has forged an extraordinary family, and healed the hearts of those they love, but their journey was never easy. This is their story. Romance Sagas Series, Gay Romance, MM, LGBT Romance Interconnected standalone full-length novel. The McLendon Family Saga Reading Order The Heart of Falcon Ridge A McLendon Christmas Rock Star Cowboys Rock Star The Honeymoon The Hardest Goodbyes Return to Falcon Ridge Forever Falcon Ridge The Legacy of Falcon Ridge Interconnected Series Survivirs' Justice

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, LGBT

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2016

About the author

USA Today and International Bestselling Author D.L. Roan loves combining fantasy with the real world, giving her readers more than just a romantic story, but a true adventure in love. She writes about life: the good, bad, the silly things, the hard things, and everything in between. "If I can give someone a break from all the craziness that comes with real life, maybe even make them smile, or turn a bad day into a fantastic one, then it's all been worth it." ~ D.L. Roan

She's a native Floridian, a rare breed in a land of snow birds. Scuba diving and hunting for shark's teeth on the beach are two of her favorite things. She loves rainy days, thunderstorms and is an avid dog lover. Yes, size matters. She hopes to one day add a big ol' floppy Great Dane to her family of hounds.

For exclusive details and free stories by D.L., visit her website www.dlroan.com and subscribe to her newsletter. She loves chatting with her friends and fans on Facebook. Check out the links in the back of her books for details about her secret fan group where she hangs out with her fans who get first dibs on all her sexy stories!

The McLendon Family Saga Reading Order:

(1) The Heart of Falcon Ridge
(2) A McLendon Christmas
(3) Rock Star Cowboys
(4) Rock Star Cowboys: The Honeymoon
(5) The Hardest Goodbyes
(6) Return to Falcon Ridge

Survivors' Justice Series Reading Order:

(1) Surviving Redemption
(2) One Defining Second

Standalones:
Blindfold Fantasy: A Novel Menage

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hardest Goodbyes is book five in The McLendon Family Saga by D.L. Roan. I’ve had this book for awhile now and it’s been bugging me to get to it. But now, I am so glad I waited. I have loved this family since book one. I’ve laughed and cried with them, for them. I miss them between books. Book six in now live so since I waited to read book five, I get to read them back to back. The Hardest Goodbyes is Daniel and Cade’s story. This story both made me soar and broke my heart. It does fill in lots of little gaps in the previous books, getting their side of everything. I have to say that just reading through my quotes and getting ready to write this review, I am feeling all emotional all over again so here I go.

Sergeant Daniel Gregory first met Cade Candelle in 1984 in Frankfurt, Germany. Cade was on a special mission to ferret out spies. Daniel was bi-sexual but in those days, especially being in the marines, he had to keep his sexual interests private, very private. His first sighting of Cade completely floored him. He couldn’t even think straight. But Cade sent mixed signals like crazy. He’d had enough bad experiences to learn that lesson. He would keep his attraction to himself. But then, Cade let him know, with no doubt about it, what his intentions were. He wanted Daniel just as much as Daniel wanted him.

“He didn’t know what to do or say. Even if he could speak, there were no words to describe what was happening to him. He was lost. He was Cade’s.”



Thus began a whirlwind love affair. But their careers had an expiration date stamped on their time together. They knew they would have to say goodbye eventually but it didn’t make it any easier. After a few lucky interludes where they could meet, Daniel was sent back to the States where he had a surprise waiting for him that would change his life. Their love for one another never died but life kept them apart. Daniel suffered extreme loss but even then, he wouldn’t allow Cade back into his life. He was not the man he used to be. Until he finally had to accept Cade’s help.

“All of the denial and grief, pain and guilt, love and longing he’d battled back year after year, burst from somewhere deep inside with such force he didn’t think about who may be watching, or what anyone else thought.”

Daniel and Cade’s story is beautiful. It is both happy and so sad. Their love for one another transcended decades, even when they were continents apart.

“He’d thought at the time, letting Daniel go was the best thing for them both. He should have known he’d never be able to erase him from the pages of his heart’s story. Their story.”



Reading this moved me. I didn’t think I would feel this deeply for these two. It was also the perfect way to reacquaint myself with the McLendon Family in preparing to read Jonah’s story in book six. If you haven’t started this series and this is the type of romance you enjoy, start with book one. It’s free. And just see if you can resist falling in love with this family the way I have. You could read this as a stand alone. There are enough details to help you through. But you would miss so much.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! This book took my breath away. Not your typical love story but one of the best I've read, and probably my favorite DL Roan book to date. This is Daniel & Cade’s story, from the day they met until the present.

I wasn’t more than a few pages in before I was literally laughing out loud. And I laughed a lot. But I cried even more. Such a fantastic story. Yes, this is a MM story, but it is also, or maybe more so, a love story. And like any great love story, you are going to cry. I sure did, many times. But this has got to be one of my favorite books of the year.

The Hardest Goodbyes can be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend reading not only the other books in the series first but also Surviving Redemption. You will definitely get so much more out of the story!!!

[Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe my favorite of the series so far. Loved the flash backs and the tender life long love affair with this couple.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 HUGE stars!!!
*ARC received in return for an honest review.

This book rocked my world, I FREAKIN' loved it!!! Be prepared for a HUGE book hangover.

I've NEVER been so turned on by a love scene between two men until now. Holy sh*t!!!

I've only read a few m/m stories and that was because they were part of a series where I was following a supporting character's development and needing them to have their own story.
And that's one of the reasons why I read The Hardest Goodbyes and the other, because the author is D.L. Roan whose writing I absolutely adore.

I have laughed, swooned and cried my way through this book, finally finishing with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. I love everything this author has ever written but this has to be the best so far. I was hooked from the first page until the very last, I didn't want it to end.
The author has done a wonderful job in bringing Daniel & Cade's story to life. You'd never guess that this is her first m/m book. It's raw, hot and sexy but beautiful, sensitive and heartbreakingly moving.

Daniel Gregory & Cade Candelle first made a brief appearance in The Heart of Falcon Ridge (The McLendons Family Saga #1) and have kind of stayed on the sidelines of each book in the series but creeping further and further into forefront until they demanded their own story. And boy, what a story!!
I never realised just how much this couple had crept in to my heart until now and I was totally unprepared as to how I would feel afterwards...bereft.

I fell in love with Cade because he is such a devil and a charmer, the way he had fun teasing Daniel made me chuckle but Daniel...I ADORE him! My heart hurt so bad for him and what he endured over the years. Never in my wildest dreams, when reading the previous books did I guess what he went through. I just wanted to put my arms around him and hug him tight.
Chapter ten, O.M.G!! That's all I will say. When you get to it then you will know and your heart will break too.

I can honestly say that this is the most beautiful and emotional story I could ever hope to read about the love between two men. Their love is enduring, unbreakable and everlasting, surviving the trials and test of time. Their love is ultimate.
If you've never read an m/m romance before then take a chance on Daniel & Cade and make them your first. Trust me, you won't regret it because this isn't a story about romance. It's a story about life and love.
I can't recommend it highly enough. Go 1-click NOW!!!

***Although The Hardest Goodbyes is the fifth book in The McLendon Family Saga it can be read as a standalone without the need to read any of the others in the series. However, I strongly recommend that you read them first, along with Surviving Redemption (Survivor's Justice #1) to give you a better understanding of the characters and their back stories. And because they are both awesome series and you'd be crazy not to!!

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I do not usually read M/M books...I am just not into them...but Wow! This book grabbed my attention and made me sob! When a book can move my emotions, that book is wonderful to me, a keeper! This book is a keeper!

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This M/M romance is really the tale of an epic love story. It takes a lot to make me cry, but I bawled through half a box of tissues with this one. I am still overflowing with emotion. Everyone should be able to have a love like Cade and Daniel. The story covers decades through flash backs from present day to when they first meet in 1984. Their reactions to each other when they first meet made my heart flutter. Their passion for each other is incendiary. Their tale begins at a time when AIDS is new and the fear surrounding it a living a gay lifestyle is very real. That they have had to go through time apart and difficult times in their lives is unquestionable. These two men who love each other completely. The love and support of the family that surrounds them is a beautiful thing. I am floored by my feelings for these two characters and their love for each other. This was a truly beautiful story of love, passion, loss, fear, and the acceptance of things beyond our control. This book is written in third person from dual POV.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰]

Heartbreaking. Heartwarming. An emotional rollercoaster.

Just a few of the words to describe The Hardest Goodbyes.

I have been a fan of this series since I first stumbled across Ms Roan's work when she first started publishing. And this.. this book was everything.

Happiness can be found when and where you least expect it, and Daniel and Cade's love had me laughing, had me in tears. Filled my heart with hope.

It was great to get the rest of the McClendon's and more of my book husband Grant.

Can't wait for the next book in this series!

[Marissa Michaelsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still totally unsure if I should cry or laugh.
I love Cade and Daniel. These two have a true love story that needed to be told. I can't wait to see what the future holds for them.

[Amanda Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart is so full of happiness and sadness at the same time. The feels from this book. Amazing. My stomach is churning just thinking about the final book. I know there will be a lot of tears!!

[HOTMOM8206 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, real tear jerker.

[Helen McNabb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

I have enjoyed these stories by DL To an.
😁. . . . . . . . . . .

[Lakesha Marshall caraway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This was by far one of the best books I've ever read!! One of the best love stories out there!!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the McLendon Family Saga since I picked up "The Heart of Falcon Ridge" as a freebie. Daniel and Cade were introduced as supporting characters.

This isn't a genre that I normally read, but I was blown away. It was Daniel and Cade's love story and it was so much more. It is the story of their history together and how they got to where they are now. Daniel was one of my favorite supporting characters in the first book and I loved finding out more about the man he is.

If you haven't read the other books, you need to read them first. This is a wonderful book, but I don't think it should be read without reading the others in the series.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

bring the Kleenex

Where do I begin. This book is the love story of Daniel and Cade. How they meet, the feelings they had and eventually how they reconnected. There will be tears and laughing. I loved this book

[The Book Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sometimes a man has to figure out who he isn't before he can know who he is."

I have followed this ENTIRE series from the start and have been reading it since 2013....this series is a part of me now and I don't think I can give it up!!! So, when I first started to read about this family, it was so different than my normal reads. I had never read a book in this genre, however, I fell instantly in love with this family and have followed them around ever since!!! Daniel and Cade's story is just an extension of the original storyline of the family, and Roan does their story justice. While this is a standalone, it would make reading their story easier with some background on what's been going on. The first book in the series is FREE and I would suggest you pick it up and check it out.

Daniel and Cade didn't have an easy start, but their relationship was anything but hard. As Cade (the jokester) would say, no pun intended. HA!! I loved getting to see little bits of Daniel and Cade's relationship while reading the other books in the series, but reading their POV's in this book allowed me to fall even more in love with them. Their love is rich and empowering, and I want SO much for them!! Cade is a smart ass and I think I fell head over heels the minute he walked off the plane and winked at Daniel. So freaking sexy!!

This book spanned YEARS and covered quite a bit that had happened to them between the time they met and the 'now', but the one constant between them was the intense draw between their hearts. They both had qualities that would just make you sigh. Cade was so dominant with his charismatic personality and crooked smile, while Daniel was very upstanding and had a silent strength to him that drew me in. They both had a soft spot for each other, and the roadblocks that presented themselves along their journey to their HEA were so unforeseen, but they really embodied the meaning of your one true love...your soul mate. You can't help but root for them, and dammit, I want to hug them!

By the time I got through this book, I had sprung a few leaks from my eyes. That's not to say that I didn't find myself laughing and giggling at their antics and comments. The part that stuck with me were the intimate parts. The special and personal times between Cade and Daniel. It was so touching bust so painful at times to read, but the love story behind it all was so heartwarming. My heart hurt as I read it because I just knew what was coming. But once again, Roan sucked me in and lead me right to the next book....and now I sit and wait for Jonah's story, because that will have some more answers for me. Heartbreaking ones at that.

This is written in third person, and that would normally deter me from continuing in a series, but there is just something about this family that makes me keep coming back for more. Roan tells a story with ease and precision as she takes you through some very touchy subjects. I am definitely a fan of hers and will continue reading this series as it comes out.

"He should have known he'd never be able to erase him from the pages of his heart's story."

[Esra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keşke seri Cade ve Daniel'in hikayesi ile başlasaymış... Çünkü Gabby'nin Falcon Ridge'e gelişi falan hep onlarla alakalıydı...
Çok daha uzun ve detaylı bir kitabı hak ediyorlardı bence... Harika bir ikiliydi; birbirleriyle uğraşmaları falan çok keyifliydi.. İlk tanıştıkları zamanların anlatıldığı kısa flashbackler vardı ama ben o anları ve birbirlerini severek ayrı geçirdikleri o yılları bütün yarıntılarıyla okumak isterdim...
Jonah'ın durumuyla ilgili yeni şeyler de öğrendik... Şimdi sırada onun kitabı var ve yapacağı açıklamalardan sonra babalarının vereceği tepkiyi az çok tahmin edebiliyorum :D
Umarım Cade ve Daniel için de işler yolunda gider... Seri bitene kadar mümkünse üzmesin beni :D Zira bu kitabın adını görünce sonundan feci korkmuştum!

[Tbird London · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t recall ever hearing about this series before, but after reading The Hardest Goodbye, I went in search for the rest of this series. I one clicked book 1 before I even started this review. The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the beginning, when the characters were introduced to me, there were so many I felt a bit overwhelmed and confused but as the story unfolded it became not only easy to follow but I longed to be part of this family. I seriously have that homesick feeling because I want more from the McLendon family.

When you read this book, you will be entering the love story of Daniel and Cade, two intelligent, military men who met during the Cold War in Germany. As time goes on for them, their lives take different twists and turns, only to have tragedy bring them back together. The author takes us along as their story becomes dangerous and full of suspense, giving us a white knuckle feeling as we pray it all works out. With a unique family set up for Cade, Daniel was the one who would need to adjust and decide if a life with Cade was worth leaving what he knew and admitting who he was.

I fell head over heel in love with these two special men and their whole family. With the hint of trouble for Jonah, I can hardly wait to read the next book, but I am going to spend my time catching up on this series. The author wrote a story with raw emotions revolving around a realistic plot, something that most readers will be able to connect to even if you are not into M/M romances. I think this book proves that love is an emotion that should not come with restrictions on who you can give that love to. Be prepared to cry and have your heart broken as you read, but welcome those moments that will have you laughing out loud and falling in love with this family.

received in exchange for an honest review for Crystal's Many Reviewers

[Jodi Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cade & Daniel's story was very awe inspiring, heartfelt and heartwarming. Their story was one of love, that a lot of people don't get the chance to find in their entire lives. Love is love, no matter race or gender. I have laughed so hard I was crying while reading this book, but I have just cried so much harder in other places while reading it too. I have to say I love the whole family, but so far Cade & Daniel's story is by far the best. I don't know if it is because they had to conquer so much to be together, or if it is because I knew their love was like no other. Their chemistry was off the charts from the very beginning. It was so exciting to read about their past together, and what brought them together in the present day. I can't imagine what the future holds for them, but they have had many years together and I don't think the two of them will ever have enough time together. Love knows no bounds or time. You never have enough time with the ones you love.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is love no matter who is involved and this is most definitely a love story. Happiness can be found through love and whether it is male/female, male/male, female/female or in some cases male/male/male/female who are we to judge, everyone has a heart that can be filled with joy and broken in two.

Cade and Daniel's story had me both smiling and crying. It shows how times have changed but not always prejudices, although unconventional relationships are more high accepted now than they were back in the 80's.

This is a great book with a fantastic storyline that encompasses the previous McLendon books and also the Survivors' Justice book (although it is not essential to read this series first it would help). I love all the characters in this series and it great to see how their lives progressing.

Brilliant series.

[Shaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cade and Daniel's story while so very sad is also truly unique and beautiful. To love someone wholeheartedly and unconditionally for over twenty years but to not be together for more than half of those years is such a waste, but they had their lives to live and at the time it just wasn't meant for them to be together.

It was rather frustrating having to read what became a condensed version of the four books prior to this one, yeah the POVs were from Cade and Daniel's perspective but it was still the same stuff I already read. I had to skim through those chapters. I was more interested in Cade and Daniel's love story and Jonah's mysterious disappearance, that boy is so tight lipped!

Overall a very sweet read, sad and a bit of a tear jerker but sweet nonetheless!

[Sue Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this family - have since the very first book. And each time a new book is released - I feel like I am coming "Home".
Daniel and Cade's story was a walk down memory lane with their story added.
"Do you remember the first day we met?" "I knew we would have an affair, but I also knew there would be more, that we had a story to live." And what an Amazing journey their life is. A true love story filled with passion and sorrow and heartbreak and ups and downs and family. True soul mates working their way back to each other.
Beautifully written and flawlessly executed - a favorite for 2016.

[Sylvia Haenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Romantic!

This is one of the best romantic book have ever read and especially when its a M/M book, which im not into reading. But this one right here is definitely not a 5 star rating but a 10. I love this series and everything that it represents, family, loyalty, love, sass, protection, safety and romance. Its one of those heart warming romance that you would need a box of tissues for and by the end of the book your box of tissues will be empty. Bring on the next book. Can't wait!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as good as the others in this series. I had a hard time putting it down. The story goes on about Daniel the father Gabby adopted in the Heart of Falcon Ridge (1st book). He kept her safe while she testified against her father and his human trafficking. You just have to read all the books. They are such good stories and tells what we don't want to ever think about but know things like that do happen in the real world. Can't wait to get the next in the series. Thank you D L Roan

[EvaLovesRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still teary eyed !!!

I have been reading this series non stop and so far this fifth book of Cade and Daniel has been the best. I have had some teary eyed moments and I have had some moments of worrying how this book could possibly end. I have to say that love is love no matter who you are and this love story has its ups and downs and I have enjoyed every moment of it. LOVED IT!!!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that stands the test of time, that 's what Cade and Daniel shared even though they had to face many obstacles in life and a separation that would test that connection. Different paths may be chosen but fate will not be stopped. I loved how the author unfolded their story and truly expresses the love and chemistry between these two strong men. Come follow the story and get a look at true love and find out their past, present and a new threat to their future!

[Jo Ann Reinhold · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much more to this book than a love story. The story of Cade and Daniel is told looking back into the past at the lives they lived, the journey they made, apart and together, while facing an uncertain future. It is a story of loss, a love that spans a lifetime and the joys and pains that goes with living.
I love the family that DL Roan has created in this series and I am so happy that she included Cade and Daniel's story into the saga.

[Melissa Mcentyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hardest Goodbyes by D.L. Roan, Book 5 in the McLendon Family Saga is beyond what you are expecting when you start Daniel & Cade's story. It is looking back in all the lives on or connected to the the ranch. This is a story with twist, angst and love you are not expecting. It is so a must read and a topper to my binge read of the Saga. You just have to read the whole stories up until now. I am so looking forward to Book 6.

[Jo Ann Reinhold · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much more to this book than a love story. The story of Cade and Daniel is told looking back into the past at the lives they lived, the journey they made, apart and together, while facing an uncertain future. It is a story of loss, a love that spans a lifetime and the joys and pains that goes with living.
I love the family that DL Roan has created in this series and I am so happy that she included Cade and Daniel's story into the saga.

[Toi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

Daniel and Cade's story was by far my favorite, falling in love with another man was really something you didn't do years ago and if you did you didn't let others know - loving someone for years and working through what life throws at you makes your heart expand beyond your wildest dreams.

[Suzanne R Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed each of the 5 books in this series the characters were so well written they really came to life for me each of their jourmeys, I think the Hardest Goodbyes touched me the most, Daniel and Cades love story was beautiful so keep your kleenex close. I love this writer and look forward to the next book in this saga and add D L Doan to my favorites list