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The Protectors #7
Revelation
“I trusted once. I won’t make that mistake again…”An ugly childhood and devastating betrayal have left 25-year-old Cain Jensen scarred inside and out. Protecting himself means keeping everyone at arm’s length and protecting others means never getting emotionally involved. In the three years since he’s joined an underground vigilante group, every life he saves helps ease the guilt of the ones that were lost to him so long ago. So when he’s sent to a remote cabin in the Cascade Mountains just north of Seattle to follow up on the disappearance of his boss’s co-worker, his only thought is to see that justice is served, no matter what the circumstances.But nothing he’s ever experienced has prepared the cold-hearted and very straight Cain for who he finds on that mountain…or the intense need to suddenly offer more than just protection.“I’ve finally managed to break free, but I’ve never felt more trapped in my entire life…”Ethan Rhodes has been running for six months, but it’s never fast enough, it’s never far enough. At 30 years old, the talented ER Doctor should be spending his days saving other people’s lives, not worrying about his own. But he knows that the four years of physical and emotional abuse he’s suffered at the hands of his volatile ex are nothing compared to what will happen when Ethan runs out of places to hide, especially after taking something from the man he once was sure would be the love of his life.A violent episode that has Ethan narrowly escaping death leads to a quiet cabin in the mountains where his battered body will have time to heal before he and the young girl relying on him need to run again. But everything changes with the arrival of a mysterious stranger who threatens to give Ethan something he’d finally accepted was gone forever…hope.“I didn’t see this coming. I don’t think he did either…”To get to the truth, Cain must first get through Ethan’s defenses, but watching the other man’s walls start to come down forces Cain to face his own past. And as the tremulous connection between the two men grows and gives way to something more, both will need to decide if they’re willing to risk giving each other the one thing that has cost them so much in the past…trust.Will two men who’ve vowed never to let someone close again let down their guard long enough to find each other, or will they let their pasts determine their future?
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2017
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1024 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
August 12, 2021
***2 Stars***
It's no secret that this author likes to give her characters difficult backstories (mainly abuse - sexual, physical, mental)...but this book right here just takes things to a whole other level. This is just too much and I felt it tipped the edge and fell into tragedy porn. I mean....in one word...WHOA.
Ethan is running from his abusive ex-boyfriend. They were in a 4 year relationship where Ethan was abused in every way imaginable....from daily insults about Ethan's appearance to repeated rape. After Ronan is clued in to some suspicious activity at his hospital, he asks Cain to go and check on Ethan at a cabin Ronan believes him to be hiding at.
What Cain finds is not what he was expecting.
Ethan is BADLY beaten. Bruises and cuts on his entire body, a possible concussion, and he's got pools of blood along his backside and down his thighs. He's also got a teenager with him.
Cain's not sure what to do in this situation, but he's gotta find a way for them to trust him....all while he has little trust in them due to his own issues.
You see, Cain can't be touched and sees everyone as a possible threat. He grew up in an abusive household where his father had an obsessive jealousy of his mother and physically abused her on a regular basis. When Cain is 15 years old, all of this culminates to his father going on an angry rampage killing his brothers and sisters and almost killing Cain.
If you've ever read Sloane Kennedy before, then you know in addition to the difficult backgrounds that she likes...she's also a big fan of insta. Whether it's lust, like or love...it's there in her stories. Me? I'm not a hater of insta at all. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. Here....IT ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT!
I'm sorry, but you can't have been BRUTALLY raped 24 hours ago and all of a sudden you feel a stirring for a man you DO NOT KNOW. And you can't have the "no touch," "no trust," "never loved," issues that Cain has and after washing the bleeding and damaged ass of a raped man have the urgent need to run out of the house to masturbate in the back yard!!
With the histories both of these men have...insta is NOT believable in any way, shape or form. This whole book takes place over a couple of weeks. Nope....not believable. So from the very beginning, I was struggling with this book.
And struggling is how I ended it too. Nothing about this book makes sense on an emotional or physical level.
Don't even get me started on the fact that less than 2 weeks after a BRUTAL rape....Ethan is having his ass pounded into the mattress by Cain. NOPE. No, not nope....HELL NO!
Alright, I'm gonna stop now before this turns into a rant. I've come across books like this from this author before....books where she completely misses the mark (I'm looking at you Logan's Need) but out of all the books I've read by Sloane Kennedy...this one really takes the cake. Whatever she was aiming for here is lost on me.
April 8, 2017
This is the 7th book in the "Protectors" series and I was extremely excited when I found out that Sloane Kennedy was releasing this book a few days sooner. Over the last year this author has become one of my favorite mm writers and her books are an absolute auto-buy for me.
Even though this book can be read as a stand-alone, I would like to encourage everyone to read all her books in the right order. Sloane Kennedy has published a few series, which she keeps adding to, and some characters cross over from one series to the next. Reading these books, is so much more enjoyable, when you actually know all the side-characters. By now I actually feel part of this huge family she has created. At the end of my review, I will post a list of all the books, in the right reading order. If you haven't started this series yet, I suggest you start now ;)
This time, it's Cain and Ethans turn.....
Cain is one of the men, working for the underground organisation, Ronan is leading. Cain's new job is to search out Ethan Rhodes. Ethan works at the same hospital as Ronan and the man just seems to have upped and left, leaving his wrecked and bloody-stained appartment. Ronan thinks the man is on the run and he wants to know exactly what is going on. So this is where Cain comes in, he wasn't prepared for what he would find though.....
Ethan has been living in hell for the last 4 years. His story was horrible and though he was quite broken....he wasn't completely defeated. Part of the reason he wasn't, was because of Lucy. She is a new character we were introduced to. I loved this girl and I loved Ethan for wanting to protect her...even when he was down and broken.
Seeing Ethan so broken, rises every one of Cain's protective instincts.
"I'd wanted to wash away that proof so that I wouldn't ache inside for what had happend to him."
Which confuses even him, because he doesn't understand why he is feeling this way. Cain has lived through a horrible past of his own and ever since, he doesn't like to be thouched and he doesn't do feelings very well. But there is something different about Ethan and the way he makes him feel.
In helping Ethan fight his demons, he realises that Ethan is also helping him fight his. It was very nice seeing these two broken souls come together and start healing each other.
We were just two people finding in each other what we couldn't find in ourselves.
I would have loved to give this book 5 stars but there were some things that bothered me, so I couldn't. With everything that happend to Ethan, I found it bit hard to believe that he opened up to Cain the way he did. And I don't just mean mentally, I mean psysically. This brings me to the triggers. For those of you who are sensitive to triggers, be warned that this book deals with several, which I will put under a spoiler
Still, I loved reading this book, as I have loved all of the books in this series and I can't wait to read the next one, which will be about Phoenix. I have to admit that I myself am extra curious about Vincent, who's another character we got to meet in this book. I hope we will get his story soon too !!
Recommended Reading Order, if you want to read according to the correct timeline. If you are not an m/f reader you can skip those books without any problem, because each book is written as a stand-alone.
1.Gabriel’s Rule (m/f) (The Escort Series, #1)
2.Shane’s Fall (m/f) (The Escort Series, #2)
3.Logan’s Need (m/m) (The Escort Series, #3)
4.Finding Home (m/m/m) (Finding Series, #1)
5. Finding Trust (m/m) (Finding Series, #2)
6. Loving Vin (m/f) (Barretti Security Series, #1)
7. Redeeming Rafe (m/m) (Barretti Security Series, #2)
8. Saving Ren (m/m/m) (Barretti Security Series, #3)
9. Freeing Zane (m/m) (Barretti Security Series, #4
10. Finding Peace (m/m) (Finding Series, #3)
11. Finding Forgiveness (m/m) (Finding Series, #4)
12. Absolution (m/m/m) (The Protectors, #1)
13. Salvation (m/m) (The Protectors, #2)
14. Retribution (m/m) (The Protectors, #3)
15. Forsaken (m/m) (The Protectors, #4)
16. Vengeance (m/m/m) (The Protectors, #5)
17. A Protectors Family Christmas (The Protectors, #5.5)
18. Atonement (m/m) (The Protectors, #6)
19. Revelation (m/m) (The Protectors, #7)
20. Finding Hope (m/m/m) (Finding Series, #5)
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
Even though this book can be read as a stand-alone, I would like to encourage everyone to read all her books in the right order. Sloane Kennedy has published a few series, which she keeps adding to, and some characters cross over from one series to the next. Reading these books, is so much more enjoyable, when you actually know all the side-characters. By now I actually feel part of this huge family she has created. At the end of my review, I will post a list of all the books, in the right reading order. If you haven't started this series yet, I suggest you start now ;)
This time, it's Cain and Ethans turn.....
Cain is one of the men, working for the underground organisation, Ronan is leading. Cain's new job is to search out Ethan Rhodes. Ethan works at the same hospital as Ronan and the man just seems to have upped and left, leaving his wrecked and bloody-stained appartment. Ronan thinks the man is on the run and he wants to know exactly what is going on. So this is where Cain comes in, he wasn't prepared for what he would find though.....
Ethan has been living in hell for the last 4 years. His story was horrible and though he was quite broken....he wasn't completely defeated. Part of the reason he wasn't, was because of Lucy. She is a new character we were introduced to. I loved this girl and I loved Ethan for wanting to protect her...even when he was down and broken.
Seeing Ethan so broken, rises every one of Cain's protective instincts.
"I'd wanted to wash away that proof so that I wouldn't ache inside for what had happend to him."
Which confuses even him, because he doesn't understand why he is feeling this way. Cain has lived through a horrible past of his own and ever since, he doesn't like to be thouched and he doesn't do feelings very well. But there is something different about Ethan and the way he makes him feel.
In helping Ethan fight his demons, he realises that Ethan is also helping him fight his. It was very nice seeing these two broken souls come together and start healing each other.
We were just two people finding in each other what we couldn't find in ourselves.
I would have loved to give this book 5 stars but there were some things that bothered me, so I couldn't. With everything that happend to Ethan, I found it bit hard to believe that he opened up to Cain the way he did. And I don't just mean mentally, I mean psysically. This brings me to the triggers. For those of you who are sensitive to triggers, be warned that this book deals with several, which I will put under a spoiler
Still, I loved reading this book, as I have loved all of the books in this series and I can't wait to read the next one, which will be about Phoenix. I have to admit that I myself am extra curious about Vincent, who's another character we got to meet in this book. I hope we will get his story soon too !!
Recommended Reading Order, if you want to read according to the correct timeline. If you are not an m/f reader you can skip those books without any problem, because each book is written as a stand-alone.
1.Gabriel’s Rule (m/f) (The Escort Series, #1)
2.Shane’s Fall (m/f) (The Escort Series, #2)
3.Logan’s Need (m/m) (The Escort Series, #3)
4.Finding Home (m/m/m) (Finding Series, #1)
5. Finding Trust (m/m) (Finding Series, #2)
6. Loving Vin (m/f) (Barretti Security Series, #1)
7. Redeeming Rafe (m/m) (Barretti Security Series, #2)
8. Saving Ren (m/m/m) (Barretti Security Series, #3)
9. Freeing Zane (m/m) (Barretti Security Series, #4
10. Finding Peace (m/m) (Finding Series, #3)
11. Finding Forgiveness (m/m) (Finding Series, #4)
12. Absolution (m/m/m) (The Protectors, #1)
13. Salvation (m/m) (The Protectors, #2)
14. Retribution (m/m) (The Protectors, #3)
15. Forsaken (m/m) (The Protectors, #4)
16. Vengeance (m/m/m) (The Protectors, #5)
17. A Protectors Family Christmas (The Protectors, #5.5)
18. Atonement (m/m) (The Protectors, #6)
19. Revelation (m/m) (The Protectors, #7)
20. Finding Hope (m/m/m) (Finding Series, #5)
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
February 24, 2019
First. Please excuse my language. I’m going to rant a little, tiny bit. If it weren’t for the fact that I kept reading, I’d give this one star. This is just so unbelievable and insensitive to rape victims IMO. Ethan has been raped and left bleeding from his rectum. How the fuck is Cain getting turned on cleaning the blood from Ethan’s ass? There is NOTHING sexy about that. Considering the condition that Ethan was in, Cain’s attraction really made me sick to my stomach. To add insult to injury, Ethan is entertaining thoughts of sex and attraction within days of his assault. I know everyone is different, but that was just completely unbelievable to me. Ethan was healed by the magic power of Cain’s dick? Give me a fucking break. The beginning really colored any gains made in their relationship. It was too much, too fast for my comfort. I’m honestly surprised I finished it. What I’m not surprised about is my willingness to keep reading the series (apparently I’m addicted to the magic dicks as much as each new MC). There are a few gems that I adored (I’ve already reread two) amongst the completely unbelievable stories similar to this.
Take my opinion with a grain of salt. This story (and the rest of the series) has very high ratings. Hell, I keep reading them. Your mileage my vary.
Take my opinion with a grain of salt. This story (and the rest of the series) has very high ratings. Hell, I keep reading them. Your mileage my vary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2017
Warning. I am 60% in -
"This book needs strong trigger warnings. It is a pretty violent book. Here are the possible triggers thus far:
Revelation is book 7 in Sloane Kennedy's acclaimed Protectors Series. Broken men who come together and form a family, redefining their futures, and eliminating scum from the earth. All of the men in this series are damaged in one way or another, they want or need justice for a wrong, and they need someone who understands them, accepts them, and loves them. Revelation can be considered a standalone in that the story for these characters is resolved from beginning to end...However I strongly discourage anyone from starting this series at book 7... take the time and read the first 6 books...get to know the characters of the series. You will enjoy this book all the more!
This story follows Cain Jensen one of Ronan's enforcers as he is tasked with a new case of protecting Ethan Rhodes. It comes with the addition of two new characters to the series, Ethan Rhodes and a young girl we come to know as Lucy. In addition there are several characters from previous books either mentioned or that are in this story and we get to meet a new mysterious man Vincent St. James (I really want his story).
While I was reading this book I found myself alternating between severe hatred of the man who has made Ethan's life a living nightmare, Eric. Then my hatred would turn into a need for this character to be punished. I felt pain and sadness for the life Ethan had been living, yet I was hopeful that Cain would bring him through the battle and lead him to a better life. Then we have the tortured soul, Cain. He is a man with many, many demons-he deals with them the best he can. These demons have made him avoid human contact, he has lived a life of minimal touch and very shallow intimate relationships. But he meets Ethan and he immediately wants more.
I have to say, although I rated this book 4 stars - because I loved it. The story did have some aspects that I felt were too rushed, unrealistic, and not something a victim of severe emotional, psychological, and sexual assault would do - but, I also understand that stories have limits and the author was keeping with the theme of "righting a wrong" rather than going deep into the emotional aspects and the psychological part of the characters. I wish these areas had been explored a little - but, I was happy with how the book flowed. I will say, as I did in my warning- if you have been the victim of physical, mental, sexual abuse/assault this book may be too much for you- so please go into it with caution.
There is a happy ending and we get to look at the characters coming in Book 8 - I will be curious to see how Cain and Ethan are doing as they are mentioned in subsequent books.
Overall 4 stars and another recommended book in the Protectors Series - here is to "starting over and learning to love and trust again."
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
"This book needs strong trigger warnings. It is a pretty violent book. Here are the possible triggers thus far:
Revelation is book 7 in Sloane Kennedy's acclaimed Protectors Series. Broken men who come together and form a family, redefining their futures, and eliminating scum from the earth. All of the men in this series are damaged in one way or another, they want or need justice for a wrong, and they need someone who understands them, accepts them, and loves them. Revelation can be considered a standalone in that the story for these characters is resolved from beginning to end...However I strongly discourage anyone from starting this series at book 7... take the time and read the first 6 books...get to know the characters of the series. You will enjoy this book all the more!
This story follows Cain Jensen one of Ronan's enforcers as he is tasked with a new case of protecting Ethan Rhodes. It comes with the addition of two new characters to the series, Ethan Rhodes and a young girl we come to know as Lucy. In addition there are several characters from previous books either mentioned or that are in this story and we get to meet a new mysterious man Vincent St. James (I really want his story).
While I was reading this book I found myself alternating between severe hatred of the man who has made Ethan's life a living nightmare, Eric. Then my hatred would turn into a need for this character to be punished. I felt pain and sadness for the life Ethan had been living, yet I was hopeful that Cain would bring him through the battle and lead him to a better life. Then we have the tortured soul, Cain. He is a man with many, many demons-he deals with them the best he can. These demons have made him avoid human contact, he has lived a life of minimal touch and very shallow intimate relationships. But he meets Ethan and he immediately wants more.
I have to say, although I rated this book 4 stars - because I loved it. The story did have some aspects that I felt were too rushed, unrealistic, and not something a victim of severe emotional, psychological, and sexual assault would do - but, I also understand that stories have limits and the author was keeping with the theme of "righting a wrong" rather than going deep into the emotional aspects and the psychological part of the characters. I wish these areas had been explored a little - but, I was happy with how the book flowed. I will say, as I did in my warning- if you have been the victim of physical, mental, sexual abuse/assault this book may be too much for you- so please go into it with caution.
There is a happy ending and we get to look at the characters coming in Book 8 - I will be curious to see how Cain and Ethan are doing as they are mentioned in subsequent books.
Overall 4 stars and another recommended book in the Protectors Series - here is to "starting over and learning to love and trust again."
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
April 9, 2017
There's a lot of pain in this book - violence and triggers from abuse so it's not for everyone. On saying that, this is the Protectors series and this is what these guys do ... the modern day Supermen ! Life was not easy for Ethan or Cain, but through a shared understanding of trauma they were able to connect and relate. While it felt a little light on and almost rushed I still enjoyed the connection and the newest addition to the series. These guys are Alpha hot !
July 7, 2020
Man, the backstory of these two was so sad and horrific. It was definitely OTT and unbelievable that both could overcome it in a matter of weeks. But I liked them together and they both deserve a HEA.
May 10, 2018
After my re-read I decided to drop it half a star and make it 3.5 stars.
Cain really annoyed me the second time around. I'm not a fan of men who act angry a lot of the time because they have issues. Especially since Ethan was abused and raped for years, so what he needed was a tender touch. I'm not sure he got the right partner in Cain....
----------------------
Original review:
A wonderful hurt/comfort story that would have gotten 5 stars if not for one major pet peeve of mine.
This book follows the standard Sloane Kennedy formula, and I can't ever seem to get enough of it.
Cain is a 25 year old employee of Ronan's underground vigilante organization. He is pretty scarred by events in his childhood, so he keeps to himself and doesn't like people touching him.
When Ronan asks him to find someone who has disappeared Cain ends up in a snowed-in remote cabin. That is where he finds a 15 year old girl and a man in his thirties who's badly hurt and looks like someone really beat him up.
Ethan and Lucy don't trust strangers since they are obviously running from someone, but Cain just knows he has to help them. Especially since Ethan is so hurt he can't even walk to the bathroom himself. And Cain knows he has to find a way for them to trust him..
I really liked the hurt/comfort parts in this story. Ethan was adorable yet fierce and so in need of Cain's protection, it was wonderful. I wanted to hug him and never let him go.
I liked how this never felt like insta-love since these guys spend a lot of time together before anything happens between them. And I also liked that Ethan was not miraculously healed all of a sudden.
I loved this story deeply and I wish I could give it 5 stars, but there was one thing that had me rolling my eyes, and that were the sex scenes.
This was still a very nice addition to this wonderful series. I've read them all out of order, so these can be read as stand-alones.
------------------------
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Cain really annoyed me the second time around. I'm not a fan of men who act angry a lot of the time because they have issues. Especially since Ethan was abused and raped for years, so what he needed was a tender touch. I'm not sure he got the right partner in Cain....
----------------------
Original review:
A wonderful hurt/comfort story that would have gotten 5 stars if not for one major pet peeve of mine.
This book follows the standard Sloane Kennedy formula, and I can't ever seem to get enough of it.
Cain is a 25 year old employee of Ronan's underground vigilante organization. He is pretty scarred by events in his childhood, so he keeps to himself and doesn't like people touching him.
When Ronan asks him to find someone who has disappeared Cain ends up in a snowed-in remote cabin. That is where he finds a 15 year old girl and a man in his thirties who's badly hurt and looks like someone really beat him up.
Ethan and Lucy don't trust strangers since they are obviously running from someone, but Cain just knows he has to help them. Especially since Ethan is so hurt he can't even walk to the bathroom himself. And Cain knows he has to find a way for them to trust him..
I really liked the hurt/comfort parts in this story. Ethan was adorable yet fierce and so in need of Cain's protection, it was wonderful. I wanted to hug him and never let him go.
I liked how this never felt like insta-love since these guys spend a lot of time together before anything happens between them. And I also liked that Ethan was not miraculously healed all of a sudden.
I loved this story deeply and I wish I could give it 5 stars, but there was one thing that had me rolling my eyes, and that were the sex scenes.
This was still a very nice addition to this wonderful series. I've read them all out of order, so these can be read as stand-alones.
------------------------
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
May 1, 2017
3.5*
A great addition to this addicting series!
This series has been a rollercoaster ride of hits and misses for me, but all have been addicting. All of them are about broken men finding other broken men; healing each other while finding their HEA.
Just like the books before it, this one was full of melodrama and two men with very violent pasts that still effect them in their present day. Like the others the I love you and the sex comes much faster than I always believe it should. But it bothered me more in this book considering both men's pasts and Ethan's present. It was hard for me to believe that only after two weeks after his traumatic experience he was saying I love you and ready to be physically intimate. I just didn't buy it.
Even though this book had some unbelievable moments I still really enjoyed it and liked Cain and Ethan together. They had great chemistry and were a good fit.
I can't wait for my next fix on this addicting series.
Happy reading, dolls! xx
A great addition to this addicting series!
This series has been a rollercoaster ride of hits and misses for me, but all have been addicting. All of them are about broken men finding other broken men; healing each other while finding their HEA.
Just like the books before it, this one was full of melodrama and two men with very violent pasts that still effect them in their present day. Like the others the I love you and the sex comes much faster than I always believe it should. But it bothered me more in this book considering both men's pasts and Ethan's present. It was hard for me to believe that only after two weeks after his traumatic experience he was saying I love you and ready to be physically intimate. I just didn't buy it.
Even though this book had some unbelievable moments I still really enjoyed it and liked Cain and Ethan together. They had great chemistry and were a good fit.
I can't wait for my next fix on this addicting series.
Happy reading, dolls! xx
October 25, 2022
3.5-4 stars
okay one of my favorites in the series, idk what about this one worked for me, i think it was ethan and cain having to talk and make that connection first rather than bam instalove hahaha
i think cains aversion to touch also helped them have to communicate and talk about their traumas and other things before they started going at it like bunnies haha
i still like coming back to this world even though i give most of the books 3 stars, the writing is addictive so i just eat these books up like its my last meal even if i don't love content haha
okay one of my favorites in the series, idk what about this one worked for me, i think it was ethan and cain having to talk and make that connection first rather than bam instalove hahaha
i think cains aversion to touch also helped them have to communicate and talk about their traumas and other things before they started going at it like bunnies haha
i still like coming back to this world even though i give most of the books 3 stars, the writing is addictive so i just eat these books up like its my last meal even if i don't love content haha
April 10, 2017
**4 stars** for another “guilty pleasure”. This one can be read as a standalone.
Ronan is anxious : Ethan, one of his hospital co-workers, hasn’t shown up for 2 days and his place has been trashed, so he decides to send one of his men, Cain, to look for Ethan and figure out what’s going on. Cain finds a badly beaten man, with a very frightened teenage girl. And despite his profound aversion of interaction and any kind of touching, Cain is deeply attracted to Ethan.
All the known and famous ingredients of Sloane Kennedy are there and once again, it works very well : insta-love well handled because wrapped up in holly hotness and emotion, and strong men despite their traumas.
Additional bonus in this story : because of Ethan’s injuries and Cain’s freakiness of being touched, the sexual attraction is first sated with lots of kisses and cuddling.
For most of the book, it was "5 stars" material, but then, what I feel like a new habit from this author kicked in : she went too strong on the drama by the end of the book . One star dropped because of this :-(
Another great addition to the series and of course, I’m now waiting for my next fix : the story of Phoenix and Levi !!
Ronan is anxious : Ethan, one of his hospital co-workers, hasn’t shown up for 2 days and his place has been trashed, so he decides to send one of his men, Cain, to look for Ethan and figure out what’s going on. Cain finds a badly beaten man, with a very frightened teenage girl. And despite his profound aversion of interaction and any kind of touching, Cain is deeply attracted to Ethan.
All the known and famous ingredients of Sloane Kennedy are there and once again, it works very well : insta-love well handled because wrapped up in holly hotness and emotion, and strong men despite their traumas.
Additional bonus in this story : because of Ethan’s injuries and Cain’s freakiness of being touched, the sexual attraction is first sated with lots of kisses and cuddling.
For most of the book, it was "5 stars" material, but then, what I feel like a new habit from this author kicked in : she went too strong on the drama by the end of the book . One star dropped because of this :-(
Another great addition to the series and of course, I’m now waiting for my next fix : the story of Phoenix and Levi !!
April 20, 2021
Kennedy’s mind is just twisted and cruel. I love it. To see Cain and Ethan fight their own demons while standing side by side... perfection. These books are highly addictive! This author can be like a good thriller/suspense writer if she ever got tired of romance. I got invested right from the beginning. Yes, her stories might be formulaic and expected but the enjoyment and excitement I went through reading this were there. I need the other books!
April 19, 2024
Loved it, as I have all the books in this series so far. However, I did struggle with how quickly they slept together so soon after . If I'm honest I struggled with the warp speed that happened.
That aside, both men were perfect for each other and just what they each needed to heal, love and trust again.
4.5 stars
That aside, both men were perfect for each other and just what they each needed to heal, love and trust again.
4.5 stars
January 27, 2020
3.5 Stars!! Liked it 💕did not love ❤️ it.. But if I hadn’t read the warnings and reviews of my GR friends, I would have DNFed it 😥.. it was that tough to read the first few chapters. I completely get where the criticism comes from.. I echo the same thoughts. Without giving any spoilers, it was hard to relate to either Cain or Ethan’s “insta-feels” because of how they met. Sympathy can lead to attraction but 2 weeks seemed too fast.
Nevertheless, we readers are now accustomed to this author’s penchant for having MCs with traumatic pasts and painful present😥😱; so it was not surprising that Cain had trust issues due to a shocking betrayal from his past that haunted his every interaction with Ethan. And Ethan, a victim of domestic violence and abuse couldn’t trust anyone😭, since the last person he loved and trusted was the person responsible for his life being in danger. Despite their emotional and physical wounds, the two find themselves unbelievably attracted to each other. But having suffered so much due to the powers of “Love” can they trust it again? How does love become so much that it suffocates every thing around it? Will Cain and Ethan give it another chance?
This was definitely a struggle at first, but it slowly got better. Leaving aside some of the improbable plot points, I liked the slow character development, the additional supporting characters, the final act of retribution 👊and the well-deserted epilogue😍. Recommended to hard core fans of SK with a strong stomach for angst.👍🏻👍🏻
Nevertheless, we readers are now accustomed to this author’s penchant for having MCs with traumatic pasts and painful present😥😱; so it was not surprising that Cain had trust issues due to a shocking betrayal from his past that haunted his every interaction with Ethan. And Ethan, a victim of domestic violence and abuse couldn’t trust anyone😭, since the last person he loved and trusted was the person responsible for his life being in danger. Despite their emotional and physical wounds, the two find themselves unbelievably attracted to each other. But having suffered so much due to the powers of “Love” can they trust it again? How does love become so much that it suffocates every thing around it? Will Cain and Ethan give it another chance?
This was definitely a struggle at first, but it slowly got better. Leaving aside some of the improbable plot points, I liked the slow character development, the additional supporting characters, the final act of retribution 👊and the well-deserted epilogue😍. Recommended to hard core fans of SK with a strong stomach for angst.👍🏻👍🏻
December 3, 2017
I liked this book better than some others I’ve read in the series. One reason is the slow buildup before they become physical. At first Ethan doesn’t trust Cain plus he’s so beat up, it’s not possible. Cain has issues stemming from his childhood and has always thought of himself as straight. I liked how that was handled, as far as how Cain just went with his feelings, only questioning why he didn’t realize it before. I am always surprised in these stories when sexual abuse doesn’t affect someone’s sex life but I just kind of have to accept it. They’re all about instant connections and love at first sight and healing through love. Anyway, they don’t get busy until around 60%. It felt more smooth and natural than usual.
I did think it too much when Cain’s family was added on top of Ethan’s abuser. It was separate scenes but seriously, wasn’t one problem enough? Again, I have to expect some OTT with a series about vigilante characters. I had one HUGE issue though; at the farmhouse, it’s mentioned that several gunshots are heard clearly from outside. Yet it then describes specifically how a silencer was being used on the gun. Did no one notice that in beta or editing?! Aside from that, it was the usual escapist, hurt/comfort, happy ending that I can count on though.
I did think it too much when Cain’s family was added on top of Ethan’s abuser. It was separate scenes but seriously, wasn’t one problem enough? Again, I have to expect some OTT with a series about vigilante characters. I had one HUGE issue though; at the farmhouse, it’s mentioned that several gunshots are heard clearly from outside. Yet it then describes specifically how a silencer was being used on the gun. Did no one notice that in beta or editing?! Aside from that, it was the usual escapist, hurt/comfort, happy ending that I can count on though.
dnf-not-4-me
March 20, 2019I had to stop at about 20%. It’s just too heavy emotionally for me right now. Will probably come back to it because I’m an angst junkie.
February 27, 2022
Ethan and Cain💔💔💔💔
I cried so much.
Wonderful!
I cried so much.
Wonderful!
April 12, 2017
This was my favorite of the series so far! I loved these guys!
After a hospital transporter ends up saving a patient by performing a procedure a transporter had no business handling, he disappears, and Ronan is concerned. After doing some digging, he tasks his operative, Cain, to look into the disappearance and figure out what is going on with Ethan, who Ronan believes is hiding from someone other than the law.
Ethan was hiding alright, from an abusive psycho who had abused him for over 4 years. When Ethan was finally able to make his escape, he took Eric’s teenage stepdaughter with him to keep her safe after she witnessed Eric kill her mother. Ethan is recovering from some major injuries when Cain catches up to him.
Cain has some issues of his own as well. After a horrid childhood and an attack that he barely recovered from, he had a major issue with trust, being around people and specifically others touching him. To deal with this, he has kept himself mostly secluded from other people. While his issues with touch are still present, the more pressing issue of gaining Ethan’s (and Lucy’s) trust ends up being a bit of a distraction. After a short amount of time, there is also the issue of Cain’s attraction to Ethan which totally throws him for a loop.
We slowly learn the details of Ethan’s ordeal, as well as Cain’s, as they confide in each other during Ethan’s recovery. They grow closer as they try to obtain the evidence needed to put Eric away and finally free Ethan and Lucy from his clutches. They hit a few setbacks but remain strong, and with the help of Ronan’s crew, they overcome.
This fast-paced, exciting story grabbed me from the get go and had me turning pages quickly to the end. Both characters were complex with their various issues, and I loved learning all the details and watching their trust and relationship grow. They really were perfect for each other – the final pieces to each other’s puzzle, and it was easy to see how they affected one another.
Neither had it easy from beginning, right up until the end, as they each had to deal with their pasts in order to have a future. This was heartbreaking but sweet, sexy and realistic without extra fluff, and I loved everything about it. Definitely my favorite so far, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
June 17, 2017
2.5 stars
I can't get over how this relationship develops over a 2 week period. I can't understand how Cain can be lusting over someone who was just raped. I can't understand how Ethan, who was brutally raped, was ready to have sex after knowing Cain for only two weeks. There's escapism...and there's thoughtlessness...
The epilogue was sweet though, so I'm rounding up to 3 stars.
I can't get over how this relationship develops over a 2 week period. I can't understand how Cain can be lusting over someone who was just raped. I can't understand how Ethan, who was brutally raped, was ready to have sex after knowing Cain for only two weeks. There's escapism...and there's thoughtlessness...
The epilogue was sweet though, so I'm rounding up to 3 stars.
August 7, 2024
By far one of the best SK books I’ve read this far. Cain and Ethan were sweet. Such a harsh, brutal story. Grab your tissues. (And yes I realize I’m reading these all out of sync.)
I re read this just today. 08/06/24. And I loved it just as much.
I re read this just today. 08/06/24. And I loved it just as much.
March 2, 2019
Oooh, this was a tough one. I loved it. Two men who are broken, who suffer so much find love, acceptance and happiness. I loved them both. Sweet and caring Ethan who never fit in and always felt lacking meets the worst bully who becomes his everyday tormentor. What he went through is just hard to even think about. Yet he still finds it in himself to trust, and his capacity for love is amazing. He stands up for himself, he is so brave. I couldn't help but admire him.
Cain is reserved and rigid. He lets no one close. He simply can't. When he tells his story it's heartbreaking. It's hard to lose those you love but to have the one person who should stand by you no matter what turn their back... It breaks Cain to the point where he builds a wall around him that no one can get though. It takes kindness and understanding of one man for Cain to be able to let go and make peace with his past. The road to happiness is covered in traps, lies, ugly words and blood but they make it. Cain finally is able to feel and breathe, and Ethan is finally free.
At the heart of the conflict is obsession. When does love that cherishes turns into love that hurts? Both Ethan and Cain know the price of obsession, they lived through the pain and emotional turmoil, and they will do anything to leave it behind. The story is gripping, passionate and full of anguish but it all leads to hope and love, and both men are brave enough to take a chance. I loved it all! I highly recommend it!
Cain is reserved and rigid. He lets no one close. He simply can't. When he tells his story it's heartbreaking. It's hard to lose those you love but to have the one person who should stand by you no matter what turn their back... It breaks Cain to the point where he builds a wall around him that no one can get though. It takes kindness and understanding of one man for Cain to be able to let go and make peace with his past. The road to happiness is covered in traps, lies, ugly words and blood but they make it. Cain finally is able to feel and breathe, and Ethan is finally free.
At the heart of the conflict is obsession. When does love that cherishes turns into love that hurts? Both Ethan and Cain know the price of obsession, they lived through the pain and emotional turmoil, and they will do anything to leave it behind. The story is gripping, passionate and full of anguish but it all leads to hope and love, and both men are brave enough to take a chance. I loved it all! I highly recommend it!
April 22, 2017
This one is another winner! Loved Cain and Ethan and can't wait to read the next installment of this wonderful series.
March 28, 2017
O
M
G!!!!!!
I finished this book this afternoon after sitting for far too long and ignoring my children because I NEEDED to finish this book! It's no secret that Ive loved all the books in this series so I went into this story with such high expectations. Im always excited when I start a new book in a favourite series...but its also scary! I always worry it won't live up to my expectations...but I didn't need to worry this time!
The characters were divine! Realistic and heart breaking, loving but tough! They were everything that I hoped they would be... actually they were so much better! The relationship between them was realistic..and not completely perfect. The writing was flawless and the story itself dragged me in kicking and screaming. My emotions were all over the place while I was reading....
and then I did a silly thing!! I read the sneak peak at the next book! Dammit to hell!!! Now I need to wait impatiently again!
Sloane Kennedy is quickly becoming one of my favourite MM authors!
M
G!!!!!!
I finished this book this afternoon after sitting for far too long and ignoring my children because I NEEDED to finish this book! It's no secret that Ive loved all the books in this series so I went into this story with such high expectations. Im always excited when I start a new book in a favourite series...but its also scary! I always worry it won't live up to my expectations...but I didn't need to worry this time!
The characters were divine! Realistic and heart breaking, loving but tough! They were everything that I hoped they would be... actually they were so much better! The relationship between them was realistic..and not completely perfect. The writing was flawless and the story itself dragged me in kicking and screaming. My emotions were all over the place while I was reading....
and then I did a silly thing!! I read the sneak peak at the next book! Dammit to hell!!! Now I need to wait impatiently again!
Sloane Kennedy is quickly becoming one of my favourite MM authors!
July 20, 2018
Revelation is the 7th book in The Protectors series and another emotional read for me this one reminded me a little of Salvation, the four men from both books have suffered horrendous violence at the hands of other evil men.
When I started Revelation, I did not know what to expect as Ethan and Lucy are unknown to me and I have only briefly met Cain, there were no clues what was to come.
My heart broke for Ethan what he has been through the last few years and the condition he is in when I met him, I wanted to cause someone EXTREME PAIN. Ethan thinks he is weak but to survive everything he has he is a SUVIVOR and he has got Lucy with him all he cares about is her safety, Lucy is a mystery – who is she?
Cain reminded me a lot of Ronan a scary quite guy that no one touches OR ELSE but when Cain gets to the cabin and sees the condition Ethan is in, he is adamant he is going to deliver both Ethan and Lucy to Ronan even if they do not want to go with him for their own safety.
When I found out what Cain went through as a child my heart broke for him he is also a SUVIVOR so hopefully with time Cain and Ethan can make each other whole again.
I am not going into the plot as I do want to spoil anything as going into this blind makes the story much more exciting and shocking.
I loved the epilogue it was adorable especially the banter with Ethan’s family LOL and I loved how far Cain and Ethan have come with each other.
I have ONE QUESTION I will have to wait until book 9 to find out – WHO IS VINCENT??????
When I started Revelation, I did not know what to expect as Ethan and Lucy are unknown to me and I have only briefly met Cain, there were no clues what was to come.
My heart broke for Ethan what he has been through the last few years and the condition he is in when I met him, I wanted to cause someone EXTREME PAIN. Ethan thinks he is weak but to survive everything he has he is a SUVIVOR and he has got Lucy with him all he cares about is her safety, Lucy is a mystery – who is she?
Cain reminded me a lot of Ronan a scary quite guy that no one touches OR ELSE but when Cain gets to the cabin and sees the condition Ethan is in, he is adamant he is going to deliver both Ethan and Lucy to Ronan even if they do not want to go with him for their own safety.
When I found out what Cain went through as a child my heart broke for him he is also a SUVIVOR so hopefully with time Cain and Ethan can make each other whole again.
I am not going into the plot as I do want to spoil anything as going into this blind makes the story much more exciting and shocking.
I loved the epilogue it was adorable especially the banter with Ethan’s family LOL and I loved how far Cain and Ethan have come with each other.
I have ONE QUESTION I will have to wait until book 9 to find out – WHO IS VINCENT??????
May 2, 2017
Overall book rating: 4.5 Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover 3 Stars
MC1: Cain
MC2: Ethan
This was one emotional ride but being a Sloane Kennedy fan I should have expected it!!
I don't even know what to say ... these guys went trough a lot of crap but even trough it all they were amazingly strong characters and I fell in love with them.
This was another amazing story by the amazingly talented Sloan Kennedy
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover 3 Stars
MC1: Cain
MC2: Ethan
This was one emotional ride but being a Sloane Kennedy fan I should have expected it!!
I don't even know what to say ... these guys went trough a lot of crap but even trough it all they were amazingly strong characters and I fell in love with them.
This was another amazing story by the amazingly talented Sloan Kennedy
March 2, 2021
Ethan and Cain were a lovely couple in spite of the instalove. I liked the two together and enjoyed their story. Ethan's on the run and Cain is one of the few whose own past allows him to understand just what it is that Ethan's running from. Cain doesn't allow anyone close to him, yet he still finds himself drawn to Ethan. He's the first person since he was a kid that Cain doesn't mind in his personal space. Ethan's had a traumatizing couple of years, he's on the run and desperate to hide from his ex. Cain's arrival gives him something he's scared to let in, hope.
May 11, 2022
zaczęło się od trzęsienia ziemi a potem było jeszcze lepiej/gorzej. podziwiam Ethana. serioserio...naprawdę godny podziwu mężczyzna. nie mogę się doczekać części o Vincu:D
July 27, 2022
ile emocji, uff... obydwoje skrzywdzeni znaleźli ukojenie i spokój w swoich ramionach.. ulżyło mi, kiedy pewne osoby dopadła sprawiedliwość..
April 12, 2017
Ah Cain, I could really really use one of you. Loved this one. Another brilliant book for this series, highly recommended!
January 27, 2021
Considering the horrific backgrounds, the assault Ethan was just recovering from and the trust issues (especially with Cain), this was just a little too insta-lovey/magic dick for me. I liked them as a couple, but I didn't really feel it and didn't like it as much as the others in the series so far. Won't stop me from reading the next one. And who is Vincent with friends in high places? Color me intrigued.
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