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The Protectors #8
Redemption
My job is to save lives. But what if the one that needs saving is the one I was sent to take?
At 33 years old, Phoenix Jones once had a stellar military career ahead of him. But when tragedy struck his family, he walked away from the path he'd chosen to be there for the one who needed him most. Except fate is a bitch and when she once again takes Phoenix's future in the cruelest of ways, he must find a new path.
When a former army buddy introduces him to Ronan Grisham, the leader of an underground vigilante group, Phoenix knows he's found a new family and nothing and no one is going to take that from him again. So when Ronan asks him to shadow a young man who participated in a brutal crime against Ronan's husband, Seth, when he was a child and appears to be targeting him again, Phoenix doesn't even hesitate for a second.
Even knowing what he must do if the young man proves to have gone back to his old ways.
Because family is everything...
I can't come back from what I did. I'm not sure I even want to...
An ugly childhood left Levi Deming with little to do but dream of a day when he'd be free of his tormenters so he could carve out a simple life for himself, preferably somewhere far away from the family who never let him forget he was less than human. But one terrible choice at the tender age of 16 changed everything...
Wracked with guilt for the role he played during a home invasion gone horribly wrong, a now 24-year-old Levi is trying to piece together a life where he can maybe do a little bit of good, even knowing it won't make up for the lives he helped take and it definitely won't give back the future he stole from the young man whose agonized screams still haunt him night after night. If it were only about him, he'd walk into the nearest police station and happily tell them to lock him up and throw away the key.
But it isn't just about him anymore...
I expected to find a hardened criminal. What I found was something else entirely...
With Ronan's orders to terminate young Levi if he so much as even jaywalks, Phoenix expects an easy job with one clear outcome. But when a violent encounter forces Phoenix to interact with Levi, he quickly realizes the case might not be as black and white as he thought. Instead of finding a criminal with no conscience, Phoenix discovers a young man battling impossible odds and near crippling guilt.
When his feelings of disgust and anger begin to fade and turn into something else, the would-be hitman is forced to make a terrible decision between the family he needs and the young man more intent on seeking judgement than redemption.
Trigger Warning: This book contains multiple triggers which could also be considered spoilers. If you want to see what they are, download the sample or use the "Look Inside" feature and scroll to the page right before the table of contents
Note: This book contains M/M sexual content and is intended for mature audiences.
***This is Book 8 in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone story - no cliffhangers.***
The Protectors series crosses over with some of my other series, so for the most enjoyment, they should be read in this order, but it is not required:
Book 1 - Absolution (M/M/M)
Book 2 - Salvation (M/M)
Book 3 - Retribution (M/M)
Logan's Need (Escort Series #3) (M/M)
Redeeming Rafe (Barretti Security Series #2) (M/M)
Saving Ren (Bar
At 33 years old, Phoenix Jones once had a stellar military career ahead of him. But when tragedy struck his family, he walked away from the path he'd chosen to be there for the one who needed him most. Except fate is a bitch and when she once again takes Phoenix's future in the cruelest of ways, he must find a new path.
When a former army buddy introduces him to Ronan Grisham, the leader of an underground vigilante group, Phoenix knows he's found a new family and nothing and no one is going to take that from him again. So when Ronan asks him to shadow a young man who participated in a brutal crime against Ronan's husband, Seth, when he was a child and appears to be targeting him again, Phoenix doesn't even hesitate for a second.
Even knowing what he must do if the young man proves to have gone back to his old ways.
Because family is everything...
I can't come back from what I did. I'm not sure I even want to...
An ugly childhood left Levi Deming with little to do but dream of a day when he'd be free of his tormenters so he could carve out a simple life for himself, preferably somewhere far away from the family who never let him forget he was less than human. But one terrible choice at the tender age of 16 changed everything...
Wracked with guilt for the role he played during a home invasion gone horribly wrong, a now 24-year-old Levi is trying to piece together a life where he can maybe do a little bit of good, even knowing it won't make up for the lives he helped take and it definitely won't give back the future he stole from the young man whose agonized screams still haunt him night after night. If it were only about him, he'd walk into the nearest police station and happily tell them to lock him up and throw away the key.
But it isn't just about him anymore...
I expected to find a hardened criminal. What I found was something else entirely...
With Ronan's orders to terminate young Levi if he so much as even jaywalks, Phoenix expects an easy job with one clear outcome. But when a violent encounter forces Phoenix to interact with Levi, he quickly realizes the case might not be as black and white as he thought. Instead of finding a criminal with no conscience, Phoenix discovers a young man battling impossible odds and near crippling guilt.
When his feelings of disgust and anger begin to fade and turn into something else, the would-be hitman is forced to make a terrible decision between the family he needs and the young man more intent on seeking judgement than redemption.
Trigger Warning: This book contains multiple triggers which could also be considered spoilers. If you want to see what they are, download the sample or use the "Look Inside" feature and scroll to the page right before the table of contents
Note: This book contains M/M sexual content and is intended for mature audiences.
***This is Book 8 in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone story - no cliffhangers.***
The Protectors series crosses over with some of my other series, so for the most enjoyment, they should be read in this order, but it is not required:
Book 1 - Absolution (M/M/M)
Book 2 - Salvation (M/M)
Book 3 - Retribution (M/M)
Logan's Need (Escort Series #3) (M/M)
Redeeming Rafe (Barretti Security Series #2) (M/M)
Saving Ren (Bar
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2017
465 people are currently reading
995 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
May 21, 2017
Well this was another heartbreaking yet beautiful story by one of my favorite mm authors. Those of you, who are familiar with Sloane Kennedy's books, know that she doesn't pull any punches. Those of you who haven't read her books before.....are most likely living under a rock and missing out big time !!!
I am joking though, not about the missing out part, but the rock part :P . If you haven't read her books before, please take note of the trigger warning, this book deals with some heavy subjects.
It is hard writing a review for this book without any spoilers, so I won't go into the storyline too much...
Levi and Phoenix both have a heartbreaking past, but Levi's especially was horrifying. To read what he went through and how he turned out to be as a man...yeah, he definitely earned my respect. Even though life has let him down time and again, he still tried to be the best person he could be.....seeking some kind of redemption for the hurt he has caused others in the past. Hurt he couldn't have stopped, even if wanted to so badly.
Phoenix was the perfect man for Levi. Caring, comforting, patient and loving.
I also want to give some extra credit to Seth... Without him, things may have ended very differently....
The steamfactor in this one isn't as high as it was in some of the other books, which was very understandable, considering the subject matters. It was very sweet and loving though...
Now I myself can't wait for the next book. I have been wanting to know more about Vincent, ever since he was introduced in the Cain's book and it looks like my wish is being granted in the next "Protectors" book !!!!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
July 29, 2023
Re-read July 2023
Still loved this. No one can write hurt/comfort like Sloane Kennedy.
I wonder if they get a therapy family discount with all the trauma going around..
--------------------------------
This was amazing!! I was in hurt/comfort paradise with this newest installment of the Protectors series.
Phoenix is working as an underground assassin for Ronan. Ronan hires Phoenix to follow one of the men who hurt Ronan's husband, Seth, 7 years ago when they broke into his home, killed his parents and stabbed Seth.
But 24 year old Levi is not what Phoenix expected. For one, he volunteers at a soup kitchen for homeless people. Levi is kind, gentle and obviously traumatized by events in his past. But since Levi still participated in the awful break-in/murder, Phoenix knows he can’t trust Levi.
Levi has had the most awful life imaginable. He was abused by his brother since he was 9, forced to join in the break-in that cost 2 people their lives, then forced to run drugs for his brother, and finally sent to prison for drug possession, where he was made someone’s prison bitch. (This dude didn't seem to catch a break!)
Levi doesn’t trust Phoenix, even though he rescued him from his attacker. Even when Phoenix starts volunteering in the soup kitchen, Levi is still very wary of him.
Phoenix just can’t see how this little, scared 24 year old guy is supposed to be responsible for the nightmares his friend Seth still has about the night his parents were killed. But while Phoenix and Levi grow closer, Phoenix still can’t figure out how Levi could be innocent…
What amazing hurt/comfort! Levi was so broken, yet so sweet and always ready to help other people.
I hated what his brother did to him and how he was roped into the attack when he was 16.
I loved how patient Phoenix was once he got to know Levi a bit more. He didn’t trust him immediately, but the more he got to know Levi, the more he knew he would never be able to pull the trigger if it came to that.
If I have one complaint is that the ending felt a bit rushed. I’m all for a HEA, but everything here was wrapped up a bit too fast, too neat, with a pink bow on top. But overall it didn’t bother me all that much. I still loved the heck out of this book.
And yes, this can be read as a stand-alone. I haven’t read the book about Ronan and Seth, and I wasn’t lost for a second.
Still loved this. No one can write hurt/comfort like Sloane Kennedy.
I wonder if they get a therapy family discount with all the trauma going around..
--------------------------------
This was amazing!! I was in hurt/comfort paradise with this newest installment of the Protectors series.
Phoenix is working as an underground assassin for Ronan. Ronan hires Phoenix to follow one of the men who hurt Ronan's husband, Seth, 7 years ago when they broke into his home, killed his parents and stabbed Seth.
But 24 year old Levi is not what Phoenix expected. For one, he volunteers at a soup kitchen for homeless people. Levi is kind, gentle and obviously traumatized by events in his past. But since Levi still participated in the awful break-in/murder, Phoenix knows he can’t trust Levi.
Levi has had the most awful life imaginable. He was abused by his brother since he was 9, forced to join in the break-in that cost 2 people their lives, then forced to run drugs for his brother, and finally sent to prison for drug possession, where he was made someone’s prison bitch. (This dude didn't seem to catch a break!)
Levi doesn’t trust Phoenix, even though he rescued him from his attacker. Even when Phoenix starts volunteering in the soup kitchen, Levi is still very wary of him.
Phoenix just can’t see how this little, scared 24 year old guy is supposed to be responsible for the nightmares his friend Seth still has about the night his parents were killed. But while Phoenix and Levi grow closer, Phoenix still can’t figure out how Levi could be innocent…
What amazing hurt/comfort! Levi was so broken, yet so sweet and always ready to help other people.
I hated what his brother did to him and how he was roped into the attack when he was 16.
I loved how patient Phoenix was once he got to know Levi a bit more. He didn’t trust him immediately, but the more he got to know Levi, the more he knew he would never be able to pull the trigger if it came to that.
If I have one complaint is that the ending felt a bit rushed. I’m all for a HEA, but everything here was wrapped up a bit too fast, too neat, with a pink bow on top. But overall it didn’t bother me all that much. I still loved the heck out of this book.
And yes, this can be read as a stand-alone. I haven’t read the book about Ronan and Seth, and I wasn’t lost for a second.
March 24, 2018
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Ah I floved this one! I started last night and inhaled it in one sitting and now, after 3 hours sleep, I'm dragging. Redemption is by far and away the best book in The Protectors series .... by far! This was hurt/comfort at it's best - the FEELS gah!
SK had the pacing spot on, slowly peeling away the layers and revealing their histories and oh my god - their pasts were painful to read at times so I'm glad the flashbacks were kept to a minimum because those were tough going. I found myself tearing up quite a few times at not only what Levi suffered physically but how he was manipulated by those revolting specimens that were put on this earth to nurture and protect him - aka his frigging parents! I loved Levi so damn hard, no matter what was thrown at him or how many times he was knocked down he endured, picked himself up and endured some more without losing his inherent sweet and loving nature.
Once again SK has given two very broken characters perfection in each other. Their happy made my heart smile ❤️️
Ah I floved this one! I started last night and inhaled it in one sitting and now, after 3 hours sleep, I'm dragging. Redemption is by far and away the best book in The Protectors series .... by far! This was hurt/comfort at it's best - the FEELS gah!
SK had the pacing spot on, slowly peeling away the layers and revealing their histories and oh my god - their pasts were painful to read at times so I'm glad the flashbacks were kept to a minimum because those were tough going. I found myself tearing up quite a few times at not only what Levi suffered physically but how he was manipulated by those revolting specimens that were put on this earth to nurture and protect him - aka his frigging parents! I loved Levi so damn hard, no matter what was thrown at him or how many times he was knocked down he endured, picked himself up and endured some more without losing his inherent sweet and loving nature.
Once again SK has given two very broken characters perfection in each other. Their happy made my heart smile ❤️️
June 21, 2017
I have been all over the place with my ratings for the books in this series. I've had hits and misses. But the one thing that has been a constant since reading this series is how addictive it's been.
Each book has heart-breaking characters with heart-breaking stories. Some more than other's. This one falls into the more category.
Phoenix has been tasked with the job of keeping eyes on Levi and to report back to Ronan with his every move. Levi is one of the men who was there the night his husband, Seth was attacked years ago that ended with Seth stabbed and his parents killed. Phoenix takes this job seriously because these people are important to him. He lost his family in a horrible car accident and had been alone for a while. But he's found a new family in what, I like to call, 'Sloane's Protectors Brotherhood'. Nice ring to it right? But he's about to lose it all when he comes face to face with the vulnerable and tortured soul that is Levi. He's having a hard time believing Levi is the hard criminal he's supposed to be. He's confused because what he has been personally witnessing of Levi isn't adding up to who Levi is on paper. To make things even more complicated, Phoenix has caught feelings for the young man.
To say Levi has had a rough life would be an understatement. The poor guy has known nothing but fear and pain everyday of his life. Fear of his father, brother, guys in prison, and now this asshole T who have also all brought him pain. He is use to being abused and used by everyone he knows. Except for Father O. The man tries his best to help Levi when he can. The only shinning light in Levi's life is his nephew, Harry. But even being able to have him in his life comes at a cost, but one he's willing to pay in order to have the little boy in his life. Levi has a lot of demons from his past that he is trying to deal with. Some of them leave him in absolute panic so strong that it leaves him literally frozen and causes him to have blackouts.
I don't want to go into a lot of either of these MC's backgrounds because I feel it always tells too much for the would be reader. So I will just say that a lot of what happened and happens broke my heart for both men. I loved them together. The chemistry was great and so was the times when it got heated. Phoenix has definitely become one of my favorites out of the SPB. I can't wait to see what is next for this series.
Happy reading dolls! xx
Each book has heart-breaking characters with heart-breaking stories. Some more than other's. This one falls into the more category.
Phoenix has been tasked with the job of keeping eyes on Levi and to report back to Ronan with his every move. Levi is one of the men who was there the night his husband, Seth was attacked years ago that ended with Seth stabbed and his parents killed. Phoenix takes this job seriously because these people are important to him. He lost his family in a horrible car accident and had been alone for a while. But he's found a new family in what, I like to call, 'Sloane's Protectors Brotherhood'. Nice ring to it right? But he's about to lose it all when he comes face to face with the vulnerable and tortured soul that is Levi. He's having a hard time believing Levi is the hard criminal he's supposed to be. He's confused because what he has been personally witnessing of Levi isn't adding up to who Levi is on paper. To make things even more complicated, Phoenix has caught feelings for the young man.
To say Levi has had a rough life would be an understatement. The poor guy has known nothing but fear and pain everyday of his life. Fear of his father, brother, guys in prison, and now this asshole T who have also all brought him pain. He is use to being abused and used by everyone he knows. Except for Father O. The man tries his best to help Levi when he can. The only shinning light in Levi's life is his nephew, Harry. But even being able to have him in his life comes at a cost, but one he's willing to pay in order to have the little boy in his life. Levi has a lot of demons from his past that he is trying to deal with. Some of them leave him in absolute panic so strong that it leaves him literally frozen and causes him to have blackouts.
I don't want to go into a lot of either of these MC's backgrounds because I feel it always tells too much for the would be reader. So I will just say that a lot of what happened and happens broke my heart for both men. I loved them together. The chemistry was great and so was the times when it got heated. Phoenix has definitely become one of my favorites out of the SPB. I can't wait to see what is next for this series.
Happy reading dolls! xx
May 25, 2017
**4.5 stars** After Retribution, this one is my favorite from the “protectors” series by Sloane Kennedy…I still don’t understand how this author does that, but every time, she delivers. As usual, this story is not very long, with damaged MCs, explosive chemistry between the characters and once again, it works well…very well.
Seth was almost killed when he was a teen during a robbery. Seth’s husband, Ronan, the head of a “vigilante organisation”, has spotted one of the assailants, Levi, lurking around and asks one of his men, Phoenix, to stalk Levi and terminate him if the threats to Seth become real.
During his surveillance, Phoenix discovers that Levi is a real puzzle and looks more like a victim than a murderer. And his growing attraction for the man quickly deepens the more he realizes all the abuses Levi had and still has to go through. And all the while, Levi, a caring soul despite all the trauma he faced, is haunted by his past actions and afraid of believing he could be loved.
This instalment is more brutal than the others : it involves torture, murder, violence, abuse, rape, racism, homophobia,…The trauma that Levi endured is frightening and he so deserves redemption, in the form of Phoenix – and Seth – whose patience and protectiveness is swooning.
It was over way too soon : I always want more and more and I am eagerly waiting now for the next book about Vincent and Nathan, because I can’t get enough of these guilty pleasures !!
Seth was almost killed when he was a teen during a robbery. Seth’s husband, Ronan, the head of a “vigilante organisation”, has spotted one of the assailants, Levi, lurking around and asks one of his men, Phoenix, to stalk Levi and terminate him if the threats to Seth become real.
During his surveillance, Phoenix discovers that Levi is a real puzzle and looks more like a victim than a murderer. And his growing attraction for the man quickly deepens the more he realizes all the abuses Levi had and still has to go through. And all the while, Levi, a caring soul despite all the trauma he faced, is haunted by his past actions and afraid of believing he could be loved.
This instalment is more brutal than the others : it involves torture, murder, violence, abuse, rape, racism, homophobia,…The trauma that Levi endured is frightening and he so deserves redemption, in the form of Phoenix – and Seth – whose patience and protectiveness is swooning.
It was over way too soon : I always want more and more and I am eagerly waiting now for the next book about Vincent and Nathan, because I can’t get enough of these guilty pleasures !!
May 21, 2017
Holy smokes - I could not put this down !!! Another great Protectors book with this one being terribly brutal and harsh. I kept knowing there HAD to be hope, I mean how much does one person have to deal with ? Levi was a battered, emotionally and physically abused shell of a man who just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I was exhausted for him - such a victim of terrible circumstance. Along comes Phoenix, prepared for the worst and learns he couldn't have been more wrong. As the true story of Levi's life unraveled, Phoenix became more protective and realized he was falling hard. When a key moment occurred, forgiveness could begin ... Levi, Seth, Ronan and Phoenix all began to find an element of peace and from that tiny ray of hope, real happiness could begin and lives could move forward . This was a page turner from start to finish. It was by no means an easy read and my eyes watered a few times but I really loved it 💕
May 21, 2017
I've come to the realization that is easier for me to point out what I like and what I don't like about a story when writting a reviews so here it goes.
-Phoenix quickly became one of my favorite MC's in this series, at the beginning of the story he is very conflicted by his feelings but he tried really hard to understand Levi, which was honestly hard given the small amount of info that he had about him.
-Levi's nephew, I found it so comforting that he had a piece of happiness after all the dark things that the poor guy went trough.
-The way Levi's past was handled, I could have done with less awfulness in his past but his story and involvement in Seth's nightmare made total sense and his character is a 100% redeemable.
-I liked Seth in this book, without him things could have gotten really out of hand and I loved seeing him as a dad, he's so precious.
-The epilogue was so sweet, honestly it warmed my heart and I'm so happy for Phoenix and Levi, they deserved everything good that happened in the end for them.
Bad:
-My only issue with Sloane's stories is a bit complicated, see, she writes about rape, and that's fine, after reading 18 of her books I am used to it and I like that her broken MC's find happiness in the end BUT I feel like in some books it's a bit over the top, in her last Finding book and in this one specially, my god I wanted to stop in some pages because even though there weren't any graphic flashbacks, just reading Levi's recount of his past is traumatic and I feel like the character's stories can have the same impact with a little less awfulness in their stories, sometimes I even have to skip some sexy times because I feel uncomfortable. I want the characters to just cuddle because I feel they are not ready for sex.
But I'm not a writer, this is just how I personally feel. maybe it works for other people.
**ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
-Phoenix quickly became one of my favorite MC's in this series, at the beginning of the story he is very conflicted by his feelings but he tried really hard to understand Levi, which was honestly hard given the small amount of info that he had about him.
-Levi's nephew, I found it so comforting that he had a piece of happiness after all the dark things that the poor guy went trough.
-The way Levi's past was handled, I could have done with less awfulness in his past but his story and involvement in Seth's nightmare made total sense and his character is a 100% redeemable.
-I liked Seth in this book, without him things could have gotten really out of hand and I loved seeing him as a dad, he's so precious.
-The epilogue was so sweet, honestly it warmed my heart and I'm so happy for Phoenix and Levi, they deserved everything good that happened in the end for them.
Bad:
-My only issue with Sloane's stories is a bit complicated, see, she writes about rape, and that's fine, after reading 18 of her books I am used to it and I like that her broken MC's find happiness in the end BUT I feel like in some books it's a bit over the top, in her last Finding book and in this one specially, my god I wanted to stop in some pages because even though there weren't any graphic flashbacks, just reading Levi's recount of his past is traumatic and I feel like the character's stories can have the same impact with a little less awfulness in their stories, sometimes I even have to skip some sexy times because I feel uncomfortable. I want the characters to just cuddle because I feel they are not ready for sex.
But I'm not a writer, this is just how I personally feel. maybe it works for other people.
**ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
January 28, 2020
3.75 stars.. rounding to 4 stars!! 😭😍.. Totally destroyed me stars!! Heart-breaking, gut-wrenching.... 💔😢 emotional roller-coaster of a story, but I still enjoyed it. 👍
Phoenix, one of Ronan's main guys in this vigilante-group called "The Protectors" has a new assignment; he has to eliminate someone from Ronan & Seth's past, someone who was one of Seth's tormentors (The Protectors 2: Salvation). The task sounds easy enough, but once Phoenix starts following Lee and gets to see what Lee is going through day after day, he cannot see the villain Ronan has made him out to be. Lee, on the other hand is barely alive.. he's just existing; constantly tormented by his past trauma, mistakes and tortured by some new bullies in his life. Just when he thinks that his life can get better, it gets even worse and he has no one he can trust or rely on to protect him from his current situation. When Phoenix accidentally saves him from an assault and then refuses to leave his side, Lee cannot help but fall for his knight in shining armor. Although he doesn't know Phoenix's motive for being in his life, he cannot help but be insecure about things being too good to be true. As Phoenix slowly gets to know more of Lee's past trauma and difficulties, he starts to fall for Lee too but is unable to confess to Ronan about his doubts. What will happen when Lee finds out about Phoenix's true motives? Who will Phoenix choose? His Protectors family? or Lee? Will Lee be able to seek forgiveness from Seth?
This was an emotional tear-jerker and my heart broke over and over 😭💔for what Lee had gone through in his life. The epilogue and HEA were pretty great though, and made up for all the sadness before. 💝 Finally, it was wonderful to see Phoenix and Lee become a part of the ever-growing Protectors Family. Highly recommended to all fans of Ms. Kennedy👍👍
(Btw, I'm totally getting dehydrated as I binge-read this series..😭😭)
Phoenix, one of Ronan's main guys in this vigilante-group called "The Protectors" has a new assignment; he has to eliminate someone from Ronan & Seth's past, someone who was one of Seth's tormentors (The Protectors 2: Salvation). The task sounds easy enough, but once Phoenix starts following Lee and gets to see what Lee is going through day after day, he cannot see the villain Ronan has made him out to be. Lee, on the other hand is barely alive.. he's just existing; constantly tormented by his past trauma, mistakes and tortured by some new bullies in his life. Just when he thinks that his life can get better, it gets even worse and he has no one he can trust or rely on to protect him from his current situation. When Phoenix accidentally saves him from an assault and then refuses to leave his side, Lee cannot help but fall for his knight in shining armor. Although he doesn't know Phoenix's motive for being in his life, he cannot help but be insecure about things being too good to be true. As Phoenix slowly gets to know more of Lee's past trauma and difficulties, he starts to fall for Lee too but is unable to confess to Ronan about his doubts. What will happen when Lee finds out about Phoenix's true motives? Who will Phoenix choose? His Protectors family? or Lee? Will Lee be able to seek forgiveness from Seth?
This was an emotional tear-jerker and my heart broke over and over 😭💔for what Lee had gone through in his life. The epilogue and HEA were pretty great though, and made up for all the sadness before. 💝 Finally, it was wonderful to see Phoenix and Lee become a part of the ever-growing Protectors Family. Highly recommended to all fans of Ms. Kennedy👍👍
(Btw, I'm totally getting dehydrated as I binge-read this series..😭😭)
July 25, 2018
Going into Redemption I did not know how I was going to feel about Levi as he was there the night that changed Seth’s life forever and I know how much Seth has suffered after that night until Ronan came back into his life, Seth and Ronan’s story is Salvation book 2 in this series.
Seth was only fourteen when he was tortured but reading Redemption I discovered that Levi was only sixteen himself and he was forced into the home invasion by two psychopaths.
The more I read Levi’s story the harder it got, he has been a victim since he was a child by the people that are supposed to protect and love him, I am not going into the story as I do not want to spoil anything as I think it is better going into this amazing series just knowing the blurb for each book.
Phoenix Jones has been sent by Ronan Grisham to watch and kill Levi if he steps out of line. Phoenix must step in to save Levi and they start spending time together with Phoenix keeping the truth from Levi, the more time they spend together the more Levi shares about his past and Phoenix’s opinion on Levi begins to change to the point that he will protect Levi from Ronan if the time comes.
I don’t know how Sloane does it but with each book in this series, each couple’s backstory gets harder and more horrific, how much some of the men have suffered in their lives is horrendous, this one has been the hardest for me with everything poor Levi has been through, this was short on the steamy scenes, this is understandable considering but very high on the rollercoaster of emtions I felt while reading another amazing book.
I loved the epilogue it was beautiful made me cry happy tears and I must mention Seth that young man has the biggest heart.
Seth was only fourteen when he was tortured but reading Redemption I discovered that Levi was only sixteen himself and he was forced into the home invasion by two psychopaths.
The more I read Levi’s story the harder it got, he has been a victim since he was a child by the people that are supposed to protect and love him, I am not going into the story as I do not want to spoil anything as I think it is better going into this amazing series just knowing the blurb for each book.
Phoenix Jones has been sent by Ronan Grisham to watch and kill Levi if he steps out of line. Phoenix must step in to save Levi and they start spending time together with Phoenix keeping the truth from Levi, the more time they spend together the more Levi shares about his past and Phoenix’s opinion on Levi begins to change to the point that he will protect Levi from Ronan if the time comes.
I don’t know how Sloane does it but with each book in this series, each couple’s backstory gets harder and more horrific, how much some of the men have suffered in their lives is horrendous, this one has been the hardest for me with everything poor Levi has been through, this was short on the steamy scenes, this is understandable considering but very high on the rollercoaster of emtions I felt while reading another amazing book.
I loved the epilogue it was beautiful made me cry happy tears and I must mention Seth that young man has the biggest heart.
June 8, 2017
Levi's life was heartbreaking until he met Phoenix, the strong, protective alfa male with so much love to give... Levi is genial, caring and a victim of his childhood.
I think this couple is a perfect match!
I think this couple is a perfect match!
March 4, 2019
This book made me cry so much. While Phoenix's story was tragic, Levi's life was pure hell. Reading page after page I kept thinking: "It couldn't get any worse than this..." It did. Poor Levi. After all he has been through, he only seeks peace no matter which way he finds it - be it prison or death, he'll take it. Ronan sending Phoenix to end Levi's life unknowingly saves him and gives him hope. I loved Levi's kindness, his resilience and his strength. He could have turned to be just like his brother after all the horrors he went through. He could have turned bitter and angry, but the goodness in him kept him going.
Phoenix lost his family and suffers still. When the order to kill comes, he knows he will do everything possible to safe his new family from a monster hunting them. But what he finds is a man so hell bent on punishing himself, so downtrodden and hurt that he starts questioning the things he took as truth. He sees Levi like no one else before. Phoenix gives him love, tenderness and shows him what true affection feels like.
But the events conspire against Levi, and Ronan blinded by hate nearly makes a fatal mistake of taking an innocent's life. It takes Seth and Levi finally coming to terms that both of them were not at fault, that both suffered at the hands of brutal men, to show Ronan and Levi where the blame goes. That was one of the most heart-breaking moments of the story. But the best part was the acceptance this big family full of men from different walks of life had - Levi and Phoenix finally became a part of it too.
I loved how the story ended. Levi finally could be free from his tormentors and look forward to his life ahead. He had Phoenix and their children together safe and happy. One of the best books in this series. I highly recommend it!
Phoenix lost his family and suffers still. When the order to kill comes, he knows he will do everything possible to safe his new family from a monster hunting them. But what he finds is a man so hell bent on punishing himself, so downtrodden and hurt that he starts questioning the things he took as truth. He sees Levi like no one else before. Phoenix gives him love, tenderness and shows him what true affection feels like.
But the events conspire against Levi, and Ronan blinded by hate nearly makes a fatal mistake of taking an innocent's life. It takes Seth and Levi finally coming to terms that both of them were not at fault, that both suffered at the hands of brutal men, to show Ronan and Levi where the blame goes. That was one of the most heart-breaking moments of the story. But the best part was the acceptance this big family full of men from different walks of life had - Levi and Phoenix finally became a part of it too.
I loved how the story ended. Levi finally could be free from his tormentors and look forward to his life ahead. He had Phoenix and their children together safe and happy. One of the best books in this series. I highly recommend it!
April 20, 2021
The best one yet!! I’m ugly crying right now and it’s 7 in the morning. A great hurt/comfort story between Levi and Phoenix. And finally Seth’s story from the second novel is now fully complete. Can’t believe I gave that book 3 stars so I might revisit it again. I honestly don’t know how the next books will ever top this.
October 24, 2018
***3.5 Stars***
Goddamn this was a tough one to read. Levi has had an absolutely horrific life.
As is the case with most Sloane Kennedy books I've read, I had a hard time putting this one down. She definitely has an addicting writing style. The story kept me glued to the pages.
But, although I liked Phoenix and Levi together...something just didn't quite click for me. I don't know if I can put my finger on it. Maybe it's that I couldn't quite get a read and connect with Phoenix, maybe it was that Levi still felt child-like to me (he's in his mid 20's, but he felt way younger)...I just don't know.
One thing I will take away from this book is HOLY HELL the sheer volume of tears that were cried. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, made Levi cry. I'm pretty sure you can count on your fingers how many scenes Levi didn't cry in.
And I know he's been through almost every horrific thing you can think of, but that's really the thing I'll remember most about this book. And I feel bad saying that, but that's where I'm at.
Also, you gotta suspend some serious reality for the ending. The big, red, easy bow that was tied to the resolution of things was crafted and placed on this story by Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Toothfairy. As someone who works in the legal field, I just shook my head and rolled my eyes because things DO NOT work that easily nor can anyone make any type of concrete guarantee about any outcome.
Overall, not my favorite in the series, but still a solid read.
May 26, 2017
This book was really hard for me to read. But it was good to see two broken souls find each other and slowly heal.
Levi's life is one the worst thing i ever saw. No human being deserves that kind of treatment. In the beginning of the book when i read about him, his father, his brother, his childhood, the big drama, the prison...i was like "why is he still alive"? Understand me good i don't say that people must kill themselves in some situations no...but i was feeling like Levi deserves some kind of peace that just death could give him because in this life he never ever have peace. It was just worst and worst. His entire life can be resumed by one word: ABUSE. Everyday. Everytime by everyone around him. This is not a life.
This book was based on the drama which happened in Seth's childhood, and Levi was a part of that night. You know, i really love Levi, my heart was bleeding for him in every page, every new drama, everything life threw at him. BUT that night in Seth's house was HORRIBLE. This family was just attacked for no reason, this was brutal, free, violent, awful, disgusting, inhuman. And when in one hand i saw that Levi was also a victim i didn't think i can be so good like Seth. Forgiving is essential (i'm always saying that) and in this cas i'll forgive him. Yet i don't think me and him would have any kind of relationship. I'll have forgive him and we'll have gone in separate roads. The end was unrealistic for me...But Levi deserves his HEA so i just can't complain.
Phoenix is a good man and i really love that he got what he want the most in the end. I was so happy for him.
This book is hard to read but i recommend it :) Ronan <3
Levi's life is one the worst thing i ever saw. No human being deserves that kind of treatment. In the beginning of the book when i read about him, his father, his brother, his childhood, the big drama, the prison...i was like "why is he still alive"? Understand me good i don't say that people must kill themselves in some situations no...but i was feeling like Levi deserves some kind of peace that just death could give him because in this life he never ever have peace. It was just worst and worst. His entire life can be resumed by one word: ABUSE. Everyday. Everytime by everyone around him. This is not a life.
This book was based on the drama which happened in Seth's childhood, and Levi was a part of that night. You know, i really love Levi, my heart was bleeding for him in every page, every new drama, everything life threw at him. BUT that night in Seth's house was HORRIBLE. This family was just attacked for no reason, this was brutal, free, violent, awful, disgusting, inhuman. And when in one hand i saw that Levi was also a victim i didn't think i can be so good like Seth. Forgiving is essential (i'm always saying that) and in this cas i'll forgive him. Yet i don't think me and him would have any kind of relationship. I'll have forgive him and we'll have gone in separate roads. The end was unrealistic for me...But Levi deserves his HEA so i just can't complain.
Phoenix is a good man and i really love that he got what he want the most in the end. I was so happy for him.
This book is hard to read but i recommend it :) Ronan <3
May 21, 2017
Another superb book to add to the Protectors cannon
I don't know how Sloane Kennedy does it. She consistently turns out books in this series which not only pack an emotional punch but which suck you into a unique exploration of MM romance.
While there are commonalities, this is a series after all, the relationships all have a unique element and experience which means you never feel like you're reading a rehash.
In this one the trauma and suffering is almost too much but Sloane also knows just how far to push the reader before it would go into unpleasant territory.
I felt for Levi so much. What's sadder is that there will be people out in the "real" world who have suffered in similar ways. The way his story and romance with Phoenix plays out is believable and realistic. It takes time to build up trust and it can be shattered so easily.
I loved this pairing, they were gentle, kind and supportive of each other and I loved that they talked! No annoying miscommunication between them to cause any dramady.
The crime element is well done, tight plotting keeps the tensions high until the explosive conclusion. I absolutely adore these books. The sneak peak at Vincent's story left me begging for more.
And yet again the book is graced with an amazing cover from Jay Aheer featuring Wander Aguiar photography.
I don't know how Sloane Kennedy does it. She consistently turns out books in this series which not only pack an emotional punch but which suck you into a unique exploration of MM romance.
While there are commonalities, this is a series after all, the relationships all have a unique element and experience which means you never feel like you're reading a rehash.
In this one the trauma and suffering is almost too much but Sloane also knows just how far to push the reader before it would go into unpleasant territory.
I felt for Levi so much. What's sadder is that there will be people out in the "real" world who have suffered in similar ways. The way his story and romance with Phoenix plays out is believable and realistic. It takes time to build up trust and it can be shattered so easily.
I loved this pairing, they were gentle, kind and supportive of each other and I loved that they talked! No annoying miscommunication between them to cause any dramady.
The crime element is well done, tight plotting keeps the tensions high until the explosive conclusion. I absolutely adore these books. The sneak peak at Vincent's story left me begging for more.
And yet again the book is graced with an amazing cover from Jay Aheer featuring Wander Aguiar photography.
January 24, 2021
Honestly out of the whole series this one I just didn't love. Phoenix was sweet and I liked him but Levi just annoyed the hell out of me. He made me mad because he wouldn't open up to Phoenix who was trying to help him especially about the man T who was abusing him and trying to bully and blackmail him into doing what T wanted. He seemed to get into one situation after another and instead of feeling bad for him it just annoyed me. 😤😡 He had a horrible childhood but he seemed to keep putting himself into bad situations because he thought he deserved it but it just made those things ten times worse.
I liked how the book ended and I loved 💞 the compassion, forgiveness and help Seth gave to Levi.
I liked how the book ended and I loved 💞 the compassion, forgiveness and help Seth gave to Levi.
January 16, 2019
Me. This Book. Crying. Heart arching, hands shaking for what Levi went through. A character worthy of redemption - who does not believe it so. A man who comes to believe and love him. Showing Levi that love is not pain, torture, and fear. This one had a flavor of Caged Jaye to it but not quite as graphic. These types of stories are my types of stories.
May 30, 2017
4.5 stars - If you’ve kept up with this series, which I highly recommend you do, you know they all have a similar theme. Ronan’s agents are all men who have had their lives upturned when they suffered some type of devastated loss (mostly of loved ones). Phoenix is one of those agents. Further, many story lines are interconnected with previous ones, so it is definitely beneficial to have read the prior books. For instance, here, Phoenix is tasked with monitoring (and potentially eliminating) Levi, a young man who was involved years ago in events that changed lives forever. The surviving victim of that was Ronan’s husband, Seth. When Levi starts showing up on Ronan’s radar, Ronan assigns Phoenix to eliminate any possible threat to Seth.
Thankfully, it doesn’t take long to see that Levi isn’t what he seems. Phoenix accidentally makes contact with Levi (who should have remained nothing more than a mark), and he quickly gets some uneasy feelings about him. Everything isn’t adding up, but he needs to earn Levi’s trust so he will tell him what really happened that night that changed everything.
I fell in love with Levi almost immediately. He had it rough almost from the get go, with a really crappy family situation. Suffice to say there wasn’t anything redeeming about any of them, and Levi had to deal with them and their abuse on his own. It was his fear of his brother that found him in the middle of something which has plagued him til this day. He is stuck in a bad loop, and while he tries to do good things (and even did so back when it happened), he just can’t seem to get a break.
In the middle of all of this, Levi is tied to a young baby (his nephew) who nobody seems to care about either. He is the product of Levi’s brother and his drug addicted mother, but with his brother dead, and his father and the baby’s mother basically useless, Levi is the only one who really cares. If it weren’t for him, Levi would have had a much easier time getting away.
But, time is running out for Phoenix to get the proof he needs to assure Ronan that Levi isn’t a threat to Seth. They are growing close, but Levi has a lot of distrust and they have quite a few setbacks. Levi suffers from panic attacks and PTSD while he still endures abuse and manipulation. Lines begin to blur for Phoenix as he tries to decide who to stand behind – Levi or his family who gave him another chance at life.
This was another winner from Sloane. It delivers emotions and feels while giving us even more characters to love and yet another couple to root for. It was fast-paced, edge of your seat reading that fed enough tidbits to keep me turning pages quickly. I highly recommend this, as well as her other series – Finding, for stories that consistently deliver every time. The next book looks to combine characters from both series, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next!
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
June 15, 2017
Some series have a somewhat comfortable kind of predictability to them, be it for their cast of characters, or because they're written along familiar plotlines. However, this series elevates formulaic writing to an art. Each and every one of the books' plots follows the same pattern: tortured, broken hero(es) meet and make a smitten-at-first-sight connection that they promptly do their damnedest to deny, even to sabotage, even as they can't help being attracted to each other. Next, the outside world conspires to destroy them,forcing them together one way or another. And next after some more bumps, explosions and knockdowns - abracadabra - love, peace and harmony all around. There are always children involved, there's always at least one main character who's had a bad childhood - to put it mildly - and there's very often a dog, or several.
And yet...I keep reading them, so it can't be that bad, right?
Actually, it isn't, not with the compelling, emotionally touching way all of these books are written. This one in particular tugged at my heartstrings in the worst way, with Levi so broken from all the abuse, neglect and torture inflicted on him from an early age there's almost nothing left of him. He's the proverbial damsel in distress, and if what his past and current tormentors did to him weren't enough, he's got a hitman sicced on him. One who, by serendipity and insta!attraction decides to turn into a knight in shining armor for poor Levi instead. The rest is history, complete with a phenomenally low-maintenance toddler, some conveninent casualties and the inevitable miracle(s). Everything, including the end, was totally over the top yet oh-so satisfying, so all in all, just right, I guess.
(PS is it just me or did anyone else feel strangely reminded of the "Asterix" comic books by the way these books keep ending? There seems to always be a Baretti family cookout or dinner or whatever at the end, just as each "Asterix" comic concludes with a big feast for the whole Gallic village...?)
And yet...I keep reading them, so it can't be that bad, right?
Actually, it isn't, not with the compelling, emotionally touching way all of these books are written. This one in particular tugged at my heartstrings in the worst way, with Levi so broken from all the abuse, neglect and torture inflicted on him from an early age there's almost nothing left of him. He's the proverbial damsel in distress, and if what his past and current tormentors did to him weren't enough, he's got a hitman sicced on him. One who, by serendipity and insta!attraction decides to turn into a knight in shining armor for poor Levi instead. The rest is history, complete with a phenomenally low-maintenance toddler, some conveninent casualties and the inevitable miracle(s). Everything, including the end, was totally over the top yet oh-so satisfying, so all in all, just right, I guess.
(PS is it just me or did anyone else feel strangely reminded of the "Asterix" comic books by the way these books keep ending? There seems to always be a Baretti family cookout or dinner or whatever at the end, just as each "Asterix" comic concludes with a big feast for the whole Gallic village...?)
March 31, 2018
Now this one I really loved. **4.5 stars ** rounded up because I love the whole series. In this one, Levi finally has a chance to confront his worst nightmares--of the night he was coerced into accompanying his brother when he went to rob Seth (Absolution) and his parents and his brother and friend went on a killing rampage.
Levi is a sweetheart who has been caught in a web of one horrendous incident after another. Is the story believable? Not really, but this is the series I'm using as my comfort reads right now and if this one were true, Levi would be a character I'd definitely want to take home with me. Phoenix is the big, alpha "protector" who's assigned to take Levi out unless he can find evidence that he's no threat to Seth.
A love story, complete with two separate subplots involving children, runs below the surface of this romance and I loved it all. Win-win that Levi and Phoenix find their HEA. I hope they show up in a future installment. I really loved both of them.
Levi is a sweetheart who has been caught in a web of one horrendous incident after another. Is the story believable? Not really, but this is the series I'm using as my comfort reads right now and if this one were true, Levi would be a character I'd definitely want to take home with me. Phoenix is the big, alpha "protector" who's assigned to take Levi out unless he can find evidence that he's no threat to Seth.
A love story, complete with two separate subplots involving children, runs below the surface of this romance and I loved it all. Win-win that Levi and Phoenix find their HEA. I hope they show up in a future installment. I really loved both of them.
July 17, 2018
Mostly enjoyed this one. But one thing that bugged me was how much Phoenix pushed and pushed for Levi to be honest with him, but he never returned the favor. And even when the truth came out...Levi pretty much just accepted it. I didn't need it to be a deal breaker but it should've been addressed. I did love that Phoenix didn't hesitate to choose Levi over Ronan and Co. when push came to shove. I think the ending with the daughter is a bit....cliche but I'll allow it since I got emotional.
January 27, 2024
Finally felt this series felt like it was back in track with this one. That’s not to say there weren’t some strange abrupt and kind is weird things to set up certain character interactions, because there were a few. However, I’m willing to overlook some of that because I found Phoenix and Levi to be wonderful and complex characters.
This is another age gap, instaLove, secret hiding setup - again nothing new here and part of the formula for this series. The climax at the very end did feel anticlimactic but I’m not mad it - maybe I’m just so used that with this series that I’ve lowered my expectations.
Anywho…the TWs with this one are upsetting to say the least! Levi had been sexually assaulted starting at the age of 9 and every single encounter was assault from that age until he was 24 - when were introduced to him in this book. So 15 years of assaults by various people. He’d literally never been touched with any ounce of softness, gentleness, compassion, or love until Phoenix. This book is low on the heat scale - as it should be considering the overwhelming amount of trauma Levi had to endure - but what you do get is so open, vulnerable and intense that it makes it more so much more impactful. The intimacy these two share is beautiful Phoenix touches Levi with so much care that it almost hurts to read.
Phoenix isn’t without his own issues but I won’t spoil those. I will say there is racism within this book that is extremely jarring and upsetting - which it’s meant to be. Phoenix is a fully developed character who has his own internal conflicts that are addressed quite well.
The epilogue does address seeking help regarding mental health and the way this book is set up there isn’t time to work that in until after the main plot is complete - the book takes place over the course of several weeks. This one might actually be my favorite or top 2 in the series so far.
This is another age gap, instaLove, secret hiding setup - again nothing new here and part of the formula for this series. The climax at the very end did feel anticlimactic but I’m not mad it - maybe I’m just so used that with this series that I’ve lowered my expectations.
Anywho…the TWs with this one are upsetting to say the least! Levi had been sexually assaulted starting at the age of 9 and every single encounter was assault from that age until he was 24 - when were introduced to him in this book. So 15 years of assaults by various people. He’d literally never been touched with any ounce of softness, gentleness, compassion, or love until Phoenix. This book is low on the heat scale - as it should be considering the overwhelming amount of trauma Levi had to endure - but what you do get is so open, vulnerable and intense that it makes it more so much more impactful. The intimacy these two share is beautiful Phoenix touches Levi with so much care that it almost hurts to read.
Phoenix isn’t without his own issues but I won’t spoil those. I will say there is racism within this book that is extremely jarring and upsetting - which it’s meant to be. Phoenix is a fully developed character who has his own internal conflicts that are addressed quite well.
The epilogue does address seeking help regarding mental health and the way this book is set up there isn’t time to work that in until after the main plot is complete - the book takes place over the course of several weeks. This one might actually be my favorite or top 2 in the series so far.
February 27, 2022
Another masterpiece.
May 22, 2017
¸.•*¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡
♡☆(¸.•´Sloane Kennedy's Protectors series is fantastic!!!
"Without Henry and Phoenix, I had nothing."
I am never one to get stuck writing a review for Sloane Kennedy, but this one had me stumped. It was too emotional, even for me. Levi had suffered so much for so long and I cried out for him and all he had endured. No one should suffer such violence, and yet this author dug deep and wrenched all the pain and suffering and brought it to life. "Maybe I'd pretend for as long as Phoenix would let me. And then when he was gone and Henry was gone, I'd do what I should have done seven years earlier. Embrace judgment day."
And Phoenix; tall, dark and dangerous. A man like this should be able to withstand anything. But he too, was as broken as any of Sloane's characters are. He, like Levi, had a reason to live and there was going to be no stopping them.
I loved the direction this story came from. Levi, heavily involved with what had happened to Ronan's husband Seth and his family all those years ago. Now trying to exorcise himself to no avail. He was taking on his family (living mainly for his nephew) and the world (his job at the soup kitchen). Phoenix, burnt one too many times, now finds himself judge and executioner to the man he was both protecting and ordered to extinguished. "...no matter what, I wasn’t going to tell the man I’d been sent to kill that his life was worth fighting for..."
There would be no protectors unless someone fell in love, someone provided a way to right the wrongs and forgiveness ensued. I know there is so much more to come and I am in for the long haul. Do I still have to tell you to one click? Come on, that should be a given!
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
♡☆(¸.•´Sloane Kennedy's Protectors series is fantastic!!!
"Without Henry and Phoenix, I had nothing."
I am never one to get stuck writing a review for Sloane Kennedy, but this one had me stumped. It was too emotional, even for me. Levi had suffered so much for so long and I cried out for him and all he had endured. No one should suffer such violence, and yet this author dug deep and wrenched all the pain and suffering and brought it to life. "Maybe I'd pretend for as long as Phoenix would let me. And then when he was gone and Henry was gone, I'd do what I should have done seven years earlier. Embrace judgment day."
And Phoenix; tall, dark and dangerous. A man like this should be able to withstand anything. But he too, was as broken as any of Sloane's characters are. He, like Levi, had a reason to live and there was going to be no stopping them.
I loved the direction this story came from. Levi, heavily involved with what had happened to Ronan's husband Seth and his family all those years ago. Now trying to exorcise himself to no avail. He was taking on his family (living mainly for his nephew) and the world (his job at the soup kitchen). Phoenix, burnt one too many times, now finds himself judge and executioner to the man he was both protecting and ordered to extinguished. "...no matter what, I wasn’t going to tell the man I’d been sent to kill that his life was worth fighting for..."
There would be no protectors unless someone fell in love, someone provided a way to right the wrongs and forgiveness ensued. I know there is so much more to come and I am in for the long haul. Do I still have to tell you to one click? Come on, that should be a given!
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
January 27, 2021
*** Love finds a way to survive ! ***
Big African American, ex-military, Phoenix, 33, is assigned with making his target disappear. The target, a younger Levi, who's out of prison, is volunteering at a soup kitchen, raising his nephew and providing for his dad and nephew's mom. In addition he's being harassed by his dead brother's horrible friend.
Phoenix watches the man; saves him from being beaten. Levi's past is horrific and the twisted events were beyond his control. Phoenix discovers there is more to the story, and feels Levi is pawn, not a murderer. The investigation moves on, more is revealed, and Phoenix has begun to care. The truths are not what they thought. Levi and Phoenix are becoming more than friends, so how can he assassinate him?
Ronan is wrong. A lot is happening, hot sexiness, secrets, lies, a life saved, and a rescue.
Riveting and heartwarming. We see these men, their intense compassion and honor to fight for what is right.
This is a beautiful story of overcoming a horrendous past to find hope in a most unlikely place.
Love finds a way ! Highly recommended. ENJOY !
=====================
Read the trigger warnings in the book.
===================
Big African American, ex-military, Phoenix, 33, is assigned with making his target disappear. The target, a younger Levi, who's out of prison, is volunteering at a soup kitchen, raising his nephew and providing for his dad and nephew's mom. In addition he's being harassed by his dead brother's horrible friend.
Phoenix watches the man; saves him from being beaten. Levi's past is horrific and the twisted events were beyond his control. Phoenix discovers there is more to the story, and feels Levi is pawn, not a murderer. The investigation moves on, more is revealed, and Phoenix has begun to care. The truths are not what they thought. Levi and Phoenix are becoming more than friends, so how can he assassinate him?
Ronan is wrong. A lot is happening, hot sexiness, secrets, lies, a life saved, and a rescue.
Riveting and heartwarming. We see these men, their intense compassion and honor to fight for what is right.
This is a beautiful story of overcoming a horrendous past to find hope in a most unlikely place.
Love finds a way ! Highly recommended. ENJOY !
=====================
Read the trigger warnings in the book.
===================
June 13, 2017
This was Phoenix and Levi's story.
Levi at 16 was involved in the death of Seth's parents and in this book Ronan assigns Phoenix to keep an eye on Levi and if he is up to no good to take him out. Only problem is Phoenix begins to believe that Levi is a changed man and starts to fall in love with him.
We learn the horrific events of Seth parents death. This book made me feel sorry for Levi. He had had a horrible childhood and he was trying to make up for his past misdeeds by doing good.
The only thing I would complain about with the book is that is again was insta-love. However, on the whole another great instalment in this series.
Levi at 16 was involved in the death of Seth's parents and in this book Ronan assigns Phoenix to keep an eye on Levi and if he is up to no good to take him out. Only problem is Phoenix begins to believe that Levi is a changed man and starts to fall in love with him.
We learn the horrific events of Seth parents death. This book made me feel sorry for Levi. He had had a horrible childhood and he was trying to make up for his past misdeeds by doing good.
The only thing I would complain about with the book is that is again was insta-love. However, on the whole another great instalment in this series.
May 31, 2017
I really liked this one. Lots of hurt/comfort for those into that.
I've actually only read Book 1 in this series before this one so I'm sure I missed out on a lot of backstory for the other characters, but I was able to really enjoy this book.
I've actually only read Book 1 in this series before this one so I'm sure I missed out on a lot of backstory for the other characters, but I was able to really enjoy this book.
November 4, 2021
DNF at 40%
I think this author is not for me. I don’t like timid men. I love a good tortured man but can’t get into an MC who is nothing but struggle and mostly loosing it.
Can’t get how anyone can get attracted to this so I’m finding the romance un reliable.
I think this author is not for me. I don’t like timid men. I love a good tortured man but can’t get into an MC who is nothing but struggle and mostly loosing it.
Can’t get how anyone can get attracted to this so I’m finding the romance un reliable.
July 5, 2019
Phoenix and Levi’s story is definitely one of my favorites in this series. I loved it just as much this time around.
May 20, 2017
*le sigh*
I always feel like Im repeating myself when I write a review about this series and here I go again. I loved it....love it!! The darkness, the heartache, the pain...it all appealed to my black little heart. And the way that they fought for their happiness...gah! I loved it!
Im not going to say anything more other than this book added to this series in a delicious way and yes...I am waiting sooooo freaking impatiently for the next book!
I always feel like Im repeating myself when I write a review about this series and here I go again. I loved it....love it!! The darkness, the heartache, the pain...it all appealed to my black little heart. And the way that they fought for their happiness...gah! I loved it!
Im not going to say anything more other than this book added to this series in a delicious way and yes...I am waiting sooooo freaking impatiently for the next book!
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