What do you think?
Rate this book
Twist of Fate #1
Lost and Found
He promised to never leave me. But when I needed him the most, that was exactly what he did…
Wilderness guide Xander Reed has spent fifteen years trying to forget the night he turned to his best friend in his darkest hour, only to find the young man who’d sworn to always have his back was turning his on Xander instead. Two thousand miles and fifteen years of building a new life in the quiet backcountry of the Rocky Mountains should have been enough to put the memory of Bennett Crawford out of his mind forever, but old wounds run deep and when Bennett suddenly reappears in his life as part of a wilderness expedition Xander is guiding, the scars he thought long healed break wide open.
Wilderness guide Xander Reed has spent fifteen years trying to forget the night he turned to his best friend in his darkest hour, only to find the young man who’d sworn to always have his back was turning his on Xander instead. Two thousand miles and fifteen years of building a new life in the quiet backcountry of the Rocky Mountains should have been enough to put the memory of Bennett Crawford out of his mind forever, but old wounds run deep and when Bennett suddenly reappears in his life as part of a wilderness expedition Xander is guiding, the scars he thought long healed break wide open.
I’d only ever wanted to protect Xander from getting hurt again. I never considered the one he needed protection from was me…
Bennett Crawford was faced with an impossible choice the night his best friend needed him.
He chose wrong.
As the only son of one of the wealthiest families in New England, he should have had the world at his feet, but losing his best friend at the tender age of fourteen changed everything. And even though Bennett’s managed to hide behind a mask of contentment as he takes his place at his father’s side in the family business, inside he’s searching for the piece of himself that’s been missing ever since Xander Reed walked out of his life. Bennett’s only saving grace is his work with a group of inner city kids, and when he’s given the chance to show the troubled teens that there’s a bigger world out there waiting for them if they just have the courage to reach for it, he takes it.
But when he steps off that bus for what was supposed to be a week of fun and adventure, he’s instantly returned to the past when he discovers their expedition guide is none other than the boy he let go so long ago. Only, the soft-hearted, insecure little boy Bennett once knew is gone, and in his place is a brooding, bitter man who isn’t interested in second chances.
People leave. I know that now and nothing Bennett has to say to me will change anything…
All Bennett wants is another chance to show Xander that friendship was only the beginning. But when a stubborn Xander refuses to even hear him out, Bennett realizes he’s going to need to fight dirty.
Because now that he’s found Xander again, he’s not letting him go a second time…
308 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2017
995 people are currently reading
2501 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Lennox
95 books4,442 followersI write M/M romance with humor, heart, and heat. Check out my backlist here on GR for a selection of series and standalone or visit www.LucyLennox.com!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 606 reviews
July 12, 2017
I wasn't going to read Sloane Kennedy or Lucy Lennox anymore. Because reasons.
But I caved, and I have to say that the two writing together worked for me. Mostly.
Lennox seems to tame Kennedy's super angsty, melodramatic side, and Kennedy tamps down on Lennox's OTT banter.
Of course, Lennox had to introduce the creepy old lady in the form of Xander's aunt, who lived in a nudist colony, but she wasn't as bad as the old ladies from the Made Marion series.
I thought Xander was way too harsh with Bennett at the beginning; his rage seemed kind of childish. But then Benny takes a turn when he freaks out about Xander's friendship with Jake (read Wendy's rant about this here).
I hated the constant lack of communication, but there were plenty of sexy times and also FEELZ, baby. I also loved Lucky and Bear the dog. The ending was so hopeful and uplifting.
Even though I didn't care for Benny's friend Aiden in this story, I'll most likely read his book.
But I caved, and I have to say that the two writing together worked for me. Mostly.
Lennox seems to tame Kennedy's super angsty, melodramatic side, and Kennedy tamps down on Lennox's OTT banter.
Of course, Lennox had to introduce the creepy old lady in the form of Xander's aunt, who lived in a nudist colony, but she wasn't as bad as the old ladies from the Made Marion series.
I thought Xander was way too harsh with Bennett at the beginning; his rage seemed kind of childish. But then Benny takes a turn when he freaks out about Xander's friendship with Jake (read Wendy's rant about this here).
I hated the constant lack of communication, but there were plenty of sexy times and also FEELZ, baby. I also loved Lucky and Bear the dog. The ending was so hopeful and uplifting.
Even though I didn't care for Benny's friend Aiden in this story, I'll most likely read his book.
February 5, 2018
I really enjoyed this little gem by Sloane Kennedy and Lucy Lennox !! Thank you Ralu for the great rec <3
This is a very sweet "second chance" kind of story. I am saying "kind of", because these two weren't really lovers before, since they were only kids. That doesn't mean that the feelings of love weren't there though...so for me...it's still a "second chance" love story ;)
Bennett and Xander have been best friends since they were 5 years old. Even though the two of them come from completely different worlds, they still grew up really close. First their parents were friends, but after Xander's mother left him and his dad, his dad went to work as the gardner of Bennet's family.
Things changed a bit after that. Xander's father wasn't considered a family friend anymore...mearly an employee. That didn't matter to Bennett and Xander though. For them it only meant that Xander would be living on the property and they could spend as much time together as they wanted.....
But as these boys got older, Bennett's father wasn't as pleased with them spending so much time together. So he started interfearing, which ultimately led to a 14 year old Bennett breaking a 14 year old Xander's heart....
Fast forward 15 years and they are about to come face to face again, when Bennett takes a group of troubled teens on a hiking adventure and their guide turns out to be non other than Xander.
At first Bennett is very happy to finally see his old best friend again....That is until he realizes, that his old friend isn't the same little insecure boy anymore....he is bitter and angry and all of that anger is focused on Bennett.
Throw in Bennett's best friend, shitstirrer and former lover Aiden and the disaster is complete....
I have to say that I really hated Aiden in the beginning for being such a little shit. I also hated Bennett for accepting all the crap that came out of his mouth. After a while though, I did realize that Aiden only wanted what was best for Bennett and he was the one who finally pushed these two together to work out their differences...
And boy did they.... If you like wall-sex, you are surely gonna love "tree-sex" :P
I really enjoyed seeing these two building a bridge and getting closer and closer. They really seemed to belong together.
Now the only thing that is stopping me from giving this one 5 stars is a scene that annoyed the crap out of me and I just couldn't let it go. If you don't like spoilers....skip this part, because it's a little one...
When they come back from their hiking adventure, Bennett suddenly gets a case of insecurity about Xander's friend Jake... All because Jake looked at Xander a certain way. So he withdraws from Xander, because he figures Xander is with Jake or at least wants to be with Jake. I get being insecure, but this just seemed so unfair to me.
The whole book we get to witness Aiden being all over Bennett and making rude remarks. This is all just accepted by Bennett and when Bennett explains to Xander, that he and Aiden are just friends, he expects Xander to just trust and believe him.... Yet when Jake only looks at Xander a certain way, he blows his fucking lit....over nothing !!!! He even climbs into bed with Aiden to complain about being jealous of Jake and his bond with Xander !!?? Are you freaking kidding me !! You are complaining about your boyfriend having a friend he seems close to, while you are actually in the same bed with your best friend / ex lover ???
I lost a lot of respect for Bennett in that moment.... Thankfully he gets his shit together pretty fast and runs back to Xander...but let's be honest here...it was Aiden who pushed him to go after what he wanted. Which is why Aiden is now one of my favorite characters of this book :P
Okay rant over....sorry about that :P
Anyways...I still really loved this book and I think most won't be bothered by this little scene....but sometimes the smallest of things can piss me off :P
This was a very sweet, hot, romantic second chance story. I also really enjoyed the background story about Lucky...hopefully he will get his own book in the future as well. And of course I have to give some extra credit to "Bear" the dog, cause he was just awesome !!
Right now I am very curious about Aiden's book after reading his little snippet. Hope we won't have to wait too long.
This is a very sweet "second chance" kind of story. I am saying "kind of", because these two weren't really lovers before, since they were only kids. That doesn't mean that the feelings of love weren't there though...so for me...it's still a "second chance" love story ;)
Bennett and Xander have been best friends since they were 5 years old. Even though the two of them come from completely different worlds, they still grew up really close. First their parents were friends, but after Xander's mother left him and his dad, his dad went to work as the gardner of Bennet's family.
Things changed a bit after that. Xander's father wasn't considered a family friend anymore...mearly an employee. That didn't matter to Bennett and Xander though. For them it only meant that Xander would be living on the property and they could spend as much time together as they wanted.....
But as these boys got older, Bennett's father wasn't as pleased with them spending so much time together. So he started interfearing, which ultimately led to a 14 year old Bennett breaking a 14 year old Xander's heart....
Fast forward 15 years and they are about to come face to face again, when Bennett takes a group of troubled teens on a hiking adventure and their guide turns out to be non other than Xander.
At first Bennett is very happy to finally see his old best friend again....That is until he realizes, that his old friend isn't the same little insecure boy anymore....he is bitter and angry and all of that anger is focused on Bennett.
Throw in Bennett's best friend, shitstirrer and former lover Aiden and the disaster is complete....
I have to say that I really hated Aiden in the beginning for being such a little shit. I also hated Bennett for accepting all the crap that came out of his mouth. After a while though, I did realize that Aiden only wanted what was best for Bennett and he was the one who finally pushed these two together to work out their differences...
And boy did they.... If you like wall-sex, you are surely gonna love "tree-sex" :P
I really enjoyed seeing these two building a bridge and getting closer and closer. They really seemed to belong together.
Now the only thing that is stopping me from giving this one 5 stars is a scene that annoyed the crap out of me and I just couldn't let it go. If you don't like spoilers....skip this part, because it's a little one...
When they come back from their hiking adventure, Bennett suddenly gets a case of insecurity about Xander's friend Jake... All because Jake looked at Xander a certain way. So he withdraws from Xander, because he figures Xander is with Jake or at least wants to be with Jake. I get being insecure, but this just seemed so unfair to me.
The whole book we get to witness Aiden being all over Bennett and making rude remarks. This is all just accepted by Bennett and when Bennett explains to Xander, that he and Aiden are just friends, he expects Xander to just trust and believe him.... Yet when Jake only looks at Xander a certain way, he blows his fucking lit....over nothing !!!! He even climbs into bed with Aiden to complain about being jealous of Jake and his bond with Xander !!?? Are you freaking kidding me !! You are complaining about your boyfriend having a friend he seems close to, while you are actually in the same bed with your best friend / ex lover ???
I lost a lot of respect for Bennett in that moment.... Thankfully he gets his shit together pretty fast and runs back to Xander...but let's be honest here...it was Aiden who pushed him to go after what he wanted. Which is why Aiden is now one of my favorite characters of this book :P
Okay rant over....sorry about that :P
Anyways...I still really loved this book and I think most won't be bothered by this little scene....but sometimes the smallest of things can piss me off :P
This was a very sweet, hot, romantic second chance story. I also really enjoyed the background story about Lucky...hopefully he will get his own book in the future as well. And of course I have to give some extra credit to "Bear" the dog, cause he was just awesome !!
Right now I am very curious about Aiden's book after reading his little snippet. Hope we won't have to wait too long.
My reviews are posted on Dirty Books Obsession
July 12, 2017
I'm done, I can't read this book any more, too disgusted. There is so much wrong with this book. Both main characters are extremely unlikable. What Bennett did when they were kids was a betrayal, nothing more nothing less; you can forgive many things but not a thing like this - so his playing a victim, I'm-trying-so-hard-feel-sorry-for-me-poor-Bennett doesn't make me feel sympathetic towards him in the least. On the other hand, I find it disturbing that someone can hold the grudge with such intensity as Xander did - for fifteen years. I mean no matter how it hurt, feelings fade, you can feel nothing to this guy but to hate him as if it happened yesterday - it's kinda OTT. Not to mention that the whole I-hate-you thing suddenly turns into calling him "baby" as soon as they're having sex. And most of all, I can't believe they're doing all that shit in front of the kids! As if they don't know the kids notice everything. Oh well, and then Aiden shames them for that - after he was no better than them, talking dirty all the time, sharing his experiences in fucking Bennett, setting them against each other. All three of them are disgusting. I don't want to see Xander and Bennett happy ever after, I actually want a bear to come and eat both of them. Enough is enough, DNF.
July 5, 2017
This one started out okay. A bit of a part enemies to lovers vibe and part friends to lovers. Bennett and Xander were friends as kids but had a rather unfriendly parting as teenagers. So they seemed more like enemies then friends when they meet back up.
Speaking of which, what are the odds really??? Bennett from NY taking a group of kids on a hiking expedition in the mountains of Colorado led by none other than Xander? Not likely. But whatever, I can overlook that.
My biggest problem with this one though was that the whole book is riddled with miscommunication, something I LOATHE in books. It starts when they part as kids. Assuming certain things about each other. Never trying to reach out to each other, and I don't know maybe TALK about what went down and then it continues through to when they are reunited. Assuming things again about each other and not just having a conversation. Drives me nuts.
Things also got a bit cheesy the last half. And then throw in Bennett's ridiculous over-reaction to Xander and Jake. Most of the time these guys never acted their age.
Maybe these authors just aren't for me anymore.
Speaking of which, what are the odds really??? Bennett from NY taking a group of kids on a hiking expedition in the mountains of Colorado led by none other than Xander? Not likely. But whatever, I can overlook that.
My biggest problem with this one though was that the whole book is riddled with miscommunication, something I LOATHE in books. It starts when they part as kids. Assuming certain things about each other. Never trying to reach out to each other, and I don't know maybe TALK about what went down and then it continues through to when they are reunited. Assuming things again about each other and not just having a conversation. Drives me nuts.
Things also got a bit cheesy the last half. And then throw in Bennett's ridiculous over-reaction to Xander and Jake. Most of the time these guys never acted their age.
Maybe these authors just aren't for me anymore.
February 13, 2023
Re-read May 16, 2020
*** Beautifully written tale of a rekindled lost love !***
A history, a childhood of memories, a parting - never forgiven. Now, fifteen years later, Bennet sees Xander and the sparks are still there.
Bennet is there with a Hiking Group
made up of 8 "in need" teen boys.
Bear
We see the characters interacting; settling into the goal of helping the kids learn about the outdoors, survival, useful skills, etc.. The hurt and longing is apparent between Bennet and Xander. Scattered throughout we see what happened in their younger lives. As the story flows, we see their attempts to talk failing, and the kids conflicts arise, as do the problems of the adults.
These two authors, Kennedy and Lennox are a terrific pairing. I've read and loved books from each one. This is book one in their new series and I'll be reading more, for sure. There's lots of hot sexy loving and action along the trail. We are completely engaged and enjoying this marvelous tale. The end and epilogue are fabulous. I'm excited for more.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
==========
*** Beautifully written tale of a rekindled lost love !***
A history, a childhood of memories, a parting - never forgiven. Now, fifteen years later, Bennet sees Xander and the sparks are still there.
Bennet is there with a Hiking Group
made up of 8 "in need" teen boys.
Bear
We see the characters interacting; settling into the goal of helping the kids learn about the outdoors, survival, useful skills, etc.. The hurt and longing is apparent between Bennet and Xander. Scattered throughout we see what happened in their younger lives. As the story flows, we see their attempts to talk failing, and the kids conflicts arise, as do the problems of the adults.
These two authors, Kennedy and Lennox are a terrific pairing. I've read and loved books from each one. This is book one in their new series and I'll be reading more, for sure. There's lots of hot sexy loving and action along the trail. We are completely engaged and enjoying this marvelous tale. The end and epilogue are fabulous. I'm excited for more.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
==========
September 17, 2019
Lost and Found (Twist of Fate, Book 1)" by Lucy Lennox and Sloane Kennedy had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! My heart broke for both Xander and Bennett, who both suffered so much 15 years ago on that fateful night. Who would have thought it possible that after all that time and 2,000 miles away that they would cross paths again? And not just a two ships passing in the night either - rather a hiking and camping trip in the Colorado mountains that continues to find ways to throw Bennett at Xander in more ways than one.
Can Xander remain professional and courteous as he leads Bennett and Aiden with the kids that they brought to see the beauty in the world that they don't see in their day to day lives? Can Bennett find it in himself to apologize to Xander for the choices he made all those years ago? Can two broken hearts be mended enough to get a second chance? Can you the reader survive the heart wrenching drama as you turn each page and move from chapter to chapter?
I fell in love with both Xander and Bennett (and especially Xander's Aunt Lolly). Lucy Lennox has a way of making me fall in love with her characters. Stressing out as the story takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as you hope and pray that certain people see the light and what could be if they stop being stubborn idiots!
I've read several books by Lucy Lennox and love her writing. This is my first Sloane Kennedy experience and think I need to check out more of her work.
Can Xander remain professional and courteous as he leads Bennett and Aiden with the kids that they brought to see the beauty in the world that they don't see in their day to day lives? Can Bennett find it in himself to apologize to Xander for the choices he made all those years ago? Can two broken hearts be mended enough to get a second chance? Can you the reader survive the heart wrenching drama as you turn each page and move from chapter to chapter?
I fell in love with both Xander and Bennett (and especially Xander's Aunt Lolly). Lucy Lennox has a way of making me fall in love with her characters. Stressing out as the story takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as you hope and pray that certain people see the light and what could be if they stop being stubborn idiots!
I've read several books by Lucy Lennox and love her writing. This is my first Sloane Kennedy experience and think I need to check out more of her work.
July 7, 2017
**3.5 stars**
The author of the “Made Marian” series meets the author of the “Protectors” series. My expectations : an explosion of banter and over the charts scorching hotness. But I felt like these authors restrained themselves, may be ?!?
I started really good for me, with 2 childhood friends that were total opposite in personality and stature, very closed to the hips, but got separated once in college. Xander remembered this dreadful moment as a huge betrayal and Bennet as a shameful weakness from his part.
Until, 15 years later, they meet up again. Bennet runs a foundation for his wealthy father and is organizing a hiking expedition in Colorado for underprivileged teenagers. And he ends up with Xander as their guide. Several days in the wilderness with no other choice but to interact, not anymore as children, but as adults sharing bittersweet childhood memories, a huge sense of deeply buried loss and explosive attraction that has nothing to do with friendship.
These few days spent in the woods are a revelation for the caring and funny Benny and the sexy and brooding Xander and the hotness emanating from them had nothing to do with the climate.
I really loved the first two-third of the book, sparkled with good banter, yummy dirty talk, and delicious outdoorsy sex, and interesting secondary characters, but it then went downhill for me with assumptions and promises made by the MCs that felt out of the blue for me. It did picked up again nicely but a tad too sugary to soften the blow.
Please, dear authors, mix the best of your writing skills in your next book featuring Aiden : I will be there to read it.
The author of the “Made Marian” series meets the author of the “Protectors” series. My expectations : an explosion of banter and over the charts scorching hotness. But I felt like these authors restrained themselves, may be ?!?
I started really good for me, with 2 childhood friends that were total opposite in personality and stature, very closed to the hips, but got separated once in college. Xander remembered this dreadful moment as a huge betrayal and Bennet as a shameful weakness from his part.
Until, 15 years later, they meet up again. Bennet runs a foundation for his wealthy father and is organizing a hiking expedition in Colorado for underprivileged teenagers. And he ends up with Xander as their guide. Several days in the wilderness with no other choice but to interact, not anymore as children, but as adults sharing bittersweet childhood memories, a huge sense of deeply buried loss and explosive attraction that has nothing to do with friendship.
These few days spent in the woods are a revelation for the caring and funny Benny and the sexy and brooding Xander and the hotness emanating from them had nothing to do with the climate.
I really loved the first two-third of the book, sparkled with good banter, yummy dirty talk, and delicious outdoorsy sex, and interesting secondary characters, but it then went downhill for me with assumptions and promises made by the MCs that felt out of the blue for me. It did picked up again nicely but a tad too sugary to soften the blow.
Please, dear authors, mix the best of your writing skills in your next book featuring Aiden : I will be there to read it.
July 25, 2017
As much of a fan as I am of Sloane Kennedy, I cannot push through this book. From what I read so far, there is just not enough of her influence in this book. The MC's are immature and unlikeable.
May 6, 2020
I just can't with juvenile characters any more so I'm out.
January 16, 2023
Miscommunication, how I loathe thee 🙄
I really tried liking this one, because I love both authors. Usually. But this… I’ve started the book three days ago and I’ve barely reached 35%. It’s a second-chance, friends/enemies to lovers trope, which could have been good, but there’s
So.
Much.
Miscommunication.
You’d think that 2 characters who are 30ish years old would have learned to talk to each other, but NO - they’re either not listening to each other or assuming things about each other that neither said or did.
Yes, there was hurt in the past. Bennet behaved like an ass, but ffs - he was a child (or teen). And while I understand that Xander was deeply hurt, he’s not mature enough to realise that sometimes things aren’t exactly as they seem? He’s not mature enough to give Bennet a chance to explain?
If only the smut would have made it worth my while, but no - after not talking to each other for days, they suddenly jump each other? I mean… come on…
And the smut (at least the first scene) is badly written. I’m sorry, dear authors, I really love you, but this is smh cringeworthy.
”Bennett released his grip on the tree long enough to drop one hand to his cock. I quickly reached around to knock his hand away.
“Mine,” I snarled and then I dropped my weight onto his back and gripped his waist hard with one arm while I began jacking him off, all as I continued to slide in and out of him with hard, full strokes. Bennett’s whimpers of pleasure erupted into full-on moans and I quickly realized why.
The change in position had me hitting his prostate.”
The only character I liked so far was Aiden, whom I felt sorry for having to deal with 2 immature man-childs AND a group of teenagers.
Anyway. Time of death: 35%
I really tried liking this one, because I love both authors. Usually. But this… I’ve started the book three days ago and I’ve barely reached 35%. It’s a second-chance, friends/enemies to lovers trope, which could have been good, but there’s
So.
Much.
Miscommunication.
You’d think that 2 characters who are 30ish years old would have learned to talk to each other, but NO - they’re either not listening to each other or assuming things about each other that neither said or did.
Yes, there was hurt in the past. Bennet behaved like an ass, but ffs - he was a child (or teen). And while I understand that Xander was deeply hurt, he’s not mature enough to realise that sometimes things aren’t exactly as they seem? He’s not mature enough to give Bennet a chance to explain?
If only the smut would have made it worth my while, but no - after not talking to each other for days, they suddenly jump each other? I mean… come on…
And the smut (at least the first scene) is badly written. I’m sorry, dear authors, I really love you, but this is smh cringeworthy.
”Bennett released his grip on the tree long enough to drop one hand to his cock. I quickly reached around to knock his hand away.
“Mine,” I snarled and then I dropped my weight onto his back and gripped his waist hard with one arm while I began jacking him off, all as I continued to slide in and out of him with hard, full strokes. Bennett’s whimpers of pleasure erupted into full-on moans and I quickly realized why.
The change in position had me hitting his prostate.”
The only character I liked so far was Aiden, whom I felt sorry for having to deal with 2 immature man-childs AND a group of teenagers.
Anyway. Time of death: 35%
July 6, 2017
Es como leer un culebrón, donde hay mucho drama, los malos son muy malos, los buenos se pasan de buenos, está el amigo atormentado que por alguna razón cree que hacer chistes gorrinos es guay y todo el libro está plagado de escenas que sólo sirven para presentar personajes para futuras entregas, sin embargo, echadle la culpa al tintorro de verano, pero seguro que leo el que viene.
February 10, 2018
LOST THE ABILITY IN BEING RESPONSIBLE ADULTS!
3.5
Cover: Is that Nick Jonas? 👀 hahahaha I kid, I kid...
First time reading Lucy Lennox and Sloane Kennedy as a duo, but having read Sloane Kennedy before I can see where her/ writing style comes through. I admit I am intrigued by what else this duo has to offer and I am looking forward to diving into more of their work.
First things first, the blurb once again does too good of a job with telling what the story is about. So I won’t spend too much time giving an overview of the story. Because it’s boy meets boy, boys become the very best of friends besides their social status, in the time of need when one boy needed the other most he was pushed away and left with a broken heart that remained with him into adulthood.
Now as adults. Xander and Bennet haven’t seen each other in 15yrs and a chance meeting has them spending more than seven days in each other’s company. Old hurts rear its head and new feelings appear. Xander is faced with the challenge of facing Bennet as a man, its hard when he hurts like the little boy that was left behind.
Things I liked: I liked the story itself was very entertaining and I like the writing style.
I’m such a fan of angst and pent up anger and this book offered it up in drones. Xander and Bennet are engaging as characters and really just want them to get their happy ending and move forward. You want them to have their friendship back. The setting of the story is also another win. I really wanted to get out there and hike and look at some beautiful bodies of water and get some fresh mountain air in my lungs.
Things I didn’t like: The unnecessary conflict to carry the storyline. There is nothing I dislike more than conflict that feels very contrived. Like the only way feelings can move forward is with something awful happening (near death experience) to bring honesty and realizations out. I don’t know about you guys but that stuff irks me. It feels fake and dishonest.
The terrible communication between the MCs -insert eye roll- it was annoying and frustrating. It happened way too often between these two grown ass men.
The fact that all this love shit was going down while these adults were responsible for kids. There was just way too many moments that I hated and as parent myself wouldn’t leave my kids in these dudes care. Most of the time they were running around just thinking with their dicks.
Overall, I liked reading this. Its no masterpiece but it’s a solid read with likeable characters and surprisingly a very strong message of family. I like this writing duo. I feel like Lucy Lennox balances Sloane’s way of doing the happy happy thing. I am very much looking forward to reading book 2.
SideNote - The dog Bear in this book will capture your heart. He is the softest thing ever.
3.5
Cover: Is that Nick Jonas? 👀 hahahaha I kid, I kid...
First time reading Lucy Lennox and Sloane Kennedy as a duo, but having read Sloane Kennedy before I can see where her/ writing style comes through. I admit I am intrigued by what else this duo has to offer and I am looking forward to diving into more of their work.
First things first, the blurb once again does too good of a job with telling what the story is about. So I won’t spend too much time giving an overview of the story. Because it’s boy meets boy, boys become the very best of friends besides their social status, in the time of need when one boy needed the other most he was pushed away and left with a broken heart that remained with him into adulthood.
Now as adults. Xander and Bennet haven’t seen each other in 15yrs and a chance meeting has them spending more than seven days in each other’s company. Old hurts rear its head and new feelings appear. Xander is faced with the challenge of facing Bennet as a man, its hard when he hurts like the little boy that was left behind.
Things I liked: I liked the story itself was very entertaining and I like the writing style.
I’m such a fan of angst and pent up anger and this book offered it up in drones. Xander and Bennet are engaging as characters and really just want them to get their happy ending and move forward. You want them to have their friendship back. The setting of the story is also another win. I really wanted to get out there and hike and look at some beautiful bodies of water and get some fresh mountain air in my lungs.
Things I didn’t like: The unnecessary conflict to carry the storyline. There is nothing I dislike more than conflict that feels very contrived. Like the only way feelings can move forward is with something awful happening (near death experience) to bring honesty and realizations out. I don’t know about you guys but that stuff irks me. It feels fake and dishonest.
The terrible communication between the MCs -insert eye roll- it was annoying and frustrating. It happened way too often between these two grown ass men.
The fact that all this love shit was going down while these adults were responsible for kids. There was just way too many moments that I hated and as parent myself wouldn’t leave my kids in these dudes care. Most of the time they were running around just thinking with their dicks.
Overall, I liked reading this. Its no masterpiece but it’s a solid read with likeable characters and surprisingly a very strong message of family. I like this writing duo. I feel like Lucy Lennox balances Sloane’s way of doing the happy happy thing. I am very much looking forward to reading book 2.
SideNote - The dog Bear in this book will capture your heart. He is the softest thing ever.
July 10, 2017
*3,5 stars*
Well written in general, but some plot develoments made me frown a bit. Particularly Xander's unprofessional behaviour towards his group at times. I'm glad Aiden read him the riot act at one point. And Benny, too.
I also felt that the book went on and on, and for all that the confrontation between Benny and his father was rather subdued. That man got away far too lightly for what he did.
Still, Xander and Benny were hot and cute, even if I didn't really understand the motives behind some of their actions.
Easy and entertaining read.
Well written in general, but some plot develoments made me frown a bit. Particularly Xander's unprofessional behaviour towards his group at times. I'm glad Aiden read him the riot act at one point. And Benny, too.
I also felt that the book went on and on, and for all that the confrontation between Benny and his father was rather subdued. That man got away far too lightly for what he did.
Still, Xander and Benny were hot and cute, even if I didn't really understand the motives behind some of their actions.
Easy and entertaining read.
October 24, 2023
I have a new book to add to my favourites.
I loved this so much.
Ex-best friends. Enemies to lovers. Family. Nature. Soul mates. Jealousy. Betrayal. Misunderstanding. Hot sex against a tree... and on the the ground... and in a tent... and in a bed... lol. It really had everything.
I fell deeply in love with both of the MCs.
The supporting characters all had interesting stories for themselves. Mysteries yet to be revealed.
Great start to the series and I'm not waiting another minute to start book 2.
I loved this so much.
Ex-best friends. Enemies to lovers. Family. Nature. Soul mates. Jealousy. Betrayal. Misunderstanding. Hot sex against a tree... and on the the ground... and in a tent... and in a bed... lol. It really had everything.
I fell deeply in love with both of the MCs.
The supporting characters all had interesting stories for themselves. Mysteries yet to be revealed.
Great start to the series and I'm not waiting another minute to start book 2.
December 2, 2017
1.5 AUDIO STARS. This one was just not for me- in many ways. First they way grown ups who’s purpose of this trip was to take care of troubled teens - handled themselves so poorly, and irresponsibly. The kids in the story were props conveniently there when needed for the story. For me there was just so much OTT unnecessary nonsense added for no reason. They both had besties who were secretly in Love with them but just understood they were still in love with their long lost teen first love from 15 years ago. Xander was so bitter over something from 15 years ago from a 15 year old boy - he’s an adult & Benny is so guilty from his actions- the drama. Plus what was the added aunt living in the nudest colony for? Lastly I listened to the audio and did not like the narration at all, it felt anxious and he had one voice emotion- breathy and rushed.
July 14, 2017
Un culebrón, como te entretengas en analizar algo el libro no sobrevive, así que mejor dejarse llevar y seguir la ola del entretenimiento. Leeré el siguiente seguro.
August 8, 2019
I laughed and I cried, and yeah, despite some exaggerations and discrepancies, I greatly enjoyed it! :)
As always, the audio, narrated by Michael Pauley, was great!
As always, the audio, narrated by Michael Pauley, was great!
July 1, 2017
4.5 Stars rounded up for Bear and Lucky! This was such a feel good read, a second chance with a little enemies to lovers twist. Xander and Bennett were childhood best friends but divided by social and economic class. On the worst night of Xander's life, at 14, Bennett committed an act Xander felt was the worst of betrayals. Usually I dislike a character holding a grudge from a youthful mistake for so long. But in this case, Lucy and Sloane totally sold me on it with the background they built. 15 years later, Bennett and Xander are thrown together when Xander finds himself leading Bennett's teen group on a week long wilderness trip.
Naturally it's all antagonism on Xander's part and attempts at apology from Bennett. The situation isn't helped by loyal friend Aiden, Xander's ex from their college days. We all know it's a fine line between love and hate, so reading the tale of how they cross those lines was a fun, sexy and exciting adventure. It's also told in alternating POV's, which I loved, and with addition of Lucky, one of the troubled teens in the group, it became a well rounded story too. I enjoyed the secondary characters, like Lolly, Xander's aunt, Jake, the other wilderness guide, and Aiden. It was a touch far-fetched in some details for me, but that was pretty easy to overlook. Plus, there's some fantastic, dirty sex! Really dirty, since some of it is in the woods and Xander learns how to be a tree hugger.
With two great romance writers at the helm, this will be a series I will be more than happy to keep reading!
*An ARC was provided to me by the author. A review was requested but not required.*
Naturally it's all antagonism on Xander's part and attempts at apology from Bennett. The situation isn't helped by loyal friend Aiden, Xander's ex from their college days. We all know it's a fine line between love and hate, so reading the tale of how they cross those lines was a fun, sexy and exciting adventure. It's also told in alternating POV's, which I loved, and with addition of Lucky, one of the troubled teens in the group, it became a well rounded story too. I enjoyed the secondary characters, like Lolly, Xander's aunt, Jake, the other wilderness guide, and Aiden. It was a touch far-fetched in some details for me, but that was pretty easy to overlook. Plus, there's some fantastic, dirty sex! Really dirty, since some of it is in the woods and Xander learns how to be a tree hugger.
With two great romance writers at the helm, this will be a series I will be more than happy to keep reading!
*An ARC was provided to me by the author. A review was requested but not required.*
July 19, 2017
I totally loved Ms. Lennox's Made Marian series, and based on this first book in a new series the trend continues. Awesome characters with an amazing story! Could not put this one down read it all the way through in one sitting (ok, not completely true I did get up to pee a few times).
July 4, 2017
Loved it!
May 31, 2021
[1.5 generous stars (for Lucky and Bear, of course)]
Wow the lack of communication in this is astounding .
They don't let each other talk, they're jumping to conclusions left and right, and they are the epitome of zero to one hundred, escalating from childish shouting matches ("I hate you!" 😤) to random tree sex. Bruh.
Can we please get some resolution before anyone starts sticking things in places?
Never mind all the trauma and tragic childhood separation, that fine booty tho 🙄
Stayed for Lucky and at least he's safe now :') I'm a bit reluctant but I do want to give Aiden's and Lucky's stories a chance. Wish me luck XD
Wow the lack of communication in this is astounding .
They don't let each other talk, they're jumping to conclusions left and right, and they are the epitome of zero to one hundred, escalating from childish shouting matches ("I hate you!" 😤) to random tree sex. Bruh.
Can we please get some resolution before anyone starts sticking things in places?
Never mind all the trauma and tragic childhood separation, that fine booty tho 🙄
Stayed for Lucky and at least he's safe now :') I'm a bit reluctant but I do want to give Aiden's and Lucky's stories a chance. Wish me luck XD
dnf
July 5, 2017DNF. 47-ish% I started skimming.
Super annoying drama.
These guys should not be in charge of taking care of kids.
So, Bennet makes a big mistake by turning his back on Xander when he needed him most. But that's not the part that has me turning my back on this story.
15 years later, Bennet and Xander meet again. Bennet keeps getting all pouty and hurt because Xander hates him for what he did. Bennet repeatedly gets distracted by his lust for Xander. He basically takes advantage of him while he was half asleep. He was hoping to get a taste of him and even grabbed his dick. He thought Xander might not remember in the morning since he clearly isn't fully awake. Seriously? Why is this OK? Because Bennet realizes he is being a creeper, somehow makes it OK that he is a creeper?
Time passing doesn't automatically mean closure has been found. Before jumping Xander's bones, he should try to make amends first.
Aiden eventually snaps at the two for not putting the kids before their own drama, yet he was an instigator in the beginning. Egging both on to go at it. From what I read, Bennet's only redeeming quality is the way he helps kids, like Lucky.
BUT...
Halfway through, and I still don't like the main couple. They'll work it out, be together, I just don't care to read about it anymore.
Super annoying drama.
These guys should not be in charge of taking care of kids.
So, Bennet makes a big mistake by turning his back on Xander when he needed him most. But that's not the part that has me turning my back on this story.
15 years later, Bennet and Xander meet again. Bennet keeps getting all pouty and hurt because Xander hates him for what he did. Bennet repeatedly gets distracted by his lust for Xander. He basically takes advantage of him while he was half asleep. He was hoping to get a taste of him and even grabbed his dick. He thought Xander might not remember in the morning since he clearly isn't fully awake. Seriously? Why is this OK? Because Bennet realizes he is being a creeper, somehow makes it OK that he is a creeper?
Time passing doesn't automatically mean closure has been found. Before jumping Xander's bones, he should try to make amends first.
Aiden eventually snaps at the two for not putting the kids before their own drama, yet he was an instigator in the beginning. Egging both on to go at it. From what I read, Bennet's only redeeming quality is the way he helps kids, like Lucky.
BUT...
Halfway through, and I still don't like the main couple. They'll work it out, be together, I just don't care to read about it anymore.
October 11, 2017
I found this book to be quite disappointing. The characters were not developed well and the plot was quite flimsy. The narrator was spot on but that wasn't enough to save the slow paced story.
The main characters Xander and Bennett were best friends growing. An unfortunate event (and miscommunication) led to a 15 year grudge by Xander against Bennett. As the story unfolded, I found it Xander's behaviour immature, bitter and irrational in that he wouldn't even give his best friend an opportunity to explain himself. When the event was finally revealed, I rolled my eyes like nobody's business. It seems like Xander never gave his best friend the benefit of the doubt despite the many things Bennett did to show his love and loyalty. Also, Xander took our his hurt over life's painful lumps on a convenient target, the one person who really had his back. Talk about a bunch of big babies. Xander was a like a big kid for most of the book, and Bennett was the sympathetic friend trying to defend him or make things better. I actually thought Xander was self-centered and ungrateful. It's not Bennett's fault for Xander's family situation but Bennett kept trying to compensate.
Then there was the added new bestie Aiden, whom alternated from being Bennett's protective friend to a jealous ex while trying to mediate between Bennett and Xander. I didn't feel Aiden's character because I wasn't sure what his true motivation was. It felt like he was waiting in the wings to be the clean up man.
The story ended in a reconciliation but since I never felt invested in the relationship, it didn't create that satisfaction I normally get when all ends well. I just felt relieved that these two grown men finally put on their big boy panties and acted like adults.
The main characters Xander and Bennett were best friends growing. An unfortunate event (and miscommunication) led to a 15 year grudge by Xander against Bennett. As the story unfolded, I found it Xander's behaviour immature, bitter and irrational in that he wouldn't even give his best friend an opportunity to explain himself. When the event was finally revealed, I rolled my eyes like nobody's business. It seems like Xander never gave his best friend the benefit of the doubt despite the many things Bennett did to show his love and loyalty. Also, Xander took our his hurt over life's painful lumps on a convenient target, the one person who really had his back. Talk about a bunch of big babies. Xander was a like a big kid for most of the book, and Bennett was the sympathetic friend trying to defend him or make things better. I actually thought Xander was self-centered and ungrateful. It's not Bennett's fault for Xander's family situation but Bennett kept trying to compensate.
Then there was the added new bestie Aiden, whom alternated from being Bennett's protective friend to a jealous ex while trying to mediate between Bennett and Xander. I didn't feel Aiden's character because I wasn't sure what his true motivation was. It felt like he was waiting in the wings to be the clean up man.
The story ended in a reconciliation but since I never felt invested in the relationship, it didn't create that satisfaction I normally get when all ends well. I just felt relieved that these two grown men finally put on their big boy panties and acted like adults.
July 4, 2017
5/5 for Lost and Found. This isn't my first Sloane Kennedy book, but it is my first Lucy Lennox and I was just pleasantly surprised by how good it was. I'm kind of surprised nobody is talking about this one...
To start off, Lennox and Kennedy gave us two very lovable characters with this one. Xander was the young boy who didn't have material possessions, but he had the biggest heart in the world and no problems handing it over to Bennett right from the get-go. As an adult, he was exactly the opposite. Xander had learned to love the wilderness and part of living such a solitary life was knowing that nobody could ever hurt him the way Bennett had ever again. Despite knowing in his heart that he still 100% completely belonged to Bennett, he knew that they were two different people now and that they couldn't just pretend like the last 15 years hadn't happened.
I love books that span 20+ years, especially when the relationship starts as a friendship when they were younger because you get to see a completely different side of the characters. In this case, Xander was pretty uptight and kept his heart close to his chest, but when he was a kid, he bonded with Bennett so carelessly like he just knew that they'd always be there for each other. I loved the relationship that they had when they were kids and I loved it even more when they were given their second chance.
But I suppose "given" is the wrong word for this, because Bennett and Xander weren't given anything. Their second chance was a hell of a lot of work and compromise and talking things out to try to understand each other. Xander was still so angry with Bennett over what had happened that he refused to even talk to him at the beginning, and even when they did talk, he refused to talk about the real issue. Bennett, on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to talk to Xander again and explain what had really happened that night 15 years ago.
Bennett was, in some ways, the antihero for much of the story. He was Xander's love interest, but he was also his rival. I had a little bit of a hard time connecting with Bennett at the beginning of the book because I didn't know his story and Xander's negative feelings towards Bennett were so strong. Xander was so easy to love and I was going to have a bone to pick with Bennett if he tried to hurt that precious baby again.
The relationship that these boys had was very special and was a buildup of feelings that had grown over years. It was both a friends-to-lovers and a second chance story. It took both of them time to come to terms with their feelings for each other and to decide to stop running away from each other.
And one of my favorite parts of this book was the integration of other characters. Aiden was Bennett's best friend and one of the main supporting characters throughout the book. He helped push Bennett and Xander in the right direction when they were being stupid or just needed to hear things that nobody else was going to tell them. Lucky, one of the kids on the hike, was also a lot of fun to read about. I loved that Bennett was such a father figure to him and I expected him to be right from the beginning based on how he treated him, but I also loved that Xander stepped right up and was ready to support and love Lucky just as much as Bennett. And lets not forget about Bear, who deserves the "Best Boy" award ten times over.
This book was so much better than I thought it was going to be. I wasn't familiar with Lucy Lennox's work, but I knew that Sloane Kennedy was pretty much a guaranteed knockout where I'm concerned but I was also worried because I haven't seen anybody talking about this book. Usually new Kennedy books flood my goodreads feed for a few days and it's all very YOU CAN'T IGNORE ME but this book just floated in from the background and it was kind of awesome.
I'm going to have to take a look at Lucy Lennox's other books because this was a really good book. I can't wait to get Aiden's story and in the mean time, everybody should read this book! Plus, Xander's beard game is strong and who doesn't love that?
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
To start off, Lennox and Kennedy gave us two very lovable characters with this one. Xander was the young boy who didn't have material possessions, but he had the biggest heart in the world and no problems handing it over to Bennett right from the get-go. As an adult, he was exactly the opposite. Xander had learned to love the wilderness and part of living such a solitary life was knowing that nobody could ever hurt him the way Bennett had ever again. Despite knowing in his heart that he still 100% completely belonged to Bennett, he knew that they were two different people now and that they couldn't just pretend like the last 15 years hadn't happened.
I love books that span 20+ years, especially when the relationship starts as a friendship when they were younger because you get to see a completely different side of the characters. In this case, Xander was pretty uptight and kept his heart close to his chest, but when he was a kid, he bonded with Bennett so carelessly like he just knew that they'd always be there for each other. I loved the relationship that they had when they were kids and I loved it even more when they were given their second chance.
But I suppose "given" is the wrong word for this, because Bennett and Xander weren't given anything. Their second chance was a hell of a lot of work and compromise and talking things out to try to understand each other. Xander was still so angry with Bennett over what had happened that he refused to even talk to him at the beginning, and even when they did talk, he refused to talk about the real issue. Bennett, on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to talk to Xander again and explain what had really happened that night 15 years ago.
Bennett was, in some ways, the antihero for much of the story. He was Xander's love interest, but he was also his rival. I had a little bit of a hard time connecting with Bennett at the beginning of the book because I didn't know his story and Xander's negative feelings towards Bennett were so strong. Xander was so easy to love and I was going to have a bone to pick with Bennett if he tried to hurt that precious baby again.
The relationship that these boys had was very special and was a buildup of feelings that had grown over years. It was both a friends-to-lovers and a second chance story. It took both of them time to come to terms with their feelings for each other and to decide to stop running away from each other.
And one of my favorite parts of this book was the integration of other characters. Aiden was Bennett's best friend and one of the main supporting characters throughout the book. He helped push Bennett and Xander in the right direction when they were being stupid or just needed to hear things that nobody else was going to tell them. Lucky, one of the kids on the hike, was also a lot of fun to read about. I loved that Bennett was such a father figure to him and I expected him to be right from the beginning based on how he treated him, but I also loved that Xander stepped right up and was ready to support and love Lucky just as much as Bennett. And lets not forget about Bear, who deserves the "Best Boy" award ten times over.
This book was so much better than I thought it was going to be. I wasn't familiar with Lucy Lennox's work, but I knew that Sloane Kennedy was pretty much a guaranteed knockout where I'm concerned but I was also worried because I haven't seen anybody talking about this book. Usually new Kennedy books flood my goodreads feed for a few days and it's all very YOU CAN'T IGNORE ME but this book just floated in from the background and it was kind of awesome.
I'm going to have to take a look at Lucy Lennox's other books because this was a really good book. I can't wait to get Aiden's story and in the mean time, everybody should read this book! Plus, Xander's beard game is strong and who doesn't love that?
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
November 18, 2018
Even though first part of the book was a little slow going due to all the camping, I enjoyed getting to know all the teenagers as well as their chaperons. This was a romance with a measured tempo, many positive messages and approachable characters. There is a fair bit of angst till the moment Xander and Bennett figure out what happened in their past and actually talk to each other. Actually the most dramatic moment of the book happens right smack in the middle of it and then it's happy, intimate, romantic and funny story. I was rather annoyed with Aiden, Bennett's best friend, at the beginning but later I figured that his heart was in the right place but his help didn't do much but ramp up the anger and jealousy in Xander.
This is friends to lovers story, class discrimination and finally standing up for oneself. I loved how everything turned out for both Xander and Bennett. I loved Lucky and how much he grew into himself. I recommend this book!
This is friends to lovers story, class discrimination and finally standing up for oneself. I loved how everything turned out for both Xander and Bennett. I loved Lucky and how much he grew into himself. I recommend this book!
July 3, 2017
*Very minor spoilers*
I'm sitting here with a happy, sappy smile on my face from finishing the epilogue as I write this review. Sloane Kennedy and Lucy Lennox were already two of my favorite authors individually, and they make a STELLAR writing team, with humor and angst and heat and characters that feel REAL to you.
Even though there were times I wanted to reach into the book and grab Xander and Bennett by the collars and MAKE them sit down and just talk to each other, it all pays off so well. Bit by bit, the backstory emerges, and you understand completely why Xander is so hurt and unwilling to give Bennett a chance when they meet again 15 years after everything fell apart when they were teens. But their connection is still so strong that, even angry, they can't seem to stay away from each other for long, which made for some pretty smoking scenes!
Luckily, they work things out well before the end of the book, and so we get to see them as a couple, dealing with other issues that arise. I love this - sometimes I feel cheated when things get worked out RIGHT at the end of the book, because I want to see my heroes TOGETHER for at least a little while! We get to see how Xander and Bennett make each other better and stronger versions of themselves, and it's a wonderful thing.
I have to give a shout out to the side characters, too. I can see at least a couple of future book heroes that need to find their own happiness, and I'm excited to see how those stories turn out. And Aunt Lolly - OH MY GOODNESS. There were scenes that had me just about falling off my chair laughing. And the teen boys on the wilderness trip seemed pretty authentic to me, having a couple of boys that age myself. I'm hoping to see more of some of them, too.
I had a friend, who also loves Sloane's Protector series, ask me how this book compares to them. What I told her is basically this - don't go into this book expecting guns and bad guys and enemies and vengeance. That's not what this is. However, the emotions are still poignant (yes, I cried - more than once), the sex is still HOT (the up-against-the-tree scene was worth an immediate reread), and there are still edge-of-your-seat moments. I could NOT PUT THIS DOWN. Meals got put off, kids got ignored, and chores didn't happen. And I. Didn't. Care. It was THAT good. So, yeah, this is a DEFINITE recommend from me!!!
I'm sitting here with a happy, sappy smile on my face from finishing the epilogue as I write this review. Sloane Kennedy and Lucy Lennox were already two of my favorite authors individually, and they make a STELLAR writing team, with humor and angst and heat and characters that feel REAL to you.
Even though there were times I wanted to reach into the book and grab Xander and Bennett by the collars and MAKE them sit down and just talk to each other, it all pays off so well. Bit by bit, the backstory emerges, and you understand completely why Xander is so hurt and unwilling to give Bennett a chance when they meet again 15 years after everything fell apart when they were teens. But their connection is still so strong that, even angry, they can't seem to stay away from each other for long, which made for some pretty smoking scenes!
Luckily, they work things out well before the end of the book, and so we get to see them as a couple, dealing with other issues that arise. I love this - sometimes I feel cheated when things get worked out RIGHT at the end of the book, because I want to see my heroes TOGETHER for at least a little while! We get to see how Xander and Bennett make each other better and stronger versions of themselves, and it's a wonderful thing.
I have to give a shout out to the side characters, too. I can see at least a couple of future book heroes that need to find their own happiness, and I'm excited to see how those stories turn out. And Aunt Lolly - OH MY GOODNESS. There were scenes that had me just about falling off my chair laughing. And the teen boys on the wilderness trip seemed pretty authentic to me, having a couple of boys that age myself. I'm hoping to see more of some of them, too.
I had a friend, who also loves Sloane's Protector series, ask me how this book compares to them. What I told her is basically this - don't go into this book expecting guns and bad guys and enemies and vengeance. That's not what this is. However, the emotions are still poignant (yes, I cried - more than once), the sex is still HOT (the up-against-the-tree scene was worth an immediate reread), and there are still edge-of-your-seat moments. I could NOT PUT THIS DOWN. Meals got put off, kids got ignored, and chores didn't happen. And I. Didn't. Care. It was THAT good. So, yeah, this is a DEFINITE recommend from me!!!
July 5, 2017
5 stars all the way from me. You know when you find a story that you love, and you immediately want the sequel?? Well, for me this is one of those stories!! I adored Xander and Bennett, loved the kids, the scenery, Aunt Lolly, Aiden and even Jake [who I suspect will have a story of his own later in the series, but don't quote me on it]. The only dislike?? Well, Bennett's super rich, bigoted [in more ways than one], manipulative control freak of a father....what a complete and utter s**t HE was!!
Such a romantic story; a sort of second chances thing...but without there ever even being a first chance....read it and find out for yourselves, you won't regret it!! As for Aiden's story....bring it on!!
December 20, 2017
Great debut for this new partnership
Being a massive fan of both these authors and knowing how different in style their books are, I was fascinated to see how they'd work together.
Well, the answer is very well indeed. Lucy's humour and soft touch marries perfectly with the skill Sloane has for creating well crafted drama even in the most unlikely of settings.
Perhaps Xander held onto his grudge a little bit longer than was maybe needed and Bennett took a little bit too long to cut ties with his reprehensible parents, but these are minor points in what was, overall, a very nice romance.
I'm not sure I needed Aunt Lolly to live at a nudist camp but I guess she's following in the footsteps of the Made Marian series' Aunt Tilly, Irene and Gran by being a feisty older lady.
There's an interesting mix of secondary characters too that I'm looking forward to finding out more about too.
Being a massive fan of both these authors and knowing how different in style their books are, I was fascinated to see how they'd work together.
Well, the answer is very well indeed. Lucy's humour and soft touch marries perfectly with the skill Sloane has for creating well crafted drama even in the most unlikely of settings.
Perhaps Xander held onto his grudge a little bit longer than was maybe needed and Bennett took a little bit too long to cut ties with his reprehensible parents, but these are minor points in what was, overall, a very nice romance.
I'm not sure I needed Aunt Lolly to live at a nudist camp but I guess she's following in the footsteps of the Made Marian series' Aunt Tilly, Irene and Gran by being a feisty older lady.
There's an interesting mix of secondary characters too that I'm looking forward to finding out more about too.
March 9, 2021
I enjoyed this one much more than I thought I would. I feel like I've maybe outgrown one of the authors and didn't like the other one to begin with, however this worked surprisingly well for me. It dragged a bit in the middle though. At one point it felt like much more than the 310 pages this book is. I really did care for both of the MC's though. And Lucky stole my heart. A more well thought out review is coming when I've had time to reflect a little.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 606 reviews