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The Protectors #12
Unbroken
Everything was supposed to go back to normal when I was rescued. It hasn't. And I'm starting to think it never will because I don't even know what normal is anymore...
It's been two years since Aleks Silva was rescued by his older brother from the dark underworld of sex trafficking and every day since then has been a battle. Leaving the house, interacting with people, even doing something as boring as deciding what clothes to wear or what to eat for breakfast are tasks that most people take for granted. But for Aleks, they're torture. Because freedom and choice are things that once came at a steep price and survival meant submitting to the whims of those who only saw him as a possession and plaything.
Until there was one man who saw him as something more...
I knew from the moment I saw him that I was going to get him out. But I also knew once I did, I'd need to let him go...
He's known as Vaughn and nothing more. His job is to make sure secrets don't get out and the possessions he's been tasked with guarding never escape and tell their story. After eight years in a world where innocent kids are used to feed the darkest of depravities, Vaughn has seen things that would break even the strongest man. But he's played it smart and built up a wall between himself and the darkness that threatens to consume him.
It wasn't until he met a young man who had to be a thousand times stronger to survive the life he was forced into as a child that the first crack appeared in his carefully constructed wall.
Vaughn's only job was to make sure young Aleks Silva remained the ugly little secret of one of the most powerful men in Chicago. It was one job he was more than happy to fail at, and when he eliminated the threat against Aleks and set him free, he was sure their paths would never cross again.
But fate has other plans...
Vaughn is the only man from my other life who never had a starring role in my nightmares... but he's been in every one of my dreams. And I don't know why...
When Aleks is suddenly abducted after leaving work one quiet spring evening, he's certain he'll never see his brother and family again. But terror quickly turns to relief when a familiar face once again comes to his rescue, along with all the feelings he's always had but never quite understood around the dangerous, older Vaughn. Certain that Vaughn will make everything okay again like he did once before, Aleks knows he doesn't even need to ask Vaughn to take him home. But when he does anyway, nothing he's ever experienced prepares him for Vaughn's answer... or the brutal betrayal that comes along with it.
I'm sorry, Aleks, I can't do that.
Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault Against a Minor
*Can be read as a standalone novel but if you have not read any books in this series, you may want to at least read Book 6, Atonement, first. Atonement is the story of Aleks's brother, Dante, and both brothers appear in each other's books so it is helpful to know their backstories.
The Protectors series crosses over with some of my other series, so for the most enjoyment, they should be read in order, but it is not required. You can find the correct reading order at the beginning of each book. I've also bundled all my series in the correct reading order under the title of A Family Chosen: The Protectors and Barrettis.
It's been two years since Aleks Silva was rescued by his older brother from the dark underworld of sex trafficking and every day since then has been a battle. Leaving the house, interacting with people, even doing something as boring as deciding what clothes to wear or what to eat for breakfast are tasks that most people take for granted. But for Aleks, they're torture. Because freedom and choice are things that once came at a steep price and survival meant submitting to the whims of those who only saw him as a possession and plaything.
Until there was one man who saw him as something more...
I knew from the moment I saw him that I was going to get him out. But I also knew once I did, I'd need to let him go...
He's known as Vaughn and nothing more. His job is to make sure secrets don't get out and the possessions he's been tasked with guarding never escape and tell their story. After eight years in a world where innocent kids are used to feed the darkest of depravities, Vaughn has seen things that would break even the strongest man. But he's played it smart and built up a wall between himself and the darkness that threatens to consume him.
It wasn't until he met a young man who had to be a thousand times stronger to survive the life he was forced into as a child that the first crack appeared in his carefully constructed wall.
Vaughn's only job was to make sure young Aleks Silva remained the ugly little secret of one of the most powerful men in Chicago. It was one job he was more than happy to fail at, and when he eliminated the threat against Aleks and set him free, he was sure their paths would never cross again.
But fate has other plans...
Vaughn is the only man from my other life who never had a starring role in my nightmares... but he's been in every one of my dreams. And I don't know why...
When Aleks is suddenly abducted after leaving work one quiet spring evening, he's certain he'll never see his brother and family again. But terror quickly turns to relief when a familiar face once again comes to his rescue, along with all the feelings he's always had but never quite understood around the dangerous, older Vaughn. Certain that Vaughn will make everything okay again like he did once before, Aleks knows he doesn't even need to ask Vaughn to take him home. But when he does anyway, nothing he's ever experienced prepares him for Vaughn's answer... or the brutal betrayal that comes along with it.
I'm sorry, Aleks, I can't do that.
Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault Against a Minor
*Can be read as a standalone novel but if you have not read any books in this series, you may want to at least read Book 6, Atonement, first. Atonement is the story of Aleks's brother, Dante, and both brothers appear in each other's books so it is helpful to know their backstories.
The Protectors series crosses over with some of my other series, so for the most enjoyment, they should be read in order, but it is not required. You can find the correct reading order at the beginning of each book. I've also bundled all my series in the correct reading order under the title of A Family Chosen: The Protectors and Barrettis.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2018
599 people are currently reading
946 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
May 8, 2018
This book SLAYED me. I have hard limits, and child abuse is one of them. My son is 8, about the same age Aleks was when he was abducted, and reading about the abuse/trauma was not good for my psyche. Not that Kennedy doesn't offer a trigger warning, because she does, and the abuse isn't painted in graphic detail on page. But, fuck, what was there was enough to make my heart hurt.
I'm glad justice prevailed at the end. If only it were that easy in real life to bring down sick fucks who molest kids. Because they all deserve to die. That's very un-PC of me, but I don't care. You hurt a defenseless child or animal, you are worse than a piece of rotting filth. You're not even a human being.
My emotional rant aside, I loved the romance between Aleks and Vaughn. Vaughn was so good to Aleks, making him grits and being patient and kind. Aleks really blossomed with Vaugh around, although he wasn't "cured" by any means.
The story kept my interest to the very last page. When Dante showed up, I was all, OH SHIT. But, seriously, no one fucks with the Barrettis!
One thing that I found a little confusing was that Aleks called Vaughn by Vaughn's first name, James, yet when Aleks was narrating the story (which is told in the dual first-person POV), he thought of Vaughn as Vaughn. I wasn't even sure why Vaughn went by Vaughn and not James?
Anyway, the ending was a very sweet HEA, except for the setup for Remy and Luca, which was tense as fuck.
P.S. I am all about Luca, King, Con, and Lex getting their own stories, even though we haven't even met Lex yet.
P.S.S. I finished this book last night at 9 p.m. At 9:30 p.m., I cooked grits with cheese and jalapenos. Thanks for that, Sloane Kennedy.
I'm glad justice prevailed at the end. If only it were that easy in real life to bring down sick fucks who molest kids. Because they all deserve to die. That's very un-PC of me, but I don't care. You hurt a defenseless child or animal, you are worse than a piece of rotting filth. You're not even a human being.
My emotional rant aside, I loved the romance between Aleks and Vaughn. Vaughn was so good to Aleks, making him grits and being patient and kind. Aleks really blossomed with Vaugh around, although he wasn't "cured" by any means.
The story kept my interest to the very last page. When Dante showed up, I was all, OH SHIT. But, seriously, no one fucks with the Barrettis!
One thing that I found a little confusing was that Aleks called Vaughn by Vaughn's first name, James, yet when Aleks was narrating the story (which is told in the dual first-person POV), he thought of Vaughn as Vaughn. I wasn't even sure why Vaughn went by Vaughn and not James?
Anyway, the ending was a very sweet HEA, except for the setup for Remy and Luca, which was tense as fuck.
P.S. I am all about Luca, King, Con, and Lex getting their own stories, even though we haven't even met Lex yet.
P.S.S. I finished this book last night at 9 p.m. At 9:30 p.m., I cooked grits with cheese and jalapenos. Thanks for that, Sloane Kennedy.
May 22, 2024
Ever since finishing "Shattered", I have been on pins and needles for Aleks' story. Those of you who are familiar with "The Protectors" series, know that Aleks is Dante's little brother. He was abducted 12 years ago and spend 10 years of his young life as a sex slave. Two years ago, he was finally rescued by Dante and Magnus in "Atonement". But let's not forget they had a bit of help...from Vaughn. He played a big part in Aleks' rescue.
Aleks is not doing as well as he would have liked. It's been two years and he thinks he should be doing way better. He pretends everything is fine, but that is mostly so Dante will be proud of him. He is far from oke though...
And getting abducted...again....and this time by the man he admired above anyone else, is not helping his mental state.....or is it ???
Vaughn knew when he first laid eyes on Aleks, that Aleks was special. He should have saved him right then and there, but Vaughn had an agenda of his own he needed to follow. That didn't stop him from saving Aleks' life though. When a choice had to be made, he chose Aleks....and in doing so, he screwed up his own mission. He won't ever regret his decision, but he does regret not doing something sooner...
No time to dwell in the past though, since the past is slowly trying to catch up with them....
I absolutely loved this one !! I fell for Aleks the moment he was introduced in Dante's book and I knew he was gonna be awesome. He is so strong and sweet and even though he has been through so freaking much...it hasn't made him bitter. He is definitely UNBROKEN !!!
Vaughn was everything Aleks needed and I loved the two of them together. What I also very much loved was meeting Vaughn's brothers (by blood and by heart), Luca, Con, Lex and King. I can't believe we are getting another spin-off !!
I am so excited about "The Four" ;) I knew right from the start who Luca's love-interest was gonna be...damn but I love it when I am right and I KNOW that their book is gonna be awesome. Just hurry up Sloane...please ;)
I highly recommend this and any other series by this author !!
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September 5, 2019
reread before starting Forgotten: Luca : still as good as the first time. Yep, the solo work of SK works well for me and this series is no contest my fav of her. Once I start one of the instalments, it's tough to take some breaks !!!
So ready to embark in her new series with Luca and Remy as the first MCs :-)
---------------------------
Not ashamed by this biased fan-girling review : I'm addicted to this "Protectors" series !
It could be considered as a standalone, but since book5, SK links the characters in this series, so it’s better, imo, to read Atonement and Shattered first. Not a hardship if you’re a fan !!
When still a kid, Aleks was abducted and spent his youth as a sex slave. Dante, his brother, never lost hope to find Aleks and finally rescued him from “Father”, his “owner”, with the unexpected help of one of Father’s bodyguards, Vaughn.
However, this rescue took 10 years to happen. Two years later and Aleks still feels broken, still tries to adjust to a “normal” life and to shake his fear and his conditioned behaviour as a “good pet”.
Then, he’s abducted…again…He can’t believed it : is that Vaughn, the man that gave him a glimpse of hope when he was a sex slave and saved him, who is behind this ?
Vaughn is so distraught : how can he explain to Aleks what’s going on and that he has a special place in his heart, how can he protect Aleks while still going after whom he sacrificed his life for ? And most of all, can he show Aleks that he’s not broken ?
That was an intense read – trigger warning : strong references to child and sexual abuse – and very emotional. There is no question that Aleks and Vaugh are meant to be together, Vaughn giving the necessary patience, faith and confidence Aleks needs to heal and Aleks giving Vaughn the absolution he needs to regain his self-esteem. Together, they are “perfect”…and hot !!!
Reading about Aleks overcoming his fears, always ready to help the others : that went so well for me !
Not my favorite, but close, because the ending felt a bit rushed and a tiny bit too sugary for my taste.
Still not yet bored after 12 instalments. At least 3 more books to be released in this series and I know I will rush again to read them. One “personal” concern though: the MCs are getting younger and younger and the trope starts to be a bit repetitive.
So ready to embark in her new series with Luca and Remy as the first MCs :-)
---------------------------
Not ashamed by this biased fan-girling review : I'm addicted to this "Protectors" series !
It could be considered as a standalone, but since book5, SK links the characters in this series, so it’s better, imo, to read Atonement and Shattered first. Not a hardship if you’re a fan !!
When still a kid, Aleks was abducted and spent his youth as a sex slave. Dante, his brother, never lost hope to find Aleks and finally rescued him from “Father”, his “owner”, with the unexpected help of one of Father’s bodyguards, Vaughn.
However, this rescue took 10 years to happen. Two years later and Aleks still feels broken, still tries to adjust to a “normal” life and to shake his fear and his conditioned behaviour as a “good pet”.
Then, he’s abducted…again…He can’t believed it : is that Vaughn, the man that gave him a glimpse of hope when he was a sex slave and saved him, who is behind this ?
Vaughn is so distraught : how can he explain to Aleks what’s going on and that he has a special place in his heart, how can he protect Aleks while still going after whom he sacrificed his life for ? And most of all, can he show Aleks that he’s not broken ?
That was an intense read – trigger warning : strong references to child and sexual abuse – and very emotional. There is no question that Aleks and Vaugh are meant to be together, Vaughn giving the necessary patience, faith and confidence Aleks needs to heal and Aleks giving Vaughn the absolution he needs to regain his self-esteem. Together, they are “perfect”…and hot !!!
Reading about Aleks overcoming his fears, always ready to help the others : that went so well for me !
Not my favorite, but close, because the ending felt a bit rushed and a tiny bit too sugary for my taste.
Still not yet bored after 12 instalments. At least 3 more books to be released in this series and I know I will rush again to read them. One “personal” concern though: the MCs are getting younger and younger and the trope starts to be a bit repetitive.
November 26, 2018
***I love Sloane Kennedy's series, The Protectors. Super strong men, big hearts, and endless patience. WOW !
Younger Aleks and older Vaugn. If you have read Atonement, you will know Dante and Magnus from that brilliant story. Dante is Aleks's brother.
Big hunky Vaugn is a bodyguard.
We get caught up from the past, and we see the backstory showing us how Vaugn had come to admire Aleks, with his bravery in adversity.
Nothing had broken Aleks completely. He's been rescued and with his brother.
In this series we get deep intensity, heaps of tragedy, rescues, healing, and comfort, leading to hot, steamy loving men. And this is another complicated one, because everything intertwines. Our author is deeply dark here, where have atrocities described, a failed kidnap, PTSD, a search for Gio and more.
We find acceptance, true love, and we find out it is okay to not be perfect. The characters from previous books are fantastic, especially the kids, Matty, Leo, etc..
I loved Aleks and Vaugn/James, because they overcome and find true togetherness. We get hot, riveting sexiness, and Aleks has his first kisses.
There are tough parts, violence, the aborted kidnapping, where Vaugn saves Aleks.
Loved this episode in the series. We wanted sweet, but troubled Aleks to find peace.
Magnificently written, with a heartwarming ending, and hope for more progress.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
========
Trigger: child sexual abuse, descriptions
========
Younger Aleks and older Vaugn. If you have read Atonement, you will know Dante and Magnus from that brilliant story. Dante is Aleks's brother.
Big hunky Vaugn is a bodyguard.
We get caught up from the past, and we see the backstory showing us how Vaugn had come to admire Aleks, with his bravery in adversity.
Nothing had broken Aleks completely. He's been rescued and with his brother.
In this series we get deep intensity, heaps of tragedy, rescues, healing, and comfort, leading to hot, steamy loving men. And this is another complicated one, because everything intertwines. Our author is deeply dark here, where have atrocities described, a failed kidnap, PTSD, a search for Gio and more.
We find acceptance, true love, and we find out it is okay to not be perfect. The characters from previous books are fantastic, especially the kids, Matty, Leo, etc..
I loved Aleks and Vaugn/James, because they overcome and find true togetherness. We get hot, riveting sexiness, and Aleks has his first kisses.
There are tough parts, violence, the aborted kidnapping, where Vaugn saves Aleks.
Loved this episode in the series. We wanted sweet, but troubled Aleks to find peace.
Magnificently written, with a heartwarming ending, and hope for more progress.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
========
Trigger: child sexual abuse, descriptions
========
July 4, 2018
Another brilliant addition to the series
I'm a bit late catching up with this one but, like all the other Protectors books before it, this story is a tour de force of emotions.
Aleks' story is one I've been waiting for ever since Dante and Magnus rescued him with the help of the mysterious Vaughn and Sloane doesn't disappoint.
This is a glorious slow burn when it comes to the physical, as is to be expected, but the emotional need between the two men is a palpable thing.
With Vaughn, Aleks is able to work his way through every thing which had happened to him and find his own inner strengths outwardly reflected in the love "his James" gives him.
This is surprisingly freed of drama, given the subject, but there is still the usual tension driven plot, which this time sees a new set of chosen brothers working together to bring down the child trafficking ring.
I'm looking forward to reading more about them in the new spin off series.
I'm a bit late catching up with this one but, like all the other Protectors books before it, this story is a tour de force of emotions.
Aleks' story is one I've been waiting for ever since Dante and Magnus rescued him with the help of the mysterious Vaughn and Sloane doesn't disappoint.
This is a glorious slow burn when it comes to the physical, as is to be expected, but the emotional need between the two men is a palpable thing.
With Vaughn, Aleks is able to work his way through every thing which had happened to him and find his own inner strengths outwardly reflected in the love "his James" gives him.
This is surprisingly freed of drama, given the subject, but there is still the usual tension driven plot, which this time sees a new set of chosen brothers working together to bring down the child trafficking ring.
I'm looking forward to reading more about them in the new spin off series.
May 5, 2018
4.5 stars - this was intense, disturbing and extremely emotional. To think this disgraceful sex trade/ kidnapping occurs in our world is nothing short of shocking - how any human can participate is mind blowing. This book highlighted Aleks’ story of being taken, brainwashed and abused and Vaughan’s determination to save him. This is definitely one of my favorite series - the love and camaraderie between families is beautiful and I adore reading their cameo visits throughout these books. No spoilers here other than saying if you love this series, this book won’t disappoint ❤️ it was a beautiful love
February 15, 2020
4 Heartbreaking Stars!!🤩😭💔 I was bracing myself for this one, ever since I read "Atonement" (The Protectors; Book 6). That book had merely touched on Aleks's abduction and his tragic life till Dante and Magnus rescued him (with help from the mysterious bodyguard Vaughn). Two years later, Aleks is still dealing with the trauma of having lived a life of a sex slave on a daily basis; crowds scare him, he's unable to make a decision, he's forgetful and at times powerless to control his blackouts into the past. He's free for sure, but only in body; his mind is haunted by fear. What gives him hope is his family (Dante, Magnus, Matty and the other Protectors) and the fact that Vaughn had saved him when Aleks himself hadn't been able to stand up for himself.
But everything changes in his simple and protected life when he's abducted by a gang of thugs as he's leaving his flower-shop and although Vaughn comes from nowhere and rescues him again, he actually doesn't take him back to Dante's. Although Vaughn's reasons are noble, Aleks feels betrayed. However, as they head to a safe-house in the middle of nowhere where they would be safe from "would-be traffickers"; Aleks finds out more about Vaughn and why he was working in the sex trafficking business. Vaughn's own nephew Gio, had been abducted a few years ago and therefore Vaughn had infiltrated into this abhorrent business to get insider information; working in tandem with his family to search and rescue children while looking for Gio. In Chicago, he had been close to discovering Gio, when his latent protectiveness for Alex intervened and he jumped in to first rescue Alex and help him escape before going back to his original focus.
Even as Vaughn and Aleks start developing feelings for each other and Aleks discovers a newfound joy in the physical act of love, he also realizes that if he wants to have a future, he needs to find closure from his past by facing what happened to him with courage and rescue Gio, even if it means that he has to go back into the murky world of sex-traffickers. But can Aleks trust Vaughn and his family to keep him safe? Will they be able to find and rescue Gio in time? Does Vaughn love Aleks enough to stay with him after all this is over? Or will he leave to continue working as an insider to rescue more kids trapped in this dark world?
For all this and more about the dark and dingy world of sex-trafficking this is a must-read. The plot has all the feels; angst, grit, emotion, suspense, steam, love and hope. You root for Aleks to come through and he does so beautifully..... unbroken in spirit. 💝 The epilogue is lovely giving an all-round HEA for the Protectors. Highly recommended to all fans of Ms. Kennedy 👍💝
P.S. I'm highly intrigued by all the new characters in this book, Remy, Gio, Luca, Con, King and Lex.. and look forward to reading "The Four" series.. 😍💕
But everything changes in his simple and protected life when he's abducted by a gang of thugs as he's leaving his flower-shop and although Vaughn comes from nowhere and rescues him again, he actually doesn't take him back to Dante's. Although Vaughn's reasons are noble, Aleks feels betrayed. However, as they head to a safe-house in the middle of nowhere where they would be safe from "would-be traffickers"; Aleks finds out more about Vaughn and why he was working in the sex trafficking business. Vaughn's own nephew Gio, had been abducted a few years ago and therefore Vaughn had infiltrated into this abhorrent business to get insider information; working in tandem with his family to search and rescue children while looking for Gio. In Chicago, he had been close to discovering Gio, when his latent protectiveness for Alex intervened and he jumped in to first rescue Alex and help him escape before going back to his original focus.
Even as Vaughn and Aleks start developing feelings for each other and Aleks discovers a newfound joy in the physical act of love, he also realizes that if he wants to have a future, he needs to find closure from his past by facing what happened to him with courage and rescue Gio, even if it means that he has to go back into the murky world of sex-traffickers. But can Aleks trust Vaughn and his family to keep him safe? Will they be able to find and rescue Gio in time? Does Vaughn love Aleks enough to stay with him after all this is over? Or will he leave to continue working as an insider to rescue more kids trapped in this dark world?
For all this and more about the dark and dingy world of sex-trafficking this is a must-read. The plot has all the feels; angst, grit, emotion, suspense, steam, love and hope. You root for Aleks to come through and he does so beautifully..... unbroken in spirit. 💝 The epilogue is lovely giving an all-round HEA for the Protectors. Highly recommended to all fans of Ms. Kennedy 👍💝
P.S. I'm highly intrigued by all the new characters in this book, Remy, Gio, Luca, Con, King and Lex.. and look forward to reading "The Four" series.. 😍💕
February 15, 2020
Won't be reading more of this series after this one.
Lord save me from cry-baby men!! I want my MM romances to be filled with MEN!! Not a girly Twink who cries at the drop of a hat! Yes I get it, he's been through trauma. He was a sex slave. Yeah, read those plots MANY times before. Yet somehow, the good books have victims who are still MEN!
I just couldn't stand Aleks. If he were a girl, I wouldn't be able to stand HER either. Come on!
Wasn't much going on besides the constant tears. BORING.
I skipped over a bunch.
Ugh.
Lord save me from cry-baby men!! I want my MM romances to be filled with MEN!! Not a girly Twink who cries at the drop of a hat! Yes I get it, he's been through trauma. He was a sex slave. Yeah, read those plots MANY times before. Yet somehow, the good books have victims who are still MEN!
I just couldn't stand Aleks. If he were a girl, I wouldn't be able to stand HER either. Come on!
Wasn't much going on besides the constant tears. BORING.
I skipped over a bunch.
Ugh.
May 7, 2018
I really did find this hard going at times, in fact the sexual abuse and trafficking of children was brutal to read. I found myself wincing at times and if I'm honest I started to dread those parts #totalwuss. The author definitely doesn't pull any punches.
Unbroken is a book full of emotion, heartbreaking brutality, family, love, learning to trust and acceptance. Vaughn was so good for Aleks, and despite their relationship starting out on a very shaky footing, Vaughn really did work to earn Aleks' trust and ultimately his love.
Unbroken is a book full of emotion, heartbreaking brutality, family, love, learning to trust and acceptance. Vaughn was so good for Aleks, and despite their relationship starting out on a very shaky footing, Vaughn really did work to earn Aleks' trust and ultimately his love.
September 21, 2018
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟5 Silly me stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I will admit that I was scared to read Unbroken and I avoided picking it up for a while as I did not want Aleks to suffer anymore after reading the blurb, but I put on my big girls’ panties and started reading.
Unbroken turned out to be Aleks being kidnapped by Vaughn not for terror but for Aleks own protection Vaughn became his bodyguard protecting him from everyone even his own family.
Aleks made the decision himself to stay with Vaughn to protect Dante and his extended family from unknown danger.
The emotional journey Aleks and Vaughn went on was amazing how Vaughn was able to reach Aleks even at his darkest times and the small steps that Aleks took made me so happy for him after the Hell he has survived – Aleks is a SURVIVOR.
I am not going into the story as it is more enjoyable going into Unbroken blind and discovering their journey with every turn of the page and WOW what a journey this is with all the twists, shocks and some surprises at times it was a tough read.
I enjoyied meeting Vaughn’s family Luca, King and Con (I could not help it, but I always thought about King Kong when their names came together – anyone else???) and I am looking forward to getting to know them better in their own spin off series The Four. I had a feeling when Luca told the story about Billy – that I knew who Billy was and I was correct YAY ME and I cannot wait to read Forgotten Luca’s and ???? story (sorry not spoiling it).
I cannot believe I have finished The Protectors series; these men have been a part of my life for the last five months, but I can promise you I will be re-reading this fantastic series again. I am moving on now to another series by Sloane Kennedy and I hope The Four series is coming soon after that sneak peek.
I will admit that I was scared to read Unbroken and I avoided picking it up for a while as I did not want Aleks to suffer anymore after reading the blurb, but I put on my big girls’ panties and started reading.
Unbroken turned out to be Aleks being kidnapped by Vaughn not for terror but for Aleks own protection Vaughn became his bodyguard protecting him from everyone even his own family.
Aleks made the decision himself to stay with Vaughn to protect Dante and his extended family from unknown danger.
The emotional journey Aleks and Vaughn went on was amazing how Vaughn was able to reach Aleks even at his darkest times and the small steps that Aleks took made me so happy for him after the Hell he has survived – Aleks is a SURVIVOR.
I am not going into the story as it is more enjoyable going into Unbroken blind and discovering their journey with every turn of the page and WOW what a journey this is with all the twists, shocks and some surprises at times it was a tough read.
I enjoyied meeting Vaughn’s family Luca, King and Con (I could not help it, but I always thought about King Kong when their names came together – anyone else???) and I am looking forward to getting to know them better in their own spin off series The Four. I had a feeling when Luca told the story about Billy – that I knew who Billy was and I was correct YAY ME and I cannot wait to read Forgotten Luca’s and ???? story (sorry not spoiling it).
I cannot believe I have finished The Protectors series; these men have been a part of my life for the last five months, but I can promise you I will be re-reading this fantastic series again. I am moving on now to another series by Sloane Kennedy and I hope The Four series is coming soon after that sneak peek.
August 26, 2018
***4 Stars***
"Our minds have been hiding from the past but the memories don't want to be forgotten."
"James, I love when you explain things to me and let me choose, but you can stop talking now. I've chosen."
May 6, 2018
Fuck, this book hit right where it hurt..
May 8, 2018
4.25 stars. A dark and difficult read as far as the sex trafficking of young boys and girls is concerned, but so glad Aleks was finally rescued by Vaughn...or should I say James. Loved the little catch up with Matty, Leo and the rest of the Protectors. We have yet another spin-off series coming from Sloane, the first of which will feature Luca [James brother] and Remy.
Left to me, the traffickers would be faced with two choices ...a suicide pill for an agonisingly painful but slow death [preferable] or perhaps the more cost effective method would be just to dump them all on island somewhere in the middle of nowhere with no way of escaping. Death really is too good for them.....
Left to me, the traffickers would be faced with two choices ...a suicide pill for an agonisingly painful but slow death [preferable] or perhaps the more cost effective method would be just to dump them all on island somewhere in the middle of nowhere with no way of escaping. Death really is too good for them.....
May 8, 2018
I’ve been really looking forward to Aleks’ story for a while now. But unfortunately this was not what I’d hoped it would be. The details concerning the child trafficking and the constant talk about/encountering rape of young children was just too much for me.
Dante rescued his brother Aleks in Atonement. Aleks was kidnapped when he was 8 and spent 10 years as a ‘pet’ to several owners. Even though he is now free and had been living with Dante and Magnus for the last 2 years, he feels he is anything but healed.
When Aleks goes home from his work at the flower shop one day, he gets taken and dragged into a van by strange men. Just when Aleks thinks everyting is going to start over again, a man comes out of the shadows and disables those men.
Aleks is thrilled to see Vaughn, the man who helped rescue him 2 years ago. But when Vaughn tells Aleks he can’t bring Aleks home, Aleks isn’t so sure Vaughn is a good guy.
It turns out Vaughn needs Aleks’ help with finding his nephew. The son of his brother Luca was taken 8 years ago and Vaughn has been infiltrating the underground child trafficking ring all this time. But he does need Aleks’ help in this, or they’ll never get Gio back. But Aleks isn’t so sure he is strong enough for this….
I was so happy Aleks escaped his tormentor(s) 2 years ago and was totally ready for some healing. And that’s why I wasn’t happy that instead of a healing book, we got an action book. I didn’t want Aleks to have to deal with all that stuff again. And I know Vaughn dragged Aleks into it for good reason, but I just wanted Aleks to get far away from all those sick pedophiles, and not help Vaughn and his brothers try to bring them down. Yes, of course I wanted Luca to find Gio, but not at the expense of Aleks.
The romance was okay. Not spectacular, but just okay. I think that was mostly because I had a bit of trouble liking Vaughn. I had a hard time forgiving him for dragging Aleks into that world again. The sex was handled with care and even though I have no complaints there, I still didn’t like these two together.
There were also two scenes in this that were simply too much for me. I can actually handle it just fine if an MC has suffered through horrible abuse in their childhood if it’s all in the past. But here we got to read about a little boy not older than 9 years old, being dragged from a room, crying, while his ‘master’ was bragging about raping him to teach him a lesson just now. And when Aleks and Vaughn entered the room after them and saw a used condom lying around, I thought I would be sick. If it’s flashbacks or someone talking about their past traumas, I’m totally fine with it, but not this up close.
The other scene I had a problem with was when Luca told Vaughn how he met ‘Billy’ the young boy who he promised to get out, but never did. My heart broke for ‘Billy’ and I couldn’t quite deal with it all. I’ve read the excerpt of Luca’s story with ‘Billy’ (his real name is a spoiler, so I’ll keep referring to him as Billy), and I’m not sure I can handle that book. I’m curious to see how they will get together and how they will both heal, but OMG it will be super angsty.
So while I did love Aleks and really loved some hurt/comfort parts, overall this book left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I guess I found my limit in hurt/comfort.
Dante rescued his brother Aleks in Atonement. Aleks was kidnapped when he was 8 and spent 10 years as a ‘pet’ to several owners. Even though he is now free and had been living with Dante and Magnus for the last 2 years, he feels he is anything but healed.
When Aleks goes home from his work at the flower shop one day, he gets taken and dragged into a van by strange men. Just when Aleks thinks everyting is going to start over again, a man comes out of the shadows and disables those men.
Aleks is thrilled to see Vaughn, the man who helped rescue him 2 years ago. But when Vaughn tells Aleks he can’t bring Aleks home, Aleks isn’t so sure Vaughn is a good guy.
It turns out Vaughn needs Aleks’ help with finding his nephew. The son of his brother Luca was taken 8 years ago and Vaughn has been infiltrating the underground child trafficking ring all this time. But he does need Aleks’ help in this, or they’ll never get Gio back. But Aleks isn’t so sure he is strong enough for this….
I was so happy Aleks escaped his tormentor(s) 2 years ago and was totally ready for some healing. And that’s why I wasn’t happy that instead of a healing book, we got an action book. I didn’t want Aleks to have to deal with all that stuff again. And I know Vaughn dragged Aleks into it for good reason, but I just wanted Aleks to get far away from all those sick pedophiles, and not help Vaughn and his brothers try to bring them down. Yes, of course I wanted Luca to find Gio, but not at the expense of Aleks.
The romance was okay. Not spectacular, but just okay. I think that was mostly because I had a bit of trouble liking Vaughn. I had a hard time forgiving him for dragging Aleks into that world again. The sex was handled with care and even though I have no complaints there, I still didn’t like these two together.
There were also two scenes in this that were simply too much for me. I can actually handle it just fine if an MC has suffered through horrible abuse in their childhood if it’s all in the past. But here we got to read about a little boy not older than 9 years old, being dragged from a room, crying, while his ‘master’ was bragging about raping him to teach him a lesson just now. And when Aleks and Vaughn entered the room after them and saw a used condom lying around, I thought I would be sick. If it’s flashbacks or someone talking about their past traumas, I’m totally fine with it, but not this up close.
The other scene I had a problem with was when Luca told Vaughn how he met ‘Billy’ the young boy who he promised to get out, but never did. My heart broke for ‘Billy’ and I couldn’t quite deal with it all. I’ve read the excerpt of Luca’s story with ‘Billy’ (his real name is a spoiler, so I’ll keep referring to him as Billy), and I’m not sure I can handle that book. I’m curious to see how they will get together and how they will both heal, but OMG it will be super angsty.
So while I did love Aleks and really loved some hurt/comfort parts, overall this book left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I guess I found my limit in hurt/comfort.
March 15, 2019
From the moment I started reading this book, I saw that Aleks has not even begun dealing with what happened to him. It felt like something big was holding him back, and his family could not help him. When he was brought back into the world of horror and monsters, I thought he would not recover but he finally started to fight back. With Vaughn by his side he was finally able to heal. It was painful and at times slow process. Romance between two men was endearing. Vaughn was so gentle and patient. I loved the sweet moments they shared, innocent innuendos that nobody understood. Aleks finally came into his own, and I couldn't have been more proud when he bickered with Dante! Yay!
While what Vaughn was doing was hard and admirable, in the end showed just how out of their depth all of the men were. When Dante showed up, it was proven just how little resources Vaughn had at his disposal. But his heart was in the right place, and he decided to keep the fight going but with the right tools and by sharing his hands on experience that he gathered from all the years he spent with the worst of the worst.
I enjoyed the moment when those nasty freaks got caught, how small and pathetic they became when somebody bigger and more threatening came along! You go guys, give them hell! The situation with Vaughn's brother Luca was tense. The next book in the series is proving to be even more emotional and angsty, and I cant wait to read it!
While what Vaughn was doing was hard and admirable, in the end showed just how out of their depth all of the men were. When Dante showed up, it was proven just how little resources Vaughn had at his disposal. But his heart was in the right place, and he decided to keep the fight going but with the right tools and by sharing his hands on experience that he gathered from all the years he spent with the worst of the worst.
I enjoyed the moment when those nasty freaks got caught, how small and pathetic they became when somebody bigger and more threatening came along! You go guys, give them hell! The situation with Vaughn's brother Luca was tense. The next book in the series is proving to be even more emotional and angsty, and I cant wait to read it!
May 11, 2018
Unpopular Opinion: So before the Fan-girls ready their fingers on their keyboards to defend the honor of their favorite author just, don't read my review. Go hit like on the 4 and 5 star reviews so that my review gets buried on page 167 making it harder to find. ; )
Of all the different story lines the author can create she seems to be enamored with the sexually abused, damaged, broken boy trope. Quite frankly its gotten tiring. I know the series is titled The Protectors but there are other boogeymen out there besides pedophiles, rapists and sex traffickers.
I didn't read the blurb, I only read the authors name and that was my fault. Had I known then what I know now this review wouldn't exist. Since I haven't read all the books in this series I'm usually clueless as to how one book inter-connects with another. This wasn't a stand alone so much as it was a continuation of book 6.
That being said this book wasn't bad and the writing was everything that makes me gravitate towards this author in the first place. I guess I'm just tired. I want to see more from this author. It's at the point where if you've read one book in this series you've read them all.
The broken boy always feels bonded to the one who rescued him, they find some kid to adopt along the way, wedding bells can be heard in the distance, HEA, The End. It's been this way for 12 books a little variety is a good thing.
Of all the different story lines the author can create she seems to be enamored with the sexually abused, damaged, broken boy trope. Quite frankly its gotten tiring. I know the series is titled The Protectors but there are other boogeymen out there besides pedophiles, rapists and sex traffickers.
I didn't read the blurb, I only read the authors name and that was my fault. Had I known then what I know now this review wouldn't exist. Since I haven't read all the books in this series I'm usually clueless as to how one book inter-connects with another. This wasn't a stand alone so much as it was a continuation of book 6.
That being said this book wasn't bad and the writing was everything that makes me gravitate towards this author in the first place. I guess I'm just tired. I want to see more from this author. It's at the point where if you've read one book in this series you've read them all.
The broken boy always feels bonded to the one who rescued him, they find some kid to adopt along the way, wedding bells can be heard in the distance, HEA, The End. It's been this way for 12 books a little variety is a good thing.
August 22, 2019
Wrapping up the Protectors
Finally got to this one! Dante’s brother Aleks was rescued in Atonement with the help of Vaughn, although no one knew who he truly was. Aleks finds out in shocking fashion when Vaughn saves him from his abductors, then won’t let him go. The history of Aleks time as a “pet” for various cruel men wasn’t graphic but was enough to turn my stomach. Discovering the true reasons for Vaughn’s actions and about Gio being trapped in the world Aleks escaped, convinces him to help Vaughn. Of course feelings build and the slow burn leads to healing for Aleks.
This one was really long, maybe feeling longer than it really is. New characters are introduced who will appear in a spinoff series. Luca, Vaughn’s brother and their close friends King and Con are part of this story; another guy Lex was off-page. There’s lots of dialogue and background for all of them plus the plot to find Luca’s son. It was pretty predictable that Ronan and everybody would show up and I thought it made things much less exciting than I expected. The usual shenanigans of the Baretti/Protectors clan happen and Aleks and Vaughn get a happy ending. The lead-in for the first book of the spinoff series closes it out. It’s the style I expect from these romantic thrillers and I’d say it a pretty successful ending to the saga. Yet I’m certain they’ll be turning up again with the new guys!
Finally got to this one! Dante’s brother Aleks was rescued in Atonement with the help of Vaughn, although no one knew who he truly was. Aleks finds out in shocking fashion when Vaughn saves him from his abductors, then won’t let him go. The history of Aleks time as a “pet” for various cruel men wasn’t graphic but was enough to turn my stomach. Discovering the true reasons for Vaughn’s actions and about Gio being trapped in the world Aleks escaped, convinces him to help Vaughn. Of course feelings build and the slow burn leads to healing for Aleks.
This one was really long, maybe feeling longer than it really is. New characters are introduced who will appear in a spinoff series. Luca, Vaughn’s brother and their close friends King and Con are part of this story; another guy Lex was off-page. There’s lots of dialogue and background for all of them plus the plot to find Luca’s son. It was pretty predictable that Ronan and everybody would show up and I thought it made things much less exciting than I expected. The usual shenanigans of the Baretti/Protectors clan happen and Aleks and Vaughn get a happy ending. The lead-in for the first book of the spinoff series closes it out. It’s the style I expect from these romantic thrillers and I’d say it a pretty successful ending to the saga. Yet I’m certain they’ll be turning up again with the new guys!
Read
April 23, 2021DNF
I reached 60% and I barely felt anything.
I reached 60% and I barely felt anything.
June 19, 2018
I have been waiting for Aleks' story. And it was so worth the wait. Another super painful read from SS which is what I expect when going in. These cannot be read a stand alone books. The confusion is real for me and I read them in order so I wouldn't even attempt to give them a go on their own. There is a huge cast of characters in these books and each one in unique and fabulous in their own way. I really didn't know if Aleks was ever going to feel any of the things "normal" people do when this one started. His past is so horrific that only an amazingly strong person could even function like a human being afterwards. He's just amazing. And Vaughn. This guy has had to do some horrendous shit to get information about his nephew and dealing with Aleks was one of them. The boy he couldn't forget. I loved him, totally and completely. This adventure was fantastic and I just can't wait to see who's story is next!
May 6, 2018
This is Sloane Kennedy for you so... No surprise here! I ADOOOORED IT!
This woman... I don't know how she manages it. But EVERY TIME!
I fall in love with her men EVERY DAMN TIME!
Aleks... Sweet, adorable...so adorable Aleks.
We met him in Dante's story. He's the brother Dante has been searching for 10 years.
He has been abducted at 8 y/o and sold to sick and perverted fuckers. And for 10 years he just survived...
This has been 2 years since his brother rescued him and since then he barely breathe above water.
He prentends everything is ok because he doesn't want to disappoint his brother but.. NO. He's not ok!
Aleks was so strong. Just like all these men SK introduce. They have the worst things happening to them but they are the most resilient too.
We can see him getting stronger pages after pages and take back his life into his own hands... Beautiful.
Vaughn & him met when Aleks was still a prisoner. Vaughn was undercover there as a bodyguard.
He is working with his brothers to try and find his nephew who also has been abducted 8 years ago...
He tried to close every emotions in order to do what he was suppose to do to find him.
But Aleks came to the picture and Vaughn couldn't be unaffected anymore... He saved him 2 years ago when Dante & Magnus came for Aleks and he is saving him now...
The dynamic of the book is not new. This is pretty much the same as always with SK. But it works so who fucking cares!
I'm pretty much in love with all these men so yeah. Always a 5 stars for me!!!
I want the spin-off. Luca, Con, King & Lex... I'm so excited with this new series!!
Luca and Remy's teaser got me all warm inside! It can't be here fast enough!
This woman... I don't know how she manages it. But EVERY TIME!
I fall in love with her men EVERY DAMN TIME!
Aleks... Sweet, adorable...so adorable Aleks.
We met him in Dante's story. He's the brother Dante has been searching for 10 years.
He has been abducted at 8 y/o and sold to sick and perverted fuckers. And for 10 years he just survived...
This has been 2 years since his brother rescued him and since then he barely breathe above water.
He prentends everything is ok because he doesn't want to disappoint his brother but.. NO. He's not ok!
Aleks was so strong. Just like all these men SK introduce. They have the worst things happening to them but they are the most resilient too.
We can see him getting stronger pages after pages and take back his life into his own hands... Beautiful.
Vaughn & him met when Aleks was still a prisoner. Vaughn was undercover there as a bodyguard.
He is working with his brothers to try and find his nephew who also has been abducted 8 years ago...
He tried to close every emotions in order to do what he was suppose to do to find him.
But Aleks came to the picture and Vaughn couldn't be unaffected anymore... He saved him 2 years ago when Dante & Magnus came for Aleks and he is saving him now...
The dynamic of the book is not new. This is pretty much the same as always with SK. But it works so who fucking cares!
I'm pretty much in love with all these men so yeah. Always a 5 stars for me!!!
I want the spin-off. Luca, Con, King & Lex... I'm so excited with this new series!!
Luca and Remy's teaser got me all warm inside! It can't be here fast enough!
July 30, 2019
4.5 stars - Yet another winner by Ms. Kennedy. This one was a toughie though, but we have had some time to prepare for it. We met Aleks a few books ago as Dante's younger brother who had been abducted when he was young. He had been a sex slave for 10+ years before being rescued. That was two years ago, and while he has been recovering and trying to get a normal life back, after two years, Aleks thinks he should be doing better. He puts up a good front not wanting to disappoint Dante, but he is far from fine. He still struggles with every day decisions and suffers from flashbacks, though he has not actually gone through any intensive therapy after his ordeal. Unfortunately, his past comes back to haunt him and he is abducted once again. But not is quite what it seems.
Vaughn played a part in Aleks’ rescue, but it was a much bigger role he was playing undercover trying to locate his missing nephew, Gio, who was taken just as Aleks was. Over the years, he has helped save countless kids, but one regret he has is not being able to get Aleks out sooner than he did. He actually thwarts the second attempt and ends up taking Aleks as a means of keeping him safe. He works hard to gain Aleks’ trust back, but seeing how much Aleks is still going through is tough. He plays a very big role in helping Aleks to gain more control of his life and his problems. It isn’t easy, and it takes many baby steps, but Vaughn is determined to do whatever he can for Aleks.
But Vaughn’s nephew is still missing, and his brother, Luca (Gio’s father), is determined to find him by any means necessary. Fortunately, their other brother, Con, is there to keep the peace. Tensions are high all around, and while Gio remains the sole focus, some more than others are not willing to let Aleks pay the price to get him back.
In a turn of events, Aleks makes some choices of his own and decides to go ahead and help, even if it means stepping back into the world he waited so long to be free from.
I love this series, and while many of these guys share similar stories, Ms. Kennedy always manages to find a way to make each character’s struggles unique. This story continues down an ugly path with the child sex trafficking, but it is so easy to become engrossed and care for these characters. We meet some new ones, but it is always great to see the previous characters and get little update tidbits on how they’re doing. It looks like we have a new spinoff to look forward to, and if it follows suit, it is sure to be another hit. Definitely recommend this entire series.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.<.i>
Vaughn played a part in Aleks’ rescue, but it was a much bigger role he was playing undercover trying to locate his missing nephew, Gio, who was taken just as Aleks was. Over the years, he has helped save countless kids, but one regret he has is not being able to get Aleks out sooner than he did. He actually thwarts the second attempt and ends up taking Aleks as a means of keeping him safe. He works hard to gain Aleks’ trust back, but seeing how much Aleks is still going through is tough. He plays a very big role in helping Aleks to gain more control of his life and his problems. It isn’t easy, and it takes many baby steps, but Vaughn is determined to do whatever he can for Aleks.
But Vaughn’s nephew is still missing, and his brother, Luca (Gio’s father), is determined to find him by any means necessary. Fortunately, their other brother, Con, is there to keep the peace. Tensions are high all around, and while Gio remains the sole focus, some more than others are not willing to let Aleks pay the price to get him back.
In a turn of events, Aleks makes some choices of his own and decides to go ahead and help, even if it means stepping back into the world he waited so long to be free from.
I love this series, and while many of these guys share similar stories, Ms. Kennedy always manages to find a way to make each character’s struggles unique. This story continues down an ugly path with the child sex trafficking, but it is so easy to become engrossed and care for these characters. We meet some new ones, but it is always great to see the previous characters and get little update tidbits on how they’re doing. It looks like we have a new spinoff to look forward to, and if it follows suit, it is sure to be another hit. Definitely recommend this entire series.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.<.i>
May 9, 2018
4-4.5 stars.
This book was heartbreaking. My god. I can't even imagine the pain of the families that actually have to deal with this. What's worse, is that child abuse and abduction still happens today. And that just makes me want to cry. I have absolutely no sympathy for those who hurt kids. None. And I wish it was just as easy to take them out in real life as it was in this book.
There was enough action and love to keep me interested in this book till the end. The chemistry was definitely something to fan yourself about. IT WAS HOT. I'm really excited that Sloane gave us a sneak peak into the spin-off series she's writing! I can't wait to read that.
Unbroken was a tough yet amazing book!
This book was heartbreaking. My god. I can't even imagine the pain of the families that actually have to deal with this. What's worse, is that child abuse and abduction still happens today. And that just makes me want to cry. I have absolutely no sympathy for those who hurt kids. None. And I wish it was just as easy to take them out in real life as it was in this book.
There was enough action and love to keep me interested in this book till the end. The chemistry was definitely something to fan yourself about. IT WAS HOT. I'm really excited that Sloane gave us a sneak peak into the spin-off series she's writing! I can't wait to read that.
Unbroken was a tough yet amazing book!
January 16, 2021
Breaking the rules and jumping from book 6 to 12 because I need Aleks' story right now!
May 24, 2018
**4.5 Stars**
Book 12 of the Protector Series. Once again, Sloane tackles some really heavy issues in this book, sex trafficking of minors, so heed her warning!
It's been 2 years since Aleks was rescued by this brother after being abducted and missing for a number of years. Both Aleks and Vaughan first appear in Atonement, you get a sneak preview of them, so it would round off their story if you read that book first.
When circumstances change, Aleks' safety is compromised again and action is taken to protect him, ending in a cat and mouse game that keeps you on the edge of your seat, then has you fist bumping the sky!
I loved the new characters that were introduced in this book, Vaughan's brothers one by blood & friendship and we see so many other characters from the previous books.
The only reason I gave it 4.5 stars and not 5, is because I felt it just slowed down a little too much in the middle of the book, but still a great read.
Book 12 of the Protector Series. Once again, Sloane tackles some really heavy issues in this book, sex trafficking of minors, so heed her warning!
It's been 2 years since Aleks was rescued by this brother after being abducted and missing for a number of years. Both Aleks and Vaughan first appear in Atonement, you get a sneak preview of them, so it would round off their story if you read that book first.
When circumstances change, Aleks' safety is compromised again and action is taken to protect him, ending in a cat and mouse game that keeps you on the edge of your seat, then has you fist bumping the sky!
I loved the new characters that were introduced in this book, Vaughan's brothers one by blood & friendship and we see so many other characters from the previous books.
The only reason I gave it 4.5 stars and not 5, is because I felt it just slowed down a little too much in the middle of the book, but still a great read.
February 8, 2023
How long until the spin-off? Kinda want it now...
Reread 8/1/2019 still heart wrenchingly good. On to the spin-off (Luca & Remy)
Reread 1/5/2020 not sure what made me want to read this today, but I still loved every devastating word.
Reread 7/4/2021 still one of the few out of the multi-series books that I actually love. That’s really saying something considering how much of a wimp I am when it comes to angst. This book has angst in spades, but I still love it.
Reread 8/1/2019 still heart wrenchingly good. On to the spin-off (Luca & Remy)
Reread 1/5/2020 not sure what made me want to read this today, but I still loved every devastating word.
Reread 7/4/2021 still one of the few out of the multi-series books that I actually love. That’s really saying something considering how much of a wimp I am when it comes to angst. This book has angst in spades, but I still love it.
February 8, 2019
3 stars
I’m not a Sloan Kennedy fan and I have to admit I’ve never read a Sloan Kennedy book only because the author’s style is not one I’m fond of. But this book intrigued me too much to not read. While I have to admit the story was compelling, the writing still grated on my nerves more often than not but the story was good until it wasn’t. The ending was....anti climatic.
I know I’m probably like the minority of minorities since so many have read and loved Sloan Kennedy books. But...I felt there’s always way too much tell than show. It always pushes me to the brink of giving up but then it lets up and then I decide to okay, just get on with it but it happens on and on throughout the book. Well, especially the first half of the book, if I’m honest.
This story though...was somewhat dark. I don’t know if I want to believe there really is such a dark world out there or if the author took liberties with the story but of course, I know usually, life is stranger than fiction and it breaks my heart to even fathom such a cruel world out there that preys on children and harms them so completely.
Story wise, the ending was an anti climatic resolution. One that I was quite frankly, wondering how it would turn out. So..imagine my disappointment 🙈
As much as I dislike the author’s writing style, I most probably will continue this series because the stories are that compelling. I will give the author that.
I’m not a Sloan Kennedy fan and I have to admit I’ve never read a Sloan Kennedy book only because the author’s style is not one I’m fond of. But this book intrigued me too much to not read. While I have to admit the story was compelling, the writing still grated on my nerves more often than not but the story was good until it wasn’t. The ending was....anti climatic.
I know I’m probably like the minority of minorities since so many have read and loved Sloan Kennedy books. But...I felt there’s always way too much tell than show. It always pushes me to the brink of giving up but then it lets up and then I decide to okay, just get on with it but it happens on and on throughout the book. Well, especially the first half of the book, if I’m honest.
This story though...was somewhat dark. I don’t know if I want to believe there really is such a dark world out there or if the author took liberties with the story but of course, I know usually, life is stranger than fiction and it breaks my heart to even fathom such a cruel world out there that preys on children and harms them so completely.
Story wise, the ending was an anti climatic resolution. One that I was quite frankly, wondering how it would turn out. So..imagine my disappointment 🙈
As much as I dislike the author’s writing style, I most probably will continue this series because the stories are that compelling. I will give the author that.
June 18, 2022
3-3.5 stars
This subject matter was difficult to read TW, child abduction and rape.
Vaughn and Aleks were good together, loved how patient Vaughn was and he was very understanding. I just felt something missing in the book. Idk I know Sloane Kennedy is known for her over the top dramatics and yes this had it but it felt like a lot of previous characters were in this story and I don’t remember all the characters from previous “Protector” books so it took me out of it.
Overall an intense read, that just felt like it was missing something to make me really enjoy this book.
This subject matter was difficult to read TW, child abduction and rape.
Vaughn and Aleks were good together, loved how patient Vaughn was and he was very understanding. I just felt something missing in the book. Idk I know Sloane Kennedy is known for her over the top dramatics and yes this had it but it felt like a lot of previous characters were in this story and I don’t remember all the characters from previous “Protector” books so it took me out of it.
Overall an intense read, that just felt like it was missing something to make me really enjoy this book.
June 2, 2024
ta część... Panie Buku Drzewiasty co to jest za część. nie pamiętam, żebym miała z czymś takim do czynienia wcześniej. w innych książkach autorki były podobne tematy zaakcentowane, były podobne, bohaterów spotykały podobne rzeczy... ale ta część mną wstrząsnęła. ruszyłabym za takimi zwyrolami, nawet już nie z moją patelnia. wziełabym kałacha i strzelała. książki autorki zawsze dotykaja trudnych tematów. ten będzie dla mnie zawsze najcięższy. nie potrafię tego zrozumieć, tego rodzaju popędów, nie rozumiem, jak ten ktory nas projektował, cokolwiek to zrobiło co nas zaprojektowało, mogło się tak totalnie pierdolnąć w tej kwestii. to jest taki błąd systemu...do skasowania. wyzerowania. ta książka jest straszna. mam nadzieję, że Gio dojdzie do siebie. Alexowi się chyba uda, Remy'emu się chyba uda... straszne.
May 8, 2018
Holy crap did that just rip apart my insides. I have two sons that are under 6 and I would move heaven and earth if something happened to either of them. That is what makes reading this so fucking HARD.
Sloane Kennedy’s Protector series is known for being a hard, intense read full of angst and horrible things that happen to these men. But they also have such a strong sense of family and acceptance and LOVE.
We first meet Vaughn when he rescues Aleks, Dante (Aleks’s brother) and Magnus when Dante and Magnus come to save Aleks from the fucker (for lack of a harsher description) who had him. Aleks has been taken from a mall while with Dante and Dante has been looking for him ever since.
Vaughn was always the safety that Aleks craved. Even while in hell, Aleks never feared Vaughn.
Two years later, Vaughn rescues him again. Only this time, Aleks wants to help him and his brothers find his nephew that was taken 8 years ago. Aleks fights to have his life back and not give those bastards a reason to think they broke him. He is STRONG.
Yes this book just about killed me but damn. The love and loyalty all of these men have is wonderful to read. This is an intro to a spin off series about the four brothers of Vaughn: Luca, Con, King and Lex. Luca’s will be next and I can’t wait for it.
If you have not read any of the Protectors, I highly suggest you do. But I am also biased 😉
Sloane Kennedy’s Protector series is known for being a hard, intense read full of angst and horrible things that happen to these men. But they also have such a strong sense of family and acceptance and LOVE.
We first meet Vaughn when he rescues Aleks, Dante (Aleks’s brother) and Magnus when Dante and Magnus come to save Aleks from the fucker (for lack of a harsher description) who had him. Aleks has been taken from a mall while with Dante and Dante has been looking for him ever since.
Vaughn was always the safety that Aleks craved. Even while in hell, Aleks never feared Vaughn.
Two years later, Vaughn rescues him again. Only this time, Aleks wants to help him and his brothers find his nephew that was taken 8 years ago. Aleks fights to have his life back and not give those bastards a reason to think they broke him. He is STRONG.
Yes this book just about killed me but damn. The love and loyalty all of these men have is wonderful to read. This is an intro to a spin off series about the four brothers of Vaughn: Luca, Con, King and Lex. Luca’s will be next and I can’t wait for it.
If you have not read any of the Protectors, I highly suggest you do. But I am also biased 😉
July 30, 2018
I've read every one of Ms. Kennedy's books thus far and, thus far, have yet to be disappointed. Her stories are always dark and dangerous and filled with angsty emotion and beautiful men. This one was no different.
I love the introduction of the new "family" that will eventually be a spin-off-series (I believe something to the effect of "The Four," if I remember correctly.) And I was so looking forward to seeing Aleks' and Vaughn's story after seeing them in the previous installment of this series.
There are DEFINITELY trigger warnings involved here, so be sure to read Ms. Kennedy's trigger warning section at the beginning if you are at any risk of such things bothering you.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys emotional romance with dark, twisty, suspenseful undertones.
I love the introduction of the new "family" that will eventually be a spin-off-series (I believe something to the effect of "The Four," if I remember correctly.) And I was so looking forward to seeing Aleks' and Vaughn's story after seeing them in the previous installment of this series.
There are DEFINITELY trigger warnings involved here, so be sure to read Ms. Kennedy's trigger warning section at the beginning if you are at any risk of such things bothering you.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys emotional romance with dark, twisty, suspenseful undertones.
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