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His Kindred Spirit
Dane has built his life around not relying on anyone but himself. When he travels from New York City to North Carolina at the request of his estranged, incarcerated father, he learns truths he’d rather not know… along with inheriting a share in his grandfather’s inn. But the place comes with complications, including a man he will have to walk away from—but can’t help falling for.
Brook has only known romance through notes left in a mailbox at the end of the beach. When he’s tasked with showing his boss’s gorgeous nephew what makes Sunset Beach and Bird Island special, he’s compelled to take Dane to his favorite place.
Dane never wanted the inn, but when it’s threatened, he steps up to defend it… and keep the man he’s coming to love by his side and in his life. But first they’ll have to clean up Dane’s uncle’s mess.
States of Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
Brook has only known romance through notes left in a mailbox at the end of the beach. When he’s tasked with showing his boss’s gorgeous nephew what makes Sunset Beach and Bird Island special, he’s compelled to take Dane to his favorite place.
Dane never wanted the inn, but when it’s threatened, he steps up to defend it… and keep the man he’s coming to love by his side and in his life. But first they’ll have to clean up Dane’s uncle’s mess.
States of Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2019
27 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Sloan Johnson
26 books836 followersSloan Johnson is a big city girl trapped in a country girl’s body. While she longs for the hustle and bustle of New York City or Las Vegas, she hasn’t yet figured out how to sit on the deck with her morning coffee, watching the deer and wild turkeys in the fields while surrounded by concrete and glass.
When she was three, her parents received their first call from the principal asking them to pick her up from school. Apparently, if you aren’t enrolled, you can’t attend classes, even in Kindergarten. The next week, she was in preschool and started plotting her first story soon after.
Later in life, her parents needed to do something to help their socially awkward, uncoordinated child come out of her shell and figured there was no better place than a bar on Wednesday nights. It’s a good thing they did because this is where she found her love of reading and writing. Who needs socialization when you can sit alone in your bedroom with a good book?
Now, Sloan is a tattooed, purple haired mom of two kids, one of which was a thank you present to her husband for letting her get a Staffordshire Terrier with more anxiety issues than Sloan has, which is saying something. She’s been kicked out of the PTA in two school districts and is no longer asked to help with fundraisers because she’s been known to lose herself in a good book and forget that she has somewhere to be.
When she was three, her parents received their first call from the principal asking them to pick her up from school. Apparently, if you aren’t enrolled, you can’t attend classes, even in Kindergarten. The next week, she was in preschool and started plotting her first story soon after.
Later in life, her parents needed to do something to help their socially awkward, uncoordinated child come out of her shell and figured there was no better place than a bar on Wednesday nights. It’s a good thing they did because this is where she found her love of reading and writing. Who needs socialization when you can sit alone in your bedroom with a good book?
Now, Sloan is a tattooed, purple haired mom of two kids, one of which was a thank you present to her husband for letting her get a Staffordshire Terrier with more anxiety issues than Sloan has, which is saying something. She’s been kicked out of the PTA in two school districts and is no longer asked to help with fundraisers because she’s been known to lose herself in a good book and forget that she has somewhere to be.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 9, 2019
When Dane travels to North Carolina to meet family he never knew existed, he didn’t expected to be part owner of an inn, nor meet the love of his life.
Brook loves his job and the little piece of heaven he calls home.
As these two are unexpectedly thrown together, they get close and fall in love.
Will Dane be willing to uproot his whole life for love?
I really enjoyed this. The romance was sweet, though the book did have a little suspense regarding Danes uncle and the business.
*ARC provided by LesCourt Services
Brook loves his job and the little piece of heaven he calls home.
As these two are unexpectedly thrown together, they get close and fall in love.
Will Dane be willing to uproot his whole life for love?
I really enjoyed this. The romance was sweet, though the book did have a little suspense regarding Danes uncle and the business.
*ARC provided by LesCourt Services
March 29, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Author Sloan Johnson offers up a new States of Love novel called, His Kindred Spirit. Set in a remote beach community in North Carolina, this story is all about trusting your heart—something neither Brook nor Dane have had much success with in the past. For Brook, he has never felt he really measures up and doesn’t think he is really good for much more than a summer fling with no strings and no commitment. Given that he barely makes ends meet with his job at the inn and is caring for his aging grandfather, he hardly considers himself a catch. Brook gamely accepts the idea that for now, at least, love is a remote if not impossible dream and he gets his romance fix by religiously scanning the entries in the notebooks kept inside the mailbox on the beach—a place where people often leave notes to those they love. He can’t hope but dream that maybe someday someone will leave a note for him.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Author Sloan Johnson offers up a new States of Love novel called, His Kindred Spirit. Set in a remote beach community in North Carolina, this story is all about trusting your heart—something neither Brook nor Dane have had much success with in the past. For Brook, he has never felt he really measures up and doesn’t think he is really good for much more than a summer fling with no strings and no commitment. Given that he barely makes ends meet with his job at the inn and is caring for his aging grandfather, he hardly considers himself a catch. Brook gamely accepts the idea that for now, at least, love is a remote if not impossible dream and he gets his romance fix by religiously scanning the entries in the notebooks kept inside the mailbox on the beach—a place where people often leave notes to those they love. He can’t hope but dream that maybe someday someone will leave a note for him.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
March 25, 2019
"His Kindred Spirit" isn't a very long book, at just over 130 pages, but it was still too much for me.
The characters were okay but nothing special, their relationship developed really fast - which I'm not a fan of - and there was no connection between them that I could see. The story is told in dual POVs which changed in every chapter and there was the name of the MC narrating each one at the top so there was no confusion about who was talking. Also, they were distinct enough in their thoughts that I could easily tell them apart.
Dane has lived his whole life watching the people he cares about leave and he has decided to distance himself from everyone and everything so nothing can hurt him again. His father is doing time in prison for a crime he didn't commit (I wanted some more details about that, though: what was the crime other than a financial skim, who was to blame for really, how he got the fall for everything that happened. Stuff like that...) and he is due out in less than a month. He's been contacted by his estranged brother in an effort to reconcile but he doesn't know him after more than twenty years of radio silence so he sends Dane to North Carolina to meet him and see if it's safe for him to relocate there.
Dane's father was both present and absent from the story. He was always mentioned and he was the reason this whole story even happened but at the same time he didn't get any real page time. I didn't realise it as I was reading the book but now that I think about it I would have liked to see him interact with Dane and reunite with his brother.
Brook is a local, born and bred at Sunset Beach. He has dreams of moving away but there was always something keeping him home. His favorite place is a mailbox a few miles away from Dane's family's inn. That's really the only thing we saw of the town and the only thing Brook did with his spare time. He didn't swim, didn't sit in the sun, didn't go out, didn't appear to have friends in town, he just walked to the mailbox to read notes left from strangers and then went back to his job at the inn. That's why I can't say if he liked his town, if it was a fitting place for him, if he lived and breathed the sea. There was no depth to him.
About Dane and Brook as a couple, everything moved very fast. I mean, they met when Dane got into town, went to dinner because Dane's uncle canceled on him at the last minute, and after that they walked along the beach holding hands... I'm not saying anything more.
The second half of the story was about James', Dane's uncle's, money problems. He owed the wrong people a lot of money and because of that the inn was in danger. To tell you the truth I got tired of all that drama and the constant retelling of the situation they were in, so that part of the book dragged for me.
There's a nice if sappy epilogue that takes place nine months later and gives the guys their HEA. I didn't understand what happened with Grady and his family at the end though but at least it was clear what happened with Dane's father.
This author is hit or miss for me and it's pretty obvious that this story was a miss. When I find one that's a hit though it makes all the misses worth it and that's why I don't give up!
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review. *
The characters were okay but nothing special, their relationship developed really fast - which I'm not a fan of - and there was no connection between them that I could see. The story is told in dual POVs which changed in every chapter and there was the name of the MC narrating each one at the top so there was no confusion about who was talking. Also, they were distinct enough in their thoughts that I could easily tell them apart.
Dane has lived his whole life watching the people he cares about leave and he has decided to distance himself from everyone and everything so nothing can hurt him again. His father is doing time in prison for a crime he didn't commit (I wanted some more details about that, though: what was the crime other than a financial skim, who was to blame for really, how he got the fall for everything that happened. Stuff like that...) and he is due out in less than a month. He's been contacted by his estranged brother in an effort to reconcile but he doesn't know him after more than twenty years of radio silence so he sends Dane to North Carolina to meet him and see if it's safe for him to relocate there.
Dane's father was both present and absent from the story. He was always mentioned and he was the reason this whole story even happened but at the same time he didn't get any real page time. I didn't realise it as I was reading the book but now that I think about it I would have liked to see him interact with Dane and reunite with his brother.
Brook is a local, born and bred at Sunset Beach. He has dreams of moving away but there was always something keeping him home. His favorite place is a mailbox a few miles away from Dane's family's inn. That's really the only thing we saw of the town and the only thing Brook did with his spare time. He didn't swim, didn't sit in the sun, didn't go out, didn't appear to have friends in town, he just walked to the mailbox to read notes left from strangers and then went back to his job at the inn. That's why I can't say if he liked his town, if it was a fitting place for him, if he lived and breathed the sea. There was no depth to him.
About Dane and Brook as a couple, everything moved very fast. I mean, they met when Dane got into town, went to dinner because Dane's uncle canceled on him at the last minute, and after that they walked along the beach holding hands... I'm not saying anything more.
The second half of the story was about James', Dane's uncle's, money problems. He owed the wrong people a lot of money and because of that the inn was in danger. To tell you the truth I got tired of all that drama and the constant retelling of the situation they were in, so that part of the book dragged for me.
There's a nice if sappy epilogue that takes place nine months later and gives the guys their HEA. I didn't understand what happened with Grady and his family at the end though but at least it was clear what happened with Dane's father.
This author is hit or miss for me and it's pretty obvious that this story was a miss. When I find one that's a hit though it makes all the misses worth it and that's why I don't give up!
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review. *
November 5, 2019
"Some people as far as your senses are concerned, just feel like home.” ~ High Fidelity
Dane, of ‘His Kindred Spirit’ by Sloan Johnson, is resolved that he will be alone. He has had the rug pulled from under him so many times. When his parents got married, his father’s family disowned him. Dane’s mother left when he was six, his father sent to prison, and his best friend and lover left him to marry a woman. There’s little wonder why he feels like his chance to be happy will never happen.
Dane’s future changes when his father, who is about to be released from prison, calls to say that his estranged brother, James, has been in touch with him and that James wants his dad to relocate to North Carolina, where he runs their deceased father’s inn. Dane is still angry and resentful about the way his grandfather’s family treated him and his family. Where were they when his father went to prison and sixteen-year-old Dane needed a family to support him? He is not sure he wants anything to do with them, but his father seems so excited about it that Dane promises he will go to see his uncle to check things out.
The first person Dane meets is Brook. He’s the only employee at the inn and works hard providing excellent customer service and keeping things running smoothly. One look at the beautiful young man and Dane’s heart skips a beat. Quickly, he reminds himself that he’s here on business and not to seduce the inn’s help. Dane’s admiration for Brook grows as he watches him in action around the inn. It becomes clear that, although not the owner, Brook is its heart and soul. When Dane meets his uncle, he discovers that his grandfather’s will entitles him to half ownership of the inn! With this unexpected development, Dane’s plans of making a quick trip, meeting his uncle, getting his dad settled, and returning to his life in New York go straight out of the window. As he ponders what to do, ominous looking men begin to appear at the inn, looking for his uncle. To his dismay, Dane learns that James has borrowed a lot of money that he is not able to pay back. This puts a kink in things that Dane isn’t sure how to unravel, but by now he is invested in not only the inn, but in Brook as well.
This is a story from the ‘States of Love’ series and this time, the action takes place in North Carolina. I’d heard of the ‘Kindred Spirits’ mailbox and enjoyed seeing it incorporated into this tale of second chances. Dane just needed someone to show him that love was possible, and charming Brook was just the man to do it. Thanks, Sloan, for helping Dane and Brook find their kindred spirit.
Dane, of ‘His Kindred Spirit’ by Sloan Johnson, is resolved that he will be alone. He has had the rug pulled from under him so many times. When his parents got married, his father’s family disowned him. Dane’s mother left when he was six, his father sent to prison, and his best friend and lover left him to marry a woman. There’s little wonder why he feels like his chance to be happy will never happen.
Dane’s future changes when his father, who is about to be released from prison, calls to say that his estranged brother, James, has been in touch with him and that James wants his dad to relocate to North Carolina, where he runs their deceased father’s inn. Dane is still angry and resentful about the way his grandfather’s family treated him and his family. Where were they when his father went to prison and sixteen-year-old Dane needed a family to support him? He is not sure he wants anything to do with them, but his father seems so excited about it that Dane promises he will go to see his uncle to check things out.
The first person Dane meets is Brook. He’s the only employee at the inn and works hard providing excellent customer service and keeping things running smoothly. One look at the beautiful young man and Dane’s heart skips a beat. Quickly, he reminds himself that he’s here on business and not to seduce the inn’s help. Dane’s admiration for Brook grows as he watches him in action around the inn. It becomes clear that, although not the owner, Brook is its heart and soul. When Dane meets his uncle, he discovers that his grandfather’s will entitles him to half ownership of the inn! With this unexpected development, Dane’s plans of making a quick trip, meeting his uncle, getting his dad settled, and returning to his life in New York go straight out of the window. As he ponders what to do, ominous looking men begin to appear at the inn, looking for his uncle. To his dismay, Dane learns that James has borrowed a lot of money that he is not able to pay back. This puts a kink in things that Dane isn’t sure how to unravel, but by now he is invested in not only the inn, but in Brook as well.
This is a story from the ‘States of Love’ series and this time, the action takes place in North Carolina. I’d heard of the ‘Kindred Spirits’ mailbox and enjoyed seeing it incorporated into this tale of second chances. Dane just needed someone to show him that love was possible, and charming Brook was just the man to do it. Thanks, Sloan, for helping Dane and Brook find their kindred spirit.
October 30, 2019
A beautiful, tender tale of two destined souls... Dane, 26, is an IT Specialist who has traveled around the world, but his job is unfulfilling, and his family life has been sad. His Dad will soon be getting out of prison, and Dane is checking out his distant uncle, in case his Dad wants to visit him or even move there. What Dane discovers is an uncle with problems, and that Dane has inherited half of an Inn. There he meets Brook, 28, a smart, cute twink, with personality. Dane towers over the smaller man, but there is a spark that neither can deny, but it's much more.
This story concept is fresh and holds our attention. The uncle has something shady going on, and Dane wants to belong to his family. Brook is a kindred spirit, cares for his ailing Grandpa, and wants the same things Dane wants. We have sharp side characters, hot sexy times and tender times, too. It's a short story and I'd have liked to see more of our men together.
The beach "mail box" is a welcoming quality of wistfulness, and brings out deep feelings to so many.
ENJOY !
======
This story concept is fresh and holds our attention. The uncle has something shady going on, and Dane wants to belong to his family. Brook is a kindred spirit, cares for his ailing Grandpa, and wants the same things Dane wants. We have sharp side characters, hot sexy times and tender times, too. It's a short story and I'd have liked to see more of our men together.
The beach "mail box" is a welcoming quality of wistfulness, and brings out deep feelings to so many.
ENJOY !
======
May 10, 2020
3.8 ⭐
It took quite a bit to get me hooked, the first part of the book was slow and just meh... at about 30% in, it still was nothing exciting.
Luckily, the angst and drama kicked in and made the book worth it.
The characters are good and interesting, even if the relationship developed a little bit too fast and too deep, especially considering one of them had severe trust issues.
I wish the end wasn't so abrupt, there's a lot of loose ends there, felt kinda rushed🤷🏻♂️
All in all, a good reading though👍🏻
It took quite a bit to get me hooked, the first part of the book was slow and just meh... at about 30% in, it still was nothing exciting.
Luckily, the angst and drama kicked in and made the book worth it.
The characters are good and interesting, even if the relationship developed a little bit too fast and too deep, especially considering one of them had severe trust issues.
I wish the end wasn't so abrupt, there's a lot of loose ends there, felt kinda rushed🤷🏻♂️
All in all, a good reading though👍🏻
April 25, 2019
Man, you guys are hitting it out of the park. I am so happy to be able to read such good books. This is another good one. It's so hard in life when you've been let down at every turn by pretty much everyone. It leaves you cynical and jaded and not willing to trust. The MC in this book had a lot to deal with but a chance at something he didn't want to do, had some rough situations, but gave him something he didn't even know he wanted. Hope and a chance at love.
Dane doesn't trust. Left by his mother at six, torn from his father in his teens for false imprisonment, not knowing any other family because they never came around, he wants no part of settling down. He thought he was in love once, with his best friend Grady. And even that relationship he's in awe of because of the past. When his father asks him to go check out his uncle's inn for a place to go when he gets out of jail, Dane doesn't want to go. But for his father, he does. What he gets is a big surprise. He's part owner of the inn, the inn is in trouble (thanks to his uncle), and for the first time, he thinks he's truly found love, in the form of the inn’s 'manager’, Brook. But Dane really doesn't want the inn and doesn't know if he can trust a relationship. As much as his heart is wanting him to stay, he has to figure out what he really wants in life. And if it's really worth to stay.
I'd be more torn than Dane, I think. I don't trust easy either, and the whole thing would be fishy to me. I don't know what I'd do, I guess. It's an opportunity, but because of his uncle, it's a huge risk. And that's a whole other ball of wax. I'd be like Brook in that case and doing everything I could not to punch the man. It's a serious complication that needs a lot of thought. I don't blame Dane for almost running. Thankfully, he has two good friends who help kick his ass when needed and help, so he got his head on straight.
And poor Brook. Gah. He has been at the heart of this crap since Dane’s grandparents owned it. With dealing with the grandmother, that was bad enough. Now this crap with Dane's uncle and Brook does t know which way is up. Then he was going to be strapped with a guy he didn't know, who could basically have his job in his hands. Yeah, not a happy moment. In this case, thank goodness for instant attraction lol.
Both of these guys have a lot on their plate. Both have things they are trying to deal with and it's not easy. Trust is always key. And communication. Without those, it's even harder. And most times, don't work. But one of the other things that is needed is hope. And maybe a little faith in some people. A good story.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Dane doesn't trust. Left by his mother at six, torn from his father in his teens for false imprisonment, not knowing any other family because they never came around, he wants no part of settling down. He thought he was in love once, with his best friend Grady. And even that relationship he's in awe of because of the past. When his father asks him to go check out his uncle's inn for a place to go when he gets out of jail, Dane doesn't want to go. But for his father, he does. What he gets is a big surprise. He's part owner of the inn, the inn is in trouble (thanks to his uncle), and for the first time, he thinks he's truly found love, in the form of the inn’s 'manager’, Brook. But Dane really doesn't want the inn and doesn't know if he can trust a relationship. As much as his heart is wanting him to stay, he has to figure out what he really wants in life. And if it's really worth to stay.
I'd be more torn than Dane, I think. I don't trust easy either, and the whole thing would be fishy to me. I don't know what I'd do, I guess. It's an opportunity, but because of his uncle, it's a huge risk. And that's a whole other ball of wax. I'd be like Brook in that case and doing everything I could not to punch the man. It's a serious complication that needs a lot of thought. I don't blame Dane for almost running. Thankfully, he has two good friends who help kick his ass when needed and help, so he got his head on straight.
And poor Brook. Gah. He has been at the heart of this crap since Dane’s grandparents owned it. With dealing with the grandmother, that was bad enough. Now this crap with Dane's uncle and Brook does t know which way is up. Then he was going to be strapped with a guy he didn't know, who could basically have his job in his hands. Yeah, not a happy moment. In this case, thank goodness for instant attraction lol.
Both of these guys have a lot on their plate. Both have things they are trying to deal with and it's not easy. Trust is always key. And communication. Without those, it's even harder. And most times, don't work. But one of the other things that is needed is hope. And maybe a little faith in some people. A good story.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
November 3, 2019
This is a sweet romance with a touch of heat, and a bit of drama on the side. I liked the setup of the story and the idea of the mailbox with the journals in it, and the beach setting was a definite plus. The main characters of Brook and Dane are both likable and I thought they were good together as a couple.
Given the length of the story and the time frame presented for the main portion of the book, that does mean that their relationship did progress rapidly, just about to the point to qualify it for insta-love for me. I can mostly forgive that since I did like both characters individually and as a couple. Honestly though, I would have traded the bit of drama caused by a family member for more time spent on relationship development.
The concept of the mailbox and its use by both residents and visitors is unique and endearing. Sometimes you just need a way to let your feelings out into the world, and this gave people a means to do so even when they might not be able to express those things in their everyday lives.
I was expecting Dane’s father to play a larger role in the story given the setup and Dane’s concerns regarding his uncle. The events that occur with his uncle take precedence though, something I really was on the fence about…mostly because these types of storylines are just not my thing.
Brook and Dane though pull things through for me so that overall, Kindred Spirit wound up being somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars. If you looking for a good way to pass a few hours, this story will fit the bill. With the adult language and sexual content, this book is meant for readers 18+.
Given the length of the story and the time frame presented for the main portion of the book, that does mean that their relationship did progress rapidly, just about to the point to qualify it for insta-love for me. I can mostly forgive that since I did like both characters individually and as a couple. Honestly though, I would have traded the bit of drama caused by a family member for more time spent on relationship development.
The concept of the mailbox and its use by both residents and visitors is unique and endearing. Sometimes you just need a way to let your feelings out into the world, and this gave people a means to do so even when they might not be able to express those things in their everyday lives.
I was expecting Dane’s father to play a larger role in the story given the setup and Dane’s concerns regarding his uncle. The events that occur with his uncle take precedence though, something I really was on the fence about…mostly because these types of storylines are just not my thing.
Brook and Dane though pull things through for me so that overall, Kindred Spirit wound up being somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars. If you looking for a good way to pass a few hours, this story will fit the bill. With the adult language and sexual content, this book is meant for readers 18+.
November 4, 2019
Lovely romance
This was a great and a lovely romance.
It had sweetness, fun moments, love, tons of chemistry a bit of drama and some beautiful moments.
I couldn't put it down. From the start it pulled me in and wouldn't let me go.
Brook is a sweet, understanding beautiful soul. Dane was different and could have been someone I disliked if he didn't grow so much as the story went.
I really loved them both and the ending was absolutely perfect. I wouldn't mind more :-)
This was a great and a lovely romance.
It had sweetness, fun moments, love, tons of chemistry a bit of drama and some beautiful moments.
I couldn't put it down. From the start it pulled me in and wouldn't let me go.
Brook is a sweet, understanding beautiful soul. Dane was different and could have been someone I disliked if he didn't grow so much as the story went.
I really loved them both and the ending was absolutely perfect. I wouldn't mind more :-)
March 23, 2019
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
When Dane heads to South Carolina to meet an uncle he’s never known, he doesn’t expect his whole life to change in a few short weeks. Dane’s family legacy is almost as complicated as the feelings he has for the young man who works at Dane’s family inn.
I wanted this to be a m/m Nicholas Sparks style read but it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Dane and Brook recount their life struggles to each other but I didn’t ever really feel the emotions behind their lives. This is also a little bit too instalove for me - it’s a book where the connection feels more convenient than fated. Dane is ready to settle down and Brook is living in a town with few gay men. I didn’t feel sparks, I just saw a tidy HEA. Romance wise, the story skips from attraction to settled without many romantic moments or relationship building in between.
Dane’s family life is messy - but the book only just manages scratch the surface of his relationship with his dad and his uncle. I wanted more depth and more relationship building. Most of the action in this book takes place within a few weeks with the epilogue almost listing fairly superficial resolutions to Dane’s problems.
I expected to enjoy this story much more than I did. I hope other readers have more positive reactions to the book.
When Dane heads to South Carolina to meet an uncle he’s never known, he doesn’t expect his whole life to change in a few short weeks. Dane’s family legacy is almost as complicated as the feelings he has for the young man who works at Dane’s family inn.
I wanted this to be a m/m Nicholas Sparks style read but it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Dane and Brook recount their life struggles to each other but I didn’t ever really feel the emotions behind their lives. This is also a little bit too instalove for me - it’s a book where the connection feels more convenient than fated. Dane is ready to settle down and Brook is living in a town with few gay men. I didn’t feel sparks, I just saw a tidy HEA. Romance wise, the story skips from attraction to settled without many romantic moments or relationship building in between.
Dane’s family life is messy - but the book only just manages scratch the surface of his relationship with his dad and his uncle. I wanted more depth and more relationship building. Most of the action in this book takes place within a few weeks with the epilogue almost listing fairly superficial resolutions to Dane’s problems.
I expected to enjoy this story much more than I did. I hope other readers have more positive reactions to the book.
March 24, 2019
This was a pleasant if not somewhat generic read. Dane is emotionally aloof when it comes to extended family, apprehensive about his father’s upcoming release, and a bit adrift in life.
Brook has lived in Sunset Beach/Bird Island his whole life, where everyone knows everybody, and every body’s business. He enjoys managing the Inn, taking care of his grandfather, long walks on the beach, and reading the mailbox notebooks the Island is famous for.
James, Dane’s estranged uncle, has mis-managed the Inn and is now in dire straights with the Islands version of the Mob.
For myself, I was lukewarm with Brook’s character. I felt that you could swap “Brook” for “Brooke”, and absolutely nothing else in the story would need to change. Brook was a generic character trapped by circumstance (job, family) in a tourist driven town until the love interest arrives.
The situation with James and the Islands ‘mob’ didn’t work for me. I know it’s meant to add dramatic tension, but it came across as being out of place.
There was a fair amount of emphasis placed on Dane’s father being released - a pending father and son reunion of sorts that would dictate when, where, and how the Father would live. I had hoped this part of the story would have happened sooner than it did because this is what interested me.
So, I’ve voiced my observations and will note again, this was a pleasant enough read all in all. Minimal angst, self-growth, and a HEA made for a couple of content evenings reading.
Review is cross-posted at a href="https://gaybook.reviews">Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Brook has lived in Sunset Beach/Bird Island his whole life, where everyone knows everybody, and every body’s business. He enjoys managing the Inn, taking care of his grandfather, long walks on the beach, and reading the mailbox notebooks the Island is famous for.
James, Dane’s estranged uncle, has mis-managed the Inn and is now in dire straights with the Islands version of the Mob.
For myself, I was lukewarm with Brook’s character. I felt that you could swap “Brook” for “Brooke”, and absolutely nothing else in the story would need to change. Brook was a generic character trapped by circumstance (job, family) in a tourist driven town until the love interest arrives.
The situation with James and the Islands ‘mob’ didn’t work for me. I know it’s meant to add dramatic tension, but it came across as being out of place.
There was a fair amount of emphasis placed on Dane’s father being released - a pending father and son reunion of sorts that would dictate when, where, and how the Father would live. I had hoped this part of the story would have happened sooner than it did because this is what interested me.
So, I’ve voiced my observations and will note again, this was a pleasant enough read all in all. Minimal angst, self-growth, and a HEA made for a couple of content evenings reading.
Review is cross-posted at a href="https://gaybook.reviews">Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
April 4, 2019
The States of Loves series is written by various authors and is meant to be short and romantic. Sloan Johson takes the helm on this one. I have read other works by Johnson and have enjoyed them. His Kindred Spirit isn't a bad book but not my favorite Johnson read. This has more to do with the parameters set by the series than her actual writing. The books are short so relationships develop quickly.
One of the main storylines of His Kindred Spirit was about a mailbox. I loved it and the notebooks it contained filled with all the hopes, dreams, fears and longings of visitors spanning decades. This thread of storyline was romantic and sentimental. I wish the book had dealt more with that than an imprisoned father and shady uncle.
Dane came across as whiny. His mother left soon after he was born, and he bitterly referred to her as his egg donor on too many occasions. His father was a financial advisor and was jailed for embezzling his clients' funds. The details of the case were as clear as mud. Dane believed his dad to be innocent, but why his dad never fought his sentence and protested his conviction was never explained. Dane resented him for going to prison.
Ok, the guy had crap luck in parents, but family is found in the people you love and respect. It was easier to be bitter and whine than to work on building a family. Dane quickly does a 180 after meeting Brook.
The book is centered around Dane so we don't really get a good perspective of Brook. He and Dane go from hello to coupledom to I love you in record speed. Brook was the romantic who loved reading the notebooks. I would have loved more page time and character development for him.
One of the main storylines of His Kindred Spirit was about a mailbox. I loved it and the notebooks it contained filled with all the hopes, dreams, fears and longings of visitors spanning decades. This thread of storyline was romantic and sentimental. I wish the book had dealt more with that than an imprisoned father and shady uncle.
Dane came across as whiny. His mother left soon after he was born, and he bitterly referred to her as his egg donor on too many occasions. His father was a financial advisor and was jailed for embezzling his clients' funds. The details of the case were as clear as mud. Dane believed his dad to be innocent, but why his dad never fought his sentence and protested his conviction was never explained. Dane resented him for going to prison.
Ok, the guy had crap luck in parents, but family is found in the people you love and respect. It was easier to be bitter and whine than to work on building a family. Dane quickly does a 180 after meeting Brook.
The book is centered around Dane so we don't really get a good perspective of Brook. He and Dane go from hello to coupledom to I love you in record speed. Brook was the romantic who loved reading the notebooks. I would have loved more page time and character development for him.
November 7, 2019
💗👬📪💗👬📪💗👬📪💗
Kindred Spirit
MMy Thoughts and Review:
This was such a sweet read, and my first, by Sloan Johnson. A story where the MC finds and embraces his true authentic self while also taking a chance and letting someone past his walls so he can love and be loved in return is magical.
Add to that a second MC who has a heart of gold, the spirit of a fierce warrior, and a tongue to slay any monster and you have the perfect duo for an adult romance.
Dane and Brook work so well as a couple because their personalities clash just enough to complement each other. As Dane works to save his grandfather's legacy Brook stands beside him to encourage and hold up his hand when it tires.
There is also a bit in there that reminded me of the wall in the movie, "Letters to Juliet," and it had my heart all gooey inside. 💗 YOU will need to read the book to have a full understanding of the importance of the Kindred Spirits Mailbox.
If you are in the mood for a romance to sweep you up and carry you away like the ebbing tides during a beautiful sunset, give Kindred Spirit a try.
4.5 beach-paradise-stars ✨✨✨✨•✨
I received an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.🌺
Kindred Spirit
MMy Thoughts and Review:
This was such a sweet read, and my first, by Sloan Johnson. A story where the MC finds and embraces his true authentic self while also taking a chance and letting someone past his walls so he can love and be loved in return is magical.
Add to that a second MC who has a heart of gold, the spirit of a fierce warrior, and a tongue to slay any monster and you have the perfect duo for an adult romance.
Dane and Brook work so well as a couple because their personalities clash just enough to complement each other. As Dane works to save his grandfather's legacy Brook stands beside him to encourage and hold up his hand when it tires.
There is also a bit in there that reminded me of the wall in the movie, "Letters to Juliet," and it had my heart all gooey inside. 💗 YOU will need to read the book to have a full understanding of the importance of the Kindred Spirits Mailbox.
If you are in the mood for a romance to sweep you up and carry you away like the ebbing tides during a beautiful sunset, give Kindred Spirit a try.
4.5 beach-paradise-stars ✨✨✨✨•✨
I received an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.🌺
November 5, 2019
This is such a great read!!
If you are familiar with the author than you know what I mean when I say you can feel their characters. You feel all of the emotions they feel, well except for that one beady eyed guy. There is compassion for the one who caused all the problems Brook and Dane have to deal with. Now I'm going to get a bit personal. This story was especially moving for me due to location. Since I was barely a teen my family has vacationed in an island not too far from this one. We even had my daughter there less than two weeks after she was born. Having lost my grandma in 2000 we try to get at least some of us up there at least once a year. I can relate with Brook on so many levels when it comes to fearing the loss of his grandpa and if he will still be in the island. I hope to be visiting and reliving old memories for many years. I have a big think you and cyber hug for the author for giving me a chance to remember as I read.
If you are familiar with the author than you know what I mean when I say you can feel their characters. You feel all of the emotions they feel, well except for that one beady eyed guy. There is compassion for the one who caused all the problems Brook and Dane have to deal with. Now I'm going to get a bit personal. This story was especially moving for me due to location. Since I was barely a teen my family has vacationed in an island not too far from this one. We even had my daughter there less than two weeks after she was born. Having lost my grandma in 2000 we try to get at least some of us up there at least once a year. I can relate with Brook on so many levels when it comes to fearing the loss of his grandpa and if he will still be in the island. I hope to be visiting and reliving old memories for many years. I have a big think you and cyber hug for the author for giving me a chance to remember as I read.
March 26, 2019
This is a short and sweet story with a bit of suspense. Dane is tired of his life and unhappy but on the other hand comfortable in the city. He travels a lot for his job. His dad wants him to go to South Carolina to place on the coast where his uncle runs a small resort to check it out and see if it would be a good place for his dad to relocate after he gets out of prison.
Dane meets Brook and its pretty much insta lust but Brook does want to take it slow because he knows Dane will be leaving in a few weeks.
There is a tourist attraction there, a mailbox where people leave anonymous notes to The Kindred Spirit and everyone is welcome to write and or read one.
The storyline is sweet but also has a touch of suspense with his uncle.
The only issue I had was I really wanted to meet Dane's dad and that part seemed rushed over and we never met him.
Dane meets Brook and its pretty much insta lust but Brook does want to take it slow because he knows Dane will be leaving in a few weeks.
There is a tourist attraction there, a mailbox where people leave anonymous notes to The Kindred Spirit and everyone is welcome to write and or read one.
The storyline is sweet but also has a touch of suspense with his uncle.
The only issue I had was I really wanted to meet Dane's dad and that part seemed rushed over and we never met him.
November 7, 2019
Dane is lost on his path in life because of things that happened in the past. his dad sits in jail but are soon to be released. He wants Dane to connect with James, his uncle, and Dane travels down to where James runs an Inn.
He is supposed to go to dinner with his uncle, but ends up meeting Brook.
Brook teaches him a lot about his grandfather and soon the puzzle starts to click into place, and ohh does this go sweet romantic? But there is more to this..there is a certain object that binds this story together with its content. There is also some family drama.
I connected well with the characters and the storyline, and the feel of being there where it all happens.
ARC provided by LesCourt ArcTeam
He is supposed to go to dinner with his uncle, but ends up meeting Brook.
Brook teaches him a lot about his grandfather and soon the puzzle starts to click into place, and ohh does this go sweet romantic? But there is more to this..there is a certain object that binds this story together with its content. There is also some family drama.
I connected well with the characters and the storyline, and the feel of being there where it all happens.
ARC provided by LesCourt ArcTeam
April 17, 2020
Probably only a 2.5* really but I didn’t dislike it, it just wasn’t for me.
I thought I had read more Sloan Johnson but I see I haven’t and some of the issues I had in the other are here.
Too inst-love for me. Also, Brook could have been a much more rounder character but I felt he was portrayed too gushy for a guy who has ran a business for so many years effectively on his own.
Dane was to flip/flop with his thoughts and ideas for me, but could understand why.
I felt there was a lot missing in this, I thougt more was going to come from Dane’s dad and perhaps taking the fall from someone. The menace with the uncle seemed more than it was.
I did like that the mailbox is a real thing though.
I thought I had read more Sloan Johnson but I see I haven’t and some of the issues I had in the other are here.
Too inst-love for me. Also, Brook could have been a much more rounder character but I felt he was portrayed too gushy for a guy who has ran a business for so many years effectively on his own.
Dane was to flip/flop with his thoughts and ideas for me, but could understand why.
I felt there was a lot missing in this, I thougt more was going to come from Dane’s dad and perhaps taking the fall from someone. The menace with the uncle seemed more than it was.
I did like that the mailbox is a real thing though.
November 9, 2019
This amazing story trapped me since the beginning because the characters. The plot is easy to read and I really enjoy how Dane and Brook start from knowing each other to fell in love until they got their HEA. I cried a little bit, (specially in the last scene) laughed a little bit and enjoyed the whole book a lot. One part I loved was the concept of the Kindred Spirit mailbox and the way Dane used it in the last scene, it was so sweet!! I would like to know if it is a real fable and more stories about it. Sweet story, great reading.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
October 25, 2019
A charming romance with a strong sense of family and loyalty.
Dane and Brook are adorable together, they fall hard pretty fast but they are spend a lot of time together not so far fetched.
I enjoyed the drama surrounding the inn, quite different from the usual romance storylines. It was a great way to challenge this new relationship and make them stronger.
The notebooks were very sweet, I love the idea that people pour their heart out into them and leave them for others to find hoping that they inspire and bring some joy.
Dane and Brook are adorable together, they fall hard pretty fast but they are spend a lot of time together not so far fetched.
I enjoyed the drama surrounding the inn, quite different from the usual romance storylines. It was a great way to challenge this new relationship and make them stronger.
The notebooks were very sweet, I love the idea that people pour their heart out into them and leave them for others to find hoping that they inspire and bring some joy.
November 9, 2019
A very sweet, short, romantic story with a little mystery. Dante is not happy with life and is asked to visit a city where his father wants to live after he is released from prison. Dante meets Brooke and there is chemistry from the start. There is romance, angst, and it’s a great book.
November 12, 2019
I enjoyed this sweet read; it was well written with great character. I found that this touches all the feels just enough for you to enjoy and not be drained emotionally. It was truly a sweet and tender read.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 27, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
I enjoyed this story. It was good for Dane to find a home where he was actually happy and for Brook to find that love he has longed for.
Dane’s uncle made some really bad decisions and it caused some problems but once it was out in the open I liked that Dane was determined to keep the inn and his new home. He was able to find something he cared about and I loved watching Brook help him discover his happiness. I was glad that Dane had his friend’s support after everything happened with his dad, though I did internally question where he stayed after his dad went to prison.
I liked getting to know these characters and seeing how they were feeling. I liked seeing Dane go from annoyed to resigned and then to deliriously happy and in love. Brook was so resigned to his life and knowing that something was wrong but Dane was able to find a way to save it all.
The cover art is nice and I like the visual of the beach.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
I enjoyed this story. It was good for Dane to find a home where he was actually happy and for Brook to find that love he has longed for.
Dane’s uncle made some really bad decisions and it caused some problems but once it was out in the open I liked that Dane was determined to keep the inn and his new home. He was able to find something he cared about and I loved watching Brook help him discover his happiness. I was glad that Dane had his friend’s support after everything happened with his dad, though I did internally question where he stayed after his dad went to prison.
I liked getting to know these characters and seeing how they were feeling. I liked seeing Dane go from annoyed to resigned and then to deliriously happy and in love. Brook was so resigned to his life and knowing that something was wrong but Dane was able to find a way to save it all.
The cover art is nice and I like the visual of the beach.
October 24, 2019
Kindred Spirit by Sloan Johnson is a contemporary m/m romance. The story brings out the emotions, has a little drama, and delivers a great big dose of sweet love with wonderful characters.
I love Brook and Dane. Their story is sweet. They work so well together that even their quick journey into falling into love feels natural and not rushed. They definitely had me believing in love at first sight.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I love Brook and Dane. Their story is sweet. They work so well together that even their quick journey into falling into love feels natural and not rushed. They definitely had me believing in love at first sight.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
October 25, 2019
This storyline had a roller coaster of emotions, conflict and angst. Dane and Brook had sparks from the beginning, steamy sexy passionate scenes. Drama as James the uncle made unfortunate choices, didn’t think things through. The secondary characters Jen and Grady close friends with Dean were awesome.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.
November 5, 2019
A really touching story of rediscovery of oneself with found family vibes in the mix.
I liked the narration style in this one, coupled with interesting MCs and a good plot. A pleasant read for sure.
I liked the narration style in this one, coupled with interesting MCs and a good plot. A pleasant read for sure.
November 8, 2019
Loved the characters, loved the setting, loved the chemistry, and loved the HEA ending.
May 18, 2020
Sweet HEA
This is a sweet HEA story of Brook and Dane with a slow burn type of pacing as the characters get to know each other, and accept each other.
This is a sweet HEA story of Brook and Dane with a slow burn type of pacing as the characters get to know each other, and accept each other.
November 9, 2019
Romance and mystery.
Phew, what a roller coaster of a romance. This really grabbed me from the first page, and kept me enthralled til the end.
This is actually so much more than a romance. There's a lot going on, and it takes it just that step further, from a simple love story. The first half is definitely heavy, with much more of the focus being on emotion than romance.
Both Brook and Dane are likeable characters, so it was easy to root for them despite the obstacles in their path. Ultimately, I did enjoy the story and was happy to see these two get together regardless if what was going on in the background.
Emotional healing, forgiveness and looking forward to the future are all expressed in this story. The book is well written and I enjoyed Brook's and Dane's story. I loved the happy ending that they so richly deserved.
Phew, what a roller coaster of a romance. This really grabbed me from the first page, and kept me enthralled til the end.
This is actually so much more than a romance. There's a lot going on, and it takes it just that step further, from a simple love story. The first half is definitely heavy, with much more of the focus being on emotion than romance.
Both Brook and Dane are likeable characters, so it was easy to root for them despite the obstacles in their path. Ultimately, I did enjoy the story and was happy to see these two get together regardless if what was going on in the background.
Emotional healing, forgiveness and looking forward to the future are all expressed in this story. The book is well written and I enjoyed Brook's and Dane's story. I loved the happy ending that they so richly deserved.
November 30, 2019
Quick read with some family drama. Some parts didn’t make sense to me. I won’t go into detail. But it was still an ok good read. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars because I love Sloan and her stories.
May 10, 2020
This is such a great read!!
If you are familiar with the author than you know what I mean when I say you can feel their characters. You feel all of the emotions they feel, well except for that one beady eyed guy. There is compassion for the one who caused all the problems Brook and Dane have to deal with. Now I'm going to get a bit personal. This story was especially moving for me due to location. Since I was barely a teen my family has vacationed in an island not too far from this one. We even had my daughter there less than two weeks after she was born. Having lost my grandma in 2000 we try to get at least some of us up there at least once a year. I can relate with Brook on so many levels when it comes to fearing the loss of his grandpa and if he will still be in the island. I hope to be visiting and reliving old memories for many years. I have a big thank you and cyber hug for the author for giving me a chance to remember as I read.
Having read this again after the author has expanded and re-edited it I have to say it’s even better. I haven’t had the chance to go to North Carolina since I read it the first time but I know I will be visiting the Kindred Spirit mailbox when I do. Again I must thank the author for reminding me why I love going.
If you are familiar with the author than you know what I mean when I say you can feel their characters. You feel all of the emotions they feel, well except for that one beady eyed guy. There is compassion for the one who caused all the problems Brook and Dane have to deal with. Now I'm going to get a bit personal. This story was especially moving for me due to location. Since I was barely a teen my family has vacationed in an island not too far from this one. We even had my daughter there less than two weeks after she was born. Having lost my grandma in 2000 we try to get at least some of us up there at least once a year. I can relate with Brook on so many levels when it comes to fearing the loss of his grandpa and if he will still be in the island. I hope to be visiting and reliving old memories for many years. I have a big thank you and cyber hug for the author for giving me a chance to remember as I read.
Having read this again after the author has expanded and re-edited it I have to say it’s even better. I haven’t had the chance to go to North Carolina since I read it the first time but I know I will be visiting the Kindred Spirit mailbox when I do. Again I must thank the author for reminding me why I love going.
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