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JACK

Hell, I knew the divorce from Sophie would break my heart, but I had no idea how lost and lonely I would feel once she was gone. Everything ended amicably, almost too peacefully, but now I’m facing a whole new chapter of my life. The only problem is, I don’t know what that chapters holds, or if anyone will ever be there to catch me if I fall again.

My only savior right now is my cousin and best friend Hux. We’ve known each other just about our whole lives, and his invitation up to the woods to help him rebuild the old cabin by Pathfinders Lake could be the one thing I need to figure out what plans the universe has in store for me… and the path I need to find.

HUX

Hell, I knew Jack’s divorce from Sophie would break his heart, but I had no idea it would bring to the surface all the yearning and pain and hopelessness I’ve felt over the years. The fact is, Jack’s the one and only person I ever want to spend the rest of my life with. But how do you tell your best friend—your cousin—how you truly feel?

I know I need to help him through the dark days following his divorce, but will I be able to keep myself from betraying all his trust by letting my true feelings show? Will inviting him up to the woods to help me rebuild the old cabin by Pathfinders Lake be the end of our relationship? Or will we finally find our very own path in this world together?

THE PATHFINDERS is a stand-alone Cousins-to-Lovers Gay Romance that shatters taboos to prove that love is love and always deserves a HEA.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2019

106 people are currently reading
264 people want to read

About the author

Geoffrey Knight

75 books350 followers
Geoffrey Knight is the author of more than 30 gay fiction novels, novellas and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense and gay comedies.

The heroes of Geoffrey's books love to spend their time jumping off the page, seeking lost treasures, unraveling mysteries or falling in love.

Geoffrey is the recipient of two Rainbow Awards including Best Mystery Winner and Best Overall Gay Fiction Runner-up. His work has been featured in several anthologies including Best Gay Erotica 2013, and he appeared as Guest of Honor at the inaugural Rainbow Con in Florida, 2014.

Geoffrey has worked in advertising, politics, journalism and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories. He lives with his partner, their young daughter and their small furry family in a rambling old house in North Queensland, Australia, where the paint is fraying and life is good.

You can find everything you need to know about Geoffrey and his books at— https://linktr.ee/authorgeoffreyknight

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5 stars
128 (26%)
4 stars
159 (32%)
3 stars
127 (26%)
2 stars
48 (9%)
1 star
21 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
Profile Image for ☆ Todd.
1,442 reviews1,583 followers
March 18, 2020

This story was "fine", but I really was hoping to enjoy it more than I actually did. Instead, I found a lot of it to be pretty frustrating.

Hux was the MC that I actually liked. He was thoughtful, caring, and very loving. And Jack could be all of those things as well.

However, any time Jack felt cornered, he would say the kind of hurtful, awful shit that its impossible to ever fully take back. And he did it multiple times. Like a selfish, insensitive asshole.

The story did end with an HEA, which I liked, but a few aspects of the story fell well short of working for me.

The first was the sheer number of times that the reader was told how insanely hairy Hux was (and where), which at times almost felt like every other word.

It was as if he'd popped out of his momma's hoo-ha like some furry, little Sasquatch.

To continue reading, at the hairy shoulders and toes parts, I finally had to run the book file through Calibre and entirely remove the word "hairy" from the story. After that, the story got much less annoying.

The second was that the sex scenes were super descriptive, but definitely not in a way that I enjoyed.

For example:
His passage was already hot and wet, but my cum turned his ass into a searing, slippery fire-hole.
Hard pass on the "searing, slippery fire-holes", sorry.

I'd rate the story at around 3 stars, mainly because I liked Hux so much, even if he did have a few "doormat" moments, but might still recommend it to readers who aren't bothered by any of the potential pitfalls that I mentioned above.

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Profile Image for W.
1,391 reviews138 followers
March 15, 2020
3.5 Stars. Steamy. Melodramatic. Sweet. Emotional. OTT.

The Pathfinders is a feel-good , light-hearted, slightly Taboo, friends to lovers, GFY, Contemporary, MM romance with a satisfying HEA conclusion.

It tells the low angst and hot AF story of Jack and Hux , two cousins and best friends , now in their early 30's . One just got divorced from his wife of 9 years , the other a closeted bachelor; both lost , each, their own way. Now, together in an old, the dilapidated, cabin of their deceased grumpy, lonely and sad uncle ; they open up to their truth, learnt of old love, new love and follow their own path together.

The story is entertaining . The heroes are sexy and likeable , yet a bit underdeveloped . Jack had a flair for the dramatics and being "extra". Hux is too good for his own good. And together they make a charming , yummy couple.

Suspension of disbelief is required to fully embraced the plotlines ; once I did, it was smooth sailing. It was a pleasure reading this book.

Recommend it: Yes
Will Re-read: Yes

#Read2020 #BooksILike #KU #Kindle #GRR #GeoffreyKnightsBooks
Profile Image for Guy Venturi.
1,081 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2021
Paths go in many directions. Some even return.

Best friends, cousins, and good boys that tried to do what was right, but changes and circumstances did not always make things easy. Yet once the true connection was made, nothing could change it. Maybe they were different. Maybe they were destined. Maybe they were blessed. Maybe they could make it work. Maybe it was the right path after all.
Profile Image for Kirk.
357 reviews
February 21, 2020
This was an emotional, touching and heartfelt taboo romance. Jack didn’t know which was up after splitting with his wife but spending time with his very best friend and cousin, Hux would give him some grounding and he knew Hux would be a balm to his wounded heart. When these two meet and spend time together it’s so evident how close they are and always have been and you’re thinking; these two are perfect together, whey the hell aren’t they together?! Of course, it takes Jack a little while to realise what’s been staring him in the face and been obvious all these years, and it’s this realisation that was so well done and beautiful. This book didn’t just concentrate on the sex and taboo aspect of the story (the sex was so damn hot!) it was quite an emotional telling of a deep and loving relationship of two best friends who happen to be cousins. I really enjoyed this one and I’ll be looking for more from Geoffrey Knight.
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,851 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2020
4.5 stars That was an awesome story. A little taboo, I loved that, it was so honest and kind.

After divorcing his wife Jack turns to his cousin and best friend Hux. Hux lives in the woods, renovating their uncles' cabin. He’s thrilled to finally see Jack again.
He had a secret crush for Jack as long as he can remember.
With Jack moving in with Hux their dynamic changes into something Hux dreamed of but never expected.

What a lovely story! With a few beautiful side stories which fitted smoothly into the main.
Wonderfully written journey with lovable engaging characters. Emotions all over. It was a sweet, sexy story with some heartbreaking devastating moments but in the end... they found their path together.
Profile Image for Julia (bookish.jka).
938 reviews284 followers
May 18, 2021
Well look, the story was okay but I couldn't deal with some of the descriptive writing and phrases in the sex scenes, just no.
Profile Image for Sjoukje.
516 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2025
This book was dumb and Jack is literally the worst book boyfriend of them all. What a bully! And Hux is a pushover that definitely deserves better. At around 90% of the book they have a third act break up, so it’s more like very last act break up. And Jack is horrible to Hux! But come on Hux, let the man grovel after such harsh words. He drives home crying the whole time. Then Jack turns up 5 minutes later and we’re at 98% of the book and Hux forgives him. Not cool. Not cool at all.
Also, is it necessary to get a hard dick every time your naked and see your love interest and is being hard a lot a sign of being gay? There’s so much talk about Hux getting hard and what it means. It kind of felt homophobic almost. Very unnecessary.

And then there there’s the writing. 😱 Yes it’s a great idea to have two perspectives. However… we don’t need the exact same scene twice, with literally the same words repeated from two sides, just directly after we read it! This happens 3 times at least. Was there no editor involved?

So no, this is not a good book. And that’s a shame because the other books in this multi author series are pretty ok. I don’t know who coordinated it, but next time, raise the bar a little…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for DB Kimmers.
225 reviews42 followers
March 10, 2020
With every word in The Pathfinders, the author (who penned many a taboo tale under the pseudonym Liberty Lace) creates a world where our imagination easily understands the war one man’s heart and mind is trying to win. Geoffrey Knight brings respect to the process of finding yourself… and living your truth.

We meet Jack who has come out of hiding after an amicable divorce from his childhood sweetheart. Confused over what the rest of his life holds for him he’s been denying numerous calls from his cousin and bestie, Hux. Finally mustering the courage to face his fears he agrees to get away with him at the family cabin.

Mr. Knight switches from Jack to Hux throughout, captivating us with dialog. We get both sides of these men’s story. It’s like listening to a couple of old friends reveal themselves. Hux’s side of this narrative? He’s hidden the fact that he is a gay man who has been in love with Jack for almost 20 years!

Time at the lake house together results in excitement, trepidation, fear and confusion for both men. Hux is just what Jack needs right now, as he thinks, “The sight of him made me feel like I was home again. Hell, I was more than simply grateful to be here. In that moment I felt truly contented.” Suddenly Jack finds he has feelings for Hux he can’t understand as a “straight” man. Hux? He grapples with how to contain his forbidden desire now that Jack is single. Yet, ever the bestie, he encourages Jack to adjust as he says, “‘Life has sent the winds of change blowing down your street, and if you don’t let it carry you someplace new, it’ll blow right by you and leave you behind.’”

Geoffrey Knight does what he does best – building emotion and helping the reader understand where these guys are coming from, creating a subtle intensity. His knack for symbolism adds further credit and charm to the believability in this taboo story.

Change is exactly what occurs. Desire flares and secrets are revealed. Does Jack appear to move quickly? Does he seem to appear naïve over his own thoughts and actions? Maybe in the beginning, but hold on tight, because Mr. Knight weaves a beautiful tale of one man’s subconscious discovery of who he truly is.

Geoffrey Knight does what he does best – building emotion and helping the reader understand where these guys are coming from, creating a subtle intensity. His knack for symbolism adds further credit and charm to the believability in this taboo story.

Society – even our own family – have the ability to impact our thoughts, choices and hearts… sometimes without us even knowing. It takes time, wisdom, familiarity and experience to unlock the honesty within ourselves, a journey Geoffrey Knight portrays to perfection in The Pathfinders. As an elderly woman within these pages says, “‘The key to happiness is simple – find your path and stay on it, even if everyone else tells you you’re lost.’”
Profile Image for Edga.
2,241 reviews23 followers
March 13, 2020
Good read.

This book has lots of highs and lows and I really felt for both Jack and Hux. It's an emotional rollercoaster of a ride as we follow Jack dealing not only with the aftermath of his divorce, but also dealing with his sudden attraction to his best friend and cousin, Hux.

The premise of the book was good. Jack and Hux, always best of friends, worked well together as a couple. There is some angst, but considering the situation, this wasn't too surprising. A decent story, my only complaint, and this was just me and my tastes, I thought it was a little melodramatic at times.
5,704 reviews39 followers
March 14, 2020
this was a rollercoaster of emotions.. i was everywhere.. love and anger.. happiness and sadness.. so many things going on and it was well written and fast paced. i enjoyed it
Profile Image for Simon.
639 reviews90 followers
May 22, 2021
Sweet. Just what I needed. Tears at the end.
Profile Image for Kat_MM_Reader.
176 reviews15 followers
August 30, 2025
This book was alright. The first 75% was kind’ve boring. Jack was also very mean to Hux and I didn’t like that Hux forgave him instantly.
Profile Image for Angelique Jurd.
Author 43 books288 followers
May 12, 2021
The perfect book to curl up with on a dreary autumn evening. The right combo of steam, angst, and soul searching. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Profile Image for Molly Otto.
1,462 reviews30 followers
July 17, 2025
pathfinders is right on that edge of taboo, where if you are open to all forms of love, it's easy to see past the taboo side. These two are a sweet, loving pair when they allow themselves to be happy. Hux is one of those characters who deserves the world and just needs the right person to show him it. Jack, when he lets his defenses down, is that right man for him. However, he tends to go too far at times. If it wasn't for the understanding and forgiving nature of Hux, he may not have gotten this chance to be truly happy. overall, it was a well-done story where it all came together in the end.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,071 reviews517 followers
March 13, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars


This book started off great for me. I was immediately caught up in Jack’s story and watching him try to figure out his life after his divorce, and then Hux and his feelings for Jack. It was easy to see Hux’s feelings and yearning for Jack and his almost desperation to want to be with Jack, but also his fear of forever ruining their friendship.

Hux and Jack are first cousins and their mothers were sisters. They met when they were eight as their mothers didn’t get along, but then moved near one another. The women rarely spoke to each other and it was never disclosed why the sisters did not get along. Both women have since died and the men have no other close family. It was then easy to forget they were cousins and not just best friends and the word “cousin” seemed to be wedged in at times as a reminder.

The first part of the book moved along well as we learn about both men and their relationship to each other. The book is told in dual POV, always my favorite, but here (and only on what seemed to be random occasions) we were given the same exact scene from both points of view, complete with the same quotes, and the first time it happened it was more confusing then helpful. All along, it was easy to see Hux’s response and need for Jack, but the emotion from Jack came through less and it wasn’t nearly as easy to feel that he wanted Hux the same amount in return.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

Profile Image for Alicia.
844 reviews133 followers
October 27, 2020
I liked the story overall but some parts were a little “meh” to me.

I liked Hux a lottt. He was a genuinely great guy and he’s been in love with Jack in secret since he was 8 or so years old. He kept it a secret because he didn’t want to ruin what they had.

Jack just got a divorce from his high school sweetheart, Sophie, and goes to spend some time with Hux at his cabin. While there, Hux lets his feelings show and Jack develops some of his own... but Jack is resistant and keeps pulling away from what he’s feeling toward Hux.

Jack freaks out and runs back home and tries to sort of get back with Sophie? I mean, he says he shouldn’t have given up on their marriage. If she would’ve said yes, they’d have gotten back together. And for what? Because Jack was in denial of his feelings for Hux.

When Sophie tells Jack that she always knew that Jack was in love with Hux but was too blind to see it, then he finally accepts it? Pshhhh. What a load. Jack infuriated me.

But I guess all that mattered is that Hux and Jack ended up together after Jack decided to pull his head out of his ass. Ha.

3.5⭐️ and I’ll definitely read some more taboo if this author has any more! I’ll be on the lookout...
Profile Image for Valerie.
Author 21 books172 followers
February 27, 2020
This is a book that took me by surprise, especially because of the two main characters; Jack and Hux. Jack has been moping for a month about his recent divorce, not really making a decision about his life, but knowing he had to move past the funk he was in, decides to call his cousin and best friend, Hux, who invites he out to their late uncle's cabin to help fix it up.

From the moment you meet Jack, his depression is palpable, but not for his ex but for the way his life has turned out. There are clues about his feelings for Hux, but he never examines them very closely. Hux, on the other hand, admits his feelings for his cousin and in order to not jeopardize his relationship with the one person who means the world to him, decides to keep his feelings to himself. Until Jack asks him a question he can't deny.

While both me were likable, Jack is in such denial about his feelings for Hux that he frustrated me toward the end of the book. The subplots in the book are well done; I love the folklore and the secondary characters, but I don't want to spoil anything. I read this in one sitting and by the end, I was happy with Hux and Jack's HEA. A wonderful read!!
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews138 followers
March 21, 2020
4.5 Stars

Geoffrey Knight excels in writing some delicious taboo romances. The Pathfinders is just that!

Jack, who's newly divorced, turns to his best friend and cousin Hux, for support. Their story is one of years of secret attraction, intense connections, and of course a taboo relationship.

The author is wonderful as usual. The characters are well developed, the pace flows perfectly, and the intense emotions are front and center throughout. His use of humor always makes me smile. But more than anything, the romance is developed in a riveting manner, leaving the reader fully invested in their every move.

I love everything about this Geoffrey Knight gem. The Pathfinders is sweet, romantic, and steamy all rolled into one delicious tale.
Profile Image for Papie.
878 reviews185 followers
March 16, 2020
This book reads like a weird porno. The intense detailed long realistic sex dream? Then when they actually touch each other for real, they go from first kiss to anal sex in five minutes, without stopping to stress over the fact that they are cousins and Jack had spent his entire life thinking he was straight? The messy sex in the woods in the rain? Oh and let’s not even think about using condoms. Don’t get me wrong, the whole book is hot AF. But weird.
Also, I felt that Hux’s feelings were deep and genuine. But Jack? He seems like he was still pining over his ex wife. And he keeps hurting Hux. Jack is an asshole.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
March 4, 2020
The Pathfinders by Geoffrey Knight is a lovestory of best friends/cousins turned lovers. There is emotion, angst, and love in this story and the characters are easy to like and care about. I really enjoyed this story of Jack and Hux.
Profile Image for Kirstin.
2,091 reviews19 followers
March 12, 2020
Seems like I'm on the outs here, but this story just didn't do it for me.

The POV was alternating, which I love, but not when scenes and conversations are repeated. The dialogue sounded forced, both men seemed so anxious the entire time. I just wasn't feeling it.

Profile Image for Gay Old Fart.
23 reviews7 followers
March 17, 2020
Knight captured the feelings of a secret crush perfectly. Giving life to the fantasy of the crush becoming a loving relationship made the story sweet and yet believable. I devoured this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,634 reviews14 followers
March 10, 2020
Elements of a good book: poignant, funny, manly M/M romance w/furtive looks and first times
Oh. Man. What can I say about this book? For one, it was beautifully written, so true-to-life and life messages galore. Jack and Hux are best friends and cousins. Tight since they were 8 years old. At 27yo Jack has just divorced his middle school girlfriend and is feeling lost. Parents both dead, ex-wife moving on and a life he never wanted is his future. After sulking for too long he decides to go visit Hux who has secretly loved Jack since they were eight. At the cabin in the woods Jack and Hux come to some startling revelations. Will it be too late or right on time? Will they find their “desire line” more commonly called path?
There were so many OMG moments: Hux’s dream on the sofa, Rochelle the Raccoon hunter, Jack and Hux together for the first time, the morning after, meeting Hattie Mayfield, Mrs. Henderson’s “last” scene, in the yard after the wake…I’m sure I’ve left out some but these will haunt me forever.
My ebook has been bookmarked by a rainbow! There were so many beautiful word-pictures. I cried, I smiled, my heart broke and finally I sighed. I love it when the perfect words are put together in such a way that it touches your soul. This book will do that if you like M/M sweet, regretful and steamy romance. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and comes highly recommended. More than 5 Stars!
Profile Image for S.M. Harshell.
Author 5 books46 followers
March 22, 2020
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

The Pathfinders is a slightly taboo GFY friends to lovers read.

Jack and Hux are cousins and the best of friends. They grew up together doing everything together. When Jack and his wife divorced, he felt like a failure pushing everyone, including Hux, away. Hux knew Jack just needed time and he would come back around sooner or later. Jack knew he had wallowed enough and needed to get out of the house. He called Hux and said he was coming to the cabin for awhile. Hux had always had a crush on Jack. Hux knew he was gay but Jack had no idea. When they finally admit their feelings for each other Jack knows its wrong but never can stop.

There relationship was complicated but Jack was always throwing it back in Hux's face. Everyone knew they were perfect for each other it just took a little convincing for Jack. This was my first read from this author. I enjoyed the story and will be looking for more!

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
March 24, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is an enjoyable read which does have you wondering whether the usual taboo of first cousins really applies in a single sex relationship ... but pretty quickly you are just keen on their clear love of each other is going to become a full blown relationship or if Hux is going to keep his long held feelings inside.

Told from both viewpoints, sometimes overlapping so that the same incident gets retold. I can sometimes find that annoying, but actually it worked rather well. I have to admit to being far more attracted to Hux's attitude and personality. That may be a little unfair as clearly Jack was grieving the end of his marriage, but I could have slapped him Gibbs-style a couple of times!

As a great lover of DIY projects and water, I found the setting added to the fun for me. I was confident that we would get the end we wanted, but it wasn't the smoothest of journeys!


Wicked Reads Review Team
254 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2020
Kissing cousins to a new level

Most people consider first cousin romances to be taboo, although they are legal in almost all states.

This is a story about a man whose wife asked for a divorce, hiding and running away from home to get over a broken heart. He flees to a run down cabin he and his cousin inherited from an uncle neither of them knew well. There they discover that their almost 20 year relationship as best friends can go so much deeper.

I love Hux. He is so funny I laughed out loud. I found the Hux's viewpoint throughout the story to be credible, but Jack's 180 switch in a few days' time much less so. A bit more time for introspection on Jack's part to allow the relationship to expand into this new dimension would have been better. Jack's apprehension returning home is quite believable, since his whole worldview had been upended. The side characters, though in cameos, added significantly to the narrative.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,008 reviews8 followers
March 22, 2020
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

I look an instant liking to Jack. He has just signed his divorce papers and goes to visit his best friends and cousin Hux in their Uncle’s cabin. Hux is in love with Jack, even though they are cousins. These two guys are just two peas in a pod. Life long best friends nobody know Jack better than Hux.

This story is scorching hot. Initially I really liked seeking Jack discover his feeling for Hux. I was really happy for them and it was a joy to see them together. Then Jack starts with changing his mind about whether he wants to be with Hux and it drove me mad and my heart broke for Hux. But this is a romance and it all works out in the end and I was left feeling happy.
This is the first book I’ve read by Geoffrey Knight and I’ll definitely be looking out of his work in the future. 4 stars.

Wicked Reads Review Team
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