Seeking Freedom

Interlocking Fragments #4

by Michele Notaro, Sammi Cee

Is it close proximity that has Jovany noticing Seth, or for the first time in his life, does he want a man?

Jovany~

When I check on the guy that helped with my case and realize he’s in a bad spot, I know I need to help him out. That’s how I find myself with two new roommates—Seth and the baby he’s in charge of. Being in close quarters with Seth must be messing with my head because I can’t seem to stop staring at his pretty face or wanting to hold him close. I can see how attractive he is, but… he’s a guy. Why can’t I stop thinking about what he tastes like? 

Seth~

Finding myself with custody of my deceased cousin’s infant, I have no idea what I’m going to do. Facing homelessness and with no one to help me, I’m completely overwhelmed. And then he shows up—the handsome older detective who’s continued to check on me ever since I first met him. I have no idea why he offers to take me and Calli in, but I’m in no position to refuse his help. When he becomes the handsiest man alive, as much as I want to stay, I’m not sure my heart can handle it.

Will Jovany take a chance and explore his newfound attraction and the feelings he seems to be developing for Seth, or will Seth cut and run before he has the chance? 

Seeking Freedom is the fourth and final book in the Interlocking Fragments series. It’s a standalone novel, but is better enjoyed by reading the series in order. Each book in the series will feature a different couple, but the couples will show up throughout the whole series. This is a contemporary romance intended for 18+. 

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Childrens, Gay For You, LGBT, Friends To Lovers

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2020

About the author

Michele is married to an awesome guy that puts up with her and all the burnt dinners she makes—hey, sometimes characters are a bit distracting, and who doesn’t plot when they’re supposed to be cooking? They live together in Baltimore, Maryland with two little monsters, a three-legged princess, a four-legged goofball, and a cutie with giant ears (aka their two kids, their two cats, and their dog). She hopes to rescue another cat soon, and if her hubby wouldn’t kill her, she’d get more than one… and maybe a few more dogs as well.

She loves creating worlds filled with lots of love, chosen family, and of course, magic, but she also likes making the characters fight for that happy ending. She hopes to one day write all the stories in her head—even if there are too many to count!

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Feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you.

Reviews

[Jinx · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t know why winking is considered sexy and or charming but... when I read about an MC who constantly winks all I picture is this. 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽




and I'm all like



so...

[Don Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Michele Notara and loved her easy writing style. I read this book before the others without missing much. I want to read the others now! The family group is amazing. All of the characters are well fleshed out and interesting. Highly recommend this book.

[Lyndsay TC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five fabulous stars for the fourth book in this amazingly wonderful series! I'm so sad the series is over but it's definitely one I will be re-reading many times. We get to see the real Jovany finally after seeing the not so nice version of him for so long. And that fact that he ended up with Seth, who we met in Liberating Love and that Seth ended up with his baby niece, it was just everything good in one story! Read this this series or at least this book!

[Tina J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seth hasn't had the best luck lately.
First, he witnessed some bad deals going down and became a crucial part in taking down Jovany's bad-cop uncle. Then, he watched his cousin, basically his ONLY family, get shot down in front of him.
And last but certainly not least, a girl shows up on his doorstep with a baby. The baby of his dead cousin. Whom he's been designated temporary guardian of, without any say in the matter.

Jovany and his partner, Aiden, built a strong case that resulted in some big players being arrested, including Jovany's uncle. Placed on a leave of absence while things play out, Jovany has too much idle time on his hands. When Jovany decides to stop by Seth's place to let him know the update, he can't believe what he's seeing. Seth looks exhausted and on the verge of tears. He learns that he's just been given a baby yesterday and his roommates are forcing him to leave with the baby or ditch her.

Jovany has plenty of free time and a big enough house. Seth needs help and a place to live. The stars aligned in their favor on this one.
There are plenty of appearances from the previous lead characters in this one and it is suggested that this series be read in order for maximum enjoyment.
Low angst, low drama... I felt like this one was rather tame and there were a few missed opportunities for some excitement. But overall, it was a good read.

[E.Muddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great ending to this series, and just what I wanted it to be. I’ve loved all the books in this series, but Jovany and Seth blew me away with the depth of their connection and how genuinely sweet they were together. And the way we get to see the real Jovany and how he acts with Seth and Calli is so precious it had me squealing. Like the others in the series, Seeking Freedom is full of love and family, a touch of angst, and a beautiful and heart warming HEA.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Babies in romance are NOT my thing...
I mean they can arrive by the end but revolving the whole story around one annoys me pretty fast...
Both characters were sweet though. Just not a story for me

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

This book was really adorable. Jovany was such a marshmallow and Seth was due for some pampering that Jovany gave out!

It made me smile a lot and it closed out the series beautifully with the epilogue!

I’m giving it 3.5 stars rounded up because around 86% mark I got bored and started skimming but I read the epilogue to its fullest and was happy for everyone’s HEA.

[Kitten Blue · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been a good read but the authors give us so many baby scenes and just ... skip over all the stuff that we're here for ... e.g. you get their first kiss ... then the authors choose to skip over a whole bunch of next kisses and even their first BJ ... what the heck?? This is an MM romance, right?? So, yeah, I really like Seth, Jovany's ok, I enjoy catching up with the others, and I think Calli's cute ... but I have zero connection to Jovany and Seth's relationship, so this fails as a romance. The Epilogue's also the worst. *vomit from the cheese*

[Lena Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The family is the test of freedom; because the family is the only thing that the free man makes for himself and by himself.” ~ Gilbert K. Chesterton

Although he has no good reason, Jovany, of ‘Seeking Freedom’ by Michelle Notaro and Sammi Lee, does a routine check on one of his informants, Seth. That’s when he discovers Seth’s deceased cousin’s girlfriend has dumped their baby with him. Seth is doing the best he can, but he does not have the physical or financial means to raise a child. Yet it’s clear that Seth is going to try. When Seth’s roommates insist he find a new place by the end of the week, Jovany does the only thing he can think of doing. He brings them home with him.

Caring for a baby is not in Seth’s skill set, but considering his cousin was the only family he had, he can’t turn his baby cousin away. He searches the internet for baby care information and does the best he can to quiet the baby. He is at his wit's end when Jovany comes by to check on him. Seth is grateful for his attention, especially since criminals murdered his cousin. When Jovany suggests that Seth and the baby, Calli, stay with him, he is hesitant. Seth is suspicious because, other than his cousin, the rest of his family has disowned him so Seth is not used to anyone doing anything for him, especially for no reason, but he has no alternative. Without accepting Jovany’s offer, Seth is homeless with a baby in tow. He can’t let that happen.

Since he is on leave from his job, Jovany takes over Calli’s care. He is happier than he expected to be with Seth and the baby living with him. Still, Jovany knows as little about caring for a baby as Seth does. So he calls in reinforcements. Soon he has his father, brother, cousins, and their boyfriends coming over regularly to help. It surprises Jovany how much they take to Calli and how quickly they befriend Seth, adopting him and the baby into the family, but it warms his heart. Especially after all he has been through, Seth needs the comfort and support of having people to care for them. Loving Calli is easy, but his feelings for Seth confuse him because he has always thought he was straight. But the longer they stay, the harder it is for Jovany to ignore them.

‘Seeking Freedom’ is an excellent conclusion to the ‘Interlocking Fragments’ series. It is a story about love, loss, redemption, reconciliation, and the importance of family. Thanks, Michelle and Sammi, for bringing these awesome men to life.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to love Seth and Jovany's romance based on the other books in this series, but I wasn't prepared for how quickly these men and sweet little Calli would capture my heart. 

I've been curious about Jovany for a long time, so when I saw he was getting his own story I was really excited. Though I had suspected he was a good guy put in a bad situation, seeing the way he took Seth and Calli in without question made me certain that he was more than the previous books let on. As Jovany opened up his home and his life to Seth and Calli, my heart absolutely melted at his sweetness. It takes a special kind of man to act with such generosity and compassion, and Jovany certainly proved that's who he truly is. If Jovany's generosity made me smile, then the unconditional support his friends and family offered Seth made me glow with happiness. Being able to watch as Seth went from literally having no one in his life to having a close-knit group of men he could turn to at any time was something beautiful. The themes of found family have been strong throughout this entire series, but never more obvious than they were with Seth and Calli. 

For such a rich, emotional story, the romantic connection between Jovany and Seth was slow to grow. So much of their days revolved around caring for Calli that it only made sense that they wouldn't have time to rush into a relationship. It honestly gave me more pleasure to see them navigate day-to-day life together, working as a team to raise Calli and spending time together whenever they could. By the time Seth and Jovany were ready to acknowledge their attraction to each other, they'd already established a strong partnership and sense of trust with one another. It made every romantic interaction they had much more charged, and every bedroom activity all the more explosive. Even when the extent of their physical relationship was limited to heated make-out sessions, the deep sense of intimacy they already shared made their love feel incredibly real.

Looking back on this book as a whole, I couldn't be more satisfied with how Seth and Jovany's story unfolded. Even as life kept shaking things up for these men, they never wavered in their commitment to each other and Calli.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.   

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so fricking sad that this is the last book. But I’m glad it ended with Jovany. I wanted a good thing for him. He’s fought for so long to try to get out from under the burden his mother’s family had put on him. With his uncle and cousin being cops too, things were getting out of hand and Jovany finally had a way to break free.
But with Jovany breaking free, it put him in the crossfire and possibly in danger. And the one person who helped make some things happen, Jovany didn’t feel comfortable not at least warning Seth what had transpired. But when Jovany went to tell Seth, he was met with more than he bargained for, but he knew he had to do the right thing and take Seth home with him and keep him and the new baby safe.
And that right there alone, showed me how much Jovany had grown. Before, Jovany just kind of stayed in the background. He tried to avoid so much because of what his uncle and cousin were up to and then his own mother. The more Jovany saw, the more he knew it was time to step up and do the right thing in his life, in every aspect. And he was doing so good. It was awkward at times, yes, but he was making a huge effort to right the wrongs he had done and that was the whole world. And Seth coming into his life, with that little bundle of joy, just made it better. Because as much as Jovany probably wouldn’t admit it, he needed someone to take care of and nurture. He needed to know he was needed. He needed someone who would care about him, even if it was just a friend. He needed to not feel lonely.
And for Seth, he needed a family. And boy did he get one. He got every kind of family member he could have asked for, and all of them accepted him as he was. Of course, it didn’t hurt that he had Calli as well, lol. But for once, Seth was finally starting to feel like he had a home and a life.
But Jovany had some other issues to deal with. Mainly being attracted to Seth. But sometimes things have a way of working out, and sometimes they don’t. You’ll have to read to find out how it turns out. And it’s very well worth it. Because finally, Jovany, has become free.

https://lovebytesreviews.com/

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars & Family

“Family takes care of family...” and what an amazing and unforgettable family these guys are! I have to be honest I didn’t like Jovany the first time I met him—I’m sure most of us didn’t—but I knew that if anyone could give him a redemption story that would make us fall in love with him and make us want to keep him, it would have to be Sammi Cee and Michele Notaro. Jovany and Seth’s book was everything to this fantastic and incredible series.

Seth, Callie and especially Jovany gave me all the warm fuzzies and feels. I’m completely and thoroughly enamored with them and they brought me sunshine, hope and happiness. “These quiet moments of feeling at peace, of home, of family. This is something worth fighting for, something I won’t let anything ruin, no matter what happens.” I’d be the first to stand next to them... Well, let’s be real, I’d probably be at the end after Holds, Gav, Aiden, Jameson, Drix, and Delaney but what better place to be than in the midst of all that love and color coordination. Jovany, Seth and Callie—and Interlocking Fragments—are more than perfect and I will forever hold out hope to one day be invited to Sunday dinner.

[Jacey Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely freaking loved this book!!! I have been waiting patiently for Jovany's story since Liberating Love and let me tell you it was so worth the wait!!! Jovany's story absolutely tugged at my heartstrings and my heart ached for him and the internal turmoil he was going through alone. Seth recently got temporary custody of his cousin's child Calli quite unexpectedly. He wasn't sure if he could it but he knew in his heart that he could do it for Calli. Jovany welcomed Seth and Calli into his home when he found out Seth had no where to go. At first it was helping a friend out, but then it turned into feelings that Jovany didn't realize he could have for another man. Seth has always had a crush on Jovany but doesn't want to get his hopes up that Jovany might feel the same. Their journey to an HEA was a very delicious slow burn that I loved and just watching them fall deeper in love with each other was such a sweet sweet journey. I loved every minute of this book...I laughed, cried, and swooned during the hot moments. It was truly such a great story and a great way to end this amazing series. Well done!!!

[Ailidh Kloosterhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in this awesome series is about Jovanny and Seth. Jovanny is the brother who sided with his Uncle and nephew until he saw what really happened and gave them up with enough evidence to have them imprisoned. To do this, he got help from Seth, who suddenly is looking for a new place to stay when his dead nephew's girlfriend leaves their child on his doorstep. But Jovanny comes to the rescue, and although he's always been straight, he suddenly feels very attracted to Seth. Jovanny also grows closer to his brother and father thanks to Seth who makes him stop running. Jovanny is scared that Seth will run when he learns what Jovanny did to his brother and father, but to his astonishment, Seth declares his love for him. Jovanny cannot deny it any longer. He loves Seth and Callie and wants to start a family in a new home, close to his brother and father. In the epilogue we meet all of them again 10 years later, all married and extended families. I love to have this shot into the future as an ending to a series. The collaboration between Sammi Cee and Michelle Notaro is amazing and I look forward to more books coming.

[Aysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning conclusion to this tremendous series

Seeking Freedom is the fourth and final book in the Interlocking Fragments series. It can be read as a standalone but it is recommended you read the previous books first.

You know how you can straight away tell if a book is going to be good in the first few pages? Well this book is great.

Seth and Jovany are both amazing people who I want to be friends with myself! Jovany has eight weeks off work and decides to check on Seth. When he finds that Seth and Calli need a place to stay, he immediately and selflessly offers his ...

I couldn’t stop smiling! These two stars are so incredibly sweet, endearing and colourful - they made my heart burst into a thousand pieces! The very essence of the book was captured beautifully and twisted so uniquely. I can’t express how much these characters won my heart!!

I loved the epilogue and seeing Jameson, Holds, Drix, Gav, Delaney (especially Delaney) and Aiden again.

If you like: age gap, bi-awakening, close proximity and an unexpected but adorable baby girl this book is for you!

[LE · Rating 5 out of 5]

MM – Friends to Lovers – Bi-Awakening – Slow Burn - HEA

The Interlocking Fragments series is very well written. Each book builds upon the last and you get to know the intricacies of each character as you read on. Seeking Freedom is the fourth and last book. While it can be read as a standalone, I suggest reading them all. You will not be disappointed!

Going in, I was not a fan of Jovany; however, he redeems himself. The compassion he shows for both Seth and Callie pulled at my heartstrings. The feelings between Jovany and Seth slowly develop through little touches, smiles, and their shared love for Callie.

The story is full of awakenings, laughter, love, and coming together as a family. It is a beautiful ending for all, and I could not put it down.

Well Done Sammi and Michele! This is book was everything I was hoping for to end the series!

* Thank you for the advanced reader’s copy. I am happy to leave my voluntary review.

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I wasn't sure of Jovany when I read the others, but I could see that he was making an effort as it went along. I loved getting to see his side of things and see him find love and family. Seth was awesome, and their little girl was just absolutely adorable. My only beef with this was I wish there was just a bit more explanation/closure on the whole uncle/cousin drama. I felt like it was rushed and brushed over just to give an ending, but there was so much more that could've been explored or explained with the work that Jovany did and how it all connected with Delaney being set up. Beyond that, though, I absolutely loved this book and this whole series. The epilogue game me the ending I needed.

It says this is a standalone novel, but I really recommend reading this as a series and in order. There is an overall thread of a story that is woven throughout the four books, and it is wonderful.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but

This is the fourth (&final) book in a m/m modern romance series and should be read in order. This review may contain spoilers. I loved the slow burn aspect of the relationship between the MC’s, however…

Spoilers ahead:
This had a great twist on the relative left with a baby trope but there were some missing aspects that just left a hole in the story. One of those was that the MC would have qualified for emergency social benefits in most countries (even in most US states). So yes, he had this sudden need for help but the fact that he didn’t even look into government help, let alone non-profit grants for emergency assistance just felt hinky. The other thing that I really wish the authors would have addressed was the trauma from the death of the cousin for both the MC but also for Aiden from the last book.

[Phoenix13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing end to wonderful series!

Although I’m sad to see it end this has been a great series and this was a perfect end to it. Definitely read the whole series first if you haven’t but I highly recommend this.
It brings us a satisfying conclusion to a few loose ends closing out the work-related events in earlier books and an even more satisfying conclusion for a good man who was torn between familial localities in the past. I loved both MCs here, great chemistry but also a real depth of emotion and caring Add in an adorable little one that is well written and never just a plot point afterthought as can sometimes happen.
The puzzle fragments came together and made a beautiful picture throughout this series, it’s a re-read for me.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously loved this story!!! I literally could not put it down!! The way everything wrapped up, loved it! Seth is unvoluntary thrust into instant fatherhood with his deceased cousins’ baby, Calli. He had helped Jovany bring down his dirty family. Jovany offers to help Seth with housing and Calli. Jovany starts to feel things for Seth. He’s always been straight, but now he’s wondering. Seth is out and proud and had a serious crush on Jovany. This story was sooo good, so many feels in it. I loved how the authors wrapped up the whole story line. I was gifted an advanced copy by the author, thank you so much for letting me read your story. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Elle Lemon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because life is crazy right now, I didn't have the opportunity to read this book before it's release. But FINALLY I made it and I can say that it was a nice reading. Funny thing is tgat "Seeking Freedom" is the first book that I've read of this series. And I can say, after reading this, that I will reading the other three. Definately, they are a new addition in my Wish list!
The only negarive thing that I can say is that I would preferred a little more of detective-thing, like investigations etc. But I don't really know if in the other books it was a thing...

***ARC copy. I spontaneously gave my honest review*

[AshPenny37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely End To The Series

In Seeking Freedom, Jovany, Seth and Calli (yes, it's as much the baby's story as it is the men's) give us a super sweet new family dynamic in the fourth and final book in the Interlocking Fragments series. It hits the found family trope from Seth's perspective and rounds of Jovany's journey of redemption, as well as being a super sweet bisexual awakening. It's low/no angst, full of feels with engaging characters and can be read as a standalone, but I definitely recommend reading the series in order to get the most out of these books. All in all, Seeking Freedom is a really good way to close the curtain on this band of brothers and their men. 4*

[Darrel Oglesby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!!! What a way to finish a series!! Jovany and Seth are just perfect for one another and little Calli ❤️❤️❤️. At the beginning of this series I couldn’t stand Jovany and hoped that he’d get what was coming to him but through 4 books and the progression of his character I’m happy tho see that a HEA was what was intended for this complicated man. Dear sweet Seth with a past full of apathetic people finally coming into this family for big hearts, good men, and fur babies. All of these wonderful men in their HEA just made my heart soar.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, sexual awakening!

This is a very well written, awesome series. The characters are down to earth. Jovanny has been living his life as the eldest trying to impress his mother and uncle, his boss, the police chief. He has made a lot of mistakes regarding his loyalties, especially to his younger brother and father. He meets Seth during an investigation and circumstances lead Seth to be Jovanny's room mate. A well thought out plot, sexual awakening for Jovanny. Loved it.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really sweet low-angst read. There isn’t much drama of any kind, but I was never bored either. More than anything, this story made me feel gooey over men being adorable while caring for a baby. I don’t usually seek this kind of book out, but I’ve enjoyed the rest of this series so I jumped in without much thought. It was a nice wrap up, even though I’m generally terrible about remembering what happened in previous books and who the couples were.

[CMLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jovany has been in the background of the series and slowly we are able to start to see the real Jovany. In this book, we see that Jovany is finally the person that he should have been. Seth finds himself suddenly responsible for a baby and struggles with what he should do until Jovany turns up. As these two move forward, they begin to form a bond that is unlike anything either had believed possible.

[Rebecca Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jovany, Seth, & Calli are so perfect together! The little family they created is beautiful and so full of love! Jovany & Seth both have had things rough for awhile and they both deserved all the happiness in the world! This entire series has had me all up in my feelings from the very beginning of book one and Michele didn’t fail me this time either! It’s so sad this series is ending but it ended on a perfect note! Absolutely enjoyed every bit of it! ❤️

[Kathy Beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great ending for a wonderful series Seth gets a brand new baby and Joveny and he navigate a life around a sweet Callie plenty of steamy scenes a touch of angst and a friendship and love develop around a family for full of love and acceptance we also get to see the couples from previous novels and you will not want to miss the ending i loved this series so much you will too

[kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great addition to the Interlocking Fragments series. Seeking Freedom is full of love, family and friends.
This story is rich with emotions that will grab you by the heart.
The connection between Seth and Jovany is immediate and strong. When you add in a baby everything just fits together perfectly.
I loved following their journey to their HEA!

[MsDarkPhoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im so happy Jovany finally got his own story. I absolutely loved seeing his feelings develop for Seth. It wasn't forced. It flowed naturally and it warmed my heart so much seeing his interaction with his "little star".  Jovany getting the cold shoulder from his mother though? Brutal and beartbreaking. Seth was there to mend those pieces and it was such a sweet story!