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Anxious, nervous, and a bit on edge, Dario is stepping into his new normal. Trying to embrace his true self is a daunting task: his non-relationship with his father goes further south; he can’t seem to get past the walls he built to hide from himself and his parents, and the closer he gets to the goal the harder it seems to attain. Despite the depressing odds, Dario moves forward intent on taking Kevin with him. Kevin is funny, confident and all sorts of cute. He sees the greatness in Dario that Dario’s friends have been trying to make him see in himself for years. Kevin finds the real Dario before even he can.The way Dario feels around Kevin is new, strange, and exciting. What they share should be fun but anxiety and Dario’s old belief system threaten to kill this connection before it begins. Will his parents' influence continue to block his efforts with Kevin? Will the damage of the fake Dario undo his efforts to become whole? Is freedom only a dream and not something for him to own? These are just some of Dario's fears, but there is one truth he can latch onto; if Kevin could find the person buried deep inside of him, why couldn’t he?NOTE: This is the final instalment in the series and it picks up exactly where the previous ended. It's recommended to read this series in order as some parts are also different vantage points over the same time.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 30, 2022
Surprisingly this last installment of this series was my least favorite. No, I had not expected that myself either. I'm still trying to wrap my head around as to why. I think it had a lot to do with the constantly changing pov, up to a point where it started to influence my enjoyment of this story. And I'm quite bumped about that myself, because I really wanted to like, maybe even love, this book where it all comes to a closure for Dario and Kevin. Mostly for Dario, who has been struggling to find his ground, to accept the family he comes from. To accept himself as a gay person, falling in love with another male person and wanting to be intimate with him.
I thought that was well done. His insecurities, his lack of confidence, always trying to keep himself together in order to find himself worthy of love and the close friends he has. We finally see what happened between his parents, the influence his mother and her religious beliefs had on his father and on their family too. I was happy to see he got to sort things out with his father, also thanks to the new woman in his father's life. I was happy to see he took things further with Kevin, and he was slowly learning to accept himself. To finally see there was nothing wrong with him being gay.
I loved the family dynamics in Kevin's family, and it was great to see a glimpse of how Gavin and Rayland were heading towards their own future. I loved the last chapter, because we got to witness Dario's struggles from book 1 and here we finally see where it took him. How far he had come.
Even though this last book was my least favorite, I did enjoy the series as a whole. The story's all felt very genuine and true to the mc's ages. I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed Dario's difficult journey towards acceptance and finding happiness with Kevin. I loved how Louis always took care of him, as well as Gavin and Rayland, even when Dario was trying to keep them at distance. I loved Kevin, who was this no nonsense guy and was one not to handle Dario with silk gloves. He was honest and truthful, and yet very understanding and patient. These two guys were great together!
Anyway, just wanted to say I recommend this series, specially when you are into coming of age story's with a little angst and self discovery. This is not all fluff and sweetness - there's a lot of teenage drama too and Dario with his anxiety and low self esteem and panic attacks. He sure makes this series worth reading.
I kindly received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest, unbiased review
I thought that was well done. His insecurities, his lack of confidence, always trying to keep himself together in order to find himself worthy of love and the close friends he has. We finally see what happened between his parents, the influence his mother and her religious beliefs had on his father and on their family too. I was happy to see he got to sort things out with his father, also thanks to the new woman in his father's life. I was happy to see he took things further with Kevin, and he was slowly learning to accept himself. To finally see there was nothing wrong with him being gay.
I loved the family dynamics in Kevin's family, and it was great to see a glimpse of how Gavin and Rayland were heading towards their own future. I loved the last chapter, because we got to witness Dario's struggles from book 1 and here we finally see where it took him. How far he had come.
Even though this last book was my least favorite, I did enjoy the series as a whole. The story's all felt very genuine and true to the mc's ages. I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed Dario's difficult journey towards acceptance and finding happiness with Kevin. I loved how Louis always took care of him, as well as Gavin and Rayland, even when Dario was trying to keep them at distance. I loved Kevin, who was this no nonsense guy and was one not to handle Dario with silk gloves. He was honest and truthful, and yet very understanding and patient. These two guys were great together!
Anyway, just wanted to say I recommend this series, specially when you are into coming of age story's with a little angst and self discovery. This is not all fluff and sweetness - there's a lot of teenage drama too and Dario with his anxiety and low self esteem and panic attacks. He sure makes this series worth reading.
I kindly received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest, unbiased review
April 25, 2024
AUDIO REVIEW
The final chapter of Dario's story showcases growth and acceptance of identity, biracial status, and sexuality. Despite Dario's insecurity, he learns to ask for help. Overall, the story is a delightful coming-of-age and healing journey. The narrator did a nice job conveying the emotions of the characters and distinguishing the voices. Michael Mola is a new narrator to me, but I may check out his future and past work.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.
The final chapter of Dario's story showcases growth and acceptance of identity, biracial status, and sexuality. Despite Dario's insecurity, he learns to ask for help. Overall, the story is a delightful coming-of-age and healing journey. The narrator did a nice job conveying the emotions of the characters and distinguishing the voices. Michael Mola is a new narrator to me, but I may check out his future and past work.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.
April 23, 2024
I held out hope through this series that if the final book was entitled "Found" that Dario would in fact find himself able to live his true life. Thank goodness, all the care he's received from Gavin, Rayland, Louis and especially Kevin pays off here and he is able to accept himself as he is, flawed and human but always striving, he is able to accept the love of his friends and understand why they love him, we get more revealing glimpses of Dario's parents and come to understand them better (if not forgive in one case) and we get to see Kevin and Dario embark on a life together. I am simply stunned by the way Alexander chose to tell this story in seven parts that once I started I could hardly put down to get on with "real" life. These characters are so real and I became so invested in knowing more about them that the rest of the world faded away. Do not miss this read! I can now also say don't miss listening to the audiobook of this one narrated by Micael Mola. As with other audios in the series he does a wonderful job bringing these characters to life.
February 14, 2021
This final, completing, portion happens after the first sections of this series, all leading up to a pivotal point in Dario's life, that moment which happens in a troubled (to put it mildly) teen's life where, at a certain point, they just "break" and accept that things aren't what has always been told to them. Terrible moments, even to the point of seeking "final peace," are very nicely cushioned between lighter, more "balanced," moments of other teens - all done so subtly, yet brilliantly.
The gradual control that Dario gains over himself, his life, and his circumstances is very realistically never perfect, although the crazy banter and fun of his best friends helps carry him through.
Sweet moments, sad moments, terrible memories, problems with and without solutions, and solutions to problems only Dario could confront.
A very nice ending, that leads to a good beginning of a promising future.
The gradual control that Dario gains over himself, his life, and his circumstances is very realistically never perfect, although the crazy banter and fun of his best friends helps carry him through.
Sweet moments, sad moments, terrible memories, problems with and without solutions, and solutions to problems only Dario could confront.
A very nice ending, that leads to a good beginning of a promising future.
January 21, 2022
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book.
The final book in the series. It is twice the length of any of the others. I don’t think I was prepared for that. The other books in the series were more vignettes that made an overarching story, but didn’t read like a traditional book. It would sometimes be months or years between chapters. Chapters were just a few pages. This one was the closest to a traditional novel in the way it was told, but it was still this other style. It was a bit odd in that way. I preferred when the style continued to match up to the others.
The boys are finally together. They finally kiss. Dario stops going to church, sort of. There is so much character growth. A lot of the growth is just out of sheer stubbornness of Dario instead of dealing with his problems. Then he actually starts going to therapy and taking medication. He finally gets professional help and I was so relived. He relaxed so much. He finally started being able to have a life. It was just what I needed.
Some of the little details that I had noticed, but didn’t let pull me out of the story were addressed. Like how did Dario and Kevin get away with being so disruptive in class for so long, what did Kevin’s parents do, and did Dario’s dad consciously realize why he hated Louis. All things I needed answered.
My biggest issue with the book is the last chapter or two. The big new house reveal was a bit much for me, despite enjoying what it opened up for Dario. The last chapter in particular was rough for me. It read as trying to tie up every loose end back to back to back. There was a sentence or paragraph about pretty much every character. Every character got a happily ever after in a big way. Becoming a Broadway star right after having twins sort of big. It felt like it was just too much jam packed into a few pages. I needed a bit more space between all the updates, a more organic approach to make it not feel like a list and unbelievable. One of the endings required a break from a relationship and I wish that had a whole chapter or two to itself. To see the emotions of that. I think that extra chapter would have helped make the ending smoother since some of the other happy ever afters would have been able to be covered there too. Spread them out a bit.
Overall, I loved this series. I was so emotionally attached to the characters.
I got an ARC of this book.
The final book in the series. It is twice the length of any of the others. I don’t think I was prepared for that. The other books in the series were more vignettes that made an overarching story, but didn’t read like a traditional book. It would sometimes be months or years between chapters. Chapters were just a few pages. This one was the closest to a traditional novel in the way it was told, but it was still this other style. It was a bit odd in that way. I preferred when the style continued to match up to the others.
The boys are finally together. They finally kiss. Dario stops going to church, sort of. There is so much character growth. A lot of the growth is just out of sheer stubbornness of Dario instead of dealing with his problems. Then he actually starts going to therapy and taking medication. He finally gets professional help and I was so relived. He relaxed so much. He finally started being able to have a life. It was just what I needed.
Some of the little details that I had noticed, but didn’t let pull me out of the story were addressed. Like how did Dario and Kevin get away with being so disruptive in class for so long, what did Kevin’s parents do, and did Dario’s dad consciously realize why he hated Louis. All things I needed answered.
My biggest issue with the book is the last chapter or two. The big new house reveal was a bit much for me, despite enjoying what it opened up for Dario. The last chapter in particular was rough for me. It read as trying to tie up every loose end back to back to back. There was a sentence or paragraph about pretty much every character. Every character got a happily ever after in a big way. Becoming a Broadway star right after having twins sort of big. It felt like it was just too much jam packed into a few pages. I needed a bit more space between all the updates, a more organic approach to make it not feel like a list and unbelievable. One of the endings required a break from a relationship and I wish that had a whole chapter or two to itself. To see the emotions of that. I think that extra chapter would have helped make the ending smoother since some of the other happy ever afters would have been able to be covered there too. Spread them out a bit.
Overall, I loved this series. I was so emotionally attached to the characters.
February 16, 2022
Well... I am sorry. I just didn't like it as much as the previous books. I am not sure it ever mentions in what time period it is set in. On the one hand, it would seem to be set recently enough for the "black lives matter" movement to be in full swing and gay marriages to be legal, on the other, it feels like a mix of 80s and 90s in it, with its mix of fights, drugs, sex, free love and music. It has that sense of hippie free love ideology with all the unorthodox families and relationships, but mixed with the raves and out of control "living it up" of the 90s. It was slightly discombobulated. The perspectives still change without warning, for example, one paragraph expresses feelings and opinions of Kevin, the next switches to Gavin, the next after that to Dario and it takes extra time and effort to figure out from whose perspective you are reading from. What I said about the previous book still stands - too oversexed. There are way too many talks of sex, retelling of sex and even just over-exaggerated sexualization of all characters. It is like aside from their sexuality and expressing it in any way they can, nothing much matters. At least that is what it felt like to me. About Dario overcoming his issues... I can't support this. I am sorry, but I just can't. It goes against my already questionable morals. What I got from this is that the way to overcome your issues is to start rebelling - stop believing in stuff that used to be important to you, stop being you, start doing drugs, alcohol and sex. So basically the way to resolve the mental issues is to drop your morals, do substance abuse and have a lot of sex. Maybe I missed something or just don't get it, but I can't support that.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
I started this series last year and relistened to the first 6 audiobook in preperation for the release of "Found." The whole series is incredible and Michael Mola does an amazing job with the narration.
"Found" is by far the longest book in the series and it is the last one. It is a different format with the writing and takes on a more novelized approach, instead of the vignette style of the other books. This book follows Dario and Kevin and how Dario finally finds himself and becomes comfortable with himself and who he is. The last couple of lines left me in tears and they were brilliant and summed up so much of the book and the series.
Everything does wrap up a bit too perfectly with all the characters, but they all do deserve a happy ever after so it's ok. I think this will become a series I relisten to often and I think this will be one of those books that tugs at my heartstrings every time I listen to it.
"Found" is by far the longest book in the series and it is the last one. It is a different format with the writing and takes on a more novelized approach, instead of the vignette style of the other books. This book follows Dario and Kevin and how Dario finally finds himself and becomes comfortable with himself and who he is. The last couple of lines left me in tears and they were brilliant and summed up so much of the book and the series.
Everything does wrap up a bit too perfectly with all the characters, but they all do deserve a happy ever after so it's ok. I think this will become a series I relisten to often and I think this will be one of those books that tugs at my heartstrings every time I listen to it.
April 23, 2024
I enjoyed this final chapter in Dario's story, and the series as a whole. I really appreciated that Dario's issues didn't all magically get better and go away. There is growth through the story, but even in the end, Dario is still dealing with issues and insecurity. The difference is now he knows to ask for help when he needs it. I loved how Dario came to accept himself, his biracial status. and his sexuality. I didn't really like the way many of the young characters seemed to freely have sex with other people while they profess to love someone else. Maybe that's how teens/young adults are these days. (I haven't been one for a long time.) Overall, I loved the story as a wonderful coming-of-age/finding-oneself/healing journey.
The narration was very good, and the individual voices suited the age and personality of each character.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
The narration was very good, and the individual voices suited the age and personality of each character.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
January 25, 2022
An amazing insightful series. I am going to do this series review a little differently, I am making a cover comment and making it the same for all 7 books. I truly enjoyed this series. There is one main character, Dario and all the rest of the amazing characters are his salvation. There are some dark triggers so make sure you check that out, however, if you read this series in order it is well worth it. At first I thought, why not just make it one big book, but once I started I couldn't put it down, except for eating and sleeping. Each player in this well crafted story gives a new and different perspective. Whether they are a saviour or an evil hell bend wretch, they bring this story to life. I highly recommend this series. “I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.”
January 31, 2022
So this was the last book in the series and it is much longer than the last six books. I definitely recommend that you start this book from the beginning of the series it overlaps. This book is almost twice as many pages. This book is the culmination of Dario's journey. We see how he sort of finally becomes the confident person Kevin and the others in his life thought he could be. We sort of see a resolution to all their storylines, Ryland, Gavin, and Louis, we see how they are in the future which I always think is nice. It is a good conclusion and I will definitely go back and read this series in the future.
February 1, 2022
This is a beautiful story of the realities of life and struggles dealing with Mental Health Issues that can affect anyone of us. This is a story told in seven parts and different points of view over a few years in Dario's life as he struggles with his anxieties, depression. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend reading all the books in order. Know one I have read so far brings the human side to mental health issues like Samuel Alexander does.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
January 15, 2022
Finally Dario realises who he is and what he can be. There, are some dire moments in the story, however, with Kevin on his side, Dario grows stronger. The realisation that his family are not what he wants them to be is shocking, but again, with those who love him's reassurance he prevails. It's been along road for Dario, full of emotion and heartache. Fortunately, he's had people around him who've nurtured him. The whole series is well worth a read.
February 1, 2022
OMG y’all!!! This was worth all the tears and worry. I loved the way it ended. So much do I had happy tears this time. Being multiracial I could feel deeply what Dario dealt with. It’s hardest when it’s your own family. We are all beautiful just the way we are.
February 1, 2022
the end of a good series.. it was enjoyable.. it was emotional and it was well written with fun things happening. i enjoyed it a lot.
August 13, 2021
A brilliant end to a great series. The first six books pretty much existed on the same timeline but from different points of view, but this picks up where all the other books leave off. This book is so heartwarming and pulls it all together. We learn the truth of Dario’s mother and how she left. You get to see Dario grow into his identity and his relationship with Kevin. You also see all three friends blossom and mature into adulthood with marriage, children, and careers. Although this book still has a large focus on Dario and Kevin, you still get a substantial dose of Gavin, Ryland, and to a lesser extent Louis. There is resolution between Dario and his father, largely due to dad’s new girlfriend (that man is constantly led by a woman-thank goodness this one is worth her salt). Dario moves away from being a nervous and anxious kid into a confident young adult who makes a career decision, formulates a business plan, asks for what he needs, and gets the job done.
Good news Dario becomes comfortable with his blue eyes and sexual orientation and even marries Kevin in the end. Eventually he sees himself as Kevin sees him, but most importantly, he realizes what Louis tried to tell him much earlier and he begins to see things in blue. I don’t often re-read books, but I would re-read this series, especially if it were bundled into on large kindle book (hint, hint).
Thank you Samuel Alexander for giving us such rich, well-rounded, and complex characters. The depth of the dialogue and the nuances of the friendship between Dario, Gavin, and Ryland as well as the friendship between Dario and Louis, is brilliant. Also thank for a story about the Black community and the complexities of our lives!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good news Dario becomes comfortable with his blue eyes and sexual orientation and even marries Kevin in the end. Eventually he sees himself as Kevin sees him, but most importantly, he realizes what Louis tried to tell him much earlier and he begins to see things in blue. I don’t often re-read books, but I would re-read this series, especially if it were bundled into on large kindle book (hint, hint).
Thank you Samuel Alexander for giving us such rich, well-rounded, and complex characters. The depth of the dialogue and the nuances of the friendship between Dario, Gavin, and Ryland as well as the friendship between Dario and Louis, is brilliant. Also thank for a story about the Black community and the complexities of our lives!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2021
Completion . . .
Dario is trying to embrace his true self. Yet he cannot see what others see. He has Kevin to offset the negative message his father gives him. Kevin is confident and positive. He can see the greatness in Dario and lets him know that. He builds up what Dario’s parents have knocked down. The entire summary of his story is captured in one comment regarding the certain truth a confused Dario can latch onto: if Kevin could find the person buried deep inside of him, why couldn’t he? The rest of the story line is for Dario to discover himself and to be true to what he finds out.
Dario is trying to embrace his true self. Yet he cannot see what others see. He has Kevin to offset the negative message his father gives him. Kevin is confident and positive. He can see the greatness in Dario and lets him know that. He builds up what Dario’s parents have knocked down. The entire summary of his story is captured in one comment regarding the certain truth a confused Dario can latch onto: if Kevin could find the person buried deep inside of him, why couldn’t he? The rest of the story line is for Dario to discover himself and to be true to what he finds out.
August 18, 2021
Better out than in. Dario's sister outs him to his Dad and that was emotional and awkward. Dario and Kevin finally talk. They go through a lot of self reflection and make it to some good places. Dario and his family grow and improve. Do Dario and Devin become a couple? Does Dario lose his anxiety? Does he make ti through high school, intact? Does Dario outgrow his anxiety? Nice story. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2024
🎧Audiobook🎧
An emotionally powerful story of finding yourself and staying true. The reality of this book made it that much better, the struggles Dario went through to overcome all his pain was heartbreaking, and Kevin being his muse was the best ending ever!
The narration was awesome as always. Adding all characters together and still differentiated between them all was nothing short of amazing! This is definitely one that will be remembered for a long time and will continue to inspire others.
An emotionally powerful story of finding yourself and staying true. The reality of this book made it that much better, the struggles Dario went through to overcome all his pain was heartbreaking, and Kevin being his muse was the best ending ever!
The narration was awesome as always. Adding all characters together and still differentiated between them all was nothing short of amazing! This is definitely one that will be remembered for a long time and will continue to inspire others.
April 17, 2024
This has been quite an emotional journey. There were a lot of downs before you finally get to see Dario get his HEA. It was not without life's punches. But absolutely loved seeing him grow, become more confident, and learn to live with himself and know that he is fabulous just the way he is. Loved that all the side characters play important parts in this book. Such a wonderful ending to a well told story.
May 11, 2024
In the last book of the series, Dario has emerged from the darkness of depression, anxiety, and internalized homophobia into a sunshiny future with boyfriend Kevin. Best friends Rayland, Gavin and Louis give their unique brands of encouragement along the way. Readers have been through a long journey with Dario, and with ‘Found’ experience a satisfying happily-ever-after.
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