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The Four #4
Forbidden: King
King
My brothers think I have a lot of secrets. They have no idea…
My job is to rescue kids who’ve been stolen from their families. I’m good at it and it helps me forget my own ugly childhood, but I’m a grown man now and the family of my heart is all I need.
Except that I haven’t seen them in two years. I walked out of their lives without an explanation. I walked away from him without even saying goodbye. I know how much I hurt him. I know how badly I broke his trust. But even though we’re not related by blood, our family thinks of me as his uncle.
Yet there’s no part of me that thinks of young Giovanni Covello that way. Problem is, I shouldn’t be thinking about him at all, especially since my thoughts have become less and less innocent since Gio turned eighteen. He’s closing in on twenty now and there’s no escaping him anymore because he’s in New York, the place I rest my head. I don’t trust myself around him, yet I can’t stay away, not after learning about the painful nightmares and frightening memories he’s experiencing about his own abduction and imprisonment as a child.
He’s the son of one of my best friends and he’s had a crush on me for years. But I have to leave him alone. I just have to.
Not because I don’t want Gio, but because he shouldn’t want me. I can’t give him what he wants, what we both want.
Not now. Not ever.
Gio
Things didn’t make sense until he came along. Four years ago, he saved me from myself. Now he’s trying to do it again. But I don’t need saving. I need more than that. So much more…
I don’t remember much about the life I lived as a child after I was stolen from my family, but my doctor says I will. Apparently, the wall in my head will come crashing down one day and all the ugly memories of what had been done to me will come rushing back to me.
I haven’t told anyone, but it’s already happening. I just need to get through the computer course I’m taking in New York City so I can prove to myself that I can live an independent life before returning home to Seattle.
My plan is a pretty good one, but I forgot to include one important variable.
King.
He’s supposedly my uncle but I’ve never seen King that way and there’s not even one drop of shared blood between us.
Two years ago, he was my protector and my friend. And then he was just… gone .
He’s back now and wants back into my life, but not to resume our friendship or to act on the attraction he’s finally admitted to having toward me. No, he just wants to keep me safe.
But that’s a good thing, right?
What could go wrong with having the guy I can’t stop thinking about living with me under my own roof?
Everything .
***This book has trigger warnings. As they could cause spoilers, you can find them at the beginning of the book on the page called Trigger Warnings. You can use the Look In feature of the ebook to read the Trigger Warning before deciding on your purchase.***
My brothers think I have a lot of secrets. They have no idea…
My job is to rescue kids who’ve been stolen from their families. I’m good at it and it helps me forget my own ugly childhood, but I’m a grown man now and the family of my heart is all I need.
Except that I haven’t seen them in two years. I walked out of their lives without an explanation. I walked away from him without even saying goodbye. I know how much I hurt him. I know how badly I broke his trust. But even though we’re not related by blood, our family thinks of me as his uncle.
Yet there’s no part of me that thinks of young Giovanni Covello that way. Problem is, I shouldn’t be thinking about him at all, especially since my thoughts have become less and less innocent since Gio turned eighteen. He’s closing in on twenty now and there’s no escaping him anymore because he’s in New York, the place I rest my head. I don’t trust myself around him, yet I can’t stay away, not after learning about the painful nightmares and frightening memories he’s experiencing about his own abduction and imprisonment as a child.
He’s the son of one of my best friends and he’s had a crush on me for years. But I have to leave him alone. I just have to.
Not because I don’t want Gio, but because he shouldn’t want me. I can’t give him what he wants, what we both want.
Not now. Not ever.
Gio
Things didn’t make sense until he came along. Four years ago, he saved me from myself. Now he’s trying to do it again. But I don’t need saving. I need more than that. So much more…
I don’t remember much about the life I lived as a child after I was stolen from my family, but my doctor says I will. Apparently, the wall in my head will come crashing down one day and all the ugly memories of what had been done to me will come rushing back to me.
I haven’t told anyone, but it’s already happening. I just need to get through the computer course I’m taking in New York City so I can prove to myself that I can live an independent life before returning home to Seattle.
My plan is a pretty good one, but I forgot to include one important variable.
King.
He’s supposedly my uncle but I’ve never seen King that way and there’s not even one drop of shared blood between us.
Two years ago, he was my protector and my friend. And then he was just… gone .
He’s back now and wants back into my life, but not to resume our friendship or to act on the attraction he’s finally admitted to having toward me. No, he just wants to keep me safe.
But that’s a good thing, right?
What could go wrong with having the guy I can’t stop thinking about living with me under my own roof?
Everything .
***This book has trigger warnings. As they could cause spoilers, you can find them at the beginning of the book on the page called Trigger Warnings. You can use the Look In feature of the ebook to read the Trigger Warning before deciding on your purchase.***
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2021
155 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 178 reviews
October 2, 2021
I'm in the minority, but Forbidden is my least favorite of the four books in this series. Maybe I've overdosed on angst and suffering, but Gio and King's pasts are so dark, I could barely bear it.
This is a slow-burn romance. King is not only much older than Gio, but he's Gio's uncle too (although not by blood). Understandably, because of what happened to Gio, the heat level here is on the low side. Gio needs time to trust and heal, and King never pushes him.
King is in fact the perfect alpha male, as is typical of Sloane Kennedy's MCs.
There's the predictable violence/kidnapping toward the end, which I found rather boring to be honest.
Maybe it's me and not the book, but I just never got into this one.
This is a slow-burn romance. King is not only much older than Gio, but he's Gio's uncle too (although not by blood). Understandably, because of what happened to Gio, the heat level here is on the low side. Gio needs time to trust and heal, and King never pushes him.
King is in fact the perfect alpha male, as is typical of Sloane Kennedy's MCs.
There's the predictable violence/kidnapping toward the end, which I found rather boring to be honest.
Maybe it's me and not the book, but I just never got into this one.
October 11, 2021
I liked it. I think is my favorite of the series? Idk although the story is a bit long, and can be slow, King and Gio made me continue. They were nice, and I loved that Gio was so honest. 💛
Ignoring the inconsistencies, maybe you would like it. And the pasts of both mcs are tragic as only Kennedy knows how to do. And the ending is unrealistic but whatever, if you read Kennedy, you know what you're getting into.
Trigger warnings: abuse and sexual abuse.
Ignoring the inconsistencies, maybe you would like it. And the pasts of both mcs are tragic as only Kennedy knows how to do. And the ending is unrealistic but whatever, if you read Kennedy, you know what you're getting into.
Trigger warnings: abuse and sexual abuse.
September 28, 2021
The most anticipated of the 4 was the biggest let down…
King and Gio, how would Sloane Kennedy make this work? A talented writer, I hoped she could pull it off and close the series strong… she did not.
The man who was like a brother to Luca, Lex, Vaughn, and Con is in love with Luca’s traumatized son Gio, so he ran away rather than face his feelings, but now he’s back… surprise!
There’s not a drop of blood between them (which we hear many, many times), but it doesn’t make the romance feel less… odd, awkward, unbelievable… I can’t find the right word. There was an attempt at a high angst slow burn that missed the mark. The story was not compelling and oscillated between overuse of flashbacks and nightmares to a really dull romance (which doesn’t get going until nearly the end and is very low steam) and the ending was just rushed and unbelievable… although I was glad it was over.
There is is a lot of violence and sexual abuse, but if you’re reading Sloane Kennedy and didn’t know you were in for this… I’m not sure what you were thinking. If this is your first Sloane Kennedy book… I think you should probably go back and start the series from the beginning so it makes mor sense… andddddd it’s not her best work.
My advice… skip the series and go back and read (or reread) Barretti Security or Protectors books… they’re far better on the whole.
Trigger Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Rape, Abuse and Sexual Abuse, Abuse and Sexual Abuse of a Minor
King and Gio, how would Sloane Kennedy make this work? A talented writer, I hoped she could pull it off and close the series strong… she did not.
The man who was like a brother to Luca, Lex, Vaughn, and Con is in love with Luca’s traumatized son Gio, so he ran away rather than face his feelings, but now he’s back… surprise!
There’s not a drop of blood between them (which we hear many, many times), but it doesn’t make the romance feel less… odd, awkward, unbelievable… I can’t find the right word. There was an attempt at a high angst slow burn that missed the mark. The story was not compelling and oscillated between overuse of flashbacks and nightmares to a really dull romance (which doesn’t get going until nearly the end and is very low steam) and the ending was just rushed and unbelievable… although I was glad it was over.
There is is a lot of violence and sexual abuse, but if you’re reading Sloane Kennedy and didn’t know you were in for this… I’m not sure what you were thinking. If this is your first Sloane Kennedy book… I think you should probably go back and start the series from the beginning so it makes mor sense… andddddd it’s not her best work.
My advice… skip the series and go back and read (or reread) Barretti Security or Protectors books… they’re far better on the whole.
Trigger Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Rape, Abuse and Sexual Abuse, Abuse and Sexual Abuse of a Minor
October 2, 2021
Expect some spoilers in this review about the course of the relationship.
I’ve been wanting to read King and Gio’s story ever since I read the first book. And while it wasn’t quite what I was expecting, I still really enjoyed it.
I was afraid these guys would start a physical relationship (in whatever form possible when you have a rape victim) based on guilt and anger (at themselves). And that would have killed the romance for me.
So I was quite happy when these guys get all the guilt and anger and whatever out of the way before they really start something. These guys only get together around 75% or so and I was very much okay with that. There were the I love yous before they were all in. I really hate it when traumatized men start a relationship but then do the push and pull a million times because they can’t handle it.
But King and Gio acknowledged their attraction and tried to be friends of sorts first. Now that didn’t quite go without some push and pull, but I was still happy they didn’t do the whole angry kissing and stuff I often see in books like these.
I was also very happy that the whole family thing wasn’t such a big deal in the end.
So overall I really liked this and I can’t wait to read about Christopher and Rush! (In a spin-off?)
I’ve been wanting to read King and Gio’s story ever since I read the first book. And while it wasn’t quite what I was expecting, I still really enjoyed it.
I was afraid these guys would start a physical relationship (in whatever form possible when you have a rape victim) based on guilt and anger (at themselves). And that would have killed the romance for me.
So I was quite happy when these guys get all the guilt and anger and whatever out of the way before they really start something. These guys only get together around 75% or so and I was very much okay with that. There were the I love yous before they were all in. I really hate it when traumatized men start a relationship but then do the push and pull a million times because they can’t handle it.
But King and Gio acknowledged their attraction and tried to be friends of sorts first. Now that didn’t quite go without some push and pull, but I was still happy they didn’t do the whole angry kissing and stuff I often see in books like these.
I was also very happy that the whole family thing wasn’t such a big deal in the end.
So overall I really liked this and I can’t wait to read about Christopher and Rush! (In a spin-off?)
July 22, 2022
Oh my. All the heartbreak and all the love and hurt. This was a wonderful ending to the series. Gio and King won my heart.
February 14, 2023
1:20 in the morning. My alarm is set for 4am. I knew I shouldn’t have tried to read a “few pages” before bed.
Though this is typical SK , I still enjoyed getting King and Gio’s story. It was heartbreaking at times, but their love was worth it.
Though this is typical SK , I still enjoyed getting King and Gio’s story. It was heartbreaking at times, but their love was worth it.
August 24, 2022
Story: 3.5 ⭐️
Narration:………….
THE MOST EXTREME MAN PAIN AND TRAUMA.
April 18, 2022
La vida de Gio no ha sido facil, desde que fue secuestrado y mantenido como un juguete sexual por Kurt, hasta su liberacion por su padre y sus amigos, solo ha tenido una persona en la que ha confiado ciegamente, King. El era la voz que lo traia de regreso de sus pesadillas, la que le decia que era real y que no. Siempre fue el que le decia la verdad y nunca le oculto nada. Por eso cuando desaparecio hace unos años, Gio penso que era algo que el habia hecho que lo habia alejado, pero eso no impidio que su apego o su "amor" por el fuera menos. Asi que cuando el reaprece en su apartamento en New York, donde estaba haciendo un curso en Computacion, lo menos que espera es que sus sentimientos hacia el se mantuvieran y se intensificara, sobre todo ahora que al parecer sus memorias de su tiempo secuestrado estaban resurgiendo, y era cuando mas lo necesitaba.
King no esta orgulloso de haber abandonado a Gio hace algunos años, pero no podia dejar de pensar en el y no de la forma en que deberia pensar un tio, asi que cuando cumplio 18 años, no pudo evitar que su atraccion hacia el joven creciera tanto que no puediera refrenarse solo con su fuerza de voluntad, asi que puso tierra de por medio. Y cuando se entero que Gio estaba solo en New York estudiando, no pudo evitar dejar todo lo que estaba siendo para volver y protegerlo, aunque el no lo supiera. Pero cuando se da cuenta que no solo tiene que proteger su cuerpo sino tambien su cordura, no duda en instalarse dentro del apartamento para estar ahi cada noche cuando el mas lo necesitara. Pero nada de eso evita que los sentimientos que tiene por Gio crezcan, y que su sentido del deber lo haga sentir cada vez mas culpable, ademas de que comiencen a resurgir memorias de su propio pasado traumatizado. Ahora no solo tendra que luchar por mantener a Gio cuerdo, sino para mantenerse a si mismo cuerdo.
Ambos deberan enfrentar sus miedos, culpa y dejar que el amor entre ellos los ayude a sanar, y permitir de nuevo que su familia se acerque.
Este era quizas uno de los libros que mas queria leer, sobre todo por King, quien fue siempre el personaje en el que todos confiaban y se apoyaban, pero que siempre fue un misterio. Incluso con el libro de Con (el anterior a este), casi no nos hablaron nada de King. Y debo decir que no me defraudo para nada, sabia que tenia que tener un gran equipaje psicologico, pero nunca espere que fuera asi, y mucho menos que el causante de su trauma fuera a terminar tan rapido, pero bueno, la historia para llegar ahi fue muy buena. En cuando al personaje de Gio, se sabia desde el comienzo que iba a tener problemas con los flashback, y que en algun momento King lo iba a ayudar, asi que eso no fue ninguna sorpresa, pero si lo fue la forma como el autor logro que tanto las historias de Gio como la de King expresaran los sentientos de dolor e impotencia que me causaron, termine la historia con una sensacion de agradecimiento por que todos los del grupo de los cuatro hayan encontrado su final feliz.
Asi que si, la historia que nos muestra el autor en estos cuatro libros, cerro con broche de oro, y aunque se que hay una historia corta despues de esta (de Christopher), con este libro se siente un cierre excelente para la serie.
En fin, en seguro que leere la historia corta, y mas adelante alguna otra serie de este autor.
King no esta orgulloso de haber abandonado a Gio hace algunos años, pero no podia dejar de pensar en el y no de la forma en que deberia pensar un tio, asi que cuando cumplio 18 años, no pudo evitar que su atraccion hacia el joven creciera tanto que no puediera refrenarse solo con su fuerza de voluntad, asi que puso tierra de por medio. Y cuando se entero que Gio estaba solo en New York estudiando, no pudo evitar dejar todo lo que estaba siendo para volver y protegerlo, aunque el no lo supiera. Pero cuando se da cuenta que no solo tiene que proteger su cuerpo sino tambien su cordura, no duda en instalarse dentro del apartamento para estar ahi cada noche cuando el mas lo necesitara. Pero nada de eso evita que los sentimientos que tiene por Gio crezcan, y que su sentido del deber lo haga sentir cada vez mas culpable, ademas de que comiencen a resurgir memorias de su propio pasado traumatizado. Ahora no solo tendra que luchar por mantener a Gio cuerdo, sino para mantenerse a si mismo cuerdo.
Ambos deberan enfrentar sus miedos, culpa y dejar que el amor entre ellos los ayude a sanar, y permitir de nuevo que su familia se acerque.
Este era quizas uno de los libros que mas queria leer, sobre todo por King, quien fue siempre el personaje en el que todos confiaban y se apoyaban, pero que siempre fue un misterio. Incluso con el libro de Con (el anterior a este), casi no nos hablaron nada de King. Y debo decir que no me defraudo para nada, sabia que tenia que tener un gran equipaje psicologico, pero nunca espere que fuera asi, y mucho menos que el causante de su trauma fuera a terminar tan rapido, pero bueno, la historia para llegar ahi fue muy buena. En cuando al personaje de Gio, se sabia desde el comienzo que iba a tener problemas con los flashback, y que en algun momento King lo iba a ayudar, asi que eso no fue ninguna sorpresa, pero si lo fue la forma como el autor logro que tanto las historias de Gio como la de King expresaran los sentientos de dolor e impotencia que me causaron, termine la historia con una sensacion de agradecimiento por que todos los del grupo de los cuatro hayan encontrado su final feliz.
Asi que si, la historia que nos muestra el autor en estos cuatro libros, cerro con broche de oro, y aunque se que hay una historia corta despues de esta (de Christopher), con este libro se siente un cierre excelente para la serie.
En fin, en seguro que leere la historia corta, y mas adelante alguna otra serie de este autor.
October 11, 2021
This book. Ending it with a BIG smile.
King: the BEST man ever. My favorite character of this series. He deserves so much LOVE.
I really liked this book. It wasn't perfect and some parts felt useless (Gio and Christopher in the club) I I LOVED some (the bond, the family, the love, the friendship), I LIKED the others.
And I was so stressed about Luca finding everything omg!
The end was really cute and i'm so happy King found HIS man.
I wish these two guys (Gio is one of the strongest man, such a pure character) a long and happy life.
Love this family. Wish them the best because they all deserve IT.
Sad to say goodbye.
King: the BEST man ever. My favorite character of this series. He deserves so much LOVE.
I really liked this book. It wasn't perfect and some parts felt useless (Gio and Christopher in the club) I I LOVED some (the bond, the family, the love, the friendship), I LIKED the others.
And I was so stressed about Luca finding everything omg!
The end was really cute and i'm so happy King found HIS man.
I wish these two guys (Gio is one of the strongest man, such a pure character) a long and happy life.
Love this family. Wish them the best because they all deserve IT.
Sad to say goodbye.
November 11, 2021
3.75
This was definitely my most anticipated book of this series and oh boy I did not expect it to get this dark. I really appreciate how it takes its time to build up to the steam though because of that aforementioned darkness, it just wouldn't have made sense for King and Gio to immediately get hot and heavy after all of the trauma they had both experienced. I will say I expected more of a fall-out once their relationship came out, that was way too easy.
Bonus points for how often the beginning reminds us that there is absolutely 0% blood relation between these two, lmao.
Before Reading:
After overanalyzing 1 throwaway comment in Unbroken for months I think I know what the premise of this might be and I need to know if I'm right. I wasn't totally sure, but having finished Foreseen less than 24 hours ago...I wonder...
This was definitely my most anticipated book of this series and oh boy I did not expect it to get this dark. I really appreciate how it takes its time to build up to the steam though because of that aforementioned darkness, it just wouldn't have made sense for King and Gio to immediately get hot and heavy after all of the trauma they had both experienced. I will say I expected more of a fall-out once their relationship came out, that was way too easy.
Bonus points for how often the beginning reminds us that there is absolutely 0% blood relation between these two, lmao.
Before Reading:
After overanalyzing 1 throwaway comment in Unbroken for months I think I know what the premise of this might be and I need to know if I'm right. I wasn't totally sure, but having finished Foreseen less than 24 hours ago...I wonder...
September 30, 2021
Although I love the pair in this book and was really looking forward to reading this one, I can’t give a book that spends over 50% like this:
King- I want him. I’m horny. But I can’t have him. Shame and self-loathing. Push him away.
Gio- I want him. I’m horny. But I can’t have him. Because reasons. Push him away.
which replayed on a loop for over 50% of the book!!! More than 3 stars.
Honestly at this point I don’t know if I truly love this author anymore or if it’s just nostalgia for her protectors series, which in my opinion, were outlined and written ten times better than her newer works in the Four series. My disappointment with this author started with Foreseen: Lex (which had absolutely no high stakes plot themes Kennedy is known for) and I’m sorry to say has continued up to this book.
Where is the old Sloane Kennedy? I miss her.
King- I want him. I’m horny. But I can’t have him. Shame and self-loathing. Push him away.
Gio- I want him. I’m horny. But I can’t have him. Because reasons. Push him away.
which replayed on a loop for over 50% of the book!!! More than 3 stars.
Honestly at this point I don’t know if I truly love this author anymore or if it’s just nostalgia for her protectors series, which in my opinion, were outlined and written ten times better than her newer works in the Four series. My disappointment with this author started with Foreseen: Lex (which had absolutely no high stakes plot themes Kennedy is known for) and I’m sorry to say has continued up to this book.
Where is the old Sloane Kennedy? I miss her.
May 30, 2023
I liked how King felt comfortable enough to tell Gio his story, as if they were both trying healing each other. I also liked how the author ended things in Seattle where Gio was able to be with his family and he started helping the group to rescue young kids who were abducted.
October 3, 2021
This book sums up my feelings for the series on the whole. A lot of potential but overall underwhelming.
I would have liked the truth of King's past and the subsequent "closure" he had to have been revealed sooner. That part of King's story is integral but it felt really rushed to me. I would have also liked more conversations between him and his brothers.
I was also frustrated that Sloane Kennedy went down the route so many MM author's do - why is it when the "alpha" lead experiences trauma they will "never bottom" and that's that but when it's the younger/smaller/more twinky lead they somehow deal with the trauma and also end up being the one to bottom? In the protectors series one of the reasons I loved Aleks and Vaughn so much was because of the realistic way I felt Aleks trauma and recovery was dealt with. I'm disappointed Gio didn't get similar treatment.
This wasn't a bad book but for me it wasn't amazing either. I found it a bit boring in parts and I expected more so I found myself disappointed.
I would have liked the truth of King's past and the subsequent "closure" he had to have been revealed sooner. That part of King's story is integral but it felt really rushed to me. I would have also liked more conversations between him and his brothers.
I was also frustrated that Sloane Kennedy went down the route so many MM author's do - why is it when the "alpha" lead experiences trauma they will "never bottom" and that's that but when it's the younger/smaller/more twinky lead they somehow deal with the trauma and also end up being the one to bottom? In the protectors series one of the reasons I loved Aleks and Vaughn so much was because of the realistic way I felt Aleks trauma and recovery was dealt with. I'm disappointed Gio didn't get similar treatment.
This wasn't a bad book but for me it wasn't amazing either. I found it a bit boring in parts and I expected more so I found myself disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2021
I was so excited to finally read this book. Unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. Overall 3 stars. It felt a bit like groundhog day. Each day was the same. King's inner dialogue was approx. 3/4 0f the book. Probably the first book I have read from this author where the actual plot was non-existent with an anticlimactic ending.
June 29, 2022
2.5-3 stars
Umm.. if King knew what Gio went through.. why did he keep up the push/pull mind games… that was the most annoying part.
Both King and Gio had lots to over come and I didn’t feel like this gave them the justice they deserved..
Also all these added plots to make the story “darker” weren’t needed and took you out of the book.. I am thinking of in the last book “Dick” and Con at the end.. and for this book, Kings past.. idk just didn’t fit as well as I think SK would like..
Sloane Kennedy’s books are hit or miss for me, they are normally 3 stars unless something magical happens to make them 4. But I feel like the premises of most of her books are better than the actual book…
Book two (Lex’s book is still the best in the series in my opinion)
Umm.. if King knew what Gio went through.. why did he keep up the push/pull mind games… that was the most annoying part.
Both King and Gio had lots to over come and I didn’t feel like this gave them the justice they deserved..
Also all these added plots to make the story “darker” weren’t needed and took you out of the book.. I am thinking of in the last book “Dick” and Con at the end.. and for this book, Kings past.. idk just didn’t fit as well as I think SK would like..
Sloane Kennedy’s books are hit or miss for me, they are normally 3 stars unless something magical happens to make them 4. But I feel like the premises of most of her books are better than the actual book…
Book two (Lex’s book is still the best in the series in my opinion)
October 5, 2021
I'm curious how Sloane is going to pull this off if King's love interest who I think he is ;)
September 30, 2021
Gio gets his HEA.
Writing my review as I read the book… contains spoilers so be aware…
I’m 55% in now and meh it’s been the same song different day for chapters and chapters. We can’t be together. It’s wrong. Blah blah. More incessant internal dialogue. I’ve read all Sloane’s books and really don’t remember so much internal musings. I’m so bored with the stagnant storyline. We get it! You are a potential taboo couple. You are tortured by your past.
67% and still the same narrative 😣
77% in. I know Sloane is the queen of trauma porn but there was always some happy moments thrown in. I’m still waiting for that and their 1st kiss still hasn’t happened.
Finally a semi happy moment where there is acceptance. They love each other. But is it enough? I’m still tbh not feeling them as a couple. It feels a bit forced.
They get their HEA after being apart most of the book. I’m not sure I can read the tortured character plot anymore. I think this is my limit.
Writing my review as I read the book… contains spoilers so be aware…
I’m 55% in now and meh it’s been the same song different day for chapters and chapters. We can’t be together. It’s wrong. Blah blah. More incessant internal dialogue. I’ve read all Sloane’s books and really don’t remember so much internal musings. I’m so bored with the stagnant storyline. We get it! You are a potential taboo couple. You are tortured by your past.
67% and still the same narrative 😣
77% in. I know Sloane is the queen of trauma porn but there was always some happy moments thrown in. I’m still waiting for that and their 1st kiss still hasn’t happened.
Finally a semi happy moment where there is acceptance. They love each other. But is it enough? I’m still tbh not feeling them as a couple. It feels a bit forced.
They get their HEA after being apart most of the book. I’m not sure I can read the tortured character plot anymore. I think this is my limit.
October 3, 2021
Forbidden?! Mmm. Yes, please ;)
January 4, 2022
I was so sure this was going to be my favorite book, and it was horrible 🤡 😂
September 26, 2021
For those readers that have been following the story of the four brothers, this has been a greatly anticipated book.
It's Gio and King's story!!
From the first book the author has been feeding us tiny bits of details to keep us guessing and wondering, why, why why ?
From the start Gio has been central to the story, his abduction and rescue and hellish years in captivity had been the glue that kept all the men tight and solid. They have had each others backs from childhood, but what had happened to cause King to stay away from his family, to stay away from Gino, his brothers boy.
I wanted answers, I needed them to stop my heart aching for Gio.
The poor boy hero worshiped King, he was always there holding his hand in the depths of his despair, so why leave ?
This story is pretty hard to read, there are too many flash backs and nightmares full of wicked and evil acts.
But, it is also a story of facing up to your guilt, addressing your waking nightmares and redemption, of listening to your gut and really looking inside your heart.
And finally coming home.
The answers I was chasing came with a price, to find out about King's secret and to re live his trauma was tough.
But, Sloane Kennedy masterfully injected moments of great intimacy and a fabulous finale to make me happy again.
This story is pretty intense, but it is so well put together that you cannot help but admire her talent again and again.
It's Gio and King's story!!
From the first book the author has been feeding us tiny bits of details to keep us guessing and wondering, why, why why ?
From the start Gio has been central to the story, his abduction and rescue and hellish years in captivity had been the glue that kept all the men tight and solid. They have had each others backs from childhood, but what had happened to cause King to stay away from his family, to stay away from Gino, his brothers boy.
I wanted answers, I needed them to stop my heart aching for Gio.
The poor boy hero worshiped King, he was always there holding his hand in the depths of his despair, so why leave ?
This story is pretty hard to read, there are too many flash backs and nightmares full of wicked and evil acts.
But, it is also a story of facing up to your guilt, addressing your waking nightmares and redemption, of listening to your gut and really looking inside your heart.
And finally coming home.
The answers I was chasing came with a price, to find out about King's secret and to re live his trauma was tough.
But, Sloane Kennedy masterfully injected moments of great intimacy and a fabulous finale to make me happy again.
This story is pretty intense, but it is so well put together that you cannot help but admire her talent again and again.
October 1, 2021
Wow so much of what I love about this Author is the writing. I love these two so much!
September 27, 2021
We really got a chance to dig deep into both their psyche’s and find out what really went on those couple of years ago before King fled, and delve into King’s past (brace yourself!). You get the chance here to get to know them better and understand them through the evolution of their own thoughts and fears. I think Gio and King weren’t very different underneath. King may come across as this big, strong, alpha guy, but he’s just as sensitive under that tough exterior. And FYI, that’s one of the things Sloane does so well, she creates these hard and often scary characters who you can count on to swoop in and save the day, but reveals so beautifully, the soft, caring and often fragile heart they have, and King here is no exception. These two are such complex characters and you know it’s not going to be an easy road, far from it―especially given the horrific events that Gio suffered with Kurt―and there’ll be other external obstacles along the way besides themselves that'll definitely put you through the wringer. Where the story shines is how you really feel the emotions of the characters; you feel Gio’s pain and King’s helplessness, and how Sloane moves the story from you feeling as though there’s way too much against them for any kind of peace and redemption and a happy future, but factor in the inner strength these guys have and the brotherhood surrounding them and there may just be a chance after all…
Copy kindly provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
Copy kindly provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
September 26, 2021
I've been looking forward to this book for a while now. Gio and King have both held a special place in my heart since the first book in the series and I've been excited to see how their story goes..
This is an intense story of pain, guilt, healing and the power of family. It is at times gut wrenchingly sad and hurt my heart a bit to read, but I knew going in that Gio and King's story was going to be tough yet beautiful, and it was.
The bravery, courage and strength of both of these men were admirable. King and Gio both touched me with their vulnerability.
This is a fantastic story that had me fully invested right from the start. This author knows how to pull you into a story, rip your heart out and then slowly put it back together and thank her for doing it. I loved this book and the whole series and I look forward to Christopher's story!!
This is an intense story of pain, guilt, healing and the power of family. It is at times gut wrenchingly sad and hurt my heart a bit to read, but I knew going in that Gio and King's story was going to be tough yet beautiful, and it was.
The bravery, courage and strength of both of these men were admirable. King and Gio both touched me with their vulnerability.
This is a fantastic story that had me fully invested right from the start. This author knows how to pull you into a story, rip your heart out and then slowly put it back together and thank her for doing it. I loved this book and the whole series and I look forward to Christopher's story!!
October 1, 2021
I'm probably a minority here but I don't find anything forbidden about their feelings for each other. Just because someone was around you when you were younger doesn't mean that the feelings are a bad thing once they are older. That being said, I love this author's work. They take crazy plots to the brink and back again and yet somehow it's believable and entertaining. Another good one, can't wait for the next one.
October 1, 2021
3.5 stars. Was a bit of a repeat of Con’s story to the point that some of the lines were exactly the same but I was invested in the series so 🤷🏼♀️😂
September 29, 2021
It was so worth the wait! I think from the start of this series we were all waiting for King and it does not disappoint. It is an emotion driven story that will capture your heart and mind.
It wasn't at all what i expected. Especially given we already know Gio's story mostly. It's played out from book one so i expected it to be based on his healing. What i didn't expect was it to be about King's trauma. Well i guess i thought we would find out about his past but what unfolded was heartbreaking. At first you think it's about King looking out for Gio, and it is, but under the layers is a man that's trying to help and heal everyone around him while he suffers in silence.
Gio needs King. He's come to depend on his strength and presence even over the years King has been AWOL, King has helped him through the tough times. Now King has appeared back in his life Gio has hope all his dreams can come true. King shows him moments of weakness and Gio holds on to that. Through his own struggles Gio realises he's not the only one who needs comfort.
These two! My heart bleeds for them. This story draws all your emotions to the surface. I was so engrossed and invested in them i couldn't tear my eyes away. Most of the story is based in one location and this allows you to feel it all. Their pain and suffering. Their yearning and love for one another is there. Page after page i was drawn in further and further. It actually hurt to feel their love. Especially in Kings POV because he felt like there was no way he could have what he truly wanted. In Gio's point of view you got snippets of hope that i clung on to.
Their love was pure and honest and i just loved them to bits. Cute and innocent Gio was a perfect balance to Kings hard and tough personality. Gio brought out all the feelings King had suppressed over the years. He was like a warm blanket wrapped around King, and King was a protective shield for Gio to find peace behind. Two broken soul's who were only meant for each other.
An absolute stroke of genius by Ms Kennedy making this just about them. It's not action packed like some of the other stories, it's completely character driven on pure emotions. I bloody loved every single word!
It was great to see the other brothers and enjoy their happiness and my smile grew huge when i saw at the end Christopher is getting his own story! Woooo hooo i can't wait to get to know him more and find out about his guy!
This author blows me away every time i read her. Highly recommend this story and all her others. Can't wait for the next book!
It wasn't at all what i expected. Especially given we already know Gio's story mostly. It's played out from book one so i expected it to be based on his healing. What i didn't expect was it to be about King's trauma. Well i guess i thought we would find out about his past but what unfolded was heartbreaking. At first you think it's about King looking out for Gio, and it is, but under the layers is a man that's trying to help and heal everyone around him while he suffers in silence.
Gio needs King. He's come to depend on his strength and presence even over the years King has been AWOL, King has helped him through the tough times. Now King has appeared back in his life Gio has hope all his dreams can come true. King shows him moments of weakness and Gio holds on to that. Through his own struggles Gio realises he's not the only one who needs comfort.
These two! My heart bleeds for them. This story draws all your emotions to the surface. I was so engrossed and invested in them i couldn't tear my eyes away. Most of the story is based in one location and this allows you to feel it all. Their pain and suffering. Their yearning and love for one another is there. Page after page i was drawn in further and further. It actually hurt to feel their love. Especially in Kings POV because he felt like there was no way he could have what he truly wanted. In Gio's point of view you got snippets of hope that i clung on to.
Their love was pure and honest and i just loved them to bits. Cute and innocent Gio was a perfect balance to Kings hard and tough personality. Gio brought out all the feelings King had suppressed over the years. He was like a warm blanket wrapped around King, and King was a protective shield for Gio to find peace behind. Two broken soul's who were only meant for each other.
An absolute stroke of genius by Ms Kennedy making this just about them. It's not action packed like some of the other stories, it's completely character driven on pure emotions. I bloody loved every single word!
It was great to see the other brothers and enjoy their happiness and my smile grew huge when i saw at the end Christopher is getting his own story! Woooo hooo i can't wait to get to know him more and find out about his guy!
This author blows me away every time i read her. Highly recommend this story and all her others. Can't wait for the next book!
October 9, 2025
I wanted to like this one more than the other, but something's missing.
This one has Gio and King, and I was really looking forward to the story. While this is still a good story, something is missing to make it great. Unfortunately, I'm not exactly sure what it is.
It's lovely to see Gio all grown up, and that the sort of trauma he went through, doesn't just go away, and it takes time and work to put it behind him.
This one has Gio and King, and I was really looking forward to the story. While this is still a good story, something is missing to make it great. Unfortunately, I'm not exactly sure what it is.
It's lovely to see Gio all grown up, and that the sort of trauma he went through, doesn't just go away, and it takes time and work to put it behind him.
January 13, 2022
The Four #4
King finally gets his turn and this book is called Forbidden for a reason… Gio is his heart's desire. Fortunately the teenager has grown into a capable young man. Enjoy!
Read:
January 11-12, 2022 – Audible Audiobook
Recommended Chronological Reading Order for the “A Family Chosen” (Escort Finding Security Protectors Four) Universe:
1. Gabriel’s Rule (m/ f) (The Escort Series, #1) – Gabriel (Gabe) Maddox & Riley Sinclair
2. Shane’s Fall (m/ f) (The Escort Series, #2) – Shane Matthews & Savannah Bradshaw
3. Logan’s Need (m/ m) (The Escort Series, #3) – Logan Bradshaw & Dominic (Dom) Barretti
4. Finding Home (m/ m/ m) (Finding Series, #1) – Callan (Cal) Bale & Rhys Tellar & Finn Stewart
5. Finding Trust (m/ m) (Finding Series, #2) – Jaxson (Jax) Reid & Dane Winters
6. Loving Vin (m/ f) (Barretti Security Series, #1) – Vin Barretti & Mia Reynolds
7. Redeeming Rafe (m/ m) (Barretti Security Series, #2) – Rafe Barretti & Cade Gamble
8. Rafe and Cade Short Story (m/m) (Barretti Security Series #2.5) – Rafe & Cade FREE Read
9. Saving Ren (m/ m/ m) (Barretti Security Series, #3) – Ren Barretti & Declan Hale & Jagger Varos
10. Freeing Zane (m/ m) (Barretti Security Series, #4) – Zane Devereaux & Connor Talbot
11. Finding Peace (m/ m) (Finding Series, #3) – Gray Hawthorne & Luke Monroe
12. Finding Forgiveness (m/ m) (Finding Series, #4) – Roman Blackwell & Hunter Greene
13. Absolution (m/ m/ m) (The Protectors, #1) – Mace Calhoun & Cole Bridgerton & Jonas Davenport
14. Salvation (m/ m) (The Protectors, #2) – Ronan Grisham & Seth Nichols
15. Retribution (m/ m) (The Protectors, #3) – Michael (Hawke) Hawkins & Tate Buckley
16. Forsaken (m/ m) (The Protectors, #4) – Maverick (Mav) James & Elias (Eli) Galvez
17. A Night Out (m/m) (The Protectors #4.5) – Ronan & Seth and Hawke & Tate FREE Read
18. Vengeance (m/ m/ m) (The Protectors, #5) – Memphis Wheland & Tristan Barretti & Brennan Devereaux
19. A Protectors Family Christmas (The Protectors #5.5) – everyone
20. Discovering Daisy: A Protectors Novella (m/m/f) (The Protectors # 5.6) – Sage Brighton & Cash Malloy & Daisy Washburne
21. Atonement (m/ m) (The Protectors #6) – Dante Thorne & Magnus DuCane
22. Love in Handcuffs (m/m) (The Protectors #6.5) – Magnus & Dante FREE Read
23. Revelation (m/ m) (The Protectors #7) – Cain Jensen & Ethan Rhodes
24. Redemption (m/ m) (The Protectors #8) – Pheonix Jones & Levi Deming
25. Finding Hope (m/ m/ m) (Finding Series #5) – Quinn Donovan & Beck Barretti & Brody Wilder
26. Defiance (m/ m) (The Protectors #9) – Vincent St. James & Nathan Wilder
27. Protecting Elliot: A Protectors Novella (m/m) (The Protectors #9.5) – Cruz de la Vega & Elliot Wittier
28. Obsessed (m/m) (The Protectors #13) – Matias de la Vega & Sam Wittier
29. Unexpected (m/m/m) (The Protectors #10) – Gage Fortier & Jonathan Nash & Everett Shaw
30. Made Mine (m/m) (The Protectors #10.5/Made Marian #7.5) – Reese Shaw & Ben Bassett
31. Shattered (m/m) (The Protectors #11) – Jace Christianson & Caleb Cortano
32. Unbroken (m/m) (The Protectors #12) – Aleksander (Aleks) Silva & Vaughn
33. Forgotten: Luca (m/m) (The Four #1) – Luca Covello & Remy
34. Foreseen: Lex (m/m) (The Four #2) – Lex & Gideon
35. Forgiven: Con (m/m) (The Four #3) – Con & Micah
36. Pretend You’re Mine (m/m) (The Protectors #12.5) – Devon Rhodes and Sebastian Deville
37. Forbidden: King (m/m) (The Four #4) – King & Gio
38. Untitled (The Protectors #14) – Dalton & Silver
King finally gets his turn and this book is called Forbidden for a reason… Gio is his heart's desire. Fortunately the teenager has grown into a capable young man. Enjoy!
Read:
January 11-12, 2022 – Audible Audiobook
Recommended Chronological Reading Order for the “A Family Chosen” (Escort Finding Security Protectors Four) Universe:
1. Gabriel’s Rule (m/ f) (The Escort Series, #1) – Gabriel (Gabe) Maddox & Riley Sinclair
2. Shane’s Fall (m/ f) (The Escort Series, #2) – Shane Matthews & Savannah Bradshaw
3. Logan’s Need (m/ m) (The Escort Series, #3) – Logan Bradshaw & Dominic (Dom) Barretti
4. Finding Home (m/ m/ m) (Finding Series, #1) – Callan (Cal) Bale & Rhys Tellar & Finn Stewart
5. Finding Trust (m/ m) (Finding Series, #2) – Jaxson (Jax) Reid & Dane Winters
6. Loving Vin (m/ f) (Barretti Security Series, #1) – Vin Barretti & Mia Reynolds
7. Redeeming Rafe (m/ m) (Barretti Security Series, #2) – Rafe Barretti & Cade Gamble
8. Rafe and Cade Short Story (m/m) (Barretti Security Series #2.5) – Rafe & Cade FREE Read
9. Saving Ren (m/ m/ m) (Barretti Security Series, #3) – Ren Barretti & Declan Hale & Jagger Varos
10. Freeing Zane (m/ m) (Barretti Security Series, #4) – Zane Devereaux & Connor Talbot
11. Finding Peace (m/ m) (Finding Series, #3) – Gray Hawthorne & Luke Monroe
12. Finding Forgiveness (m/ m) (Finding Series, #4) – Roman Blackwell & Hunter Greene
13. Absolution (m/ m/ m) (The Protectors, #1) – Mace Calhoun & Cole Bridgerton & Jonas Davenport
14. Salvation (m/ m) (The Protectors, #2) – Ronan Grisham & Seth Nichols
15. Retribution (m/ m) (The Protectors, #3) – Michael (Hawke) Hawkins & Tate Buckley
16. Forsaken (m/ m) (The Protectors, #4) – Maverick (Mav) James & Elias (Eli) Galvez
17. A Night Out (m/m) (The Protectors #4.5) – Ronan & Seth and Hawke & Tate FREE Read
18. Vengeance (m/ m/ m) (The Protectors, #5) – Memphis Wheland & Tristan Barretti & Brennan Devereaux
19. A Protectors Family Christmas (The Protectors #5.5) – everyone
20. Discovering Daisy: A Protectors Novella (m/m/f) (The Protectors # 5.6) – Sage Brighton & Cash Malloy & Daisy Washburne
21. Atonement (m/ m) (The Protectors #6) – Dante Thorne & Magnus DuCane
22. Love in Handcuffs (m/m) (The Protectors #6.5) – Magnus & Dante FREE Read
23. Revelation (m/ m) (The Protectors #7) – Cain Jensen & Ethan Rhodes
24. Redemption (m/ m) (The Protectors #8) – Pheonix Jones & Levi Deming
25. Finding Hope (m/ m/ m) (Finding Series #5) – Quinn Donovan & Beck Barretti & Brody Wilder
26. Defiance (m/ m) (The Protectors #9) – Vincent St. James & Nathan Wilder
27. Protecting Elliot: A Protectors Novella (m/m) (The Protectors #9.5) – Cruz de la Vega & Elliot Wittier
28. Obsessed (m/m) (The Protectors #13) – Matias de la Vega & Sam Wittier
29. Unexpected (m/m/m) (The Protectors #10) – Gage Fortier & Jonathan Nash & Everett Shaw
30. Made Mine (m/m) (The Protectors #10.5/Made Marian #7.5) – Reese Shaw & Ben Bassett
31. Shattered (m/m) (The Protectors #11) – Jace Christianson & Caleb Cortano
32. Unbroken (m/m) (The Protectors #12) – Aleksander (Aleks) Silva & Vaughn
33. Forgotten: Luca (m/m) (The Four #1) – Luca Covello & Remy
34. Foreseen: Lex (m/m) (The Four #2) – Lex & Gideon
35. Forgiven: Con (m/m) (The Four #3) – Con & Micah
36. Pretend You’re Mine (m/m) (The Protectors #12.5) – Devon Rhodes and Sebastian Deville
37. Forbidden: King (m/m) (The Four #4) – King & Gio
38. Untitled (The Protectors #14) – Dalton & Silver
September 28, 2021
King and Gia Absolutely Brilliant 💞💞
WOW....... Absolutely Brilliant another amazing read by Sloane Kennedy been waiting for it and it blew me away from start to finish couldn't put it down. King & Gia these two together it's heartbreaking what both of them have been through in their past the pain, suffering and helplessness but the love for each other its so pure, honest & Beautiful. Gia is so strong brave but doesn't realise it. King caring, loyal & protective willing to sacrifice anything for his family. Recommend so much you don't want to miss it deserves more than 5 stars simply fantastic. 💞💞
WOW....... Absolutely Brilliant another amazing read by Sloane Kennedy been waiting for it and it blew me away from start to finish couldn't put it down. King & Gia these two together it's heartbreaking what both of them have been through in their past the pain, suffering and helplessness but the love for each other its so pure, honest & Beautiful. Gia is so strong brave but doesn't realise it. King caring, loyal & protective willing to sacrifice anything for his family. Recommend so much you don't want to miss it deserves more than 5 stars simply fantastic. 💞💞
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